Neighbors Newspaper April 2019

THE PAPER THAT BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Spring Brings New Beginnings

Supporting Independent Businesses in Southwest Riverside County Since 1998

APRIL 2019 - FREE

Easter Egg Hunts and Bunny Activities The Ramona Pageant is this Month Blue Grass Festival Social Media is NOT Real.

The Current Real Estate Market 3rd Annual Digifest Spring Events in Wine Country TV Garden Club Show and Sale Parenting Self Care for Children Enjoy the Snow at Big Bear Table of Contents Page 6

I am the Resurrection and the Life; everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.

www.facebook.com/neighbors.news

www.NeighborsNewspaper.com

Find us on

Facebook

Easter Egg Hunts in Southwest Riverside County!!

APRIL 2019

PAGE 3

EASTER

The City of Temecula Hosts Easter Egg Hunts at Three Parks

The City of Temecula is Eggstatic to bring you the annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10:00 am sharp. Three egg hunts are taking place simultaneously at these separate locations: Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 10:00 am

• Harveston Community Park 28582 Harveston Drive

• Patricia H. Birdsall Sports Park 32380 Deer Hollow Way • Temeku Hills Park 31367 La Serena Way

How many Easter goodies can you put into an empty basket? Find out when you hop on over to one of our egg hunt sites for an egg-citing Easter celebration. Come early to enjoy music, get your face painted, and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny!

Please arrive between 9:00 am and 9:30 am so you are prepared to hunt at 10:00 am sharp. This event is for all children from 0 to 12 years of age and every park location includes a special needs area. Visit TemeculaCA.gov/Events to view a layout with age zones for each park and don’t forget your Easter basket Please visit www.TemeculaCA.gov or call (951) 694-6480 for more information.

Vail Headquarters Spring Jamboree and Egg Hunt Saturday, April 20, 2019 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

Hop on over to Vail Headquarters on April 20th for our Spring Jamboree!

Bring the whole family along for a day of springtime fun at our historic property, at the Spring Jamboree you’ll find:

• Free egg hunts with prizes ALL DAY! • Themed carnival games with prizes

• Bubble Party, raffles and vendor market by Clear Charity (Bring a new unopened pack of diapers for entry in our raffle!)

• Free photo booth with souvenir picture

• Succulent Planting activity by Dirty Girl's Nursery • Baby animal petting zoo

• Face painting, balloon animals

and pictures with the Easter Bunny by Erika Newsom Entertainment

• Food and drinks from the businesses of Vail HQ, and sweet treats by Get Fluffed Up Cotton Candy This event is free to attend – all ages are welcome 32115 Temecula Parkway, Temecula CA

Continued on page 4

PAGE 4

APRIL 2019

EASTER Continued from page 3

Easter Egg Hunts in Southwest Riverside County!!

Free Teen Night Light Egg Hunt on Friday, April 12 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

The annual nighttime teen only egg hunt is right around the corner! Grab your friends, baskets, and flashlights and hop on over to the Free Teen Night Light Egg Hunt at Kent Hintergardt Memorial Park (31465 Via Cordoba).

Will you walk away with a boogie board or a new TV? Come to the event and find out!

Candy, gift cards, and electronics are just some of the egg-stravagant prizes you may win. Dancing and activities begin at 8:00 pm and the hunt begins promptly at 8:30 pm. #ThisParkIsHoppin Please note that this event is for teens only (ages 13 to 18). All in attendance are eligible for community service hours required for graduation.

For more information, please visit TemeculaCA.gov or call (951) 694-6480.

Continued on page 5

APRIL 2019

EASTER

Continued from page 4

Easter Egg Hunts in Southwest Riverside County!

Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt - Wildomar Saturday, April 13 - 9:00 am - 11:00 am

20505 Palomar St, Wildomar, CA Over 16,000 eggs, Bounce House, DJ, food, Glitter Artist, Crafts, Prizes and More.

Free to Attend.

14th Annual Easter Egg Hunt Rancho Bella Vista Park Saturday, April 20 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

Rancho Bella Vista Park French Valley is located at 31757 Browning St., Murrieta, CA. Sponsored by Tarbell, REALTORS - French Valley (951) 677-3565 and in cooperation with Valley Wide Recreation & Park District (951) 894-1468 The event is FREE for all children 12 years and under.

Egg Hunt Times Ages 1-3 at 10:00 am Ages 4-5 at 10:30 am Ages 6-9 at 11:00 am Ages 10-12 at 11:30 am

Games and Fun for the Family! Jumpers – Face Painting – Games – Music and Photos with the Easter Bunny An egg-straordinary Easter Egg Hunt invites kids to join in the fun with an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bunny

PAGE 5

pix, games, and lots going on. Don't forget to bring your basket or bag to put all your goodies in.

Easter Events are subject to change at discretion of event planners.

Please confirm before going!

PAGE 6

THANK YOU APRIL 2019

Support Our Local Businesses 24/7 Family Home Care ........................................19 Animal Friends of the Valley.................................37 Animal Friends - Fore the Animals .......................37 Astronomy Night - Wildomar ...............................10 Azuza Pacific University ......................................14 Barn Yard, The .....................................................12 Blue Grass Festival...............................................36 Bowl for Kids.........................................................8 California Technical Academy ...............................7 Calvary Murrieta Easter Service ...........................24 Cowgirl Cantina ....................................................13 De Portola Big Red Festival ..................................34 Doug Foster Art....................................................31 Earth Day Clean-up Event - Vail HQ......................41 Easter Egg Hunts.................................................2-5 Falkner Winery Easter Brunch ..............................35 First Light Home Care ..........................................17 G I Excellence.......................................................44 Grace Evangelical Free .........................................25 Green Acres Interactive Therapy............................9 Honeycutt Farms..................................................27 Heyday Productions .............................................35 Hope Lutheran Church .........................................25 Hope Children's Center Preschool .......................38 Hospice of the Valleys ..........................................16 JDS- Digifest ........................................................15 Jeweler by Design ................................................33 Lake Elsinore Outlets Easter Events.......................3 Litte Burlap Barn, The ..........................................29 Menifee Bible Church ...........................................22 Michelle's Place - Let's C.H.A.T............................16 Morton Grabel, Attorney at Law ...........................32 My Grannys' Attic.................................................13 Naughty Pig Gourmet Meats ................................18 New Birth Church.................................................24 New Wealth Advisors ...........................................38 Newsies - Theater Royale .....................................2 Oak Grove - Rock the Oaks ..................................31 Passion Life Church .............................................23 Plumber- Ron Dumas...........................................30 Ramona Pageant..................................................43 Revival Christain Fellowship.................................21 Richard Shuldiner O. D. ......................................20 Riverside County Parks-Earth Day .......................38

9

Take a Day Out With Thomas

COMMUNITY EVENTS

42

Painted Ladies - The Wonder of Photography

Community Events ..........................................................38

EASTER EVENTS

Egg Hunts ......................................................................2-5 Easter Worship Services..................................................25

ENTERTAINMENT

43

HOME

Stage in Style ..................................................................28 The Room Arranger .........................................................30 The Current Real Estate Market ......................................32

JUST FOR FUN

Photography Club ...........................................................42

Performances at the OT Theater .....................................13 Big Bear Soaring Eagle ...................................................18 Temecula Valley Symphony .............................................41

EVENTS

Balloon & Wine Barrel Races...........................................15 TV Garden Club Sales and Event ....................................16 A Look at Graffiti and Street Art ......................................27 3rd Annual Digifest ..........................................................15 Taste of Temecula ...........................................................28 Blue Grass Festival..........................................................36 The Ramona Pageant......................................................43

FAITH

KIDS

Santa Rosa Plateau Ed Grants..........................................7 Americanism Awards.........................................................9

PETS

Pet Adoptions..................................................................37

TEENS

Music and Speech Awards................................................8 Valuable Students Scholarships......................................11

VISITING OUR VINEYARDS

Springtime in Wine Country ............................................35

Effective Prayer ...............................................................22 He Did it Just for You.......................................................23

FAMILY

Southern California Railway Museum....................9 Southern California Mini Hoorse Sanctuary ........10 St. Mary's Church ................................................25 Storm Baseball ....................................................41 Studio 395- Village on Grand ...............................26 Swim to Shore .....................................................10 Sweet Cheeks Studio Permanent Makeup ............17 Sweet Cheeks Skin Care.......................................11

Parenting: Self Care.........................................................14

HEALTHY LIVING

Social Media is Not Real! ................................................40

Taste of Temecula Valley ......................................28 Teen Egg Hunt......................................................31 Temecula Valley Chiropractic ..............................20 Temecula Newcomers Club ..................................38 Temecula Valley Symphony..................................31 Temecula Valley Womens's Club..........................38 Vineyard Ranch, Assisted Living ..........................16

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 Rita Wood Dara Bowers Nellie Hathorn Julianne Neustel Lynn Effinger

Wellness Seminar ................................................19 Word Search .........................................................8 Word Search Answer Key......................................8

FEATURE ............

Social Media is Not Real!

Sebaz Productions Concert ..................................39 Sizzler ..................................................................27

Ramona Pageant at Ramona Bowl Hemet

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.

Page 40

APRIL 2019

PAGE 7

Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation Announces Nature Education Small Grant Program

The Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation (SRPNEF) is pleased to announce the launching of a Nature Education Small Grant Program to support programs and projects for youth in grades 6-12. Middle and high school teachers, and non-profit or agency environmental and outdoor education providers working with middle and high school youth in the Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Wildomar, Perris, Hemet/San Jacinto, Corona-Norco, Murrieta and Temecula communities are invited to submit grant requests. New or existing programs or projects focused on nature, environmental and science education and activities that foster the development of “champions of the environment” will be given first consideration.

Awardees will be required to present their funded project/program before the SRPNEF Board of Directors and at other SRPNEF functions.

Program is funded and made possible by the Pechanga Development Corporation and the Tate Law Group of Murrieta. SRPNEF will administer the grant process, selection and the grant awards.

Who is eligible?

• Teachers in public, private or charter schools grades 6-12 •

•

Environmental education support groups/project/clubs Non-profit outdoor / environmental / science education providers

What will be funded: •

• •

•

•

•

Collaborative projects or programs with classrooms, school districts, non-profits, private and charter schools

Programs or projects that demonstrate STEM, NGSS or EEI alignment

Field trips/Afterschool/Weekend Projects Science/research projects Class/community gardens

Project-based staff support/In-class supplies

What will NOT be funded: •

•

Conference fees

Political or religious initiatives

GRANT DEADLINE: Deadline May 1, 2019

Open now –

HOW TO APPLY: Program eligibility, criteria and application at www.srpnef.org/small-grant-program/ SUBMIT: Submit completed application to grants@srpnef.org or mail to SRPNEF GRANTS, P. O. Box 941, Murrieta, CA 92564 WEBSITE: www.srpnef.org CONTACT: Ginger Greaves, SRPNEF Executive Director – execdirector@srpnef.org – 909732-2209 and Ginny Kishbauch, SRPNEF Education Committee Chair – grants@srpnef.org

Kids

PAGE 8

APRIL 2019

Music and Speech Competition Winners Earn Cash

Every year the Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore holds two separate competitions for High School students in the Lake Elsinore and surrounding areas. Both competitions were held in February and the top finalists will be sent to Rotary District 5330 finals in April. Cash prizes are awarded at the local level and larger cash prizes will be awarded at the district level. Top winners will be featured at the Rotary District 5330 Conference in June this year.

The Rotary Club of Lake Elsinore meets on Wednesday mornings at 7:00 a.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Ortega Conference Center at 520 Chaney St. in Lake Elsinore. An evening extension group meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month Did you find all of the words at the Stadium Pizza in Lake Elsithat have to do with nore. For information about Rotary Channel Islands from djr programs, you can contact President Alex Ela 951-231-8476 or Public Relations Chair Mary Brown at 951746-8364.

anacapa santa cruz gull santa rosa

san clemente san nicolas santa catalina santa barbara sutil

san miguel prince kid rock can rock

Music Winners: (L-R) Club President Alex Ela, vocalist Jayde Estell from Lakeside HS (LHS), First Place winner Fatima Sullivan from Charter Oak School, Second Place winner Saqtiel Orozco from Temescal HS(THS), Third Place winner Victor Li from THS, Brandon Butler from LHS, Hannah To from THS, Arturo Gonzalez from LHS, Renee Holton from THS and President Elect Rachel Borg.

WORD SEARCH FOR KIDS FROM A KID

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

So Cal Mountains

baldy san gorgonio san jacinto

strawberry peak san bernardino baden powell

Speech Winners: (L-R) Club President Alex Ela, Lesner Velasquez from Lakeside HS, First Place winner Taahiraa Hopkins from LHS, Second Place winner Amen Temesgen from Temescal HS and President Elect Rachel Borg.

from djr

sugarloaf san jacinto peak wilson cucamonga peak cucamonga peak ontario peak

APRIL 2019

Kids

Winners Announced for the Americanism Essay Contest

Left to right: Parker Remp, Joey Cox, Ryan Freeman, Gabriela Gonzalves, Giovanna Caputo, Bella Stutzman.

The Temecula Valley Elks #2801 recently had an awards ceremony for the winners of their Americanism Essay Contest. The winners were presented with a Barnes & Noble Gift card, certificate, and an American Flag lapel pin. Division I, first place winner was Ryan Freeman, from Van Avery Prep, second place, Bella Stutzman, Calvary Murrieta Christian School, Third Place, Giovanna Caputo, Temecula Luiseno School. Division II, Joey Cox, first place, Parker Remp, second place, Gabriela “Gigi�

Gonzales third place. All Division II students attend Calvary Murrieta Christian School.

PAGE 9

PAGE 10

Kids

APRIL 2019

Most Valuable Student Scholarships Awarded

The Temecula Valley Elks were honored to award Most Valuable Student Scholarships to six local senior high school students.

There were three male and three female winners per the scholarship judging rules. The winners listed in the picture below were the successful applicants for the Lodge level of competition. Nineteen applicants applied for the MVS Scholarship in the Temecula Valley competition.

The Temecula Valley Lodge judged the subjective leadership part of the applications. The judging was difficult due to the high quality of every application reviewed.

(L-R) Anna Holman – Murrieta Valley High, Holly Olivera – Temecula Valley High, Carlie Lin – Vista Murrieta High, Blake Lindenmeyer – Vista Murrieta High, Nicholas Bacani – Temecula Preparatory, Seth Hankla – Temecula Valley High

The winners were presented with their individual Scholarship Award at a celebration dinner and were joined by their parents, family, and school guests.

We wish each one of them the greatest success in their future endeavors.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 11

AUDITION for 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. TVYS is a tuition-based program. A few scholarships are available for students in need. New students should call the number below to set up an audition. The Youth Symphony presents four ticketed concerts per season and also performs for the City of Temecula.

REHEARSALS are on MONDAYS through the end of May at Warm Springs Middle School.

We offer three levels of performance groups.

4:00 to 4:30 pm – Prelude I Beginning Strings, Gina Wingfield, Instructor 4:30 to 5:30 pm – Prelude II Beginning Strings, Gina Wingfield, Instructor 4:30 to 6:00 pm - Junior Youth Symphony, Conducted by Juanita Jackson

17th Annual Third Grade History Contest Winning Entries on Display at the Temecula Valley Museum April 9 - May 2, 2019

The Temecula Valley Museum is delighted to showcase the creative and intelligent minds of our youth through the Annual Third Grade History Contest & Exhibit! The winning entries will displayed at the Temecula Valley Museum in the Temecula History: A Third Grade Perspective exhibit from Tuesday, April 9, 2019 through Thursday, May 2, 2019.

Now in its 17th year, the contest solicits entries from third grade students throughout the Temecula Valley.

Students highlight aspects of Temecula’s history through various three-dimensional, electronic, and panel displays. The contest encourages creativity and ingenuity while teaching the importance of preserving Temecula’s rich history for many future generations to appreciate. Displaying the winning projects serves as a way for local youth to receive recognition for the imaginative ways of expressing knowledge of Temecula Valley history.

The contest and exhibition were created by the Temecula Valley Museum in keeping with the museum’s goal to offer interesting cultural exhibits and to highlight the talent of artists and historians, of all ages, residing in the Temecula Valley.

To learn more about this contest and other educational programs offered by the Temecula Valley Museum, please visit TemeculaValleyMuseum.org or call (951) 694-6450.

6:15 to 8:30 pm - Youth Symphony, Conducted by Zun-Hin Woo, Principal Violinist & Assistant Conductor of Temecula Valley Symphony.

“THE BEST OF THE BEST” - SEASON FINALE CONCERT: Monday, May 20th at 7:30 pm, Grace Presbyterian Church.

ENROLL NOW for “SUMMER ORCHESTRA” beginning Monday, June 3rd (times and schedule to be announced soon).

Temecula Valley Youth Symphony - (951) 587-1536 www.TemeculaValleyYouthSymphony.org Note: Auditions are available throughout the season.

APRIL 2019

OLD TOWN.TEMECULA

PAGE 13

On Stage in April at TemeculaTheater ALL SHOOK UP PERFORMANCES: APRIL 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20 at 7:30 pm APRIL 14 & 21 at 2 pm Elvis Presley Music Adult Cast: APRIL 11-18 • Youth Cast: APRIL 19 - 21 An American jukebox musical featuring the songs of Elvis Presley and based on William Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night. It's 1955, and into a square little town in a square little state rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that'll have you jumpin' out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as "Heartbreak Hotel", "Jailhouse Rock", and "Don't Be Cruel".

Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970s, is now more alive and compelling than ever. This five-time Grammy nominated ensemble is exploring new musical territory and bringing exceptional musical performances to stages everywhere. www.ambrosialive.net • TICKETS: $35 Regular

AMBROSIA • APRIL 25 at 8 pm

THE RISING (BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRIBUTE) APRIL 26 at 8 pm The Rising is a brotherhood of friends much like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

Performing songs spanning the nearly five decades of Bruce Springsteen's catalogue from Greetings From Asbury Park through Springsteen's 2012 release Wrecking Ball, they deliver each song with the same power, heart, and soul as the original band. C'mon up to The Rising - the HouseRocking, Earth-Shaking, Heart-Stopping, tribute to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. www.therising.tv • TICKETS: $25 Regular

THE GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK 2019 APRIL 28 at 2pm The Great American Songbook stars Troy Clarke along with the Big Band All Stars. Enjoy music that was written primarily in the first half of the 20th century and the Tin Pan Alley days along with popular Broadway Musical hits that are still popular today. This concert will feature fresh new arrangements that will debut on Temecula's Stage.

TICKETS: $37 Regular* $31 Group of 15+

CABARET AT THE MERC: THE MUSIC OF JASON ROBERT BROWN Produced by The Barn Stage Company

Our audiences have asked us for years to do a night of Jason Robert Brown. Though long overdue, the wait is finally over! From his earlier theatrical works of Songs for a New World and The Last 5 Years to his recent musical adaptations of The Bridges of Madison County, Honeymoon in Vegas, and the Tony Award winning PARADE, JRB has proven himself to be one of Broadway's most respected and revered composer/lyricists of our generation.

We hope you will join us on Sunday

Night, April 28th for an unforgettable night of contemporary musical theatre!

Sunday, APRIL 28 at 7 pm

FOR TICKETS: www.TemeculaTheater.org

APRIL 2019

PAGE 14

Conscious Parenting ~

Children and Self-Care

By Traci L. Williams

When we think of self-care, we generally think of adults. It’s really about finding balance. What if we taught our children to have balance in their lives from a young age so they naturally took care of their health as they got older? What if we taught them to listen to their bodies so they didn’t have to figure it out as adults?

For instance, will your child be playing catch-up with school during Spring Break? Will they be working on getting ahead on homework and projects? Or maybe they are preparing for tests? What if Spring Break was an actual break? What if your child could unplug from school? What if they were allowed to enjoy family, friends and some quiet time? Some parents fear their kids would get lazy or go “offtrack”. Think about it, though, aren’t you better when you are rested? Isn’t your attitude more positive when you add some time off for fun? Kids are the same.

Balance is a necessity; not a luxury. Humans are meant to work, play AND rest.

With school, homework, chores, sports and community service, many children and teens do not get the needed time to rejuvenate. They don’t only lose valuable time in their childhood (which they will never get back), they also learn habits and patterns that will likely remain with them their entire life. In that case, the next generation (your

grandchildren) will be raised by parents who do not have a sense of balance.

We are in an epidemic of substance abuse. We wonder why our children turn to drugs, vaping and alcohol. Teens clearly state three common reasons as: (1) to stay awake, (2) to focus, and (3) to go to sleep (many don’t sleep well). When every day is a learning curve (and it didn’t use to be that way), there is no wiggle room. You must be on your game every day. Weekends become catch up time or time for sports. Monday you start your week again, with no true break.

Some say, “Kids are young; they can handle it.” Yes, they do have youth on their side. However, lack of balance, substance abuse and stress all tend to catch up with you. Maybe not at 20 or 30, but life starts asking for repayment at ages 50, 60, 70 and beyond. Lungs will show signs of damage from smoking or vaping. The heart, brain and muscles eventually reveal damage from drug use. Organs are impacted by stress and anxiety, especially when prolonged over years. I’ve met with kindergartners who are stressed about school. Is that the life you want for your children or grandchildren?

As parents, we want our children to enjoy school and enjoy learning, but as a society we have removed the balance. When children are sick, more and more parents are asking them to push through. Why? Adult peer pressure; society. Human bodies give clear messages when they are overtaxed. It’s a built-in mechanism that tells us to stop and regroup. Why would we teach our children to ignore that? Why would we push it aside with medication and ask them to keep moving forward? We are not thinking. We need to take a step back and realize what we are taking away from the next generation by pushing so hard. The body demands down time. We need to support our children in taking it now, so they will have quality of life in their future.

As you evaluate your child’s school schedule, homework, sports, weekends and family time, please consider what is healthy, not just what will move academic goals forward. Remember, you are creating the future for your children and grandchildren in every choice you make today. This is an opportunity to create balance and connection that will impact your family for generations. Wishing you and your family a meaningful Easter.

Traci L. Williams is the Founder of A Loving Way to Parent. She provides parenting classes, teen programs and individual coaching. She is known for her practical parenting style and can be reached directly at 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com. www.alovingway.com

APRIL 2019

Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Barrel Races April 14 Racers Could Win a Campsite at the Festival

That old wine barrel in the back yard could earn someone a coveted campsite at the 2019 Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival. Put some wheels on it, get a partner and join the Festival at the Lake Elsinore Storm, Sunday, April 14 for the Festival’s Wine Barrel Races.

Wine barrel race cars are people-powered where one person drives and the other pushes or pulls the vehicle. Racecars come in all shapes and sizes. Motorcycles, chariots, airplanes, and ambulances have raced previously. The key is to maintain the integrity of the barrel while putting wheels on it. Barrel race cars can be made of any barrel, wine or otherwise, and can be 1/2 barrels but need to retain the round shape of the barrel.

Prizes will be awarded for both “good looks” (show-offs) and speed (serious racers). The fastest barrel racing team will receive a full hook-up campsite with two (2) weekend passes. The flashiest or biggest show off racecar will receive a dry camping site (no hookups) with two weekend passes. Show Offs often win for their exuberance and crowd appeal. Other prizes include reserved seats at the main stage concerts and weekend passes for two.

All participants receive a free ticket to the Festival.

Applications for the barrel races are available online at www.tvbwf.com. There is no fee. Races will be held prior to the Sunday game with final heats during the game. The racing will start at 11 am.

The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival returns to Lake Skinner Recreation Area, in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country May 31 through June 2, 2019. Located just north of the San Diego County line, the Festival has a successful history of celebrating Southern California Wine Country’s finest assets of clear skies dotted by hot air balloons, mild temperatures, and rolling vineyards. For Festival information visit www.tvbwf.com or call (951) 676-6713.

The Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival offers morning hot air balloon launches, two evening balloon glows (Friday and Saturday) wine tasting from up to 20 wineries, concerts on two different stages, food and wine pairing, and chef demonstrations. Food and wine are additional.

General admission includes concerts.

For information visit www.tvbwf.com or call (951) 676-6713.

PAGE 15

APRIL 2019

PAGE 16

Temecula Valley Garden Club Flower Show & Plant Sale - April 27, 2019

It is with great pleasure that the Temecula Valley Garden Club presents their 33nd annual Flower Show and Plant Sale at the Temecula Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula, CA on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

The theme of this year’s show “Poetry in Nature” was chosen because nature has a way of creating poetry through colors and patterns in endless varieties that touch our hearts and inspire us. The theme will be carried through all the hundreds of horticultural exhibits, creative floral designs, photography and youth exhibits in the titling of each section and class. Everyone in the community is invited to become an inspired participant in this popular event either as an exhibitor or guest.

Each of the four divisions of the show, Horticulture, Des i g n , Photography, and Youth offers a unique experience to both ex-

hibitors and guests. The Horticulture Division provides an opportunity for local gardeners to share their gardening successes and for visitors to see what grows well in the Temecula Valley. The Design Division gives exhibitors an opportunity to express their creativity through arrangement of plant materials and provides viewers with inspiration to create their own designs at home. The Photography Division of the show allows photographers to share their unique vision of the natural world as captured by their cameras. In the Youth Division, young people demonstrate what they have learned in both horticulture and design, sharing that knowledge with show visitors through their exhibits.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 17 Flower Show for the enjoyment of the community. It is the goal of the Club to encourage an interest in all phases of home gardening, and to promote better horticultural practices, as well as conservation of natural resources within the community. Membership in the club is open to anyone interested in gardening or related topics and who supports the purpose and objectives of the Club. Please join TVGC members on April 27th at their Flower Show and Plant Sale.

Public entries in all divisions are greatly encouraged. If you are interested in entering the show, please contact the Show Chairperson Sheri Whitton at smwhitton@gmail.com for information, exhibit entry times and a show schedule or visit the club website at temeculavalleygardenclub.com, under the Flower Show section and Facebook www.facebook.com/temeculavalleygardenclub.

The Temecula Valley Garden Club (TVGC) is a member of the National Garden Clubs, Inc. (NGC), Pacific Region and California Garden Clubs, Inc., Palomar District. As such, the Flower Show is fully accredited and meets all of the requirements of a Standard Flower Show as set by NGC. An NGC accredited panel of judges will judge exhibits in all divisions. Many awards, including ribbons and trophies, will be given where merited.

In addition to enjoying the Flower Show, visitors will have an opportunity to shop at the Plant Sale. Here, quality plants and garden related items will be available for bargain prices. Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer all gardening questions. There will also be an opportunity drawing that includes garden art and many other quality items. Complimentary refreshments will be served during the show.

The TVGC members have worked diligently to present a lovely

APRIL 2019

PAGE 18

Soar, Sled, Speed for Spring Break at Alpine Slide

Soar, sled, slide, speed or swing this Spring Break in Big Bear Lake, where a world of adventure awaits at Alpine Slide.

Forget the beach, Spring Break is best celebrated in the mountains this year after the amazing winter. Natural snow combined with aggressive snowmaking has created a snowpack 20 feet deep or more at Alpine Slide, enough to assure family inner tubing through Easter.

Parents and kids are enjoying incredible downhill rides with all the snow, which is groomed into perfect corduroy each night to provide the best possible conditions. And they never have to walk back to the top for their next ride, with Alpine Slide’s Magic Carpet uphill lift, covered for guest comfort...just step on and step off!

Alpine Slide is open daily from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for tubing sessions through Easter. Night sessions under the stars and lights are every evening from March 22-April 6 from 5-9 p.m.

General admission for all sessions is $35 and includes tube rental and Magic Carpet use, small children 36-42” $20 with paying adult.

Soaring Eagle, first one in California, treats riders to spectacular views of the lake and a thrilling 500 ft. descent during a zipline-type experience with a couple notable differences. Riders sit instead of lie down and ride up to the top tower backwards! And what a ride it is, dropping almost two football fields in distance during a 125-foot descent that reaches speeds up to 26 mph.

Double seat belts secure up to two riders and they shoot to the top in the opposite direction they come down, almost as exhilarating as the descent itself. Soaring Eagle zips down above the tree tops and riders hit top speed as they approach the bottom before the attraction comes to a stop.

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced less than other similar attractions. Riders can go solo or with a companion to share the experience with. Guests must be at least 42” tall and those between 42-48” must ride with an adult. Photo and video of the experience can also be purchased.

Longtime favorite Alpine Slide bobsleds are sliding, taking guests down two quarter-mile tracks filled with banked turns and straightaways aboard sleds they control for an Olympic-style ride. Feed the need for speed on the Putt `N Around go-kart track before taking a few swings on the reconfigured 18-hole miniature golf course. Soaring Eagle, go-karts and miniature golf are also open nightly through April 6. When it’s time for a break from the fun, head to the base lodge for family-priced snack bar including ice cream counter, video games and more.

Alpine Slide is on Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village shopping area, home to 60 specialty stores. Call (909) 8664626 or www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com.

Do you want Neighbors Newspaper delivered to your home?

ITIES BRIN GS COMMUN THE PAPER THAT

TOGETHER

Since 1998 Riverside County nt Businesses in Southwest - FREE Supporting Independe OCTOBER 2018

Ce leb rate th e Ha rves t!

neighbors.news www.facebook.com/

Name:

Please send a check for $22 for a 1 year of Neighbors Newspaper along with the information below toon below to:*

sNewspaper.com www.Neighbor

Mailing Address: City:

Neighbors Newspaper 31566 Railroad Canyon Rd., Ste. 2 PMB 575 Canyon Lake, CA 92587

St.:

Zip:

Month subscription to begin: *Credit cards also accepted. Information for subscription can also be emailed to info@neighborsnewspaper.com

APRIL 2019

PAGE 19

Monthly Activities at the Mary Phillips Senior Center Birthday Celebration!

Join us as we celebrate all the people born each month. Tell us your birthday, and we'll put your name on the birthday list! Sponsored by Chancellor Place. 2nd Wednesdays at 11:30 am.

Bridge 4 Fun/Duplicate Bridge Club All games have pre-duplicated boards and hand records with analysis. Master Points are awarded for each game. For information call 760-468-2078 or email us. A light lunch is served. Wednesdays at noon – 3:30 pm. Fee $7. (ACBL Sanctioned) Chair Volleyball Take a seat and have a ball playing chair volleyball. This fun activity is played with lightweight beach balls! Drop by, observe, and you'll want to play too. Mondays at 10:00 am.

Good Time Bridge Club Email Scott Campbell or call 951-679-3080.

Thursdays at 1:00 pm-4:30 pm Fee: $6 (ACBL Sanctioned)

Mary Phillips Senior Center Choral Group Join your friends in a sing-a-long with a choral director and pianist! The group has gone into the community to sing for nursing home and hospitals, and they're planning more fun performances. You don't need to be a Pavarotti to join!

Tuesdays from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Rubber Bridge (Non Sanctioned) Mondays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Fee $1

Woodcarvers The Temecula Valley Woodcarvers meet weekly at the Center. Beginners are welcome and our experienced carvers are happy to help you develop our skills. Fridays from Noon-3:00 pm.

Mary Phillips Senior Center (MPSC) 41845 6th Street , Temecula, CA 92590 Contact: 951-694-6464

APRIL 2019

PAGE 20

City of Temecula Mayor Mike Naggar Hosts Inclusive Workforce Luncheon Tuesday, April 23, 2019

The City of Temecula will host the Mayor’s Inclusive Workforce Luncheon, Making Success Accessible To All, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at the Temecula Conference Center (41000 Main Street). The business community is encouraged to partner with the City of Temecula to improve employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities.

The objective of the luncheon is for businesses to learn some of the key benefits of hiring, retaining, and advancing people with disabilities. The knowledge, skills, and abilities employees bring to work each day are by far the assets that yield the most output over the long term. Businesses that are inclusive of people with disabilities (in recruitment, retention, and advancement) benefit from a wider pool of talent, skills, and creative business solutions.

Did you know…

• Businesses that employ people with disabilities turn social issues into business opportunities.

• These opportunities translate into lower costs, higher revenues and increase profits.

• Customers with disabilities and their families, friends and associates represent a trillion dollar market segment.

• Innovation is key to your business’ success. Employees with disabilities bring unique experiences and understanding that transform a workplace and enhance product and services.

The City has partnered with the Department of Rehabilitation, Inland Regional Center, Temecula Valley Unified School District Workability Program, EXCEED, and Lowe’s.

Businesses interested in attending this event may RSVP to Yvette.Martinez@TemeculaCA.gov. For more information, please call (951) 693-3902.

THE GOOD NEWS

PAGE 22

APRIL 2019

“ I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” ~ Ephsians 1: 19-20 NLT

An Effective Prayer Life

By Pastor John Stewart

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.”

Matthew 7:7

“When we rely upon organization, we get what organization can do; when we rely upon education, we get what education can do; when we rely upon eloquence, we get what eloquence can do.

And so on. But when we rely upon prayer, we get what God can do.” ~ A. C. Dixon

Unless God’s people learn to pray as we should, we will never move toward the kind of spiritual fulness that most enjoys the fruitfulness of godly homes, godly churches and godly influence in our world that glorifies God. For while Christians are children of promise, many of His great and precious promises are only discovered by those who seek Him in effective fervent prayer.

On Sunday morning, October 1, 1882, Charles Haddon Spurgeon declared to his London congregation, “brethren, whether we like it or not, remember, asking is the rule of the kingdom.” The Book of James states this principle in this way, “ . . . you do not have because you do not ask.” (James 4:2) Undoubtedly it is good and right to let our requests be made known to God. As Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “give us this day our daily bread”, clearly makes the case for the importance of asking God to meet all out needs.

But prayer is much more than a conversation with God in which we tell him all our needs. Asking and receiving are essential, but effective prayer involves more than just our daily bread! Therefore, Jesus also taught regarding prayer, “seek, and you will find.” Prayer is a journey with God in which he reveals Himself and His resources to His children. Jesus said, “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matt. 11:29). Learn what? The greatness of his character and the inexhaustible riches of His grace. If our fellowship with God in prayer consists only of “give me this and give me that,” we are to be pitied.

We need to pray with Moses, “Please, show me Your glory” (Exod. 33:18), and with David, “Your face, LORD, I will seek” (Ps. 27:8). When we follow God’s design for prayer, (the familiar pattern of the Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-14), before we say “give us”, the primary focus is on who we are talking to: “Our Father”. Prayer is essential to growing in relationship and fellowship with our God. Seeking first, to know Him and grow in knowing Him, meets the promise that we will find Him. Seeking God in prayer is also foundationally for the purpose of glorifying God’s name, hastening the coming of God’s kingdom, and doing God’s will. These are prayer and life priorities.

The first question Jesus asked his disciples was, “What do you seek?”

(John 1:38), and He asks that question of us today. If we don’t know who or what we are seeking, our life’s journey will become misguided and without clear purpose. “And do you seek great things for yourself? Do not seek them” (Jer. 45:5). To be sure, “things” are important and God knows that we need them!

But we must remember our spiritual priorities. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). “Things” are fringe benefits, but God’s rule and God’s righteousness are essentials. God is “a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). Just as parents love to spend time with their children and share love and understanding, so our Father is pleased when we get alone with him, mediate upon His Word, worship Him, and open our hearts in full surrender.

Have you ever studied and prayed through the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1– 12)? What an amazing spiritual venture that can be! These profound statements are like mirrors that help us examine ourselves, and then they become windows that reveal the greatness of the attributes of God. They bring greater light and understanding not only in God’s Word, but as to the character and ways of God! As we behold the beauty and wisdom of Jesus, God’s glory shines and we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18)! When you finish journeying in the Beatitudes, journey through a psalm, such as Psalm 19 or 27. What does God say to us about Himself, about ourselves, about the grace he has for each need and challenge. Another one of the richest journeys in Scripture is a study through the prison prayers of the apostle Paul (Eph. 1:15– 23; 3:14–21; Phil. 1:3–11; Col. 1:9–12).

Our Lord added “knock, and it will be opened to you.” The tiny little word “it” refers to a door of service or ministry being opened by the Lord; for in Scripture, an “open door” speaks of ministry. “For a great and effective door has opened to me,” wrote Paul (1 Cor. 16:9). God blesses us that we might be a blessing to others. He meets our needs so that we may help others. He reveals Himself so that we may show and tell others! And He opens doors of opportunity that our lives might shine for Him! This is a balanced Christian life.

“See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.” (Revelation 3:8) An effective prayer life helps us find His doors of opportunity to serve others, and to have the resources and knowledge of God to seize these opportunities for His glory.

John Stewart is the Executive Pastor at Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee. For more information: www.Revival.TV

APRIL 2019

THE GOOD NEWS

PAGE 23

“He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word.” ~Isaiah 53: 7 NLT

He Did It Just For You

By Max Lucado

When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids.

For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.

I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather?

When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?

If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could’ve transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn’t. With a wave of his hand, he could’ve boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn’t. With an arch of his brow, he could’ve paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn’t.

Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?

Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody—anybody—who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday’s paycheck.

Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, “Just give the nod, Lord.

One word and these demons will be deviled eggs.”

Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner’s night.

Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer— “Is that your best punch?”

That was cool, incredibly cool.

But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?

He did it for you. Just for you.

From: His Name is Jesus © (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2009) Max Lucado

PAGE 24

THE GOOD NEWS

APRIL 2019

Loving the People You’re Stuck With

By Max Lucado

Few situations stir panic like being trapped in a relationship. Some opt to flee– to get out of the relationship. Others fight, and tension becomes a way of life. A few, however, discover another treatment – forgiveness.

In Jesus’ day the task of washing feet was reserved for the lowest of the servants.

But, in the Chapter 13 of John’s gospel, the one with the basin and towel is the king of the universe. What a passionate moment when Jesus silently washes the feet of all the disciples… even Judas. Jesus knows that, by morning, these men will bury their heads in shame. Remarkable. He forgave their sin before they even committed it. He offered mercy before they even sought it.

For more inspirational messages please visit Max Lucado (https://maxlucado.us2.listmanage.com/track/click?u=bed511e434184985961d50fcb&id=1 44b255a21&e=7724682497).

THE GOOD NEWS

APRIL 2019

PAGE 25

Easter Sunday Worship Directory Calvary Murrieta Easter Sunday, April 21st. at 7:00 am, 8:30am , 10:00 am and 11:30 am 24225 Monroe Ave., Murrieta www.CalvaryMurrieta.com Grace Church Palm Sunday, April 14 at 10:00 am Good Friday, April 19 at 5:00 pm Easter Sunday, April 21 at 10:00 am 29720 Goetz Rd., Menifee www.GraceChurchMenifee.com Hope Lutheran Church Celebrate Easter with Hope! Join us for worship at 8:00 am or 10:15 am as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. Worship will include special music and Holy Communion. Enjoy an Easter Breakfast, hosted by Hope’s youth, before or after worship. Breakfast runs continually from 7:15 am to 10:15 am. A freewill donation will be accepted with proceeds going towards youth summer camps. At 9:45 am there will also be an egg hunt for children up to fifth grade. Hope Lutheran is located at 29043 Vallejo Ave, Temecula.

Call 951.676.6262 or visit our website www.hopetemecula.org for more information.

Menifee Bible Church Easter Sunday Service & Cantata April 21 at 9:45 am 26815 Murrieta Road, Menifee Menifeebiblechurch.org New Birth Church - Murrieta @Easter Jesus Makes Everything EPIC Join us for an EPIC Easter Easter Services: 8:00 am Worship & 9:30 am Community Breakfast (All invited) 11:00 am Worship 29920 Hunter Rd. , Murrieta (French Valley) www.NewBirthChurch.tv email: NewBirthChurchMurrieta@gmail.com 951-457-2712 Dr. J. Wayman Wells, Lead Pastor/Founder Community Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 20 at 10:00 am at Shady Maple Park located at 29785 Calle Andras, Murrieta.

Passion Life Church Easter Service, April 21 at 10:00 am Vista Murrieta High School, 28251 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta www.PassionLifeChurch.com Revival Christian Fellowship Good Friday Worship 12PM & 7PM Easter Worship Services; Saturday, April 20 at 6:00 pm Sunday, April 21 at 8,9:45 and 11:30 am 29220 Scott Road, Menifee www.Revival.TV Saint Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church Join Us for Sunday Worship at 11:00 am Father Anania Hakimeh We are located at: 26871 Hobie Circle Unit A-1, Murrieta, CA 92562 Call us at (949) 829-3353 or visit us at www.saintmaryorthodox.com

G

His Love

od sent his Son to take the punishment

For all the thoughtless, sinful things we do.

Jesus gave his life because He loves us; His love is boundless, sweet, forever true.

On Easter morn He showed He is our Savior.

His resurrection proves He is our Lord.

That is why we tell you, "Happy Easter!"

He secured out heavenly reward. ~ By Joanna Fuchs

APRIL 2019

PAGE 26

In The Kim Gerrish, Executive Director of Michelle’s Place, Named Citizen of the Year

Kim Gerrish, Executive Director of Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center, named Citizen of the Year 2018 at the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala on Saturday, February 23rd at Pechanga Resort and Casino. Kim was one of thirteen nominees, all equally worthy of the honor. Kim is a shining light in the Community contributing her knowledge and experience to grow Michelle’s Place from its humble beginnings in a 350 square foot space into its future 10,000 square foot space.

"I am humbled by this award. It is my pleasure to work in this amazing community and support families dealing with cancer,” said Kim. Kim was the first official employee of Michelle’s Place 15 years ago. After hearing the story of Michelle from her parents, Bill and Marilyn Watson, Kim knew it would be her life’s mission to help those individuals fighting breast cancer. From Marilyn and Bill, Kim learned that Michelle was diagnosed at 23 years old with stage 4 breast cancer. Frustrated with the lack of cancer support services in Temecula Valley, Michelle’s dying wish was for her parents to establish a place, where individuals dealing with cancer could receive some emotional comfort, a listening ear, and an opportunity to talk with someone surviving cancer. Sadly, Michelle succumbed to her disease at 26 years old.

Today, Kim leads a staff of 10 overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of Michelle’s Place, including fundraising, marketing and community outreach.

“Kim is an incredible member of our community and absolutely deserving of ‘Citizen of the Year’, said Stefani Laszko, President of Michelle’s Place Executive Board. Her passion to serve is truly incorporated in every aspect of her life and we are so grateful for her leadership at Michelle’s Place. “ Kim is also overseeing the expansion of Michelle’s Place, which is opening its

services to all cancers and purchasing its forever home. “This expansion to all cancers is the biggest project I have ever attempted at Michelle's Place, stated Kim. I hope you will join me in supporting the region's first ever cancer resource center." Currently, Michelle’s Place has raised $670,000 toward the Expansion with a goal of $1.2 million

by June 1st. Through generous community support, Michelle’s Place can expand its square footage so that it can expand the program options offered to meet the needs of its clients.

Kim is also actively involved in several community organizations including the Rotary Club of Temecula; Board Member of Economic Development Coalition; incoming president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Inland Empire chapter; founding member of the Southwest Riverside County.

MSJC, Murrieta Valley Unified Partner to Offer Classes

Mt. San Jacinto College and Murrieta Valley Unified School District have partnered for the college to use eight classrooms at Murrieta Valley High School to offer MVUSD high school students college courses over the next three years.

The goal is to develop a seamless pathway from high school to community college for career education or

preparation for transfer, to improve high school graduation rates, and help high school students achieve college and career readiness.

The partnership enables MVUSD high school students with grade point averages (GPA) of 3.0 or higher to enroll in MSJC courses as early as their junior year. The courses will count for both learning institutions. Eligible students will complete high school course graduation requirements while simultaneously earning college credit.

Interested students should contact their high school sites for more information.

The initial coursework will be offered at the MSJC Murrieta Annex Campus in Fall 2019 will be:

• English 101 Freshman Composition (4 units): This General Education Course fulfills the first college English Class for University of California and California State Universities.

• AJ 101 Criminal Law (3 units): This is a requirement for Administration/Criminal Justice degrees.

• CSIS 101 Introduction to Computers and Data Processing (3 units): This is a requirement for Computer Science degrees.

• Hist 103 World History to 1500 (3 units): This General Education Course fulfills a humanities or social science requirement that everyone needs for University of California and California State Universities.

APRIL 2019

Exhibition: A Look at Graffiti & Street Art

STUDIO 395 is hosting the exhibition entitled “A Look At Graffiti & Street Art” at Lakeland Village Commuinity Center through May 5th.

The showcase will include many local interpretations of graffiti and street art, both created outside for the public to see and inside for the purposes of exhibition. The majority of artists that exhibited recently have been locally based in Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Riverside, Romoland, Temecula and Wildomar.

This exhibition’s Art Social, a combination artist reception, open business discussion and social mixer, will take place on Saturday, April 20th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The guest artist speaker for that evening will be Richard Ankrom. Mr. Ankrom is a multi-talented, diverse artist. His work ranges from what he terms ‘Guerrilla Public Service’, sign painting, fine art and sculpture.

He maintains a studio and residence in Los Angeles, CA. This is the second group exhibiton and third showing of artwork that STUDIO 395 will host at the community center. An arts non-profit group, STUDIO 395 was asked by the County of Riverside to take charge of the community center operations. Many classes and activities take place at the community center. A schedule and activity description can be found at www.villageongrand.com. Future art exhibitions, art classes and demonstrations will continue to be added to the center’s calendar and programming throughout the year.

Lakeland Village Community Center is located at: 16275 Grand Ave., Lake Elsinore, CA 92530.

The website is www.villageongrand.com and we can also be found on Facebook using @villageongrand and on Instagram. For additional information or questions please call 951-471-4407 or go to villageongrand@studio395.org.

PAGE 27

APRIL 2019

PAGE 28

“I have a knack for decorating, can I just stage my home myself?”

If you have a friend or family member with an eye for home design, then use them!

By Dara Bowers

At StageinStyle we have had the opportunity to meet so many talented, savvy and enthusiastic homeowners who love decorating and this is what we tell them--no matter who you are, it is very challenging to be objective with the style and decor of

your home. At StageinStyle, we create value by sharing with homeowners how we stage positively to entice and appeal to the largest number of potential buyers and how staging impacts how professional photographers capture their home.

Now, most of you may think I would only reccommend hiring a professional stager to stage your home and prepare it for list—but, that is not true! I have spent time with many creative individuals with exceptional eye for design and they did not have any formal experience or education—just a natural gift motivated by a passion to make a space look beautiful. I support these designers because I am also “home grown.”

I was raised surrounded by opulent furnishings, art adorned walls and exquisite antiques. I fell in love with decor at a very young age. My aunt was a European antique store owner in Georgetown in Washington D.C. and my mother and father both have an incredible eye for all things design. I learned so many things from my mother and long before Pinterest, HGTV and DIY, she taught me how to design on a dime.

My advice to those who are confident in their capabilities and would like to save money and stage their own home is to: learn the difference between what you like and what sells homes. Does this make sense? Do not discount the strategy behind staging—it is more systematic than some may think. It is important to separate what you like personally compared to what potential buyers want to see. In one click we have the world at our fingertips. So, I encourage you to search for staging examples—choosing the right colors, textures, patterns, furniture configurations and special vignettes are essential because the end goal is to capitalize each feature of the home to get top dollar. For some executing an idea is the hardest part. If you find yourself having trouble or if you want confirmation that you are going in the right direction, then please give me a call.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 29

One of the trickiest scenarios, you may or may not have experience with, is when you want to sell your home and to save money, you ask friends and/or family members to offer their thoughts.

This is difficult because too often, human nature takes over. When you have multiple people giving you feedback, almost always, people have specific opinions and feelings about how a room should look that others do not—then you find yourself not knowing what to do and not wanting to hurt anyone’s feelings. At this point, paying for a professional assessment or simply scheduling a free in-home staging consultation is absolutely worth the expense. This leads me to my next point.

In my professional opinion, staging is worth every cent. Most recent housing statistics show a staged real estate property can get as much as 6-20% more compared to an empty or unstaged property. This increase pays for the cost of staging, does it not? Overall, the price of staging depends on whether or not the home is occupied or

vacant. Occupied homes generally require stagers bringing in less furniture and accessories compared to vacant homes, where furnishings are brought in for the entire home. The second assessment is based on location, size and condition and how much of the home the homeowner wants furnished. You are not required in any way to stage the whole home; many staging companies will only stage the most important rooms: living/family room, formal dining room, kitchen and master bedroom. By doing this, you are only paying per contracted room.

As always, my advice stays the same: do not gamble with your largest asset. If you have any staging questions, please visit www.stageinstylehomes.com or call 951365-7984.

Dara lives in Temecula, California with her husband of 7 years, David. She is a member of the Real Estate Staging Association (RESA) and has her undergraduate in history, journalism and business administration. As a graduate of Murrieta Valley High School, she has called Temecula home (on and off) since 2003. Dara is easy, fun, and flexible to talk to and happily performs free staging consultations offering advice, tips and tricks to local residents.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 30

Re-Energize Your Home for Easter!

By Rita Wood, The Room Arranger

Easter is a time that generates thoughts of resurrection and rebirth in a spiritual sense . . . so why not embrace this time of renewal and apply it to your home! After all, spring is the perfect time to re-fresh your space and to re-discover the joy of having a home that is comfortable and beautiful.

As you start this journey of revival, I encourage you to ask yourself: Does my house feel too small? Does my home lack personality? Would I like to make changes without spending a lot of time and money? Many of us would answer yes to all three questions! Fortunately there are several things you can do to make your home seem bigger and add pizzazz without breaking the budget.

Re-Define Make the most of the space you have. Think about what you do (or would like to do) in each room of your home. Do you use your space to eat, play, relax, do homework, entertain, watch TV, etc. If you don’t often use the formal dining room, turn it into an office or a game room. Make your rooms fit YOUR lifestyle.

Re-Move Once you’ve decided what you will use the room for, be selective with furnishings. Move unneeded items out!

Look to see if you can use these items in another area of your home. If not, donate or sell anything you don’t love or that no longer serves your needs.

Re-Arrange Don’t be a wall hugger! It’s ok to pull furniture away from walls, especially in large living/family rooms. Make sure sofas and chairs aren’t “yelling distance” apart. Make a cozy intimate conversation area and define it with a rug.

Re-Purpose Be creative and use your furniture and accessories in new ways. Move pieces to another room for a new look.

A low, sturdy cocktail table can be used as a bench or even a nightstand.

A bakers rack in the bedroom becomes a conversation piece and adds extra storage space.

Re-Organize Contain clutter! Store items in attractive baskets, boxes and jars. Using containers similar in texture, color or shape will immediately make your home look and feel more organized.

Re-Pair Balance is good for your life and for a room! Adding pairs of lamps, pillows, tables, artwork, etc. will create harmony and balance resulting in a relaxed and comfortable space.

Re-Position Decorate walls wisely. It is a common

mistake to hang pictures too high and to hang too much. Be selective. Hang only your favorites and rotate pieces with the seasons. Note: your eyes need a place to rest so leave one wall empty.

Re-Discover Your home should reflect who you are. Add a personal touch by displaying family pieces and keepsakes instead of putting them in storage. Vacation souvenirs can be turned into unique artwork and will bring back happy memories too.

Re-Group Did you know that 3 of anything constitutes an official collection?! The key is to display items together for maximum impact. (No one will know you have an amazing seashell collection if they are placed randomly throughout your home.)

Re-New Instead of buying new, use what you have and make it better! Add hardware to cabinets, paint furniture, sew buttons or pom-poms on pillows. Update lamps by replacing shades for a fresh new look.

Re-Lax You don’t have to come up with original ideas to redecorate your home.

There are many sources for inspiration. Visit model homes, look at magazines and books, take notice of displays at home improvement and craft stores. And don’t forget to look on-line at sites like Pinterest.

Re-Look, Re-Think, Re-Imagine . . . I hope you always find ways to see your home anew.

Temecula resident Rita Wood, The Room Arranger has been a certified member of the Interior Re-decorators network since 1999. Her specialty is helping clients transform their home using the furniture and accessories they already own and love! To learn more, visit her website www.theroomarranger.com or attend her decorating class at Hobby Lobby. Call 315–481–9659 for details.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 32

Is the Market Going to Crash Like it Did in 2008?

Let’s examine the current marketplace to understand what is actually going on.

By David Bowers

As a real estate professional, my buyers and sellers always ask if the market is going to crash. Buyers are hoping it will to buy at rock bottom prices, and sellers wanting to know if they need to sell now before the bottom drops out. My answer is: “No,” on both accounts. During 2004-2007, I was building 20 homes at a time, as fast as I could with a build time of 90 days or less and they were sold before the carpet was laid. I bought and built my second home

in 2005 with $500 down…and that was it! No credit check. No proof of income or taxes because I went stated. It was easier to buy a $150,000 home than it was to buy my used Ford F-150 for $11,500. That is insanity and the reason for our huge financial and real estate bubble.

Deciphering the news, statistics, and friendly water cooler banter is difficult and I do not have all the answers or a crystal ball, but I can show you this past slowdown in 2018 is not an indicator of a crash like in 2008. The bubble created in 2008 came from almost anyone being able to buy a home.

It sounded too good to be true and it was! The Historical Mortgage Bankers Association (HMBA) graph shows on a scale, from 0 being impossible to get credit for mortgages to 900 being anyone can get a mortgage, how easy credit was to get, and in June of 2007 it was at a record high of over 850.

Then the crash and in 2011 you could have good credit, stable paying job, and little debt and you still could not get a loan. Now we are just under 200 and responsible buyers with good credit and jobs, can purchase a home.

What you do not see is the incredible lax lending practices that were the cause of the crash of 2008.

So, what is happening in our current, local real estate market?

Across the country the market has slowed down and the days on market (DOM) has increased, which is normal. Prices have slowed, but what people do not know or remember is the general rule that equality between a buyers’ and sellers’ markets is 90 days. In 2018, in the Temecula Valley, the DOM dropped to under 20 for two selling seasons and people have gotten used to homes moving very quickly and with multiple offers. Now, at 40 days people are concerned a crash is around the corner, but we are actually still in a seller’s market. The graph shows the CRMLS’s sales prices of homes in Temecula and Murrieta. In mid to late 2018 there was a trend down, but we are seeing it go back up due to a shortage of homes to sell and qualified buyers looking to buy.

APRIL 2019 What does this mean for sellers?

If you must sell than this is a good time because of the upcoming selling season and low interest rates, which means you can still take advantage of the low rates and lock in a low mortgage. There is also the option to rent and wait to buy your perfect home.

What does this mean for buyers?

Sales are lower so there will be more choices. My advice to buyers is get be pre-approved and hire an aggressive realtor who can help you buy your dream home if it comes on the market. Remember the old saying, early bird gets the worm? The key for buyers is to be prepared and research inventory daily.

Prices are still trending up so waiting also means you may pay more for the same house or worse, get priced out of the market all together. Interest rates are at 14month lows and are expected to increase over the year so lock in those low rates now!

If you are having trouble deciding what you should do, just give me a call at 951-365-7983 for a free comparative market analysis and sellers guide for selling your home or a free consult and Buyers Guide to buying your dream home.

David lives in Temecula, California with his wife of 7 years, Dara. He is a member of the California Association of Realtors (CAR), licensed California General Contractor, has his undergraduate in finance and an MBA with a concentration in Finance.

He was also a builder for 10+ years with experience in residential, custom residential and commercial building. He loves grilling, classic cars and spending time with his family and friends in beautiful Southern Temecula.

PAGE 33

APRIL 2019

Visiting Our Vineyards

Springtime in Wine Country

Easter Champagne Brunch in The Pinnacle Restaurant April 21 at 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

The brunch will consist of multiple food stations and be available for reservations from 10am to 3:00pm. Champagne will be part of the meal along with other beverage options including discounted wine by the glass. Live entertainment. Special Easter gifts for children. Complimentary glass of Champagne (guests over age 21). Cost is $59.95 pp++. Children 3-10 - $26. Reservations are available from 10 am–3:00pm.

40620 Calle Contento Temecula (off Rancho California Road) For Reservations: 951-676-8231 X 4 or online at ww.falknerwnery.com

The 32nd Annual Run Through the Vineyard Temecula's premier running event and is the Temecula Sunrise Rotary Club's major fundraising event for the various community service projects it provides, such as, a literacy program with local elementary schools, youth leadership programs and scholarships for at-risk youth in which the Club is involved.

Surrounded by the Temecula Valley's beautiful hills and mountains, the course will take you through the lovely vineyard at the Maurice Car'rie Vineyard and Winery.

The course is challenging with several hills as you run down through the vines and up again several times. https://www.active.com/temecula-ca/running/distance-runningraces/32nd-annual-run-through-the-vineyard-2019

Springtime Events at The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa Easter Brunch with the Easter Bunny, Egg Hunts and Mother’s Day Brunch with DIY Mimosa Flights and a Rose for Her. Sunday, April 21, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Easter egg hunts at 10 a.m., noon and 1 p.m.

The Vineyard Rose Restaurant at South Coast Winery Resort & Spa 34843 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, California 92591 (951) 587-9463 www.southcoastwinery.com

Sign Up Now for the 7th Annual Cornhole Tournament May 23rd The Valley Young Professionals will be holding its Annual Cornhole Tournament for its 7th year! It is a lighthearted tournament for business professionals to let loose and network with one another in a fun-filled tournament. Teams are comprised of two individuals and tickets are $50 to per team. Go to www.shop.temecula.org purchase your team ticket. The event will be held at Bel Vino Winery.

If you would like to be a sponsor call (951) 676-5090.

Easter Sunday Lunch and Egg Hunt at Europa Village April 21 at 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm Join us Easter Sunday for a delicious Lunch by Chef Dean, Egg Hunt with the Easter Bunny, Face Painting, a kids Jolly Jumper and live music by Jimmy Patton!

Tickets: $54.99 Société Members: $49.49 Children Tickets (Under 10): $19 Société Members: $17.10 Europa Village 33475 La Serena Way Temecula, CA, 92591 www/europavillage.com for full menu and reservations.

Third Annual Rotary Taste of the World Benefit to be Held

PAGE 35

APRIL 2019

PAGE 37

PETS

Pet Adoptions of the Month

Retrievers and Friends

Cleo is a striking, 7 year old unique mix of Australian Shepherd & Great Pyrenees (95lbs., but working on losing weight). She’s friendly, walks on a leash, and loves to go for car rides. She’s good with other dogs.

Kayla is a beautiful, 1 year old Great Pyrenees. She plays well with other dogs in the yard, but would be best in a home as an only dog. She’s friendly with everyone she meets, walks on a leash, is housetrained and loves to play in the kiddy pool.

Sly is a 9 month old German Shepherd. He came in with his sisters Diamond and Jewel. They had a tragic start to life, but are making great progress and putting on weight. They all have wonderful temperaments as you can see

by Sly’s big smile!

Roxy is a cutie; she’s a 3 year old, 13lb. Poodle mix. She’s friendly and likes to be held. She came in with two other dogs.

To read more about Sly’s story and see other animals ready for a second chance and their forever home, please visit www.retrieversandfriends.com.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 38 Solar Education Series Attend a Solar Seminar and make an informed decision. Speak to nationally certified energy practitioners and learn how to claim the expiring 30% federal tax credit. Learn how to take advantage of the state battery rebate and enjoy the stability of a clean and cheaper source of power. Saturday, April 6th from 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the Temecula Community Center, 28816 Pujol St., Temecula. Reserve your seat at www.solarseminar.info.

Let’s CHAT Michelle’s Place April 10 at 1:00 pm Let’s C.H.A.T, a new support group at Michelle’s Place will have its first meeting this month.

C.H.A.T, an acronym for “connecting hope and trust” was created in the hopes of hearing from those that participate what the needs are for all cancers. It’s a support group with a very casual vibe, providing coffee and cookies for a mid-day break.

“We wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere that anyone with any cancer could come to,” Kim Gerrish, Executive Director Michelle’s Place. It is the hope of the team at Michelle’s Place that members of the community who have been affected by cancer will come and share their stories. “There’s so much to learn from those who have experienced a cancer diagnosis, both for us and our clients” said Kim Gerrish.

Many have asked the center how they will provide services to all cancers? According to Kim, this will be “the start to understanding and implementing what our cancer community needs”. Kim encourages anyone who is interested in the group to attend. C.H.A.T meets every 2nd Wednesday at 1:00pm and is open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, both men and women.

Community Events and Activities

Santa Rosa Academy to Hold Open House for Prospective 2019/20 High School Students Santa Rosa Academy will hold a High School Open House for those interested in learning about the high school independent study program. The open house will be held on Saturday, April 6th, from 9am 12:00pm. Information will be provided on the Engineering, Biomedical, Business and Arts and Technology Academies. As well as Public Safety, Horticulture, and California Cadet Corp, Character programs and athletics.

Campus tours will be given. Santa Rosa Academy Offers a variety of site based and independent study programs for their high school students. All students have access to all site facilities including the Technology Center, Library and CIF sports program.

Wednesday Night Dances at “The Lakes at Hemet West” (Formerly “Hemet West”) Open to the Public The following bands will play for the month of April: April 3 - Skyline Xpress April 10 - The Marvels. New band April 17 - Ron and Diane. Cruise Night theme April 24 - American Made These popular Wednesday Night Dances for seniors are from 6:30 to 9:30 pm.

Admission is $6.00 per person, proper attire is required, and alcohol is not allowed.

Opportunity drawings offer free tickets. Tables have snacks, and pitchers of water, and freshly brewed tea and coffee is available.

For further information about these weekly dances at “The Lakes at Hemet West,” 5001 West Florida Avenue in Hemet, contact Kathy Perry at 951-692-0891.

Health and Wellness Seminars "Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise!" presented by The Consumer Health and Wellness Advocacy.

April 6, May 11 at: 9:30-10:30 or 11:30-12:30 At: Canyon Lake Country Club (Magnolia Room). 32001 Railroad Canyon Rd., Canyon Lake, CA 92587. For more information call 951-264-8926.

Parenting Classes with a Loving Way to Parent April 23rd: Building Respect with Your Children April 24th: The Bridge For more information: 951-240-1407 or traci@alovingway.com www.alovingway.com SMART Moms SMART Moms (single mothers support - bring children infant through 12th grade) April 7th, 14th, 28th (no meeting on Easter Sunday) Includes dinner for the whole family. No cost. www.SmartMoms.info

IRS Collections: What are My Choices?

Program on Thursday, April 11 at 6pm. at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library located at 30600 Pauba Rd. This event is hosted by the Temecula Law Resource Center (TLRC) and presented by the Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS).

For inquiries, please contact the TLRC at (951) 639-8902 or lawlibrary.temecula@rclawlibrary.org.

Kiwanis Club of Temecula Valley to Hold Annual Spaghetti Dinner on April 13 The evening will include door prizes, opportunity drawings and live entertainment provided by the Murrieta Line Dancers and the City of Temecula Youth Band under the direction of Carlos La Farga, and more. Tickets for the Kiwanis Club Spaghetti Dinner are only $15.00 for adults and for Children under 10 years of age they are only $10.00. For ticket information please call Lynn Effinger at 951-514-5699. The CRC is located at 30875 Rancho Vista Road in Temecula.

Teen Panel Event fo Middle/High School Students and Parents Join in for panel discussion, Q & A and Breakout sessions with peers. Groups talk about School, Homework Sleep, Depression, Anxiety, Suicide, Bullying, Vaping and more. Saturday, April 13 from 3-7:30pm at the Professional Golfers Career College located at 26109 Ynez Rd., Temecula. Pre-Registration required online at: www.TeenPanelForParents.com. Pizza and drinks included. Presented by A Loving Way to Parent. Tracy Williams 951-240-1407.

Temecula Valley Newcomers Club Meeting and Luncheon Monday, April 15 at 11:00 am Come join us for our Luncheon on Monday, April 15 at 11 a.m. Everyone is welcome. Enjoy good food, great company and make some new friends. 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 in 2019 and have fun, Temecula Valley Newcomers Club (TVNC) is for you. Come 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 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 Isa (951) 255-1818. Hope to see you at our next meeting.

Teens Teaching Tech • First Tuesday of the month: April 2, May 7, June 4 FREE: Parents and Grandparents: are you frustrated with your cell phone, tablet, smart home device or laptop? Bring your device and have patient and tech-savvy teens sit down with you to provide one-on-one tutoring. Learn how to send and received texts and pictures, download apps, send and receive email or learn how to use your new device you received at Christmas from your grandkids! Bring any technical question or issue to the team and learn from the best: teen-agers! RSVP by calling (951)331-8861 for upcoming dates: March 5, April 2, May 7 from 3-5PM at the Ronald H Roberts Temecula Public Library: 30600 Pauba Rd. Presented by the Heart of Temecula LEO Club, partnering with the Ronald H Roberts Temecula Public Library and the City of Temecula. Free event.

APRIL 2019 Earth Day at Lake Skinner on April 20 from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm Come celebrate Earth Day at the historic Alamos Schoolhouse Nature Center at Lake Skinner County Park. Activities include a Live Butterfly tent, Live Animals, an Endangered Species Easter egg scavenger hunt, Nature Exhibitors, Nature Walks, Crafts, and fun Family Activities.

Day Use fees to Park include the event: $6 per adult, $3 per child, $2 per dog.

For more information call (951)926-7416.

Park address: 37701 Warren Road, Winchester, CA 92596 Temecula Valley Women’s Club Invitation to Join Interested in meeting other women and finding your niche in the volunteer world?

The Temecula Valley Woman’s Club may be the organization for you. TVWC invites you to join us Thursday, April 25, 9 a.m. for a breakfast buffet with general meeting at 10 a.m. at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street. Reservations must be made

by Sunday, April 21 by calling the club phone at 951/302-1370, email infotvwc@gmail.com.

TVWC is part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, an international organization, dedicated to the improvement of educational, ethical and cultural life of the community through volunteer service.

Real Estate Investing Club 1 on 1 support for members including step by step 1 on 1 instruction from local full-time investors.

The key to growth is surrounding yourself with people who are already doing what you want to do.

If you want to partner with experienced investors who can bring the capital and systems to the table, you need to contact us.

Real Deals, Real People, Real Office ... We Teach Real Estate Are you ready for a change? Are you ready to become a real estate investor?

For more information visit http://www.joinmeflipping houses.com/event Don’t Miss a Day Out with Thomas!

Southern California Railway Museum invites families to the railway Museum for a day out with Thomas the Train for the Steam Team Tour on April 6th, 7th & 13th, 14th. Full steam ahead for a train ride and a day of family fun.

For more information visit OERM.ORG/Thomas. Make Reservations early – the Tickets do sell out.

Hope Children’s Center Preschool is Now Enrolling!

Hope Children's Center Preschool is now enrolling for the new school year that starts in August! We offer a comprehensive preschool program that includes Christian values. We offer this program 2 and 3 days per week; mornings from 9 am to noon or half days 9 am to 2 pm.

Registration is $50.00. For more information you can call our office at 951694-3607 or stop by and take a tour. No appointment necessary!

Volunteers Needed!

Make a difference in someone's life today, Volunteer with Destiny Hospice!

PAGE 39 We have patients throughout Temecula, Murrieta, Sun City, Canyon Lake, Lake Elsinore, Menifee, Wildomar, Hemet, Fallbrook and surrounding areas. They would love to have a Volunteer to visit them!

Just 2 hours a week can make a huge difference in a life. Please call Gay Dahl at 951-489-8841 for more information.

7th Annual Menifee National Day of Prayer

The Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council will host its 7th Annual National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, 2019 in the Parish Hall at St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church in Menifee. The program is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and includes a complimentary brunch. This year marks the observance of the 68th National Day of Prayer. This year’s theme—LOVE ONE ANOTHER—comes from John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” More than ever, our country needs prayer as we spread the Gospel, heal divisions, and live out our faith. Please RSVP no later than April 22, 2019 on Eventbrite or by calling Gloria Sanchez at 951-306-7567.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 40

Good Lighting

By Jules Perez

Yet, as much as we know this is the truth, we still tend to find self worth in comparing ourselves to people that we see on Instagram and Facebook. Wishing that we could have better legs, more hair, bigger lips, more put together families, a better marriage. Social media has created this strange space where we are no longer idolizing models and sports figures, but everyday people. Moms that seem to have their life together. Neighbors that appear to live a rockstar lifestyle. Runners that endlessly crush PR goals. Fitness gurus that look like they have perfect bodies.

We have all been there. Staring at the endless posts of people we barely know, feeling completely inadequate because they seem to be so much better than us.

Jealousy kicks in and we start to feel the anger and disappointment in ourselves rear its ugly head. We start to criticize ourselves, our bodies, our abilities, our parenting skills, our marriages. Ripping apart the very fabric of our lives that we felt so sure of prior to opening a seemingly harmless app on our phone.

Rationally we know it isn’t real life. Of course, it isn’t.

We are not imbeciles. We can look at what we post about ourselves and know that we only post the most flattering pictures of our lives. The ones that demonstrate how hot and sexy we are. Or pictures that point out how amazing we are at something, some great accomplishment we have achieved. But even in that knowledge, somehow it still seems to get to us. It still seems to make us feel less than, to make us feel like we aren’t good enough. So much so that on occasion I have to take random breaks from even looking at social media to recover.

Then something happened that hit my fear square on the head. I was in Mexico having the time of my life when my husband took a completely candid picture of me playing in the pool. When he showed it to me, I was horrified and begged him to immediately delete it. I was covered in cellulite and looked at least 15 pounds heavier than I actually am. He wouldn’t, stating that he wasn’t looking at my shortcomings. He was looking at how happy I looked. My panic was that this picture would see the light of day and I would be embarrassed by people knowing I wasn’t perfect. I wasn’t thinking about how happy I looked or about the fact that this was just super bad lighting and a bad angle. I was only thinking about people knowing that I had cellulite. Oh, the horror!

A few minutes later, another picture was taken in better lighting and with better posture. I looked like a completely different person. I was hot and sexy again. Upon scrolling through the camera roll and seeing both pictures back to back, I was faced with the notion that we can make others see what we want by simply changing the lighting. We can make others believe that our lives are flawless with very little effort at all.

Now, this article has been one that is very hard to write because in doing so I knew I would be shedding light on the existence of said horrible picture.

But then I realized that really, that’s all it is, a bad picture. That we all have cellulite (seriously we all do). That is also all the picture is, a bad picture. Nothing less, nothing more. Same rear, bad lighting. It doesn’t make up the worth of me. I get to decide how I feel about both the bad and the good picture. Pictures are just glimpses into our lives. I may look like I have my self together on social media, but who doesn’t. I shovel plates of nachos into my pie hole using my nails as a fork. I forget my kids field trip permission slip when it was last day to turn it in. I sometimes feed my family fast food because I am just too tired to deal with cooking. I yell at my husband even when I know it is my fault. We are all human. We all have shortcomings and failures. We just don’t share them publicly on social media.

So, the next time you start to feel the familiar sting of social media failures and shortcomings, remember that although we know it isn’t what real life looks like, we need to put things into perspective.

Really back yourself out of that space and try to focus on the fact that you too can take a good picture, and you too have great days, and PRs, and rock star trips. And you can even post about them using good lighting. But it’s okay when you are not on point and barely hanging on by your teeth. You don’t have to post about those times that there isn’t good lighting to be found. Most importantly, those people who you look up to on social media are humans too. They wake up with puffy eyes and blemishes on some days. They probably have their own social media idols and wonder about their shortcomings in comparison.

Social media isn’t real.

If all else fails, remember these pictures of me exist (you can even ask me to see them both) and at least feel slightly better about the whole thing. Keep in mind that those people that you desperately admire may only be that way because of good lighting.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 41

The Season Continues…

For a complete listing of 2019 concerts, venues, and ticket prices please visit our website at www.TemeculaValleySymphony.org or call 951-587-1536!

We’re not your ordinary stuffy symphony.

Come and join the experience of Music, Art, & Passion!

May 18, 2019 – Sat. 2:00 pm – “THE EXPERIENCE!” from Beethoven to Ellington. We will showcase acclaimed jazz singer Sherry Williams performing some of Duke Ellington’s biggest hits along with Beethoven’s 5th, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, and Overture to a Pops Concert by Henry Mancini.

Venue: Golden Bears Theater, Temecula Valley High School, 31555 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula.

TEMECULA VALLEY SYMPHONY is a 60-member orchestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, John Mario Di Costanzo. Our concert programs include exciting selections from movies, animated films, Broadway, operas, and epic classics.

Applications for the Temecula Art & Street Painting Festival Chalk Artists are FREE

The 2019 Temecula Art & Street Painting Festival will be held Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9, 2019. Art Exhibitor and Chalk Artist Applications are both available online now at TemeculaCA.gov/ArtFest.

New this year, Art Exhibitors may choose their booth location through the online application, making the registration and payment processing more convenient. Festival canopies, side panels, table, and overnight security are all included in the fee. All work to be exhibited must be original, handcrafted, and created by the exhibitor.

The City of Temecula has waived the Chalk Artist Application fee in hopes to attract more Chalk Artists since it is free now. Each Chalk Artist will receive pastels (sponsored by the City of Temecula) and will have the chance to be judged at the end of the show. The Best of Show winner will receive a $100 prize. All artwork for the festival must be appropriate for family/public viewing and please note that space is limited.

For more information, please visit TemeculaCA.gov or call (951) 694-6480.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 42

Inland Empire Photo Club

By Dick Cronberg

My wife and I moved to the Temecula Valley over 10 years ago from Southern Oregon where we lived for 38 years. When we arrived we knew no one except for our son and daughter and their families.

My goal in retirement was to concentrate on selling photographs full time at art shows. Although we did that for several years my life suddenly changed course.

While participating in the annual art show at the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve in Murrieta in 2010 I constantly had people asking me for tips on how to take really good photos. I suggested to Ginger Grieves, the Executive Director of the Santa Rosa Foundation, that I teach a few classes to help with the fund raising for their outdoor education program for 3rd graders in Riverside County. I had taught photography for years on a professional and private level so this wasn’t a new venture.

Photography allows us to see things in such detail.

I began teaching classes there in 2011 and soon the classes “exploded”! We were filling the classroom to overflowing. And the students kept wanting more.

Several times I was asked to start a photo club so the students could continue sharing their hobby with friends and new acquaintances. At first I rejected the idea but they just kept after me. So I suggested that we have an “fact-finding” meeting to see if there was enough interest. I figured if we could get 10-15 people to help set it up we might make it work.

I sent out e-mails to interested people to have a meeting to discuss a club. Instead of the anticipated 10—15 people we had 39 show up! So, we decided to move forward.

Fast forward to today. The club is alive and thriving with an average membership of 150. We have all ages of members, all skill levels, and varied interests in what the members like to photograph.

The aspect I most like about the club is that everyone is friendly and welcoming. And, they will readily share information and ideas.

Visitors can visit for free. However if you beThe Painted Lady Butterflies came through pretty swiftly. Here is a come a member (only nice closeup in case you did not get a chance to see one up close. $35 per year) you can participate in outings (lots of fun going to great locations both local and further away), photo critique, photo contests, and best of all having access to great sponsors that offer big discounts to members on equipment, photo processing and other services.

Even though I am no longer on the Board of Directors (whew!) I always promote the club in my photography classes for the City of Photos courtesy of Dick Cronberg.

Temecula (www.temecula.gov/tcsd) and when I talk to people I meet.

To find out more about the club go to www.iephotoclub.org. All the information for when and where the meetings are held is on the site.

Getting back to when we first moved here and having no friends. Now, 10+ years later I happy to say we have more friends that we’ve ever had and they are the greatest people ever! Photography has been very good to me.

I hope to see you at one of the meetings.

We have witnessed the Super Bloom of 2019. Photography allows us to enjoy the beauty today and forever.

APRIL 2019

PAGE 43

Experience Ramona California’s Greatest Love Story!

The hills are alive with the Sound of Ramona! In the spring the hillsides in Hemet, California turn a luscious green and the Ramona Pageant returns for three weekends of spectacle and excitement. The Ramona Pageant isn’t only a play, it isn’t even just a pageant, it is truly an EXPERIENCE!.

To really enjoy this experience, arrive early. Gates open at 1:30. Many visit the Ramona Museum which has exhibits covering all of the performances of Ramona since the beginning in 1923.

There are photos of the many celebrities who have appeared in the Pageant including Victor Jory, Jeanne Inness, Anne Archer and Raquel Welch. There are items that celebrate how Ramona drove the tourist industry in early California. The showpiece of the museum is the Milford Zornes Fresco. Zornes was a famous artist known for his California landscapes. He produced many murals in Southern California but only one fresco found in our museum which was created in 1942. Mr. Zornes lived to be 100 years old and last visited the Ramona Bowl in 2006 when he was 98.

As you enjoy the music you have many options for dining. The Kiwanis club has a full BBQ and the concession stand has wide variety of foods, but you might want to try the Ramona Terrace where there is waitress service and sitting on the deck with the best view of the entire San Jacinto Valley. Enjoying the terrace will give you that gentle sense of peace of a bygone time when Ramona and Alessandro fell in love.

Finally, you enter the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre as the Pageant is about to begin.

Starting with a bang from a period cannon, the audience is swept back in time into a world on fire with author Helen Hunt Jackson’s star crossed lovers, Ramona and Alessandro. A pageant is by definition, a spectacle, and Ramona does not disappoint.

Through all of this, the impassioned love of Ramona and Alessandro is the thread that stitches and weaves this amazing story together. This year Ramona is played

by Kayla Contreras and Alessandro is played by Eli Santana.

Don’t forget to stop by the Gift Shop and take home a part of Ramona and don’t miss your chance to be part of the “Ramona Experience”!

Performances are April 13 & 14, April 27 & 28, and May 4 & 5 at 3:30 p.m.

Tickets and information 951-658-3111 or RamonaBowl.com