Poway Gives Back: Blue Sky, Library Winner & Your Health

WHAT'S NEXT?

The Library Friends of San Diego County have chosen the 2012-13 winners for their annual essay contest. The LFSDC was established in 2011 to provide lasting financial support through gifts, trusts, government and private foundation grants, corporate sponsorships and more. This year's question was, “What's next for the library of the year?” The question was chosen as a result of the San Diego County Library being chosen 2012 Library of the Year by Library Journal and Gale, part of Cengage Learning.

Among the nine locals who received certificates and prizes for their winning essay in three categories, including children, teens and adults, was Wendy Rios winning first prize for adults. Wendy's essay included a variety of suggestions for making the Library of the Year even better. What's even more special is that Wendy donated her first place cash prize to the Library Foundation of San Diego County to support library materials and programming. Way to give back! You can see all the winners and learn more about the “Friends” at LFSDC.org.

BLUE SKY COMING YOUR WAY

The Blue Sky Ecological Reserve now has an amphitheater and Scenic Outlook, and both will be dedicated in a ceremony beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

The amphitheater will provide a sit-down venue for staff, docents and Friends of Blue Sky Canyon so they can host nature programs for the public, community groups and school students. It will be accessible to all visitors regardless of their abilities. The design consists of five terraced rows of seating which face a 20-foot diameter stage. Students from Palomar College donated their time and talent to provide the artwork in the area. Funding for the amphitheater and scenic outlook was provided by the Blue Sky Community Foundation which hosted several fundraising galas. Blue Sky, itself, was dedicated as an ecological reserve in October of 1989. Today, approximately 40,000 visitors enjoy this wilderness area each year. It's located at 16275 Espola Rd. Admission to the Feb. 8 dedication is free.

FYI

There's a new Urgent Care center serving our area. Ribbon cutting on the new MD Today Urgent Care Center is scheduled for this Wednesday evening. It's located at 10605 Scripps Poway Pkwy. in the Scripps Ranch Marketplace. It's next door to California Bank and Trust and Vons is across the parking lot.

The Center specializes in injuries and illness, pediatric care, on-site x-rays, lab services and a quick response time. They're open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and accept most insurance plans. You're up to date.