TEMECULA - The Valley Winds, a community concert band, is Europe-bound this coming year.

The band members begin the new year of rehearsals and performances Aug. 27, capping it with a trip to Europe in late June or early July. The itinerary should be set in the next few weeks; however, tentative plans call for a Fourth of July concert in Switzerland.

Ahead of the Europe trip, the Valley Winds has a full schedule of local performances, including a scholarship benefit concert in November and the Wine Country Community Band Festival in June.

The group invites musicians who play brass, woodwind or percussion instruments to join. They must be at least in middle school, although there's no maximum age - indeed, one of the members is in his 90s.

Middle school and high school students need permission from their school band director to participate.

Rehearsal begins Aug. 27. The musicians practice from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the band room at Chaparral High School in Temecula.

For information, call conductor Brad Hinkson at Temecula Middle School at 302-5151, Ext. 3582, visit the Web site at www.valleywinds.org, or e-mail info@valleywinds.org.

Mizjan's Musings: Lifetest provides peace of mind

Thinking of getting a Lifetest?

No, I am not a hypochondriac; it's just that lately I had been having new and inexplicable pains. I passed my annual physical and mammogram back in February, so I was a little perplexed about my recent ailments.

For the past few months, I have heard commercials about a procedure called Lifetest. Basically, it is a body scan that can detect potentially dangerous conditions in the spine, lungs, lymph nodes, heart and other organs. Several companies conduct them, and one does not need a doctor's order to have the procedure. However, that means it has to be paid by the consumer - and it can be pricey.

Since both of my parents had cancer and heart disease, I self-diagnose myself. Was the pain in my left hip that radiated to my knee a sign of bone cancer? And what about that pain in my sternum that started up this summer? Did it relate to that congenital disease doctors warned me about when my father passed on?

After requesting and receiving an informative brochure from the Computerized Diagnostic Imaging Center, I decided to go for it. Once I completed the paperwork at the center, I was ushered right in to begin. Naturally, I felt a bit nervous because I was to be told the results right away. Did I really want to know if they were bad?

I was treated with consideration throughout the experience. When it was time for me to lie on the X-ray table for the "Multidetector CT" machine to pass over my body, I thought of Dr. Mark Green, former star of one of my favorite television shows, "ER" - of all things to come to mind!

Altogether, the CT machine scanned me about four times, and I wasn't a bit uncomfortable, other than feeling a tad claustrophobic at moments. It took no more than 15 minutes, if that. When finished, I was escorted to the waiting room to await development of my films - a very long 15 minutes.

The medical director, Dr. Raymond Sakover, introduced me to my body, seen in images of 3-millimeter thickness. He patiently explained from what view we were seeing my body. I was fascinated. There were more than 500 images. But what did they mean?

System by system, for well over an hour, Sakover guided me through the images. As he reviewed my skeletal system, he commented, "Hmm. My guess is that you have a pain in your left hip that sometimes radiates to your knee Ö and sometimes your right shoulder bothers you."

I looked at him in amazement. He explained that it had to do with one of my vertebrae pinching a nerve. Solution: Use proper body mechanics and don't take up golf.

And about the pain in my sternum - apparently, I overdosed on yard work. It's time for a vacation.

By the way, peace of mind is priceless.

Jan Roberts writes about ideas, people and events of interest in Southwest County. She can be reached at mizjan@nctimes.net.

Military briefs

Cadet named to dean's list

WEST POINT, N.Y. - Cadet Gregory Adam Ward has been named to the dean's list at the U.S. Military Academy.

Ward is the son of Cheryl and John Messina of Murrieta. He graduated from Murrieta Valley High School in 2001.

At West Point, he is concentrating on economics and plans to graduate in 2005 and be commissioned a second lieutenant in the Army.

To qualify for the dean's list, a cadet must maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average.

Wildomar man enrolls in academy

NEW LONDON, Conn. - Bryson Jacobs recently enrolled as a cadet at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.

Jacobs is the son of Jamie and Brian Jacobs of Wildomar. He graduated from Elsinore High School this year.

At the academy, Jacobs will study engineering, Coast Guard history and marine sciences, among other subjects, and will receive on-the-job training aboard vessels in the summer.

Government meetings

Temecula

Temecula Valley Unified School District - meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 31350 Rancho Vista Road.

Planning Commission - meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive.

Director's Hearing - meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive.

Murrieta

City Council - meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday at council chambers, 26442 Beckman Court.

Lake Elsinore

Lake Elsinore Unified School District - meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesday at 545 Chaney St.

Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District - study session at 9 a.m. Wednesday at district headquarters, 31315 Chaney St.

Lake Elsinore San Jacinto Watersheds Authority - meeting at 3 p.m. Thursday at 31315 Chaney St.

What's happening

Temecula to hold luau for families

TEMECULA - The city's Community Services Department will hold a Hawaiian luau for Family Fun Night next Friday.

The evening's festivities include Hawaiian Tahitian dancers, as well as crafts, games and a prize drawing. The night's activities run from 6 to 8 p.m., with the show starting at 6:15, at the Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road.

The cost is $3 for adults, $2 for children, and free for kids under 2.

Pre-registration is suggested due to limited seating. Call 694-6480.

Charity poker run slated for today

Poker run to benefit charity

TEMECULA - An "Early Harvest Poker Run" today will benefit Animal Friends of the Valleys, Operation School Bell and Reins Therapeutic Horsemanship.

The poker run is part of the open-house celebration of Quaid Temecula Harley Davidson, 28964 Old Town Front St.

Registration is from 8 to 10 a.m. High hand wins $200, low hand gets $100, and the winner of the Chapter Challenge Award receives $100. The $15 entry fee includes food and drawings, such as a 50/50 drawing. For information, call Cori at 694-1196.

Vets collect phone cards

WILDOMAR - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1508 is collecting phone cards to send to U.S. troops serving in Iraq and Kuwait.

To donate a card, drop it off at the post at 21180 Waite St., or mail it to PO Box 737, Wildomar, CA 92595.

For information, call

674-4735, or send e-mail to VFWPost1508@yahoo.com.

Baby talk

RANCHO SPRINGS MEDICAL CENTER

Patrick James Douglas, a 9-pound, 4-ounce boy, was born Tuesday, July 29, 2003, to Marcie and Paul Douglas of Temecula.

Nevaeh Nickol Menning, a 5-pound, 5-ounce girl, was born Wednesday, July 30, 2003, to Tanya Divincenzo and Jeff Menning of Temecula.

Sierra Avari Painer, a 5-pound, 11-ounce girl, was born Wednesday, July 30, 2003, to Amber Lewis and Jonathan Pruner of Lake Elsinore.

Vojon Auzurre Thomas, a 9-pound, 1-ounce boy, was born Thursday, July 31, 2003, to Debra and Verone Thomas of Sun City.

Tatiana Conchita Interiano, a 6-pound, 9-ounce girl, was born Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, to Raquel and Joe Interiano of Murrieta.

Hailee Elizaeth Carter, a 6-pound, 9-ounce girl, was born Friday, Aug. 1, 2003, to Julie Appleford and Brandon Carter of Riverside.

Joseph Azzarelli, a 5-pound, 11-ounce boy, was born Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, to Darlene and Joe Azzarelli of Menifee.

Aaron Michael McCray, a 7-pound, 12-ounce boy, was born Saturday, Aug. 2, 2003, to Chandra Olson and Jerry McCray of Lake Elsinore.

Lindsay Bridgette Monroy, a 7-pound, 9-ounce girl, was born Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, to Bertha and Alberto Monroy of Temecula.

Arinah Serrato, a 7-pound, 1-ounce girl, was born Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, to Leticia and Aiejandro Serrato of Murrieta.

Sarah Joy Brown, a 7-pound, 4-ounce girl, was born Monday, Aug. 4, 2003, to Lynne Michelle Koen and Jacob Allen Brown of Lake Elsinore.

Dylan William Allen, a 7-pound, 8-ounce boy, was born Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2003, to Sara Darr and Tyler Allen of Lake Elsinore.

Patrick Beyer, an 8-pound, 5-ounce boy, was born Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, to Lesley and Warren Beyer of Murrieta.

Taylor Lily Demchuk, a 9-pound, 4-ounce girl, was born Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, to Tammy and Murray Demchuk of Murrieta.

Derek Adrian Cordova Jr., an 8-pound, 3-ounce boy, was born Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, to Carmina Briceno and Derek Cordova of Murrieta.

Talon Caleb Hawkins, a 6-pound, 12-ounce boy, was born Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003,to Jules and Caleb Hawkins of Canyon Lake.

Lexie Rae Vandermeulen, a 7-pound, 19-ounce girl, was born Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, to Tiffini Clemons and Steve Vandermeulen of Perris.

Gabriel Rowland Price, a 8-pound, 9-ounce boy, was born Thursday, Aug. 7, 2003, to Sarah M. and Jacob R. Price of Temecula.

Senior news

On tap: Viejas and Agua Caliente trips

TEMECULA - The Temecula Senior Service Center has planned day trips to Viejas and Agua Caliente casinos.

The Aug. 25 trip to Viejas Casino in Alpine leaves at 8 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $6.

The Agua Caliente Casino excursion leaves at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 25 and returns at 5:30 p.m.

The $24 cost includes free buffet, a $5 table play and $10 cash back.

For details, call Rose at 246-2119.

Forum to feature health screening

HEMET - An "Aging With Dignity" forum Oct. 18 will feature free health screening and educational booths.

Specialists will present information on topics such as physical fitness and health, elder fraud, abuse, Social Security, long-term-care planning, asset protection and financial security.

Sen. Jim Battin and Hemet Mayor Lori Van Arsdale will be the lunchtime speakers.

The free event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sunwest Village, 1001 N. Lyon.

It is organized by Aging With Dignity, a Temecula-based nonprofit organization.

To register or for information, call 506-5096.

Workshop to help grandparents

CORONA - "Hats Off to Grandparents," a forum for grandparents raising grandchildren, will be held Sept. 18 at Eagle Glen Golf Course.

The forum features speaker Gerald Newmark, author of "How to Raise Emotionally Healthy Children." It is sponsored by the Advisory Council on Aging, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force and the Riverside County Office on Aging.

Reservations should be Sept. 4. Call Donna Pierce at 697-4697, Ext. 310.

Double Nickels going to Laughlin

MURRIETA - The Double Nickels Club will leave for Laughlin, Nev., and the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City on Sept. 7.

The trip includes two nights at the Colorado Belle, a hotel shaped like a gigantic riverboat; three free-

buffet tickets; a two-hour boat ride to the London Bridge (the actual London Bridge, which was dismantled in England and dedicated in Lake Havasu City in 1971); and a ticket for eight games of bingo.

The cost is $65 for a double and $75 for a single. For information, call 677-0515.

Golden Years plans Catalina excursion

TEMECULA - Seniors' Golden Years of Temecula Valley will host a two-day trip to Catalina on Aug. 25.

The cost is $172 per person.

Call Esther Rhodes at 694-6466 between 9 a.m. and noon Monday through Friday.

Hospice to host Medi-Cal workshop

SUN CITY - Hospice of the Valleys will host a free Medi-Cal workshop at 1 p.m. Sept. 3.

The speaker is Craig Smedley, an estate and Medi-Cal planner. Hospice is at 28127 Bradley Road, and reservations can be made by calling 672-1669.