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Article By: Leah Launey

Springtime in �ree Rivers, Lake Kaweah, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

In rural, peaceful �ree Rivers, Lake Kaweah, and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, you can be as lazy or as busy, as you like! For the active and the not-so-active, here’s a taste of the many things you can do, and events you may attend, during the Spring-time:

Enjoy a Hero Appreciation Months Celebra-tion honoring our Armed Forces at the �ree Rivers Memorial Building.

Watch the hilarious Bathtub Race for Charity at Lake Kaweah - or better yet, register and form a Team to enter the Race yourself!Continue to enjoy the Hero Appreciation Months program, which includes 20% “thank you” discounts for current or former military and �rst responder service, through March 31st.

Go Whitewater Ra�ing on the Kaweah River.Kayak in Lake Kaweah.Take o� from the Kaweah Marina to �sh and enjoy water sports.

Attend Chamber Music Concerts performed by internationally recog-nized virtuosos, courtesy of �ree Rivers Performing Arts Institute.Enjoy traditional jazz at its best at our 41st annual Jazza�air, our 3-day multi-venue annual jazz festival where only the best bands are asked to return each year.Experience our 64th annual Lions Team Roping. �is 4-day annual event includes the pig scramble and barrell racing for children, in addition to Cowboy Church on Sunday morning. See who wins the coveted Yellowhair Commemo-rative Buckle!Meditate for free, daily, at Spirit Hill Mediation Garden.Attend 1st Saturday in �ree Rivers, our monthly Festival of Food/Fun/Fabulous Art.Take in our biennual �ree Rivers Artists Studio Tour Eleven.Check out the permanent outdoor Native American exhibit at �ree

Rivers Historical Museum, including a Wukchumni summer home and Wuksachi winter home.Go horseback riding and mountain biking through the beautiful, wild �ree Rivers foothills. Get down from your horse or bike and take the time to gaze at our spring-time array of wild�owers. I’m sure you will �nd that, around the Lake and in some of our remotest foothill areas, the wild�owers are beyond compare.

Last but not least: Don’t forget that active duty military currently enjoy free passes into all Na-tional Parks, including Sequoia and Kings Canyon. �is pass is also being honored by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Lake Kaweah.

So shake o� those winter blues, get outside, and enjoy yourself!

For questions or for more information, go towww.threerivers.com

email us at info@threerivers.com

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The City of Woodlake was rec-ognized as the fastest growing community in Tulare County and the seventh fastest growing community in the State of California in 2013. This has been a remark-able turnaround for our city, as, in recent years,

it has been on the verge of near bankruptcy with an aged infrastructure system which can cause extreme difficulties in providing essential ser-vices. These concerns now seem to be in our rear view mirror thanks to a lot of hard work and dedication. Thanks to all of our city employees, our wonderful citizens; and an invigorated leadership at City Hall, I am proud to state that we have turned a corner and have been on a steady pace of stabilizing our mu-nicipal budget and delivering much needed revitalization to our city’s downtown and commercial corridors. With the completion of several

water and sewer projects, we are now poised with the possibility of added growth in the next several years. This is important for our local ag economy as we look to enhance it as well as diversifying into other areas which offer tremendous employment opportunities. Recently – Myself- along with other city officials, have been meet-ing with potential investors and have been working hard to bring ad-ditional employment opportunities to the community. We are quickly being recognized as the community with many resources to offer any-one looking for a different way of life in the Central Valley. With the end of winter quickly coming to an end; and, even though this winter will go down in history as one of the most severe drought events in the valley’s history; we are excited that in recent weeks we have been blessed by rain. You need only look to the foothills to see the dramatic effects of the recent rains, as the grass will be greening and local cattle will begin to see some much needed feed. These are all positive signs which demonstrate our resiliency and that life is good here in Woodlake. We invite you to meet with us and learn more about the City of Woodlake and why we are quickly proving to be the City with True Western Hospitality. Rudy Mendoza Mayor – City of Woodlake

Valley Business Bank is pleased to announce that Claudia Cabrera has joined their exceptional group of bankers as the Customer Service Manager of their Woodlake Banking Center. Pleased to be back in her hometown of Woodlake, Claudia enjoys the hometown spirit and feel that the community exudes and is proud to be part of the Valley Busi-ness Bank team. “I am excited to work for an organization that holds the needs of the community in which they operate with such importance, and look forward to getting involved in community events with my cowork-ers” said Cabrera.

Claudia is a resident of Woodlake and is a 2004 graduate of Woodlake High School. After high school, she attended Notre Dame de Namur and majored in psychology. She has been in the banking industry for over six years and brings a high level of management and sales experience with her. Valley Business Bank, a full-service banking institution, was estab-lished in 1996 and has been serving the banking needs of its friends and neighbors for over 17 years. The Bank operates through five conveniently located offices in Visalia, Fresno, Tulare, Tipton, and Woodlake. They can easily be found on the Internet at www.valleybusinessbank.net.

VALLEY BUSINESS BANKS WELCOMES CLAUDIA CABRERA AS THEIR NEW CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

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Welcome To Porterville GATEWAY TO THE SOUTHERN SIERRA Porterville offers an old-town charm and pioneering spirit to visitors as well as serving as the gateway to Sequoia National For-est and the Great Western Divide Highway. Nestled up against the Sierra Nevada, Porterville is the gateway to winter fun as there are several areas on Sequoia National Forest in which to play in the snow. The community’s charming downtown area offers a number of attractions such as unique boutiquestyle retailers, antique stores, restaurants, a multicultural art center and beautiful historic down-town murals. The Iris Festival is held in late April and draws more than 20,000 to the city. The festival is a celebration of Porterville’s offi-cial city flower, the purple iris. The city is also home to the world’s largest distributor of re-blooming iris, Sutton’s Iris Garden.Many other events and activities are offered throughout the com-munity year-round, including a community-supported country fair and various cultural offerings, not to mention, California’s longest-running community theater – Barn Theater featuring live dramatic performances. When much of the Valley is shrouded in fog during the winter months, Porterville basks in sunshine because it sits at about 500 feet in elevation. Golfers can take in the sun at the city golf course in town, or at River Island Country Club above Success Lake, one of the premier golf courses in the Central Valley. The early pioneers knew of Porterville’s locality for there was plentiful water from the snow-capped mountains which attracted great herds of wild horses, elk, antelope, deer, bear and other wild game to hunt. Along with many eager gold-seekers, Royal Porter Putnam left his Pennsylvania home in 1857 and took the southern route of the Emigrant Trail to California. In December 1858, Royal was employed to manage the Tule River Station, which soon be-came known as Porter’s Station. Porterville is nestled against the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, perhaps the most magnificent and one of the most famous moun-tain ranges in the world. Ringed by foothills on three sides with the San Joaquin Valley to the west, the community of Porterville has long and strong ties to the Southern Sierra communities to the east. Whether you live in Southeastern Tulare County or are visit-ing, you will find lots to discover and plenty to do in the Southern Sierra.

History of SpringvilleBy Marsha Ingrao & Millie Gann The Yáudanche Indians, a sub-tribe of the Yokuts Indians , originally inhabited the 1,000 foot elevation area east of Porter-ville know known as Springville. According to researcher, Frank Latta, the primeval population of one Yáudanche village prob-ably numbered more than 600 and they lived in cone-shaped tule houses placed in straight rows with brush-covered shades in the front. You can still see indentations of these buildings at Circle J Ranch owned and run by Tulare County Office of Education. Today the Tule River Reservation neighbors Springville on the southeast bank of the South Tule River. The town now known as Springville was once called Daunt af-ter resident William Daunt who ran the first store as early as 1860. By 1886 the town sported a post office; and Dennison School of-ficially started on May 5, 1887. In 1889 resident A. M. Coburn named Springville for the natural soda springs that drew tourists wanting the health benefits; and the name change became official in January, 1911. Springville became most famous for its Tu-lare/Kings Counties Joint Tuberculosis Sanitarium, built in 1918, which has since been converted to housing for senior citizens. With a current population of around 1,000 residents the quaint town today provides a timeless reminder of the foothills’ western heritage. It serves as a center for cattle ranches and small farms. For outdoor enthusiasts entering Balch Park or Mountain Home Forest, high in the Giant Sequoia state forest areas, Springville is the last stop to get provisions. Entertainment draws visitors for special events such as the annual P.R.C.A. Rodeo in April, and the Apple Festival held each year in October. Now you know “What Happened” in one of Tulare County’s colorful foothill communities.

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Woodlake Lions Club Rodeo is known as the prettiest Rodeo setting in America! The Woodlake Lions Club has played an important role in the history of Woodlake since 1947. The Woodlake Lions Rodeo was first known as the “Woodlake Round-up”. Since the Woodlake Roundup was founded in 1953; the Lions have been bringing friends and family together to enjoy a clas-sic and uniquely American sport. They started out hosting the Round-up in town. But soon a local cowboy with a passion for breaking horses and riding bulls, Johnny Jackson, convinced the Lions to help build a rodeo arena on the Jackson Ranch. In December of 1957 the Jackson

family moved to Woodlake. Shortly after becoming a resident, John-ny Jackson became a member of the Woodlake Lions Club. One of the things Johnny first noticed about the club was that they did not have a good project to generate money they needed for the activities they would like to sponsor within the community. Johnny made the club a proposition: “If you fellows will provide the manual labor, I’ll provide the ground and together, we’ll put on one of the best rodeos in the coun-try.” Johnny, his ranch crew and Lions Club members carved the arena out of a gully that ran through the center of the ranch. On Mother’s Day weekend in May of 1959 the first Rodeo was held at the location known then as the “Jackson Ranch.” Johnny Jackson joined the Woodlake Li-ons Club and remained a member for 40 years. Johnny Jackson was the Rodeo Announcer for several years. The rodeo grounds are owned by the Woodlake Lions Club where the rodeo legacy still continues!

tion and devotion to the Woodlake Commu-nity. Of the eight charter members, only two are still living and are actively apart of the Woodlake Lions Club today. These members are Tom McGee of Woodlake Ca. and Leon-ard Whitney of Visalia Ca. both of these men have been active in the Woodlake Lions Club for over 60 years. The remaining 6 charter members who have passed are as follow; Pete Legakes, Jack Dietz, Dennis Pelton, Dr. Bill Ruth, Bill Ferry Sr., and Bill Crawford. This year will mark our 61st Woodlake Lions Club Rodeo. We have an awesome show for you this year!

WELCOME TO THE 61ST ANNUAL WOODLAKE LIONS RODEO!Article By: Mike Marquez

Since then, the Woodlake Lions have hosted an authentic ranch ro-deo that attracts top contestants from all over the west. The Woodlake Lions Rodeo has become an important event for Woodlake and the Cen-tral Valley. In 1967, more reigning World Champions participated at this rodeo than at any other. Thirty three World Champion cowboys went through the chutes that year. Now over 60 seasons have passed and the rodeo is as strong as ever. The entire community of Woodlake has benefitted from the rodeo dollars and the hard work of the Woodlake Lions Club Members. In the past 60 years several activities and scholarships have been paid for, all stem-ming from the dreams, hard work and dedication of the members of the Woodlake Lions Club! There were eight charter members who pioneered the way for the Woodlake Lions Club. These men laid the foundation for future mem-bers to anchor themselves to and to understand the values, principals and traditions of being a Woodlake Lions Club Member, as well as dedica-

A FULL LINE-UP OF EXCITING ENTERTAINMENT IS ALSO SCHEDULED:

World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales • Sky DiversBobby Kerr - #1 Act for the year for the P.R.C.A.

Freestyle Motocross Show • Suicide Race: Horses and MotorcyclesJustin Rumford: P.R.C.A. Clown act of the year.

Announcer: Famous Chad NicholsonTulare County Cow Girls Drill Team

Stock Contractor:The Famous Flying U Rodeo / Cotton Rossor & Reno Rossor

For 60 years, the Woodlake Lions Rodeo has been an annual Central Valley tradition drawing thousands of rodeo fans to the most beautiful rodeo grounds in America. Always held on Mother’s Day weekend, this year’s event will be held on Saturday and Sunday May 10th & 11th. Rodeo fans can look forward to watching more than 240 professional cowboys and cowgirls compete for cash purses in bull riding, calf and team roping, bareback and saddle bronc riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing.

Saturday, May 12 • Parade, Downtown Woodlake, 10 am • Rodeo grounds open at 10 am • Deep-pit dinners will be served starting at 11 am in BBQ Barn • Rodeo starts at 1:30 pm • Rodeo Dance starts at 6 pm ($10 each; must be 21 years or older)

Sunday May 13 • Rodeo grounds open at 10 am • Deep-pit dinners will be served starting at 11 am in BBQ Barn • Rodeo starts at 1:30 pm

Admission:Adults: $15 • Kids 7-12: $8 • 6 & under Free

Parking:Vehicles: $5 per day • RVs: $25 per day

Pre-sale Tickets & More Infowww.WoodlakeLionsRodeo.org

RODEO WEEKEND IN WOODLAKEMothers Day Weekend

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Toddler Time, Story Time & Crafts Time Three Rivers Toddler Time Held every week on Wednesday 10:00-10:30am Storytime held every week on Wednesday 10:30-11:00am Wednesdayafternoonsfrom3:15to3:45pmattheThreeRiversLibrary, A branch of the Tulare County Library system. Library, open every day exceptSunday&Monday,islocatedat42052EggersDrive,ThreeRivers,CA. Call................................................................................................ 559-561-4569

Or Visit .................................................................www.tularecountylibrary.org

Woman’s Club Three Rivers MeetsthefirstMondayofeachmonth-1:00pm-3:30pm.ThreeRivers MemorialBuilding.JunemeetingheldatSt.Anthony’sRetreat. For More Information .......................................................www.threerivers.com

Purls of Wisdom Knitting Group Three Rivers Thursdayeveningsfrom6-8pmattheThreeRiversLibrary, a branch of the Tulare County Library system. Library, open every day except Sunday and Monday,islocatedat42052EggersDrive,ThreeRivers,CA. Call................................................................................................ 559-561-4569

Or Visit .................................................................www.tularecountylibrary.org

Porterville Art Walk Porterville FirstFridayofEveryMonthfrom5-8pm.Freeself-guidedtouroflocalart galleries, art studios, museums, and alternative art venues. For More Information Visit ...............................www.theportervilleartwalk.org

Open Air Peddlers Market Exeter The market will run the third weekend of every month. Tumbleweeds Antiques & Exeter Treasure will be hosting a monthly “Open Air Peddlers Market”. Individual booth space is available for rent for those that would like to sell their treasures as well. For more information call .............................................................. 559-592-1940 Or Call........................................................................................... 559-936-1487

Downtown Visalia Farmers Market Visalia BeginningMarch20,2014-Thursdaysfrom5:00pm-8:00pmthruOctober27 at Church and Main Streets - Downtown Visalila For More Information .................................................................... 559-625-1513 Or Visit ...........................................................www.visaliafarmersmarket.com

Homeopathy Talk Group Exeter Third Thursday of each month 6:00pm-7:00pm. Homeopathy First would like to invite you to their monthly “Homeopathy Talk” group. This will be a once a month gathering focused on green healing and more natural approaches to health. Homeopathy will not be the only topic or modality discussed. Potentiallytherewillbeguestspeakersandsettopics.Officeislocated at 216 E. Pine St. above Pine Street Pediatrics. For more information, please contact Torey Ivanic at Homeopathy First ................................................. 559-679-8718

Woodlake Chamber Museum Fundraising Meeting Woodlake Fourth Tuesday of each month. 6:00pm at Woodlake City Hall. Meet to discuss fundraising activities for the new Woodlake Museum. EmailRachelLira.................................................................prclira@yahoo.com

Garden Club Springville Last Friday of each month, 5:30-6:30 pm, at The Center, downtown Springville.35621 Hwy 190, in the Elster Bldg. New & experienced vegetable/ herb gardeners. Each monthly class will provide education, inspiration, com- munity and good eating! We will go through the two main growing seasons together, from planting to caring and harvesting: Varieties to try/ heirloom vs hybrid/when to plant what (and how)/seed starting & saving/pests & weeds/ season extenders/organic growing/watering/small space & container growing/ harvesting/storing/recipes. Materials provided each class. Cost: $12.00/class or 6 months for $65.00 (pre-paid). For More Information Call ............................................................. 559-202-8351 ToRegister ................................................................................... 559-539-2341

ONGOING SERVICES & EVENTSHappening Each Month Cont’d

Ranger-Led Programs Sequoia National Park Programs held every Week on Saturday and Sunday ForcontinuallyupdatedinformationonthepopularRanger-ledParkPrograms Visit ................................... www.nps.gov/seki/parknews/newsreleases.htm Or Call the Foothills Visitor Center (open daily) ............................ 559-565-3135

Courthouse Gallery Exeter Open every Saturday & Sunday. 10am to 4pm - Downtown Exeter. Come stroll throught the Gallery and see what’s new! For details contact the Exeter Chamber of Commerce ................. 559-592-2919

Springville Farmer’s Market Springville Saturdays-YearRound,weatherpermitting8:00am-Noon,Downtown Springville. 1st Saturday of every month has additional artisans. 3rdSaturdayofeverymonthhasanadditionalfleamarket. FormoreinformationcontactRalphEdwards .............................. 559-539-1020 Email ................................................................edwardsorchards@netzero.net

1st Saturday Three Rivers Held the First Saturday of Every Month - 11:00am-5:00pm. Artists of Three Rivers,havejoinedtogethertocreateadayoffood,fun,andfabulousart. Specials will be promoted throughout the town – by artists, restaurants, gift shops, galleries and more. You can watch artists painting plein air, eat good foodandlistentolocalmusiciansorstory-tellers.Besuretochecktheflier/ map for times - each vendor has individual hours. You can pick up the map and check each vendor’s schedule at the Museum or Anne Lang’s Emporium. To keep up every month with who’s who, check out the blogsite below. Photos of artwork will be updated there monthly, showing the artwork that is currentlyavailable,eitherfordisplayorforpurchase.ThreeRiversisa beautiful place year-round, so come and visit us every 1st Saturday! For more information visit ............................................www.1stsaturdaytr.com

Strength and Balance 55+ Three Rivers Held Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9:00am-10:30am, excluding the 1st Wednesday of each month. Free one hour class for those 55 years and over,providedbytheThreeRiversSeniorLeagueandfundedbyagrantfrom TulareCounty.TheClassesareheldattheThreeRiversMemorialBuilding locatedat43490SierraDr.,ThreeRivers,CA93271.Youdonothavetobe a member of the Senior League in order to participate. However, membership in the Senior League is only $12 a year. For information about the Exercise Class or the League - Call Barbara Dunham at ............................ 559-259-8995

Town Hall Meeting Three Rivers HeldthefirstMondayofeverymonth7:00pm-8:30pm.Sponsoredbythe Village Foundation. This regularly scheduled meeting takes place at the ThreeRiversMemorialBuildingandprovidesuswithmonthlyupdatesfrom our County Supervisor, our County Fire Chief, our Deputy Sheriff, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and the Sequoia Foothills Chamber of Commerce. For More Information .......................................................www.threerivers.com

Women in Business Networking Luncheon Exeter

HeldthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth.12-1:30pmatEastMeetWest Restaurant,WhereWomen“Connect,NetworkandThrive”.PleaseRSVPin advance to the Exeter Chamber of Commerce. Cost is only $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Call................................................................................................ 559-592-2919 Or Visit ......................................................................www.exeterchamber.com

Three Rivers Bread Basket Three Rivers ThreeRiversBreadBasketdistr butesfoodtothoseinneedonthe2nd&4th Wednesdaysofthemonthfrom8amto10amattheThreeRiversArtsCenter. Food and monetary donations are greatly appreciated. Contact Pastor Marilyn Creel ........................................................ 559-561-3385

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MAY CONT’DNALC Food Drive - All Cities Woodlake Saturday, May 10, 2014, Food Drive for local food banks – All food collected in your town will stay in your town at your local food bank. Place food by your mailboxandyourmailcarrierwillpickitup.SomePostOfficeswillalsoallow you to take the food ahead of time. But before taking it to them make contact them. For more information ..........................................................559-564-2564Woodlake Rodeo Parade Woodlake Saturday, May 10, 2014, 10:00am to 12:00pm Come see the Budweiser Clydesdale as they attend the parade in Downtown Woodlake. Be prepared to fillthebootforthetulareCountyFireraisemoneyduringtheparade. Parade starts at Whitney and ends at Naranjo, on Valencia. Contact the Woodlake Lions if you would like to enter the parade. Woodlake Lions ............................................................................559-564-8555 Visit us at ........................................................www.WoodlakeLionsRodeo.org 61st Annual Woodlake Lions Rodeo & Dance Woodlake Saturday & Sunday, May 10 & 11, 2014, 11:00am - Deep Pit BBQ. 240plustopcowboyscompete.SaturdayNightRodeoDance6:00pmto Midnight.AttheWoodlakeRodeoGrounds,Elderwood,NorthofWoodlake. ComeseetheBudweiserClydesdaleastheyperformattheRodeo. Sponsored by: Woodlake Lions Club & Budweiser/Clear Channel Communication/Valley Wide Beverage. Email John Woods ................................................... olivewoodranch@aol.com Visit us at ......................................................www.WoodlakeLionsRodeo.comCellars & Chefs - Wine & Food Tasting Springville Saturday May 10, 2014 - 2:00pm-5:00pm Sponsored by Springville Chamber of Commerce .........................559-539-0100 Email .......................................................................chamber@springville.ca.us Visit ................................................................................. www.springville.ca.usJohnny Cash Tribute Lindsay May 10, 2014, 7:30pm A Johnny Cash tr bute featuring James Garner will be held at The Lindsay Community Theater, 190 N Elmwood Ave. For More Information Call ....................... www.lindsaycommunitytheater.comHeadsets Porterville Friday-Sunday,May9-11,16-18,&23-25,2014,$10 per person, $14SundayBrunch-May18Showing-SundayBrunchReservations required by Wed, May 14. Friday & Saturday play starts at 7:30pm, Sunday Matineestartsat2:15pm.OnthefinalnightoftheChicago-Ensemble- Repertory-Group-Theatre-Project’sdoomedproductionofShakespeare’s Hamlet, everything that can go wrong does. The cast of Hamlet gets hit with food poisoning, Yorick’s skull goes missing and the police arrive to shut down the production because the producer hasn’t paid the rent. When the critic from the Chicago Tribune shows up to review their production, the techies decide there is only one way to save their reputations - the critic must die. Theydecideto“accidentally”dropalightingfixtureonhimfromthegrid.As the production comes to its hilarious end, it’s no wonder that Headsets has been called the Noises Off of technical theatre. Adult Language. To Purchase Tickets Visit .............................www.barntheater.porterville.com

Peggy, the Pint Sized Pirate Lindsay Wednesday-Saturday, May 14-17, 2014. Wednesday-Saturday: Day show time tba. May 16 & 17 at 7:30 pm. Presented by Lindsay Children’s Theatre - Downtown Lindsay Theatre For Information & Availability .................. www.lindsaycommunitytheater.com

Woodlake NRA Fundraising Banquet & Auction Woodlake Wednesday, May 14, 2014, 5:30pm, Woodlake Veterans Memorial Building 355 N. Acacia St. Woodlake. Live Auction, Silent Auction, Special Drawings LimitedEditionFirearms,CustomKnives,NRACommissionedArt,Special LadiesMerchandise,PluseManyItemsCreatedEspeciallyforthisNRA Event & Much More!. Dinner Tickets $50, Sponsor Packages Available. Call Zee Cardoso ...........................................................................559-909-4494 Or Visit ...........................................................................www.FriendsofNRA.org

Apprisal Fair Three Rivers Saturday-Sunday,May17-18,2014,9:00am-4:00pm. For More Information .....................................................................559-561-4085 Or Email ....................................................................... tom@theofficestaff.com

Porterville Fair Porterville Thursday-Monday,May14-18, 2014, The Porterville Fair, a true community fair, operates May 15-19. Free entertainment, livestock, great food, commu- nity and vendor booths, youth project displays, and Butler Amusements-the cleanest show in the west, makes the annual Fair an event for the entire family. Contact Porterville Fair ..................................................................559-781-6582 Or Visit .........................................................................www.portervillefair.com

Lucky, Lucky Hudson & the 12th Street Gang A Musical - WHS Drama Dept Woodlake Thursday-Saturday, May 15, 16 & 17, 2014 All shows at 7:00 pm. Prices: Adults $5.00, Sr. Cit & Military $3.00, Students and children $1.00. “More zany gangster characters than Guys and Dolls and twice the stage action. A nonstop-laugh parody of lovable cliché racketeers: Big Al, Little Al, Ma Cribbs, Mad Dog Myrtle, Two Gun Tommy, Petty-larceny Jane and many more. Chicago jazz, ragtime, blues and a bouncy comedy chorus are interwoven throughout the lively, suspenseful story line. Song lyrics are delightful. Through a clever plot twist, Steve Jenkins, the writer, gets pulled into his own story. Lucky Hudson, his crime busting hero, puts him right into the comic underworld of nightclubs and back alleys. Steve is tricked into prison and death row for a murder he never committed. He escapes at the last moment and, with Lucky’s help, discovers the surprise identity of the godfather, “Big Boss.” The wildly imaginative ending caps a perfect blend of song, story and action.” Contact Barbara Hallmeyer ...........................................................559-564-2334

Downtown Expo Visalia Friday, May 16, 2013 5:00pm - 11:00pm Church and Main St - Downtown Visalia. A Fashion, Food & Music Event. Dance the night away to Run-4-Cover.AportionoftheproceedsbenefitBreastCancerResearch. For More Information .....................................................................559-732-7737 Or Visit ...................................................................www.downtownvisalia.com

A&W Cruise Night Exeter Friday, May 16, 2014 - A&W in Exeter For More Information .....................................................................559-592-5700

Visalia Downtown Car Show Visalia Saturday, May 17, 2014 - Downtown Visalia For More Information ..................................................www.BreakfastLions.org

A&W Cruise Night Visalia Saturday, May 17, 2014 - Downtown Visalia A&W For More Information .....................................................................559-625-1513

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If you thought the fall colors were amazing in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, you should make a trip in the winter or spring to experience the majesty of the “off-seasons.” Winter can be a hiker’s haven or a white wonderland, depending upon the weather. Come hike or ski/snowshoe (weather-permitting) underneath the giant se-quoias and revel in how their reddish bark glows in the sunshine or stands out brilliantly against the pure white snow. In just a few steps away from trailheads, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest by yourself. While snow can sometimes linger into April, the flowering plants and the magnifi-cent views will make you aware that spring is in the air. Take a hike in the mountain air or look for bears lumbering out of their winter dens. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are truly inspiring year-round.

ENJOY LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES FOR FUN: • Hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski on trails from 1.5 to 10+ miles long. Take a hike in the warmer foothills (lower elevations) to see wildflowers, which can start blooming as early as late January through early May. • Be a kid again! If weather allows, bring sleds or buy them (depending upon location) or build a snowman during an old-fashioned day of play in the snow, weather-permitting, at one of several areas in the parks. • Take an Edventure –Join a naturalist to learn about the parks. (Programs available year-round.) For more information, contact Sequoia Natural History Association at www.sequoiahistory.org or call 559-565-4251.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO VISIT IN SEQUOIA NATIONAL PARK: GENERAL SHERMAN TREE The General Sherman Tree—the largest tree on Earth (by volume)—is nearly 275 feet tall or larger than a 27-story building and approximately 2,200 years old. It is 36.5 feet in diameter, and has a circumference of nearly 102 feet. It stands in a grove of other giant sequoias. BIG TREES TRAIL Take a peaceful 1-mile-long stroll or snowshoe/cross-country ski trek along the Big Trees Trail from the Giant Forest Museum parking lot. Exhibits along the way tell the story of giant sequoias and the history of this area. GIANT FOREST After significant snowfall, the trails in Giant Forest become a cross-country ski or snowshoe paradise. If there is no snow, take a hike. Peek at stellar views from the High Sierra Trail at Eagle View. Stop at a park visitor center for more info/map. If weather allows--rent skis or snowshoes or bring your own.

SUGGESTED PLACES TO VISIT IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK GENERAL GRANT TREE The General Grant Tree—the second largest tree on Earth (by volume)—is the guardian of the grove. It is 268 feet tall, 40 feet in diameter, and has a circumference of 107 feet. At the ripe old age of 1,700-2,000 years old, it stands in a grove of other giant sequoias. Stop at exhibits along the trail to learn more, including about the General Grant Tree’s designation as the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” and national shrine in memory of the men and women of the Armed Forces who have served, fought, and died to keep America free.

NORTH GROVE LOOP For a close-up view of the “Big Trees,” consider a peaceful trek through mixed conifer and sequoia forest along the North Grove Loop. This 1.5-mile loop starts at the Grant Tree parking area, just 1 mile northwest of the visitor center.

PANORAMIC POINT ROAD In winter, this road becomes a 5-mile round-trip trail for hiking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. Trek to a spectacular vista of the High Sierra on foot. Or, rent skis or snowshoes (as needed) or bring your own.

PLAN AHEAD FOR A FUN AND SAFE TRIP: • Snow chains or cables may be required to see the “Big Trees” and other areas of the parks. • Be prepared for any type of weather. Dress in layers and bring a winter coat. • Wear shoes or boots with good traction. Areas may be icy. • To visit certain areas of the parks, you may need snowshoes or skis, depending upon the weather and elevation. Some equipment may be rented in the parks, depending upon availability. • Bring food, water, and a full tank of gas. • Plan your route. Facilities/services are limited in the winter and spring.

For more information, call .............................................559-565-3341 Visit the parks’ website at ...................................... www.nps.gov/seki Or stop at a park visitor center - hours vary for information.

EXPLORE A WINTER /SPRING WONDERLANDAT SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS

By Matt Fagan, Supervisory Park Ranger, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Apostolic Assembly Church 199N.Palm•Woodlake,CA92386 .............559-564-8352

Church at Kaweah SundayService10:00am•Wednesday:7:00pm 44069NorthForkDrive,ThreeRivers,CA Call ................................................................559-561-4860 Visit ....................................www.thechurchatkaweah.org

Church of Brethren New Harvest Community Fellowship 20220Rd196•Lindsay,CA .........................559-562-4596

Church of Christ Sunday: 10am-11am Bible Class Worship:11am-Noon & 4pm-5pm Wednesday:7pm-8pmBibleClass 138SouthPalm•Woodlake,CA93286 .......559-564-9136

Visit ..........................................www.church-of-christ.org

Church of Christ SundayWorship:10:00am•SundayBibleClass:11:15am 320EastFirebaugh•Exeter,Ca ..................559-592-2909

Church of Christ 400E.Hermosa•Lindsay,CA .....................559-562-3163

Church of God SundaySchool:9:45am•SundayWorship:11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm 200SouthGStreet•Exeter,Ca ...................559-592-9200

Church of God 370E.Valencia•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-2365

Church of God Exeter ContemporaryServicesSunday:8 30am•10:45am Chestnut&HStreet•Exeter,Ca ..................559-592-2631 Facebook or Visit .......................................www.choge.org

Church of God Prophecy 565N.Sweetbrier•Lindsay,CA...................559-562-2110

Church of Jesus Christ 574NElmwood•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-1032

Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints 1400EHermosa•Lindsay,CA ....................559-562-6511

Church of the Nazarene Sunday:9:45amBibleStudy•Worship11:00am 400WestVisaliaRoad•Exeter,CA .............559-592-2413

Church of the Nazarene 200N.GaleHill•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-2304

Community Presbyterian Church Sunday Worship and Children’s Sunday School 10 30 am Sunday Adult Sunday School 9:00 am 43410SierraDrive,ThreeRivers,CA ..........559-561-3385

Faith Tabernacle of Exeter SundaySchool:10:00am•SundayWorship:11:00am Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 pm Youth Group Friday: 7:00 pm 515SouthFilbert,•Exeter,Ca93221 ..........559-592-2862

First Presbyterian Church SundaySchool:11:00am•SundayWorship:11:00am Youth Group Sunday: 6:00 pm CornerofMapleandEStreet•Exeter,Ca ...559-592-2367

First Baptist Church SundayBibleStudy9:30am•SundayWorship:10:45am 42013EggersDrive,ThreeRivers.CA .........559-561-4228

First Baptist Church of Lindsay 581E.Honoulu•Lindsay,CA.......................559-562-6283

First Presbyterian Church BibleStudyWedNight:6:30pm•SundayService:10:30am 32937SequoiaHwy198 Lemon Cove, CA ...........................................559-597-2482 Visit ...................................................www.lemoncovepres

First Southern Baptist Church 257N.Acacia•Woodlake,CA ...................559-564-2591

Foothill Bible Church SundayService:10:45am•Wed.BibleStudy6:30pm Sunday School & EPIC Youth Group: 9:30 am 37721Road200•Woodlake,CA93286 .....559-564-2169

Foursquare Gospel ChurchSon Light Christian Fellowship 676N.Elmwood•Lindsay,CA .....................559-562-4925

Immanuel Baptist Church 1276TulareRd•Lindsay,CA.......................559-562-6151

Jehovah’s Witnesses 400 North Valencia Blvd Woodlake,CA93286 ....................................559-564-2613

La Puerta Abierta Church 200N.Mirage•Lindsay,CA .........................559-562-1245

Lindsay Christian Church 120EFrazier•Lindsay,CA ..........................559-562-3743

Lindsay United Methodist Church 120N.GaleHill•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-3641

Mount Olive Lutheran Church 1044N.Parkside•Lindsay,CA ....................559-562-4879

New Life Assembly of God Sunday Worship & Children’s Church: 9:30 am SundayEvening:6:00pm•YouthService:5:00pm PalmandBStreets•Exeter,Ca ...................559-592-2609

Orange Valley Church Sunday Worship: 10:00 am at Exeter Union High School Sunday Bible Class: 11:15 am 216PineStreet•Exeter,CA Young Life Monday - Call Josh for details ....559-308-6568 Iron Men’s Ministry Meets Weekly Call Tom Caldwell ..............559-972-9124 Facebook or Visit ............ www.OrangeValleyChurch.com

Pentecostal Church of God Services: Wednesday 7:00 pm Prayer & Bible Study Sundays: 9:45 am Bible Class Adults & Children 11:00 am Worship Service 6:00 pm Celebration Service 264 S. Valencia Blvd. Woodlake,CA.93286 ...................................559-972-3642

Pentecostal Church New Beginning Family Fellowship 835W.TulareRd.•Lindsay,CA ..................559-562-2956

Presbyterian Church 351E.Hermosa•Lindsay,CA .....................559-562-4966

Presbyterian Church of Woodlake Worship Service: Winter 11:00 am Summer 10:00 am begins in June 600WestNaranjo•Woodlake,CA93286 ............559-8460

Primitive Baptsit Church 350N.Stanford•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-3307

AREA WORSHIP INFORMATIONRocky Hill Community Church Two weekend worship celebration gatherings - Cafe Setting w/Complimentary Meal Thursday:6:15pm•Sunday:8:15am&10 137SouthEStreet•Exeter,CA ...................559-623-5063 For More Information Visit ...........www.rockyhillexeter.org

Sacred Heart Catholic Church 217Lindero•Lindsay,CA ............................559-562-4007

Sacred Heart Catholic Church SundayMass:8:00amEnglish•9 30amSpanish SaturdayMass:5:00pmEnglish•Confession:Sat:4:00pm 417NorthEStreet•Exeter,Ca ....................559-592-2609

Farmersville Mass Times Sunday:10:00am•English:NoonMassinSpanish Saturday: 7:00 pm - Spanish Confession: Saturday: 6:30 pm

Seventh Day Adventist Church 280E.Apia•Lindsay,CA .............................559-562-3817

Seventh Day Adventist Church - Spanish 588E.Honolulu•Lindsay,CA ......................559-562-4537

Seventh-Day Adventist Church Sabbath School Saturdays: 9:30 am Sabbath Worship Saturdays: 11:00 am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7:00 pm 600LenoxAve.•Exeter,Ca .........................559-592-2464

St. Anthony’s Retreat Daily Mass 7:30 am Tuesday-Saturday offered in our Friar’s chapel 4316SierraDr.ThreeRivers,CA93271 ......559-561-4595

Visit .........................................www.stanthonyretreat.org

St Clair’s Catholic Mission Sunday Service: 9:00 am AltaAcresDrive,ThreeRivers,CA ...............559-561-4595

St. Clement of Alexandria Sunday Service: 9:30 am 498NValenciaBlvd•Woodlake,CA ...........559-564-8811

Visit .................................... www.stclementwoodlake.org E-mail ....................................... frjimrouse@sbcglobal.net

St Frances Cabrini Catholic Saturday Vigil 7:00 pm Confession: Fridays: 6:00 am to 7:00 pm SundayService:10:00amEnglish•12NoonSpanish 198N.Pepper•Woodlake,CA93286..........559-564-2647

St James Episcopal Church 600E.Hermosa•Lindsay,CA .....................559-562-3846

Trinity Apostolic Faith Church 141 North Acacia Street Woodlake,CA93286 ....................................559-564-2559

Trinity Lutheran Church - MS Sunday Worship & Children’s Church: 9:00 am SundayEvening:6:00pm•YouthService:5:00pm 420SequoiaDrive•Exeter,Ca ....................559-592-4070 Visit ......................................................www.tlcexeter.com

United Methodist Church Sunday Worship & Sunday School: 9:30 am 148NorthDStreet•Exeter,Ca ....................559-592-3861

United Pentecostal Church 291WRopes•Woodlake,CA93286 ...........559-564-2562

Woodlake Christian Center Sunday Service: 10:30 am Wed. Family Bible Study: 7:00pm 799N.Valencia•Woodlake,CA93286 .......559-564-3425