VC residents will get a unique opportunity to hear the professional performing talent teaching at our schools (and their friends) at Sunday’s Teachers & Friends Concert, 3 p.m. at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
“We have all this talent out there and not everyone’s aware of it,” VC School Supt. Jeff Mulford told The Roadrunner this week.
They’ll know after Sunday’s concert.
The district’s policy is to hire professional quality performing arts teachers. “Rather than simply having a teaching credential, you need to have people with professional quality,” said Dr. Mulford.
This has led to hiring the likes of Rich Horne, who formerly sang opera in Germany and Jeff Beck and Christopher Hollyday, both jazz musicians with a national following.
Jeff Beck’s wife, Laralee, who directs the school choral program has also been singing professionally for ten years. Her musical theater credits include My Fair Lady, Good News, Where’s Charley? and The Wizard of Oz. As a jazz vocalist she has performed with combos and big bands in the San Diego area.
Additionally, says Mulford, “You have the Gary Pays of the world.” Pay, director of grounds and maintenance for the district, also plays bluegrass. “For him it’s more than a hobby, it’s an avocation.”
And then there’s their friends:
Former elementary and middle school principal Gary Wilson, now a principal on the coast, continues to maintain a fond relationship with Valley Center. Wilson is also a professional singer, who has performed for 30 years.
Jane Rattman will direct and manage the event. John Ward will MC. Money raised will benefit the VCHS theater.
The performers:
Gary Wilson, former president of the Kiwanis Club, was a VC principal for a total of 6 years. He will perform Smile, Somewhere Out There and Teach Me Tonight.
Jeff Beck and Christopher Hollyday with Lance Jepesen, Jim Jaenicke and Len Beck will perform Donna Lee. Jeff Beck has performed all over the world as the lead trumpet in the show band, Dr. Feelgood. He is lead trumpet in the San Diego Chargers Band and has performed with Natalie Cole, Johnny Mathis, George Shearing, Harry Connick Jr. and Frankie Lane.
Christopher Hollyday was featured in People Magazine. His jazz record, Christopher Hollyday reached No. 6 on jazz charts. He has performed with jazz greats Maynard Ferguson, Cedar Walker and Bill Higgins.
Rich Horne accompanied by John Martinoff, will perform Se il mio nome, Lonely House and other selections.
Jonathan Harford, a halftime contract as a teacher, is also a professional guitarist who has played since age 8. He plays with the swing band Jump Jones and the rock band Tumbleweed, and performs throughout San Diego in the Jonathan Harford Trio. He and James Burton and Bruce Grafrath will play Round Midnight, C Jam Blues, Just the Two of Us, and other selections.
VC School Dancers, will perform Morea by the Gipsy Kings. and Elegy—Canon in B Minor. The dances, choreographed by Patrick Nolette and Jean Isaacs, staged by Jane Rattman, will include dancers Jane Rattmann, Shelby Boberg, Ashley Rattman and Angela Schneider. The dancers are students and alumni who have performed with Mrs. Rattmann over the years. NOTE: Mrs. Rattmann has been a professional dancer and dance teacher for many years. She is the VC-Pauma “Teacher of the Year.”
Gary Pay has played mandolin since 1978 and currently performs in the Ash St. Ramblers.The Ramblers, including Ken Simon, Jay Fromlath, Gary Meyer and Ves, will perform I’ll Fly Away, Angle Band and others.
Lenora Sears, accompanied by Christopher Hollyday, will perform Tangerine, Fly Me to the Moon, and When I Fall in Love, among others.
Rita Steele has played and taught violin all over the world. She performed in the Oberursal Chamber Orchestra in West Germany and the Milwaukee Philharmonic. She managed a private music studio in LA and was a high school orchestra conductor in Anchorage, Alaska.
Accompanied by the Trio Lyrique, that includes Catherine Gooden, Seiran Sohn Pamela Lynn Broeckel plus Patty Christopher (a VC assistant principal), she will sing Allegro, Energico en Con Fuoco and Sonata in G, opus 100 First.
Finishing up the concert will be VCHS student Nick Munson, accompanied by Laralee Beck. They will perform Out of My Dreams, Danny Boy, Just the Two of Us, among others. Munson has performed in Man of La Mancha and Into The Woods at VCHS.
Mulford would like to set a precedent for every other year bringing back the great student performers and alumni to perform with their teachers.
“We’re not trying to make money on this to but to set up a nice tradition,” he said. “I’ve never seen anything like this done before. For a small district we have a large amount of talent.”
Mezzanine rates for students are $5 and can be purchased at the high school. Reserved seating is $20. Call 760-839-4100.
Longtime VC resident Al Stehly was honored Monday night as 2002 Farmer of the Year by the San Diego County Farm Bureau.
“Well, I’m pretty honored. I think there’s a lot of people who deserve it. I’m flattered I was chosen,” Stehly told The Roadrunner.
The award was presented during a fete at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.
“Al has put his heart and soul into all phases of Farm Bureau,” said Fran Hillebrecht, chairman of the 2002 selection committee. “He was a very good vice president as well as president (1998-2000) of the Farm Bureau. He spearheaded the effort to defeat the Prop. B ballot initiative that would have damaged local farmers.”
According to Mrs. Hillebrecht, Stehly and his family volunteer every year to plan, decorate and dismantle the Farm Bureau’s booth at the Del Mar Fair. They also help before and after at the annual meeting and the holiday potluck dinner.
Stehly is also the lone figure representing agriculture on the GP2020 Special Interest Committee.
“Among all the candidates, Al stood out for his extensive service and dedication to Farm Bureau issues,” said Mrs. Hillebrecht.
Stehly is a third-generation Southern California farmer. At age 8 he moved from Orange County to VC with his family, where his father became an avocado and citrus grower.
In 1989 Al and his brother Jerome established Stehly Grove Management. Today, Al and his wife Lisa own the company, managing more than 500 acres of citrus and avocados in North County.
Stehly is also a founding member of the San Diego County Agricultural Energy Cooperative, a director of the San Diego Agricultural Society; and a 17-year director of the Corona-College Heights Orange and Lemon Assn. He has been a director of the San Diego County Farm Bureau since 1992.
Janet Kister, one of those who nominated Stehly for the honor, commented, “Al is always willing to jump in and really take something on as his cause. And it’s always a cause for agriculture—not for himself personally. He goes in there and gives it 100 percent, and he’s very good at it.”
Talking about the Farm Bureau, Stehly told The Roadrunner: “We need to get more members and get more people involved because our county farm bureau faces more issues than any other farm bureau in the country. ”
He added, “I’m optimistic that agriculture will continue in San Diego county. That’s one of the reasons I’m in the business and I’m also in the business because it’s a good lifestyle. You don’t get rich being a farmer but it’s a good lifestyle.”
Barbara Rohrer
Barbara Rohrer is an incumbent candidate for the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District board.
Her statement follows, and then question and answers conducted by The Roadrunner.
Statement
As a longtime board member in Valley Center I am proud that our board has functioned with harmony and efficiency and not discord and hostility.
Recent accomplishments include: unification, reduction of class size, increasing the number of textbooks, and improving high school facilities such as the athletic track, the parking areas, the adult education school and the continuation school. Lilac Elementary School is now breaking ground, while the Pauma Elementary is thriving as is the Palomar Mountain School. Growth, an ongoing reality, has prompted us to buy land for our next elementary school. In addition, we are planning for the construction of a fine arts theater at the high school.
One of the special qualities of Valley Center’s schools has been continuity. In 20 years we have had only two superintendents. We now have a new superintendent. I want to be sure that we maintain our quality and continuity with comprehensive training for our new teachers and maintain a high standard for employment and continued employment.
We need to keep strong leaders at the principal level and carry out consistent disciplinary procedures. Safety must be our highest concern at all times, but taxpayers money must always be used prudently. Of course, our strong academic program needs to continue to grow. I believe our schools are a positive and a responsive part of the Valley Center-Pauma Community and I am committed to continuing to build on that tradition.
Q: What are your strongest qualifications for office?
A: My experience and my involvement in the school and community. The fact that I’m an educator also gives me a lot of background.
Q: Do you own a home in VC?
A: Yes
Q: What is the function of the school board?
A: The function of the school board is to set policy, to guide the decisions made for children in our community. Also, we need to be knowledgeable about state laws and requirements and follow them. We need to hire quality personnel to implement our policies, in addition we need to be vigilant and prudent with our budget.
Q: Why should people vote for you rather than your opponents?
A: I think people should consider voting for me because of the good track record of this board. The board has shown harmony, efficiency and courage in many of its decisions. Especially relating to unification and growth. We have continued to hire quality personnel and to generate strong leadership within the district. As a board member I have become involved at the state level on the delegate assembly of the California School Boards Assn. as a member of several different task forces. This statewide networking frequently proves valuable to VC schools.
Q: What is on your “wish list” for Valley Center schools?
A: We need to continue to meet the needs of growth by maintaining excellent facilities and we need to continue to work on improving test scores, but we need to maintain a balanced educational experience for students.Lori Johnson
Lori Johnson is an incumbent candidate for the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District board.
Her statement follows, and then question and answers conducted by The Roadrunner.
Statement
If reelected, I will continue to commit the time and energy that is required to be an effective member of the governance team, along with the superintendent, making decisions that best serve all the students in the community. I firmly believe in the value of public education and have a deep commitment to the service and education of all children.
I have served on the Pauma School District Board from 1992 until 2000. The Pauma School District unified with Valley Center in 1999 and I was elected to the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District Board of Trustees. I have learned a lot about the roles and responsibilities of a school governing board. I was instrumental in the unification of the Pauma School District, Valley Center Union School District and Valley Center High School, creating the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District. This unification was one of the smoothest unifications in all of San Diego County’s history.
I feel my background in finance has been instrumental in the decisions that have kept our District in strong financial standing. Constantly planning for the District’s future, we look five to ten years ahead in purchasing property for future school sites. The District is debt free. We have dropped the average class size at the high school from 35 to 28. Our facilities are in good condition. We have implemented an Adult Education Program, ROP Program, Independent Study Program and just completed a new facility for continuation high school.
Q: What are your strongest qualifications for office?
A: I feel like I have a good insight and feel for this district because I’ve been on school boards for the last ten years (including eight years on the Pauma Elementary School District).
Q: Do you own a home in VC?
A: I’ve lived in the Pauma Valley Community for the last 28 years.
Q: What is the function of the school board?
A: The roles and responsibilities of the governing board is to ensure that a long-term vision is established for the school that reflects the consensus of the community, the board and the district staff as to what students need in order to achieve their highest potential. After all that is what this is all about! To accomplish this the board needs to establish and maintain an organizational structure that supports the district’s vision and empowers the professional staff. The board is accountable to the public for the performance of the schools. Trustees must know the district policies and guidelines to be able to communicate clear information about the district, its policies, educational programs and fiscal condition to the community. We are entrusted by the community and I feel as a trustee, it is imperative to dedicate the time and energy necessary to be an effective trustee of the community’s schools. The governing board members work together as a governance team with the superintendent to make decisions that will best serve all the students in our community.
Q: Why should people vote for you rather than your opponents?
A: Because I feel I have the knowledge and experience to continue to do a good job. I’m willing to put in the time and energy to do this. I’m the only one from Pauma Valley running and I do feel that the Pauma and Palomar mountain residents should have a voice via a trustee on the board. I feel we’ve accomplished a lot over these last four years as a new unified district and that my background in finance has been instrumental in decisions that have kept our district in strong financial standing. I would like to see the district stay that way. It’s important to plan for the district’s future and we continue to look five to ten years out purchasing school sites for future growth. If reelected I will continue to do the best job I can.
Q: What is on your “wish list” for Valley Center schools?
A: Continued improvement in test scores. I definitely hope that the November state bond, Prop. 47 for school construction and modernization passes, because we are in line for matching funds for our new Lilac Elementary School and new modernization projects. I also hope for a smooth transition for the new superintendent, because that has an impact on the entire district.Mike Morasco
Mike Morasco is a candidate for the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District board.
His statement follows, and then a question and answer conducted by The Roadrunner.
Statement
I am an active, longtime resident of the Valley Center/Pauma Valley region. I am a physical therapist and businessman and have volunteered and worked with our students and staff for many years.
I am a proud father of four children who are either currently in the district or who have graduated from VCHS. I was elected to three four-year terms and served as trustee of the Escondido Union High School District. As a board member I worked diligently to successfully pass the last school bond measure for our area. I was also pivotally instrumental in bringing the new high school to VC, as well as bringing to pass the unification of the VC and Pauma Valley Districts.
I believe that I have earned the respect of the educational community and have the support of many students, families, teachers, administrators, district staff and local businessmen and women. I am the only school board candidate with extensive high school (governing) experience. I believe strongly in finding and bringing the very best teachers, administrators and educational programs to our district. My track record of being fiscally conservative, of being dynamic and pro-active, and of supporting strong moral values speaks for itself.
Q: What are your strongest qualifications for office?
A: I think one of the primary things is having had the opportunity to serve as an elected board member of the Escondido High School District. I was elected to three four-year terms and as a board member served in all offices and capacities on the board. I participated in the master or boardsmanship program that was offered through CSBA and also was a member of a multitude of educational committees and associations with local businesses and government agencies working closely with them for the betterment of our educational system. The other qualification is having an opportunity to live in the community for many years and to have our children either be in the district or to have graduated from the district and, finally, the opportunity to volunteer and to serve in this area has significant benefits in knowing what the pulse of the community is re: education issues.
Q: Do you own a home in VC?
A: Yes, we’ve owned property in VC since the late 80s and have lived in VC since 1992.
Q: What is the function of the school board?
A: Several primary functions and responsibilities. The governance of the district and representing the community as it pertains to the governance of that district. Primary responsibilities is to hire and employ the superintendent. Everything else follows from that.
Q: Why should people vote for you rather than your opponents?
A: Because I’ve had extensive experience in school board governance, in particular high school. I’m the only candidate with such experience. I believe strongly we need to have that form of representation in the district to help avoid a lot of the pitfalls that could potentially entrap us. I believe that my record of community activity and participation and being fiscally conservative, dynamic and proactive in the progression of education in our community is evident and is a strong reason to support me. I’m also a bit on the hyper side and very energetic and will do anything and everything I can to help improve and enhance our children’s educational opportunities.
I worked very diligently to successfully pass the last school bond measure for our area and I was pivotally instrumental in bringing the new high school to VC as well as bringing to pass the unification of the VC and Pauma Valley districts.
Q: What is on your “wish list” for Valley Center schools?
A: The number one item would be improved preparation of our students as they advance from the middle school to the high school and from high school to college. Second would be enhanced communication and involvement with the community, parents and staff in the various processes and decisions being made by the current board and administration. Third, would be to work strongly and participate in finding and bringing the various best teachers, administrators and educational programs to our district. Continued preparation for substantial growth in the VC area by maintaining a strong financial base and obtaining the sites and finances necessary for new schools within our district.Henry Van Wyk
Henry Van Wyk is an incumbent candidate for the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District board.
His statement follows, and then a question and answer conducted by The Roadrunner.
Statement
I think the biggest opportunity for someone who wants to be involved in the community is to work as a board member or volunteer, with the kids.
The focus on any community is the children and the better the schools are the better we have a chance of having a good community.
VC has always been a good community. We’ve had tremendous support from the businesses and the populace. I’ve been on the board for the past 16 years. My children and grandchildren go through the VC schools and I feel it’s important to have a school board whose primary focus is the best education we can give to the children of VC.
I truthfully feel that the board for the past 16 years or more has shown that is what they want. No one on our board has shown anything other than the interests of the kids at heart. We are and have been in a transition the past four years with unification and now with a change in administration and I think a consistent and quality school board is important.
Q: What are your strongest qualifications for office (in 20 words or less)?
A: Over the years in business and being on the board I’ve learned a great deal about how schools are operated, how best to be fiscally sound and to work well with a strong administration. I’ve been at both ends, as a student, with 20 years of schooling. I’ve seen good schools and rough schools and I think ours are some of the best.
Q: Do you own a home in VC?
A: I’ve owned a home in VC for the last 25 years and I celebrated 25 years of being in business in VC.
Q: What is the function of the school board?
A: To oversee the financial and administrative part of running a school district. As a group to make the wide choices in administration in the upper levels who will then hire good people below them. We work as a group, not as one person but all five. I also feel that a school trustee should be active in the community so that he is aware of what is going on in it, so people can call him and tell them about problems they are having with the district. Maybe some of those problems are being had by many and possibly can be rectified. Any school board must be aware of what’s going on in the community so it can be ready for the future.
Q: Why should people vote for you rather than your opponents?
A: I hope people vote for me because I want to be an active participant. I want to support the schools. I feel I have the experience of many years on the school board, I have business experience and a knowledge base that allows me to investigate a variety of issues.
Q: What is on your “wish list” for Valley Center schools?
A: That we continue to be one of the best school districts in the state. I think we can truthfully say that we are. We had one of the most successful and smooth unifications in the state and took control of the high school without increasing the tax burden to the residents. We spent wisely to improve facilities, both at the high school with parking lot, and air conditioning the gym, and we try to plan ahead, like the school at Lilac. We’ve spent a lot of money to update textbooks and to have two sets, to reduce the “backpack” loads. Everything we have done has been to give the best possible education to the students. For that reason I hope people will support me and my fellow incumbents.
The Valley Center Evening Optimist Club celebrated its 30th anniversary with the installation of officers Saturday at the Meadow Lake Golf Course.
The program was handled by past presidents of the club. Bert Prichard, Governor of the California South District, 1994-1995, retired the past officers and installed the new ones.
Earl Brown, President, 1992-1993, served as Master of Ceremonies. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dirk VanNoordt, President, 1999-2000. The invocation was given by Jack Vosberg, President 1978-1979. Vosberg was also Optimist of the Year serving under Distinguished Governor, Cal-So District 1988-1989, Tommy Thomas. George Martin, President 1987-1988, handled the door prize drawing for the ladies and Immediate Past President Curtis Orrell led the Optimist Creed and closing.
Incoming President Walt McDaniel’s mother, Edith, celebrated her 86th birthday at the fete and was presented a bouquet of roses while the group serenaded her with Happy Birthday.
Before awarding the club members for their efforts of the past year, the wives of the board members were presented a bouquet of roses from outgoing Pres. Larry Patten for their moral support, as well as working alongside the members at the various fund-raisers.
Patten awarded plaques to his Vice President Walt McDaniel and outgoing Board of Directors Jim Gray and Ron Rayhawk. Curtis Orrell, immediate past president, was awarded a special plaque for all the tutoring he did to help Pres. Patten. Board members unable to attend the banquet will be awarded their plaques at the next regular meeting.
In addition, he awarded Ron Wheeler with a plaque honoring him as the club’s Optimist of the Year for his many contributions, including his overseeing of the October Pumpkin Festival at Bell Gardens, one of the club’s main fund-raisers. Optimist International Pres. Jerry Henderson forwarded a Presidential Certificate of Merit for member Wheeler’s outstanding contribution this past year.
Patten presented the club’s inaugural Achievement in Education awarded to Lucy Haines for her work as principal at Valley Center Middle School.
Last year the district “spies” provided special tidbits of information concerning her entire education, her hobbies, including camping and running, and the true “boss of the household,” her dog Jules. She was reminded of her past presentations to the Optimist Student(s) of the Quarter when it was her turn to discover a few tidbits concerning each student.
Bert Prichard installed the following incoming officers: President - Walt McDaniel; Vice Presidents - Jim Gray and Leon Schwartz; Secretary - Rick Lopez; and Treasurer - Don McBeath. The incoming Board of Directors included (2 yrs.) Larry Schulties, Chris Walmsley and Hank Weldon; (1 yr.) Bill Aguilera, Ed Martindale and Ron Rayhawk.
Incoming President McDaniel outlined plans for the coming year which included a concentrated effort at increasing membership, continuing the new programs started this past year and pledged an ongoing effort of providing for the needs of the kids.
In closing, Pres. Patten thanked the members for their many hours of participation making this a banner year for the youth of the community. The club embarked on 17 new projects, had more than 14,000 student contacts with more than 31 existing programs and returned more than $35,000 to the community’s educational and youth groups. A special thanks was given to the residents of the valley for contributing to the Optimist fund-raisers making all of this possible.
The members, wives and guests dined on a fine tri tip and chicken dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Chef Mark Eberline.
The Valley Roadrunner
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688
Website: www.valleycenter.com
Email: editor@valleycenter.com
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