Remember the story of the Little Engine That Could? With his determination and persistence, that little locomotive became a role model for beating the odds. Here in Fresno, we have our own incarnation of that unstoppable hero on wheels. And although it is less mobile, it is every bit as inspirational.
Reedley College has a newly appointed full-time, permanent, head football coach. Rob Hartenfels, while only recently chosen for the permanent position, has been at the helm of the Tiger’s football program for the last year. He also put in some time on staff as an assistant with the prior head coach. Additionally, Coach Hartenfels has an extensive experience in college coaching despite his relatively young age.
On May 6 the musical Rent will be opening on stage at Fresno State. Recently we chatted with the show’s director, J. Daniel Herring, about the show.
About eight years ago, while finishing up a ministry training in Mozambique (yes, the Mozambique in Africa), Alana Woodin felt called to live and work in Orange Cove (yes, our Orange Cove). The fact that Orange Cove was where she felt called to work and live is really no more surprising than if she had been called to go to Reedley, Selma, or Wichita, Kansas. Once one learns a little about Woodin, when one understands her core values, and when one hears about her life experiences, it is not so surprising that Orange Cove and its youth not only called but likely screamed out to her as the next stop on her journey of faith and life.
A new theatre company has arisen in the Valley during the pandemic called Madera Theatre Project. I spoke recently with those behind the project: Ginger Latimer, Artistic Director, Jim Kocher, Executive Director Madera County Arts Council, Brandon Gilles, VAPA Director Madera Unified.
Fresno Music Academy & Arts, which is currently located in the Tower District, is opening a second location in Fresno! We took a moment to chat with owner Debi Ruud about FMAA and about this exciting expansion! She and husband, John Alden, manage the schools.
The play Electricidad opens this weekend at Fresno State. We chatted about the show recently with its director, Dr. Gina Sandi Diaz, Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Theatre and Dance at Fresno State.
On the heels of a 2022 Division 1/Central Section boys soccer championship, Reedley High School opened up their doors to the public and media to show off an array of additions and improvements to athletic facilities. While many districts reeled from and scrambled to keep up with the myriad of problems that a pandemic caused over the last two years, Kings Canyon Unified kept its cool, addressed the needs of all students throughout a very stressful period, and decided to capitalize on the opportunities that some aspects of pandemic life presented.
College of the Sequoias Performing Arts in Visalia is presenting the play Witch, written by Jen Silverman, on March 17-19. We recently spoke with student director Haley Wallace to learn more.
Teachers play a crucial role in helping society reach its true potential. They help students learn basic academic concepts and develop essential life skills to navigate everyday tasks. Special education teachers focus their job responsibilities on working with children who have a variety of disabilities. These children require individual instructions by trained professionals who can help them excel without letting personal limitations get in the way.
