Don's Tuesday Column

THE WAY I SEE IT   by Don Polson  Red Bluff Daily News   3/17/2015

Come and get it—dinnertime

If you are a conservative, a Republican, a Tea Party devotee, or even a Libertarian—basically, if you are anything other than a leftist Democrat—I have a way to show your support for your beliefs. On Saturday, March 28^th, the annual Red, White and Blue Republican dinner will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hall on Oak Street. Doors will open at 5 PM; the program and dinner will commence at 6:30. You can call to make a reservation—which is really necessary for the caterer to plan the meal count—with Ken at 529-1226 or Linda at 865-2666.

This year’s event stands out for several reasons: 1) The featured speaker will be our newly elected local Assemblyman, James Gallagher, 2) The recipient of a new recognition, the Chairman’s Award, will be announced in addition to the Republican of the Year, 3) A marvelous piece of inspired art by a “pint-sized” hero, Jessen Whelchel, will be auctioned to the highest bidder, 4) local talent will be presented in song and performance, and 5) a scrumptious dinner by CK Catering, California Kitchen & Company.

I don’t know about you but, in my case, eating out just isn’t on my dietary menu any longer so I love having a chance to sidle up to a buffet of slow smoked pork shoulder, top sirloin, baked beans, corn on the cob, green salad, fresh baked bread or rolls and (what could be more American than) apple pie a la mode. Some folks like a plate prepared and placed in front of them in a sit-down manner but I will take a serve-yourself buffet anytime I have a choice, which, as I said, is not very often. Something about calories or other such nonsense.

Assemblyman James Gallagher deserves a few words. He was overwhelmingly elected last November to represent us in Sacramento and try to fill the shoes of Jim Nielsen. He is an agricultural attorney which, truth be told, is a commendable area of law considering how important it is to have legal beagles on our side of the ideological table. When you think about how determined are the environmental wackos and their liars/lawyers to attack agriculture throughout this state, that incredibly important part of our economy needs the talents and devotion of people like Assemblyman Gallagher.

He is working to create jobs and improve California’s business climate by fighting the liberal tax-and-spend policies in Sacramento. He is a strong supporter of the 2^nd Amendment, an advocate for protecting our North State water rights and an opponent of the Governor’s dangerous public safety realignment program known as AB 109. Who says nobody is still married to their high school sweetheart—James Gallagher is, that’s who. Anyway, he’s a real easy guy to get to know and talk to. Individual seats are $40; tables of 4 or 8 are available if you have a family, personal or business group you’d like to dine with. Tickets are not sold at the door; call ASAP.

A big part of the Tehama County Republican annual budget—much of which derives from the dinner revenue and sale of silent auction items—is devoted to awarding scholarships to deserving high school students. The number and dollar amounts vary from year to year but this year will build on previous annual awards that recognize the role of community service in good citizenship among our rising youths. “As a committee, we felt this was one way we could invest into the future,” said Michael Holtsclaw, Tehama County Republican Chair. “Most scholarships reward those students who stand out academically, and that’s important, but we also want to honor those who do a lot in order to better the community in which they are a part.”

From the press release: “All qualifying high school seniors in Tehama County may apply for the scholarship. Applicants must be a member of the current year graduating class from any public, private, charter or home school located in Tehama County who has maintained at least a 2.0 grade point average in high school. Students will also be asked to complete an application, provide two letters of reference and to submit an essay detailing their community service and why community service is important in being a contributing citizen.

“The scholarships will be awarded to worthy recipients who will pursue a course of study leading to a post-secondary degree or certificate from a college, university, community college, or vocational school. The school where such studies are to be pursued shall be accredited and/or approved by the appropriate State Department of Education. Scholarship application forms may be obtained from the Tehama County Republican Central Committee website, www.tehamagop.org. Completed applications must be submitted on or before April 15 to be considered.”

I can’t leave the subject of the Red, White and Blue dinner without a few words about the to-be-auctioned artwork by young Jessen Whelchel. He says his artistic mission is to be an “agvocate” whose artwork “serves as a voice promoting agriculture and sharing positive images and perceptions of farming.” I am looking at his face in photos from a flyer by California Women for Agriculture, which auctioned some of his art, personally created to reflect his vision of various aspects of farming: fields, tractors, crop dusting airplanes, animals and orchards.

His smile is so bright, so full and infectious that I simply can’t help but smile to see him; knowing of his personal health challenges only boosts my attitude on life. He has “plowed through treatment” and devoted himself to a constant, positive focus. “Jessen takes joy in sharing with others the inspiration that got him through difficult days in the hospital: his love of agriculture.”