Poway Gives Back: Spirit Day, Girl Scouts & Mr. Titan

SPIRIT DAY RETURNS

On Saturday, April 13, volunteers will report for duty for the seventh annual POWAY SPIRIT DAY. Organized by the Rotary Club of Poway-Scripps, it brings community members of all ages together to complete beautification projects all over Poway. Can we count on you and your friends to be there?

Once again we'll be checking in and handing out assignments at the Boys and Girls Club, 12988 Bowron Rd., next to Valley Elementary starting at 7:30 a.m. Thanks to the Soroptimists for handling check-in again this year. Last year 130 volunteers spread mulch at several locations. This year we have trail pruning in three locations, including Green Valley near Pomerado Hospital. We'll be repairing trails with dirt at additional locations, removing invasive artichoke at South Poway Park, spreading mulch at Iron Mountain and picking up fallen lemons near Adobe Ridge Park. The number of volunteers we have will determine how many projects we can complete. It's off to work at 8, and the day concludes at noon with a barbeque lunch provided by the Elks Club back at the B&G. Some tools will be provided. We recommend bringing gloves, hats, sunscreen and wearing protective clothing. Service groups, church groups, businesses, friends and families are encouraged to participate. Please RSVP at spiritdaybill@gmail.com and tell me how many you're bringing.

WHAT'S THE 2-1-1?

Congratulations to Poway resident, and longtime veterans supporter Gary Rossio, who was honored this past week for his 40 years of service at the annual 2-1-1 Connections Luncheon, held at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. In his career as a health care leader and veterans advocate, Gary has worked to expand Veterans Affairs sites and services, improve the VA system and create a stronger safety net for veterans and their families. He is co-founder of the regional collaborative, the San Diego Veterans Coalition, established in 2009. Also honored at the luncheon were the Fleet and Family Support Center, Mental Health Systems and the United Veterans Council.

2-1-1 San Diego connects people all over our region with community health and disaster services through a free, 24/7 stigma-free phone service and searchable online database. For more visit 211sandiego.org.

LIFE AFTER COOKIES

Girl Scout Troop 8702 is trying to win a Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout junior can achieve. Between now and March 23 they're collecting pet food and other supplies to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Shelter and Second Chance Dog Rescue. They need unexpired canned dog and cat food, dry dog and cat food, treats for dogs and heavy duty storage bins with lids. If you can help call Kim Vildibill at 858-668-3051.

MEET MR. TITAN

Poway High School senior boys will have a chance to compete for the title of Mr. Titan, in a pageant put on by the Associated Study Body (ASB) this coming Friday beginning at 7 p.m. It's being held at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. Approximately 10 senior boys will attempt to demonstrate their talent, school spirit, general enthusiasm and charisma with talents ranging from singing and dancing to beat boxing. I know the latter sounds brutal but it's actually the “art” of producing drumbeats, rhythm and musical sounds using your mouth. I'm sure a microphone is involved. The winner claims the title, a free tuxedo rental and ticket to the prom. Tickets are $10 for adults and students and are available at the door beginning Friday at 6:15 p.m. For more, contact Emily Petterson at 858-748-0245 x5182.

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