Page 10 - Sanger Herald 11-8-18 E-edition

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SANGER HERALD
Lifestyles
Veterans Jim Anderson, left, and Johnny Perez wave as they travel past on a vintage fire engine this past Saturday.
Vets parade wows Sanger
By Mike Nemeth
Sanger Herald
Lt. Col. Cesar Gonzalez said he leveraged his time with the Sanger High NJROTC to a military career.
And that job, as commander of the 144th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron in Fresno, brought him right back to Sanger. Gonzalez served as grand marshal to the Sanger Veterans Parade on Nov. 3, launching the event promptly at 11:11 a.m.
“I thank everyone who helped me get where I am today,” Gonzalez said, stationed at the raised platform at Jensen Avenue and O Street. “The 144th isagoodwaytoseethe world.”
And, he added, a good way to uphold the freedoms of the country and its allies.
Most of Sanger came out to either appear in or watch the event that Doc Bart, who provided commentary with Liz Gonzalez, KMPH Fox 26 anchor, called “the biggest little parade in all of Fresno County.” And to launch the event, Gonzalez arranged for a couple of F-15C fighter jets to fly over Sanger.
In fact, on the second pass, the jets used O Street as a landmark and came roaring low from the south over downtown. It was a flight that many youngsters
Gratitude Increases Our Influence — Thanksgiving Part 1
As I was reflecting on Thanksgiving, I was reminded how a showing gratitude and appreciation increases our influence with those we love and work.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Paul reminds us to: “Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will.”
There is a story about an immigrant shopkeeper’s son who came to see his dad one day. Observing the disorganization of his father’s shop, the son complained, “Dad, I don’t understand how you run this store. You keep your accounts payable in a
Mike Nemeth / Sanger Herald
Children enjoyed the 144th's flyover at the start of the parade and the candy handed out by participants.
friend and a good leader,” Leal said.”He has a lot of integrity and a lot of honor and pride for his country.”
For Ethan Denton, a junior NJROTC member at Sanger High, the parade meant a lot. He stood at attention during the procession of vehicles, bands and various performers and thanked many of the veterans he came in contact with. “I feel like it was a great way to promote patriotism and love for our veterans,” he said.
Johnny Perez, commander of VFW Post 7168, also spoke with many of the veterans who gathered around the podium after the final entry of horses passed by. “It was a good parade,” he said. “Lots of public participation. Great job as MC (master of ceremonies) by Doc Bart and Liz Gonzalez.”
And he said of Liz, “We already booked her for next year.”
Liz Gonzalez, who grew up in Sanger, brought her little daughter who has sprouted into a very big girl. (I neglected to write down her age.)
The reporter can be contacted by email at nemethfeatures@gmail.com or by phone at the Herald at (559) 875-2511.
and older types wouldn’t soon forget. The sound of freedom.
Native American veterans again launched the event, offering a “special blessing for those who could not be here.”
George Willhoite, AMVETS Post 98 commander, spoke as a commemorative quilt was presented by Adam Albrecht to honor Dewain Bolin. “Doesn’t he look good?” Willhoite asked.
Bolin did. And proud.
Another receiving an Albrecht quilt was Lee Delap, whose son Carl accepted. Carl Delap’s voice was a little clouded by emotion at first. “I know at my house growing up he didn’t talk much about his service,” Carl said. “The mission he had a the time
cigar box. Your accounts receivable are on a spindle. All your cash is in the register. You never know what your profits are.”
“Son, let me tell you something,” answered the shopkeeper. “When I arrived in this land, all I owned was the pants I was wearing.Nowyoursisteris an art teacher. Your brother is a doctor. You are a CPA. Your mother and I own a house and a car and this little store. Add that all up and subtract the pants and there is your profit.”
Very few people fully fathom how far they have come in life or are able to see the bountiful blessings right in front of them. Instead, people typically concentrate on life’s blemishes to the exclusion of their blessings.
They focus on what they don’t have instead of being
was to raise his family. I know my dad is very humble and so honored to receive this.”
Carl Delap then praised all veterans for their service.
JD Bennett, chairman of the Sanger Veterans Network, said there are a lot of veterans in Sanger. He and Cheryl Ing organized the parade this year with help from others.
“We know it’s a big sacrifice all of you made,” Liz Gonzalez said. “All we can say is thank you.”
Ret. Chief Johnny G. Leal watched the parade near the podium. He said he served on the 144th with the parade’s grand marshal. He called Gonzalez a mentor and an example of success Sanger provides young people. “He’s a good
• 2B •
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2018
To get an item into the calendar, email details to nemethfeatures@gmail. com or call Mike or Sharon at 559-875-2511.
The Sanger Academy Drama Club presents “Mystery at Shady Acres” at 6 p.m. Nov. 8 and 9. Tickets are $3 for adults, students are free. Dinner show tickets for the Nov. 9 performance can be pre- purchased for $20 at the Sanger Academy Office. Details, 559-524-6840.
The 2nd Annual Dean Nicholson Sanger Basketball Alumni Game is planned for 5:45 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Coach Dean Nicholson Gym, at Sanger High. A meet and greet with the Apaches varsity squad follows with an inter-squad scrimmage. Festivities include music, food and games. Details, Del Beshore 559-318-6332.
The 11th Turkey Bowl by the Screamin’ Demons is planned for noon Nov. 17 at 181 Academy Ave. Cost is $20 or $15 with an unwrapped toy. There will be turkey bowling. Details, 559-940-3352.
Eagles Thanksgiving Dinner is at 5 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Eagles Hall, 225 J St. Cost is $12.50. Reservations needed by Nov. 9. Details, 559-875-6820.
The Silver Stars plan a Thanksgiving potluck at noon Nov. 15 at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church at the corner of Bethel and North avenues. Details, Bev 559-862-5778.
The Wilson Media Center Technology for Today classes are from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at the center, 610 Faller Ave. No cost. Nov. 12 is Creating Digital Content Online (ads, auctions); Nov. 14 is Using Digital Content to Buy and Sell. Details, 559-524-7219.
The Sanger Woman’s Club monthly luncheon meetings include Working for Causes that Matter with Julie Mendoza of HOPE Sanger and Jerry Valadez with SAM Academy at noon Nov. 13The club is at 1602 Seventh St. Details, Liz Hudson 559-779-1569.
Grace Community Church plans its monthly food giveaway with help from the Good Neighbors Center at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 at the church, 1620 Church
relationships weaken, and we grow distant from others.
On the other hand, when we thank people proactively, we’re reminded of our dependence on them and inspired to serve their needs instead of just expecting them to meet ours. As Henry Ward Beecher said, “A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets what he deserves.”
And a humble man is continually in awe that he gets to partake of the beauty of life and glad that he gets to share it with the ones he loves.
Here are few Attitudes of Gratitude as you contemplate more on this subject:
“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our
Mike Nemeth / Sanger Herald
Ave. Details, 559-875-7567.
Sanger’s annual tree lighting celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at Brehler’s Square in downtown Sanger, corner of Seventh and N streets. There will be a trackless train, Elsa from the movie “Frozen” and music. Details, 559-875-4575.
The 71st Annual Nation’s Christmas Tree City Toyland Parade is planned at 11 a.m. Dec. 1 in downtown Sanger. About 7,000 attended last year, and this year has more floats, said Tammy Wolfe, president. Details, 559-875- 4575.
The 92nd Annual Trek to the Nation’s Christmas Tree is planned from 2:30 to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at Kings Canyon National Park. Bus reservations are being taken. Details, 559-875- 4575.
The Sanger Community Task Force meets at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 20 at Calvary Fellowship Church, Dec. 4 at Life Tabernacle Church, Dec. 18 at Life Tabernacle Church. Details, 559-250- 6433.
Navidad en el Barrio, a celebration staged each year by Dr. Jose Luis Bautista, is planned this yeara8a.m.Dec.8at2570 Jensen Ave. Details, 559- 875-3428.
The Sanger Woman’s Club plans its Christmas Boutique at 8 a.m. Dec. 1 at the club, 1602 Seventh St. The Christmas parade will follow.
The Sanger Woman’s Club plans its third annual fundraiser, “A Dickens of a Christmas,” at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Central Avenue Dry Yard, 8610 E. Central Ave. in Fresno. The Charles Dickens’ Christmas carol-themed holiday event will take attendees back to the 19th century streets of London with impromptu entertainment, period decorations and participants dressed in costumes. A wide array of silent and live auction items will be open to bid, as well as an impressive dessert silent auction, featuring some of the most scrumptious desserts Sanger bakers have to offer. Tickets are $75 per person or $750 for a table of 10. Sponsorships are available as well. Details, Terry Barthuli 559-260-4657
souls blossom.” Marcel Proust
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” Marcus Tullius Cicero
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton
“The willingness of America’s veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” Jeff Miller May
Go richly and bless our Veterans as we celebrate Veterans Day.
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.
Sanger Community News & Calendar
PASTOR’S CORNER
grateful for what they do have. They worry about the road ahead instead of being thankful for the joys the journey of life has already brought them.
where they are valued most. The world responds to gratitude by making more of everything we appreciate available to us.”
PastorSamEstes Conversely, people are repelled
John Maxwell
wrote, “Our personal growth is tied to our professions of gratitude. Why? Because what we appreciate, appreciates. When we express thanks to others for their support, they’re more likely to assist us in the future. People enjoy working with those who acknowledge their contribution and affirm their value. As you heap gratitude upon people, they’re motivated to help you even more.”
As Dan Sullivan and Catherine Nomura wrote, “Resources are drawn to
from relationships where their effort goes unnoticed or routinely gets overlooked. No one wants to work where they feel invisible or ignored.
Gratitude is the antidote to three deadly diseases that imperil a leader’s influence: pride, isolation and selfishness. When we overstate our own importance, viewing our own hard work and wisdom as the sole source of our success, we devalue the support others have given us. On account of our arrogance, our