Live, Work & Play in Escondido

Although it’s wet this time of year, you don’t want to be a wet blanket and stay home when there are all sorts of activities going on in Valley Center:

The Valley Center History Museum is continuing one of its most popular exhibits, a tribute to film icon John Wayne, who was once a part-time resident of Valley Center and Pauma Valley. During February the museum will also offer a tribute to the Academy Awards, including information about MGM Producer Sam Zymbalist, a former resident who won an Oscar for his work on Ben-Hur. For more information, call 760-749-2993 or visit the museum Web site at valleycenterhistory.org.

In February the Maxine Theater will resound to the notes of the annual Valley Center Jazz Benefit Concert at the Maxine Theater. This event on Feb. 6 usually features top jazz names as well as local teachers such a Jeff Beck and Christopher Hollyday.

To find events at the Maxine, visit their Web site at http://maxine.vcpusd.net/

In February the Valley Center 4-H club holds its annual pie auction at the Valley Center Middle School. You can bid on home-baked masterpieces. Funds raised benefit local scholarships.

It has been reported that there won’t be a Miss Valley Center pageant this year because not enough young women applied to be in the event. The pageant is normally held in March.

In March the Dos Valles Garden Club celebrates Arbor Day by planting trees at Adams Community Park. The planting is held on the Saturday nearest to Arbor Day.

Also in March the Valley Center Chamber of Commerce sponsors the popular Irish Stew Contest, held the Thursday closest to St. Patrick's Day, in Valley Center Community Center. Organizer Kathleen Patton originated the festival. It's an evening of colorful displays, and a bit of blarney (such as when prizes are awarded for the "best bribe" for the judges) and, of course, stews that tickle the taste buds and serenade the heart! There's usually musical entertainment. Don't be surprised to hear an Irish tenor or members of a local school band. For information on Chamber events, call 760-749-8472.

The first Saturday in April is the time for the largest fundraiser in Valley Center, the annual Jaguar Auction, at the high school gym. Money is raised for every high school organization and helps build the Valley Center High School Foundation endowment.

For information on high school events, call the school office at 760-751-5500.

Later in April Dos Valles Garden Club holds its annual standard flower show at St. Stephens Catholic Church. Anyone with a flair for floral arranging or growing flowers, vegetables and fruits is welcome to enter. It has two divisions, horticulture and design.

Also in April the Valley Center Optimist Club will sponsor the 15th annual Tommy Thomas Memorial Golf Tournament at Woods Valley Golf Course. Proceeds benefit youth programs.

Bates Nut Farm remains open this time of year, and there are plenty of lovely, sun-filled days to enjoy at this popular destination. Visit their Web site at www.batesnutfarm.biz or call 760-749-3333. EM

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