Poway Gives Back: Learn How to Protect Your Family from Fire

It's fire prevention week and the Poway Firefighter's Association, in cooperation with the Poway Fire Department, is holding its 28th annual open house this Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the fire training tower, located at 12335 Crosthwaite Circle in the business park.

Bring the kids and have some fun while you learn how to protect your family from a fire. There will be a kid's safety house, tours of the training tower and fire engines, the Santee Clowns, spray the fire hose at a target and a concession stand with proceeds donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

Here's a link to the website: http://www.poway.org/Index.aspx?page=443

Free Youth Dental

Infants, children and teenagers can receive a free dental screening and a fluoride varnish application or dental sealants thanks to the non-profit Neighborhood Healthcare, their partners and a volunteer team of San Diego dentists, hygienists and assistants. 

The free clinic is this Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at NHCare's Ray M. Dickinson Wellness Center, located at 425 N. Date Street in Escondido.

Last year 221 children were treated to care and this year they're expecting 300 to 400 kids. Walk-ins are accepted but priority is given to those with appointments.

 Games, face painting, arts and crafts, and a visit from the tooth fairy will entertain while families wait to see the dentist. Parents will receive information about important community resources and can get assistance on completing the Oral Health Assessment Form for children entering kindergarten. 

To make an appointment call 619-692-8858 by this Friday.

Gently Hugged

That's the name of the non-profit organization collecting gently used and new baby clothing from newborn to 1 year. The clothing will then be distributed to military, low-income and immigrant families. 

If you can help you'll find collection bins at Mt. Olive Lutheran Preschool, 14280 Poway Road, and at Roots Hair Salon, 11671 Duenda Road in RB. Find details and more bin locations on their website www.gentlyhugged.org.

Bless The Animals

Doggy butlers and greeters are still needed for the Escondido Humane Society's Tails at Twilight, Saturday, Oct. 12, at Vintana in the Lexus Center in Escondido. If you can help call Cindy Swayze at 760-888-2235.

Meanwhile, you're invited to a Blessing of the Animals at St. Bartholomew Church, 16275 Pomerado Rd., this Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. You are welcome to bring your own pet for the festivities, however, they can use some help bringing and handling some of the EHS animals to the event so they can find their new forever home. The website is www.escondidohumanesociety.org.