New classes at Fantastic Ceramics
     ALPINE — Alpine’s Fantastic Ceramics is holding a new class by Alpine Artisans. The classes will give kids and adults a chance to create items for themselves and/or presents to give to others.
     Classes include everything from hair to home accessories featuring beading techniques, working with clay and much more. Adults and children will learn new skills as well as artistic and scientific concepts and lessons such as “Reduce Reuse and Recycle.” You can sign up for one of their scheduled classes or, with a minimum of five people, host your own class from their menu at their location or yours.
     The first classes for children are Bead Mine on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Hearts Galore on Thursday, Feb. 8 from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The introductory fee of $15 covers the class and materials. Beading Basics for adults is on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m., the fee is $15, materials are available for purchase at the class or you can bring your own.
     The class list is always changing so check back frequently for new classes being offered. For more information one may call Fantastic Ceramics at 445-7200 or check online at www.fantasticceramics.com.

ALFA has new store hours
     ALPINE — The Alpine Library Friends Association Book Store has new operating hours.
     It will be open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Mondays. The store is located in The Alpine Creek Town Center, 1347 Tavern Rd. Suite #14.
     If you have not visited the bookstore yet you are missing out on the best selections of books in the East County. There is a large variety of books to choose from at reasonable rates. Many books are sold for a fraction of their original price. Everyday there are new books to choose from on the New Arrival’s table. Wednesday is Half Price Day and patrons need to stop in to see what is half price that day. You can also purchase gift certificates.
     All proceeds go towards supporting the Alpine Library with new books and magazines, equipment, crafts for Story Time programs and continuing to increase ALFA’s capital fundraising account for a new Alpine Library.

Kiwanis sponsors Special Olympics
     EL CAJON — All Division 31 Kiwanis Clubs, including Alpine, are sponsoring the 2007 Special Olympics on Saturday, March 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at West Hills High School, 8756 Mast Blvd. in Santee. In case of a rain, the events will be rescheduled for March 31.
     Practice dates at West Hills and Helix High School are scheduled for Feb. 10, 17, 24 and March 3, 10 and 17. Requirements to qualify are; ages eight and up, including adults diagnosed with a developmental disability; a release form and physician’s certification; and attendance at practice sessions prior to the event.
     To sign up for the event, call the Special Olympics Office at 283-6100, or to volunteer to help during the event, Call Jim Cate at 890-2283.

Free guitar lessons for teens
     ALPINE — A free guitar class is being offered to local teens on Wednesday evenings at 3:30, 4:15, and 5 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Blvd. There are three classes available: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced. Middle and High School students are invited participate in these free lessons.
     Students need to bring their own guitar; electric and acoustic guitars can be used for the class. The instructor is Fr. Keith Acker, pastor of our local Alpine Anglican Church. He has taught guitar for more than 20 years and taught the free classes to teenagers in Alpine the last five years.
     For more information visit www.AlpineAnglican.com or call 722-1772.

Local 4-H looking for more Amigos
     ALPINE — The Alpine Amigos 4-H is looking for interested youth between the ages of five and 19 to join the club.
     Would you love to learn more about farm animals and crafts? Come see what 4-H is all about. General Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month, 7 p.m. at the Alpine Community Center.
     For more information call Linda at 445-8610 or Charla at 445-4249.

Support group formed for Alpine cancer patients, caregivers
     ALPINE — This year nearly 12,000 San Diego County residents will be diagnosed with some type of cancer. In order to address their special needs and concerns, the American Cancer Society has established a support group for patients, survivors, caregivers and family members who live in Alpine and nearby communities. Meetings will continue throughout the year on the third Wednesday of each month. A licensed marriage/family therapist will facilitate the support group and guest speakers are being scheduled for upcoming sessions.
     Anyone who has been affected by cancer, either as a patient or a family member, is invited to this group at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Alpine Community Center, 1830 Alpine Boulevard. For reservations, please call the American Cancer Society, 682-7415 or e-mail kay.clark@cancer.org.

AFPD offering five scholarships to local students
     ALPINE - The Alpine Fire Protection District invites local high school seniors to compete for one of five $1,000 regional scholarships to be awarded by the San Diego Chapter of the California Special Districts Association (CSDA).
     The purpose of the scholarship program is to increase knowledge and awareness of special districts and their role in local government. Students who compete for a scholarship will complete an essay that demonstrates their knowledge about the purpose of special districts. Applicants must also provide a personal statement related to their background or goals. Additional selection criteria include community involvement or volunteer service, letters of recommendation, and grade point average (2.5 minimum).
     Students may print out an application on the AFPD web site www.alpinefire.org or contact Chief Jobes at 445-2635. Applications must be received at the District's office by 5 p.m. Friday, March 9. Eligible students must live within the district's service area.

CTN looking for local content
     SAN DIEGO — The County is accepting applications for grants that encourage non-profit and educational institutions to produce quality and timely half-hour video productions. Five $10,000 grants will be awarded through the Local Government Programming Video Grant Program, and finished videos will be aired on CTN, Cox channel 19, and Time Warner Channel 22.
     Applications can be obtained at www.ctn.org, by calling 595-4680, e-mailing Jacquelyn Collins or mailing Cable Franchise Administrator, County of San Diego, 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 208, San Diego, CA, 92101.

Alpine Mountaineers 2007 sign-ups
     ALPINE — Alpine Mountaineer Pop Warner Football league will be holding sign-ups beginning in February.
     The Alpine Mountaineers are a Pop Warner Football League with Six teams and Cheer Squads, ranging in age from 5 to 15. Cheer Squads will be matched with an age appropriate football team.
     Sign-ups are scheduled for Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alpine Elementary, March 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Alpine Elementary and finally on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Shadow Hills Elementary.
     Players must have two copies of their birth certificates and a 1-by-1 inch head shot photo. At the end of school year, a copy of the year’s report card will be required.
     Registration is $225 and includes coaching, competition registration fees and Cheer Uniform.
     The Mountaineers are also looking for volunteer Cheer Coaches and a Cheer Director. For further information, contact Chuck Taylor, Vice President at 251-6998. Our web site is www.alpinefootball.com.

Calling poets, authors and journalists
     ALPINE  — The Alpine Writer’s Guild is in the process of organizing a writing group for teens. If you are a local teenager and have an interest in writing, please contact Lillian Fisher at 445-5537.