See Christmas in the Village, page 4 See Culinary Talent, page 4

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

NEWS TIPS(619) 697-2500 x124Editor@LaMesaCourier.com

ADVERTISE WITH US(619) 697-2500 x133Sales@LaMesaCourier.com

At top: Bucket Brothers are a crowd-pleaser.

Above: Event organizer John Vigil and helper

‘Tis the Season to be Jolly - Christmas in the Village

Come join the fun in downtown La Mesa on the

second weekend of December. On December 9 and 10,

from 5-10 p.m., the town celebrates with Christmas

in the Village. An annual tradition since 1986, the

La Mesa Village Merchants Association celebrates

the holiday season with a festive open house. For one

weekend in December, the downtown area of La Mesa

is a holiday wonderland. Throughout the holiday

season, the neighborhood is beautifully lit and deco-

rated, but on this special Friday and Saturday night,

it becomes a magical place reminiscent of times past,

an old-fashioned Christmas in the Village.

The family event is free with activities for all

ages. The event begins with a ceremonial lighting

of La Mesa Boulevard followed by a parade at 5

p.m., both nights on Fourth Avenue. The holiday

season would not be complete without Santa, and he

arrives at 6 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides, pony

rides, carnival rides, strolling minstrels and carolers,

musical performances and puppets are just some

of the things visitors can enjoy. Five stages provide

musical entertainment and the shows take place at

6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:30 p.m. The search for

holiday gifts can be accomplished with the many

World-Class

Culinary Talent

in La MesaBy Ted Crooks

Marcelo and Maria Alvarez were

high-school sweethearts in Monterey

Mexico. Born to restaurateurs, they

successfully ran a restaurant in their

hometown but wanted to learn and do

more. Their elders told them the right

way to do it was to pursue a formal culi-

nary education. That brought them to

the United States. Eventually, Marcelo

became pastry chef for the Top of the

Cove restaurant in La Jolla, then at

L’Auberge Del Mar and i nally at La

Valencia Hotel in La Jolla – three of

San Diego’s most prestigious dining

rooms.

But, after 13 years, Maria and

Marcelo wanted their own busi-

ness again. Working second jobs for a

number of years enabled them to start

one: M&M Patisserie, right here in

La Mesa. From their industrial-scale

kitchen behind the BMH Bakery and

Deli at 7670 El Cajon Blvd. (just west

of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church),

with up to ten employees they produce

fancy and sophisticated desserts, deliv-

See Two Churches, Page 14

Two Local

Churches,

One MissionBy Kelly Sipan

Many Christian churches make

their home in La Mesa, including

Christ Lutheran Church Ministries and

Journey Community Church. Founded

during World War II, Christ Lutheran

celebrates a long legacy of service in

La Mesa. In comparison, Journey is a

teenager, founded less than 20 years

ago. Christ Lutheran and Journey

come from different generations and

backgrounds but share a common goal:

demonstrating the love of Jesus to the

community and world.

Christ Lutheran, located at 7929

La Mesa Boulevard, started in 1941

after resident Clara Busch prayed for

a Lutheran church to be established

in La Mesa. Shortly after the church

was founded, a school began which

currently teaches students in preschool

through eighth grade. Today, the school

is training its third genera-

tion; some current students

have grandparents who were

instructed there as children.

Current Senior Pastor

Burkey follows the legacy

of the church’s two previous

pastors as he leads Christ

Lutheran with a special focus

on leadership development

and “developing dynamic disci-

ples.” Coordinator of Youth

Ministries Cheri Selander

explains the school is one of the

ways “disciples are launched

into the community.” An esti-

mated 100 or more pastors,

teachers, and church workers

have been sent out into service around

the country after growing up at Christ

Lutheran, points out member Carmen

Vertullo.

The church is a “launching pad for

missions within the community and

the world,” describes Minister of Youth

Brandon Heath. In honor of La Mesa’s

centennial year, Christ Lutheran is

offering “100 Gifts to La Mesa” through

various acts of service rendered to the

community, explains Pastor of Outreach

John Palka. Members are involved in

washing wheelchairs, donating blood,

helping as playground attendants at

local schools, assisting the city with

Christmas decorations, and donating

i nancially to the i re department for

i re prevention material. In the spring,

Christ Lutheran will host the Easter

celebration at Mt. Helix.

Where Christ Lutheran has an

Christmas Eve Mass at Christ Lutheran

With candles in hand, worshipers sing hymns and then enjoy hot chocolate and cider.

Pho

to c

ourt

esy

Rob

Hur

lbut

Pho

to c

ourt

esy

Rob

Hur

lbut

December 2, 2011 On the Internet at www.LaMesaCourier.com Volume 1 – Number 7

Missionary couple returns from one of Africa’s poorest nations Page 7

How about a pirate cruise for fun? Page 3

Kacy Smith, an inspiring young athlete Page 5

A La Mesa church’s gift to San Diego Page 3

News

CRIME WATCH

Crime WatchDuring November, a number of

robberies took place in La Mesa. On

November 7, the Starbucks on Lake

Murray was held up by two men

using a handgun and leeing on foot.

The Carl’s Jr. Restaurant on Parkway

Drive was held up at gunpoint on

November 13, by Antonio Arnold and

Mario Townsend. Both men were

arrested shortly after the crime by

La Mesa police. Courtney Townsend,

from San Diego, was arrested by La

Mesa Police for theft

of a $900 diamond

bracelet from a resi-

dence on Amaya Drive

on November 20. Police

say Townsend, already

wanted for another

felony, took the bracelet

from the resident’s

bathroom after she and a companion

entered the victim’s home soliciting

magazine subscriptions.

Three robberies took place in La

Mesa on November 21. A man was

robbed of a laptop computer by two

men near the intersection of Chloe

Avenue and Buckland Street. The

man was reportedly struck in the

face as the other attempted to take

his laptop. A man waiting at the 70th

Street Trolley Station was robbed of

his cell phone at gunpoint. La Mesa

police arrested Sterling Joseph and

Richard Goodman for the crime. A

third crime occurred at the Golden

Spoon Frozen Yogurt Shop on Lake

Murray Boulevard. A lone gunman

entered the shop shortly before ten

p.m. and used “zip ties” to restrain

two employees before leeing with

cash.

During Thanksgiving week,

more incidents occurred. On

November 22, police say two men

entered the Best Buy store on Fletcher

Parkway and attempted

to leave without

paying for two laptop

computers. The men

displayed a black semi-

automatic handgun

when confronted, then

led in a red Camaro

convertible. La Mesa police reported

that a man walking on Spring Street

on November 23, shortly before 6:00

p.m. was approached by a man in

his 20’s who threatened him with a

large knife, demanding money. The

victim is reported to have handed

over the cash and the thief ran

away. For more details about the

speciic incidents, visit our website at

www.lamesacourier.com.

See Noteworthy, Page 4

Noteworthy‘Ginger Snaps’ Quartet Wins Big Award at Music Convention

During Harmony, Incorporated’s International Contest and Convention in

Hershey, PA, in mid-November, the “Ginger Snaps” (a quartet from California

Note Catchers) won the “Harmony Image Award”. This is an award given to

a quartet in recognition of their unselish

giving of time and energy to Harmony, Inc.,

the chapter and community. There are over

60 chapters of Harmony, Inc. located in the

US and Canada. In Hershey to accept the

trophy on behalf of the Ginger Snaps was

Karen Hasman of La Mesa. Other members

of the quartet include Faith Lawrence (La

Mesa), Lisa Hohman (San Carlos) and Mayra

Bee (Chula Vista).

The California Note Catchers meets

on Monday evenings at 7 pm in the Social

Hall of La Mesa First United Methodist

Church, 4690 Palm Ave., where they have

been preparing for their upcoming “Holiday

Harmonies around the World” show on December 11 at 2 pm, at Paradise

Village. The group sings four-part harmony – barbershop style.

‘Outstanding Teen’ Helps Send Disabled Kids to Camp

Danamarie McNicholl-Carter is not your average La Mesa teenager.

Besides being an honor student and athlete at the

Academy of Our Lady of Peace, she spends her spare

time playing piano and volunteering in her commu-

nity. Last year the Miss San Diego Pageant took

notice and McNicholl-Carter was awarded the title of

San Diego’s Outstanding Teen. McNicholl-Carter has

spent the past year raising money and awareness for

the San Diego Adaptive Sports Foundation. Thanks

to her efforts she helped send 15 kids to summer

camp where the sports programs are adapted for

those in wheelchairs.

McNicholl-Carter placed fourth runner up at the

California’s Outstanding Teen pageant last year and

plans to run again to give the state crown another

shot. McNicholl-Carter, a former Miss Teen La Mesa,

is not the only La Mesan to have luck in the Miss

San Diego Pageant. Miss La Mesa 2000, Alexandra

Stathoulis Kuty, now director of the Miss La Mesa

Pageant, was Miss San Diego in 2002. Former Miss

La Mesa’s Erynne Grecco (2010) and Stephanie

Packard (2009) also placed as runner ups in the past two Miss San Diego

contests respectively.

Sharp Grossmont Hospital to Expand Heart & Vascular Care Center

Voters may recall the 77% majority given to Proposition G in 2006,

providing $247 million through 2013 to fund improvements to Grossmont

Hospital. Grossmont Healthcare District, owner of the hospital facilities,

leases them to Sharp HealthCare, which operates the hospital. The Union

Tribune reports the District is planning to use some of the Proposition G funds

to renovate the main patient building at the hospital and to build a new heart

and vascular care center.

Healthcare District representatives explained that since Grossmont

Hospital is the only acute-care hospital in East County, and the region’s popu-

lation is aging, the facilities will be needed to provide appropriate care, espe-

cially for cardio-vascular illness. Construction is expected to begin early next

year.

La Mesa Patch wins honors from the San Diego Press Club

La Mesa Patch took third place for Overall News Site—after the San Diego

Daily Transcript site, San Diego Source and SignOnSanDiego.com website of

the Union-Tribune. Three irst-place plaques went to Chris Stone of La Mesa

for photography in the Daily Newspapers and Websites category. She won for

sports (a swimming shot), portrait (T-ball player) and photo essay (memorial

for a fallen soldier). She also won a third-place award for photos of a Poway

jousting tournament. Ken Stone, a 12-year resident of La Mesa with his free-

lancer wife, Chris, has been editor of La Mesa Patch since July 2010.

San Diego County has 13 Patch sites. Poway Patch and La Mesa Patch

were the irst sites launched locally—in late September 2010. Patch has more

than 860 sites nationwide.

New Pastor Welcomed at Vista La Mesa

Christian Church

Vista La Mesa Christian Church (Disciples of

Christ) on Massachusetts Avenue has called Rev.

Rebecca Littlejohn to be their new pastor. Rev. Little-

john comes from a ten-year pastorate at First Christian

Church in Anniston, Alabama. A native of Illinois, Rev.

Littlejohn has a B.A. in Religion from Carleton College

in Northield, MN, and a M.Div. from Paciic School of

Religion in Berkeley, CA. She has served on denomina-

tional boards at the regional and general levels within

the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). The church

welcomed Rev. Littlejohn and her husband, Todd Lesh,

at a special reception on her irst Sunday, Nov. 20th.

Pastor Becky Littlejohn

Left to right – Mayra Bee (Tenor), Lisa Hohman (Lead),

Faith Lawrence (Bass) and Karen Hasman (Bari)

GUHSD Boundary Changes

Won’t Change Helix Charter

High EnrollmentHelix Charter High School’s attendance boundaries will remain the same

for the 2011-12 school year, and the process for enrolling to attend will not

change. The Grossmont Union High School District (GUHSD) is changing

the attendance areas for the 10 traditional high schools in the District. These

changes do not affect Helix enrollments. Helix is a tuition-free public school

and must admit all studenets who wish to enroll, regardless of where they live,

but priority is given to students from within the attendance boundaries. As has

been the case since Helix became a charter school, students from within the

attendance area may enroll without applying. Those residing outside of Helix’s

boundaries must apply for attendance. If there are more applicants than avail-

able seats, there will be a

lottery and students will

be randomly selected

for enrollment. Gener-

ally, approximately 150

non-resident students

are awarded enroll-

ment at Helix through

the lottery. More infor-

mation can be found

at www.helixcharter.

net, or by calling (619)

644-1940.

Danamarie McNicholl-Carter

PBID stands for a “Property-based Business Improvement District,” which would receive tax money for maintenance, beautiication and marketing of the La Mesa

business district. It would be supported by assessing business and property owners in the affected area. A PBID Formation Committee has been meeting regularly

exploring the prospects, but remains months away from any conclusion. Meanwhile, businesses and residents are weighing in on the subject--thus the signs.

PBID or No PBID??

Page 2 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011

See Story Tree, Page 12

Since 1986, the Christmas Story Tree has bejeweled the Spreckels Organ

Pavilion in Balboa Park during the December Nights (formerly Christmas on

the Prado) festival. But it is no ordinary Christmas tree – it’s a gift from the

Del Cerro Baptist Church of La Mesa.

The Christmas Story Tree started out as a church program in the sanc-

tuary of Del Cerro Baptist Church in 1976. Ten years later, the Tree moved to

Balboa Park’s for the annual festival, and except for one year, has been a part

of the program ever since.

This year, from December 2nd through the 4th, the 75-voice church choir

will sing traditional and contemporary Christmas songs on the Spreckels

Organ Pavilion stage. At special intervals, the 34-foot-high Christmas Story

Tree will open up to reveal various

live Nativity scenes, including the

Annunciation with an angel, shep-

herds, wise men, and the baby Jesus

in Bethlehem. Even if the weather is

less than San Diego-perfect, the show

will go on. Two years ago, during two

of the performances, the choir sang

under a steady stream of rain.

Planning for the hour-long

program has taken nearly six months.

Paul Plunk, Minister of Music at Del

Cerro, chose the music in the month

of July. In early September, the

choir began a relentless schedule of

rehearsals, until every note and word

was memorized. Some people made

Top: A 75-voice church choir from Del Cerro Baptist performs annually on the Organ Pavilion stage at Balboa

Park December Nights festival utilizing an elaborate set. The big event requires months of preparations and rehearsals.

Right: Pastor Mark Milwee reaches for a Christmas ball from Lynnette Wilson

(left) and Teresa Hudson (right).

Above: Crew hoists the second section into place.

Seen recently plying the waters of San Diego Bay is a black galleon called ‘Treasure

Seeker.’ La Mesan Eric McPherson founded this creative day-and-night cruise business.

See Pirate Cruise, Page 11

Ahoy matey! La Mesan

provides pirate fun

on San Diego BayGreat holiday gift or family holiday activity idea

By Byron Winick

The holiday season is fast approaching, as children make up their Christmas

lists and stores begin to stock up with the latest gadgets and gizmos. From

iPhone apps to xBox games, Kindles to Craftsman tools, everyone has ideas for

the holiday season. Yet one unique gift is available to San Diego natives for an

out-of-this-world adventure, a chance to cruise through San Diego Harbor on

an old-fashioned pirate ship, courtesy of Pirate Ship Adventures!

Pirate Ship Adventures, a brand new business founded by La Mesa

resident Eric MacPherson,

provides adventure voyages

across the San Diego Bay on

the Treasure Seeker, an 83-foot

black galleon ship. These

cruises last between 1.5 to 2

hours, and provide fun for chil-

dren and adults alike. A variety

of cruises are offered, including

family friendly day cruises,

and evening cruises perfect for

adults. Adult-oriented sunset

cruises offer an assortment of

drinks to enjoy while exploring

the city. The popular Lost Trea-

sure Excursion is a voyage

across the San Diego Bay and

back in time, learning the ways of a pirate: the threats of mutiny, the perils of

pirate life, and the rewards of the sea, complete with pulling a treasure chest

out of the water to collect your booty.

Large groups can also charter the ship for parties, special events, and

private charters. Cruises can hold up to 49 passengers, and smaller groups

can be integrated with other adventure seekers for an enjoyable experience

DECEMBER WEEKENDSFREE, FREE, FREE

FRIDAYS 6PM-8PMROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE12/2 BREEZ’N • 12/9 CHARLY & CALICO RIDGE 12/16 CAT-ILLACS • 12/23 BAYOU BROTHERS

IN FOOD COURT IF RAINING

SATURDAYS 1PM-3PMGET CRAFTY WITH

12/3 THE GRINCH • 12/10 MRS. CLAUS 12/17 SANTA’S ELVES • 12/24 FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

IN MACY’S COURTYARD RAIN OR SHINE

SUNDAYS 1PM-3PMGIFTS FROM SANTA’S ELVES

12/4 THE INFORMATION BOOTH12/11 IN THE FOOD COURT • 12/18 MACY’S COURTYARD

WHILE SUPPLIES LAST

5500 GROSSMONT CENTER DRIVE • I-8 & I-125 IN LA MESAGROSSMONTCENTER.COM

Passport to Balboa Park • 14 Museums at One Low PriceEnjoy one admission to each of 14 museumswithin seven consecutive days from datecertiicate is redeemed.

Adult and Child (ages 3-12) certiicates available.

ON SALE AT THE VISITORS CENTER,PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS AND ONLINE

619.239.0512 • balboapark.orgSome restrictions apply. Special exhibitions may be

subject to an additional entrance fee. Zoo not included.

of Balboa Park!

Give the

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 3

Christmas Story Tree

A Gift to San Diego from La Mesa ChurchBy Cynthia Robertson

Christmas in the Village, from page 1

See Events, Page 12

Friends helped Fred Borges celebrate his 90th birthday,

Kathy Villalobos, chess protégé Julian Villalobos, Borges, Marilyn Borges.

December Events CalendarSPECIAL CHRISTMAS CONCERTS AT LA MESA CHURCHES–

DECEMBER 4 –18

Want to hear some sacred music of the season performed at La Mesa’s

local churches? All are welcome at these special events illed with beautiful

music and community spirit. On December 24 and 25, almost all the churches

in La Mesa will be offering Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services. They

are too numerous to list here. For a particular church, check their website

before heading out.

Foothills United Methodist Church – Dec. 4 – 3 p.m. - Children’s Choir

Christmas Concert

Dec. 17 - 5 p.m. and 7 p.m - Chancel Choir Christmas Concert.

United Church of Christ of La Mesa – Dec. 9 – 7 p.m. – Paciic Men’s Chorale

Dec. 18 – 11:00 a.m. - “Tapestry of Light” Chancel Choir

Central Congregational Church – Dec. 11 – 10 a.m. - Church Choir –

Christmas Cantata

Christ Lutheran Church - Dec. 11 – 8 a.m. – Service of Lessons and Carols

Dec. 14 – 6 p.m. – School Musical Celebration

SHARP GROSSMONT HOSPITAL SEMINAR ON WOMEN’S

SURGICAL ISSUES – DECEMBER 6

Sharp Grossmont Hospital hosts a seminar for women facing hysterec-

tomy, surgery for uterine ibroids, fertility or reproductive cancer. A Sharp

Grossmont-afiliated physician will discuss advanced, minimally invasive

robotic surgery that results in smaller incisions, fewer side effects and a

quicker return to activities. Tuesday, Dec. 6, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Sharp

Grossmont Hospital Auditorium, 5555 Grossmont Center Drive. Free to the

public. Seating is limited and registration is required. Please register at 1-800-

82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), or visit www.sharp.com/grossmont.

‘HELP!! I’M A CAREGIVER’ – DECEMBER 8

Find out about resources for family caregivers, placement options, support

groups and more. This free class covers emotional issues about caring for a

loved one and is presented by Andrea Holmberg, Program Coordinator of the

Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center on Tuesday, December 8

from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Grossmont Healthcare District Conference Center, 9001

Wakarusa St. Registration required. Call 1-800-827-4277 or register online at

www.sharp.com.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT THE LA MESA HISTORICAL

SOCIETY – DECEMBER 11

Come join the fun at the La Mesa Historical Society’s Christmas Open

House. The McKinney House Museum, at 8369 University Avenue, will be open

from 2:00-3:30 p.m. on December 11th. Enjoy traditional old-fashioned refresh-

ments, sing along with carolers, and hope you win a prize at the rafle drawing

at 3:15 p.m. Everyone is welcome and it’s free admission. Need a last minute

gift? La Mesa Centennial Calendars will be on sale for $10.00. So take a break

from all that shopping and stop by the McKinney House.

‘HOLIDAY HARMONIES AROUND THE WORLD’ – DECEMBER 11

The California Note Catchers will be singing holiday music celebrating

different cultures and traditions. The group is a women’s a cappella chorus

that sings in the barbershop style, i.e., four-part harmony. The special guest

will be Change of Heart, an internationally award-winning quartet. Admission

is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $10 each for groups of 20 or

more, and $8 for children ages 8 and under. The event will be held at Liberty

Hall Theater, Paradise Village, 2700 East Fourth Street, in National City. Visit

their website at http://californianotecatchers.com or call for more information

(858) 571-5173.

CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG IN MT. HELIX AMPHITHEATER—

DECEMBER 11

There is nothing like singing Christmas Carols under the stars in the Mt.

Helix amphitheater to warm your heart. This free family event will be held on

Sunday, December 11, at 6 p.m. Rumor has it that Santa Claus may also be

making an appearance! Shuttles will run from the San Miguel Fire Station, at

10105 Vivera Drive, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Be sure to bring a blanket to sit

on. Be sure to check the Park website for updated caroling information, www.

mthelixpark.org.

vendors available and all the Village shops will be open. The Village’s charming

antique stores, specialty stores, and shops of all types can be found downtown.

Stop in for a bite to eat at La Mesa’s delightful restaurants before you head to

the next event.

Visiting the

Christmas in the

Village celebration is

a great way to share

the excitement of the

season with family

and friends. Come visit

and start a new family

tradition! K.C.

Noteworthy, from page 2

Bride and Groom Enjoy a Most Unusual First Dance

Sandra Renfro, survivor of a spine tumor at age 18 and breast cancer in

her 20’s and now a fabulous Latin wheelchair dancer, was married to able-

bodied Anthony Wilson at McArthur Park in La Mesa on 11/11/11. William

Valencia, certiied wheelchair dance

instructor and co-founder of the non-

proit Wheelchair Dancers Organi-

zation, choreographed the bride and

groom’s irst dance together at the

reception. Renfro’s father lew in from

New Hampshire to learn a “daughter-

father” dance.

Beverly Weurding, co-founder of

Wheelchair Dancers Org, an invited

guest at the ceremony, shared the

information that Renfro has also hand-

cycled from here to the East Coast.

Says Weurding, “And this is only one of

her many accomplishments!”

Former Chess and Table Tennis Champ

Coaches Kroc Center Kids—at age 90

La Mesan Fred Borges just turned 90 years

old, and can still play chess with the best of

them. But he especially enjoys coaching young

players at the Joan Kroc Center where he has

volunteered for the last six years. Borges was a

professor of mathematics at New Jersey State

Teachers College, Swarthmore, U. of Miami and

U. of Hawaii before taking a position at Mesa

College in San Diego, where he retired. Along

the way he achieved the rank of “Expert” in

chess and was ranked ninth in the U.S. in table

tennis. In fact he toured and played exhibition

games all over the world with Dick Miles, who

was the top U.S. table tennis champion for almost

20 years. Fred quipped that while he may have

been bested occasionally at one or the other of his

chosen games, no one could beat him at both…

Culinary Talent, from page 1

ering them to ine restaurants all along the coast in North County and in

downtown San Diego.

But Marcelo and Maria want even more independence and end-customer

interaction, so they are expanding M&M to sell directly to consumers. While

they continue to look for a suitable La Mesa storefront, they prepare lavish

desserts and wedding cakes by order for pickup by discerning locals.

Selections range from a three-inch lemon Bavarian mousse ($5.50) to

raspberry chocolate seduction cake for 12 ($42) to New York cheesecake with

chocolate-dipped, gold-dusted strawberries for 12 ($37). Their products are

well worth it to cap off a special family meal or for a full banquet.

So, this holiday season, if you’re looking for something extra special, don’t

leave La Mesa, just give M & M a call a few days in advance (48 hours minimum).

Marcelo will be happy to provide expert advice, and you can complete your

holiday meal enjoying a sophisticated luxury produced by a world-class La

Mesa talent.

M&M Patisserie, 7670 El Cajon Blvd (behind BMH Italian Bakery and

Deli) (619) 698-5325, www.MandMPatisserie.com.

California Jewish Teens

Eligible for $36,000 Social

Action AwardsNow in the sixth year, the coveted Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards

provide one of the most prestigious and rewarding opportunities for Jewish

teenagers in the state of California. Recognizing a wide range of community

service and social action projects, the awards are given annually to up to ive

young volunteers who demonstrate leadership and commitment to making the

world a better place. Recipients are each awarded $36,000 to be used to further

their education, to expand current projects or to explore new possibilities.

Tikkun Olam is a central precept of Judaism that translates to “repair of

the world.” The Diller Teen Tikkun Olam Awards have created exciting oppor-

tunities for past recipients, who have since engaged with world leaders, celeb-

rities and internationally-known sports igures. Recipients have harnessed

media and public attention to develop awareness, partnerships and truly make

a difference in the world.

Teens may be nominated by teachers, community leaders, rabbis, or

anyone who knows the value of their volunteer service and commitment —

except family members. Teens may also nominate themselves. Each candidate

must be a California resident aged 13-19 years old at the time of nomination,

and must self-identify as Jewish. Community service projects may beneit the

general or Jewish community. The award is funded by the Helen Diller Family

Foundation. Nominations must be submitted by January 6, 2012. For more

information: www.jewishfed.org/diller/teenawards; (415) 512-6437; dillerteen-

award@sfjcf.org.

Sandra Renfro weds Anthony Wilson (photo courtesy of B. Weurding)

Craig’s Custom Landscaping“Serving all of San Diego’s East County”

619-841-6572

Craig Buteau Owner/Landscaper

Page 4 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011

VIEW FROM THE

ROAD…By Donna Alm

Like with children in a new neighborhood,

walking with a dog in an RV park is a good way to

start conversations. I could write reams about RVers

and the variety of pets we’ve met…and friends made.

We travel with a cat. Many others do, too, but we

have only seen one cat outside and it was on a leash.

Hobbs would sooner be caught dead than be so teth-

ered, so he stays inside. At least he did.

I haven’t mentioned that we have a traveling companion, albeit one who

was not exactly happy about this new lifestyle forced on him. Hobbs is much

like the cat in the Calvin and Hobbs cartoons, hence his name. A beautifully-

marked tabby, he much preferred his house and backyard in La Mesa. I found

him one hot summer day about 12 years ago, a tiny feral mewing kitty all alone.

He accepted our love and nurturing, then accepted his role as master of his

domain. Beginning our new lifestyle without him was unthinkable. The only

problem was that he has never liked being in a car, much less a moving home.

Each time the engine started, he darted under the sofa and stayed there

until we stopped. It doesn’t appear very comfortable under there, yet there’s

room to stretch out and do his favorite thing – sleep. All cats sleep most of

their day – and night. His sleeping places in the RV vary, from the passenger

seat where he can view our surroundings, to a dining chair or the back of the

sofa and even on our bed. When it’s chilly, he claims a spot in front of our space

heater.

One morning in Arizona, Hobbs simply darted outside and quickly disap-

peared. We frantically called and searched for some time. Then he simply walked

to the RV, turned to us and seemed to say…”that was fun, now let’s go home.”

Hobbs likes Santee Lakes RV Park; its landscaping is beautiful. Recently,

he wandered out one evening while we were enjoying the beautiful weather.

He sat down nearby. Seemed i ne. The next evening he walked to the bushes

between us and our neighbors. That challenge silently okayed by us, he simply

began taking walks – in the mornings and in the evenings, but just nearby.

Recently, he discovered a nearby tree and climbed it. The happiness he felt was

evident as he surveyed his surroundings from on high. A happy cat means a

happy family.

I hope you have enjoyed these stories about RVing and our adventures.

Your comments and questions would be appreciated, and would lead to more

stories in 2012. A blessed Christmas to you…

High School Sports

HELIX LINEBACKER TUTORS

YOUNGSTERS TO READBy Rick White

By the time you read this, Helix High Football will have played its i rst

round of CIF football against Torrey Pines High School. Helix High Football is

currently ranked number one in California in Division II football, and number

one in San Diego County for all schools. In California, there are i ve football

divisions, all based on the size of enrollment, with Division I including schools

with the largest student bodies.

Kacy Smith, #20 on the team, has been a starting linebacker for Helix

since his sophomore year. Kacy is a 5’10,” 180-pound senior linebacker with

an overall 4.0 GPA. Last year as a junior, he was First Team All-League and

All-CIF in football and baseball. Throughout high school, he has excelled in

academics which have included several Honors and AP classes. In 2010, he was

awarded First Team All CIF Academic in

football, and in 2011, All CIF Academic in

baseball. He received the All-Academic

Presidential award in 2010.

But Kacy’s story begins back in

elementary school when he was diag-

nosed with a reading disorder. He

couldn’t comprehend what he was

reading. After three years of struggling

with his reading, he was i nally placed

into resource classes in the 4th grade.

Kacy’s reading difi culties were so bad

that he had to repeat the 5th grade.

All through elementary school, his

classmates teased and ostracized him for his disabilities. Fortunately, Kacy

had parents and grandparents who were extremely supportive, and because

of their support and his teacher’s support, his ability to read i nally clicked

in. By the time Kacy i nished his i rst year at La Mesa Middle School, he had

completed the year with straight A’s and was awarded the Most Outstanding

Student in 6th grade.

So how does a young football/baseball player like Kacy Smith inspire the

youth of La Mesa to read? When you become a senior at Helix, you have to

complete what is called a “Senior Project” in order to graduate. Doug Smith,

former principal at Helix High School, started this program years ago. It

requires seniors to design a project that helps their community. Kacy decided

his senior project would be to visit La Mesa elementary schools and tutor

youngsters in reading. He wants kids who struggle academically to know that

they can make it just like him. If they’re patient and don’t give up, then they

will be successful in school too. His philosophy of life, as he explained it to me is,

“Ignore others who try and bring you down, and remain patient.” Coach Donny

Van Hook describes him as “an extraordinary young man who has learned how

to turn adversity into successes.”

Kacy Smith wants to go to a Division I college and play baseball. His i rst

choice would be to attend UC Santa Barbara. This young man has the “right

stuff” to be successful whatever he does. The Helix Highlanders beat Torrey

Pines on November 25th, 44to 7, so the next game will be in the Semii nals.

That game will be played at Helix on Thursday, December 1, as the Courier goes

to press. If Helix wins that game, go watch #20 play football in the Finals and

see the same perseverance on the i eld that led to his success in academics..

See Church, page 12

Central Congregational

Church: Over 100

Years in La MesaOne of La Mesa’s most beautiful churches celebrated its centennial

recently. The Central Congregational Church was ofi cially born on May 19,

1909, when a small group of people met at the Young family residence. The need

for a church was agreed upon and nineteen people met at the Masonic Hall for

religious worship on July 11, 1909. Reverend John Doane drew up the Articles

of Incorporation in May 1910,

and soon after, Reverend Charles

M. Hill, a former missionary in

the Hawaiian Islands, was called

as Pastor. The i rst services

were held on July 11, 1911, in

the Baldridge Opera House on

the northeast corner of La Mesa

Boulevard and Palm Avenue.

The Congregational Church

has a long history in America.

The i rst settlers in New England,

the Pilgrims, were Congrega-

tionalists searching for a land to

worship freely. Each Congrega-

tional Church is an independent

organization, governed by its

congregation, a rel ection of the democracy being formed by those early New

England settlers.

The property where the church stands today, at the corner of Lemon Avenue

Recycling Cooking Oil into Biofuel?Holiday cooking produces memorable meals, but did you know it can also

benei t the environment? The City of La Mesa wants you to know you should

never pour fats, oils and grease (FOG) down the drain, in the yard or in your

trash. You can now drop off used cooking oil and grease for recycling at EDCO

Station in La Mesa. This free service is provided by EDCO and New Leaf

Biofuel, both locally-owned companies.

City staff approached EDCO earlier this year to ask the regional waste

and recycling company to consider adding cooking oil to the list of materials,

which can be dropped-off and recycled. EDCO looked at the feasibility and

saw an opportunity, signing up with New Leaf and placing containers at their

i ve local recycling centers. The partnership is a win-win for everyone because

EDCO is removing a valuable material from landi lls, New Leaf is rei ning it

into a biodiesel that can then be sold to commercial customers to run greener

diesel l eets and the community is gaining a new recycling resource while

getting some cleaner air too.

Simply collect used cooking oil and grease in a leak-proof container, such

as a coffee can or jar, and take it in when full. This service is available at

EDCO’s station at 8184 Commercial St. (in La Mesa’s industrial district),

Monday-Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit www.cityol amesa.com/recycling

for more info.

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 5

News and Views

La Mesa Chamber

Supports Business

and The CommunityBy Mary England, CEOLa Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Recently I participated in a dance competi-

tion as part of the Grossmont Hospital Founda-

tion’s annual Gala. It was great fun learning and

performing the tango (see photo at right), but more importantly the event

helped raised signii cant funds for the Foundation to support the hospital’s

new Heart and Vascular Center. We believe it’s important to give back to the

community that supports our members.

We are currently making plans to honor eight local heroes—two from

the police department, two from the i re department, two paramedics and

two Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol members--at our fourth annual “Casino

Royale” event on February 23, 2012. It will be held at the Town & Country

Resort Hotel in Mission Valley. This activity allows friends, business associates

and members to enjoy a night of gaming, a silent auction, rafl es and fun, while

honoring those who do so much for so many. Sponsorship opportunities are

available and tickets may be purchased now. Go to our web site www.lamesa-

chamber.com for more information, or call (619) 465-7700.

The Chamber reaches out to the consumer and the community through

many different events and activities. One current initiative we have launched

is the second tri-fold marketing brochure being offered to members, allowing

them to reach 5,000 people/consumers with a quality, full color media piece

that is inexpensive and professional. As you shop in La Mesa make sure to look

for this brochure at participating businesses.

A chamber is only as good as its members, and we are proud to welcome our

new members this month: Kirk Paving, Inc., Kappa Surveying, Elmcroft of La

Mesa SeniorLiving, San Diego Power Clean, Pay It Forward Bookkeeping Service

and California Coast Credit Union. During these challenging economic times,

when looking to do business, make sure to view the La Mesa Chamber website

and give our members a chance to “delight” you with their goods and services.

Cleaning out the garage and getting ready for the holidays? Save your

electronics for the La Mesa Chamber

E-Waste event that will be held at

Grossmont Center on January 14th

and January 15th. We encourage you

to save those unwanted televisions,

computers and more; drop them off

during this two-day event and help

the environment.

The La Mesa Chamber will

tailor many of its upcoming events

to spotlight the City of La Mesa’s

Centennial next year. Watch for more

information in next month’s column.

As you make plans to celebrate

the upcoming holiday season, I

also encourage you to reach out to

those less fortunate. Many suffer in

silence. You can contact local commu-

nity groups to do your part, and put

a smile on the face of someone who

has no one else to turn to nor the

resources to help themselves….Dancing the tango at Grossmont Hospital Foundation fundraiser.

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See Missionaries, Page 13

Family Returns to East County After Missionary Work in Central Africa

By Jessica RoachMost Americans are familiar with

some of the crises affecting Africa today: dire famine and religious extremism in Somalia; political turmoil and oppression in Libya and Tunisia; brutal violence and environmental exploitation in the Congo. Some may even contribute money to orga-nizations who strive to alleviate these problems. Locals Derek and Jeannette Breuninger have taken things one step further. A young couple with East County roots, the Breuningers have been advo-cates for the San Diego refugee commu-

nity for many years. They recently returned to East County after nearly two years of missionary work in Malawi, one of the world’s poorest nations. The couple’s only departure from Africa during their two years of service came in the summer of 2010, with a brief return to La Mesa for the birth of their son at Sharp Grossmont Hospital, where the family received top care from the hospi-tal’s award-winning staff.

Derek and Jeannette were both born into families rooted in missionary work. Derek’s parents volunteered with Taiwanese orphans for many years, his maternal grandfather was a medical missionary in East Asia for over 25 years, and his great-grandparents were missionaries in Ethiopia. Jeannette was born in Malaysia to missionary parents and lived there until she returned to San Diego for high school. The couple met at their shared parish, Jamul Commu-nity Church, and married in 2007.

Derek became involved with San Diego’s international community of refu-gees and immigrants in the early 2000s. “I fell in love with these forgotten people. I tried everything to work, play, and live with them,” he recalls. He joined the San Diego African Soccer League and worked as an English teacher for refugees and immigrants. Through Derek, Jeannette also became connected with the population, leading church groups and working at a school in City Heights. Their multicultural education “led to amazing opportunities to help people who are truly in need right next door to us in America,” according to Derek.

Derek and Jeannette’s shared passion for service combined with rich backgrounds in missionary work led them to the African Bible College (ABC) in Lilongwe, Malawi. ABC is an organization dedicated to offering university-level education with a Christian emphasis to the people of Africa. Founded in 1976 by Christian missionaries John and Nell Chinchen, ABC has campuses in Liberia (West Africa), Uganda (East Africa), and Malawi (Central Africa), boasting nearly 800 graduates to date. The colleges offer degrees in Biblical Studies, Education, Communication, Music, and Business.

In August 2009, the couple arrived in Malawi’s capital, Lilongwe, and began their positions at ABC. Derek led the college’s men’s and women’s basket-ball, soccer, volleyball and netball teams as Athletic Director. He served as a mentor to many of the school’s athletes, cultivating relationships on and off the field. Jeannette shared her knowledge of Latin American language and culture as the school’s Spanish teacher. She invested in education well beyond the classroom, hosting quarterly Mexican dinners where she taught students how to make torti-llas and traditional foods. The couple also hosted an annual “Mexican Fiesta Christmas Party,” for ABC staff and students, complete with food, music, and piñatas.

Beyond their involvement on campus, Derek and Jeannette became entrenched in the local community and embraced by many. They paid visits to nearby orphan-ages and refugee camps, witnessing the harsh realities faced by many Malawians. Jeannette recalls a visit with residents of the Dzaleka Refugee Camp an hour outside of Lilongwe: “I entered [a] little mud hut, and my heart sank. It was no bigger than 2 bathroom stalls, no bed, just a concrete slab, a little bench, and a roof… It’s so hard to remember to be thankful for the things we have, but by the grace of God I am able to learn [and] grow.”

After their first year in Malawi, the Breuningers returned to San Diego for the birth of their son, Dylan. With limited access to prenatal care in Lilongwe, Jeannette and Derek were fortunate to be in contact with Susan Merica-Jones, Clinical Lead in the Prenatal Clinic at La Mesa’s Sharp Grossmont Hospital.

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 7

La Mesa offers taste of 10 and Under

Tennis at a USTA Play DayBy Karen Ronney

Olivia Lewis is no stranger to colorful tennis balls, light shiny rackets and

kid-sized courts. In fact, she is considered a veteran because she is a graduate

of the US Tennis Association’s 10 and Under tennis program. Lewis, now 12,

learned to play tennis on 18- by 36-foot courts with small nets and big foam

balls using the QuickStart format. The La Mesa resident has mastered the

three stages of QuickStart, which gradually increase the size of the court as a

child grows. Lewis is now playing in USTA Novice and Satellite level tourna-

ments and Junior Team Tennis. She was one of about 75 kids ages 5 and up

who enjoyed the recent USTA Community Play Day at La Mesita Park, which

was the recent recipient of a grant given by American Express and the USTA

in their FRESH Courts program.

The USTA La Mesa Play Day was held on the beautifully resurfaced and

redesigned courts, which are now painted US Open colors of green and blue.

See USTA Tennis, Page 13

La Mesa area pros Nathan Welden, Tom Draffan and Hamilton Collins taught

the children a variety of skill development games, agility movements and mini-

competitions highlighting health, tennis and i tness. Children under age 8 had

a chance to play on four permanent 18- by 36-foot courts, which were enclosed

by kid-sized gates on all sides. Low pressure red felt and colorful foam balls

were used for that age group. Games included Beat the Pro, Champ of the

Court Doubles, Target Volleys and much more. Novice players ages 9 to 10

competed on the orange 21- by 60-foot court using the low pressure orange ball.

Older competitors like Lewis ages 11 and up used the green low pressure ball

on the full-sized court to play competitive singles and doubles.

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LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 9

COSMOPOLITAN HOTEL IN

OLD TOWN—GREAT IDEA FOR

A STAYCATIONBy Vince Meehan

This holiday season,

you have access to one of the

most unique overnight expe-

riences this side of Europe.

The Cosmopolitan Hotel and

Restaurant located smack in

the middle of Old Town is a

trip back in time as well as a

fun overnight destination. This

is the original house of Juan

Bandini, the son of a Peruvian

sea captain, built in 1829, and

originally known as “La Casa

de Bandini.” It was one of the more prominent buildings located in Mexican

San Diego. It was party central and a social hub for many years in a time when

San Diego had no electricity or running water. Bandini eventually transferred

the property to his son-in-law Abel Stearns. Stearns sold the crumbling adobe

in 1869 to Albert Seeley, who transformed it into a fashionable, two-story hotel

and overnight stage stop, called the Cosmopolitan Hotel. In 1968, the hotel

became part of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, recently refurbished

to become the restaurant & hotel that it is today.

The restaurant is located in the old dance hall of the house as well as

outdoors on an expansive dining patio, which features a gas irepit in the center.

See Cosmopolitan Staycation, Page 12

I highly recommend the outdoor area because of the beauty of the patio and the

surrounding garden, featuring fresh herbs and vegetables used in the cooking.

The second story of the hotel offers a well-appreciated buffer from the outside

bustle and creates a quiet dining experience where you can have a nice conver-

sation. New chef Andrew Lee Sasloe has revamped the menu to create exciting

Page 10 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011

La Mesa

ReadsBy Jessie Goodwin, Librarian

Last month we had

titles both newer and older

on the La Mesa Library’s

“most popular” list. The

Walking Dead by Robert

Kirkman topped the list,

possibly because season

two of the TV adapta-

tion premiered recently.

Kirkman’s violent and

suspenseful graphic novel

series follows the struggles of a group of survivors after

a zombie plague has devastated humanity. However, the

remaining humans might be as dangerous as the zombies.

Another older title that appeared on our “most wanted” list

is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson.

The international bestseller, published in the United

States in 2008, follows main characters Lisbeth Salander,

a tattooed computer hacker, and crusading journalist

Mikael Blomkvist as they attempt to unravel a decades-

old mystery. Bel-Air Dead by Stuart Woods was also a

hot title in our library. The 20th Stone Barrington novel

includes characters from three of Woods’s bestselling

series. Our most popular non-i ction title last month was

In the Garden of Beasts: Love, Terror and an Amer-

ican Family in Hitler’s Berlin by Erik Larson. The

author illustrates the early years of Hitler’s reign, through

the story of William E. Dodd, the i rst American ambas-

sador to Hitler’s Germany in 1933, and Dodd’s daughter

Martha, who pursued a relationship with the head of the

Gestapo.

On Thursday, December 8th at 6:30 pm, bush pilot,

photographer and author Mark Stadsklev will present a

slideshow and sign copies of his new book Alaskan Air:

Nature’s Artwork on the Alaskan Landscape.

Did you know that San Diego County Libraries have

a Winter Reading Program with prizes for all ages? Winter

Reading takes place December 5th through January 15th.

At the La Mesa Branch, we’ll also be offering adults the

chance to take home free graphic novels while supplies

last. Graphic novels aren’t just for kids! These illustrated

stories are complex, thoughtful, and provocative. We have

a wide variety of brand new graphic novels for grown-ups

to choose from.

Please remember that all San Diego County Library

branches will be closed for the Christmas holiday on

Sunday, December 25th and Monday, December 26th and

the New Year holiday on Sunday, January 1st and Monday,

January 2nd.

La Mesa branch library staff members are here to

help you seven days a week. Stop in and check out what’s

new….

Pirate Cruise, from page 3

and a chance to meet new people

from across the country. Souvenirs

are available to remember the expe-

rience, including eye patches, swords,

bandanas, and personalized photo

packages.

For the crew at Pirate Ship Adven-

tures, the joy of happy customers

makes the experience worthwhile

and exciting. MacPherson, who

has been in the water sports busi-

ness for over twenty years, has been

pleased by the public’s reception so

far. “It’s a blast to operate”, says Eric

Macpherson. “I enjoy the kids and

families. People love the boat and

genuinely have fun.”

Pirate Ship Adventures are

located on Cabrillo Island Marina on

Harbor Island in San Diego. For more

information, and to book your reser-

vation for a Pirate Ship Cruise, visit

the website at http://www.pirate-

shipadventures.com, or call (619)

224-4386. Pirate Ship Adventures

are also available via email at Info@

pirateshipadventures.com, and on

Facebook.

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VEGETARIAN, VEGAN, GLUTEN FREE & CHILDREN’S OPTIONS AVAILABLE$39 per person plus

tax and gratuity.

$15 children under 12

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 11

Events, from page 4

Church, from page 5

GROSSMONT ADULT SCHOOL’S WHODUNIT BOOK CLUB WILL

DISCUSS MYSTERIES – JANUARY 3

Mystery fans - read and discuss mysteries at the Whodunit Book Club, a

free Grossmont Adult School class that starts Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the El Cajon

Library, 201 E. Douglas Ave. The weekly class is scheduled from 11 a.m. to

12:30 p.m. in the library Seminar Room. The group will discuss the works of

authors including John Grisham and Tess Gerristen, author of the Rizzoli &

Isles series. Students may sign up by going to http://adultschool.guhsd.net

and clicking on the “online registration button.” La Mesa resident Liz Swain

teaches the class. For more information, call the Foothills Adult Education

Center, (619) 588-3500.

ESPECIALLY FOR SENIORS…

FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING – DECEMBER 6

No appointment necessary. Open to the public. For information, call

619-740-4214. Sharp Grossmont Hospital Senior Resource Center, 9000 Waka-

rusa, Tuesday, December 6, 9:30 to 11 a.m.

SENIORS GROUP TO HOST LECTURER ON HEALTHY AND

SUCCESSFUL AGING – DEC. 14

The Grossmont Healthcare District’s Dr. William C. Herrick Community

Health Care Library, 9001 Wakarusa St., will host a free seniors discussion

group on “The Eight Sacred Truths to Healthy and Successful Aging” from 10

to 11 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 14. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is not

required. The event will feature a presentation from Dr. Eric Z. Shapira, author

of “A New Wrinkle” and founder of Aging Mentor Services, a consulting irm

based in Montara, California. For more information, phone the library at (619)

825-5010 or visit www.herricklibrary.org.

SENIOR RESOURCE PROGRAMS AT GROSSMONT HOSPITAL

The Senior Resource Center at Sharp Grossmont Hospital offers free or

low-cost educational programs and health screenings each month. The Senior

Resource Center also provides information and assistance for health informa-

tion and community resources. For more information, call 619-740-4214. For

other programs, call 1-800-827-4277 or visit our web site at www.sharp.com.

PROJECT C.A.R.E. COMMUNITY ACTION TO REACH THE

ELDERLY

This free program helps people who live alone by offering a phone call

each day. It there’s no answer, someone is called to check on you. Other Project

C.A.R.E. services include Vial of Life, a friendly visitor from the Retired Senior

Volunteer Patrol and more. East county residents may call the Sharp Gross-

mont Hospital Senior Resource Center at 619-740-4214. Others call 1-800-510-

2020.

new dining choices while keeping a lot of the popular items. This insures that

everybody will be able to order to their taste. The menu includes a selection of

seafood and American Grille favorites as well as Mexican fare.

The wine list features an outstanding selection of domestic wines with a

few foreigners thrown in. There are craft beers on tap and a spread of desserts

to choose from, including homemade churros served hot with an Ibarra choco-

late dipping sauce--pure heaven! If you went by ambiance alone, the Cosmo-

politan is a home run. But of course, a restaurants reputation is rightly based

on its food; and Chef Andrew has done a fantastic job at the Cosmopolitan. If

you are like me, Old Town is a great place to take guests when they visit from

out of town. Try The Cosmopolitan as an alternative to other, more crowded

and noisy eateries. You won’t be disappointed.

The restaurant is only half of the Cosmopolitan experience. They also

feature a hotel where you can spend the night overlooking Old Town after

hours--an unforgettable experience during the holidays. The thing that makes

the Cosmopolitan such a unique place to stay is that the ambiance of the hotel

is much as it was back in the day. The staff are all attired in period costume,

and the decor is like something you’d see in a wild west movie. There is even a

real saloon downstairs featuring a bar built in the 1800’s which was originally

meant to be shipped to Wyatt Earp in Tombstone, AZ. You really feel as though

you have stepped back in time to Old San Diego by staying at The Cosmopol-

itan, in a way not found anywhere else in San Diego.

The hotel has been refurbished to include running water and electricity

of course, but there are no TVs or radios, recreating the atmosphere that one

would have enjoyed in the 1800s. A couple of the rooms feature gas ireplaces,

which create an absolutely awesome atmosphere when you turn off all the

lights. The balcony overlooks the Old Town plaza, which is quite lovely after

all the tourists leave. This is a one-of a-kind hospitality experience that any

local can take advantage of. With the lack of TVs to zone out on, most people

congregate in the restaurant patio after dark where you can chat around the

ire while enjoying cocktails and munchies. If you’ve ever been to Europe, then

you know that this is how they do it in the Old World.

Because of the lack of technological gadgets to distract you, The Cosmo-

politan is the perfect place to spend the evening with somebody you are close

to. Whether you are on the patio, or in front of the ireplace, you have the

perfect set up to spend a romantic night and get to know the person you are

with. That’s priceless!

oldtowncosmopolitan.com/

Cosmopolitan Staycation, from page 10

and Third Street, was purchased in

March 1910, for $665, and the irst

building was completed in 1911. The

initial design was done by Emmor

Brooke Weaver, of the prominent irm

of William Hebbard and Irving Gill at

a cost of $91.50!

By 1925, the congregation had

grown and the decision was made

to add a sanctuary, Fellowship Hall,

ofices and Sunday school class-

rooms. The Mission Revival style

buildings were designed by Louis

J. Gill, nephew of Irving Gill. The

church was dedicated on June 24,

1925 and declared free of debt in

January 1926. Stained glass windows

honoring many of the original nine-

teen members were created by Fred

Alfred Joseph Weiland of San Diego.

The organ and chimes were donated

by James W. Porter in the 1930s in

memory of Henry Porter and he

retired other debts of the congrega-

tion at that time. The pipe organ was

built by Henry Pitcher Sons of Louis-

ville, Kentucky at a cost of $6,500 and

contains 700 pipes and a two-manual

keyboard.

The Central Congregational

Church has been served by ten

pastors over its one hundred years.

These men included: Reverends John

Doane, Charles Hill, William M.

Scudder, Earl Lindsley, Roy Camp-

bell, Alexander Milmine, James

Barbour, Richard Goodhart, and

Thomas Cook. Reverend Tel Selgo

has been Pastor since 1989, serving

with love and dedication. The Church

celebrated his iftieth year in the

ministry in 2003. So stop by for

some of the holiday services and get

to know one of La Mesa’s longest-

serving congregations. K.C.

advance plans to take off several days from work just to be able to participate

in the Tree program. On the Monday after Thanksgiving, the set-up of the tree

begins and the tree is decorated—a full-time job.

The tree goes up in three sections. “When you’re up there on the ladder and

the wind is blowing, and you’ve got nothing to hang onto, you realize you’re up

pretty high,” said La Mesa resident Doug Battey, who helps with the mechanics

and engineering of the tree. The tree sections begin to look like parts of a real

tree when adorned with fresh pine branches imported from Oregon. The doors

that open up during the performance to reveal the live Nativity scenes go in

next. The women decorate the tree with gigantic ornaments as well as lights.

Pastor Mark Milwee is on hand to help out. “This is a great opportunity for our

church to give back to the community,” Milwee said.

While the work is going on, the kitchen crew back at the church cooks

up lots of hot food for the choir and workers, which includes full-time security

personnel, also volunteers from the church. The group feels like a big family as

they pile into the lasagna, soup, and casseroles.

For the past few months, every Wednesday evening after the church dinner,

Karen Merk has been teaching the lyrics and music of popular Christmas songs

to the children. Wearing brightly colored sweaters and scarves, the children

plan to sing a lively medley of carols during their Tree performance. Each night

during the event, children’s minister Meagan Conner helps calm the children

down as they excitedly wait their turn to perform. Pouring hot chocolate from

a thermos into paper cups, Conner

ensures that the children stay warm

in the chill of the evening.

La Mesa residents John and

Teresa Hudson will be singing in the

choir this year with their daughters.

“The Tree performance is very impor-

tant to us as a family,” says Teresa.

“All of us look forward to this tradi-

tion.” And every member of the Tree

choir and work party looks forward to

the Hudson’s homemade fudge.

Performances of the Christmas

Story Tree during the Balboa Park

December Nights festivities are set

for December 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. An

encore performance will take place

on Sunday evening, December 4 at

4:30 p.m. “It’s a blood, sweat and

tears endeavor,” Plunk said. “But we

love doing it.”

Story Tree, from page 3

AIR CONDITIONING

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

Serving our community since 1960! Residential/commercial. Service, repair, installation, thermostats, registers, filters, indoor air quality, and more. (06/12)

BBB Accredited business.

www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

DIETS

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Lose weight naturally and permanently with LifeWalk. (02-12)

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ELECTRICAL

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

Serving our community since 1960! Panel upgrades, sub panels, outlets, ceiling fans, whole house fans, solar systems, recessed lighting, and more. (06/12)

BBB Accredited business.

www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

GARAGE DOORS

Up & Down Garage Doors

Garage door service, new doors, new openers, spring replacement, BBB Member, La Mesa Based, CLSB #904512, 619-464-0116 (06/12)

(619) 464-0116

upanddowngaragedoors@cox.net

PLUMBING

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

Serving our community since 1960! Toilets, water heaters/tankless, drains, disposals, faucets, slab leaks, repipes, camera inspections, and more. Visit our showroom! (06/12)

BBB Accredited business.www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

REMODELING

Ideal Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical

Serving our community since 1960! Kitchens, bathrooms, closets, grab bars, walk-in tubs, and more!

BBB Accredited business. (06/12)

www.idealsvc.com

(619) 583-7963 Lic#348810

SENIOR CARE SERVICES

Home Instead Senior CareDedicated to providing non-medical in-home care.

Services Include:

Meal Preparation, Medication Reminders, Light Housekeeping, Personal Care & Bathing Assistance, Incidental Transportation.

619-460-6222 (06/12)

www.homeinstead.com/190

List your

business here!

619-697-2500

Business & Services Directory

Page 12 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011

See CIF Tennis, Page 16

Missionaries, from page 7

Merica-Jones has known Derek since

he attended Christian High with

her son; her relationship with the

couple deepened through her posi-

tion as Mission Prayer coordinator

at Jamul Community Church. Susan

became an invaluable resource for

the couple’s medical questions and

concerns preceding Dylan’s birth.

“Although late in her third

trimester upon their return to Cali-

fornia, Jeannette obtained access

to full prenatal care [at Grossmont

Hospital] on her irst visit by my

facilitating the process. Later, at

their request, I agreed to assist them

personally with their birth care,”

Merica-Jones recalls.

The Breuningers

express heartfelt

appreciation to the staff

of Grossmont Hospital

for their warmth and

assistance during the

birth process. Dylan

was born June 10, 2010,

surrounded by family

and close friends.

Three months later, the

newly expanded Breuninger family

returned to Lilongwe, where Derek

and Jeannette resumed their posi-

tions at ABC Malawi. Baby Dylan

was warmly received by friends and

students; Jeannette spoke of locals’

excitement and offers to hold Dylan

when they’d shop at the outdoor

market. After another school year in

Malawi, the family returned to East

County when Derek and Jeannette’s

commitment to ABC was fulilled.

Just ive months ago, the Breun-

inger family was living a world apart

in one of Africa’s poorest nations.

These days, Derek, Jeanette, and one-

year-old Dylan can be found shopping

for veggies at the La Mesa Farmer’s

Market or reconnecting with old

friends in City Heights. Back in the

fold of East County life, the Breun-

ingers remain in contact with friends

and students from Malawi while

rooting deeper into San Diego’s ever-

growing refugee community.

When asked what readers can

do to support African communities

abroad and locally, Derek recom-

mended donations to African Bible

Colleges’ “Student Scholarship

Program” or sports teams. Informa-

tion can be found on the Breuningers’

blog, www.fortheforgotten.com. More-

over, Derek emphasized the impact of

reaching out locally: interacting with

the San Diego refugee community

through organizations

like the International

Rescue Committee or

by supporting refugee-

run businesses. La

Mesa’s neighboring

communities, City

Heights and El Cajon,

both boast many ethnic

shops and restau-

rants that depend on

community support to

survive.

Derek and Jeannette are a

shining example of compassion and

goodwill. Humble and unassuming,

they embrace the marginalized and

demonstrate the power of human

understanding and connectivity.

“We want our lives to be given over

to God, that He may use us to reach

and help the poor, the hurting…

those who have been forgotten by

this world,” Derek writes. Through

their local outreach over the years

as well as their time in Malawi, the

Breuningers have shown great dedi-

cation to this cause of reaching “the

forgotten.”

La Mesa and East County

Making Its Mark in CIF

Girls’ High School TennisThe power is slowly shifting in the world of high school girls’ tennis in La

Mesa and the East County. Just ask singles players Lindsay Brown of Patrick

Henry High, Ja’Ana Diamond of West Hills, Han Pham of Helix, Edith Martinez

of Monte Vista and Kristen Krajnak of Granite Hills. The ive were top singles

local inishers in the CIF San Diego Section Individual Singles and Doubles

Championships. Brown, a sophomore,

was the No. 8 seed and a quarterinalist

in the prestigious singles competition.

Diamond, a junior and the No. 11 seed,

and Pham both reached the round of

16. Martinez and Krajnak won their

irst round matches.

“These athletes have to be one of

the best in their league to qualify for

the CIF tournament and that’s quite an

accomplishment,” said Karen Ronney,

the Patrick Henry High girls’ tennis

coach and a USTA Tennis Service

Rep for San Diego. “Excelling in CIF

elevates local kids to another level on

par with North County powerhouses.

I think players from the East County

are gradually breaking into that talent

pool.”

This season, 39 local La Mesa,

Grossmont area and East County

players qualiied for CIF competition

by inishing in the top ive places in

their respective league tournaments. In

total, there were 80 doubles teams and

80 singles players who gathered from

as far as Fallbrook and Oceanside to the El Centro and the San Ysidro border

to play in the week-long event held at the Barnes Tennis Center. This tourna-

ment is the culmination of the girls’ high school season which can consist of 10

to 19 dual team matches capped off with a inal league tournament.

“The matches in our league were extremely close,” said Valhalla High

Coach Don Ackerly, who has been a CIF Grossmont League Representative

for 18 years. “We had many 9-9 and 10-8 scores that produced some great

tennis matches. We are all very comparable in our talent and that made for an

exciting season.”

In dynamic doubles action, senior

Ashley Hayasi-Osorno and junior Brooke

Ronney of Patrick Henry were the top area

inishers reaching the round of 16. They

were three points away from advancing

to the quarterinals in the super tiebreak

against the No. 6 seeded team from West-

view High. Outstanding performances

were by West Hills High seniors Jenna

Ackerly and Monica Popp, who won two

rounds against teams from High Tech

High North County and Canyon Crest

High. Steele Canyon’s Hope Butner and

Adrianna Diaz, and Patrick Henry’s

Maddy Kleine and Hanah Ratican also

reached the round of 16, each winning

two rounds.

Doubles teams who reached the

second round include Emily Burke and

Remi Mosey from Valhalla, Sarah Reuss

and Britta Welsch of Grossmont, Tarin Marks and Melissa Mendez from

Granite Hills and Nicole Deeb and Juliette Diveley from Patrick Henry.

LA MESA RECEIVES

PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

– RIDES4NEIGHBORSThe League of California Cities recently presented the City of La Mesa

with a 2011 Helen Putnam Award for its highly successful Rides4Neighbors

transportation program. Helen Putnam was active with the League of Cali-

fornia Cities. Throughout her life as a mother, teacher, principal, mayor, and

county supervisor, she viewed meeting one’s potential as the greatest measure

of success. To the League and to all the cities in California she deined excel-

lence and the highly competitive award named in her honor recognizes excel-

lence in local government projects each year.

Rides4Neighbors is a multi-pronged approach to lexible transportation

options for senior adults and disabled residents of La Mesa and neighboring

East County communities. Community Services Department staff recruit,

screen, and train volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to accommodate

eligible riders. Rides are provided for medical, dental, essential shopping and

personal care appointments. To supplement volunteer driver rides, approved

riders may purchase taxi coupon booklets at a 50% discount. Coupons are used

“same as cash” with Yellow Cab. In addition, a twice weekly shopping shuttle,

provided by contract with La Mesa First United Methodist Church, provides

door-to-door service from riders’ homes to the local mall. During the last year

a wheelchair transport program for non-ambulatory riders was added to the

program. Also during the last year a travel training program was added for

adults 60+ who need assistance learning to navigate public transportation.

The trainer provides instructions to her students on how to utilize web-based

public transportation schedules and routes and accompanies them on weekly

excursions throughout San Diego County.

Rides4Neighbors was launched in 2007, with federal and local transporta-

tion grant funding obtained through the San Diego Association of Governments

(SANDAG). SANDAG funding was extended in a subsequent year with a local

grant from the Grossmont Healthcare District, which provided for extensive

community outreach and partnership development to expand the program.

The 2011 Helen Putnam Award was the third time La Mesa has received

this honor. Previous Helen Putnam Awards were received for the City’s “ready…

set…Live Well” community wellness initiative and the parks project involving

development of the Junior Seau Sports Complex and renovation of Briercrest

Park.

USTA Tennis, from page 8

The highlight of the three-hour event arrived at the end of the session

when all participants enjoyed the game Playing for Prizes, which was an

opportunity to hit the ball over the net into large square-shaped target areas.

With each success, players earned trips to the prize bucket to receive stickers,

pencils, erasers, lashlights, fun tattoos and holiday treats from Michele Green-

berg-McClung, the Community Services Recreation Supervisor for the City of

La Mesa.

“This was a fantastic way to get the community out playing tennis at our

beautiful courts,” said Greenberg-McClung. “We are the only public 10andUnder

tennis courts in our area and we’d like to help kids and their families learn to

play the game in a fun and easy way. I think this is one of the greatest things

that have ever happened to our tennis and our city.”

“My daughter has really thrived with the QuickStart program,” said

LaDreda Lewis, Director of the Sylvan Learning Center in La Mesa. “She has

progressed so quickly. It’s incredible. She started playing a seriously about two

years ago and is ready for Novice tournaments. She really loves the sport! Her

goal is to be a great high school player and she is on her way.”

Karen Ronney, USPTA, PTR is a writer, teaching professional and girls'

varsity coach

Ja'Ana Diamond hits a backhand

Ashley Hayashi Osorno hits a backhand

“I fell in love with

these forgotten

people. I tried

everything to work,

play, and live with

them…” – Derek

Breuninger

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 13

Two Churches, from page 1

established legacy, Journey has

youthful enthusiasm. Journey was

founded in 1993 when a small group

of 25 people started gathering in

Rancho San Diego under the name

Horizon EC. After several years of

meeting in various locations, in 1998

Journey settled at its current loca-

tion at 8363 Center Drive. By then,

the name had changed to Journey

Community Church and participa-

tion had exploded to around 1500

people. Today, over a decade later,

Journey l ourishes with 2500 partici-

pants working together to “reach as

many people with the good news”

as possible, according to Creative

Director Daniel Merk-Benitez.

Because of the economic reces-

sion, Journey’s greatest challenge is

how to do ministry locally while still

supporting worldwide needs. Merk-

Benitez describes it as “the balance

of caring for the person sitting in

the room and for the people halfway

around the world.” It is obvious

Journey is committed to keeping

that balance through exciting service

to both the community and world.

Locally, a community food bank opens

three times each month. Just before

Thanksgiving a new thrift store

called Twice Treasured launched,

with proceeds benei ting local and

global mission efforts.

Journey is also active in world-

wide ministry. After the 2010 Haiti

earthquake, Lead Pastor Ed Noble

traveled to Port-au-Prince to see

how Journey could be involved in

supporting relief efforts. Out of

that trip, a wonderful partnership

was born. Journey is involved in

supporting a Haitian medical clinic

and a school will be opening soon.

Teams of 10 to 20 people travel to

Haiti every other month through this

partnership.

Through acts of service, educa-

tion, mission trips, and thrift stores,

both Journey and Christ Lutheran are

committed to their mission to serve

the people of La Mesa and the world.

For Christ Lutheran service

times, log onto christlamesa.org, (619)

462-5211; for Journey, jour neycom-

munitychurch.org, (619) 464.4544.

Kelly Sipan is a local freelance writer.

La Mesa Centennial

Volunteer Opportunities

The City of La Mesa is looking

for people interested in volunteering

some of their time on Centennial

projects and events. Here are some

of the ways you can volunteer to

help make the Centennial year

exciting and memorable:

• E-Newsletter – Help produce a monthly newsletter with updates on

events and stories of interest.

• Clerical – Create correspon-dence and work with Excel mailing

lists.

• Staff Outreach Booth – Interact with the public to give out informa-

tion and obtain names for the email

and volunteer lists.

• Special Event Volunteer – Help with logistics at various events.

• Distribute Window Decals – Walk or drive to deliver decals to

business sponsors.

If you are interested in volun-

teering, please indicate your

preference(s) and forward your

reply to LaMesa100@ci.la-mesa.

ca.us or leave a message for Carol

Temes, Centennial Volunteer at

619.667.1105.

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DECEMBER BIRTHSTONE – TANZANITE, BLUE ZIRCON, OR TURQUOISETanzanite is a rare and beautiful gem from Tanzania, Africa. The International Colored Gemstone Association has named it as a new addition to the birthstones for December. Tanzanite comes in a variety of beautiful shades of violetish purple to deep intense purple with red undertones. The rare gem was discovered in the 1980’s and brought to the U.S. by J.P. Morgan, to irst be marketed by Tiffany’s.Blue Zircon has been known since antiquity because of its great brilliance and intense ire. The ancients believed in its curative powers. Carved zircons have been found in some of the most ancient archaeological sites. urquoise is an opaque gem that works beautifully for the silver lover born in December. The rarest of all turquoise comes from Persia, and is usually a robin’s egg blue without matrix, which is also beautiful, set in gold.

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Page 14 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011

La Mesa Courier8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145 • La Mesa, CA 91942

Phone: (619) 697-2500 • Fax: (619) 697-2505email: info@LaMesaCourier.com

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request will furnish a letter of correction to the advertiser. The Publisher, Mission Publishing Group, LLC., shall not be

liable for any error in published advertising unless an advertiser proof is requested in writing 12 days prior to publication

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submitted for publication to the La Mesa Courier are the views of the writers and should not be considered the views of

the publisher. Content of paid advertisements is solely the responsibility of the advertiser. © 2011, all rights reserved.

FREE CLASSIFIEDSFree classified ads are available to private parties and to non-profit organizations that do not charge for their services. Only one ad per party or organization will be accepted per issue as a free classified - additional ads must be paid for with submission of the ads. Free classifieds are limited to 25 words or less. Ads of more than 25 words cost 50¢ per additional word; payment must accompany the ad. All free classifieds will run for only one issue even if you indicate on the ad that you want it to run more than one time. All classified ads - free or paid - must be submitted by mail only or hand-delivered to Postal Annex at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD - IF NO DATE IS GIVEN, THE AD RUNS ONLY ONE ISSUE. The following ad classifications are eligible for free classified ads: FOR SALE, GARAGE SALES, LOST & FOUND, WANTED, FOR RENT, NOTICES and YOUTH SERVICES. However, this does not include WANTED ads for multi-level sales or FOR RENT ads for vacation/rental condos or NOTICES for any profit-making organization.

PAID CLASSIFIEDS - $8/25 words or lessBUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS including SERVICES, CHILD CARE, BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, NOTICES, HELP WANTED, & FOR SALE ads for any profit-making enterprise costs $8 for 25 words or less plus 50¢ per word over 25, payable in advance of publication only. NOTICES ads may NOT be ads normally classified under SERVICES (i.e., business ads) the Editor reserves the right to reject or re-classify any ads sent in under the NOTICES category that should more appropriately be placed elsewhere. PAID ADS may run for any consecutive number of issues, provided that proper payment for the ads is received in advance. NO PHONE CALLS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR RENEWAL OF ADS. THE LAST DATE PRE-PAID ADS WILL RUN IS PRINTED AFTER EACH AD. IF NO DATE IS INCLUDED AFTER THE AD, IT RUNS ONLY ONCE. When counting words—a word is a word, regardless of the number of letters. A telephone number is a word. An address such as “10000

San Diego Mission Road” is 5 words. We do not mail “proofs of publication” for classifieds.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO “LA MESA COURIER”

PLEASE READ INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. CIRCLE THE APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION. Make checks payable to “La Mesa Courier.”

Mail to 8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145 La Mesa, CA 91942.

FOR SALE CHILD CARE BUS. OPP. NOTICES

FOR RENT SERVICES WANTED (see restrictions above)

LOST & FOUND HELP WANTED GARAGE SALES

AMOUNT OF PAYMENT INCLUDED WITH AD: _________ CHECK #

2012 LA MESA COURIER SCHEDULEPublication date: 1st Friday of each month

Note: Deadlines are firm. No extensions.

Display ads & Business/Service Directory listings are paid in advance.

PUBLICATION DISPLAY AD SPACE AD ARTWORK ARTICLES CLASSIFIED AD

MONTH DEADLINE 5 pm* DEADLINE 5 pm DEADLINE 5 pm DEADLINE Noon

January December 20 December 27 December 27 December 31

February January 18 January 24 January 24 January 28

March February 13 February 21 February 21 February 25

April March 13 March 20 March 20 March 24

May April 10 April 17 April 17 April 21

June May 8 May 15 May 15 May 19

July June 12 June 19 June 19 June 23

August July 10 July 17 July 17 July 21

September August 14 August 21 August 21 August 25

October September 11 September 18 September 18 September 22

November October 9 October 16 October 16 October 20

December November 13 November 20 November 20 November 24

*Deadline to reserve space for advertisers not currently on a contract.

Mail or drop off your ad or article at our mailing address at 8030 La Mesa Blvd. #145, La Mesa, CA 91942

Articles may be sent via E-Mail to: Info@LaMesaCourier.com

Letters to the Editor

RE: What does it mean to be a ‘Fair

Trade’ town? Nov. issue page 15

La Mesa Council members Ruth Ster-

ling, Mark Arapostathis and Ernie Ewin

voted in favor of the Constitutional prin-

ciples of limited government and personal

freedom. We all stand a little taller as a

result.

It may have been a very dificult

decision with passionate appeals on

either side. After all, who could possibly

be against fairness? The most important

decisions are, by nature, the most dificult.

The supporting principle here is that the

Fair Trade proponents still have every

freedom to market their ideals with their

own resources to the business commu-

nity and consuming public on the merits

of their message. No vote by the city

council could ever stop that. We all win

as a council majority rejected the use of

public resources to persuade or discourage

anyone in the social justice political agenda

and the national marketing campaign of

the Fair Trade movement.

That is truly Fair Trade!

Scott Kidwell

RE: “Holiday Shopping, La

Mesa-Style”

I was shocked that you left out “ACT

II” (by name) in the article, “Holiday Shop-

ping, La Mesa Style” in the last issue. ACT

II has been part of the village for 29 years.

They have two stores. Was writing “resale

store” with no name given proper? Other

stores were mentioned by name, all of

which are new to the Village. I feel that a

store(s) that has been bringing people to

the Village for years should not have been

overlooked; their name should have been

spelled out. ACT II is one of a handful of

stores that have kept the Village alive. I

don’t understand; do you feel your readers

don’t deserve honesty from your paper, or

was there some personal agenda on the

part of the writer or newspaper? It makes

your newspaper seem biased.

Catherine Froelicher

(Editor’s note: The omission was

certainly not intentional. It would have

been impossible to list every merchant. The

article attempted to provide an overview of

the wonderful variety of shopping oppor-

tunities available in the Village and else-

where in La Mesa.)

Our "Letters" Policy

The Courier welcomes letters under

150 words in length, but may not print

them all. The Editor will select letters for

publication which represent a diversity

of opinions and topics. Letters may be

edited for clarity and length. Name,

address and a phone number are

required. (Only the name will be

shown.)

Favorite Holiday RecipesAudrey Matula, a former food editor for a daily California news-

paper and a La Mesan, has suggested a monthly column featuring

favorite recipes submitted by local residents. Here are two recipes from

her personal iles that are especially colorful and appropriate for the

holiday season.

Nita’s Cranberry Sherbet

(My mother’s recipe, a delicious, yet refreshing addition to a festive meal)

Boil 1-1/2 cups sugar and 2 cups water for 10 minutes. Add

1 scant tablespoon of plain gelatin. 1 cup sieved fresh cranberries

which have been boiled, 1/2 cup orange juice, 2 tablespoons lemon

juice and 1 sieved banana.

Place in an 8 x 8 inch container and freeze 6-8 hours; stir

frequently. Serves six hungry guests.

Cinnamon Cookies

(These cookies my mother baked were simple, yet oh so tasty! I still make them for holiday eating.)

Use 1 cup each of sugar and butter, 1 egg yolk, 2 cups pastry lour

and 1 tablespoon cinnamon. Mix together and spread very thinly on

cookie sheet. Beat egg white slightly, spread on cookie dough. Sprinkle

heavily with chopped pecans. Press down slightly. Bake 30 minutes

325 to 350 degrees. When cool, cut into bars. Yum-yum. Enjoy!

Let us know whether this is a feature you would like to see on

a regular basis, by writing or emailing us: info@lamesacourier.com,

8030 La Mesa Blvd., #145, La Mesa 91942.

Classiied AdsSERVICES

CUSTOM-FINISH CARPENTRY Doors, entry doors,

replacement windows, interior moldings (base crown,

etc.) Cabinetry, closet organizers, patios. Lic.#657086.

Call John (619) 208-6131. (10/12)

THE BIG DEAL 7 rooms or areas of carpet cleaned,

plus a sofa and loveseat just $349. You’re saving $150.

For details, call (619) 772-4764. BBB Member www.

trulycleancarpets.com (1/12)

Flute Lessons, SDSU Flute Professor, Emeritus. 35

years experience. BM, MM, and Doctor of Musical Arts

degrees. Partial scholarships available. musicwest@

septemberflute.com (2/12)

Quality exterior carpentry. Decks, Fences, Patio Covers

and Termite Repair. License #365241 www.aactionbuilders

ofsandiego.com Bob 619-275-1493 (04/12)

Pet/Housesitting Services. Est. 1983, Bonded.

Pet-tenders offers feeding, walking, plant care,

housesitting-and above all…spoiling…in your own

home! www.pet-tenders.com 619-298-3033. (03/12)

Flute/Piano Instruction. 30 years experience.

Beginner to advanced. Music Education. B.A. Degree.

Reasonable rates. Available for teaching in your home

or mine. Rick, 619-286-8012. (03/12)

Professional Power Washing. We specialize in

cleaning driveways, patios, tile roofs, stucco,

wood decks, rain gutters. Call 619-460-8177 www.

sandiegopowerclean.com. (03/12)

Contractor/handyman, small jobs ok. Plumbing,

carpentry, electrical, doors, roll up garage door repair,

laminate floors. Licensed and insured, Bill #701783.

619-698-0375. (01/12)

Linda’s Puppy Love. Bonded, licensed, insured pet

& house sitting service offers daily dog walks, cat care,

vacation visits, overnight care, love, care & attention.

www.lindaspuppylove.com 619-857-3674. (01/12)

Keith Everett Construction and Handyman Service:

All phases of home remodeling and repair. Window

and door replacement specialist. Repair or build any

style of fence, deck, or patio cover. Kitchen and bath

remodels. Senior discount, references. No job too small.

Lic #878703. Call 619-255-3499. (01/12)

Roofing, licensed, bonded, second generation

Allied Gardens roofer. Over 100 homes in Allied Gardens

roofed. Repairs, all types of roofing. Free estimates. Call

619-287-7149. (12/11)

Just Ask Crystal — specializing in odd jobs for

seniors but all ages welcome. Organizing home &

yard. Grocery shopping, errands/meal preparation.

Caretaker assistance & reprieve. Moving? Downsizing?

Help before, during & after. Holiday help for parties &

decorating. Too many jobs to list, just ask! Gift certificates

available. San Carlos resident with local references. Call

Crystal (619) 887-1211. (12/11)

Piano Lessons. All ages. Experienced teacher.

Masters Degree. Music Teachers Association member.

Theory. Two Piano Ensemble. Free lesson plan. Call

619-461-8289. (12/11)

LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011 Page 15

CIF Tennis, from page 13

Additional CIF doubles quali-

iers were El Capitan’s teams of

Anna Gregor and Ashley Wilson ,

and Megan Ellis and Sarah Oster-

houdt. Monte Vista was repre-

sented by Jessica Corral and

Maria Llamas, and Jackie Oritz

and Emily Stanil. Sarai Diaz

and Yvette Santos were from Mt.

Miguel. Singles qualiiers included

Sarah Abrenica of Monte Vista,

Anthoinette Dominguez of Mt.

Miguel, Dakota Ellis of Santana,

Kaylyn Pingel of Grossmont,

Jayden Tabor of El Capitan, and

Camille Stock of West Hills.

“The key is to keep the girls

playing year round in USTA junior

tournaments and Junior Team

Tennis,” Acklery said. “This year,

there is a drive by high school

coaches and local pros to provide

training opportunities and keep

the East County kids playing.

Our hope is to keep growing

the number of players who can

represent our area in next year’s

CIF tournament.”

IF YOU SUFFER FROM BACK

OR NECK PAIN, YOU PROBABLY

DON’T REQUIRE SURGERY

But for those who do, we offer

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invasive spine surgery.

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The Advanced Spine Institute & Minimally Invasive Spine

Center surgeons are at the forefront of a unique technological

advance of minimally invasive surgeries that preserve soft tissue and

have shorter recovery times.

Patients come from around the world to take advantage of one of the

most comprehensive, minimally invasive spine programs in the state—located

in your backyard!

For more information on the Advanced Spine Institute at Alvarado Hospital,

visit www.AlvaradoHospital.com or call 800-258-2723.

People want to stay in the place they call home

WE CAN HELP

Whether you are looking for someone to help a few hours a week or need more comprehensive assistance, Home Instead can help.

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Serving seniors and their families since

1997Each Home Instead Senior Care® franchise ofice is independently owned and operated. © 2009 Home Instead, Inc.

Page 16 LaMesaCourier.com — December 2011