Clubs & Organizations Section

Ramona's clubs and organizations are gearing up for spring with a variety of happenings going on in April. Read on and take advantage of the many opportunities available to you!

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 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego , Ramona Branch will hold its 14th annual Children's Festival & Crime Prevention Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 29 at Collier Park, E St. 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 department display, barbeque and more! For information, call Renee or Lori at (760) 788-7564.

Business Network International (BNI) is a business and professional networking organization that offers members an 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.

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 at 1 p.m. every second Tuesday at the Congregational Church, 404 Eighth St. For information, call Janis at (619) 271-7295 or Nancy at (760) 789-1635.

I Love A Clean San Diego invites Ramona citizens and friends to the annual creekbed clean-up from 9 a.m. to noon on April 29. The creekbed is located adjacent to Ramona's future Santa Maria Greenway Park. Volunteers will meet at the RTA staging area on Aqua Lane. Look for signs from 5th St. & Hwy 78 East. This project needs a lot of volunteer help from the community to collect and load trash. Pickup trucks with a driver and helper for each is necessary to ferry and unload trash into dumpsters or directly to RDS. For information, call (760) 789-8709.

The Intermountain Republican Women's general meeting will be at 10:45 a.m. on April 3 at the Ramona Sizzler, 344 Main St. Nancy Slaff will present the topic, "How Do We Handle Our Border Problems." Slaff who lives with these issues everyday, works with the Border Patrol, Sheriff's Reserve and has authored two books. A salad bar luncheon is available. Republican women from Ramona, Julian and Warner Springs areas are invited. For more information, contact Rachel Meyer at (760) 788-8902.

Intermountain Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department is currently accepting applications for Reserve Firefighters. Upon successful completion of the interview process and acceptance, candidates without a Firefighter 1 certificate will be enrolled in the 2006 Reserve Academy. Applications will be accepted through June 30. Intermountain Reserve Firefighters staff responds to emergency calls from the station on Hwy 78, east of Ramona. Applications can be downloaded from www.intermountainfire.org or e-mail pio@ intermountainfire.org with questions.

The Kiwanis Club members of Ramona will man their food booth at the annual outdoor Food and Clothes Closet Antique Show on April 9. Kiwanians will also carry out their monthly Ramona library book sale service project on April 15 and will set up their hot dog and hamburger booth at the annual Children's Festival to be held in Collier Park on April 29 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 Little People's Learning Center will host a silent auction and carnival from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on April 29. The festival will include carnival games, fun house, inflatable jump, magic show, spaghetti dinner and a silent auction. The goal is to raise $10,000 to expand the facility to meet the growing demands of the community and to continue to provide scholarships to needy families. The Little People's Learning Center Preschool is located at 3394 Chapel Lane, next to the United Methodist Church. For information, call Jill Bacorn at (760) 789-3435.

The Natural Childbirth Support Group (formerly the Homebirth Support Group) will meet at 7 p.m. on April 19 at 809 Pine Heights, Ramona. Guest speaker Barb Herrera will present the topic "Birth Plans: Do you really need one?" Herrera is a licensed midwife, doula, childbirth educator and former La Leche League leader with more than 20 years experience. She is the owner of Ama Mama Holistic Healthcare and has four grown children. For information, call Karen Wallace

at (760) 787-0302.

The Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery will host an open show in May. This is a non-juried show, without category, and no work will be rejected, space permitting. Gallery members will serve as judges, and four works will receive ribbons: Best of Show, first, second, and third Places. With the exception of gallery members, everyone is eligible to enter at $6 per entry or two for $10. Work must be delivered on May 3 and picked up on May 31. For information on exhibits, showing artwork, or continuing art classes, visit The Olde Ramona Hotel Gallery, 845 Main St. or call the gallery at (760) 789-3682 or Sally Levy at (760) 789-4983.

Old Town Ramona's Antique Row is sponsoring its second annual Outdoor Antique & Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 9 at 773 Main St. Dealers from around the county will offer antiques and collectibles for sale. Certified appraisers will be on hand. For information, call (760) 789-0574.

The Ramona Bar Association is a fully functioning Bar Association consisting of top lawyers in their fields who work hard to enrich the Ramona community. Free-Law at the Mall sanctioned and sponsored by the San Diego County Bar Association and the American Bar Association, is being brought to the Ramona community by the various Bar Associations in recognition of Law Days. Free legal advice of a general nature will be provided by the Members of the Ramona Bar Association just outside Albertson's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 6. For information, call (858) 456-5822.

The Ramona Chamber of Commerce's April Networking Mixer will be hosted by Cheers, 2475 Main St. The mixer will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 20. Entry tickets are $5 which includes business networking opportunities, 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, on April 8 and 9. 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 and other participating locations. 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 Ramona Concert Association will present "Musical Ambassadors from Russia", the "Moscow Nights" at 7:30 p.m. on April 22. The Charles Nunn Performing Arts Center at the Olive Peirce Middle School, 1501 Hanson Lane will resonate with an energetic, versatile trio of world recognized, prize-winning musicians from Russia. Their repertoire is centered on masterpieces of Russian folklore and represents the diversity of the culture, ranging from gently humorous songs, to elaborate lyrical suites, to pulsating dance numbers. Doors open at 7 p.m. As this is the last concert of the 2005-2006 Season, tickets can be purchased for 2006-2007 memberships that night and the "Moscow Nights" concert will be included in the price. That means you get all five concerts for the same price of $25 for adults and $55 for family memberships. 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 or (760) 789-6463.

The Ramona Council of Arts Unlimited will host a talent show and Mexican dinner for their students and families. This program will take place at 5:30 p.m. on May 5 at Hanson Elementary School on Boundary St. Opportunity drawing include items such as Disneyland passes, Birch Aquarium tickets, Zoo passes, and gift certificates donated from generous Ramona merchants. All proceeds go to scholarship programs - assisting children interested in the arts, also graduates majoring in art while attending college. For information call (760) 788 0914.

The Ramona Garden Club will meet at noon on April 12 at the Ramona library community room, 1406 Montecito Road. In honor of Arbor Day, Tricia Daley, a Spring Home and Garden show blue ribbon award landscape designer will speak on the topic of trees. Daley is owner of Seasons in the Garden Design and Consultation. She will share information on making the correct species selection, proper planting methods, care and maintenance. Daley will elaborate on the incorporation of trees in landscape design. Light refreshments and beverages are provided. The Garden Club meets at noon on the second Wednesday of each month. For more information, call Patricia Frederick at (760) 788-9177 or Ramona Valencia at (760) 604-1852 or visit www.ramonagardenclub.com.

Ramona Pregnancy Care Clinic's 12th annual Walk-For-Life fundraiser is on April 22. Participants can gather donations from sponsors, or pay a $25 entry fee. All proceeds support services to women, teens and families in our community. Services provided by the clinic include a free pregnancy test, peer counseling, free prenatal exam to confirm pregnancy, first jar of prenatal vitamins, nutrition counseling, prenatal classes, baby and maternity clothes, as well as other supplies. This is a family event, Prizes are awarded for the top two fundraisers in the categories of men, women, youth and stroller. It's a morning of fun, fellowship and family beginning with an easy 2.5 mile walk from Collier Park (on E Street between 6th and 7th streets) to the clinic (next to McDonald's) and back, followed by games, entertainment, brunch and Cold Stone ice cream. Join and come together to celebrate life and support the ministry at Ramona Pregnancy Care Clinic. Pledge forms and more information are available from the office at (760) 789-7059.

The Ramona Rotary Club will be awarding ten $1,000 scholarships to deserving 2006 local high school graduates. Students with 3.0 or better GPA who will be attending a fully accredited college or technical school are eligible to apply. Involvement in community service, extra-curricular school activities, and financial need are important. Students from Ramona High School, Montecito High School, Sun Valley Charter High School, Mountain Valley Academy and Julian High School are invited to apply. The applicant must show that they have been accepted for enrollment as a full time student at any 2 or 4 year accredited college, university or vocational institution in a program leading to a certificate, accreditation or degree. Those wishing to apply may obtain more information and an official Rotary Club application package at their high school counselor's office. Deadline for filing is April 14. Rotary meets at noon each Tuesday at the Ramona Sizzler. For club information, call president Bill Jenkin at (760) 443-1306.

The Ramona Star's 4H Group held a bake sale booth at the Ramona chamber of commerce Christmas tree lighting event in December. All proceeds of the sale went to the "End Child Hunger" national program. On Valentine's day the group purchased a red sweater and chocolates and presented them to local icon "Red Betty". The Ramona Star's 4H Group thanks the community for supporting their club from the candybar sales in Februrary. For information, call Beth at (760) 788-8991.

Ramona United Methodist Church invites children to Faithweaver Friends - Where Fun and Friends Come Together. Starting April 18 between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Festivities include singing upbeat songs, playing cooperative games, creating special projects, and exploring Bible stories in wild and wacky ways. Dinner will be provided, parents to accompany children under five years of age during the event. For more information, call (760) 789-7106.

The United Methodist Women of the Ramona United Methodist Church present their fourth annual Afternoon Tea at 4 p.m. on May 7. Guest speaker, poet and published author Jayne Jaudon Ferrer will speak about her recent publications. Her last book was Dancing With My Daughter; her newest book, She of the Rib: Women Unwrapped, will be out in May. Ferrer's books will be on sale with a signing following her presentation. Come enjoy a variety of tea, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Donation $15.00. Profits to benefit United Methodist Women missions. Invitations will be available at the church; advance reservations are necessary. For reservations, call (760) 789-7106.

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 April 25. New members and visitors are welcome. For information and meeting location, email RVVA organizer Bill Schweitzer at bill@paccielo.com.

The Ramona Woman's Club will meet at 1 p.m. on April 6 at the clubhouse, 524 Main St. Entertainment will be provided by Soft Winds Ensemble whose motto is "Instrumental music from Baroque to Beatles." Refreshments will be provided by Jean Wickham and Dorothy Heard.

The Literary Section will meet at 1 p.m. on April 10 at the clubhouse. Fern Jackson will review Frank McCourt's latest book, "Teacher Man". Hostesses will be Sharon Roth and Pearl McCullough.

The annual fashion show, luncheon and card party will be at 11:30 a.m. on April 13. Models will wear fashions by Weekenders. Tickets are $15 which includes a catered lunch. The show is open to the public but reservations are required; call Marilyn Ferguson at (760) 789-4348. Hostesses will be Linda Knowles, Wilma Parker and Jane Bik.

The Lady Bugs will visit Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas. The group will carpool from the clubhouse at 10 a.m. on April 27. 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 Ramona Women's Connection group will meet at 11:30 a.m. on April 19. A "Frugal Fashions Show" will be presented by Ramona Food & Closet. The show will consist of mostly new and used clothes and jewelry. Also on display will be household items and available artwork. Of special interest will be the bridal section, consisting of a small wedding party, complete with the bride. The fashions will include men's, women's and children's clothing. New store manager, Brian Moore will be on hand to give a short presentation about the Ramona Food & Clothes Closet, a non-profit food bank and thrift store that accepts donations and sells secondhand goods. La Jolla resident Kris Peterson will also be on the program as guest speaker. Peterson is a former teacher and gymnastics coach. Her story is titled, "Having a Bad Hair Day." 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. Tickets are $8.50. 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.

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 from 10 a.m. on May 6 to 10 a.m. on May 7. The fundraiser will be held at the Bulldog Stadium, 720 Ninth St. 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, contact 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.

St. Mary's in-the-Valley Episcopal Church offers a series of forums discussing topics of interest to the community, every Sunday 9 to 10 a.m., between the weekly services. The schedule for April includes

April 2, Spring Time - Landscaping and Gardening Essentials: How, What and When to. Guest Speaker is Mr. Tim O'Brien. April 9, Christian Education: Sweet Talk: Communicating with Love and Respect. Third of a 3- Part Series. Guest Speaker is Ms. Deborah Lewellen. April 16, Easter Sunday - No forum. April 23, Christian Education: The Value of Retreats. A Pensive Perspective? April 30, Community Awareness and Safety, Ramona Sheriff Department. Guest Speaker is Officer Henry Tirado.

The monthly luncheon meeting of the San Vicente Valley Club on April 26 will feature a fashion show of vintage clothing, exquisite wedding gowns and western wear. Charlotte Jensen, owner of Charlotte's Antiques, will narrate the fashion show as she presents the largest selection of re-wear and vintage clothing in Ramona. Jensen specializes in costuming for theater groups. SVVC welcomes residents from Ramona and the surrounding areas to the nonprofit organization. Social time will begin at 11 a.m., a brief meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m., 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 April 21.

San Vicente Valley Club members are gearing up for the 25th Annual Home & Garden Tour scheduled for May 13. Home Tour chairwoman Helen Jupin assisted by the Home Selection committee Judy Schweitzer, Shirley Leyrer and Bonnie Mang have chosen three SDCE homes and one home in Barona Mesa Estates. The tour of homes is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. An Art and Crafts Faire, Bake Shoppe, Flower Market, Collectibles Corner, raffle drawing and Silent Auction will be held in conjunction with the home tour at the San Vicente Inn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A No-Host Luncheon and Fashion Show featuring fashions from the San Vicente Pro Shop will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Reservations are suggested, call (760) 789-8290, ext. 2211. Wine tasting in the Par Lounge will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets will be available at the San Vicente Inn and at the homes on the day of the tour. This is the only fund raising event sponsored yearly by the 150-member club. Proceeds from the tour fund scholarships to graduating seniors and various worthy causes in Ramona.

Team Women Ramona/ Intermountain Chapter networking group will hold this month's meetings at 11:15 a.m. on April 5 and April 19 at Nuevo Grill Mexican restaurant, 1413 Main St. 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 Sixth Annual Pioneer Day will be held at the Guy B. Woodward Museum on Saturday, April 29.

Sponsored by the Ramona Pioneer Historical Society , the living history celebration will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the museum grounds at 645 Main St.

Admission to Pioneer Day festivities is free.

Tours of the Verlaque House are $3 for adults and 50 cents for children 12 and younger. Tours

will be free to persons wearing Western dress. Chili, chili dogs, hot dogs, nachos, and sodas will be available. For more information, call (760) 789-7644.

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