Leona Valley

May 09 2022

2022 Scholarships by Leona Valley Sertoma

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Leona Valley Sertoma Presents 2022 Scholarships

Once again it is an honor for Leona Valley Sertoma to offer its’ scholarship programs in 2022! Both graduating high school students and college students moving onto a four-year college may apply for scholarships to continue their education. We encourage all of those who fit these criteria to apply and, we look forward to learning more about you, what you have done and what you plan to do. Please take advantage of this opportunity to advance your education and change for the better, our little corner of the world.

Quartz Hill graduating seniors receive their scholarship awards from Leona Valley Sertoma. Leona Valley Sertoma believes in higher education and encourages you to never stop learning. Their scholarship programs identify and reward local students who have shown personal and intellectual qualities through academic achievement and participation as well as leadership in extracurricular and community activities. Leona Valley Sertoma has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships since 1999 and continues to support these efforts through volunteer community outreach programs.

For information about the Leona Valley Sertoma Scholarship Programs and to download an application, please go to 2022 Leona Valley Scholarship Program. You may if you wish, pick up a hard copy of the application at Rancher’s Market located at 9001 Elizabeth Lake Road, at the corner of Elizabeth Lake and 90^th Street West.

The scholarship program created and maintained by Leona Valley Sertoma has and continues to be, made possible through the generosity of those who support our fundraising events. Their selflessness and kindness are beyond measure and words fall short in expressing how grateful we are to have met them. Thank you to all who have generously gave of their time and efforts to support Leona Valley Sertoma and making this years scholarship programs possible.

We challenge you to learn more about us by visiting our home page at LeonaValleySertoma.org or, join us for a no obligation meeting. We meet at 8:00 am on the 1^st and 3^rd Saturdays of each month at Jack’s Place, located at the corner of Elizabeth Lake Road and 90^th Street West. You are welcome to participate or quietly listen. Either way, you and your ideas are welcome.

Sertoma membership is open to those interested in making a difference and improving the quality of life for their community. As a member of Leona Valley Sertoma you would be joining with like-minded people in developing and carrying out a variety of programs and events that truly make a difference. In fact, it is upon the efforts of individuals like you who made the scholarship programs idea into a reality. Come join and help us service mankind by moving the world forward one little corner at a time.

Mar 25 2022

April Rock of Leona Valley

Community Matters

Hi, I’m April Rock and this is my daughter Luna. We are honored to be part of the Sertoma mission! You are invited to contact me so I may tell you why Sertoma Rocks!

I always considered myself a city girl until my amazing 9-year-old daughter and I moved to Leona Valley. What an incredible town! Even when living a fast-paced corporate city life, Luna and I always made certain to stay involved. Connecting in every community we are part of provides us with a deeper understanding for that community. For this reason, it was only natural to get plugged into Leona Valley and Sertoma, just made sense.

Creativity & Entrepreneurship

Previously, I have volunteered as a Girl Scout troop leader for two years. I have even filled a lead role for the nonprofit NextUp, planning community events for a network of executive women in San Francisco. I have played in a kickball league and, a roller derby league. In fact, before relocating I was elected the PTA Vice President of Luna’s school.

My number one focus is to be a mom. And since moving to Leona Valley, I have dug deeper into my creativity and am currently building a steel fabrication and stained-glass design business. Additionally, I just started my own YouTube Channel called “Sunday Sips & Salads” where I pair wine and create a nice, delicious salad. Tune in to check it out, I’d love to hear what you think!

Even though most everything in my life has changed within the last year, I continue to follow my passion and support the community. As an active member of the Leona Valley Sertoma chapter, I have met the kindest men and women working together to achieve a common goal. I am absolutely thrilled to have been trusted by them to manage a variety of responsibilities. Among a favorite is being empowered to communicate the heart-felt need to be part of something bigger than myself. I am here, where I am supposed to be, helping out this amazing community.

April Rock & Luna’s Swap

Trading in my heels and business suits for Carhart and Cowboy boots, public transit for dirt roads and city lights for stars has been the best decision we have ever made. Sometimes when life hands you lemons you make the sweetest and best tasting lemonade you’ve ever had. It’s nice to be home. 😊

Feb 13 2022

A BBQ Brisket – Texas Style

A LITTLE NOTE: Most of the time the recipes I have shared in the past were from my “Main Line Recipes” railroad cookbook, but this particular recipe is from the March, 2019 issue in the Food Network Magazine. I am guilty of changing just a few of the ingredients. I was intrigued by the FNM recipe because it included a brisket which served a purpose for a St. Patrick’s Day meal. I think you will like it.

Editor’s Note: Looking to put an American twist into your St. Paddy’s Day celebration? Well, this Texas style brisket is sure to give you a zing as you dance an Irish jig. I would like to also take a moment to remind you that St. Patrick’s Day is just over a month away and your Leona Valley Sertoma will once again be hosting their annual traditional St. Patrick’s Day dinner. For more details about this upcoming event, please click here. – Jan

A BBQ Brisket Texas Chili

One – 2 ½ Lb. Brisket – One Tsp. Smoked Paprika – Two Tsp. Ground Cumin – One Clove Garlic, Minced – Salt & Pepper to Taste – Two Tbs. Vegetable Oil ~~ Cover the brisket on all sides with seasoning – Brown on all sides in the oil. Drain meat from oil – Place meat in sturdy foil and bake @ 350 degrees until tender about three hours or more if needed.
Brown one cup diced onion, one red & yellow bell pepper diced in one Tbs. oil / drain oil. Add one can each of black, white kidney beans, one large can each crushed and diced tomatoes, one small can tomato paste, three cups beef broth, two cups water, three Tbs. dark brown sugar, one Tbs. apple cider vinegar.
Remove brisket if tender, remove fat and chop into small pieces – Add all ingredients together in a large pot – Add ½ cup BBQ sauce and simmer until all flavors are married – Garnish with shredded cheese, chopped scallions, chopped cilantro and serve with tortilla chips of choice…. Bon Appétit from Granny Jan

For a downloadable pdf copy of the recipe click this link: A St. Patrick’s Day Brisket

bbq-brisket-texas-chili-2022

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 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.

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