New Board Member

Carden Kalcevich is another one of our New Life Board of Directors members. Carden is truly a likable guy you must get to know. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and moved to Whittier, CA at age 10 and lived there 14 years. His next stop was Pacific Grove/Monterey area and moved to Merced/Atwater area in 1976 and his been here since.

Carden graduated Whittier College in Southern California with a BA degree in History. He began teaching at Atwater High 32 years ago along with being the Football Coach for 30 of those 32 years. So, perhaps you already know him as Mr. Kalcevich or Coach! Along with being a coach he explains, “Athletics has been such a part of my life, and James 4:6 helps keep me grounded. “...God gives strength to the humble, but sets himself against the proud and haughty.”

Carden has been married to his lovely wife, Dee, for 34 years. They met in Drivers Ed in high school, but dated when they both had Auto Shop together! Carden explains, “She got a better grade in that class than I did, but it’s only because the teacher helped her all the time!” Okay, likely story, and coming from a teacher Carden and Dee have 4 adult children, Kelly (32) married to Marcus Metcalf, Brett (30), Karen (27) married to Chad Newhouse, and Blake (20). They are looking forward to being grandparents for the first time as Karen and Chad are expecting in August. Besides family being Carden’s first love, he enjoys football, baseball and just about any water sports. His eyes lit up when talking about spending time on the beach. Body surfing is still enjoyed by him.

Carden always remembers being a Christian, but a little over 30 years ago he was invited to a church event by his friends, Bob Schanze and Maynard Medefind. It was then that Carden rededicated his life to the Lord. At times Carden has led the adult Sunday school class here at New Life (thank you, Carden!). He finishes our interview by honoring the Lord, “It’s a blessing to have a large family that stays very close (relational), and that all of us continue to live with good health.” Truly, that is a blessing!