Fair and Parade organizers need help
     DESCANSO — The annual Descanso Fair and Parade is in deep trouble and organizers say there is a possibility that they won’t be able to put on this event, as we have been left without our main organizers, due to either moving from the area or health concerns. They write:
     As it stands, the Fair and Parade is scheduled for July 9, but, we are desperate for those special people, willing to step up to the plate, and get the show on the road. Specifically, we need organizers for the parade itself, the soda pop concession, ticket booth – you name it. We are sending out this distress signal now, so we can begin formulating our plans. But, we cannot do it alone. We need volunteers. The Town Hall Association is pleading for your help. It simply won’t happen without you.
     Please call Nancy Shull at 445-4388 or Diana Shea at 445-2482 or 938-6018. Either one of these nice ladies will be delighted to take your name and phone number and sign you right up as a volunteer. There is a plethora of jobs available and we desperately need your organizing skills to make this miracle happen.

VFW Ladies Auxiliary busy this month
     ALPINE – The Alpine VFW Ladies Auxiliary will hold a meeting on Mar. 12 at 11 a.m.
     On Thursday, Mar. 17 the Ladies Auxiliary will host a corned beef and cabbage dinner. The cost is a $5 donation and doors open at 3 p.m. On Saturday, Mar. 19, beginning at 10 a.m., will be the Rough Riders 4th annual Veterans Benefit dinner. The event will feature musical entertainment and dinner.
     Saturday, Mar. 26 will be the day for the 26th Poppy Drive at Daniel’s Market located in Alpine Creek Shopping Center. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
     Karaoke night at the VFW is every Friday evening and burgers are served 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday.

Disney Quiz Night to aid kindergarteners
     ALPINE – The PTA for Creekside Early Learning Center at Alpine’s All Kindergarten school is sponsoring “Disney Quiz Night” on Friday, Mar. 11. Disney Quiz Night will entertain about 300 people and raise money to support the non-profit organization’s attempt to supply kindergartners with new playground equipment.
     Contributions are also welcomed from businesses and corporations, including items that can be used in the silent auction. Donors will be recognized in the program, and those who donate over $200 will be prominently featured in the program.
     For further information, one may call Brenda Holmes at 445-9264.

No-cost chipping available
     There is a no-cost chipping service for fire hazard reduction available to the following communities: Alpine, Descanso, Pine Valley, Japatul Road, Lyons Valley, Guatay, Morena Valley, Boulder Creek, Sherilton Valley, Morena Valley and Boulder Oaks.
To receive the free chipping service residents can call the Fire Safe Council office at 562-0096 and tell the coordinator you would like to have the service.
     Residential addresses must be clearly marked at the street and on the house. The pile must be accessible within five feet of road and or driveway. The chipping crew is not responsible for cutting or moving brush.
     No palm, cactus, poison oak, or ice plant will be chipped. No rocks, trash, construction materials or excessive dirt in piles.

NRA holds meetings in Alpine
     ALPINE — The East County chapter National Rifle Association is now holding meetings in Alpine at the Bread Basket restaurant. 
     Regular meetings will now be held the third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
     At the last meeting the group was entertained by retired Fish and Game representative Bob Turner with a slide show on American Mountain lions. 
     Bob Maupin at Hi Pass Sports will accept applications from new members and those wishing to become active in the NRA.

Campo VFW hosts annual Easter egg hunt
     CAMPO – The Campo VFW will hold its annual community Easter egg hunt, Saturday, Mar. 13, at noon. Following the Easter egg hunt a bicycle rodeo will be held at 1 p.m.
     There will be lots of food available for a nominal fee. Hot dogs, soda, coffee, nachos, and will include an Auxiliary Bake Sale for your sweet tooth.
     You may become a member of the VFW and the ladies auxiliary if you, your spouse, or immediate member of your family has served in a foreign war.

Boulder Oaks to host Western Days
     ALPINE – The Boulder Oaks Elementary School PTA is hosting Western Days Carnival for the youth of Alpine on Friday, Apr. 15. The evening will include games, a rock wall, a cakewalk, good music, great food and a silent auction.
     The program will raise money for the 460 students at the school. Local businesses are encouraged to help by donating goods or services.
     For more information, one may call PTA President Carrie Schimke at 445-8676, or e-mail her at boespta@yahoo.com.

Wild night of gambling funds health care
     CAMPO – Mountain Health and Community Services will hold Casino Night from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, May 14, at the Mountain Empire Community Center, at 976 Sheridan Road. For an advance ticket, the cost is a $50 per person donation. It will be $65 at the door and $100 per person for the High Roller ticket.
     The event will feature a catered buffet dinner, Casino Gaming by Casino Magic, High Roller Tables, High Stakes poker games, a costume contest, door prizes, a silent auction, and music. 
     A ticket gives one the barbeque dinner, a chance to win at the door prizes and grand prizes, plus $500 in casino money. The High Roller ticket affords the above benefits plus $200 extra in casino money and champagne. Also, it entitles one to a personal host to provide an endless array of food, snacks and beverages.
     All proceeds help cover expenses incurred by under/uninsured patient visits at Mountain Empire Family Medicine in Campo, High Dessert Family Medicine in Jacumba and Alpine Family Medicine in Alpine; and other expenses incurred in the operation of the Mountain Empire Community Center, including supplementing the Senior Nutrition Program and other activities, programs, community meetings and events.
     Participants must be 18 or over. There are two no-host bars, and for alcoholic drinks patrons must be 21 or over.
     For an advance ticket, one may call Lynn Neff at 478-5254 x35 or visit the website at: Mountain Health and Community Services.   
     The website offers all sorts of services, from Mapquest to suggestions for how to dress up in the fashion of the wild west, from Billy the Kid’s style to Annie Oakley.

Cedar Fire author seeks contributors
     EL CAJON — Vickie Bradeen is still looking for contributors it. She’s looking to bring in survivors of the Paradise Fire, as well.
     “There were a lot of unsung heroes in these fires,” Bradeen said, “and we could always use more stories about them.”
     Bradeen is also looking for someone to underwrite the costs of publishing. Does anyone know a company or organization that would be willing to help, or has connections in a place like Wal-Mart or Barnes and Noble?
     To contribute a story or help to underwrite the cost, one may call Bradeen at 749-9935.