Page 10 - Sanger Herald 1-4-18 E-edition

Lifestyles
SANGER HERALD • 3B • THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2018
Teams bond at Poverello House
Sanger
By Mike Nemeth
Sanger Herald
They gathered that morning at the front of Washington Academic Middle School during the winter break.
The members of the girls seventh- and eighth-grade basketball teams didn’t have to show up. School was out and the campus was otherwise silent. But they wanted to go on the Dec. 21 outing their coaches said would have an impact on their game, their relationships with their teammates and, quite possibly, their lives.
Their destination: Poverello House, which describes its mission as “meeting the needs of many, one person at a time.” The facility, at 412 F St. in downtown Fresno, provides meals, shelter, access to health care and other services to those without.
Don Tullman, seventh- grade head coach, made the trip repeatedly with teams when he coached in Selma and said he wanted to bring the tradition to Sanger.
“My intent is for the kids to realize giving is as good as receiving,” he said.
Tullman is not a guy satisfied with phrases like, “It’s the thought that counts.” He wanted to bring his girls and the girls coached by Ryan Jackson, the eighth- grade team, on a half- day excursion that would offer them perspective, provide a bonding exercise and maybe, just maybe, give them a collective experience none would forget.
And he succeeded. That is if the smiles the girls wore during their volunteer efforts and afterward were to be believed. They served hundreds of diners, sorted a half dozen bins of clothing, wrapped dozens of presents, placed Lindor Truffles in baggies and knotted them closed and even cleaned dishes.
They had fun.
Fun offering service to those less fortunate. Fun bringing food to families with kids who ran to their meals like it was already Christmas. Fun cleaning dishes. Fun scooping tuna fish for sandwiches.
They were polite and courteous and impressed those around them.
“Glad to have them,”
10 New Year’s Resolutions from the Wisest Man Who Ever Lived — Part 2
Last week we determined that New Year’s Resolutions basically fall into three categories.
They deal with: 1. Things to make us look better and live longer. 2. Things to make us have more. 3. Things that will help us to get along with everyone. I call them perpetuity, prosperity and peace. I believe we can find an answer in God’s word for any question or situation of life if we would just look.
So, what is there in God’s word about New Year’s
Mike Nemeth / Sanger Herald
Members of Sanger's girls seventh- and eighth-grade basketball teams volunteered for about a half day of service at the Poverello House in Fresno recently.
taught me,” she said.
And about the team, she said, “I think we’re going to be good this year.” Both Warriors teams may be excellent, especially if their collective performance at Poverello House is any
indication.
In the dish room, seventh-
graders Hailey Pasillas and Jocelyn Sandoval took charge of clean-up duty, scraping trays and recycling waste. They did it efficiently and happily. Sandoval said, “If they’re having a bad day, better to have a smile on your face.”
Eighth-grader Nereyda Alvarez said she and her teammates stumbled on something special by performing the public service. “It’s really nice for us to do,” she said. “Because a lot of people often don’t get the opportunity to do this.”
They don’t have people like Tullman, who spent a career at glass maker Guardian Industries managing plants and coordinating public service. He gave back, and his company encouraged it. Tullman has coached since 1973. He played baseball at Rutgers. He knows teamwork. Guardian maintains an operation on Mountain View Avenue in Kingsburg and others all over the globe. Tullman traveled a lot. He learned that an important element of a happy work force was one that gave back.
He was impressed with the girls’ work ethic. “The kids did a great job,” he said.
And Jackson said, “The girls wanted to stay longer. A couple said, ‘When can we come back coach?’” He said that based on their conversations, this day will have an impact, perhaps for the rest of their lives. “The act of giving. You had a couple girls tear up serving the food. They noticed stuff.”
Outside at the Sanger Unified bus, the teammates posed for pictures. They formed a circle and said, “One, two, three — Sanger!”
And Jackson brought them back to reality. “Tomorrow, practice at 8:30 a.m.,” he said.
The reporter can be contacted by email at sangerheraldsports@gmail. com or by phone at the Herald at (559) 875-2511.
verify receipt of (a letter, gift, favor, payment, etc.) f) to admit or affirm as genuine; certify in legal form to acknowledge a deed.
“In all your ways acknowledge him!”
Resolution 3. DO NOT BE WISE IN YOUR OWN EYES Verses 7-8: Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Resolution 4. HONOR THE LORD WITH YOUR WEALTH Verses 9-10: Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
To get an item into the calendar, email details to nemethfeatures@gmail. com or call Mike or Sharon at 559-875-2511.
For the Blossom Days Festival on March 3, the Sanger Chamber plans to announce the first- ever Blossom Queen. Nominations are currently being accepted. Details, 559-875-4575.
The Sanger Comedy Club presents Rudy Ortiz, Chris Estrada, Anna Allen, Patric Polac and Curtis Tavor III Jan. 6 at Sofia’s Restaurant, 1028 N St. Tickets are $10. Doors open and dining room is open at 6:30 p.m. Comedy starts at 8 p.m. Host is Ty Martin.
AMVETS will bring back its chili dogs from 5 to 8 p.m. Jan. 10 at 812 K St. Everybody who’s anybody will be there. Come early. It’s popular. There will also be kraut dogs, mustard dogs and Frito boats. The meals will be served the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month. Details, George 559-286-5667.
The New Sanger Democratic Club plans to meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 16 at Me-N-Ed’s Pizzaria, 2616 Jensen Ave. Details, 559- 977-5956.
The Sanger Eagles’ taco nights will resume Jan. 15. Prime rib dinner is 6 p.m. Jan. 20. Cost is $30. The location is 225 J St. Details, Jim Batten 559-875-6820 or Denny Noller 559-392-1936.
The Sanger Community Task Force meets at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 16 at the Sanger Eagles, 225 J St. Details, 559-250-6433.
The 2018 Fresno County Youth Summit this year has been dubbed “Be the Light in the Dark” and will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at Reedley College’s Forum Hall, 995 N. Reed Ave. in Reedley. The free event is for high school students and will include youth development workshops, speakers and prizes. Those interested must register at http:// ys2018.eventbrite.com.
Tiny Tot Sports Development for 3- to 5-year-olds is at 5:30 p.m. Friday nights from Jan. 12 to Feb. 16 at the Sanger Community Center, 730 Recreation Ave. Cost is $45 or $50 after first meeting. Details, recinfo@ci.sanger. ca.us or 559-876-6300.
This starts with tithing — God’s law of harvest.
Resolution 5. DO NOT DESPISE THE LORD’S DISCIPLINE Verses 11-12: My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.
Next Week: Part 3 — Resolutions 6-10
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.
said Kevin McClain, a journeyman carpenter, who said hello to the girls as they first entered the facility. The Warriors stood out in their matching dark blue sweatshirts. Then McClain explained a little about himself. “I’m at a turning point. I try to be a blessing to those guys here. One hundred and five days clean and sober. I pray to the Lord. Twenty-seven months I was homeless.”
Jackson said the trip relates well to basketball.
“Hopefully they’ll remember its lessons for the rest of their lives,” he said. “I want them to get out of it how fortunate they are. You’ve got to be selfless in the game of basketball. You have to pass. You have to assist. And that’s what we’re doing here. We’re assisting other people.
“They’re all good girls who come from different parts of the community. But on the court, we’re all one team. We’re Sanger, and that’s all that matters.”
And Sanger showed up.
Steven, a Poverello House crew member who coordinated the kitchen help, was impressed. “They’re doing a great job,” he said. “They’re getting it done, right now. Good teamwork.”
The kitchen serving crew got suited up and loaded one lunch tray after another. Others brought the trays to the tables. A trio prepared silverware wrapped in a napkin.
Steven, who didn’t use his last name because of the program he was in, explained how the cafeteria
resolutions? Well, they are not called New Year’s resolutions. But I don’t think you could do better than Proverbs Chapter 3. Read the following excerpts and see the benefits of adopting this set of New Year’s resolutions set forth here in this third chapter.
“My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you prosperity. (Perpetuity, prosperity) ... you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man ... He will direct your paths ... will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones ...your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine ...
works. He said it’s open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. “We’re constantly cooking,” he said. “Four to five meals. We’re busy all day. I love it when volunteers come in. It gives us a little break.”
The operation runs smoothly, its precision almost militaristic. Diners know the drill. If they don’t, a member of the crew fills them in discreetly. That day, people lined up outside the cafeteria. They were let in as food was served. When a place opened up at one of the many round tables, it was cleared, cleaned and another diner was brought in and served.
“Bags on the rack,” said Charles, a big affable guy at the front door directing the lunch traffic. “Table for you right there. Where there’s a tray, grab a seat.”
Charles said the number of people visiting Poverello House for meals spikes near the end of the month or during holidays. People have often run out of money at those times, he said. He said the number will fall by two thirds by the first.
Seventh-grader Daniela Hernandez made the trip with her older sister Jessica, a senior at Sanger High. “Our parents taught
us to give back when we can,” Jessica said.
Jessica was part of the half dozen Sanger students who sorted donated clothing into piles for men, women, boys and girls. Like the rest, she didn’t make idle conversation. Just got to work.
Daniela worked in the kitchen, sharing the duties with her teammates on the line. “I would like to come everyday,” she said. “It’s a life lesson that you should give back to the community.”
Behind Daniela and past a big bank of ovens, Davie, one of the crew, had already taken out a mop and cleaned the floor. His rolling bucket had fresh soapy water, and his floor looked spotless as he methodically hit every spot.
“We gotta keep it clean,” he said, chuckling. “The kitchen runs good.”
While wrapping presents in the adjoining warehouse, Elise LeBeau, an eighth- grader, listened to her headphones. The song? “Feliz Navidad,” she said, explaining that she likes Christmas music. “But it’s country, too.”
Not far away was eighth- grade team manager Lily Miranda, wrapping boxes of Legos with Aleena Hardin. “It’s good because we’re helping little kids get wrapped gifts for Christmas,” Miranda said.
And Natalie Herrera, captain of the seventh- grade team, said, “It’s really good to give kids something to look forward to.” She wrapped presents like a pro. “My mother
PASTOR’S CORNER
you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble ... you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet ... he LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.” (Peace)
straight. (Or will direct your paths.)” Definitions of the word trust: a) firm belief in or confidence in, the honesty, integrity, reliability, justice, etc. of another person or thing; faith in or reliance on the person or thing trusted b) confident expectation, anticipation or hope (to have trust in the future), trust in the LORD
with all your heart. Definitions of the word
acknowledge: a) to admit to be true or as stated, confess b) to recognize the authority or claims of c) to recognize and answer (a greeting or greeter, an introduction, etc.) d) to express thanks for e) to
The first one was: Resolution 1: LET LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS NEVER LEAVE YOU.
This week we continue with Resolution 2. TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL OF YOUR HEART.
Verses 5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths
Pastor Sam Estes
Sanger News & Community Calendar
“Hopefully they’ll remember its les- sons for the rest of their lives,.”
— Coach Ryan Jackson