Lakeside Junior Olympics

The Lakeside Junior Olympics was held on the football field at El Capitan High School this past Saturday, May 6. Official announcer (and Tierra del Sol Middle School principal) Scott Goergens opened the ceremonies (as he has for the past five years) with a wry observation:

“On the day of this event, it’s either 100 degrees or it rains. There is no in-between.”

The Lakeside Junior Olympics was held on the football field at El Capitan High School this past Saturday, May 6. Official announcer (and Tierra del Sol Middle School principal) Scott Goergens opened the ceremonies (as he has for the past five years) with a wry observation:

“On the day of this event, it’s either 100 degrees or it rains. There is no in-between.”

It was a cool morning and the skies were threatening, but the rain held and the day was perfect for all the running and jumping and throwing being done by over 400 students. Hundreds more parents, family members, and friends cheered the kids during the 51^st annual contest. As is usual with such competitions, there were some close races and some not-so-close races. But the kids worked hard and all were winners in the end.

Fourth and Fifth graders from Lakeside elementary schools competed (Lakeside Farms, Lakeview, Lemon Crest, Lindo Park, and Riverview), as well as students from the two middle schools in the area (Tierra del Sol and Lakeside Middle). Matched by grade and split between the boys and the girls, these young Lakesiders ran 20 different races and participated in long jumps, high jumps, shot puts, and softball throws. The day’s motto was: Coaches Coach, Athletes Play, and Parents Cheer.

The event started back in 1967 when the Lakeside Kiwanis Club (which is no longer in existence) developed the idea for a local junior Olympics. Since then, thousands of Lakeside girls and boys have participated in this competition. Coach Connor Macky of El Capitan High School supervised this event, ably supported by his track and field team.

May-Older Americans Month

Did you know that May is “Older Americans Month?” It was established in 1963, when only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. The idea (that continues to this day) was to honor and recognize the role of our senior citizens and their contribution to community and country.

This year’s theme is Age Out Loud. The Lakeside Branch Library has a number of special events to celebrate this month:

On Saturday, May 13, at 2:00 p.m., retired Naval Aviator Rafe Arnott will speak about the USS Midway: the battle, the ship, and the museum.

On Monday, May 15, at 1:00 p.m., Feel Fit with Vicky Velasco and her program of easy weight training, stretches, flexibility, and balance exercises that will help your health and mobility.

Through May 15, enjoy the Tree of Life Art Exhibit that features a variety of art media to represent all generations and the natural process of aging. All programs are help at the Lakeside Branch Library, 9839 Vine Street in Lakeside. And all these events are free.

Lakeside Garden Club

The Lakeside Garden Club will host their annual Spring Plant Sale on Saturday, May 13, at the historic Olde Community Church in Downtown Lakeside, 9906 Maine Avenue. The sale goes from 8:00 a.m. to noon.

Night Ride at Lindo Lake

“Night Ride at Lindo Lake” is coming up on May 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Sheriff’s Department will join the Park & Rec staff to discuss bicycle safety before the evening ride around the park. A limited number of lights will be provided for participants. Kids under 10 can enter the “Bling your Bike, Trick your Trike” contest. It’s free and all ages can attend. Call the Lakeside Community Center for more information at (619) 443-9176.

Coffee with Supervisor Dianne Jacob

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob is hosting another “Coffee with Constituents” on Wednesday, May 24. The meeting will be held at Willowbrook Golf Course, 11905 Riverside Drive, in the Events Room. It starts at 8:30 a.m. and usually goes about two hours. Bring your community concerns and comments.