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Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosts annual Veterans Day Celebration
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District observed this year’s Veterans Day with their annual Veterans Day celebration held in their block of Old Town Clovis.
Events included a car show, documentaries played in their hall, a Patriotic Concert held in their Liberty Ballroom, along with photos of Veterans scattered throughout the area. A specific part of The District was reserved solely for photos of Veterans from the Clovis area.
This of course kicked off with the District‘s annual pancake breakfast, discussed by CEO Lorenzo Rios. This breakfast was held specifically for all Veterans.
“The Veterans of Foreign Wars provided breakfast that was free to all Veterans, and all they asked for was a donation from the rest of the public…that’s one of their big fundraisers.”
Towards the front entrance of the Memorial District’s event center, winners of the Veterans Day Student Contest were displayed for all those who entered to view. This student contest had entrants from Clovis Unified School District’s Kindergarten classes all the way to 6th grade. The contest was open to three sections, elementary, middle and intermediate schools, and high schools. A link to winners of the contest can be found at cvmdistrict.ca.gov.
After the playing of patriotic selections performed by the Clovis Community Band and performances from the local community choir ”Kids Can Sing”, a non-profit group that makes music readily available to all children, attendees were invited out to view the car show held along Veterans Parkway.
Cars parked along the street were displayed, some with notes of direct relations to Veterans, and crowds of spectators walked the 500 foot street length down to the Veterans Community Heritage Center.
The Community Heritage Center, opened about a year ago, is an interesting look into the history of Clovis moving from the introduction of Clovis as a city into the time of World War I. Displays of the flume that ran from Shaver Lake into the middle of the City were portrayed as well as interactive portraits of Clovis pioneers including Clovis Cole, Marcus Pollasky, and C.B. Shaver. This of course then transported into the history of World War I and its impacts on the Clovis community in this museum like setting.
Photo by J.T. Gomez, Clovis Roundup
The stretch of road that is Veterans Parkway accommodated a multitude of vehicles, cars and motorcycles, in the Memorial District’s Annual Veterans Day Car Show.
One of the first items on display crediting the World War I section of the museum was an Army Nurse’s uniform, directly related to the “Women in the Military” section of the Veterans Day festivities. Other exhibits were scattered throughout The District highlighting women’s achievements throughout the history of the American military. You can learn more about the Veterans Memorial District’s honoring of Women in the Military on their website at “Clovis Veterans Memorial District.”
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in the shade and wait for farmers market,” and when it came time to open the store, she says, “I made up certificates of thanks and appreciation and I went out and made a big deal of presenting the certificates, thanking them for guarding the door for two years, while the building was vacant.”
What stuck after 22 and a half years is that Watts said ,“They will always have a place out here.”
It’s a simple arrangement. Viola Garcia says that the group is like a found family, and she started coming around for coffee with other members of a three-wheeled motorcycle group.
Others heard through friends about a nice place to have coffee in the mornings. Watts says, “Some people get up early and go to the gym before work, some people come here.”
Nobody bothers to label it, it’s just some nice socializing they do most mornings. But it’s a tight enough group that, when regulars can’t show up, they’re missed.
Everyone has their own days that they come out. Some, only once or twice a week, others come out every morning. “It’s different every day; sometimes it’s five, sometimes it’s twenty-five people out there,” says Watts.
Ron Sundquist joins the group on Tuesdays, and talks up the group, saying “it’s the greatest friendships you will ever make when you come to this group.”
Apparently, it’s a part of small town life to have a coffee group.. Watts says, ““I’m from a small town in Missouri, in the Ozarks, and it’s very common to have a small town coffee group.”
Lots of the folks on the corner are from similar small town backgrounds, so it’s no wonder they carry on the tradition here in Clovis.
They’ll talk politics, current events, government money, national news, whatever’s brought up. But an important note is that there are never any sour feelings, nobody gets too worked up about topics of discussion.
When a passersby needs to walk between the rows of chairs spanning the sidewalk, they might look intimidated at first, but someone always greets them and lets them know it’s alright. Sundquist says, “When we’re out here, the sideways becomes the catwalk!”
Besides, if you need it, this group is
Photo Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup
Old Town Coffee group.
pretty good with directions.
Some nice morning, consider bringing your own chair out to the corner of 4th Street and Pollasky Avenue, or use one of the extra chairs if they’re available. Have Leeland Reinhardt pour you some home-brewed coffee from his thermos, and enjoy the good company and pleasant weather.
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Samantha Golden
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OCTOBER 8, 2022. This month, Hinds Hospice celebrated a milestone of one million dollars of cumulative funding from the Isnardi Foundation since 2004.
The ceremony was hosted at the Hinds Hospice Thrift Store in Clovis where Nancy Hinds, founder of Hinds Hospice, gifted an old Isnardi family heirloom back to the Isnardi Foundation board as a token of thanks.
Nancy remembered the first time she met Vincent Isnardi in 2004, two years before the Isnardi Foundation was created.
“I was on duty at the hospice clinic and the doorbell rang and there was this gentleman,” Nancy said, ”He gave me a check, and I said thank you very much and off he went. And then I opened the check and it was for a hundred thousand dollars.” This was the very first donation Vincent Isnardi had ever given to Hinds Hospice.
“So I go running after him, just to talk with him, and he was in his car and he just waved and off he went,” Nancy continues, “That’s who he was, that silent giver, and not wanting anything in return. So generous. And oh my goodness how I wish I had invited him in and given him a cup of coffee or something.”
The token of thanks that Hinds was able to gift back to the family of Victor Isnardi was presented to Peter Tocchini, cousin to Victor and Director of the Isnardi Foundation.
He said, “It’s from our uncle’s drugstore, International Drug in Fresno, and apparently he gave this coin to customers to come back and redeem for other purchases.”
International Drug used these tokens from the 1940s through the 1960s. Tocchini says that he plans to give it to the Fresno historical Museum to be displayed as a part of their Italian Heritage Exhibit.
With the Isnardi Foundation’s most recent donation, Hinds Hospice was able to purchase new boxes and electric pallet jacks to make storing and sorting donations from the public more efficient and less physically demanding for staff and volunteers.
Desmond Davila, Director of Thrift Store Operations explained, “From a physicality standpoint it’s made a huge difference for our team.”
The Hinds Hospice thrift stores financially support programs provided to patients of the hospice clinic and their families, as well as providing the community with a wide variety of affordable goods.
“It is very important work and we are very grateful to the Isnardi Foundation for recognizing that and helping us make it easier on our employees and more efficient for that,” said Director of Development for Hinds Hospice, Steve Weakland
If you want to volunteer with hinds Hospice this holiday season, you can call the Volunteer Department at 559-317-6016, or send an email to volunteer@hindshospice. org.
Photo Samantha Golden, Clovis Roundup
Peter Tocchini (Left) receives a token of thanks from Nancy hinds (right).
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
The Clovis Senior Activity Center released a Facebook post detailing a certain Thanksgiving tradition that they have been hosting for over 30 years.
In providing a Thanksgiving meal, free to all seniors, the Senior Center embarks in the certain American tradition as they have for a number of years prior.
Pappy’s Fine Foods will be preparing the meal with their partnership with the Clovis Senior Activity Center. The Salvation Army also participates in preparing and distributing the meals to seniors.
Moni Randolph, Administrative Assistant for the Clovis Senior Activity Center, invites seniors in an address made to the public on a video released on the Center’s Facebook page.
“We invite our entire community to come out and enjoy some fellowship, good music, and have a delicious hot meal.”
The luncheon will take place at the Clovis Senior Activity Center, 850 4th Street in Clovis from 11am-Noon on Thanksgiving Day, November 24th. Doors will open at 10:30 AM and the luncheon will run until all supplies are distributed.
According to the Senior Center, there is no appointment necessary and there is no cost to seniors who intend to have a warm meal.
The Salvation Army, Pappy’s Fine Foods, and the staff of the Clovis Senior Activity Center make this event possible each and every year with help from other local volunteers and businesses from the Clovis area.
The Clovis Senior Activity Center is still in need of further volunteers for this year’s event. Those interested can contact the center at (559) 324-2750.
Photo courtesy of City of Clovis
Every year the Clovis Senior Activity Center provides a free Thanksgiving lunch to the community.
Children’s Electric Christmas Parade to arrive into Old Town December 3rd
Photo byv Clovis Roundup
Santa waving to onlookers during the Children’s Electric Christmas Parade. Samantha Golden
sraegolden@gmail.com
On Saturday night, December 3rd the holiday spirit will be in full swing in Old Town Clovis.
This is when the streets will fill with families watching the Children’s Electric Christmas Parade hosted by the Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club.
Every December, Clovis residents look forward to the Clovis Children’s Electric Christmas Parade that brings in the holiday spirit with a fun-filled parade with lights, parade floats and a whole lot of Christmas music. There will be free shuttle rides that run from the Sierra Vista Mall to the parade all night long to ease traffic and parking.
Local school clubs and organizations will showcase their love for Clovis by having students and members wave from the parade floats and celebrate the holiday season.
The Children’s Electric Christmas Parade is a community event hosted by The Old Town Clovis Kiwanis Club to help spread holiday cheer to local families.
With Christmas right around the corner, there are still several events to get you in the holiday spirit. For more information, visit oldtownclovis.org.
City of Clovis Names New Economic Development, Housing & Communications Director
Press Release
City of Clovis
Thursday, November 10, 2022 - The City of Clovis announced the appointment of Chad McCollum to the position of Economic Development, Housing and Communications Director.
Mr. McCollum currently serves as the Public Affairs and Information Manager, a position he has held since joining the City in March of 2019.
Prior to coming to work for the City, Mr. McCollum spent 20 years in the broadcast news industry, most recently leading the news departments of two local television stations.
In his new role, Mr. McCollum will lead the economic development, marketing, housing, community engagement, and communications team.
The Department is responsible for attracting new business and retaining existing business in the City of Clovis, directing affordable housing efforts, and managing internal & external communications, including media relations, marketing, citizen relations, and tourism campaigns.
Mr. McCollum will be taking over for Andrew Haussler who was promoted to Assistant City Manager. Mr. McCollum’s experience in the private sector will allow him to excel in the role as he works with private sector developers and partners to invest in Clovis.
City Manager John Holt said, “I am excited to announce the appointment of Chad McCollum to the position as he brings a wealth of experience and insight that is critical for the City to reach its goals and full potential”.
This appointment is effective November 16, 2022, subject to City Council confirmation, which is expected to take place during the November 14 City Council Meeting.
Photo courtesy of XXX
City of Clovis.
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and adults alike exclaiming “Oh pretty!” at the long sleeved, glittery white gowns in the windows.
Across the street, Cozy Cottage Antiques brought a homestyle feeling with natural wood furniture adorned with blushing Santas.
On the Edge coffee shop got in on the cheer in their usual way: bringing live music to their back patio, where adult guests could relax with a small bite and a glass of beer or wine, and of course their specialty hot drinks. Kitchen Manager Jenna Gonzalez says, “It’s a fun time, it brings the holiday spirit to town.”
The event featured street vendors with handmade gifts, and Buchannan’s very own Jazz Band A played holiday swing at Centennial Plaza while carolers made the rounds up and down the street.
We all know one of the biggest reasons for the season is holiday shopping. Whether you’re looking for contemporary styles, a vintage gift, or something for that friend who has a little of everything, Old Town Clovis can grant all your holiday gift wishes.
Visitors got an early peek at holiday offerings at Revival 23. The decorations went up as soon as that festive feeling hit, on November 1st.
The store is in full swing now, behind the fluffy trees and cozy knitwear in the window, they’ve got scented candles and jewelry placed front and center.
That’s not all they offer– “We do accessories, home decor, we’re kind of a one stop lifestyle store,” Marketing Manager Alexis Darrow says, “and One Enchanted Evening is a really fun small town event that kicks everything off for us.”
Arpi Rosenbery, owner of Rosenbery’s old Town Trading Co. says that One Enchanted Evening gives small businesses the opportunity to really play up that homelike warmth, and welcome guests into a comfortable and friendly environment where a little giving can go a long way.
“It’s kind of been a tradition here that we want it to be like a home, we want to invite people in and make them feel comfortable and offer goodies and snacks to make them feel all warm and fuzzy inside,” Rosenbery says. For the event, Arpi herself baked cookies at home to offer those who entered her store.
Rosenbery’s Old Town Trading Co. offers all kinds of goods: old and new, eclectic and expected. If you’re looking to cross a hard to shop for friend or family member off the list, look no further: “There’s something for everybody,” Rosenberg says.
The cheer is here through the end of the year; and Small Business Saturday is coming up on November 26th, and if you missed the carriage rides, you can catch one every Friday through Sunday until December 18th.
