March 14, 2007 - Top Stories
Miss Valley Center 2007 Brittany Byler was crowned Saturday night at the Maxine Theater in front of her friends, family and an energetic crowd cheering her on.
Miss Byler is a 20-year-old student at Palomar College, and stands 5-foot-9 with blond hair and hazel eyes.
The other contestants, Jeana Boulos, Dominique Alto, Amanda Kaiser, Whitney Bisplinghoff, Kalyn Peirce, Ivory Martinez, Nicole Cutrell, Katrina Brinkman and Alida Diaz were a part of an enchanting evening, presenting the pageant's theme “An American In Paris” along with Miss Valley Center 2006 Holly Hart in the opening dance number.
The stage was beautifully adorned with a representation of the Eiffel Tower centering the backdrop of Paris in all her splendor.
Alida Diaz was named First Princess, Whitney Bisplinghoff was named Second Princess and Amanda Kaiser was named Third Princess.
The contestants were also awarded for various aspects of their participation in the pageant process: Kalyn Peirce won the essay contest for her piece about her father.
Also recognized were Alida Diaz for the Cover Girl Award, Ivory Martinez for the Director's Award, Jeana Boulos for Miss Photogenic and Brittany Byler for Miss Congeniality.
The contest began with each contestant offering a two-minute speech about herself and who she is.
Miss Byler spoke of the challenges and rewards of working with the Special Olympics program, and how that experience shaped her perceptions of herself and others.
Each contestant spoke well on a variety of topics, from childhood nicknames to world languages and everything in-between.
During the short intermission, students from Ann's School Of Dance performed a tap number and a rhythmic dance piece.
In the evening gown portion of the pageant, each contestant was accompanied onstage by someone special to her.
Miss Byler wore a lavender, sequined dress. Pageant MCs Eric Jockinsen and Tammie Pontsler provided introductions and short descriptions of the contestants during the evening gown portion.
The impromptu questions followed, with each contestant having moments to ponder an answer before responding. Miss Byler was asked what she thinks is the most important aspect of competition. She responded "To have fun and enjoy yourself."
Questions ranged from finding out what the contestant sees as her strongest personality trait to who the contestant sees as modern-day heroes and whether or not the contestant thinks a female president would benefit our country. The responses were honest and concise, giving the judges one more glimpse into the heart and mind of each contestant.
As the judges deliberated, outgoing Miss VC Holly Hart spoke about her experiences over the past year.
It was plainly evident to everyone present that VC was represented with joy and enthusiasm, as Miss Hart spoke, mingling laughter and tears at the many fond memories she will carry with her for the rest of her life.
When the winners were announced and Miss Valley Center 2007 had been crowned, the crowd welcomed Miss Byler warmly.
The pageant winners each received an educational scholarship, a cash prize, a trophy, as well as their crown, banner and crown pin.
Valley Center has been awarded a $225,000 California State Environmental Enhancement Mitigation Program (EEMP) Grant to enhance recreational trails along Valley Center Road.
“I can't believe it!” an elated Lael Montgomery announced to the VC planning group Monday night.
The grant application included pledges of $162,310 in public and private funds by the County, the Rincon Band of Indians, Newland Communities and local businesses and residents. Pledges from the County and Valleyites fund 42% of the project budget.
“Pledges from the community were essential to getting the grant award. The total of $382,000 will help us replant the road edge, install fencing, and enhance what we’ve been calling a ‘Heritage Trail’ along the off-road footpath between Miller and Old Road,” Dr. Montgomery told The Roadrunner.
These amenities have been included in the County's plan for the road but lacked funding.
“The County has already included in the funding for the road widening project some of the elements that were envisioned when we wrote the grant in 2003, namely the grading, fencing and DG surface for the off-road footpath,” she said.
The grant, plus pledges, provides a good amount, but probably not all, of the additional funding necessary to complete the trail.
Dr. Montgomery and other members of the planning group will be meeting with the Environmental Services Division of the Dept. of Public Works. They will discuss the details of the plan, how far the EEMP funding will go toward accomplishing the plan, and what additional funds are needed to complete the original vision.
The grant was first submitted in 2003, and has been resubmitted every year since then.
“This was a huge effort for Valley Center. Our success is due in large part to Ruth Baak, Ph.D., a scientist and former Valley Center resident, and Brendan McNabb, the VC Road supervisor for the DPW who died several weeks ago,” said Dr. Montgomery.
“I think it's important that people understand that it didn’t just happen overnight,” commented planning group member Van Koughnett.
Some of the larger contributors to the funding for this project include: County of San Diego, $72,439; Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians, $50,000; Newland Communities, $10,000; Bell Enterprises, $1000; Weston Company, $1000.
Thursday night the school board approved Mona Stroud as the new assistant principal at the middle school.
This provides some relief for the school, which had to do without an assistant principal for a year because of budget constraints.
Stroud was born and raised in Minnesota and was very active in the 4-H program as a youth.
She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from California State University—Fullerton.
She worked for 11 years as a classroom teacher (Grades 5–8) in both public and private school and three years as a Categorical Program Specialist for the Los Nietos School District near Whittier.
Stroud has worked for six years as middle school assistant principal and is currently at Rincon Middle School in Escondido.
She lives in Valley Center with husband Stephen, daughter Alana (7th grade) and son Kyle (5th grade).
She commented that she has had very positive experiences with her own children in the Valley Center-Pauma Unified School District and she is looking forward to teaming with Principal Chris Sommer in making a significant positive difference in the lives of students at Valley Center Middle School.
The Valley Center Rodeo Committee and Valley Center Optimist Club are busy planning the 6th annual Valley Center Rodeo to be held on May 25–26.
For the second time it will be held at Bates Nut Farm located on Woods Valley Road.
Note: The rodeo is a separate event from Western Days, although they both occur the same weekend.
The rodeo will begin on Friday May 25. Gates open at 5 p.m. with the opening rodeo ceremony starting at 7 p.m..
Saturday, gates will open at 2 p.m., with the pie baking contest at 2:30 p.m., VIP Dinner at 3 p.m., and the rodeo grand entry at 4 p.m.
After the Western Days parade you have your choice of heading over to the rodeo grounds or visiting the Western Days fairgrounds at VC Communty Center. Or go to both!
There will be plenty of vendor booths to view at the rodeo. For booth information contact Robin Collins at (760) 975-8162 or e-mail Rcpetservice@aol.com.
This year’s main sponsors are Creekside Veterinary Services, Jack Powell Chrysler Dodge, KSON Radio 97.3 and 92.1, Hawthorne Machinery, Mark-stein Beverage (Budweiser Beer), Peltzer Plumbing, Valley Center Propane, and several others.
For sponsorships and to volunteer contact Joyce Holmes (760) 445-1723. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated.
As in the past, the Rodeo Committee will present scholarships to two hard-working high school seniors who volunteer at the rodeo.
All-new to the rodeo are the pony rides/petting zoo, to give all kids, big and small, a close up to farm life and a pie baking contest as well.
For more information or to enter the pie baking contest contact Lisa (760) 644-3096.
The rodeo is sanctioned by the NPRA (National Police Rodeo Assn.), which will allow local cowboys and cowgirls to enter in six of the events: mutton bustin', barrel racing, team roping, calf roping, bull riding, and bronc riding.
All new to the rodeo weekend on Sunday May 27, the Southern California Barrel Assn., co-sanctioned with Women’s Professional Rodeo Assn. will host a $500.00 added Cash Barrel Race. Exhibition Runs will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the Pee-Wee’s 10 and under at 11:45. Open Barrel Race will start at noon. This includes a youth, novice, and senior division.
The VC Optimists will be on hand serving tacos, and beverages. For more information on the Sunday barrel races contact Bonnie at IPUTONBARRELS@msn.com or call 951-780-5197.
Rodeo tickets will be on sale the beginning of May, at the following locations: In Escondido at Hawthorne Country Store & Cowgirlz. In VC at Terry’s Hay & Grain, Valley Center Pharmacy & Bear Valley Farm Supply. Boot Barn in Oceanside and in Ramona at Elston’s Feed Store.
At press time the Rodeo Committee included the following: Pat Helly, Joyce Holmes, Jim Degaine, Geraldine McHugh, Dale Misner, Elton Howerton, Shawna Whitaker, Jane Rockenmacher, Kohlby Rocken-macher, Brad Lesper-ance, Robin Collins, Jay Collins, Brett Francis, Lisa Francis, Bob Snow, Ray Winger, Teri Stathatos, Gary Stathatos, Bonnie Kenney, Vern Peltzer, Sandy Peltzer, Billy Wagner and Madelyn Wagner.
For more information on the Valley Center Rodeo log on to www.Valleycenterrodeo.com or call Patrick Helly at (760) 749-4063.
The Ninth Annual Jaguar Auction, Valley Center’s largest fund-raiser, will be held on March 24, 6 p.m. at the Valley Center High School gym.
This event is hosted by the VCHS Foundation. This fund-raiser is a Live and Silent Auction complemented with appetizers, desserts and beverages.
Tickets are $10 and you will be entered in a drawing for a big-screen TV system. This event provides an exciting fund-raising venue for the various VCHS clubs and teams as well as the VCHS Foundation endowment.
This is the Foundation’s ninth year hosting the auction and it has gained popularity; plus the profit has increased with each year.
A big part of the overall success is due to generosity of the various companies, businesses and individuals in the community and surrounding area that have contributed.
Great deals can be had on many products and services.
Questions? Call either Julie Stroh at 760-749-7863 or Sean Murphy at 760-801-2378 or e-mail murphyclan@vcweb.org/
Traffic delays can be expected at approximately 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13, Wednesday, March 14, and Thursday, March 15 in order for the contractor to blast rock along Valley Center Road near the intersection of Old Road.
The scheduled time of 2 p.m. may change due to weather conditions.
Blasting will take place about 200 feet north of Old Road on the southbound side of Valley Center Road.
To ensure the safety of vehicles traveling along Valley Center Road, through traffic will be temporarily stopped when blasting occurs.
The blasting and inspection process is anticipated to take about 15 minutes. The closure time may be extended if additional cleanup work is necessary. Please allow extra time while driving through the area or use an alternate route.
For questions or concerns, please call the Project Hotline at (619) 232-2640.
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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