22 minute read
What’s Up, Clovis?
CHECK OUT THE BUZZ AROUND TOWN 2022 RESOLUTIONS
Photos by Ron Sundquist
Eric Rollins, Fifth St. Antiques: Strive for more health, wealth and prosperity. Olympia (left): Enjoy different colors for my hair and be kinder!
Sabina (right): Go on a diet with my mom!
Charlie: I want longer hikes and visit the beach more!
Amanda (left): Enjoy the moment!
Joann (right): Workout to be healthier! John Pemberton: Help and bless as many people as I can!
McCarthy (left): Be a better boyfriend!
Makena (right): Live more in the moment!
Savannah: Eat more ice cream!
Penny (left): Healthier.
Carol (right): Clean up my clutter at home!
NOT PICTURED:
Ben: Be more obedient in what Jesus tells me to do and be!
Iris: I don’t make resolutions so I don’t get disappointed when I break them!
Buchanan Graduate Brings Delight to Fresno State
BROOKE CHAU
@BrookeChauTV
2019 Buchanan Graduate Jackie Whalen, daughter of councilmember Bob Whalen, creates a new fellowship group at Fresno State called Delight.
Whalen created Delight with her roommate Jenna Koetsier in hopes to invite college women into a Christ-centered community that fosters vulnerability and transforms stories.
This is the first Christ-like fellowship program at Fresno State and Whalen explains the importance of having the Delight community at Fresno State.
“I think it is crucial to build a Bible study rooted in the Gospel on campus because too often I have seen girls leave the Fresno and Clovis area to attend universities with a Biblical background, but this means they can lose connection with the local church,” said Whalen.
Delight has 205 ministry chapters across the nation that serve over 14,000 college women. Delight chapters are recognized organizations, student-led, and rooted in Scripture-based curriculum and resources. Delight is passionate about empowering college women in the name of Jesus to lead, disciple, and transform the culture of their campus.
Whalen has attended The Well Church in Clovis since 2005 and credits the church behind her inspiration for bringing Delight to Fresno State. “Going to the church is one thing, but being the church is another,” said Whalen. “I think The Well does a fantastic job of encouraging its community to be the church.“
Delight will launch in the Spring 2022 semester at Fresno State for the first time and has already received an abundance of support from the campus community.
As this is the first time something like this will be at Fresno State, Whalen hopes the future of Delight is not about her, but about God.
“All I desire is for women to gather in a room filled with The Holy Spirit and for anyone who has not received Jesus as their Savior, to hear the Gospel with new ears and witness how Jesus changes their hearts,’’ said Whalen. “God is up to something at Fresno State.”
Whalen is an active member of Delta Gamma Photo contributed by Jackie Whalen sorority, a PINK Campus Buchanan graduate Jackie Whalen with roommate Jenna Koetsier, creates Fresno State’s first fellowship group, Delight. Representative, and now a creator of the first college for demonstrating what walking daily women’s fellowship program at Fresno with The Lord looks like. Thank you to State. The Well for having life groups like the
She shares her thanks and gratitude one I am in that encompass a vulnerable, towards those who have helped her and Christ-centered community that is what supported her in this new journey. Delight is aiming for. Thank you to all the
“Thank you to my parents, Nancy ladies in my life group led by the incredand Bob Whalen, for their unconditional ible Kelly Harrison for their encouragesupport through my many endeavors and ment and prayers during this time. Special thank you to Kathy Dunbar, Jenna Koetsier, and the rest of the Delight Fresno State leadership team that jumped on the calling on their hearts from The Lord to be faithful servants to His plan.” For more information on how to become a part of Delight at Fresno State, visit @delight_fresnostate on Instagram.
Letter from the Publisher: Happy New Year!
DONNA MELCHOR
Publisher Clovis Roundup
Happy 2022 Clovis and congratulations on surviving another holiday season. It is time to set back and take a deep breath, and regroup. It’s time to start putting things into perspective. We must prioritize what is important to us. While we all have our “Resolutions”. I am sure there is one commonality for us all, that is a desire for a happy, healthy, and productive year. All of which stems from taking better care of our over all health.
Without our health, we can’t be in tip top shape to handle our everyday responsibilities. When we talk about health, we’re talking not just about our physical well-being, but also our mental well-being. They are inseparable to each other. Just think about everything that you just went through during the holidays: all the hustle and bustle, food, shopping, money mismanagement, and clean-up – it’s enough to make the best of us stressed past our limits.
Now is a good time to focus on our selves and making small but significant life style changes. Set realistic goals in order to achieve results. I would like to encourage everyone to begin by paying more attention to what goes into our bodies. Not just the food we consume but the daily physical activities, and stresses of life. During our busy days in is not difficult to forget to eat healthy, exercise, and take time to relax. All these things feed into our stress levels. Resulting in a lot of sleepless nights getting up and down out of bed as some random thought overwhelms us.
I want to you to go to getfitclovis.com like and follow the page.Though the next year we will be sharing tips and information on overall health. We want to invite you to share your journey as well. We are in this journey together so I hope to see you there.
This is not a place to promote your business or to sell products and services. If you do so expect to have your post deleted and to be blocked from the page.
CLOVIS
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The basic and most common attributes that come to mind when you think about the Clovis Way of Life are things like flying an American flag on your porch, keeping up with your yards, being involved in a local church or organization, working hard to provide for your family and having the utmost respect for members of your community.
The Clovis Way of Life is all of those things, yet so much more. Clovis is not just a gateway to the Sierras, it is a destination and a place that many people are proud to call home for generations.
The people that make up Clovis are those who hold each other accountable for the standards and way of life that Clovis abides by.
Peg Bos was the former president of the Clovis Museum and was the first female mayor of Clovis from 1984-1986. As a long time Clovis resident that has always been a huge part in the Clovis community, Bos explains what the Clovis Way of Life means to her.
“To me, the Clovis Way of Life means to work hard, help your neighbor, have good work ethic, take care of your family, a tradition of building a school and church with a good education and by helping good families,” said Bos. “People need guidelines and I am proud that we have a model like Clovis as a way of life.” 2021 statistics from Niche.com, a website that provides “grades” and rankings to cities, state that Clovis has the highest overall “grade” of A-, the highest in all of Fresno County.
Clovis is also top ranked in schools, outdoor activities, health and fitness, safety, housing, and jobs.
Kim Dority and her husband Scott, own Dority Insurance & Financial Services, Inc., weighs in how she defines the Clovis Way of Life.
“In Clovis, I am surrounded by sensible, kind and loving people. It is the people that make Clovis what it is. Where the rest of the world seems to have gone crazy. Here in Clovis, we’ve remained pretty level headed and stable,” said Dority, “The people of Clovis are concerned about their children’s education and encouraging excellence. As an overall community they are concerned about safety and have a sense of community wellness. Clovis is a wonderful place to live.”
The education in Clovis is considered top tier in comparison to other Central Valley school districts and is nationally recognized. Clovis schools have been awarded National Honor awards and recognized as one of California Distinguished School districts based on academic excellence and student achievement.
The motto of the Clovis Unified School District is to constantly remind students to “Be the Best You Can Be in Mind, Body & Spirit” and that “Character Counts.”
Community and organizational involvement is what makes Clovis thrive. Many citizens in Clovis partake in extracurricular activities that better promote the city and help keep the city moving.
Todd Cook is a founding member of the California 9-11 Memorial Board as well as the Cook Land Company. Cook reflects on the pride that he has towards Clovis.
“The Clovis way of life means a sense of pride in preserving and protecting the small town atmosphere paying homage to our heritage, while planning and accommodating for growth and opportunities to its community members, along with ensuring the best education and healthcare possible to provide for our future,” said Cook.
Cook is a member of the Marjaree Mason Center board, part of the Clovis Unified School Foundation, and heavily involved with CART – Center for Advanced Research and Technology.
Cook also takes part in the Clovis Exchange Club, Clovis General Plan Update Committee, W.O.W. Fresno and the Miss Clovis Scholarship program.
Cook’s involvement in the Clovis community is a prime example of ways that he lives the Clovis Way of Life like many others in the community.
Throughout the year we will be featuring different organizations and members of the community to reflect on how they view the Clovis Way of Life to establish a deeper meaning and connection towards the reputation of Clovis.
Our first feature in the Defining the Clovis Way of Life series, we will be digging deeper into the involvement and service that Old Town Clovis has played in establishing “the Clovis Way of Life.”
CUSD Releases Updates to Quarantine, Isolation Requirements
BROOKE CHAU
@BrookeChauTV
Effective Tuesday, January 4. Clovis Unified School District has updated their quarantine and isolation requirements in order to comply with recent state updates.
These changes should reduce time needed away from school following a positive test or close contact exposure to COVID-19.
The following is effective in Clovis Unified as of today, January 3, 2022.
Following a positive COVID-19 test, individuals must isolate at home for 5 days rather than the previously required 10-day period. A student or staff member may leave isolation and return to school or work on day 6 if all of the following conditions are met:
Symptoms are resolved or resolving, and the person has been without a fever for at least 24 hours. If symptoms are not resolved or resolving, and/or fever has been present within 24 hours, an individual must continue to isolate until day 10 or symptoms are resolved/resolving and/or fever-free for 24 hours.
A negative test must be obtained on day 5 or later. A medically verified negative test must be obtained and provided to the school nurse in order for a student to return prior to day 11 following a positive COVID test or, if not tested, the onset of COVID-related symptoms.
The individual must continue to wear a mask through day 10.
Symptom-free individuals after a close contact exposure may remain at school or work, following all masking guidelines, except for close contact household members.
Siblings and other close contact household members (if not fully vaccinated and/or boosted if eligible) of a positive COVID-19 individual must quarantine at home for five days following the last contact with the positive household member, remain symptom-free, AND have a medically verified, negative test on day 5 before returning to school. Close contact household members who are fully vaccinated and/or (if eligible) boosted may continue to attend school and activities while monitoring for symptoms.
Siblings of a person exhibiting symptoms of COVID-10 (but one who does not have a positive COVID test) can continue to attend school and activities, and monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop and/ or a positive COVID test occurs in the household, then these individuals would follow the appropriate isolation/quarantine procedures.
Existing student face-covering requirements will continue, and masks must be
Clovis Roundup Photo
Clovis Unified has released new quarantined, isolation requirements that will be effective as of Tuesday, Jan. 4.
worn indoors by all staff and visitors. The indoor face covering requirement for all visitors and staff regardless of whether students are present is in place in California through at least January 15, 2022.
These changes reflect current guidance and requirements from the California Department of Public Health, Cal/OSHA, and the Centers for Disease Control. You can learn more about these updates from CDPH at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/ DCDC/Pages/Immunization/ncov2019. aspx, and about Clovis Unified’s health and safety procedures at https://www.cusd.
MISS CLOVIS
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ance and for them that’s holding a blanket or holding a stuffed animal during court hearings or it’s holding something when they go to sleep because they need comfort. So, it just lightbulbed in my head — I was like I have this platform and even though I just got crowned like a month ago, I’m going to do this,” Alday said. “I want to start something and want to make it big because I want to bring everybody in Clovis and Fresno together in the Central Valley to bless foster children this holiday season.”
One of the reasons why Alday wants to bring awareness to foster advocacy is because her grandmother grew up in foster care.
When asked about how special this blanket drive is to Alday, she said she wakes up with a smile on her face every day and feels like she’s doing something awesome.
“Personally, I want to make my grandmother proud. I want to make her story heard that she went through a difficult time. But also, after foster care, another reason why I really appreciate the police is that my grandmother went to records there at Clovis Police Department and worked there to support her children, her family,” Alday said.
When Alday dropped off some blankets herself, she said she was grateful.
“I was grateful for the environment that has supported me along – just my idea,” Alday said.
Alday said the Clovis police and fire headquarters have been more than generous.
“I’ve been so overwhelmed with the joy and the love that I’ve gotten from these amazing protectors in our community,” Alday said.
You can make a difference this holiday season by donating blankets (either brand new or gently used). The drop-off location is at the Clovis Police and Clovis Fire Department lobby headquarters located at 1233 Fifth St Clovis, CA 93612.
RESOLUTIONS
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his new year’s resolution.
He also said maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important this year by eating the right foods and exercising.
“I exercise. I have my own gym in my garage,” Sanchez said. “That’s one thing that me and my wife made a commitment to each other that we’d do the best we can to stay in shape because we want to live a long life, we want to spend a long time together, so it’s very important.”
Sanchez said his goal for 2022 is to share with people about his faith and what God has done in his life.
“He’s blessed me so much, and I want to be able to share that with other people,” Sanchez said.
For Clovis resident Andrew Bounkhoune when it comes to reflecting, he’s looking at how far he’s gone in life — new home and a new job in 2021. Bounkhoune is looking forward to career growth in 2022.
Bounkhoune said he likes playing basketball outdoors, but hasn’t really been able to play as much as he can because of the recent rain but will usually try to play every day to stay active and healthy.
“My new year’s resolution is probably to exercise a little more, maybe gain some muscle,” Bounkhoune said. “I recently saw Spider-Man, so I was like oh man if Tom Holland could get ripped like that maybe I can get ripped like that too.”
Teacher and Clovis resident, Montana Kaufmann said her number one new year’s resolution is focusing on her own personal growth & health and just trying to become the best version of herself.
“I’m also a P.E. teacher, so movement is very important to me — whether it’s walking the dogs, finding a favorite activity,” Kaufmann said. “And I’m also a coach, so I love getting out playing volleyball, getting my kids active, and all of that.”
When it comes to reflecting, Kaufmann said she has realized how important the people are in her life and not to take them for granted.
“Also, every opportunity that you have, go out and say yes, don’t say no because you’re afraid of social interaction. Go out and make the most of it,” Kaufmann said.
Recent FPU graduate, Adam Krumpe said for 2022 his new year’s resolution is to be more grateful and to keep a gratitude journal.
On health: “I’ve been pretty stressed the past few years with school, but I just graduated from Fresno Pacific, so as I kinda slow down a little bit, one of my goals definitely is to just be more active,” Krumpe said.
When it comes to reflecting on 2021 how hard times have been and realizing what’s important. He also added living in the moment and just trying to keep priorities straight.
“Not to worry or to be anxious about the future, but to take advantage of the times that we have with the people that we love,” Krumpe said.
Clovis resident, Erin Carlson said her new year’s resolution is to get healthy, eat better and be more active.
“I was a college athlete, so I feel like now that I’ve gotten in my career I want to get back to being in the shape I was in college,” Carlson said.
Carlson hopes to travel more in 2022 and do more things that she wasn’t able to do in 2020 and 2021.
While some people have new year’s resolutions, others don’t; nevertheless, still aiming for positivity.
When asked what her new year’s resolution is Sherri Watkins said: “To have none — I’m not having any new year’s resolutions other than to continue to be kind to people and uplift people, and help everyone be the best that they can be.”
As we begin the new year, hearing these resolutions has motivated me to have more focus on myself as well as to report on our community and the “Clovis Way of Life”.
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Clovis Unified Band in the Rose Bowl Parade
CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF
@ClovisRoundup
Clovis Unified were represented by 12 band students and one band director in the 2022 Rose Bowl Parade on New Year’s Day, in Pasadena, Ca.
The Rose Bowl Parade, also known as the Tournament of Roses Parade, is a New Year’s tradition that began in 1890. The parade marches five and a half miles down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena with many floral-decorated floats.
The event takes place before the annual college football bowl game called “The Rose Bowl.”
The students representing Clovis Unified will be part of a group called “Bands of America Honor Band”. The group consists of a 320-piece band, flag team, and dance team. The band is made up of 213 schools across 39 states.
Clovis North Educational Center Director of Bands, David Lesser expressed his excitement being part of this group representing Clovis Unified.
“I am very proud of all our students from CUSD who took the time to prepare an audition and were then accepted to participate,” Lesser said. “I can say without question being part of the National Honor Band in the Rose Parade will be life-changing for these students.”
The students participating in the parade are: • Cassandra Baber, Clovis North, Color
Guard • Sarah Elsberry, Clovis North, Clarinet • Adam Garabedian, Clovis West, Trombone
Courtesy of the Rose Parade
12 Clovis Unified band students and band teacher were part of the “Bands of America Honor Band” in the New Year’s Day Rose Parade that took place on Saturday, Jan. 1.
• Talia Hovsepian, Clovis West, Piccolo • Matthew Kerber, Clovis West, Alto
Saxophone • Justin Lesser, Clovis North, Banner
Carrier • Sarah Lesser, Clovis North, Color
Guard • Samuel Lozano, Clovis West, Trumpet • Elizabeth Moua, Clovis North, Clarinet • Olivia Pavao, Clovis North, Color
Guard • Avery Ramirez, Clovis East, Clarinet • Savannah Wightman, Clovis North,
Piccolo
If you would like to watch these students march down Colorado Boulevard, the Rose Bowl Parade will air this Saturday at 8 a.m. on ABC.
To learn more about this event, you can visit the Tournament of Roses website at https://tournamentofroses.com/.
CLOVIS ROUNDUP STAFF
@ClovisRoundup
Dr. Rais Vohra of the Fresno County Department of Public Health has issued a statement urging the public to donate in light of the critically low state of local blood inventories.
This winter, especially following the holiday season and in the face of COVID-19 challenges, people are far less likely to donate blood. Travel, cold and flu season, and even just busyness all play a role in this. However, traumas and vehicular accidents increase in the winter months, creating a perfect storm of dire need.
In light of this, it is even more critical and necessary than usual that all who are healthy and able, donate blood now. “The health and wellbeing of our community depends on a sustainable blood supply,” says Dr. Rais Vohra, Interim Medical Director of the Fresno County Department of Public Health. “Right now, that supply is critically low, which really impacts the care we can deliver at our local hospitals.”
Although the need never stops, less than 10% of those eligible to donate actually will. “We can’t collect enough blood for our community unless more people step up to do their part and help, by donating,” says Christopher Staub, President & CEO of the Central California Blood Center. “Blood cannot be manufactured, and it can not be provided any other way. We need you.”
Twenty20photos
Fresno County is in dire need of blood donations due to the low inventories of blood.
The Central California Blood Center and Fresno County Department of Public Health urge all healthy people to donate as soon as possibly.
For more info, please visit donateblood.org for a list of centers and center hours along with mobile blood drive information.
Construction at Former Costco Wins Safety Award
CLOVIS ROUNDUP
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The former Costco located at 380 W. Ashlan Ave. in Clovis that was modified for new public-sector use has been recognized for its safety precautions during construction.
A general contractor in Fresno, Quiring General, was awarded the Voluntary Protection Program in Construction (VPP-C) award from Cal/OSHA for the former Clovis Costco location. The construction project is called Pontiac B5.
This is a huge accomplishment as hundreds apply for the VPP-C across the state. Quiring was one of only 15 companies to receive the distinction.
The Costco is owned by Cook Land Company (CLC) of Fresno. The former facility will provide more than 138,000 square feet of office space to consolidate 550 child welfare staff from six buildings into one campus, according to Fresno County officials.
“Cook Land Company regards the emphasis on safety as objective number one and would like to acknowledge the Pontiac B5 team for their valiant effort, to look back over the course of the last year and a half with several companies working in tandem with upwards of one-hundred personnel on site is no small task,” said Reno Coletti, CLC Chief Operating Officer in a statement.
This new program is designed for employers with non-fixed worksites. Quiring General received the honorable mention after its lengthy process of sharing many safety programs with Cal/OSHA and following strict safety guidelines in the construction of the new Fresno County Child Welfare Services building in Clovis.
“Congratulations on being in the top 5 within the Central Valley and one of the top 15 projects within the State of California to receive this accomplishment,” said Coletti.
The building is expected to be ready by early 2022.
Clovis Roundup Photo
The former Costco will be turned into the new Fresno County Welfare Services office. Construction is expected to be done by early 2022.
