This section contains information on local activities and items of interest to Canyon Lake residents. Information should be submitted to news@goldingpublications.com no later than 5 p.m. Monday.
Coast Classic Bicycle Tour
Ivan Henery is raising money for the Arthritis Foundation by participating in the 520-mile California Coast Classic Bicycle Tour. Community members are invited to help Ivan reach his goal of $3,100 by July 30. Anyone interested in sponsoring Ivan by donating to this worthy cause can go to ccc14.kintera.org and click on the link to "Sponsor Participant." Then type in his name, "Ivan Henery." Ivan says any donation is welcome, and no donation is too small!
Titan Fundraisers
Canyon Lakers are invited to support the Temescal Canyon High School football program by buying a Titan Discount Card. In addition, there will be an e-waste fundraiser in the TCHS parking lot, 28755 El Toro Rd. in Lake Elsinore (near Costco), on August 23, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information on either fundraiser, contact April Chatwin at 951-660-5348.
In addition, local businesses interested in purchasing a tax-deductible ad in the football program, printed for each home game, may contact Oscar Hurtado at 951-219-1403.
'Summer Splash' Volunteers
The Jr. Women's Club "Summer Splash" event will be on August 2 at Holiday Harbor. This is a water themed, kid-oriented event for families. There are games and giant inflatable water slides for the kids, along with food and entertainment. Stay tuned for more details. At this time, the JWC is looking for high school volunteers. Students who would like to earn community service hours by volunteering at the event are invited to contact Event Chair Karen Terry at 951-901-3608.
Caregivers Connection
A free 12-week class for family caregivers will be the topic of discussion when Caregivers Connection meets July 28 at the Canyon Lake Community Church from 10 a.m. to noon.
Darlene Merkler, program specialist for the Family Caregiver Support Program, will discuss resources for caregivers and bring a list of support groups throughout Riverside County. She’ll also explain a variety of free resources for caregivers through her office and other agencies.
Caregivers Connection provides an opportunity for caregivers to share common problems, needs and experiences as they offer around the clock care for their husbands, wives or parents. Anyone caring for a loved one 24/7 for illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke, heart issues or Parkinson's is welcome to attend.
The group meets in room C5 at Canyon Lake Community Church on the second and fourth Monday of each month.
For more information, contact the group’s facilitator Jo Ann Wickerath at 679-7736.
Teen collecting eyewear
A local high school student, Cody Hankins, is collecting glasses to help those in need, both locally and around the world. He is doing so in conjunction with the local Leos and the Lions and Lioness Clubs of Canyon Lake.
Those with an old pair of reading or prescription glasses may contact Cody at 951-805-7301 or ydochankins@verizon.net to arrange for pickup. All donations collected will be given to the local Lions and Lionesses for international distribution.
Health Fair
St. Martha's Catholic Church in Murrieta, 37200 Whitewood Rd., is conducting a Health Fair on Sunday, August 10, from 8 a.m to 1 p.m. It will be held in the Family Life Center and will be open to the public. Several local doctors will be participating, and information will be available on free community health resources, CPR and First Aid registration. For more information, call 951-698-8180.
Steering Wheel Covers
The Lioness Club is selling custom-made steering wheel covers to protect hands from hot steering wheels. The covers are made of many different materials and patterns and work equally well during the cold months. The price is $8 for one, or two for $15. To purchase a cover, contact Laverne Can at 951-244-5715. Profits from this project will go to one of the Lioness Club's ongoing philanthropic projects.
Beach Bus Rolling
RTA is making it easier to reach the beach thanks to expanded seasonal service on CommuterLink Route 202. The express route provides additional weekday and weekend trips to the Oceanside Transit Center through September 1. Round-trip cost is only $6. Buses depart from the Murrieta Walmart and Temecula Promenade Mall. Visit RiversideTransit. com for details.
Lioness Bingo
The Canyon Lake Lioness Club holds Bingo every first and third Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Senior Center. Games are $20 for a 12-sheet set and $10 for a six-sheet set. Two 50/50 games are played for $1 each or six for $5. A free game will be given to anyone who brings a food donation for HOPE.
Refreshments are provided for a nominal donation. All proceeds from the games are donated to various charities endorsed by Lions Club International as well as helping organizations in the community.
Lock Vehicles
Canyon Lake Community Patrol reminds residents to double-check the doors and windows in their vehicles each evening and be sure alarm systems are activated. Records show most thefts from vehicles in Canyon Lake occur because doors were left unlocked or windows left open. They also say residents shouldn't leave items of value in front yards or driveways.
Open cars and valuables left outside can lead to "crimes of opportunity" that can be easily prevented. If a crime is in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. Then call Community Patrol.
Call Community Patrol at 951-244-5950 any time there is a suspicious-looking person.
Genealogy Research
Lake Elsinore Genealogical Society (LEGS) meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Community Room of the Wildomar Library at 34303 Mission Trail in Wildomar. A LEGS member is available to help interested persons get started in genealogy research on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the same location. The instruction is free and there is no membership required. For more information, call Candy Petersen at 246-2028.
Breast Cancer Resources
Michelle's Place is a breast cancer resource center serving this area, located at 27645 Jefferson Ave., Ste. 117, in Temecula. The center's mission is to provide emotional and educational support to those touched with breast cancer and facilitate breast health care services. Regular hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn about available services and resources at michellesplace.org or 951-699-5455.
Farmers Market
The Farmers Market operates every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the upper section of the Towne Center parking lot. It features fresh produce from local farmers and fresh flowers from area growers as well as handcrafted items, vendor merchandise and freshly prepared food. It's a good place to pick up fresh food for holiday meals and gifts from local vendors.
Clothing Wanted
A couple in Canyon Lake regularly makes deliveries of food and clothing to the Riverside City Mission, where the needs of the hungry and homeless are continuous. Donations can be dropped off at the Coldwell Banker office in the Towne Center, 31620 Railroad Canyon Rd.
Grandparents Raising Grandkids
The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Task Force (GRGTF) consists of representatives from the variety of county agencies that impact the lives of these families, as well as representatives of county and state elected officials, grandparents, and community volunteers.
As part of its goal to address the multiple, complex issues faced by grandparents who have taken the responsibility of primary caregiver, the Task Force hosts several support groups throughout the county. The Murrieta/Temecula area support group meets the third Thursday of each month at 10 a.m. at the Mary Phillips Senior Center in Old Town Temecula, 41845 Sixth St., just behind the fire station.
GRG invites all grandparents raising grandchildren to come and share experiences, challenges and concerns, and learn about programs that are designed to assist in raising grandchildren. For more information, call 1-800-510-2020.
Al-Anon Family Groups
For those whose lives are affected by someone else’s drinking, the Al-Anon family groups provide a fellowship for sharing experiences, strength and hope in order to solve common problems. Al-Anon believes alcoholism is a family illness and that changed attitudes can aid recovery. Even if the alcoholic continues to drink, his or her relatives and friends can achieve serenity as a result of Al-Anon Family Group.The group meets Wednesdays at 10 a.m. at Lamb’s Fellowship, 21901 Railroad Canyon Rd. in Lake Elsinore. For more information, call 244-0081 or visit alanonriverside.org.
Tiles at the Tennis Courts
The Tennis Club is placing ceramic tiles made by kids or adults on the wall around Court 5, overlooking the parking lot. Tiles can be painted at The Cup Above in the Towne Center for $10, plus tax.
TOPS Meets in Lake Elsinore
Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) meets each Tuesday at the Senior Center Annex, 420 E. Lakeshore Dr. in Lake Elsinore, next to Lake Point Park. The active club is led by Jean King. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. and business and therapy is from 9:15 to 10:30. Visitors are welcome. Annual dues to join the national organization of TOPS are $28; the Lake Elsinore TOPS's monthly dues are $2. For more information, call 674-0880.
Safe Alternatives
Safe Alternatives for Everyone (S.A.F.E.) is a non-profit agency in Temecula that is committed to providing programs and services to children, youth and families who have experienced or are at risk of violence and abuse. For more information on S.A.F.E.’s services go to www.safefamiliesca.org or call 951.587.3900.
Parkinson’s Support Group? The meetings of a local Parkinson's Support Group are free and open to Parkinson's patients and their caregivers. Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning at 1 p.m. in the Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St. in Murrieta. For more information, call 285-4008 or 696-7130.
Hospital Volunteers Needed
Menifee Valley Medical Center is seeking hospital volunteers. Only four hours of volunteer service per week qualifies one to become an active member of the hospital volunteer team. No experience is necessary; training is provided. Minimum age is 16. Contact 679-8888, ext. 7254.
Women's Home
A couple from Wildomar would like to let area women who are experiencing domestic abuse, homelessness or other difficulties know they have opened a women's home in Wildomar. Bruce and Phyllis Carranza call the women's home a "lighthouse guiding women in need of changing their lives, a place where they can receive love and support, an anchor in Christ." To learn more, call the Carranzas at 471-1791 or 445-0948.
Caregivers Connection
Caregivers Connection offers an opportunity for caregivers to share common problems, needs and experiences. Anyone caring for a loved one 24/7 for illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke, heart issues or Parkinson's is welcome to attend.
The group normally meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon, in rooms C5 and 6 at Canyon Lake Community Church. For more information, call facilitator Jo Ann Wickerath at 679-7736.
Adult Day Care
Adult day care services are offered by Care Connexxus at 29995 Evans Rd. in Menifee. The non-profit organization is a non-medical licensed program that provides adult day care/adult day services to elderly and younger qualifying adults who are mentally, physically or socially dependent on others to complete tasks of daily living. For more information, contact Tiffany Kenny at 672-9536.
Elks Lodge Bingo
Bingo is open to Elks and the general public at the Lake Elsinore/Wildomar Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail in Wildomar, on Thursdays. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games start at 6. For more information, call 674-6804.
Alcoholics Anonymous
Temecula Valley Alcoholics Anonymous holds meetings in most nearby cities. The primary purpose is to help members achieve sobriety. For more information, visit temeculacentraloffice.org or call 695-1535.
Wheelchairs for Seniors
Miracle on Wheels is notifying the public about the opportunity for seniors and others with debilitating conditions such as stroke, heart and breathing problems or diabetes to obtain a power wheelchair at little or no cost. According to Miracle on Wheels, Medicare’s regulations now make it easier to obtain a power wheelchair for seniors and others with problems getting around their home, or who are in danger of falling due to their medical condition. For more information and to learn about qualifying call 800-400-4210.
Mothers of Preschoolers
MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is for mothers of children, newborn to kindergarten age. The meetings are held at the Canyon Lake Community Church on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. For more information, contact Heather Weber at 852-7478 or Jaclyn Copeland at 265-9938.
MOMS Next
MOMS Next is a group for mothers of elementary school aged children. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays at Canyon Lake Community Church. For more information, contact Dana Kocik at 246-1013 or Melissa Roberts at 757-6010. Both groups can be registered through the church office.
Senior Softball
Softball players 55 and older are invited to join the senior men’s league in Menifee. The league plays on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at Wheatfield Park, next to the Menifee campus of Mt. San Jacinto Community College. For more information, call Ed Hustead at 679-8626.
Caregivers Connection
Are you a man or woman who provides around the clock care for your husband, wife or parent? Anyone caring for a loved one 24/7 for illnesses such as dementia, Alzheimer's, stroke, heart issues or Parkinson's is invited to attend Caregivers Connection, a support group that offers an opportunity for caregivers to share common problems, needs and experiences.
The group meets in room C5 at Canyon Lake Community Church on the second and fourth Mondays of each month from 10 a.m. to noon. The next meeting will be held on April 28.
For more information, contact the group’s facilitator Jo Ann Wickerath at 679-7736.
Free Fax Friday
Debby Gagnon of Pack, Wrap and Post in the Canyon Lake Towne Center says she would like to help those who are currently seeking employment during these tough economic times by offering free use of the fax machine for the purpose of sending out resumes. Anyone interested in taking advantage of this offer is invited to stop by Pack, Wrap and Post on Fridays; no appointment is necessary. Debby says she will offer the service as long as she is able to do so.
Thank the Troops
Xerox Corporation has created a simple way for citizens to thank military personnel overseas letssaythanks.com. The sender selects a design and message, which is then personalized with the sender’s name and town. Xerox then prints and sends a postcard to a member of the military stationed overseas. It only takes a few minutes to send a postcard and say thanks.