September 19 Vallejo/Vacaville Arts and Entertainment Source: Faces and Places

Blind Seniors Enjoy Tasty Visit to Brazelton Ranch in Vacaville

A group of 21 clients, volunteers and staff from the Pittsburg-based Lions Center for the Visually Impaired (LCVI) visited the historic Brazelton Ranch fruit stand and were greeted by host William Brazelton. He explained the farm’s history, founded in 1921, and shared some of the ins and outs of the fruit growing business.

Brazelton patiently answered the inquisitive seniors’ questions and one of the clients, Mac Coates, was inspired to share an acapella version of the Carpenter’s “Sing A Song” in appreciation for the welcome. The group then joined the line of customers who had arrived to buy fresh peaches, nectarines, pluots, plums and other stone fruit in the roadside fruit stand.

“Brazelton’s peaches are the absolute best,” commented LCVI Activities Coordinator Richard Grange, “They are juicier, sweeter, and riper freshly picked. Thank you Brazelton Fruit Farm for an awesome experience for our seniors, and for producing the juiciest fruit in Solano.”

The group continued over to Fenton’s Creamery and Restaurant in Vacaville for a special lunch, including an ice cream sundae. The seniors then split up to explore the Nut Tree Plaza, See’s Candies, and Best Buy or simply chat before departing back to their homes in Alameda, Solano and Contra Costa Counties. LCVI provides free supportive services for blind and visually impaired seniors in Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano counties. For more information, call (925) 432-3013 or visit lcvi.org.

Vacaville native serves the U.S. Navy at Southwest Regional Maintenance Center

Petty Officer 1st Class Jorge Rivera, a native of Vacaville, California, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Southwest Regional Maintenance Center (SWRMC) San Diego, California.

Rivera graduated from Vanden High School in 2014 and joined the Navy nine years ago. Today, Rivera serves as a machinist’s mate.

“I joined the Navy to travel the world,” said Rivera. “I wanted to know what else there was to experience outside of my hometown.”

The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Vacaville.

“I learned from a young age that there is always more to learn and how to be humble enough to accept lessons when offered,” said Rivera. “It’s important to keep an open mind and always strive for growth in multiple ways.”

SWRMC is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) that provides superior ship maintenance, modernization, technical support and training for the Pacific Fleet.

According to Navy officials, NAVSEA’s mission is to design, build, deliver and maintain ships, submarines and systems for the U.S. Navy. NAVSEA manages more than 150 acquisition programs and has more than 75,000 civilian and military employees at 33 activities in 16 states and three overseas continents.

With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.

Rivera serves a Navy that operates forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.

“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,” said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”

“My proudest accomplishment is seeing junior sailors I have mentored accomplish their goals,” said Rivera. “Whether having a direct or indirect impact, seeing others succeed is always a proud moment.”

Rivera takes pride in serving America through military service. “Serving the Navy has always been an honor,” said Rivera. “It means being part of something bigger and having a significant impact in the world. Looking back and knowing without question that what I am doing has a purpose.”

Rivera is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible. “I would like to thank my family for my upbringing,” added Rivera. “I’m grateful they raised me in a way to not take the little things for granted and how to appreciate what I have while I have it.”