GETTING TESTED - Carmen Iraheta, right, braces herself for a sting as she gets blood drawn by Patricia Sandoval during High Desert Medical Group's 2007 Life Festival at the Antelope Valley Mall in Palmdale. This year's event, themed "A Tribute to Mom," is slated for Saturday at the mall. GENE BRECKNER/Valley Press

Life Festival to focus on family health

By RICH BREAULT
Valley Press Senior Feature Writer

Life Festival 2008, sponsored by High Desert Medical Group, is scheduled for Saturday at the Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 West Rancho Vista Blvd. (Ave. P).

Themed "A Tribute to Mom," because of its proximity to Mother's Day, the 18th annual festival will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The event is a celebration of life and a day of free health screenings, free entertainment, free children's activities, easy-to-get health information and the Life Award presentation. Formerly known as Family-A-Fair, the event retains its emphasis on family well-being and fun.

Medical group administrator Rafael Gonzalez said the festival is an opportunity to pay homage and tribute to motherhood and family. He believes mothers are key when it comes to their families' health.

He added that the presentation of the Life Award gives the community the chance to learn about individuals who are committed to helping their community.

The award is given to an individual who has enriched the lives of others through humanitarian efforts.

Previous Life Award recipients are Steve Baker of Grace Resource Center, Sandy Darrington of Sexual Assault Response Services, Olene Cleveland of Love's Open Door Fellowship food ministry in Littlerock, Lisa DeJaynes of Saddle Up Therapeutic Riding Stables in Palmdale, Rich Breault of the Antelope Valley Press and community volunteer and Fran Stewart, executive director of the Antelope Valley Region of the American Red Cross.

The presentation will be made at 1 p.m. at the mall's center court.

A life of service

This year's recipient, Troy Sutterfield, a community activist and volunteer, was nominated by friend and former colleague Bill Galliher. "I have known Troy Sutterfield for over 52 years, as a student of mine, a co-worker, a co-board member and as an unwavering friend," Galliher wrote in his nomination letter. "He has always demonstrated concern for others and strong community orientation and involvement."

Sutterfield's volunteerism started in high school when, as president of the Future Farmers of America, he challenged the student body to see who could contribute the most food for a Christmas basket food drive. He was a volunteer firefighter for years at the Los Angeles County Fire Department's Station 84 in Quartz Hill.

For many years he has been involved in Quartz Hill community activities such as the Almond Blossom Festival and Parade, community queen contests and more.

He also served as an unpaid member of the board of directors of the Antelope Valley Schools Federal Credit Union.

Sutterfield worked for the Antelope Valley Union High School District, starting as a bus driver and leaving as director of school bus operations. Hired by Palmdale School District as district director of maintenance and operations, he later directed the district school building program during the district's rapid growth years.

He worked with the Salvation Army's Christmas basket program and was "the operational strength in obtaining, packaging and distributing the food to the (needy) for many years. His wife, Vicky, was his helpmate … " Galliher wrote.

A member of the Palmdale Kiwanis Club, Sutterfield served a term as lieutenant governor for the Western Region. He served as a member of the Quartz Hill Town Council and taught CPR for the Red Cross and Antelope Valley Adult School.

Sutterfield serves as president of the Mended Hearts Association, which provides information, encouragement and support to heart patients and their families at local hospitals.

"I have observed how Troy endured and conquered personal and family tragedies, providing strong (and) positive influence for family members and friends," Galliher wrote. "He has also served me and my family as a friend, counselor and mentor for a lifetime, and I am so proud that he considers me his friend."

Gonzalez said that it is the festival organizers' hope that the Life Award "serves to inspire others to have the same dedicated commitment to their community as the award's winners have."

Much to do

Health screenings at the festival include blood pressure, glucose, total cholesterol, lung function, bone density, visions and others. Certain screenings require persons to meet specific criteria in order to be tested.

Children's activities include a craft area where they can make special Mother's Day presents, and face painting. Entertainment will feature all local performers.

For details, call (661) 951-3046.

rbreault@avpress.com