Neighbors march 2017

THE PAPER THAT BRINGS COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

Perris

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MARCH 2017 - FREE

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Exhibition Game- Padres VS Storm ‘A Chorus Line’ at the Theater Playsmartz- New Techno Playground Local Ballarina Wins Scholarship to Royal Ballet School, London Cooking with Kids Restoring and Rebuilding in Lake Elsinore Reverse Mortgages Explained Tough Love Tips for the Not-So-Tough Parent Heart of the House Upscale Ambiance & Great Food Is Love Enough for Marriage to Succeed?

Table of Contents - Page 6

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.

The flowers are springing up, and the season of singing birds as come. and the cooing of turtledoves, fills the air.

The fig trees are forming young fruit and The fragrant grapevines are blossoming.

Song of Solomon 2:11-13a NLT

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MARCH 2017

PAGE 4

Azusa Pacific University Faculty and Financial Aid Counselors Speaking at March 23rd School of Education Information Meeting

The School of Education at Azusa Pacific University equips teachers and counselors for excellence and leadership in educational settings.

The APU Murrieta Campus is hosting a free Graduate & Credential Information Meeting on Thursday, March 23, 2017, from 5:45 pm – 7:30 pm at 40508 Murrieta Hot Springs Road (to the right of Sam’s Club). A light dinner will be served.

This information meeting will cover key topics including: program information, admissions requirements, navigating the application process, financial aid opportunities, and important dates and deadlines. This meeting is also a great opportunity for prospective students to speak with APU School of Education faculty and/or advisors.

Graduate Student Financial Aid Services and Graduate Loan/Grant Advising is also available on this day. An appointment must be scheduled in advance, call (951) 304-3400.

The APU Murrieta Campus offers a variety of graduate degrees and teaching credentials. Among these are Kindergarten through 12th Grade combined teaching credentials and master’s degrees plus the Masters in Educational & Clinical Counseling. Additionally, APU offers online degrees in Educational Leadership including PASC Tier 1 & CASC Tier 2 Credentialing programs.

APU’s School of Education has earned these notable accreditations: WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges), CTC (Commission on Teacher Credentialing), CAEP (Council for the Ac-

creditation of Educator Preparation, a national accreditor), and the NASP (The National Association of School Psychologists).

APU is a leading Christian university and continues to be recognized annually among the nation’s best colleges by U.S. News & World Report and The Princeton Review. The APU Murrieta Regional Center is proud to be a part of Southwest Riverside County for over 30 years.

The March 23rd information meeting is for adults and their guests (age 18+). To RSVP for the event go to: https://apueducation-mar2017.eventbrite.com or murrieta@apu.edu. If you have questions or would like to RSVP by phone please call (951) 304-3400. To learn more about APU and these programs visit www.apu.edu/murrieta

Information Sessions on Business Degree Program Mt. San Jacinto College to Hold Information Sessions with Cal State San Marcos

Information sessions about the Business Degree Program offered through MSJC and CSUSM Temecula will be held for the next several months.

The program allows students to earn an associate degree from MSJC in two years and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from CSUSM in another two years. Students receive support, work through the program as a cohort and will save time and money on the way to earning a four-year degree.

Information sessions will be held from 5:30-6:30 pm at two locations: Temecula Higher Education(THE) Center, Rm. 202, 43200 Business Park Drive, Temecula, Menifee Valley Campus (MVC), Rm. 412, 28237 La Piedra Rd., Menifee, 92584 Wednesday, March 8, THE Center Thursday, March 16, MVC Thursday, April 6, MVC Tuesday, April 25, THE Center Thursday, May 4, MVC Tuesday, May 16, THE Center Tuesday, June 13, THE Center Thursday, June 29, MVC Tuesday, July 11, THE Center Wednesday, July 27, MVC

MARCH 2017

Menifee Teacher Anthony Bissot Surprised With Teachers are Heroes Award

Anthony Bissot, 6th grade teacher at Bell Mountain Middle School in Menifee, received a nice surprise when he was named the December/January Teachers are Heroes recipient. On Tuesday, January 24, 2017, Azusa Pacific University and KATY 101.3, The Mix, made a special visit to Bell Mountain Middle School and presented Mr. Bissot with the Teacher Are Heroes award as well as prizes from KATY’s The Mix Prize Closet. The Bell Mountain Middle School Principal, Ernesto Lizarraga, and Bissot’s students were part of the celebration. The awards presentation concluded with a popcorn party.

Mr. Bissot was nominated by one of his students, Matthew Beckman. Matthew said about him, “Mr Bissot has helped me in math class and with bullying and other issues. Even though I hate math, Mr Bissot is my favorite teacher ever. He cares about me and my feelings, and he is my hero.”

Bissot has been teaching math for 10 years in the Menifee Union School District. He takes pride in teaching and making improvements in the learning process and teaches using a 21st century approach to facilitating learning. He incorporates Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in the lessons that he facilitates.

His wife, Alma, is also a teacher for the Menifee Union School District. Mr. and Mrs. Bissot are Azusa Pacific University alumni.

The Teachers are Heroes program will run through April 2017. Teachers may be nominated by students, parents, and even other school administrators. All selected teachers and their classes will attend a private celebration at the end of the year at the Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium. For more information go to www.1013the mix.com, keyword: Teachers or go to http://www.apu.edu/ murrieta/teachers/

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MARCH 2017

IN THIS ISSUE DINING

Heart of the House – Upscale Ambiance............................................26

EDUCATION

APU School of Education Information Mtg...........................................4 Business Degree Program Info Sessions..............................................4 Teachers are Heroes .............................................................................5

ENTERTAINMENT

Performances at the Community Theater...........................................14 A Passion for Dance ...........................................................................15 Youth Symphony Performance ...........................................................17

Publisher: Diane Simones Director of Business Development: Gino Simones Contributing Editors: Gino Simones, Lauri Malmstrom, Pastor John Miller, Susan Montgomery, Kelly Kingman, Tracy Williams, Panida Ferris-Locke, MA, Lisa Tyhulski, Dr. James Dobson.

Art Director: Dorina Blythe, GranDesigns View or print articles online at www.NeighborsNewspaper.com email: info@neighborsnewspaper.com Contact Us 31566 Railroad Canyon Road, #2-575, Canyon Lake, CA 92587 951.244.7025 • Fax: 951.848.9733 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.

EVENTS

Padres vs. Storm Exhibition Game .......................................................7 Community Events..............................................................................44

FAITH

The Peace of God ...............................................................................20 Mike, the Postal Clerk.........................................................................21 Miraculous Mountain Mover ...............................................................22

FAMILY

Parenting – Tough Love Tips...............................................................19 Freedom in Recovery..........................................................................23 Is Love Enough for Marriage to Succeed? .........................................31 Empower to Connect Simulcast .........................................................38

FASHION

Designs on a Vine Now Open .............................................................35

HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

5 Reasons to Dance Every Day ..........................................................36

HOME

Reverse Mortgage Explained..............................................................32

JUST FOR FUN

The Wreck Room Opens.....................................................................40

KIDS

Playsmartz- The New Techno Playground ..........................................16 Hoot Shoot Winners............................................................................17 FitKids Activities at the Lakes.............................................................18 Cooking With Kids ..............................................................................30

OLD TOWN TEMECULA

Chapel of Memories Centennial..........................................................13

PETS

Adoptions............................................................................................41

RECIPES

The Best Corned Beef ........................................................................24 Chili, Vegan Style ................................................................................25

TEEN

Scholarship from Nature Ed. Foundation............................................34 Mylee Howe – Making a Difference ....................................................42

SENIORS

Chair Yoga at Mary Phillips Center .....................................................28 Why Should You Work on Balance? ...................................................29

SPECIAL FEATURE

Restoring and Rebuilding – The Dream Center ....................................8

support local businesses O2 Alive and Well ..............................................34 Aesthete Beauty .................................................37 Animal Friends of the Valley...............................41 Animals Friends of the Valleys Golf....................40 Artistic Expressions Permanent Makeup ...........36 Astronomy Night ...............................................17 AUMT - Free Blood Tests ...................................44 Azuza Pacific University ......................................4 Barons Market .....................................................3 BarnYard Chicks ................................................12 Beds and Blessings............................................19 Big Red Fest - De Portola Wine Trail ..................10 Birth & Baby ......................................................18 Butterfield Dog Grooming..................................40 California Technical Academy .............................5 Center for Life Change .......................................23 Coldwell Banker .................................................47 Farmers Wife, The .............................................14 Fuhr Piano ...........................................................7 Geri Fit in Wildomar...........................................44 Grace Evangelical Free Church...........................20 Greenbee Services .............................................48 Heart of the House Restaurant...........................27 Honeycutt Farms ...............................................25 Hospice of the Valleys........................................28 Jennifer Smart Foundation ................................44 Jeweler by Design..............................................37 Killarney's Irish Pub...........................................24 Little House of Treasures Birthday .....................43 Menifee Bible Church.........................................21 Morton Grabel Law Offices ................................39

Menifee Cupboard Karaoke Fundraiser ..............19 Mulligan Family Fun Center ...............................38 My Grannys' Attic ..............................................13 NAFE Meetings ..................................................44 Naughty Pig Gourmet Meats................................7 Old Town Sagebrush Center ..............................14 Old Town Temecula Community Theater............13 Pacific Communities- Orchid ............................33 Passion for Life Church .....................................22 Play Smartz .......................................................16 Plumber- Ron Dumas ..........................................9 Rancon - Vicki Puterbaugh ................................32 Richard Shuldiner O. D. ....................................29 Sizzler ................................................................25 Sorrento Financial................................................9 St. Jeanne Lestonnac Catholic School .................2 Stonecroft Ministries ........................................44 Subscriptions ......................................................6 Success-up Women's Conference .....................42 Sweet Cheeks Skin & Body Care........................35 Swim to Shore ...................................................16 Temecula Newcomers Club................................44 Temecula Valley Symphony ..............................44 Vitagliano Vineyards ..........................................11 Word Search......................................................17 Word Search Answer Key ..................................18 WOW Dessert & Coffee Competition .................45

MARCH 2017

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Padres to Play Storm in Exhibition Game Teams to meet head-to-head at The Diamond for the first time since 2010 The Lake Elsinore Storm and the San Diego Padres will go head-to-head at The Diamond in Lake Elsinore for an exhibition game on Friday, March 31, seven years removed from their last on-field meeting in 2010.

“We are looking forward to visiting The Diamond next month to close out Spring Training,” said Padres Executive Vice President/General Manager A.J. Preller. “Not only is Lake Elsinore a great place to watch a baseball game, but it also serves as a key level in the development of our young players.

Fans can expect to see a lot of talent on the field March 31.”

Lake Elsinore first hosted the Padres for an exhibition game in 2001, year one of what is now a 17-season partnership. The big leaguers had the upper hand that night, as Tony Gwynn and company defeated future Padres – including Xavier Nady and Jake Peavy – in front of a capacity crowd. The two teams met again in 2003 (Peavy started for the Padres), 2005 and 2010. The Storm is winless in four meetings against their Major League affiliate.

“We can’t wait to begin our 17th season with the San Diego Padres by welcoming them to The Diamond for this event,” Storm General Manager Raj Narayanan said. “Not only will it be a fun game to watch between Padres present and future, but it will also be the first chance for fans to check out our new seating in the ballpark. We’re excited to write another chapter in our long-standing relationship with the Padres while offering our incredible fans an opportunity to see big league talent take the field in Lake Elsinore.”

The Padres last played at The Diamond in 2012, when the facility welcomed the Kansas City Royals for a big league exhibition contest.

The game is set to begin at 6:00pm. Gates will open one hour before first pitch. Fans can purchase tickets for the exhibition online via stormbaseball.com, over the phone or in person as early as March 13, guaranteeing an opportunity to experience the brand-new seating at The Diamond. A Storm Mini Plan – which will feature tickets to the exhibition game, Opening Night on April 6, the July 3 Independence Day celebration and three

other premier dates – will be announced in the coming weeks.

San Diego’s final preseason game in Lake Elsinore will be followed by Padres Fanfest presented by T-Mobile the next day, Saturday, April 1, at Petco Park. More details will be released soon and updates can be found at www.padres.com/fanfest.

San Diego begins its regular season slate on Monday, April 3 at Dodger Stadium. The Padres will host the San Francisco Giants for their home opener at Petco Park on Friday, April 7 at 3:40 p.m. Single-game tickets for the 2017 Padres season go on sale Wednesday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m. at www.padres.com.

Lake Elsinore will begin the 2017 campaign at home on Thursday, April 6.

For more information about the exhibition game or the 24th season of Storm Baseball, log on to stormbaseball.com or call 951245-HITS.

MARCH 2017

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The Dream Center Restoring and Rebuilding People and Properties In Lake Elsinore

By Pastor Brett Masters

Nothing makes Lake Elsinore shine like a series of storms with inches of rainfall.

Our greatest natural resource, the lake, (which happens to be the largest natural freshwater lake in Southern California) becomes the Achilles Heel in times of drought. As challenging as it may be to endure a season with lack, it makes it that much more fulfilling and sweet when the rains come back.

Similarly, we’ve been noticing a change of attitude when it comes to our beautiful city of Lake Elsinore. Lake Elsinore is a place that has historically been marked by social and economic challenges. Despite its unique beauty and incredible potential, you don’t have to look far before you find people and properties in Lake Elsinore that have been abused and neglected. This shouldn’t be the case. Rather than deny or dispute these undesirable realties, we at the Dream Center have chosen to view these problems as a grand opportunity. We love Lake Elsinore and believe there is more than just incredible potential. That is why it is our mission to restore and rebuild the people and properties of Lake Elsinore, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Two years ago we set out to launch a different kind of church plant—a church without walls, a church for the community. We started out by praying for our city and adopting blocks… one neighborhood at a time. This turned into a weekly ministry, Adopt-A-Block, which seeks to find and fill needs using the hard work, ingenuity, and generosity of local church-goers from different congregations who have a shared heart for our city.

Since inception, the Adopt-A-Block ministry has been behind countless miracles, as you can see from the Adopt-A-Block impact statistics. No matter your faith or persuasion, we invite you to join us any Saturday as we work hard to beautify our downtown community.

This weekly outreach quickly proved to be a source of momentum and energy. This prompted us to begin looking for our first space in downtown Lake Elsinore as a headquarters for all of our ministry operations in the community. When we found the old Empire Door and Window warehouse for lease, we knew we had found the perfect place.

Since leasing this space a year and a half ago, we have been able to successfully develop a restoration plan, update the zoning to allow for our use, and raise the majority of the funds needed to complete the project. We are currently in the process of making necessary plan check corrections in order to receive our building permits.

Once complete, this headquarters location will be a multi-use community center that exists for the sole purpose of facilitating transformational ministry in the heart of our beautiful city. It is our desire for this space to be a neutral ground, a safe space, for all churches to come together and serve. We plan to offer a variety of life skills classes and workshops, targeted meetings that promote health and wellness, and a variety of spiritual growth opportunities for our friends in the community.

We’re thanking God for the recent rains and believing that this is just the start of better days ahead—both naturally and supernaturally—for our beautiful city. Please stay tuned for future exciting updates and don’t hesitate to come out for a visit anytime or on a Saturday to serve with us. And remember, we’ve been blessed to BE a blessing!

MARCH 2017

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2017 Spring/Summer Temecula Map Guide (TMG) Is Now Available!

Featuring Old Town Temecula and Temecula Wine Country, the Temecula Map Guide is your passport to home décor, women’s fashion, specialty eateries, microbrews, wine and olive oil tasting , spas, casinos, wineries and more. Pickup your copy at one of many locations throughout Old Town Temecula and Wine Country and let the map guide you to new wineries, new boutiques, and new tastes to enjoy.

Discover why travelers from around the world make Temecula Valley a preferred destination! *Business Owners: If you would like to have copies of the Temecula Map Guide in your business for customers to pick up and enjoy, please contact us: info@temeculamapguide.com • 951244-7025.

BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL CAMPSITES ON SALE MARCH 7TH

Each year campsites at Lake Skinner during the Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival sell out in less than an hour.

Campers have the best seats in the house for the early morning hot air balloon launches as they awake to skies filled with colorful balloons. This year's event is June 2-4, and reservations for campsites start at 8 a.m., March 7. All campsite reservations are made online at www.tvbwf.com.

Regular campsites start at $325 for three days/ two nights and include two weekend combo passes. Each combo pass provides admission all three days of the Festival.

There are a few Exclusive Festival Experience Packages still available. These packages include a full hook-up campsite, meet-and-greet for two with the entertainer of your choice, and two Cabana Club tickets for each day of the festival. Cabana Club is located at the Main Stage, and provides guests reserved seats in front of the stage, one catered meal, four complimentary beverages, special entrance and exit to concert seating, and private VIP restrooms.

Lake Skinner Recreation Area is surrounded by the Shipley Preserve, a multispecies reserve. Whether flying aboard a *hot air balloon, or planted on terra firma, the Festival's park-like setting is chocked full of natural beauty. The three-day event includes morning *hot air balloon launches, evening *balloon glows, wine tasting from up to 20 wineries, concerts on two different stages, food and wine pairing, cooking with beer, and chef demonstrations.

“Photographers love the visuals of the dawn balloon ascensions over the lake. Many times balloons land next to a campsite adding to fun," stated Andrea Jacobson, executive director of the Festival. “This makes camping during the event the extreme Festival experience,” she added. *All balloon events are weather permitting for the safety of all guests. For information visit www.tvbwf.com or call (951) 6766713.

MARCH 2017

OLD TOWN.TEMECULA

Chapel of Memories Centennial Celebration!

A community barbecue tasting will be held at the Chapel of Memories located in Sam Hicks Monument Park in Old Town Temecula on Saturday, April 15, 2017 between 12 noon and 3 pm. This 100th Anniversary event is co-hosted by the City of Temecula and the Temecula Valley Museum, Inc., non-profit support group. Both groups collaborated to create this event as a Centennial Celebration and re-enactment of an historic event that took place on this date one hundred years ago.

At the turn of the last century, Temecula was a small railroad town surrounded by a vast cattle ranch, which provided the economic lifeblood of the community. In 1910, a Catholic priest named Father John J. Burri came to Temecula and within five years, Father Burri announced his plan for the construction of the first church in town designed specifically to serve as a house of worship for the Catholic congregation. A lot of land was purchased for the new church at the corner of Sixth and Front Street.

A small construction loan was secured through the local bank. Construction of the church was completed in March of 1917.

The following month, April 15, 1917, Mahlon Vail, owner of the Vail Cattle Ranch organized and hosted a barbecue at his Pauba Ranch headquarters to raise funds to pay off the construction loan. In the spirit of that event, the 100th Anniversary celebration will host a barbeque tasting and birthday cake for $1 per person, first come, first served, while supplies last. Drinks, entertainment will be included in the festivities.

For more information on this event, please call the Temecula Valley Museum at (951) 694-6450.

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OLD TOWN.TEMECULA

By Diane Simones

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MARCH 2017

March at the Temecula Community Theater 6TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL WITH YVE EVANS AND MIKE COSTLEY

Presented by OnStage Musicals in association with Temecula Presents Sun, Mar 12 at 2PM Temecula Theater's beloved Annual Jazz Festival is sure to be another hit this year! Peruse the Courtyard turned marketplace and enjoy music from the James Nation Trio on our outdoor courtyard stage beginning at 12:30pm. Then join us inside the Theater to be entertained by some of the most sensational artists and finest musicians from the Desert, Inland Empire, and Los Angeles areas like the Keith Droste Trio and Jeff Stover Band with Don Rice and Andy Fraga. This year the Jazz Festival features popular singer Mike Costley, the remarkable vocalist and pianist Yve Evans and guest vocalist Elizabeth Dreyfuss.

Tickets: $37 Regular* $35 Senior / Military* $31 Group of 15+ $25 Student *Family discount: Two children admitted free with each paid adult ticket

AVOCADO DANCE THEATRE 2017

Presented by Temecula Presents Fri, Mar 17 at 8PM; SAT, MAR 18 at 8PM Avocado Dance Theatre is a fresh voice in Southern California's modern dance scene. Dynamic dance resonating with imaginative theatricality, this repertory company has been delighting audiences since 2012 with its out-of-the-proscenium innovation. Under the artistic direction of Lori Craig Torok, this multi-media evening of dance is a feast for the senses, a thrill for the mind, and a journey of the heart. Avocado Dance Theatre creates new, original, and delicious dance-which speaks to today's audiences. www.avocadodancetheatre.com Tickets: $25 Regular, $20 Senior 65+ / Military, $15 Student

A CHORUS LINE 2017

Presented by Fine Arts Network Theater Company Mar 24, 25, 30, 31, Apr 1, 8 at 7:30PM & Mar 26, Apr 2, 9 at 2PM A Chorus Line is a stunning musical-vĂŠritĂŠ about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It tells of the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show and serves as a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration.

Memorable musical numbers include: I Can Do That; At The Ballet; Dance: Ten, Looks: Three; The Music And The Mirror, What I Did For Love; One (Singular Sensation); and I Hope I Get It. This Broadway classic is a brilliant fusion of dance, compelling songs, and authentic drama. *due to mature subject matter parental discretion is advised Tickets: $27 Orchestra, $25 Parterre, $23 Balcony, $15 Groups 10 or more *$3.00 discount for Seniors 65+/ Military and Students.

FIREBIRD

Presented by The San Diego Ballet Company SAT, MAR 25 at 2PM & SUN, MAR 26 at 7PM Folklore meets Funk! An ancient tale of a magical bird of fire comes to life with a contemporary twist. Javier Velasco's modern/ballet fusion staging, teaming classical dancers with hip hop artists, lights up the stage with originality and boundless energy. "Imaginative, Entertaining and Thrilling" makes these performances a perfect outing for the whole family!

San Diego's Premiere Ballet Company. Celebrating 25 Years Tickets: $42 Orchestra, $38 Parterre, $34 Balcony *$4 discount for Seniors 65+/Military

MARCH 2017

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A Passion for Dance Academy of Ballet Arts, Murrieta, California

By Laurie Malmstrom

The minute the young ladies entered the studio, you knew they were special. They carried themselves like proud, self-assured dancers, not the young teenage girls that they were in fact. Under the direction of Directors Jose Chavez and Dana Nelson along with advisor Teresa Hall-Wells, the girls take their ballet classes at the Academy of Ballet Arts, in Murrieta very serious. In fact, they average 6-8 hours a day of strenuous workout and choreography in both classical ballet and contemporary dance. Most are home-schooled so they may dedicate more time to their passion—dance. With lofty goals of Prima Ballerina with the Royal Ballet of London, San Francisco Ballet, and Pacific Northwest Ballet Company, the young ladies have just returned from Missoula, Montana and the international competition VIBE (Vienna International Ballet Experience) where the Academy and the young ladies cleaned up on awards from the world-wide competition. VIBE estimated attendance for this year’s 5-day event at 6,000 participants with over 500 dancers.

The event was held January 14, 2017 where amateurs and professional dancers converged on Missoula Montana. “Language and politics don’t matter when you are on stage. It is impossible to tell who can and can’t speak English,” said VIBE USA director, Charlene Campbell. The competition involves serious dancers from countries all around the world. The girls got to meet dancers from Italy, England, Portugal, Mexico, Russia, Cuba, Japan and the many other countries that competed. “The competition is like the Olympics for dancers” said Mr. Jose, which is what his students at the Academy of Ballet, call him. “We’re very proud of our students in both the Senior and Junior category competition, in classical ballet and contemporary.”

Catherine Ventura . Photo Credit: Arhscana Images

Left to right......Director, Jose Chavez with students:Taylor Parent, Mia Benitez, Madeleine Gardner, and Catherine Ventura.

And the winners at VIBE USA 2017 are:

• Madeleine Gardner (Maddie), 14, daughter of Sandy & Grant Gardner of San Marcos won SILVER in Contemporary, Junior Division.

• Catherine Ventura, 13, daughter of Clementine & Ramon Ventura of Murrieta won Bronze in Junior Classical Division

• Mia Benitez, 14, daughter of Cheryl & Jose Benitez of Wildomar, won Gold in Junior Classical Division and 2 Judges Choice Awards • Taylor Parent, 14, daughter of Angela and Scott Parent, Murrieta won Silver in Junior Classical Division and Bronze in Junior Contemporary Division.

Mira Larsen, 17, daughter of Julie and Michael Larsen of Temecula are very proud parents too. Mira received a scholarship to the Royal Ballet School in London at the Youth America Grand Prix finals in New York last year. They offered a special audition class which was by invitation only to selected final-

ists to compete for a scholarship. Ms. Larsen had placed Top 12 for the senior age division (over age 15) at that competition of over 8,000 participants from around the world. Mira has studied with Mr. Jose and Miss Dana since she was 9 years old and is now in London pursing her studies.

When asked about their motivation and dedication to dance and competition, the girls in typical teenage fashion said “Getting to meet people from everywhere, it’s really cool. It’s about new teachers, and new techniques at the workshops and new friends!” The young ladies were asked about their families and what their siblings thought of their devotion to their craft. “Most are very supportive, but I get some ribbing about ‘Living at the studio’ and not spending enough time with my family” said Maddie Gardner. Each young lady has their own favorite ballet but most mentioned: Romeo and Juliet, Giselle, and Don Quixote. According to Mr. Chavez, “the ladies seem to select their favorite ballet based on their own abilities and seeing themselves in the major roles. The appreciation of the music, expressions and true love of the art is very strong in these young performers. They are gifted and bring honor to the communities in the Temecula Valley”.

Mr. Jose Chavez and Ms. Dana Nelson opened Academy of Ballet Arts in late 2011. They take great pleasure in sharing their love and knowledge of classical ballet with all of their students. As former professional ballet dancers, they have worked with some of the best choreographers and teachers of our time. Mr. Chavez began his ballet training with Teresa Wells, formerly of Kansas City Ballet, as well as intensive studies on scholarship with California Ballet and San Diego Ballet. He was awarded full scholarship to attend the graduate program at Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. He now performs as a guest artist and teacher throughout Southern California as well as owner and director of the Academy of Ballet Arts.

To learn more about the Academy of Ballet Arts, visit: www.academyofballetarts.com

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MARCH 2017

Children Learn By Playing at Murrieta’s New Techno Playground Kids

Technology, especially robotics is all around us. The schools are holding special classes to encourage students to get more involved in science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM). What better way to prepare your child for the future than to let them learn while playing?

Newly opened Playsmartz in Murrieta is just that place. Kids can take a hands-on approach to independent thinking and problem solving in a fun environment designed to offer self-guided independent thinking skills and to nurture creativity.

Take a look at some of the other classes offered at Playsmartz.

INTRO TO ROBOTICS

Come build and play with robots in a fun setting where the students learn how to build and program a robot. Then spend time playing with the new creation. Kids will build an interactive mBot robot and program it with the latest scratch software. Requirements: Must be able to use mouse and keyboard.

ROBOT ENGINEERING AND CODING LAB

This class will build upon the skills learned in the Intro to Robots Class. Students are challenged with solving problems and building new robots that have more sensors and capabilities.

What you will develop and learn: Robot programming, Robot components, Hands-on robot construction, Engineering concepts, Critical thinking, Math, Robot sensors, Trial and error field testing

COGNITIVE PROGRAMMING

This class will use the latest cloud computing services to explore the latest cognitive cloud technologies. We will play with cognitive applications and build cognitive programs that can determine human emotion, objects & images, and facial recognition. We will use these new technologies to explore new innovative possibilities.

This is a very interactive and fun way to learn about the very latest in technology advances.

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY & WEBSITE CREATION

This is a very creative class where you will create a website and learn important photography skills. We will explore photo editing, landscape, portrait and photojournalism. Each student will create a gallery of photos. These photos will then be added to the student’s created website.

INTRO TO VIDEO GAME PROGRAMMING AND DESIGN

Who said video games can’t be educational and fun?!!! Unleash your full creative potential as you design your very own video game. Once you’re done, you can take your game home and have your family and friends play your game. This course serves as a fun, educational and social alternative to go beyond playing games to learning how to build video games and having fun in the process.

AFTER SCHOOL INNOVATORS CLUB

This club will inspire the innovator in your child with a variety of innovation driven hands-on activities. This is the perfect club to develop STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) skills. The young innovators will conduct hands-on activities and will be introduced to famous inventors and their inventions.

Stop by or call for more information. Playsmartz is located at 24710 Washington Ave., Ste. 9 in Murrieta. 951-461-4007. www.playsmartz.com.

Unleash your child’s full potential by tapping into what kids to best Play!

MARCH 2017

Kids

PAGE 17

Temecula Valley Elks #2801 District Hoop Shoot Winners Presents COLLAGE – March 26, 2017 (Sunday) 6:00 pm

The concert will feature the Youth Symphony directed by Thomas Kociela, plus the Jr. Youth Symphony conducted by Scott Merrin, and two special guest groups. Chamblee Charter HS Symphony Orchestra from Chamblee, Georgia will join on the concert program, plus San Jacinto Valley Academy Strings and Winds. Several collaborative pieces are being planned in addition to stand-alone performances by each.

Tickets: $15 Adults, $5 Students, Children 12 & Under are Free.

Call (951) 587-1536 or online at www.TemeculaValleySymphony.org under the event name COLLAGE. Venue: Golden Bears Theater, TVHS, 31555 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula.

Temecula Valley Youth Symphony is currently accepting new students. We offer educational and performance opportunities for music students at all levels, in a nurturing and challenging environment. The Junior Youth Symphony rehearses on Mondays at Warm Springs Middle School in Murrieta from 4:30 6:00 pm and the more advanced Youth Symphony from 6:15 - 8:30 pm. New students should call the number below to set up an audition.

Prelude: Beginning Violin Class is available on Mondays from 4:00 5:00pm. Elizabeth Monacelli, professional violinist and teacher, provides students with the fundamentals of proper string technique. Beginning Cello Class runs from 5:00 – 6:00 pm and is taught by Gina Wingfield, cellist and professional music educator.

Temecula Valley Youth Symphony - (951) 587-1536 | www.TemeculaValleyYouthSymphony.org

WORD SEARCH FOR KIDS FROM A KID

Can you find all of the words that have to do with pence biden cheney gore

Vice Presidents quayle bush mondale rockefeller

from djr

ford agnew humphrey johnson

nixon barkley truman

Drug Awareness Mascot, Elroy, with the Temecula First Place winners at the District Level: 1st Boy from left: Tyler Hernandez from Tovashal Elementary; 2nd girl from left: Alison Chapin from Van Avery Prep; 3rd girl from left: Janylle Nieto from Temecula Luiseno Elementary

The Elks Southeast District Hoop Shoot was held Saturday January 7th at the Mt. San Jacinto College Campus. Temecula Elks #2801 had 5 contestants in the tournament and the results were three 1st place winners and two 2nd place winners.

The 1st place winners will advance to the Southern California contest held in Torrance on February 4, 2017.

The 1st place winners: Boys Division (8-9) - Tyler Hernandez from Tovashal Elementary Girls Division (8-9)- Alison Chapin from Van Avery Prep.

Girls Division (10-11) - Janylle Nieto from Temecula Luiseno Elementary 2nd place winners: Boys Division (10-11) Taj Jackson from Temecula Luiseno Elementary Boys Division (12-13) Joseph Azzarelli from Van Avery Prep

All five Hoop Shoot winners represented the Temecula/Murrieta area with great free throw ability. Missing the contest because of illness was Peyton Cronin from Temecula Middle School.

PAGE 18

MARCH 2017

Kids Southern California FitKid in Every Park Activities Season 2017

Wear appropriate clothing. Bring sunblock, snack from home & water or purchase on property.

Diamond Valley Marina – 9:30 - 11:30 AM

Lake Hemet – 10:00 - 12:00 PM FitKid Snack $3.50

Ages 8-12 / Reserve your child's spot today! Space is limited

www.LakeHemetRecreation.com Ages 5-12 / Reserve your child's spot today! Space is limited

FitKid Sign-up & Check-in Details: Please make sure you reserve your child’s spot no later than the Friday before the event by emailing ttoral@calparksco.com or call 951-926-7201. Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled boat launch or scheduled activity. Meeting place is at the picnic tables by the Diamond Valley Market.

Parent or guardian will be asked to sign a liability waiver, model release form, and boating agreement. The boat tour is a fun activity just for our FitKid’s.

• April 1, 2017- Shoreline Fishing and fun nature craft

• May 6, 2017- Nature Hike through the wildflower blossoms and fun nature craft

• June 3, 2017- Boating excursion and nature discovery *8-12 years old for this activity.

9:00am Pontoon Boat Launch /10:30am Pontoon Boat Launch Please come 20 minutes before launch time to sign the boating contract.

Lake Gregory – 10:00 - 12:00 PM FitKid Snack $3.50 www.LakeGregoryRecreation.com Ages 5-12 / Reserve your child's spot today! Space is limited

FitKid Sign-up & Check-in Details: You can go online to fill out all the parent contact information and child’s/children’s information that will be attending. Please fill out the all the release forms online to help us streamline the check-in process. Fill out and sign for each individual child.

Meeting place is at the North Beach Entrance on Lake Drive.

• May 20, 2017 - Interpretive Nature Center Exploration and Nature Scavenger Hunt

FitKid Sign-up & Check-in Details: You can go online to fill out all the parent contact information and child’s/children’s information that will be attending. Please fill out the all the release forms online to help us streamline the check-in process. Fill out and sign for each individual child.

Meeting place in front of the Soaring Pines Café. Waterpark activities require parent's driving their children to the park after check-in.

• May 20, 2017 - Fishing at the Kid's Pond and kid friendly sports at the park

• June 17, 2017- Interpretive Nature Center Exploration and Nature Scavenger Hunt • July 15, 2017- Splashing Eagle Waterpark and Beach fun!

• August 19, 2017 - Fishing at the Kid's Pond and kid friendly sports at the park

• September 16, 2017 - Splashing Eagle Waterpark and Beach fun!

Vail Lake Resort – 10:00 - 12:00 PM FitKid Snack $3.50 www.VailLakeResort.com Ages 5-12 / Reserve your child's spot today! Space is limited

FitKid Sign-up & Check-in Details: You can go online to ¬fill out all the parent contact information and child’s/children’s information that will be attending. Please fi¬ll out the all the release forms online to help us streamline the check-in process.

Fill out and sign for each individual child.

Meeting place is in front of the reservation office.

• May 13, 2017 Mini Golf Tournament & Mother’s Day Craft

• June 17, 2017- Fun at Lake Gregory's Waterpark & beach! (must meet height requirement for the waterpark and have a parent or guardian present during activity).

• June 10, 2017 Mini Golf Tournament & Father’s Day Craft

• September 16, 2017 - Shoreline fishing and outdoor nature craft

• September 9, 2017 Hayride & Swimming

• July 15, 2017- Shoreline fishing and outdoor nature craft

• August 19, 2017 - Nature walk with vegetation education

• July 8, 2017 Nature Walk & Bird House Craft • August 5, 2017 Hayride & Swimming

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

Tigers from djr

bengal siberian south china

javan sumatran malayan

caspian indochinese bali

MARCH 2017

Kids

PAGE 19

Conscious Parenting ~ Tough Love Tips for the Not-So-Tough Parent

By Traci L. Carman-Williams

Do you ever feel like you need to be someone else in order to implement “tough love”? Is it not quite who you are, but you know you need to be tough sometimes? When we try to be someone we are not, especially in our parenting, we can become inconsistent and confuse our children. It’s hard to hold that line.

Yet, if we give up when we need to hang on, our children lose the compass they need in pivotal moments of life. So what do we do?

Here are some practical tips to keep in mind:

1) Avoid comparing yourself to other parents.

What you want to do instead is learn from them. Take pieces that you can incorporate into your parenting, and let the rest go.

2) Look for strategies that will help you motivate your child to make better choices.

How do you get them on your team with collaboration instead of manipulation?

3) Know your child’s learning style. This will assist you in connecting with them in general, and will assist in getting them on board with any changes that need to happen.

4) Identify where the undesired behavior came from. Why are they doing what they are doing? Why are they not listening? What is their need underneath all of that drama?

5) Ask yourself, “Is this a hill to die on?” Not every hill will be. And yet some hills are a must! Do you know the difference?

6) How is your communication with your child overall? Communication is a two-way street. One person speaks and the other listens; then you switch. Is there a mutual understanding when you talk? When there is no serious issue going on, that’s a good time to figure out how healthy or unhealthy your communication is. You can avoid a lot of issues with good communication in your home.

7) When push comes to shove, does your child know that ultimately you hold the final say? They need to know that you CHOOSE not to die on every hill and that when you DO press an issue, they need to trust you and comply. (Your part is to create and maintain trust they can depend on.)

8) If you are in a serious situation (substance abuse, suicide attempts, depression, etc.), assess who can help and do it quickly. Sometimes tough love is about getting a third party involved to assist in setting and keeping the proper boundaries.

Make sure the person you choose is someone you trust and respect. That will be essential.

The key in “tough love” is love. It’s not about yelling, hurting or scaring. When parents use volume and fear, they are usually looking for that “wake-up call” moment; they are desperate. If you can practice the items above in advance, you will be well ahead of the game; tough love moments won’t be quite as hard or as often. If you are currently in a place where tough love is needed and you are not sure what that looks like, seek assistance. Educate yourself. It’s not worth the damage that can be done and the time lost. Get on a good track and then re-evaluate the items above so you are better prepared for next time.

Prevention is your friend in parenting. Communicate often with your children, starting as early as pregnancy. Educate, understand and inspire your children. Parenting has hard days. When you find yourself in moments of uncertainty, feel free to contact me to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation (951-2401407 or traci@alovingway.com). You can also find information about our classes and other resources at www.alovingway.com.

THE GOOD NEWS

PAGE 20

MARCH 2017

I will be glad and rejoice in your unfailing love, for you have seen my troubles, and you care about the anguish of my soul.

Psalm 31:7 (NLT)

The Peace of God

By Pastor John Miller

We are living in very troubled and turbulent times.

Our divided and media-influenced nation is an example of what is happening in our volatile and troubled world!

Everywhere we turn, we’re reminded of protests, conflict and the threat of even more menacing terrors and tribulations. It is quite apparent that these events going on around us are seriously troubling our hearts and minds. Where can we look and to whom can we turn to find peace and strength that we might wisely and safely navigate such perilous times?

The night before Jesus suffered humiliation, torture and death on the Cross, He celebrated the Passover with his 12 closest followers. Before the night was over, Jesus would tell them that He was going away, that He would die and that one of them was a traitor. He would add that Peter would disown Him three times, that Satan was at work against all of them and that all His disciples would deny him and fall away. Knowing that the cumulative weight of these painful revelations would greatly trouble them and realizing that even greater trials lay ahead, Jesus declared to His disciples “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

"Peace" is one of the most beautiful and meaningful words in the Chris-

tian's vocabulary. The word was used as the usual Hebrew greeting of “shalom” just as English-speaking people might say "hello." Yet shalom has a much richer meaning than a simple hello. Shalom means “peace unto you,” but not just a peace pertaining to absence of trouble and problems; it offers a blessing of receiving and walking in God’s strength and highest good in your life.

Most people think of peace only as an absence of problems and conflicts, a peace that comes from the outside in. But the biblical concept of peace points to an inner strength that comes from God into man’s soul that is not tainted or diminished by what happens on the outside but rather brings a soundness to life. God’s peace comes from the inside out. One may be in the midst of great trials and still have biblical peace.

The New Testament speaks of various kinds of peace—peace with God is the objective peace that has to do with our relationship to God, and the peace of God is subjective peace that has to do with our experience of God’s peace for daily living.

The natural man lacks peace with God and cannot by his own human abilities and efforts know this peace. We all come into the world fighting against God, because we are naturally born into the rebellion of sin. Romans 5:10 says we were “enemies of God.” We innately fought against God, and knowingly or unknowingly, everything we did operated against His principles and ways. Mankind’s peace with God was purchased for us by Jesus paying a price we could never pay; He provided for us a salvation that we could never earn nor will ever deserve. He is the source of the peace we need. Notice Jesus said “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you.” Jesus is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). He is the source of the peace we all need and desire. When we believe and receive Jesus Christ, we cease being enemies of God. We were bought by Him and brought back to His side, so the hostility is ended. Jesus Christ wrote the Peace Treaty in His own blood on the Cross.

That treaty, that bond, that covenant of peace declares and provides the objective truth that now we are at peace with God. Romans 5:1 says, "Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God." Whereas God and sinful mankind were once fully estranged, those who have belief in Jesus Christ have been saved by grace through faith in Christ and have now been reconciled or reunited. We who have trusted Christ are redeemed and declared righteous by faith. Our sins are forgiven, our rebellion has ceased, the war is over and we have peace with God. So Christ bridged the gap between sinful mankind and a Holy God, taking the hand of God and the hand of man and uniting them as one “having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:20). We call this Peace with God or objective, positional peace. It's a fact of life for every Christian and is the settled basis of our standing before God in Christ.

But our text in John 14:27 is not talking about this objective or positional peace. The peace Jesus speaks of in this verse is a subjective or experiential peace. It is the peace of God that can only be experienced in the lives of those who first are at peace with God. It is God’s peace protecting and directing our inner being. This is the peace that Paul speaks about in Philippians 4:7: “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” This Peace of God is not based on circumstances like the world's peace (“My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you”). This inner peace from God is not always humanly understandable and doesn't always make sense to the natural mind.

It doesn't seem reasonable that such peace could exist in the midst of such

continued from page 21

THE GOOD NEWS

MARCH 2017

PAGE 21

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves Philippians 2:3-4New Living Translation (NLT) Don’t look out only for your own interests but take an interest in others, too.

3

4

Mike, the Postal Clerk

By Judy Scharfenberg

There’s a story going around about a man named Mike who works at a post office on the east coast. It’s been said he has a long line of patrons every day, just waiting for him to wait on them. They don’t want anyone else. They want Mike. They don’t mind the wait, because you see Mike looks at every single person who stands on the opposite side of the counter, he greets them with a smile, he asks each one a question or two and he always gives them some kind of a compliment or an encouraging word. Mike says, “If you can’t find a good word to say about someone, then you aren’t looking hard enough.” When they leave, they feel good. Mike sounds like a nice guy, especially when we hear about the not-so-good customer service we receive at the post office.

After hearing about Mike, I tried something recently. My local post office is fairly small and the clerks are kind, but I’ve never noticed anything outstanding in all the years I’ve been going there. However, there is one woman I have noticed.

She never smiles. You can watch her routinely do her job, almost robotic with never a personal touch. She‘s been there for years and it looks like she can hardly wait for retirement.

One day I was with a friend and I pointed her out to him and then I said, “Now watch this.” When I got up to the counter I greeted her warmly and told her what I needed and as she was getting my stamps I said, “You know, I have noticed, you have the most beautiful green eyes.” Well, she paused, looked up at me almost flustered a little. She smiled and tentatively said, “Thank You.” Her whole face lit up when she smiled. She was a different woman. I’m pretty sure that made her feel good and it made me feel good too.

I’ve been reading the book of Philippians lately. I love those four little chapters written by the apostle Paul. It’s often been described as the Book of Joy for the words joy and rejoice are used over and over. You would never know Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the believers in Philippi.

Let me sidetrack for a moment and talk about the prison where Paul was being held. It was nothing like the prisons we have today. The Roman historian Sallust describes it like this. “The Mamertine Prison in Rome could have been called the ‘House of Darkness.’ Few prisons were as dim, dank, and dirty as the lower chamber Paul occupied. Known in earlier times as the Tullianum dungeon, its "neglect, darkness, and stench" gave it "a hideous and terrifying appearance.”

The Peace of God

continued from page 20

painful troublesand impossible circumstances. But this is a supernatural peace from God; it cannot be developed or explained on a human level. It is peace that is proactive as a source of inner calm and strength into the life of a Christian.

This peace of God is powerful to guard the hearts and minds of God’s children. It is a protective and proactive peace that proves to be a fortress of strength and stability in the face of life’s tests and trials. When the peace of God is on guard, the Christian has entered an impregnable protective citadel from which nothing can dislodge him. This peace is the heart's calm in the storms of life and offers the assurance that God is with us and for us!

This peace of God surrounds and protects the praying believer’s heart, emotions and thought life. What a strong inner protection it is in the turbulent and troubled times in which we live! Seek peace with God through His Son and experience the peace of God in your heart.

Pastor Miller is the Senior Pastor at Revival Christian Fellowship in Menifee. www.revival.tv

And yet it was here that Paul wrote his encouraging letter to the believers in Philippi. Shackled, dirty, probably hungry and thirsty, he wrote, “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always offering prayer, with joy, in my every prayer for you all.” And another place, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or empty conceit, but with humility of mind, let each of you regard one another as more important than himself. Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interest of others.”

And how about this, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near.”

1. Sallust, The War with Catiline, 55.5, in The War with Catiline, The War with Jugurthine, trans.

J. C. Rolfe, rev. John T. Ramsey (Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 2013), 133.

Philippians 1:3-4 Philippians 2: 3-4 Philippians 4:4-5

Judy Scharfenberg is an author and speaker at conferences, retreats and other women’s events. Her newest book, Secure Families in a Shaky World is available at www.redemption-press.com Mother of six and grandmother to sixteen, Judy lives in Murrieta, California. Her favorite things to do are read to her grandchildren and sing with her four daughters; if you add to that not having to cook dinner; she’ll tell you it’s a perfect day. If you would like to know more about a relationship with God or book her for an event, go to www.judyscharfenberg.com, email: judyspeaksandwrites@gmail.com, or call 951-310-1421.

MARCH 2017

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Miraculous Mountain Mover "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says."

(Mark 11:23)

Book Promotion

God knows we cannot overcome life's obstacles without Him...without being one with Him, One with His living Presence, one with His Spirit, one with His Truth, one with His lavish love, one with His spectacular grace...moving as one in His "ways."

Laying aside harmful, yet typical denial and religious excuses, the truth is life's victories do not come to us automatically...just because we have "received" Jesus! God requires our deepening "cooperation," and has clearly instructed us what we must do. That is where your victory and God's glory meet together!

Do you know exactly how to make life work, God's way? Do you really know how to lay hold of, and walk in such fulfilling satisfaction and fruitfulness?

That's where the book, "Miraculous Mountain Mover," comes in. In it you will: "See" the MIGHTY GOD of the Mountain Mover, Lay hold of the GLORIOUS MISSION of the Mountain Mover, Learn how to operate in the GREAT FAITH of the Mountain Mover, Discover how to use the MIRACULOUS POWER of the Mountain Mover, Learn how to operate effectively with the VICTORIOUS ARSENAL of the Mountain Mover, Learn how to join in the EFFECTIVE PRAYER of the Mountain Mover, and Experience how the Mountain Mover finds God's LAVISH LOVE on a moment to moment basis.

The "Miraculous Mountain Mover is the culmination of more than forty years in the ministry, written over the past three years. Support our local authors, will you please consider helping the author defray the cost of publishing? If you will, simply connect to the GoFundMe website for details, using the link: https://www.gofundme.com/publishing-a-much-needed-book

And, if you would like to know when "Miraculous Mountain Mover" is released, please send your request to: Chuckklingman@yahoo.com

MARCH 2017

PAGE 23

Freedom in Recovery

By Andrea Salzbrunn

“He is the Father, and we are His children.

Most good ideas are simple, and this concept was the keystone of the new and triumphant arch through which we passed to freedom”

In the personal story, ‘Women Suffer Too’ in The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, the writer discusses a woman’s miraculous discovery of freedom. After experiencing a personal crisis that sent her into rage and anger, she turned to drink. Drinking as vengeance punishes no one but ourselves. Yet many confuse righteous anger and indignation as justification and cause for relapse. Then, looking at The Big Book she read “We cannot live with anger”. Just then she had a spiritual experience, “I wasn’t trapped. I wasn’t helpless. I was free…this was freedom! Freedom from anger and fear, freedom to know happiness and love.”

Looking at our reasons for why we drank and used drugs, most of us conclude two answers. First, because we liked the effects produced by drugs and alcohol. Second, because those effects included some sense of freedom.

At least, there was freedom in the beginning. Life can be challenging and full of suffering. Without knowing the pleasure of faith and freedom in God, we sought that escape in other places. Substances like drugs and alcohol, when consumed, produce pleasure. Experiencing such euphoric feelings makes us think we are experiencing freedom. Coming to that conclusion is logical when we look at the basics. From pain and suffering to sudden pleasure and euphoria. Many of us can remember feeling it for the first time and immediately desiring more– more pleasure, more euphoria, more freedom.

Toward the end we were no longer free. In fact, we were frustrated. Our substances of choice which once brought us unsolicited joy now brought us an even worse pain and suffering. Compared to the lives we lived before we became addicted, we realize now, we might not have had it so bad.

Trapped in the cycle of craving, using, dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal, we become slaves to

drugs and alcohol. We were no longer free. We were fooled by false gold.

Freedom in recovery is the opposite of all that. We are promised a new freedom and a new happiness. It starts with leaving drugs and alcohol behind, then seeking a relationship with a God of our understanding.

The Center for Life Change focuses on helping recovering addicts find their place in God’s light so that the ongoing process of sober living that comes after rehab is long and successful. Andrea Salzbrunn facilitates The Center’s Parent Support Group. Let us help you set up a life free of substance abuse.

PAGE 24

Dining

MARCH 2017

Serve the BEST Corned Beef for St. Paddy’s Day! Feeds 4-5 , Prep 15 minutes, Cook Time 2 hours: 45 Min Total time 3 hours You can also serve Horseradish on the side • 4 pounds “Russak” corned beef brisket, water to cover • 1 medium head cabbage, cored and cut into 6 wedges • 12 small red potatoes, halved • 1 pound small white onions, peeled • 6 large carrots, peeled and cut in chunks

Ingredients

Sauce: • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar • 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream • 2 tablespoons coarse Dijon mustard

Directions

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

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

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

Serve sauce alongside corned beef and vegetables.

You can order your Russak Corned Beef from The Naughty Pig Butchery at 951-677-1362 and pick it up at their location at 25359 Madison Ave., Ste. 108, Murrieta 92562 (corner of Madison and Murrieta Hot Springs Rd.)

MARCH 2017

Chili

*Gluten –free *Vegan Friendly

Ingredients 1lb. Peruvian or pinto beans soaked overnight and rinsed the following day 1 medium sweet potato diced 1 purple onion diced 1 green bell pepper diced 1 package of soyrizo 1 cup of chili powder 15 oz can of roasted diced tomatoes 8 oz can of tomato sauce 16 oz can of kidney beans 2 T. of kosher salt 1 tsp. of course ground pepper ½ tsp. of cayenne pepper – optional ¼ cup of olive oil Directions: Place Peruvian beans in a slow cooker until tender and add 1 tablespoon of the salt. Place the oil in a pan and add the diced sweet potatoes after 5 minutes of stirring the potatoes stir in the green bell peppers after a couple of minutes stir in the diced purple onion. Once all the above ingredients are tossed together toss in the package of soyrizo and stir and add the can of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cayenne pepper, chili powder and the last tablespoon of salt.

Let simmer for 15 minutes then add the kidney beans and Peruvian beans and stir. *Tip - Dice a half an onion, a fresh tomato and grated cheddar cheese to top your bowl of beans.

Dining

PAGE 25

MARCH 2017

PAGE 26

Heart of the House Offers Upscale Ambiance and Great Food

By Susan Montgomery

What do you look for in a great restaurant? I believe three factors are of equal importance: wonderful food, friendly and responsive service, and an inviting setting. I also look for a unique flair—an innovative vibe that I can’t find other places. Heart of the House Restaurant has all this.

We recently met with the restaurant’s personable owners, Monica and Richard Bustos, to discuss their restaurant and their goals. Richard is the talented Executive Chef who creates the menu items and oversees their preparation in the kitchen—which of course is the “heart of the house.” Monica expertly manages the front of the house.

“The house” décor is striking — contemporary and stylish with unique lighting and artwork as accents. Monica designed the restaurant interior herself and plans to have rotating art shows in a lower level dining area, which can be reserved for private groups. A chic but intimate bar/lounge area invites guests to linger and sip before or after dinner.

Monica has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, including being a massage therapist at South Coast Winery, but her main love is engaging with people, making her the perfect hostess for Heart of the House.

She says, “Running this restaurant is like throwing a fabulous dinner party every night and I love it.” Her enthusiasm is contagious and we could easily

Chocolate Stout Crème Brulee paired with Beer.

see why her guests feel so welcomed and comfortable. Her well-trained staff has picked up on her passion for good service. We actually came back to dine at the restaurant on a very busy Valentine’s Day night and we were so impressed with the friendliness of the staff as they served a full house of guests.

But what about the food? The menu is eclectic and brings together the wealth of experience Richard has had throughout his 16-year career as a chef. Classically trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, Richard has experience at such upscale chains as Fleming’s Steak House and P.F. Changs, and has also catered food at wineries in the Temecula Valley Wine Country.

Because of his French and Spanish background (his mother is French), he also brings those influences to the enticing menu items he creates.

We tried several dishes during our visit. A unique starter was “3 Haute Toasts” — three artistically presented toppings on crispy toast rounds, including humbolt fog cheese, serrano ham, and blueberry compote; house-made deviled ham and arugula creatively topped with a quail egg; and a tangy spread of mushrooms, artichokes and caramelized onion on brie. The mixture of textures and flavors was so divine that we ordered this appetizer again on our next visit.

There is a tempting assortment of other starters, including shrimp ceviche, a charcuterie platter, blackened fish tacos, ribeye skewers, and mac and cheese.

Richard frequently offers specials that are not on the menu and the ongoing special during our visit was scrumptious Duck Le Orange, a classic French dish that Richard has adapted with his own innovative touches. The perfectly prepared duck (just the Appetizer, Three Haute Toasts.

“The house” décor is striking — contemporary and stylish with unique lighting and artwork as accents.

MARCH 2017

PAGE 27

Owners Richard and Monica Bustos

Duck Le Orange, a classic French dish with Chef’s innovative touches.

Photos by Todd Montgomery.

right shade of pink) was thickly sliced and served with roasted fennel and a balsamic reduction and orange sauce made in house. Richard says he first sears the duck to get a nice crispy skin and finishes it in the oven so it is medium rare. He adds figs to the dish when they are in season, but our duck was served with sliced pears that were a perfect match for the flavorful duck.

The entrée menu includes other appealing items such as Sun Dried Pesto Linguini with fresh organic vegetables, which I savored on a later visit and Marinated Spicy Jerk Chicken with cilantro lime rice and curry, which my husband raved about (since he is a spicy guy). The menu also includes the popular Heart of the House Burger made of a specially ordered blend of top sirloin and beef short ribs.

Desserts are also delectable and imaginative. We really enjoyed a Chocolate Stout Crème Brulee that was actually paired with beer.

All Heart of the House entrees have recommended wine and beer pairings. Many locally produced wines and beers are available and the pairings are spot on. Monica, who has a deep understanding of wines, suggested a Meiomi Chardonnay for the Duck Le Orange and its buttery flavor perfectly balanced the tartness of the sauce, while holding its own with the richness of the duck. Monica also recommended a German Reisling for the Jerk Chicken and, even though my husband usually shies away from Reislings, he loved it and felt its subtle sweetness enhanced the spice of the dish.

Heart of the House opened last summer and is steadily building a loyal clientele who keep coming back. Monica and Richard are thrilled to have a platform where Richard’s food can shine and Monica can focus on her great love of hospitality.

Heart of the House is located in Tower Plaza in the former Scarcella’s location (right behind the Painted Earth). Monica would like Heart of the House to be a “place to go,” just as Scarcella’s was for so many years. She wants it to be a place to bring families, friends, and business associates together for consistently great food, service and camaraderie. Heart of the House is now well on the way to meeting this goal.

Heart of the House is open Tuesday through Friday from 5 to 9 for dinner, on Saturday from noon to 10, and on Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. Plans are underway for monthly Sabor Sunday brunches. During warmer months, Richard plans to cook paella on the patio while guests enjoy cool Spanish music and Sangria. Live music plays most Saturday nights and during the summer there will be music on Fridays too. Reservations can be made on

the Heart of the House website at http://www.heartof thehouserestaurant.com/.

And, by the way, if you go to a movie at the nearby Digiplex Cinema (in the same shopping area), just bring your ticket stub to Heart of the House and you will receive a ten percent discount on your meal.

Without question, Heart of the House has elevated the culinary scene in Temecula. We will be back again and again.

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MARCH 2017

SENIORS

Michelle’s Place Partners with IEHP for Patient Navigation Services

Michelle’s Place is pleased to announce the recent partnership with Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) to further provide support for patient navigation services to individuals impacted by breast cancer over the next three years.

Since its inception in 1990, patient navigation has evolved as a strategy to improve outcome in vulnerable populations by eliminating barriers to timely diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other chronic diseases. The health care industry and

New Study Shows Improved Balance with Geri-Fit

A new study on balance improvement was recently published in Clinical Interventions in Aging (Dove Press – February 10, 2017) entitled: Using the Balance Tracking System (BTrackS) and Geri-Fit as a Targeted Approach for Assessing and Reducing the Postural Sway of Older Adults with High Fall Risk Study participants were enrolled in the Geri-Fit® evidence-based strength training program and saw an 80% improvement in balance over a 90 day period.

The study was conducted at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center in Menifee, California during 2016. To read about the study, view this link: https://www.dovepress.com/combination-of-btracks-and-geri-fit-as-a-targeted-approach-for-assessi-peer-reviewed-article-CIA The Geri-Fit evidence-based strength training program is free or at low cost to older adults through most Medicare Advantage plans. For a list of participating locations in southern California, call 1-888-437-4348 x1 or visit gerifit.com.

community-based organizations are initiating patient navigation programs - to help patients, on a personal level, navigate their diagnosis for the best possible outcome.

Michelle’s Place is a full-service breast cancer resource center providing free resources to women and families impacted by breast cancer, including patient navigation services. The need for navigation services has far exceeded expectations when the program was first implemented at Michelle’s Place over a decade ago. Now with the support from the largest healthcare provider in the Inland Empire (IEHP), Michelle’s Place can provide further assistance to individuals to help remove the obstacles patients can encounter in accessing or receiving breast cancer treatment.

“Michelle’s Place is thrilled to have joined IEHP to provide patient navigation services to women and their families in the Inland Empire,” said Kim Goodnough, Executive Director of Michelle’s Place. “IEHP’s commitment to their members and care and concern for their well-being demonstrates the kind of organization that Michelle’s Place wants to partner with. We look forward to working with their team.“ Michelle’s Place and IEHP are committed to providing patient navigation positions to help patients traverse the often-confusing medical system and overwhelming diagnosis. Navigation programs have proven to increase patient participation in cancer screening and adherence to diagnostic follow-up care after the detection of an abnormality, therefore improving the quality of health care among patients served.

IEHP, Inland Empire Health Plan, is a not-for-profit Medi-Cal and Medicare health plan located in Rancho Cucamonga, California. With a network of over 5,000 providers and more than 1,800 employees, IEHP serves nearly 1.25 million residents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are enrolled in MediCal or Cal MediConnect Plan (Medicare). Through a dynamic partnership with providers, award-winning service and innovative products, IEHP is fully committed to providing members with quality, accessible and wellness based healthcare services. www.iehp.org.

The City of Temecula’s Mary Phillips Senior Center Offers “Recreational Chair Yoga”

Ten classes will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 9:30 am, beginning February 7, 2017 and concluding March 14, 2017.

Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that is practiced while sitting on a chair or standing using a chair for support. With the help of a chair, seniors can practice yoga with the same benefits of increased circulation, balance, flexibility, mobility and strength. This is the perfect exercise for those who enjoy yoga, but find it difficult to get up and down from the floor. The class is non-certified and for recreational purposes only.

This class is open to seniors 55 years and older and is sponsored by the Mary Phillips Senior Center. The class is free, but space is limited. For more information, please call (951) 694-6464.

Community Care Program

Saturday, January 28th, the volunteers of the Community Care Program met at 8:30 a.m. on the border of Menifee and Canyon Lake to clean up trash for 2 hours.

The debris filled a dumpster supplied by CR&R Environmental Services. Canyon Lake Community Church, the Home Depot in Menifee, CR&R, and the Helping Hands Group all sponsor the program that enables people to serve in their local communities.

The event was the second to be staged, and doubled in size from the first. With great weather, the group of middle school aged children to seniors all participated in the service opportunity. Future events include food drives, visits to senior facilities, yard clean ups, and a variety of other service opportunities.

If you would like to join the Community Care Program or donate please go to www.helpinghandsgroup.us and sign up.

MARCH 2017

SENIORS

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Why Should You Work on Your Balance?

By Lisa Tyhulski

Balance is important for everyday activities such as walking, getting out of your chair, washing your hair, putting on your shoes and getting out of bed.

Most people don’t think about balance until a problem develops. Balance is a ‘use it or lose it’ skill, so you will want to stay active to maintain your balance.

You might be surprised to know that our muscles start to weaken gradually around the age of 30.

So, what is balance exactly?

Balance Defined Balance is the ability to evenly distribute your weight. This enables you to remain upright and steady.

There are two forms of balance: • Static balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium when not moving • Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium when moving

A properly functioning balance system allows you to determine direction, speed, and helps you to adjust to maintain posture and stability in activities and conditions.

How well you maintain balance in your 30’s and 40’s will protect you for what lies ahead.

What Makes Up Our Balance Balance is a complex process that depends on three components: • Your sensory system helps your body accurately know where it is in relation to your environment and includes the senses of your feet, ankles, joints, vision and the inner ear.

• Your brain’s ability to process the information

• The muscles and joints to coordinate the movement required to keep your balance

These all work in harmony with your brain. The aging process produces changes in our bodies mainly from the loss of hormones, estrogen and testosterone.

One in three adults over the age of 65 takes a tumble each year. About 20% will fracture a hip. So, you can see why working on balance is so important. And it’s never too early to start.

Here are some simple exercises that you can start with right away to help maintain or improve your balance.

1.

Heel to toe – Grab the back of a chair and practice standing still and letting go of the chair. You can also do this walking just like when you get stopped for a sobriety check. Take 20 steps forward and then 20 steps backward.

2.

Practice squatting as if you were sitting in a chair. If you feel unsteady put a chair behind you and practice sitting and standing. Strong legs will keep you from a fall in case you stumble. Make sure you’re keeping your knees right over your ankles. When you get good at this, you can keep your arms out to the side and do it without the chair. Stop when knees are parallel to the floor.

3.

Stand on one foot and lift the other foot off the floor. Again, you may want to have a chair available for support in case you start to fall. Repeat on both sides with your eyes open and again with your eyes closed.

Yoga, Tai Chi, aquatic exercise and dancing are all great tools to help maintain balance.

Modify exercises, practice and stay active.

The great news is if you’ve lost part of your balance or you fear falling, with practice you will improve.

• • • • • • •

Tropical Smoothie 1/2 mango, peeled, seed removed 1/8 tsp. natural coconut extract 1/2 banana, cut in chunks, frozen 4 strawberries, frozen 6 ice cubes 1 1/4 cups water 1 Scoop of Protein powder (optional) for added protein In a blender, process all the ingredients until thoroughly mixed and serve.

Website: http:www.livelightwithlisa.com • Facebook: livelightwithlisa

MARCH 2017

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Cooking and Kids: Teaching Children to Cook

By Vlada Vladic

Vlada is passionate about bringing families back to kitchen table to home cooked and natural meals. This passion led to the creation of her non-profit organization "Vlada's Seeds of Life" where she serves as the Executive Director. Vlada is also the founder and producer of the Cooking and Kids television educational/cooking programs. She has produced many instructional videos for her recipes, which are currently airing on public television stations locally and nationally.

I have yet to meet a child who doesn’t like to cook!! Children have a natural curiosity which makes them very receptive to learning the art of cooking at a very young age. Cooking has been a critical component of parenting for centuries as children naturally absorb activities from their surroundings. Children raised in families with a rich heritage for cooking have an advantage because their senses are stimulated at an early age by an array of aromas, textures, shapes, colors and flavors. For our ancestors, the art of cooking was passed on from generation to generation. Unfortunately, many parents today don’t have time to cook, thus missing an opportunity to pass on one of life’s most important skills to their children. Many of us are too busy to shop for quality food or prepare healthy homemade meals.

In my experience, I have found that most children have a keen interest in learning and experimenting with food. Both of my kids practically grew up on my kitchen counter. As toddlers, they were fascinated by the simple task of pouring (mostly spilling) and mixing ingredients together. As they got older they embraced new challenges, like learning how to crack an egg or measure wet ingredients. Next came whisking and chopping, learning how to handle a knife and be safe around open flames. Today, I am proud to say both, at age 13 and 11, can prepare simple meals without my assistance.

There are many benefits of teaching kids to cook including: Increased Self-Esteem

Cooking allows kids to get instant feedback, which helps them learn and grow. Learning a new skill, such as baking or cooking, is believed to help grade school children develop healthy self-esteem.

Cooking together is a great way to expose kids to new foods helping picky eaters feel comfortable trying new foods.

Broaden the Palate

In our busy lives cooking together can provide a welcome opportunity to decompress and reconnect with our children. Kids are far more likely to open up while doing something creative with their parents. A relaxed atmosphere in the kitchen offers an opportunity to talk about anything! Parents can take advantage of this, especially with teens, as good communication is a key element to raising a healthy, well-adjusted child.

Time to Reconnect

It takes planning to put a meal on the table. With guidance, kids can be involved in planning meals and picking ingredients for it. With some planning and family cooperation, eating and living healthier can become a fun family project.

Learn the Value of Planning and Working Together

Like driving a car, learning to read or swim, cooking is a valuable life skill that every child should possess. Such knowledge will help them in their pursuit of a happier, healthier life.

Important Life Skill

It’s best to start with simple recipes. For beginners, you could try picking one day out of the week where the child can be a kitchen helper, assigning doable, age-appropriate tasks. It’s important to relax and have fun so children look forward to helping in the kitchen. In time, you’ll be surprised what a big contribution your child is making in meal preparation.

Involving children in the kitchen will mean more mess and demand more time out of our busy schedule, however, I am certain we will find the rewards of planning and preparing healthy meals with our children to be well worth the effort. In addition to the other benefits the memories of these shared family experiences will be priceless.=

Here is a simple, yet healthy & delicious recipe to try.

Fresh Apple Cake

Awarded “One of the 12 Healthiest Recipes” in the National Aetna Healthy Food Fight, 2011 2.5 lb. fresh shredded apples

1 tablespoon real vanilla

1 cup olive oil

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 lb. cream of wheat

1 cup raw sugar

1/2 lemon juice

1/2 lemon zest

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup walnuts

For instructions please visit YouTube @: HEALTHY APPLE CAKE - WINNING RECIPE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ffaa7uYU2A

Vlada and her family won the Food Network's Family Feast Challenge 2010. She has had recipes featured in the Costco Connection Magazine. In 2011, Vlada competed in the 2011 Aetna Healthy Food Fight, and her recipe was selected as one of the 12 healthiest recipes. In 2013, Vlada was honored

by Blue Shield as one of the top 10 mothers who have contributed the most to improving the health of their communities in California. Today Vlada lives in Temecula, Southern California with her children.

MARCH 2017

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PAGE 31

Is Love Enough To Make A Marriage Succeed?

By Dr. James C. Dobson

Love can be defined in myriad ways, but in marriage “I love you” really means “I promise to be there for you all of my days.” It is a promise that says, “I’ll be there when you lose your job, your health, your parents, your looks, your confidence, your friends.”

It’s a promise that tells your partner, “I’ll build you up; I’ll overlook your weaknesses; I’ll forgive your mistakes; I’ll put your needs above my own; I’ll stick by you even when the going gets tough.”

This kind of assurance will hold you steady through all of life’s ups and downs, through all the “better or worse” conditions.

Many couples assume that the excitement of their courtship will continue for the rest of their lives. That virtually never occurs! It is naive to expect two unique individuals to mesh together and to remain exhilarated throughout life.

Gears have rough edges that must be honed before they will work in concert. That honing process usually occurs in the first year or two of marriage.

The foundation for all that is to follow is laid in those critical months. What often occurs at this time is a dramatic struggle for power in the relationship.

Who will lead? Who will follow? Who will determine how the money is spent?

Who will get his or her way in times of disagreement? Everything is up for grabs in the beginning, and the way these early decisions are made will set the stage for the future. If both partners come into the relationship prepared for battle, the foundation will begin to crumble.

The apostle Paul gave us the divine perspective on human relationships-not only in marriage, but in every dimension of life. He wrote, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (Philippians 2:3).

That one verse contains more wisdom than most marriage manuals combined. If heeded, it could virtually eliminate divorce from the catalog of human experience—no small achievement, considering that more than one million marriages break apart in the United States every year. If you want yours to be different, I urge you to commit now to “sticking in there” during the newlywed phase, the middle years, and your golden age together.

Will your commitment hold you steady? If you want your marriage to last a lifetime, you must set your jaw and clench your fists. Make up your mind that nothing short of death will ever be permitted to come between the two of you. Nothing!

Premarital counseling is a must and can literally be a marriage saver.

These sessions can help young men and women overcome the cultural tendency to marry virtual strangers. Let me explain.

The typical couple spends much time talking. Still, they don't know each other as well as they think they do. That is because a dating relationship is designed to conceal information, not reveal it. Each partner puts his or her best foot forward, hiding embarrassing facts, habits, flaws, and temperaments.

Consequently, the bride and groom often enter into marriage with an array of private assumptions. Then major conflict occurs a few weeks later when they discover they have radically different views on nonnegotiable issues. The stage is then set for arguments and hurt feelings that were never anticipated during the courtship period.

That's why I strongly believe in the value of solid, biblical premarital counseling. Each engaged couple, even those who seem perfectly suited for one another, should participate in at least six to ten meetings with someone who is trained to help them prepare for marriage. The primary purpose of these encounters is to identify the assumptions each partner holds and to work through the areas of potential conflict.

The following questions are typical of the issues that a competent counselor will help the couple address together: • Where will you live after getting married?

• Are children planned? How many? How soon?

• Will the wife return to work after babies arrive? How quickly?

• How will the kids be disciplined?

• Are there theological differences to be reckoned with?

• Where will you spend Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays?

• How will financial decisions be made?

This is only a partial list of questions to be discussed and considered.

Then a battery of compatibility tests is administered to identify patterns of temperament and personality. Some couples decide to postpone or call off the wedding after discovering areas of likely conflict down the road. Others work through their differences and proceed toward marriage with increased confidence. In either case, men and women benefit from knowing each other better.

Someone has said: The key to healthy marriage is to keep your eyes wide open before you wed and half-closed thereafter. I agree. Premarital counseling is designed to help couples accomplish that.

From Dr. Dobson’s book, The Complete Marriage and Family Home Reference Guide

For over 30 years, Dr. James Dobson has been America’s trusted source for psychologically sound, biblically based advice to help strengthen marriages, parents and families. For more practical help and encouragement, visit: www.drjamesdobson.org

JDS CREATIVE ACADEMY PRESENTS FIRST ANNUAL DIGIFEST MAY 5 – 7, 2017 Seeking Creative Digital Media Submissions From Students, Amateurs, and Digital Professionals

JDS Creative Academy is excited to announce their first DIGIFEST 2017 to take place May 5,6,7 at JDS Studios on 28069 Diaz Rd in Temecula, as well as other key locations to be announced.

This festival is to feature all things digital including film, video, animation, music, games, photography, graphics and comics. Any media, which is designed digitally or enhanced digitally, is qualified for the event and competition. Students are especially encouraged to submit their work. Entrant categories begin at age ten years old and go through adult, with student, amateur and professional categories. Fees are nominal and the entry deadlines are March 15, 2017 for early submissions and April 15, 2017 for late-deadline submissions.

Special presentations featuring renowned guest speakers from the digital media field and relevant, thoughtprovoking workshops will take place throughout the weekend, along with screenings, digital exhibits, and expo vendors. The event concludes with an awards dinner held at Temecula City Hall conference center.

Interested sponsors, speakers, and entrants can contact us via digifest2017.org or call 951.296.6715. Entry forms are available online.

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SEPTEMBER 2016

Leveraging Home Equity in Retirement

By Christina Cadwell

In a 2014 AARP survey on Home and Community, 88 percent of senior households (age 65+) agree they would like to stay in their current residences as long as possible. However, the ability to achieve this goal could be greatly hindered by the lack of finances seniors need to fund their aging in place.

A May 2016 Bipartisan Policy Center report “Healthy Aging Begins at Home” indicates that over the next 20 years, nearly 40 percent of individuals over the age of 62 are projected to have financial assets of $25,000 or less; 20 percent of those over 62 will have $5,000 or less. These startling statistics shed light on a serious question many American seniors may be faced with: how will they be able to fund longevity in retirement?

For many older Americans, home equity accounts for the largest portion of their net worth. That said, consumers approaching retirement with modest savings and substantial home equity may want to consider utilizing this valuable asset to help them live in their homes with stability. Noted financial expert and frequent Forbes contributor Jamie Hopkins reinforces home equity as a potential solution. In his Oct. 7, 2015 column, Hopkins stated “. . . strategic uses of home equity, especially reverse mortgages, could save many people from financial failure in retirement and help stem the overall retirement income crisis facing Americans … Reverse mortgages are a viable tool for retirement income planning, and while not for everyone, could serve as a saving grace for many baby boomers facing a retirement income shortfall.”

Accessible to homeowners aged 62 and older, a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan enables older Americans to tap into a portion of their equity to help supplement retirement income. With a HECM reverse mortgage loan, homeowners aren’t required to make monthly mortgage payments but need to continue paying their property taxes, homeowner’s insurance, for home maintenance costs and otherwise comply with the terms of the loan. Just like a conventional mortgage loan, if the homeowner defaults on the loan or doesn’t comply with the terms, the borrower may face foreclosure—but this isn’t unique to the reverse mortgage transaction.

Here are some other points you need to know: Reverse mortgage loans can be a smart financial tool Today’s reverse mortgage loans are viable tools in retirement planning. Government-insured HECM loans are backed by the FHA and are safer than ever. These loans are unique because the balance is deferred until the last eligible owner leaves the home, as long as all loan obligations are met.

A reverse mortgage loan is highly regulated, just like most financial products. To qualify: •

The borrower must be 62 years or older

•

The borrower must have enough equity in the home to qualify

•

•

The home must be the borrower’s primary residence

The borrower must undergo a financial assessment to ensure they are able to continue paying for property taxes, homeowners insurance and home maintenance.

HECM reverse mortgage loans have added safeguards that can help ensure that the borrower will be able to fulfill the loan terms for the life of the loan. These include: •

• •

An important advantage of a HECM loan is its non-recourse feature. That is, the home is the only collateral that can be used to repay the loan balance. This means if the sale of the home does not cover the entire loan balance, then the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) pays the difference, not the borrower’s family.

Prior to submitting an application, potential borrowers are required to undergo HUD-approved, independent third-party reverse mortgage counseling to ensure they understand the fine print, what they can expect throughout the loan process, what their responsibilities are and what other options might be available to them.

HUD establishes caps on the amount of money that can be drawn during the first year of the loan to help ensure proceeds last as long as a borrower needs them

One of the most important advantages of a reverse mortgage loan is that it pays off any existing mortgage and eliminates monthly loan payments. This helps free up cash that would otherwise go toward a monthly mortgage payment while also providing the opportunity to supplement income, depending on the borrower’s specific situation.

Home ownership explained With a reverse mortgage, the borrower retains ownership and the loan is secured by a lien on the home. The borrower does not relinquish the title or ownership using a reverse mortgage loan, but rather borrows against the value of the home’s equity.

Just like with any other mortgage loan, as long as you maintain the home, pay property taxes and insurance and otherwise comply with the loan’s terms, you continue to own your property.

When the loan becomes due and payable When the last surviving borrower or non-borrowing spouse dies, leaves the home or otherwise does not comply with the loan terms, the loan becomes due and payable.

An heir or the executor of the estate has the option to sell the property and use the proceeds to repay the loan. In this case, the remaining proceeds from the sale can be split among the heirs. The heirs also have the option to repay or refinance the loan and keep the home in the family.

Whether you’re nearing retirement with goals of supplementing income or you’re just looking for a safety net in times of financial uncertainty, tapping your home equity with a reverse mortgage loan may help provide greater financial stability in your retirement.

If you are considering a reverse mortgage loan, we encourage you to discuss your options with trusted friends, family, a financial advisor, tax advisor and/or an estate attorney. Do your homework! For additional online resources on reverse mortgage loans, go to: •

•

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association

Christina Cadwell (NMLS ID 1505360) is a Reverse Mortgage Professional with American Advisors Group. For questions pertaining to this article, please contact Christina at (951) 331-1610 or by email at ccadwell@aag.com.

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MARCH 2017

Nature Education Foundation Announces Scholarship Program for High School Seniors

The Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation (SRPNEF) announced today it will provide 5 $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors this school year. Founded in 2003, the Foundation has grown from funding a program for 3rd graders to their current nature education programs for elementary, middle and high school students. With an objective of inspiring environmental stewardship, the Foundation sees the scholarship program as a logical extension of their mission to educate and empower youth to appreciate, protect and preserve nature.

“We are very excited that our offerings have resulted in the evolution of a very unique environmental education pathway program for students beginning in the 3rd grade through high school. Our hope now is that the scholarship component adds incentive to our young citizens to consider environmental sciences as field of study.” Ginger Greaves, Executive Director Award criteria includes that the student plans to pursue a career in the environmental sciences. While not a requirement, preference will be given to a student who has participated in one of the Foundation’s Habitat Studies and Restoration Programs at Vista Murrieta, Murrieta Mesa and Murrieta Valley High schools.

Scholarships are funded by private donations to the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation at www.srpf.org/scholarships and administered

by Murrieta Dollars for Scholars, a chapter of Scholarship America, a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to mobilizing support for students getting into and graduating from college.

The Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation is a non-profit, environmental project-based learning program. Students actively become aware, explore and address environmental challenges while building skills in teamwork and communication, research, data collection and analysis, community engagement, and reflection. The Foundation’s programs enable and require students to delve deeply into a range of academic content while investigating environmental issues affecting the natural world in their own backyard.

Apply for the SRPNEF scholarship at www.murrieta.dollarsforscholars.org. To learn more about the Santa Rosa Plateau Nature Education Foundation and become a member to support their programs, visit www.srpf.org.

Contact: Austin Linsley, Scholarship Co-Chair, Austin@srpf.org 951-203-1458

“INNOVATION: WIND TURBINE” TEEN PROGRAM ON MARCH 6, 2017 AT THE RONALD H. ROBERTS TEMECULA PUBLIC LIBRARY

Who knew wind could be so electrifying? Teen Tech Week has arrived and you will be blown away when you see a real life wind turbine in action at the teen program, Innovation: Wind Turbine, on Monday, March 6, 2017 from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library (30600 Pauba Road).

Professor Nick Reeves from Mount San Jacinto College will discuss the innovative technologies of wind turbines and 3D printing. The wind turbine designed by Mount San Jacinto College S.T.E.M. students will be on display during the program. Almost the entirety of the turbine was 3D-printed and can generate real electricity!

This teen program, sponsored by the Friends of the Temecula Libraries, is for Grades 7-12. Space is limited, carpooling is encouraged. For additional information, please call (951) 693-8900.

MARCH 2017

Now Open – Designs on a Vine FASHION FORWARD BOUTIQUE

Designs On A Vine Boutique is an upscale women’s clothing boutique focusing on the career professional women, seeking fashion forward attire for all occasions. Designs On A Vine Boutique is the solution for the women of Temecula and the surrounding areas looking for something new and unique.

“I am so excited for the opportunity to meet our customers! The woman that shops at Designs On A Vine Boutique does not shy away from dressing the part, it’s her opportunity to exude confidence, showcase the sassy, and promote great style,” says Rosalind Barmore, owner and stylist.

Rosalind Barmore has over 25 years of experience in retail and merchandising. Her resume includes the Boston Store, Macy’s, TJX Companies and Target Stores.

Designs On A Vine Boutique offers a unique mix of dresses, tops, bottoms handbags, jewelry, and more for that opulent shopper. Rosalind’s goal is that every woman who shops at Designs On A Vine Boutique will feel a sense of enhanced confidence and style. The boutique provides a simple, yet elegant environment where every woman can experience her true inner beauty.

Designs On A Vine Boutique is located at 27536 Ynez Rd. Ste F-13 in Temecula Town Center.

You can contact Rosalind at shop@designsonavine.com w w w. d e s i g n s o n a v i n e . c o m #DOAVB 951.506.2200

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5 Reasons To Skip The Gym & Dance Every Single Day

By Ivonne Ackerman

Do you want to know the secret to rocking your fitness goals this year? Set a fun, inspiring fitness routine. It's something you should look forward to. People are busy.

Days are filled with responsibilities, countless tasks, and priorities. If you are taking time out of your busy schedule, you expect fast, noticeable results. So this year, skip the repetitive scene of the gym and dance your way to a better body and mind while having fun.

Here are five compelling reasons to dance this year: 1. Dance is a total-body workout.

"Dancing combines cardiovascular, strength, balance, and flexibility components within the one activity, so it will complement all forms of activity and exercise,” explains exercise physiologist Carly Ryan. "You get aerobic exercise through jumping, swaying, and turning and anaerobic through holding positions such as squats and balancing poses. Your fitness routine should incorporate building lean muscle mass as well as calorie burning. This boosts your metabolism."

2. You won’t plateau.

Once you start exercising regularly, it's easy to plateau. Plateauing is reaching a state of little or no change after a time of activity or progress. It is common in fitness when an exercise stays the same day after day.

However, dance involves constant movement that is never the same. Your body will be challenged every time. There are level changes, from high on your toes to down on the knees, tempo changes, fast, slow, still—and rhythm changes, regular to syncopated. There are infinite combinations that take place, whether it's shaking the hips to spike your heart rate, or moving just the waist to work the obliques. This prevents boredom and keeps the exercise stimulating. Dancing is not like jogging, spinning, or rowing, which targets the same muscles over and over. You'll stay motivated because you will see results in the mirror even after your body has adapted to the routine.

3. Dance fosters self-expression.

Dance is the only exercise that has an artistic component, which allows it to also serve as a form of therapy. Research shows the healing benefits of self-expression.

You will approach a movement sequence in a different way based on your mood, thoughts, and emotions, and make it your own.

This connection between the way you move and how you are feeling promotes self-awareness, self-esteem, and a safe space for the expression of feelings. You can boost your mood and instantly feel better! Depending on what you need that day, the movements that are musically driven can energize you, calm you, or release pent-up emotions. So go ahead and exercise while getting rid of all the stress accumulated during that day. Feel your worries melt away as you lose yourself in the music.

4. You’ll work on your mental mastery.

Through dancing, you are maximizing your brain functions. While you are pushing your body to the next level, your brain is trying to keep up with the sequence and dance patterns, while adding on to the previous steps you had mastered. Stanford University published a study on how dancing stimulates the mind and in doing so keeps it young, quick, alert, open, and fit, just like the body. The key is that "dancing integrates several brain functions at once—kinesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional—further increasing your neural connectivity."

What this means? You're utilizing your brain when you are recalling steps, trying to figure out certain moves, and keeping up with the music. So while working your body, you are also working your mind.

5. Dance is fun.

It's important to look forward to your fitness time. This ensures that your fitness goals will last beyond the early months of the year. The gym is usually just used to get a quick workout in.

Dance, however, is an experience. You have to concentrate and be present in the moment. This creates something to look forward to instead of something to check off the to-do list. David Kahn, an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, says that dancing "adds another aspect to exercise and its effect on our bodies and brains because it is a joyous activity." Dancing is unique in the way that you look forward to this time and know that you will come out the other end feeling high on life.

Taking the time to dance can be viewed as the opposite of cramming in a quick workout at the gym. Not only will your body be fitter, but your mind and emotions will be as well. Plus, you'll have fun doing it. With so many benefits, you can make time for this exercise routine and rock your fitness goals this year.

Who doesn't want to feel alive? www.mindbodygreen.com

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Hearty Breakfast with a Touch of Mischief: “Zucchini Bread” Oatmeal

Zucchini bread is one of the tastiest snacks around. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most fattening. That’s why I decided to make you a healthy bowl of oatmeal... that tastes like zucchini bread! Plus, it fills you up with fiber, good fats, and nutrients so you can start off the day feeling amazing.

Serves 6

Ingredients: 2 cups rolled oats 2 cups unsweetened coconut or almond milk 3 small zucchini, grated 2 apples, grated 1 cup raisins 1 cup walnuts 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 T grated ginger

Instructions: 1. In a large bowl, combine the zucchini, apples, cinnamon and ginger. Let sit for 5-15 minutes for flavors to meld.

2. Preheat oven to 325. Spray a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.

3. Add oats, almond or coconut milk, raisins and walnuts. Stir to combine well.

4. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and bake for 30-35 minutes, until set.

5. Cut into 6 equal servings and serve for breakfast or store in refrigeratorsafe containers for a ready-made breakfast everyday.

6. Enjoy!

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Temecula Valley Symphony & Symphony Chorus...

Upcoming Concerts!

Mar. 25 - Sat. 2:00 pm - BRAVO! Featuring winners of the 2017 Young Artist Competition.

• • • •

1st Place, Malvyn Lai – Chopin Piano Concerto No. 2, 3rd mvt.

2nd Place, Justin H. Lee – Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20, 1st mvt.

3rd Place, Nathan Cox – Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme for Cello

Other selections include Candide by Bernstein, Finlandia by Sibelius, Prelude to Act III from Lohengrin by Wagner. Adventure comes to life with music from the film score How To Train Your Dragon by John Powell and Short Ride in a Fast Machine by John Adams.

Golden Bears Theater at TVHS, 31555 Rancho Vista Rd., Temecula Tickets: $25 Adults, $15 Active Military, $10 Students, $5 Children (12 & under) - available online or at the door. Call 951-587-1536 or visit www.TemeculaValleySymphony.org

Apr. 22 - Sat. 2:00 pm - COLORS OF MUSIC III at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Rd., Temecula, featuring principal musicians of the Symphony on solos or in mixed ensembles. For tickets or info see the above concert listing for Mar. 25th.

Temecula Valley Symphony (Chamber Music Concert)

Apr. 8 - Sat. 4:00 pm - THE MUSIC OF LIVING at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Rd., Temecula. Tickets: $15 Adults & $10 Students. Call 951-491-9392. The Chorus is a 50 voice ensemble under the Artistic Direction of Conductor Eric Rea.

Temecula Valley Symphony Chorus (only)

Temecula Valley Symphony is a 60 member orchestra under the baton of Music Director and Conductor, John Mario. The Symphony produces numerous concerts throughout the year and takes pride in offering “symphonic music with a new twist.” Our concert programs include exciting selections from movies, animated films, Broadway, operas, epic classics, works featuring our Symphony Chorus, and refreshing compositions by living composers. We aim to provide you with a memorable concert experience that includes large screen projections and humorously delivered program notes presented live from the podium by John Mario.

Mt. San Jacinto College to Present Award-Winning Musical, Violet

The San Jacinto Campus Performing Arts Department is proud to present the 1997 off-Broadway hit and 2014 Tony-nominated revival, Violet, for two weekends starting on March 10th.

Violet is written by Brian Crawley with a score by Tony-winning composer Jeanine Tesori, whose major works include Fun Home, Caroline, or Change, Shrek The Musical, and Thoroughly Modern Millie. The San Jacinto College production of Violet features student performers in musical numbers ranging in style from country to gospel to blues, as the audience follows the journey of a disfigured woman who embarks on a cross-country bus trip to be healed by a minister in the 1960’s.

Violet runs March 10, 11, 17, 18 at 7:30 pm, and March 12, 19 at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for seniors, $6 for students, and $5 for veterans and active military. Please call the box office at (951) 487-3790 for ticket reservation. All performances are held in the San Jacinto Campus Theater located at 1499 N. State Street San Jacinto, CA 92583.

Sign language interpreters will be provided March 17, 18 and 19 for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

Please visit msjc.edu/PerformingArts/SJC for more information or contact Payden Ackerman at 951-487-3791 or packerman@msjc.edu

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Empowered to Connect Coming April 7-8, 2017 If you have reached a difficult patch with your kids or teens, this conference is for you!

Join us as ICA hosts The Empowered To Connect LIVE Simulcast at Calvary Chapel Murrieta. The LIVE Simulcast is a two-day live video conference designed to help adoptive and foster parents, ministry leaders, churches, and professionals better understand how to connect with “children from hard places” in order to help them heal and become all that God desires for them to be.

The conference is ideal for adoptive and foster parents, those considering adoption or foster care and those who are serving and supporting others, including social workers, agency professionals, church staff and ministry leaders, counselors, therapists and others.

What Is The Empowered To Connect Conference?

The Empowered to Connect Conference features two days of practical teaching in a safe and supportive community as we work to equip families, churches, and professionals to better serve children impacted by adoption, foster care, trauma or unfavorable behaviors.

Who Should Attend The Conference?

The practical principles apply to any family and/or children raised by you from birth but you have hit a really difficult patch. The goal of ETC is to help you unglue sticky situations and get back to a healthy functioning family. The Conference content is primarily targeted to adoptive parents, foster parents, potential adoptive parents, and professionals or ministry leaders dealing with orphan care and/or children with a traumatic past.

What Are The Fees To Attend?

Early bird is $30/person before February 8th and $40/person after February 8th.

There is a group discount: for every 10 registrations, you will receive one complimentary registration.

•

WHAT ARE THE CONFERENCE DETAILS?

•

Included in your registration fee is a workbook, lunch both days and a Q&A Session with Dr. Nancy Satterwhite. Coffee, water, and light refreshments will be provided during the morning and afternoon breaks.

•

The ETC Conference runs from Friday morning 4/7/17 through Saturday late afternoon 4/8/17. Doors open at 8am for check-in and announcements. The live simulcast begins promptly at 9am and concludes each day at 5pm. Attendees will check in with their ticket or by the last name.

Lunch is provided: Friday - Chick-Fil-A sandwich, chip bag, tossed spinach salad with chicken, cookie, and water. Saturday - pizza, tossed green Italian salad with egg, dessert, and water. If you know you desire to dine away, there are many eateries at the nearby shopping center and we ask you to check the box ‘Dining Out’ at the time of registration.

Where Is The Conference Held?

Calvary Murrieta Church, 24225 Monroe Avenue, Murrieta CA 92562 in the sanctuary. Parking is free, however, note on Friday the elementary school is in session so please drive with care.

Will Child Care Be Provided?

No, unfortunately, childcare will not be provided. Please make arrangements for your children off-site.

Why Is Empowered To Connect For Everyone, Not Just Professionals?

This conference focuses on helping to identify and recognize the needs of children which may be evidencing their need in poor or destructive behavior. TBRI is specifically designed to meet the child’s core needs in a safe, nurturing and developmentally appropriate way. It’s effective because it is founded in documented neurological research and provides practical strategies for interacting with a child. This conference focuses not just on why our children behave the way they do, but more importantly how we as caregivers can better recognize and respond to those needs.

Will There Be Opportunities Following The Simulcast?

ICA conducts further Parent Training sessions every 8-10 weeks on two consecutive Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. These are for families needing parent training hours. The first session is ‘Becoming Empowered’ and the second session is ‘Becoming Equipped.’ Reference 4achild.org for further details or call the office 951-695-3336 to register.

How Can I Receive Further Help?

ICA has an in-house counseling center and we are passionate about helping children and families. Please see our website at www.instituteforchildrensaid.org.

The Child and Family Counseling Services program is a very unique type of program. ICA has many years of expertise in assisting families and children, especially those children who come from trauma based circumstances. Many children come into a family through “blended” circumstances; many may have come from foster care; many have come from orphan institutional care and adoption; many have been in a life as a refugee, immigrant, non– immigrant fleeing from their native home for safety; many have come from a life of being trafficked and many have simply been raised by you from birth and you have hit a really difficult journey with them. We understand your issues and the challenges you are facing. Our goal is to help you unglue the situations and get back to a healthy functioning family. There are a variety of unique groups for children ages 10 & up using strength-based therapeutic techniques. And there are groups for families and individual sessions. Monday– Saturday appointments available, day or evenings. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ica-hosts-empowered-to-connect-2017-conference-live-simulcast-registration-30864868653

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Introducing . . .

The

Wreck Room is the brainchild of Zack Teperman and Kyle Haman (a former United States Marine). It is a new place at the Outlets Mall in Lake Elsinore where people can come and enjoy a fun and safe environment in which they can break/smash plates, bottles, TVs, computers, phones, etc. with a baseball bat, axe, crowbar and hammer. The Wreck Room lets individuals take out their anger by breaking objects inside. Every person is suited up in full body gear for their safety and the objects can either be selected in-store or you can even bring in your own stuff from home to smash. Packages range from $20 - $150 depending on amount of items, type of items, and the time you want to spend inside the room.

Wreck Room makes for a great date night or to just come and let that frustration out after a long day! www.WreckItNow.com for more details.

MARCH 2017

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Adoptions of the Month Animal Friends of the Valleys

Website: www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com 33751 Mission Trail, Wildomar, 92595 951-674-0618 Mon., Tues., Thurs., and Fri,. 10-4 • Wed., 10-7 • Sat. 10-5

Hi, I am Snow, a 1-year old, unaltered female, blonde Jack Russell Terrier. I am a very sweet girl. I enjoy relaxing and playing fetch. I am good with dogs and kids. I would make an amazing pet. I will need to be fixed before I can go home with you!

Intake Number: 329612

My name is Melody and I am a 1-year old, unaltered female, calico domestic short haired cat, I am a very loving cat. I am litterbox trained and get along with cats. I can’t wait to find my “fur” ever home. I will need to be fixed before I can go home with you!

Intake Number: 328045

Retrievers and Friends Tamara and Olive are 6 year old, beautiful, Chocolate Labs. They are sisters and the pair would like to stay together. They are housetrained, very friendly, well behaved, and want to please. Their owners are ill and not able to care for them. They have been very well cared for.

Boo Boo is a tiny 1 year old Chihuahua, about 4 lbs. She is shy at first but good with other small dogs.

She came to the rescue from a breeder with a few other very small Chihuahuas that need the right environment in loving homes.

Connor is a 5 year old Pug. He came in with Megan, but they do not need to be adopted together. He is very sweet and looking for a loving home.

Megan is a 5 year old, black Pug. She came in with Connor, but they do not need to be adopted together. She is very sweet, likes to be held and friendly.

For more information and to fill out an online application as well as see other pets available for adoption, please visit: www.retrieversandfriends.com.

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Mylee Howe is Making a Difference in Her Community

By Laurie Malmstrom

Meet Mylee Howe, age 15 and sophomore class president and homecoming princess at Santa Rosa Academy Charter High School in Menifee.

Mylee is the daughter of Brian and Lauralee Howe of Menifee and is working on her project, “Sock It To Me” for Hope’s Community Closet, a 501 (c) (3) public charity. Academic Counselor for “Project Lead the Way”, Mrs. Niki McMullen, indicated that every student must select and complete a community project by the end of their Junior year. According to Mrs. McMullen, “our

project is unique as far as I know.

Most high schools require 40 or more Community Service hours. We require a project that

the students plan, implement, gets the volunteers and donations for, and completes within a certain time frame. We stress that the project be something that they are passionate about and will put the time and energy into it”. Mylee started hers early knowing it is a requirement for graduation. While most students procrastinate until their junior year to start and finish their community project, Mylee wanted to start a program that could continue even after her graduation. She started planning her project in her freshman year and began to execute the plan in her sophomore year and continue through her junior year. She hopes to then turn over the concept and contacts to new students entering the charter High School.

While most students opt for programs that deliver “care packages” to hospitals and the homeless, most sophomores have not developed nor executed their programs. Mylee liked the challenge but felt a bit of the pressure planning her program as she carries better than a 4.0 (A) GPA with classes like Biomedical, Engineering and Chemistry. She indicated “lots of late nights but it is worth it.” Mylee stays very busy with a focus on school, church youth group and hula.

Mylee and her mom, Lauralee, began volunteering at Hope’s Community Closet when it was launched at Cross Point Church in Murrieta and founder, Krissy Allen maintained the inventory of gently used school clothing in the lower level of her home. When the small boutique opened in July 2014 on Ynez Rd., the mission continued to provide gently used school clothing to families in need in the Temecula Valley.

“Volunteering allowed me see what was needed—underwear and socks.

These items were usuall not donated

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and who would want to wear secondHope’s Community Closet is a “Students are required to complete a project board and a portfolio hand under clothing?” said Mylee.

501c3 public charity and all cash dowith two essays (the first one is why they chose the project and She brainstormed ideas with her nations are tax deductible and assist what they hope it will be). The second one is what actually hapmom and together they came up with in the ongoing expenses associated the “Sock it To Me” project which with providing a space for families to pened and what you would do different to affect the outcome”. would donate new underwear for receive assistance. Located at 26111 – Mrs. McMullen, Academic Counselor, Santa Rosa Academy, Menifee boys and girls to keep Hope’s ComYnez Road, suite B25, Temecula, CA munity Closet stocked with the essentials. Mylee developed a plan to involve 92590. 951-719-3439, HCC is set up as a comfortable shopping experience the community: businesses, restaurants and local churches. Persistence by offering gently used and new school clothing, shoes and backpacks to low paid off. “I called many businesses and the response was always NO. When income families in need in the Temecula Valley and surrounding communities.

I got my first meeting set up, I was excited. But then the manager said she It is based on the premise of neighbors helping neighbors. Executive Director had to check with the corporate office and regional supervisors and they and creator, Krissy Allen, indicated it is easy as 1,2,3 to shop at the HCC Bounever got back to me with an answer. I didn’t get discouraged. Eventually tique. 1. Receive a referral from either a school administrator, teacher, counsomeone would say YES. Craig Puma and his wife, owners of The Bank selor, social service agency or religious leader at place of worship. Referral Restaurant in Old Town Temecula said yes. I learned a lot from that first doletters must be on organizations letterhead and include parent/guardian nation drive. They offered a FREE dessert or 10% off the check with a donation of a package of new socks. As partners, we all need to advertise using social media to get the word out about the promotion.” FaceBook, Instagram and local city web pages like Temecula Talk and Murrieta Talk were used to promote Sock It To Me. “The first week of the promotion at The Bank, we only had 4 packages of socks. By the end of the promotion, we had 2 large grocery bags full of donated new socks.” It was just in time for December visits to HCC and appreciated by the multiple families who took advantage of the service.

“Since that promotion, I’ve contacted many of the local churches in the area. It is easy for churches to communicate to their congregations. However, some churches said NO or there was no follow up. It is my goal to have an organization or local business plan a 4-week donation period every other month to keep Hope’s Community Close supplied with under clothing.” Access Church has agreed to the promotion. Because Mylee isn’t old enough to drive, she gets her mom and dad involved in picking up the donations and names as well as the names, ages and grades of children to receive clothing. delivering them to HCC. However, Mylee does all the planning, meeting with If the student receives free/reduced priced lunches from either Temecula Valthe local organizations and businesses and setting up the promotional calley Unified School District or Murrieta Valley Unified School District, the eligiendar for the year. bility letter will serve as the referral. 2. Schedule an appointment. All shopping visits are by appointment only. 3. Come shop! The store is stocked with quality clothing that the children will be proud to wear. All children will be given a wardrobe shopping list and may visit the store twice each year. To learn more, visit the website at: HopesCommunityCloset.com.

When Mylee was asked, what is the one thing she would tell our readers and want them to remember, she said, “People need to know that whatever obstacles are in the way of getting involved, you have to start somewhere.

Youth don’t know how. But, kids can make a difference! Most obstacles can be overcome with hard work and motivation—incorporate giving into your daily life.” Mylee is a young lady with big aspirations and inspirations for everyone.

She is passionate about her community project and making a difference. The future is bright with leaders like Mylee shining a light on possibilities and giving in her community.

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Community Events and Activities Grief Recovery Support Groups

Grief Recovery Support Group will meet at St. Dunstan s Episcopal Church. 6556 Park Ridge Blvd.

S.D 92120.on Wednesdays from 5 PM - 6:30 PM for 14 weeks. The books are $10.00 Per Person. For more information contact Dessie at 619-955-0861 or Debbie at 619-540-3272. We would love to hear from you.

New Square Dance Class

The Twirlers Square Dance Club is starting a new class to learn modern square dancing March 7. It will be held from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center in Menifee at 29995 at Newport Rd. and Evans Rd. Taught by friendly, funny Vic Kaaria. Singles, Couples and Families welcome(children over 9 with adult) First class free! ($5 donation thereafter) For information call Bill or Jackie Brown at 951-694-3650 or e-mail us at canyonlaketwirlers@gmail.com. Great Fun, Friends, Exercise!

The Murrieta Garden Club

The Murrieta Garden Club will meet March 14th at 9:30 AM . We meet at the Murrieta Community Center 41816 Juniper Street , Murrieta The business meeting will include the Club’s 43rd Anniversary Celebration and a Decorated Hat Contest.

Please join us. Call Barb with questions 951677-7310 Please like us on Facebook murrietagardenclub@yahoo.com

Temecula Valley Newcomers Club

The next meeting will be held on Monday, March 20, 2017 at 11 a.m. If you have recently moved to the Temecula Valley or have lived here for many years and want to get out more, meet new people and have fun, Temecula Valley Newcomers Club (TVNC) is for you. 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 Gwen (951) 461-1525. Hope to meet you at our next meeting.

Zumba Gold® Comes to Wildomar!

Geri-Fit® of Wildomar, located at Clinton Keith & Palomar in the Rite Aid center, is excited to announce the addition of Zumba Gold® fitness classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, beginning Tuesday, February 28, 2017, at 6 p.m. Zumba Gold® is perfect for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba® class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity, all set to upbeat Latin music!

How It Works: The design of the class introduces easy-to-follow Zumba® choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion and coordination. Come ready to sweat, and prepare to leave empowered and feeling strong.

Benefits: Class focuses on all elements of fitness: cardiovascular, muscular conditioning, flexibility and balance! See you there!

American Association of University Women Luncheon Special Guest - March 11

Meet Jean Bethell, Earl Stanly Garnder’s right-hand girl and hear first-hand the tales of her 25 years as secretary to the local novelist Earl Stanley Gardner of Perry Mason fame at this month’s meeting of the Temecula Valley branch of the American Association of University Women. The meeting will be held from 10:30 – noon at the Temecula Library located at 306 Pauba Rd., Temecula. Donation requested for light refreshments For more information: Mary Fran McCluskey 951-245-1544 or 800-378-4100. faststats@faststatschecks.com

NAFE Meetings in the Area

Escondido Nafe meets the 1st Thursday of each month at 6pm at Cocina del Charo Mexican Restaurant 890 W Valley Parkway Escondido, CA Temecula Nafe meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6 pm at Bamboo House 27473 Ynez Road, Temecula. The meeting in April will be held at Spositos Cuban & Italian Restaurant 28120 Jefferson Ave Suite 207, Temecula CA. Each month the location alternates from one restaurant to the other.

Menifee Nafe meets the 2nd Wednesday at 11:30 at Merna's Cafe and Grill 26850 Cherry Hills Blvd, Sun City, CA 92586 (behind Stater Brothers) Murrieta Nafe meets the 4th Thursday of each month at noon at RJ's Sizzlin Steer 41401 Kalmia Street.

Nafe's mission is to help women grow both personally and professionally and has been serving women globally for 45 years. For more information on any of them contact Robbie Motter Nafe Global Coordinator 951-255-9200 or email rmotter@aol.com every meeting has a dynamic speaker and networking. Cost is $10.00 for Nafe members, $15.00 for guests and then you order food and pay the restaurant direct, Watch for information on our Nafe Success Up Women's Conference April 22, 2017 at the Corporate Room in Wildomar.

Next Radio Workshop for Kids and Teens, March 18 + Adult Voiceover Classes

The nonprofit Jennifer Smart Foundation’s Find Your Voice Center offers workshops to improve communication skills & increase self esteem. In the Find Your Voice program, kids 7-18 have fun putting together their own radio show, which is aired on 101.7 KJNi-LP and at JENNiRADIO.com. Voiceover classes for adults are also available.

To register or sponsor a child, visit FYVcenter.org, call (951) 395-1017 or email FindYourVoice@FYVcenter.org. The Find Your Voice Center is located in the Outlets at Lake Elsinore, 17600 Collier Avenue, Suite G-165.

FREE Laboratory Service!

AUMT Laboratory is giving back to the community by offering 14 FREE blood tests including diabetes, thyroid, calcium, kidney, just to name a few. We're giving one FREE test per person at local AUMT Patient Service Centers or if you would like AUMT (at no cost) to attend your church, health fair, or community event, please contact our Laboratory Director Jennifer at Jennifer@aumt.org.

For more information on the complete list of free tests or any other questions, please contact us.

AUMT is located at 43300 Business Park Dr. #201 , Temecula, CA 92590. 951790-0219. The Hours are Monday- Thursday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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Temecula’s Annual Dessert and Coffee Competition Expo Hosted by Women Organizing Women, Inc (W.O.W.) • Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 26, 1PM-4PM

The purpose of this fundraiser is to financially support the Women Support and Nonprofit Expo scheduled for September 8-9, 2017 at the Riverside Convention Center in Riverside, CA. • Our Mission is to aide and assist women who own micro-businesses and grass-root nonprofit organization.

• Our goal is to help women in overcoming their barriers by destroying the cycles of co-dependence to the welfare systems which ultimately lead to generational poverty.

• Our objectives are to change mindsets and behaviors, restore trust, and provide support.

The Women Support Conference and Nonprofit Expo is designed to teach personal development, family values, health and wellness, physical, emotional and spiritual well being, financial literacy, stewardship, commitment, marketing and business acumen.

The Dessert and Coffee Competition Expo is a Community Dessert and Coffee Bar comprised of uniquely sweet creations and perfectly brewed coffee by local Pastry Chefs and Baristas. The public participation is needed to taste and vote for their favorite dessert and coffee.

Vendors include the Old Town Spice and Tea Merchant, Belgium Finest, and the Kilted Cake. The public can sample unique teas, and shop for baking supplies and cutlery. Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Edible Arrangements, Juice it up, and more! will be handing out samples to all attendees.

And this year, local baristas will also compete and showcase their signature brew for the community to judge. Below is a list all vendors and sponsors.

The Judging panels are well established experts in the field of Dessert and Coffee and will be judging for the First Place winner of the Dessert and Coffee Competition.

400+ are anticipated to attend so purchase your tickets early and plan on a fun day sampling and sipping for a great cause.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.tvdessertcoffeeexpo.com or at the door. Price: $25 adults, $15 kids ages 4-11 yrs, FREE-kids ages 3yrs and under For more information about the Dessert and Coffee Expo 2017, visit the website @ www.tvdessertcoffeeexpo.com , email tvdessertcoffee@gmail.com, or call 951926-7400.The event will be held at the Temeku Grand Ballroom located at 41687 Temeku Drive, Temecula, CA Sponsors and Vendors: Cake Cottage, Edible Arrangements, Chef Flavor, Juice it Up, Augies Coffee Roasters, Dessert Girlie, The Kilted Cake & Supply, Dunkin’Donuts, Maui Waui Hawaiian Coffees, Boyds Coffee, Eat Marketplace, Robins Nest.

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Haitian Beef and Pumpkin Soup (Soup Joumou) Ingredients Serves 10-12

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar, divided 1 pound beef shank, meat cut off bones into 1" cubes

1 pound stew beef (preferably chuck) cut into 1" cubes 1 cup Epis Seasoning Base

3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (from about 1 lime) 1 tablespoon seasoned salt

15 cups beef or vegetable broth, divided 1 pound beef bones

1 medium calabaza squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, cubed, or 2 pounds defrosted frozen cubed calabaza squash, or 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, cut into 2" chunks 3 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), finely chopped 3 carrots (about 1 pound), sliced

1/2 small green cabbage (about 1 pound), very thinly sliced 1 medium onion, sliced

1 celery stalk, coarsely chopped

1 leek, white and pale-green parts only, finely chopped 2 small turnips, finely chopped

1 green Scotch bonnet or habanero chile 1 1/2 cups rigatoni

6 whole cloves

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more Pinch of cayenne pepper, plus more

1 parsley sprig (optional) 1 thyme sprig (optional) 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Crusty bread (for serving)

Special Equipment - A very large stock pot (at least 10 quarts) Pour 1 cup vinegar into a large bowl. Swish beef shank and stew beef in vinegar to rinse.

Transfer beef to a colander and rinse with water.

Stir Epis Seasoning Base, lime juice, and seasoned salt in another large bowl. Add

Preparation

beef, toss to coat, and let marinate at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight.

Heat 5 cups broth in very large stock pot over medium heat. Add marinated beef and bones, cover, and simmer until meat is beginning to soften, about 40 minutes.

Add squash to pot on top of beef, cover, and return to a simmer. Cook until squash is fork-tender, 20–25 minutes. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer squash to a blender. Add 4 cups broth and purée until smooth. Return to pot and bring to a simmer.

Add potatoes, carrots, cabbage, onion, celery, leek, turnips, chile, rigatoni, cloves, garlic powder, onion powder, 2 1/2 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. pepper, a pinch of cayenne, parsley, if using, thyme, if using, and remaining 6 cups broth. Simmer, uncovered, until pasta and vegetables are tender, 30–35 minutes.

Add oil, butter, and remaining 1 Tbsp. vinegar. Reduce heat to mediumlow and simmer until beef is very tender, 15–20 minutes more.

Taste and adjust seasonings. Divide soup among bowls and serve with bread alongside.

Soup can be made 3 days ahead; cover and chill, or freeze up to 3 months.

Do Ahead

This soup feeds a large crowd. If you have a smaller crew or smaller pot, feel free to halve the ingredients. You might need to add extra liquid while cooking.

Cook’s Note

For more wonderful and interesting recipes: epicurious .com