Dine Out To Donate to Animal Friends of the Valleys

If there is one thing people and pets have in common, it would be that we all love to eat. So what better way to help support the less fortunate animals at the local Animal Friends of the Valleys shelter than dining out for a conscious cause?

Starting next week, two area restaurants have teamed up with Friends of the Valleys to offer patrons the chance to give back while enjoying a good meal. They’re calling it, chow down for the animals.

On select days when you dine at the specified Chili’s or Chick-fil-A restaurants, 15 percent of your total bill will benefit animals in need. By simply presenting the printable flier, each restaurant will generously donate cumulative proceeds from the day right back to Animal Friends of the Valleys.

Looks like dinner has been decided.

Chick-fil-A
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
5:00 pm- 8:00 pm
24794 Madison Avenue
Murrieta, CA
Print flier below or download Printable Flier



Chili’s
Thursday, February 9, 2012
11:00 am- 10:30 pm
41070 California Oaks
Murrieta, CA
Print flier below or download Printable Flier

Buy A Massage Envy Gift Card for Valentine's Day

North Golf Course Poker Tournament Scheduled for Saturday, February 4

An Affaire at the Barn Coming to Menifee

Pikin’ Chixs is at it again. Searching near (and far) for the very best unique antique and vintage vendors to set up shop at the encore Affaire at the Barn. Set for Saturday, February 11th, 2012 this daylong event promises to put forth crafty goodness and one of a kind finds available to the public right in Menifee’s Motte Country Barn.


The first Affair, which took place back in October 2011, was so successful they decided to give it another go. Attracting over 300 patrons in just one day, the Chixs are ready to make next month’s event another affair to remember. With February’s occasion fast approaching, and two more dates on the calendar, Pikin’ Chixs is planning to make this year bigger and better than ever.

The one-day fair features dozens of vendors each peddling their own carefully curated collections of chic, unique, vintage, antique, and/or artisan wares.

Admission proceeds from the day will be donated to the non-profit Mini Pearls Foundation. Mini Pearls’ main mission is to improve and enhance the quality of life for children living with cancer.

Pikin’ Chixs is currently accepting vendors for all of their Affaire dates, including: February 11, June 23, and October 20. Daily rates are $75 per booth. Please contact Sharon Each or Christie Christensen for more information, at (951) 588- 5559 or pikinchixs@gmail.com.

An Affaire At The Barn hosted by Pikin’ Chixs
Date: February 11. 2012
Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost: $5.00
Location: Motte Country Plaza
28380 State Highway 74
Menifee, CA 92585

Massage Envy Invites Public to Attend Chamber Mixer

The February Mixer for the Menifee Valley Chamber will be held at Massage Envy to celebrate their new location in the Countryside Marketplace on February 1st from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. A ribbon cutting ceremony by the Chamber will take place at 6:00 PM.

This is a free community event; the public is invited to visit the new Massage Envy facility, meet community business leaders and enjoy complimentary food and beverages. A drawing will also be held during the evening for a 3 month gift membership to Massage Envy.

Sponsors for this month’s event include:

Wells Fargo
The Menifee Valley Community Food Cupboard
Texas Road House
Menifee 24/7
Premier Party & Tent Rentals
Red Robin
Heavenly Produce
La Masters
Ira’s Fitness Pro’s
KLH Promotions
Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce
Starbucks
Miguel’s Jr.
Sweet Layers Cakes & Pastries
National Association of Female Executives
Sun City Women’s Club

Massage Envy Spa Menifee is now open. They are open from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Saturday and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Sunday. For more information call 951-821-3222 or visit their website.

Your Menifee Valley Chamber is leading the charge for responsible development, growth, and community involvement. For more information or to contact the Menifee Valley Chamber please visit their website here.

Successful Author Event To Become a Twice Yearly Tradition

On Saturday January twenty first Sun City Library hosted their wildly successful first annual Author's Meet and Greet Event. To the delighted surprise of many authors, the event produced a steady stream of interested patrons from beginning to end.

Local author Kay Murphy who was featuring her memoir, Tainted Legacy said, “You never know what to expect (when you come to these sort of signings), but this has been the best author event I have ever been to.”

The library was a smart venue for hosting such an author event in that it attracted a consistently pertinent crowd. Writers and readers alike enjoyed conversing with local authors who gave them insight into their published works as well as the writing and publishing process.


Two war veterans were on hand to speak about their published war stories. While James Steffes's was a non-fictional account and Rey Madeuno's was a fictional integration of actual events, both men enthusiastically shared their war stories turned to books.

The Sun City Library Poetry Group shared excerpts from their soon to be released poetry compilation. Local poets Tina Walker and Pamela Wagstaff each exhibited their published works of poetry as well.


Several children’s authors attended, each sharing their illustrated stories for a younger audience. Rosa Dungereaux has written a four book series aimed at teaching children historical stories and fables they may not otherwise fully understand. Her books each include an art project, which Rosa has allowed teachers to reproduce and use in their classrooms.

On the other end of the spectrum, literary horror author Martin Lastrapes featured his newly debuted novel, Inside the Outside, which has already been on the Amazon bestseller list three times. Mystery writer Bob White said of his sold out stock of Abducted, “If I had brought more, I would have sold more.”

The genres broadly ranged in topic from serious to more comedic. Of particular notice was George Gurney’s Cookbook for the Culinarily Challenged. Using humor and superfluous attention to detail, George explains to the most challenged of chefs how to make delicious recipes step by step.

Overall, the seventeen authors present described the day as "terrific". Sun City Library’s Shirley Wible assures us, “This will definitely be a twice yearly event from now on.” She hopes to develop the one-day signing into a week long festival including book readings and speakers.

Adoptable Pet(s) of the Week

Since Sun City K9 temporarily houses mostly dogs, we generally feature friendly pups each Friday. Today however we have not one, not even two, but three adoptable pets for the week. Two of which are pretty kitty's that really need new homes.

Adoptable pets of the week: Chleo, Meow Meow, and Siria.


Name: Chleo

Breed: Domestic short hair feline

Age: 12 years

Gender: Female, spayed

Temperament: Chleo is an older cat who is in desperate need of a home. She is a very sweet feline with lots of love left to give.

Chleo's story: Chleo's previous owners recently lost their house and were not able to take her with them to their new residence. She now needs a place to spend her remaining years.


Name: Meow Meow

Breed: Domestic short hair feline

Age: 13 years

Gender: Female, spayed

Temperament: This beautiful cat is very loving and docile. As an older cat, she would make a wonderful house companion.

Meow Meow's story: Meow Meow's owners also lost their house and were unable to continue caring for her. She now needs a forever home to spend the rest of her (nine) lives.


Name: Siria

Breed: Shepard mix

Age: 1 year

Gender: Female, spayed


Temperament: Siria is docile and timid but very sweet. At one year old she is still young and needs lots of gentle love. She takes a little while to feel comfortable with new people, but after she has warmed up she loves to play. She is good with other dogs and people.

Siria's story: Siria was found wandering the streets and was very scared and timid. It was evident by the condition of her body that she had just had puppies, so she took a little while to recover both physically and mentally.

Mommy dogs are visibly sad when they are separated from their new pups and she seemed every bit depressed and lonesome. She has since made a wonderful recovery and now needs some love and affection.

Both cats and dogs of all species, sizes, and ages are available for adoption every weekend at the Menifee Petco in the Countryside Market Place. SCK9 brings their animals for you to meet on Saturdays from 9 am until 2:30 pm and on Sundays from 10 am until 2:30 pm.

Sun City K9 Adoptions
26510 Murrieta Road
Sun City, CA 92586
951.679.6444

Open Monday-Sunday
9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch.

Elevate Fitness Officially Begins New Core Training Class, Monday, January 30

Even though the flyer reads, January 23, Paul David, the owner of Elevate Fitness Studio, says the class officially starts January 30.

You have time to sign up, and can join in even after the 30th...

Bell Mountain Middle School Students Donate Raised Funds to Sun City K-9 Shelter

Lauris Moxley’s Special Needs class at Bell Mountain Middle School has been working long and hard to collect recyclables during lunchtime on campus. Collecting about $20 each week in bottles and cans, Ms. Moxley’s class decided to donate $100 to the Sun City K-9 Shelter located off of Murrieta Road in Sun City.

Kim Stockton, Emily Curry, and Sharla Anderson are three members of the shelter who stopped by the classroom on January 27th in order to accept the donation from the students.

“We really appreciate all the hard work you guys have done to help support the animals,” Anderson says, addressing the room at large.


Above, the students listen enthusiastically as K-9 Staff Member Kim Stockton speaks to them about tips for caring for your pets.

Three para-professionals who work with the kids were also there to present Sun City K-9 with the donation.

“I really love the facility and the fact that it is no kill,” says Lynne Hartung, one para-professional who came up with the idea to donate the money the kids raised. “I rescued a dog awhile ago that had some extra supplies. I donated them to Sun City K-9 because I really love that facility.”

Ms. Moxley believes that the recycling program is a great opportunity for her students to be able to interact with other students on campus.

“It’s good for other students to see our group as contributing members,” she says. Ms. Moxley hopes to be able to make other students on campus more aware of their recycling program and hopes to be able to get more recycling bins placed around campus.

Para-professional Suzette Perez also agrees that the interaction between the students has been extremely positive and beneficial.

“Other students have been very supportive,” she admits. “Some kids even bring their bottles and cans to our classroom.”


Left, Andrew Phanouvong, who Ms. Moxley says was the "most enthusiastic recycler," presents Kim Stockton with their donation.
The students were able to use the remainder of their money to fund a pizza party for the class with their ASB buddies.

To learn more about the Sun City K-9 shelter, you can find more information on their website here.

Casino Night for the Cupboard is Tomorrow

Tomorrow, Saturday, January 28, at The Conference Center the Beer Hunter Casino Night will be held from 4-8pm. Community business owners have donated generously to make this event fantastic!

A Pixture has donated a Photo Booth for our guests to use during the event. With a small cash donation to the Cupboard, up to 10 guests at a time can fit into this professional photo booth and take hysterical group shots, with the photos delivered immediately.

Regis Salon in Temecula is donating a "Style Basket" valued at $200 basket with styling products and a cut and color.

Feeling Lucky Entertainment is donating a "Lucky Basket".

Menifee Valley Chamber of Commerce is donating a basket from "The Basket Lady".

Royal American Financial Advisors are donating brand new, useful kitchen items; a Steam Shark Mop, Professional Rice Cooker and a Countertop Convection Oven, as well as the use of The Conference Center.

4 VIP tickets to a Los Angeles Kings hockey game and a parking pass from Waste Management.

1 round of golf in The Beer Hunter Golf Tournament in March from The Beer Hunter.

"Margarita Gift Basket" from Castillo Heating and Air Conditioning.

Free Massage from Massage Envy.

Free Haircut and style from Bellezza Salon.

Free Housecleaning from Care Free Cleaning.

The Beer Hunter is providing a small feast for the event:

Sandwich station - Hand Carved Turkey on slider rolls with cranberry sauce or Mayo, BH BBQ pulled pork sandwiches topped with creamy cole slaw, served with pickles chips

Cheese Station - Wheel of Parmesan cheese served with homemade garlic crisp and grapes

Dessert station - Assorted mini treats served is baker cup's

Snacks station- Beer Hunter Granola Snacks - Home made treats perfect for the tables

Tickets will be available at the door from 3:30pm, with the event beginning promptly at 4pm. Ticket prices are $30 per person, $50 per pair. All proceeds go to the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard.

Come and support your local charity and have a great time doing it! For questions or information contact Tina Walker, Clear Digital Media, Inc., at 951.660.7192.

Hospice of the Valleys to Hold Free Volunteer Training, Wednesday, March 7

Hospice of the Valleys is seeking hospice volunteers to provide companionship and support to patients and their families. Volunteers help with tasks such as writing letters, running errands, providing companionship, and respite for family caregivers.

Their upcoming volunteer training will be held on March 7th, 12:30 pm to 5:30 pm at Sun City Library, located at 26982 Cherry Hills Blvd, Menifee, CA 92586.

If you are interested in attending the training or would like additional information, please contact Jennifer Harcarik at 951-200-7800. RSVP required.

City's Planning Commission Elects New Chairman, Seats New Member

Menifee's Planning Commission, this evening, chose a new chairman and vice-chairman to lead the five-member group through the 2012 calendar year.

Bill Zimmerman will be the new chairman with Matt Liesemeyer as the vice-chairman. Both Zimmerman and Liesemeyer have been on the Planning Commission for the past three years since Menifee became a city. Liesemeyer had previously been its chairman in commission's first year.

Zimmerman takes over the chairman position from Chris Thomas, who will remain on the commission. Liesemeyer will takes over the vice-chairman position from Bill Zimmerman.

The Planning Commission typically names a new chairman and vice-chairman each January.

Chad Warren, who had been named as the newest planning commissioner last Friday, took his oath of office this evening and was seated on the dais for tonight's planning commission meeting.

School District Wants Students To Get A Head Start on Immunizations

Menifee Union School District is now sending letters home with students asking parents to make sure they are immunized with the T-DAP (Whooping Cough, Pertussis) Booster in preparation for the next school year.

The T-DAP Booster is required for students entering the 7th through 12th grades, due to State legislation that went into effect July 1, 2011, and applies to both public and private schools.

"We want to get the word out early to parents about the T-DAP Booster, even though we're still several months away from the next school year", says Betti Cadmus, public information officer for the school district.

When the current school year started last Fall, the district managed to reach nearly a 100% compliance rate thanks to an aggressive publicity campaign. "We only had a handful of students who were not allowed to enter", Cadmus explained. "Otherwise, we did extremely well in preparing our students for class."

The district requires students entering middle school to bring written documentation of their T-DAP immunization to the School Health Office at the earliest convenience. Failure to comply will result in the student being excluded on the first day of school, until the requirement is met.

Parents should see their family physician to make sure their child is protected against Pertussis.

MSJC Starts Off Spring Semester with A Full House

January 23 marked the first day of Mt. San Jacinto College’s Spring 2012 semester. More than 15,000 students were enrolled for classes, filling nearly all of the seats in courses needed to transfer or obtain a degree.

Ninety-three percent of seats were full district wide on the first day. Of that number, nearly all of the courses students need to get into a four-year university or graduate with an associate’s degree were full. At the Temecula Education Complex, seats were 96 percent full; 93 percent of the seats were full on the Menifee Valley campus; the San Jacinto Campus was 91 percent full; 90 percent of the seats were taken on the San Gorgonio Pass Campus. These numbers make up the 15,383 students who are enrolled.

The lagging economy has resulted in a high demand for college courses across the state. While state funding for education has dropped, MSJC continues to serve more than 1,000 students above the amount for which it receives state funding.

For more information on how state budget cuts are affecting MSJC and other state community colleges, you can find the information here.


Students line up around the building in order to purchase needed textbooks.

Super Bowl Reserved Seats at The Beer Hunter

Super Bowl XLVI is Approaching! The New York Giants and the New England Patriots! Do you have your front row seat reserved?

The Beer Hunter has the best seats in town for only $10 per seat. Entire tables are available for reservations on a per seat basis. The price of the seat will be applied to your bill, so everyone wins! When was the last time that happened on Super Bowl Sunday?

Call The Beer Hunter at 951.301.4700 to reserve your seat today! Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5th, will be here before you know it. Don't let someone else get your seat!