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Ramona Youth Basketball Leagues Tip Off 2015-16 Season ~ Page 2 Bike Shop Turns a Corner ~ Page 5 Students Go Off Campus for a Hands-on 16th Century Project ~ Page 9 RMWD Dedicates Two New Projects in Country Estates ~ Page 15
December 31, 2015
Ramona Home JournaL 1
Ramona Youth Basketball Leagues Tip Off 2015-16 Season By Jack Riordan ~ the journal
T
he Ramona Recreational Basketball League tipped off its 2015-16 season Dec. 12, with 15 games taking place across two locations in Ramona. The Ramona branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego is the organization behind both the Recreational Basketball League for local boys and girls in grades three through eight, and the Biddy Ball League for boys and girls in first and second grade. Terra Davis is the sports director for the Ramona Branch. She took the job two years ago, just two days before the 2013-14 basketball season was set to begin. When she learned that the position was vacant, she stepped in, hoping to help ensure a smooth season ahead. Since then, the club has kept Davis busy with two seasons of arena soccer, and two evergrowing basketball leagues. This year’s Recreational Basketball League boasts a whopping 226 boys and girls in
30 teams. The Biddy Ball League has 64 kids, also up from last year’s total. Games and practices take place at the Olive Peirce Middle School gym, Wilson Gym, and even outdoors at the Boys & Girls Club or behind OPMS. Davis says it is a dream of hers to someday have a new indoor gymnasium at the club, with two full courts. With that, she says, they could have two basketball seasons each calendar year. Though Davis works quite literally day and night to keep the league up and running, she is the first to admit that she cannot do it alone. Parent volunteers play a big role in how successful any youth sports league will be, and basketball is no different. “This league would not be anywhere near as successful if it weren’t for the volunteer coaches, team moms and dads, scorekeepers and timekeepers,” said Davis. “We couldn’t do this without them. It is fun for me to watch the coaches get better each year and come back for
The Heat, in blue jerseys, and The Future, in white jerseys, of the seventh/eighth-grade division, line up for Photos by Jack Riordan free throws in week one of the Ramona Recreational Basketball League.
more the next year.” One of those coaches is Nick Norvell, volunteer head coach of the Lakers from the fifth/ sixth-grade division. Norvell’s team went undefeated last season, but even he is quick to concede that parental involvement is a big key to the kids’
enjoyment of the sport. As for how he has been able to lead his young players to success in the past, Norvell says that he likes to make sure that the kids are having fun, first and foremost. “It’s easier to do the teaching part when we are having fun at
the same time,” he says. The games are officiated by local youth referees from OPMS and Ramona High School. They are being overseen this season by Ken Sheib, the former RHS varsity boys basketball head coach and currently a math teacher and assistant varsity
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The Heat and The Future in the seventh/eighth-grade division take part in high-flying action in week one of the Ramona Recreational Basketball League.
girls basketball coach at RHS. Davis sums up many parents’ experiences with youth basketball as she looks ahead to this upcoming season. “I have had the best time watching my daughter Jolie come all the way from Biddy Ball to now her last (eighth-grade) year in recreational basketball,” she says. “I’m going to cry after that last game, but hopefully we have prepared her to make one of the Ramona High School teams next year. I am now getting to watch my son Wyatt start in the basketball program and will have my twins in Biddy Ball next year. There is nothing better than seeing the joy on these kids’ faces when they make a basket for their team, and I feel like all of these kids are my
‘basketball kids!’” The leagues took a two-week break from practices and games for the holidays, and will be back on the courts on Jan. 4 to resume practices and games. Games take place on Saturdays, beginning at 9 a.m. at OPMS and Wilson Gym. Admission is free, and every game is entertaining. The league is funded by parent-paid fees, which just isn’t enough when all of the costs are considered. Another crucial resource for the club is donations. This season, league parent and volunteer coach John Ward made
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Welcome to By Ann Reilly Cole ~ the journal
“Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering, ‘It will be happier.’” — Alfred Lord Tennyson
C
elebrating each new year with great expectations is a tradition so irresistible that people the world over have created countless customs to mark the moment. Balls drop, corks pop, songs are sung, and toasts and promises are made to turn over a new leaf or put one’s best foot forward, all in anticipation of a fresh start when the old year ends and a new one begins. Whether solemn, quirky, practical or silly, these rituals help emphasize the human desire to live in the hope that the best is yet to come. An Internet search of New Year’s traditions shows scores of ways to ring in the new year, with many themes
overlapping between cultures. Some people celebrate the new year by eating eat black-eyed peas or lentils, which symbolize coins; cooked greens to represent paper money; and pork for a fat wallet. Parties, parades and fireworks are common throughout the world. Wearing new clothes and giving gifts of honey for sweetness, gold for prosperity or lamps to give light to the new year are customs in Italy. Italians who want to change their luck for the better will wear red underwear. In Ireland, wind from the west at midnight predicts good fortune for the country, but if it’s from the east, a hard year may be in store. The Spanish eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of the clock at midnight, while the Japanese take to the streets eating buckwheat noodles as temple bells count down to midnight. Strauss’ Operetta “Die Fledermaus,” a comic story of revenge, seduction and mistaken identity at a high society New Year’s Eve party, is performed live in Vienna and other European opera houses on New Year’s Day. Recorded
radio or television broadcasts of the operetta are aired in many locales. Locally, there is a group of hearty souls that starts the new year with a big splash by taking a leap into the chilly waves at La Jolla Shores. At 10 a.m. on Jan. 1, the La Jolla Cove Swim Club sponsors its annual Polar Bear Plunge and “Chili + Potluck.” Ramona resident Guy Buchanan has celebrated New Year’s Day by diving into the deep blue Pacific since 1996, when he became a member of the LJCSC. The event has grown from about 50 swimmers when he first started to hundreds at last count. Buchanan usually swims two miles, which takes about an hour. Some people just dip their toes or splash around a bit. After the swim, everyone enjoys a potluck chili dinner at the shores. Julian residents Gaynor and Dominic Behan follow a custom from Great Britain called “first-foot.” The tradition prescribes that, for good luck, a darkhaired man — carrying in his pocket the gifts of coal for warmth and money for good fortune, and in his hand, salt for flavor or good food — must be the first person to enter the home on New Year’s
Day. Before midnight on New Year’s Eve, everyone has to be out of the home, usually through the back door. The Behans take out a bottle of champagne for the countdown, and at the stroke of midnight, kiss the person next to them and share a champagne toast. They sing “Auld Lang Syne” and the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical “Carousel,” also recorded by the Liverpool band Gerry and the Pacemakers. “This is a song from Liverpool, where we were born, and the lyrics mean a lot to us,” says Gaynor. The dark-haired person (no redheads allowed for this job) assigned to let in the new year is first to cross the threshold, followed by family and friends for support and love for the coming year. Taking a break from daily routines to celebrate creates memorable moments that can enrich life. Whether a long-held and widely observed ritual or something done in the privacy of one’s heart and home, starting and keeping traditions make for extraordinary living. Happy New Year! n
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Bike Shop Turns a Corner By Johnny McDonald ~ the journal
A
fter 38 years, Kirk Newell has loosened his handlebar grip on Kirk’s Bike Shop so his manager, Clark Cathcart, can ride the business into 2016 and beyond. Its new name: CC Cycles. The building, which Newell owns, will be divided into two parts. The larger front section will feature all models, while the back will include Newell’s specialty bikes. “I have an agreement between my manager and myself,” said Newell. “He’s buying the inventory and renting the building. “I’ll still be doing business with specialty bikes, but by appointment only. I like the idea of not being required to be at a retail establishment daily, 10 to 5:30.”
Newell is pictured 38 years ago performing his first bicycle repair as owner of Kirk’s Bike Shop.
His specialties will be tandems, two-seaters, recumbent (lie down) bikes and folding bikes that can be packed in suitcases. As for Cathcart, Newell commented, “He’s worked for me since he was 12 years old, and now he’s 50. Been the manager, so he knows the place “His focus is mountain dirt BMX bikes. He works out of his trailer to service them at competitions.” Newell said in his younger days he competed over many mountain tracks, from California to Arizona. Cathcart said, “It’s a great opportunity for myself, and it allows Kirk to retire. We’ll continue on with the service we’ve always provided.” Newell agreed that the bike industry has changed over the years, where the Internet has put similar small shops out of business. Cathcart noted that the Ramona shop has kept up with the times, and its online business has expanded throughout Southern California and as far north as Oxnard and Bakersfield. “We’ve been able to diversify and stay in business,” said Cathcart. “I think we’re pretty stable. “We sell to everyone, from the two-year-old to the 90-year-old, if they want to ride still. It’s been a family shop.” “Actually, it’s been several things over the years,” Newell said. “It was a library when my wife was a little girl.” He and his wife, Trudie, have been married 40 years. They first met when they were undergraduates at University of California, San Diego. “She grew up in Ramona on a chicken ranch,” he said. “I’m from Riverside.” He said his major was Spanish literature and his minor was biology. “Spanish has been a big help with Hispanic customers,” he added.
Kirk Newell, left, hands over the keys to new owner Clark Cathcart, as Kirk’s Bike Shop becomes CC Cycles. Photo by Darrel Kinney
“My wife and I have made a point of traveling right along with our tandem bicycle. We’ve been to South America, all over Europe and China. We enjoy doing bike tours. It gives you a chance to see the culture in slow motion.” When he first came to Ramona, Newell said he worked for his wife’s father at the chicken ranch and fertilizer business for a few years before he opened the bicycle store. “It was a nice business that allowed us to purchase the building over the years and to set us up for retirement,” he said. “I also had a store in Poway for 10 years and closed it in 1994. “Small bike shops are disappearing. Not many left.” Except for Ramona. n
Photo Courtesy of Kirk Newell
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Ramona Youth Basketball Continued from page 3
a donation of $500 to help in any way necessary. Many coaches also agreed to buy their own game balls, another hefty expense that the league had been burdened with in years past.
“We have a lot of expenses that come with a successful basketball season, from the gym rentals, jerseys, equipment, referee fees and end-of-season awards,” says Davis. “We spend more than we bring
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in each year, so generous donations like the $500 given by John Ward are very helpful.” Another donation came to the league by way of Ramona Family Dentistry, whose business name is now prominently displayed on the backs of all team jerseys to show their sponsorship. The public, too, can support the young athletes by attending games, cheering them on, volunteering to help, and making a donation that will go to a great cause. Game schedules, team rosters, results and individual player statistics for the Recreational Basketball League are available at www.leaguelineup.com/ramonahoops. From active parents, selfless volunteers, brave young refs, the Boys & Girls Club staff and, of course, the inspiring young players themselves, the Ramona Recreational Basketball and Biddy Ball leagues are in good hands, ensuring that tomorrow’s future basketball stars are learning how to dribble today. n
Volunteer coach Nick Norvell rallies his fifth/sixth-grade Lakers team before another fun basketball practice. Photo by Jack Riordan
Below, volunteer coach Roman Macias instructs his third/fourth-grade Wizards team on how to get into a proper defensive stance.
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Marion Elyse Kuhn Passes
M
arion Elyse Kuhn, 86, passed away peacefully at home in Ramona on the morning of Dec 10, 2015. Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Hoyes of Montreal, Canada, she was raised in that city, graduated from Westmount High School and was married to Bernard Kuhn in 1950 in a double wedding with Bernard’s brother David, who married Elyse’s sister Marilyn. After seven years as an Air Force wife in Canada, Elyse moved with her young family to the Boston area. Altogether, they moved their household 22 times before settling for the last 36 years in a hilltop house overlooking the town of Ramona.
The Kuhns’ homes included five years on Kwajalein atoll in the Pacific Ocean. Elyse’s travels gave her much social experience and lasting friends in several cultures. She worked as a medical technician or as saleslady of women’s clothing occasionally, but her crowning achievements were as a loving
wife, mother, homemaker, community worker and friend to many. Her personality was unassuming, feminine, warm and open, and she attracted friends and supporters gracefully. In Ramona, Elyse was noted for 30 years of leadership of the Friends of the Ramona Library, and she and her Friends developed much county support and achieved many library upgrades and services, which culminated in a new Ramona Library in 2011. She was named Ramona Citizen of the Year for 2007, and she received other awards from San Diego County for her voluntary library work. Elyse’s hobbies included horsemanship, artwork and
and in-laws in both countries. A gathering to celebrate Elyse’s life and legacy will be held at 2 p.m. on Jan. 9, 2016, at St. Mary’s church on San Vicente Road, and all are welcome. Flowers will be provided by the family. If you would like to make a donation in Elyse’s memory in lieu of flowers, please send it to Friends of the Ramona Library, P.O. Box 843, Ramona, CA 92065. The family thanks Ardent Hospice for its capable and kind care of Elyse during her last six months. Elyse’s ashes will be interred in Nuevo Memory Gardens in Ramona by her family. n
golf, and she was a great reader. She was an active member of Ramona Pioneer Historical Society and San Vicente Valley Club, and attended St. Mary’s in the Valley Episcopal church. Elyse loved and supported cats, dogs, horses, birds and all of God’s creatures. Elyse became the matriarch of five generations of living people this year. She is survived by her daughters Diane, Nancy and Leslie; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Besides husband Bernie and their descendants in the western United States, she leaves two sisters and their families in Ontario, Canada,
Deputy Sheriff to be Assigned to RUSD By Ruth Lepper ~ the journal
A deputy sheriff will soon be assigned to cover Ramona Unified School District full time, starting in January. The deputy will have an office provided at Ramona High School but will be available to cover all schools in the district. After voting to reconsider the item from the November board meeting, the trustees unanimously approved at its Dec. 17 meeting to accept the county’s offer of the newly established Supplemental Law Enforcement Services. Expenses will be covered by the county through the end of June. At that time, RUSD will have an opportunity to opt out of the program or to take over financing the deputy’s position. RHS junior Jacob Powers was one of the people in the
audience who spoke on behalf of the program. He stressed the safety of the students would be increased with a deputy on campus. Trustees pointed out the positive effect the program will have as students become more familiar and trusting with the presence of a law enforcement officer. In other business, Superintendent Robert Graeff honored Montecito High School Principal Dave Lohman with a “presentation check” for $1,000 in recognition of Lohman being named the Association of California School Administrators State Administrator of the Year. Assistant Superintendent Tony Newman honored employees who are retiring from the district, presenting them each with a crystal apple and a certificate. The retirees are
certificated employees Mike Saavedra, 25 years as a shop teacher at Ramona High School; and Candace Cox, 25 years at Ramona High School in pupil services and the adaptive physical education department; and classified employees Debra Worthington, Ramona High School; and Katherine Marx, Future Bound. The trustees held an annual organizational meeting of the governing board, setting dates for the coming year and electing new officers. Kim Lasley was elected president, to begin in January, and Dawn Perfect will take over as vice president and clerk of the board. Assistant Superintendent David Ostermann presented the first interim report on the district’s financial situation. The report is a state requirement and will be filed with the
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culminating a 40-year career in education. The superintendent has served as RUSD superintendent for the past eight years. Trustees set a special meeting for Jan. 11 to discuss hiring a new superintendent. The next regularly scheduled meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 21 in the Wilson Administration Center, 720 Ninth St. n
state once it is approved by the board. However, the trustees asked Ostermann to make some changes and bring the report back next month before giving approval. Ostermann said several changes have occurred between the budget approval in June and the December report. Graeff announced his plans to retire at the end of June,
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Making Resolutions for the New Year
Rickie Whyte
Munche Psnoiers
Johnny Cordova
Raul Ahlmada
Jesus Moreno
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Photos by Jim Evans
By Jim Evans ~ the journal
F
ewer people seem to make New Year’s resolutions anymore because the success rate is so dismal. In fact, studies show that despite the best of intentions, only 12 percent of those who set resolutions succeed. The most common reason for failing is setting unrealistic goals in the first place. But many simply forget about their resolutions as quickly as they make them. However, although an 88 percent failure rate is depressing, there are still some brave souls among local residents and holiday visitors who were optimistic enough to venture a few resolutions for 2016.
Rickie Whyte of Ramona is an avid reader of the Ramona Home Journal and remembered seeing resolutions in the Journal last year. Her resolution for the New Year? “Health and happiness for everyone.” Munche Psnoiers of Sun City is visiting her son for the holidays and expressed the wish of “Peace for the world” during these tumultuous times. Johnny Cordova of Escondido has been helping the Salvation Army with its Christmas collections and hopes that everyone will be “more grateful for what they have and enjoy their parents while they are still living.” Raul Ahlmada of Oceanside has been in recovery and hopes
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to “stay sober during the New Year and be a better father.” Kmart employee Jesus Moreno is a member of a local fitness center and wants to work out more in 2016. He has already lost 20 pounds and
now wants to focus more on strength and fitness. George Ardbian of Ramona wants to “be nicer” in 2016. So, while New Year’s resolutions might seem fickle, they also help create an optimistic
outlook for the future, and optimism is the first step toward succeeding at anything. What’s your resolution for 2016? All you need is one — go for it! n
Ramona Club News corresponding secretary Library, 1275 Main St. Call Woman’s Club: Guest Claudia Weringa. 760-787-1962 or visit www. speakers at the Ramona The group welcomes memzhibit.org/rag for meeting and Woman’s Club’s Jan. 7 meeting bers, spouses and guests from workshop information. at 1 p.m. will be sisters Gail Prout, an author, and Diana Intermountain Republican Ramona, Julian, Santa Ysabel and surrounding areas. RSVP by Prout, an artist. Literary meetWomen Federated: The Jan. 16. Contact 760-789-6225 ing is Jan. 11 at 1; bridge is group’s Jan. 25 meeting will be or email sandylandrid@ Jan. 14 at 11:45; and Ladybugs’ held at 10:45 a.m. at Ramona huges.net. field trip to Kniffing’s Nursery Mainstage, 626 Main St., Ourguest Mission Statement in El Cajon is at 10. Meetings San Vicente Valley Club: featuring speaker Shawn To maintain the highest level of professionalism while providing real are held at 524 Main St. Call Vicente Valley Club Moran, a border patrol agent property financing solutions that serve the best interest ofThe our San clients. President Betty Shaw at welcomes guest speaker Dave who serves as vice president What we offer – 760-789-4515 or visit www. Lohman, principal of Montecito and spokesperson for the of Loan Programs for Both Purchase & Refinance ramonawomansclub.com.■ Wide Variety High School, to the club’s National Border Patrol Council. ■ Low Down Payment Programs ■ First-Time Home Buyers Jan. 27 luncheon meeting. Lunch is $16, catered by The Garden Club: Ramona ■ FHA ■ VA ■ USDA ■ HomePath ■ HARP Lohman was named California MainCourse. Garden Club will meet Jan. 13, Administrator of the Year for Officers for will be the second Wednesday, atYour noon best interest is .2016 . . Our primary goal! Continuation High School President Sandy Hurlburt, First at Mountain View Community Main Street • — Ramona, CA 92065 Principal in 2015, after being Vice President Programs Church, 1191 Meadowlark Wy. 2102 Fax: Vice 760-494-4462 honored at the county level. Nora Simon, Second Call 760-789-8774 or visit Phone: 760-787-1700 CA BRE License #01277838 • NMLS #266306 Meetings are at the San President — Membership Carol www.ramonagardenclub.com. www.SanVicenteMortgage.com Jason DeLeo Christie Carlson Vicente Resort, 24157 San Stipp, Third Vice President — Art Guild: Ramona Art Vicente Rd. RSVP to Kaaren Ways and Means Mary Lou Guild’s Jan. 20 demonstration 2.5col x 3” Thiem at 760-788-4840 by the Kohl, treasurer Jerrilynn Myers, meeting will feature artist Friday before the meeting. secretary Joan Gansert and Linda Luisi at 7 p.m. at Ramona Check-in is at 11 a.m. n
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December 31, 2015
Students Go Off Campus for a Hands-on 16th Century Project By Lindsay Santa ~ the journal
E
xcellent teachers are often those who find unique and creative ways to motivate and excite children with their daily school lessons. Ramona Lutheran Christian School science teacher Frank Lucio and language arts teacher Elaine Crary, who teach a combined fifth- and sixth-grade class at the
dents decorating walls and desks to look like stone. The instructors decided they wanted to take the lesson to an even deeper level and involve a hands-on outdoor activity. “We decided to have the students continue the lesson by creating an outdoor 10-foot trebuchet-style catapult from this era,” said Lucio. “Students did all the measuring of the
off campus, where there would be more space. Garret Willat, a school parent who works for Warner Springs Gliderport, volunteered his workplace for construction of the project and to run several test launches to check its working capacity and functionality. Construction materials for the catapult were donated by Ransom Brothers Lumber and Sixth-grader Alex Realizan and teacher Frank Lucio cut lumber for the project.
Fifth- and sixth-grade students from Ramona Lutheran Christian School listen to parent Garret Willat as he gives instructions on how to construct a 16th century-inspired catapult in a work area at Warner Springs Gliderport. Photos by Michelle Kaufman
Students work together to assemble the catapult.
school, recently decided to collaborate on their lesson plans for a 16th century project with their students that ultimately took them off campus to construct a final project. Initially, the classroom was converted to resemble a castle from the period, with the stu-
materials, drilling and sawing lumber, and each took turns putting together the sections, which were then assembled into the finished and functional catapult.” In order to construct the large catapult, members of the class had to travel to a location
Supply, and the golf ball projectiles were donated by Fred Arcaina of San Diego Country Estates Pro Golf Shop. “The students built the catapult and then practiced launching the golf balls to see how far they could project,” said Crary. “They each took great pride in seeing the final result. We were so thankful to Mr. Willat and the staff at Warner Springs Gliderport for helping our students participate in this unique lesson.” The students completed their lesson by giving information about the different characters that were part of their research into Medieval kings and their court. They dressed in handmade costumes from the
period and invited their families for a cooking demonstration and presentation about traditional banquet rituals. Afterward, they launched projectiles from the catapult, and a number of them joined guests in dining on traditional banquet foods, including homemade meat pies and potatoes prepared by students in the school kitchen. “We would like to thank both Ransom Brothers and Warner Springs Gliderport for making this catapult project possible for our classes,” said
Lucio. “It was my students’ favorite activity all year, and every student participated in one aspect or another to construct the final catapult used.” The students also learned how to play games from this time period and made their own backgammon game boards and pieces to play with their families during the banquet. As they dined, they played the age-old games and observed what the class had accomplished during their month-long lesson. n
The classmates gather around the finished project.
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December 31, 2015
Ramona Home JournaL 9
Library Sculpture Dedicated to Elyse Kuhn
By Annette Williams ~ the journal
W
hen Friends of the Ramona Library commissioned a new sculpture by artist Leslie Souza that was installed on the library grounds a few months ago, the plan was to surprise Elyse Kuhn by dedicating it in her honor. Kuhn, a longtime president of the Friends organization, was one of the Ramona Library’s biggest supporters for more than three decades.The dedication ceremony
The “Wings of Inspiration” sculpture at Ramona Library was dedicated Dec. 16 in honor of the late Elyse Kuhn.
was held Dec. 16, but Kuhn passed away one week before. Friends President Dr. Michael Barker told those in attendance at the Friends’ business meeting before the dedication that he had met with Kuhn several weeks earlier, showing her pictures of the sculpture and telling her that they would be honoring her for her work. “She was very pleased and surprised,” he said. The sculpture is set in front of the library, surrounded by a grouping of plants and boulders, including one specially engraved with the sculpture’s title, “Wings of Inspiration,” and a dedication to Kuhn. “It’s more than just a sculpture,” said Souza, the artist. “It’s part of something bigger, like the library.” Souza noted that the sculpture’s “living patina” is classy, but not gleaming, and said it is an honor to have her pieces, including her Welcome to Ramona monument, placed throughout Ramona, where she has lived for 27 years. During the presentation ceremony, Barker and leaders from Ramona Library and the county library system talked about Kuhn’s tireless work and unending efforts for more than 30 years — fundraising, holding book sales, writing grant proposals and partnering with County Supervisor Dianne Jacob — and how she finally saw her goal of having a library in Ramona become a reality. San Diego County Library Executive
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In the foreground are Friends of the Ramona Library President Dr. Michael Barker, left, sculpture artist Leslie Souza, center, and Bernie Kuhn, with representatives of Ramona Photos by Annette Williams Library and the country library system.
Director José A. Aponte spoke about Kuhn’s dream for a new library. “I dreamt it with her,” he said. “But the committee did the heavy lifting. When we talk about the library today, we talk about Elyse Kuhn. She was fearless in the process.” Aponte gave credit to both Elyse and her husband for their efforts. “Bernie drove her to every meeting in the county,” he said, while also commending fellow library supporters Joan Gansert and Dick Wayman. Donna Ohr, deputy director of the San Diego County Library, remembered briefly working at the Ramona branch
Did Your Kitchen Let You Down this Holiday?
Your home works like a Team, and the kitchen is your Quarterback. How did your kitchen perform in the Big Game this past Holiday Season? Kitchen performance is especially important when family and friends are visiting and the pressure is on. You may have experienced any or all of the following problems: failing appliances, cramped quarters, traffic jams, inadequate prep space, and messy, old-fashioned countertops that are impossible to keep clean. At some point, it becomes painfully obvious, something needs to be done! But what is the first step to understanding your repair options? No doubt you are asking yourself, how much is this going to cost, and where do I start? Kitchen Barn Offers Free Advice! Take advantage of us. . . Most people will have one chance to remodel a kitchen in their entire life, and the learning curve is pretty steep. The smart shopper will look for someone they trust with previous experience to lead them through the process. Though price is an important consideration, unless you have had some recent experience working with kitchen design, Featuring: &
10 Ramona Home Journal
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library and said the sculpture reminds her of Kuhn. “Its formidable spirit fits her to a T,” said Ohr. “I’m still processing that she is gone. I am comforted by the fact that we have a wonderful staff and community, and a living library that continues. Elyse put that foundation in place.” “Without Elyse’s perseverance, who knows if this library would be a reality today,” said Barker. “The legacy of Elyse Kuhn is not just this wonderful building. The Friends of the Ramona Library will continue to do the work that she helped to start.” n
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Varsity Song Team Wins at Winter Classic
Rotary Honors Students
Ramona Rotary Club honored its Students of the Month for December. From left are Montecito High School teacher John Chan and student Marissa Lane; Mountain Valley Academy student Anne Kaiser and teacher Debbie Ray; Ramona High School student Sophia Mittman and teacher Liz Schaude; and Rotary Club President Bob Murray. Photo by Olivia Rochelle
RHS Varsity Song Team members are, top row from left, Coach Kimi Hennessy, Brante Roe, Maren Bagshaw, Brooke Hurtado, Emily Shohara, Ariana Jaramillo, Trinity Bellamy and Coach Erika Peterson, and bottom row, Kylah Dugan, captains Jessica Middleton Photo Courtesy of Erika Peterson and Hayley Weber, and Ami Waldhauser.
T
he Ramona High School Varsity Song Team attended the U.S. Spiritleaders Winter Classic competition Dec. 12 in Orange County, where the group competed in two divisions: varsity pom and varsity variety.The team earned first place in the variety competition and second in pom. In addition, they were presented the etiquette award, one of only two judges awards, for being respectful and kind throughout the event. “The coaches were most proud to
see their dancers beginning to reach out and talk to competitors and become friends with them,” said Coach Erika Peterson. “Their sportsmanship was very impressive, and we couldn’t have been prouder.” The team is performing their competition routines during RHS basketball games and will compete Jan. 24 in Newport Beach at the National Dance Alliance SoCal Spirit Classic. n
Senior Sleigh Ride
A motorized sleigh owned by Bill and Judy Bryant is a frequent sight around town during the Christmas season. The sleigh, with Bill behind the wheel, made a stop a few weeks before Christmas at Ramona Senior Center, where guests hopped aboard for a joyful ride. Photo by Annette Williams
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‘Biggest Year’ for Post Office
R
amona Postmaster Laura Lewis stepped into the top position on Nov. 1, right before the holidays, and reported that this year’s busy season brought a dramatic increase in volume for Ramona Post Office. “This is the biggest year I can ever remember in the parcel volume,” Lewis said a few days before Christmas. “We are receiving more than 5,000 parcels per day, seven days a week.” She shared a few photos to prove her point, with images of packages stacked high, mail delivery personnel with loaded trucks, and clerks working on a
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new parcel acceptance scanning system installed in Ramona just for the season. “It’s working great,” she said. “We are delivering from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. every day.” And that included Sunday deliveries, as well. Lewis is a 31-year veteran of the U.S. Postal Service, who previously served 18 years as postmaster of the Julian Post Office. Before starting as Ramona Postmaster, she spent a few years in the retail division of the Postal Service, traveling throughout the entire Pacific area, including Guam. n
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Holiday Gifts for Homebound Clients Serving Ramona and the Backcountry Since 1983 The Ramona Food and Clothes thanks all the businesses, organizations, schools and youth groups who participated in the “Share Your Christmas” program, which ensured that 421 children received toys, games and stocking stuffers while their families received food boxes, fully cooked meals and mom beauty bags. As part of their Christmas outreach this year, Century 21 Award agents visited Ramona Senior Center Dec. 10 and enjoyed lunch before dropping off gifts for about 75 homebound clients served by the Ramona Meals on Wheels program. Photo by Annette Williams
Thank You To All Who Donated
Groups also providing gifts were the Thomsen Learning Center, who joined with Century 21 Award agent Karen Domnitz to fill one client’s entire wish list. Pictured are the children, parents and staff of the learning center, including owner Pam Thomsen, pictured in the middle row, right, with Domnitz behind her. Photo Courtesy of Karen Domnitz
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A Classic Tale ACE Hardware Affordable Treasures Albertsons Bank of Southern California Barnett Elementary Big 5 Bisher Meats Boy Scout Pack 691 Century 21 Award Country Wine & Spirits (in town and Estates) D’Carlos Restaurant Dunkin’ Donuts & Baskin Robbins El Michoacan Girl Scout Troop 2148, 8009 & 8337 Hanson Lane Elementary Hay Co-Op James Dukes Elementary Jewelry World & Loan Kamps Propane Knights of Columbus LDS Church Mission Santa Ysabel Mount Woodson Elementary Ntrepid Corporation Olive Peirce Middle School Order of the Arrow-Pischk Chapter Pamo Valley Winery Tasting Room
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December 31, 2015
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Ramona Home JournaL 13
Local Wineries Earn Grand Harvest Awards
T
hree local wineries were honored in Vineyard & Winery Management’s 25th Annual Grand Harvest Awards.They were selected from a pool of nearly 1,500 entries submitted from throughout the United States and as far away as New Zealand. Ramona Ranch Winery’s Tannat was awarded best-inclass and double-gold; its
Sangiovese Reserve received a gold; and its Merlot, a silver. Altipiano Vineyard and Winery received silver awards for two Sangiovese wines and a bronze for Merlot, and Lenora Winery was awarded silvers for dessert wine and a Sauvignon Blanc Blend, and bronze for Cabernet Sauvignon. Judges included winemakers, wine buyers, distributors, media
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personnel and other wine industry professionals who not only recognized the best wine submissions, but possessed the level of knowledge and expertise needed to assess the wine’s terroir, according to Vineyard & Winery Management’s Debra Del Fiorentino, director of wine competitions. All three wineries are members of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association. n
To show his appreciation to the Ramona community, Nicholas Deseno, right, of MJN Real Estate, held an iPad giveaway drawing this month, and Annette Williams, left, was selected as the winner. Deseno made the presentation two days before Christmas. Photo by Carol Kinney
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COMMENTARY: I wanted to share a truly amazing Christmas gift that someone gave to many families in Ramona. I, along with many other Ramona families, were blessed by a Christmas angel. I had items put on layaway for my son, and on Saturday, Dec. 19, I received a phone call from a Kmart employee that someone had come and paid my layaway, and I could come pick up my items. This had me in tears! Such a wonderful gift from a complete stranger. When I went to pick up my items, I asked the employee if she knew who the angel was. She said she did, but he didn’t want anyone to
know who he was. This Christmas angel blessed many families by paying off $1,000 worth of layaway items for children. I asked if there was some way I could write him a card and thank him for his beautiful act of kindness, and the employee said he wished to remain anonymous. So I’d like to be able to thank this man for his gift. Thank you, Hannah Buggè
Chamber Presents Grant to Montecito High School Call Kathleen at Your Local Ramona Office
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Ramona Chamber of Commerce gave $2,000 from its Educational Grant Program to Montecito High School’s trade skills training program to help with the cost of Paxton/Patterson construction training. From left are Montecito High School Principal Dave Lohman, Chamber Director Bob Murray, Montecito High School teacher Nick Jordan, and Directors Darrel Kinney, Patrick Osio, Jason DeLeo, Amber Ramirez and Photo by Carol Kinney Robert Krysak, and Executive Director Joe Stupar.
Coast Guard Boat Checks Available Locally
Ramona boaters who are interested in having a vessel safety check at their home and obtaining a 2016 safety decal may schedule appointments with the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. A representative from Mission Bay Flotilla 1-5 is available to help take care of boating safety needs and update local residents on changes or new requirements in federal
or state boating regulations, according to Public Affairs Officer Paul Stein. Other boating literature will be made available. To ensure passage of the safety inspection, the Coast Guard says boaters should be prepared for the examiner to check the registration and numbering, life jackets, navigation lights, ventilation, distress signals, fire extinguishers,
battery cover and connections, backfire flame arrester, sanitation device, fuel system, electrical system and galley. Depending on local interest, a boating safety and seamanship and “suddenly in command” workshop may be presented at Ramona Library. To schedule a safety check, call Stein at 760-505-2596 or email paul.stein@natuniv. edu. n December 31, 2015
RMWD Dedicates Two New Projects in Country Estates
By Ruth Lepper ~ the journal
R
amona Municipal Water District ended the year on a positive note with dedications of two major projects that were recently completed. General Manager David Barnum called the Dec. 18 public ceremony a “double-header dedication” during a combined water board special meeting and field trip to the San Vicente Water Reclamation Plant and Fire Station No. 81, both located in San Diego Country Estates. One of the key factors of the Reverse Osmosis No. 3 facility, housed at the Water Reclamation Plant, is its design to save money on brine hauling. Currently, 2.5 gallons of water run through the system every minute. Eventually, it will increase to 3.5 gallons per minute. “That’s about a truckload,” Jim Anderson, operations manager at the San Vicente Water Reclamation Plant, said. He further explained the new system eliminates the need for hauling brine out of town. Anderson praised contractor Paul Benold for his dedication to the project. “He pretty much did all the work here single-handedly,” Anderson said. The general manager said the reverse osmosis system will save the district an estimated $700,000 annually. The total cost of the system was $150,000, including a grant of about $75,000.
Director Jim Hickle looks through a microscope, as samples bottles are on display, showing the stages the water goes through during the reverse osmosis process.
“What this project does is, first, it produces more recycled water,” Barnum said. “Secondly, it reduces the brine hauling.” Following the ceremony at the reverse osmosis system, the group moved on to Fire Station No. 81, where the station’s bay extension was dedicated by the directors and Fire Battalion Chief Steve Foster. The extension added 380 square feet
Dedication of the extended bay at Fire Station No. 81 in San Diego Country Estates was attended by, from left, contractor Ryan Mikha, architect Jim Nicoloff, Director Thomas Ace, Battalion Chief Steve Foster and directors Darrell Beck, Jim Hickle and Thomas Ace. Photos by Tiffany Friend
to the bay that houses the fire engines. Previously, the rear door of the station could not be closed due to the long length of the trucks. The roof also had to be replaced due to normal wear and tear over the past 38 years. The station was originally built in 1977. “The firefighters don’t have any complaints; they love it,” Chief Foster said at the conclusion of the ceremony. Jim Nicoloff, the original architect for Station No. 81, was called out of retire-
ment to complete the extension project. He attended the dedication ceremony, along with contractor Ryan Mikha, of New Visions Building & Design. The cost of the project was budgeted for $255,000. It was completed in less than three months. The next public dedication ceremony for RMWD will be for the Santa Maria clarifier project, expected to be completed in January or February. n
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Ramona Home JournaL 15
Kelsey Markee Receives Local and Countywide VFW Honor
V
eterans of Foreign Wars Post 3783 recognized six exceptional students from Ramona High School, Mountain Valley Academy and Olive Peirce Middle School who wrote winning essays submitted to the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy scholarship program. Mountain Valley Academy student Kelsey Markee received two top honors, with a win at the local level and another first-place award against competitors selected by 29 Posts throughout San Diego and Imperial counties. Since 1947, the Veterans of Foreign Wars has promoted patriotism and an opportunity for students to express themselves in support of democratic ideals and principles through the VFW’s annual essay program. Middle school students write a 300- to 400-word essay,
with this year’s theme being “What Freedom Means to Me.” High school students wrote essays and recorded an audio speech on the theme “My Vision for America.” After receiving 63 Patriot’s Pen essays and seven Voice of Democracy submissions, the judges for the Ramona VFW competition were hard-pressed to select three finalists in each program. This year’s Voice of Democracy winner was Kiana Carlstrom, with Elizabeth Dean placing second, and Brayden Lessler placing third. In addition to Kelsey Markee, Patriot’s Pen honors went to second-place winner Isabel Cervantes, and third-place winner Emily Balch. Kelsey’s essay has been submitted to the state competition.
What Freedom Means To Me
dying to get the freedoms we have. But every year on the anniversary of my adoption day, I am reminded how lucky I am to be an American. You see, I was born in Tver, Russia, 6,021 miles from my current home in California. My mom and dad brought me into our family when I was a baby. So even though I am growing up as an American, I was born a Russian, and I immigrated to the USA. My life would have been very different if I stayed in Russia. To begin with, the people have very little choice over their government and who represents them. Elections are not always fair. Censorship is also common in communication, news, radio and
By Kelsey Markee
“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” — Emma Lazarus Many Americans take the freedoms we have for granted. They forget that in many parts of the world, people are
Mountain Valley Academy student Kelsey Markee is the first-place award winner at the local and county levels in the VFW Patriot’s Pen program. From left are Kelsey’s grandparents Scott and Nora Milner; VFW Auxiliary member JJ Lemire; Patriot’s Pen Chairperson Diana Kulhancik; VFW District President Lupe Duggins; Kelsey Markee; Mountain Valley Academy teacher Stacy Gill; VFW District Commander Larry Ruess; Patriot’s Pen Chairman Matt Foster; and Ramona VFW Post Commander Doug Scholl. Photo Courtesy of Ramona VFW Post 3783
television, so people aren’t able to share what they want. In general, the government has a lot of control over their lives. When I lived in Russia, I was in an orphanage. Had I grown up there, my ability to choose my sports or how I wanted to learn, or maybe what I wanted to become, would have been controlled or very limited. I currently would have the opportunities I have today. Instead, I wake up every morning in the best country ever. Our government allows us to talk openly about our differences. Our Constitution guarantees us freedoms of speech, religion, press, the right to work at any job, and marry
who I choose and have a family. Because of my family, I have the opportunity to choose my school, my sport of riding horses, and what I want to become. In fact, one day I want to represent my country, the USA, in the Olympics. I realize that I am very special and blessed to be chosen for adoption. I have an amazing life here in the USA. I also know that with this blessing comes responsibility, like being kind, gentle, helping others, and to be productive and give back to society. This essay asked what freedom means to me. Freedom means my future! n
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December 31, 2015
Joel Anderson Welcomes Constituents to Open House By Asem Alahmad
O
n Dec. 10, community members congregated at State Senator Joel Anderson’s Holiday Legislative Open House at Toyota of El Cajon. Anderson said he was thrilled to meet his constituents. “I’m grateful to the over 4,000 attendees who came to share their ideas to improve our government. Forty to 60 percent of the bills I introduce come from my constituents, and I look forward to bringing many of their great ideas to the Senate floor next year.” Those who attended had an opportunity not only to present their ideas to improve the government, but also to network with community members and local businesses. Among the attendees from Ramona
was Rodger Dohm, a Ramona Unified School District board member. When asked why he thinks thousands of people show up at Anderson’s Holiday Legislative Open House, Dohm said, “It’s ultimately because they know that Anderson is going to hear their voice, and they know that he’s going to actually do something.” Many attendees presented ideas they had regarding government and legislation and took a few minutes to chat with Anderson. Musicians from the International Academy of Jazz put on a spectacular performance that brightened the mood to even greater heights. Those who were unable to attend this year’s open house are welcome to submit their legislative ideas by calling
Anderson’s office at 619-596-3136 or emailing him at senator.anderson@sen. ca.gov. n
Asem Alahmad is a legislative intern for Senator Anderson and a student at San Diego State University.
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More than 4,000 people attended State Senator Joel Anderson’s Holiday Legislative Open House this month. Photos Courtesy of Toyota of El Cajon
Ramona Unified School District Board Member Rodger Dohm, right, with Anderson, was one of the open house attendees.
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The
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Noted Pianist/Playwright Performs at La Jolla Playhouse Hershey Felder is giving a riveting performance in a special engagement at La Jolla Playhouse. The playwright/ pianist extraordinaire stars in the one-man show, “Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin,” based on Felder’s book and Berlin’s music. Berlin, an American composer who emigrated as a youngster to the United States from Russia, lived to the age of 101. He was active in show business for 64 years, from 1907 to 1971. Felder takes us down memory lane with Berlin from his boyhood until his death in 1989. Photographs and videos add background to Felder’s
performance. At times, Felder engages the audience in a sing-along. Featured songs include “Alexander’s Ragtime Band,” “There’s No Business Like Show Business,”“Blue Skies,”“Always,” “White Christmas” and “God Bless America,” among others. Felder is superb. His performance is spellbinding. His talent is magnificent. The run is limited, ending on Jan. 3. Several performances have been added to the Playhouse’s usual schedule. Call the box office at 858-550-1010 or visit www.lajollaplayhouse.org. n
Upbeat Musical Graces Welk Stage “Meet Me in St. Louis” takes us back to the turn-of-the-century World’s Fair in (where else?) St. Louis, the heart of Missouri, where the Smith family (along with the entire town) is getting ready for the big event. It produced several catchy tunes that remain popular today. The Welk Resort Theatre is staging an upbeat production of “Meet Me in St. Louis” with a cast of 20 very talented men and women. The title tune is perhaps the best remembered, but it also brought us “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,”“The Trolley Song,”“Skip to My Lou” and “The Boy Next Door,” among others. Songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane are not as well remembered. The play is based on “The Kensington Stories,” by Sally Benson, and the movie “Meet Me in St. Louis,” starring Judy Garland. This led to actors now playing the main character in the play to mimic Garland’s movie role. The Smith family is composed of four daughters, one son, mother, father and grandpa. The story evolves around the love lives of the two eldest daughters, Agnes and Esther.
The cast of “Meet Me in St. Louis.”
Love, back in those days, didn’t blossom as quickly, or as freely, as it does today, so the girls have to help it along if they are to catch their beaus. When Father comes home with a big announcement — they are moving to New York City — the family is in a tizzy. Chelsea Emma Franko stars as daughter Esther. Katelyn Katz plays the older sister Agnes, who is in love with the wealthy Warren Sheffield, played by Drew Grant. Esther has her sights set on John Truitt, the boy next door, played by Luke Monday. Youngster Maxine Sutton steals a few scenes as Tootie Smith. Sarah Errington rounds out the quartet of daughters as Rose Smith. Son Lon is played
Richardson
Photo by Ken Jacques
by Fisher Kaake. Gary Gordon is a hoot as Grandpa. Susan Boland does a mean Irish jig as Katie, the maid. Mother and Father are played by Wendy Waddell and Eric Hellmers. Director Larry Rubin brings it all together, along with the choreographic talents of Karl Warden and musical direction of Justin Gray. Producer is Joshua Carr. The singing is stupendous; the dancing is unbeatable. The well-rounded production is definitely an audience-pleaser for the holiday season. The show runs through January 2016 at Welk Resort Theatre in Escondido. Call 888-802-SHOW. n
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Ramona Home JournaL 19
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