Editor's Notebook: Looking for something to do

Who says there’s nothing to do here in the South County? Spring is here — unofficially, at least — and there’s plenty on the schedule both Saturday and Sunday, much of it right here in Porterville.

Seasonal splendor
Nature lovers shouldn’t miss a planned guided walk and wildflower immersion experience planned from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at Lewis Hill Preserve.

This is a unique opportunity to access Lewis Hill Preserve, which is only open to the public once a year for this guided walk.

Cost is $10 for Sequoia Riverlands Trust members; $15 for non-members. Become a member that day and attend the walk for free. Memberships begin at $35 for an individual or $50 for a family.

Those taking part should bring water, snacks, layered clothing, sturdy walking shoes, sun screen, hat, binoculars and wildflower book (optional). Dogs are not permitted at the preserve.

From Highway 190 in Porterville, exit at Plano Street, one-and-a-half miles east of Highway 65. Drive north four miles to the crest of the first hill. The preserve is on the west side of the road. Park along the roadway at the top of the hill. Carpooling is encouraged.

Supporting the arts
The Zonta Club of Porterville is planning its Fifth Annual Evening of Art from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at Nuckols Ranch, 13144 Road 216, Porterville.

This year’s featured artists are painter Bob Goetting and photographer Michael Hansen.

The event includes wine, hors d’oeuvres and drawing prizes including a weekend getaway to Cambria at the J. Patrick House Bed and Breakfast, and a 50-inch plasma television, plus original art from each of the featured artists.

Tickets are $25 each. Proceeds benefit local community service projects. For tickets or more information, call Mickey MacDonald, 784-2240 or 310-0099.

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Deenie’s Dance Workshop is presenting “Ease on Down the Road,” a dance concert, at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Frank “Buck” Shaffer Theatre in the Porterville Memorial Auditorium, on the corner of Olive Avenue and Jaye Street.

Admission is free.

The show features seven of the dance studio’s performing groups, which  have been practicing their routines since last summer. The show will feature 25 dances, including performing group numbers, solos, duets, trios and small group dances.

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The Tulare County Symphony is performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Visalia Fox Theatre, 300 W. Main St.

The auditioning conductor is Barry Kolman, music director and conductor of the Shenandoah Symphony Orchestra and the music director and reed instrumentalist for Heritage Repertory Theatre in Virginia.

Guest soloist is Kanae Matsumoto.

The symphony will perform Carnival Overture, OP. 92 by Dvorak; Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, OP. 58 by Beethoven;  and Symphony No. 4 by Tchaikovsky.

Festive fundraisers
The Fabulous Studio Band will be having its 18th annual dinner-dance and auction from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday at the Porterville Veterans Building, 1900 W. Olive Ave.

This event, titled “Sentimental Journey,” is a great opportunity to enjoy a first-class catered and served meal, participate in live and silent auctions and help the Studio Bank with its tour of the Pacific Northwest in June.

The music will be everything from hits from the Big Band years to more contemporary sounds, waltzes and a number of Latin tunes.

Tickets are available at Hanson Travel Ideas, 311 N. D St., and cost $35 per person or $245 for a table of eight.

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Palm Leaf Chapter No. 114 Order of the Eastern Star’s Fried Chicken Dinner and Famous Pastry Dessert Cart event will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at 2440 W. Henderson Ave.

Tickets, which cost $10, will be available at the door. Dinners-to-go will also be available.

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A benefit concert by Porterville native Michelle Latour takes place at 1 p.m. Sunday at First Congregational Church, 165 E. Mill Ave.

Latour is currently associate professor of music and voice in Ohio, and is a 1985 Monache High School graduate. She also taught at Monache and Porterville College. She has appeared in many a Barn Theatre productions.

Proceeds benefit the Dorcas House in Tijuana, which provides shelter, food, clothing, education and medical care for the children whose parents are incarcerated in a nearby prison facility.

For more information, call 784-5340.

Valley history lesson
Local historian Bill Horst will lead a presentation titled “1850 Military Exploration Tulare Lake Basin” at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Porterville Historical Museum, 257 N. D St.

Admission $5, and free for Friends of the Museum.

Books, book, books!
Book lovers will enjoy the Friends of the Porterville Library book sale to benefit the library, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Santa Fe Depot, 280 N. Fourth St.

Not too far away
The Tulare County League of Mexican-American Women, a non-profit organization, will celebrate “Women’s History Month” with a lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Lamp Liter Inn in Visalia.

Senaida Garcia, former project director for the Tulare County Office of Education, will be the honored guest speaker.

Tickets are $18. Proceeds benefit scholarships given to students in Tulare County. To RSVP and for tickets, call 635-2464 or 562-4411.

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Happy Trails Riding Academy will host the 14th Annual Ropin’ the Stars Fundraiser at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Visalia Convention Center.

Local artist Randy Deaver and Crossfire will be performing. Dinner, concert and horse racing will be included in the ticket price.

Tickets are $50 per person, or a reserved table of eight for $400. Tickets are available by calling Leslie Gardner, 688-8685.

-- Contact Glen Faison at 784-5000, Ext. 1040, or gfaison@portervillerecorder.com.