Page 5 - Mid Valley Times 12-31-20 E-edition

Thursday, December 31, 2020
A year in review, looking back at 2020
The View From Here
The title at the top of the Life- styles Sec- tion is “A year in re- view, look- ing back at 2020.” But
I guess the real question is, do we really want to look back at this year? Last year at this time, the COVID-19 pandemic and what would follow was the farthest thing from our minds. My mind for sure.
I’d heard a few news sto- ries about “the coronavirus” here and there and never re- ally paid any attention.
There is an interesting video circulating online. A short, 20-second clip. I found it to be interesting and extremely compelling.
In the clip, someone is showing the comparison be- tween their living room on Christmas of 2019 and their living room on Christmas of 2020.
The video starts on Christmas day 2019 with a living room full of people.
The popular 1980s song “Wake Me Up, Before You Go Go,” by Wham! begins to play. The song however doesn’t start at the begin- ning, instead the clip be- gins with the last part of the song’s second verse.
“What you did last night, You left me sleeping in my bed” as the camera contin- ues topanacrosstheroom showcasing the living room full of their family. Family laughing, talking, drinking, opening gifts, enjoying the evening.
The song continues showing the living room and as the camera completes the entire pan of the room.. the song continues.. “ I was dreaming but I should have been with you instead..” just as the popular chorus is expected to begin, “Wake meup..” themusicstops.
The camera stops at the Christmas tree and begins to pan back across the liv- ing room in the direction it started. This time it’s Christ- mas 2020 and the room is empty and quiet. No laugh- ter, no family, no one but an empty living room.
Since the COVID-19 pan- demic began, there have been more than 19 million cases across the U.S. alone and more than 300,000 deaths just in the U.S. alone.
Back in March, I didn’t know one single person who had COVID-19.
Today, I know about 10 people who contracted the deadly virus. Two of those people died as a result of it.
As we move on to 2021, let's remember to honor those who lost their lives during this awful year.
Juanita Adame
January 2020
Erik Valencia, left, executive director for the Greater Reedley Cham- ber of Commerce, stood with Lance Cardoza, president and CEO of Business Street Mecia Group, after Valencia was honored at Business Street's "40 Under 40" networking event in Fresno. Valencia was one of 40 regional business professionals under the age of 40 recognized for 2019.
March 2020
ABOVE: Students at Immanuel Schools in Reedley participated in one of the last productions before the state wide lockdown.
ABOVE RIGHT: The Dinuba Police Department and Explorers took part in the 5th Annual Support the Blue Run held at Woodward Park. Pictured from left to right are officers Alejandro Veracruz, Alejandro Veracruz, Roberto Hernández, Jose Aguayo, Calixto Arias, detective Ubaldo Deharo and explorers Isaiah Torres, Rafael Herrera and Gus- tavo Lopez.
BOTTOM RIGHT: It was a special night for students from Sanger Adult School as they celebrated their graduation from the program.
ABOVE: Reedley Middle College High School students and staff celebrated "Start with Hello Week" by having a lunchtime photo booth on campus. From left, Christina Rios, Ron Pack, and Joel Hoffman.
ABOVE LEFT: Ladder Truck 121 was added to the Sanger Fire De- partment in late December and was put into service a few months later. The truck has a ladder that extends 100 feet. into the air.
LEFT: Dinuba Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Joe Her- nandez presented a certificate of appreciation to the Custodial Community Giving Committee at the trustee meeting on Jan. 16. CCGC is comprised of custodians from each school site in DUSD that donated food, clothing and blankets to less fortunate stu- dents and families during the holiday season.
February 2020
ABOVE: Orosi and Dinuba High students received their FFA Blue Jackets in a ceremony held on Jan. 22 in Exeter. As part of the Tulare County Farm Bureau’s Blue Jacket Bonanza a total of 47 jackets were awarded. Pictured from left to right are John Fernandez, Isabell Garcia, Isabella Ramirez, and Jennifer Olivarers
RIGHT: Sanger Police Depart- ment’s officer Fernando Garcia was assigned to monitor the campus at Sanger High School.