Vendors, sponsors sought for graffiti festival

In the summer of 1973, a movie premiered featuring lots of cars, lots of music and some little-known actors -names like Ron Howard, Harrison Ford, Cindy Williams and Candy Clark. The filmmaker, George Lucas, was comparably obscure. Fifty years later, we know this as the inception of “American Graffiti.”

On June 10-11, 2023, North Modesto Kiwanis will host its 24th annual American Graffiti Festival & Car Show, a celebration of Modesto’s cruising legacy. It brings car lovers and music fans from throughout the Central Valley and neighboring states.

The weekend kicks off June 9 with a classic car parade/ cruise downtown and on McHenry Avenue.

This festival is the consummate community effort. It is organized by Kiwanians, with help from many other organizations and individuals. Businesses play key roles as sponsors and vendors. Collectively, we raise thousands of dollars to return to the community in the form of grants to non-profits serving youth, college scholarships and a major Christmas basket program.

Those who want to be involved in our 2023 event –whether showing a car, volunteering along the parade route or serving as a sponsor or vendor – are invited to check our website, www.americangraffitifestival.com or email nmkcarshow@gmail.com

Central West ballet Celebrates 35th anniversary first Valley Credit Union

Celebrate the best performances of Central West Ballet for one night only on March 11.

They’re bringing back all the favorites, from the Marie Gallo Ballet to the hilarious bar fight scene from Pirates, Cowboys & Damsels! The evening also features the world premiere of a new ballet and original music played live on stage by composer Dale Trombore.

In honor of the 35th Anniversary, all tickets are $35.00; join patrons for champagne in the lobby before the performance! Tickets available at galloarts.org. For more information, visit www.centralwestballet.org

Modesto-based Valley First Credit Union added veteran communicator Daren Williams to the credit union leadership team as director of corporate communications.

He will oversee all communications involving the credit union, including a broad and diverse range of business, employee, member, and marketing communications.

Williams has more than 35 years of experience working as a communications professional, most recently as senior director of Global Communications at the Almond Board of California, which brought him to Modesto in 2018.

Williams’ previous experience includes 12 years with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association in Denver, 10 years at Fleishman Hillard International Communications in Kansas City, and nine years at Agri/Washington, a Washington, D.C.-based public affairs firm.

A native Kansan, he began his career working on former Kansas Senator Bob Dole’s 1988 presidential campaign.