Varsity Boys Basketball

Hamilton 70, Biggs 30

The Hamilton High boys basketball team trounced Biggs Friday in their regular-season finale.

Paulo Frutos led the Hamilton offense with 13 points, while Leland Prior and Ricky Alvarez each pitched in 10. Tim Bekendam, Shea Shull, and Briley Fumasi all contributed eight during the home win.

The Braves (14-11, 4-2 MVL) seeded No. 10 in the Division V playoffs, traveled to seventh-seeded Chester Wednesday.

Collegiate Swimming

Batchelder earns NCAC All-Conference

Stephen Batchelder, a 2011 graduate of Orland High School, earned North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) All-Conference status leading off the 800-freestyle relay for Wabash College at the NCAC Conference Meet held over the weekend in Canton, Ohio. The team finished the race in 1 minute, 45.91 seconds. In addition, Batchelder swam to seventh in the 200-breaststroke (2:08.91), 15th in the 200-individual medley (1:58.34) and 17th in the 100-breaststroke (59.90).

Youth Wrestling

Jr. Trojans claim West Side championship

The Orland Jr. Trojans wrapped up the West Side League tournament championship on Saturday, finishing atop of the Corning Sharks, Red Bluff Top Fuelers, Los Molinos Bulldogs and Westside Honkers.

Taking first place for Orland were Ricky Landeros (70 lbs.), Austin James (89), Logan O’Riley (100), Sergio Parra (135), Christian Pyle (142) and Carlos Martinez (153) who also won the tournament MVP award.

Silver finishes were earned by Yonathan Esquivel (83), Steven Abbott (128), Matthew Holden (168) and Fernando Macias (185).

Aaron Ramirez (95) and Julio Vallejo (108) came in third. Fourth place went to Angel Alvarez (103), while Tommy Leday (103) and Ivan Hernandez (116) took fifth.

Jr. Trojans jump into Meat Grinder

On Sunday, the Jr. Trojans traveled to Roseville to wrestle in the “Meat Grinder” tournament.

Jace Martin took first place in the Rookie Division (5-6) in the 50-pound weight class. Brayden Schumann was third in the Intermediate Division (9-10) at 55 pounds.

In the Novice Division (11-12) Tommy Leday was first at 103, with Arron Punzo (70), R.J. Baker (89) and Angel Alvarez (97) second.

In the Middle School Division (TOC qualifier), Ricky Landeros (70), Austin James (89) and Matthew Holden (168) finished first; Steven Abbott (128) took second; and Christian Pyle (135) and Carlos Martinez (153) were fourth.

Article Sources: Sports Roundup: Basketball, youth wrestling results

Published on Thursday 9 February 2012 08:57

Lots of white wine drinkers have switched to sauvignon blanc over recent years for two basic reasons – they like the taste and the price-tags.

Prices generally remain below those of other quality whites, although they have been edging up lately, along with most other wines on retailers’ shelves.

As for the taste, I have not very often been disappointed, despite marked differences between Old World and New World versions.

Certainly, when you order sauvignon blanc in a good restaurant you can be reasonably sure what you will get.

The grape originates in Bordeaux, but New Zealand producers have grown it with huge success, and it was one of the first wines there to be bottled with screwcap closures; it is drunk young, and doesn’t gain from ageing.

Villa Maria, which has won more awards than any other producer in the country, has just unveiled the first wines from the 2011 vintage, displaying the pristine quality which has made it famous worldwide.

It was fascinating to compare four wines from various sub-regions, displaying different facets of the same grape, some subtle, some more marked.

New Zealand sauvignon blancs have been described as fruit salad in a glass, but this is a generalisation which ignores the elegance and finesse of some of the best brands.

These qualities are displayed in Villa Maria Single Vineyard Graham Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (13.5 per cent, £14.99, Majestic and Ocado).

For me, a glass of this very concentrated, aromatic white brightened up a gloomy late January evening with its lively, herbaceous style and firm mineral background.

Recommended, especially with fish: I drank it with a salmon steak in a tangy sauce, along with noodles and spinach.

The producer says its Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Passage Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (13 per cent, £14.99, Tesco) will gain richness from ‘short term’ bottle age.

Right now, it offers particularly fragrant whiffs of ripe gooseberries and cut grass, and mouth-filling flavours of gooseberries, citrus and herbs.

The vineyard is described as very picturesque, on the north bank of the Awatere River, in Marlborough.

Grapes for Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (13 per cent, £13.99, Majestic, Wine Rack, nzhouseofwine.co.uk) were picked from a number of vineyards throughout the valley.

Maturation on the lees for three to four months helped to create a complex, rich wine, displaying both aromas and tastes of gooseberries and grapefruit.

An intense, fulsome wine for fish and poultry, or drinking all by itself.

More subtle variations on the SB theme, although the colour remains a distinctive shiny light greenish yellow, in Villa Maria Reserve Clifford Bay Sauvignon Blanc 2011 (13 per cent, £13.99, Sainsburys, Oddbins, nzhouseofwine.co.uk).

This juicy, fruity wine has an underlying minerality and very fetching aromas of lime and gooseberries. Again, complexity is noticeably increased by maturing it on the lees after fermentation.

Article Sources: PETER HOMER All About Wine…The New World is at the top of the tree for tasty sauvignon blancs

For years, money has stood in the way of Phil Mizzi’s dream of outfitting St. Vincent de Paul’s Dan O’Meara Center with an authentic pizza kitchen.

Hot, crispy pizza isn’t just delicious, he said, but it’s a way to bring in more families that need a good meal and give them a special treat.

Now, the Phoenix-based non-profit organization will use more than $110,000 in donations received over the last couple of months to get the pizza kitchen up and running and turn its monthly pizza night into more than a limited pilot program.

A December Republic article reported on the work of Mizzi, an Arizona State economics professor and a longtime volunteer and member the charitable organization’s board of directors.

For about 17 years, Mizzi has taken his students to St. Vincent to volunteer. They also have studied the non-profit’s finances through his classes and put together dozens of reports to help the organization decide how to best use its resources.

In June, the professor organized a group of volunteers to host the first family pizza night, held on the third Friday of each month at the Dan O’Meara Center, 420 W. Watkins Street in Phoenix. Fresh-baked pizzas are a change from meals typically served at the O’Meara dining room, Mizzi said. Those meals are prepared in the morning and kept warm until dinner service.

In late November, Mizzi’s students presented plans to St. Vincent board members and employees for a full-fledged pizza kitchen at St. Vincent based on the success of the pilot program. They estimated that three brick ovens, prep tables, pizza trays and mixers for sauce and dough would run about $90,000, a one-time startup cost.

A couple, who preferred not to be identified in The Republic, contacted Mizzi and St. Vincent de Paul after reading the article, he said.

He took them on a tour of the facility, and “they wrote a check for $110,000,” he said. “It’s unbelievable.”

St. Vincent employees are searching for equipment with the best prices, Mizzi said, and they expect to purchase the ovens in June or July. Other people have come forward with additional donations, he said, which will go toward construction costs and the ingredients to make the fresh pies.

Food Services Manager Jerry Castro said the plan is to increase pizza night from once a month to twice a month, then weekly. Eventually, the dining room will serve pizza a few times a week, he said.

The Dan O’Meara Center kitchen, St Vincent’s largest, produces about 3,500 meals Monday through Saturday. The kitchen has the capacity to produce up to 10,000 meals a day, but 3,500 meals are enough to feed the guests who come through and provide free food to 17 other non-profit organizations, Castro said.

Pizza night usually draws up to 200 more guests than a typical meal service, Castro said, and serving pizza more than once a month should get more people through the doors.

The donations also will also pay for plates, silverware, a dishwasher and crates to store the dishes, which will cost a total of about $20,000. The dishware will replace Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils, saving St. Vincent more than $70,000 over the next 10 years, Mizzi’s students said.

Perhaps more important, St. Vincent Executive Director Steve Zabilski said, is what that represents to guests.

“We try to make it just like a restaurant, but you don’t get a bill,” he said. Guests are given menus, and a server takes their orders and deliverers the food to the table.

“It’s not a soup kitchen at all,” he said. “It’s not where they have to stand in a long line.”

Zabilski said the donations will go toward making pizza night even better in a time when the organization doesn’t have the money to invest in new programs. “We could never, ever do this without” donors, he said. “They saw that it was something really good … and they wanted to be that bridge.”

The first few pizza nights, Mizzi said, volunteers made the pies as he does at home: with a thick crust loaded with lots of cheese.

Now, he is working with dietician Mary Anne Kelaghan and chef Jerome Fressinier of ASU’s Engrained Cafe, to increase the nutrition of his slices. The dough is made with whole-wheat flour and stretched thinner, and volunteers use less cheese and high-fat meats and more vegetables.

“The idea is to get more vegetables in but not make it unpleasant or make it such a dramatic shift,” he said.

Mizzi has been pushing for a pizza kitchen at St. Vincent’s for years, and “now we’re at the point where all these things are starting to come together,” he said.

“It’s starting to bear a lot of fruits. I’m excited about where it will go.”

This entry was posted on Monday, February 20th, 2012 at 9:46 pm and is filed under Arizona Republic News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

Article Sources: Search the Citizen

Gear up for your next travel adventure or outfit your home at two upcoming Bay Area warehouse sales. Check out company websites to preview the inventory and remember: Early birds get the best selection.

Kiva’s spring travel sale

The goods: Stop by Kiva’s new and upgraded showroom and outlet in Benicia for extra-special bargains. This manufacturer of adventure travel gear, including its Rick Steves line of luggage and accessories, continues to grow and expand. At its sale on Friday and Saturday you can save 50 percent off Rick Steves Travel Gear from the Autobahn and Classic Collections. Preview this line of fun and functional bags that look great and roll with any style on the company’s website.

Highlights: Rolling backpack from the Autobahn Collection $90 (retail $179.95); laptop backpack $35 (retail $69.95); laptop messenger bag $40 (retail $79.95). Pieces from the Steves Classic Collection are available in red only (great for easy identification). Some examples: 21-inch rolling uprights $75 (retail $149.95); convertible carry-ons $50 (retail $99.95); 24-inch rolling upright $90 (retail $179.95). Miscellaneous travel accessories will also be 50 percent off ($9.95 to $29.95). Note: The showroom outlet is open weekdays, but except for special sales, it functions as a showcase for new collections of luggage and accessories. Prices are retail, however there is always a small selection of samples and one-of-a-kind pieces at markdown prices.

Details: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.-Sat. Regular showroom/outlet hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sat. 6440 Goodyear Road, Benicia; (707) 748-1614. kivabags.com.

Rockflowerpaper semiannual warehouse sale

The goods: If you haven’t discovered Rockflowerpaper’s company store in San Anselmo, plan a visit in the next few weeks. The warehouse has been culled and inventory has been brought into the store and priced at wholesale or below now through Feb. 28. Year round, the store showcases the collections of home decor, gifts and clothing that it sells to more than 3,000 high-end gift and home decor stores worldwide. The space is most charming (a far cry from the milieu of most bargain outlets) and everything is tastefully displayed.

Highlights: The company is well known for its beautiful lacquer trays, which have original art prints on them – they’ll be priced at $20-$44 (retail $75-$95). Other popular items in the sale are the canvas totes in fabrics designed by its in-house designer priced from $12.99 to $34.99 (retail $26 to $68). Count on a huge range of table linens, kitchen towels, aprons, vases, pillows, table runners, coasters, hard place mats, and even espadrilles at this sale. Note: The store is tucked away on Tunstead Avenue about a half block off the main street.

Details: 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Mon.-Sat. (sale prices through Feb. 28). 145 Tunstead Ave., San Anselmo. (415) 462-0001. rockflowerpaper.com.

This article appeared on page M – 1 of the San Francisco Chronicle

Article Sources: Warehouse-sale deals await travelers, homebodies

You might note something else: that the tubing is about the diameter of the tubing used in bicycle parking racks….

In doing so, you will not be alone: I have often seen bicycles locked up to these new benches, presumably by folks doing those multi-modal commutes we all, in and out of the administration, are hoping to encourage. You know, solving transit riders’ first-mile/last-mile conundrum by making it easier to bicycle to or from the bus stop…. (I’ve also seen them used as racks by folks stepping out of a restaurant, on blocks where there weren’t “real” bike racks.)

Sometimes the bikes are locked up the long way, but many bikes won’t sit close enough to that transverse bar behind the backrest to lock up easily, so more often the bikes are perpendicular to the bench, blocking passersby on the sidewalk and folks trying to get on the bus.

Now, you’d expect our historically unimaginative city simply to outlaw locking to the bus benches, as they have outlawed locking to a parking meter (a law that no one has ever known to be enforced), but…we can do better. This is opportunity knocking!

Here’s my suggestion to the Bureau of Street Services: let’s modify those benches with a couple of security bolts to make sure that bracing bar can’t spin or be removed, then put an add-on bike locking loop on it.

A modified version of the Cyclehoop, with only half a loop, would work fine. Whoever makes LADOT’s current racks could certainly fabricate something like this.

It would be a huge boon to LA’s cyclists, boosting the number of racks in the city very cheaply, and it would benefit Metro too, by getting more riders to its buses. Getting some company or other to “sponsor” the retrofits would bring them bragging rights. And pedestrians as well as bus passengers would not find their way blocked by crosswise bicycles.

The anonymous bus and bike riders of LA have already started using these benches as bike racks. Let’s make it easier for them, and everyone around them, to keep riding bikes and buses for their daily travel.

It can only make our city better.

Are you listening, Los Angeles?

(Readers: if you like this idea, let Bureau of Street Services know here, but be civil about it, okay?) 

Article Sources: Orange 20 Bikes » Don’t Knock This Opportunity

BBQ is the food of summer and all 20 Tropical Smoothie Cafés in the Las Vegas Valley are adding zing to the menu, beginning July 11 for a limited time, with Beachside BBQ selections.  

The savory Beachside BBQ, featuring Tropical Smoothie Café’s zesty Hawaiian Luau BBQ sauce, are:

• Beachside BBQ Sandwich – turkey, provolone, bacon, romaine, tomato and Hawaiian Luau BBQ sauce on toasted ciabatta.
• Beachside BBQ Wrap – chicken, mozzarella, pineapple, red onions and Hawaiian Luau BBQ sauce wrapped in a white tortilla.
• Beachside BBQ Flatbread – chicken, cheddar, red onions, pickles and Hawaiian Luau BBQ sauce on grilled flatbread.

Also for summer, a Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie blends fresh strawberries and lemonade into a refreshing and flavorful thirst quencher.

Prices of Beachside BBQ items vary and begin at $3.99 and are available until October 16.

In addition to Beachside BBQ items, Tropical Smoothie Café offers an enticing selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner options including more than 35 real-fruit, blended smoothies. Guests can also satisfy their taste buds with an array of specialty Bistro and Flatbread sandwiches made with meats from Dietz & Watson, producer of the most flavorful, highest quality deli meats in the marketplace, plus salads that offer a tasty treat in a tropical aura.

To find one of the 20 Las Vegas Valley Tropical Smoothie Café locations and to see a complete menu, visit tropicalsmoothiecafe.com.

About Tropical Smoothie CaféEstablished in Destin, Fla., in 1997, Tropical Smoothie Café has taken the smoothie concept to the next level by offering diners a healthy alternative to typical fast food. The concept, which introduced food in 1999, provides consumers with a variety of high-quality real-fruit smoothies, specialty wraps, grilled flatbread and gourmet sandwiches and salads. The company also caters. Tropical Smoothie Café includes menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Ranked 127 out of 500 and rated one of the fastest growing franchises by Entrepreneur Magazine, the concept currently has more than 285 locations in 34 states. Plans call for more than 300 locations by the end of 2011. For more information, visit tropicalsmoothiecafe.com or call 888-292-2522.

© 2011, VegasNews.com. All rights reserved. All content copyrighted or used with permission. All rights reserved. This content may not be distributed, modified, reproduced in whole or in part without prior permission from VegasNews.com.

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Article Sources: Tropical Smoothie Café in Las Vegas Introduces ‘Beachside BBQ’ Menu Items Beginning July 11

IT was a photo that shamed football fans back in the late 1980s.

Liverpool star John Barnes was pictured kicking away a banana thrown by a racist section of the crowd during the Merseyside derby.

But now – more than 20 years since that infamous incident at Everton’s Goodison Park – despite efforts to fight racism, it has still not been eradicated from football or society as a whole.

In recent weeks we have seen:

* Liverpool striker Luis Suarez banned for eight matches by the FA after being found guilty of racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.

* England captain John Terry facing a criminal charge of using racist language towards QPR’s Anton Ferdinand.

* Oldham defender Tom Adeyemi claiming he was called a “black b******” by a fan during a recent FA Cup game at Liverpool.

Football is the biggest sport in the world and belongs to us all. It should be the right of every person to play, watch and discuss freely, without fear. We want to see the ‘beautiful game’ played without discrimination.

Unfortunately, at all levels of the game, from amateur to international, there are incidents of racism and discrimination. Be it from fans, players, clubs or other football bodies, such behaviour, on and off the field, is unacceptable and unwanted by the majority of fans and players.

Football’s appeal crosses all divides – religious, cultural, national and continental – and knows no bounds. Its power to unite is a unique and abiding strength.

But this power to unite is countered by a power to divide. Football can be a focal point for racism and xenophobia – not just in England but all over the world.

That is why the game’s ruling bodies – and by extension clubs and players as its ambassadors – have a responsibility to protect and promote football’s unique position as the game that unites the world. This means taking steps to free it from intolerance and prejudice.

Racism is not a problem of football’s making, but, because of the game’s popularity, football has a disproportionate effect on it compared to other sports and walks of life.

Football commands the hearts and minds of millions of people. It is a powerful vehicle to take a message of tolerance and respect to society as a whole.

It was only in the 1990s that the football authorities and clubs in England accepted that racism was a serious problem that had to be addressed for the good of the game.

In the 1970s and 1980s, racism was rife at certain English football grounds. Racist chanting and abuse was common; bananas were thrown from stands and terraces at black players; and football clubs were targeted by far right groups for the dissemination of racist literature. The national team, in particular, became associated with a far right following. Home games at Wembley were marred by abuse of black English players.

At that time, the problem of racism was overtaken by a more general problem with anti-social behaviour and violence at football matches. Football authorities and clubs were rightly preoccupied with making grounds safe again, but it is possible that the problem of racism was, as a result, sidelined.

Since then, English football has come a long way in a short time. Supporters at different clubs successfully challenged unacceptable behaviour and brought the issue of racism up the agenda. English football has responded by showing a new willingness to tackle racism and put its house in order.

However, recent events – chief among them the controversy stirred on Saturday last when Liverpool striker Luis Suarez refused to shake hands with Manchester United’s Patrice Evra before their game at Old Trafford – have catapulted the issue back to the top of the agenda.

Indeed, British Prime Minister David Cameron has signalled the involvement of his government in the racism row by calling a summit to discuss the issue. According to several reports in the British press, Cameron and Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt are to hold a “round table discussion” at Downing Street with football officials and players’ representatives later this month.

Getting back to the Suarez-Evra debacle, the Uruguayan later apologised to the Frenchman for refusing to shake hands but the Liverpool forward was still subjected to a strong dressing down from his club as Liverpool finally tried to bring an end to the row.

Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre had led the criticism of Suarez, followed by Kenny Dalglish who apologised for his own actions during a bizarre post- match interview in which he had deflected criticism of his striker. There has been speculation that the apologies came after an intervention was made by the owners of Liverpool FC, the US-based Fenway Sports, which also owns the Boston Red Sox baseball team, and shirt sponsors Standard Chartered Bank, whch has paid £95.5 million as part of a three year deal.

Suarez’s latest actions culminate an ongoing saga which has shed light on the issue of racial abuse between players and had led to leading black players expressing their private dissatisfaction at the way in which issues of racism are dealt with.

Amid the profusion of claim and counter-claim which surround recent events, one thing is for certain – the evil of racism has blighted football for too long. It is time to eliminate this poison from the game once and for all.

Article Sources: Only a Game? – Time to show racism the red card – once and for all

Feb. 20-25

>> Henderson Health Care Services will host a health fairevery day from Feb. 20 to 25 at the Henderson Clinic and at theSutton Family Practice with the Saturday health fair taking placein Henderson.

Blood draws will begin at 7 a.m., and last until 8:30 a.m., eachday. Testing will also be available at the health fair.

Wednesday, Feb. 22

>> St. Joseph’s Altar Society will have its annual soupluncheon from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 22.

Freewill donations will be accepted. It will be held at theparish hall at Fourth and Main Street. A silent and live auctionwill also be held, with silent bidding ending at 1 p.m.

>> Zion Lutheran Church in Benedict will host a soupsupper at 5:30 p.m., on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22. Service will beginat     7 p.m.

>> The Bradshaw United Methodist Church will have AshWednesday services on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m.

>> St. Peter Lutheran (Gresham) and Zion Lutheran (Thayer)will hold a joint Ash Wednesday service on Feb. 22, at 7:30 p.m.,in Gresham. There will be a soup supper prior to the service,starting at 6 p.m.

>> The Presbyterian Church in Gresham will hold AshWednesday services on Feb. 22, at 7 p.m. There will be a covereddish supper prior to the service, starting at 6 p.m.

>> The Nebraska Safety Council will present “SafetyConnections” in York on Feb. 22 at Chances R. Registration will beat 11:45 a.m. and the session will last from noon until 1 p.m.

There will be a round table discussion on safety challenges andissues being faced by businesses in the area.

This is a place for business representatives to address issuesthey are facing, share solutions to those they’ve overcome andlearn best practices from other safety professionals.

It will be presented by Laurie Klosterboer, CAE executivedirector of the safety council. She may be reached at 483-2511.

Feb. 23-26

>> The York College Theatre program will present “Anatomyof Gray” on Feb. 23-26. Tickets are on sale now, contact the boxoffice at 402.363.5641 to reserve seats. More information isavailable at york.edu.

Friday, Feb. 24

>> Mahoney House in York will host a Soup Supper onFriday, Feb. 24 starting at 5 p.m. Chicken Noodle, Chili andBroccoli-Cheese soup will be served.

>> There will be an American Red Cross Bloodmobile at theExeter Legion Hall on Friday, Feb. 24, from noon until 6 p.m.

To make an appointment, call Doris Hall at 266-2841 or RuthEkeler.

>> Centennial will host ABCS Fun Night, an evening ofgames, prizes and food, on Friday, Feb. 24 from 6 – 9 p.m. in theElementary Gym/Cafeteria.

A class basket auction, cake walk and junk food walk will beheld. Elementary students are selling raffle tickets, prizesinclude an iPad, Blu-Ray disc player or a gift card.

Saturday, Feb. 25

>> The annual Henderson Home Show will be held onSaturday, Feb. 25, at Heartland Community School.

There will be a pancake feed from 7-9 a.m., and lunch will beserved by the HHCS Auxiliary from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. IGNITE Danceand Cheer will also be performing in the gym at 1 p.m.

The Jr. Auxiliary will also have homemade ice cream for purchasethroughout the day.  A few booth spaces are still available.

For more information about the show or to register your booth,contact Kelsey Bergen at the Chamber Office, (402) 723-4228 .

>> A spaghetti dinner, to honor and celebrate the life ofPolice Officer Tony Howe will be held Feb. 25, from 4-9 p.m., atthe Fire Fighters Reception Hall at 201 Victory Lane, Lincoln.

Proceeds will benefit Howe’s wife and sons.

>> The Gilbert Public Library in Friend will have an openhouse on Saturday, Feb. 25 from 10 a.m. until noon to showcase thenew public computers.

>> The Sutton Area Showcase Home/Trade Show will be heldon Saturday, Feb. 25 at Sutton Public School.

A Pancake Feed sponsored by the Sutton Volunteer Fire Departmentwill be held from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. and the Sutton Medical Clinicwill sponsor a Health Fair from 7 a.m. until 9 a.m.

>> The Waco CBO will have a pie and coffee mixer onSaturday, Feb. 25, at 9:30 a.m. Linda Glisson will have a quiltdisplay and be available for questions and suggestions.

>>  The Centennial Preschool open house for next year’sapplicants will be Saturday, Feb. 25, from 2-4 p.m.,; Wednesday,Feb. 29, from 5-7 p.m.; and Wednesday, March 7, from 5-7 p.m.

>> The Osceola Public Library will have a children’s storyhour on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9 a.m. Children ages preschoolthrough fourth grade are invited to attend.

Sunday, Feb. 26

>> The Hampton Lutheran School will have its seventhannual Hearts for Jesus fundraiser on Sunday, Feb. 26, at theHampton High School auditorium from 3-6 p.m.

There will be appetizers, door prizes, student presentations,silent and live auctions. The featured live entertainment will be“The String Beans,” as they will perform fun, educational songs forchildren.

Tickets may be purchased at the door or from any HLSstudent.

>> The Milligan United Methodist Church will serve a Soupand Sandwich Lunch on Sunday, Feb. 26 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.in the Methodist Church basement.

Take out is available and a free will offering will beaccepted.

>> The Presbyterian Church, located at 4th and Delaware inYork, will host a benefit for the Kline Family on Sunday, Feb. 26from 3 – 6:30 p.m.

Starting at 3 p.m. a silent auction will be held followed by abake sale and White Elephant sale. A healing worship service willbe held at 4:15 with soup and sandwiches following at 5 p.m.

Donations can be made to the Kline Family Fund at CornerstoneBank. Call the Presbyterian Church at 402.362.5176 withquestions.

>> The Exeter Legion Auxiliary #218 will hold its annualspaghetti dinner on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Legion Hall inExeter.

They will be serving spaghetti with homemade meat sauce,buttered corn, dinner salad with homemade dressings, garlic breadand ice cream sundaes, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., for a freewilloffering.

>>  A meeting for new 4-H members and clubs will be heldat the Fillmore County Extension office on Feb. 26, at 4 p.m.

>> The Mississippi Mission soup supper and concert at St.Paul Lutheran Church in Osceola has been rescheduled for Sunday,Feb. 26.

Soup and pie will be served at 5:30 p.m., with the musicalconcerts starting at 6:30 p.m.

>> The York Lioness Club will be hosting a fundraiser onSunday, Feb. 26 in the McCool Public School cafeteria for Derek Reaand his family.

The fundraiser will be from 11 a.m., to 2 p.m., with sloppyjoes, potato salad, chips and dessert being served. A freewilloffering will be taken.

>> The Benedict Community Sunday School will have itssausage and biscuit feed on Sunday, Feb. 26, at the communitycenter. Serving will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Freewill offerings will be accepted with half the proceeds goingto Epworth Village.

>> The community is invited to an open house honoringJeannine Krejci for all the years she has shared her musicaltalents. The event will be Feb. 26, from 3-5 p.m., at the ExeterCare Center.

>> The York Lioness Club will be hosting a fundraiser onSunday, Feb. 26 in the McCool Public School cafeteria for Derek Reaand his family.

The fundraiser will be from 11 a.m., to 2 p.m., with sloppyjoes, potato salad, chips and dessert being served. A freewilloffering will be taken.

Derek was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at birth and moneyraised by the fundraiser will go to help his family pay for medicalexpenses. Supplemental funds will be provided by Hamilton-YorkThrivent.

>> The 2012 UCC/UMC Lenten Service will be held on Sunday,Feb. 26 at the Dorchester United Methodist Church at 7 p.m. andwill feature Pastor Karla Sheffy.

The offering will go toward Blue Valley of Saline and FillmoreCounties.

>> Peace Lutheran Church will have an LWML soup dinner onSunday, Feb. 26, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

They will be serving vegetable beef, chicken noodle and cabbagekielbasa soups, as well as desserts. A freewill offering will beaccepted.

Monday, Feb. 27

>> A public meeting regarding the March 13 bond referendumspecial election (detailing the proposed $9.8 million buildingaddition and renovation project at Fillmore Central High School)will be held on Monday, Feb. 27, at the Rialto II Theater inGeneva, at 7 p.m.

>> Gresham area residents are invited to attend a planningmeeting to kick-off the Gresham Youth Community, on Monday, Feb. 27at 7 p.m. at the Gresham Community Club.

Be involved in the future of Gresham and be a supporter of theYouth of Gresham.

>> An immunization clinic will be held on Monday, Feb. 27,at the Polk County Health Department in Osceola from 3:30-5:30 p.m.Call 747-2211 for more details or to schedule an appointment.

>> An American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be held at theYork City Auditorium on Monday, Feb. 27 from 12 noon until 6 p.m.and on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Wal-Mart willsponsor the canteen for both days.

All faithful donors having appointments should take notice ofthe date change. Call Mary at 362-3219 to make an appointment or tovolunteer to help. Leave a message if there is no answer. 

Feb. 27-28

>> An American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be held at theYork City Auditorium on Monday, Feb. 27 from 12 noon until 6 p.m.and on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Wal-Mart will sponsor the canteen for both days. All faithfuldonors having appointments should take notice of the datechange.

Call Mary at 402.362.3219 to make an appointment or if you’reable to help in any way. Please leave a message if there is noanswer.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

>> A potluck dinner has been scheduled for Tuesday, Feb.28, at the senior center, at noon. Hosts will be Norma Gibbs andFaye Steven.

Thursday, March 1

>> Annie Jeffrey Health Center in Osceola will hold amini-Spring Health Fair on Thursday, March 1 from 6:45 a.m. untilnoon.

Interested individuals should call 402.747.2031 to set up anappointment and receive pre-diagnostic screening instructions.

March 1-2

>> The MHCS Auxiliary Spring Bazaar will be held from 10a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, March 1 and from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. onFriday, March 2 in the Seward Family Medical Center Lower Levelconference room.

>> York Middle School will present the musical based on‘The Ugly Duckling’ called ‘Honk!’ on Thursday, March 1 and onFriday, March 2 at the York High School Theater with showtimestarting at 7 p.m.

Friday, March 2

>> The American Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at theFather Ulenberg Fellowship Hall in Geneva on Friday, March 2.

Regular donors will receive cards in the mail after Feb. 22 andnew donors may call 366-9417 any time to check the schedule to seewhat times are available.

Saturday, March 3

>> The 19th Annual Henderson Fire & Rescue PancakeFeed will be held on Saturday, March 3 from 6 a.m. until 1 p.m. atthe Henderson Fire Station.

A free will donation will be taken with proceeds going toward ahandheld oximeter and cordless headsets for rescue unit and pumpertruck personnel.

>> Kilgore Memorial Library in York will host a birthdayparty in honor of the 104th birthday of Dr. Seuss on Saturday,March 3 beginning at 2 p.m.

Local residents will be reading classic Dr. Seuss books andthere will be cake and fun for the whole family.

Monday, March 5

>> The annual meeting of the Utica Cemetery Associationwill be held on Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m., at the Utica CityAuditorium. Everyone is welcome.

>> 2012 Kindergarten registration for Exeter-Milligan willbe held on Monday, March 5, at 5 p.m., at the Exeter site’scafeteria. For more information, call the school office at 266-5911or 629-4265.

Monday, March 12

>> The Hastings National Weather Service will offer stormspotter training on Monday, March 12, in the 4-H Building at theYork County Fairgrounds.

There will be two opportunities — one at 2 p.m., the other at6:30 p.m. Both sessions (which will be the same) are free and opento the public.

Friday, March 16

>> 55PLUS Fridays For You will be held on Friday, March 16from noon until 1p.m.  “Pharmaceutical Safety” will be presented byDennis Reese, Director of MHCS Pharmacy and the Seward PoliceDepartment.

The event will be held in the Seward Family Medical Center LowerLevel conference room. Lunch will be provided. A RSVP is requiredby noon on Wednesday, March 14 at 646-4707.

Monday, March 19

>> An immunization clinic will be held on Monday, March 19at the Polk County Health Department in Osceola from 3:30 to 5:30p.m.

Students enrolled in a pre-school based program, those enteringschool for the first time (Kindergarten) and all students K through12, are required to have a second chicken pox vaccination(varicella) if they have not had the disease.

Please call the Polk County Health Department at 402-747-2211for further details or to schedule an appointment.

Tuesday, March 20

>> The Diabetic Support Group will meet on Tuesday, March20 at 7 p.m. in the Seward Family Medical Center Lower Levelconference room. Contact Joan Gloystein at 643-2971 for moreinformation.

Friday, March 23

>> A Legislative Lunch with Senator Greg Adams will beheld on Friday, March 23 at noon at the Chances R Beer Garden.Please RSVP to Madonna at the Chamber office at 402.362.5531.

>> A Business After Hours Salute to Agriculture will beheld at the Cornerstone Ag Event Center at the York CountyFairgrounds on Friday, March 23 from 5 – 7 p.m..

The event is hosted by the York Area Chamber of Commerce’sAgriculture Committee and is free to the public.

Saturday, March 24

>> The Exeter Chamber of Commerce will host its Easter EggHunt at the Exeter school on Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, March 27

>> The Exeter K-6 Spring Concert will be Tuesday, March27, in Milligan at 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 28

>> The Polk County Cancer Survivors Luncheon will be heldWednesday, March 28, at 1 p.m., at the Polk County Fairgrounds AgPavilion.

This is open and free of charge to all cancer survivors fromPolk County and one guest for each.

Call the Polk County Health Department at 747-2211, sign up forthe Polk County Cancer Survivors Registry and makereservations.

Sunday, April 1

>> Donations are wanted for the Boy Scout Auction to beheld April, 1 2012, 11:30 a.m. at the York City Auditorium.Proceeds will go to Troop 174.

This is an oportunity to donate furniture, appliances, toys, andhousehold goods. For more information call 362-4830, 362-1102, or362-3518

Article Sources: Community Calendar – York News-Times: Home

St. Pete High Project Art: A few St. Petersburg High School IB students will present the Art Exhibition for Poverty from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the school’s library, 2501 Fifth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. The show will feature artwork from the Dalí Museum and St. Pete High students. Music and refreshments will be on hand. Entry costs $1, and some artwork can be purchased for $5. For more information, email Peter Lynch at or Raza Zaidi at .

National Hospice Regatta announcement: Thomas R. Wallace, commodore of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, and St. Petersburg Mayor Bill Foster will hold a joint news conference at 2 p.m. today at the St. Petersburg Sailing Center, 250 Second Ave. SE, St. Petersburg, to announce that the National Hospice Regatta will take place April 20-22 in St. Petersburg. The Yacht Club will serve as host of the regatta, to be sailed on Tampa Bay near the Pier with associated events nearby. The winners of local hospice regattas around the United States and Canada have been invited to participate in the National Championship. The National Championship was originally formed in Annapolis, Md. For the past three years, it has been sailed on the Great Lakes, out of Rochester, N.Y., on Lake Ontario. For more information, call Virginia Daniels at (727) 482-3713.

Free Tax Preparation: Households with low to moderate incomes can take advantage of free tax preparation and assistance between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Gulfport Public Library, 5501 28th Ave. S. This service is for taxpayers of all ages but with an emphasis on those over 60 years of age. Taxpayers must bring Social Security cards for all people listed on their tax returns, a picture ID and all pertinent records such as W2s, 1099s, other income and credits, and a copy of last year’s return if available. Free electronic filing is available. Services available through April 13. For more information, call (727) 893-1074.

Youth of the Year presentation: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast will host a luncheon to present the Countywide Youth of the Year Award at noon Thursday at the Club at Treasure Island, 400 Treasure Island Causeway. The luncheon will honor the five youths selected to represent their clubs, give them the opportunity to share their stories, and award one of these extraordinary teens the title of 2012 Boys & Girls Clubs of the Suncoast Youth of the Year. The event is open to the public. Tickets cost $25 per person in advance or $35 at the door. To RSVP, contact Carla Mattern at or call (727)638-5181.

Seminole Historical Society: This meeting will feature a presentation by businesswoman Pamela Gillenwaters, about her memories of growing up in Seminole. This meeting will be at 7 p.m. today in Room 210B of the Seminole Recreation Center, 9100 113th St., Seminole. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, call (727) 391-1433.

Collection for the troops: Troops in the Middle East need candy, cookies, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, crackers, canned fruits and meats, flavored soft drink mix, beef jerky, small microwavable products, women’s hygiene products, baby wipes, lip balm, sunscreen, bandannas, socks, resealable plastic food-storage bags and cotton swabs. Donations can be dropped off at the Army Recruiting Office, 11223 78th Ave. N, Seminole; American Legion Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach; American Legion Post 7, 1760 Turner St., Clearwater; and Extra Space Storage, 4319 Duhme Road, Madeira Beach. Cash donations are also needed to cover shipping. Checks should be made payable to UPS Store and mailed to Joe Tapp, P.O. Box 86223, Madeira Beach, FL 33738. For more information, call Joe Tapp at (727) 432-1057.

Environmental Film Festival at Eckerd College: Film scholars and filmmakers from around the world engage the audience in discussions of the environmental perspectives contained in documentary, animated, experimental and feature films. The Importance of the Night Sky: The City Dark Writer, producer and director Ian Cheney introduces his own film today, Taking Urban Agriculture on the Road: Truck Farm will be shown Thursday, Ethnomusicology and Ecology in Africa: OKA! on Friday, and Aldo Leopold and the Land Ethic: Green Fire will be featured Saturday all beginning at 7 p.m. in the Eckerd College Dan and Mary Miller Auditorium, 4200 54th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. Free. For more information, call (727) 864-7979 or visit eckerd.edu/eff.

New Highland Lake Park: The community is invited to join in the grand opening ceremony of Largo’s new Highland Lake Park at 5:30 p.m. today at Highland Recreation Park, 400 N Highland Ave., Largo. The Park features an expanded lake, 140 newly planted trees, and a one-third mile asphalt loop walking trail. A fish release into the lake and short demonstration of the Fluid Earth model while follow. Free. For more information, call (727) 586-7415.

Claire Conner: Author Claire Conner talks about her book Wrapped in the Flag: What I Learned About Growing Up In America’s Radical Right and Why it Matters Now and how her views have changed at 7 p.m. today at the Girls Incorporated of Pinellas Operation SMART Summer Camp CHECK, 7700 61st St., Pinellas Park. Free. For more information, call (727) 544-6230 or visit pinellasnow.weebly.com.

Trash to Treasures Sale: Something for everyone at this annual flea market sale, with plants grown by club members, plus jewelry, collectibles, household items, and more for sale will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the Garden Club of St. Petersburg, 500 Sunset Drive S. Food and beverages available for purchase. Thursday is a preview night with wine and cheese ($5 charge this evening only). Free admission on Friday and Saturday. For more information, call (727) 381-8920.

Addy Awards: The surreal gala celebrates the rare, the odd, the bizarre and all that’s freaky in the advertising industry at 6 p.m. Friday in the Dalí Museum, One Dalí Blvd. (Bayshore Drive SE and Fifth Avenue SE), St. Petersburg. Ticket includes access to the Dalí galleries. $55 per person. For more information, call (727) 823-3767 or visit aaf-tampabay.org.

Paws for the Arts: Dog and cat owners can bring their pets to create an original work of art to hang on their walls from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Canterbury School of Florida, 990 62nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg. Owners select up to four colors of children’s nontoxic paint to dab onto their pets’ paws before letting them paw, run or flick their tails across the canvas. Two pets may share the same canvas for an additional charge. Pets are also invited to shop the vendor area and try their skill on an agility course. Proceeds benefit the Muses of the Art organization to support Canterbury’s arts education programs. $25, $5 additional dog on same canvas; $35 advanced reservations. Call (727) 365-7788.

Tampa Bay Rowdies Fan Day: The Tampa Bay Rowdies will be hosting a Select-A-Seat event in which fans will have an opportunity to tour Al Lang Stadium and pick their 2012 season seat location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Progress Energy Park/Al Lang Field, 180 Second Ave. SE, St. Petersburg. Rowdies players will be in attendance to sign autographs and meet with the fans. Free to attend. Call (813) 287-1539 or visit stpete.org/progress_energy_park_al_lang_field.asp.

Suncoast Classic 5K/10K Run for Kids: This USATF-Certified race includes a 10K, 5K, Pelican Mile and kids “Fun Run.” All races begin at BayWalk in downtown St Petersburg and course through the beautiful waterfront district beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday at BayWalk, 151 Second Ave. N, St. Petersburg. The proceeds of the Suncoast Classic “Run for Kids” event benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Tampa Bay. $10-$30. For more information, visit runforkids.com.

Cuts for Cops: Motorcycle officers will sweep the floor at this cut-a-thon with food, auctions, touch-a-fire truck and on-site painting from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Billy’s Corner Barber Shop, 2032 Fourth St. N, St. Petersburg. Benefits the Sun Coast Law Enforcement Charities Fallen Officer Fund. $12. For more information, call (727) 512-5305.

Dr. Hort’s Citrus Secrets: Gardening expert Greg Charles, aka “Dr. Hort,” shares his secrets of how to successfully grow a bounty of citrus and avoid common problems in Master Gardener class, Citrus 101 at 2 p.m. Thursday at the St. Petersburg Main Public Library, 3745 Ninth Ave. N, St. Petersburg. Free, but registration required. Call (727) 582-2100 or visit pinellascountyextension.org.

Article Sources: Neighborhood news briefs from art to regattas – Tampa Bay Times

Chloe Alday, 21, production assistant for Radyo Inquirer 990AM. NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines – Fifteen thousand pesos and a cell phone aren’t everyday finds. And when one does, the temptation to keep them, especially in these hard times, is particularly strong.

It was no different for Chloe Alday, 21, a production assistant for Radyo Inquirer 990AM, when chancing upon a bag that contained the money and the phone on her seat at a fastfood chain near her office in Makati City, her first thought was this was a “gift from heaven”.

Recalling the incident to INQUIRER.net, Alday said, “After ordering, I was looking for a seat and saw a table which was not yet cleared up. I came to this table and called for assistance to clean up the table. I was carrying so many things that day. I placed my bag on a red chair as I held my tray of food…waiting for the table to be cleared up, I took my bags and took a seat. As I sat, I felt something behind me. I pulled it out and realized that it was pink pouch bag. It looked like a pencil case and was surprised to see bundles of money when I opened it.”

Alday said that before she did anything, “I paused to think carefully what to do next.”

“I waited for at least 45 minutes, hoping that the owner will come back and so I can hand it right to her but nobody came to claim it,” she said.

She admitted that so many thoughts came to her mind and that on her way to work from school, she was telling God about her worries and told him that she accepted all these for Him.

This was why, Alday said, that when she saw the money, she thought, “Lord ano ito, hulog ng Langit?” – that it was a gift from God who was rewarding her for all the hardships she had gone through.

But Alday said her conscience got the better of her and started to consider what was a happening “a simple test”, not “a reward but a greater challenge”.

Alday said that upon reaching the office, Alday surrendered the money to Mon Tulfo of “Isumbong Mo Kay Tulfo,” Radyo Inquirer 990AM’s afternoon public service program. She added that she even requested for an acknowledgement receipt as proof that she had turned over the money and the phone.

Tulfo, who would make the announcement on the program that same day, would later acknowledge Alday in his column in Bandera entitled “Target ni Tulfo”.

The owner, one Annabelle Shin who visited Radyo Inquirer a day after and got the money and cell phone with proper identification, was thankful.

“Alday’s honesty is rare. Actually, no one would have known had she pocketed the money because P15, 167 is quite a big amount for Alday who earns P12,000 gross monthly,” said Tulfo in Filipino in his column.

“You’ve done well, Chloe. May there be more like you,” said Tulfo.

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Tags: Chloe Alday , Good news , Radyo Inquirer 990AM

Article Sources: Radyo Inquirer employee returns ‘gift from heaven’