‘Ramona’ author Helen Hunt Jackson honored with Literary Landmark at the Ramona Bowl Amphitheater

Tony Ault Staff Writer

The final May performance of the annual “Ramona” Outdoor Pageant in its 100th season holds a special memory for the more than 100 spectators who witnessed the unveiling of a Literary Landmark Register to Helen Hunt Jackson, the author of “Ramona.”

The bronze landmark, one of the few literary landmarks in the nation, hangs in the entryway to the amphitheater and was unveiled Sunday, May 8, by Kate Vander Laan, a descendant of Jackson with Broadway actor Joel Vig.

To many in the observance, familiar with the black and white photos of Helen Hunt Jackson, could not help but notice the facial resemblance of Vander Laan to the author herself. Other Jackson family descendants were also in attendance including 17-year-old Ramona Reed named after her descendent author’s main character Ramona in the romantic but tragic novel.

Vander Laan, honored at a dinner gathering of “Ramona” play actors and other VIPs that afternoon, said in her excitement, “I am the great, great, great, great-niece of Helen Hunt Jackson, and I am so excited to be here for this event.”

She said she was at the event with her two daughters Miriam, 9, and Salem, 12, her sister and other relatives including Ramona Reed.

“We are here because we have never experienced the pageant before until we were approached for a documentary that is being made for the Ramona Centennial Celebration and an award being presented. We are here for the first time,” Vander Laan said.

Vander Laan heard from Vig about the literary landmark being placed at the bowl, the second such register for Jackson, with another one at the Hemet Library. With this year’s “Ramona” actors Eli Santana as Alessandro, Kayla Contreras as Ramona, Kathi Anderson as Señora Moreno and others including Native American tribal chiefs and hoop dancers watched the unveiling after the introduction by Vig.

“Faith and quality have no fear of time,” Vig said of the unveiling explaining how Jackson’s novel woke the nation up at the time of the rampant mistreatment of the Native Americans even when Congress tried to ignore it.

He praised the continuing of the pageant into the future, keeping it as a reminder of past negative treatment of Native Americans. He said Helen Hunt Jackson in the future will also be remembered in the National Women’s Hall of Fame, and there is an effort to have her honored with a U.S. postage stamp.

He also forwarded the idea to have Helen Hunt Jackson’s book

Lead actors Eli Santana, who played Alessandro; Kayla Contreras, who played Ramona; Kathi Anderson, who played Senora Moreno, and Bella Spelman, who played Margarita, the cowboys and Native Americans in the 2023 play “Ramona,” clap and cheer at the unveiling of the Helen Hunt Jackson Literary Landmark at the Ramona Bowl. “Ramona” placed in school libraries as required reading.

“It is a story that needs to be told and resonates through all our society,” Vig said.

Ot her speakers explained how Jackson was encouraged by a Ponca Tribal Chief Standing Bear to lead the fight for justice for the Native Americans in the late 1800s.

More significant in the unveiling of the Helen Hunt Jackson Literary Landmark is that she is the first woman author to be named to the

United for Libraries organization’s program along with great authors like Tennesse Wiliams and Willam Faulkner.

For more information about the “Ramona” Outdoor Pageant, future plays and other events at Hemet’s Ramona Bowl Amphitheater, visit http://www.ramonabowl.com or visit the Ramona Bowl Museum, 27400 Ramona Bowl Road, in Hemet.

Tony Ault can be reached by email at tault@reedermedia.com.

To submit an upcoming community event, email it to valleyeditor@ reedermedia.com, put “attention events” in the subject line.

CHILDREN’S EVENTS

May 29 – 8 a.m. Memorial Day 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Run at Diamond Valley Lake, 1901 Angler Lake Road, Hemet to honor those who have fought for our freedoms. Register at https://bit.ly/runmemorialday2023.

COMMUNITY EVENTS us May 19 – 6-10 p.m. Menifee

May 19 – 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Temecula Community Services Leisure summer and fall activities have begun throughout the city.

May 19 – The City of Menifee offers in-city or out-of-city special event vendor applications online or at Menifee City Hall. To apply for signature and other special events, contact Menifee City Hall, 29844 Haun Road at 951-672-6777 or businesslicensing@cityofmenifee.

Moonlight Market night in Central Park 30268 Civic Center Drive, Menifee

May 19-21 – Temecula Valley Museum reprises “Through Darkness to Light: Photographs Along the Underground Railroad” at the Temecula Valley Museum, 28314 Mercedes St. The photos recall the time between 1830 and 1865 at the end of the Civil War when clandestine groups of American settlers helped fleeing slaves from the south find freedom in the north.

May 19 – 5-9 p.m. Murrieta Market Nights in downtown Murrieta. Many local and neighboring vendors and foods.

May 19-21 – 4 p.m. Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival begins at Lake Skinner, 701 Warren Road, Winchester. Entertainment with Brad Paisley, REO Speedwagon and Scotty McCreery. Tickets start at $60 with VIP Tickets available. Call 951-234-5559 or see tvbwf.com. Balloon rides and other events.

May 20 – 9 a.m. to noon. Senior Wellness Fair at Menifee’s Central Park at 30268 Civic Center Drive.

May 20 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Temecula CultureFest is a free community-wide event that will include live music, dancing, special performances, vendors and fun activities for the whole family. Experience different cultures through a variety of booths exhibiting food, crafts and education, including nonprofits, school clubs, religious organizations and local businesses. At the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main Street in Temecula.

May 23 – 8:30-9:30 a.m. Coffee with the City of Murrieta at the Murrieta Innovation Center, 26442 Beckman Court. Call 951-6777916, ext. 3.

May 23 – Noon to 3 p.m. Ice

Cream Social to celebrate the grand opening of the Riverside University Health System-Behaviorial Health

Peer Support Service Center in Temecula at 40925 County Center Dr., Suite 120.

May 27 – 6:30 a.m. A Tribute to Heroes Memorial Day Observance Concert with Maestro John Mario leading the Temecula Valley Symphony at the Temecula Civic Center, 41000 Main St., Old Town Temecula. Free family friendly event. Lawn chairs and blankets recommended.

May 27 – 8 a.m Memorial Day

Flags are placed on every grave to honor our military heroes by Honoring Our Fallen at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, 22495 Van Buren Blvd.

May 27 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Birth Choice of Hemet Car and Motorcycle Show at the 412 Church, 1450 W. 7th St., San Jacinto. $35 car registration 951-240-3006.

May 29 – 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Memorial Day 5K run to benefit VFW Post 1956 at Central Park, 30268 Civic Plaza Dr. in Menifee.

A Memorial Day Remembrance

Ceremony will be held, beginning at 10 a.m. to include special presentations, guest speakers, special flyover, wreath laying and a remembrance message. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 951-7233880 or visit www.cityofmenifee. us/special events.

May 29 – 8 a.m. Murrieta Memorial Day Observance Ceremony at the Town Square Park & Amphitheater. See the Murrieta Veterans Memorial.

May 29 – 11 a.m. Memorial Day

Motorcycle Ride with West Coast Thunder and concert at the Lake Elsinore Storm Diamond, 500 Diamond Drive, Lake Elsinore. Tickets $35. Visit registration.westcoastthunder.com.

May 29 – 8 a.m. Memorial Day 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Run at Diamond Valley Lake, 1901 Angler Lake Road, Hemet to honor those who have fought for our freedoms. Register at https://bit.ly/runmemorialday2023.

June 3 – 5:45 p.m. Chansons

Epiques: A vocal recital of epic songs will be performed by baritone John Polhamus and pianist Hollace Jones at the Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, 39022 Sky Canyon Dr. in Murrieta. Donations are accepted, but the performance is free. Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

ONGOING – Riverside Transportation Commission is offering Park and Ride lots to connect with carpools, vanpools and transit systems in Beaumont at 600 E. Sixth Street, in San Jacinto at 501 S. San Jacinto Avenue and in Temecula at Grace Presbyterian Church, 31143 Nicolas Road, open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. but not on weekends.

ONGOING – Sun City Civic Association Monthly Square Dance sessions are held Sundays from 1:30-5 p.m. at 26850 Sun City Boulevard.

ONGOING – If you know a homebound older adult, resources in Menifee are available, including grab-and-go, cooked and frozen food for pickup. Courtesy Pantry items and meals delivered with no contact. Three days of emergency food can be delivered immediately or restaurant meal delivery for those who don’t qualify for food assistance programs. Call 800-5102020 for help.

ONGOING – The Riverside County COVID-19 Business Assistance Grant Program is accepting online applications for business grants up to $10,000 at www.rivercobizhelp.org that can be used for employee retention, working capital, personal protective equipment purchases, rent or mortgage payments and paying vendor notices. Eligible businesses, including nonprofits, must be in Riverside County, with a minimum of one but less than 50 employees and operating for at least one year since March 1. For more information, call Riverside County Business and Community Services at 951-955-0493.

ONGOING – 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Temecula Winchester Swap Meet continues, 33280 Newport Road in Winchester. Saturdays and Sundays only. The small local swap meet is only 50 cents for entry, and anyone under age 10 is free admission. No dogs allowed.

ONGOING – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Every Sunday, Murrieta Village Walk Farmers Market is at Village Walk Place in Murrieta. The Sunday morning farmers market at Village Walk Plaza is a place to buy fruits and veggies, gourmet food and crafts. Come to the center in the northwest corner of Kalmia/ Cal Oaks at the Interstate 215 exit in Murrieta.

ONGOING – Temecula’s Farmers Markets are offered in Old Town Temecula Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon, 4100 Main Street in Temecula; at Promenade Temecula, 40640 Winchester Road, outside JCPenney every Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and at Vail Headquarters, 32115 Temecula Parkway, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Riverside County Public Health orders, the farmers markets will be restricted to agriculture products only. Follow the Old Town Temecula Farmers Market on Facebook to stay updated. No pets allowed.

WORKSHOPS, MEETINGS, NOTICES

May 19-31 – Daily Emerging Artist Mural celebrating Mother’s and Father’s days on display at

Sam Hicks Monument Park, 28300 Mercedes St., Temecula, presented by the Temecula Community Services Dept. and Temecula Valley Museum. Painted by artist Sarah Ozolins of Bigfoot Art Classes.

May 19 – Temecula’s 13th annual Health & Community Resource Fair. Vendors needed in the fields of health and wellness that can provide free health screenings, community resources, emergency preparedness, public safety awareness and more. The fair will be held on Sept. 30 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Temecula Civic Center and Town Square, 41000 Main Street. For more information, please call 951-694-6464.

May 19 – The California State Fair Home Wine Competition invites people seeking to showcase their winemaking skills and receive professional feedback join the home winemaking contest. To enter, contact State@calexpo.com The fair will be held in Sacramento, July 14-30, at 1600 Exposition Blvd.

May 20 – Launch Pointe Recreation Destination in Lake Elsinore presents the third annual KJVR Foundation’s Benefit Bash fundraiser for student athletes and to honor Kennedie June Von Ryan at 32040 Riverside Dr., Lake Elsinore. Tickets and information at www.KJVRFoundation.com.

May 25 – 6-7 p.m. Destress with Donuts at the Ronald H. Roberts Temecula Public Library at 30600 Pauba Road, Temecula. Stressed out by life or finals? Take a moment to slow down and relax at our first Destress with Donuts program for adults, 18 or over.

June 24 – 5-8 p.m. Opening Night of the Nature Education Foundation at the Santa Rosa Plateau’s summer Art Show and Kick-Off with local artists, receptions and no-host wine and craft beers. A youth ballet by Junior Company Showcase highlights the event. Tickets required. See www. the-nef.org for details and prices. A nonprofit organization.

ONGOING – Want to help deployed American troops remotely? Help shop for the most needed items without leaving home as an easy way to help support deployed men and women by purchasing items remotely and having them delivered to MilVet at designated drop-off locations for packing. All items on the list are special requests from deployed military men and women. MilVet is a nonprofit organization that holds monthly packaging events at different community locations in the area. For drop-off locations and packaging locations, visit www.milvet.org/ military-care-packages.

ONGOING – Multiple Sclerosis Support Group Meeting meets the third Monday of each month at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845