16 minute read
Clovis Happenings
HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT OR AN EVENT YOU WANT POSTED? EMAIL US AT CALENDAR@CLOVISROUNDUP.COM
SEPTEMBER
CLOVIS WEST HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 1992 – 30TH REUNION Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA Saturday, Sept. 3 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
2ND ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT REMEMBER THE TROOPS Hosted by: Central Valley Blue Star Moms Location: Dragonfly Golf Club 43369 Ave. 12, Madera, CA Thursday, September 8 at 8 a.m.
TWILIGHT THURSDAY CONCERT SERIES Hosted by: Clovis Botanical Garden Location: 945 N. Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA Thursday, September 8 at 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m. CLOVIS WEST REUNION Classes 1980 – 1984 Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA Friday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m.
CALIFORNIA 9/11 MEMORIAL ANNUAL COMMEMORATION CEREMONY Location: 3485 Never Forget Lane Clovis, CA Sunday, Sept. 11 at 8:15 a.m.
VETERAN CLOVIS VIRTUAL JOB FAIR Location: Richert Clovis, Clovis, CA Online at HireX or MilitaryX Monday, Sept. 12 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
TWILIGHT THURSDAY CONCERT SERIES Hosted by: Clovis Botanical Garden Location: 945 N. Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA Thursday, September 15 at GRASS LESS TRAVELLED AT BLUEGRASS IN THE PARK Location: Liberty Park 901 5th St., Clovis, CA Friday, Sept. 16 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
CLOVIS STREET FAIR Location: Dry Creek Park 855 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA Friday, Sept. 16 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT At the Friday Farmers Market Sept. 16, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
CLOVIS PARK IN THE PARK Location: Treasure Ingmire Park 36 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA Saturday, Sept. 17 at 4 p.m.
SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER Hosted by Marine Corps League Det. 14 Location: Clovis Veterans Memorial District 808 4th St., Clovis, CA Saturday, Sept. 17 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
GLORIOUS JUNK DAYS Location: Old Town Clovis Sunday, September 18 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
ENTRY LEVEL VIRTUAL JOB FAIR Location: Clovis, CA CIGARFEST – 25TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Host: Perfect Blend Fine Cigars Location: Dragonfly Golf Course 43369 Ave. 12, Madera, CA Wednesday, Sept. 21 Registration at 9 a.m.
TWILIGHT THURSDAY CONCERT SERIES Hosted by: Clovis Botanical Garden Location: 945 N. Clovis Ave, Clovis, CA Thursday, September 22 at 5:30 p.m. - 7 p.m.
CLOVISFEST & HOT AIR BALLOON FUN FLY Location: Old Town Clovis Saturday, Sept. 24, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
2ND ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY Scheduled to take place during Clovisfest, Clovis, CA Saturday, Sept.24 and Sunday, Sept. 25
HERD OF TURTLES CHALLENGE RUN 5K Run Walk Location: Dry Creek Park 855 Clovis Ave., Clovis, CA Host: H.O.P.E. Program
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
FRIDAY NIGHT FARMERS’ MARKET Location: Old Town Clovis Friday, April 29 - Friday, Oct. 28 5:30 p.m. – 8 :30 p.m.
CLOVIS OLD TOWN FARMERS’ MARKET Location: Old Town Clovis Every Saturday Year-Round 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (weather permitting)
HARLAN RANCH FARMERS’ MARKET Location: 1620 N. Leonard Ave., Clovis, CA Every Wednesday YearRound 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. (weather permitting)
Business & Service Directory
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Clovis Funeral Chapel
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Alex Scott
alexmscott1400@gmail.com
During the first week in August the Clovis Veterans Memorial District hosted their 1st annual American Citizens’ Toolkit (ACT) Student Leadership Program.
High school students from the area participating in this program learned the value of teamwork and took a deep dive into the U.S. Constitution. The goal of this program was to help students gain a greater awareness of their civic duties while becoming well informed citizens.
Throughout the week, the students took part in various leadership and team building exercises, and immersed themselves in a curriculum regarding the U.S. Constitution and its components.
“This was designed to be a leadership program because we realize what we’re asking the students to do is exercise their voice and really provide some respite in this tenseful situation, by providing some insight that everyone has a lot of opportunity,” said Lorenzo Rios, CEO of the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
Local Veterans served as mentors and provided aid to students throughout the week. These veterans gave presentations about the organizations they represent and spoke to students about scholarship opportunities.
“Those who benefit from those who protected those freedoms should do something to make the sacrifice of that 1% matter. And the ultimate thing to do is make sure that you live a life well-lived, where you pursue your dreams and you remember your responsibility to support and defend the Constitution,” said Rios.
The first day was focused on having the students learn about their fears and overcoming them. This comes from the idea that as leaders, they must overcome their fear of being challenged by those with opposing ideas.
The next two days were a mixture of both interactive engagement and team building.
The fourth day consisted of students engaging in case studies where they analyzed Supreme Court cases. The students learned the facts of the cases and studied both sides of the argument. They then had the chance to debate both sides.
On the final day students identified current issues, then think of ways to take action
Photo courtesy of CVMD
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District held their first annual ACT Student Leadership Program during the first week of August.
as young citizens. Students were then challenged to look forward and determine what they want to address within their campuses and communities.
The program curriculum was built to equip students for active engagement, with an understanding of the constitutional principles that are the basis of the United States government, and are necessary to interpret modern political issues.
“Ultimately, we want to see an informed citizenry that is engaged with their government systems, and they use their voice. There’s a lot of opportunity, and we want to encourage them to do something with these freedoms, ” said Rios.
As part of the curriculum, each student was educated on the history behind the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. The students learned about the six principles of the U.S. Constitution: limited government, republicanism, checks and balances, federalism, separation of powers, and popular sovereignty.
The program was established to create an environment that kept the energies of everyone focused on the material, and to present the material in a manner that allowed for individual interpretation. This encouraged each student to apply their own cultural norms and values to the material so they could come to their own understanding, and apply that knowledge to their lives.
The dialogues that took place during the week were used to encourage the students to assess why the context and history of the U.S. Constitution is important to them.
“That action empowered them, the students, to realize that they can respectfully disagree with others, but are not victims. They are very capable agents that can move forward and express themselves because of some protections that were established in the Constitution,” said Rios.
At the end of the week, the students attended a graduation where they were honored for their dedication and completion of the program.
“I was inspired to have the the opportunity of working with fellow veterans here; where we all work together to create an environment for the students to ask some hard questions and to grow personally and professionally, and see how they interpret things,” said Rios.
The Clovis Veterans Memorial District hopes to continue this program so more students have the opportunity to learn the history of the United States government and become well informed citizens.
You can watch a recap of the weeks events on the Clovis Veterans Memorial District Youtube channel.
CDs: The Basics
Noble Credit Union
@NobleCUFresno | Sponsor
If you’re willing to wait, a CD can be a great way to earn a high-interest rate on the money you deposit. You can get a certificate of deposit (CD) through almost any bank or credit union. Essentially, a CD is a promise that you’ll leave a certain amount of money in an account for a specified amount of time. In exchange for not accessing the money during that period, the bank or credit union will offer high interest rates on the deposited amount.
The length of a CD can vary, but anywhere between six months and five years is common. The minimum deposit is often $500. In investment terms, the money you put in is known as your principal, the length of the CD is its term, and the time it matures, or ends, is its date of maturity.
The interest rate and annual percentage yield (described below) determine how much you earn on a CD. Generally, a longer term gets a higher rate. Rates can also vary a lot from year to year.
You can get CDs through almost any bank or credit union. Many people use a local bank or credit union for convenience. Noble Credit Union, with eight locations from Madera to Selma, offers many certificate options including a limited-time special 19-month and 39-month term certificate delivering higher than market rates.
Cashing Out
When a CD matures, you generally have a time limit to decide what to do with the money. If you wait too long, the financial institution usually rolls over, or reinvests, your money into another CD for the same term at the current rate. If you would like to cash the CD after it matures, you can ask the financial institution to move the money into your accounts, transfer it to another financial institution, or send you a check.
If you end up needing the money before the CD matures, you can withdraw it early, but you’ll face penalties and fees.
Buying From a Broker
You can also buy a CD through a stockbroker, but you will likely have to pay some sort of fee or commission. With a brokered CD, you can usually sell it without penalty if you need to get your money out early. But you may have to sell it for less than the principal you invested. Be sure that the brokered CD is insured before investing. *Caution - Be very cautious about buying liquid CDs that claim you can make early withdrawals without fees. There are often restrictions that make these CDs less flexible than they appear.
Compounding is Key
What you actually earn on your CD is the yield— specifically the annual percentage yield (APY). The yield depends on whether the interest is simple or compound, and how often it’s compounded.
Simple interest is paid only on the principal you initially invested. Compound interest adds in the money that has been earned.
For more information about the benefits of CDs and other investment options to help reach your financial goals, visit Noble Credit Union’s website at www.NobleCU. com.
Noble Credit Union has been treating each member with kindness, dignity, and honor while helping members make sound financial decisions for 81 years. The Credit Union offers members full access to a wide range of financial education and services, including low-rate auto loans, MyRewards Visa credit card, mortgage and equity loans, online and mobile banking, and more. For more information about membership at Noble Credit Union, call (559) 252-5000 or visit NobleCU.com.
Fresno Co. Coroner and Clovis resident, Dr. Venu Gopal dies after losing control of car
J.T. GOMEZ
jt21gomez@gmail.com
Dr. Venu Gopal, Chief Forensic Pathologist for the Coroner’s office and Clovis resident died in a deadly car crash on the morning of Aug. 27, according to the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s office, the California Highway Patrol reported that at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 27, officers responded to a report of an injury collision on Highway 168, east of Beal Fire Road in Auberry.
Based on a preliminary investigation, findings indicate that for an unknown reason Gopal was unable to maintain control of his vehicle and the car went off the shoulder and careened approximately 200 feet down the mountainside.
Gopal sustained critical injuries and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. No alcohol or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the collision and the investigation is ongoing.
Gopal is survived by his wife and two children.
Gopal is remembered for his service and involvement within his community. During Gopal’s free time he would remain involved at his temple where he held a position within the temple that required his frequent involvement.
Gopal who graduated and received his medical license from Bangalore Medical University, Kamataka, in India came to the United States to complete his residency in pathology at St. Vincent’s Medical Center of Richmond, Staten Island, New York in the ‘80s. After Which he began his career with Fresno County in 1992 and has since left a legacy of service.
His service was known professionally throughout the medical community where he was considered the leading authority
Alex Scott/Clovis Roundup
Dr. Venu Gopal pictured with Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims.
in his field and served as the co-chair for the Pediatric Death Review Committee as well as a member of the Traumatic Audit Committee and Elder Abuse Committee. Whenever the opportunity presented itself, Gopal would continue to help others and host emergency room doctors during their residency for their forensic training requirements.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s Office reflected on Gopla’s service and work ethic in a statement released Saturday.
“The Fresno County Sheriff’ Office and our community has suffered an enormous loss. Dr. Venu Gopal was an amazing man who performed incredible work during his 30 year career at the Coroner’s Office. He helped provide much needed answers to grieving families and also contributed to delivering justice to loved ones in mourning. We wish to thank Dr. Gopal for his service Dr. Gopal for his service. He will be greatly missed. God bless him and his family.”
Doug Fraley Named Next Director of Track & Field at Montana
J.T. Gomez
jt21gomez@gmail.com
The former Clovis West standout Track & Field athlete, Doug Fraley has been named Director of the Track & Field program for the University of Montana.
Fraley has twelve years of prior collegiate coaching experience, and most recently was the pole vault coach at Washington State.
Fraley, a five-time All-American and three-time NCAA champion in the pole vault himself, has produced a number of champions as a coach including twenty-four NCAA East regional qualifiers, seven NCAA Championship qualifiers, and five All-Americans.
Coaching at Tulane and Washington State, the Clovis West alumni looks forward to taking his leadership to the University of Montana Grizzlies.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me, and something I’m extremely grateful for…I look forward to taking over this program and moving it to a higher level.”
Photo courtesy of GoGriz.com
Doug Fraley hired as director of Track and Field at the University of Montana.
Contributed by NORAD
PETERSON SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. – August 23, 2022 North American Aerospace Defense Command will conduct a live-fly air defense exercise over Central California.
Under the direction of NORAD, United States Air Force C-17 and F-15 aircraft will participate in the exercise. Aircraft will operate at low altitudes, for short periods of time, and may be visible to the general public during the exercise.
To test responses, systems and equipment, NORAD routinely conducts air defense exercises using a variety of scenarios, including airspace restriction violations, hijackings and responding to unknown aircraft. All NORAD exercises are carefully planned and closely controlled.
The defense of Canada and the United States is NORAD’s top priority and we are on alert 24/7/365. Operation NOBLE EAGLE is the name given to air sovereignty and air defense missions in North America.
For 60 years, NORAD aircraft have identified and intercepted potential air threats to North America in the execution of its aerospace warning and aerospace control missions.
Local Health Care Center shows appreciation for staff’s hard work during pandemic
Alex Scott
alexmscott1400@gmail.com
United Health Centers leadership provided free taco lunches to employees of the Clovis-Shaw and Clovis-Herndon UHC locations during the month of August.
The lunches were provided to frontline medical workers in appreciation for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the course of the pandemic, nurses, doctors, and other medical staff put in extra hours and made sacrifices during the pandemic in order to provide quality care to patients experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
“This is a way to say thank you to our staff for putting in those extra efforts; keeping a smile on their face and treating everybody with courtesy and respect,” said David Phillips, the Community Resource Officer for Clovis-Herndon UHC.
UHC leadership recognizes the hard work and commitment to patients and the community that each employee displays every day; beyond the days of the pandemic. As the nation celebrates health centers this month, UHC leadership celebrated health care employees with lunch as a way to say thank you for their continued dedication and hard work.
“Everyone works very hard and we want our team members to know they are valued,” said Somsay Chanthavongsor, the Health Center Manager for the Clo-
Photo courtesy of UHC
Joana Burgos, Registered Dental Assistant; Joanna Chavez Cruz, Dental Assistant; Daisy Tinoco Chavez, Dental Receptionist; Eliane Saed, Director of Clinical Services; Somsay Chanthavongsor, Health Center Manager; Kenneth Evans, Director of Operations; Dr. Hilda Prieto, Dental Provider; Mark Lozada, Community Outreach Supervisor; Jonathan Amezquita, Community Outreach Specialist.
vis-Shaw UHC Health Center. “I highly believe showing appreciation to the team improves workplace morale and can cause a ripple effect of continued positivity.”
At the Clovis-Shaw lunch, staff took the opportunity to break away from the daily routine and mingle with individuals of other departments. Team members described the celebration as “cool of the company” and stated, “Wow, UHC went all out”. According to Chanthavongsor, this celebration was highly anticipated by the entire Clovis-Shaw team all month long. The lunch also gave staff the opportunity to celebrate with each other while enjoying the company of their peers.
