May 8 , 2008

YOUTH DONATES AUCTION PROCEEDS, $13,000 TO CANCER SOCIETY

Youth and 250 pound pig = $13,000 for American Cancer Society

Emotions were high in the livestock auction ring when Orelia “Ory” Rhodes donated all of the proceeds of her pig to the American Cancer Society today at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos and at $50 a pound that comes to $13,000! Thirty-six members of the community stepped up to purchase the 250 pound pig. Originally there were six buyers that had pledged a total of $8 per pound; Parreira Almond, Dennis & Janet Soares Farming, Allen Von Allman, Joel & LaVonne Allens, Eric & Erlene Fontana and RPAC, LLC.
When Rhodes left the ring everyone started holding up there numbers. “The auctioneer asked what was going on and the crowd replied that they weren’t done,” stated Spring Fair Coordinator Patti Toscano. “People wanted to contribute and be a part of what Rhodes was doing which meant thirty more buyers and a total of $50 a pound.”
A regular volunteer at the Los Banos Memorial Hospital, she was especially moved this year by the children fighting cancer at the hospital, “I’d like to become a pediatrician and help kids,” shared Rhodes. Rhodes, who just celebrated her 17th birthday at the fair on Thursday, has had three family members die of cancer over the past
few years. When asked why she wanted to donate the $13,000 to the American Cancer Society she simply stated, “I thought maybe this money can help someone.” “The kids involved in the 4-H and FFA programs never cease to amaze me with their maturity and worldly thinking,” commented Spring Fair Manager Ron Brandt. “For a high school student to come up with the idea of donating her hard earned income, not just a part of but all, to the American Cancer Society so that the lives of others can be touched, is not something that you usually think of coming from a 17 year old.”
A Dos Palos FFA member, Rhodes is also Fair Royalty at the Merced County Spring Fair as the Miss May Day 1st Runner-up. Incidentally, she is no stranger to giving. Last year Rhodes donated the proceeds of her livestock project to Valley Children’s Hospital. In addition to being a Catapult Youth leader, she donates regularly to a number of community charities and shelters.

“I don’t keep track, I just do,” stated the humble teenager. When pressed for why she spends so much time volunteering she replied, “My Mom! She is the biggest giver ever and we grew up giving. I want to follow in her footsteps.”
The community members that stepped-up to help Ory Rhoades contribute even more than her $5,000 goal to the American Cancer Society were: Butch Waldron, Stanislaus F.S./Merced County Farm Bureau, Parreira Almond Processing, Joel Allen, Mario DeFrancesco III, Allen Von Allman, Eric Fontana, Soares Farms, Lewis Maiorino Ranches, Inc., Augie & Jill Scoto, David Santos Farming, Laura & Dustin Rasey, Barcellos Enterprise, Ranchers Tractor Co., J & F Fertilizer, B & C Goat Dairy, The Morning Star Packing Company, M.C. Dairy
Construction, N & S Tractors, Borelli Farms, Gustine Fair Boosters, Robert Sturgeon, Town & Country Market, Norman Silva & Sons, John V. Silveira, San Juan Ranch, Firebaugh Chevrolet, Brett Silva, Silview Dairy, Frank Bettencourt, Pentagon Co., Drew & Tabitha Telles, Dan & Mary Ann Ramos, Harry Marx Cadillac Pontiac GM, Emil & Jeanette Alberti, RPAC Almond Handlers.
The mission of the Merced County Spring Fair is to create memories worth repeating by providing quality education, entertainment and courteous service at a safe facility.
The Merced County Spring Fair’s presenting sponsor is Food4Less and Valley Wide Distributing is the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of the fair with their Corona and Corona Light brands. Ranchwood Homes underwrites the Little Hands Exhibit; Memorial Hospital-Los Banos will be sponsoring the Lost Kid’s Booth and First Aid; and the City
of Los Banos is the Opening Day Sponsor of the fair. The Outdoor Stage is sponsored by the Los Banos Enterprise and Univision 21 sponsors the Community Stage. Other sponsors of the Fair include:
Out and About Magazine, KUBB Country 96.3, HOT 104.7, KABX Oldies 97.5, Radio Lobo 98.7, HANK FM, Save Mart Supermarkets, Triangle Rock and American Ag Credit. The Fair opened on April 30 and runs through Sunday, May 4. The theme of the 2008 fair is “Celebrating Our Farmers!”

May 8, 2008

Kiddieland Tri-Tip Dinner

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced will hold its Kiddieland Tri-Tip Dinner on Friday, June 20, 2008, from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Applegate Park in Merced. Tickets for the fundraiser are only $25, and other donations to repair and renovate the train and rides can also be made online at www.greatermercedkiwanis.org, or by calling the cam-paign’s chair, Doug Fluetsch at 722-1541.
Since 1956, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Merced has continuously operated Kid-dieland as its primary community service project. The facilities are in dire need of major repairs and improved security to prevent vandalism, including a recent rash of graffiti on the rides and beak-ins of the concession stand. Monies raised will also help support the club’s other youth service programs, including sponsorships of two high school Key Club chapters, support for the Merced County Sheriff Police Explorers, and many other important local causes that help children and guide our community’s youth to be produc-tive citizens.

For more information, visit www.greatermercedkiwanis.org, or call Doug Fluetsch at 722-1541 about the Kiddieland Tri-Tip Dinner, or Club President Karen Adams at 385-7594 about membership, sponsorship or other club activities.

May 8, 2008

Congressman Cardoza Backs Plan to Address Housing Crisis and Preserve the American Dream

Legislation to Address Foreclosure Crisis Passes with Language of Cardoza Amendment Included

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Congressman Dennis Cardoza and the House of Representatives responded to the housing crisis by passing two bills that will help improve home values and assist Americans who are struggling and in danger of losing their homes. The American Housing Rescue & Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 (HR 3221), which included the Cardoza Amendment language increasing the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan limit, and the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 (HR 5818) were approved today by the House with bipartisan support.

"Sadly, I represent communities that have been dubbed 'foreclosure capitol USA' by the national media because San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Merced counties all consistently rank in the top five in foreclosures nationally," said Cardoza. "Owning a home is a big part of the American Dream. I am proud that we have backed a plan that will help homeowners who are struggling and help end this crisis."

The national housing crisis has had a particularly significant impact in California. One in twenty homeowners is projected to lose their homes to foreclosure over the next two years. Homeowners who do not lose their home have also been hurt by the crisis. The Pew Charitable Trusts estimates that 64% of all California homeowners will feel the ripple effects of the housing crisis. The projections suggest that these effects could be even worse in the Valley.

The American Housing Rescue & Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008 will provide mortgage refinancing assistance, which will help keep families from losing their homes and protect neighboring home values. The plan also expands programs run by the FHA that will allow borrowers in danger of losing their home to refinance into lower-cost government-insured mortgages they can afford to repay. This requires both homeowners and lenders to take on responsibility.

In order to qualify for refinancing and new government backed mortgages, lenders and mortgage investors will be required to take a loss and borrowers must share any profit from the resale of a refinanced home with the government. Additionally, the program is open only to owner-occupied homes. Speculators, investors and vacation/second-home owners are not eligible.

This bill also contains the Cardoza/Frank/Miller Amendment to increase FHA loan limits, which originally passed the House in September 2007. The Cardoza/Frank/Miller amendment makes FHA loan insurance available in moderately priced home markets. The current loan limits exclude FHA from serving a large segment of moderately priced homes in higher cost areas such as California, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.

"This bill, with our amendment language included, puts FHA back in business in California. It allows FHA to provide relief to distressed borrowers across the country, including here in the Valley," said Cardoza.

The House also passed the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008, which provides $15 billion in loans and grants to states to acquire vacant, foreclosed homes. The legislation will allow local communities to rehabilitate foreclosed properties, which currently drive down surrounding home values, and place these homes back on the market. This bill will have an additional public health benefit in the Valley where swimming pools on foreclosed properties become breeding grounds for mosquitoes that spread disease.

MERCED – Monday evening the City of Merced’s municipal clerks were honored by the City Council. Clerks Dana Davidson, Cathy Gregory, Jamie Bingaman and Emily Shuping were presented with a proclamation declaring this was Municipal Clerks Week.

The International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC), announced its 39th Annual Municipal Clerks Week—May 4 through 10, 2008. The Institute is a professional non-profit association with 10,000 members comprised of City, Town, Township, Village, Borough, Deputy and County Clerks throughout the United States, Canada and 15 other countries,
This event features a weeklong series of activities aimed at increasing the public’s awareness of Municipal Clerks and the vital services they provide for local government and the community.

City Council. Clerks Dana Davidson, Cathy Gregory, Jamie Bingaman and Emily Shuping were presented with a proclamation declaring this was Municipal Clerks Week by City Councilperson Michele Gabriault-Acosta

May 6, 2008

Merced Antique Fly-In won’t take off this year

MERCED – Organizers of the Merced Antique Fly-In have told the City that there will not be a Fly-In this year.

The organizers said a variety of factors led to the cancellation, including the changing demographics of the attendees, the lack of major financial sponsors and lagging support from the community.

“We are sorry to hear that the Fly-In has been cancelled,” said Airport Manager Ron Elliott. “For the past 50 years it has attracted thousands of pilots from across the Western United States.

“We appreciate all of the time and hard work that people have put into the event, and hope the organizers are able to regroup and revitalize the Fly-In for the future,” Elliott said.

The Fly-In has traditionally been held the first weekend in June. A small open house will be held for any pilots who do land at the Merced Airport June 7. The open house will not be open to the public.

May 6, 2008

Fair Handbooks Ready for Exhibitors

MERCED – From the “Ugliest Cake” decorating contest to beautiful gardens planted in wagons and wheelbarrows, there’s something for everyone in the 2008 Merced County Fair's Exhibitors’ handbook.
The handbooks will be online at www.MercedCountyFair.com and they can be picked up at the fair office, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Office hours are weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Entry forms are included in the handbooks and the forms are no longer color-coded so you can make copies and share them with friends.
The free 80-page handbook contains everything you need to know with easy-to-follow instructions on how to submit entries in all the fair’s divisions and categories including herbs and tree fruit, hanging plants and bouquets, pies and pickles, holiday decorations and quilts, ceramics and collections, stained glass and jewelry and models to metalworking. The booklet is mailed to everyone who exhibited at the 2006 and 2007 fairs and 4-H and FFA members receive handbooks from club and chapter leaders.
The 117th annual fair, sponsored by the 35th District Agricultural Association, is July 15-20. The deadline to submit most entry forms is Thursday, June 12. Whether you’re a veteran exhibitor or you’ve never experienced the fun of exhibiting at the fair, it’s time to start planning those entries because the fair is looking for lots of creative entries to showcase at Merced County’s largest annual event.
“Come Rock With The Flock” is this year’s theme, and the spotlight is on sheep, one of the county's top ag products. Many of the entry divisions such as photography, a “Day of”
Cooking Contest, fine arts and table settings, include a class that invites exhibitors to create an entry inspired by the fair’s sheep theme.
The exhibitor’s handbook has all the information you’ll need about the Junior Horse Show and Showmanship. The event is Saturday, July 12 at 3 p.m. in the Merced College Arena. The show is open to junior exhibitors living in a Merced County school district. Exhibitors use the Junior Horse Show entry form included in the handbook.
The handbook also provides all the details on livestock rules and judging including the 4-H and FFA Rabbit Show and the 4-H and FFA Avian Science Show, both of which are on Thursday, July 17.
Horse, livestock, avian science and rabbit exhibitors must read and sign the release and waiver of liability on the back of the entry forms. Independent exhibitors are required to provide the fair with a copy of their birth certificate or drivers license.
The 2008 handbook is filled with hundreds of entry possibilities -- there are some new categories and some changes, too.
This year entry fees will be charged in some Senior and Junior categories. Entry fees are 50 cents to $2. The fee for most Senior Photography entries is 50 cents each and $1 for each entry in the theme contest. Entering the Senior Baking/Confections Cookie Jar category will cost $1 per entry. The fee for harvest dolls entries in the Junior and Senior Department’s Agriculture Horticulture category is 50 cents per entry. The entry fee for submissions in the Junior and Senior Scarecrow contests is $2. For more information on entry fees please refer to the handbook.
Some of the other new things you’ll find in the handbook include the Ugliest Cake Contest under the Home Arts Baking-Confections Division. Cake entries should be decorated as ugly as possible -- the uglier the better, just as long as they’re not too scary or in bad taste. There’s another new class in the Home Arts Baking-Confections Division, “Tricks with a Mix,” just add favorite ingredients to a boxed cake mix. Dehydrated foods – everything from apples to zucchini, also have been added this year. There are classes for meat, fruit, veggies and nuts.
Gardens in wheelbarrows and wagons were a cool, new addition in 2007 and the response was so big there are now separate divisions for Senior Agriculture-Horticulture. “Garden in a Wagon,” consists of fresh flowers/plants in a standard size wagon and “Garden in a Wheelbarrow” is fresh flowers/plants in a standard garden wheelbarrow.
There is a new Competitive Exhibits Survey included in this year’s handbook. Exhibitors are being asked to complete the two-page survey that’s at the back of the handbook, to provide
fair staff with feedback on how we can make exhibiting at the fair the best experience possible.
The special "Day of" cooking contests that debuted at the 2006 Fair are very popular and the number of entries keeps growing. The “Day of” cooking contests in the senior, junior and 4-H exhibitor categories are back this year, but there are two new contests!
“Shepherd’s Pie” is the new cooking competition on Saturday, July 19. The contest is sponsored by Jantz Café & Bakery and the recipe must be a meat pie with a mashed potato crust. Also that day, there will be a “Sweet Potato Pie” Contest, sponsored by The Sweet Potato Council of California.
All “Day of” cooking contests are open to any Merced County amateur cook and all judging is open to the public. That means you could decide on the spur of the moment Saturday, July 19, to prepare your favorite “Shepherd’s Pie” or “Sweet Potato Pie” recipe. Just bring your homemade entry to the fair, get in free, submit your entry and fill out the form for judging. It’s that simple!
All entry forms may be filled out the day of the contest. All special contest exhibits will be accepted at the Senior Home Arts Building from 5 to 6 p.m. on the day of the contest. Contest
judging will begin at 7 p.m. The “Sweet Potato Pie” contest entries are the exception. Those entries will be accepted from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 19 and judging will be at 5 p.m. Cooks who bring their food entries to the fair to participate in the contests will get free admission that day. The free admission offer is only for contest participants bringing their food entries through the fair gates. Recipes must be submitted with the entry on the contest day. Entries are limited to one per class in all special contests.
Not only will you get in free that day with your food entry, just like all the other same day contests, but you don't have to fill out any forms in advance. Now that's what we call “Come Rock With the Flock” fun.
The other special contests are “Chocolate Passion,” any baking/confections item using chocolate, sponsored by Save Mart Supermarkets, Tuesday, July 15; "Almond Delights," sponsored by Blue Diamond Growers, Wednesday, July 16; "It’s the Cheese,” sponsored by Hilmar Cheese Company, Thursday, July 17 and "Salsa” sponsored by La Morenita Restaurant, Friday, July 18.
Don’t be sheepish about entering exhibits at the fair, being an exhibitor rocks! So whether you express yourself with squash, scarecrows, succulents, spider plants, sugar cookies, sweaters, salsa, strawberry jam, sports team collections, still life paintings or sculpture there's a category for you at the 2008 Merced County Fair.
“We’re excited about our new “Day of” cooking contest, Home Arts classes and survey, because it’s always fun to offer new things to get people involved in entering the fair,” said the fair’s CEO Robin Hauck. “We’re hoping the community will really support the fair by responding to our survey and entering lots of exhibits to make this the best fair ever.”
Look around your home and yard and see what you have that would make a winning fair entry. Show off a hobby or something you’ve already painted, photographed, collected, cultivated, canned, created, carved, sculpted or sewn.
Go through the kids’ school arts and crafts projects, pick the best ones and enter those. There’s a bunch of categories including sponge painting, Origami, woodworking, jewelry, ceramics, mixed media, collages and wall hangings. Don’t forget about models and collections.
The fairgrounds office is located at 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced. For information, call the fair office at 722-1507 or email to Info@MercedCountyFair.com or fax at 722-3773. Check out the 2008 Merced County Fair’s award-winning website,
www.MercedCountyFair.com

May 5, 2008

MERCED — Healthy House within a MATCH Coalition celebrated Día del Niño (Day of the Child) at an open house on April 9th. The event was jointly sponsored by the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce and the Hispanic Chamber. The celebration was well attended by Merced dignitaries and business leaders. Everyone enjoyed the typical Mexican food featuring a tostada buffet. Participants were entertained with music and a Mexican folkloric dance troupe lead by U C Merced student and Healthy House Intern, Maricela Rangel-Garcia.

Healthy House within a MATCH Coalition is a Nonprofit Community Based Organization providing Language Services to Healthcare Providers in the Central Valley of California. We have been “Building Understanding Between Cultures” for more than ten years and as a result we have developed expertise in: Interpreting, Translating, Testing, Training, and Language Services Consulting. Our Mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of all people in our community by building respect and understanding between ethnicities, languages, and cultures through the provision of services and educational activities.

LEFT TO RIGHT:
Erica Millan, Palee Moua, Krushenka Salazar, Changvang Her, Mike Baldwin, Gepao Lor, Amy Moffat, Eduardo Gonzales, Arden Bennett, Laura Matlock, Sandra Espinoza

May 5 , 2008

Tea with Mussolini

The 1999 film "Tea with Mussolini" will be shown at the historic Merced Theatre on May 17 and 18, 2008. "Tea with Mussolini" stars Cher, Judi Dench, Joan Plowright, Maggie Smith and Lily Tomlin. This dramatic film is a semi-autobiographical tale from the early life of director Franco Zeffirelli. An illegitimate child is raised by an Englishwoman
(Joan Plowright) in pre-WWII Fascist Italy, part of an English community in Florence presided over by a diplomat's widow (Maggie Smith). Cher plays a wealthy American collector of modern art who visits these "Scorpioni" on occasion.
Enjoy lunch and a movie on Sunday, May 18 when the Italo-American Lodge serves a chicken marsala luncheon at 12:30 p.m. at the lodge. The luncheon will include chicken marsala with mushrooms, risotto, green beans, spring mix salad and biscotti. The Italo-American Lodge is located at W. 18th and U Streets. Afterwards, head over to the Merced Theatre for a showing of "Tea with Mussolini" at 2:00 p.m. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards the restoration of the Merced Theatre.
The movie will be shown at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets for lunch and a movie (Sunday only) are $25.00 and are available at the Merced Multicultural Arts Center, Gonella Realty, Peraino's Jewelers, and the Italo-American Lodge. Movie-only tickets are $5.00 for either day and are available at the Theatre box office. The box office opens 30 minutes prior to show time. The Merced Theatre Foundation would like to thank the Italo-American Lodge for sponsoring this movie. The Merced Theatre is located at 301 W. Main St., on the corner of Main and Martin Luther King Jr. Way. Call 722-3266 for more information.

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April 30, 2008

SPRING FAIR IN LOS BANOS OPENS TODAY

Los Banos - Whey are Celebrating Our Farmers at the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos, April 30 – May 4, 2008.
Come check out the rainforest display, amazing animal attraction, exciting carnival rides, delicious fair food, awesome entertainment and extraordinary exhibits at the Merced County Spring Fair.
The annual Merced County Spring Fair, sponsored by your Los Banos Food4Less, opens today, Wednesday, April 30, 2008, for a five-day run. Gates at the fairgrounds in Los Banos open at 9 a.m. The Midway of Family Fun, the carnival with over 25 thrilling rides including the debut of the VIPER, opens at 3 p.m. Fair guests are welcomed by the City of Los Banos – the sponsor of opening day at the Spring Fair with Los Banos residents enjoying admission to the fair for FREE.
Admission is just $7 for adult day passes and $2 for youth (age 6 to 12) day passes. Children five and under are free! And for your convenience, you can log onto the Spring Fair’s website at www.co.merced.ca.us/springfair and buy your tickets before you get to the fair!
There are 355 more exhibitors this year than last year and they range from the educational to the sensational! Brand new to the 2008 Spring Fair, Pennington’s Creation Station, gives the family an opportunity to have fun with hands on crafts. It is a fun, free and easy way to try exhibiting at the fair.
Back by popular demand, guests can learn about life on the farm at the Ranchwood Little Hands exhibit. Founded by the Indiana State Fair, “Little Hands” made its California debut at the 2004 Merced County Spring Fair. Sponsored by Ranchwood Homes, at Little Hands kids can participate in and imagine the “farmers life” by harvesting grain, collecting eggs, harvesting crops, driving a tractor, sheering sheep, milking a cow, selling their harvest and buying groceries with their crop profits.
Families can also enjoy the traditional and popular Henry Miller Farm experience. This 8,000 square-foot farm is where fair guests of all ages can feel and touch real farm animals such as ducks, pigs, goats, donkeys, llamas and their young.
But wait - there’s more! Great exhibits are just part of the entire fun package. Tomorrow night’s headliner concert is Left of Centre, on the Los Banos Enterprise Stage at 8:00 p.m. This concert and all of the other exciting concerts on the Los Banos Enterprise Outdoor Stage are free with the price of fair admission.

Come and enjoy the spectacular rides in the Midway of Family Fun. You’ll want to check out the old favorites—Evolution, the Zipper and the Scrambler along with this year’s additions.
What Spring Fair would be complete without the muscle and mud of motorsports? Be prepared for gravity-defying thrills at an evening of Motocross brought to you by The BEAR that was brought back by popular demand. This year’s fair also features two nights of the thrilling Destruction Derby and the popular Quad 4x4 Pulls and Tuff. All motorsports events are ticketed (in addition to fair gate admission) and will be held in the Corona/Corona Light Arena.
The mission of the Merced County Spring Fair is to create memories worth repeating by providing quality education, entertainment and courteous service at a safe facility.
The Merced County Spring Fair’s presenting sponsor is Food4Less and Valley Wide Distributing is the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of the fair with their Corona and Corona Light brands. Ranchwood Homes underwrites the Little Hands Exhibit; Memorial Hospital-Los Banos will be sponsoring the Lost Kid’s Booth and First Aid; and the City of Los Banos is the Opening Day Sponsor of the fair. The Outdoor Stage is sponsored by the Los Banos Enterprise and Univision 21 sponsors the Community Stage. Other sponsors of the Fair include: Out and About Magazine, KUBB Country 96.3, HOT 104.7, KABX Oldies 97.5, Radio Lobo 98.7, HANK FM, Save Mart Supermarkets, Triangle Rock and American Ag Credit.
The Fair opens on today, April 30, for a five-day run. The theme of the 2008 fair is “Celebrating Our Farmers!”

April 30, 2008

Public’s help sought in City Manager selection

MERCED – The Merced City Council will hold an open workshop from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 5, so people can list the traits, characteristics and skills they want in Merced’s new City Manager.

Council members are asking people what they want to see in a new City Manager. Bob Murray, the recruiter hired by the City for the City Manager search, will be at the meeting.

The workshop was set because the City Council wanted public involvement in the City Manager selection process. Mayor Ellie Wooten called a Special Session of the City Council to hold the workshop.

City Manager Jim Marshall resigned his position March 28 after 16 years with the City. He is serving as the Interim City Manager until the post is filled.

The Special Session of the Merced City Council will be held in the Council Chambers on the second floor of the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St.
The regular City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m.

April 29, 2008

STILL A CHANCE TO EXHIBIT AT THE SPRING FAIR!

Los Banos - It’s not too late to enter an exhibit and be a part of the 2008 Merced County Spring Fair’s Special Food Contests! Enter the Spring Fair’s special food contests and when you bring your recipe to the fair, your admission is FREE through the Fifth Street entrance! Remember, you must have your entry in hand.
Are you as good as Emeril, Rachael Ray or even Ratatouille? Do you have your own “Ultimate” that can compete with Tyler’s Ultimate? Prepare your amazing recipe for cheesecake, cookies, salsa, pasta sauce and your recipe with any creative use of almonds. With an entry fee of only $1 you will have the ability to win from $20 to $75 in prize money, it’s a scrumptious slam dunk into the fair! All you have to do is submit your kitchen creation, along with the recipe card, just hours before the contest during the five-day run of the Spring Fair in Los Banos.

“This is one of my favorite contests of the fair. It provides an opportunity for amateur cooks in Merced County to showcase their talents to tantalize the taste buds,” said Ron Brandt, fair manager. “Every year our judges taste the most amazing recipes, created by our very own community residents!”

There are five special food contests slated for the 2008 Fair:
· Special Cheesecake Contest sponsored by Gloria & Ken Mendonca: Wednesday, April 30, judged live at 5:30 p.m.
· Best Ever Cookie Contest sponsored by Antonio Avelar Nunes: Thursday, May 1, judged live at 5:30 p.m.
· Special Mexican Salsa Contest sponsored by Españas Restaurant: Friday, May 2, judged live at 5:30 p.m.
· Special Homemade Pasta Sauce Contest sponsored by Brian Wetherington: Saturday, May 3, judged live at 5:30 p.m.
· Nuts About Almonds Contest sponsored by RPAC, LLC: Sunday, May 4, judged live at 2:00 p.m. Exhibitor handbooks containing the official contest rules and entry forms are online at www.co.merced.ca.us/springfair and at the Merced County Spring Fair office located at 403 F Street in Los Banos.
This year the Spring Fair kicks off Wednesday, April 30, for a fun-filled five-day run. The mission of the Merced County Spring Fair is to create memories worth repeating by providing quality education, entertainment and courteous service at a safe facility.

April 29, 2008

PUPPIES TUG ON DOORS AND HEARTS

April 28, 2008-Merced, CA - California Canine Academy / Assistance Dogs (CCA/AD), a non-profit organization that teaches high school at-risk teens to train special dogs for the disabled, will be having their first graduation of the teens and dogs from the first segment of disability dog training on Saturday, May 31, 2008 at 10:30am at the Merced College Amphitheatre.

Their program started in November, 2007. The Merced County Human Services and MCOE teamed up with CCA/AD to train seven teenagers the basics of training a service dog for persons with disabilities.

The HS A-dog programs have proven that dogs can touch the hearts of the most socially detached, rebellious, stubborn and angry teens - and teach them to enter into loving non-abrasive responsible relationships with other living creatures. Through their participation, teens learn emotional regulation and self-control, take responsibility for another living creature, and develop a warm, mutually affectionate bond with the puppies and dogs they are training.

At the completion of the training, the dogs are placed in the community and nationally with individuals who have mobility-limiting disabilities, hearing loss, autism, mental disorders, and as social therapy dogs.

JOIN US on May 31, 2008 at 10:30 at the Merced College Amphitheatre for the first gradation ceremony of the HS Teen program.

April 29, 2008

Cardoza Announces Showing of Congressional Art Competition Entries

Tidewater Art Gallery in Stockton to Display Entries on May 17th and 18th

WASHINGTON, DC- Today, Rep. Dennis Cardoza announced details about where and when this year's Congressional Art Competition entries will be on display for the public. On Saturday May 17th and Sunday May 18th the Tidewater Gallery, at 223 E. Weber Ave. in Stockton, will showcase the art competition entries featuring about 25 high school artists from throughout the 18th Congressional District. There will be a reception on Sunday May 18 at 2 PM.

The competition provides an opportunity to showcase the talent of creative young artists from the 18th District. The winning entry is displayed for one year in the frequently used tunnel space between the U.S. Capitol and the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, D.C.

The impressive annual exhibit represents the combined efforts of Members of Congress, students, and teachers, who encourage their students to enter the competition. The winner from each Congressional District and one guest are invited to a Capitol Hill reception on June 25th that highlights their accomplishments in conjunction with the hanging of their artwork. The reception traditionally features a celebrity from the entertainment industry. Roundtrip airfare to Washington, DC will be provided for the Art Competition winner and two guests.

The deadline for submitting entries to any of Rep. Cardoza's district offices is May 2nd. More information can be found here: http://www.house.gov/house/ArtGuidelines.shtml or by contacting Ellen Powell at (209) 946-0361 or ellen.powell@mail.house.gov.

April 25, 2008

DENHAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER INTERNS

MERCED—State Senator Jeff Denham (R-Merced) is now accepting resumes from high school and college students for volunteer summer semester internships in his Merced district office.

Senator Denham is seeking applicants who would like to pursue an opportunity to learn about state government and the Senator’s role in representing the 12th Senate District. Qualified candidates must be hard-working individuals who possess sound written and verbal communication skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. District intern responsibilities will include providing phone support, constituent correspondence and working with staff members on special projects.

Denham’s press office also has intern openings for journalism, public relations or communications majors to work directly with the Press Secretary in the Merced district office. For information on this internship, interested parties may contact Stacey Bohlke via email at stacey.bohlke@sen.ca.gov or by calling (209) 402-2406.

Interested parties may apply for a position by faxing a cover letter and resume to the Merced district office to Louise Farley at (209) 726-5498.

April 25, 2008

Air District kicks off Clean Green Yard Machines 2008
Incentive program retires polluting mowers

As part of the Healthy Air Living Program, the Air District offers a huge discount on cordless electric mowers in an effort to reduce air pollution caused by gasoline -powered lawn equipment.

Beginning today, San Joaquin Valley residents are invited to participate by requesting a voucher to turn in their old gasoline-powered mower and replace it with a nonpolluting Neuton mower for only $150. Clean Green Yard Machines 2008 will expire on May 31 or until 1,100 mowers have been replaced.

The Air District conducts the annual incentive program to raise public awareness of the pollution caused by gas mowers and to actively reduce such emissions. One gas mower can pollute as much as 40 cars.

“The District’s Healthy Air Living Program asks residents of the Valley to make air quality a priority in their daily decision making. Clean Green Yard Machines helps them carry out one of those decisions and remove one of the biggest polluters at home, the gas-powered lawn mower,” said Seyed Sadredin, Air Pollution Control Officer, and Air District Executive Director.

In 2007, The District embarked on a new and very successful lawn mower trade-in program when it partnered with the Neuton Lawn Mower Company to replace one-day trade-in events in favor of a direct-mail delivery program.

Residents living anywhere within the San Joaquin Valley Air District can request a program voucher. Upon receipt of the voucher, the resident has until May 31 to turn in their old mower (drained of all fluids) at a participating recycler within their county, then order the new, non-polluting mower by phone at a 62 percent discount off the regular retail price of $399. The Neuton cordless, electric mower is then quickly delivered right to their home.

The Air District thanks the following partners and sponsors for making this event possible: The Neuton Lawn Mower Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, Stanislaus County, San Joaquin County, Merced County, Tulare County, Valley Clean Air Now, Atwater Iron and Metal, Golden State Metals of Bakersfield, J&H Metals of Hanford, Levi’s Iron and Metal of Fresno, Madera County Resource Management, Modesto Junk Company, Stockton Recycling Center and Tulare County Recycling.

The San Joaquin Valley air basin is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a non-attainment area for the national eight-hour ozone standard and must reduce ozone pollution within the District’s eight counties: San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Madera, Fresno, Kings, Tulare and San Joaquin Valley portions of Kern.

For more information on Clean Green Yard Machines, contact any of the District
representatives listed above or e -mail: public.education@valleyair.org.

April 25, 2008

Livestock Qualifying Deadline Nears

MERCED – May 16 is the date to circle on the calendar for independent junior exhibitors to qualify to enter their sheep, swine or goats at the 2008 Merced County Fair.
That qualification deadline is 60 days before the fair, which is July 15-20. The 2008 Fair theme is "Come Rock With The Flock," a salute to sheep, one of the county's top agricultural products.
Independent junior exhibitors entering market animals in the fair must provide fair management with a copy of their birth certificate or driver's license as proof of age. This is a local requirement implemented last year.
According to state requirements, independent junior exhibitors entering market animals must provide fair management with a photo of their animal, appropriate proof of ownership, permanent tag, tattoo and/or hog ear notch information.
State rules for California fairs require independent juniors who want to exhibit market sheep, goats, or swine at the fair must be at least nine years old or in the fourth grade by January 1, 2008. Exhibitors are eligible to compete through December 31 of the year in which they turn 19 years of age.
All required information must be submitted to the fair office at 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Merced. For information, call the fair office at 722-1507 or email to info@mercedcountyfair.com or fax at 722-3773. Visit the 2008 Merced County Fair’s award-winning website, www.MercedCountyFair.com

April 24, 2008

Rainforest Comes to Merced County!

A show and ongoing display featuring a unique collection of 17 different species. The Amazing Rainforest Experience is coming to Merced County, April 30 – May 4, as a part of the Merced County Spring Fair in Los Banos and is FREE with fair admission. Never before seen on the West Coast, this one of a kind traveling exhibit combines conservation and environmental awareness, with a show that features some of the most rare and endangered species on our planet.
“We wanted to bring a remarkable, educational experience for all ages,” commented Merced County Spring Fair Manager, Ron Brandt. “Bringing the Rainforest Experience to Merced County is a tremendous opportunity to give the community a front row seat in exploring the Rainforest along with its wonders and mystique, without leaving the Country or even the State.”
The Rainforest Experience is sponsored by HANK FM and is presented by husband and wife team Robert and Christy Mullen. The Mullen’s, true conservationists at heart, strongly believe that education and awareness are vital to the survival of all our planet’s creatures, including humans.
A proven scientific fact that our planet’s rainforests are home to over 2/3 of all species, they are also being destroyed at an alarming rate, over one acre every second of the day according to some estimates. Living in a world where a new species becomes endangered every day, these events and conservation of our natural resources is an ever-pressing issue every day, not just on Earth Day.
The Rainforest Experience will give the fair-goer the opportunity to become familiar with animals rarely seen in captivity, including an Asian Fishing Cat and two magnificent Bengal tigers will make an appearance and demonstrate their natural grace and beauty. The mere presence of these grand creatures is inspiring. Designed as a large ongoing display throughout the day in addition to three high quality performances at the “Asian ruins stage,” the fairgoer will enter a full thematic display that will transport all of the senses to a pristine rainforest. The Experience will bring the fair-goer eye to eye with many rare and endangered creatures. Look for the running waterfalls, greenery and the sounds of the rainforest.
The Experience will entertain with remarkable animals we share this planet with. The ever changing cast of animals in the show is unique to each performance, including parrots, monkeys, lemurs, tigers, cougars, foxes and coati mundi. They all demonstrate their natural abilities and distinctive personalities, while the trainers share unique and interesting facts about them.
Training of the animals is based entirely upon positive reinforcement and is evident through the love and admiration that Robert and Christy share with the animals. The natural enclosures are designed not only to provide the fair-goer with an entertaining and educational experience, but to provide mental and physical stimulation for the animals.
Robert Mullen has been producing educational animal shows for the past 26 years. He is nationally known for producing high quality animal shows that combine both theatrical elements and environmental education. He is now the head trainer and creative designer for the Amazing ainforest Experience.
Christy Mullen is a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelors degree in Animal Biology. She has been training horses for 10 years in all disciplines from Huntseat to Western to Dressage, even retraining racehorses to be pleasure horses. Christy has 8 years experience in many fields of veterinary medicine, including small animal, large animal and exotic animal/wildlife medicine. Christy brings her many years of education and expertise to offer a high standard of health care to the animals.

Robert and Aarobissac the ringtail lemur perform

List of animals:
2 Bengal Tigers
2 Western Cougars
Ringtail Lemur
Capuchin Monkey
Asian Fishing Cat
African Serval
Coati Mundi
Arctic Fox
Burmese Python
Columbian Boa
Green Iguana
Greenwing Macaw
Military Macaw
Blue and Gold Macaw
Yellow Naped Amazon
3 Sun Conures
Appendix Horse
The Amazing Rainforest Experience is recognized and sanctioned by the United States Department of Agriculture as well as the Fish and Wildlife Department. “We are pleased to bring this quality exhibit to the community,” shared Brandt. The mission of the Merced County Spring Fair is to create memories worth repeating by providing quality education, entertainment and courteous service at a safe facility. The Merced County Spring Fair’s presenting sponsor is Food4Less and Valley Wide Distributing is the exclusive malt beverage sponsor of the fair with their Corona and Corona Light brands. Ranchwood Homes underwrites the Little Hands Exhibit; Memorial Hospital-Los Banos will be sponsoring the Lost Kid’s Booth and First Aid; and the City of Los Banos is the Opening Day Sponsor of the fair. The Outdoor Stage is sponsored by the Los Banos Enterprise and Univision 21 sponsors the Community Stage. Other sponsors of the Fair include: Out and About Magazine, KUBB Country 96.3, HOT 104.7, KABX Oldies 97.5, Radio Lobo 98.7, HANK FM, Save Mart Supermarkets, Triangle Rock and American Ag Credit. The Fair opens on Wednesday, April 30, for a five-day run. The theme of the 2008 fair is “Celebrating Our Farmers!”

Mika the Lion takes a break

April 24, 2008

Rooney Will Play Merced County Fair

MERCED – Rooney, a five-man band from Southern California, known for their rock/pop sound, will perform Wednesday, July 16, “Kids’ Day,” at the 2008 Merced County Fair.
The band has toured throughout the U.S. and Europe with a long list of big name bands including Weezer, All American Rejects, Audioslave, The Donnas, the Black Eyed Peas and The Vines.
Rooney is made up of Robert Schwartzman, lead vocals and guitar, Ned Brower, drums and backup vocals, Taylor Locke, guitar and backup vocals, Louie Stevens, keyboards and Matthew Winter on bass.
Opening the fair on Tuesday, July 15 is Craig Morgan, whose current album “Little Bit of Life,” continues to ride the Billboard country album charts. Also performing at the fair are The Guess Who and their classic rock hits, Thursday, July 17, The Spinners’ timeless R & B sound, Friday, July 18, country music’s rising star, Terri Clark, will entertain fairgoers Saturday, July 19 and Yolanda Del Rio, one of the biggest stars of Mexican regional music, will perform Sunday, July 20, wrapping up six nights of headliner entertainment in the Merced County Fair’s Outdoor Theatre.
As always, all fair headline acts are free with the price of admission. The 2008 Fair theme is "Come Rock With The Flock," a celebration of sheep, one of the county's top agricultural products. The fair is July 15-20.
Rooney is a retro-leaning, pop/rock band that released their debut album in 2002 when most of the members were still in their teens. Their music is influenced by The Beatles and The Beach Boys as well as The Raspberries, Queen, Cheap Trick, The Cars and Weezer. Their new sound evokes the 80s rock/dance styles of David Bowie, the Cure and Tears for Fears.
Schwartzman wrote all of the songs on the group’s new album, “Calling the World,” after searching for a sound that rocks and “makes people dance.” The first single from “Calling the World,” is “When did Your Heart Go Missing?” an energetic, head-bobber of a song with an infectious chorus. The song broke into the VH-1 top 20 countdown where it peaked at number 8 and has become a top ten radio hit all across Europe. The song is featured in the film, “Nancy Drew.”
The song’s colorful video depicts a day in the California life of Rooney complete with a beach barbecue party and cruise around Hollywood in a red Cadillac convertible. The video was shot all around Los Angeles by Benny Boom, who also does videos for 50 Cent and Missy Elliot.
The album’s other songs include “I Should Have Been After You,” Believe In Me,” a driving synthesizer-propelled call for a leap of faith, “What For” a breezy, melodic slice of friendly advice and “Help Me Find My Way,” a poignant ode to Robert’s late father.
The band is currently touring in Italy and has hit the road with bands including The Strokes, Travis and Pete Yorn. Last year, Rooney did a club tour of the United Kingdom and Europe and returned to the U.S. for a national tour as opening act for Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas.
For information, call the fair office at 722-1507 or email to Info@MercedCountyFair.com or fax at 722-3773. Visit the 2008 Merced County Fair’s award-winning website, www.MercedCountyFair.com

April 18, 2008

Atwater Chamber of Commerce held its Quarterly Luncheon

Atwater Chamber of Commerce held its Quarterly Luncheon Friday. Paul C. Lo, Esq.was the guest speaker. He spoke on business law in regards to employer/employee relationships.
Paul received his bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California at Davis in 1991 and his Juris-Doctorate from UCLA School of Law in 1994. Paul was admitted to the California State Bar in December 1994. Paul has practiced law for the last 13 years in the Central Valley. He is the owner of the Law Offices of Paul C. Lo, with an office in Merced and Fresno.

Guest Speaker Paul C. Lo, Esq.

Among his many volunteer activities, Paul is a Rotarian, a former elected member of the Merced City School District Board of Trustees since 1998 (serving two terms as board president,) a member of the Southeast Asian-American Professionals Association, a former board member of the Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce, and the president of Hmong National Development, Inc. He is a recipient of the 2001 University of California, Davis Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Year Award, and the 2003 KSEE 24 Portraits of Success Award.
Actively involved in the Lao Evangelical Church of Merced, Paul is a deacon and serves on its board of directors. He also serves as a board member on the National Board of the Lao Evangelical Church.

The Chamber also handed out awards to Students of the Quarter, as well as Volunteer of the Quarter, Business of the Quarter, and Entrepreneur of the Quarter.

James Bray - Peggy Heller Elementary School

Sean Murphy - Mitchell Senior Elementary School
Sean Murphy is a unique young man who is a treasure to have at Mitchell Senior. Sean has always gone above and beyond the call of duty as a student and as a person. He is alwayspolite, respectful, and willing to help others before himself, both inside and outside the classroom. Sean is also driven to be successful as exemplified by his 3.83 cumulative grade point average. As an AVID student he exemplified the standard ofindividual determination. His determination this year has been fruitful in his goal to not miss one dayof school - a goal that he's met thus far. And,he's got a sense of humor; this year Sean wanted to know shat detention was like, so his inquisitive mind thought to chew gum in class, obviously, so that first thing in the morning he could earn one. Mitchell will not be the same without Sean Murphy next year.

Sean Murphy - Mitchell Senior Elementary School

Zuelika Cervantes - Bellevue Elemantary School

Fernando “Nando” Perales - VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER

Fernando “Nando” Perales
VOLUNTEER OF THE QUARTER
This volunteer attended Livingston High School and is a U.C. Davis Graduate with a Major in Physical Education and a Minor in Mathematics. After completing college he returned to Winton to work for Cal Trans and Volunteer as a Math tutor and to start a youth Little League Baseball team for both boys and girls. Using 10 – 17 year old students from the local schools they built the first Winton baseball field. In 1975 he not only started the first county Base ball Farm League known as “Atwater Packers” but coached them as well. Having no available bus service this coach used his van to transport the team from town to town competition. He also designed his country home to accompany local youth sports programs. As stated, “ Kids were always there playing sports of one kind or another.”

Bertellis Pharmancy, Owner, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bertelli Pharmacist - BUSINESS OF THE QUARTER

This family operated business began 46 years ago and for the past 28 years has served the Atwater community at its present site. The son who now manages the business since 1980 worked for his father since he was 11 years old. At that time the father had three stores King City, Sonora and Twain Hart. As quoted saying,” I always worked with my Dad and wanted to be just like him. That is why I went to College.”
“I’ve watched the Atwater community grow from Starbucks to a supper shopping center. I remember when the Bank of America, Cornet Variety store and the Safeway market were on the same block as my business. Broadway was a hub of activity. My business and Granny’s restaurant are all that remain of that wonderful era!”

Bertellis Pharmancy, Owner, Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bertelli Pharmacist - BUSINESS OF THE QUARTER

Susie Rizzonelli accepted the recognition on her childrens behalf.

Chris Carroll of AFLAC

Craig Mooneyham and Suneet Singal of Atwater Development Company

Keith Nance of BBR (Bikes Boards Racing)

Craig Mooneyham of Central Valley Entitlement Company

Gabriel Martinez of Jamba Juice

Larry Mills of Larry Mills Design

Isabel Ochoa of Momentos

Esther Valencia of Valencia Financial Services

ATWATER CHAMBER
OF COMMERCE
( 209) 358-4251
1181 Third Street
Atwater, CA 95301

"Building a Business Community through Networking"

visit our website

Lisa DeSantis wecomed all who attended the celebrtion

Dave Moranda, Chief Deputy District Attorney

April 15, 2008

Record attendance to honor Fair Sponsors and Grand Marshal Danny Fialho

Los Banos—The Merced County Spring Fair Annual Kick Off Sponsor Dinner, Auction and Dance, which honored the 2008 Fair Sponsors and Grand Marshal Danny Fialho, boasted over 470 people in attendance at the O’Banion Building of the fairgrounds on Saturday night, April 14, 2008.
Emcee for the evening was fair board member and county sheriff, Paul Parreira. Parreira introduced each of the fair’s major sponsors and make it a point to thank each and every one of them for their support, especially now when the economy is not at its best. Merced County Spring Fair major sponsors recognized were: Food 4 Less, Ranchwood Homes, Memorial Hospital-Los Banos, City of Los Banos, Valley Wide Beverage Distributors with their Corona and Corona Light brands, Los Banos Enterprise, Buckely Radio, Univision 21 Television, Out and About Magazine, Radio Merced, Save Mart and Triangle Rock.
Miss May Day 2007, Sarah Marques, and her court were introduced. Queen Marques gave a lovely speech and pointed out that her favorite part of the year had been working the Ranchwood Little Hands exhibit. The exhibit, which walks the fairgoer through the farming experience, is sponsored by Ranchwood Homes.
The fair’s Grand Marshal and his wife, Danny and Sandy Fialho were introduced and received a standing ovation. The Fialho’s have been longtime contributors to the community. Grand Marshal Fialho supporters traveled from as far as Las Vegas to be with him and his wife at the dinner.

The night continued with live auction packages that included numbered copies of the fair artwork,