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Making A Difference through Service To Mankind

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Jan Clark

Jan 14 2022

2022 Sertoman of the Year Award Recipient

2022 Sertoman of the Year Award

The 2022 Sertoman of the Year Award represents one of two awards presented annually by Leona Valley Sertoma. The second is the Service To Mankind Award presented to a worthy individual in our Lakes and Valleys communities. For more about these awards we encourage you to visit Sertoma International website.

Dave joined Leona Valley Sertoma around 2007 and has since been an active in our mission of “Service to Mankind”. He is a loyal Sertoman and is always available to lend a helping hand and we are eternally grateful for his service. His many years of personal, physical and monetary sponsorship, when organizing fundraising events makes Dave more than worthy of the  2022 Sertoman of the Year Award.

As the 2022 Sertoman of the Year Award recipient, Dave Millard joins a stellar group of dedicated Leona Valley Sertomans.  Check out past recipients of the Sertoman of the Year Award at: Leona Valley Sertoman of the Year Recipients.

Dave Millard, 2022 Sertoman of the Year Award Recipient

Dave was born in Northridge, CA and grew up in the San Fernando Valley with two siblings. His mother was a race car driver and his father worked on the space shuttle engines for Rocketdyne. David met his high school sweetheart, Laurie in 1976, graduating Sylmar High School in 1977 and in 1978, they married.

Dave Millard, 2022 Sertoman of the Year Award recipient
Dave Millard, 2022 Sertoman of the Year Award recipient

Dave went to work for Air King and the decision to leave family and friends, and move to Portland, Oregon, in 1979 with the company. In Portland, he also worked as a cook at Denny’s. They welcomed their first child, Brianna Brandy Millard on October 6, 1980, followed on January 14, 1983, by the birth of their second daughter, Jessica.

They moved back to California 1984 to help Laurie’s parents when Laurie’s 17 year old brother died. He and Laurie lived in San Fernando and eventually divorced in 1991 and Dave moved to Nevada where he worked as a cook for the Indian Casinos.

In 1993, Dave moved back to California and started his greatest adventure called AC Dave Heating and Air. Spending a lot of “family time” with their two daughters led to Dave and Laurie reuniting and they remarried on November 27, 1999. Their daughters Brianna and Jessica served as bridesmaids. In 2002, his Jessica gave birth to his first grandson, Dean, who became Papa David’s buddy.

Sertoman of the Year Award recipient, AC Dave shown in 2015, as he contributes $300 for turkey fund.
(l to r): Dave Millard, Juanita Kirkpatrick, treasurer, and Cathy Toso, president.

In 2005, while living in Valencia, Dave’s business tools were  stolen. This led them to sell their home and, in 2006, move to Lake Elizabeth, where Dave opened AC Dave Heating and Air serving the Lakes and Valley communities. On November 24, 2007 his second grandson, Daniel Christopher was born to Brianna. Daniel is affected with autism leading Brianna face many struggles of her own. Sadly, on March 30, 2014, Brianna lost her life on Hwy. 138 near Llano. Members of Sertoma at the time of their loss, Dave and Laurie are very thankful for the support of their Sertoma family.

Around 2016, the Millard’s started a non-profit called “Brianna Brandy Millard Smith’s Happy Children Memorial Fund” to honor their daughter’s memory with the goal of helping families in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Dave and Laurie have been able to help 14 families and remain dedicated to honoring Daniel’s mother.

 

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma, Sertoma News · Tagged: Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma, Sertoma, Sertoman of the Year

Jan 12 2022

2022 Service to Mankind Award Recipients

2022 Service to Mankind Award

The 2022 Service to Mankind Award has been awarded to a richly deserving pair of Leona Valley residents, the first time we have had co-awardees. Bob Nimesgern and David Clayton are the co-owners of Jack’s Place, our meeting place and local rest in the Leona Valley. Both Bob and David are so deserving of their awards, as they have unconditionally helped us raise funds for our St. Patrick’s Day dinner by preparing the dinner at Jack’s Place and providing
ALL proceeds pertaining to the event dinner only (not dinners off the menu) to Sertoma.

They also allowed us to host the November 20, 2021 Mini Gala at Jack’s Place while absorbing the cost of entertainment, the ABC license and no charge for the use of their business facility.  This 2 1/2 hour event was a HUGE success with proceeds going to support veterans and our local scholarships.

~

The Leona Valley Sertoma presents two awards annually, the Service To Mankind Award is presented each year to an individual within our Lakes and Valleys communities, while the Sertoman of the Year Award is presented to a member. For more about these awards we encourage you to visit Sertoma International website.

Bob Nimesgern, 2022 Service to Mankind Award Recipient (as told by his sister, Jen)

Bob Nimesgern holding his 2022 Service To Mankind Award.Bob grew up in the suburbs of San Diego as the second of four children. In elementary school, he won 1st place in a cake decorating contest. From elementary to high school he worked a bicycle paper route. His first vehicles were a Vespa, followed by an orange VW Rabbit. He worked at Buffums restaurant during high school. He saved his money for trips to Boston to visit an aunt starting in the 7th grade, which sparked Bob’s love of traveling.

While studying at Grossmont College he traveled to France and Mexico. In 1995, Bob visited a friend in London and decided to move there for new adventures. He got a job at a French Patisserie and shared a flat with several people from Australia and South Africa. While in London, he traveled Europe with his roommates and all are still friends to this day.

After returning home from London, he graduated from Scottsdale Culinary School. He landed a job at Delmonico Steak House at the Venetian in Las Vegas as the executive pastry chef. After a few years, he got an itch to travel again and took 10 months off to live in Bali. Bob has traveled extensively visiting over 40 countries, including Israel, Jordon, Ukraine, Turkey, South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, Tunisia, Djibouti, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Guatemala, Cook Island, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. His travels have undoubtedly influenced his culinary culture and creations.

He returned to the US and continued working in Las Vegas for a couple years. After 13 years of living and working in Las Vegas, he wanted a change of pace and moved to North Carolina. He worked at the University of North Carolina and spent a few summers working at a restaurant in Martha’s Vineyard.

In January 2019, Bob left the East Coast and moved to Leona Valley to be closer to his nieces and nephew, which is how he met Dave. Six months later, they purchased Jack’s Place together and the rest is history.

David Clayton’s 2022 Service to Mankind Award Recipient (as told by his Mom, Guyla, and sister, Sarah)

David Clayton holding his 2022 Service To Mankind Award.David was 2 years old when he moved to Leona Valley. He received his first tractor at 3 years old where he had his first rattlesnake encounter. Growing up he was involved with AWANA, choir, piano and 4H. In 4H he held all the offices and worked the 4-H food booth at the Fairgrounds for several years. He was always busy doing brush clearance for families in the community, rescuing people and their cars in ditches all over town and any and all projects he saw that needed to be done.

He worked for Ramsland feeding the cattle on Ritter Ranch for a few years before moving to Russia for a bit to help build orphanages. When he came home he started work at Burger King, then on to Medical record copying.

David finally decided to follow his dreams and moved to Arizona and went to Scottsdale Culinary Arts School. While there he worked in the Hospitality Hotel industry, a bagel shop and eventually customer service for IBM and AMEX.

Moving back to the AV in 2002 he purchased a commercial bakery called Anna’s. He became quite active around the Antelope Valley sponsoring fundraisers. He became active in LVIA and served on the Board for several years.

After a few odds and ends jobs around town he and Bob finally became the very proud owners of Jack’s Place, which they continue to use to “serve” our community and the surrounding communities.

As you can see David has always had the Gift of Hospitality!!

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Leona Valley Sertoma, Sertoma News · Tagged: Leona Valley Sertoma, Sertoma, Service To Mankind

Aug 04 2021

A Cookbook, A Train, and That’s Entertainment!

All Aboard! The Chili Express Cookbook

Working On The Railroad

Are you ready for an adventure? “All Aboard! The Chili Express”, where once upon a time, I was the co-owner of the Fillmore & Western Railway, which served as a movie, excursion and dinner train. My jobs included arranging the concessions and bar area, hiring entertainment and catering, and setting up the gift shop for each afternoon excursion… AND so much more. Visit the Fillmore & Western Railway to learn more about their available excursions and events. (Note: the F&W is currently non-operational. – Jan)

I decided to publish my own unique cookbook, which I titled, “Main Line Recipes”, to include “old timers” railroad terminology, along with recipes, of course. This led to my traveling to many states selling my book to other excursion railroads and to the fun and excitement of book signings. Not to brag, but my cookbook was not only sold to excursion train gift shops, but found its way into train hobby shops and railroad museums.

Leona Valley and Sertoma

people eating dinner at the murder mystery dinner theater
Dinner and Murder Mystery at the Leona Valley Community Building. A recipe for success.

After selling the Fillmore & Western Railway to another railroad enthusiast, I moved to Leona Valley. There I was introduced to the Leona Valley Sertoma and the beginning of a whole new adventure. In this next chapter of my life, I found a new calling and quickly moved up the leadership ladder. I have had the opportunity to meet some great people and have been involved with coordinating fundraising events with the group since 2006.

As I mentioned earlier, part of my job with the Fillmore & Western Railway  included booking entertainment and this experience comes in handy as a member of Leona Valley Sertoma.  What better way to raise funds than through entertaining an audience? This has resulted in booking the same murder mystery troupe who performed on those train excursions, to perform in Leona Valley. The concept was a huge “sell out” success, resulting in five different performances. Thus, our Lakes and Valleys community residents have enjoyed five different Murder Mystery dinner performances with the funds raised going to support things like our Scholarship Program. Hopefully, in the post-pandemic times ahead we can bring more entertainment to our Lakes and Valleys residents.

Let me close by encouraging all you readers to get involved in your communities and be a part of “making a difference”. For those living in the Leona Valley area, I  invite you to come see what Leona Valley Sertoma is all about. We hold breakfast meetings  at 8am,on the first and third Saturday of each month, at Jack’s Place, in Leona Valley.  For details email Jan at – 1grannyjanny@att.net

I suppose I could have shared so much more of my past railroading and more recipes from my cookbook, but, maybe I save that for another time. I’ll close with one of the recipes from my cookbook. I hope you like it.

— Jan Clark – Sertoma Member


From My Cookbook: Main Line Recipe to Include Railroad “Lingo” Language
By: Jan Clark

Educational and Tasteful ~~ “Doubleheader” Chili Meaning: A train hauled by two locomotives, especially in mountain areas, snow and where heavy trains are involved.

Ingredients:

1Lb. sweet Italian sausage / casing removed 1Lb. lean ground beef 2 C. finely chopped onion 1C. ea. chopped red and yellow bell pepper 3 cloves fresh garlic minced ¼ C. flour 2 Tbs. chili powder 2 Tsp. ea. cumin seed, basil and oregano leaves 1 Tsp salt and pepper 3 cans (28 oz. ea.) Italian tomatoes chopped & undrained 1 sm. can tomato paste 1 can ea. butter beans & dark red kidney beans undrained 1 can black beans drained 3 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce 1 ¼ Tsp. hot pepper sauce (optional or to taste) add a little water if necessary.

Directions:

In a large pot, cook both meats with onions , peppers and garlic until veggies are tender and drain off fat. Add flour, salt, pepper and dry seasonings. Stir in all beans and sauces… Simmer for 1 hour.

Optional: You can spoon chili over cooked rice or small – cooked macaroni pasta

Garnish Optional: chopping all black olives, long green onions, bell peppers, seedless tomatoes and shredded cheese of choice.
Serves: 6

– Bon Appetit, Jan Clark


 

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma · Tagged: community, cookbook, fundraiser, Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma, making a difference

Dec 20 2020

The 2020 Holiday Food and Toy Drive

As This Year Comes to an End

Sertoma wishes EVERYONE a very Happy New Year and hopes that each and every day brings you much joy and good health in 2021. As always, all of our endeavors would never be a success without your generosity and inspiration.

Santa arrives in style at the Leona Valley Sertoma 2011 Senior Christmas Dinner
Our community comes together to help those less fortunate with our Food and Toy Drive.
(Santa Visits the 2011 Senior Christmas Dinner)

Our recent annual Holiday Food and Toy Drive that was held on December 5th and 6th was considered a grand success beyond our expectations, especially under the stress of the Covid 19 Pandemic. We still marvel at our communities generosity!

A special thanks for the assistance and continued support of fire station #140. This time, we had to receive special permission (due to Covid 19) to simply allow our local fire truck to be present. Needless to say, “gratitude” is an under statement!

Thank you to Ranchers Market, Lakes and Valleys Art Guild, Leona Valley Salon, Jack’s Place, Leona Valley Queens, Leona Valley School, Hemme Hay & Feed, Food 4 Less, The Whole Wheatery, Christine Stoddard, Austin Clark, Cole Overholser, Ray Mullins, Kathy Bramwell, Juanita Kirkpatrick, Michelle McAllister, Linda & John Grimm, Laurie Millard & Grandson Daniel, Scott & Raina Clark, Bob Reader, Colleen Jones, Kathy Owen, Jill Colet, Bev & Dick Brownfield, Charlene Moore, Betty Wade, Karl & Linda Pearcy, KJ Miller, Kristin Talbott, Angie Hughes, Shirley Kraft, Debbie & Guy Thompson as well as many anonymous contributors and folks from outside the community.

Our Food and Toy Drive

Due to the generosity from all those listed above, the Sertoma Food and Toy Drive was able to provide “A Little Holiday Help” to 20 beautiful families — ORIGINALLY, Sertoma planned to provide canned goods and generous gift cards only BUT, our public silently said otherwise and showered us with toys, as well. For the first time, our thoughts were to feed people (some who have lost their jobs) and, AGAIN, our public said otherwise / we listened and are beyond grateful for our communities input. With all said, please read below.

You Are Invited

Keep in mind the Sertoma / “Service to Mankind” organization is always asking for new members. When everything returns to normal, you are welcome to join one of our 8am breakfast meetings at Jacks Place on either the first or third Saturday of each month . We love new ideas and would enjoy meeting you.

PLEASE check our website: leonavalleysertoma.org to learn more about us.
Sertoma appreciates you – written by Jan Clark

 

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Sertoma News · Tagged: Food and Toy Drive

Feb 14 2020

Leona Valley Sertoma Paint-N-Sip Party

This event cancelled due to Covid-19


Paint-N-Sip Fundraising Party

Presented by Leona Valley Sertoma

Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th 2020
From 1pm to 4pm – Hosted by Barrett Cellers
at
114 West Newgrove St., Lancaster, CA 93534

Art Instructor: Blanca Martinez of Artistic Expressions

$35 per person prepaid

Paint-N-Sip Event includes:
All Art Equip. – One Full Glass of Wine and Appetizers

Net Profits will provide a scholarship to one Antelope Valley College student who is either majoring in deaf studies or who is personally affected with hearing disabilities.

Two day opportunity drawings – Limited Seating – Must be 21

For questions contact Jan Clark at 661-270-9268

leonavalleysertoma.org


Want to download the flyer? Click here.

leona-valley-sertoma-paint-n-sip-flyer-update

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Fundraiser, Leona Valley, Sertoma News · Tagged: deaf studies, fundraiser, Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma

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