Spotlight by Madeline Shannon
Angels with green thumbs
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he San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust recently hosted a special group of locals for a day of volunteering. The Gardening Angels program provides an opportunity for members of the community to assist with picking up trash, pruning plants along the river and otherwise maintaining the river and the riverbank. The Parkway and Conservation Trust’s volunteer day included picking up downed palm fronds, weeding flowerbeds and trimming trees and vines. “Those of us who volunteered cleaned up the River Center, where they have weddings and events,” said Tania Kasparian-Herroz, who joined several members of Central California Life’s staff during the Day of Volunteering. “We touched it up, cleaned it up and made everything look nice.” The San Joaquin River Parkway and Conservation Trust works to restore stream-side forests and habitats for wildlife that live in and along the river, teach members of the community about the importance of the river to the area, and provides recreation opportunities to locals who want to experience the great outdoors along the riverbank.
Food trucks join the fight against cancer
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he American Cancer Society hosted its first annual Food Trucks Against Cancer event at Tachi Hotel and Casino in Lemoore in late August. The event featured popular food trucks in the area including La Pepita, Big Kahuna, Wet Hog and Cast Iron Catering. Another local organization, Relay for Life Lemoore, played a pivotal role in organizing the event. “Relay for Life of Lemoore recently had their signature fundraising event – a race – with The American Cancer Society,” a Tachi Palace representative said. “The goal was to raise $186,000, but it fell short $86,000.” One of the Relay for Life Lemoore participants thought that having a food truck event might be a good way to raise remaining funds. “We had 11 food trucks and several non-food vendors selling scented candles, origami and jewelry,” the representative said. “Some vendors were on the Relay for Life committee and gave a portion of whatever they made that day. “We asked for 20%” Many food trucks weren’t specific to the Lemoore area. Some came all the way from Fresno and Visalia. In addition, the City of Lemoore donated tables and a local DJ donated time to the event. All funds raised were given to The American Cancer Society.
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Central California Life