Punching bags and exercise balls line the walls of Morgan’s Martial Arts, a small training center in Lodi’s industrial section. Inside on the matted floor, Kari Salinas connects combos with her bright-pink boxing gloves.

(BPT) - As awareness of gluten-free diets continues to grow, more people are searching for ways to make their menus delicious, creative and varied while still staying gluten-free. In the past, forgoing gluten was challenging at best and frustrating at worst, due to a lack of available ingredients and products. But that was then. Now, whether it’s gluten intolerance or a goal of healthier eating that drives your meal plans, you can indulge and enjoy great meals from breakfast to dinner (and everything in between).

(NAPSI)—There’s good news for parents who are concerned that their children’s math skills may need improvement.

Before tomatoes or peppers, gelato or pizza, there was still cooking in Italy. Baroque style.

Every day I see gun ownership rights taken away. I’ve been around guns all my life. My mother’s family in the northern part of the state are avid hunters, and we were all taught gun safety and respect for guns, life and nature.

(StatePoint) The summer sports season is here for kids across the country.  As a parent, you can help make it a successful and fun one.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for Galt schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

Former Lodi Flames softball standout and current Pacific player Tori Shepard is raising money to play at an international tournament in Germany and the Czech Republic this summer.

Larson Elementary School held its fifth annual Jog-A-Thon fundraiser on May 10. The students did a wonderful job and raised over $15,000. The funds raised will be used for various school supplies, activities and study trips.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for Galt schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

(StatePoint) Now that warmer weather and summer are upon us, grilling season is here again and families are taking meals outside to enjoy the sunshine. While a traditional barbeque is always great, Americans are increasingly adding unique twists to their summer grilling routines.

The senses are a driving force for many, and none are more demanding than the sense of taste. It is the driving force that compels the young and young-at-heart to seek out new and exciting ways to satisfy their culinary desires. And Lodi and its neighboring areas are willing to oblige.

Overview: Between the various eateries, cinema, olive oil, cheese and wine tasting, shopping and more, Downtown Lodi is the place to be. You can grab a bite with friends at one of the various restaurants that serve delicacies ranging from sushi to burgers, sample some sweets at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory or sip Zin at one of the many tasting rooms. Then enjoy some shopping before ending your day.

Whether it’s coming up with a new creation for a food truck, adding a Mexican flair or adding a twist to comfort foods, culinary talents abound in Lodi. Some area chefs are self-taught, while others have learned on the job.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for area schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

(BPT) - Bill Cosby once said, “Fatherhood is pretending the present you love the most is soap-on-a-rope.” As children all over the country prepare to honor their dads for Father’s Day or a special birthday, it might be time to say “no” to the soap and ties and give him what he really loves – a home-cooked meal.

(BPT) - Father’s Day and graduations are coming up, and that means you’ll have to think of appropriate gifts for these heralded champions. You don’t need to spend a fortune to make gift recipients happy, all you do need to do is put some thought into their presents. A few tips and tricks will help you pick out a gift the recipient is sure to love.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for area schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

Though it’s not used to quench thirst, Brady Whitlow, president of Corto Olive Oil, looks at the product simply: as freshly squeezed juice.

(BPT) - The arrival of milder temperatures means dining al fresco, hosting neighborhood cookouts and enjoying intimate cocktail parties under the stars. When creating a backyard oasis to entertain family and friends this summer, it’s important that it be both inviting and able to withstand the wear and tear that goes hand-in-hand with warm weather fun.

The following is a list of this week’s lunch menus for area schools and LOEL Center. Milk is served with each school meal. The LOEL Center lunch menu is for congregate lunch at the LOEL Center only. Reservations are required 24 hours in advance. For more information, call 209-369-1591.

On Sunday, vintage knickknacks, rustic patio furniture and unique treasures will replace the cars on Downtown Lodi streets as the Lodi Street Faire gets underway.

1. Chamber of Commerce’s Lodi Street Faire