A Classic Comes to the Denair Gaslight Theater

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Submitted by Denair Gaslight Community Conservatory

The Importance of Being Earnest, a comedy for serious people, by Oscar Wilde, is coming to the Gaslight! First performed on February 14, 1895 at the St James’s Theatre in London, it is a farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personas to escape burdensome social obligations. Now in 2017, The Gaslight Theater actors will bring the show to life once more in Denair, California!

“It’s exciting to see our community coming together to produce high quality theater for all to enjoy,” stated Anissa Stonebarger, Gaslight Board of Director’s Treasurer. “We are looking forward to a successful run of the show! The director and cast have worked diligently to make this a classic production you won’t soon forget”, Stonebarger added.

The cast is made up of seasoned actors as well as individuals taking to the stage for the first time. Lenora Gomes, who portrays Lady Bracknell, is checking one more item off her bucket list. “Now is the time, and the Gaslight Theater is the perfect place. I am enjoying every minute!” Gomes commented. Sophie Kanabuy is no stranger to the Gaslight theater stage. She has performed in A Christmas Carol, End Game, and The Night No One Died. Sophie stated, “I’m allowed to push myself to find the character, and I love that!”

The cast is made up of 6 individuals, all of which would love to see you come out and see how they have developed their characters.

Show Times: September 8, 2017, opening night reception at 6:00 pm, show time 7:00pm, September 9, 15, and 16, show time 7:00 pm, and September 10 at 2:00pm. Senior and Student $8.00, General Admission $10.00. You may reserve tickets by going to www.showtix4u.com or call 209-664-9514.

14 Creative Seniors Put Their Own Mark on Denair High Parking Lot

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Submitted by Denair High School

Fourteen drab patches of blacktop at Denair High School were transformed Thursday into colorful personalized parking spots by a group of energetic seniors.

The students responded to an offer by Principal Kara Backman to all members of the Class of 2018. Seniors had to submit designs for preapproval by Backman and campus supervisor Melissa Treadwell. Having completed that process, Thursday morning was a time to paint, with an added bonus of an entire day away from class.

The school provided most of the paint, brushes and rollers, but students could bring their own colors.

Predictably, purple was a popular choice as the primary color or accent, though Courtney Prock’s space is a bright pink (her favorite color) and Madison Keas’ is orange (borrowed from the San Francisco Giants, plus her love of the Disney musical “Newsies.”)

As far as themes, flowers were popular, as were Coyote paw prints, images of sports teams (football, volleyball, softball and baseball) and, of course, multiple references to the Class of 2018.

Bryson Prock’s space includes an American flag and the words “My life depends on ag,” a tribute to his family’s roots, and his numbers from football (60) and baseball (9). Bryanna Suarez’s spot highlights the word “Ohana,” which means “family” in her Hawaiian heritage and reflects how she feels about her classmates. Hollie Collins’ features her nickname (“Hillie Bean”) in the middle of a daisy.  “People tell me I remind them of a daisy or a sun flower because I’m happy,” she giggled.

Natalie Rosander also used a bloom – a sun flower – as the focal point of her parking spot. Above are the words “There’s a big beautiful tomorrow” and below “shining at the end of every day.”

Emilee Fanning found inspiration from an image of Winnie the Pooh on Pinterest. Her space is built around the cartoon character holding a heart balloon and includes the words “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” Continue reading “14 Creative Seniors Put Their Own Mark on Denair High Parking Lot” »

Denair Fire Department Deep Pit BBQ Follows Farm & Family Festival

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Denair Fire Department Deep Pit BBQ is an annual event in Denair. It features some of the best deep pit BBQ you’ll ever taste! Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. They offer drive-thru, take-out, or dine-in. Your generous donations help support public safety in the Denair community. Join them after the Denair Farm & Family Festival for dinner!

Denair Students, Staff and Community Members Inspired by Rachel’s Challenge Program

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Submitted by Denair Unified School District

“Only kindness matters.”

At its heart, that is the message delivered powerfully, emotionally and respectfully Tuesday to Denair students, their teachers and parents during a series of presentations known as Rachel’s Challenge.

The nationwide program is a tribute to Rachel Scott, the first student killed on April 20, 1999, in the mass shooting at Columbine High School in Denver. Before she died, Rachel was a champion on her campus for forgiveness, love and compassion, often defending classmates who were bullied, taunted or teased by other students.

Though rooted in tragedy, Rachel’s Challenge has become a force for teaching children and adults. Since it was started by her family, the program has reached more than 23 million people.

Tuesday, more than 500 middle and high school students listened intently to the 45-minute presentation in two sessions at school. Later that night, about 60 parents and community members also participated.

Superintendent Aaron Rosander first saw Rachel’s Challenge a few years ago when he was superintendent in Mariposa County. He worked more than a year to bring it to Denair.

“I felt it was important for kids to understand civility and kindness and compassion never go out of style,” he said, adding that he knows that “we have some kids who suffer silently.”

Rachel believed the definition of compassion was “forgiving and loving,” presenter David Hills explained. Though only a teenager, she wrote with maturity and clarity about her five-step approach to life:

  • Look for the best in others; eliminate prejudice.
  • Dream big
  • Choose positive influences
  • Speak with kindness
  • Start your own chain reaction of kindness

Continue reading “Denair Students, Staff and Community Members Inspired by Rachel’s Challenge Program” »