City Council holds farewell ceremony for Councilmembers city of clovis holds christmas tree lighting
December 5th - The annual Christ mas Tree Lighting Ceremony took place right after the conclusion of Monday’s City Council meeting outside of the Clovis Civic Center in downtown Clovis.
Promoted by the City of Clovis as a time to enjoy holiday music, lights and treats, they did not disappoint as plenty of attendees showed up in the colder conditions to view the lighting of the tree.
Mayor Jose Flores, speaking to the sizable crowd minutes after his and Councilman Bob Whalen’s farewell ceremony, opened the tree lighting ceremony by saying he was pleased that so many of Clovis’ residents could make it out to the Clovis Civic Center that night.
“It’s events like this that make Clovis a special place.”
Flores then introduced the Clovis High School Choir to sing a few “Christmas Carols” as the crowd awaited both the lighting of the tree and a special “surprise sighting” of the Christmas legend, Santa Clause. Sources can neither confirm nor deny the true identity of “Santa” at this time.
Two Clovis City Council members were honored at one of their final official Council meetings on Monday December 5th.
In a meeting that began by honor ing Clovis Unified Board Member Betsy Sandoval on her retirement, the Clovis City Council then tran sitioned into honoring two of their own.
Current Mayor Jose Flores and Councilman Bob Whalen were both recognized publicly in front of a rather large crowd inside of the Council chambers and were presented with accolades fitting for their service to the city.
Mayor Flores, first elected to the Clovis City Council in 1999 served three terms as Mayor from 20012003, 2011-2013, and 2020-2022.
Flores announced his leaving from the Clovis City Council earlier this year, but intends to continue to serve as the Chief of Police for the State Center Community College (SCCCD) Police Department.
Councilman Bob Whalen was elected to serve as a judge for the See tRee lighting Pg. 4
Don’t Let it Rain on Your Parade!
the max, sometimes with music accompaniment.
There are still lots of fun festivities to be had in Clovis.
If the cancellation of the Children’s Electric Christmas Parade due to rain has you down, get your spirits up with these fun family activities.
Every night this month, you can go see Clovis homes decorated for the season. Some blocks stand out with houses decorated to
On the block southwest of Temper ance and Bullard, one house has light displays timed to holiday music. Bring your warm cocoa and tune your car radio to FM93.1 to enjoy the show.
Another house near Peach and Sierra says to tune to FM100.1 to watch their santa, elf, and
CheCk out the Buzz Around town what’s up, Clovis?
old town coffee Group
old town carriage Rides
Photos by Ron sundquist The youngest servers were Little Emery (in the blue and white shirt) and Adalyn, whose parents are Diane and Adam. Sign-in table for volunteers. “Pappy” Lenny Papadopoulos and Doug. Pappy has cooked for the Senior Center for 40 years. He is retiring and training Doug. Key faces for the Thanks giving Dinner. The Old Town coffee group enjoys reading the Clovis Roundup and are available for autographs! Tuesday Nov. 22 at Clovis Rodeo Grounds Hall. PG&E Lineman memorial Horse and Trolly rides in Old Town Clovis, Friday, Saturday and Sunday til Christmas! Fresno Carriage Co. — Horses are Fay and K.C. — Barb is the owner and driver. Her husband, David, helps load the carriage. Waiting for their carriage rides.small town Feeling at small business saturday
Small Business Saturday brought big crowds to Old Town Clovis this year, with some shops saying that business was better than in previous years.
“It was our biggest small business Saturday in thirty-six years,” said Marty Watt, owner of 4th Street Antiques
Newer businesses got a taste of what “The Clovis Way of Life” is all about.
Eye Candy employee Samantha Dewall said, “It was our first year doing Small Business Saturday and the support has been amazing.”
She wasn’t just talking about the support from patrons. Small businesses in Old Town encourage each other and recommend customers to their stores.
“We pay it forward. When we started the business, everyone was so supportive and friendly and welcoming and so we pay it forward when the next business opens,” said Liz Bermudez at The Collective 103.
Jen Bell, one of the artisans at The Foundry Cooperative, expressed similar sentiments
about the growing support of Old Town Clovis businesses. “It makes you want to be a part of what goes on down here, and to see more and more shops popping up, because there’s life going on here,” Bell said.
Shoppers know that the best part about small businesses is the selection.
Tom Frost at Frost Oak Creek Creations said, “They know down in Old Town it’s unique, they come here and find products they won’t see anywhere else in the valley.”
Watts also says that she tries to visit the other shops and remember what they have, so she can send customers over. Watts added, “If they go away from Old Town happy, then everyone’s happy.”
The holiday shopping weekend was helped by the variety of things to do in Old town Clovis.
Watts said that people could have their breakfast, lunch, and dinner all in one area–and some even stayed in a hotel to be within walking distance of the weekend’s shopping.
All businesses in Old Town Clovis expect a busy holiday season. As an added incentive for fun and charm, carriage rides will be available every weekend in December.
“It’s a small-town Hallmark Movie kind of moment,” Watts added, “People like that
they can walk around, maybe just to get a cup of coffee and window shop.”
clovis senior activity center hosts monumental thanksgiving dinner
CloviS RounduP StAFF @ClovisRoundupThursday, November 24th, The Clovis Senior Activity Center hosted their annual free Thanksgiving Day luncheon.
Each year since 1982 the Senior Center has provided free Thanksgiving meals, not only seniors, but to anyone of any age wanting a hot holiday meal.
To date, the annual event has provided approximately 12,300 hot meals to those who are in need.
This year, however, was of special signifi cance not only due to it being the last year to be hosted in the current Senior Center build ing but also it being the final year Lenny “Pappy” Papulias will be volunteering.
Every Thanksgiving, for 40 years, Papulias has volunteered to help cook the turkeys
PARADE
CONTiNuED FROm FRONT PAGEalong with side dishes. Pappy has been the leader of other kitchen volunteers who work the day prior, and overnight, to create the meals for the Clovis holiday tradition.
In addition to Papulias each year the community Thanksgiving meal is made possible by the Clovis Salvation Army, the Clovis Senior Activity Center along with other local volunteers and businesses from the Clovis area. Their donations of funds, food, and time make this event possible.
Moniqua Randolph, Administrative Assis tant for the Clovis Senior Activity Center, along with Amy Hance and Shonna Halter man from the City of Clovis were all on hand to assist with the community Thanks giving meal.
All involved expressed their excitement about the upcoming transition to the new Senior Activity Center.
CONTiNuED FROm FRONT PAGEAs the choir sang selections such as “A Holly Jolly Christmas”, and “Silent Night”, a few true believ ers in the Christian holiday began to sing along as the voices of those surrounding filled them with the cheer and spirit of the holiday season.
snowman lights sing along to popular carols.
Of course, you can always take a nice drive around your own neighborhood in the evenings to see who’s putting on a light show near you.
Or you can take a trip through Candy Cane Lane. The neigh borhood entrance is at Cindy and Alluvial and the whole neigh borhood is walkable and drive able all month long, but best on weekends. Look out for street treats like churros, donuts, and hot cocoa!
You could even make the night extra fun with a home-made holi day light scavenger hunt. Can you find a house with Santa and his sleigh on the roof? Do you see a snowman in the front yard? How about any sneaky elves? Themed houses get bonus points!
We’ve mentioned it before, but don’t forget to take a spin with the carriage rides in Old town Clovis every weekend in December.
For some light fare, you can find holiday-themed drinks and food everywhere, like at your favorite coffee shops in Old Town Clovis or at the Sierra Vista Mall.
Break out your ugly sweater for the pub crawl on Saturday, December 17th, hosted by Neighbors in Old Town Clovis. There will be drinks specials, for adults 21 and older, pub food, and good holiday cheer.
On December 11th, Santa Claus will be visiting to bring hot chocolate, cookies, and ornament decorating to the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
councilman elect matt basgall speaks out about Future
The Clovis Roundup had the opportunity to interview retired Clovis Police Chief and now Councilman-elect Matt Basgall on his future endeavors as a Clovis Councilman.
Basgall, previously interviewed before the November election by Clovis Roundup staff, now answered questions ranging from his thoughts on why he continues to serve the City of Clovis to what possible future steps he and the Clovis City Council can take in order to help new small businesses in Clovis.
When mentioning why he continues to publicly serve the City of Clovis, Basgall first reminisced on how he’s lived in the town for the bulk of his life. He also referred to Clovis schools and all of the benefits that they can offer for the youth of the area.
Transitioning to Clovis’ small and inde pendent businesses, Basgall questioned the model of how those businesses are intro duced in Clovis. He would move forward by listing a few possibilities he believes would help those facing the, at times, rough first few months of a business.
“Whether it’s tax breaks or payroll deduc tions, or whatever it may be..What can
we do to make it successful for people to start up those businesses? Is it a ninety-day exemption or are we gonna give people six months before they have to start paying taxes?..We do need to find ways to jumpstart the small businesses.”
Basgall mentioned the looming and ever long threat of the recession in the American economy when speaking about how difficult it can be for people like these small busi ness owners or simple tax payers when they decide “how to spend their dollar”.
Finally, Basgall, the former police chief and ongoing supporter of the police department, spoke about issues related to police funding.
When asked about Measure B, the Transient Occupancy Tax that was passed by Clovis voters in the election, Basgall questions whether or not enough was done on the issue of funding the police.
“I think it would have been good to explore that a little bit more and see if there was actually potential to bring more money in… Granted it’s $500,000 and that’s amazing, but is this just something we’re gonna have to kick back to the voters in a year or two because we’re still trying to find funding sources for public safety?”
While Basgall understands that “no one likes taxes”, he also believes that there may
to Clovis residents who most resemble the qualities of Clovis.
come a time when Clovis residents will have to choose between paying for extra public safety support or being satisfied with the current amount.
“One thing we know about the citizens of Clovis is they do not want crime, they don’t tolerate crime, and they expect the police department to handle the problems.
Finally, Basgall warned against whether or not Clovis could come to a “breaking point”.
“I do think that city services are at a break ing point when it comes to the amount of service that they can provide. If we continue down the path we’re on, then we won’t be able to do the things we’ve always done.”
Still, the Councilman-elect explained that the citizens of Clovis are really at the heart of their own type of self-service, includ ing plenty of community involvement and support amongst each other and it’s police department.
“The fact that the citizens and community were so proactive in trying to keep crime out of Clovis- It really became a partnership,” said Basgall when speaking about Clovis’ support of the police department.
Whether it may be the strength of his past career or the continuance of this new one, Councilman-elect Matt Basgall will continue
to place vision in the City of Clovis. For not only does the City of Clovis have a new councilmember, but now a strength in familiarity.
The Clovis Roundup will be reaching out to other Clovis council members for further exploration of these civil servants and their agendas for the future of Clovis. Anyone in the public is free to attend council meetings, either in person or online, every first three Monday’s of each month.
Superior Court of Fresno County in Cali fornia and will assume this office officially on January 2nd, 2023. Whalen, elected to the Clovis City Council in March of 2003 served as Mayor of Clovis from 2007-2009 and 2017-2019.
In their final council meeting, the two members were honored in a ceremony in which awards were presented to them.
First, proclamations were read to each by fellow Councilmembers Drew Bessinger and Vong Mouanoutoua.
“It is nearly impossible to reflect on any significant contribution in our city over the last twenty-four years without seeing Joe’s (Mayor Flores) influence,” said Councilman Bessinger in a proclamation read to Flores, a fellow councilmen whom he called not only his colleague but a friend.
Councilman Vong Mouanoutoua presented Bob Whalen’s proclamation when he read, “Whereas council member Whalen’s numer ous accomplishments are too vast to list. But to name a few he was involved with or spearheaded, Clovis’ vast trail system, the city’s research and technology park, Clovis’ Police and Fire Department Headquarters, the Public Utilities Corporation Yard, the Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center, Fire Stations 1,4,5, and 6, and the Surface Water Treatment Plant and the Water We-Use facility.”
Plaques listing and commemorating both councilmembers’ years of service were presented to the duo alongside “Bronco Billy” Bronze statues, a specific honor given
Finally, street signs with both Whalen and Flores’ names were presented to them, another honor bestowed to a Clovis resident or in this case, public servant, by the City of Clovis when best exemplifying the standard for a Clovis resident or public servant.
Mayor Flores commented on the ceremony and reflected on his time serving as both Councilman and Mayor of Clovis.
“It’s been a pleasure working with the staff and administrations over the years. I’m honored to be a part of this great organiza tion that is the City of Clovis.”
He ended by saying that this indeed wasn’t an official “retirement” from politics and plans to hold the City Council accountable.
“If things go bad here, I’ll come stand over there,” as he pointed to the lectern, “and make sure that things are corrected. I think I leave you in good hands and I couldn’t be prouder of this council. With that, I say ‘Goodbye’ as your Mayor and City Councilmember.”
Councilman Whalen said “goodbye” to the public and the council by giving gifts to each of his fellow council members with specific meaning behind each one. But Whalen perhaps got the biggest round of applause of the night when he spoke about his family and the struggles that come with serving the public .
“Like Jose said, public service comes with a lot of private sacrifice…There are times when being a council member requires spending time away from family.” Whalen would continue his statement by recollecting a trip that he and his family once got to take
to Monterrey. “But there were a lot of nights where I wasn’t able to do that. So I missed out on some stuff, both with Jackie and also with Nancy.”
Whalen, getting choked up in front of the crowd, but still able to thank his family, uttered, “I want to thank them, because I couldn’t have done this without you, and I hope I can make up for that lost time.”
The ceremonies ended with Mayor Pro-Tem Lynne Ashbeck reminding the public that both Whalen and Flores will join the council for the beginning of their next council meet ing, before formally handing over the reigns to newly elected Matt Basgall and Diane Pearce.
Perhaps the best example of symbolism when thinking of this particular council over the years came from Whalen’s final comments to council when he mentioned an event that has happened more than a number of times.
“I was looking at Drew and I was smil ing because whenever we do the Consent Calendar, it’s always Lynne who makes the motion and Drew who seconds, and it’s just like clockwork. It’s a small thing, but I just love the consistency. It was really fun to live it one more time.”
The Clovis City Council hopes to continue that consistency in the future that its now, past, members once truly appreciated. The Clovis Roundup is a custom publication. Reproduction by any means of the entire contents or any portion of this publication without written permission is prohibited. The appearance of any advertisements in this publication does not constitute support or endorsement
clovis north marching band returns From thanksgiving day parade
Last Thursday, the day of the Thanksgiv ing Holiday, the Clovis North High School Marching Band did not celebrate the holiday at home, but rather on the opposite side of the nation. Playing in the Macy’s Thanks giving Day Parade for the first time ever, the Clovis North Marching Band had been preparing for this moment for quite some time.
While across the country, viewers got to watch the performance on live television, many fans and family members of the Marching Band made the voyage to New York City to watch the event firsthand. In addition to thirteen chaperones specifically there with the band, around 250 friends and family made the trip on their own to watch live.
Clovis North Marching Band Director David Lesser stated that the atmosphere of the parade was “amazing and electrifying,” and that the amount of people present at the parade was something that no amount of preparation could make him or the band truly prepare for.
“There was way more than I was prepared for, even though they had said that there would be millions of people there, I just wasn’t ready for what that actually looked like.”
Lesser believed that the band, no matter the amount of spectators, played excellent and that his students didn’t seem to be as phased. “One student said it was the ‘Cool est moment’ of their whole life, and that was sort of the consensus [among the rest]...
They said it was worth all the work, it was a great trip, they were so happy to get to do all the things that we did.”
Being the first band director at Clovis North, and beginning the Marching Band Program in 2007, Lesser believes that the “standard of excellence and high standards” that remains at Clovis Unified helped in his aspi ration and lifelong dream to take a band to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
“It was twenty-two years of really hard work and swimming upstream, and really not taking ‘No’ for an answer…I’ve had some tremendous mentors, and those guys had really high expectations. I learned the
importance of excellence and having high standards.”
Lesser continued by relating this to the expectations he puts on his students. “Work ing with my students to teach them about high standards and we got lucky when we got selected, and I’m pretty proud of all that our students do.” Dignity and honor flowed through Lesser’s voice as he spoke about his students.
Finally, the Clovis North Marching Band DIrector took the time to thank those who have supported the band and their efforts throughout the years, and especially those
who traveled with the band all the way across the nation.
“I just want to thank the whole community. While we were out there I was getting lots of texts and emails and phone calls…When I got back, our choir director said you were seeing just ‘Clovis North Band’ everywhere for the whole week. It just felt like the whole community was rallying around all the kids and the group.”
That they were, and now the 2022 Clovis North Marching Band will forever be enshrined as a band that had the opportunity to participate in such a moment as this.
Survivors to share stories for Pearl harbor remembrance day
handing out of programs. The ceremony will begin promptly at 9:00 am.
Clovis, CA – On Thursday, December 7, 2022, the Clovis Veterans Memorial District and Veterans Service Organizations will be presenting Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day.
Pearl Harbor survivors will share their harrowing stories at a ceremony to commemorate the December 7, 1941, attack and honor the 2,403 service members and civilians who were lost. Special recognition will be given for veterans to honor their service and for those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
The ceremony will take place in the Memo rial Auditorium at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District, with the Central Valley Blue Star Moms assisting with seating and
Lorenzo Rios, CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The ceremony will consist of the presentation of colors by the Marine Corps League, Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, a recap of events that fateful day, followed by two Pearl Harbor survivors interviewed by Paul Loeffler, and a remembrance ceremony conducted by American Legion Post 147 and VFW Post 3225.
A reception with refreshments in the Inde pendence Room will follow the ceremony provided by VFW Post 3225 and the Auxiliary.
The event is free and open to the public.
Clovis Veterans Memorial District Hosts US Naval Academy Midshipmen
Tuesday November 22, at the Clovis Veter ans Memorial District, two US Naval Acad emy Midshipmen were hosted and honored at an event held in the district’s Memorial Auditorium.
The two Midshipmen were Quaid Copher and Katherine Mendyk, the event was held during Clovis Unified week long school break for the Thanksgiving Holiday. The event was especially for students inter ested in learning more about educational opportunities, programs and scholarships through the US Naval Academy, and those who attended were invited to learn more about these programs through the informa tive eyes of two Midshipmen themselves.
Both Quaid Copher and Katherine Mendyk were able to provide first-hand knowledge on things like how to apply, or what it is like to attend Annapolis, the site of the US Naval Academy.
Receiving the unmediated knowledge from the source of two Midshipmen themselves was first and foremost the ultimate goal of this event, and the Clovis Veterans Memo rial District believes that this was a most successful experience for the students of the Clovis area and thanks all of those who attended.
The District is in plans and “looking forward” to the next talk with other Servicemen.
Offical ribbon cutting held for Butterfly Gardens
project is in an area zoned for high-density housing, as it was determined by the city’s recent state approved Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).
December 5th,
The development is the first permanent supportive housing development in the City of Clovis.
It was developed by UPholdings and SelfHelp Enterprises with the goal of assisting those with disabilities who are at-risk of becoming homeless.
The facility will also have a 24-hour staff onsite to provide services to residents. The services range from job training to mental health services.
Mayor Pro-Tem Lynne Ashbeck on the opening of the Butterfly Gardens: “The opening this morning is the result of a long history on that project…This particular housing project is the first in our city and it brought together all kinds of county part ners. It provides housing for folks in our community who need it the most. It’s not
just a roof over their head, but it’s social services to help them and help them get back on their feet. I think for our community it’s such a great step to provide housing to folks in all kinds of circumstances.”
County of Fresno Supervisor Nathan Magsig stated, “There are many people in our community that need housing that has wraparound housing and Butterfly Gardens will provide those wraparound services… Butterfly Gardens was a partnership between
the County of Fresno, the City of Clovis, our Behavioral Health Department, Public Health, the Housing Authority, so there were many different partners upholding this. We couldn’t have built a facility like that with out just recognizing that we need to come together.”
Magsig again emphasized the wraparound services at the site for those who will receive housing, will also be receiving support to “get back up on their feet.”
“Butterfly Gardens represents a strong effort by many to provide hope for the most vulnerable in our community. It is exciting to see a developer taking advantage of our recently changed zoning laws and the result ing opportunity. We welcome the future resi dents of this critical community to Clovis and look forward to wrapping arms around them so they can reach their full potential and enjoy everything Clovis has to offer.” said Mayor Flores.
According to the City of Clovis, there has been an increase of unhoused individuals in the last few years. This project is expected to help provide housing and services to those individuals in a safe environment.
The City of Clovis assisted in the project by providing funds to help reduce development impact fees and provided assistance by city staff to provide support on funding applica tions and processing permits.
Mayor Flores said, “The City of Clovis was happy to celebrate the opening of Butter fly Gardens today and more importantly extends a warm welcome to our new resi dents. We thank all of the partners, espe cially Upholdings, who came together on this project, and look forward to the positive impact it will have on our community.”
AGE RiDEs - DEc 9-18 horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautifully streets of Old Town Clovis! Available every Friday, Sunday. visit www.oldtownclovis.org.
nEEDED of Commerce is looking for volunteers to for Salvation Army. At Clovis Super Walmart Ave, Clovis, CA 93611, at the market Door). from 10am to 6pm. Priscilla@clovischamber.com to register.
FAmIly FEATURES
Capturing the magic of the holidays often happens at the dinner table as loved ones toast the season with stunning meals worth celebrating. This year, call the entire family together and make your festive feast truly memorable with pairings that offer favorite flavors for all.
Starting with tender cuts of meat handtrimmed by master butchers at Omaha Steaks, these dishes from chef David Rose call to mind the extravagant holiday gatherings of yesteryear with modern twists you can claim as your own.
Roasted Chateaubriand with Red Wine Gravy and lemon-Garlic Asparagus offers classic taste while Pepper-Crusted Prime Rib with Creamy Horseradish Sauce and Crushed Potatoes brings some zing to the kitchen.
Visit OmahaSteaks.com/Blog to find more recipes fit for the holidays.
Preheat oven to 250 F.
In large cast-iron pan, bring grapeseed oil to high heat.
Sear chateaubriand on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.
stems trimmed and spears blanched in salted water 1 pinch kosher salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 pinch ground black pepper, plus additional, to taste, divided 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 2 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 lemon, juice only 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
To make chateaubriand: Pat chateaubriand dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with salt and pepper; bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Remove chateaubriand from pan, reserving pan drip pings; place chateaubriand on wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake according to cooking chart for cook time and desired doneness. Use meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
Rest chateaubriand 15-20 minutes. Slice to desired thickness.
To make red wine gravy: Bring cast-iron pan with reserved chateaubriand drippings to high heat then add shallots and minced garlic. Brown 30 seconds.
Add red wine and deglaze pan, cooking until reduced by half, about 3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium and whisk in 2 tablespoons butter and flour until all clumps have disappeared and mixture is well-incorporated, 3-4 minutes.
Add water and bouillon cubes; bring to boil then whisk in stone ground mustard.
Reduce to low heat and simmer until achieving saucelike consistency, 7-8 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Turn off heat and whisk in remaining butter until fully melted and emulsified into sauce.
To make lemon-garlic asparagus: In large saucepan, bring olive oil to medium-high heat.
Add asparagus and season with salt, ground black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes. Sear undisturbed about 1 minute.
Turn asparagus and add minced garlic, sauteing about 10 seconds. Add lemon juice and continue sauteing until reduced by two-thirds, about 1 minute.
Turn off heat and add butter, stirring until emulsified into pan sauce. Season with salt and ground black pepper, to taste.
Serve chateaubriand with lemon-garlic asparagus and red wine gravy.
To make prime rib: Pat prime rib dry with paper towels. Season on all sides with pepper rub and bring to room temperature, about 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 250 F.
In large cast-iron pan, bring grapeseed oil to mediumhigh heat.
Sear prime rib on all sides until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.
Crushed
To make creamy horseradish sauce: In medium bowl, whisk crema, mayonnaise, horseradish, vinegar, chives, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika until wellincorporated. Season with additional salt and white pepper, to taste.
To make pepper rub: In small bowl, stir salt, peppercorns, chili and thyme.
Place seared prime rib on wire rack-lined baking sheet. Bake according to cooking chart for cook time and desired doneness. Use meat thermometer to ensure doneness. Cook until internal temperature is 10 F below desired doneness.
Rest prime rib 15-20 minutes. Slice to desired thickness.
To make crushed potatoes: Preheat oven to 425 F.
Add potatoes to stockpot. Cover with cold water by about 1 inch and add 1 pinch salt. Over high heat, boil 8-10 minutes, or until fork tender. Drain and completely cool with running cold water.
Once cool, carefully crush potatoes with palms until skin breaks and potatoes are slightly crushed.
In medium bowl, whisk olive oil, garlic and parsley.
Place crushed potatoes on aluminum foil-lined baking sheet and toss lightly with olive oil mixture. Season potatoes on both sides with kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste. Roast potatoes until crisped and golden brown, 15-17 minutes.
Serve prime rib with crushed potatoes and creamy horseradish sauce.
Dr. w ilbur A. Lose, 1911-2002
Peg Bos Historian/Clovis museum ContributedClovis doctor and public servant, Dr. Wilbur A. Lose, 1911-2002, was born in Los Angeles and graduated from Hollywood High School where he went to school with the “stars”. He actually stuck the braids of future super star/swimmer Esther Williams in the school desk ink well. He worked as an extra in movies and knew a few of the “Our Gang” kids.
He graduated from the Los Angeles College of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons in 1938. Osteopathic medicine was founded in 1892 by Andrew Taylor Still as a protest against the established medical system. After years of struggle, they were recog nized as physicians and surgeons and granted a medical degree in 1966.
Wilbur recalled being very poor and eating popcorn and oatmeal during his college years. He became a night clerk in a mortu ary and received a $300 commission for selling a coffin. Those funds paid his college fees.
It is believed that Dr. Lose delivered 20,000 babies during his practice. At times his fee would be paid in eggs, chickens or Christ mas trees and sometimes not at all. He was a “volunteer doctor” at Clovis High for ten years and at Scout camps.
Wilbur met his wife Alice (an RN at the Veteran’s Hospital in Palo Alto) on a blind
date. They were married on July 14, 1939. Wilbur had arrived in Fresno in 1938. He was employed by Dr. Clarence Rude to take night calls. Rude’s office was in the ten stories Helm building. Dr. Lose moved to Friant in 1939 to become their “Dam Doctor”.
He recalled Friant as a boom town that boasted a theater and dime store. His office was at the new Friant Theatre building. In 1940, he treated a back injury and charged $2 for the office call and $2 for the examina tion and disposition. Occasionally he would be paid in gold dust.
The couple would relocate to Clovis in 1941. They rented a large home at 311 Pollasky (now La Posada restaurant) and remodeled it into office and living quarters. In 1942 he became a member of the Salva tion Army Service Extension Welfare Committee. His job was described: “He delivered groceries as well as babies, provided shoes as well as shots, repaired window as well as broken bones, prevented evictions as well as disease, treated broken hearts as well as aching bodies.”
On May 8, 1944, Dr. Lose established the Sierra Vista Hospital at the historic 1902 Hoblitt Hotel (northwest corner of Fourth and Pollasky in Old Town). His maternity hospital license provided for a capacity of three beds.
Dr. Lose’s agreement with the California State Department of Public Health granted a per diem rate of $7 that would pay for all services provided by the hospital. One of his claims ($9.78) was denied as being excessive. He closed the hospital in 1948
(retained his office there) and joined six doctors who established the Sequoia Hospi tal in Fresno.
Alice and Wilbur joined the Peace Corps in 1969 and served two years in Microne sia where Lose provided health care for over 100 Peace Corps volunteers that were located within a radius of 500 miles. Alice and Wilbur lived in an infested termite home in Ponape. Most homes were built over water to keep them cooler and to save precious land for farming.
The island receives 400 inches of rain each year. A period of five days without rain is considered a drought. There were nine languages spoken and Dr. Lose’s average “house call” would require eight days of travel. He became a local hero when he massaged a tumor of a queen of one of the islands. It disappeared and he was viewed as a miracle healer.
After returning to Clovis, Dr. Lose helped open health clinics in Parlier, Orange Cove and Five Points. He also worked for the Central Valley Indian Health Center and the family planning division of the Fresno County Health Department.
Alice and Wilbur, in addition to their own four children (Martha, John, David and Tina) were foster parents to 37 children. Wilbur was an active member of the Clovis Methodist Church for 62 years. He would organize and lead groups of Methodist youths on mountain camping trips. The couple would celebrate 58 years of marriage prior to her death in 1997.
They provided us a rich heritage.
have You checked Your mail today?
Theft of mail, including those package “porch pirates” always increase this time of year.
Tips:
• Check your mail daily.
• Sign up for the free service from USPS called “informed delivery”.
• Look for suspicious cars following deliv ery trucks.
• Look for suspicious people walking or riding a bike in your neighborhood that seem to be stopping or slowing down in front of homes.
• SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING: Call law enforcement immediately to report a crime in progress or suspicious activity. Posting to your neighborhood apps is important, but after you call us.
• Have packages delivered to your office, lock boxes, or to a trusted neighbor who will be home.
• Do not place decorations or Christmas lights in front of your home surveillance cameras.
Call us anytime you need us:
Emergency/Crime in progress: 911 Non-Emergency: (559) 324-2800
PoLicE log oF ShAMe
wednesday, november 16
Police received a report of a home break in. The items report ed missing included one huge Samsung TV, surround sound speakers and the victim’s pair of ostrich skin cowboy boots. i can see it now! That thief is sitting in his living room with those cowboy boots kicked up and watching his favorite west ern with surround sound.
thursday, november 17
Police arrested a man suspected of grand theft auto when they caught him driving a stolen white Tahoe SuV. uhm, sir? Didn’t you realize you’d look suspicious driving the soccer mom’s vehicle of choice?
friday, november 18
A man called police to report that his vehicle was broken into while he was at Sierra Vista mall doing some shopping. The burglar did some damage to the vehicle’s steering column and driver’s side lock. Please remember this holiday shopping season to secure your bags and packages in the trunk or oth erwise out of sight if leaving them in your vehicle, to detour opportunist criminals.
saturday, november 19
Police received a report of grand theft auto. The victim, u-Haul. As many of us know, there’s been a lot of people mov ing around in California due to certain factors. u-Haul vehicles have been in high demand, with many people not able to get their hands on one. So, have people resorted to stealing them? Apparently, at least one has.
sunday, november 20
Someone decided to live out their Carrie underwood Before He Cheats fantasy. A man called the police and filed a report when he found his car totally trashed. An unknown suspect, whom i suspect to be a jaded ex, smashed the front and rear windshields, slashed a tire, and etched a message onto the car. maybe next time he’ll think…
monday, november 21
A man reported to police the loss of $1,000 worth of tools when his vehicle was broken into and robbed. We’re not exact ly sure what kind of tools these were, but whatever they are they’ve definitely fallen into the wrong hands.
tuesday, november 22
Clovis Police found and recovered a blue Yamaha golf cart that had been reported stolen to Fresno PD. The golf cart was returned to Fresno Police and eventually the rightful owner. Good thing! We’d hate to see any senior citizen go without transportation around the 50+ living community.
wednesday, november 23
Clovis Police found and recovered another reported stolen ve hicle, a Subaru Forester. Happy day for the Forester’s owner!
thursday, november 24
A cowboy had a bit too much to drink at the local watering hole and decided to drive his Silverado truck down Clovis Ave. Police stopped him and issued a Dui before anyone could be harmed by his reckless behavior. Hey bud, you should’ve left your keys and taken the reins instead.
friday, november 25
A local kid got a bit too eager for Christmas to come this year when they went into Walmart and started checking off the items from their wish list, and attempted to walk out without paying for them. Police were called to recover the stolen mer chandise and intervene in this kid’s life, hopefully setting him on a better path.
Dear Santa, we know this kid did something naughty, but we really hope they get their wish this Christmas. Everyone de serves a second chance. if they’re able to be good for the rest of the time until Christmas, please put an Orby gun and orbies under their tree this year.
If anyone has information regarding any crime committed, please call the Clovis PD non-emergency number at (559) 324-2800, or Valley Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-STOP.
DEcEmBER 2022
Horse drAWn
CArrIAGe rIdes
Location: Old Town Clovis Friday, Saturday and Sunday Tuesday thru saturday –9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
sToryTIme AT ‘A
booK bArn’
Location: 640 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA Tuesdays: dec. 13th, 20th saturdays: dec. 10th, 17th At 10 a.m.
saturday, Dec. 10
oLPH CHrIsTmAs mArKeT
Location: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church Notre Dame Hall 333 8th St., Clovis, CA 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
saturday, Dec. 10
ALIsA Ann ruCH burn foundATIon fundrAIser dInner Clovis Rodeo Grounds 748 Rodeo Dr., Clovis, CA 5 p.m.
saturday, Dec. 10 15th AnnuAL Toys for ToTs CAr sHoW Volkswagen of Clovis 350 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
saturday, Dec. 10
CALIfornIA 9-11 memorIAL Toys for ToTs California 9-11 memorial 3485 Never Forget Lane, Clovis, CA 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
sunday, Dec. 11 CLoVIs CommunITy CHoIr sonGs of THe seAson Paul Shaghoian memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. international Ave., Fresno, CA 2:30 p.m.
sunday. Dec. 11 Here Comes sAnTA CLAus Clovis Veterans memorial District 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. AuSA Band
Holiday Concert 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Kids Activities and Santa Pictures tuesday, Dec. 13
LeT’s TALK CLoVIs “A Very merry CHrIsTmAs” Veterans memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA 6:30 p.m.
thursday, Dec. 15
JoLLy TImes
Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 8:45 a.m.
friday, Dec. 16
CLoVIs sTreeT fAIr
Dry Creek Park 855 Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
saturday, Dec. 17
CHrIsTmAs KIWAnIs LunCH
Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA 11 a.m.
saturday, Dec. 17 WreATH LAyInG Ceremony
Clovis Veterans memorial District 8:30 am.
Locations:
*Academy Cemetery 11844 mendocino Ave., Clovis, CA
*Clovis Cemetery 305 N. Villa Ave., Clovis, CA
*Red Bank Cemetery 1148 Shaw Ave., Clovis, CA
saturday, Dec. 17
CLoVIs’ uGLy sWeATer Pub CrAWL Neighbors Old Town Clovis 401 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA 4:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
sunday, Dec. 18
CLoVIs rudoLPH run Location: Railroad Park 805 N. Peach Ave., Clovis, CA 7:30 a.m.
sunday, Dec. 18
CLoVIs CommunITy bAnd HoLIdAy ConCerT Paul Shaghoian memorial Concert Hall 2770 E. international Ave., Fresno, CA 2 p.m
sunday, Dec. 25 CHrIsTmAs dAy
friday, Dec. 30 noon yeAr’s eVe PArTy Clovis Senior Activity Center 850 4th St., Clovis, CA Noon
LITTLe free LIbrAry Take a Book – Share a Book 555 Bullard Ave., Clovis, CA Corner of Pollasky and Bullard
CITy of CLoVIs
HAZArdous WAsTe droP off CenTer - noW oPen 79 N. Sunnyside, Clovis, CA Tuesday thru saturday –9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
PLAcEs to Visit
CALiFORNiA 911 mEmORiAL Location: 3485 Never Forget Ln., Clovis, CA Open 365 days a year
COmmuNiTY HERiTAGE CENTER
Location: 3rd and Veterans Parkway OPEN Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
CLOViS muSEum Location: 4th & Pollasky, Clovis, CA Open Tuesday thru Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
cLoVis fARmERs’ mARKEts
CLOViS OLD TOWN FARmERS’ mARKET Location: Polasky Ave., Clovis, CA Every Saturday Year-Round 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)
HARLAN RANCH FARmERS’ mARKET HARLAN RANCH COmmuNiTY CENTER Location: 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA Every Wednesday Year-Round 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
West Clovis ‘Monsters’ Win Seniors Championship 2022
On Saturday November 19th, as the cold evening temperature began to drop further, falling to frigid degrees, the West Clovis Monsters ranked #1 in the CCYFL Juniors Division faced off against the #2 Miners, based out of the Fresno High/Edison High areas of Fresno.
With the clock dwindling down to less than 30 seconds on the clock, Chase Case, the eventual Game MVP would score the winning touchdown, giving the Monsters a 13-7 lead, and capping off an 11-0-1 complete season record.
According to Head Coach Steve Case, the stands were packed at Clovis North High School, the same site where two other cham pionships were held earlier in the day.
“The atmosphere was, literally, the stands were absolutely packed at Clovis North. Even kids from high school said, ‘We’ve never seen the field with this many kids on there.’...Fans and parents and people back ing us to get to that championship.”
Case described the stands as “rocking” the familiar sensation a coach or player receives when an atmosphere such as these champi onship games can have an actual effect on the game itself.
When asked about how it felt to win a cham pionship, Case responded by saying that the feeling was “pretty amazing”.
“For a lot of our kids we’d been there for a long time kind of toiling in that area.” Case also states that the backing from Clovis West High School and Coach Brown at that program was very beneficial to his West Clovis Monsters team and this helped make the team feel supported throughout the season. “They obviously had a really great year too at Clovis West…It was kind of a nice connection for us.”
The West Clovis Monsters, playing in the Senior Division have an age range of 11-12 year olds, and there were 35 players on the team. They went 9-0-1 in the regular season, and having a bye in the first round of the playoff format, they went 2-0 to capture their first ever championship in the Seniors Division of the Cen-Cal Youth Football League.
Head Coach Steve Case of course doesn’t believe he could have become the winning Head Coach of a Championship team with out the assistance of his staff of coaches.
Coaches Marc Bradford, Guierllmo Altami rano, Troy Rogers, and Jose Robles all had a hand in creating the Monsters and sharing in the accomplishments of the team as a whole.
Of course, having the opportunity to coach players with such offensive weapons was a luxury when it came to the season, as according to Case, the Monsters were putting up close to 30 points a game.
“It’s ironic that we only scored 13 this game…Each week, a different kid would
step up and put up two to three touchdowns a game…We had so many kids that could kind of score on you.”
Ultimately, getting the team together became the one challenge at the beginning of the year that would go on to help the team the most. “We had a lot of kids who ended up playing their first year together. You know maybe they played at other programs, but like I said, the Clovis West team had done
a good job at saying, ‘Let’s get everybody back home, and let’s start playing together’”.
The West Clovis Monsters will remain 2022 Champions of the Senior League until next season when the nine other teams in the league will once again vie for the top spot.
hot Rod coalition toy Drive for AmoR Relief
The Hot Rod Coalition put the “drive” in toy drive on Sunday December 4th, when they set up a toy drop-off in Old Town Clovis for children in Mendota.
The event encouraged all local car owners, hot rod, coupe, or minivan, to drive by the pop-up tent on Pollasky Avenue in front of Sassano’s Menswear to give a new toy to kids whose families benefit from AMOR Relief in a small farm-working community.
As a for-profit events business, the Hot Rod Coalition is not typically involved with
nonprofit benefits. Founder of the Hot Rod Coalition, Anthony Granata said, “AMOR Relief was doing a toy drive on a smaller scale before us, and we just asked if we could do an organized one.”
Granata pointed out that this is not a formal event for the Hot Rod Coalition; there was no street closure, no entry fee– just visibil ity, and giving out of the goodness of one’s heart. Short traffic stops in the middle of Old Town Clovis to unload a few toys from a car meant that other people driving by had to stop and look.
Granata said that the Hot Rod Coalition has been supporting AMOR Relief for four years
with this annual toy drive, with great turn out. Even the chance of rain wouldn’t deter them; “Rain or shine, our heart is in support ing what AMOR is doing in Mendota.”
AMOR Executive Director Davena Witcher said the AMOR Wellness Center is a twenty thousand square foot building on three acres of land in Mendota, California. Half of the building is dedicated to medical and mental health clinics, and the other half is a neighborhood resource center.
The toys will go to children who utilize the services provided by the organizations AMOR Relief hosts in their facility, like Boys & Girls Club, Girl Scouts, Centor La Familia, Head Start, and others.
The Wellness Center in Mendota is the third project AMOR has completed recently. Most of their work has been in sending aid to other countries. In Afghanistan, Witcher said, they funded a 100 bed hospital, and they have sent medical equipment and medi cine to Ukraine.
Locally, the work has been much more comprehensive.
“We bring a lot of needed resources to the community,” said AMOR Community Engagement Coordinator Roxana BcBur ney, “like our emergency food pantry and
emergency diaper assistance.” More than food and diapers, McBurney said that the farmworker community in Mendota often don’t have access to other services, like medical care or legal assistance.
“It is a very low income community and they have a lot of barriers with getting access to essential resources,” McBurney said, for example, “They often don’t have transportation to get to the larger cities, and a lot of people walk to our center because they learned about it through word of mouth.”
At AMOR Wellness, McBurney and Witcher said, people can be connected to help from organizations like the Marjaree Mason Center, Fresno EOC, or First 5. AMOR also works with Learn4Life to provide public school education at Crescent View West Charter School.
“It’s important work, it’s highly needed,” said McBurney, “ especially when you start talking to these families, you start to under stand why we’re there and the work that we’re doing.”
At the end of the drive, Granata said, “We got a 20 foot enclosed trailer full of toys.
cVBsm send Love from home to service members
sraegolden@gmail.com“We want to send a bit of love to all the servicemembers who are not at home this year”, says Blue star Mom Jen Schindler, at the package drive held this Sunday at Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
With the help of volunteers from outside the group, they packed 400 boxes for U.S. mili tary on deployment, in the United States and internationally.
Blue Star Moms is a support group, but it’s also a movement. Blue Star Mom Mari sol Gonzalez said, “I always say my child serves, so I serve.”
The package drive is only one of the events Central Valley Blue Star Moms puts on throughout the year.
They spend all of their time recognizing veterans in our community, and supporting mothers of servicemembers.
President Lisa Bailey says, “The basis for all of our work is always active military and veterans, that’s what we’re here for.”
The packages are given a personal touch, and plenty of love was packed inside.
Blue Star Moms made sure they knew what servicemembers needed and wanted, like snacks, wet wipes, cologne, and socks.
The supplies were gathered at donation bins at local businesses, or from schools.
“The biggest portion of our socks came from an elementary school in Selma,” says Jen
Schindler, “they had a contest among their classrooms and they gave us tons of socks.”
Each box was packed full with whatever the volunteers could fit inside, a letter from Blue Star Moms and a hand-drawn letter from a child at a local school was added, and these boxes were sent, with love, to as many active servicemen as the organization could get addresses for.
Central Valley Blue Star Moms real purpose, at heart, is to help and support the mothers of active military service members.
Marisol Gonzalez remembers when her son was deployed, “I had no family in the mili tary, I was lost, and they welcomed me with open arms. We are a sisterhood, and they got me through hard times when my son was deployed twice.”
Debbi Mulen said that she helped run the signing events at the local high schools this year, where graduating seniors who have enlisted get recognition for their sacrifice.
“We watch the crowd for moms of these children,” Mulen said, “and we usually get a few to join our organization.”
Central Valley Blue Star Moms had more monetary support than donations this year, and they ask that local businesses consider hosting a donations bin for wherever the community wants to give to our active service members.
Some items this year included individual ly-bagged snacks like Takis or Cheez-Its, Dude Wipes, crossword books, decks of cards or other small games, cigars, and prayer books.
TRAC Football Awards
•
Recently, awards for the Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC) in Football were announced. Five awards were given to Clovis area high schools.
Those awards are as follows:
• Player of the year: Jayden mandal Buchanan High School
• Offensive Player of the year: marshel Sanders Clovis West High School
• lineman of the year: Alec Dansby Buchanan High School
• Specialist of the year: Braylen Hall Central High School
• Coach of the year: Head Coach Eric Brown Clovis West High School
‘Giving tuesday’ nets clovis community $200,000 donation
J.t. gomez jt21gomez@gmail.comIt was ”Giving Tuesday” on November 29th, and Clovis Community College took part in its 6th year of existence at Clovis Community.
“Giving Tuesday” created in 2012, is a day of “global generosity” in which on the
De La Cerda stated that the donation was made in memory of her mother. With the help of the Diamond Learning Center, the center she founded for adults over the age of 18 with learning disabilities, she was able to donate to Clovis Community such a large sum.
“When I turned 50, I’m 59 now, I promised myself that every step I’d take would be in
Household Hazardous Waste Residuos peligrosos domésticos
Un Residuo Peligroso Doméstico (RPD) es cualquier producto dañino, tóxico o inflamable. Esto incluye muchos de los artículos que utilizamos todos los días como químicos para limpieza, baterías, luces fluorescentes, pesticidas y pintura. A pesar del uso común de estos artículos, no se pueden desechar en los contenedores regulares de basura y se debe hacer de la forma adecuada.
El servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos puede aceptar RPD residencial sin costo alguno y se encuentra abierto los sábados de 9 a.m. a 1 p.m. Está ubicado en 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.
container and must be disposed of properly.
The Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility is able to accept residential HHW at no cost and is open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 pm. It is located at 18950 W. American Ave., Kerman, CA.
There are also many locations across Fresno County that can accept certain types of HHW. Information on where to take different types of HHW can be found at the Fresno County Household Hazardous Waste website.
For more information on HHW, call the Fresno County Regional Household Hazardous Waste Facility at (559) 600-4259 or Republic Services at (559) 275-1551.
También existen muchos lugares en el condado de Fresno donde aceptan ciertos tipos de RPD. En el sitio web del servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos, podrá encontrar información sobre dónde llevar los distintos tipos de RPD.
Para más información sobre RPD, llame al servicio regional del condado de Fresno para residuos peligrosos domésticos al (559) 600-4259, o a Republic Services al (559) 275-1551.