La Jolla News Nuggets: May 19-25

La Jolla News Nuggets: May 19-25

Congregation BethIsrael salutes itsLa Jolla staffers

After 32 years as program director at Congregation Beth Israel, 9001 Towne Centre Drive, La Jolla resident Bonnie Graff will pass the baton to Ilene Tatro, formerly with the Center for Jewish Culture in La Jolla.

In a press release about the changes, the congregation said Graff’s many years of dedication and enthusiasm have endeared her to them, and they look forward to a continued relationship with Graff on a consultant basis. Another La Jolla resident, Meg Mandel, will take on the position of Development Director at Beth Israel in June. Mandel has an extensive history at Beth Israel, including having served as president from 2013 to 2015.

Meals on Wheelsreceives $3,000from Kiwanis Club

La Jolla Meals On Wheels (LJMOW), serving the nutritional needs of homebound seniors in La Jolla and University City, has received a $3,000 grant from the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla. “We are extremely thankful for this very generous award and proud of our relationship with the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla, a relationship that has spanned over 30 years,” said program director Jane Semelsberger. “This donation will be used to help us provide nutritious meals that our organization subsidizes 100 percent for low-income seniors due to their inability to pay.” She added that clients receive one hot meal (lunch) and one cold meal (dinner) Monday through Friday, which includes a choice of beverage.

She noted that Kiwanis members have volunteered for LJMOW by delivering meals to seniors on Thursday for many years. In addition to its senior nutrition program. La Jolla Meals On Wheels offers its Friendly Visitors Program at no cost to homebound seniors in its service area. Clients are matched with the most compatible volunteer visitors for one- to two-hour weekly visits.

For volunteer opportunities, call (858) 452-0391 or visit lajollamealsonwheels.org

Students to host STEM/Coding series

High school students from the Preuss School are putting on a “Kids that Code” STEM series 12:30-4 p.m. Saturdays through June 11 at the La Jolla’s Riford Library, 7555 Draper Ave. The school’s robotics team kicked off the conference May 14 with a demonstration of their award-winning ball tossing robot. Each week there will be a different theme from programming and LEGO Mindstorm, to CAD modeling and 3D printing as well as other STEM presentations conducted by the students. (858) 552-1657.

Bike talk and book signing at Warwick’s Books

To commemorate National Bike Month (May 2016), Warwick’s will host a book signing and discussion with Margaret Guroff, author of “The Mechanical Horse,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 19 at 7812 Girard Avenue.

“The Mechanical Horse” reveals how the bicycle reshaped the American life. From shortened women’s dresses to roads paved for the first time, she describes how the stepping stone between the horse carriage and the automobile is still the fastest way to navigate gridlocked city streets. The event is free, but seating can be reserved at (858) 454-0347. Only books purchased at Warwick’s will be signed.

Socks needed for veterans’ Stand Down

Speaker Emeritus Toni Atkins is hosting a sock drive as part of the 2016 Stand Down — an event where homeless veterans can gather downtown for haircuts, hygiene products and an extra set of clothes. During the Stand Down, held annually in July, there are never enough socks, her office reports.

As a donation location, La Jolla’s Riford Library will have a collection bin set up during Atkins’ mobile office hours, 4-6 p.m. Thursday, May 26 at 7555 Draper Ave. For more details, call (619) 645-3090 or e-mail assemblymember.atkins@assembly.ca.gov

La Jolla Cluster Association meets

The next meeting of La Jolla Cluster Association will be 4:15 p.m., Thursday May 19 at Muirlands Middle School Library, 1056 Nautilus St.

Attend for a discussion with school staff, parents and community members in Bird Rock, La Jolla and Torrey Pines elementary schools; Muirlands Middle School and La Jolla High School.

Scripps Health celebrates local cancer survivors

Scripps Health will host free public celebrations throughout the month of June for cancer survivors, families, friends and the community at large at each of its five hospital campuses across San Diego County, as part of its 25th annual observance of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Events will include inspirational stories of survival, presentations on advances in cancer treatment and research, refreshments, musical entertainment and opportunities to connect with caregivers and fellow survivors.

La Jolla celebrations include 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, June 11 at Schaetzel Center, Great Hall, 9888 Genesee Ave. Register by June 10 at 1 (800) 727-4777, and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, June 12 at the Valerie Timken Amphitheater, 10666 North Torrey Pines Road. Register by June 6 at (858) 554-8388.

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