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Making A Difference through Service To Mankind

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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

Apr 05 2021

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.

Written by Tom · Categorized: Sertoma News · Tagged: bar-be-que, BBQ, fundraiser, fundraising, Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma, making a difference, Volunteers

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

Jul 26 2019

Leona Valley Sertoma on the Horizon

Leona Valley Sertoma on the Horizon

Each and every year Leona Valley Sertoma is excited to introduce new members and ones who are enthusiastic about bringing new energy and ideas to our board. This is what we hope for and we appreciate our new members helping us to put Leona Valley Sertoma on the Horizon and better serving our communities.

As always, our mission is to connect those who are called to serve, not just in our own community, but our surrounding communities – thus, maximizing “Service to Mankind”.

Our newer members, Catherine Lord and Michelle McAlister, who have served less than one year, have shined a new light of enthusiasm into our group and are greatly appreciated … They proved to be starters with a “take charge” guidance.

Little Leona VNew on the Leona Valley horizon, a “meet and greet” social is planned for our members, spouses and a few sponsors on September 28th. The “Canine Companions for Independence” will bring our “gooLeona V in her yellow vest, represents Leona Valley Sertoma's new Horizons.d will” ambassador puppy (Leona V) up to our area for a visit allowing our members to witness her training progress. In 2018 we hosted a special “Gala Under the Stars” fundraiser to provide enough funding just for the privilege of naming Leona V. We certainly succeeded.

Next, due to popular demand, we have our 5th Murder Mystery Dinner planned for November 16th. This fundraiser event is for scholarship provision.

Last, but not least, for 2020, a special two – day “Paint and Sip” scholarship fundraiser event is scheduled for April 4th and 5th at Barrett Cellars winery.

Please remember that when we raise scholarship funds, it is not only for our local scholarship applicants, but includes a scholarship for one Antelope Valley College student who is majoring in deaf studies or who is personally deaf themselves.

Leona Valley Sertoma is definitely moving forward in so many capacities. The above are just a very few to mention — stay tuned for any and all details. To insure you never miss one of our blog post you can subscribe using the sign up form in the right hand column. (On your mobile device you may need to scroll down to find it.)

Blessings to Everyone,
Jan Clark

Written by Jan Clark · Categorized: Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma Scholarship Program, Sertoma News · Tagged: Antelope Valley College, Barrett Cellars, Canine Companions for Independence, fundraiser, Leona Valley, Leona Valley Sertoma, Murder Mystery Dinner, scholarship

May 27 2019

Comedy Night Dinner – 2019

Comedy Night and Dinner a Success

Event Committee Deserve a “High Five”

On May 18th, 2019, our Leona Valley Sertoma took a chance to organize and present a Comedy Night FUNdraising event for our local residents and out-of-town guests. Happily, this comedic event was well received and we raised proceeds that are dedicated to our annual scholarship fund.

We want to take this opportunity to thank the many people who made the evening a grand success. Finding sponsors is always an important step to making any event a success and Rally Auto Group and Round Table Pizza were happy to sign on as our main sponsors. Since 2006 this dynamic duo has never let us down and we continue to be most grateful for their continued support of our community outreach and our mission of SERvice TO MANkind. (SERTOMA)

The Comedy Night Crew

Comedian Randy Lubas
Comedian Randy Lubas

The main core “behind the scenes and up front help” truly need to take a bow: Comedian, Randy Lubas – Music by John Spear, Jim Lewandowski and Picker – Sertoma President, Kathy Bramwell – Juanita & Vance Kirkpatrick, Bev Brownfield, Teresa Braley, Ray Mullins, Cat Lord, Raul Matos, Michelle McAlister, Angie Hughes, KJ & Sandy Miller, Karl & Linda Pearcy, Chris Decker, Nicole Nanchy, Dave Millard, Kristin Talbot, Bill McGregor, Eileen Wright Catering, Souplantation, Casa Gutierrez, Sharkey’s Mexican Grill, Lu & Pe Mexican Café, Flora Donna’s Cakery, Ice House Comedy, Laugh Factory, Comedy Sportz, Flappers Comedy Club,

Comedy Night “dinner set music” trio.
(L-to-R) John “Pokey” Spear, Guitar, Jim Lewandowski, drums, Picker, Bass Guitar

Lake Hughes Women’s Club, Cherry Chapters, AV Press, Leona Valley Improvement Assoc., Web Master, Tom Smith AND YOURS TRULY- event coordinator, Jan Clark. So who can say that it doesn’t TAKE A VILLAGE in our small community to accomplish really BIG THINGS! Leona Valley Sertoma makes “it ALL happen”.

 

From the Audience: Linda Joynt / “A wonderful event” ~~ Pam Elliott / “Had a wonderful time, GREAT JOB“ ~~ Cassandra Parks / “Thank you to Sertoma for your service to our community”.

Comedy night dinner guest.
Comedy night dinner guest

Our membership is growing with the new inclusion of Michelle McAlister. She has only been involved for a short time and has already made a huge impact on our success. Always remember that we are constantly encouraging new membership to help us make an even greater impact and difference in our community and worldwide. We would love to meet new faces and hope to see you at one of our 8am breakfast meetings on either the first or third Saturday of any month held at Jack’s Place, 40352 90th Street West, Leona Valley.

Please check our website at: leonavalleysertoma.org  and to stay tuned in for future events be sure to SUBSCRIBE to our blog in the right-hand column.
Written by: Jan Clark

Written by Tom · Categorized: Fundraiser, Leona Valley, Sertoma News · Tagged: comedy night, fundraiser, Leona Valley Sertoma, scholarships, Sertoma

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