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06/27/09 16:27:24
No Homeowner Left BehindLisa JamesSUN-STAR PHOTO BY LISA JAMES Colleen Bui, a housing counselor from San Fransisco based Asian Inc., helps Merced residents Lee Vang, left, and Yang Her go over bank documents regarding their mortgage during a "No Homeowner Left Behind" foreclosure workshop in Atwater on Friday. Lee and his wife Yang have been struggling to make payments on the Merced home they share with their seven children since their teeenage son was involved in a car accident that required Lee to quit his job and care for him full time. The monthly workshop, organized by the non-profit group No Homeowner Left Behind, a program under Merced County's Head Start and supported by Congressman Cordoza's and Galgiani's offices, aims to serve as a mediator between lender and consumer. After a HUDD approved housing counselor speaks with consumers attending the workshop, counselors then work with their banks to get them a better loan. On hand for assistance at the workshop were also lenders Chase, WAMU, EMC and investor Fanny Mae. Those interested in upcoming workshops can get more information by contacting Cordoza or Galgiani's office. June 26th, 2009 |
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06/14/09 07:12:40
Autism Morning at the MoviesLisa JamesSUN-STAR PHOTO BY LISA JAMES Sprawled out on the floor beneath a giant movie screen Sierra Rebecca Johnson, 6, covers her ears as the sounds crescendos in Pixar's new movie UP. Sierra, who was diagnosed with autism 3 years ago, joined more than 20 other autistic children and their families at Main Place Stadium Cinema on Saturday morning for a special screening of the film. For families with children on the autism spectrum things like movies are rarely an activity in which they engage. As children laughed loudly, squealed, cried, ran up to touch the screen and tore up and down the aisles parents seemed relaxed and grateful for the chance to partake in something commonplace for most families. Challenged Family Resource Center is working with parents on planning the next Autism Morning at the Movies. For more information contact them at (209) 385-5314. June 13th, 2009 |
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05/29/09 01:49:57
John Muir Writing FestivalLisa JamesSUN-STAR PHOTO BY LISA JAMES John Muir Elementary school 5th-graders Dayna Forres, left, Ashley Cardenas, Katherine Dodson and Ana Ramirez check out student essays and drawings during the John Muir Writing Festival on Thursday afternoon. Writings culled from the students of John Muir Elementary school's best work during the past school year were on display for the festival, an annual festival which is a collaboration with the teachers participating in UC Merced's Writing Project. May 28th, 2009 |
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05/29/09 02:14:15
John Muir Writing FestivalLisa JamesSUN-STAR PHOTO BY LISA JAMES Dr. Pauline Sahakian of UC Merced's Writing Project and 3rd-grader Tina Moua check out student writings during the John Muir Writing Festival on Thursday afternoon. Writings culled from the students of John Muir Elementary school's best work during the past school year were on display for the festival, an annual festival which is a collaboration with the teachers participating in UC Merced's Writing Project. The Writing Project is a project for local teachers that gives them new ideas and methods of teaching writing. Seven teachers from John Muir Elementary recently participated in the program and brought their acquired knowledge to the classroom. May 28th, 2009 |
