Page 7 - Mid Valley Times 8-12-21 E-edition

Thursday, August 12, 2021
The View From Here
For the last couple weeks, or maybe even months, COVID-19 hadn’t really popped into my mind.
I was vac-
cinated back in March. I re- ceived the Johnson & Johnson vaccine right before the news of the blood clot issues were made public. So as anyone can imagine, I was scared. But thankfully, my vaccine experience was not bad. I did suffer the sore arm for a few days but other than that I was fine- and I’ve been good ever since.
Looking at things in hind- sight, after I received my vaccine, the thoughts of COV- ID-19 and the risk of catching it had all but left my system. I took a big sigh of relief and thought to myself, good rid- dance to COVID-19.
Occasionally of course, I’d read a news article about it. However, following it closely like I had during the onset of the pandemic was not some- thing I was doing anymore.
That all changed a few days ago.
A close relative of mine text me that she had tested positive for COVID-19. She is healthy, young, and ex- tremely active. And when I mean healthy, I mean this girl is a vegan. Doesn’t drink or smoke. She works out on the regular and loves to research the latest healthy food trends. She is someone I turn to when I need advice about health and fitness.
When the vaccination roll- outs began, she had some op- positions about the vaccine and wanted to wait it out be- fore getting it.
Since finding out she test- ed positive, I’ve been in con- stant contact with her, check- ing up on her each day. She said she’s feeling body aches like never before.
There’s another gal I fol- low on Instagram. Also very healthy. I don’t know her per- sonally but I mainly follow her for her workout plans and fitness inspiration. She is the wife of a friend and I trust her judgment. She works in a hospital, so she received her vaccine a few months back. This last week, she posted on her page that she’d also test- ed positive for COVID-19.
She mentioned that al- though her symptoms were “annoying” they were defi- nitely not severe. She is up, walking around and talking.
With all the talk of COV- ID-19 and its variants making their rounds again, I decided to start doing my research again. I learned that vacci-
SEE COLUMN on page A8
By Juanita Adame
Mid Valley Times
It is meant to enhance the relationship between community members and police. It's called "National Night Out" and it's held dur- ing the first Tuesday in Au- gust across the country.
Here in Fresno County, several city’s held a Nation- al Night Out event including Sanger, Orange Cove, and Parlier.
Community members in Parlier showed up to their National Night Out, it was held at Earl Ruth Park.
"I want you to know that the police department is here for you,” said David Cerda on the afternoon of Aug. 3.
“Anytime you need some- thing my door is open, the police department is open we have an open door policy. So come out and see us, come out and talk to us.”
More than one hundred families and their children showed up to the park for the event. There were a variety of vendors and games for chil- dren to play.
“That kind of goes with what we are doing here to- day,” said Cerda. “This is part of our outreach programs and we also do them randomly throughout the year, every other month.”
Parlier's National Night Out also had a police K9 dem- onstration featuring the de- partment's dog "Koba."
Reedley's Boys & Girls Club help with Back to School
Juanita Adame
Locals join 'National Night Out' in Parlier
Juanita Adame / Mid Valley Times
ABOVE: From left, Jayda Garcia, 10, James Ocanas, 5, and Eli Ocanas, 7, sat inside a Parlier Police Depart- ment patrol unit on the afternoon of Aug. 3 during the city's National Night Out event at Earl Ruth Park in Parlier.
BELOW: The Parlier Police Department raffled off a number of prizes including some bicycles on Aug. 3.
"We want you all to know that the Parlier Police Department is here for you."
David Cerda Parlier Police Chief
Contributed
More than 150 youth and families from Reedley and surrounding areas received free backpacks, books, and snow cones to beat the heat! on the afternoon of Aug. 6.
“We are very grateful for all our sponsors, volunteers, staff, and members that
made this event possible," said Isaiah Lopez, the pro- gram assistant for the club. "Our club is proud to be serv- ing and making an impact on youth this 2021-2022 school year."
For more information on the Reedley Boys & Girls Club visit bgcfresno.org or call (559) 743-7537.
Contributed
Back to school in Dinuba
Roosevelt Elementary School student, 4-year- old Averie Wheeler posed for a photo in front of the school's banner on the morning of Aug. 10. This was students' second day of school. Dinuba Unified School District began in person instruction for their students on Monday, Aug. 9.
Photo Contributed
Photo of the week
Contributed
Local students picked up backpacks and books on the afternoon of Aug. 6 during the Back to School event at the Reedley Boys and Girls Club.
A photo of Sandra Zamora getting a sweet kiss on her belly by Armando Ibarra during her gender reveal party was sent in by KarinaSoria. Haveaphotoyou'dlikefeatured? Emailjuanita@ midvalleypublishing.com.