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’Cat Tales: Lending a Paw


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By Quinn Western, social media intern

How to Spend a Day Off From School

Chico State students have been granted a three-day weekend in honor of Cesar Chavez, a labor leader and civil-rights activist who cofounded the National Farm Workers Association.cats-community3

Many of those students are spending that extra day off from class volunteering in the community.

‘Cats in the Community is a community-service event in honor of Chavez.

“It’s the perfect way for students to show respect for Cesar Chavez and give back on their day off,” said JW Dobbe, the Associated Students commissioner of community affairs and leader in putting on ‘Cats in the Community.

There are 150 volunteers registered online so far, and more than 200 are expected to show up on Monday—weather permitting, Dobbe said.

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“It’s really important that students show respect for the holiday and the culture,” the sophomore business management major said.

During the next few days, students are encouraged to participate in activities starting with an action rally on Thursday and including a 5K run on Saturday and guest speakers as a part of the events put on by the Office of Diversity.

For more details, click to enlarge the poster(s). If the weather looks poor, click here for updates on event locations and possible cancellations of outdoor activities.

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Building a Legacy

A group of students also decided to use their spring break time off to give back to the community through the Blitz Build project. Roughly 60 to 70 students spent the time building two duplexes in eight days. This project will provide the Salvation Army with four homes for reunited families through the Adult Rehabilitation Program (ARP).Blitz Build 2014

This Blitz Build project has been in the works for two years and is entirely organized and implemented by students. The process has included designing structures and obtaining permits.

Justin Besotes, the student project manager and a senior construction management major, has been involved in two Blitz Build projects prior to this one.

“Many of us have construction experience, but there are also many that have never had the chance to swing a hammer, frame a wall, place a window, or shingle a roof,” Besotes said. “This project allows for that experience to become a reality.”

Besotes said that many students who had signed up to work half days or only a couple days due to family, work, or prior obligations ended up staying and working 16-hour days for multiple days, if not for the whole build.

“If not for students like those who worked through the soreness and fatigue this project may not have been the success that we see today,” Besotes said.

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#MyWildcat (Horse, Gerbil, Duck, Dog…)

Once you step foot on this tree-studded campus, Wildcat blood is pulsing through your veins. This campus becomes your home away from home. But when we do return home, we are welcomed by our fluffy, scaly, hairless, or furry pals, who are also considered a part of the Wildcat family.

mywildcatBecause we love our ‘Cats, and our ‘Cats’s cats, we’re welcoming any amount of pawesome cat photos.

We want our Wildcats to share their cat (or dog, horse, or turtle) sporting some Chico State swag. Stay tuned for some shares from the Butte Humane Society.

So share the cute and quirky with @chicostate using #MyWildcat, and you may see your photo in a Chico State collage.