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14 OUR YUCAIPA | JULY 2015 By Natalie Palmer Whether it's through service clubs, volunteer organizations or church groups, Yucaipa is filled with people who are personally invested in making our city run smoothly. "We couldn't function without our service groups, they are so valuable to the city," said Frances Hernandez, City of Yucaipa Director of Community Services. "The service groups have a vested interest in seeing our city grow and prosper. They give valuable input into all our special events here. They know the city, they know the people, and they know what people want. Our service clubs truly make our city unique." Hernandez said many members of Yucaipa's service clubs also participate in city committees, helping to shape hometown events like the annual Music and Arts Festival, Autumnfest, Winterfest, concerts in the parks and weekly farmer's markets. Besides helping the community run smoothly, volunteering and being active in service clubs is a great way to stay busy and even make like-minded friends. See the information below to decide for yourself which group you may want to join. The Rotary Club of Yucaipa was chartered on June 15, 1956 and has been active in the community ever since. The club focuses on service projects in the community, disaster areas around the nation, and globally has an emphasis on polio eradication. They also work on funding local non-profit service organizations and city sponsored events such as the Yucaipa Music and Arts Festival, Make-a-difference Day, the Yucaipa Valley Historical Society and multiple scholarship and assistance programs. Currently, the Rotary Club is working on providing updated facilities for Yucaipa Animal Placement Society. Plans for new sod, a gazebo, and walking areas are underway. The club's fundraising golf tournament is set for Sept. 11 at Yucaipa Valley Golf Club. Because of the date, a portion of the proceeds will go to local first responders. Sponsors are needed for the tournament as well as donations of raffle items, and items for gift bags. They meet Tuesday mornings at 6:45 am at the Kafe Royale Restaurant at 1007 Calimesa Blvd. Bud Thatcher is the current president. Info., yucaiparotary.org or call 797-0437. The Yucaipa Valley Lion's club motto is "we serve." Known for being respected and hard working, the Lions oversee the town's annual Christmas parade. In existence for over half a century, the club focuses on assisting people with vision problems. They collect glasses and cell phones as a fundraiser to assist their efforts. They meet on the first and third Mondays at 7 pm at Kopper Kettle Kafe, 34848 Yucaipa Blvd. The Yucaipa Club works closely with the Calimesa Breakfast Lions Club. Ron Charleston is the current president. Email lions@ yucaipalions.com or call (951) 316-7960. The Calimesa Breakfast Lions Club also assists those with vision problems. The Calimesa club is known for its vision clinics in California and Mexico. The club accepts donations of old computers for renovation and use by groups and individuals through a state licensed e-waste collection facility. The club also has a fundraising flag program, placing American flags along the Boulevard on holidays. They meet the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 6:30 am at Bob's Big Boy in Calimesa. The current president is Rob Manning. Info., 518-0553 or email calimesalionsclub@hotmail.com. Kiwanis is a community service club that focuses on schools and students through scholarships, kids programs at elementary schools, Key Club at Yucaipa High School, Builder's Club Program at middle schools and with volunteering at many community events and special projects. The Kiwanis Club works diligently to support local youth and scholarships. The club is known for its wine tasting fundraiser in the fall and the See's Candy sales at Christmas. Current president is Bob Erickson. The club meets Wednesdays at 6:45 am at Hickory Ranch Steak House, 32971 Yucaipa Blvd. New members are always welcome. Info., Barbara Smith, 797-5860 or visit yucaipavalleykiwanis.org. The Fraternal Order of Eagles was founded in 1900 to help raise money for the disadvantaged and charities. The local Eagles' Aerie raises funds for Alzheimer's, Heart Fund, the Garden of Angels and local libraries. The local Eagles Aerie is where families can join together and have dances, dinners and fundraisers. The Aerie is at 12015 Fourth St. 797-6627. Remember that the happiest people are not those