Clovis Roundup - April 11, 2024

April 11, 2024 - Big Hat Days was just the beginning of Clovis’s April fun. Everyone in town is gearing up for the Last Weekend in April, the Clovis rodeo!

If you don’t have your boots, jeans, and hat yet, there are great local businesses to buy your gear right in Old Town Clovis. Sassano’s Men’s Wear has a great selection of quality goods yearround, and has been keeping cowboy hats on heads for the last 80 years.

For less serious western wear, many local boutiques offer stylish selections as well, and even the B.O.O.T. office on Pollasky Avenue has t-shirts and hats for you to show off your Clovis pride.

See RODEO Pg. 4

April 11, 2024 - There is a routine very common among the seniors in any community. A group of old friends regularly meet in some café, have coffee, and reminisce about the good old days.

These friends make sure not to miss a session because it is only here can they say to each other, “Do you remember when?”. Each of them were there when they lived those moments. And with each passing year, the number of the group dwindles from ten, to eight, to five then to three. Until finally, there is

April 9, 2024 - The students at Red Bank Elementary School were treated to a solar eclipse and moon pies, at a special outdoors event on Monday morning.

Children sat on the grass and viewed the rare event through special glasses, provided to them by their school.

Red Bank Elementary dubbed

it “Shine Bright” dress-up day, encouraging the kids to wear their brightest clothing.

“We always like to get our kiddos involved,” says Principal Amanda Torres, “ and sometimes you find, in the educational setting, students don’t really get as involved or as excited with something if they don’t understand it.”

Each grade level was given

materials to learn about the solar

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Photo by Adam Ricardo Solis, Clovis Roundup Attendees of the 2022 Clovis Rodeo applaud for team roping competition.

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Photo by Adam Ricardo Solis, Clovis Roundup Red Bank Elementary students, teachers, and parents view the April 8th partial solar eclipse. See ECLIPSE Pg. 5

The Clovis locals have visited this event many times in the past.

Dave's family from the Clovis area enjoy Big Hat Days in old town Clovis. Regular participants in the downtown festivities.

Participants in the Big Hat Days event celebrating a beautiful spring day in old town Clovis.

Doug and Kim Lemmon from the Fresno area enjoy Big Hat Days. Both have been enjoying the annual event for many years. Mike Taylor, Melody Compton and friend enjoying the Big Hat Days event. All have visited downtown Clovis for the annual event many times.

Photos by Armando Negrete, Instagram @etergen_sports

Photos by Ray Golden

The three most important words, apply them and succeed

Jess Gonzalez

March 28, 2024 - What are the three most important words in the world? A romantic might say they are “I love you.” A constitutionalist may say “We the people…” Someone regretful may utter “I am sorry.” A friend could say “Go for it.”

It stands to reason the three most important words depend on who you are and the situation one faces. Ovidilio “Ovi” Vasquez, a multi-talented motivational speaker, told middle school students the three most important words are “I need help.”

Those words, he assured them, will help them to succeed in school and in life. It was one of many messages he delivered to a gathering of primarily Hispanic students during the 3rd Annual Officer Jesus Ceron Latino Student Success Middle School Conference last Friday, March 22, 2024, at Kastner Intermediate School in Fresno.

So, why is “I need help” so important for students to say? Well, if a student doesn’t know or doesn’t understand something, he or she should not stay silent. The need to ask for help.

After all, students have lots of people around them ready to help them succeed in their studies and in life. “All your teachers, resources officers, and administrators are there for one purpose—to help you—the student! Don’t be shy, if you don’t know something, ask! They will be glad to help you!”

You’re not alone at this point in your lives,” he told them. “But you will be when you turn 25 and you don’t have an education to help you be successful in life.”

Utilizing his own life experiences, Ovi told students each one of them has value in the world and, by applying themselves, one day they’ll be able to achieve their dreams in life. But they must dare to believe in themselves and dream big. “If you dare to be great, you’re going to shock the world when you accomplish it,” he predicted.

Meet the speaker

Born and raised on a farm in Guatemala, Ovi grew up poor in a home without electricity till he was 8. At 16 he arrived

RODEO

The Clovis Rodeo Grand Marshalls for 2024 were announced: Jim and Carole Linenbach. The pair are Clovis lifers who have been married for 50 years. They support the Clovis high Cougar Foundation, Clovis Rodeo Association, Big Dry Creek-Clovis Historical Society, and much more. They were both inducted into the Clovis hall of Fame in 2009.

The Linenbachs have deep roots in Clovis, and you’ll see them honored together in the Clovis Rodeo Parade on the morning of Saturday, April 27th. If you want to skip the parking and ensure that you get to and from the show safely, there will be a shuttle running from the parking lot behind K1 racing at the Sierra Vista Mall to the corner of Veterans Parkway and 4th street.

Wednesday through Friday, the shuttle will run from 4PM to 11:30PM, and on the weekend, from 12PM to 6:30PM.

The main event itself has a lot in store for attendees this year: three concerts on

in our country, with his mother, not knowing English. Since he couldn’t communicate and was labeled a “truant” and an “at risk” student.

He almost dropped out of school. But he made up his mind he was not going to work in a warehouse all his life. That’s where his mother found him a job because he came this country to work—not to study. So, he went on his own, applied himself to his education, and studied.

Learning English as he went forward, he finished high school in three years and earned a B.A. in Management in just two. Later, he was accepted and studied at the Harvard Business School Online.

Ovi then set out to conquer the world. And he did. He has worked for such global corporations as Apple, Tesla, Salesforce, Uber, and General Motors. He has also written 6 books, including a #1 Bestseller on Amazon and a TEDx Speaker on Self Leadership.

The once impoverished student—who lived in a garage while in high school and rented-out part of it to pay the rent— is now well off, highly in demand, and a frequent guest on Univision TV Network programs.

Start by showing up

To start, he urged students to make responsible choices—wise choices.

“That means you must show up every day in school and do the work the teachers ask of you,” he instructed. “When you do positive things—positive things will begin to happen for you!”

“Life is not easy. In fact—it is very difficult,” he said. “But it will be much more difficult if you don’t have an education.” With that in mind, he told the students to build their own path to success depending on what they like—what they want to study in college and who they want to be. And they must interact with people— build bridges to success.

He mentioned that while his mother was often difficult, his grandmother challenged him by telling him “Atrevete a creer—y cuando lo hagas, hazlo bien--lo mejor que puedas.” —Dare to believe, and when you make it—do it well! The best you can!

A picture is worth 1,000 words

As part of his talk, Ovi showed slides

the weeknights, the dance on Saturday, and plenty of PBR and PRCA roping and riding.

Wednesday, April 24th– Starting off hot with PRCA Xtreme Bull Riding and a concert by Bryan Martin, who made his Grand ole Oprey debut in August 2023,

of himself and other people in his life. The slides of his early life in Guatemala were a stark contrast from those of his life today as a successful adult. Students who grow up in difficult environments can be affected by obstacles and repercussions. Expressing empathy, he alluded to a particular dark episode in his life that he will never forget. His mother’s temperament was so explosive and violent, she once stabbed his sister in a fit of anger. His confession elicited a strong gasp of shock from the students. “Some home situations are not perfect,” he said. “But you must have a different type of mentality—and you must be strong. Negatives in life can and must be overcome by developing your own personal power.”

He asked students what they want to do in life—if any of them want to work at McDonald’s. He got little response. “Hey, I know you don’t want to finish school and then go flip burgers for a living,” he joked. “But, in a way, it’s good—it’s a start! Do you know there are McDonald’s employees who make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year? Yes, they’re the executives! But why can’t you be one of those executives? Work at it! Why can’t it be you?” One of you is leaving here today with $100

In coming to an end of his continuous movement, animated, and high-energy talk, Ovi removed a crisp $100 bill from his wallet and waved it around in the air as he walked back and forth on stage. He

best known for his song “We Ride”. The 2024 Clovis Rodeo Queen will be crowned during the intermission of the show on Wednesday.

Thursday, April 25th– All PRCA events to look forward to: roping, wrestling, saddle and bareback bronc riding, and

wanted everyone’s undivided attention. He got it immediately. “One of you is leaving here today with this $100 bill— will it be you? It can be,” he yelled. “But you must want it.

He told them each one of them was like the $100 bill. As he folded the bill, he said—"At one time or another each of you has had someone make you feel small by saying negative things about you.”

Lifting the now small, folded bill in the air—“You felt this small!” Unfolding the bill, he dropped it on the stage floor and repeatedly stomped on it. “Just like this bill that got dirty by me stepping on it, you felt dirty with what you were told,” he described them. “Yes, the bill is dirty-but you still want it, right?”

Everyone yelled yes. “Learn this lesson,” he told them. “You know that even a dirty $100 bill still has value, right? So don’t forget you also have value no matter what anyone tells you. Know you have value in life—don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!”

He then asked “Who wants this $100 bill? Do you want it?” A sudden mob of students rushed the stage. One lucky student out jumped the others, grabbed the $100 bill from Ovi’s hand, and walked back smiling to his seat. He wanted it the most and—he got it!

The motivational middle school conference is named after deceased police officer Jesus Ceron, who worked for the Fresno Police Department and Clovis Unified. He started the event!

bulls at the end of the night. For the lady competitors, there’s breakaway roping and barrel racing. Michael Ray is performing after the show.

Friday, April 26th– All PRCA rodeo events again, and Matt Stell to end the Clovis Rodeo concert nights

Saturday, April 27th– The Clovis Rodeo Parade beginning at 9AM, and you’ll see the Grand Marshalls, the 2024 Clovis Rodeo Queen, and many great floats and performances, including our local marching bands, color guards, cheer teams, 4-H and FFA clubs, and so many more people from our community. After all the PRCA events, there’s the Clovis Rodeo Dance in the hall, with live music provided by Chris Curtice and the Wild horses.

Sunday, April 28th– The last day of rodeo is Tough Enough to Wear Pink Day, a great time to show off your support for breast cancer awareness, and there will be a special display for the Clovis Rodeo Association’s Salute to First Responders. All the PRCA events will go on in their final rodeo performance.

Photo courtesy of Clovis Unified School District Ovidilio “Ovi” Vasquez, a multi-talented motivational speaker asking students "who wants a hundred dollars?"

Photo courtesy of Sassano's Mens Wear Les Sassano welcoming rodeo fans during the Clovis Rodeo.

City Council honors Clovis Rodeo Association for 110th year anniversary

April 10, 2024 - The Clovis Rodeo Association was honored by the Clovis City Council at the meeting on Monday, April 8th.

“The more than 700 members of this association have a long history of service to our community and work hard to preserve the American cowboy tradition of rodeo and Clovis western heritage,” read the proclamation to recognize the 110th anniversary of the Clovis rodeo this year.

MOUANOUTOUA

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

only one left from that generation of friends. He then must travel alone.

Even if he meets the friendliest people on his journey, he will never be able to say, “Do you remember when?” because they were not there. It is a part of life.

One day, all of us will become separated from each other. We will miss our conversations and contacts will become rare. Future generations will see historical photos and ask, “Who are these people?”

It is then that we must intentionally take the time to teach the community about the lives of the people in those historical photos and talk about those who lived before us. For if we don’t, they will become forgotten forever. It’s been said that we humans are historical beings. We immerse ourselves in culture and would not survive without that culture and our traditions.

Yet, many Americans have lost the appreciation for tradition. Whether they are traditions of family, faith, or community, we must make the effort to learn, to cherish and to practice those that have been positive.

Here in Clovis, there is a tradition that is still vibrant and significant to our community – the Clovis Rodeo. This tradition was started by the ladies in the Clovis Women’s Club back in 1914. They called it the Clovis Festival.

From there, the Women’s Club joined with the Clovis American Legion Post to create the very first “Clovis Day” in 1921. This celebration featured the first rodeo event.

Those humble beginnings have led us to this year’s 110th celebration of the Clovis Rodeo. The last full weekend in April “continues to bring families and friends together to enjoy a time of friendship, fun and relaxation.”

On the evening of March 12th, 2024, I was blessed to get the chance to listen to, learn about, appreciate and be amongst the lives of the many Grand Marshals of our Clovis Rodeo. This year’s Co-Grand Marshals, Jim and Carol Linenbach, took us on a brief walk through time.

The proclamation acknowledged the beginning of the rodeo in 1914 as Clovis Festival Day by the Clovis Womens' club, where rodeo events were part of the celebration.

“We’ve got to have a good city to work with and it’s been our pleasure to work with you,” Clovis Rodeo Co-announcer Mark Thompson said to the council, “This is an awesome place to put a rodeo on… You provide us with a good fanbase… they want to see a a good rodeo and we do our best to keep prices down and to provide them with good, clean family entertainment.”

They researched and shared about the lives of each Grand Marshal since 1916. Many living family members gave personal accounts of their family member who was the Grand Marshal. The stories brought laughter, tears, encouragement, and inspiration.

After listening to each biography, I left with a greater appreciation for Clovis and for the people that came before who built our town. These were not just honorees who rode first in a parade, these were the foundational families of Clovis.

The pillars of our community. The bedrock of our Way of Life. All their lives echoed some very common traits – families were simple, hard-working, selfless, humble, grounded, decent, caring, civilized, and generational.

The Clovis Rodeo is our Community tradition. In its own way, it grounds us and connects us to the past, while still paving creative pathways to the future. When we honor traditions like this as a community, we honor both ourselves and each other. It gives us a feeling of personal belonging to and affinity for a collective heritage. For 110 years, it has been a yearly compass for relationships and interactions, both personally and as a community. This tradition uniquely connects us to a way of life that is greater than any one individual. The Clovis culture lives in and through its people. It survives only as long as we carry it with us and each generation makes it their own.

We must cherish our yesteryears, with each generation taking nourishment from the other and giving knowledge to the ones that follow. These are carried, not as burdens into tomorrow, but as our duty and honor to pass it onto future generations.

This is how we realize our legacy –not in being immortal, but in being part of what makes Clovis special.

The Clovis Rodeo is one such tradition that makes Clovis special. Let’s take time to go with family and friends this year and create new “remember when” stories to share. It is our turn to pass on this tradition, creating commonality and community for generations to come.

system, moon phases, and eclipses in particular, in preparation for the viewing event.

In addition to scientific education, teachers were prepared to give a thematic life lesson using the eclipse event.

“Every day is your time to shine bright,” said Principal Torres,”even when darkness is covering your path, you still shine bright behind it all.”

Kindergarteners did hands-on activities to understand the phases of the moon. Some of them even wore special headbands that they colored in themselves. “They were actually really interested,” says Kindergarten teacher Audrey Lebda, “we started introducing it last Thursday, and we watched a video on it, and they were asking, ‘Can we watch another one?’ so we found a song about [the eclipse] and we read a story called ‘A Few Beautiful Minutes’.”

Former aerospace engineer David Mcgee visited for the event, to share

some key details about the eclipse with the children as well as encourage them to reach for their dreams.

“How many of you want to grow up to be astronauts?” McGee asked the assembled students ,”I’ll let you know, it’s possible. When I was your age, I lived in Kansas and was like a farm kid. I never imagined I would spend 40 years working on rockets and putting satellites in space.”

“I think it’s important for them to see that the world we live in is small, and there’s actually a whole universe out there,” says McGee, “To me, education is always important. It gives you the power to do the things you want to do in life.”

McGee passed along that love for education to his own children, who are now teachers at Clovis Unified high schools.

This was a partial solar eclipse, with about 40% of the sun covered in our area. The next solar eclipse visible from our area will be a total eclipse, 21 years from now, on August 18th, 2045.

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Photo courtesy of City of Clovis The Clovis City Council issued a Proclamation to the Clovis Rodeo Association in honor of the 110th anniversary of the Clovis Rodeo.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Kindergarteners wearing their special solar eclipse headbands.

American Flags retired ceremonially by veterans and volunteers

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

March 30, 2024 – A tradition continues, as veteran support organizations and members of the public came together for the annual flag retirement ceremony.

Thousands of flags have been collected with the help of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District’s flag retirement boxes. With volunteers from Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, Boy Scouts, Blue Star Moms, Teens that Care, and other members of the public, all of the collected flags were checked for serviceability, rolled into bundles, and retired with respect.

“There are only two ways to properly retire an American flag,” says Cristofer Thrailkill, Commander of VFW Post 3225, “one way is to bury it, the other way is to retire it by fire.”

At the flag retirement event, volunteers stand at tables to roll flags into bundles of ten, as a way of counting the total flags retired, but also as one of the many ways they show respect to the flag.

“As the flags are put together in those bundles, they’re all put in one way,” said Chris Hoffman, the Commander of American Legion District 14, “ So all the stars and stripes go in one direction, and they all go together… we make sure they’re all respected.”

Members of these veteran groups have recently been making an effort to personally replace worn out flags in Clovis, “If I’m driving through my neighborhood and I see someone flying a flag and it looks tattered, and time

for a replacement, I can go to the post, grab one, and knock on their door,” said Hoffman.

“It’s a symbol of freedom” said Hoffman, “It’s not divided by races or creeds… it’s in honor of everyone who’s put their effort into making this country and this nation free…and giving the sacrifices to keep it that way.”

More than just veterans attended:

The Blue Star Moms, whose sons and daughters serve or have served in the military, and BSA troops, who teach flag etiquette and honor the flag at every meeting, brought their members to assist in rolling the flags and retiring them properly.

BSA troop 60 Scout Ian Harnish helped to build a new fire pit for the ceremony, as part of his Eagle Scout project. Harnish heard that the pit used for the ceremony had cracked and fallen apart from the heat of the fire, and came up with a solution with the help of his scoutmasters.

“We’re angling it so the wind will keep the fire ablaze,” Harnish said, “As well as filling all the bricks to make it stronger, and hopefully retain more stability and keep the heat out.”

Additionally, Harnish said that they leveled the dirt under the pit, and created a lower, thicker wall in the front. As the fire burns hotter, volunteers must stand back to throw bundles in. “We expanded the wall just a little bit so [the flags] won’t hit the ground”, said Harnish.

Over 8,500 flags were respectfully retired by fire at the event.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup A BSA Scout carries his bundle of flags to the fire pit.

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Volunteers roll worn out flags into "logs" for retirement by fire.

April 9, 2024 - In that tiny storefront between boutiques, at 421 ½ Pollasky Avenue, there’s a new business specializing in whimsical handmade jewelry. The store itself seems to suit the business very well. The display slats in the walls hold small items like jewelry perfectly, and a built-in shelf space on one side holds pottery, glassware, and more.

To give the space some of her personal style and to make an impression, owner Shera Franzman installed pink lighting and tulle curtains.

“I wanted to compliment Old Town Clovis, I don’t want it to be so different that it doesn’t fit,” Franzman says, “but I also want it to have…my own style.

SheraChic Boutique has occupied the space in Old Town Clovis since early March, but owner Shera Franzman has been making and selling handmade jewelry since 2017.

“I got started with it when Etsy first became popular,” Franzman says, “and the first thing I sold on etsy were these little dinosaur earrings, [made of] these little dinosaur toys, I cut them in half and painted them and you’d have one half of each dinosaur.”

Now Franzman focuses on polymer clay jewelry.

One of her favorite patterns is the sun and moon style, which she attributes to her two children. “I’ve always really liked the celestial type of things, and so

I was drawn to the sun and moon but now also I have a son and a daughter,” Franzman says, “my daughter’s always been very drawn to the moon and then we had our son, he’s much more like the bright sunshine.”

For rodeo season, SheraChic is selling bolo ties with polymer clay slides. You can get one with a geometric Western style slider, a buffalo head, or even a swamp monster.

There’s a little something for everyone at SheraChic. Whether you’re looking for cutesy, chic, or whimsical styles.

“I’ve always been drawn to that whimsical kind of thing,” says Franzman, about a pair of flying pig earrings, “you know, it’s a really big step for me, coming from just crafting things at home, and now I have a storefront in Old Town Clovis, which is one of those ‘when pigs fly’ things.”

In addition to selling at her own storefront, SheraChic has exclusive products in other stores across California. For instance, she sells earrings at the Madonna Inn that are modeled after the restaurant's rose patterned goblets. “Madonna inn has always been our celebration spot,” Franzman says, ended up designing these goblet earrings because [my sister and I] love the goblets and of course that’s Madonna Inn’s signature thing.”

While visiting with their custom earrings, Franzman and her sister were spotted by the buying manager for the Madonna Inn store, who had to have the earrings too.

“To have something that I made with my own hands in a place that I love so much is really cool,” Franzman says.

ShereChic is open four days a week–Thursday through Sunday– in the little storefront between boutiques, on Pollasky Avenue, near the museum.

The Rodeo Coffee Shop, known as the secret spot in Old Town Clovis where all the locals go, has been around serving it up since the 1960s.

Located at 535 5th Street, Rodeo Coffee Shop offers breakfast, lunch and dessert options all at a reasonable price. Its western-style interior offers a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a cup of coffee by oneself or group breakfast or lunch outing with family and friends.

The Shop offers everyday breakfast staples like omelets, potatoes, hash browns, french toast and biscuits and gravy. As far as lunch and dinner selec tions, Rodeo serves a selection of home made sandwiches, salads, soups, burgers, pork chops, fish plates and fried steaks.

The coffee shop offers their signature peanut butter, banana cream and coconut pies. Other dessert options include Pie à la Mode (pie served with ice cream) as well as ice cream sundaes.

Rodeo Coffee Shop is open 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. everyday.

Photo by Ron Sundquist, Clovis Roundup The Rodeo Coffee Shop’s signature pies: Coconut Cream Pie (left) and Peanut Butter Cream Pie (right).

Antique and Gift Shops

1. 4th Street Antique Mall

402 Pollasky, (559) 323-1636

4thStreetAntiques.com

2. A Secret Garden

3.

Recipe

Solve dinnertime dilemmas with speedy, nutritious whole grains

(Family Features)

Putting dinner on the table quickly seems to be a goal more often than not, particularly in today’s sped-up world. However, spending less time cooking doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nutrition or taste.

To enjoy better-for-you meals in the blink of an eye, lean into versatile ingredients prepared without the hassle like Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cups. In just 1 minute, you can savor a blend of two 100% whole grains with

the crunchiness of red quinoa and chewy texture of brown rice that total 55 grams of whole grains and provide a good source of fiber in each serving.

Packed in single-serve portions, you can eat right out of the BPAfree cup or serve the whole grains as the base of this speedy Sweet Chili Shrimp with Quinoa mixed with succulent shrimp, umami-like flavors from sweet chili sauce and the satisfying flavor and crunch of green onions and chopped peanuts. A delicious dish that’s filling without the fuss, this recipe

Sweet Chili Shrimp with Quinoa

Prep time: 2 minutes

Cook time: 2 minutes

Servings: 1

• 1 Minute Brown Rice & Quinoa Cup

• 4 ounces (1/2 cup) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup frozen Asian-style mixed vegetables, thawed

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

• 1 tablespoon chopped peanuts

DIRECTIONS: Heat rice and quinoa cup according to package directions. In small, microwave-safe bowl, combine shrimp and vegetables. Microwave on high 30 seconds.

Stir in sweet chili sauce. Blend well.

Serve shrimp mixture over rice topped with green onions and peanuts.

is ready in less than 5 minutes to save time without relying on takeout.

Switch up your family’s stir-fry routine with this savory version of Whole Grain Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry made with rice, quinoa, vegetables, rotisserie chicken and a blend of soy sauce and sesame oil. This simple meal is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to save time without skimping on taste.

Ready to complement the succulent chicken and sesame-

infused veggies, Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa offers a blend of four whole-grain ingredients: brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa. Available in four convenient, pre-portioned, twoserving bags, it cooks in just 10 minutes for light, fluffy and delicious nutty flavor for recipe versatility from breakfast to dessert so you can rely on it as a family favorite for less time cooking and more time enjoying meals and moments together.

To find more quick, nutritious dinner solutions, visit MinuteRice.com.

Whole Grain Sesame Chicken Stir-Fry

Prep time: 3 minutes

Cook time: 12 minutes

Servings: 3-4

• 1 bag Minute Instant Rice & Quinoa

• 1 cup vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil, divided

• 2 eggs, lightly beaten

• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

DIRECTIONS: Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions, substituting broth for water.

In medium wok or skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil. Add eggs and, using spatula, quickly soft scramble. Continue stirring eggs until light and fluffy. Remove from pan and reserve.

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups rotisserie cooked chicken, shredded

• 2 cups frozen, Asian-style mixed vegetables, thawed

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Add remaining sesame oil to wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; stirfry 2 minutes.

Add chicken and vegetables; stir-fry 2 minutes, or until heated through. Fold in rice and quinoa, eggs and soy sauce.

LET’S TALK CLOVIS: A history of Clovis baseball

Peg Bos Historian/Clovis Museum Contributed

In 1845, the first baseball rules were published in the U.S. for the New York City Knickerbockers team. The first documented baseball team in Clovis is captured in an 1895 photograph of team members posing with the Mayo family at the side of the original 1891 San Joaquin Valley Railroad depot. The depot was located on Fourth Street and Fulton, now Clovis Avenue.

The included 1904 photo displays our handsome Clovis baseball team. By 1907, there were 10 Clovis High team members and nine in 1909 in addition to their mascot, Bruce Parker.

The 1911 Clovis High Argus (now the Cavalcade) identified Carl Merriman as athletic manager, tennis captain, baseball captain and basketball captain. He would marry Bessie Prussing. Their only son, Lloyd Merriman, became a baseball legend.

Lloyd graduated from Clovis High in 1942. In 1943, he played freshman football and baseball for Stanford University. He enlisted in the Marine Air Corp in 1944 and returned to Stanford in 1946, where he scored the first post-war touchdown while continuing to excel in baseball.

In 1947, Lloyd signed a bonus contract with the Cincinnati Reds. He entered the

Major League in 1949 and hit a triple and homer in his first times at bat. Lloyd was recalled to active duty during the Korean War from 1951-53, and returned to the Reds in 1954. He was traded in 1955 to Chicago White Sox and then to the Cubs. He ended his career in 1956.

In 1993, the Clovis High Baseball field was named in his honor.

The 1912 Argus described their game against Sanger: “This is where we lost our fame as baseball players—everything went wrong, the bats broke, the balls were lop-sided, wind was from the wrong direction, the sun shone in our eyes—well to make it short, we lost the game. Don’t remember the score just now.”

Clovis families were loyal supporters of their local teams. Many merchants sponsored summer baseball teams. The Clovis Volunteer Fire Department (my grandfather was Chief Harry Whiton) played in the Raisin Belt League in the mid ‘20s. Clovis Confectionary (my father, Bob Rogers) sponsored a team. Any player that hit a home run received a free beer served in a large copper jug. Ping Thayer’s team won the league in 1934. Three Mesple brothers, Eli, Edward and Ivan, and Sam Lamonica, father of Oakland Raider quarterback Daryle Lamonica, were members of that team.

“Donkey” baseball games always drew large crowds. The unexpected always occurred and no one seemed upset over the antics of the “beasts,” Players were not injured; there were usually just a few bruised egos.

Maya Cinemas hosting scholarship drive through April 15th

April 3, 2024 – Maya Cinemas, known for developing movie theatres in underserved communities with state-of-the-art presentation, first-class amenities and community involvement, is offering free movies passes for donations to the Maya Community Foundation.

Beginning on April 1st and running through April 15th, movie-goers can make a donation at any Maya Cinema and receive 1 free movie passes (valid 4/1/24 – 5/15/24) for every $10 they donate and 3 passes for every $25. One hundred percent of donations will be granted as college scholarships to members of the communities surrounding the theaters. Scholarship applications are live at wearemaya.org/scholarship-applications.html and will be open until May 30th.

The Maya Community Foundation is dedicated to the development and enrichment of the lives of people in the community in which Maya Cinemas’ theatres serve.

The foundation is dedicated to fostering and supporting under-served, low-income communities through a variety of programs.

Donations can be made in-theatre at any of Maya’s six locations:

Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215

Fresno - 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710

North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

Pittsburg – 4085 Century Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

“Support of higher education is an important building block. The Maya Community Foundation and Maya Cinemas endeavors to enrich the community through several efforts with education being a primary focus.” said Heidi Garcia, Maya Community Foundation.

The Clovis District Little League was formed in 1952. Officers were Loris Grossi, president; Carl Merriman, vice president; Duane Long, secretary and Rex Phebus, treasurer. Twenty-one men served on the board of directors.

Four teams were formed. The Giants were sponsored by Pinedale Boosters with Manager Ray Sturgill, the Pinedale principal, and Coach Paul Chavez. The Yankees were sponsored by D.F. Hallowell Chevrolet Co. with Manager E. Rossi and Coach Bob Davis.

Clovis Boosters sponsored the Dodgers with brothers Manager Jerry Sharer

and Coach Bill Sharer. Members of Legion Post 147 sponsored the Pirates with Manager H. Nelson and Coach Jim Pavich.

The 1993 Clovis High baseball program identified three Clovis High graduates that had entered the professional ranks: Pat Ruth, class of 1987, was with the Philadelphia Phillies from 1991-1994. John Gross, class of 1988, played for the Baseball City Royals, and Chris Saunders, class of 1989, played for the Pittsfield Mets.

Baseball remains a part of our rich history.

Dog of the week

Contributed Maya Cinemas

Photo courtesy of Clovis Museum April 24, 1904 Clovis baseball team.

Gracie is a rescue adopted by Patricia Hulsey of Clovis. She likes to steal stuff and wait for a treat when her mom says "drop it."

April 4, 2024 - Clovis, Calif. - April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and a time to put safety in the driver’s seat.

The Clovis Police Department will be actively looking for drivers throughout the month who are in violation of the state’s hands-free cell phone law.

"In today's fast-paced life, it is common to lose focus while driving,” Corporal Bradford, Traffic Supervisor said. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month is a crucial reminder that even a moment of inattention or a quick glance at the phone can lead to serious consequences.

Let’s get off our apps and keep our eyes on the road. Before starting the car, silence your phone or put it in the glove box, trunk, or back seat. Anywhere you can’t reach."

According to the 2023 California Statewide Public Opinion Survey, more than 74% of drivers surveyed said that distracted driving because of texting was their biggest safety concern.

In 2021, there were at least 140 people killed in distracted driving traffic crashes in California. The numbers are likely underreported because law enforcement officers

may not always be able to tell that distraction was a factor in a crash.

Under current law, drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communications device while operating a vehicle, even when stopped at a red light.

This includes talking, texting, or using an app. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is punishable by a fine and violating the handsfree law for a second time within 36 months of a prior conviction for the same offense will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

If you have an important phone call, text, or email, or are in a situation with other distractions, such as looking up directions, pull over to a safe parking spot to complete the task without putting yourself and others at risk.

Other distractions can be eating, grooming, reaching for something that fell on the floor, putting on or taking off clothing, talking with passengers, or children in the back seat.t

Funding for distracted driving enforcement is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Clovis Police arrest commercial arson suspect

Contributed Clovis Police Department

April 3, 2024 - This morning, Clovis Police Detectives served a search warrant at a home in Fresno and arrested the suspect of a commercial arson that burned 4 private school buses in December 2023.

Just before midnight on December 30, 2023, both Clovis Police & Clovis Fire responded to a fire in the parking lot of a day care near Shaw/Villa.

Several callers reported hearing explosions with multiple vehicles on fire. In the end, 4 private school buses were completely lost.

Technology played a crucial role in this investigation and arrest. Arson investigators located evidence in the aftermath of the fire and Detectives used both private security cameras and our Clovis city camera network to help identify the suspect.

Once identified, technology was also used to gather evidence of the suspect committing this arson. The suspect has been identified as 45-year-old Robert Tucker of Fresno.

Tucker was arrested for several charges including felony arson, possession of burglary tools, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine, and more.

Thankfully, no one was injured during the arson and the suspect was booked into Fresno County Jail.

The arson caused approximately $250,000 and the business lost all 4 of their private school buses during the fire in December.

CROSSWORD FUN

National Month of Hope

Open Now Until

Monday, May 6

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION

CLOVIS MEMORIAL RUN

ClovisMemorialRun.com

Clovis Senior Activity Center

745 3rd St., Clovis, CA

Saturday, April 13

54th ANNUAL IRIS SHOW

“Iris on Parade”

Fresno Iris Society

Sierra Vista Mall

1050 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA

12 p .m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday, April 13

WATER TOWER CAR SHOW 2024

Old Town Clovis on Pollasky 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Sunday, April 14

COMMUNITY CHOIR OF THE VALLEY

Songs of Broadway, Television and Silver Screen

Warnor Theatre

1400 Fulton St., Fresno, CA 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 17

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEFS

Starbucks – 168/ Temperance

Curt Fleming – Clovis Police Chief & Chris Ekk –

Clovis Fire Chief 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Saturday, April 20

MISS WINKLES DONUT

DOG WALK 2024

Miss Winkles Pet

Adoption Center

85 N. Temperance Ave., Clovis, CA 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Saturday, April 20

CLOVIS COUGAR FOOTBALL Crab Dinner

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

808 4th St., Clovis, CA 5p.m. – 11 p.m.

Wednesday, April 24

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEFS Starbucks – Nees/Willow

Curt Fleming – Clovis Police Chief & Chris Ekk –Clovis Fire Chief 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Monday, April 22 thru Sunday, April 28

CLOVIS ART GUILD OLD WEST AND RODEO ART SHOW FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Clovis Veterans Memorial District

Community Heritage Center

808 4th St., Clovis, CA

10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Thursday, April 25 –Reception / 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Wednesday April 24 thru Sunday, April 28

FREE SHUTTLE SERVICE TO RODEO FROM SIERRA VISTA MALL

(parking lot behind K1

Speed Kart Racing –drop off at Veterans Parkway and 4th Street)

Pick Up times

Wednesday thru Friday

4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Return to Sierra Vista Mall

9 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Pick Up time Saturday and Sunday

Noon – 3 p.m.

Return to Sierra Vista Mall

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 24

BULL RIDING – 6 P.M.

Thursday, April 25 and Friday, April 26

PRCA RODEO – 6 p.m.

PLACES TO VISIT

CALIFORNIA 911 MEMORIAL

3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA

Open 365 days a year

COMMUNITY HERITAGE CENTER

3rd and Veterans Parkway

Tuesday thru Saturday

CLOVIS MUSEUM

4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA Open Tuesday thru Saturday

a.m. – 2 p.m.

FARMERS’ MARKETS

OLD TOWN CLOVIS FARMERS’ MARKET Pollasky Ave., Clovis, CA Every Saturday Year-Round

Saturday, April 27

CLOVIS RODEO PARADE

Downtown Clovis –Clovis Ave. & Pollasky

9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

2 p.m. - PRCA RODEO

7:30 p.m. – RODEO DANCE

Saturday, April 27

CUPCAKE WARS 2024

David McDonald Park

101 N. Temperance Ave., Clovis, CA

11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Sunday, April 28

110th CLOVIS RODEO FINALS

Clovis Rodeo Grounds

748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA 2p.m.

Wednesday, May 1

COFFEE WITH THE CHIEFS Starbucks – Herndon/ Willow

Curt Fleming – Clovis Police Chief & Chris Ekk –Clovis Fire Chief 8 a.m. – 9 a.m.

Rating financial institutions: Where are you worth more?

What was the very first financial choice you ever made?

Think about it: it likely took place with the money you earned from your lemonade stand. The very first financial decision you ever made is also one of the most important choices—it’s where to keep your money.

When you first made that decision, piggy banks and sock drawers seemed like perfectly acceptable options. As it turns out, they aren’t nearly as super-secret as you might have hoped. Opening a bank account is the best solution, but in order to do that, you first need to choose a financial institution—so, your choice is between a bank and a credit union. Banks and credit unions offer essentially the same products and services, but there are huge differences in the way they operate. Despite this, many people put more thought into building their Netflix queue than they do choosing their financial institution. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your current financial setup, here is what you need to know.

The main difference between banks and credit unions is in their structure. Banks are for profit, while credit unions are member-owned and -operated. Banks are set up in a way that allows a select group of people (shareholders) to make money off your banking activity.

Credit unions, on the other hand, are

set up in a way that allows all their members to benefit from their profits. Profits are distributed back to members in the form of free banking products, lower interest rates on loans and higher interest rates on savings accounts.

Credit unions sound pretty great, right? You might be wondering why some people choose banks over credit unions, even though credit unions consistently outperform banks when it comes to deposit and loan rates and member service.

The simple answer is that banks are bigger, and some people believe bigger is better. A more effective approach would be to figure out your banking priorities. Here are some factors to consider:

Am I eligible for an account? Banks are open to anyone. Credit unions have membership requirements, but don’t let that intimidate you! Find your local credit union and check out their website; chances are you are eligible to join one.

How much does it cost to get set up? Joining a credit union involves purchasing a share (they’re usually $5), but this is different from a fee—it means you’re a member-owner of the credit union.

Will I have good access to my funds, are there ample ATMs? You might feel as though you see larger bank ATMs everywhere, but credit union ATMs are just as accessible. In fact, the local credit unions participate in the largest credit union ATM network, which is actually larger than the largest bank ATM network and that mean more access than

a bank can offer.

What can I do online? What can’t you do online now? Local credit unions offer great features such as mobile check deposit, ATM location finder, bill pay, etc.

What else can the institution do for me? Interested in perks? Credit unions often discounts to amusement parks and free financial advice because they want what’s best for all their members, not just the shareholders.

Now that you understand how a credit union makes banking make sense, consider joining Noble Credit Union. Members receive exclusive admission

discounts to Disneyland, Universal Studios, Knotts Berry Farm, and even our hometown favorite–the Fresno Grizzlies!

Noble Credit Union, voted the 2024 best credit union in Central California by the Business Journal, offers offer members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.

Contributed Noble Credit Union

Clovis Unified Sports Roundup for April

Jess Gonzalez

@ClovisRoundup

Buchanan Climbs in Softball Rankings as North Clovis Drops

April 4, 2024 - St. Joseph’s of Santa Maria continues at the top of the Girls’ Softball Rankings this week. Though they lost once since our last edition, the Knights did win 4 times to hold on to the number one ranking. Meanwhile, Central of Fresno dropped from second to third after losing the only game they played since then. They are now 10-3. Buchanan, after winning 6 games, improved to 15-1-1 to take over second in the rankings behind St. Joseph’s. However, Clovis North—previously in third with a 9-1 record—won only two while losing three—and went down to 9th place.

New in this week’s rankings are Bullard in fifth place with a 10-4 record and Frontier of Bakersfield in eighth place with an 11-3 record. Gone from our last edition’s rankings are Sanger and Liberty of Bakersfield.

Central Section Softball Rankings

(As of April 4, 2024)

1. St. Joseph’s (Santa Maria) 13-2-1

2. Buchanan 15-1-1

3. Central 10-3-0

4. Centennial (Bakersfield) 15-3-0

5. Bullard 10-4-0

6. Bakersfield Christian 12-1-0

7. Kingsburg 10-4-1

8. Frontier (Bakersfield) 11-3-0

9. Clovis North 11-4-0

10. Taft 14-1-1

Baseball Rankings see movement April 4, 2024 - As the spring season goes forward, the rankings of the Central Section’s top teams are undergoing changes as early success for some teams disappears. The most notable change in the rankings involve Clovis North. The Broncos climbed from sixth

on the March 21st rankings to the top of the heap this time around. They improved from 7-2 to 12-2-1.

After opening with a 9-1 record, Liberty of Bakersfield won 5 and lost 3 recently. That pushed them to the runner-up spot with a 14-4 record. Gone from the rankings this week Kingsburg and Pioneer Valley from Santa Maria. With April upon us, the end of season playoffs are not far off. Team records, as well as league standings, will figure into which teams will compete for end of season championships.

Central Section Baseball Rankings

(As of April 8, 2024)

1. Clovis North 12-2-1

2. Liberty (Bakersfield) 14-4-0

3. Cabrillo (Lompoc) 15-1-0

4. Frontier (Bakersfield) 14-4-0

5. Clovis 10-4-0

6. Bullard 11-6-0

7. Bakersfield Christian 12-5-0

8. Liberty (Madera) 18-1-0

9. Redwood (Visalia) 13-5-0

10. Kerman 14-1-1

Arcadia Invitational: 2 Milers achieve outstanding times

April 4, 2024 - There was a time when breaking the 9:00 minute mark for the 3200 meters run—the old two-mile run was considered an outstanding achievement for a high school distance runner. Let’s set the record straight. Running under 9 minutes for that distance is still difficult to achieve. However, how times have changed. An incredible 59 high school runners ran under 9 minutes in three of the six 3200 meters races at the two-day, April 5 & 6, Arcadia Invitational in Southern California. The meet is considered the best high school track and field meet and this weekend’s results can attest to that.

Daniel Simmons of American Fork High School in Utah managed a strong kick to clock a speedy 8:34.96 to win the Invitational 3200 meters event in

which an astounding 37 runners clocked under 9 minutes! Second went to Nathan Neil of Bozeman, Montana, with a time of 8:35.32. Sommons’ teammate at American Fork, Ben Jaster finished 5th in 8:38.34.w

Included in the runners who clocked under 9 minutes was Carter Spradling of Clovis East finished in 30th place and still clocked 8:55.06.

Arcadia meet divisions

The Arcadia meet is divided into four divisions: Invitational – the athletes with the best marks, the Seeded Division – those with the next best marks, the Open Division – athletes that meet a certain qualifying standard, and the Rising Stars Division - usually outstanding sophomores.

Clovis area athletes at Arcadia

Here is how Clovis area athletes placed at the Arcadia Invitational in the different divisions.

BOYS Invitational Division

Shot put - McKay Madsen, Clovis North, 2nd - 63’4” / Brayden Bitter, Clovis North, 5th - 57’4”

Discus - McKay Madsen, C.N., 2nd - 197’5” / Brayden Bitter, C.N., 13th - 168’9”

Benjamin Shue of Bergan Catholic, from Oradell, New Jersey, doubled in the shot and discus with winning marks of 63’9.25” and 200’3” respectively.

4X1600 Relay - Clovis East, 12th - 18:09.47

BOYS Seeded Division

4X400 meters relay – Clovis, 2nd3:20.65 / Buchanan, 6th - 3:24.21

1600 meters run - Luke Sanders, Buchanan 5th- 4:15.16

110 hurdles - Hudson Hergenrader, Buchanan, 3rd - 14.21

4X100 meters relay - Buchanan, 6th - 42.32

4X200 meters relay - Clovis 2nd - 1:28.39

BOYS Division

100 meters - Jacob Saldate, Clovis, 9th - 10.77 / Tyree Sams, Clovis North, 12th - 10.80

Donavan Dunmore, Buchanan, 16th - 10.82

Long Jump - Harold Duvall, Clovis East, 6th - 21’4”

300 hurdles - Hudson Hergenrader, Buchanan, 12th - 39.34

800 meters - Jalen Morales, Clovis, 24th - 1:56.1

BOYS Rising Stars Division

Mile - Marcus Salinas, Clovis East, 1st - 4:17.30

GIRLS Invitational Division

Distance Medley Relay (4000 meters)Buchanan, 1st - 11:52.07

4X1600 meters relay - Clovis North, 7th 21:19.20 / Buchanan, 8th - 21:27.75

Sprint Medley Relay (1600 meters) Clovis West, 7th - 4:22.78

Shot put - Madilyn Harmonson, Clovis West, 17th - 36’10.75”

High Jump - Indiana Davis, Clovis East, 15th - 5’2”

Long Jump - Kylie Benson, Clovis West, 16th - 16’9.75”

GIRLS Division

100 meters - Victoria Chatter, Buchanan, 11th - 12.07

800 meters - Emerson Parks, Clovis North, 11th - 2:15.15

3200 meters - Avery Hutchison, Buchanan, 7th - 10:52.44

4X400 Relay - Buchanan, 22nd4:07.97 / Clovis East, 23rd - 4:09.22

Discus - Madilyn Harmonson, Clovis West, 1st - 140’ / Kayla Smith, C.N., 8th - 117.09

Career Technical Education Classes come together for Respiratory Lab

about the structures that make up their airways.”

March 15, 2024 – Students in the Anatomy-Physiology class with Mr. Gingold and Patient Care Pathways class with Dr. Eichmann at Clovis East High School came together for a hands-on interactive respiratory lab.

The students got to use tools like the Anatomage Table, a stand-in for a cadaver that allows students to explore the systems of the body digitally. Dr. Eichmann says that these in-classroom tools give students a sampling of all levels of patient care, from assessment skills like taking blood pressure and pulse, to intubation.

The Patient Care Pathways students dressed in their uniform scrubs and took the role of educators on various stations pertaining to respiratory function.

“It’s great to incorporate some of this hands-on so instead of just book-learning all the time,” Dr. Eichmann said, “we wanted to showcase some of the skills that the Patient Care pathways Students have learned throughout the year. “

The Anatomy-Physiology class with Mr.Gingold is an elective class,”The focus of that class is more on the biology, not so much the medical application. So right now… they are learning

The Career Technical Education (CTE) and Regional Occupational Program (ROP) classes offered on CUSD high school campuses are elective classes to prepare students for careers in or higher education leading to careers in specific industries, such as agriculture, welding, firefighting, sports medicine, and many more.

The Patient Care Pathways class was designed by Dr. Kelly Eichmann to prepare high school students for a variety of careers in medical care.

“We’re exposing, informing, and inspiring them, which is the motto of the class, to explore a medical career.” Dr. Eichmann said, “Iit’s different reading it in a book, watching a youtube video, it’s different…in a medical setting. And they start to realize that this is the reality, this is real.”

Dr.Eichmann’s students spend up to 4 days a week volunteering at Clovis Community Medical Center or Community Regional Medical Center, for acute cases.

Dr. Eichmann says this is an important part of the CTE and ROP programs; seeing whether they are cut out for this field of work.

Some students volunteer in a dentist

office, or a physical therapy center in the community, to get an opportunity to see chronic and preventative care.

“CTE classes give students an opportunity to sample [careers],” says Dr. Eichmann, “The hope is that young people choose wisely and that they choose early.”

Charity Yang, Senior student in the Patient Care Pathways class, says

that she feels more confident going into medical school after taking both Anatomy-Physiology and Patient Care Pathways.

Yang wants to be an Obstetrician, after working in the Delivery & Labor ward at Community Regional hospital, “I feel like, being an OB, you have the opportunity to bring people into the world.”

Samantha Golden sraegolden@gmail.com

Photo by Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup Anatomy-Physiology Students listen to the lungs in respiratory lab.

Soroptimist International of Clovis host annual "Dream

April 8, 2024 - Clovis Community College hosted the Soroptimist International of Clovis (SIC) annual Dream It, Be It Career Support for Girls Conference on April 5, 2024. The venue gave the attendees a chance to experience the college campus firsthand.

“We had 64 students register and attend our conference this year from all eight of Clovis Unified’s high schools, including Gateway, Clovis Online, and Clovis Community Day,” said Suzi Erickson, Conference Coordinator and SIC Vice-President.

“It is so affirming to see our young women's hearts and minds inspired and empowered through our Dream It, Be It Conference. Today, we watched and listened as students shared new HOPE for their futures; speakers who changed lives and career opportunities never imagined were unlocked.

“I would call the day a huge success! On behalf of Clovis Soroptimist, we want to thank Clovis Community College President, Dr. Kim Armstrong and her amazing leadership team for partnering with our club this year and providing a fantastic collegiate setting for our students. Our club and community support is what makes this event come together and I am very proud to be a part of it.”

The goal of the conference was to provide the participants with tools to discover their dreams and how to

overcome obstacles in obtaining those dreams.

Clovis Community, Reedley College, and Clovis Adult Education provided career rotations in the field of STEM lab work, aviation and health care, respectively.

Women employed in those fields described their work experiences, the required training, and salary ranges. Fresno County Sheriff personnel provided information on law enforcement careers such as detective, corrections officer, patrol officer, and the Explorer Youth Academy for those

interested in law enforcement. The atmosphere of the workshop was upbeat and relaxed. Attendees received raffle tickets and prizes were awarded throughout the event.

The Assistance League of Fresno generously donated five $200.00 gift cards for shopping sprees for the five grand prize raffle winners.

Two keynote speakers, Jene D’Ambrosio and Karen Lopez Pena, shared their inspirational stories of overcoming adversity on their paths to successful careers.

“I love pushback and feedback,” said D’Ambrosio. “It’s how you are going to grow and change.”

Pena stressed she never saw herself as a victim of abuse. “You really have to focus on what you want,” she told her audience. “Push yourself to go forward... you can reach your goals.”

Through education, Soroptimist International’s mission is to help girls and women reach their full potential and realize their dreams. For more information, please visit siclovis.org.

Carole Grosch cgg266@comcast.net

Photo courtesy of Soroptimist International

The 2024 Dream It, Be It Career Support for Girls Conference hosted 64 students from all Clovis Unified high schools.

Vietnam War Ended 49 Years Ago: However, the pain persists

Jess Gonzalez @ClovisRoundup

April 4, 2024 - There’s a popular belief that says time is the best way to heal emotional wounds. While that may be true in some cases, there are emotional wounds that not even time can heal.

That was very evident during the observance the National Vietnam War Veterans Day on March 29, 2024, at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Hall. The special event was organized by The Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 933.

The solemn ceremony, to mark the 49th year of the ending of the Vietnam War, honored the over 58,000 Americans who lost their lives in the bloody conflict as well as the veterans of that war who were in attendance.

From the welcoming remarks to the various speakers; the invocation to the benediction; the moving Echo Bugle

Taps and the closing—one could feel an open emotional wound still present. A wound that has not yet healed nor that is ready to be overlooked.

The keynote speaker was Fresno City Councilman Garry Bredefeld who served our country as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and worked 27 years as a clinical psychologist with the Veterans Administration. “Vietnam War Veterans suffered greatly and sacrificed much,” the councilman stated.

“Many of those who survived the conflict came home injured physically and emotionally. They were the best of the best—serving with courage and honor at the risk of their own lives—all for the love of country.”

The U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War provoked much doubt and disagreement during the 1960s and 1970s. Among other things, it was said to be a war that was morally wrong, without clear objectives, and was unwinnable.

Unfortunately, the spilling of blood, death, destruction, and emotional trauma are the byproducts of all wars. Yet, the Vietnam War—due to its’ unpopularity--divided our country with its many negatives that went beyond those of other wars.

No other war in U.S. History has caused so much turmoil at home or seen our troops not receive the support they deserved from all Americans. In cities and college campuses across

the country huge crowds protested the U.S. participation in the conflict. Many soldiers in uniform suffered the brunt of the protestor’s ire by being attacked in our own country just for wearing their uniform.

Yet the war was not their fault. They were soldiers sent to fight for their country. Thus, it stands to reason that those who were killed and the many who came home, some with physical and emotional injuries, should never be forgotten for their valor and service to our country.

The March 29th ceremony was special and very well received by all present— primarily the veterans, their families, and friends.

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the ending of the Vietnam War. The Healing Wall will be brought to Clovis to pay honor where honor is richly deserved.

Till then, let us not forget the heroes who returned and those who didn’t. Let’s remember them with honor and respect for their sacrifice for our country and for all of us!

Photo courtesy of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Vietnam Veteran signing the interactive map of Vietnam.

Photo courtesy of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District The Quilts of Valor team presented 26 local Veterans with a Quilt of Valor in recognition for their service.