Winchester VFW to hold marathon

Event will bring awareness to TAPS program

The Californian

WINCHESTER -- The Winchester Valley VFW post will hold a symbolic marathon to benefit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors on Oct. 26.

Besides the .26 and 2.6-mile walk/run, the event will include entertainment and a barbecue.

TAPS offers free services to military families who have lost someone in war or to an accident, illness or suicide.

The Winchester event will coincide with the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., where Teresa Bullock, a former Winchester resident, will run in memory of her son, Chris Webb, who was killed in Iraq March 7, 2007, while serving in the army.

Webb, who grew up in Winchester, left a wife and infant daughter.

Bullock's husband, Mike, was instrumental in the early days of the post, according to Dick Renick, the post quartermaster and organizer of the event.

Renick said the post decided to hold its marathon concurrent with the Washington, D.C. run in support of the Bullocks and TAPS.

"Having experienced pain and a lot of emotion and the reality of their loss as friends, we thought we could do a fundraiser to shine light on the TAPS program," Renick said. "There's a lot of pain and suffering to lose them young, with young children and wives. It's quite an emotional roller coaster. That's why TAPS is so stabilizing at that time. It's not a government service, it's families volunteering who understand what (other) families are going through."

The Winchester event will include Young Marines and Junior ROTC groups, as well and possible visits by elected officials.

It will be set up to look like a true marathon, with banners and colors and a lot of pomp and circumstances, Renick said. He is expecting about 200 people to attend.

Costs start at $20, which include the walk/run and food. The cost for the event and two meals is $30 and, for $50, a T-shirt is included. Those who do not wish to run, may sponsor a runner or walker.

For information, contact Renick at 926-3237 or 259-9796.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Local volunteers to recognize heroes

TEMECULA -- The Trauma Intervention Program of Southwest Riverside County will honor the efforts of first responders at its fourth annual Heroes with Heart Awards dinner Saturday at Pechanga Resort & Casino.

The program will feature speakers from the law enforcement and first responder community, as well as elected officials.

The affair will include entertainment and dancing. It kicks off with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m. followed by the dinner program at 7.

For tickets or information, call Gina Magee at 226-6793.

Tennis team plans car wash

TEMECULA -- The Great Oak High School girls tennis team will hold a car wash from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the school.

The cost is $5 with proceeds going toward the purchase of equipment.

The school is at 32555 Deer Hollow Way.

Rummage sale postponed

MURRIETA -- A fundraising rummage sale scheduled this weekend at Monte Vista Elementary School has been postponed.

The event will now be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at the school.

The sale will raise funds for a college scholarship to benefit a graduating senior from Vista Murrieta High School.

The school is at 37420 Via Mira Mosa. For information, call 894-5085.

Nader to speak at peace vigil

RIVERSIDE -- Ralph Nader, the Peace and Freedom party nominee for president, is expected to speak when Riverside area peace activists hold a public vigil opposing an attack on Iran from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday in Riverside.

Nader will speak briefly and answer questions. He will be joined by his vice presidential nominee, Matt Gonzalez of San Francisco.

Participants will hold signs along Market Street, southeast of Highway 60, by the northeast entrance to Fairmount Park.

The vigil is sponsored by the Riverside County Central Committee of the Peace and Freedom Party. For information, call 787-0318.

Adult education courses offered

MURRIETA -- Murrieta Valley Adult Education is taking registration for upcoming classes.

Upcoming courses include nutrition, yoga, pilates, conversational Spanish, ceramics, digital photography, medical terminology and salsa, ballroom and line dancing.

Preregistration is required between 1 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Adult Education office, 24150 Hayes Ave. For information, visit www.murrieta.k12.ca.us/adulted or call 696-3805.

Registration open for crafters

CANYON LAKE -- Registration for crafters for the eighth annual Canyon Lake Holiday Boutique will be held starting Monday. The event will be Nov. 8 and 9.

All crafts must be homemade. The entry fee is $15, plus 15 percent of sales will be donated to the senior center.

Registration is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays: Sept. 29 and Oct. 6, 13, 20 and 27, at the Canyon Lake Senior Center, 23307 Canyon Lake Drive. There also will be evening signups from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20.

For information, call Mavis Kerr at 244-2892.

Martial arts classes offered

LAKE ELSINORE -- Tae kwon do classes for ages 4 to adult are offered Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at Lake Community Center. New sessions begin the first week of each month.

The Olympic-style classes, from 4:45 to 6:45 p.m. Mondays and 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays, are taught by Master Tom Vo, a fifth-degree black belt.

The fee is $20 for one day a week, $35 for two days and $45 for all three.

The center is at 310 W. Graham Ave. For information, call 245-0442.

Vets can apply for diplomas

RIVERSIDE -- County residents who never finished high school because they were serving in the military or held in internment camps during World War II may be eligible to receive a retroactive diploma.

The Riverside County of Office of Education will hold its second Operation Recognition ceremony of the on Nov. 14.

To receive a diploma, veterans must be Riverside County residents who did not finish high school because of military service in World War II, the Korean War or the Vietnam War. The program is also open to residents who did not receive a diploma because they were in Japanese-American internment camps.

The applications must be received by Wednesday. To learn more or to download an application, visit www.rcoe.us/operationrecognition. For information, call 826-6570.

Music society plans Sunday series

TEMECULA -- The Golden Valley Music Society will present the Sunday Classics starting Oct. 5 at The Merc at Old Town Temecula Community Theater

There will be a program with different musicians and different instruments at 3 p.m. every Sunday. Guests will be invited to learn about the composers, the musicians and their careers, and about their instrument.

Performances for October are:

-- Oct. 5 -- The San Diego Chamber Brass Quintet, featuring John Wilds and Tim Saeger, trumpets; Richard Gordon and James Prindle, trombones; and Warren Gref, horn.

-- Oct. 12 -- The San Diego Woodwind Trio, featuring Susan Barrett, oboe; Robert Zelickman, clarinet; David Savage, bassoon.

-- Oct. 19 -- South Winds, featuring Rong-Huey Liu, oboe; Ryan Simmons, bassoon; Tricia Skye, Teag Reaves and Warren Gref, horns.

-- Oct. 26 -- The Duo, featuring John Cox, horn and Alison Luedecke, piano.

There will be 48 seats available for the 90-minute concerts. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for students and youths.

Tickets are available at the Temecula Old Town Theater box office, online at www.temeculapresents.org, or by phone at (866) 653-8696. For information, visit www.goldenvalleymusicsocity.org or call 698-1035.

Church plans craft fair

TEMECULA -- Temecula United Methodist Church will hold its 11th annual Craft Faire from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the church.

More than 70 vendors of handcrafted items will participate. A bake and book sale also will be held and a continental breakfast and lunch will be available.

Admission is free. Proceeds are used to assist local church and mission projects.

The church is at 42690 Margarita Road. For information, call Donnie Weaver at 676-6269.

HEALTH

Pharmacy collecting for charity

TEMECULA -- Throughout October, the more than 370 Vitamin Shoppes pharmacies, including the Temecula location, will be accepting cash donations on behalf of Vitamin Angels' Operation 20/20 campaign, which aims to alleviate vitamin A deficiency by providing two high-dose vitamin A capsules to children and lactating mothers each year.

Customers can donate $1 or more at the cash register and sign a Vitamin Angels paper angel. A $1 donation will help four children. A $5 donation will help 20 children, and the customer will receive a Vitamin Angels rubber bracelet. Any customer who donates $10 or more will receive a project T-shirt.

Said to affect up to 140 million children every year, vitamin A deficiencies can lead to blindness and increased susceptibility to infectious diseases.

The Temecula store is at 40758 Winchester Road. For information, call 694-3285.

Holistic Moms host talk

TEMECULA -- The Holistic Moms Network of Temecula Valley will host a talk by professional classical homeopath Staria Manos at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 14.

Manos will discuss how to treat families at home using homeopathic remedies. Topics will include effective treatments for coughs, colds and flu; natural first aid treatments for sunburns, bumps and bites; and treatments for minor viral or bacterial infections. The lecture will provide a general background on homeopathy and educate parents about alternatives to over-the-counter medicines.

The meeting will be at the Grace Mellman Library, 41000 County Center Drive. For information, visit temeculavalleyca.holisticmoms.org or contact chapter leader Carrie Noorzad at 672-3938 or e-mail TemeculaValleyHMN@gmail.com.

Dieting group organizes walk

LAKE ELSINORE -- Take Pounds Off Sensibly will hold a walk in the park at 10 a.m. Oct. 7 at Lakeshore Park..

Participants can do laps and learn how you can keep pounds off .

The park is at 420 Lakeshore Drive. For information, call Virginia at 579-1532 or Kathy at 218-3755.

Hard of hearing have advocate

RIVERSIDE -- Center on Deafness Inland Empire offers an advocate to assist hard of hearing or late-deafened individuals and their families.

Pauline Strickland can assist people with information on assistive technology, hearing aids and cochlear implants, one-on-one peer counseling, support groups, information on different communication styles and how to cope with hearing loss in family and work environments.

Strickland is based at 3576 Arlington Ave., Suite 211. For information, call 275-5000 or e-mail pstrickland@codie.org.

Angels at Work seeks volunteers

MURRIETA -- Angels at Work, which provides resources for patients and families dealing with cancer, is seeking volunteers.

Help is needed in areas such as office help, sponsorship, transportation and helping with the annual brunch in October.

For information, call Karla Larson at 473-9619 or Angela Morris at 529-4200 or 775-3202 or visit angelsatwork.org.

Blood pressure checks offered

MURRIETA -- Free blood pressure checks are offered from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mondays at the Murrieta Senior Center.

The center is at 41717 Juniper St. For information, call 304-7275 or visit www.murrieta.org.

Running club meets regularly

TEMECULA -- The Temecula Trotters meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Pizza Factory in Redhawk for a five-mile fun run.

Members also meet at 7 a.m. Saturdays at Paloma del Sol Park and have Monday night track workouts. All abilities and ages are invited.

For information, call Omar at 587-8450 or Bob or 676-4522.

Blood drives

Lifestream -- formerly Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

-- 1 to 6:30 p.m. Sept. 26, It's a Grind Coffee House, 24520 Village Walk Place, Suite F, Murrieta.

-- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10, Dental Suite at Rancho Pueblo Temecula, 31560 Rancho Puebla Road, No. 200, Temecula.

Anyone donating blood in August will receive a free cholesterol test.

Information, (800) 879-4484 or www.LStream.org.

Valley Blood Services

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 26, Sonshine Preschool, 31300 Rancho Community Way, Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Henry's Farmers Market, 39606 Winchester Road, Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 27, Pat & Oscar's, 29375 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

-- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 1, Albertsons, 39140 Winchester Road, Murrieta.

-- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 2, Murrieta Valley High School, 42200 Nighthawk Way, Murrieta

-- 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 6, Pat & Oscar's, 29375 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

-- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 10, Vista Murrieta High School, 28251 Clinton Keith Road, Murrieta.

-- 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 17, Trinity Lutheran Church, 30470 Pauba Road, Temecula.

-- 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 17, Haunted Old Town, 28601 Old Town Front St., Temecula.

-- 2 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20, The Promenade, 40820 Winchester Road, Temecula.

-- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24, Professional Hospital Supply, 41980 Winchester Road, Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 25, Pat & Oscar's, 29375 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Henry's Farmers Market, 39606 Wincheter Road, Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10, Temeku Hills Master Association, 41687 Temeku Drive, Temecula.

-- Noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 10, Murrieta Ranch Preschool, 24850 Lincoln, Murrieta.

Donations also may be made at Valley Blood Services, 25115 Madison Ave., Suite 105, Murrieta, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For information, call 696-4067 or visit valleybloodservices.org. Valley Blood Services is part of the San Diego Blood Bank.

SENIORS

Singles group plans outing

TEMECULA -- Half Century Singles will host a dinner at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at The Captain's Cabin restaurant in Temecula.

Half Century Singles is a dining club with social introductions for single men and women 50 and older. The club meets at upscale restaurants in the area.

Reservations are due by Saturday by calling 834-2600 or e-mailing halfcenturysingles@yahoo.com.

Annual swim show upcoming

SUN CITY -- The Sun City Aquarian Swim Club's 40th annual synchronized swim show will take place Oct. 3 and 4.

"A Little Bit of Country" will be held at 10 a.m. both days at the Sun City Civic Association's Crystal Pool, 2685 Sun City Blvd.

The show is free. Advanced tickets for a country style lunch Oct. 3 can be purchased for $6.

For information or lunch tickets, call Pat at 679-8590.

Companion program seeks volunteers

The Central County United Way's Senior Companion and Retired and Senior Volunteer programs are looking for volunteers.

Senior companions assist isolated and homebound adults with daily living tasks, helping to maintain independence. Training will be provided and seniors who qualify and can commit to 20 hours each week will earn a tax-free stipend and meal and mileage reimbursement.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program helps in numerous locations in the region.

The Central County United Way serves part of Southwest County, including Menifee and Sun City.

Softball leagues need players

MENIFEE -- Male and female softball players are needed for leagues that play at Wheatfield Park.

Men 55 and older play games from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For information, call Ed Hustead at 679-8626.

Female softball players ages 45 and older are being sought for recreational slow-pitch softball. No experience is necessary. Games are Wednesday evenings. For information, call Gayle Hatten at 506-6021.

Wheatfield Park is at La Piedra and Menifee roads.

Activities offered at senior center

MURRIETA -- The Murrieta Senior Center offers a variety of activities.

Exercise

-- Senior exercise -- 10 to 10:40 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday. $1 per class.

-- Movers -- 8 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday. Participants walk 1 mile around Town Square. Free.

-- Senior Tai Chi -- 8:30 a.m. Thursday. $5 per class.

-- Senior Yoga -- 8:30 a.m. Fridays. $5 per class.

Other activities

-- Bridge -- 12:30 p.m. Monday, noon Thursday.

-- Craft and Chat -- 1 to 3 p.m. Fridays. Bring your own supplies. Free.

-- Embroidery -- 11 a.m. first Monday of the month. Bring your own supplies. Free.

-- Line-dancing classes -- 2 to 3 p.m. Monday and Wednesday. $3 per class.

-- Movies -- 1 p.m. Fridays. Free.

The center is at 41717 Juniper St. For information, call 304-7275 or visit www.murrieta.org.