With our West Side schools opening their doors for the year and students heading back into the classrooms, it is a sure sign that fall is right around the corner and summer just slipped away. Fall is always a busy time in our communities. In addition to school starting, much of our agricultural harvesting gets underway – stone fruits, almonds, walnuts, corn and tomatoes are some of our larger crops and ones that keep our farmers extremely busy.

The big “C” word –something that I hate to talk about when it is in reference to one of our dear friends or family members – is taking the forefront in activities in the next few weeks.

“Playing for Dylan” a night of great food, lots of fun and entertainment will be held on Saturday, August 28 at Hilmar Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Organized by Dylan Spinelli’s aunts, uncles and many, many cousins from the Hilmar area, the fundraiser was a HUGE success the first time around and they are hoping to make it even bigger and better! Cousin Gina can give you additional information about the event by calling her at 648-5256.

The West Side Theatre production of “Wagon Wheels West” was certainly a testament to community theatre. With a cast filled with local talent ranging in age from 4 to 79, the play had something for everyone. The humor was good old-fashioned “slap-stick” and during their last Friday night performance, had the capacity crowd rolling in their seats.

Hats off to everyone who was part of the cast – and there were quite a number of participants – for delivering a great local production.

The one cast member who stole the show for me was young Deanna Purdom. Certainly a chip off of the old block, daughter of local thespian and “Wagon Wheels West” performer J. J. Purdom, she is quite the little actress. She not only knew her own lines, but those of everyone on the stage. While she was present on the stage in character, she mimicked everyone else’s lines and totally delivered them with the attitude and finesse of a seasoned actress. Now that one had me rolling. Watching her on stage was priceless! I am sure that we will be seeing more of little miss Deanna in the years to come!

Newman’s Downtown Plaza Project is getting underway and city officials are doing what they can to help merchants understand the project and what can be expected as construction moves along. A special merchants meeting will be held on July 22 at 6:00 p.m. in the city council chambers so that everyone can be on the same page…now that’s a great idea!!