Sacred Heart Catholic Church rummage sale helps fund renovation

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Sacred Heart Women’s Guild combined forces to host a large rummage sale Friday, May 5.

Some of the money raised by the sale of donated items was slated for the fund used to complete much-needed renovations to the church. New flooring and paint are necessary, and work was being done even as the sale took place as Father Kien Kieu supervised. In addition to the rummage sale funds, church benefactors have donated to the much-needed project.

Chilly, yet partly sunny weather greeted both event volunteers and shoppers. As usual, the sale was well organized and spread out at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church’s parking lot.

Clothes, books, electronics, tools, toys, furniture, antiques, collectibles, kitchenware, shoes, luggage and holiday decor were quickly claimed by local bargain hunters. Volunteers arranged the wide array of items for ease of shopping and offered the sometimes brand new things at very reasonable prices.

The semi-annual event collects charitable donations for the church’s and Guild’s good works in the Anza Valley, including the donation of funds to From the Heart Christian Women’s Ministries and Food for the Faithful. Both the church and the community benefit from the sales.

To learn more about the Sacred Heart Women’s Guild, visit www. facebook.com/Sacred-Heart-ofAnza-172200349497797.

Sacred Heart Catholic Church is located at 56250 Highway 371, Anza, across from the Sinclair Gas station.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com and fun time to visit the Anza Valley Community Library. More than a just books, it provides engaging activities and the tools to get technology and knowledge to all who seek it.

The Anza Valley Community Library is a joint-use public library, located inside Hamilton High School, but a completely separate entity. It is part of the Riverside County Library System. Don’t have a library card? Go to www.rivlib.net to sign up online for free.

For more information, please call the library at 951-763-4216 or visit them at www.facebook.com/ AnzaLibrary.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Meet Saturday, May 6.

Guests await for their food order to be served at the Spring Vendor Faire at Mr. Happy’s Mercantile Saturday, May 6.

Knacks, Brother Dave Family Assistance and music provided by So Smooth Entertainment.

“I would like to see Anza become the place for flatlanders and desert folks to escape to for the best shopping experiences,”

Mr. Happy’s Rusty Browning said. “What fun it could be for everyone, but it will take time to grow and promote this.”

Meanwhile, the Graffiti Coffee Shop presented another of its monthly Craft Fairs Saturday, May 6. The mild weather encouraged many local vendors to participate, providing a great experience for fans of the fair.

The event attracted some of the area’s finest artisans and unique product vendors. BBQ, a fruit stand, live plants, personalized items, wood craft and hand crafted soaps guaranteed that the fair was an enjoyable success.

Mathew Dodge provided his unique renditions of popular tunes, skillfully picking on his acoustic guitar, accompanied by his singing.

Shoppers browsed unique displays, chatted with artists and enjoyed the coffee shop’s beverages and food.

In downtown Anza, the first Anza swap meet of the month saw a doubling of vendors offering just about everything and the kitchen sink. This longtime traditional event is held the first and third Saturdays of the month.

Some residents that attend the swap meet are curious to see the varied offerings. Many are looking for specific items, such as collectibles or special tools. Still others are there solely for the social aspect of the swap meet. The Community Hall parking lot becomes a beehive of activity on these Saturdays, even attracting passersby traveling through Anza.

Seller spaces are located in the paved parking lot in front of the Community Hall. Vendors offer tools, bikes, collectibles, antiques, toys, clothes, shoes and furniture, both new and gently used. Inside the Community Hall building, local artisans and business people, such as John Yarrow, peddle their wares and expertise. Yarrow sits patiently answering questions about the carpet cleaning, computer repair and window screen services he offers.

For more information about the Anza swap meet, please call 951-282-4267 or visit the Anza Community Hall Facebook page online at www.facebook.com/ AnzaCommunityBuildingInc.

To learn more about Graffiti Coffee Shop’s craft fair, please visit www.graffiticoffee.com or www. facebook.com/graffiticoffee371.

For more information on the Spring Vendor Faire, please contact Mavis Alo at 951-9330125 or mavisalo333@gmail. com . Mr. Happy’s Mercantile is located at 57475 CA-371 in Anza. Visit them at www.facebook.com/ mrhappymercantile. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com