Docent training offered this weekend
     ALPINE — In response to numerous requests from Alpine residents, Carol Morrison, President of the Alpine Historical Society, has agreed to provide a docent training class.
     All those interested in learning more about Alpine’s rich history are invited to attend. Docent training sessions will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, March 26. Both sessions will begin at 2 p.m. and will be held at the Alpine Historical Society Museum, 2116 Tavern Road.
     Please contact Carol Morrison at 445-2544 or send an e-mail to alpinehistory@cox.net if you plan to attend these informative classes.

Church to celebrate anniversary
     ALPINE — On The Rise the worshippers who meet Sunday evenings, will celebrate their first year anniversary with a pot luck supper on Sunday evening, March 5 before gathering for their regular service at the Alpine Elementary School.
     The young congregation met for the first time on March 6, 2005 for a Sunday evening service at the First Baptist Church of the Willows The Rev. C. J. Jackson, the speaker, has now become the regular pastor. The congregation has grown to an average of over 50 regular attendees. 

Soroptimists of Alpine honor women
     ALPINE — The Soroptimist International of Alpine presents “Women honoring women” event on Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at Viejas’ Dream Catcher Lounge.
     A buffet brunch will be served in honor of the applicants for the “Making a Difference for Women Award 2006,” and the “Women’s Opportunity Award 2006.”
     Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, one may contact Becky Kirkwood at 445-6201, ext. 110, or e-mail beckybardoo@yahoo.com. 

ACC holds March Madness tourney
     ALPINE — The Alpine Community Center is pleased to announce the first annual “March Madness” doubles tennis tournament, to take place March 4, 5, 11 and 12. 
     The two-weekend event will feature team competition for junior’s, men’s, and ladies divisions, as well as mixed doubles.
     Tournament matches start Saturday, and Sunday, March 4 and 5. Consolation and semi-final matches will be held on Saturday, March 11 and conclude with the final four championships on Sunday, March 12. The tournament entry fee is $15 dollars for juniors, and $18 dollars for adults. The deadline to register is Feb. 28.
     For tournament details and registration, contact Rene Toscano, ACC teaching pro, at 722-1669 or e-mail retoscano@yahoo.com.

Education committee holds indoor grand prix
     ALPINE — The Alpine Chamber of Commerce’s Education Committee will hold an indoor grand prix and honorary mayor inauguration on Saturday, March 18, from 6 to 9 p.m.
     The event will be held at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd., and will feature dinner, karaoke, racing games and beer and wine tasting. The evening will also be the inauguration for Alpine’s Honorary Mayor Michael James.
     Proceeds benefit the Alpine schools and students. Ticket cost is $35 per person. For more information or tickets one may contact the chamber at 445-2722.

Junior fair holds fund-raising auction
     LAKESIDE — The Eastern San Diego County Junior Fair will hold a barbecue and fund-raiser auction on Sunday, March 19, at the Lakeside Rodeo and Fairgrounds, at Mapleview and Highway 67, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
     Tickets for the event are $7 each, and funds raised will go towards the fair, to be held May 15 to 20. This year the group is hoping to raise enough money to put in a permanent washing rack for the animals as well as fans to circulate air.
     For more information one may contact Don Dyer at El Capitan High School, at 938-9100.

Pine Valley library offers Black History Month programs
     PINE VALLEY — The Pine Valley Branch of the San Diego County Library, 28804 Old Highway 80, will present free programs in celebration of Black History Month.
     In addition to special speakers at the library throughout the month, on Wednesday, Feb 22, there will be an after-school African mask craft project. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. and parents are requested to remain during programs.
     School groups are requested to phone a week in advance to reserve space. For more information, one may phone the library at 473-8022.

AHS offers field trip
     ALPINE — The Alpine Historical Society invites everyone on a field trip to the George W. Marston House in Balboa Park.
     Those interested in attending will meet at the museum, 2116 Tavern Road, at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 26. Carpooling opportunities will be available if desired.
     The Alpine Historical Society offers two 1890's houses for viewing — the Captain Adam Beaty house and the Dr. Sophronia Nichols house, both located at 2116 Tavern Rd. For further information, one may call Carol Morrison at 445-2544.
     The third historic building is Alpine's original town hall, circa 1899, at 2156 Alpine Blvd., now home to the Alpine Woman's Club. The building has a hand-dug basement and a nostalgic collection of pictures and memorabilia. For further information, one may call Joan Waterworth at 659-3946.
     The entrance fee is $4 for adults and $3 for children.
If you are interested in going on the tour, please contact Carol Morrison at 445-2544 or send an e-mail to alpinehistory@cox.net.

Alpine celebrates Mardi Gras
     ALPINE — Five local businesses will be holding Mardi Gras celebrations on March 1, 2, 3, and 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
     There will be free beads, refreshments, drawings for a free gift basket at any of the five business locations. Participants include, Gems and Things and Courtyard Cottages, at 1935 Alpine Blvd.; Cottage on the Boulevard, at 2363 Alpine Blvd.; Alpine Porch and Antique Cottage Chic, at 1919 Alpine Blvd.
     For more information contact one of the shops, or one may call Gems and Things at 659-8978.

Kiwanis sponsors child safety event
     ALPINE — On Saturday, March 11, The Child Safety Event will be held in the Alpine Community Center’s parking lot, 1830 Alpine Blvd., in Alpine. 
     The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and professionally trained members of the San Diego Safe Kids Coalition will be on hand to inspect and/or install your child’s car seat.
     Child safety advocates state that in San Diego County 96.7 percent of the children’s car seats are installed incorrectly.
     Kiwanians will also be on hand at the location with their Child I.D. Kit Program. Children may be fingerprinted and photographed for free.
     The Kiwanis Club of El Cajon will also sponsor a bicycle helmet safety check and give away helmets at the event.
     For further information, one may call Event Chairman, Jim Cate, at 890-2283.

NRA holds family shooting sports camp
     ALPINE — The Lemon Grove Rod and Gun Club will host an NRA Family Shooting Sports Camp on Sunday, March 12, beginning at 8 a.m.
     The event will introduce families to a variety of shooting sports and outdoor activities, in a safe, supervised, and enjoyable environment. There will be a quest appearance by “Shooting Star,” Tom Knapp, world class shot-gunner. Activities will include gun and hunter safety, wildlife identification, hunting dog demonstrations, and one-on-one supervised shooting with certified firearms instructors.
     To get to the Lemon Grove Rod and Gun Club head south on Tavern Road approximately 3.6 miles to Sycuan Truck Trail. Turn right in Sycuan Truck Trail and continue three more miles to the gun club. There is a large sign on the right.
     For questions prior to the event, one may contact Jim Smith at 464-5073 or online at j.smith@cox.net. On the day of the event, the range contact is 445-4030.

New fire station opens March 17
     ALPINE — The public is invited to take part in a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Alpine Fire Station 17, on Friday, March 17, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
     The new station, located at 1364 Tavern Road, has been under construction for more than a year and will finally open its doors after the dedication. Light refreshments will be provided for attendees.
     For more information, one may call the Alpine Fire Protection District at 445-2635.

Local MOMS Club holds rummage sale
     The MOMS Club of Alpine and Mountain Empire will hold its Annual Rummage Sale on Saturday, March 18, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., in the Los Coches Wal-Mart Parking Lot, 13487 Camino Canada. 
     The sale features bargains on all types of maternity, baby and children's clothing, as well as baby and children's gear and toys. 
     All funds generated by this event will be given to charities benefiting women and children. 
     The group is a local chapter of the nonprofit International MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club.
     For further information, one may call Jennifer St. Hilaire at 722-6470.