OFF AND RUNNING! WINNERS OF LA MESA SOAP BOX DERBY WILL BE SENT TO NATIONAL RACE IN AKRON
Printer-friendly versionTwo East County youngsters, winners of the Drew Ford/Kiwanis Club of La Mesa 7th Annual Soap Box Derby on May 16, will compete in the All-American National Soap Box Derby in Akron, Ohio, in late July. Bryce Taylor, 11, of Santee emerged as champion of the stock division. Super stock division champion was Hannah Lamb, 10, of El Cajon. The double-elimination derby was run down Junior High Drive next to La Mesa Middle School. Trophies were awarded for the top four finishers in each division: Stock Champion – Bryce Taylor / Age 11 / Santee Stock Second Place – Bryant Taylor / Age 9 / Santee Stock Third Place – Cody Catron / Age 8 / Santee Stock Fourth Place – Christen Miller / Age 10 / Lakeside Super Stock Champion – Hannah Lamb / Age 10 / El Cajon Super Stock Second Place – Michael Harris / Age 13 / El Cajon Super Stock Third Place – Johnathan Frie / Age 11 / El Cajon Super Stock Fourth Place – Tyler Spencer / Age 12 / El Cajon “The La Mesa Kiwanis Club conducts two rally races each year in which the young race car drivers from throughout Southern California and Arizona can gain valuable experience, and the one annual local East County race where the club and our sponsors send each division winner and one parent to the nationals at Derby Downs in Akron,” said Derby Director Dennis Wilkes. “Over these past seven years, the La Mesa Soap Box Derby has become established as one of the better run and most successful Soap Box programs in the nation,” he added. “Our club sees it as an important community service benefiting the children and families of our area.” Sponsors include Drew Auto Center, Grossmont Escrow, Bill & Norma Verbeck, La Mesa Village Plaza, Gio Restaurant, and Duffet Construction. Other sponsors are Bob Battenfield & Associates, Cosmos Coffee Café, East County Realty, EDCO, Grossmont Center, Infinity Real Estate Group, JK Painting & Sandblasting, Knight Financial Services, La Mesa Trolley Stop Deli, Loan Link, Minuteman Press, Old Highway 80, Pacific Car Company, Sanfilippo’s Pizza, Greg Schmock Tax & Bookkeeping Service, Walt Shaffer, Sign DeSign, US Concrete Precast Group, and Vanderblumen Publications. Printer-friendly version
ARTIST PHEBE BURNHAM ANNOUNCES ART SHOWINGS
Printer-friendly versionJune 15, 2009 (San Diego’s East County)–East County artist Phebe Burnham, whose work has previously been profiled in East County Magazine’s Arts & Music section (http://www.eastcountymagazine.org/?q=0809phebeburnham), will have several showings of her works in June and July. Venues include El Cajon, Alpine and Santee. On June 23, the public is invited to meet Burnham and other artists at a reception at St. Clair’s Gallery, 270 East Douglas St. in El Cajon, from 5:30 to 8:30. Burnham will have ten paintings displayed in the office opposite the salon from June 9th through July 24th. Burnham also has five paintings on display at the Vine Wine Bar & Bistro in Alpine. Meet the artist on Tuesday evenings this summer from 5:30 to 9 p.m. As an added bonus, enjoy fish taco nights plus live music by Burnham’s daughter, Cindy, and Paul Nichols. “Art, music and tacos – all this and me, too!” Burnham says. In addition, the artist will soon have 20 paintings on display at the Summit Unitarian Church at 8778 Cottonwood, Santee. “For laughs one wall will have 7 of my self portraits- first time all have been on exhibit at the same time,” Burnham notes. “I will be there on Sundays before and after the 10am service by my self portraits so congregation can compare portraits with model. hmmmmm.” photo: "The Old Gray Mare" self-portrait of Phebe Burnham Printer-friendly version
HEALTHY CROWD ATTTENDS HEALTHCARE FAIR IN LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionBy Marisa Kezirian June 16, 2009 (La Mesa) –“At last year’s fair, I found out that my blood pressure was off the charts, and it saved my life,” said Mike Cully, San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce president and chief executive officer. “This is truly an important event—and if we can help keep one more person alive and in the working world, then we know we have done our job, and we are very satisfied.” Cully shared his insights during the Chamber’s 9th annual summer Healthcare Fair at in La Mesa on Saturday, June 11th, where free health screenings and information were offered to the public. This year’s fair, which featured more than 50 booths, was co-sponsored by Grossmont Healthcare District, Sharp Grossmont Hospital, and Grossmont Center, where the event took place. Screenings included diabetes, blood pressure, and stroke prevention. In addition, the fair provided free information regarding nutrition, body fat, ear wax, hand problems, laser eye surgery, chiropractic, sleeping disorders, acupuncture, osteoporosis, home safety, herbal supplements, fitness, hospice care, health insurance,senior housing, home care services, nutrition services, volunteer opportunities, and careers in medicine. Cully was very pleased with the Healthcare Fair’s turnout, which he said was much improved over last year, with a better turnout due to the cooler climate and the decrease in traffic. “There is a two-fold purpose for this Healthcare Fair,” stated Cully. “First off, it is good exposure for the vendors, as it helps them inform the public and let them know that their business is out there to help. And secondly, it is a great educational experience for those who attend,” he added, citing health screenings and free information available. “Our mission and goal of the Healthcare Fair is to address the unmet healthcare needs in our community,” said Barry Jantz, CEO of the Grossmont Healthcare District. “The fair provides the community with the education that they may not know or be aware of, and here they are able to learn about new opportunities in healthcare. Many people who can’t afford health screenings are able to benefit, and if we can provide people, even if it’s only five, with a health screening, then we have in some way helped and saved lives.” Among the many vendors at the Healthcare Fair, was Sharp Senior Resource Center, which provides free education classes and healthcare screening for the public, in addition to many programs and services for seniors. There are numerous types of screenings that are available; some include hearing, breathing, and strokes. There are also education classes for physicians, nurses, and physical therapists. “We work on trying to keep people healthy and well through education and emotional support,” said Andrea Holmberg, the program coordinator for the Senior Resource Center. “There are no qualifications required, we just aim to try and catch folks ahead of time, before it becomes a real crisis. We just want seniors to know where to turn, and that there are resources available to them, because many people are unaware of the risk factors that are out there.” Another important vendor at the Fair was Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, which provides in-home care for seniors. Some of the services that are provided by the Visiting Angels are: Up to 24 hour care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands and shopping, and affordable hourly rates. “It is so important to acknowledge the fact that we keep our seniors physically fit and thriving through exercise and joyful companionship” said Sheri Malvestuto, Director of Visiting Angels. “Their health and well-being are so crucial and we take pride and joy in educating our seniors first and making sure they remain active and vital in the community.” Malvestuto dedicates her time by doing extensive volunteer work as she spends her weekends calling her homebound clients, making sure they are doing well, and are satisfied with their caregivers. “All our caregivers go through background checks and are experienced and have the right attitude,” she said. “We pride ourselves in matching our clients with the caregiver whom they feel most comfortable with.” Visiting Angels also works with the Burn Institute, Fire Department, and the Police Department in helping educate seniors, and she has her own column in the magazine San Diego Women, entitled “Ask an Angel.” Malvestuto began her business after her husband became ill, and she soon became devoted to not only helping him, but helping others as well. “When you are feeling sorry for yourself, the best medicine is helping others,” she concluded.” It has to be about how your business makes a difference in the community; it is so important. Our program truly instills confidence in people and motivates them, because fear is what keeps them at home. The main goal of Visiting Angels is to keep the vessel that carries the spirit alive.” Marisa Kezirian is a student at San Diego State University and an intern with East County Magazine. Printer-friendly version
SUNDAYS AT SIX: FREE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES AT HARRY GRIFFEN PARK, LA MESA
Printer-friendly versionJune 14, 2009 (La Mesa)–This evening marks the opening of La Mesa’s "Sundays at Six" summer concert series, which run June 14 through July 25. Bring a picnic dinner and groove to the sounds of jazz, country, concert bands and variety music at the free concerts, which will be held at Harry Griffen Park, 9550 Milden Street in La Mesa from 6 to 7 p.m. Scheduled bands are as follows: June 14: Navy Jazz Band Southwest June 21: San Diego Concert Band June 28: Paradise (Latin soul that rocks) July 12: Mark Jackson Country Band July 19: Breez’n Variety Band July 26: Strange Woods Celtic Band The concert series is a partnership between the City of La Mesa, La Mesa Arts Alliance, and Wells Fargo Bank. To reach Harry Griffen Park, take I-8 east or west, take the Severin exit north, turn right on Amaya, right on Water, and left on Milden. Printer-friendly version
PANCAKE BREAKFAST JUNE 20 TO HELP SAVE LAKE MURRAY’S 4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS
Printer-friendly versionJune 12, 2009 (San Diego)—Organizers of the Fourth of July Music Fest and Fireworks planned for Lake Murray need public support to save this year’s event. A pancake breakfast June 20th at Casey’s Place, 7375 Jackson Drive, San Diego will help raise funds for this annual East County tradition. Breakfast costs $5.00 and will include pancakes, sausages, orange juice and coffee. The meal will be served until 10:30. Attendees can also register kidsr for Crusaders Soccer, while helping to preserve the patriotic celebration at Lake Murray. Call Don at 619-583-6050 for additional details. Printer-friendly version