Page 7 - Reedley Exponent 12-27-18 E-edition

The Reedley Exponent PB anorama
All the latest events and updates with the Senior Center
See B8
Section | Thursday, December 27, 2018 www.reedleyexponent.com
Community band plays downtown
The View From Here
By Juanita Adame
Juanita@midvalleypublishing.com
Christmas music could be heard coming from outside the Main Street Cafe on the afternoon of Dec. 19 as members of the Reedley Com- munity Christmas Band played for residents.
"We should have ten people in our group, and we do this every year about this time of the year," said Randy Morris. "We like to do this roughly the Tuesday or Wednes- day before Christmas."
Morris plays the alto saxophone and said they love to get together this time of year to share their tal- ents with the community.
"We have been doing this be- tween 7 or 8 years in a row," he said. "Its kind of funny a few years back, there were a few people walking out of the stores across the street and we thought we were in trouble because we were making too much noise and they came and complained because they wanted us
to play in front of their store." Morris said they have members who play the trumpets, trombone,
and even an accordion.
"And today will work out perfect
because it's not as cold, last year
was freezing," he said. "We'll have a tuba, probably a baritone and we just like to come out and have a lot of fun, play for an hour and enjoy Christmas music."
Eric Kangas was also among the group. Kangas plays the trum- pet and said it was fulfilling for him to come out and play for the com- munity.
"I like to lift people's spirits, some of these people I play with, I see them periodically throughout the year," he said. "But not that of- ten so it's fun for all of us getting together."
AnnaMarie Rivas was also part
See BAND page B2
Reedley (Fresno County) CA 93654
I would like to thank Gary Kincaid, ser- geant with the Reedley Police Department, for letting me come out on Dec. 21 to take some photos of Reedley Police Department's sobriety check- point.
Juanita Adame
I was a bit surprised at how organized the entire event was. I will admit, as I drove through the checkpoint even I was asked if I had been drinking and I was asked to show my license.
I showed the officer my license and mentioned I was not drinking, I was, however, the reporter here with the Reedley Exponent to snap some photos and conduct some in- terviews for my story.
Truth is, I don't drink anymore.
I use to drink wine, however I gave it up once I realized how much it interrupted my sleep cy- cle. Also, I'm definitely not a fan of hangovers, so about a year ago, Idecidedtogiveitupforgood. I'll enjoy a glass of wine every now and then for dinner, but nowadays even that is a rarity.
As I assembled my camera gear and exited my car, I walked toward the checkpoint and imme- diately noticed a young man sit- ting in handcuffs. He was quiet, looking down at the ground with a blank stare on his face. The look on his face was obvious, contemplat- ing how this happened.
Kincaid told me they hadn't conducted a sobriety checkpoint in nearly 10 years. They felt that it was necessary to show the city they are still monitoring for drunk drivers, especially during the holi- day season.
After I finished interview- ing Kincaid, I heard someone say "Hey, Juanita!" I looked up to see Sanger Police Officer, Noel John- son.
Noel was there along with an- other Sanger officer to help out with the checkpoint. He told me they had just conducted a sobriety checkpoint in the city of Sanger the week prior, and were here in Reedley helping out.
Noel is a traffic cop in Sanger, so if you happen to find yourself speeding, or not wearing a seat belt while driving through Sanger, you can probably count on Noel finding you.
Another thing that surprised me that evening was, not even 20 minutes after I arrived, officers had already pulled out several peo- ple for suspicion of driving under the influence, and things were not slowing down.
Another young man was es- corted from his vehicle after of- ficers smelled alcohol on him. He seemed to be too dazed before he figured out what was happening and it wasn't until he had to per- form a sobriety field test that he seemed to sober up a bit.
I noticed the officers moving cars along relatively quickly. A quick check of the car, and when all looked good, they'd move the car along. I asked Noel how they make such quick determinations, "The smell of alcohol is pretty ob- vious when they roll their windows down," he said.
A few minutes later another motorist was also removed from her vehicle and questioned for sus- picion of driving while impaired.
The young girl had not been drinking, rather smoking mari- juana. It seemed that no one was catching a break this evening.
Kincaid said they have seen far too many drivers recently driv- ing while intoxicated and they felt it was time to have enforcement go up a notch.
For those celebrating with al- cohol this holiday season, remem- ber to designate a driver. With New Year's just around the corner, it can be tempting to let the drinks continue during the evening, and remember its not worth losing your license, or even your life or someone else's life by driving. I want to wish everyone a prosper- ous and safe 2019.
Photos Juanita Adame / The Exponent
ABOVE: The Reedley Community Christmas Band played for residents on the afternoon of Dec. 19. Randy Morris, alto saxophone player, said they make it a point to play for the community a week prior to Christmas. Other band members said they enjoy seeing people's faces light up when they hear their Christmas songs.
“We have been doing this about 7 or 8 years, we love to lift people's spirits with our music"
– Randy Morris Saxophone
Photos Juanita Adame / The Exponent
ABOVE: Randy Morris wears a Santa hat as he plays the saxophone in front of the Main Street Cafe on Dec. 19.
ABOVE: Members from the Reedley Community Christmas Band gathered to- gether to play for residents.
RIGHT: From left, AnnaMaria Rivas and other members of the Christmas band sat outside the bench in front of the Mainstreet Cafe.
Chamber sends thank you
Photo Courtesy Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce
A special thank you to members and those who have supported the mission of the Greater Reedley Chamber of Commerce this past year. We are grateful for your continued support and look forward to a prosperous 2019. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all, from, Erik Valencia, Brenda Ayala (not pictured) Wendy Navarro and Ribberto,
Christmas at St. La Salle School
Photo Contributed
Students at St. LaSalle Catholic School celebrated their annual Christmas program on Dec. 9. Parents, faculty and staff attended the concert put on by students.