0 neighbors march 2018

THE PAPER THAT BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

March into Spring Supporting Independent Businesses in Southwest Riverside County Since 1998

MARCH 2018 - FREE

Easter Egg Hunts Circus Vargas is Back Digifesttm Pet Adoptions

Happy St. Patrick’s Day March Gardening Checklist Power up with Plant Protein How to Take Photos of Hummingbirds How to Talk to your Kids About School Shootings Table of Contents Page 6 25a “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

~ Matthew 6:25a -27

www.facebook.com/neighbors.news

Rejoice He is Risen!

www.NeighborsNewspaper.com

Find us on

Facebook

MARCH 2018

PAGE 5

Digifesttm Temecula Brings Innovation and Hollywood to the Temecula Valley

What upcoming festival celebrates Riverside County’s Innovation Month and also attracts renowned speakers from Hollywood? The answer is JDS Creative Academy’s second annual Digifesttm Temecula, which takes place April 13th –15th at JDS Studios on 28069 Diaz Rd in Temecula, as well as other key locations.

This exciting event features all things digital including film, video, animation, music, games, photography, graphics and comics. Renowned guest speakers from the digital media field will offer thought-provoking special presentations and workshops throughout the weekend. In addition, in celebration of Riverside County’s Innovation Month, the City of Temecula will present the winner of the Temecula City Science Fair, free all-access passes to Digifesttm Temecula and a special Digital Innovator’s award during Digifest’s awards banquet.

Confirmed speakers include John Corser from NBCUniversal, Disney Animation Developer Mike Morris, David Tobin, Television Producer/President & Developer of the Audiojack app, Creative Suite Trainer David Creamer who will present an Adobe After Effects workshop and Corinne Massiah from Fox’s TV Show 911.

The event will also feature a special presentation of the film Marsha Hunt’s Sweet Adversity: The Documentary along with competition entry screenings, digital exhibits, entertainment, and expo vendors.

The event concludes with an industry panel, an awards dinner and entertainment held at Temecula City Hall conference center.

JDS Creative Academy is still offering sponsorship opportunities and all donations are 100% tax deductible. Tickets to the event can be purchased via digifesttemecula.org or at the door.

Ticket fees are: $15.00 for day pass, $25.00 for day pass and workshop, $45 for the awards banquet (which includes industry panel and after-party), $125.00 for an all-access pass.

ABOUT JDS CREATIVE ACADEMY

The mission of the 501c3 nonprofit JDS Creative Academy is to advance education and training in the arts, theatre, music, creative writing, fine art and production art. Their objective is to fulfill the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) requirement per the California Education Core Standard for the Home School, Online School, Traditional School and Trade School populations. JDSCA’s purpose is to enhance the future of the Southwest California Area, our youth, and the arts, as well as the engineering and technological workforce in California and throughout the nation through education, training, and apprenticeship. For more information on JDSCA go to www.jdscreativeacademy.org, contact via email info@jdsca.org, or phone 951 296-6715.

PAGE 6

THANK YOU MARCH 2018

Support Our Local Businesses Alive and Well Natural Healing Center ................32 Animal Friends of the Valley...............................29 AFV Golf Tournament- Fore the Animals ............36 Anthony's Ristorante .........................................12 Artistic Expressions Permanent Makeup............34 Azuza Pacific University ....................................36 Barons Market.....................................................3 Bluegrass Festival ..............................................28 Butterfield Dog Grooming ..................................29 California Technical Academy .............................5 Calvary Murrieta.................................................23 Circus Vargas - Promenade Mall........................27 Coldwell Banker .................................................47 De Portola Wine Trail- Big Red Fest ...................37 Digifest...............................................................19 Easter Egg Hunt Valley Wide Parks .....................8 Empowered to Connect......................................18 Fiber Art Show ...................................................16 First Light Home Care ........................................16 Geri Fit in Wildomar ...........................................17 GI Excellence Inc.................................................2 Grace Evangelical Free .......................................20 Grace Revolution Today Magazine .....................23 Great Oaks H.S. Car Show .................................41 Green Acres Interactive Therapy ........................26 Honeycutt Farms................................................14 Hospice of the Valleys........................................34 Jeweler by Design ..............................................11 Killarneys Irish Pub............................................13 Lamb's Fellowship Easter Egg Hunt ....................9 Lake Elsinore CERT Classes...............................44 Lake Elsinore Outlets Easter Events ....................9 Living Jen ..........................................................35 Maria Vitale Salon ..............................................33 Menifee Bible Church .........................................23 Morton Grabel, Attorney at Law .........................45 My Grannys' Attic ..............................................39 Murrieta Eggstravaganza.....................................8 NAFE Meetings...................................................42 Naughty Pig Gourmet Meats ..............................14 Oak Grove - Evening Under the Oaks .................45 Old Town Temecula Community Theater ............38 Orange Empire Railway Museum .......................25 Passion Life Church ...........................................22 Plumber- Ron Dumas ........................................17 Powers Dentistry ...............................................35 Reality Rally .......................................................41 Revival Christian Fellowshop .............................21 Richard Shuldiner O. D. ....................................17 Seraphim ROAR 5K............................................31 Sizzler ................................................................15 Stater Brothers...................................................48

13

Ireland A Thumbnail Sketch

COMMUNITY

Suzanne Ferguson Atty at Law ...........................40 Swim to Shore ...................................................26 Temecula Valley Chiropractic ............................32 Temecula Newcomers Club................................42 Temecula United Methodist Church ..................42 Temecula Valley Symphony................................43 Valley Wide Volleyball .......................................31 Van Avery Prep ..................................................24

HOME

32

March Gardening Tips

March Gardening Checklist .............................................32 5 Ways to Refresh your Home for Spring........................45

New Restaurant is Toast of the Town ..............................10

A Thumbnail Sketch of Ireland ........................................13 Likes vs Comments on Facebook ...................................44 Photography – Humming Birds .......................................46

DINING

EDUCATION

Digifesttm Brings Innovation ...............................................5 Business Degree Pathway Program................................36

ENTERTAINMENT

Temecula Valley Symphony Calendar .............................12 Circus Vargas is Back......................................................27 Creedence Tribute Band..................................................39 7th Annual Jazz Festival ..................................................39

EVENTS

JUST FOR FUN KIDS

Temecula Special Games ................................................18 Vet Academy at PennyPickles Workshop........................38 Science Friday Nights .....................................................38

PETS

Pet Adoptions of the Month ............................................29

RECIPES

3 vs 3 – March Madness .................................................28 Rod Run in Old Town Temecula ......................................38 Easter Events.....................................................................8

Easter Roasted Leg of Lamb...........................................14 St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef.........................................15 Recipes with lots of Plant Protein ...................................34

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ ....................................20 Love Makes the World Go ‘Round ..................................21

Seminar on Handling Grief ..............................................17

FAITH

FAMILY

SENIORS TEENS

Music Contest Winners ...................................................19

Bruce’s Fairy Tale Ending ................................................24 A Great Parent is a Great Listener...................................26 How to Talk about School Shootings ..............................30

HEALTHY LIVING

Power Up with Plant Protein ...........................................34

ABOUT US | CONTACT US

Publisher Diane Simones Director of Business Development Gino Simones Contributing Editors Susan Montgomery Carol Malin Tracy Williams Pastor John Stewart Joshua Straub PhD Aubrey Masters Chef Daniel Johnson Dick Cronberg

Word Search ......................................................18 Word Search Answer Key...................................18

Circus Vargas

Community Events ..........................................................42 In the News......................................................................43

Theater Royale - Singing in the Rain ...................4 Studio 395- Village on Grand ..............................7

27

Art Director Dorina Blythe, GranDesigns

Contact Us Info@NeighborsNewspaper.com 951-244-7025 Fax: 951-848-9733

Mailing 31566 Railroad Canyon Road, Suite 2-575 Canyon Lake, CA 92587 View current and archive issues at Facebook.com/Neighbors.News

Neighbors Newspaper, a subsidiary of Simones Holdings Inc., is a monthly publication. Reproduction of any material without the expressed written consent of the Publisher is prohibited by law. Opinions contained within are those of the authors and may not reflect the views of the Publisher or any staff members of Neighbors Newspaper and does not constitute any endorsement of information products or services. Neighbors Newspaper is not affiliated with any other publication. Neighbors Newspaper has the right to refuse advertisement and editorial submissions.

FEATURE 8-9 Easter Events

MARCH 2018

PAGE 7

Lifetime Achievement Award Dan Stephenson Each year, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) Executive Board considers Lifetime

Achievement nominees and they proudly announced Dan Stephenson as the recipient of the 2017 Lifetime

Achievement Award at the 52nd Annual Awards Gala.

As a young man, just graduating from USC and

ready to pursue a career, Dan Stephenson’s goals were similar to most. “When we embark upon life, it’s just

LIFE! As we set goals, find a partner, start a career, have a family, the achieve-

ments we strive for don’t seem global but personal. How do I provide for my family? How do I build a life, a career? What does that career look like?” At 25 years of age, Dan was ambitious and excited to excel and succeed in business. And so, it was, in 1968, when he roamed the open territory of the Temecula Valley that he found a dream that could encompass a lifetime.

In 1971, Dan formed Rancho Consultants, a real-estate brokerage and land development company, which later shortened its name to Rancon. He then proceeded to move his family, lock, stock and barrel to this pristine, rustic, location where he was going to make his mark. But now, with a family, making your mark meant not only business opportunities but providing a quality of life for his family and all the families he envisioned wanting to settle in the Temecula Valley.

Dan’s family consists of his wife, six children, 18 grandchildren, a great granddaughter, two sisters that live locally, a niece, two nephews, two grand

nephews and a grandniece. Family is at the core of his motiva-

tion. The agents and staff at Rancon Real Estate, the management team and staff at the

Rancon Group, Chardonnay Escrow, Ranch Self-Storage, as well as all the villagers at Dan’s exciting new

Temecula Valley winery project - Europa Village, are also his family. It is important to him that his family is able to thrive in a

community rich in a high degree of quality of life.

With Dan Stephenson at the helm, the Rancon Group of companies built the first master-planned community, Alta Murrieta, in Southwest Riverside County. He also built one of the Inland Empire’s first master-planned business parks, TriCity Corporate Centre in San Bernardino. During more than four decades of “doing the same thing in the same place” Stephenson has amassed a reputation for spearheading high-quality projects in the area.

PAGE 8

MARCH 2018

EASTER

Easter Events TEMECULA The City of Temecula Hosts Annual Teen Night Light Egg Hunt on Friday, March 23, 2018

The annual teen-only nighttime egg hunt is right around the corner! Grab your 13 to 18 year old friends, baskets, and flashlights then hop on over to Kent Hintergardt Memorial Park (31465 Via Cordoba) for the Free Teen Night Light Egg Hunt on Friday, March 23, 2018 from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Candy, gift cards, and electronics are just some of the eggstravagant prizes you may win. Dancing and activities begin at 8:00 pm and the hunt begins promptly at 8:30 pm. Everyone in attendance is eligible for community service hours needed for graduation. #teensonly #noparents #whowonthetv For more information, please call the Community Services Department at (951) 694-6480.

Easter Bunny Photos

Come to the Promenade Mall between March 16th and 31st for Easter Bunny Photos. Located at the JCPenney Center Court. Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am – 7pm & Sunday 11am – 6pm

Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, March 31, 2018

How many Easter goodies can you put into an empty basket? You’ll find out when you hop on over to one of our egg hunt sites for an egg-citing Easter celebration. Enjoy music, have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny and be ready to hunt at 10am SHARP! Egg hunt is for children ages 0-12 years.

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM Temeku Hills Park 31367 La Serena Way Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park 32380 Deer Hollow Way Harveston Community Park 28582 Harveston Drive Temecula, CA 92589

Spring Jamboree at Vail Headquarters March 31, 2018

32115 Temecula Parkway, In between Kohl's and Famous Footwear, Temecula, CA 92592. 11am to 4pm. For more information: VailHQ.com • Easter Egg Hunts • Horse Drawn Hay Wagon Rides by Temecula Carriage Company • Carnival Games with Prizes • Free Easter Photo Booth by SetApart4Christ Photo Booths • Petting Zoo • Free Kid’s Craft presented by the Butterfly Garden at Vail Headquarters • Succulent Planting Station by The Milestone Tree • Event is free to attend and all ages!

MARCH 2018

EASTER MURRIETA

Murrieta Spring Eggstravaganza March 31 - Town Square Park 9am to 11am MurrietaCa.gov. See ad on P. 8.

MENIFEE Spring Fest

Saturday March 24th from 10am to 1pm at Mayfield Park located at 26410 Rim Creek Path, Menifee.

The event will include a Kids Zone with jumpers and face painting with a $5 wristband; food and craft vendors, egg hunt, games, photos with the Spring Bunny. For children 0-12 and includes special needs sendory friendly hunt. For more information: www.cityofmenifee.us

VALLEY WIDE PARKS Easter Egg Hunt

March 31, 2018 9:00 am to 12:00 pm Rancho Bella Vista Park, 31757 Browning St., Murrieta. ( 951) 894-1468 FREE EVENT! Come join us at our Diamond Valley Lake Baseball Fields for an Easter Egg Hunt plus guessing games, prize eggs, and raffles. For age 12 and under. See ad on P. 8.

Egg Hunt Times Ages 1-3 @ 10:30 A.M. Ages 4-5 @ 10:35 A.M. Ages 6-9 @ 10:40 A.M. Ages 10-12 @ 10:40 A.M. **Please bring your own basket.

PAGE 9

MARCH 2018

PAGE 10

New Restaurant is the Toast of the Town

By Susan Montgomery

Toast is such a perfect name for this new restaurant in Temecula. Toast features an innovative brunch (toast anyone?) and lunch menu. And you can “toast” your meal with creative craft coffees or inventive craft cocktails.

We recently met with one of the owners of Toast, Kim Leigh, and the restaurant’s general manager, Celeste Walker. Both women are personable, enthusiastic, and passionate about serving unique and delicious dishes to their happy customers. This is not your typical hash browns and omelet breakfast joint.

The dishes are imaginative while being satisfying and tasty.

Toast opened in December, 2017, and is owned by Ricky and Kim Leigh, who are also the owners of popular 1909 in Old Town Temecula, and also by (L) Kim Leigh, Owner and (R) Celeste Ricky’s parents, Rick and Danti Leigh.

Walker, General Manager It’s a family affair with everyone contributing their own expertise. The elder Rick Leigh actually designed and constructed the stylish furniture in the restaurant. We were very impressed with the sleek, “industrial chic” design of the benches, booths, chairs and tables made of wood and metal. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable with a modern vibe and a friendly ambiance.

A major feature of Toast is its enticing menu of coffee selections. Coffee is also available “to go” for those on their way to work or their days’ activities. Toast’s location right by the entrance to the I-15 makes picking up coffee a snap. All the coffee brewed at Toast comes from Abide Coffee Roasters based in Yucaipa, California. Ten percent of every bag of coffee purchased is donated to a local charitable organization dedi-

cated to people in need. Coffee is purchased directly from traders who work with small family farmers to improve their living conditions. Abide’s motto is “Love People Through Coffee.” Kim points out that they chose Abide as their coffee source in great part because of its charitable commitment.

The coffee choices are tempting. I tried the Honey Lavender Cappuccino and savored its lovely flavor combinations. We also tried the Pour Over when talented barista, Seth Visocky, brewed the coffee right in front of us, pouring hot water over freshly ground coffee. It was fun to watch the dripping coffee and the result was delectable. There are a variety of coffee choices, including Vanilla Ice Charcoal Matcha, Vietnamese Coffee, and even a cute tiny cup for kids called Babyccino that isn’t really coffee but, with milk, whipped cream and sprinkles, it’s very appealing to little ones who can enjoy having a “cuppa” with their parents.

Toast’s menu also includes some tempting cocktails that have been created by the staff. I would like to return and try the Cucumber Blue Mule and the Booyah Blackberry.

We did try the Farmhouse Bloody Mary, which is literally breakfast in a glass, with inhouse smoked beef bacon, a breaded sausage meatball, a deep fried blue cheese olive, smoked cheddar, pickled asparagus, pickled garlic and pepperoncini. I consider myself a bloody mary connoisseur and this is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Wines and beers are also available and they’re almost all from local wineries and breweries.

Kim and Celeste emphasized that they like keeping their sources within the community. As much as possible, their produce, fish and meat come from local vendors.

Their menu is overseen by a team of chefs—Carlos Martinez, Anthony Castillo and Marcial Quintero—who are also part of the 1909 team and collaborate to create and serve dishes that are delicious, consistent, and beautifully presented.

The Crème Brulee French Toast was heavenly with fluffy thick toast and a scrumptious sauce.

The Smoked Veggie Benedict is served on a potato cake, with poached eggs, smoked red bell pepper, asparagus, snap peas, alfalfa sprouts and a classic hollandaise sauce.

Kim emphasizes that Toast’s food is eclectic, unique and inventive. You will not find similar dishes in any other restaurant in Temecula. We sampled a variety of Toast’s most popular dishes and, without exception, they were wonderful. The Crème Brulee French Toast was heavenly with fluffy thick toast and a scrumptious sauce. I also loved the Avocado Toast, which would be perfect for breakfast or lunch if you want a light tasty dish. It was enticingly presented on squaw toast on a bed of alfalfa sprouts with crunchy watermelon radish, a tiny quail egg, grape tomatoes, and queso fresco.

I also loved the Taco ‘Bout It. These light corn tortillas were brim full of crispy yellowtail, mixed cabbage, a lime cream sauce, pico de gallo, and queso fresco. The flavor combinations were so delightful that this just might become my go-to item on the Toast menu. But my husband (a burger man) was more inclined toward the magnificent Radical Stack. Wait until you hear about all the ingredients: pork belly, ham, a burger patty, roasted tomato, smoked cheddar cheese, sausage jam, fried egg, and hash browns all served on a brioche bun with a savory bourbon maple aioli. “Wow” is all I can say.

Toast also features a variety of benedicts if you are looking for a more traditional breakfast, although these benedicts are a bit out of the ordinary. The Reuben Benedict and the Crab Cake Benedict were appealing, but we were glad we tried the Smoked Veggie Benedict, which was served on a potato cake, with poached eggs, smoked red bell pepper, asparagus, snap peas, alfalfa sprouts and a classic hollandaise sauce. There are a variety of other items on the menu appealing to those looking for vegan, vegetarian or gluten-free dishes. There are even gluten-free crepes and pancakes.

MARCH 2018 There are many more intriguing items on the menu. There is even a beer and bacon flight, which I will treat my beer and bacon-loving son to when he is in town soon. I also look forward to trying the Shrimp and Grits and the Chilaquiles Verde. It is important to note that everything at Toast is made from scratch. There are no premade sauces or syrups here. For example, the raspberry syrup is made each morning from muddled raspberries.

Toast is also kid-friendly. The morning we were there several families were enjoying breakfast. There is a kids’ menu with special items and kids all receive a placemat to color, crayons, and Wiki Sticks. Bar top high chairs are available for the higher tables.

Although Toast has done very little promotion since it opened a few months ago, it always seems to be busy and sometimes has lines waiting to be seated. (It is definitely worth the wait.) In addition to its delicious food, one reason for the restaurant’s success is its friendly and welcoming staff who always put the customer first. Kim says they try to hire the best staff and promote from within as much as possible. They offer staff opportunities to work at both 1909 and Toast and many staff members move back and forth between both restaurants.

Toast’s dedicated General Manager, Celeste Walker, is a good example. She

The Farmhouse Bloody Mary is breakfast in a glass.

was first hired as a chef at 1909 and soon the owners saw her management potential. When Toast opened, she became its GM. She says, “I love working here. I love the people I work with and it is wonderful to see the reactions of customers and the amazed looks on their faces when they try our food.”

As if the food and drinks were not enough of a reason to visit Toast, we were so impressed with the restaurant’s commitment to the community. Kim emphasizes, “We believe in giving back.”

As the mother of two small children and a former teacher and assistant school principal, Kim emphasizes that both restaurants donate to non-profits, particularly those supporting children and education. Each holiday season, 1909 holds a toy drive in conjunction with Toys

The Radical Stack, the name says it all.

PAGE 11 for Tots and this year Toast will join in this endeavor. Both restaurants are now teaming up with Temecula Valley transition programs where young adults with disabilities are hired and trained. In addition, the restaurants are also now working with Riverside County to employ veterans through a veterans’employment program.

Toast serves breakfast and lunch from 6:00 am until 3:00 pm, seven days a week. It is located at 31093 Temecula Parkway in a nicely developing shopping area.

Photographs by Todd Montgomery.

Barista Seth Visocky brewed coffee at our table.

PAGE 12

Dining

MARCH 2018

Temecula Valley Symphony & Symphony Chorus 2018 Calendar Mar. 17, 2018 – Sat. 2:00 pm – “CLASSIC MYSTERY TOUR”- The World’s Premier Beatles Tribute Show! complete with a full

60-piece Symphony. From early Beatles’ music on through their solo years, Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles like you’ve never heard them! Hands-down, this show beats all other tributes that only feature a 4piece band. (Golden Bears Theater, Temecula Valley High School) Free concert sponsored by the City of Temecula Community Services Department. The program features kid-friendly programming, including the narrated tale “Goldilocks and the Three Bears!” Enjoy Hoe-Down, music from Frozen, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Harry Potter, Frozen, Beauty and the Beast, the Wizard of Oz and more. Kids are invited to our Musical Instrument Petting Zoo after the concert. (Community Rec Center – in Ronald Reagan Sports Park)

Mar. 25, 2018 – Sun. 3:00 pm – “CARNIVAL OF MUSIC” –

April 14, 2018 – Sat. 2:00 pm – “MEDITERRANEAN ODYSSEY” – Featuring Spanish Dancers from Flamenco del Sol perform-

ing with the Symphony on Lady of Spain and España Cañi. Plus, Roman Carnival Overture by Berlioz and film music from Casablanca and Lawrence of Arabia. The program also includes performances by the winner(s) of the 2018 Young Artist Competition. (Gershwin Performing Arts Center, Murrieta Mesa High School)

April 21, 2018 – Sat. 4:00 pm – “WITH ONE VOICE”

presented by Temecula Valley Symphony Chorus at Grace Presbyterian Church, Temecula. For tickets call 951492-0565.

May 19, 2018 – Sat. 2:00 pm – “CHAMPIONS” –

Temecula Valley Symphony & Chorus present Verdi’s Triumphal March from the opera Aida. Enjoy Princess Leia’s Theme, Selections from the movie Spartacus and the Theme from the Magnificent Seven. (Golden Bears Theater, Temecula Valley High School)

TEMECULA VALLEY SYMPHONY is a 60-member or-

chestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, John Mario Di Costanzo. The Symphony produces numerous concerts throughout the year and takes pride in offering “Symphonic Music with A New Twist.” Our concert programs include exciting selections from movies, an-

imated films, Broadway, operas, epic classics, works featuring our Symphony Chorus, and refreshing compositions by living composers. We aim to provide you with a memorable concert experience that includes large screen projections and humorously delivered program notes presented live from the podium by John Mario.

Call 951-587-1536 for more info or visit www.TemeculaValleySymphony.org We’re not your ordinary stuffy symphony. Come and join the experience of Music, Art, & Passion!

MARCH 2018

PAGE 13

Dining

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Time for Wearin’ of the GREEN! A Thumbnail Sketch of Ireland

By Robin Wayland

The history of Ireland begins in 2000 BCE with the molding of the Balleybeg style flat axes and the mining of copper at Ross Island, Killarney, both of which heralded the rich history of this beautiful Emerald Island for millennia to follow. The Common Era began with defensive ditch digging between Ulster and Connacht and for nearly two thousand years, Irish history bounces from battle to famine to plague to drought and back again. It is a wonder that there are any survivors at all.

The Vikings were to first to invade and conquer in the late 790s where they remained until 1014 when their political power declined. Henry II of England arrived in 1171 and Anglo-Norman rule was in effect for nearly eight hundred years, despite frequent revolts, uprisings and outright wars.

Ireland survived a drought in 1252, an earthquake in 1490, the plague in 1575, and the Great Irish Famine of 1845 that last for four years and brought the little island to its knees. One million died and one million emigrated, dropping the population by 25%.

The English rule quelled any ideas for Irish sovereignty and self-determination. From the rallies by Edward Bruce of the Scottish Bruce clan against AngloNorman control in 1315, to the Papal Bull declaring Elizabeth I heretical to the Catholic Church in 1570, to the Irish Rebellions of 1641 and 1798, there would be little peace in Ireland, until the end of the “Troubles” in 1985 with an Anglo-Irish agreement.

Since 1995, Ireland has had a period of unparalleled peace and thus economic growth. Those Ballybeg axes are finally buried and left to its own devices, Ireland had flourished. The Irish people have been saying this for centuries.

This is the country that gave the world great Yeats, and James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and C. S. Lewis, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. Musicians such as Bono, Sinéad O’Connor, Van Morrison and the incomparable Gilbert O ‘Sullivan. Then there is James Galway whose dulcet flute tones clear the head and settle the nerves. We have a decade of Riverdance which set the foot a tapping and makes everyone love the rhythmic beat of a great Irish tune.

The annual observance of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, gives the world a day of Irish cultural celebration, of all things green and gorgeous, but perhaps we should keep in mind the fact that this island fought back every disaster life could throw at them, sometimes two at a time, and the people of this

beautiful land still hold fast to their culture, their language, their heritage, and their fierce pride in the face of imminent drought, death, and disaster.

Éirinn go Brách, Ireland until eternity.

Ireland you have earned it!

PAGE 14

Dining

MARCH 2018

Easter Roasted Leg of Lamb Recipe

2. The next day, preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Spread onions on the bottom of a roasting pan. Remove lamb from the marinade, rinse and pat dry. Set aside.

Ingredients

Marinade: 1 (16 ounce) container plain yogurt 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed 1/2 head garlic, peeled and smashed 1 1/2 lemons, zested 1/2 (6 pound) leg of lamb

For roasting: 5-8# Colorado Bone-In Leg of Lamb 2 large onions, quartered 1/4 cup olive oil 3 tablespoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons ground black pepper 4 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped 1/2 bunch fresh parsley, stems removed 1/2 head garlic 1 1/2 lemons, zested Directions

1. Mix yogurt, 4 sprigs of rosemary, 1/2 bunch of parsley, smashed garlic, and zest of 1 1/2 lemons in a large bowl. Place the leg of lamb in the yogurt mixture and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for 24 to 48 hours.

3. Place olive oil, salt, pepper, 4 sprigs of rosemary, 1/2 bunch of parsley, 1/2 head of garlic, and zest of 1 1/2 lemons in a food processor. Process until the mixture becomes a smooth paste.

Rub leg of lamb with the paste, and place on top of the onions in the roasting pan.

4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Continue baking until desired doneness, 40 to 50 minutes for medium. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 135-140 degrees F Pre-order your bone-in or boneless USA Raised Leg of Lamb at the Naughty Pig Butchery 951-677-1372

Aluminum foil can be used to keep food moist, cook it evenly, and make clean-up easier.

Tip

MARCH 2018

Dining

St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef

Feeds 4-5 You can also serve Horseradish on the side

Ingredients 4 pounds “Russak” corned beef brisket water to cover 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into 6 wedges 12 small red potatoes, halved 1 pound small white onions, peeled 6 large carrots, peeled and cut in chunks Sauce 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream 2 tablespoons coarse Dijon mustard Directions

1. Place corned beef in a 6-quart Dutch oven or heavy pot and pour in enough water to cover beef by 2 inches. Bring water to a boil, skimming the liquid occasionally to remove fat from top. Reduce heat to mediumlow, cover Dutch oven with a lid, and simmer for 2 hours.

2. Arrange cabbage, potatoes, onions, and carrots around beef and return liquid to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low, cover Dutch oven, and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 40 minutes. Transfer beef to a serving platter, reserving 1 1/2 cups cooking liquid. Surround meat with the vegetables.

3. SAUCE: Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk flour into melted butter until dissolved and bubbling, about 1 minute. Add reserved cooking liquid and vinegar to butter-flour mixture; cook, stirring frequently, until sauce is slightly thickened, about 4 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and whisk sour cream and mustard into sauce.

Serve sauce alongside corned beef and vegetables.

Prep 15 minutes Cook Time 2 hours:45 Min Total time 3 hours

Pre-order your Corned Beef at the Naughty Pig Butchery 951-677-1372

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

MARCH 2018

SENIORS

Applications Being Accepted for Senator Stone’s Veterans Service Award

Nominations are now being accepted from individuals and groups for the 2018 Veterans Service Awards presented by State Senator Jeff Stone (RRiverside County).

The awards are given annually to 10 military veterans from the 28th Senate District who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help their fellow veterans and members of the community.

Senator Stone will present the awards at separate ceremonies held in Southwest Riverside County and the Coachella Valley in late May. "We owe our veterans a debt that can never be repaid," said Senator Stone. "This award is just a small token of our thanks and appreciation for what they have done, not only during their time in uniform, but after they returned home."

Veterans groups, such as American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars Posts, are encouraged to nominate a member of their organization for the award and individuals can also nominate worthy veterans.

The deadline to submit applications is April 20, 2018.

Award recipients must be residents of the 28th District, which is entirely in Riverside County and includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Wildomar.

Applications and more information are available at www.Senate.Ca.Gov/Stone - and by calling the Senator's District Office in the Coachella Valley in Indio (760-398-6442) and Southwest Office in Murrieta. (951-894-3530).

Jeff Stone represents California's 28th Senate District. The district, which is entirely in Riverside County, stretches from the vineyards of the Temecula Valley to the Colorado River and includes the cities of Blythe, Canyon Lake, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, Indian Wells, Indio, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, Murrieta, Temecula, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Wildomar.

For more information visit: www.Senate.ca.gov/Stone or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SenatorJeffStone.

SENIORS! WANT TO GET STRONGER? HAVE BETTER BALANCE? THEN GERI-FIT® IS FOR YOU! Come join the fun at Kay Ceniceros Senior Center in Menifee on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 3 p.m. for a 45-minute, low-impact, full body session, with no floor work. GERI-FIT® is an evidence-based, proven program that will improve your strength, balance and flexibility.

Only $48 for eight classes, or FREE to SilverSneakers® and Silver & Fit® members. Bring a pair of light weights (2- or 3-lbs), a stretch band and a bottle of water. Classes also available Wednesday and Friday at 9 a.m., and in Temecula. Call 888-437-4348 Ext 1 today to register.

Soon you’ll be hearing, “Grandma’s got MUSCLES!”

MARCH 2018

SENIORS

PAGE 17

Michelle’s Place Hosts Educational Seminar On Handling Grief

Michelle's Place Breast Cancer Resource Center is hosting an educational seminar, Grief Like Water, presented by Lisa Ritter, LMFT, on Tuesday, March 6th at 6:30 pm. Ritter will be discussing how to handle grief, loss, and change with grace, and the occasional meltdown.

Often we’re not sure how to handle or talk these changes, especially when everyone else seems to be sailing in a smooth harbor. We may find ourselves confronted with an unexpected illness, divorce, job change, the death of a loved one, or all of the above. Inspired by observations in professional and personal life, Lisa has been taking note of common themes and cultural reactions to grief. This seminar will show you how to know when you're stuck and how to navigate life's grievances.

Lisa Ritter is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist. She has a practice in Temecula where she offers tailor-made counseling, coaching, and consulting services.

This seminar is open to the public.

To RSVP visit, www.michellesplace.org/seminar-rsvp.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 18

Temecula Special Games Saturday, April 14, 2018 - 9:30 am - 1:00 pm

Do your best and BE your BEST! Register today for the 10th annual Temecula Special Games. Special Games were designed for athletes of all ages with developmental disabilities. Event includes opening ceremonies, non-competitive games and sporting events, lunch and awards The City of Temecula and the Temecula Valley Unified School District are proud to be sponsoring the 9th anniversary of Temecula Special Games. This event will be open to athletes of all ages with developmental disabilities. Athletes will be participating in opening Did you find all of the words ceremonies, non-competitive games that have to do with and sporting events, sponsored Shades of Red from djr lunch and closing ceremonies.

Temecula Special Games will be held on Saturday, April 14th from 9:30am-1pm at Great Oak High School, 32555 Deer Hollow Way.

crimson ruby scarlet wine brick

red cherry rose jam merlot

apple mahogany blood sangria berry

Register to be an Athlete The deadline to register is Friday, April 6th. If you have any questions or need further information please don’t hesitate to contact me, Dawn Adamiak, at dawn.adamiak@temeculaca.gov.

You can also contact Wilhe Augustine at wilhe.augustine@temeculaca.gov. Or by calling Special

WORD SEARCH FOR KIDS FROM A KID

Can you find all of the words that have to do with capricorn aquarius pisces

Constellations aries taurus

gemini cancer

leo virgo

from djr libra scorpio

ophiuchus sagittarius

Events at (951) 694-6480.

Don’t miss out on the fun, register today. The 2018 Temecula Special Games… “Where Everyone’s a Winner”!

Youth Programs at SAFE

Safe Alternatives for Everyone’s Police Activities League Program (PAL) provides youth with activities while building relationships with local law enforcement.

Through interaction with police officers in recreational, educational and athletic activities, young people (ages 5-17) are given the opportunity to form healthy, positive attitudes towards the police, society and the laws police officers uphold. Through the various programs, youth will be giving the chance to work closely with adult mentors, as well as some law enforcement. In addition, many of our teen volunteers will serve as peer mentors.

The annual fee for P.A.L. is $20 which includes a P.A.L. shirt. Fees are negotiable and no one is turned away for inability to pay. All groups meet at the SAFE office 28910 Pujol Street, Temecula CA 92590.

For more information on S.A.F.E.’s services go to www.safefamiliesca.org or call 951.587.3900.

MARCH 2018

Three Local Highschoolers Win in Murrieta Rotary Music Contest

Murrieta Rotary Club’s 2018 music contest winners (from left) Ruth Dunlop, a Murrieta Valley High School junior; Fiona Harley, a freshman at Great Oaks High School, and Moena Parker, a junior from Vista Murrieta High School, were joined by Contest Chair Armando Martinez.

Three local-area high schoolers took top prizes in Murrieta Rotary Club’s annual music contest held on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Murrieta Corps Salvation Army Center. Winners in the contest will move to regional and district competitions this spring.

Moena Parker, a junior at Vista Murrieta High School, took first prize playing Tango Etudes, No. 3 and No. 4, by Astor Piazzolla on her clarinet. First prize earned her $400.

Second place went to Fiona Harley, a Great Oak High School freshman, on the piano and playing Sonata in E Minor, 3rd movement by Joseph Haydn.

Harley earned $250 for her second place accomplishment.

Ruth Dunlop, a junior at Murrieta Valley High School and a vocalist, took third place after singing Bel Piacere by George Friderick Handel and Breathe, in the Heights by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Third place awarded her $100.

“We had an amazing group of 10 students competing, and the results were very close,” said Armando Martinez, chair of the music contest. “We are very thankful for the work the judges put into this, and we are confident that those moving into the advanced contests will do very well.”

Judges for the Murrieta Rotary Club contest were Gregg Cowee from Temecula Valley High School, Christina Del Rosario of Cadenza School of Music and Soohyun Son from Mt. San Jacinto College, Menifee.

The Rotary Club of Murrieta was chartered on April 28, 1992. It is involved in many community and international activities and programs, in cooperation with Rotary International. Club meetings are held Mondays (excepting holidays) at noon at Richie’s Diner, 40651 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, in Murrieta.

Temecula’s Second Annual Teen Art Show Exhibition on Display at the Community Recreation Center on Saturday, March 17, 2018 There will be an Artist Reception on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm exclusive to participating artists. The Teen Art Show will be open to the public on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Experience The Art of Living in Temecula through the eyes of these talented teens.

For more information, please call the Community Recreation Center at (951) 694-6410.

PAGE 19

THE GOOD NEWS

PAGE 20

MARCH 2018

But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. ~ Romans 5:8

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

By Pastor John Stewart

The bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the most important event in history. The Gospel message and the eternal destiny of all Christians rests upon the truth of this historical occurrence. The truthfulness of Christ’s bodily resurrection has been examined, investigated, scorned and denied from every imaginable angle. Yet even with unparalleled scrutiny and effort to disprove this amazing event, no credible historical evidence exists which would invalidate the truth of His literal bodily resurrection. On the other hand, the clear and convincing evidence of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is overwhelming.

The resurrection is a supreme validation of Christ’s deity and the Holy Scriptures, which foretold His coming and resurrection. It also verified Christ’s own personal claims that He would be raised up on the third day; “Jesus . . . said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?” But He was speaking of the temple of His body.” (John 2:19-21) The resurrection serves as irrefutable evidence that Jesus is who He claimed to be – the Son of God. Apart from His resurrection, we have no Savior, no salvation, and no hope of eternal life. As the Apostle Paul said, “if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! (1 Corinthians 15:17). Therefore, we will consider three ways the New Testament highlights the importance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection.

1. Jesus’ resurrection means that His sacrificial death on the cross was sufficient to pay sins penalty, and therefore our sins can be forgiven.

Paul declares in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 that “Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures.” In other words, Paul saw a direct connection between the resurrection of Jesus and the sufficiency of his death to atone for our sins. When Jesus rose again on the third day, it was the public announcement that God was fully satisfied with the sacrificial death of his Son. The Apostle emphasizes the substitutionary character of the death of Christ, who did not die for His own sins. He died for our sins. He died to pay the penalty that our sins deserved. This was all according to the Scriptures. The Scriptures here refer to the Old Testament scriptures, since the New Testament was not yet in written form.

The Prophet Isaiah prophesied of a suffering and triumphant Savior, “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one, to his own way; And the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:5-6) Paul punctuated this truth in Romans 4:25, stating that Jesus “was delivered up for our sins and raised up to make us right with God.”

2. Jesus’ resurrection also means that death is defeated once and for all.

Mankind’s greatest fear is death, but as Peter proclaimed on the Day of Pentecost, “God raised (Jesus) up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.” (Acts 2:24). Jesus defeated sin and death. His resurrection also means that He not only defeated death for Himself, but that He also defeated it for us. He died and rose as a new representative for humanity, as the Second Adam. “But now Christ is risen from the dead,” writes Paul, “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since by a man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22) His resurrection guarantees the resurrection of all believing in Him. Arguably, no one has stated this truth more eloquently than C. S. Lewis in his book Miracles: “The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the ‘first fruits,’ the ‘pioneer of life.’ He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so. This is the beginning of the New Creation: a new chapter in cosmic history has been opened.” The empty tomb assures us that sickness and suffering, death and disease will not have the final word. “O Death, where is your sting? . . . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:55a, 57)

(3) The resurrection also means that we can trust the Bible We have already noted that “Christ died for our sins . . . and rose again on the third day, according to the Scriptures”. As Peter stated in the first gospel message of the early church: “For You will not leave my soul in Hades, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” (Acts 2:27). Peter was proving that the resurrection was biblically necessary, citing David’s prophetic word from Psalm 16:10. He argued that in Psalm 16, David couldn’t have referred to himself, but rather to his Son, the Promised Messiah, whom God would raise from the dead. The Old Testament Scriptures were understood by the apostles to foretell the resurrection of Christ and therefore the resurrection of Christ was a biblical necessity.

The resurrection of Christ is foretold in the Old Testament and mentioned over 100 times in the New Testament. It is the main point of each sermon in the Book of Acts. All Christian preaching stands on the truth of a Risen, Living Savior.

The eyewitness accounts, the Biblical record and overwhelming evidence support the truth of His resurrection.

Pastor John Stewart is the Executive Pastor at Revival Christian Fellowship, Menifee, CA.

THE GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2018

PAGE 21

PAGE 21

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ~ Colossians 3:14

Love Makes the World Go Round

By Judy Scharfenberg

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” ~ Philippians 2:3-4

“Love makes the world go ‘round.” We’ve all heard that a million times in our lives, but do we really understand what it means? Because it’s true you see. Love, real love, the love that was meant for us to give to others, is what encourages, comforts, heals broken hearts and broken spirits. There are many hurting people today and they need the touch of a caring hand; they need soothing words; they need a listening ear. Love does make the world go ‘round.

The book of Corinthians in the New Testament, was written by a man who was hunted down; he was persecuted, he came close to death several times, he spent years in prison and there he was chained like an animal. The apostle Paul suffered greatly for his faith. He had every right to be bitter and selfish. He was one who really could say, “I’ve encouraged people, I’ve laid my life down for them and this is what I get for it?”

Corinth was worse than any other city in the ancient Mediterranean. On a hill overlooking the city was the Temple of Aphrodite, a house of prostitution with 1,000 or more prostitutes, setting the moral standards of the city to a gutter level. Yet, this is what Paul wrote to the inhabitants of that city.

“Love is patient, love is kind, and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly, it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never fails! (I Corinthians 13:4-8) Paul cared more about others than he did himself. This was a supernatural love that transcended all else. This was a supernatural love that will make the world go ‘round.

Let me put that idea in our world today.

Tracy is a young woman who is a caregiver for her grandmother. Her little grand-

mother is a feisty one; she spends her days in a wheelchair, she needs help showering and dressing, only likes certain kinds of food and complains to Tracy all day long about how she does everything wrong.

One day when Tracy was cleaning up a bit in the bedroom she disturbed some of the breadcrumbs her grandmother was saving to feed the birds outside her window.

Tracy scooped them up and threw them in the trash. The little lady was livid and in all of her 98-pound strength she cried out, “Tracy you are enough to make a preacher swear.”

What would you do? Defend yourself? That’s natural. And Tracy had every right.

She was just cleaning things up and making it nicer, right? But before she let defensive words come out of her mouth, in she took a moment to think about her grandmother’s situation. Feeding the birds is a big event in her day. It’s the one bright spot in her life where she is in control.

Tracy took her grandma’s little face in her hands and gently said, “Grandma, I promise I won’t touch your things again unless you tell me I can.” She jokingly added, “ and I am going to love you whether you like it or not.” You could almost see the corner of Grandma’s mouth turn up in a little smile.

When you and I can look another in the eye and feel for them with real compassion; when we can understand what it’s like to walk a day in their shoes; when we can forget about ourselves and look for ways to comfort, to care, to help, to guide; then that will be the world going round in the way it was meant to be. One person at a time.

Because of you. Because of me.

Judy Scharfenberg is an author and speaker at conferences, retreats and other women’s events. Her newest book, Secure Families in a Shaky World is available at www.redemption-press.com or www.amazon.com. If you would like to know more about a relationship with God or book her for an event, go to www.judyscharfenberg.com, email: judyspeaksandwrites@gmail.com, or call 951310-1421.

PAGE 22

THE GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2018

How to Change a City

By Aubrey Masters

Lake Elsinore is a beautiful city with incredible potential and the Dream Center is intent on drawing it out. This is exactly what we try to do through our weekly Adopt-A-Block.

Every Saturday morning from 9:15am-Noon, a crazy group of radicals who think that with God’s leading, they may just be able to change their city, gather together in front of the old Ambassador Hotel on Main Street (164 South Main). Our gang can be easily recognized by the green shirts that say “I Heart LE…” and we sure do mean it!

Our motto is simple: “Find a need & fill it, Find a hurt and heal it.” We do this by meeting physical tangible needs on a consistent basis, which leads to relationship, and through this relationship we earn the privilege to speak into people’s potential… and that changes things.

We start by meeting physical, tangible needs because people often don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. As we do this, our secret sauce comes into play: consistency.

When we consistently meet physical needs and show up every week to care for people, they begin to trust us. Walls start to come down, and we begin to become friends with people in the community. This is key because relationship is what changes things. Think about any impactful person in your life, and nine times out of ten it’s not a stranger.

Once we have connection to someone’s heart through relationship, we now have the very special privilege of calling out their potential. Every. Single. Person. is created in the image of God… created with dreams, hopes, abilities, gifts, and calling on their life.

However, a lot of times life takes people for a ride and they no longer believe they have anything to offer. They no longer believe that they could be called to more. They no longer believe they have value. We get to rewrite the script.

MARCH 2018

THE GOOD NEWS

PAGE 23

that change the entire city and more lives than you could count. If you would like to be a part of transforming the city of Lake Elsinore and its people, then come join us any Saturday! No need for any pedigree, title, or special skill‌ come as you are and let God use you in a mighty way.

For more information, please visit www.DreamCenterLE.org/ Adopt-A-Block or email Aubrey@DreamCenterLE.org

You see, words sink deep into our souls, and our words have the power of life and death. Our words actually have creative power. You see, as people created in the image of God, just as God created the heavens and the earth by speaking them into being, we can create life through the words we speak over one another.

As we start to know people and hear their dreams, as start to understand what makes them tick, we get to call out those things in them and fan the flame on their dreams. We get to champion them and be their biggest cheerleader. Sometimes, you just need someone to believe in you in order for you to believe in yourself.

So pretty simple, right? Small, consistent service ends up making ripples

PAGE 24

Kids

MARCH 2018

Bruce’s Fairy Tale Ending

Assistance League’s philanthropic program, Operation Bear Hug, provides cuddly bears to local emergency room staffs to give to children.. This is the story is about a little boy named “Bruce” and his Assistance League bear – and it has a fairy tale ending.

“Bruce’s” sister had to go to Loma Linda Medical Center’s emergency room where she received an Assistance League bear. When she got home, her little brother Bruce and “the bear” became best buddies and he named him “AL”.

Bruce’s dad is in the military and the family thought “AL” was a reminder of his dad while he was away for long periods of time.

Bruce’s dad got orders to transfer to Northern California and, in the course of that move, the family dog got a hold of “AL” and made him almost unrecogniz-

able! Little Bruce was devastated!

Mom jumped into action and contacted Loma Linda Medical Center who in turn contacted the Operation Bear Hug team. Mom asked if she could purchase a replacement “AL”.

The Operation Bear Hug Committee and Philanthropic Programs Committee unanimously agreed that Bruce should receive a new “AL” free of charge. A friend of the family picked

up a new “AL”, mailed him to the family in Northern California and everyone lived happily ever after! The “sparkle” was definitely back in Bruce’s eyes!

Assistance League of Temecula Valley, a chapter of National Assistance League®, is a nonprofit, all volunteer philanthropic organization dedicated to serving the needs of local families through its programs. The organization operates a thrift shop, Assistance League Thrift Shop, at 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula. Revenue from thrift shop sales is the main source of funding for chapter philanthropic programs.

Browse their website for more information about the organization or membership information at www.assistanceleague.org/temecula-valley/ or call 951.694.8018.

CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

The Empowerment Village is seeking immediate help for any individual interested in working with young children. Volunteers are needed to provide childcare needs while the new moms work and until more permanent care is established. If you like kids and want to help a single mom, please contact us!

Volunteers must be 18 and older and go through a background check process.

Shifts are available weekdays and weekends. Care will take place at Rancho Damacitas on the Empowerment Village Campus.

To learn more or to sign up, please contact Sharon or Alexis at Romero@4kidsfirst.org or Sharon@4kidsfirst.org or call at (951)302-2317 x231 or x214.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 25

Kids

Day Out with Thomas the Tank Engine™: Big Adventures Tour 2018 is Pulling into Orange Empire Railway Museum for Thomas’ Biggest Year Yet with Best Friend Percy!

April 7, 8, 14 and 15 in Perris

All aboard! Thomas the Tank Engine invites little engineers to join him and his best friend Percy for a day of big adventures and even bigger memories at Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018. Children everywhere are invited to spend the day with their friend Thomas when the #1 Engine and Percy pull into the Orange Empire Railway Museum on April 7th, 2018. Day Out with Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018 is presented by Mattel.

This fun-filled event offers children and their families the opportunity to take a ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy, stars of the popular Thomas & Friends™ series. In addition, they will meet Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway and enjoy a day of Thomas-themed activities including crafts, photo ops, ride trolleys and much more. The tour, now in its 23rd year, will make 42 stops across the U.S. and Canada and is expected to welcome nearly one million passengers in 2018.

Thomas: Big Adventures Tour 2018 includes:

• A ride with Thomas and/or Percy

• Interactive story time and photo opportunity with talking Percy engine • A Meet & Greet with Sir Topham Hatt, Controller of the Railway

• A Thomas & Friends Imagination Station featuring a variety of activities

• A ‘Passport to Adventures’ booklet for children to track their journey at the event and receive a special prize upon completion • Thomas & Friends-themed activities including crafts, photo ops, giveaways, and more • Storytelling, video viewing, live music and entertainment

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at www.oerm.org/thomas/ or by calling toll-free 866.468.7630. Parking is free and Orange Empire Railway Museum memberships are available. For more information and directions, please visit, www.oerm.org or call (951) 943-3020 Follow Orange Empire Railway Museum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orangeempirerailwaymuseum/, on Twitter at www.twitter.com/OrangEmpireRail

and on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/results?search_query=orange+empire+railway+museum+2018 When: April 7th, 8th, 14th and 15th Time: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Where: Orange Empire Railway Museum 2201 A. Street, Perris, CA. 92570

PAGE 26

MARCH 2018

Kids Conscious Parenting ~ A Great Parent is a Great Listener

By Traci L. Williams

When was the last time you sat down and listened 100% to your son or daughter? Did they tell you about everything under the sun? Did you wonder if the stories, ideas and details would ever end? I hope you have a smile on your face as you are reading this; I do. Those are some of the juiciest and most memorable moments you will have in your life.

Life is so busy these days. We hardly have time to look at our kids in the eyes when we talk about homework, eating, cleaning rooms and the next athletic event. It’s really sad. We hustle and bustle through our days and weeks. Before we know it, they will be grown and gone … and we will have missed the best part ~ listening to them.

Some of the absolute best memories I have had with my kids are the moments when I listened to them talk as we rocked in a rocking chair together, laid on the couch snuggled in a blanket, laid across the trampoline looking at the sky or sat under a beautiful tree listening to the wind in the leaves. The most profound statements come from children.

Here are two really important reasons to listen to your children (and there are more):

1) They deserve your attention, your eyes and your heart. They deserve to be seen and understood for who they are; not who you think they are. Who can they share that part of themselves with, if not you? Kids play hide-nseek all the time. They hide who they are, and hope we will explore and find them. They begin to forget who they are, if they are never found and given the opportunity to say, “Here I am!” That is them being “seen.”

2) How will they learn to be great listeners for others, and ultimately for their own children, if we do not model this for them? Think about how much we are constantly learning as adults about communication, listening, relationships, work, etc. Wouldn’t it have been much easier if we had learned some of those basic skills as kids? Why not teach them now? It’s not rocket science. It’s kindness and presence. We’ve all heard the saying, “Monkey see, monkey do.” What are our little “monkeys” (I mean that in love) doing? If they are not listening, it might not be their fault. Are they doing what they “see” us doing? It’s really important that we get this.

If you can bundle up with your child in a chair, on the floor, in a bed or couch, or somewhere fun outside, do it. It starts with, “How are you doing today?” Or “Isn’t this great? I love being here with you right now.” (What a gift for them to receive!) Ask general questions and they will open up like you wouldn’t believe. They need a place to express and a place to share their wisdom. Yes, I said wisdom. Children have so much wisdom; it is amazing.

Allow them to teach you some of the basics of life … curiosity, wonderment, joy, gratitude, excitement … presence. Allowing them the opportunity to express who they are allows them to remember these parts of themselves.

Being a listener … well, that allows you to remember who YOU are! Your gift to them is also their gift to you.

Take the time to be with your children in a present and heartfelt way today. Be on the ground, if you can. Lie down and look at the stars, if you can. What does it feel like to be a child? What does it feel like to be heard, to be seen? It’s wonderful!

“Success comes to those who listen.” ~ Michael Oliver

You can be a good parent or you can be a great parent … the choice is yours!

Enjoy your kids. They grow up faster than you can imagine.

Traci L. Williams is known for her intuitive and practical parenting style.

Her free parenting newsletter is available at www.alovingway.com.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 27

Cirus Vargas - The Big One is Back!

Preserving an American Tradition Like No Other Circus Vargas Performances 40820 Winchester Rd. #2000

Thurs., March 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:30pm

Fri., March 9 . . . . . . . . .4:30 & 7:30pm

Sat., March 10 . . .1:00, 4:00 & 7:30pm

Sun., March 11 . .12:30, 3:30 & 7:00pm Mon., March 12 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30pm

Debuting their latest, new and amazing animal-free production in the Inland Empire, the much-anticipated tour begins March 8th running through March 19 in Temecula. Always fun for the entire family, Circus Vargas’ incredible new production highlights an amazing cast of world renowned performers! Death- Defying Acrobats, Daredevils, Flying Trapeze Artists, Jugglers, Contortionists, Comedians, Clowns, Motorcycles and much, much, more!

Get ready to unleash your imagination and discover a world of pure circus magic and wonderment under the Big Top, where memories are made and cherished for a lifetime!

Join us for a swashbuckling circus spectacular, with this year’s theme “Dreaming of Pirates!” A fantastic voyage of nonstop action and adventure guaranteed to thrill and enchant children of all ages! Prepare to witness the impossible and experience the unforgettable!

Circus Vargas’ Dreaming of Pirates… A true circus treasure!

Arrive 30 minutes early for an entertaining, interactive pre-show celebration, where kids can create their own magic under the big top, learning circus skills such as juggling, balancing and more! Meet and mingle with the entire cast after each performance. Capture the fun by posing for pics or selfies with your favorite cast members, all part of an unforgettable Circus Vargas experience!

General admission tickets start at $15 for children and $25 for adults.

For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location.

Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

Ticket Information:

Tues., March 13 . . . . .No Performance

Wed., March 14 . . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00pm

Thurs., March 15 . . . . . . . . . . . .7:00pm

Fri., March 16 . . . . . . . .4:30 & 7:30pm

Sat., March 17 . . .1:00, 4:00 & 7:30pm

Sun., March 18 . .12:30, 3:30 & 7:00pm

Mon., March 19 . . . . . . . . . . . . .6:30pm

PAGE 28

MARCH 2018

Inaugural 3 vs. 3 March Madness Basketball Tournament You got game?

Throw together some friends and come out and show Temecula what you’ve got! The City of Temecula Community Services Department is hosting the inaugural 3 vs. 3 March Madness Basketball Tournament. Make a fastbreak for the Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park (32380 Deer Hollow Way) on Saturday, March 24, 2018.

This new annual tournament is double elimination style and consists of ‘three on three’ half-court basketball games with a maximum of four players per team. All participants receive an event T-shirt. Prizes awarded to the first and second place teams in each division.

Team fees are as follows: Adults (19-29) & Masters (30+) $100 Teens (14-18) $ 60.

A Free Throw Shot Contest will be held for $5 per participant and there will be a DJ playing music at the event.

Space is limited, so start rounding up your All-Star Team today!

Registration and tournament information is available at www.TemeculaCA.gov/Sports.

Teams may begin registering on Monday, February 1, 2018.

Please call (951) 694-6480 or visit www.TemeculaCA.gov/Sports for more information.

“How Frankenstein’s Monster Came to Life” Thursday, March 15 Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library

Come celebrate the 200th anniversary of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein with two English professors from Mt. San Jacinto College, Susan Winslow and Audrey Holod, on Thursday, March 15, 2018 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library.

Discover how a haunted summer in Switzerland with five of the Romantic Period’s greatest writers culminated in a contest to write the best ghost story.

From that summer a masterpiece was born.

Explore the theme and symbolism of this classic while learning how they related to the author’s life and their relevance today. Join us for an evening all about Frankenstein’s creation.

This Adult Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries.

Space is limited and carpooling is encouraged. For additional information, please call (951) 693-8900.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 29

Pet Adoptions of the Month Retrievers and Friends

Teddy is a handsome 5 year old Standard Poodle. He is very friendly, walks nicely on the leash and is good with female dogs. He is about 70 pounds.

To inquire about any of the dogs mentioned here or see many others as well as some feline friends, please visit: www.retrieversandfriends.com.

Beautiful Cole is a 6 month old Domestic Shorthair cat. He has a wonderful personality.

Brenna is a 5 year old French Bulldog. She would be best as an only dog.

She does get along with some male dogs. She is friendly with all people.

Sara (left, 10) and Hannah (right, 12) are daughter and mother Chihuahuas, both under 10 lbs. They have been loved and cared for all their life, but their owner died. These precious little ladies are longing for a home. They are housetrained, quiet and gentle. They need to stay together.

Animal Friends of the Valleys Come on down to AFV to bring these two cuties home today!

For more information go to: www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com or call : (951)674-0618

Darling (ID #373873) came to Animal Friends of the Valleys with two healthy kittens of her own back in November 2017. When Shadow (ID #379673) and his siblings came to AFV at only 10 days old and without a mother, Darling came to the rescue and nursed and loved the new litter like they were her own. While Darling’s own babies have now found their loving forever homes, unfortunately 4 of the 5 stray kittens didn’t make it, leaving only Shadow with her. Darling and Shadow have become attached at the hip with Momma never letting her baby out of her sight, so we at AFV are hoping to find these two a home together so that they can live a wonderful life with each other.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 30

How to Talk with Your Kids and Teenagers About School Shootings

By Joshua Straub, PhD Though I write today, I have few words. Instead, I have a lot of emotions. Like so many of you across the country, I feel deeply saddened about the school shooting in Parkland, FL. I’m angry. I’m disappointed. Unsettled. Disheartened.

And as a dad, I’m concerned and guarded.

What used to be a faint thought in the back of our minds of a similar act hitting our own neighborhoods is, unfortunately, becoming a more deeply rooted and constant concern. As a parent, these unceasing reminders can instill a lot of fear. Our kids need to learn how to process the same emotions we all feel today. Scared. Panicky. Sad. Deflated. Only in naïveté can we shelter our kids from ever experiencing a world free of such evil.

Parents, your emotions matter. So do your child’s. Labeling, or putting words to what we feel, is critical for feeling safe again—especially after a crisis. On the other hand, our emotions cannot control our actions or how we choose to live our lives. Evil loves fear. But if we cower, our kids will, too.

My prayer and hope, as a dad myself, is that we find within ourselves the courage to stand against evil and face our fears with the one weapon evil abhors—love. What that looks like differs depending on the age of our children. Here’s a brief overview of what’s important to remember as we talk with our kids about school shootings.

Process Your Own Emotions In times of crisis, our kids’ greatest need is to feel safe.

As neuroscience researcher Daniel Siegel writes, “We need to be open to our child, feeling that safety in ourselves and creating the sense of ‘love without fear’ in our child.” In other words, don’t expect your kids to calm down while you frantically tell them everything will be okay. Our kids feel the discrepancy, and it communicates to them that it’s not okay to talk about or process feelings.

In my book Safe House, I write that being aware of what we’re feeling as parents, and why we’re feeling that way, is crucial to how safe our children feel. If we’re unaware, it’ll spill into how we act around, and interact with, our kids. Frankly put, our kids become who we are. They follow our lead.

A few ways we, as parents, can calm our own fears and feel safe again: Lean on and strengthen your support systems (i.e. family, friends, church community, etc.). New research and the first of its kind, shows that feeling supported by a faith community led to fewer symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder.

Talk with trusted friends who have faced similar experiences. If we don’t process our own emotions with God and other adults, we may inadvertently end up using the relationship with our kids to process, and this is not helpful to them.

Be honest with your kids and show appropriate emotions, but don’t lean on them for your support.

Filter Exposure To The Event In regard to exposure, secondary trauma happens when we experience events secondhand, either repeatedly through a screen or from someone who was directly traumatized.

A few key thoughts about limiting exposure: Try to limit what you, and especially your kids and teenagers, see in the news. In the world of social media, we can now watch events literally through the lens of people experiencing them as they unfold. Especially with older kids and teens, don’t merely avoid the videos, talk to your kids about why it’s not helpful to watch them.

Don’t get caught up in the ratings driven “breaking news cycle;” and for the love of all that is good in the world, don’t write stupid stuff on Twitter.

No matter the event, check your biases, learn the facts, and courageously help where you can.

Maintain Everyday Routines School shootings bring a lot of fear and trepidation to parents and kids about going back to school. Kids need to keep their routines as normal as possible to feel safe. One of the most practical ways of doing this is to strengthen or develop new rituals of connection between you and your kids. While you can’t be with them every minute, you can ensure

that at home they feel safe and emotionally connected. Depending on the age of your kids, rituals might include bath time, reading together before bed, or playing games.

One of the most significant ways to help your kids internalize and carry the safe emotional connection they have with you to school is to spend a minimum of 20 minutes of command-free time each day playing with your kids.

You can also use transitional, or comforting, objects—like a picture of you, a teddy bear, etc.—that your kids can take with them to school that symbolize safety.Take extra time this week to slow down, clear some things off your schedule, and be together.

Not unlike conversations about sex, parents tend to feel a lot of pressure about saying the right thing. Don’t underestimate the power of your emotional presence to calm and soothe your kids.

If you as a parent need reassurance, learn about how your local police department and school administration work together to provide a secure school environment. You can also get involved and be an advocate for increasing security at your local schools.

Talk To Your Kids Age-Appropriately No matter the age of your child or teenager, seek to understand their inner world before trying to get them to understand our outer world.

First, listen to feelings and concerns.

Second, seek understanding and clarification.

Third, think about the story you want to tell.

No matter the age of your child, read through each age demographic below, because they build on one another.

Pre K- Age 6: Younger kids are unlikely to understand the complexities of what’s going on with mass shootings. Unless you, or a family you know, were directly impacted by the event, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests not bringing it up with younger children.

However, if your kids do learn about it or ask questions, especially those in the age 6-8 range, keep the story simple and factual. Don’t lecture. Keep your story to no more than 2-3 sentences and allow your last sentence to tell the heroes or good coming from the story.

For a litmus test: Think about your child laying in bed alone tonight. What story will he/she be repeating in his/her head based on what you say?

If they do begin to worry, there’s no better time than now to help them verbally label emotions like fear, anger, disappointment, and anxiety. Allow them to ask questions. This age is critical for neural integration—making sense of our feelings through language processing.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 31 Joshua Straub, Ph.D. is a trained trainer for the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation in Responding to School Crises and author of Safe House: How Emotional Safety is the Key to Raising Kids Who Live, Love, and Lead Well. His most cherished roles are husband and dad.

Age 7-11: This is not much different from Pre-K to age 6. Shield your child from graphic images and commentary. Keep the news cycle to a minimum and out of earshot of your kids. Safely allow them to talk about emotions, thoughts, or questions they have. Keep your normal routines as a family. If your kids do see images, try to show them pictures of the heroes as well. Remember, the opposite of fear is love (1 John 4:18).

Age 11-14: Again, see pre-K through age 6 above. Since middle schoolers are likely more aware of the details related to yesterday’s events, how we process with them is similar. Be assertive and ask them what they heard about it. Listen to how they are processing it. Allow them to ask questions and answer them to the best of your knowledge.

Use this as an opportunity to establish and talk to them about your family values.

Allow your kids to provide input. Talk to them about how your family, based on values, responds in such situations (i.e. prayer, sending letters, volunteering locally, etc.). This is a very helpful way to separate emotion from action and teach your growing middle schoolers about empathy.

Age 15-18: Chances are teenagers don’t just want to talk about what happened, they want to do something about it. I love this about today’s teenagers. Instead of getting into political debates about a given situation, listen to how your teenager is processing the shooting. Again, listen, understand, and help them put words to what they feel.

Then, guide the conversation on how they can take a more active role in being a leader in their community and a voice for love locally.

Model Compassion To Others The Latin root of the word compassion means to “suffer with.” I embrace the emotions I feel today and pen these words to help other families, because if I don’t “suffer with” victims now, when will I? If I want my children to value human life, they need to see me—their dad—practice what I preach.

As parents, let’s find support, label how we feel, and move forward in love (1 John 4:18).

To the victims and the families in Parkland, FL, our thoughts, prayers, and compassion are with you.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 32

March Gardening Checklist From the experts at Rogers Gardens, Corona Del Mar

Annuals: This is a transition month, from cool-season annuals to warm-season annuals... and your possibilities for planting are almost endless. This is your last chance to get a quick shot of color from cool-season annuals. Best choices for sunny areas include pansies, violas, Iceland poppies, stock, flowering cabbage, flowering kale, English daisy, linaria, schizanthus and the ‘Bloomingdale’ series of ranunculus. Along the southern California coast these are still especially good choices.

Warm-season annuals are just now beginning to appear on the scene. Choices include petunias, lobelia, verbena, marigold, ageratum, cosmos, impatiens, coleus and begonias.

There are a few “spring-only” annuals that are uncommon but well worth planting this month for a quick shot of color over the month or so. These include shizanthus, annual nemesia, annual mimulus, torenia and candytuft.

Because of their quick growth and heavy flowering potential, annuals need more fertilizing than most other plants in the garden. Keep deadheading (removing spent flowers) from annuals to help them continue blooming abundantly.

Azaleas: Many azaleas will be blooming now. For these blooming plants be cautious of getting the flowers wet, especially from prolonged rainstorms. The flowers will turn to mush with water on them, especially pure white hybrids. In a rain shower drape a plastic bag over the plant or even better poke an umbrella into the ground above it.

Azaleas are nearly dormant while they are in bloom, so this is an excellent time to plant them. Since they are also in bloom, the selection is excellent as well.

Citrus: Citrus are starting to wake up this month and new growth may be evident, possibly even some flowers. Grapefruits, if not picked already, should be ready to harvest.

There will likely be a combination of both ripe fruit and immature fruit on lemons and limes. Most tangerines (mandarins) were picked months ago, but the ‘Kinnow’ tangerine is an exception and is ripening now. ‘Kara’ tangerines are even later and will ripen in early summer.

Continue fertilizing this month and feed every month from now until July. Use a fertilizer that is rich in such trace minerals as iron, zinc, manganese, copper and oth-

ers. These ingredients are usually well represented in organic fertilizers like Dr. Earth.

Keep ants out of your citrus at all times. If ants are crawling up the trunk of the tree apply Tanglefoot (a sticky, waterproof substance) to stop them.

Fertilize: Apply granular iron (like Iron Plus) to gardenias, camellias, azaleas, citrus, hibiscus or any other plants that have a high iron requirement. Iron is only absorbed by plants when the soil temperatures are warm and this is the first time this year that the soil will be warm enough for iron applications to be effective.

Hydrangeas: These should be waking up from the cool winter months. Apply a moderate feeding.

Do not prune hydrangeas at all this time of the year. Hydrangeas bloom on oneyear-old stems. Pruning now will eliminate most of the flowers. If you want to try to

MARCH 2018 get blue or lavender flowers on your otherwise pink plant continue applying Aluminum Sulfate to the soil. White flowered varieties will not be effected and not all pinks will be effected the same.

Vegetables: Plant a second (later crop) of potatoes. Your main crop should have been planted about October. A second planting now will provide tubers this fall.

Putting in successive plantings of many vegetables a couple of weeks apart from each other will insure a constant, uninterrupted supply for the kitchen.

It’s too late to plant artichokes now from dormant bare root plants, but potted plants are available.

This and next month are the absolute best times to plant tomatoes from transplants. A crop planted now will produce for several months. Choose varieties carefully; hundreds of varieties are now available.

This is probably the best month to harvest asparagus spears. However, don’t harvest asparagus for the first two years after planting.

Members of the cabbage family (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) are often attacked by caterpillars in spring. If only a few plants, hand picking may be enough.

Otherwise use BT, a safe, effective and organic solution.

PAGE 33 This is the first month to attempt warm-season vegetables. Good bets are most beans, cucumbers, eggplants, squash and tomatoes.

It’s still a bit early to plant the real heat lovers like corn, melons, okra, peppers, and pumpkin. Both the soil and the nighttime temperatures need to be a bit warmer.

Beets, carrots, chard, radish and possibly turnips can be planted just about yearround. All but chard are planted from seed only.

Fava beans are finishing up this month. Keep harvesting them regularly to extend their season.

Since most annual vegetables are shallow rooted and quick growing, feed them regularly with a well balanced organic fertilizer Control weeds before they get out of hand.

Wisterias: Big, fat flower buds should be obvious now and some varieties may already be beginning to bloom. Sit back and enjoy the show over the next several weeks. Don’t prune now or you will interfere with the blooms. There is still no need to fertilize now and irrigation should be minimal, if at all.

Places to Visit in March:

•

• • •

Gardens that look terrific almost any time of the year include Sherman Library and Gardens (Corona del Mar), The Fullerton Arboretum (Fullerton), Los Angeles Arboretum (Arcadia), Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens (San Marino) and Quail Botanical Gardens (Encinitas).

UCI Botanic Garden, Irvine. Hurry.

Mediterranean and California native plant gardens are in their peak bloom now.

Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, in Claremont is beginning to show lots of color this month. A little further away, The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden also features California native plants and is beautifully presented.

Worth a quick visit this month, and not far away, is the relatively young and developing Niguel Botanical Reserve in Laguna Niguel. The plant focus is almost entirely on Mediterranean and California natives.

Rogers Gardens is located at 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd. in Corona del Mar, CA 92625 Open Daily 9 AM – 5 PM Ph. 949.640.5800 Roger’s Gardens is dog friendly. www.RogersGardens.com check the website for upcoming seminars and workshops.

PAGE 34

Power Up with Plant Protein

(Family Features) When it comes to getting energy from the food you eat, it’s no secret that protein packs a powerful punch. However, research shows

certain plant-based proteins, like peanuts, may carry additional benefits.

According to a Harvard School of Public Health study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, substituting plant-based proteins like

peanuts for animal proteins and low-quality carbohydrates can result in lowering diabetes risk by 7-21 percent. Because peanuts are known as a low glycemic index food due to their slow digestion that causes sugar to gradually be released into the bloodstream, they can have positive effects on blood

sugar control.

Find more nutritional information and ways to include peanuts in your diet at gapeanuts.com.

Vegetarian Nourish Bowl

MARCH 2018

1. Heat oven to 400 F and line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. On prepared baking sheet, arrange butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, onion, garbanzo beans and garlic; toss vegetables in olive oil and season with pepper, to taste.

2. Roast 30-40 minutes until slightly golden in color. Halfway through baking, shake vegetables or turn over to ensure even browning.

To make dressing: Mix together lemon juice, water, Sriracha sauce and peanut butter.

To serve, top quinoa with roasted veggies, crushed peanuts and drizzle of lemon-peanut butter sauce.

Baked Salmon with Peanut Butter Glaze

1 cup large, diced butternut squash

Servings: 4

16 ounces Brussels sprouts, halved 1 medium red onion, large diced

1/2 can (8 ounces) reduced-sodium garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained 1 head garlic (about 10 cloves), peeled 1 tablespoon olive oil

freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 lemon, juiced

2 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce 1/4 cup peanut butter 1 cup cooked quinoa

1 tablespoon finely chopped peanuts

Servings: 4

1 pound salmon

1 teaspoon olive oil

freshly ground pepper, to taste

1/4 cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

1/4 cup 100 percent orange juice

1. Heat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with aluminum foil.

Place salmon on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and season with pepper, to taste. Bake salmon 15-20 minutes until cooked through.

2. In small saucepot over mediumlow heat, whisk together peanut butter, chili garlic sauce and orange juice, and cook until warm.

3. To serve, pour peanut butter glaze over salmon.

Nutritional information per serving: 334 calories, 23 g total fat, 5 g saturated fat, 50 mg cholesterol, 173 mg sodium, 5 g carbohydrates, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 27 g protein, 8% vitamin C, 4% calcium, 3% iron.

MARCH 2018

Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

1/4 cup powdered peanut butter

Servings: 2

3/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 2 teaspoons ground chia seeds

1 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 cup small banana, sliced

1 tablespoon peanuts, chopped 1 tablespoon peanut butter

1. In medium bowl, stir together powdered peanut butter, oats, chia seeds, coconut milk and vanilla extract.

2. Divide evenly into mason jars or storage containers and refrigerate overnight.

3. Before serving, add banana slices, chopped peanuts and peanut butter to each.

Nutritional information per serving: 280 calories, 12 g total fat, 4 g saturated fat, 135 mg sodium, 36 g carbohydrates, 7 g dietary fiber, 8 g sugar, 10 g protein, 8% vitamin A, 4% vitamin C, 35% calcium, 13% iron.

Chicken Pad Thai

1 pound chicken breast

Servings: 4

freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon honey

2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce

3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce 1 tablespoon peanut butter 1/4 cup water

1 medium zucchini, spiralized (about 1 cup)

2 medium carrots, spiralized (about 1 cup) 1 cup cooked pad thai stir-fry noodles 1 cup bean sprouts

1 cup thinly sliced cabbage 1 lime, quartered

1/4 cup unsalted peanuts, crushed

2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

1. Season chicken with pepper, to taste. In large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until fully cooked and juices are clear. Remove chicken from pan and allow to rest 5 minutes before slicing.

2. To make sauce: In small bowl, whisk together honey, chili garlic sauce, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, peanut butter and water.

3. Add zucchini, carrots, rice noodles and chicken to pan; pour sauce over and toss to coat. Toss in bean

PAGE 35 sprouts and cabbage. Serve with lime wedge, crushed peanuts and cilantro.

4. Nutritional information per serving: 295 calories, 12 g total fat, 2 g saturated fat, 60 mg cholesterol, 792 mg sodium, 22 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 27 g protein, 109% vitamin A, 46% vitamin C, 7% calcium, 10% iron.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 36

2 + 2 Business Degree Pathway Program

Mt. San Jacinto College and California State University San Marcos at Temecula hold Information Sessions: Learn how to earn an associate degree from MSJC in two years and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSUSM at Temecula in another two years, all with guaranteed seating.

Tue. Apr. 10, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, SJC . . . . . . . . .Room 200 Tue. April 24, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, THEC . . . . . . .Room 230 Wed. May 9, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, THEC . . . . . . .Room 230

For more information contact Elizabeth Eriksen at 951-487-3413 or eeriksen@msjc.edu

Information sessions will be held at three locations: Menifee Valley Campus (MVC), Rm. 927 28237 La Piedra Rd., Menifee 92584

Temecula Higher Education Center (THEC), Rm. 230 43200 Business Park Dr., Temecula 92590 San Jacinto Campus (SJC), Rm. 200 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto 92583

Thu. Mar. 8, 4:00 – 5:00 pm, MVC . . . . . . . . .Room 927 Tue. Mar. 27, 5:30 – 6:30 pm, THEC . . . . . . .Room 230

Temecula’s Second Annual Teen Art Show Exhibition on Display at the Community Recreation Center Saturday, March 17, 2018 There will be an Artist Reception on Friday, March 16, 2018 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm exclusive to participating artists. The Teen Art Show will be open to the public on Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Experience The Art of Living in Temecula through the eyes of these talented teens.

For more information, please call the Community Recreation Center at (951) 694-6410.

Did you know that Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a volunteer experience for couples?

The Big Couple program is a traditional mentoring match with a twist.

One couple and one child build a life-changing friendship. Together, they work together toward goals like high school graduation and beyond.

Big Couples are matched with a Little Brother, spending time with him together or on their own. It allows ultimate flexibility for couples juggling work and other commitments.

Angelov, a Riverside Unified School District board member, and Veselina, a development specialist, were looking for ways to give back to the community that would work with their busy schedules. They became a Big Couple to 9-year-old Little Brother Tiyon in May 2017 and see each other a couple times a month on weekends.

“My wife and I are proud to be a Big Couple,” Angelov said when talking about his involvement in the program for a Riverside Unified School District recruitment campaign. “Our favorite experience with our Little was a hike up Mt. Rubidoux. He had never been on a hike before.

His whole mindset and how he viewed it as an adventure … was very empowering for him.”

To find out more go to iebigs.org

PAGE 38

OLD TOWN.TEMECULA

MARCH 2018

2018 Temecula Rod Run Old Town Temecula

Welcome all car enthusiasts (novice and expert) to the annual Temecula Rod Run in historic Old Town on Friday & Saturday, March 2 & 3, 2018. The festivities kick off on Friday from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm with the Cruise Around Old Town up and down Old Town Front Street.

The excitement continues the next day on Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm

with the Show And Shine. This free annual signature event is one of the longest-running car shows in the West and draws tens of thousands of visitors and classic hot rods for miles.

Enjoy food vendors, sponsor booths, and remember to purchase your 2018 Temecula Rod Run gear!

For more information, please call our Special Event Hotline at (951) 2404268.

Fun with Professor Pennypickle The Workshop will be open every Friday night for fun family science adventures. Be sure to join us often – there’s always a surprise in store!

Every Friday (Except March 2) from 5:30-7:30pm. $5 per person over age 24 months.

Explore Science Friday Nights

Vet Academy

Monday, March 26, 10 am-noon OR 12:30-2:30 Do you love animals and dream of working with them? If the answer is yes, then enroll in Vet Academy! You'll learn how to speak dog and cat, what helps make animals happy and well, and much much more, so grab your favorite stuffed animal, your stethoscope and lab coat, and prepare for an exciting animal adventure.

42081 Main Street, Temecula, California 92590 951-308-6376 | phineas@pennypickles.org

MARCH 2018

OLD TOWN.TEMECULA

PAGE 39

Performances at the Community Theater in March

FORTUNATE SON (CREEDENCE TRIBUTE) Presented by Temecula Presents THU, MAR 8, 2018 at 8pm

Combining timeless Creedence Clearwater Revival favorites and John Fogerty solo hits, Brad Ford and Fortunate Son truly personify the spirit and grit of America's Favorite Rock & Roll Band! This show is for all ages and unites classic rock, country, blues, and folk music fans together like no other tribute act. From the swampy blues classics of Born On The Bayou and Green River, to the country influences of Bad Moon Rising, Lodi, and Lookin' Out My Back Door. Plus the rock anthems such as Who'll Stop The Rain, Proud Mary, Centerfield, and Have You Ever Seen The Rain. All these classics are delivered with the authentic sound, look and feel of Fogerty.

For more information visit: www.fortunatesontribute.com TICKETS: $25 Regular

7TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL SUN, MAR 11, 2018 at 2pm

Temecula Theater's beloved Annual Jazz Festival, now celebrating its 7th year, is sure to be another hit. Enjoy music from the Elvio Ditta Trio in the Courtyard at 12:30pm. There will also be food, art, jewelry, and much more available. Sensational artists and fine musicians from the Desert, Inland Empire, and Los Angeles areas will entertain you including The Keith Droste Trio, Jeff Stover Band with Don Rice, and Andy Fraga. Juilliard pianist Joel Whenhardt and his father Colin on saxophone will also perform, as well as Temecula favorite, Brian Bettger on trumpet. This year, the Jazz Festival features popular singer Mike Costley, the remarkable vocalist and pianist Yve Evans, and special guest world-class jazz guitarist, Doug McDonald.

Get Tickets: Temeculatheater.org Old Town Temecula Community Theater, Main Street, Old Town Temecula

MARCH 2018

PAGE 41

Correction!

In the February issue of Neighbors, a photo appeared in an article entitled Changing the Fate of Elephants, Rhinos and Giraffe’s. The caption for the photo of Macy Brown and Roxanne Losey was incorrect. The caption should have read: Roxanne Losey, board member of GCF with Macy Brown. Losey was a leading force behind the GCF project, in fact, she trained the horses and taught the rangers how to ride.

Our apology to Macy and Roxanne for the error. Thank-you to both of you and the team for your concern for the animals and the protection that you provide against the poachers.

(L) Roxanne Losey, board member of GCF with Macy Brown (R).

MARCH 2018

PAGE 42

Community Events and Activities Assistance League Plans Membership Information March 6

Assistance League of Temecula, an all volunteer organization, offers a wide variety of programs that touch the lives of many in the South Riverside County area. Please join us to learn more about our organization at our VIP Wine and Cheese Membership Information Night to be held on Tuesday, March 6th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Assistance League meeting room at 28720 Via Montezuma, Temecula 92590. To reserve your spot or for more information, call or email us at 951-501-9277 or altemecula@yahoo.com. https://www.assistanceleague.org/temecula-valley/

Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge No. 2591 Will Host a Golf Tournament

The tournament will be held at "The Links at Summerly" in Lake Elsinore on Friday, March 9. Registration is at 10:00 am and Shotgun Start at 12:00 pm. Individuals are $80 and foursomes are $300.

Dinner is included at the Awards Ceremony at the lodge located at 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar. Social Hour is from 5-6 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 pm. For information contact Russ Hamilton at pddgeruss@gmail.com or call at 909-263-2714.

Ninth Annual All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner

Join us on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Temecula United Methodist Church, 42690 Margarita Road. Bring family and friends for a delicious pasta meal with tasty meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. Tickets are $12 per Adult and $6 per Child. Call 951-676-1800, extension 3 in advance or purchase them at the door. All proceeds go directly to the Project Touch homeless outreach and Community Food Pantry.

Temecula Valley Newcomers Club Meeting and Luncheon on Monday, March 19, 11:00 am

Come join us for our Luncheon on Monday, March 19 at 11 a.m. Come hear the Temecula Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer, Teri Harney, providing tips on staying safe. Everyone is welcome. If you have recently moved to the Temecula Valley or have lived here for many years and want to get out more, meet new people and have fun, Temecula Valley Newcomers Club (TVNC) is for you. See what it’s all about at the TVNC monthly luncheon at Wilson Creek Winery, 35960 Rancho California Rd, Temecula. Paid reservations are Required at least one week prior to the luncheon, please call Anne (951) 677-7149. This Club is a social organization with many different activities for members such as card games, book clubs, mahjong, movie groups, theater trips, lunch and dinner groups and much more. For Club information call Isi (951) 255-1818.

Free “Five Wishes” Living Will Workshops

Do you know what healthcare treatment you would and would not want if you could not speak for yourself? Do other people know what your wishes are? Hospice of the Valleys will be hosting two free educational workshops to help individuals in answering these questions. The workshops will be held on Thursday, March 8 from 10a-11a and Thursday, April 26 from 6p – 7p at Hospice of the Valleys.

The workshops will focus on the living will known as FIVE WISHES.

Each person in attendance will be provided a free copy of the Five Wishes form to outline their own desires. Living wills (advance directives) for healthcare are legal documents written voluntarily by a person declaring what health care procedures they would or would not want if they were unable to communicate those wishes. Five Wishes is unlike other advance directives because it is written in everyday language and addresses not only your medical and legal wishes, but your spiritual and personal wishes as well.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Pam Chaput, Development Coordinator at PChaput@hovsc.org or (951) 200-6301. The workshop will be at Hospice of the Valleys 25240 Hancock Ave. Suite 120, Murrieta, CA 92562

NAFE Meetings in the Area

Escondido Nafe meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 6pm at Cocina del Charo Mexican Restaurant - 890 W Valley Parkway Escondido

Temecula Nafe meets the 1st Tuesday in March at Bamboo House 27473 Ynez Road at 6 pm. Each month the location alternates between Bamboo House 27473 Ynez Road, Temecula and Spositos located at 28120 Jefferson Ave Suite 207, Temecula CA.

Menifee Nafe meets the 2nd Wednesday at 11:30 at Merna's Cafe and Grill 26850 Cherry Hills Blvd, Sun City, CA 92586 (behind Stater Brothers)

Murrieta Nafe meets the 4th Thursday of each month at noon at RJ's Sizzlin' Steer 41401 Kalmia Street.

Nafe's mission is to help women grow both personally and professionally and has been serving women globally for 45 years.

“Notable Women of Temecula’s Past” Program

Mindy Johnson will present the life of Annie Bergman, an influential woman who was born on Palomar Mountain and lived in Aguanga the remainder of her life. As part of the Notable Women of Temecula’s Past program, Mindy will tell you about Annie and what life was like in the Temecula Valley area from the early to the latter part of the 20th century. During Annie's 102 years of life she was a wife, mother, store owner, post-mistress, ranch owner, community supporter, world traveler, and dear friend to many.

Come to hear about this fascinating independent woman on Tuesday, March 13, 2018 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library.

This Adult Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries. Space is limited and carpooling is encouraged. For additional information, please call (951) 693-8900.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 43

In The

MSJC Announces Scholarship Partnership with Perris

In response to the news of allegations of abuse endured by the Turpin siblings in Perris, the city of Perris and Mt. San Jacinto College partnered to create two separate scholarship funds. The first, called the Perris Inspires Fund raises funds for the 13 Turpin children so they may attend a college to earn a degree, a career certificate or transfer to a university. The funds will allow the Turpin children to attend MSJC or any educational institution of their choice.

The second scholarship is designed to aid students majoring in child care, social work and health care. Donors interested in supporting these students can contribute to the Perris Live Well Education Fund for social services. Eligible students must be residents of Perris and must attend Mt. San Jacinto College to earn an associate’s degree, career certificate or the credits required to transfer to a four-year institution.

For information or to donate to the Perris Live Well Education Fund or the Perris Inspires Fund, visit www.msjc.edu/foundation

City of Temecula Welcomes New Entertainment Center, Round 1 Bowling and Amusement

Round 1 will be occupying nearly 50,000 square feet on the first floor of the Sears building located inside the Promenade Mall. Seritage Growth Properties, a national owner and developer of retail and mixed-use projects, owns the Sears’ building. Seritage is redeveloping the property to accommodate Round 1 as well as small shop retail and restaurants. Sears will continue to operate in a consolidated and renovated store on the second floor.

The entertainment center, which plans to open in Spring 2019, will offer bowling, arcade games, billiards, party rooms, ping-pong and dining. The addition of Round 1 is expected to bring 70-80 new jobs to the upscale, lifestyle center.

For more information on Round 1, visit their website at http://www.round1usa.com/.

EDC Golf Tournament Partners with Loma Linda NICU

The recently re-branded, “ForeFront Regionals” is slated for April 27 The Economic Development Coalition of Southwest Riverside county has rebranded its golf tournament into the ForeFront Regionals and will premiere the event on April 27 . Loma Linda University Medical Center, Murrieta’s neonatal intensive care unit, will be the first beneficiary of ForeFront. The event focuses on international and corporate leaders seeking to find out more about the area that encompasses the five-city region: Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Murrieta, Temecula and Wildomar.

For more information on the April 27th event being held at Pechanga’s Journey golf course, please see the website, Forefrontregionals.com. Or, feel free to call the EDC office at 951-694-9800. Sponsorship opportunities are now available.

Storm Coaching Staff Announced for 25th Season

The Lake Elsinore Storm, in conjunction with the San Diego Padres, have announced their 2018 coaching staff led by Edwin Rodriguez, the 15th manager in franchise history, at the helm for Lake Elsinore once again.

Pitching Coach Pete Zamora will make his Storm debut in 2018 after serving the previous two seasons as the pitching coach for San Diego's Rookie Level affiliate in Peoria, Ariz. and in the Arizona Fall League in 2016.

Doug Banks will serve the role of Storm Hitting Coach after holding that position for the Single-A Fort Wayne TinCaps in 2017 and for the Rookie Level affiliate the year before. Prior to joining the San Diego organization, Banks served in various roles for the Texas Rangers organization. He played two seasons at the University of Arizona.

Freddy Flores returns to the Storm as a Fielding Coach, his second season with the Padres organization. Born and raised in New Mexico, Flores spent nine seasons playing and coaching for independent professional teams before joining the Padres system last season. He also spent 2013 and 2015 playing for the Melbourne Aces of the Australian Baseball League.

Athletic Trainer Ricky Huerta, the Storm's most veteran staff member, returns for his third season in Lake Elsinore and his ninth with the Padres. Strength Coach Jay Young joins the Storm after spending 2017 with Fort Wayne.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 44

Likes vs. Comments on Facebook: What’s the difference?

Do Facebook posts that receive more comments than likes have much of a discernible difference?

By Liam Corcoran, Social Media Analytics, Social Media Strategy at Newswhip.Com

With recent algorithm changes on Facebook, there’s been a lot of focus on the comment sections of social media posts.

In public statements, Facebook has placed a lot of emphasis on ‘meaningful interactions’ as a measure of worthiness for posts that will have increased visibility in future. Comments are considered one way of measuring the degree of ‘meaningfulness’. The general theory is that stories and posts shared on social media that attract more comments are more likely to resonate with a wider audience, as the comments indicate a higher degree of engagement on the part of the audience. But is there a much discernible difference in the content that gets more comments than likes?

We’ve already seen that in many cases on Facebook and Instagram, a comment

2nd Semester Begins!

can sometimes be seen as another way of sharing a post. Users tag their friends, who receive a direct notification linking them to the post. It’s quicker than sharing to a page, or sometimes even sharing through direct message.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean that a high volume of ‘share comments’ will lead to those posts being surfaced faster in the News Feed. In January, Adam Moressi, Head of News Feed at Facebook, said that comments tended to be more meaningful than likes, and that “longer comments tend to be more meaningful to the recipient than shorter ones”.

Read more at http://www.newswhip.com/2018/02/likes-comments-facebook/#I1IhQS6I027ILBlb.99 REHEARSALS are on MONDAYS at Warm Springs Middle School Band Room, 39245 Calle De Fortuna, Murrieta, CA 92563.

Upcoming concert dates:

We are still accepting applications for the 2017-2018 Season. Sign up now!

It’s still not too late to be part of the region’s premier youth symphony!

Temecula Valley Youth Symphony (TVYS) enriches the lives of student musicians with outstanding educational and performance opportunities for music students at all levels, in a nurturing and challenging environment. Students may audition throughout the season. TVYS is a tuition based program. New students should call the number below to set up an audition.

Monday, March 12, 2018 – 7:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, Temecula

Monday, May 21, 2018 – 7:30 pm at Grace Presbyterian Church, Temecula 4:15 to 5:15 pm – Prelude Beginning Strings, Gina Wingfield, Instructor 4:30 to 6:00 pm - Junior Youth Symphony, Conducted by Scott Merrin 6:15 to 8:30 pm - Youth Symphony, conducted by Zun-Hin Woo, Principal Violinist & Associate Conductor of Temecula Valley Symphony.

Temecula Valley Youth Symphony - (951) 587-1536 www.TemeculaValleyYouthSymphony.org Formerly known as Inland Valley Youth Symphony.

MARCH 2018

PAGE 45

5 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Spring

derused guest room into a useful craft or project space. Take time to consider what changes will make the space more practical, and even sketch out some possibilities on paper to fine-tune your ideas before you get to work.

Discover new decor A spring refresh is about more than just decluttering and cleaning, it's about giving new life to your home with new decor, accessories and artwork.

One affordable option: seek out unexpected treasures by shopping for great bargains at thrift stores. The proceeds from the sale of items found at shops like The Salvation Army Thrift and Family Stores go to help those in need, and it's one simple way to update your decor without spending a fortune.

Visit SATruck.org to schedule a donation pick-up or find a thrift store near you.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images #14138 Source: The Salvation Army

(Family Features) Spring is a time for renewal and awakenings. It's also the perfect time to take your cues from Mother Nature and devise a plan to reduce and reimagine your way to a refreshing, updated home you can fully enjoy once more.

Reorganize cluttered areas If a room (or rooms) in your house are in disarray, start by reorganizing those often-used spaces to give them a like-new look and feel. Begin by removing everything from the room - including the furniture, if you're able - and separate your belongings into boxes or piles based on what you plan to put back in the room, move to another location and throw away or donate. Once you've cleaned the space, resituate the necessary furniture then place items you're keeping back in their places in tidy fashion so they're easy to locate.

Eliminate the extras While you're freshening up the house, it's the perfect time to purge unwanted and unused items, but remember that items in good condition can actually do good for those in need. By donating clothing, electronics, furniture, household goods and vehicles to be sold in The Salvation Army Family and Thrift Stores, you can help transform lives in your local community. A good rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last year and it doesn't have special sentimental value, it's probably time to let it go.

Get rid of grime A whole season's worth of dirt and dust accumulates during the cold winter months. A deep clean inside and out can restore your home to its former glory. Inside, take time to launder all of your linens, including curtains, rugs and bedding. Move furniture to vacuum behind and below, and don't overlook dust and dirt magnets like mirrors, light fixtures and the insides of cabinets, especially higher shelves that see infrequent use. Outdoors, hose off or power-wash surfaces like windows, siding, decks and concrete to restore a crisp, clean appearance.

Revise for real life If there's an area of your home that isn't quite working for your lifestyle, spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to make a change. That may mean reconfiguring furniture for a more functional living room or converting an un-

MARCH 2018

PAGE 46

The Trick To Taking Hummingbird Photos

By Dick Cronberg

When I begin a new photography class for the City of Temecula I always ask the students a couple of questions. First, I ask them what they want to achieve in the class. Then I ask them what type of photography they are interested in.

Although I get several answers to the first question one always comes through, “I want to get good!”.

The answer to the second question is 1) Landscape (Scenic) photos and then (2) Wildlife photos in that order.

Those are always the most popular types of photos for beginning photographers.

So, I then ask what type of wildlife do you want to photograph? I get answers like wolves, bears, mountain lions, eagles and so on. The bad news is that we don’t have many wolves or bears here. So, what do we have? Birds! a great variety of birds!

Through the many years that I have sold images of wildlife I’ve found that the most popular “sellers” are birds, especially hummingbirds. People love them. They feed them and watch them every day. And, people love good photos of hummingbirds. I’ve lost count of how many hummingbird photos I’ve sold through the years so I thought I’d give a few pointers on how to get a good shot. The best part is that Southern California is blessed with lots of hummingbirds. So, let’s get started!

First, use your back yard. You don’t need to search for them, they’re everywhere. If you know what to do you should be able to draw them to your yard. You can then set up a “hummingbird studio”!

1) Of course, you’ll need a feeder. However, I recommend one with only one “feeder port”. That way you’ll know where they will be feeding (good to know since they are really fast!). If you can’t find a feeder with one port block all the other ports except one.

2) Place the feeder where the sun will be at your back and the bird will be either facing you or slightly off to the side at an angle.

3) Place your chair far enough away so that it doesn’t frighten the birds (after you get them coming to the feeder).

4) Then gradually move your chair forward a couple of feet in between feedings (hummingbirds feed about every 20 minutes).

5) When you feel that you’re within range begin to shoot.

It’s best to have a camera with a zoom lens and a motor drive that shoots continuously. You’ll be shooting lots of images!

6) Since hummingbirds will drink, then “pull out” and look around and then drink again, try to shoot when they “pull out”! That way your image won’t be of a bird with its bill in the feeder.

7) If you want a shot of a bird drinking from a flower, here’s a way. Hummingbirds have a memory of where the feeder is. If you have a feeder up for a long period of time and the birds are used to it, when you remove it they will hover around that spot looking for it! So, try this: take down the feeder and replace it with a petunia plant (you know the ones with the “trumpet shaped flowers). With a turkey baster squirt some sugar water into the flower, then get back to your chair a wait! The hummingbirds will fly in, look for the feeder, then try the flower. There’s your shot!

8).Last, place some perches near the feeder but within camera range.

Hummingbirds will “guard” a feeder and perch near it to protect it from other birds. Hummingbirds on a natural looking perch (a branch or bush) make a great shot too!

So, there you have it. I know this will work for you.

Don’t forget my photo classes that I teach for the City of Temecula. You can check them out by going to temeculaca.gov/tcsd.

And don’t forget the wonderful photo club, www.iephotoclub.org. We have lots of fun with lots of education, interesting guest speakers and great outings.

Photos: Dick Cronberg