Offering an assist to military veterans

By JEFF FRANK - Staff Writer | Thursday, August 7, 2008 6:30 PM PDT ∞

It's not far from the Canine Companions for Independence office in Oceanside to Camp Pendleton. And the connection may grow, thanks to the assistance-dog provider's Veterans Initiative.

That's a campaign to place assistance dogs with disabled military members, particularly those who served in Iraq or Afghanistan, said agency spokeswoman Katie Malatino. The organization is issuing a special invitation to those disabled vets to drop by the "CCI Salutes Independence" open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at its office, 124 Rancho del Oro Drive.

"It's open to anyone who would like to learn about Canine Companions for Independence," said Malatino. "We're reaching out to military families."

Training demonstrations, tours, games and a puppy play yard will be featured.

"(The dogs) have an immeasurable effect. ... They are absolute miracles for their recipients," said Malatino. "People don't have to rely as much on caregivers because they have their dogs next to them doing all sorts of things that we take for granted."

Chamber chat: "Show us Your Poway Spirit" is the theme for the 44th annual Poway Days Parade. Reflecting that theme, the Poway Chamber of Commerce selected as grand marshal the man known to many as Mr. Poway, retiring City Councilman Bob Emery. The parade begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 13. ... A little job shuffling is going on at the Escondido Chamber of Commerce. Event coordinator Vanessa Lee is leaving the chamber Aug. 17 to help take care of her ailing parents. Coming in will be Suzanne Woods, most recently working in Ken Hugins' CPA office. Also added to the chamber roster is membership manager Michele Pacheco, formerly the chief development officer for the Palomar Pomerado Health Foundation.

The real scoop: Friends of Heritage Park in Oceanside hosts its annual Ice Cream Social from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, with plenty of the "pretty darn good" sweet stuff available for a reasonable price, said group President Edith Swaim. "I've been buying like mad every time it's on sale, so we don't have to raise our prices." One-buck cones, free popcorn and plenty more will be offered at the community gathering, which brings together many of the city's service clubs for a chance to mingle and share information about their projects. A pair of bands and two classic car clubs will be on hand, along with a free party jump for kids. The park, behind Mission San Luis Rey, hosts a collection of historical homes and other buildings.

Added menu: If Chinese food is more your taste, the Oceanside Museum of Art presents the second program in its Culinary Cinema Series on Saturday. Ang Lee's "Eat, Drink, Man, Woman," a tale of a Chinese chef and his three daughters, will screen at 6 p.m., followed, of course, by a catered gourmet Chinese dinner. Ting Tsai of Chin's Szechuan will do the cooking on site. Reservations are required. Call (760) 435-3721. ... Liquid refreshment highlights Oceanside Ale Works Summerfest on Saturday. The city's first microbrewery will debut two ales and offer tastings of several of its other beers at varying prices, depending on quantity. Bratwurst and sauerkraut provide the solid sustenance. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 3800 Oceanic Drive, Suite 105. Call (760) 721-4253.

Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at (760) 740--5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.