Talk Around Town

Time for another party

2009-09-02T11:32:00.000-07:00

When I looked at the Talk Around Town blog and saw it's been three months since I wrote a posting here, I was startled.

The Apricot Fiesta is a memory, the summer quickly past us by and the Stanislaus County Fair recorded another successful run. Now, as Labor Day Weekend approaches, Patterson is gearing up to celebrate its 100th birthday with a big bash this weekend.

The weekend will present a century of history and of memories.

A dedicated group of individuals has been working diligently over the past few years to bring us class reunions, home tours, Patterson High tours, Patterson Cemetery tours and plenty of food and beverages for the celebration. A hsitorical play is also in the works for folks to find out a bit of history in an hour.

Former Patterson residents will return for the weekend to visit with classmates, families and friends. It is going to be great fun! See you downtown for all the festivities.

Ready for Patterson's Big Party

2009-05-27T10:29:00.000-07:00

Just some random thoughts for Fiesta and graduation week:

Memorial Day: The local veterans, Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, do a great job every Memorial Day out at the cemetery. Flags and crosses decorate the graves of those who served in the military. The Avenue of Flags — large flags lining the roadways — is a sight to behold.
Folks gather to remember those who have died and to honor the men and women who have served our country. The ceremony includes music, prayer and the playing of Taps.
The crowd is a cordial one and plenty of time is spent visiting. Then, Tom and I walk along the road to visit the gravesites of relatives and friends who have gone before us.
There is a saying, "Freedom isn't free" and that is so true.

Graduations:
The sadness of the beginning of the week gives way to joy as the days go on.
Joy and delight for those who are moving on from middle school to high school and others who are making the jump from high school out into the world.
It's Graduation time!
Parties and barbecues abound and it is a time for celebrating.
Stay safe.

Fiesta:
The long-awaited Patterson Apricot Fiesta is upon us... for the 39th time. Can you believe it!?
This fun-filled weekend has something for everyone — rides for the kids, plenty of food and drink for adults. There are lots of craft and commerical booths for shoppers. The perfect weather and slow economy did keep people close to home last year.
The combination of the two resulted in the biggest Fiesta ever.
See you downtown!

Jaguar's Jungle doings

2009-04-13T14:51:00.000-07:00

It's been busy over at Apricot Valley Elementary School. The afterschool program, named Jaguar's Jungle, had a Career Day in March.

Among the presenters were Patterson District Ambulance Co. paramedics Craig Scott and Brandon Lima. The two paramedics described what children should do when an ambulance is on the road.

Get out of the way, get off the street and pull over to the right, students learned.

Students also learned when they call emergency number 9-1-1 they should give their name, address of where the emergency is and information about what is happening.

Otis Walton, a physicist from Lawrence Livermore Lab, told the children about static electricity and work he is doing for NASA. Kids used balloons and rubbed them in their hair to make static electricity. Walton also explained Project Dust, where he and a group of scientists went to Colorado for a weekend and studied and tested robotic vehicles speeding over the sand.

Other presenters included a pharmasict, veterinary tech, school nurse, nail technician and waitress.

Career Day is popular and an annual event at the afterschool program.

"We do this every year, " said Lauren Soto-Figueroa, coordinator. "We want to show the kids different ooportunities they can pursue with or without college."

Maggie, age 8 and a third grader said it was interesting. "I want to be a vet because I like animals."

Joey, age 9 and in fourth grade, said. "It's fun. I've never done this before."

Hosting an exchange student

2009-03-02T14:50:00.000-08:00

Over the years, my family has hosted exchange students. Seven teens at last count. Teenagers from other lands come to the United States to learn about our culture and customs and tour California.

We've hosted six female students and one male. Two from Japan, three from Italy and two from France. Our dear Pika lived with us for a school year and is like a daughter to us. All from different exchange student companies.

The latest student, Jovana, was part of the French group who lived in Patterson from Feb. 16 to 25. It certainly was a pleasure having Jovana in our home. Tom and I really enjoy the hosting experience.

The local host families stayed in close touch throughout the 10 days the teens were here. Certainly, we formed a bond among the families and the teens.

This great group of French teens ranged in age from 14 to 17. Denise Miller coordinated Patterson host families and students while Sarah Panerra of Newman placed students in families there. There were 11 girls, 4 guys, and two teachers on the West Side.

The French group took day trips to Turlock, Tracy, Modesto, San Francisco(twice) and Sacramento. Denise alternated a short trip day, then long trip day, etc.

The lone weekend was spent with the host family. Just as luck would have it, I got the flu on the Friday afternoon.

Our original weekend plans had to be changed. Tom took Jovana to the Pleasanton Mall, a Modesto dairy and for a ride on the firetruck on Saturday. They toured the Winchester Mystery House on Sunday. I could not move a muscle.

All in all it did work out and now we e-mail each other. Jovana is back at home and back to school in Paris.

Ushering in an era of hope and change

2009-01-23T11:06:00.000-08:00

A peaceful transfer of power

The world watched Tuesday as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States ushering in a new era driven by the words "hope"and "change."

Obama, son of a white woman from the United States and a black man from Kenya in Africa, recited his oath of office in front of more than 1 million people present in Washington D.C. and countless others watching from around the world.

The United States once more, as it has in its long history, had a peaceful transfer of power. Peaceful and gracious, as former President George Bush and First Lady Laura Bush welcomed the Obama family to the nation's capital over the last few weeks.

Obama brings a diverse background, young family and a drive to work towards a better America to the seat of government in Washington, D.C.

Local residents speak out

I spoke to some Patterson residents this week and most were ready to support their new leader.
Kristina Santos, president of the West Side Democratic Committee, said the group had an inauguration party Tuesday night at a local home.

"It was a wonderful day and it is a new America," Santos said. "There's a spirit of unity that was evident in all the people who came to Washington, D.C. to celebrate with joy. There's a new feeling of confidence and hope in our government that conditions in our country and our relationships around the world improve."

Retiree Sandy Mc Dowell got up early Tuesday morning to listen to all the "hoopla" as she called it.

"It was truly thrilling to see the crowds and realize some of the intense planning and preparation for this inauguration," McDowell said. "Seeing all those people — they were just so enthusiastic. They even showed 'clips' of people around the country and around the world."

Changes in our nation

Two local women of color have seen changes in our nation in the past few years.

“It was the second most historical moment that I can remember, " said Juanzette Hunter. "The first being Nov. 4 with him winning the election. And by getting the younger and older ones who never voted before the possibility of hope and change. It was a personal thing for me being from the South and seeing the changes in the world from a child till present. "

Hunter added the thought that now we all need to work together for a better future.

"If all the politicians and us common people work together, we probably could see a change quicker," Hunter said. "I’m very happy to be a part of history so I can tell my grandchildren one day. And my great-grandchildren because I’m going to be around then too."

Cerise Grice and her husband, Andre, took the day off from work so they could watch every moment of the inauguration. Cerise also made sure students in her children’s classrooms were watching. Daughter Simone toured the nation's capital this summer first hand through a leadership conference.

Simone, age 11, said President Obama is a great leader and a role model.

"He wants to help the economy by getting people back to work and keep them in their homes," Simone said. "He's inspired people to believe that our challenges will be met."

Her mother is also confident the nation will move on to brighter days.

"I have been supportive of his(Obama's ) campaign and his approach moving our country forward, " Grice said. "I’m a native of Chicago and I’ve known him since his appointment to the state senate of Illinois."

Grice said Obama has engaged youth in the political process and it transends all factions — beyond race, gender and religion.

"Even though my daughter is not of age to vote she understands our government leadership process," Grice said. "That's what I love about his speech, it was so encouraging reminding us we are one people and one nation."

Veterans support new leader

Retiree and war veteran Wade Norris watched the televised events.

"It was a great inauguration — attendance broke a world record," Norris said. "Barack Obama says he's for change. He's got a plate full. We all wish him luck. I believe he's going to make a good president."

Gene Carter, another war veteran, is willing to give Obama a chance.

"He did a very good job on his inauguration speech," Carter said "I think he's going to do a heck of a job as president."

Associated Press photos

A time to look ahead

2009-01-19T14:57:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow a new U.S. President— Barack Obama — will take the oath of office in Washington, D.C.

People from throughout the world will watch, along with Americans, as our new leader begins his four-year journey.

Obama takes over from George Bush and will inherit the long litany of problems including war, economy, foreclosures, health care and the stock market — just to name a few.
The task ahead is massive as we have heard through television, radio, computer and newspapers.
As president-elect, Obama began work a few months ago and is ready to hit the ground running this week. Along with Joe Biden, his new vice-president, and with a new team of leaders, Obama will takle all the issues — all enormous.

One bright note is the White House will have a young family — Michelle, Sasha and Malia Obama and Michelle's mother. Their news will focus on the every day — from what singers and entertainers they like to what puppy will live in the family home.

Every day distractions are welcome ones at that help balance the messages of doom and gloom we are bombarded with every day.

A new beginning

2009-01-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

As we turn the pages of the calendar, we start a New Year and a new beginning. The year stretches ahead of us with hopes of better, healthier more prosperous times than in 2008.

We remain optimistic that 2009 will bring a stable economy, affordable home prices for all, food on the table for families and jobs for those who need them.

It is tough to stay optimistic when we turn on the TV and hear all about the doom and gloom throughout the globe. The stories from throughout the United States citing failing banks, businesses, corporations and needed bailouts have shaken consumer confidence. Stores closed and people lost their jobs.

Here in Patterson numerous individuals, businesses and clubs have stepped forth to help those less fortunate. A new group, named Project HOPE(Helping Our People Eat) has taken root. Organizers want to assure those folks who need it have food during the winter months. There's always a spike in giving at holiday time and it levels off the rest of the winter.

Project HOPE folks will start a food drive to fill the shelves of local food pantries in the next week or so. Hopefully, food collected will last the food pantries through the spring when job prospects should be much brighter.

When Project HOPE volunteers come knocking at your door please give generously. There will be drop off boxes stationed throughout businesses and one can leave the donations there also.

Let's all keep pulling together for those in need no matter what the season.

Gorilla in the wilderness

2008-12-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Historical research takes on many forms. Just ask Carolyn and Leonard Harr. The local couple were doing research and came across some interesting newspaper articles. They have shared the articles with me.

"The Wild Men of California" is a story about the a gorilla or wiild man seen in the area of in the mountains in Orestimba Creek. It was written Nov. 10, 1870 in the Titusville Morning Herald (The First Daily Paper in the Oil Regions). The newspaper is still in existence in Pennsylvania.

The writer tells his story that the wild man is not a myth.

"I know that it exists, and that there are at least two of them, having seen them both at once not a year ago. Their existence has been reported at times for the past twenty years, and I have heard it said that in the early days an ourang-outang escaped from ship on the southern coast; but the creature I have seen is not that animal, and it if is, where did he get his mate? Import her as the Web-foot did their wives?"

The hunter saw the tracks of enormous feet and decided to lay in wait for the visitor. A few hours later, he saw the wild man near his campfiire.

"The creature, whatever it was, stood full five feet high and disproportionately broad and square at the shoulders with arms of great length. The legs were very short, and the body long. The head was small compared with the rest of the creature and appeared to set upon his shoulders without a neck. The whole was covered with dark brown and cinnamon-colored hair, quite long on some parts, that on the head standing in a shock and growing close down to the eyes, like a Digger Indian. As I looked, he threw his head back and whistled again and then stooped and grasped a stick from the fire. This he swung round and round, until the fire on the end had gone out, when he repeated the manuevre. I was dumb, almost and could only look. "

Later, the wild man was joined by what the writer thought was female. Then they disappeared in to the brush.

An April 1871 story first appeared in the New York Times and was reprinted in The Petersburg Index( Petersburg, Virginia).

That paper said that over the ensuring time, the wild man appeared throughout the United States — then disappeared for a few months before resurfacing again. He eluded caputre wherever he went.

Theories on the sightings include the idea that the wild men were gorillas.

Ring in the holidays

2008-11-07T08:49:00.000-08:00

The elections are over and thoughts turn to holiday time.
Thanksgiving is in three weeks and Christmas is seven weeks away!
For those fortunate enough to have the day after the Thanksgiving off from work, the four-day weekend can turn in to a time of eating, visiting or shopping with and for the family.
Or maybe everyone gets together to decorate the house Christmas.

But for many, sadly, the holidays will be skimpy this year.
Thousands of folks in the United States were been laid off when businesses took a downturn.
The economy is in a slump,the stock market tanked and housing market stalled.

Right here in Patterson clubs, individuals and organizations are heeding the call of helping others at holiday time. This year local groups are banning together to collect clothes and toys for more than 1,000 children and food for 370 families.

Everyone is struggling — we have all had to tighten the belt in some way.

But, no matter what the generosity of our community has always been paramount. The Patterson-Westley Chamber of Commerce, St. Vincent De Paul Society, Westside Food Pantry and so many others volunteer countless hours to make the holidays brighter for families who cannot afford the simple necessities.

Contact anyone in these groups or stop by U.S. Bank or Sacred Heart Church and pick a name of a child who needs clothes and wants a toy for Christmas.
Giving to others is what Christmas is all about.

The mud slinging elections

2008-10-28T11:25:00.000-07:00

It's hard to believe we live in the "... land of the free and the home of the brave."
One would never know we are the home of the brave by looking at the national election race on television. Each candidate blasts the other.
Researchers look into family history and even pick apart, first, middle and last names. The jabs go back and forth.

Statewide and countywide the campaigns are no better. Television ads are attack pieces on candidates and even statewide propositions.
Why not tell us about the candidates, what they stand for and what they plan to do when they get into office?

On the county level, we have received in our mailbox fliers against political candidates. I call it hate mail

And, sadly, the mudslinging has reached the local level — the Patterson races for Mayor and City Council.
What is the purpose of each candidate tearing apart another?
People are talking on the street and on the Patterson Irrigator website. Is that what we want to be known for — a town torn apart?

As Americans we have the freedom to get out and vote.
First, we have to travel the long, hateful road to get there.
How sad for us.

Going on vacation

2008-10-16T14:08:00.001-07:00

A New York wedding
It takes quite a bit of planning, organizing and packing to get on the road for a trip. Tom and I did just that leaving for New York at the beginning of the month.

Our road took us to Oakland airport and off into the skies for our trip East. Thanks to our friend Ed who saw us off safely.

The big occasion was My Sister Eileen's wedding on Oct. 4. Eileen, a single parent for more than 30 years, married Rich, a wonderful guy. At the wedding we danced, danced, danced and ate and had lots of fun. There was plenty of time to visit with guests and enjoy the music and singing.

That week of vacation was filled with wedding, family, dinners, visiting and enjoying each other's company.

My family lives on Long Island and my relatives and my husband's relatives are just a car's drive away. My mom, three brothers, three sisters and their families all live close to each other and there was a lot of visiting throughout the week.

We went to dinner and to lunch and had a lot of fun. (We ate a lot and talked a lot).

I got together with school friends, Liz and Ann and their families and we caught up on all the news. Tom's Aunt Ruth had us over for lunch one day and we saw her new, very beautiful apartment.

On Wednesday, I went to New York City with my Mom, my Aunt Ann and my sister, Connnie.

We saw the play " South Pacific " at Lincoln Center then went out to eat at a lovely restaurant. The next day, while I was visiting with school friends, Connie and Tom into New York City. They went to Ground Zero, The Firehouse Museum, Wall Street, Trinity Church among other sites. They had lunch at the historic Fraunces Tavern.

My mom was our hostess and the trip was perfect. Mom and Connie prepare a calendar of events for us for each day. Tom and I get up in the morning and follow the calendar schedule!

On the Friday before we left New York, my mom and all had a cake to observe our anniversary.

It was nice being all together at that special time.

Back to California on time for our 34th wedding anniversary on Oct. 12. Then on Monday it was back to work. The time went by way too fast!

Hope all of you enjoy those special times with those you love, too.

Good people sharing time and talents

2008-09-22T13:20:00.000-07:00

Raising money for children
The Westside Shrine Club had a successful first-time fundraiser Sept. 13. Shriners and guests met for dinner at the rural Patterson home of Carla and Kevin Nelson raising $1,150 for children.

Shriners set out to raise money for the Shriners Children's Hospital in Sacramento and decided to put on a steak and oyster feed. Tom and I were honored be two of the 70 people in attendance, visit with folks in the Nelson's beautiful yard and have a delicious meal.

"Everyone has called me during the week and told me they were very happy with the event and look forward to repeating it," Kevin, who is the local Shrine president, said. "Many people worked together to make it a success."

The entire Nelson family worked hard on the event, and along with volunteer cooks and bartender, helped raise funds for kids who need medical care.

The Westside Shrine Club is one of the units of the Aahames Shrine Center in the Pleasanton/ Livermore area.

Kevin said the money will first go to the Shrine Center, be added to the money raised by other Shrine Clubs and then be passed on to Sacramento to Shriner's Children's Hospital.

There are plenty of great people with great causes out there who work hard for what they believe in -- this dinner is just one of example of what dedicated folks working together can do.

Hansen shares artwork; play depicts life issues
When former Patterson resident Lois Hansen was asked to display her artwork depicting women at the Prospect Theatre in Modesto she said "Yes."

Local resident Colton Dennis is directing an Edward Albee play,"Three Tall Women" at the Prospect. He thought of Lois' artwork and gave her a call. Now, five of her paintings are displayed in the lobby of the theater and ready for Friday's opening night.

Lois, who moved to Hughson 1½ years ago, lived here more than 40 years and she and her husband, Charlie, raised four children here.

After her children grew up, she began classes at Modesto Junior College and then at California State University, Stanislaus, in Turlock, where she studied art. After many years, Lois graduated in 2000 from CSUS with a bachelor of arts degree in fine arts.

"I would lke the viewer to identify with my paintings as they trigger different memories for each of us," Lois said in her artist statement. "In my body of work, a recurrent theme for me is the ageing process. These feelings are ones of loneliness and isolation, as well as the very joy of life and its rich rewards."

Lois, who comes to Patterson often, is also a member of the Del Puerto Art Group here. Her paintings, along with other local artists in town, are on display at various businesses around the Circle and downtown.

Meanwhile, Colton is ready for a long run for the Pulitzer Prize winning play, which will be presented from Sept. 26 to Oct. 19 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. A Thursday performance will be Oct. 16. Evening performances are at 8 p.m and matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.
For information: 549-9341 or

Remember 9/11

2008-09-12T09:40:00.001-07:00

Seven years ago America was reeling from what were devastating attacks on the Twin Towers in New York City and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. Terrorists drove three commercial airplanes into those buildings, while a fourth plane went down in a field in Pennsylvania.

More than 3,000 people were killed and the nation was in shock.

Let us not forget, seven years later, the impact of that day. Familes who lost a loved one cannot forget and they still grieve.

We should not forget either.

Although we go about our buisness our lives have changed.
Folks are more viligant when they travel, and are aware of what's going on with the neighbors and neighborhood.

Americans are not afraid to speak up in the face of injustice and fly the flag with pride.

As time goes on do not let the images of that day fade away.

September 11, 2001 should burn forever in your memory.

Jumping from a plane and visiting the neighbors

2008-09-05T09:50:00.000-07:00

The big jump

Three-day weekends mean an extra day of fun for those of us who go to school, to work and who have to keep on a strict schedule throughout the week.

Most of us keep our feet on the ground unlike my friends, Linda De Forest and her son, Ryan, who decided to celebrate their birthdays by jumping out of a plane. The pair usually take a trip abroad at birthday time but Ryan, who turned 18 in March, was so busy with school and his summer job they decided on an Aug. 30 jump.

"We both decided before he left for college this is how we were going to celebrate, " Linda said.

The pair headed to Lodi to the Parachute Center to prepare for the big moment. Armed with nerves of steel and the proper parachute equipment — essential — they boarded the plane.

Then they jumped!

Linda and Ryan had a fabulous time as you can see by the accompanying pictures. ( Just a few of the more than 100 pictures they took that day.)

Ryan will leave Patterson to start his areonautical engineering studies at Univeisty of California, Davis, on Sept. 20. We wish you all the best, Ryan!

Visiting the neighbors

The Newman Fall Festival is a tradition of our neighbors to the south. My friend, Coleen Sanguinetti, her granddaughters, Sarah and Ashley, and yours truly headed to Newman for some fun on Sunday.

The big parade — with the Apricot Fiesta float in the lineup — was followed by fun in the Newman Park. Sarah and Ashley enjoyed the rides and bounce houses and we all took part in delicious food and drink. (Of course!) The festival featured a car show and plenty of musical entertainment.

We browsed all the craft booths before starting for home in the late afternoon. It was a fun day for all of us thanks to our neighbors in Newman.

Again I headed south and after helping Coleen with some chores on Monday, our little group headed to the playhouse set up in the Sanguinetti yard.

Coleen and I were the customers at the make-believe restaurant, decorated with tables, chairs, lamps and complete with curtains on the windows and decorations on the walls.

Sarah and Ashley, in dress up attire, served the make believe food, while Coleen and I chatted.

Hope you had a nice three-day weekend celebrated in your own style.

Talk Around Town is back!

2008-08-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

When I started work at the Patterson Irrigator, little did I know that 27 years later, I would have my own blog and enter the "blogosphere" of the Internet world. Our town has seen so many changes in that time and so has our newspaper. The World Wide Web has brought us all closer together and through this I have the chance to share community news, thoughts and concerns about our town.

I've named my blog "Talk Around Town" after my column of the same name that ran from 1981 to 2003. That column featured news about the folks in Patterson back in the days when the town was small — under 20,000 people.

One thing has not changed, however. We still have community contact with the people who live here. When my husband and I raised our four sons in Patterson, there was plenty to keep all of us busy as they moved through school and into college. Our sons have married and are gone from home, but our family's connection with the townsfolk still remains.

The network of Patterson news flows through the neighborhoods, schools, grocery stores, churches, gatherings and local offices.

And folks can still come through the front door of the newspaper office and talk to a reporter in person. New brides bring in their wedding albums for us to see, proud parents introduce us to their new babies, folks stop by to laugh, cry, and share their lives with us. We are so fortunate to have that close bond and connection to our readers.

I look forward to sharing the community news with you via Talk Around Town.