Leona Valley Sertoma

Making A Difference through Service To Mankind

Tom

Cow Chip BBQ 2003 in Leona Valley

One thing every Leona Valley Sertoma event has in common is good times and the Cow Chip BBQ 2003 was no different. There was good food, games and music, along with plenty of laughter and smiles. A lot of work and planning went into putting on this event and it showed. Because it was a big success this became an annual event for many years to follow. The inaugural event was held at the Pitchfork Ranch, located west of the community of Leona Valley. The owner of the Pitchfork Ranch was Bob Mallicoat, a founding member of Leona Valley Sertoma, and a past president of Sertoma International.

Putting on a successful fundraising event doesn’t happen by accident. It happens because a lot of work and planning go in to it. The initial idea was the bar-be-que, presented to members by the fundraising committee. Members loved the idea and immediately began the process of planning. It was accomplished through the talents of the many members of the Leona Valley Sertoma and, just as important, the hard work and generosity of the many volunteers.

Wondering how the cow chip part of this event came to be? Country living tends to include an abundance of cow chips.

The Cow Chip BBQ Video

The video opens telling you exactly what to expect. Food, games, and music. There was a trap shoot station and a cow paddy toss. There was music on the cabaret stage. The food was a mouth-watering BBQ.

I hope you enjoy the video, in addition to the food, games, and music, there were llamas and, of course, you can’t have bull drop bingo without a bull! Don’t know what bull drop bingo is? Ask a member of Leona Valley Sertoma. If you need some help finding one, take a look at the current Officers & Directors page.

Author’s Note: As the video cameraman and a Sertoma member, I was working the event, so I did not get to shoot as much footage as I would have liked. Too bad as I’m sure it was all a blast.

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A Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner Memory

Graphic of St. Patrick's Day in green text

“Mayde In Ireland” – Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner(2018)
It’s the Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner, from March 17, 2004. Watch the video below and enjoy a whirlwind tour from set-up to wrap as the Leona Valley Sertoma hosts this annual event. I must warn you though, be prepared to take a trip down memory lane where you will see old friends and neighbors, some who have maybe moved away and some who, sadly, are no longer with us. When that happens, we hope it sparks happy memories and brings a smile to your face.

It’s A Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner

It will be a quick two and a half minutes, so don’t blink. It begins with the members setting up tables and in the kitchen prepping the food that is the center piece of the event. Next, enjoy a full minute of the all the activity of the event itself, with members collecting tickets from guests and you can’t help but notice the smiles and laughter, the camaraderie, and the enjoyment of the people, and the members, as they share fellowship with their friends and neighbors. Finally, with the event over, the members take down the tables, sweep up, and return the community building to a state of readiness for the event.

Why Sertoma?

Did you notice the members laughing and smiling, working together to make this popular, annual event a success?

Patrick and Christine Bonas, of Rally Auto Group (sponsor), Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner

That is one of the true benefits of being a part of this incredible group of people. It’s hard to think of it as being work when you see them laughing and having such a good time. Through events like the Saint Patrick’s Day Dinner, they raise funds that go back into the community as scholarships, to host the Senior Dinners, and other projects that support the community. This is what Leona Valley Sertoma is all about, “Making A Difference” in service to their communities.

You are invited to learn more about Leona Valley Sertoma and, once they are able to once again host their breakfast meetings, to attend a breakfast and see what it is all about. Odds are you know a member, but just in case, use this link to see the names the current officers of the Leona Valley Sertoma. Trust me, you will be glad you did.

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Make A Difference
With (Leona Valley) Sertoma

Last week, I wrote about John Seymour and his efforts to make a difference. (Remembering John Seymour) There is no way to talk about John and not mention Leona Valley Sertoma. John was a charter member and believed strongly in its mission statement. In the video, John shared his thoughts on Leona Valley Sertoma, its members, and how they impact the communities they serve.

Joh Seymour, St. Pat's 2015I also wrote about Sertoma, and, in particular, Leona Valley Sertoma,  and how the members “Make A Difference” in their communities through service to others. They seek out opportunities to help their neighbors in need and their fundraisers bring people together.  Friends and neighbors are entertained, enjoy fellowship, and they make new friends and get to know each other better. These things strengthen the bonds between neighbors and isn’t that what makes a community a community? I know firsthand how Leona Valley Sertoma helped me get to know my neighbors and make friends.

The video of John was from a DVD, titled “Getting Involved With Leona Valley Sertoma”, created by Leona Valley Sertoma. The members used it to share what Sertoma is to prospective members. The video below is from the DVD, as well.  It has more about the history of Sertoma International and of Leona Valley Sertoma. It’s fifteen years old, but the message and the mission of Leona Valley Sertoma has not changed. I hope you find it helpful and I hope you will have a better appreciation for Leona Valley Sertoma after you watch it. The accomplishments of the members over the past twenty-three years are impressive, but there is always opportunities to do more. I hope you consider becoming a member and join in making a difference in your community.

It’s likely you know a member, so I hope you will reach out to him, or her, and learn more. I need to update the Officers and Boards listings, but you might check it for a name you know: Officers & Board members -Tom

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Remembering John Seymour

John Seymour passed away on February 12, 2021, and on Saturday, March 6, 2021, the West Antelope Valley Historical Society presented a “Tribute to John”, at the Heritage Park Museum/Schoolhouse above the Leona Valley Community Building. John was a longtime member of the West Antelope Valley Historical Society (WAVHS), in additon to being a member of Leona Valley Sertoma.

Leona Valley Museum
Early painting of museum.

His friends, neighbors, and family gathered together at the museum building, situated next to the old Leona Valley schoolhouse, that was used from 1915 into the 1930’s. It was the perfect setting for this gathering of people who came to remember him, as John was truly a driving force in saving the schoolhouse. He advocated to have it relocated to the grounds of the community building property and, with other long-time residents of the valley, helped create the Heritage Park and Museum/Schoolhouse.

John wanted to see the schoolhouse brought to its former glory and become a destination for anyone interested in the history of the area, but he especially wanted see it provide children with a glimpse of what school was like a hundred years ago. That pretty much tells you what kind of man John was.

The schoolhouse still needs a lot of help toward becoming what John and the others envisioned and you can learn more about the  schoolhouse at the society’s webpage, West Antelope Valley Historical Society. You might want to visit their Facebook page: West Antelope Valley Historical Society, too. I know they would welcome your help in finishing the school.

I met John Seymour in the summer of 2001, when I joined Leona Valley Sertoma, and even all these years later, I learned things about John I did not know from those who spoke at the tribute. I knew John as a quiet man, but passionate about the things he believed in and he was passionate about the place he called home, Leona Valley. I also learned there was a lot more about John; Navy veteran, skilled computer engineer, and a lover of aircraft from his time on the USS Intrepid. Working for Lockheed he was involved with the L-1011 Tri-Star and the top secret SR-71. He had a truly amazing career and he brought this experience to bear as a member of Leona Valley Sertoma and every other organizations to which he lent his time and energy.

For those who do not know, SERTOMA is an acronym for “SERvice TO MAnkind” and John did not hesitate to roll up his sleeves and do his part. John was not alone though, as I was quick to learn, this group of Sertomans were all passionate about finding ways to better their communities and helping those who need help. I learned a lot from John, and the others, when it comes to getting things done in the name of community. Being actively involved in helping people was an amazing feeling, planning fundraising events, working the events, and seeing the funds going to make a difference in the communities served by Leona Valley Sertoma. Things like scholarships, the Senior Christmas Dinner, and the St. Patrick’s Day event, where people could gather with their friends and neighbors and bond over good food, music, and laughter.

I took on the task of creating a DVD for the Leona Valley Sertoma, titled “Getting Involved With Leona Valley Sertoma”, and interviewed John for it. In the interview he gives his “Why” for being involved with Leona Valley Sertoma. I hope you will share the video with your friends and neighbors and I invite you to learn more about Leona Valley Sertoma. I know they are looking for new members and being part of “Making A Difference” is a truly rewarding experience and  have no doubt your talents would be welcome. If you know a member, why not reach out and find out their “Why” for being a part of Leona Valley Sertoma. Learn more at  LeonaValleySertoma.org.

I am a past member and President of Leona Valley Sertoma and, as a member, I discovered that giving of myself was so much more rewarding than just making a donation.  I remained a member until I moved to Santa Clarita, but I continued to be their webmaster. I will be stepping away from that position with my impending move out of state, so they will be needing a new webmaster before long. I highly encourage anyone who lives in the lakes and valleys communities to consider joining Leona Valley Sertoma. If you care about your community you will find your tribe with this incredible group of people. – Tom

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St. Patrick’s Day Dinner 2020 Has Been Canceled

The upcoming scheduled St. Patrick’s Day Dinner of March 17, 2020, is canceled. Leona Valley Sertoma, in an abundance of caution, chose to cancel this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day dinner. We appreciate that our communities look forward to this event every year and apologize to all of our devoted supporters of this particular event, and of Leona Valley Sertoma, in general.

Leona Valley Sertoma did not make this decision lightly, but because we care about every member of all our communities. Continue to take care of yourselves and your neighbors, as you always do, and we look forward to better days ahead for all of us.

If you can help us spread the word of the cancellation we would be most appreciative. Please share on your social media platforms, in emails, and in conversation with your family, friends, and neighbors. Thank you.

Until our next gathering, GOD BLESS!

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