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FresYes Father’s Day Giveaway: Finalists

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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***UPDATE***

Congratulations to our first prize winner, Jason Ward and our second place winner, Steve Melton! Please contact us via email (fresyesnat at gmail dot com) to claim your prizes! This entire group is so worthy of an amazingly Happy Father’s Day. Thanks for setting a great example gentlemen – and may you all find joy in this day. 

 

Well hello and welcome to the last week of Spring! Spring. Bet that word had already slipped your mind when we bravely faced a few 106-108 degree days last week! But, honestly, this Spring has been quite mild for Fresno and I personally enjoyed it quite a bit. I hope you did too! And now, moving on to something else I hope you’ll truly enjoy…

Last week, I asked for nominations for wonderful Fathers who are so deserving of a special Father’s Day gift from us here at FresYes. And, as always – you delivered some really great submissions and stories about the things these amazing men taught you. Please take the time to read the nominations below, then select the nomination you would like to see win one of our awesome prizes using the poll at the bottom of the page. Be sure to share this link via Facebook, email, carrier pigeon – because all of these men deserve lots of votes!

As a refresher, our fabulous Dad-centric prizes include:

And, our nominees (you will quickly see why I ask you all to vote, I could never choose! I need your help!):

Joe Coates

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“I would like to introduce my husband, Joe Coates for the nomination of some of the best lessons I have learned from a father, son, brother, husband, a good man. Joe and I met at work back in the late eighties. He was a counselor and I was a work evaluator. I at the time, admired his easy going presence and ability to relate and address the clientele’s needs we served. He had the largest and toughest case load but never showed stress or burn out known for the position.

Years later, Joe and I got married. In the past ten years he has suffered the loss of his mother and two sisters. He was also diagnosed with multiple health issues. Through out life stressors Joe continues to be calm and level headed. He takes each situation as it comes with patience, love and calmness. I’ve tried to emulate his calm demeanor but am not always successful. His compassion for others shines through when he shares his thoughts and feelings. I am a lucky woman to be married to him.” -nominated by Tamra Coates
Andrew Jepson
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“Perhaps you might have seen a short segment on the news recently about a Navy ship returning from a ten month deployment? My son-in law, Andrew Jepson was on that ship. Last Friday he surprised my four year old granddaughter at her dance recital. Since then she has been stuck like glue to his side. He has a two year old daughter too. Andrew and his family are adjusting to his recent return.

Andrew has been on three lengthy deployments during the six years he has been married to my daughter, Krystal. He continues to excel as an Electrician’s Mate. At home, Andrew is deeply devoted to his family. He has strong morals and leads by example. He encourages his girls to try whatever sports and interests they want. The girls are already good swimmers, and Mikaela enjoyed tee-ball last season. Andrew is a fine example of a hands on daddy and a proud father of two beautiful girls and a great husband to his wonderful wife. Watching Andrew juggle a career in the Navy, multiple deployments, moves, children and a strong marriage is a great example of today’s men in action.” -nominated by Tamra Coates
Mike Hurley
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Mike Hurley with granddaughter, Lizzie

“One of (the many) things my dad taught me is that you can never have too many friends. Being kind to everyone is just what you do. I don’t think he’s ever met a stranger.” -nominated by Mary Akina
Jason Ward
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Jason Ward and daughter

“5 years ago I was a 30 year old single mother of two beautiful children Niko 8 and Kylie 6.  I was happy being a single Mom and convinced being single was great.  Then one day my world came crashing down.  I found out I had a rare neurological condition and would need major brain surgery at Stanford University.  I was in shock.  How could I take care of my children when I didn’t even know if I would survive this horrific surgery?  That is when Jason came into my life.  Days before my surgery he decided I wasn’t going to go through this alone.  Just a few days before my surgery he took my kids and I on our first family date.  A man I barely knew suddenly became my rock during the most difficult time in my life.  He held my hand through it all, even meeting my parents for the first time at the cafeteria of the hospital!  He was the one who helped me take my first steps after having portions of my brain, skull and spine removed.  He was the one who took care of me during my recovery even though we had only been on just a couple dates.  He was the one who took care of my kids even though they were not his.  They quickly fell just as in love with him as I did.  Somehow I not only survived the surgery but I found love.

Two years later, in 2012 we married on Father’s Day.  It couldn’t have been a more perfect fit since my kids already called him Dad.  His love for them has been the biggest blessing and I couldn’t have asked for a better Step Dad for my kids! But that isn’t the only reason I am nominating him.  This past year, despite all the odds against us given my health, we celebrated the birth of our beautiful daughter.  It wasn’t an easy pregnancy and the delivery came with risks because of my prior brain surgery.  But once again we beat the odds and delivered a healthy baby girl.  This year we will celebrate Father’s Day for the first time with our baby girl!  There are so many reasons this year is special.  So many things we have to be grateful for.  So many miracles have been given in our 5 years together.  But given all this, the most important lesson he has taught us is that it takes so much more than DNA to be a Father.  During my pregnancy I wondered what it would be like for my older children to have their Dad have a “biological” child in the house could make them feel left out, but the exact opposite happened.  He has not wavered in his love for my older children.  In fact, he has worked hard to make sure the older kids feel just as loved as our baby girl.  He has shown us all that DNA didn’t change how much he loves them.  Even though my older kids’ Dad is a great Father, Jason has shown them that he loves them just as much.

The tears flow as I type this.  There is no way I could ever convey just how grateful I am to my husband for all he has done.  I am grateful that he has taught us all that love for your children has nothing to do with mere DNA.  Love is a decision.  Love is a gift.  And most importantly love is what binds a family.” -nominated by Amy Ward

Steve Melton
“One of the Best things I learned from my Father Figure (I call him Papa Steve) is kindness. From 7th grade through high School, he was there for me when I needed a Father. I had it pretty rough and he always took care of me, sometimes without me realizing. Times when I had nothing to eat and he would casually  say, “Looks like we have way too much food, want to help me eat it?” Or if it was cold out and I didn’t have a jacket, he would let me try on one he had and say, “Looks pretty good on you ,you should keep it, I have too many.” He took me in and made me part of his family, even though he had two daughters of his own. When times were so hard, I didn’t think I could possibly smile, he found a way to make it happen. Like the time my shoes were so old and holey and he bought me a new pair and told me, “You don’t want to know how far I had to chase the kid to get these” and we would laugh and laugh. I remember one birthday, when my own family did nothing, and I was left home alone, Papa Steve delivered me pizza and a card. He took me on family trips and made me feel loved. There were times when I was so hurt I didn’t want to go home and he would always welcome me in. This all taught me that love and compassion is sometimes all one needs to make it through. Because of him I survived and am now a parent myself. He taught me to do for others in need and I do. He will always be my Papa and this would be a nice little way to say thanks Papa, for loving me.” -nominated by Katie Parra
Scott Smith
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Scott Smith and Abby

“Hi, my name is Abigail Joyce and I’m three, so my mommy is helping me write this! I want to tell you why my daddy Scott Smith is the best! He stays home with me two days a week and it’s just Abby and Daddy day. He plays all sorts of games with me like tea party and dolls. He also has taught me about Star Wars figures and army men and how they can protect my princesses. He also lets me paint his toe nails and make his hair pretty (shhhh don’t tell anyone). When we go for walks in the park or by the river he puts me on his shoulder even when he is tired. He has taught me all sorts of things like how to be nice and polite to people but also to be strong and confident. He plays sports with me and says one day I’ll be awesome at soccer! There are lots of other things that make me daddy the best, but it is time for him to leave for work and I have to make sure I give him kisses before he leaves. I hope you pick my daddy for your contest because he is the best teacher!” -nominated by Abby Smith
Mike McKinsey
(in loving memory of his Father)
“My father was married to my mother for 57 years! The best thing he taught me was how to treat a woman. It was never a “here,  sit down” lesson, that wasn’t necessary — I learned by watching him. He passed away two years ago, so Father’s Day is bittersweet for me now. Happy Father’s Day to you!”
Thank you to everyone who submitted a nominee – these finalists are amazing representations of fatherhood. Please use the poll widget to submit your vote. Winners will be announced on Father’s Day both on this post and on FresYes’s Facebook page. You may vote once per day. Good luck to all of these great men!
[polldaddy poll=8935503]

Kind Kids Club keeps kindness going

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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I think it’s a safe bet to assume one of the things that makes a city great is people treating each other well, am I right? The story I’d like to share today, though personal in nature – is one I believe to be relevant here on FresYes first, because I think we all enjoy a happy story we can feel good about but also because I think if a local teacher and her students can start a movement for kindness here in Fresno, I think we should totally get behind that, share the story and help it grow! Fresno, CA – “recognized as kindest City in America” – that would be awesome, don’t you think?

Last year, my son was lucky enough to have a truly amazing teacher for first grade. She taught all of the typical academic subjects and taught them well – but beyond that – she focused a great deal of energy toward teaching her students to be kind to one another and everyone they encounter. Each student was challenged to complete 10 Random Acts of Kindness as part of their homework to become an official member of the “Kind Kids Club.” The Kind Kids Club made superhero capes for their kindergarten school mates and dropped surprise treats on neighbor’s doorsteps.

After the Club was formed, the students wanted to take on a bigger task and decided to have a drive for baby toys, books and items for the babies at Valley Children’s Hospital. The school and families rallied around the effort and hundreds of items were collected and Valley Children’s honored the student’s efforts with a very special visit from Air George – the hospital helicopter. Hospital CEO Todd Suntrapak came to encourage the students to continue being kind to others always and pass it on the local t.v. news came out to highlight the event.

helicopter visits The Kind Kids Club

The kids were over-the-moon thrilled to have a helicopter land at their school and to be able to help load their donated items for transport to the hospital. The club even won a contest hosted by the national Random Acts of Kindness Foundation who sent a team of videographers to capture the students’ message of kindness. (View the video here)

The Kind Kids Club The Kind Kids Club

The school year did eventually come to an end, however the efforts to go out of the way to be kind to others and a desire to continue the Kind Kids Club did not. So, to answer to this, the amazing teacher started an after-school club that meets once a month, focusing on the next act of kindness the students want to make happen. Before Christmas, club members sent cards to six-year-old Addie, a Utah girl dying from an undiagnosed illness whose family requested Christmas cards so their daughter could feel everyone’s love.

This month, the Kind Kids Club decided to once again go to work for the good of patients at Valley Children’s Hospital – only this time, focusing on gathering items for older children, ages 7-12 to create gift bags for. The Club received some cash donations from supporters to be used for the drive and my friend and I (as Kind Kid mamas) had the great honor of escorting 4 Kind Kids to Target to select toys for the drive.

The Kind Kids Club

The Kind Kids Club shopping at Target

The Kind Kids Club

It was really fun to watch the kids work to think about what others might want vs. what they want. It’s not easy to think that way when you’re 6, 7 and 8. If you’re a parent, reading this, thinking this is something that comes easily and naturally to kids but not yours, don’t worry -this is a learned skill set! Putting others first and being able to dream up acts of kindness to commit is a discovery process that takes special teachers and parents (and grandparents and neighbors and friends!) to support. One of the greatest hopes of the Kind Kids Club is that others will be kind and pass it on or even start their own kindness clubs.

So, if you’d like to help start a Kind Kids Club, here are some great resources to start with:

And, if you’d like to help the Kind Kids Club of Starr Elementary with their toy drive for Valley Children’s Hospital – please feel free to email me personally for information on how to donate through February 28th. Thank you!