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A Letter to Our Members and Communities

AltaOne Federal Credit Union is a strong member-owned financial cooperative and proud to be your trusted partner. We exist to help all our 55,000+ members throughout Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties and beyond, achieve their goals and attain financial freedom.

Friday, and over the weekend, two banks located in California and New York were seized by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and have been reopened under their direction. The FDIC has stated that although most of the deposits at both institutions were uninsured, their customers will continue to have access to all their funds.

You may have concerns about the US banking system. Please rest assured that the banking system is working how it was designed, to protect depositors.

AltaOne’s Strong and Diversified Membership

Through the years, AltaOne has helped the areas we call home to survive and thrive regardless of economic conditions, weather patterns, earthquakes, the COVID pandemic, or the opening and closing of industries. Our prudent financial management has had its critics, but our results show that we are financially strong with over $780 million in total assets and over $66 million in net worth, which is more than $11 million above the required federal regulatory level for well capitalized institutions. Additionally, the credit union recognized over $4 million in net income in 2022. Our financials are always available and can be viewed at the NCUA’s website and are posted at each branch location.

Our strength is due to our diversification. We serve many communities and hard-working families who are eager to find the best financial path for their lives. They work in various industries and are not concentrated in any specific type of business. From education to military, healthcare to farm workers and municipal to the petroleum industry, we have proudly served those who power our local communities for 76 years.

Our Focus is on Helping Members and Our Communities

We continue our mission to improve the inequalities that exist in income, wealth, and access to financial solutions. Our focus remains on meeting the financial needs of those who work and live in Kern, Inyo, and Mono counties.

If you have questions, please reach out to your local branch or directly to me.

Thank you for your membership, Stephanie Sievers, CEO

Miscellaneous Miscellaneous Miscellaneous

$200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450 $500 $200 $250 $300 $350 $400 $450 $500 @ 10PM GREEN BEER ON DRAFT - $3 IRISH CAR BOMBS - $8 JAMESON SHOT - $6 GUINNESS - $4 CORN BEEF ‘N CABBAGE DINNER SPECIAL RUBEN SANDWICH SPECIAL ADVENTURE VEHICLE GIVEAWAY FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST @ 9PM SIX WIN UP TO $1,000 CASH & ONE WINS A 2023 TOYOTA RAV4 OR $20,000 CASH! 7 WINNERS SELECTED EARN ENTRIES ALL MONTH LONG THROUGH YOUR SLOT & TABLE GAMES PLAY! LIVE DJ 7PM-11PM DON’T MISS EASY ENTRY DAYS! 1 ENTRY FOR EVERY 25 PTS FROM SLOTS & 1 ENTRY FOR EVERY 15 MINS OF RATED TABLE PLAY • FRIDAY MARCH 24 & 31 $100 CASH HOT SEATS EVERY 15 MINS • 7PM TO 8:30PM MANAGEMENT RESERVES ALL RIGHTS. MUST BE 21 YEARS OF AGE. NON-SMOKING CASINO! BIG CASH DRAWINGS EVERY 30 MINS STARTING @ 7PM • FRIDAY, MARCH 24TH! ST. PATRICK’S DAY LIVE DJ @ 7PM FRI • MARCH 17 REACH INTO THE POT OF GOLD & WIN UP TO DRAWINGS EVERY 30 MINS 5 PM-10 PM! EARN ENTRIES STARTING MARCH 1ST FROM YOUR SLOT & TABLE PLAY 15 MINS BETWEEN EACH POT OF GOLD DRAWING $50 FREE PLAY HOT SEATS 95 95

RV WANTED: 25’ class C Ford V10,

POWER CHAIR for sale. Great to give your loved one some independence. It has approximately 10 hrs. of use. Battery has been kept charged. For all info. Google: Mobility Dept., EW-M48 Travel Mobility Power Electric Wheelchair. $2100. Located in Hammil Valley. Call 760-933-2275.. 11 (4)

FOR RENT in Independence, two bedrooms downtown, $1400 per month, available April 1 Call 760-937-0413. 11 (3)

CRAFTSMAN 6” sander/ polisher. 2 speed . Older but in good condition. Has grinding disc mounted on it now. $25.00 Call 760-9201072 Leave a message. 10 (4)

CRAFTSMAN 11” buffer/ polisher. Older but good condition. Orbital motion. Has new cloth bonnet. In original box with instructions. $30.00 Call 760-9201072 Leave a message. 10 (4)

10” INDUSTRIAL Table Saw, 15 amp made by Chicago Electric. Like new condition. Only used once. With owners manual and instructions. $75 Call 760-9201072 Leave a message. 10 (4)

VINTAGE Kerosene Heater

Aladdin Blue Flame Made in England Looks like new and works great. Have original box and instructions.

$350.00 Firm Call 760-9201072 Leave a message. 10 (4)

VINTAGE Electric Screw Driver. Old school made by W.T. Grant. Looks and works great. With bits and paper work. $30.00 Call 760-9201072 Leave a message. 10 (4)

FIGHT CLIMATE Change and give your houseplants and garden a boost by raising compost worms. The Psalm 8 Project will provide everything you need to be a successful Worm Farmer, including the worms. our next workshop will be held february 11 at 2pm, Located at the First United Methodist Church. Call Caddy Jackson at 760920-3485 for further information and registration. 05 (2)

34 FT 5-TH WHEEL. 5k. champagne edition ‘89. home on wheels! oak csbinets. 2 poo outs, generator, cushion strp flooring, oldie but goodie. needs floir work . bishop. very comfortable living space. big windows. bishop. 760.258.5028. 05 (3)

WINE BARRELS, whole or half. $85 whole, $45 half. Located in Independence. Can deliver north or south for very small fee. Get ready for spring planting. (760) 258-5360. 07 (3)

Need a Sitter or Nanny Service for your family children under 15? Decades of experience, healthy, energetic and reliable. Qualifications, References upon request/Pay negotiable for service and duration/frequency. Please call if you are in need or have questions. 760-920-9979. 07 (4)

COMPOST FOR YOUR GARDEN

It’s that time of the year and an excellent time to get your garden beds ready for planting; we have just the product for you, COMPOST sold by the tractor bucket load. Give us a call to make an appointment and the prices. Apple Hill Ranch 760-9037-0413. 06 (4) www.thesierrareader.com

CLASSIC VINTAGE Pendleton blanket. Queen size, red with black, yellow and green stripes. Perfect condition. $250 (760) 709-1033. 07 (2)

1994 WILDERNESS travel trailer, 23 foot, sleeps 6, $1,950. Lee, 562-310-6088. 19

2006 GULFSTREAM Motorhome, BT Cruiser, Model 5291, Ford V-10 engine, 3 slide outs, 30 ft long, Onan generator, 3 new batteries, automatic leveling system, microwave and convection oven, 44,500 mi, seeps 6, no smokers, no pets, loaded, HD hitch $32,000 OBO, Call George 760-793-2320 or 661-494-5496.

PLEASE SHOP our advertisers! They appreciate it and so do we! Thanks for the opportunity!

KITCHEN CABINET .on wheels .Red .butcher block like top 29”x17”

150.00 $ 760-920-1913. 06 (2)

Run your help wanted ads here - only $9 per inch per run

BRAND NEW portable, modular outdoor kitchen, and dry box, Overlander model by "TAILGATE N GO." Includes blue collapsible sink w/faucet, drain system and hand pump, Blackstone griddle, multiple shelves, cutting boards, paper towel holders, condiment & bottle shelving, Never used, paid over $2,000, asking $1,600 or offer. Call Mike 760-873-4649

You can find info etc. @ Made in Grand Junction Colorado. 18

2018 INTERSTATE Cargo Trailer converted to Toyhauler, 18 ft. dual axle w/trailer electric brakes & weight distribution sway control hitch, 46 gal. fresh water tank, 22 gal. gray/black water waste tanks, water & electric shore hookups, kitchen area, wet bath, outdoor shower, & more. Asking $20,000 OBO. Call 760-9656689. 18

2005 TETON HOMES Experience for Sale, 5th wheel single 15,000 A/C with heat pump, single 31,000 BTU furnace, electric awning w/wind sensor, JVC DVD with surround sound, livingroom TV & 13" in bedroom, day/night shades, dbl. door refrigerator w/ice maker and so much more. Call Daryl Baisley for more info.

MISC. AUTO & PARTS

Independence selling for tion. Takin model, 6582, Can 4 FALKEN 60R20 tires bolt pattern, sets, $900. 0951 or 1990 TOYOTA V6 5 speed, rebuilt motor, parts truck. $400 OBO, NEW FACTORY piece Craftsman set, 1/4” metric sockets, Hex Bits, Bits; Retail 99941, text Ken LOAD on them, pattern

OLD COMIC BOOKS for sale. 760.258.5028. 08 (2)

Wanted

LOOKING for a small covered trailer that can be towed with an AWD van. Please contact 916-337-6339.. 10 (3)

I NEED some power poles to finish a fence. They need to be 7 feet long or longer. Please call 760-873-7302. 11 (4)

UPGRADING your laundry room? I am looking for a used front loading washing machine. Must be in good working condition. 760-8737755. 10 (3)

QUIET COUPLE in their 60s with a well behaved friendly dog looking for a peaceful spot with hookups for rent to park our RV. Both longtime locals with steady income. Please call 530-366-6137. 09 (2)

LOOKING for someone who can cut some firewood for me. Please call 760-9382057 and leave a message. I will call you back. 07 (4)

WHEELS AND TIRES. 15” rims. 5 x 4.5 (115 mm) Prefer tires in great shape but will consider wheels only. (760) 258-5360. 07 (2)

INDOOR storage for large dump truck, tools and equipment, I.e. barn, metal building, vacant warehouse or dwp lease, with a 12’ high door call Jim 760-709-6031. 03 (4)

AWESOME couple needs 2 or 3 bedroom, (house, apt.). Great References and employment. Please call Linda (760) 258-5328. 06 (2)

Help Wanted

POSITIONS AVAILABLE Open until filled: Bartender (Full/ Part-Time), Cocktail Server, Dealer, Dishwasher/Busser *18 years or older, Food and Beverage Manager, Guest Services (Cashier), IT Technician, Lead Cashier, Line Cook *18 years or older, Security Officer, Slot Attendant (Part-Time), Slot Technician, Vault Attendant, *Must be 21 years of age to work in casino. (unless stated otherwise), Must be at least 18 to work in the restaurant. Native American Indian preference shall apply pursuant to the Bishop Paiute Tribal Employment Rights Ordinance. Excellent benefits offered: Health, dental, vision, Life, 401K, discounted meal rate and gift shop items.You will be required to meet the following conditions if offered position:

• Must be able to qualify and obtain and maintain a Bishop Gaming License

• Must be able to pass an extensive security background check

• Successfully complete and pass a pre-employment drug test. Applications can be picked up at the Wanaaha Casino or you can apply online at: or you may call 760873-4150, ext. 214 ext 220. www.wanaaha.com

SEEKING friendly, helpful, and courteous cashier/yard worker for part time/seasonal/temporary employment. Knowledge of plants, plant care, or landscape very helpful. Love of gardening and ability to work well with others required. Supreme customer service skills a must. Come in to Home Street Garden Center or email for an application by March 30, 2023. Info@homesgc. com. 760-784-8277. 10 (2)

WE ARE seeking a passionate Graphics Designer an expert in social marketing, videos, page creator, who knows programming, SEO and Adobe programs, experience, portfolio and demonstrable achievements, full-time availability. questions and doubts call: 760-873-4747 / Email: Ads@thesierrareader.com. 00

Fire-Arms

RIFLE FOR SALE: DPMS Custom LR-308 (Long-Range 7.62 caliber) with JP Enterprises Adjustable 2.5lb; 24 inch Fluted Bull Barrel; Molded/Adjustable Grip; Harris Bi-Pod; MagPul Stock and Forward grip; Burris 6x24x50mm XTR Scope. Buyer Pays all California and/or DOJ Transfer Fees. Please call 760-872-2573 and leave your name and cel-phone number so I can send you some photos and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks!. 06 (2)

Bikes / Sports

FISCHER/DYNAFIT Tour Race

Lite bindings w/o brakes. Single rise ultralight heel piece. Brand new in box, never mounted. Comes with mounting hardware and template.

$275.00 (760) 709-1033. 09 (3)

SNOWMOBILE lift by black diamond asking 250.00 obo Sean 760-937-3440. 07 (4)

POLARIS AXYS mid size windshield 90.00 Sean 760-9373440. 07 (4)

12’ FIBERGLASS boat, Sears Gamefisher. It has holes for oarlocks, a flat stern that could accept a small motor, no trailer. Old, sun-burt, but no leaks. $125. Southern Inyo county. 949-244-7316. 01 (2)

ABEL Super 3N Fly Reel Used. Mat Black Finish, standard ported arbor. Well maintained by factory and in nice condition. Right hand retrieve. Paid $500. Sell $275. Call or Text (760) 937-7842. 04 (3)

HIGH SIERRA BAMBOO FLY ROD. 1 Piece, 4 Wt, 5ft 6 inch length. Pentagonal construction, very smooth powerful medium action. Beautiful blond color with down locking reel slide band. Includes aluminum tube and rod sock. Paid $650 Selling for $400. Like new condition. Call or text for additional information or photos. 760 937-7842. 52 (4)

BMW airhead motorcycle1970-1995 R40/60/80 /5 call/text 760-854-2325. 06 (4)

GALVIN Fly Reel Brand New Torque Model T5 This is a new and in the box Black, 5wt , with the neoprene case. Paid $450. Sell $350. Call or Text 760 937-7842. 04 (3)

Construction / Outdoor Equip

50 AND 100 foot heavy duty electrical cords. Please text 760-914-0029. 11

HONDA 3000is Generator. Run less than 3 hours. Comes with wheel kit and cover. $2,100. 760-937-8326 10 (4)

RYOBI 7 1/4” 13 amp circular saw, fine shape, upgraded to a nicer saw. Paid $50, asking $20 text Phil 760-920-2673. 06 (4)

CRAFSTMAN canopy comercial grade 10’x10’ brand new in box. Asking price $ 199.00 O.B.O. Located in Hammil Valley, Ca 93514 I will deliver to Bishop, CA Please call and leave message or text @ (818)-335-8482 I will call you back ASAP My name is Ramon. Thanks.. 08 (4) I’VE a 7-1/4” Skilsaw wormdrive for sale. Barely used, excellent condition. Comes with wood & metal cutting blades. $170.00. Please call for additional specifics. 415. 410 3620. In Bishop. 04 (3)

WERNER adjustable metal ladder. Adjusts into an 8 ft stepladder or 18 ft straight ladder. Barely used. $20. Please call Oliver at 760-920-0512.

Recreational/ATV

1999 LANCE Camper 1030

10’11” - Bathroom Sink, Shower & Toilet, A/C, Microwave, Oven, Stove, Kitchen Sink, Refrigerator/Freezer, Queen Bed, Table Bed & Kids Bed, Nice Condition, $8,900, 310-292-5470 No Text. 11 (4)

WANTED A small trailer for dirt bike . Does not need to be in perfect condition. should be licensed or street legal, with tail lights. If you have one that you would sell please text 530-9338098. Will pay cash. 06 (3)

1991 YAMAHA Phazer 485 electric start, grip warmers. 2,348 miles. Great lightweight trail sled $1,000 760 914-0349. 04 (2)

Real Estate/For Rent

2 BED 2 Bath Recently

Renovated 800 SQ Ft House on Shepard Ln, West Bishop. Pets OK. $2K per month, $4K deposit. axirwaw@ yahoo.com. 11

Auto Parts

TOYOTA Matrix wheels. Set of 4 good condition. These are OEM wheels I no longer need these wheels. Location Lone Pine 125.00 for all four. 805.657.0021. 08 (2)

ROCK Guard Mud Flaps. Protect your towed vehicle . Mounts on 2” hitches. Great condition . $75.00 OBO. Call 760-920-1072 leave a message.. 10 (4)

TIRES. I just bought a 2023 4Runner from Perry’s and replaced the tires with more aggressive AT tires. So I have the five Dunlop AT20’s P265/70R17 for sale, 2000 miles. They sell for $303 on Tire Rack so with tax the five tires would be $1628. Sell for $400. Text 760-784-4736. In Bishop.. 11 (4)

4 TIRES NEXEN Roadian ATX 255/75 R17. Tires like new with less then 1,000 miles on them. $500.00 Call 760-258-1181. 11 (2)

CABLE chains with carry bag, LaClede # 1030, class “S” tires, radial & bias, fits many 13-14-15-16-17 wheels, sells new $ 65, asking $ 35, Stan 760-873-7826 08 (4)

MERCEDES Hubcaps. 15” set of 4. fits 60’s and 70’s models. great cond. $100 OBO call 760 920-1072 leave a message. 10 (4)

ARE Truck Camper Shell for Sale. White in color. Fits a 5 foot bed. Was taken off a 2017 Chevy Colorado Crew Cab with a 5 foot bed. Asking $500 04 (4)

4 HERCULES lt305/65r18 55% tread 100.00 2 patagonia lt265/70r17 60% tread 50.00. 760-873-3230 01 (2)

FOUR Winter Tires. Bridgestone Blizzak WS 70 Studless 215/60R16 95T. Mounted on Subaru wheels. Used but great cond. with plenty of tread left. $100 Call 760-9201072 leave a message. 10 (4)

SET OF 4 michelin primacy ltx tires. 265/65/r18 size. good tread sell all 4 for $150.00 please phone 760-258-1076. 06 (4)

WARNING/CAUTION LIGHTS: amber beacons and mini lightbars. Perfect for snow removal and construction vehicles. Quality name brands. $50-$250. Call or text 707-217-3142. 04 (4)

4 LT TIRES 35X12.50R17; Toyo; Open Country Mud Terrain, load range E, 50% tread depth remaining, even wear,, no cuts or repairs, great condition, sold as a set of four, $650. 949-244-7316. 03 (2)

2021 RJ car hauler 14’, in Bishop, all electrics and tires

“as new”, treated wood deck with heavy tie-down rings and side channels, ramps, $5250, STAN 760-873-7826. 05 (3)

ROCK GUARD Mud Flaps. Protect your towed vehicle. Mounts on 2” hitches. Great cond. $75 OBO call 760-9201072 leave a message 02 (4)

Automotive

TOYOTA LEXUS RX300 1999

Runs great. No title. $1000 Call for more information 760.873.4649. 11 (4)

IF YOU HAVE AN AUTOMÓBILE that you have not drove it for a long time considering selling it , maybe other person can use the one you don’t drive. And is free to advertise in The Sierra Reader.

1991 CIVIC Honda 124,365 miles on original engine. Runs Great! Does not have power steering nor air conditioning: $2300. Contact Beverly 760920-5504 Leave message and I’ll get back to you. 05 (4)

1998 TOYOTA 4Runner SR5

4wd automatic, 6cyl. New tires, shocks, struts, battery, alternator, radiator, recent timing belt, water pump and oil change. Good condition. 309,203k miles.

Smog certified and registered through next February.

$9000 (760) 709-1033. 09 (3)

2019 TOYOTA Avalon XLE, $30,000, moon roof, like new, low miles always garaged. 760-873-8702. 08 (2)

1998 TOYOTA 4Runner SR5, 4WD automatic 3.4 L 6 cylinders. Good condition, clean title, no accidents. 309,292 miles, runs strong, lots of life left! New: Tires, shocks & struts, battery, alternator, radiator, hoses, timing belt, water pump, seals, winter wipers, brake lights, and fresh oil change. I have all receipts. Excellent in snow and offroad conditions. Registered through next February, smog certified, detailed and ready to go! $9,500 OBO (760) 709-1033. 07 (2)

VOLVO ‘87 240DL. FREE. you TOW AWAY.BISHOP.Totally intact but sitting 10yrs. great project for teen boy. change all fluids and it will run. these cars go forever. Text 760.258.5028. 07 (2)

2007 T@B Teardrop Trailer 16-Q retro. Excellent condition. This is a fully equipped all propane, battery or hookup. Can be pulled with small vehicle. Must sell. $7500. You won’t find one for less. Contact Eric (760) 914-2739. Text is best so I can send you a photo and specs. 07 (4) 2018 TACOMA with 2018 FWC Fleet pop-up camper. Located in Bishop. Phone 619455-8693. Joe. Silver Tacoma off-road TRD, double cab, 6’ bed, v-6, auto trans. Just over 83k miles with new AT2 tires. All services have been done on time. Sold with camper together only. $59,000. Camper alone sells for $39k alone. 06 (2) $5,000. FIRM. chevy silverado truck. rebuilt engine, red color. 2wd...not 4wd. powerful engine. moving so must sell. bishop.760.258.5028. 05 (2) continue reading here 13-15 of aunts, uncles, and many cousins in the Chicago area. While life was still challenging and hard as the U.S. continued to recover from the Depression and WWII, Jerry and his big family had a lot of good times too.

But Jerry was interested in what lay far west of Illinois. After high school graduation, in the early Summer of 1948, he and a school buddy drove to California and spent time in Upland, CA staying with a family acquaintance. Jerry and his friend spent a month or so in Southern California enjoying the temperate climate and compared to Chicago, far more appealing weather. At that time, much of Upland, Riverside and what is now the Inland Empire, was full of citrus groves and agriculture and was beautiful. Jerry’s week end visits with his friend to the beach near Santa Monica didn’t do anything but increase California’s appeal in Jer ry’s mind.

Jerry and his friend headed back to Chicago after a month of California sunshine. Within months of arriving back in Illinois, in the late Fall of 1948 at eighteen years of age and on his own, Jerry was headed back to California which he called “home” for the rest of his life. Over the following three decades, most of Jerry’s Illinois family followed him West.

Initially, Jerry headed to Upland, but settled in nearby Ontario. He quickly found work at “Dickenson’s Furniture” as a traveling salesman for furniture reupholstery. Jerry had two routes which he alternated every couple of weeks. Each sales route involved many miles of solitary driving in an old flatbed pickup with upholstery samples in the cab and water bags on the grille in case a water hose broke or the radiator started leaking.

Jerry visited customers giving them reupholstery estimates and took their furniture back to Dickenson’s for restoration and then returned the “like new” sofas and chairs a month or so later. One of Jerry’s routes was East to Barstow and Needles, down to Blythe and back to Ontario picking up furniture restoration jobs and returning them when complete.

Jerry’s other route north through Inyo and Mono Counties would set the path for the rest of his life. On this route, Jerry drove Highway 395 and stopped in all of the little towns along the way from Trona to Olancha and on to June Lake. Lone Pine, Mammoth Lakes, June Lake and especially Bishop became his favorite towns to visit on his sales routes. In Lone Pine he stayed at the Dow Villa Motel and in Bishop, he stayed at the Kittie Lee Inn and had breakfasts at the Copper Kettle restaurant connected to the hotel. Jerry’s reputation for honesty and fairness in business dealings and quality furniture restoration quickly earned him a trustworthy reputation throughout the Eastern Sierra. His love of people gained him a lot of friends.

Eventually, Jerry met the daughter of the owners of the Kittle Lee Inn, Bill and Maize Whorff. Shirley Rae Whorff and Jerry Fendon were married in July 1956. Early in their marriage, they lived in Ontario and Jerry was able to buy Dickenson’s furniture from Mr. Dickenson who wished to retire. For the first year, Jerry continued his traveling sales routes, having Dickenson’s upholsterers do the furniture restoration while Shirley Rae did the books and ran the office.

Under Jerry and Shirley’s management, Dickenson’s continued restoring furniture and operating successfully until they followed the ill-timed advice of a family accountant who advised they exit the furniture restoration business and convert the business into a new retail furniture store in Ontario. The combination of Jerry and Shirley’s lack of retail store experience and the subsequent arrival of a large, new competitor, Hub Furniture, down the street from their location in Ontario, quickly led to the failure of their new furniture store. Jerry and Shirley had to declare personal bankruptcy.

Broke and nearly destitute, Jerry and Shirley moved back to Bishop in late 1957. A family disagreement about the failed business with Shirley’s parents, left Jerry and Shirley without family support in Bishop. Jerry looked for work all over town and eventually, Bill Moffat, at the Bishop Sawmill, said he would give Jerry a job “if he could do the work” and learn to expertly operate a large piece of log-moving equipment in two weeks or less and he did! Jerry earned Bill Moffat’s respect. Shirley was finally able to get a graveyard telephone operator job at Continental Telephone in downtown Bishop. Jerry and Shirley didn’t see each other much for a few years as they “passed in the night” with their jobs.

Jerry and Shirley’s estrangement from Bill and Maize lasted until November of 1961 when their first child and Bill and Mazie’s first grandchild, Randy, was born. Not long after that, family harmony was restored and Jerry became an important helper to Bill Whorff cooking and helping around the restaurant and hotel. At the same time, Jerry couldn’t stop thinking about furniture. Since he had mostly been selling reupholstery work during his time with Dickenson’s Furniture, rather than actually doing the furniture restoration work, he decided he would teach himself to upholster. He initially learned by reupholstering Maize and Bill’s furniture and the furniture in the Kittle Lee Inn and he learned quickly.

By 1964, Jerry had become very skilled at furniture reupholstery and restoration which included sewing and a lot of work with his hands. This was even more impressive due to the lack of dexterity in Jerry’s right hand which was the only physical impairment that lingered throughout his life from his childhood illness of spinal meningitis.

By 1965, Jerry and Shirley had their second child, “Billy” (William Whorff Fendon). Billy was born with a blockage in his throat that was inoperable, his weight declined precipitously and his skin turned a bluish color from lack of oxygen. Locally beloved doctor C.L. Scott “Scotty,” who has a famous run named after him at Mammoth Mountain, was a dear family friend of Shirley and Jerry and Bill and Maize and sadly informed Shirley and Jerry there was not much hope for the infant’s recovery and he would likely die within days. Scotty continued to do all he could to help the child while Shirley and Jerry asked local Christian Science Practitioner, Lois Clemens, to pray for their baby and them. Lois prayed continuously for Billy and with Jerry and Shirley. In less than two days, the blockage cleared without medical intervention and he quickly recovered. Scotty said it was a miracle.

Billy’s healing only reinforced Jerry and Shirley’s faith in God and Christian Science. Jerry quit smoking and he and Shirley quit drinking alcohol and they became committed and active members of the local Christian Science Church in Bishop throughout the rest of their lives.

In 1965, Jerry and Shirley opened a small upholstery shop, Fendon’s Upholstery, in Bishop behind the Copper Kettle Restuarant. Jerry and Shirley’s business grew consistently, but not without the typical and nearly constant challenges almost all small business owners face. But they persisted in doing quality work and treating customers fairly and honestly. Incidentally, they eventually repaid all creditors from their personal bankruptcy at Dickenson’s Furniture in Ontario.

Having had the difficult experience of personal bankruptcy, for the rest of their lives, Jerry and Shirley saved as much money as they could whenever they could, invested in a few properties as they were able to over the ensuing years, maintained excellent personal credit and business vendor relationships, and paid-off debts and mortgages as quickly as possible.

Jerry eventually decided that they should try their hand at retail again by first adding a small line of mattresses to the upholstery business. Later, he and Shirley broughtin La-Z-Boy recliners. The retail business worked and grew with lessons learned

Bill's

SALES-SERVICE-REPAIR

WE MOVED TO 156 Willow st Bishop Ca

As a critical business, we are open during the COVID19 crisis. Our shop is closed to walk-in traffic, onsite repairs only We are Warranty a u t h o r i z e d t o r e p a i r m o s t m a j o r b r a n d s , including Sears/Kenmore, GE, and Whirlpool. We repair all major brands. Authorized dealer for Whirlpool brands, which include Maytag, Kitchenaid, and Amana. We want to continue to keep our customers and our employees safe, so we are maintaining a clean and safe w o r k e n v i r o n m e n t , p r o v i d i n g e a c h o f o u r t e c h n i c i a n s w i t h g l o v e s , m a s k s , a n d d i s i n f e c t a n t s t o u s e . W e s e r v i c e a l l t h e Eastern Sierra! Make your repair appointment online at: billsappliancerepair.net

760-873-3655

Bishop: Mammoth: 760-934-2233

13 continue reading here from the past, but Jerry would never give up the furniture restoration business again.

Over the next twenty years, Fendon’s Furniture and Reupholstery grew and expanded with at least five major remodeling projects to increase the size of the building and allow for expansion of the business. Jerry oversaw the shop, he and Shirley oversaw retail and Shirley worked in the office. While there were few customer problems over the years, Shirley handled them with great success due to her love of people and her and Jerry’s desire to treat everyone with honesty, fairness and dignity.

Jerry and Shirley’s success at Fendon’s Furniture over the years was due to a lot of hard work, saving money whenever possible, wise decision-making, trusting God’s guidance and having a varied and wonderful group of employees who worked with them at different times over almost six decades of business in Bishop. Jerry and Shirley and the whole Fendon Family were and are deeply grateful to each of the amazing people who worked with them over many years.

Jerry and Shirley loved their employees and thought of them as family. Many of their staff worked with them for 20 or more years. On March 31, 2021, Jerry sold Fendon’s Furniture to Aaron and Marianne Schat. He was very happy that they would continue the business employing the staff and serving the community.

Jerry also loved golf and took it up seriously in the early sixties. He played left-handed due to the limited use of his right hand. For a number of years he carried a very low single-digit handicap and won the Bishop Club Championship twice. In the mid 1970’s, on two occasions, he unsuccessfully tried to earn a PGA Tour Card at PGA qualifying events in Monterey, CA.

Jerry was a committed Bishop Country Club member in the early Sixties and Seventies. When Jerry first started playing golf in Bishop, the golf course was east of Bishop near the Airport and was mostly dirt with oiled sand putting greens. Jerry worked with many other early Club members to see a new nine hole course built south of Bishop in the Club’s present location. Like most members, Jerry was thrilled when the second nine holes were built many years later. He loved the golf course and was a regular fixture there. In later years, Jerry experimented with “golf-themed” furniture and one of his “golf couches” is in the Pro Shop at the Bishop Country Club. Another is in the Pro Shop at Sierra Star in Mammoth.

Throughout the good times and bad times of over seventy-three years working various jobs and in business, Jerry continued to work enthusiastically, treat employees and customers fairly and made progress personally and in business. Jerry continued to love life and was always thinking of how he could progress and what he could build or do next.

Jerry also loved and enjoyed his Italian heritage. In the mid-1980s through an unusual set of circumstances, Jerry and his older son, Randy, were asked to travel to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for a month to do a variety of upholstery projects in the 30,000 square foot Palace of a Saudi government official. When Jerry and Randy left Saudi Arabia, they traveled to Switzerland and then Italy. While in Italy, they went south to Jerry’s father’s home town of Melfi to see if they could find anything of family history. At a local City office they were able to get a copy of Jerry’s father’s birth certificate. Because Jerry and Randy did not speak Italian and had limited time in Melfi, they were not able to locate any family and returned home to the U.S. shortly thereafter.

Just last November 2023, however, Jerry’s younger son, Bill and his family spent five weeks in Italy on a family vacation. While in Italy, Bill and his family went to Melfi to try to locate some Fundones. Though a purely serendipitous circumstance, they did find Fundones. Nearly twenty of them! Bill and his family spent the day with some of the “Italian Family” and were able to FaceTime the Italian Fundone family and Jerry just weeks before Jerry’s passing. It was the completion of a long hoped-for wish of Jerry - to locate family in Italy. And now the Fendon’s of America are in-touch with the Fundone’s of Italy and vow to meet again and continue sharing love and stories of family.

Jerry loved living in Bishop and working all over the Eastern Sierra. He loved the people here and he loved the beauty of this valley. He was continually awed by our majestic mountains and he felt blessed to live his life here. Like nearly everyone that has lived a long and eventful life, there are more stories than can be told and the Locals that knew Jerry know many of his stories. We as Jerry’s family hope that we have shared some things about him that most of you did not know - things that made our father who he was.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Randy and Bill and their families including, Bill’s wife, Jane Fendon, and their sons, Willem and Quentin. And Randy’s wife, Cheri Fendon, and their sons Wilton Daniels and Tucker Fendon and Tucker’s wife, Jessica, and three sons - Colin, Mason and Kaden. Jerry has two surviving brothers and their familieshis eldest brother, Ron Fendon, and younger brother Don Fendon.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jerry on Saturday, March 25th, from 2pm-5pm at the Bishop Country Club Banquet Room. Everyone is welcome. Please bring your memories of Jerry to share.