The ART in FIRE

Each month Valley Trends features a new aspect of local culture and emerging trends.

There are 5 Feature Story Articles Available:

• The ART in FIRE
  The roar of the fire as it is being danced in the art of poi is empowering. This element which sometimes is only seen as destructive has suddenly become tame and beautiful. Fire is so mysterious and intriguing, and then to add the element of dance makes it even more interesting.
  
  
• Iron Men – The Gathering of 1,000 Men
  The words Iron Men conjure up all kinds of images. In fact, even as I write, there’s an Iron Man movie sequel set to be released which is expected to set box office records. The image it portrays of men is that of strength, invincibility, and power. The number of men gathering for Iron Men in Visalia at the GateWay Church is also going to be setting records! When men gather in numbers anywhere that exceed a couple of 100 you know there must be a powerful reason. With last year’s attendance of around 600, this year’s ticket sales for the Iron Men kickoff are already well over 900 at the time of this writing. These record setting numbers are happening through men inviting men only and no advertizing!
  
  
•  Feature: “A Taste of COACHELLA in VISALIA!”
  Most people don't have the time in their busy schedule to keep up with all of the new and exciting performers bursting onto the global music scene these days. Unfortunately the local Central Valley radio airwaves don't make it easy to discover the world's newest talents. Let's face it. We don't really have a radio station in the Central Valley that consistently caters to new music. Unless you're tuned into cutting-edge satellite radio stations like SIRIUS XMU you've probably been deprived of many of the upcoming artists that larger city radio stations in San Francisco and Los Angeles are spinning in heavier rotation.
  
  
• Feature: Super Moms Face Challenges Together
  When my 3-year-old threw the mother-of-all-fits in the check out line of Target a few weeks ago, I should have abandoned my shopping cart and left. Instead I tried to hold my screaming pre-schooler in one hand and place my much-needed items on the conveyer with the other. My 1st grader held the baby while I tried to keep my composure, wondering how many sympathetic eyes were on me. I could just hear the other customers thinking, “That poor woman!” On the other hand, surely there were others viewing this public tantrum and saying, “I’ve been there before.”
  
  
• Feature- A New Hope for Homelessness
  With the many organizations working in our community to help those in need, the challenge of homelessness can seem a bit less intimidating.