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page 8 Get involved in your community. Join the Mira Mesa Town Council! The Mira Mesa Town Council (MMTC) is a volunteer-run, non-profit organization promoting community pride and the betterment of Mira Mesa.

Left to Right: Miss Scripps Ranch 2014 Allie Kennedy, What Does MMTC Do? Miss Teen Scripps Ranch 2014 Sarina Jassy, Miss Teen Mira Mesa Haley Hernandez and Miss Mira Mesa • Mira Mesa Street Fair on the third Saturday of September Brittney Charlot. Picture taken at the Tet • Fourth of July Celebration & Fireworks, a 41 year Festival in Mira Mesa Community Park. tradition, is one of the largest community celebrations in San Diego • Verne Goodwin Scholarships recognize graduating high school seniors for their volunteer service Miss Mira Mesa: • Mira Mesa Banners along Mira Mesa Blvd promote our community as well as local events and businesses The 2015 Miss and Miss Teen San Diego Northeastern Communities Pageant, to select a Miss and Miss Teen • Mira Mesa Maintenance Assessment District maintains for the communities of Mira Mesa, Scripps Ranch, landscaping along Mira Mesa Blvd and other major streets and Rancho Penasquitos, is scheduled for Friday- • Volunteer of the Year Dinner honors Saturday, February 6-7, 2015, in the Miramar College exceptional volunteers who enrich our community auditorium (New library building). Applications due • Miss Mira Mesa & Miss Teen Mira Mesa Pageants serve to Dec. 31, 2014; after that, contact pageant director to instill poise and pride in our young women see if an opportunity still exists. For details, see miramesatowncouncil.org/miss_mira_mesa_2015.html When & Where Does MMTC Meet? MMTC meets at the Mira Mesa Branch Library, 8405 New Salem St., 7pm – 9pm the first Monday of each month (second Monday in September). Meetings are open to EVERYONE. Congratulations January 5th – New District 6 San Diego City Councilman Chris Cate to swear in 2015 MMTC to 2014 Mira Board! Mesa Volunteer February 2nd – MM events round-up! Learn what’s coming up, from the Pageant, MMHS’ “Thoroughly of the Year Modern Millie,” and the Tet Festival in February, Julius Hitchens! to Taste of MM in March, Filipino Sun Festival in April, MM Night Market and Mira Mesa’s Got Talent in May, to the 4th of July!

How Do I Join? Online at MiraMesaTownCouncil.org or pay with cash or check at a meeting. Membership is open to all Mira Mesa residents age 16 and older. Annual membership rates: • $20 for residents, $10 for additional residents in the same household • $10 for students or seniors (age 60+) • $50 for business members or $150 for a joint MMTC & Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce membership page 22 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected] Michelle Tsai, Publisher Ms. Tsai holds an MBA with an emphasis in finance and a BA in marketing from . She has lived in the Mira Mesa neighborhood for nearly 12 years. In that time she has joined several committees including serving as Vice President of the Mira Mesa Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Tsai believes her strengths include To Submit Articles, News and Events: connecting people and groups and building long-standing relationships in the community. [email protected] To Advertise: Steve Nicoles, Editor Mr. Nicoles worked for nearly a decade as a [email protected] professional television news reporter. He brings that 858-335-2484 experience along with several journalism awards including a regional Emmy™ to Mira Mesa Living. As a To Contact the Publisher: graduate of San Diego State University, Mr. Nicoles is [email protected] excited to be living and working in San Diego while focusing on one of the city’s most diverse and unique neighborhoods. Pam Stevens, Writer Ms. Stevens is a freelance writer, librarian, and active community volunteer in Mira Mesa, where she and her husband, Jeff, have lived since 1980. She is the author Join of Mira Mesa, a photo history in Arcadia Publishing's Images of America series. Us!

Sarah Davis, Contributing Editor Ms. Davis is a native Mira Mesan with a heart for giving back. Her work as a financial associate with Thrivent 9696 Candida Street Financial allows her to help clients be wise with money and live generously, and she’s involved in various San Diego, CA 92126 nonprofits and volunteer groups throughout San Diego. Off Kearny Villa Rd, In her spare time she enjoys singing karaoke, reading, SUNDAYS 10AM 1 Block north of Miramar Rd volunteering, and spending time with her two Shih Tzus. 858-566-0641 • MiraMesaChurch.com

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 3

and a daughter, Mandy, 19, who are both now Julius Hitchens Named 2014 SDSU students. Julius is a realtor and Shelly assists as a notary at their family business, Top Mira Mesa Volunteer of the Year Gun Realty, located at Camino Ruiz and Capricorn in Mira Mesa. By Pam Stevens Varsity and JV Soccer, too. Julius is also involved Julius Hitchens will be honored as 2014 Mira with the Mira Mesa High School Boys and Girls Mesa Volunteer of the Year at the annual Julius Hitchens might be called Mira Mesa’s “Mr. Golf teams, having coached both for eight years. MMTC Volunteer of the Year dinner in late Coach.” spring 2015. A dinner committee is now organ- In addition to volunteering as a coach and in izing to plan the event. Exact date and time are At the December 2014 Mira Mesa Town other ways directly with youth sports, Julius rep- Council meeting members of the volunteer civic still to be determined, but the event will likely resents AYSO at the monthly Mira Mesa take place between mid-April (AFTER April 4/5, group voted to select Julius Hitchens as the 2014 Recreation Council meetings, making recom- Mira Mesa Volunteer of the Year for his efforts on behalf of the community over the years. A resident of Mira Mesa for 20 years, Hitchens has been involved with the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) Region 285 of Mira Mesa for over 17 years. He has held sev- eral positions within the organization, such as Coach Administrator and Division Coordinator, and currently sits on the Board of Directors as Assistant Regional Commissioner. He has also been a referee for AYSO soccer games. Every Memorial Day weekend Mira Mesa AYSO plays host to one of the largest soccer tourna- ments in the region, the Top Gun Tournament, where Julius can be seen as Top Gun mendations about parks and recreation planning the weekend of the Filipino Sun Festival in Mira Tournament Director and Coach. His boys and management overall in Mira Mesa. Julius is Mesa Community Park on Saturday/Easter (BU19) and girls (GU19) teams both medaled a Mira Mesa Town Council member himself, Sunday) and mid-May (BEFORE the “Top Gun” (second place) in this year’s Top Gun representing his business, Top Gun Realty. Julius AYSO Soccer Tournament May 23-25). For Tournament. has volunteered as a member of the Board of more information, email Pam Stevens, MMTC the Tiburon Homeowners Association in north- Volunteer of the Year Dinner Committee, Julius has spent the past 10 years coaching the west Mira Mesa for the last 11 years. Mira Mesa High School Boys Varsity and JV [email protected], or check the MMTC web- Soccer teams, and he currently coaches the Girls Julius and his wife, Shelly, have a son, Court, 21, site, miramesatowncouncil.org.

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for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 5 Annual Vietnamese New Festival Celebrates 10 Years of Success

By: Alex Nguyen Photos by: John Bryant Mira Mesa – The upcoming annual San Diego Tet Festival will be the Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance's 10th. To celebrate this milestone, the group is planning a bigger celebration than previous years. "To be around and going strong after 10 years is a testament to VAYA's core mission, which is empowering youth to be involved in their communities," VAYA celebration, president Andy Nguyen the festival said. "This has been what moved to Mira VAYA is all about and I'm Mesa in 2013. proud to see it continue to "The constructions at Balboa prosper." Park was a big reason why we moved to Mira Mesa, but because of the The Tet festival, the outpouring of support from the community, we decided to stay and Vietnamese New Year continue to host the festival here," Nguyen said. celebration, started in 2006 at With the 10th anniversary celebration, the group is doing a bit of Qualcomm Stadium, then reminiscing about not only its history, but also the history of Vietnamese moved to Balboa Park in 2008. people in United States. Next year is also the 40th anniversary of the Fall Because of the construction and of Saigon and the start of the Vietnamese diaspora. It is also the 45th preparation for the Centennial

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page 6 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected] expanded entertainment program. Vietnamese-American Youth Alliance (V.A.Y.A), a 501(c)3 non-profit, non- The festival, which attracts 20,000 people partisan, community-based organization, each year, promises fun for whole the was founded in 2004 as a mean for family with such activities as carnival rides Vietnamese-American youth to organize and games, authentic Vietnamese food, socially and culturally within the local lion dancing and firecrackers. communities. The upcoming year, being the year of the At VAYA, we work to promote youth goat, there will also a goat petting zooe for leadership, cultural awareness, social the kids to enjoy. awareness, and community development. Festival Dates and Hours are: Friday, Feb. This is our mission. Everything we do reflects 20, 5-10pm; Saturday, Feb. 21, 11am- this mission and the values that make it 10pm; and Sunday, Feb. 22, 11am-9pm possible. Admission is free.

anniversary of the Hue Massacre where more than 4,000 civilian victims were killed during the Communist occupation of Hue. This is the reason why this year's festival theme is Spring of Nostalgia, Nguyen said. Some of the new attractions planned for this year include a revamped Cultural Village that will incorporate some of the history of Vietnamese life in America since the Fall, the relaunch of the Golden Voice competition and an

for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 7 Journey From Gym To The Stage "A Journey Of A Thousand Must Begin With One Step" --Lao-Tzu

As 2014 comes to an end, we are raising the bar on ourselves... starting to create our new goals and resolutions for 2015. Here at Not only have we made it our Fitness and Motion, we work hard 2015 mission to help 200 Mira all year long on providing fun and Mesans lose 20Lbs or more, the engaging fitness training for our Fitness and Motion team has clients and community so that they decided to lead by example. may live fit, healthful lives. We On March 2015, my team and I began 2014 with a mission to will be competing at the local NPC make Mira Mesa the healthiest (National Physique Committee) different categories from bodybuilding ourselves throughout the whole town in San Diego, and through event. For the readers who may be our 20 Pounds in 42 Days to figure to bikini. In addition, two of process. We will be sharing the rest of unfamiliar with such competitions, our dedicated clients (to whom we our story with readers in the March Program, we helped dozens of it is a competition held every year individuals achieve their weight refer lovingly as "FAMily" Members) 2015 issue, and I'm sure it will include to show all the hard work you put will be stepping up their games and many, many more moments of goofi- loss goals and get on the path to in the gym and kitchen. They have better health. Next year, we are joining us on stage to celebrate their ness and hilarity even as we face hard-won battle against the bulge. some trying times. Back in 2011 when I entered my first We will also start taking applications contest, I've learned a lot about how for our next 20 lbs off in 42 days chal- to eat properly and exercise consis- lenge that will start on January 5th tently by competing and challenging and February 23rd. If you want to be myself. It also takes a lot of courage part of our winning group and want and strength--both physical and men- to start living a healthy lifestyle, please tal--to get on that stage. For this, I'm join us on our next orientation by reg- proud of my team for stepping up istering at fitnessandmotion.com/6- their game as it takes months and week-challenge/. months of planning, clean eating and rigorous exercising. We've only begun As a gift for the New Year from our our journey, and so far, we've been hardworking coaches and staff; we able to stay true to the Fitness and will provide a complimentary fitness Motion spirit, laughing and enjoying evaluation to get your fitness started.

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JOIN NOW! • Receive $3 Off your next purchase when you download ROBEKS the app or register your card • Earn points on every purchase. Each dollar spent REWARDS earns one point. Reach 12 points and receive a $1 Off ON YOUR reward SMART PHONE, • Receive a free birthday reward TABLET OR and other surprise rewards • Load your app or card with ROBEKS CARD stored value to pay for purchases • Learn about all the details at www.robeks.com 8250 Mira Mesa Blvd Suite C 858.271.4585 page 8 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected] My New Year’s Lively Party at Senior Center Resolution as Your November 21 Welcomes New District 6 New 6th District Councilmember Chris Cate San Diego City Councilman By: Pam Stevens “Chris Cate, Mabuhay!” By: Chris Cate , longtime Semper Vigilans. Vigilance is San Diego Chinese- more than my New Year’s res- American leader who olution for 2015, it’s our City’s in the 1960s served as aphorism. It’s a core belief. I the first Asian- promise that I will be a voice American on the San and ally at City Hall, for the Diego City Council, 141,000 residents that call welcomed District 6 District 6 their home. Through San Diego City prioritizing infrastructure Councilmember-Elect improvements, improving pub- Chris Cate to the room lic safety, reducing traffic congestion, supporting with that traditional small businesses and entrepreneurs, and helping Tagalog greeting, which residents engage with elected officials, all will in the national language improve the quality of life for families in our neigh- of the Philippines has a borhoods. According to the Chinese Lunar New range of meanings, Year calendar, 2015 is the Year of the Sheep/Ram. including “welcome,” In the Asian culture, sheep and rams are known to “may you live/live long,” “cheers,” and “hurrah.” The occasion was an all-community party be analytical and observant creatures. I, like a held Nov. 21 at the Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center, hosted by various sheep, will be careful, watchful and concise. I will community groups, businesses, and individuals as a festive evening of food, drink, music, listen to both sides of every issue. I will solicit hon- entertainment, and friendship to welcome Cate, who was elected Nov. 4 as the new City est, genuine feedback. And last, but not least, I will Councilmember for District 6, which includes Mira Mesa, portions of Clairemont, and the be steadfast in my efforts, when it comes to putting southern part of Rancho Penasquitos. Cate, a Filipino-American born and raised in San neighborhoods first. Diego, currently lives in Mira Mesa.

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for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 9 Christ The Left to right: Betsy Podsiadlo as Miss Dorothy Brown, Madison Dodd as Mathilde, Camille Perbost as Millie Dillmount, student choreographer Monica Garcia as the Pearl Lady, and Tabitha Gregory as Dorothy Parker. Cornerstone News

On Saturday, December 6th Thoroughly Modern Millie the students and families of Christ the Cornerstone By: Sue Garcia Modern Millie follows other large-scale Academy had breakfast with musical productions at MMHS, Les Santa. Families enjoyed pan- The Mira Mesa High School Performing Miserables in 2013, Phantom of the cakes, sausage, eggs and juice Arts Department is proud to present Opera in 2012, and Shrek the Musical in or coffee before greeting Thoroughly Modern Millie, a show that 2013. Santa. Everyone was able to takes you back to the height of the Jazz pose for pictures with Santa Age in New York City, February 6, 7, 12, Taking place in New York City in 1922, before heading on their way 13, and 14, with performances at 7pm on Thoroughly Modern Millie tells the story for the day. The parents of the Friday, February 6 and 13 and Saturday, of young Millie Dillmount, who has just Fourth and Fifth grade classes February 14, 6pm on Thursday, February moved to the city in search of a new life hosted the breakfast as one of 12, and a 2pm matinee on Saturday, for herself. It's a New York full of intrigue their fundraisers to raise February 14, in the MMHS Theatre. and jazz - a time when women were money for their three day trip Saturday, February 7 at 6pm is Alumni entering the workforce and the rules of to Sacramento, Coloma, and Night and all former MMHS performing San Francisco which will take arts students are encouraged to attend. love and social behavior were changing forever. Based on the 1967 Academy place this May. Starring MMHS junior Camille Perbost as Award-winning film, the stage version of On December 12th, the stu- Millie Dillmount, and senior Shane Thoroughly Modern Millie includes a full dents and families of our Bushouer as Jimmy Smith, the show is score of new songs and bright dance school travelled to our local directed by Daniel Kriley, MMHS numbers. Barnes & Noble for an Theatre Teacher and Performing Arts Tickets will range from $12 to $15 and evening of entertainment. Chairperson, now in his 12th year of The CTCA bell chime choir will be available in advance at directing musicals at Mira Mesa High played, the chorus sang and http://www.miramesatheatre.org or via School. Over 150 MMHS students are three teachers read Christmas involved with the production, as actors, the MMHS box office (858-566-2262 stories. technicians, or musicians. Thoroughly x2245). In January, we will be asking our school Bee on Friday night as part of our week moms to come and read a favorite book in long celebration. MEDICAL their child’s classroom. We will then ask Our Kindergarten Information night is Acne • Skin Cancer Screening Botox the moms to join us for muffins, fruit and Eczema, Rosacea, planned for 6pm on January 22nd. This juice before heading off to work or home Psoriasis, Wart Treatment $ activity is open to the public. If you are 11/unit for the day. In February we will be asking looking for a school of Faith, Family and COSMETIC (min. 20 units) our dads to share a special book and then Botox®/Restylane® Expires 2-28-15 Academic Excellence visit our Website ® ® enjoy donuts and coffee before heading Juvederm /Latisse WWW.ctc-academy.org or call us at (858) Laser Hair Removal, IPL, off to work. 566-1741 for additional information and to Chemical Peels, Acne Scar Juvederm/Radiesse & Spider/Varicose Vein Many exciting activities are planned during set up a free tour of our school campus or Restylane Filler Treatment the last week in January when we will be to sign up for the information night. Our $ SURGICAL 100 Off celebrating Lutheran School’s Week. Our Preschool includes three and four year olds Skin Cancer Removal each syringe Student Council determines many of the and our Elementary School is made up of Mohs Surgery • Mole, Expires 2-28-15 activities which will take place during this Kindergarten through the Fifth Grade. Dr. Matthew Cole Dr. Bryan Chen Skin Tag & Cyst Removal week. We will have some San Diego Zoo Come visit our school. We would love to animals visit the school and we will be par- have you as part of our school family. 858.693.3000 • insightderm.com ACCEPT MOST MAJOR ticipating in the Lutheran Regional Spelling 10672 WEXFORD ST • STE 205 • SAN DIEGO INSURANCES page 10 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected] Mira Mesa Branch Library Program Schedule 8405 New Salem St., San Diego • 858-538-8165 All programs are free. facebook.com/mmlibrary and librarysandiego.org

Chess Club - Tuesdays from 4-5pm. Bumblebee Time - Fridays at 10:30am SPECIAL Children & teens. Learn how to play For Toddlers 18-36 months and an EVENTS: chess. Develop new strategies and accompanying adult. January 9 and improve your game. For children and February 6 & 13: Stories and Playtime. teens. Materials provided. January 6, January 16 & 30 and February 20: SAY San Diego Tax Preparation 13, 20, 27. February 3, 10, 17, 24 Dance Time January 23 and February Free tax preparation by appointment 27: Yoga Time only. To schedule an appointment, “Modern” Line Dancing - contact SAY San Diego Tax Line: Wednesdays from 4:30-5:30pm. Zumba with Azi - Saturdays from 1- (858) 565-4148 ext. 280. Thursdays, Teens & Adults. Learn modern line 2pm (except last Saturday of the 9:30am -1:30pm January 29. dancing to current songs. January 7, month). Zumba exercise class for February 5, 12, 19 & 26 14, 21, 28. February 4, 11, 18, 25 adults. January: 3, 10, 17, 24. February: 7, 14, 21 P.J. Storytime - Wednesdays at WEEKLY 6:30pm. Preschool ages. January 7, ON-GOING PROGRAMS: 14, 21, 28. February 4, 11, 18, 25 ESL Conversation Club - PROGRAMS & Wednesdays from 6-7:30pm. Teens eReader Drop-in Clinic - Mondays, and Adults. January 7, 14, 21, 28. EVENTS 11am-12pm January 5, 12, 26. February 4, 11, 18, 25 February 2, 9, 23. Learn how to Basic Computer Class for Adults - check out free library eBooks to your Homework Help - Wednesdays Wednesday, 12:30pm- 1:30pm. eReader, tablet, smart phone or from 6- 7:30pm. January 7, 14,21, January: 7, 14, 21, 28. February 4, 11, computer. Walk-in sessions. Bring 28. February 4, 11, 18, 25. Free 18, 25 your own device for assistance. homework tutoring for students grades. Kindergarten to twelfth. Kid’s Craft: Mondays from 4-5pm. Learn how to create an email and Tutors will assist with all subjects. No For children ages 5 and up. January 5, navigate through the Internet. Develop registration required. 12, 26. February 2, 9, 23. skills in Microsoft Word and Excel. Must have a library card to use library computers. Limited to 4 participants -- Call to register: (858) 538-8165.

Anime/Manga Drawing Club - Thursdays from 4pm - 5pm, Second and Fourth Thursdays in Teen Area One Book One San Diego 2014 For children ages 7 – 12. January 9 and author Lysley Tenorio reads an 22. February 12 and 26. Children and excerpt from "Monstress: Stories," “Go ye into all the world, and Teens develop and nurture their creative talents in Anime/Manga Art. during his author talk at the Mira preach the gospel to Mesa Branch Lubrary Nov. 16, Love on A Leash: Paws to Read. First 2014. Tenorio, who now lives in every creature” Saturday, from 10am to 11am. January San Francisco and is an associate 3 & February 7. A volunteer pet- professor at St. Mary's College of provided therapy group brings specially , grew up in Mira Mesa. Mark 16:15 trained dogs into the Mira Mesa Library. Children have an opportunity to meet the dogs and read their favorite stories to them. This national Quilling with Mona - Tuesday, 6- Pastors reading program is shown to improve 7:30pm. For adults and teens 16 and Clarence & reading skills of children who might up. January 13 & February 10. Learn otherwise be intimidated to read in how to do this beautiful paper-craft Dion front of adults. To learn more about technique. San Diego Love On A Leash: Paws to Read Program visit their website at Banned Book Club - Last Tuesday of www.SanDiegoLOAL.com. the Month from 6:30 to 8pm. January 27: The Foundation Trilogy Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) (Foundation, Foundation and Empire; First Friday of every month at 4pm, and Second Foundation) by Isaac except as noted. January 9 & February Asimov. February 24: Disclosure by 6. Help determine future library Michael Crichton. Reserve your copy programming for teens. Teens 13-18 online. New members and visitors are are invited to brainstorm ideas for always welcome. events. Will get one hour of volunteer credit, a chance to develop leadership Family Movie - Third Friday of every 5945 Pacific Center Blvd • Suite 510 • San Diego skills and have a first crack at other month at 3pm. January 16 & February volunteer opportunities. Application 20. Contact library for movie www.antiochm.org form is available at the library. selections. for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 11 It’s New Year’s Resolution Time! Verne Goodwin Is volunteering something you’ve thought about? That something might be RSVP---Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol. Now is the time. We would love to Mira Mesa Senior show you how you could be a valuable asset to your community. You’ve seen our white RSVP cars driving around our neighborhood----well, Center Reorganizing what do they do? We not only drive around the neighbor- hood, but make home checks on elderly people who have signed up for YANA (You Are Not Alone) and visit with to Better Serve those residents for a few minutes and ensure they are doing well. We also drive by ALL the schools, shopping cen- the Community ters, banks, parks, and “looking” and “being visible” throughout our neighborhood. If you are on vacation by Bari Vaz, Transition Coordinator, you can request your residence be checked on by our Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center volunteers.

How can you join? You must have a valid California The Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center, located at 8460 Mira License, be 50 years or older, retired or semi-retired, pass Mesa Boulevard, first opened its doors in November, 1986, to serve a background check, spend one week at an academy learn- the senior residents of the still-young Mira Mesa community. Two ing RSVP duties. Then you are ready to donate 3.1/2 days non-profit senior organizations – Mira Mesa Golden Friends and a month. You could also volunteer at Balboa Park in the FASCA (Filipino-American Senior Citizens Association, San Diego Ambassador Program. You would patrol the park in a golf North County) – conduct meetings and programs at the Center for cart and help visitors with their questions. Please contact Jim seniors, and are partners in being responsible to the City for running Schulte at 858-538-8120 or drop by the storefront at the building. Until recently day-to-day management of Senior Center 8450-A Mira Mesa Blvd. (across from Mira Mesa High School). operations was conducted by a third group, referred to as the Are you ready to serve? Be a Mira Mesa volunteer and help Center’s “Board of Governors.” The Center was renamed the “Verne your community. Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center” at the time of its 20-year- anniversary in 2006 to honor Verne Goodwin, the first chairman of It would be a great start to 2015. the Board of Governors and the first resident selected as Mira Mesa “Volunteer of the Year,” and his name was added to the outside of Pat Clark the building not long before his passing at the age of 90 in March RSVP Board Member 2008. In November, 2014, a change was made to the management struc- ture of the Senior Center. The “Board of Governors” was replaced by the Mira Mesa Senior Center Management Committee, com- HAPPY NEW YEAR! posed of the presidents of Golden Friends and FASCA and several members from each organization. The committee is tasked with reor- EXPECT 2015 TO BE GREAT! ganizing and streamlining the operation of the center, and with The secret to your success, is your mind-set. Train your mind to focus on improving and expanding the programs offered for local seniors. The what you want to achieve in 2015! Write down 10 things you are grateful committee also becomes the group to oversee rental of the facility to for and write down positive affirmations on what you want to be better in pay for its expenses. 2015. Then read them every morning. Tips for your Wellness Goals. Make time to exercise. Get out & take a Currently, the Senior Center offers several programs for local seniors. walk when you are stressed. Stay hydrated & drink 8-10 glasses of water a Each weekday at noon, lunch is served through the Serving Seniors day. Avoid fried foods & reduce your sugary foods. Remember to eat your program for a nominal donation. The program also offers delivery of fruits & veggies. You will be amazed how much better you will feel & look meals to home bound seniors. For additional information, or to apply when you develop some good healthy habits. for the program, contact Nutrition Coordinator Gloria Supnet at HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS & IMPROVING CURB APPEAL 858-578-8224. Morning exercise and painting classes are presented Thank you to the Mira Mesa Heroes Volunteer team for our first Curb at the Center by the San Diego Community College District, and Appeal Improvement project on December 20th. It has been a blessing to blood pressure checks are provided during lunch time every Friday. all of us to help the wonderful home owner on New Salem Street and Additional programs are offered at various times during the year. make a difference in our community. The FASCA and Golden Friends organizations hold their meetings at For INSTANT Market Update in 92126 & 92121: the Mira Mesa Senior Center. Anyone age 50 and up is eligible to Text TRACEE to 76626 join either or both groups, regardless of cultural background. FASCA holds a monthly meeting and dance on the second Saturday of each If you are thinking about buying or selling your month from 9 am until 4 pm. For information about FASCA mem- home, give us a call to help position you to win in bership and activities, call (858) 271-9385. Golden Friends meet todays Real Estate Market. We are your local each Tuesday morning at 10 am. For information about Golden Neighborhood Real Estate Brokerage. Friends membership and activities, call (858) 578-7325. Serving our communities real estate needs since 1975. (Formerly, Red Carpet Realty) As the Senior Center’s mission expands, local seniors can access cur- rent information about programs offered through our new website – www.MiraMesaSeniorCenter.com. – or via phone at (858) 578- Tracee Denby 7325 or email at [email protected]. DRE 01848551 Do you have an idea for a program or service you would like to see 858-220-5566 offered at the Verne Goodwin Mira Mesa Senior Center? Please call HomesByTracee.com us or email us! We are here to serve you. page 12 to submit an article or events for publication e-mail [email protected] Jonas Salk Elementary School Gets Ready to Open in September 2015

By: Pam Stevens Photo by: Jeff Stevens Jonas Salk Elementary School, now under construction in southwest Mira Mesa, is nearing completion. Salk principal Deidre Hardson is reaching out to families who live in the Salk attendance area and surveying parents to determine whose children will be attending Salk when it opens in the 2015-16 school year. Salk Elementary School now has a website: www.sandi.net/salk . Check it for photos of the new campus and the latest Salk information. Jonas Salk Elementary School is scheduled to open in September 2015. Located at 7825 Flanders Drive, at the intersection of Parkdale and Flanders, Jonas Salk Elementary School stretches along Parkdale to south of Gold Coast Drive. Salk will have a capacity of 700 students, kindergarten through fifth grade. Hardson said at the Mira Mesa Town Council’s October 2014 Education Night she estimates Salk’s initial enrollment will be about 400 students, pre-K through fifth grade. The Salk attendance area includes the southwest residential area of Mira Mesa, south of Mira Mesa Boulevard and between Camino Ruiz on the east and Camino Santa Fe on Mira Mesa Elementary School Boundaries starting in 2015-16 school the west. Most of the area’s elementary school children cur- year, once Jonas Salk Elementary School opens. rently attend Mason, although a portion currently go to (Source: San Diego Unified School District) Hickman Elementary School. For a link to a map of new Mira Mesa school attendance boundaries in effect once Salk opens in September 2015, see the website of the Mira Mesa Cluster Schools Council, http://mmcluster.org/ Hardson currently is working from Mason Elementary School, where she was principal from 2007 through June 2014. She and Dawn Powell, the former Mason vice-principal who became principal this school year, are working together to ensure a smooth transition for all students, those who will go to Salk and those who will remain at Mason and Hickman. Salk and Mason have plans to become sister schools. Contact Deidre Hardson at Mason (currently), 858-271-0410, or email her, [email protected]. In addition to the opening of Salk Elementary School, one other major change is coming to Mira Mesa schools in the 2015-16 school year: Mason, Walker, and Ericson Elementary Schools, the three schools in the Mira Mesa Cluster which have been operating on a year-round schedule, will all convert to the traditional September to June calendar, a recom- mendation that had been made by the Mira Mesa Cluster Schools Council in May 2014 to bring all schools in the community onto a single calendar. Enroll Now. Limited Spacing! FULL & PART TIME CHILD CARE BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL CARE Parkdale Ave • San Diego Walking distance to Challenger Middle School and Salk Elementary School 858-603-6866 montessorifirststep.com for advertising information call 858-335-2484 or [email protected] page 13 WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR 2015? Use this Mind Map to keep you motivated and get you through the finish line!

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