Clovis Roundup - December 21, 2022

Macy’s WHAT’S INSIDE

Celebrates 20th Year Partnership with

Foundation

For the second year in a row, the Clovis East Wrestling team hosted its “Rodeo Invitational”. At their high school, this “premier caliber high school girls tournament” was created to showcase the best of Girls Wrestling across California.

With weight classes ranging from 101-235, wrestlers from Clovis area high schools began to compete at around 3 PM on Friday December 9th, and continued the next

morning at 9 AM on the Clovis East campus.

Awards were given to 1st-8th places in the tournament and a team trophy was handed to the 1st-3rd qualifying team scores.

A few lady wrestlers from Clovis area High Schools placed individually for their efforts at the tournament.

Buchanan: Diana Gonzalez, 1st place-116 division Brenda Nunez, 2nd place-101

According to Sean Wheelock, Chair of the Clovis FoodBaskets, the Salvation Army identifies families in

Newly Elected Clovis City Council convenes for first time, selects new Mayor

December 12, 2022: At Monday’s Clovis City Council meeting, two newly elected council members and one incumbent officially joined the Council for the first time.

Council members Drew Bessinger, Matt Basgall, and Diane Pearce were officially sworn in by City Clerk Karey Cha in the Clovis Chambers

After the swearing in ceremonies, families of the newly elected members were invited to join in refreshments and photos, as plenty of spectators filled the council chambers.

After the brief recess, the council convened for the first time and conducted their first official council item, the selection of a new Mayor and Mayor Pro-Tem.

Nominated by councilman Drew Bessinger, it was finalized that Councilwoman Lynne Ashbeck would serve as Mayor of Clovis for the second time in her history as a

101,

Brenda Nunez-2nd,

What’s Up, Clovis?

by Ron Sundquist

Kiwanis Club of Clovis Senior Christmas Luncheon

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day hosted by CVMD

Top, Marine Corps League Detachment 14 during the Presentation of Colors.

Left, Francisco “Frank” Paredes speaks during the Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day hosted at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District on December 7, 2022.

Wreaths Across America

Photos

Deanna May, Police Chaplain, with Pat Ricchiuti, owner of PR Farms.

Top, Right, volunteers help with organizing food boxes and bicycles for the drive thru food drive. See article on the front page for more details.

Top, Christofer Dean Thrailkill and Linda Banham at Clovis Cemetery’s Wreaths Across America ceremony that was held on December 17, 2022. Bottom, John Geston laying wreaths to remember and honor our veterans.

The Kiwanis Club of Clovis hosted their annual Senior Christmas Luncheon on Dec. 17, 2022. Tickets only cost $1.00 and included a traditional turkey dinner, live music, games and more.

Hot Chocolate On Candy Cane Lane

sraegolden@gmail.com

Candy Cane Lane is famous in Clovis. Enter at Cindy Avenue, near Alluvial and Peach Avenues, and you’ll find a winding, Christmas-tree shaped neighborhood dedicating the month of December to lights and decorations for people to visit.

It’s turned out to be a great opportunity for the people who live there to reach out to the community.

Bed Awad has been running a hot chocolate stand in front of his house since he was fifteen years old. He sells hot chocolate, candy canes, and cappuccinos for one dollar each.

“I was in high school, and I had a long commute to Sanger at the time, and I wasn’t old enough to have a job yet, so I needed something to help me pay for gas.”

Four years later, Awad is in college now and he says that he uses the funds to help pay for his classes.

With college course prices outpacing the funding opportunity of an annual hot

chocolate stand, Awad admits that he’s not really trying to make a return on his investment.

He hasn’t raised his prices at all in four years. “The price stays at a dollar no matter what’s going on,” Awad says, “because it isn’t really about the money, it’s about having the experience and talking with other people.”

Awad says that he’s had the opportunity to meet people who are walking around with their family and loved ones, and even met some people visiting from other countries.

“I met people from Lithuania once, and Russia last year,” Awad says, “honestly it’s just cool to talk to them and hear what brought them out to us in Clovis, it’s amazing to talk to people and share an experience.”

There’s much more than meets the eye on Candy Cane Lane. Besides lights and decorations, some houses have interactive elements.

One house has a book where you can write your wishlist for Santa. Another house’s display is dedicated to those we have lost in

Festive Displays by TnT in Old Town Clovis

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

December 2022: You may have seen the festive window paintings around Old town Clovis, on businesses down Pollasky and Clovis Avenues.

Just to name a few: Sandy’s Country Junction, The 500 Club, DiCiccos, and Clovis Appliance all tend to sport TnT’s handpainted standard of bold and bright characters year-round to match the season.

If you’re lucky, you might catch Terry Clarkson or her husband Tim when they start bright and early, at 9AM, painting the windows in town.

“Art has always been a part of me,” Terry Clarkson said, “I remember getting in trouble in kindergarten because I wouldn’t put my arts and crafts away.”

In 1988, Clarkson’s brother-in-law Dan owned a business called Dano Signs. “At the time, I worked for the state and my husband was in law enforcement,” Clarkson said, “and Dan asked if we would like to

PR FARMS

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

need that receive vouchers about two weeks prior to these donations. These families are then invited to attend the drive thru food drive at PR Farms, where they can collect boxes of food and their choice of either a Christmas tree or a bicycle. The latter two are both donations from Clovis PD.

About fifty or so extras boxes will be donated to various other food drives across the Valley.

In addition to organizing the event, The Clovis Rotary Club and Clovis PD helped raise $8000 this year alone for this food drive. “That helps us buy the perishablesWe have hot dogs, milk, cheese, eggs, cooking oils, things like that you don’t normally get in these food distributions,” said Wheelock.

Producers Milk helped pitch in by donating 500 gallons of milk for the food drive.

“We started off small, we started off with twenty boxes of food, and now it’s just

make some extra money during the holiday season.”

“This is our full-time gig now,” Clarkson said, nearly 35 years later. When Terry and Tim broke off in 2000, they renamed the

grown and grown…I would say easily over a hundred dollars of groceries are in every box.”

Wheelock explained that the day before the food drive, with help from a number of students from Clovis area schools, the group was able to categorize different items of foods into bins that were then set across the line inside the PR Farms’ packing house. Then, before and during the food drive, volunteers filled large boxes with an assortment of donated foods.

At PR Farms, not only is the community allowed to use their space for the food drive, but they also allow for the use of integral vehicles, such as their forklifts. In agreement to pay for the gas that runs the vehicles, their use is at the disposal of the volunteers of the day.

Bob Althoff, member of the Clovis Rotary for 43 years, pointed out the generosity and overall affability of the group, saying there was, “A couple of hundred every year…the whole community gets together and does it. We couldn’t do it without the police department and all these kids and all the high

business. “My husband’s Tim and I’m Terry, and therefore TnT.”

The signature style of TnT Window Graphics’ paintings started out with the “Dano look”, with doe-eyed cartoony characters

schools, and all the parents, it’s amazing it really is.”

For the past 30-35 years, the partnership between the Clovis Rotary and the Clovis PD has helped feed families during the winter break. No matter the number of those

with toothy grins, and big bright bubble letters. Clarkson said, “I’ve totally revamped it to be mine.”

When asked about her process, Clarkson said that a lot of it comes naturally, after painting window displays for so long. “But there’s a lot of time that goes into my job before I get here, that’s up here,” she said, indicating her mind, “in my little computer.”

Clarkson said TnT likes to give each business a personal touch, because each one is special. Parasien Bakery has “Joyeux Noël”, and DiCiccos has “Buon Natale”–“Merry Christmas”, in French and Italian respectively.

While working on the windows at Clovis Appliance, Clarkson pointed to a painting of two snuggling snowmen with wings.

“The owners here, Bonnie and Glen, were amazing people and so I always do a little tribute.” Bonnie and Glenn Skinner passed away close to one another, in 2019.

Clarkson added, “When it’s done, I might put a little statement like ‘love is forever’ because, you know, they’re still together.”

fed, the number of volunteers, or even the number of items donated, the impact that of a simple gesture may go a lot further during the holiday season. Food drives like these across the Valley come to show the humility of one’s character, and the love of a neighbor.

WRESTLING

division

Mariana Gonzalez, 4th place-111 division

Karma Pugh, 5th place-121 division

Alexa Herrera, 6th place- 106 division

Clovis East: Hazel Vallejo, 5th place-106 division

Isabella Marie Gonzalez, 1st place-121 division

Jaelyn Unpingco, 6th place-137 division

Clovis High: Leilani Lemus, 1st place-160 division Elianan Bryant, 7th place-111 division

Destiny Furrow, 1st place-106 consolation bracket

Clovis North: Starla Montoya, 1st place-131 consolation bracket

Braya Cruz-Murphy, 3rd place-126 division

Madison Franco, 3rd place-116 division

Clovis West: Kirin Smith, 3rd place-137 division

Of total team scores, Buchanan finished in 15th place, Clovis East finished 21st, Clovis High finished 17th, Clovis North finished 16th, and Clovis West finished in 30th place out of 32 schools.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup

Terry Clarkson co-owner of TnT decorating shop windows in Old Town.

Samantha Golden

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Ben Awad sells hot chocolate outside his family’s home on Candy Cane Lane

our lives, inviting passerby to write a note and leave it for the homeowners to honor lost loved ones on Christmas.

The Awad house hosts a mailbox where you can drop off a letter to Santa, and if you leave a return address you can expect a letter in reply from the man himself.

Macy’s

Foundation

On December 7th, a little after 10 o’clock in the morning, a parade took place inside of the Macy’s outlet store at the Fashion Fair Mall. No ordinary parade however, this parade included cheerleaders, firefighters, and dancers—all of whom were not in the parade.

Instead, families from the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and “Wish Kids” were escorted through the barrage of those normally celebrated in a parade, for this time, it was their turn to be the center of attention.

Their parade began as a walk to the famous Macy’s Red Mailbox, with letters to Santa in these Wish Kids’ hands. These letters, helped to be completed by those same firefighters, cheerleaders, and dancers, were handwritten by Wish Kids earlier that morning during a Letter Writing Party held at Macy’s.

But the letters themselves aren’t limited to just the Wish Kids, it is encouraged that all those who hope to write a “Letter to Santa” hand in their own wish lists to the Macy’s red mailbox as Macy’s promises to donate $2 up to $2 million to the Make-A-Wish Foundation for each letter received.

Of the twelve Wish Kids present for the Macy’s letter drop off event were several Clovis residents including Scarlett Tatem, a Wish Kid featured on the Clovis Roundup last spring.

Raul Diaz, Senior Director and Store Manager for Macy’s stated that over the 20 year partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Macy’s has donated 142 million

dollars, and granted sixteen wishes as an organization.

In their final year with the Make-A-Wish program, Diaz also expressed, “It’s a lot of fun to see so many kids who have participated and been a part of this. And to see them here today some that have continued to battle through it.” The store manager then mentioned that both a former and current employee at this Macy’s branch have children in the Make-A-Wish program, which makes it all the more “near and dear to our

CLOVIS CITY COUNCIL

council member.

Mayor Lynne Ashbeck then asked the council to name a new Mayor Pro-Tem, her former position.

Councilman Bessinger nominated Councilmember Vong Mouanoutoua who was unanimously voted in as the Mayor Pro-Tem.

Mayor Pro-Tem Mouanoutoua will serve the City of Clovis and act in place of Mayor Ashbeck in any possible absence or further vacancy of position.

Mayor Ashbeck made it clear that as the Clovis City Council holds the official positions, the council will continue to serve as one entity with decisions coming directly from each member.

“This work is not about any of us, and we are not elected officials, we are humans and citizens first. We happen to do this job as a service to our community.”

Newly elected council members Matt Basgall and Diane Pearce also took the opportunity to speak while atop the dais for

the first time, thanking those who supported them in their journey.

“It really is an honor and I appreciate all the citizens of Clovis who supported me during this process,” said Councilman Basgall. “I met some really special people who ran for this seat who were also candidates..I appreciate all that we went through together in this process.”

Councilwoman Diane Pearce thanked her husband Jeremy and went on to speak about her feelings, now being able to serve the community of Clovis.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored and I look forward to working with my fellow council members and our incredible City staff to make sure that we do protect that Clovis way of life.”

After Mayor Ashbeck commented with a story of her father, now passed, watching her on “Skype” the last time she was elected Mayor, she then opened the floor for public comments.

County of Fresno Supervisor Nathan Magsig and City Council nominee Des Haus were two of the three commenters who spoke, both congratulating the newly elected members and saying one final goodbye to

hearts”.

Kathleen Price, Regional Vice President of the Make-A-WIsh Foundation, opened a statement to the large crowd gathered on the second floor of the Macy’s venue by saying that each year the Make-A-Wish Foundation begins their Christmas season there. She then introduced Cortney Snapp, a person who was mentioned specifically as the “heart and soul” of the Make-A-Wish organization.

Snapp, being a part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation for twelve years, introduced all the groups including the Clovis West Pep & Cheer Squad, the In the Spotlight Dancers and the Fresno Fire Department. She then went on to claim that there were 3605 letters mailed as of that day.

Kathleen Price ended the impromptu open floor by thanking everyone for being there and for “Bringing hope, strength and joy in the time of Christmas.”

The council now looks forward to implementing the Measure B TOT tax that was also declared passed at the meeting.

The tax is expected to place $500,000 into

funding the Clovis Police Department. Councilmembers Bessinger, Pearce, and Basgall’s terms last through November of 2026.

The Clovis Roundup is a custom publication. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements in this publication does not constitute support or endorsement for any product, person, cause, business or organization named therein, unless specifically noted otherwise in the advertisement. All costs associated with producing, printing and mailing Clovis Roundup are entirely funded by our advertisers. To show your appreciation of their support, we ask you to consider patronizing these businesses and services as the need arise.

Mayor Flores and Councilman Bob Whalen.

Photo Courtesy of City of Clovis

The Clovis City Council is photographed for the first time.(left to right) Mayor Pro-Tem Vong Mouanoutoua, Councilman Matt Basgall, Mayor Lynne Ashbeck, Councilwoman Diane Pearce, Councilman Drew Bessinger.

Photo by JT Gomez, Clovis Roundup Make-A-Wish “Wish Kids” pose for a picture with the Clovis West Pep & Cheer Squad and “In tthe Spotlight” Dancers among others.

Clovis Veterans Memorial District Hosts 6th Annual “Here Comes Santa”

Morales.

Sunday, December 11 - The Clovis Veterans Memorial District held the Christmas Holiday event “Here Comes Santa.”

This is the sixth year, (minus the 2020 Covid year), that the District has held this event, and with each year’s passing, the Christmas Holiday spirit seems to grow within the hearts of those who attend.

“[Military Veteran Groups] Have the community come together to celebrate the season as well as our freedoms that are protected by those who serve this nation,” said Amy Cross, Director of Operations at the CVMD.

Those Veterans, which included groups such as the American Legion Post 147, the Marine Corps League, and the VHW Post 3225 combined forces to help set up, organize, and bring the event to fruition as members of the community gathered inside the Liberty Ballroom to mix and mingle.

Cross also mentioned that the CVMD’s mission involves looking at celebrations with its community as a way of “…preserving our community and country’s foundational ideals”.

“We are always happy to have our community come together and celebrate our freedoms and why we have them, and to be able to get to know our veterans and community service organizations.”

The Here Comes Santa event began with the playing of familiar Christmas tunes by the Sounds of Freedom Band, conducted by Monte Gmur and assistant directed by Niko

The band, bringing forth their “Sounds of the Season” concert, not only opened the event with live music but invited the incoming public to an open and inviting ballroom which on this day comprised of booths and games, alongside a separate room entirely for refreshments.

The booths which formed a walkway throughout the Liberty Ballroom were formed by groups relating both to the Veterans of Clovis as well as civilian organizations such as the Clovis Senior Center, the Clovis Rotary, and the Center Stage Clovis Community Theatre.

A few booths, alongside information about their organizations, hosted games such as Tic-Tac-Toe, table bowling, and even a cake walk.

These booths, leading the way to the all important refreshments room, which also contained tables and further opportunities to draw or color for younglings (and adults), found itself filled with lines of those looking to enjoy in a savory delight.

Cookies, cakes, hot cocoa and other holiday themed treats were placed by the walls of this extra room as well as in the hands of those who participated in the festive atmosphere.

All of this of course led to the main attraction at the “Here Comes Santa” event, which was the Santa Clause photo opportunity.

Kids began to line up to take their photo with the mystic being known as “Santa Clause”. Alongside a CVMD photographer, parents and grandparents interchangeably

took the opportunity to capture this moment in time that is the innocence of childhood.

CVMD CEO Lorenzo Rios upon emceeing the opening portion of the event that was the “Sounds of the Season” regularly brought up the importance of military families who are missing out on these all important moments. Rios proclaimed, “It’s important to remember those who are separated from each other

at these times.”

Referencing either those in the military who have passed or those who continue to serve is merely another opportunity for the CVMD to display honor, a chance that they jump at each time they get to do so.

The CVMD continues to preserve this tradition especially through the Christmas themed holiday season.

Photo by JT Gomez, Clovis Roundup Two members of the Clovis Young Marines stand guard in front of Santa Clause, as the Christmas themed “Here Comes Santa” event continues at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Clovis Family Resource Center Distributes 100+ Coats

J.T. Gomez

December 8th - The Clovis Police Department held their annual coat drive to benefit the children of Clovis Unified.

About 100 coats were collected from donations at various locations throughout Clovis. These coats were then distributed by the Clovis Family Resource Center, the disability service with Clovis Unified School District, to schools across CUSD.

Clovis North, Clovis West, Clovis East, Clovis, Gateway, and Buchanan area Transition Teams were given coats from the coat drive to be further distributed to those without the proper warmth during the approaching Winter season, set to take place on December 21st.

The CUSD Clovis Family Resource Center took the time to thank both the Clovis Police Department and the CUSD Transition Team for their efforts in these donations and for their coordination in administering coats to the proper avenues.

Coats were accepted for the coat drive from November 1-15th.

Officially, the Clovis Police Department was quoted as saying, “The Clovis Police Department is proud to team up with the Clovis Public Safety Employee Association annually to help children in Clovis stay warm each winter. Over the last few years, we have been able to donate over 500 coats to the Clovis Unified School District to hand out to their students who need a coat. Thank you to our community for your generous donations and helping keep our Clovis kids warm!”

Clovis Veterans Memorial District Hosts Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

December 7th - At the Clovis Veterans Memorial District a ceremony was held in remembrance of the events that transpired on December 7th, 1941.

Known as “Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day”, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District did everything in their power to stick to the motto of “We Will Never Forget” when thinking of the events of that day.

CVMD CEO Lorenzo Rios opened the program by introducing Chaplain Terry Rommereim for an invocation right before the Presentation of Colors and National Anthem.

The Presentation of Colors was provided by the Marine Corps League Detachment 14, and the Anthem sung by Valerie Salcedo was honored by the lowering of caps, the standing of the crowd, and the crossing of hearts as spectators looked on.

Just after a final show of loyalty to the nation, the Pledge of Allegiance led by VFW Post 3225 Post Commander Jim Powroznik, Lorenzo Rios then came back to the podium to list the events that occurred on the day that met in the ends of many American lives, both soldiers and civilians.

Beginning as early as 6:10 AM on the morning of December 7th, events began to transpire that would have effect on the rest of the late morning and early afternoon. According to the CVMD, the Minesweeper

USS Condor sighted a periscope off the beach of Pearl Harbor.

At the same time, the first wave of Japanese planes began their takeoff from aircraft carriers.

Then, listed as the first shots of World War II by the U.S., were fired at a Japanese submarine about 30 minutes later by the USS Ward.

The USS Ward would then go on to radio the Navy Headquarters, however the decoding process would delay their message.

At around 7:40 AM the first wave of Japanese aircraft would reach Oahu, and only nine minutes later would the attack be ordered by the Japanese military.

At 8:10 AM, the USS Arizona exploded and sank to the depths of the ocean, carrying 1,177 passengers with it, amassing half of the deaths that occurred on December 7th.

The Destroyer USS Helm would sink a Japanese submarine at the entrance of the harbor just after this.

A second wave of the attack on Pearl Harbor began at around 8:54 AM that morning, and would continue on for the next hour up until around 10 AM. The USS Shaw would explode during this period of time in a dry dock.

After this historization of the events that would come about on December 7th, the December 8th President Franklin Delano Roosevelt address to Congress was played to the onlooking crowd, in which the President asks the Congress of the United States to declare war and officially enter World War II.

Lorenzo Rios would come back to introduce World War II Veteran and actual witness to the events of December 7th, Francisco “Frank” Paredes to come to the stage and speak about his experience.

Accompanied by Paul Loeffler, Paredes

explained to the crowd that he was scared in the moment to be at the base but he was proud to be fighting for his country as a soldier in the Army.

In fact, one of the last survivors of the Pearl Harbor attack here in the Valley, Paredes would go on to serve 28 years of his 102 year old life in the Army, as proud as he was on this day of remembrance.

Frank Paredes would finish his session with Loeffler on stage by declaring, “War is war. You either kill or get killed.”

Finally, before ending the ceremony with the playing of “Taps”, a bell ceremony was held in which those who died on the day of the Pearl Harbor attacks and its aftermath, were honored.

Each branch that lost lives, including the US Navy, the US Army, US Marines, were respected alongside US Civilians who also lost lives, with the ringing of the bell and saluting by a representative.

Each representative from the VFW Post 3225 & American Legion Post 147 would remain on the stage for the duration of the rendition of “Taps” played by Gerald Hayden, member of the VFW Post 3225.

The ceremony was then closed by the mentioning of the partnerships within the Valley from Lorenzo Rios and he invited those in attendance to stick around and enjoy refreshments and discover the Garden of Honor presented by the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.

Photo by JT Gomez, Clovis Roundup Francisco “Frank” Paredes speaks with Paul Loeffler about his experience at Pearl Harbor. Frank at the age of 102, is one of the last living survivors of the December 7th, 1941 attacks.

Photo Courtesy of Clovis Family Resource Center Shown are some of the coats collected for the coat drive benefitting CUSD children.

the new year at noon at the

Senior The

Senior Activity Center is located at up for the Clovis New Years Day 5k. This 5k is donation of $10 or more. Course starts at Railroad up online!

Clovis

Clovis

With countless ways to enjoy the holiday season from decorating and hosting parties to wintertime activities, it’s a perfect time to bring family and friends together for some festive fun. One simple ingredient can be your go-to for just about any tradition: popcorn, which is an inexpensive, versatile, whole grain that makes holiday occasions better.

Consider these simple seasonal ways you can let popcorn fuel your holiday adventures.

Decorate Strings of popcorn and cranberries add a nostalgic touch to the family tree while making popcorn trees adds whimsy to the table. Before stringing popcorn, let it sit out for a day or two as freshly popped popcorn may be too fragile to thread without breaking. Push a threaded needle through the center of each kernel then pull the kernel to the end of the knotted thread, adding an occasional cranberry, if desired. Festive trees can be made using popcorn mixed with melted marshmallows then shaped and finished with sprinkles.

Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix

Yield: 2 quarts

2 quarts popped popcorn

Give It as a Gift

If it’s your turn to host this year’s holiday party, popcorn makes for a perfect party favor. Pop up a delicious treat like these Cranberry Popcorn Balls, place them in pretty jars or neatly wrap them then finish each with a bow. For an added touch, include the recipe instructions and popcorn kernels in a separate container so your guests can make it at home.

Enjoy It as a Snack

Freshly popped popcorn is a simple and delicious snack to share after a day of shopping, caroling, sledding or decorating. You can take the holiday season up a notch with creative recipes like Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix, White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark and Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn. These treats are perfect for popping up in the morning so the snacks are ready once guests arrive.

Visit Popcorn.org to find more sweet, salty and savory holiday recipe ideas.

Preheat oven to 325 F.

Spread popcorn on baking sheet and spray lightly with nonstick cooking spray.

In small bowl, combine sugar substitute, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves and freshly ground pepper; sprinkle evenly over popcorn.

Spray again with nonstick cooking spray and toss to coat evenly.

Bake 7 minutes and serve warm.

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Yield: 8 cups

8 cups popped popcorn

1/2 cup milk chocolate chips

1/2 cup white chocolate chips candy sprinkles

On serving platter, spread popcorn in thin layer.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt milk chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Over double boiler or in microwave, melt white chocolate chips. Drizzle over popcorn.

Sprinkle candy sprinkles over warm, chocolate-coated popcorn. Allow drizzles to set until firm.

Yield: 1 pound

5 cups popped popcorn

12 ounces white chocolate baking chips, chopped white chocolate or white candy coating

1 cup crushed hard candy peppermints

Cover baking pan with foil or wax paper; set aside.

Place popcorn in large bowl; set aside.

In double boiler over barely simmering water, melt chocolate, stirring until smooth, or melt according to package directions.

Stir in crushed peppermints after chocolate is melted. Pour chocolate mixture over popcorn mixture and stir to coat.

Spread onto prepared pan; cool completely.

When chocolate is cooled and set, break into chunks for serving.

Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Yield: 18 balls 2 cups sugar 1 cup whole berry cranberry sauce, slightly mashed 1 tablespoon grated orange peel 1/2 cup cranberry juice 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1 teaspoon vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 5 quarts unsalted popped popcorn

In heavy saucepan, combine sugar, cranberry sauce, orange peel, cranberry juice, corn syrup, vinegar and salt. Bring to boil; lower heat and cook to 250 F on candy thermometer.

Mixture will bubble in pan; watch to keep from boiling over.

Pour slowly onto hot popcorn and mix until well-coated.

Let stand 5 minutes, or until mixture can easily be formed into balls.

Butter hands and form into 3-inch balls.

Gingersnap Popcorn Snack Mix

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Bark

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

Easy, Elegant Holiday Popcorn

Cranberry Popcorn Balls

White

The Honorable Phillip V. Sanchez

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

The amazing Honorable Phillip Sanchez continues to champion his belief that education is the keystone to helping the poor and disadvantage create and sustain a better life. He states: “They need a core and the core is the classroom. They need a little guidance and a lot of encouragement.”

He is a great patriot and communicator. His New York office was near the Twin World Towers and he witnessed the carnage on 9/11. He wrote: ”I am remembering, now, the words of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt as he addressed the Nation after Pearl Harbor: “Today, December 7, 1941….a day which will live in infamy…” But today, September 11, 2001, has surely taken its place, amigos. This is a new day which “will live in infamy.”

He closed by saying: “In the words of Dickens’ Tim Jim, “God bless, us, everyone.”

Phillip was born in Pinedale. His family was Mexican immigrants who worked mainly in our local fields. He was inspired by his mother (she never attended school) and Monsignor Francis X. Singleton (former rector of St. John’s Cathedral) to become educated.

Sanchez was convinced: “I could be anything I wanted to be and that an education would make me the equal of my neighbor.” He would be the only one of seven siblings to graduate from high school.

He remembers the small rural school house where the teacher taught three grades and the principal two.

Phillip (age 16) graduated from Clovis High in 1946. He was the first editor of the school’s newspaper (Cougar’s Growl). He would become publisher of “Noticias del Mundo”, a Spanish-language newspaper in New York. His weekly column “Buenos Dias Amigos” was read in 62 U.S. Cities.

He earned his Bachelor’s (1952) and Master’s (1975) degrees in Political Science from CSU, Fresno. He would eventually serve on its Advisory Board.

Ambassador Sanchez received the first (1971) of his four consecutive appointments from President Richard Nixon when he was appointed Assistant Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity. Later he served (he succeeded Hon. Donald Rumsfield) as National Director of OEO (War on Poverty). He became the highest ranking Hispanic appointee in U.S. history.

His diplomatic career began when President Nixon appointed him U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Honduras (1973) and Ambassador to the Republic of Columbia (1976).

During their years at the Embassies, his beautiful wife (Juanita Martinez Sanchez, 1929-2010) arranged the adoption of 18 homeless babies. Each child became a successful American citizen. The couple has three children and two adopted children.

His local public service included serving as Fresno County’s Administrative Officer and as trustee of the Board of Trustees of the Clovis Unified School District (1961-1963).

In 1968 California Governor Ronald Reagan (tenure 1966-1974) appointed him to serve on the Governing Board of the California Community College and to the Trustees of the California State Colleges and Universities.

He became founding Publisher of “Tiempos del Mundo”. The weekly Spanish language newspaper which was printed in every nation in the Western Hemisphere in 1996. Sanchez retired as full colonel in the army Reserve after a forty year career in 1987.

In 1975 he was chosen as “Man of the Year” by the American Association of Colleges and Universities. In 2000 he was inducted into the Clovis Hall of Fame and in 2001 honored as Clovis Living Legend by the Clovis-Big Dry Creek Historical Society.

The Honorable Phillip Sanchez has provided us a rich heritage that he also shared through out our world.

Photo Courtesy of Clovis Museum U.S. Ambassador Phillip V. Sanchez.

Juvenile Injured in Shooting

Overnight in Clovis

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

December 11th, just after 9:40PM, the Clovis Police communications center received several 911 calls about a possible shooting in the area of Bullard/ Minnewawa.

Officers responded immediately and found an injured male juvenile near at an apartment complex.

However, no one else involved was located. As officers continued to search the area, multiple bullet casings and other evidence was located.

No other injuries have been reported at this time, and it does not appear that the juvenile’s injury came from gun fire.

Thankfully, the juvenile’s injuries were not life-threatening.

Detectives are investigating the circumstances of the shooting, speaking to neighbors, and reviewing surveillance cameras in the area.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please call us at (559) 324-2800 or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

POLICE LOG OF SHAME

Wednesday, November 30

A thief decided to treat themselves to a fancy new pair of boots from Boot Barn. Police took a report from the retailer of a loss of around $300 after the suspicious shopper strutted right past the checkout and out the door. Looks like this suspect is dancing away with a new pair of boots.

With the holiday shopping season upon us, it’s important to remember that shoplifting is a problem that affects retailers in our community. Local stores such as sporting goods shops, discount clothing stores, and specialty shops have reported an increase in merchandise losses ranging from a few hundred dollars to $1,000. Let’s all do our part to spread holiday cheer and not be a Grinch by respecting the property of these businesses.

Thursday, December 1

Like a plot from one of those cheesy holiday movies, a local man was whisked off on a romantic getaway when he and his ex girlfriend reconnected. However, they were in such a rush to get out of town that they left his Dodge truck illegally parked in a west Clovis neighborhood. Police were called and the vehicle was towed. The couple now awaits a welcome home present of getting his vehicle out of impound. Included might even be a thoughtfully written citation!

Friday, December 2

A diamond ring and necklace, valued at $30,000, were reported missing from a Clovis home when the police received a report of a residential burglary. Apparently, the Crown Jewels of Clovis were stolen.

Saturday, December 3

Police took the report of a stolen lunch. A local man had his lunch box, valued at $15, stolen from his vehicle. Some bullies never mature past grade school.

Sunday, December 4

Three restaurants, 559 Tacos, Carrillo’s Mexican Food, and Thai Country Kitchen, were robbed of cash valued at a total of $1,900 from all three restaurants. Local restaurants like these have already struggled enough since 2020. Shaking my head.

Monday, December 5

Police responded to a triggered alarm at the America’s Tire shop on Herndon Ave. Apparently an employee opening the store forgot to enter the code to disarm the security alarm and police were notified. I bet now that employee will never forget after the embarrassment of explaining your silly mistake to uniformed officers.

Tuesday, December 6

Two unknown males vandalized a man’s garden, causing damage to the flowers and gardening equipment valued at $500. Looks like these suspects got a little too carried away with their green thumbs! Better stick to tending to their own gardens from now on.

Wednesday,

December 7

A notorious bed bandit made off with an air mattress and a handful of phone chargers from a hapless victim’s ride. The police are on the case and they’ll track down the mattress-napping miscreant. Now, they may not be mattress detectives per se, but they’re still pretty darn good at catching criminals. Soon, justice will be served and they’ll have the victim snoozing soundly on their own bed once more.

Thursday, December 8

Police received a call about a grand theft auto on Clovis Ave. When they arrived on the scene, they found that the suspect had stolen a white custom utility trailer. I can’t help but wonder how someone managed to steal an entire trailer without anyone noticing. Well, at least they won’t be able to make a quick getaway with a stolen trailer that’s probably slower than a turtle.

*This week’s police log stories were generated in part with the help of AI.

If anyone has information regarding any crime committed, please call the Clovis PD non-emergency number at (559) 324-2800, or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.

Photo Courtesy of Clovis Police Clovis Police Department News Release

DECEMBER 2022

Friday, Dec. 23

UGLY SWEATER DAY

Clovis Adult School 1452 David E. Cook Way Clovis, CA 7 a.m.

Sunday, December 25

CHRISTMAS DAY

Thru Tuesday, Dec. 27

ONE WARM COAT

Donate One Warm Coat Platt Electric Supply 257 N. Minnewawa Clovis, CA

Friday, Dec. 30

NOON YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St. Clovis, CA Noon HAPPY NEW YEAR

JANUARY 2023

Sunday, Jan. 1

CLOVIS NEW YEARS DAY 5K Railroad Park 805 N. Peach Clovis, CA

Wednesday, Jan. 18

CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MONTHLY MIXER

The Painted Table 5080 Blackstone Blvd. Fresno, CA 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21

DINO PAINTING CLASS

With Steve Hammond A Book Barn 640 Clovis Ave. Clovis, CA 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE LUNCH CONNECT Cool Hand Lukes 955 Shaw Ave. Clovis, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 2023 CLOVIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SALUTE TO BUSINESS AWARDS LUNCHEON Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St. Clovis, CA 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28

WINTER NIGHT HIKE ON THE MCKENZIE Hosted by Sierra Foothill Conservancy McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve 22477 Auberry Road Clovis, CA 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28

WINTER WONDERLAND WINTER FORMAL HOMESCHOOL WINTER FORMAL Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St. Clovis, CA 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY Take a Book –Share a Book Corner of Pollasky and Bullard 555 Bullard Ave. Clovis, CA

CITY OF CLOVIS HAZARDOUS WASTE DROP OFF CENTERNOW OPEN 79 N. Sunnyside Clovis, CA Tuesday thru Saturday 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 911 MEMORIAL Location: 3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA Open 365 days a year

COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

Location: 3rd and Veterans Parkway OPEN Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

CLOVIS MUSEUM

Location: 4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKETS

CLOVIS OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET

Location: Polasky Ave., Clovis, CA Every Saturday Year-Round 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)

HARLAN RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET HARLAN RANCH COMMUNITY CENTER Location: 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA Every Wednesday Year-Round 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)

LANCE E. ARMO

Clovis Police arrest Porch Pirate after Traffic Stop

Contributed by Clovis Police @ClovisPolice_CA

December14th: A traffic stop ended with the arrest of a suspected porch pirate after an observant Clovis Police Officer recognized the suspect vehicle near Clovis/Barstow.

While on patrol just before 8PM last night, a CPD officer noticed a car from a case that he had taken just hours earlier for a package theft that had occurred in the Harlan Ranch area.

Thankfully, the homeowner had video surveillance of the suspect and his car which assisted with this arrest.

During the traffic stop, several opened and unopened packages were located in the suspect’s car.

The suspect has been identified as 20-yearold Manuel Alejandro Rivera Miranda of Fresno.

The suspect was arrested for felony grand theft and theft of mail.

The recovered stolen property that was identifiable is being returned to the owners today by CPD officers.

This is a good reminder to always report crimes to your law enforcement agency.

No matter the crime, your Clovis Police Department will follow up on any leads and make every effort to solve your case.

During this holiday season, thefts of packages and mail typically increase.

Please be watchful of any suspicious people or cars in your area and report them immediately.

Clovis Police Department is available at 911 for emergencies, and (559) 324-2800 for non-emergencies anytime.

Clovis North Violinist Selected as Concertmaster; 17 Students Participate in All State Concert

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

December 14: In San Diego, seventeen Clovis North students participated in the California Orchestra Directors Association All State Concert. Quite an anticipated ordeal for many in the orchestra community.

“A lot of parents are involved and the hall was completely packed with parents and supporters,” says Michael Chang, Orchestra Director for Clovis North High School.

There in support of those hand selected students, Chang realized just before the start of the event that one of his students, Sonia Rao was selected to be first chair violinist. Making her the Concertmaster, Sonia held all the pressure of leading the greatest musicians across California. But this was no issue in her Orchestra Director’s mind.

“Sonia just performed beautifully which is as per usual. She’s just that type of player. Once she sets her mind to it, there’s no stopping Sonia.”

Chang mentioned that he has soloed with Rao and holds her in the highest of regards, calling her his “..equal, musically,

intellectually and in interpretation and expression.”

As for the other sixteen students that also played, Chang held enough pride over for them as well, pronouncing that their experience put them in the top rankings of California.

“I was so proud of all of our seventeen students representing our school, holding

themselves in the highest esteem with the best musicians in the state of California.”

The process of even being accepted to play at the concert is something that Chang remembers greatly and that means a lot to him and his orchestra. “Going through these processes, that means a lot to me too. Getting to spend time with them [the students], working with them, giving them the hours and hours of my time, cultivating

them. To see them achieve at the final stage, that’s like the biggest reward for me.”

Sonia Rao herself was thrilled to be selected as first chair, but Chang believes that she can sometimes play down these huge accomplishments.

“Sonia is usually pretty nonchalant about these things, she did say it was a ‘Very cool experience’, and I think this is something she will treasure for her whole life…She’s just really down to earth, and I’m sure she’s gonna try to nail the next one.”

Speaking of “the next one”, the next Clovis North Orchestra Concert will take place at the Shaghoian Concert Hall at the Clovis North Campus on December 21st. Starting at 7 PM, the orchestra and Sonia Rao can be heard in all of their musical excellence.

Another large event closely related to the Directors Association will take place in Fresno in mid-February according to Director Michael Chang.

His hopes include that Sonia and other musicians will also try out and participate in this concert as many already have. “Many of our students have applied for and auditioned for that program as well.”

Ashlyn Leath, Clovis North, competed in Cross Country National Championship

J.T. Gomez jt21gomez@gmail.com

Ashlyn Leath, a cross country runner from Clovis North High School, competed this past weekend in the Champs Sports Cross Country National Championship.

Held at Morley Field in Balboa Park in San Diego, Leath ran against 36 qualifying cross country runners from across the nation, each from their own respective section of the country. Ashlyn ran a 19:12.5 5K pace with the winning time coming in at a 16:49.2 pace.

Ashlyn placed 35th out of 36 qualifying runners, and spoke about her difficulties on the track the day after she competed.

“The course was tough for sure, the footing was kind of not the greatest. It was tough but I feel like that’s kind of what cross country athletes prepare for, it was tough but expected.”

Leath then went on, praising the other runners from the competition for their efforts and realized that every athlete motivated one another in a sense.

“It was incredible to be a part of. Everyone was just really supportive of each other no matter where you were on the course. Afterwards, just getting all together and knowing that we’re all there for the same experience.

It was exciting to have competitors that all have the same goals in mind and we all just kind of used that to motivate each other.”

Ashlyn then went on to speak about her experience both at the race and in her freetime surrounding the weekend.

“It was a great experience, kind of the whole weekend was an experience. We got there on Thursday, and it really just gave us the whole experience of being a top tier athlete. At the race it was very exciting and you could tell it was a high level of competition.”

Photo Courtesy of PhotoRun for Champs Sports Cross Country Andrew McClanahan 2022 Champs Sports Cross Country Nationals San Diego, CA. December 10, 2022.

Photo Courtesy of CUSD Sonia Rao, a Clovis North High violinist was selected as the concert master.

Photo Courtesy of Clovis Police Department In-field photo of suspect arrested.

Buchanan Girls Cross Country Takes 3rd Place in National Competition

December 3rd, at Glendoveer Golf Course in Portland, Oregon, seven student-athletes from the Girls Cross Country team at Buchanan High School competed in a National sized event organized by Nike.

The Nike Cross Country Nationals event is the “only true cross country national championship in high school sports” according to Cross Country Head Coach Brian Weaver.

The student-athletes who competed in the California D1 State Championship took 1st place in November, propelling them onto this national scaled event.

California, hosting its own region based on size, qualifies runners based on their performances at this California State Championship.

The student-athletes, Grace Hutchinson(12th), Sydney Sundgren (12th), Elle Lomeli (10th), Sierra Cornett (10th), Avery Hutchison (10th), Kynzlee Buckley (9th), and Tayler Torosian (9th) all qualified as a team for the Cross Country Nationals and

very, very talented young ladies. It took a lot of energy from a lot of people to go and get to this level that they were able to compete at.”

Team times are calculated by adding times from the top five individuals from each school, and in the State Championship, the Buchanan Girls Cross Country team broke the Central Section record for best time.

ASHLYN LEATH

Ashlyn

She looks forward to competing again

and mentions that she couldn’t

“It will definitely motivate me in my training and teach me to just keep myself calm and relaxed and use my nerves in a more positive way.”

Final results from the 2022 Champs Sports National Championship can be found at https://finishedresults. trackscoreboard.com/meets/11172/ events/7061

Household Hazardous Waste Residuos peligrosos domésticos

Un Residuo Peligroso Doméstico (RPD) es cualquier producto dañino, tóxico o inflamable. Esto incluye muchos de los artículos que utilizamos todos los días como químicos para limpieza, baterías, luces fluorescentes, pesticidas y pintura. A pesar del uso común de estos artículos, no se pueden desechar en los contenedores regulares de basura y se debe hacer de la forma adecuada.

El servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos puede aceptar RPD residencial sin costo alguno y se encuentra abierto los sábados de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Está ubicado en 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.

container and must be disposed of properly.

The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is able to accept residential HHW at no cost and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. It is located at 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.

There are also many locations across Fresno County that can accept certain types of HHW. Information on where to take different types of HHW can be found at the Fresno County Household Hazardous Waste website.

For more information on HHW, call the Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (559) 600-4259 or Republic Services at (559) 275-1551.

También existen muchos lugares en el condado de Fresno donde aceptan ciertos tipos de RPD. En el sitio web del servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos, podrá encontrar información sobre dónde llevar los distintos tipos de RPD.

Para más información sobre RPD, llame al servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos al (559) 600-4259, o a Republic Services al (559) 275-1551.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

had finished sixth in her qualifying race on December 3rd at Mt. San Antonio College, having to qualify within the top ten runners in her region to be able to make the Nationals competition. Her time for this 5k was at an 18:29 pace.

wait to use this race as motivation for her next competition.

AARBF raises over $100,000 For Childhood Burn Survivors

who are survivors of burns.

If you ever learned to “stop, drop and roll” you have the AARBF to thank.

The

ber 10th.

The event is a fundraiser directly benefiting the foundation’s Champ Camp, for children

Founded in 1971 its mission is twofold: to reduce the number of burn injuries through prevention education, by working closely with California fire departments, and to enhance the quality of life of those affected by burn injuries in California.

AARBF provides burn survivors with financial assistance, medical equipment, mental health care and peer support groups, and much more.

Champ Camp is a week-long camp for burn survivors ages 5 to 17 held every year at the beginning of summer at Wonder Valley in Sanger.

AARBF utilizes all the equipment that

Wonder Valley has to offer– Champ Camp Director Chris Bridger listed them; “archery, go-karts, fishing, swimming,” Bridger said, and touched on why this camp is so important for the kids, “especially swimming, a lot of our campers don’t have access to pools and don’t know how to swim, so we teach them.”

Making these kids feel welcome and loved is the whole point of Champ Camp. “A lot of them have been told, because of their injuries or amputations, that they’ll never be able to run, or swim, or ride a bike,” Bridger says, “ so it’s about encouraging them, loving them, supporting them, and showing them that they’re capable of doing anything.”

AARBF’s Central California Regional Manager, and daughter of a burn survivor, McKenzie Dern organized the Dinner and Dance fundraiser.

She explained, “It costs about $750 to send one kid to camp, and we make it 100% free for the families, so we have to heavily rely on fundraising.”

Bridger reiterated, “Everything we do within the foundation, all the services we provide from the support groups to the recreational events throughout the year, and champ camp included, are no-cost.”

The fundraiser was a public event, open for anyone who wanted to reserve a spot at a table, and featured a silent auction, a live auction, and a dessert auction.

Dern said that AARBF sends about 150 kids to Champ Camp every year, and last year’s Dinner and Dance event raised over $100,000 toward that end.

Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF) held their annual Dinner and Dance at the Clovis Rodeo Hall on Decem

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Photo by

Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup

The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation (AARBF) held their annual Dinner and Dance at the Clovis Rodeo Hall on December 10th.