Social Butterfly

May 1st, 2008

Evelyn Madison- The Social Butterfly

Bronze Sculpture to be Unveiled at Charter High School

On Friday, May 2, from 10:30am-11:30am, in the American Spirit Theater at the Escondido Charter High School, 1868 East Valley Parkway, Escondido, there will be an unveiling of a life-sized bronze sculpture of "The Spirit of '76," created by the talented sculptor, Phyllis Peuker Raynes. Raynes also created "The Flag Raising," the bronze sculpture of five life-sized teenagers positioned around a flagpole at ECHS' main entrance.

"The Spirit of '76" oil painting, often described as America's most popular patriotic painting and a cherished national symbol, depicts a Revolutionary War scene with three central figures - two drummers and a fifer. It is believed that this will be the first life-sized bronze sculpture in the nation that depicts the three figures from the famous painting by Archibald M. Willard (circa 1876).

In addition to the unveiling, there will be a press conference to meet the Sculptor, Ms. Raynes; Barbara Weber, granddaughter of Capt. L.L. Bucklew, who spear-headed the "San Diego County Spirit of '76 Association;" and Willard F. Gordon, great-great-nephew of the artist, Archibald M. Willard, who painted the famous oil painting, "The Spirit of '76." Mr. Gordon authored the book, "The Spirit of '76...an American portrait: America's best known painting, least known artist."

For more information, contact Dennis Snyder, Executive Director of ECHS, at 760.737.3154.

Boys & Girls Club to Hold Annual Auction Fundraiser

The Boys & Girls Club of San Marcos is rolling out the red carpet for the 29th annual "A Night with the Stars" Auction, to be held on Saturday, May 3, at the Boys & Girls Club, 1 Positive Place, San Marcos. The event will begin at 5pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a buffet dinner and live auction. Dress to impress or come as your favorite celebrity.

Guests will have an opportunity to bid on many items, including an aerial flight of San Marcos and North County, flown by Mayor Jim Desmond, a dinner served by the San Marcos City Council, an African Safari for two, and a framed San Diego Chargers jersey autographed by LaDainian Tomlinson.

Organizers hope to raise over $170,000 to help support Character and Leadership programs to the 3,531 youth members, and all proceeds benefit these youth programs. This event is the Club's largest fundraiser, and is made possible by the generous support of businesses and individuals in the community. For more information or to purchase tickets or tables, contact Michelle Roper at 760-471-2490, Ext.306 or email to mroper@webcc.net.

North County Bluegrass Announces Headliner for May Event

When the regular "First Tuesday" event of the San Diego North County Bluegrass & Folk Club takes place at the Round Table Pizza on May 6, Sara Petite will be featured. Raised where wild huckleberries grow, Sara originally hails from Sumner, Washington, a tulip-farming town southeast of Seattle. She grew up riding in her Dad's seaplane and on the back of his motorcycle. She is a modern-day June Carter with a lyrical sense of Dolly Parton. With strong roots in classic country, bluegrass and classic rock, she falls firmly under the genre of Americana. Her inspiration for songwriting comes from fond memories of home and her many travels throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Western and Eastern Europe.

Sara has been playing clubs, venues, festivals, house concerts, pubs, dive bars and grocery stores from San Diego to Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, Arizona, Nashville, Mississippi, and Europe. She currently is finishing her third European tour and has opened for many great acts.

The program begins at 7pm with local bands and/or pick-up groups from jam sessions, and the headliner at 8pm, at the Round Table Pizza, corner of Washington and Ash streets in Escondido. For more information, check the website at www.NorthCountyBluegrass.org.

Escondido Democrats to Discuss Immigration Reform

As the nation approaches a presidential election and change of administrations, immigration reform remains a hot-button issue. The Escondido Democratic Club will address the issue at its Thursday, May 8, meeting, at 7pm at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Blvd, Escondido. The meeting is free and open to the public, with free parking, and light refreshments will be served.

Featured speakers are Andrea Guerrero, Field and Policy Director for the ACLU San Diego and Imperial Counties, and Eric Larson, Executive Director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau. Ms. Guerrero earned her law degree from UC Berkeley, master's degree from University of Texas at Austin, and bachelor's from Stanford. She has practiced immigration law in San Diego for seven years, and served as chair of the Immigrant Rights Consortium of San Diego County. Mr. Larson has been executive director of the San Diego Farm Bureau since 1997, having worked in the County's agricultural industry since 1971. He served two terms on the Carlsbad City Council, and is a past director of the Carlsbad Municipal Water District, San Diego County Water Authority, and the Encina Wastewater Authority.

For information about the meeting or Escondido Democratic Club, contact Rick Moore at communicator@cox.net or 760.740.8595.

Dr. Farouk Al-Nasser to Speak at LSM Democratic Club

"Iraq Today: Five years after the invasion, is the military surge working?" This presentation by Dr. Farouk Al-Nasser will be featured at the May meeting of the Lake San Marcos Democratic Club. Dr. Al-Nasser is an Electrical Engineer who has represented his San Diego firm in an executive position in the Middle East. He is currently in contact with family and friends in Iraq on a weekly basis. A resident of Poway, he has given many presentations about Iraq across San Diego County.

The Lake San Marcos Democratic Club welcomes members of all parties to hear this timely presentation. The meeting will be held at 12:30pm on May 10, at the Lake Pavillion, 1105 La Bonita Dr., Lake San Marcos. For further information, call Betty Ball at 760.752.1035.

Mother's Day Tea to be Celebrated by CWONC

The Contemporary Women of North County (CWONC) and the City of San Marcos will present the 8th annual Mother's Day Tea on Saturday, May 10. For Mothers, Daughters, Grandmothers and Friends, everyone is welcome. Share an afternoon of fine teas, delicious treats, delightful company, entertainment, and special opportunity items.

The Tea will be held in a garden setting at the quaint and historic Wood House at Woodland Park in San Marcos. Tea will be served from 11:30am to 1pm. Tickets are $22/person or $36/for two, with special discounts for groups of six or more. Proceeds will benefit local community service efforts of CWONC and the organizations they support. For tickets, (or if you cannot attend and would like to make a donation), call Laura McPhee at 760.744.5534.

Emily Martin attended last year's Mother's Day Tea and had her photo taken with Miss San Marcos 2007, Rebecca Burgess. Each year, Miss San Marcos and her court attend the Mother's Day Tea to assist with the festivities. (Photo by Kaye Martin)

Wine, Brews and Blues Featured at Bonsall Rotary's Fundraiser

Bonsall Rotary has put a new face on its annual fundraiser, Wine, Brews and Blues Festival, set for Saturday evening, May 17, at the California Center for the Arts in Escondido. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Attendance is limited. To purchase tickets, call 800.249.2024, or order online at www.bonsallrotary.com.

In addition to tasting wines from over 50 wineries, this year's Festival features beers and ales, delicious food prepared by fine restaurants and caterers, and live entertainment. All of this is included in the reduced admission price of $50/person ($30 for designated drivers).

Throughout the night, attendees can dance to the music of five bands performed on two stages. The Bonsall Rotary Club will also conduct a silent auction, offering a broad array of items ranging from trips to fine art. Proceeds from the event are used to support local and international charities.

RB Chorale Presents Spring Show at Poway Center

Tickets are now on sale for the the RB Chorale's Spring show, "Broadway USA!", under the direction of Pat Bean. Performances will be held on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17, at 7:30pm, at the Poway Performing Arts Center, 15498 Espola Road, Poway. The popular 120+ voice community chorale will present a program packed with Broadway tunes from South Pacific, Gypsy, Hairspray, and more. Shows will also feature three appearances each night by this year's finalists of the Chorale's annual scholarship program, selected in part by audience vote, to receive $2500, $1500, and $1000 respectively.

Tickets are available at www.rbchorale.org, by phone at 858.485.SONG (7664), through Chorale members, or at www.powayperformingarts.com. Prices are: Preferred Seating $30; General Admission $20; Seniors and Students $18; Children 3-12 $10; and Infants 0-2 $5. Net proceeds benefit the RBChorale Scholarship Fund for musically talented San Diego area high school graduating students.

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