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                    <div align="right">News
                      and Information of KAWEAH COUNTRY -
                      Three Rivers, Sequoia and Kings Canyon 
                        National Parks, 
                        Lemon Cove and Woodlake </div>
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                              <td><p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0"><br>
                                        <span class="style15" style="margin-bottom: 0;"><strong><font size="5">In 
                                        the News - Friday, August 22, 2008</font></strong></span></p>
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                              <td><p class="style15" style="margin-bottom: 0">&nbsp;</p>
                                      <p class="style15" style="margin-top: 0;"><strong><font color="#006600"><a href="documents/PAGE1-Aug22.pdf">&#8212;See 
                                        this week's FRONT PAGE (PDF)</a></font></strong></p>
                                      <p style="margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp;</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><strong><font size="5">Wildland 
                                        blaze sparked </font></strong></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><font size="5"><strong>by 
                                        burning car</strong></font><br>
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; It&#8217;s been 20 years 
                                        since a careless smoker tossed a cigarette 
                                        from Generals Highway near Hospital Rock 
                                        and sparked the Buckeye Fire, which threatened 
                                        to consume the Giant Forest before it 
                                        was finally contained. A half-dozen other 
                                        fires along the highway have been extinguished 
                                        since but none as large or as damaging 
                                        as the 1988 blaze. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; So on Monday, Aug. 18, when 
                                        an Amphitheater Point interpretive ranger 
                                        called park dispatch to report a fire 
                                        burning upslope from Deer Ridge, there 
                                        was more than a little cause for concern.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The most recent fire started 
                                        when a mother of infant twins pulled off 
                                        the Generals Highway on the east side 
                                        of the roadway near Deer Ridge. The woman&#8217;s 
                                        mother, who was also a passenger in the 
                                        2000 Volkswagen Passat, helped get the 
                                        infants out of the car after they smelled 
                                        &#8220;something weird&#8221; and started 
                                        to see smoke.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;Hey lady,&#8221; a passerby called 
                                        to the driver of the Volkswagen, &#8220;your 
                                        car&#8217;s engine is on fire.&#8221; 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In a few seconds the vehicle 
                                        was engulfed in flames. The stranded Pomona 
                                        motorist and her family got a ride back 
                                        down the road where they spotted the ranger 
                                        at Amphitheater Point. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Engines from Ash Mountain, 
                                        Lodgepole, and Grant Grove were immediately 
                                        dispatched to the scene and arrived shortly 
                                        after law-enforcement rangers. A parked 
                                        helicopter was also dispatched to the 
                                        incident and made a bucket drop that helped 
                                        firefighters on the ground establish a 
                                        hose perimeter and soon snuff out the 
                                        half-acre blaze.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; NPS investigators believe 
                                        the fire started when tinder-dry brush 
                                        along the roadside burst into flame from 
                                        the radiant heat of the burning vehicle. 
                                        Sequoia park rangers closed the Generals 
                                        Highway for two hours while the area around 
                                        Deer Ridge was scoured for potential flare-ups.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;We take fire on the Generals Highway 
                                        very seriously because of the safety of 
                                        our visitors and the infrastructure that 
                                        exists within the highway corridor,&#8221; 
                                        said Deb Schweizer, Sequoia and Kings 
                                        Canyon National Parks fire information 
                                        officer.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Schweizer said that this 
                                        time NPS personnel were able to get the 
                                        jump on the fire so no outside resources 
                                        were needed. It&#8217;s a busy time for 
                                        human-caused fire, she reported, as other 
                                        small fires were extinguished this week 
                                        at the General Sherman Tree parking area 
                                        in Sequoia National Park and at Azalea 
                                        Campground in the Grant Grove section 
                                        of Kings Canyon National Park. </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;Fire danger is extreme now along 
                                        all our roadside areas,&#8221; said Schweizer, 
                                        &#8220;so we are reminding everyone to 
                                        be extra careful with fires and to dispose 
                                        of all smoking materials properly.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp;<strong> Tehipite Fire&#8212;</strong> 
                                        The Tehipite Fire, a lightning-caused 
                                        fire that has been burning in the backcountry 
                                        of Kings Canyon National Park since mid-July, 
                                        is continuing to grow. It has nearly doubled 
                                        in size in the past week from about 500 
                                        acres to 1,000.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The Tehipite Valley trail 
                                        from Simpson Meadow to the park&#8217;s 
                                        west boundary has been closed for two 
                                        weeks. This week, the Blue Canyon Trail, 
                                        which is north of the Tehipite Valley, 
                                        is also closed.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Backcountry travelers will 
                                        receive alternative backpacking options 
                                        from rangers if their itineraries include 
                                        this area of the park. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; <strong>Avalanche Fire&#8212; 
                                        </strong>Another lightning-caused blaze 
                                        in Kings Canyon National Park is burning 
                                        slowly in a remote area between Cedar 
                                        Grove and Roaring River. It is currently 
                                        at about an acre in size and has not shown 
                                        much growth in the past week.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; These types of slow-burning, 
                                        natural-occurring fires are healthy for 
                                        forests, thinning them, reducing the amount 
                                        of dead and downed debris, and opening 
                                        the canopy. A human-caused, raging wildfire, 
                                        on the other hand, puts forests and humans 
                                        at greater risk.<br>
                                        <br>
                                        <font size="4"><strong>Songwriters inspired 
                                        </strong></font></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><font size="4"><strong>to 
                                        play Three Rivers</strong></font><br>
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Three Rivers has attracted 
                                        its share of show-business types and musical 
                                        personalities. They come to revel in the 
                                        quietude and be recharged in this awe-inspiring 
                                        place known as Kaweah Country.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; When their busy schedules 
                                        permit, some of these renowned visitors 
                                        might perform or play a set at an intimate 
                                        Three Rivers venue. Last Saturday night, 
                                        Aug. 16, the distinguished players were 
                                        Randy Sharp and Jack Wesley Routh; the 
                                        venue was the Three Rivers Arts Center.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The fact that a glorious 
                                        full moon cloaked Three Rivers and its 
                                        rustic Arts Center in shimmering splendor 
                                        was no accident. It was the perfect setting 
                                        for Dennis Melkonian of Three Rivers to 
                                        present an evening with two Grammy award-winning 
                                        songwriters.<br>
                                        Melkonian &#8212; who with his brother, 
                                        Milton, has owned and operated Lake Elowin 
                                        Resort since 1977 &#8212; often hosts 
                                        some really exceptional folks. But his 
                                        old friend Randy transcends being a guest; 
                                        he&#8217;s more like family.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;I first met Randy in 1970 after 
                                        hearing him perform at one of the Wesak 
                                        festivals staged by John Holden and Adrian 
                                        Green,&#8221; Dennis recalled. &#8220;I 
                                        couldn&#8217;t believe the amazing talent 
                                        and how this guy sounded.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The Melkonians, who were 
                                        introduced to country rock during their 
                                        high school days at Mt. Whitney in Visalia, 
                                        invested time and money in the music business 
                                        and along the way helped to preserve its 
                                        purest art.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;We formed a production company 
                                        that helped Randy become one of most successful 
                                        songwriters in country music,&#8221; Dennis 
                                        said. &#8220;In the 1980s, we met Jack 
                                        in the studio and the two artists have 
                                        teamed up ever since.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; A two-hour set of some of 
                                        the duo&#8217;s incomparable songwriting 
                                        was on display at the Three Rivers show. 
                                        Randy, who opened the evening with some 
                                        solo numbers, confessed that this is one 
                                        of the first times he&#8217;s felt rehearsed 
                                        while playing Three Rivers.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The duo&#8217;s music is 
                                        part swing, a dash of Brazilian, a hefty 
                                        dose of Texas, and deeply rooted in the 
                                        San Joaquin Valley&#8217;s Bakersfield 
                                        tradition, with the Beatles all over it.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;We always try out some new songs 
                                        here in Three Rivers,&#8221; Randy said, 
                                        &#8220;because if anybody&#8217;s going 
                                        to put up with us, it&#8217;s going to 
                                        be you guys.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Two of the duo&#8217;s songs 
                                        currently getting a lot of airplay are 
                                        featured on the latest release by Emmylou 
                                        Harris. In the past Randy said, Emmylou 
                                        has won a Grammy for one of Randy&#8217;s 
                                        songs and she&#8217;s probably going to 
                                        win another for Jack&#8217;s composition 
                                        &#8220;Beyond the Great Divide.&#8221;</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;A songwriter only kind of wins 
                                        the Grammy,&#8221; Randy explained.<br>
                                        Jack&#8217;s hauntingly beautiful piece, 
                                        written with J.C. Crowley, epitomized 
                                        all the best that these songwriters bring 
                                        to country music. Randy and Jack played 
                                        the guitar lines crisp and sang with the 
                                        harmony of a hot cup of coffee at a chilly 
                                        morning campfire.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;I guess the first artist who really 
                                        noticed Randy&#8217;s talent was Ray Stevens,&#8221; 
                                        said Dennis. &#8220;And later it was Randy 
                                        who taught Nashville five-part harmony.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; There have been Sharp songs 
                                        recorded by Glen Campbell, Reba McEntyre, 
                                        Dixie Chicks, Patty Loveless, Clay Walker, 
                                        Alabama... and the list goes on to include 
                                        nearly all of Nashville&#8217;s hottest 
                                        country stars.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Among the songs he played 
                                        last weekend was his &#8220;Dreams of 
                                        the San Joaquin,&#8221; which was recorded 
                                        by Linda Ronstadt. Not too shabby for 
                                        a kid whose Dust Bowl parents landed in 
                                        Woodlake before Randy graduated from Redwood 
                                        High School in Visalia during the late 
                                        1960s.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;The reason Randy is not more popular 
                                        because he never played the music industry 
                                        game,&#8221; Dennis said.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;What he wanted to do was write 
                                        great songs, and that&#8217;s the measure 
                                        of his incredible success.&#8221;<br>
                                        <br>
                                        <font size="5"><strong>Big wheels</strong></font><br>
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The huge iron wheels that 
                                        sat for years on the former Ogilvie property 
                                        adjacent to Old Three Rivers Drive were 
                                        recently donated to the Three Rivers Historical 
                                        Society. The wheels were used on an old 
                                        steam traction engine when sections of 
                                        Three Rivers were dry-farmed a century 
                                        ago. </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Fred Ogilvie (1900-1988) and Rena Alles 
                                        Ogilvie (1904-2001) were lifetime residents 
                                        of Three Rivers and longtime employees 
                                        at Three Rivers Union School. <br>
                                        <br>
                                        <font size="5"><strong>New retail shop 
                                        offers </strong></font></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;"><font size="5"><strong>natural 
                                        skincare products</strong></font><br>
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Ja Nene Natural Body Products, 
                                        Three Rivers&#8217;s own natural and organic 
                                        skincare company, has opened its first 
                                        retail location at 41667 Sierra Dr., next 
                                        to the Cutting Room in the shop recently 
                                        vacated by My Sister&#8217;s Closet. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Previously, the Ja Nene inventory, 
                                        which is created by Janene Lasswell, has 
                                        only been available online or at periodic 
                                        art shows.</p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;Finally, I have a public store!&#8221; 
                                        said Janene, owner and product developer. 
                                        &#8220;I&#8217;m so excited to offer a 
                                        convenient place for shoppers and the 
                                        space to expand product lines. Residents 
                                        and visitors who love our area for its 
                                        natural beauty will love the natural, 
                                        safe, quality products offered in this 
                                        new store.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Ja Nene Natural Body Products 
                                        is the only manufacturer in Tulare County 
                                        of natural skin care products sanctioned 
                                        by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, an 
                                        industry watchdog sponsored by the Environmental 
                                        Working Group and Friends of the Earth. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Janene invites everyone to 
                                        visit her at the new store. </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        &#8220;Come by and take advantage of the 
                                        free samples, have a mini-facial, enjoy 
                                        some healthy snacks and a cold drink, 
                                        and ask me about our custom gift baskets 
                                        that are perfect for special occasions,&#8221; 
                                        she said. &#8220;Hope to see you soon!&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Ja Nene Natural Body Products 
                                        is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 
                                        a.m. to 6 p.m. <br>
                                        <br>
                                        <u><font size="4"><strong>WHO&#8217;S 
                                        NEWS: WOODLAKE HIGH SCHOOL</strong></font></u><br>
                                        <br>
                                        <strong><em>WHS sophomore hones skills 
                                        in nation&#8217;s capital</em></strong><br>
                                        <font size="2">by Kathryn Keeley</font><br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Poet Maya Angelou once said, 
                                        &#8220;Because of our routines we forget 
                                        that life is an ongoing adventure.&#8221; 
                                        I realized this is true after I changed 
                                        my routine by doing something adventurous. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; I traveled across the country 
                                        to attend a two-week class in Washington, 
                                        D.C. &#8212; a journey unlike all others 
                                        I had ever taken. <br>
                                        I was nominated to participate in the 
                                        2008 National Student Leadership Conference, 
                                        and I chose to attend the Journalism and 
                                        Mass Communications course. It took place 
                                        at American University with 107 other 
                                        high school students from around the country. 
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Specifically, 
                                        I was to participate in the Environmental 
                                        Communication class, one of many categories 
                                        in which to specialize. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; When I picked my class, I 
                                        had no idea that I would learn one of 
                                        the most important lessons of my life: 
                                        &#8220;The one thing we cannot recycle 
                                        is wasted time.&#8221;<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; For my two weeks there, the 
                                        time went by so unbelievably fast.&nbsp; 
                                        &nbsp; From day one, our schedules were 
                                        busy from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In the mornings, I had my 
                                        environmental class, with visits to the 
                                        Environmental Protection Agency and interviews 
                                        with Greenpeace&#8217;s executive director. 
                                        Then we&#8217;d board buses for a fantastic 
                                        and educational field trip, visiting illustrious 
                                        places such as The Washington Post and 
                                        the Smithsonian museums.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In between trips and journalism 
                                        classes, we had leadership lessons with 
                                        topics such as &#8220;Conflict Resolution&#8221; 
                                        and &#8220;Team Building.&#8221; There 
                                        we engaged in fun, and sometimes ridiculous, 
                                        activities and heard phenomenal and inspirational 
                                        speakers.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Another precious highlight 
                                        of the trip was the people. They were 
                                        as dedicated and determined as I am, and 
                                        it was great to be with them. These people, 
                                        my peers, were not judging me but accepting 
                                        and appreciating me. Despite being with 
                                        them for only two short weeks, deep friendships 
                                        were developed.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Attending this conference 
                                        not only benefited me. The insights gained 
                                        will help me give back to the community. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Because I am part of the 
                                        Woodlake High School journalism team, 
                                        I will contribute my new reporting skills 
                                        to help build a better paper.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
                                        Furthermore, because WHS journalism goals 
                                        are to create a student-driven newspaper 
                                        with relevant information that connects 
                                        our communities and our school, I am energized 
                                        to forge a new linkage between our communities. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; I believe I have gained abilities 
                                        that will benefit me for the rest of my 
                                        life &#8212; in high school, college, 
                                        and my future career. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Throughout my stay at our 
                                        nation&#8217;s capital, I learned that 
                                        leadership is about character. And I am 
                                        pleased to report that I have found myself 
                                        and am proud of my potential. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; It was an adventure I will 
                                        never forget and an education I can apply 
                                        to the rest of my life. I have no doubt 
                                        whatsoever that this conference was the 
                                        best experience I have ever had. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; This program had an immense 
                                        impact on my life and I am extremely thankful 
                                        for it and those who made it possible. 
                                        I enormously appreciate the Three Rivers 
                                        Woman&#8217;s and Lions clubs for their 
                                        generous donations to make this a dream 
                                        come true.<br>
                                        <em><strong><br>
                                        3R senior selected student senator</strong></em></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Woodlake High School senior Jordan Vieira 
                                        of Three Rivers was selected as the student 
                                        senator to represent California&#8217;s 
                                        18th Senatorial District at the 2008 session 
                                        of the &#8220;Sacramento Leadership Experience&#8221; 
                                        which was held from Tuesday, Aug. 5, to 
                                        Friday, Aug. 8. Conducted at the state 
                                        capital, SLE is a four-day event where 
                                        selected high school students from throughout 
                                        the state act as California state senators 
                                        as they engage in a living laboratory 
                                        about government, public policy formulation, 
                                        and civics.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Participants at this conclave 
                                        learn about California government operations, 
                                        the legislative process, public policy 
                                        development, and study major issues facing 
                                        our state&#8217;s citizenry. As the week 
                                        progresses, the student senators will 
                                        take up pieces of mock legislation aimed 
                                        at solving some of California&#8217;s 
                                        significant problems. Working to represent 
                                        the best interests of the constituency 
                                        in the Senate District they represent, 
                                        student legislators convene their own 
                                        Senate Committee Hearings and determine 
                                        whether or not their legislation moves 
                                        to the Senate Floor.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The climax of the week&#8217;s 
                                        activities is the convening of a general 
                                        floor session of the student senate in 
                                        the State Senate Chambers of the State 
                                        Capitol, where student senators debate, 
                                        argue their points of view, lobby fellow 
                                        senators, and ultimately vote on the mock 
                                        legislation that was moved to the general 
                                        session by committees. The overall experience 
                                        is designed to increase understanding 
                                        of government functions and policies, 
                                        create awareness of major issues facing 
                                        the state, and stimulate interest in becoming 
                                        active, concerned, and participatory citizens.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The Sacramento Leadership 
                                        Experience is the first and only student-leadership 
                                        development activity of its kind where 
                                        students literally operate as legislators 
                                        for a week in the state capital. In operation 
                                        since 1995, the conference was created, 
                                        and is presented, by the student success 
                                        and motivation experts at Excellence in 
                                        Presentations. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; This year&#8217;s legislator 
                                        host at the State Capitol was Senator 
                                        Jack Scott (D-Pasadena) of the 21st Senatorial 
                                        District. Senator Scott currently serves 
                                        as the chair of the Senate Education Committee.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Students competed for a seat 
                                        at the conference through an application 
                                        procedure that includes consideration 
                                        of academic achievement, breadth of involvement 
                                        in school and community activities, demonstrated 
                                        interest in government, politics, and 
                                        public policy development, extent to which 
                                        this educational experience contributes 
                                        to the student&#8217;s future plans, and 
                                        recommendations from school faculty and 
                                        administrators. Student senators are selected 
                                        by a committee comprised of representatives 
                                        from the conference presentation staff 
                                        at EIP, representatives from various financial 
                                        sponsors of the event, and representatives 
                                        from legislator offices at in Sacramento.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; The 18th Senatorial District 
                                        is geographically the largest in California. 
                                        It includes Kern and Tulare counties and 
                                        portions of Inyo and San Bernardino counties. 
                                        Competition was stiff for Jordan as he 
                                        competed for a spot against students from 
                                        Visalia, Bakersfield, Tulare, Porterville, 
                                        Bishop, Lone Pine, Barstow, Big Bear City, 
                                        Needles, 29 Palms, and dozens of other 
                                        smaller communities.<br>
                                        <br>
                                        <u><strong>WHO&#8217;S NEWS</strong></u><br>
                                        <br>
                                        <em><strong>How local little tikes are 
                                        playing and learning</strong></em><br>
                                        <font size="2">By Melissa Alberti-Araujo</font> 
                                      </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        It&#8217;s back-to-school time, but the 
                                        kids of Three Rivers have happy memories 
                                        of summer. Many of the community&#8217;s 
                                        youngest were busy each week with activities 
                                        made possible by community volunteers 
                                        and service organizations.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Each Friday at Our Place 
                                        playground, there was water play and bubble 
                                        fun. With a couple of wading pools, extra 
                                        hoses, tarps, and sprinklers, the playground 
                                        was converted into a water park. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Two new canopies have been 
                                        installed at Our Place. One is strategically 
                                        placed over the sandbox and one is in 
                                        the corner over one of the hand-hewn benches. 
                                        The canopies were generously provided 
                                        by the Three Rivers Community Services 
                                        District and through the continuing support 
                                        of the Three Rivers Woman&#8217;s Club.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; On Thursdays, kids caught 
                                        &#8220;The Reading Bug,&#8221; courtesy 
                                        of Three Rivers librarian Sonja Hoogeveen. 
                                        During Storytime, there was record attendance 
                                        and entertaining presenters. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Oklin Bloodworth, renowned 
                                        children&#8217;s musician and recording 
                                        artist, returned to sing and dance with 
                                        the kids. Joel Despain, National Park 
                                        Service cave specialist and author of 
                                        Hidden Beneath the Mountains, gave a presentation 
                                        about cave creepy-crawlies and autographed 
                                        copies of his book. Kristie Martinez, 
                                        Child&nbsp;&nbsp; Development instructor 
                                        at the College of the Redwoods in Humboldt 
                                        County, who was here on vacation, read 
                                        bug stories. Local mother of two, Jalene 
                                        Vincent, shared the very popular Animal 
                                        Yoga. These along with others made the 
                                        library the place to be each Thursday 
                                        morning.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; On Wednesdays, it was all 
                                        about the Three Rivers Swim Club. At 11 
                                        a.m., children met at the Three Rivers 
                                        Bed &amp; Breakfast, where owner Catherine 
                                        Launey volunteered her pool. Many, many 
                                        thanks to Catherine for being so gracious.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Although the summer activities 
                                        are over, the fall program started yesterday 
                                        (Thursday, August 21) at Three Rivers 
                                        Library. This was the first day of the 
                                        26-week &#8220;Alphabet Days.&#8221; Each 
                                        week, a new letter will be presented in 
                                        stories, sign language, yoga, music, and 
                                        arts and crafts. There is also the ongoing 
                                        &#8220;Reading Club,&#8221; where reading 
                                        five books five times is rewarded with 
                                        a prize from Sonja&#8217;s prize basket.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Fridays this fall will be 
                                        more fun than ever because the Our Place 
                                        Playschool is back with great activities 
                                        planned for each week. August and September 
                                        begin the preschool year with presentations 
                                        on Alaska, the changing seasons, a mini 
                                        nature walk, and plaster-of-Paris handprints. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; All of the above activities 
                                        are always free of charge and open to 
                                        any child. The only requirement for both 
                                        programs is that children must be accompanied 
                                        by a responsible adult. Keep an eye on 
                                        the Kaweah Kalendar each week for all 
                                        upcoming events.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; For more information or to 
                                        volunteer or contribute to &#8220;Alphabet 
                                        Days&#8221; and Storytime, contact Sonja 
                                        Hoogeveen, librarian, 561-4564, or Melissa 
                                        Alberti-Araujo, 561-4167.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; For information regarding 
                                        the Our Place Playschool, or to volunteer 
                                        as a presenter, call Amy Dolcourt-McElroy, 
                                        561-4306. <br>
                                        <br>
                                        <u><strong>OBITUARIES</strong></u><br>
                                        <br>
                                        <font size="4"><strong>Verna Curtis<br>
                                        1921 ~ 2008</strong></font></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Verna Curtis, a former resident of Three 
                                        Rivers, died peacefully Thursday, March 
                                        27, 2008, surrounded by her three children 
                                        and friends in her apartment at Friends 
                                        House in Santa Rosa. She was 86.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; A Quaker memorial meeting 
                                        will be held this Sunday, Aug. 24, at 
                                        10:30 a.m., at the Visalia Friends Meeting, 
                                        17208 Avenue 296, Visalia.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Verna was born Oct. 13, 1921, 
                                        in a small county hospital in Nanton, 
                                        Alberta, Canada to Rachael and Earl Godsey. 
                                        Her mother, Rachael, grandmother Rebecca, 
                                        and aunt Ethel raised Verna and her brother 
                                        in an extended maternal family home. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Verna graduated at the top 
                                        of her class from Amboy High School in 
                                        Illinois and attended Indiana University. 
                                        In the summer of 1941, Verna and her brother 
                                        drove to California to visit relatives. 
                                        She decided to stay in California and 
                                        graduated from UCLA in 1943 with a degree 
                                        in Psychology.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Verna then moved to Washington, 
                                        D.C., and worked at the Department of 
                                        Land Resources. On Mother&#8217;s Day 
                                        1943, she met her future husband, Russell 
                                        Curtis, at the Florida Avenue Quaker meeting 
                                        in Washington, D.C. They were married 
                                        Oct. 3, 1943, in the care of the Meeting. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; This began their adventurous 
                                        life together of working and traveling 
                                        around the world. As newlyweds they came 
                                        to Three Rivers for Russ&#8217;s alternative 
                                        service during World War II. On a beautiful 
                                        spring day, they rode their bicycles from 
                                        Exeter to Three Rivers and instantly fell 
                                        in love with this Sierra town and its 
                                        people, a love that spanned more than 
                                        60 years. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; After the war they volunteered 
                                        with the American Friends Service Committee, 
                                        a Quaker relief organization that took 
                                        them to India. Verna&#8217;s assignment 
                                        was to be a neutral presence in the violent 
                                        clashes between the Muslims and Hindus 
                                        and to help organize village-weaving cooperatives. 
                                        The highlight of their two years in India 
                                        was their &#8220;breakfast with Gandhi.&#8221; 
                                        Verna would later write an account of 
                                        this meeting. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In 1949, they returned to 
                                        Three Rivers with a baby son, George. 
                                        While in Three Rivers they published The 
                                        Current of Three Rivers and operated a 
                                        mail-order book cooperative. The Current 
                                        was a six-page newspaper, printed on a 
                                        small offset press in the chicken house 
                                        behind the Curtis home on Dinely Drive. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In 1951, Verna and Russ were 
                                        selected to work in Micronesia. They sold 
                                        their printing press for $100 to Virginia 
                                        Williams of Three Rivers and began their 
                                        35 years of dedication to these island 
                                        people. Verna taught English at the first 
                                        inter-island high school, ran a hotel 
                                        resort, was the main purchasing agent 
                                        for the cooperative store, and acted as 
                                        postmaster on Yap. Verna encouraged the 
                                        local population to produce quality island 
                                        handicrafts to promote exports and economic 
                                        growth. The family now included two daughters, 
                                        Ginger and Kate. </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Russ and Verna returned to Three Rivers 
                                        in 1960. During this time, Verna was active 
                                        in the school community with her three 
                                        young children. Russ worked with migrant 
                                        farmworkers in the valley. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In 1963, they returned to 
                                        the islands of Micronesia to continue 
                                        their work in economic development of 
                                        that area. They were instrumental in establishing 
                                        several locally-owned companies in the 
                                        early days of the newly formed nations 
                                        in Micronesia.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Verna and Russ&#8217;s third 
                                        return to Three Rivers was in 1986 to 
                                        retire. They were members of the Visalia 
                                        Friends Meeting and involved in various 
                                        peace activities. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In these later years, Verna 
                                        was active in the Three Rivers Woman&#8217;s 
                                        Club, Redbud Garden Club, Three Rivers 
                                        Senior League, and was a founding member 
                                        of the Three Rivers Historical Society. 
                                        <br>
                                        In 1994, Verna and Russ moved to Friends 
                                        House in Santa Rosa. In 2000, after 57 
                                        years of marriage, the love of her life, 
                                        Russ, died.&nbsp; </p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Verna is survived by her three children, 
                                        George of Visalia, Ginger of Three Rivers, 
                                        and Kate of Petaluma, and five grandchildren.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Remembrances in Verna&#8217;s 
                                        name may be sent to American Friends Service 
                                        Committee, 1501 Cherry St., Philadelphia, 
                                        PA 19102.<br>
                                        <strong><font size="4"><br>
                                        Irva Leal<br>
                                        1936 ~ 2008</font></strong></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Irva Mary Leal of Three Rivers died Thursday, 
                                        Aug. 14, 2008, at Kaweah Delta Hospital 
                                        in Visalia after a courageous seven-month 
                                        battle with brain cancer. She was 71. 
                                        <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Irva was born Dec. 28, 1936, 
                                        in Fresno to Paul and Katherine Lencioni. 
                                        When she was seven, her family moved to 
                                        Lindsay, where she was raised and educated, 
                                        graduating from Lindsay High School in 
                                        1954. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Irva attended the College 
                                        of the Sequoias in Visalia and spent the 
                                        first portion of her working life as a 
                                        bookkeeper for local citrus packinghouses 
                                        in Lindsay. When she was in her mid-40s, 
                                        Irva&#8217;s business-savvy mind and adventuresome 
                                        spirit led her to embark on second career 
                                        in the grocery business. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; As a business partner with 
                                        her eldest son, Irva utilized her accounting 
                                        and managerial skills in their Grocery 
                                        Outlet store. After three years in Ontario, 
                                        they seized the opportunity to transfer 
                                        the business to a local Grocery Outlet 
                                        Store in Visalia and return to the family 
                                        and friends she loved so much in Tulare 
                                        County.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Irva was a 13-year resident 
                                        of Three Rivers. She retired in 2007.<br>
                                        Irva was a devoted mother who always proudly 
                                        identified herself by the title &#8220;Mom&#8221; 
                                        and &#8220;Grandma Irva.&#8221; She was 
                                        active in her community, including the 
                                        altar society at Sacred Heart Church in 
                                        Lindsay and, later, St. Clair&#8217;s 
                                        Catholic Mission in Three Rivers. She 
                                        was a volunteer at St. Anthony Retreat 
                                        in Three Rivers and dearly loved her Red 
                                        Hat Society chapter. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Irva was an industrious member 
                                        of the Tulare County Grand Jury from 2006 
                                        through 2007 and incredibly proud to serve 
                                        her community in that capacity.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Irva is survived by her husband, 
                                        Tony Leal of Three Rivers; four devoted 
                                        sons, Quinn and wife Carrie Blue of Visalia, 
                                        Vahnn and wife Lori Blue of Lindsay, Shann 
                                        Blue and fianc&eacute;e Kristen Atkins 
                                        of Visalia, and Carson and wife Elisabeth 
                                        Shearon of Chicago; daughter-in-law Doreen 
                                        Blue of Lindsay, 13 grandchildren, beloved 
                                        step-grandchildren, and brother, Paul 
                                        Lencioni Jr. of Fresno. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Two services have been held 
                                        to celebrate Irva&#8217;s life; a rosary 
                                        at St. Clair&#8217;s in Three Rivers on 
                                        Monday evening, Aug. 18, and a funeral 
                                        mass at St. Mary&#8217;s Catholic Church 
                                        in Visalia on Tuesday, Aug. 19. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Remembrances may be made 
                                        to the Sequoia Regional Cancer Care Center, 
                                        in care of the Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation, 
                                        216 S. Johnson St., Visalia, CA 93291.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Condolences mat be sent to 
                                        the family at <a href="http://www.myersfuneral.com">www.myersfuneral.com</a>. 
                                        <br>
                                        <br>
                                        <strong><font size="4">Roger Jennings<br>
                                        1946 ~ 2008</font></strong></p>
                                      <p style="margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0;">&nbsp; 
                                        Roger Paul Jennings, formerly of Three 
                                        Rivers, died Monday, Aug. 4, 2008, at 
                                        his Bishop home. He was 61.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Friends are invited to gather 
                                        tomorrow (Saturday, Aug. 23), 5 p.m., 
                                        at the Cort Gallery in Three Rivers to 
                                        reminisce and reflect on his life.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Roger was born in Bakersfield 
                                        on Sept. 28, 1946, the only child of Paul 
                                        and Faye Jennings. Roger was educated 
                                        at the University of California at Berkeley, 
                                        receiving his B.A. in Art and, in 1972, 
                                        his M.A. in Design. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; After college he was employed 
                                        in various occupations in the Bay Area, 
                                        such as designer, options trader, and 
                                        welder in a shipyard.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In the late 1970s, Roger 
                                        moved to Three Rivers with Carol Lieder. 
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; He worked as an artist, craftsman, 
                                        laborer, and carpenter.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Roger strove to put the very 
                                        best of himself and his skills into whatever 
                                        he did, whether it was an original painting 
                                        or installing a window frame. He will 
                                        be remembered by many for his spiritual 
                                        searching.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; He spent many hours a day 
                                        in meditation, and toward the end of his 
                                        life used meditation instead of medication 
                                        to relieve pain.<br>
                                        Mercurial and volatile, Roger was passionate 
                                        about many things and never stopped searching 
                                        or reflecting. His kind and gentle spirit 
                                        will be greatly missed by his friends.<br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; Roger resided in Three Rivers 
                                        until about five years ago, when he moved 
                                        to Bishop. <br>
                                        &nbsp;&nbsp; In the late 1990s, Roger 
                                        was preceded in death by his longtime 
                                        partner, Carol Leider. He is survived 
                                        by no immediate family.<br>
                                        <br>
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              <td bgcolor="#FFD700"><div align="center"><span style="margin-bottom: 0">THE KAWEAH COMMONWEALTH is published every Friday in Three Rivers, California. <br>
                EDITORS/PUBLISHERS: John Elliott and Sarah Barton Elliott
              </span></div>                <div align="center"></div></td>
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          <span style="margin-bottom: 0">41841 Sierra Drive (Highway 198), Three Rivers, CA 93271 <br>
MAIL: P.O. Box 806, Three Rivers, CA 93271<br>
          </span><span style="margin-bottom: 0">(559) 561-3627 FAX: (559) 561-0118 <br>
          <a href="mailto:editor@kaweahcommonwealth.com">editor@kaweahcommonwealth.com<br>
&copy; Copyright 2003-2008 The Kaweah Commonwealth</a></span></div></td>
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