Joseph Kern passed away this past Tuesday, December 11.

Among other things, he was a Fillmore attorney for more than 60 years, and City Attorney for 19 of those years. His public achievements were many. But Joe was also a personal friend to me, and a major reason for the Fillmore Gazette's success during the past 30 years. He defended us through a multitude of spuriously brought legal challenges and was always there when he was needed - which during the earlier years was frequently. He was always generous with his time and advice.

Joe invited me to several special events at St. Thomas Aquinas College; most memorable, a speech by the late, great, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, and another visit by a celebrated expert on Dante's Divine Comedy. The former visit permitted me to take notes and write a short piece on Scalia's talk.

Joe always seemed to have time to meet with me over some question, legal or otherwise, though I'm sure he had better things to occupy that time. An impatient person myself, I envied his patience. I remember one special, beautifully drafted legal document he prepared for me. He was a notably gifted legal draftsman as well.

I will always remember Joseph Kern as a devout Catholic, trusted friend and confidant.

Thank you Joe; may your soul rest in peace.

Submitted by Lynn Edmonds

The topic for the 2019 Speaker Contest will be “Freedom of the Press. What does it mean?”

This topic is very important and vital to our freedom and democracy evidenced by the continued fight over newspaper reporting in our daily life and discourse. Facts, opinions, fake news come up almost every day in nations’ politics and governing. Fillmore students, parents, teachers and the newspaper are thrust into daily controversy and strife over what is true and factual and correct. Youth living in the Fillmore School District area will have a chance to weigh in on this important topic during the speaker contest.

The contest will be held on Monday, February 4 at 6:45pm at the Scout House on the eastern end of Sespe Avenue. Parents, students, educators and the general public are invited to attend. The contest is open to all Fillmore area students of high school age regardless of the school of attendance (including home taught and foreign exchange students).

The winner will receive $100 and all participants $25 providing their speech is at least 5 minutes. Student should enter by contacting the Lion’s Club Chair Bill Edmonds at 805-524-4839 or Barbara Lemons at Fillmore High School. Students can also pick up the application and flyer at Walt’s Jewelry in downtown Fillmore.

Students should enter early and begin writing early as it takes time to research and prepare. Only six students can enter the contest. The first six who enter and are prepared to compete will be chosen. Good luck to all the students.

Submitted by Lisa Hammond
The ‘last best small town’ is stretching, moving, toning, meditating and breathing! Our beautiful little town of Fillmore has had a yoga studio for quite a number of years, and for all but the last almost one year, our beloved Janine Rees was our matriarch (sadly, she passed away February 14, 2017). She had 20+ years of teaching yoga under her belt (okay, so maybe under her sweatpants and tshirts - it’s the attire she wore for teaching yoga - something we loved). She built an amazing yoga community, and it’s this community that still lives on today in our beautiful town of Fillmore. We still feel her presence every day as we share her dreams with old and new members alike.

Formerly known as Fillmore’s Health and Wellness Center, we are now known as ReGEN Yoga and Movement Center (the new owner is Renee Swenson). We are a place to Renew, Recharge and Restore our mind, body and spirit. We have over 25 classes each week which include meditation, strength classes, Nia dance, yoga, and more! Our instructors are a wonderful dedicated group. We are considered a ‘boutique studio’ as our classes are small and our members receive very personal attention. We offer a variety of free events each month so you can ‘try before you buy’.

ReGEN Yoga and Movement Studio is a cozy 1910 craftsman building located at 448 Santa Clara Street (across from City Hall). Check out our website www.regenyoga.com for more information and pricing (check us out on Facebook and Instagram under ReGEN Yoga and Movement Studio). Come Renew, Recharge and Restore - you’ll be glad you did!

Deputy District Attorney Brandon Ross presented a very informative and interesting program on Project LEAD, Legal Enrichment and Decision Making. This project focuses on fifth graders and opens their eyes to what can happen if they make bad decisions and how their behavior can affect them legally. During the program they hear from a Judge, DA, Etc. and will travel to the Juvenile Justice Court where they participate in a Mock Trial. They also learn about electronic monitoring, and all aspects of what can happen with bad decisions. The hope is that this knowledge will filter into their lives and those of their families and friends.

Rosalyn Diaz, a student at Fillmore Middle School, has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

Rosalyn’s poster was among more than 50 entries in the contest. There are over 380,000 entries submitted world wide in the annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest each year. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

The theme for this year was: “Kindness Matters.” Rosalyn’s poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit, and portrayal of the contest theme.

The judges were again impressed by the expression and creativity of the students’ art. It is obvious that these young people have strong ideas about what peace means to them. Fillmore Lions Club is proud that we were able to provide them with the opportunity to share their visions with other students and our city.

Miss Diaz’s poster will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple districts and international rounds of competition.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US $5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US $500.

Runner-up students were Ella Ochoa, and Paola Ruiz. All participants are students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art class at Fillmore Middle School.

The Lions Club would like to thank the School Board for encouraging teachers and students to get involved in all types of education.

The judges had a very difficult time in the selection.

Mrs. Nichols is commended for her assistance in this annual event.

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Sunday, October 7th the Miss & Mr. Heritage Valley Pageant took place at the Veterans Memorial Building. The list of this year’s winners are listed as follows:

Miss. Heritage Valley - Nikki Troolines
Mr. Heritage Valley - Odin Marley
Junior Miss. Heritage Valley - Delilah Cook
Little Miss. Heritage Valley - Arianna Contreras

0-23 Month Division
Queen - Arianna Contreras
King - Odin Marley
1st Runner Up - Scarlett Garibay

2-3 Year Division
Queen - Kalea Kutback
1st Runner Up - Harper Negrete
2nd Runner Up - Kahrlee Sue Long
3rd Runner Up - Gianna Ponce

4-5 Year Division
Queen - Nikki Troolines
1st Runner Up - Chantille Lomeli Tirado
2nd Runner Up - Mia Bingham
3rd Runner Up - Isabella Jimenez
Princess - Olivia Fike

6-7 Year Division
Queen - Delilah Cook
1st Runner Up - Bella Hurtado
2nd Runner Up - Grace Troolines

8-10 Year Division
Queen - Gabriella Bingham
1st Runner Up - Peyton Booth

0-5 overall western wear - Mia Bingham
6-12 Overall western wear - Gabriella Bingham