Page 10 - Sanger Herald 12-13-18 E-edition

Lifestyles
SANGER HERALD • 2B • THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2018
Special Olympics returns to Sanger
Sanger
By Mike Nemeth
Sanger Herald
Selma freshman Saad Saleh said what really stood out to him at Sanger High’s second annual Special Olympics Volleyball Tournament on Dec. 7 was the dance performance, a new addition to the event this year.
And he mentioned having a cup of coffee. The combination, plus all the participants from so many area schools, made for a near perfect day. Or at least that’s what Saleh’s huge smile revealed. He had a blast.
“This is awesome,” said Michael Hill, a special education teacher at Hoover High in Fresno. “A great spectacle. It’s a great venue out here in Sanger to come out here and do this for our Special Olympians.”
Hill assisted his Patriots in a volleyball game against an equal team of Apaches.
Alfredo Ponce, an assistant principal at Sanger High, estimated the number of participants to be more than 200 this year. “We just want to provide a rich experience so they can come out and enjoy themselves,” he said. “We try to make it better every year. We’re trying to figure out how we can make it more meaningful and fun for them.”
Principal Dan Chacon had made the introductions and said, “You're all champions,” to the assembled crowd.
Participants arrived from McLane, Sunnyside
To get an item into the calendar, email details to nemethfeatures@gmail. com or call Mike or Sharon at 559-875-2511.
Sanger Community Church presents “An Evening of Christmas Joy,” featuring the Bells of Praise bell choir and performances at 5 p.m. Dec. 16 at 1610 Jensen Ave. Details, 559-875-2553.
The Sanger Community Task Force meets at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 18 at Sanger Community Center, 730 Recreation Ave. Details,
God Finds Us
I love the story of the shepherds, found in Luke 2:8-20.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”
Sudde nly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the
Mike Nemeth / Sanger Herald
Saad Saleh, a Selma High freshman, was one of more than 200 participants who visited Sanger High's second annual Special Olympics Volleyball Tournament on Dec. 7. He had a blast.
out last year. And she gave her reason why. “It’s Special Olympics,” she said.
Buchanan plans to major in special education.
Senior Sarah Herring likewise assisted with organization and the operations again this year. “I really love helping them. And I feel great,” she said. “I know how much they love it. Last week, we went to Central (for a similar event), and they loved it. It’s really rewarding.”
To launch the event, Mason Frazier again sang the National Anthem. He sang it last year and this fall at Sanger Unified’s General Session, the unofficial start of the new school year. While Frazier can sing like a contestant on “America’s Got Talent,” his stutter makes even getting a sentence out rather difficult.
The dancing was done by the Sanger Street Beats and the Sanger Polynesian Dancers. And the Sanger band performed again this year.
Sanger High students worked with staff from other schools to make sure each Olympian got a chance to master various ways of hitting a volleyball over the net. Some proved more successful than others at the task, but all of them appeared to be pleased with their abilities.
Some slammed the ball accurately in a smooth arc across the net. Others took time getting familiar with the sensation. Through it all, the patience of those assisting made all the
difference. Faces lit up. McLane psychologist Karen Russell found herself the recipient of a group hug from a pair of girls, Miranda and Jahaira, who had just completed hitting the volleyball multiple times. Their pride showed as they squeezed her around the waist. “My girls,” Russell said. “They always hug me in the hallway (on regular school
days).
“The kids are just having
a good time. Smiles on their faces. That’s why we do this.”
Bullard brought Phoenix, a 13-year-old black lab who was trained to be a therapy dog. He assisted with the sports seminar duties and offered up his head for a pat to whoever showed an interest.
Frazier sat with friend Genesis Morales on the bleachers as the event wound down. Their classmate Alek Veliz, who showed off some pretty mainstream talent on the volleyball court, was close by after his team completed play.
Veliz said he also plays flag football. “I love it,” he said of the event. “Pretty fun and I get to enjoy all my friends. I’m really working hard. I’m trying to get my grades up.”
And he said Spider-Man is his No. 1 Marvel hero. No question.
The reporter can be contacted by email at nemethfeatures@gmail.com or by phone at the Herald at (559) 875-2511.
Mike Nemeth / Sanger Herald
Mariachi Juan Martinez posed with Guadalupe Mendoza after the Sanger Rotary Senior Lunch on Dec. 7. Every chair at the Sanger Community Center was full, and Sanger High's Interact Club helped make the event a success. The choir performed, too.
Heavenly host, an army, not ready for war but ready for worship.
“Glory to God in the highest!” The purpose for which we draw another breath is to Glorify God.
No. 4. He fills our hearts with peace, peace on earth to men and women who have God’s good will, peace and fulfillment to whom God’s favor rests.
How do you get God’s favor? Come to God on his terms and He will fill you with his peace!
Pastor Sam Estes is city advance director and facilitates the Sanger Community Task Force that meets the first and third Tuesdays every month. He can be reached at pastorsam51@gmail.com.
and Central. New this year were Bullard, Roosevelt and Selma.
559-250-6433.
American Legion Post 23 holds Bingo at 6:30 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at 1502 O St. All are welcome. Details, 559-875- 6204.
MC & DJ’s Shotgun and Orale plan to host New Year’s Eve Dance Party starting with dinner at 8 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Sanger Community Center, 730 Recreation Ave. The Royal Core Oldies Band provides the musical entertainment. Theme is Rockin’ Oldies. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Felipe
angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had
Zoie Buchanan, who graduated last year, returned to her alma mater
Family Ministries for Fresno County homeless. Donations accepted as well. Bar will be open. Tickets are $50. Tickets available at eventbrite.com. Details, 206-724-9817.
The Sanger Woman’s Club monthly luncheon meetings include Osher Lifelong Learning Center at Fresno State with Jill Wagner, executive director at noon Jan. 8. The club is at 1602 Seventh St. Details, Liz Hudson 559-779-1569.
The Sanger branch of the Fresno County Public Library has reopened after an extensive summer remodel. Preschool story time is at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday. Read to a Dog
to help out. She’s attending Fresno City College and working. She had helped
with Vinny! is the second and fourth Saturday of each month. The Builders’ Club for Lego enthusiasts is the second and fourth Wednesday. The library is at 1812 Seventh St. Details, 559-875-2435.
The Sanger Eagles’ taco nights are 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month. Breakfasts will be from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. every second Saturday of the month. The location is 225 J St. Details, Jim Batten 559-875-6820.
The Lock It Up Sanger High School Youth Coalition is seeking members. The group meets at 3 p.m. every Monday in Room 330 at the high school, 1045 N. Bethel.
Sanger News & Community Calendar
PASTOR’S CORNER
heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” NIV
Here are four thoughts for you to ponder this Christmas:
terrified.” Most think of angels like we see in Christmas pageants — sweet little cherubs.
But every time an angel is mentioned in the Bible, whoever saw the angel was
when we find ourselves in these situations, we need to receive the word from the angels. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.”
Did you hear that? Do not be afraid. Instead, good news! Great joy! To ALL people. Everyone! The Christmas good news. Christ is here and it is starting today, not tomorrow. Born to you a savior —Jesus Christ the Lord.
No. 3. He fills our mouth with praise. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.”
No. 1. God meets
us where we are.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” These shepherds were doing what they did every day. They were tending their sheep. There is no indication that they were looking for God. In the midst of their common everyday life God found them. You may not know it, but God is seeking you!
No. 2. He brings us to our knees. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were
Pastor Sam Estes
terrified. I think it is when we are most afraid that we look to God. Just like what Paradise, Calif. is facing with the horrific loss from the Camp Fire. When we face situations that are way beyond us, we need a miracle.
What’s the difficulty you are facing in your life today? This week? This year?
What terrifying situation has brought you to your knees? God many times orders the circumstances of your life to bring you to Him. Like the shepherds,