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BETTER THAN EVER TREATS

Vice President of Living life to the fullest and being better than
Animal Care ever in the 50+ crowd is celebrated on this page. BANANA SPINACH MUFFINS
Contact Laurie.Martin@n2co.com or phone
272-4620 to share your accomplishments.
Jon Hoech Retires from
Monterey Bay Aquarium BY KATHRYN DONANGELO, LAS PALMAS II

BY TAMA BISTRIAN, CORRAL DE TIERRA
Healthy Banana Spinach Muffins are loaded with
on Hoech, Vice President of healthy ingredients and make a kid-friendly treat!
Animal Care at the Monterey Bay They’re made with wholesome ingredients and are
JAquarium, is retiring after 35 years perfect for making ahead and freezing. Pack these
of incredible service to the aquarium. in lunches or bring them to your next St. Patrick’s
Jon has contributed significantly to Day party or any occasion. My girls love them!
helping our local aquarium become the
world-class institution it is today. exhibits of everything but jellies and works at Taylor Farms. His son Jason Total Time: 30 minutes
“Thanks to Jon, our approach to advancing the diversity of species (25) is a student at USD earning his Servings: 12 muffins
Animal Care has set us apart from our in the Open Sea exhibit. The public master’s degree in psychology.
peers. Jon has served in many roles can thank Jon for the fact that a huge Jon moved to the area in the mid- INGREDIENTS
over the decades, starting as a volunteer school of sardines wow millions of 1980s after graduating college from • 2 whole large eggs
Kelp Forest diver. On staff, he helped visitors to the exhibit each year! Humboldt State University with a • 2 medium bananas, spotty and ripe
develop and perfect the underwater More recently, Jon oversaw a degree in marine biology. He and Tama • 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
communications system that allows perfect-score accreditation from AZA have lived in Corral since 2016. • 1/2 cup almond milk or regular milk
our divers and Interpretive Program (Association of Zoos & Aquariums), In his retirement, Jon plans • 1/4 cup melted salted butter
staff to chat during Kelp Forest feeding managed his team through the to stay active hiking, biking, wine or melted coconut oil
shows. And he co-developed and taught incredible challenges of the pandemic, tasting, wood working, gardening, and • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
our first blue-water diving skills course, expanded the Animal Care division, and returning to his love of playing the • 2-3 cups fresh spinach
which forms the basis for the black- launched Into the Deep/En lo Profundo. saxophone. He also hopes to continue • 1 cup oat flour
water diving that’s integral to collecting Many work colleagues remarked writing his flora and fauna articles for • 1 cup whole wheat flour
for Into the Deep/En lo Profundo, ” Ken that “walking the Aquarium with Jon in Greet HWY 68 Loop, With Whom We • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Peterson, Senior Content Strategist at the the mornings was like taking a master Share Our Neighborhood. • 2 teaspoons baking powder
Aquarium stated. class in animal care.” Please join us in thanking Jon • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Jon moved through the Animal Jon lives in Corral de Tierra for his many years of outstanding
Care ranks, from aquarist to curator with his partner, Tama Bistrian, community service at the Monterey INSTRUCTIONS
and eventually VP, opening exhibits CAO for Taylor Fresh Foods, and Bay Aquarium and wishing him new 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a muffin pan
like “Deadly Beauties,” tending stepdaughter, Kat Toledo (23), who adventures in this next chapter! with cupcake liners or grease pan generously.
2. Add eggs, bananas, honey or syrup, almond
milk, butter, vanilla extract, and spinach to a
blender and blend together to combine.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the
oat flour, whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking
powder, and baking soda.
4. Fold in the spinach mixture just until combined.
Be sure not to over-mix.
5. Divide the batter into 12 prepared muffin tins
and bake for 15-18 minutes or until a toothpick
inserted comes out clean. Enjoy!

Kathryn is our resident foodie; she lives in Las Palmas Ranch with her husband and two young
daughters. For more information about this recipe, visit: www.kathrynskitchenblog.com

36 March 2025 Greet HWY 68 Loop 37