By BARBIE BUTZ

Congratulations to my friend Donn Clickard who was nominated by the City of Atascadero for the California Parks and Recreation Society’s District 8 “Champion of the Community” award.

The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation and recognizes the contributions of those who volunteer and provide support and services in their community that furthers the mission and quality delivery of parks and recreation services, programs and facilities.

Donn’s dedication is proven by the number of volunteer hours devoted to the many of Atascadero’s local groups and organizations.

Donn now serves as the Executive Director of the Greyhound Foundation which works to fund facilities and programs for students at Atascadero High School.

One of Donn’s key passions is the Greyhound Foundation’s Lighthouse Committee, a volunteer group dedicated to reducing drug and alcohol abuse by youth in the community through awareness, prevention, intervention and education. 

He also assists with many other local events and community groups such as Hares and Hounds, All-Comers track meets, Atascadero Chamber of Commerce, including serving as a former executive board member and being honored as a past Chamber Citizen of the Year and as a long-term school board member.

The California Parks and Recreation Society is a membership organization with just over 4,000 members representing the 535 local parks and recreation agencies throughout the state.

The Templeton Community Library Association is getting ready for their annual “Big Book Sale” on Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Templeton Park.

There will be some fantastic books and some great buys.

Templeton’s famous haunted house will be open from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26, 30 and 31 and Nov. 1 and 2. A less scary “Lights on Tour” will be offered Oct. 19 and 26 from 5 to 6 p.m.

The abandoned 120-year-old house is located at 99 S. Main St., Templeton.

Titled “Nightmare on Main Street,” tickets are only $10. VIP is $17 and allow you to go to the head of the line. “Lights on Tours” are $5.

“Nightmare on Main Street” is a nonprofit production. Funds raised from the event goes back to the community through grants and scholarships.

To learn more, visit nightmareonmain.com.

Coats for Kids is gearing up for another year of distributing coats, jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts at December distributions in Atascadero and Paso Robles.

Check your closets for those items listed above and if you care to donate, take them to any of our North County cleaners including Plaza Cleaners and Paso Robles Cleaners and Laundry in Paso Robles and Plaza Cleaners and Fashion Cleaners in Atascadero. Just tell them the items are for Coats for Kids and they will clean them for free. Someone on our committee will pick them up.

Committee members, Jean Pedigo, has been working on our Facebook page and sends this report of Facebook updates. “We created EVENTS for both the Paso Robles and Atascadero setups and distribution. The online volunteer form will be there soon. You can sign up for a Paso Robles shift and be directed to Brenda May as usual for the Atascadero shifts.”

There is a “Shop Now” button that will take you to our Crowdrise page where you can donate directly to our 2019 Campaign. Funds will go through Atascadero Loaves and Fishes and checks must be earmarked for Coats for Kids.

If you are a Facebook user, please remember to invite friends to ‘Like’ our page and direct there for donation and setup/distribution information.

Visit coats-for-kids.net, for more distribution dates and locations.

The Atascadero Historical Society will be presenting their Fall fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Pear Valley Winery, 4900 Union Rd., Paso Robles.

Tickets are $65 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, a catered buffet dinner of prime rib or salmon with appropriate side dishes. Wine will be provided by the winery. Tickets are available online at ahsheritage.brownpapertickets.com or the Atascadero Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy the Day. 

Cheers!