Ramona's clubs and organizations have a variety of happenings going on in March and April. Read on and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you. Now is the time to become a part of your community!

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce's March Networking Mixer will be hosted by Seidl's Party Supplies, 760 Main St. The mixer will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on March 16. Entry tickets are $5 which includes business networking opportunities, opportunity drawings and more. For information, contact mixer chairperson Kathy Smiley at (760) 788-9384 or visit www.ramonachamber.com.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the fourth Annual Ramona Artists Open Studio Tour, an event showcasing local talent. The tour has become a highly anticipated and well-attended art event with Ramona artists opening their studios to visitors. Set for April 8 and 9, 16 local artists invite the public into 14 private studios to visit with the artists and view their work. Six studios are located in the San Diego Country Estates, and eight studios are located throughout Ramona. Visitors will see artwork in a variety of media that includes painting, mosaics, jewelry, art to wear, woodworking, pottery and photography. Tickets are $10. A full color brochure with map, will be available at the chamber office at 960 Main St., Daniel's Liquor and Deli at 1350 Main St., Daniel's West 17718 Highway 67, Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery at 845 Main St., and at the studios on the days of the event. For information contact co-founders Judy Nachazel at (760) 789-7131 or Josepha Hegan at (760) 789-9030 or the chamber office at (760) 789-1311.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce will hold its Scholarship Golf Tournament April 21 at the San Vicente Golf Course, 24157 San Vicente Road. If you would like to be a sponsor of the event or need information, contact chairperson Ralph Mittman at (760) 789-9492 or the chamber office at (760) 789-1311.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, Ramona Branch will hold its 14th Annual Children's Festival & Crime Prevention Fair on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Collier park, E St. in Ramona. Enjoy a family day of fun by participating in the several children's activities offered. The festival will include a party jump, fire and sheriff departments, a bbq and more! For information, call Renee or Lori at (760) 788-7564.

The Ramona Rotary Club was in full swing in February. There were 16 members who attended the district council meeting in La Jolla. March will include a $2,000 check presentation to Montecito High School. A presentation of the community enhancement award will be given to a local business. Congratulations to Leo Dufresne, Amber Ramirez, Ken Stafford and Michael Hellman for earning their blue badges. Ramona Rotary also recently welcomed new members Susan Wiley and David Tarr. Rotary meets at noon each Tuesday at the Ramona Sizzler. For club information, call president Bill Jenkin at (760) 443-1306.

The Ramona Senior Center will host its annual corned beef and cabbage dinner fundraiser March 11 in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. The festivities will include a bake sale, white elephant sale, Irish auction, cash prizes and more. The menu includes corned beef and cabbage, carrots, potatoes, bread pudding and a no-host bar. Dinner will be served from noon to 7 p.m. Tickets are $6 at the door or can be purchased in advance by calling the Ramona Senior Center at (760) 789-0440.

St. Mary's in-the-Valley celebrates its Lenten Events which include Tuesday Soup Suppers - March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 at 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. A tradition at St. Mary's, bringing people together weekly for good food and discussion. Nursery is provided, including a video for children. Thursday Bible Study - March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 10:30 a.m. New this year, an additional mid-week opportunity for study of themes related to congregational and individual formation. Friday Evening Youth Worship - March 10, 24 at 7:00 p.m. Two Friday evenings of special worship, where the Stations of the Cross will be lead by the youth group. St. Mary's is located on San Vicente Rd. between 11th and 12th St., Ramona. For information, call (760) 789-0890.

The Ramona Kiwanis had representation of ten members at the California-Nevada-Hawaii mid-year conference at Town & Country Resort. Kiwanis International president-elect Nelson Tucker presented a $5,000 grant to support the launch of the Ramona Kiwanis' "Project Lifesaver" program. The group received an additional $1,500 grant from the foundation. From March 10 to 12, sheriff volunteers will learn how to operate "Project Lifesaver." The program is designed to alert and recover any Alzheimer or other patients who might wander away from home. For information on "Project Lifesaver", contact chairman Gordon Zick at (760) 789-0315.

On March 11 the club will take part in the annual "Total K Day" by cleaning its assigned section of Highway 78 through Ramona. All 18 Division 37 Kiwanis Club will be doing a community service project on that date.

Plans are shaping up for the local "Bow Wow, Pow Wow" to be held at the Ramona Community Park, 421 Aqua Ln., on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All Ramona dog owners are asked to reserve that date and to start prepping their canines for the doggie contests. For information, contact Carol Bazinet at (760) 789-7629.

The Ramona Kiwanis Club Foundation is hosting a Holland America seven-night round-trip cruise from San Diego to the Mexican Riviera, leaving April 15. Call Gordon or Donna Zick at (760) 789-0315 for details. Kiwanis meets at 7 a.m. each Saturday at the Ramona Sizzler. For club information, call president Bob Hailey at (760) 789-4624.

The Ramona Garden Club will meet at noon on March 8 at the Ramona Library Community Room. Aenne Carver, columnist, author and master gardener will speak on growing, harvesting and using herbs. Carver will discuss the general growing principles and how herbs can be used for gardening in problem areas. Light refreshments and beverages are provided. The Garden Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at noon at the Ramona Library Community Room, 1406 Montecito Road. For more information, call Patricia Frederick at (760) 788-9177 or Ramona Valencia at (760) 604-1852 or visit www.ramonagardenclub.com.

The Ramona Valley Vineyard Association is a "grape roots" organization that meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at members' homes/vineyards. The group discusses topics such as viticulture and other matters of interest to the vineyard and winemaking community. Current projects include encouragement of new vineyard development, vineyard expansion and utilization of sustainable agricultural practices. The Ramona Valley is designated as an American Viticultural Area. The next RVVA meeting will be 7 p.m. on March 28. New members and visitors are welcome. For information and meeting location, email RVVA organizer Bill Schweitzer at bill@paccielo.com.

Business Network Int'l. (BNI) is a business and professional networking organization that offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and most importantly, referrals. The Ramona Chapter meets at 6:45 a.m. each Tuesday at the Ramona Sizzler. For information, call membership committee member Tim Lawless at (760) 440-9590.

Ramona Community Theater presents "Godspell," a musical based on the Gospel according to Saint Matthew and directed by Gin Boughner. The music in "Godspell" includes a variety of musical styles, from pop to folk-rock, gospel and a touch of vaudeville. It features a string of recognizable songs including the international hit "Day By Day." Show times and dates are March 23 to April 1 at 8 p.m. A matinee performance also will be offered on March 26 at 2 p.m. All performances will be staged at the Sun Valley Charter School, 2102 Main St., Ramona. For tickets or information, visit www.ramonacommunitytheater.com.

Relay for Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money to help the American Cancer Society save lives and fight cancer. The Ramona RFL committee has scheduled the local event on May 6 from 10 a.m. to May 7, 10 a.m. The fundraiser will be held at the Bulldog Stadium, 720 Ninth St., Ramona. The event is open to all age groups. Organizations, clubs, schools, service groups, churches, neighborhoods and others are encouraged to form a team and participate. For information, call team recruiter Kris Blaszcak at (760) 788-6377 or msdeco@pacbell.net. For other information on RFL, contact chairman Bob Richardson at (760) 788-5464 or visit www.acsevents.org/relay/ca/ramona

The Ramona Cancer Resource Center will hold its annual fundraiser tea from from 1 to 3 p.m on April 29. The theme for the tea is a "Cup of Friendship." Tea will take place in an outdoor patio setting located at Woodward house, 705 A St., Ramona. $15 donation. For information, call Ellie Whitcomb at (760) 788-9522.

The Ramona Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Iota Rho, will hold its annual fundraiser March 24. Donna's Unique Boutique and a silent auction will raise money to be used for scholarships for Ramona High School seniors planning to major in the field of education. The boutique will be held at the First Congregational Church, 404 Eighth St. from 4 to 7 p.m. The boutique will feature shopping opportunities for women's clothing, accessories, purses and jewelry. The silent auction will have a variety of items and services for bidding. Refreshments will be served. Delta Kappa Gamma is an organization of key women educators whose seven key ideas are to promote and further education throughout the world. The International Delta Kappa Gamma Convention is being held in San Diego July 18 to 23. For information, call Laurie Kempenaar at (760) 789-2078.

The Old Town Ramona's Antique Row are sponsoring its second Annual Ramona's Outdoor Antque & Flea Market held April 9 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m at 773 Main St. Dealers from around the county will offer their antiques and collectibles for sale. Certified Appraisers will be on hand to appraise your valuable treasures. For information, call (760) 789-0574.

As part of the Ramona Concert Association's 2005-2006 season, the San Diego Concert Band will perform in Ramona. The Charles Nunn Performing Arts Center at the Olive Peirce Middle School, 1501 Hanson Lane will resonate with the vibrant and vivacious sounds of the 65-piece San Diego Concert Band at 7:30 p.m. on March 18. The concert will present a mix of music from Broadway, movie theme music, big band and patriotic. Doors open at 7 p.m. For those without a season membership, single concert admission is $15 for adults and

$5 for children and students. For more information, contact (760) 789-7474.

The monthly luncheon meeting of the San Vicente Valley Club on March 29 will feature Ramona's harmonica band, Kiwani-Kats. The harmonica band was organized in 2000. Since that time they have performed in numerous local parades, clubs, churches, fairs and even a snippet on the Roger Hedgecock Show. One of the Kiwani-Kats members has become a harmonica expert and has accumulated a museum-quality collection of harmonicas since joining the group. He may bring some of them to the luncheon and explain their various uses. The SVVC welcomes residents from Ramona and the surrounding areas to join the nonprofit organization. Social time will begin at 11 a.m., a brief meeting will begin at 11:30, lunch will be served at noon and the program will begin at 12:45 p.m. Reservations (or cancellations) must be made at the front desk of the San Vicente Inn by March 24; for information on the San Vicente Valley Club, 24157 San Vicente Rd., Ramona, call membership chairwoman Mary Lou Kohl at (760) 788-5778.

The San Vicente Valley Club is inviting applicants for 2006 Community Awards, made possible by the Home and Garden Tour to be held May 13. Applicants must be Ramona-based and nonprofit organizations. To receive an application form, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to San Vicente Valley Club Needs Assessment, 24157 San Vicente Road, Ramona, CA 92065-4199. Applications are due April 1. For information, call Mignon Leins at (760) 788-6743.

Team Women Ramona/ Intermountain Chapter networking group will hold this month's meetings on March 8 and March 22 at Nuevo Grill Mexican restaurant, 1413 Main St. in Ramona at 11:15 a.m. Each business may be represented by only one member and the members will refer business to one another within the chapter. Guests are welcome. RSVP to founder Suzanne Butler at (760) 787-9434.

The Ramona Women's Connection group will meet at 11:30 a.m. on March 15. Centenarion Frederica Sagor Maas will be the guest speaker. Maas will discuss her career in film making. In 1929 she attended the first Academy Awards Ceremony having worked on the script of the movie that received a first Oscar. Frederica's career in Hollywood spanned 30 years and 15 films. A video of the PBS Biography Series featuring her life will be shown. Also on the program will be speaker Sharon Simonian from Laguna Niguel. Simonian is the wife of a doctor, mother of two, former teacher, and has been performing at the Laguna Niguel Playhouse and Trilogy Playhouse for the past 10 years. She will be answering the question, "What is a Category-Three Gift?" The meeting is a salad-bar luncheon and will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Ramona Sizzler. For reservations or information, call Francine Abbott at (760) 789-1526 or Carol Miles at (760) 788-1348 or email ramonawomensconnection@yahoo.com. Free childcare is available by reservation.

Do you suffer from fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue or other related disorders? There is hope, you can get better! The new Ramona Fibromyalgia Support Group provides an opportunity of information sharing, encouragement and fellowship. The group is facilitated by a registered nurse. The meetings are held every second Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Congregational Church, 404 Eighth St., Ramona. For information and RSVP call Janis at (619) 271-7295 or Nancy (760) 789-1635.

Artist Anna Burkhart continues instructions in textural and experimental techniques at The Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery on March 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each workshop teaches a different aspect of painting, yet is designed to spark the individual's creativity. Burkhart has been fascinated by collage and other theories of art since her first class 27 years ago. In that time, she has never failed to be in an art study, either watercolor, oil, acrylic or experimental pathways to art. Pack a sandwich and a drink, grab a sheet of watercolor paper and paint brush, and join her March workshop at 845 Main St. For information or to inquire about a later class, call the gallery at (760) 789-3682, Burkhart at (760) 789-1961, or Sally Levy at (760) 789-4983.

The Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays at the North Rural Recovery Center, 323 Hunter St. Al-Anon is a fellowship

of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength and hope, in order to solve their common problems. Al-Anon has one purpose: to help families

of alcoholics. For information visit www.alanonsandiego.org.

The Ramona Woman's Club will meet at 1 p.m. on March 2 at the clubhouse, 524 Main St. Jack Innis from Sunbelt Publishing will speak about San Diego Legends: events, people and places that made history. Refreshments will be provided by Linda Knowles and Melisse Ely.

A luncheon and card party will be held at noon on March 9. It is open to the public but reservations are required; call Pearl McCullough at (760) 789-9308. Hostesses will be Rita Courtney and Jo Stone.

The Literary Section will meet at 1 p.m. on March 13 at the clubhouse. Fern Jackson will review Frank McCourt's latest book, "Teacher Man". His previous book, "Angela's Ashes," was a best seller and a motion picture. Hostess will be Pearl McCullough.

The Lady Bugs will visit Buena Creek Gardens in San Marcos. The group will carpool from the clubhouse at 10 a.m. on March 23. For information and reservations, call Ethel Kiss at (760) 788-4908. For all other questions about the club and its activities, call Linda Knowles at (760) 789-4762.

The Natural Childbirth Support Group (formerly the Homebirth Support Group) will meet March 15 at 7 p.m. at 809 Pine Heights, Ramona. Guest speaker Rosie Peterson will speak about her decision to become a certified doula (DONA) and a childbirth educator. Peterson will discuss advantages of hiring a professional labor assistant for support during labor and delivery. She will share advice on selecting a doula and the many advantages of doula support. For information, call Karen Wallace at (760) 787-0302.

Our readers want to hear what your group is doing. Send your club or organization's upcoming events or happenings (up to 150 words) by the 18th of each month to:

Jennifer Jenkin

Phone: (760) 788-8148

Fax: (760) 788-8413

E-mail: media.rhj@pacbell.net