Letters to the Editor

Businesses add to successof OPMS D.C. fundraiser

I would like to thank everyone who came out to support our OPMS Washington, D.C., Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser. Due to the generosity of our community, we raised a nice sum of money that will be applied directly to World Strides, our group organizer, to help defray our costs. We enjoyed a wonderful spaghetti dinner prepared by Chef Paul Michaelis, rocked out to our DJ “IPOD,” had the opportunity to bid on almost 20 silent auctions & had over 75 opportunity drawing items won throughout the course of the evening. I would like to thank ALL of our Ramona community businesses that donated opportunity drawing items: Unicorn Books & Gifts, Geoffrey’s Hair Salon, Ronnda Michaelis, Ramona Tan, Action Auto Center, City Barber Shop, Cold Stone Creamery, Ramona Rebels Elite, Amici Pizza Pasta & Subs, Dave’s Auto Truck & RV Service, Ramona Laund-Yer-Mutt, Albertsons, Mi Casa Reveles, Bob’s Hats, KTM, Ramona Disposal, Nikkos Greek Cafe, Los Amigos Mexican Food, Kirk’s Bike Shop, Ramona Cleaners, Fashionably Late Boutique, Ramona Fitness, Inkwell Tattoo & Body Piercing, Marketing Worx, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Sears, Yogurt Barn, Pott Belly Stove Shop, China Blue Salon, San Vicente Inn & Golf Resort, K2 Detailing, Ramona Julian Academy of Dance and United Power Contractors.

Carrie Bryant

Ramona

Thanks for Prop. R support, votes

Dear Community of Ramona,As an educator in the community of Ramona for the past 22 years, one year fourth grade at James Dukes, six years sixth grade at Hanson Elementary, and the past 15 years as a seventh and eighth grade Algebra, Pre Algebra, and Geometry teacher at Olive Peirce Middle School, I would like to extend a heartfelt gesture of thanks to those of you who supported and voted for Proposition R.I appreciate your support on behalf of my efforts with your students. We are all being asked to sacrifice financially to meet the needs of Ramona Unified School District, and your willingness to join me in this financial sacrifice indicates that I am not alone in my desire to better the educational experiences for your children.I am not a resident of Ramona, however I have taken the journey “up the hill” daily for the past 22 years. I feel that I have dedicated myself on a daily basis for 22 years to the well-being and educational success of many of your children. I have formed many lasting friendships with Ramona families.I chose to work in Ramona rather than the Poway Unified School System, which is my home, due to its small town, family oriented community, even though I would have earned a higher salary with PUSD.Thank you for showing me that you believe in the efforts and dedication of teachers like myself.

Karen L. Ballew

Rancho Bernardo

Golden bells are ringing

Ron and Lisa Augsburger are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.Ron and Lisa met during Peace Corps training at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass., and married two weeks later after a three-day engagement, on Dec. 5, 1962, in North Hampton, Mass. They have four children, 11 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.Ron worked for American Airlines for 20 years and took early retirement to go on the mission field where they served until the late ‘80s. They served in Papua New Guinea for eight years and then also in Western Samoa.After returning stateside, Lisa continued mission work through the Let’s Start Talking Mission. She served in Russia, Brazil, and provided medical support immediately following the Tsunami in Sri Lanka. She also worked at the county hospital as a chaplain.Ron and Lisa continued to serve on the mission board at their church in Fort Worth, Texas, and traveled to South Africa, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe to provide missionary support. He began working for the SBA for 17 years, where he retiredagainin 2011.Ron and Lisa moved to Ramona a year and a half ago to live with daughter and son-in-law. They continue to serve the needs of people. Ron picks up and delivers bread weekly to the senior mobile home park, to the VFW hall, and to Mountain View Community Church. In addition, he helped to establish a free bread site weekly, just for the active duty family members who live in Ramona. Ron and Lisa attend both Grace Community Church and Mountain View Community Church.Please join us in wishing this stellar couple a Happy Anniversary.

Heidi Martin

Ramona

A Big Thank You, Ramona

On Saturday, Dec. 8, the Escondido Humane Society held a Dog Adoption Outreach and Canned Food and Towel Drive at the Kahoots store on Main Street. It was the first time the shelter held such an event in Ramona.We are very appreciative of the outpouring of donations we received! The towels, blankets, food, money, and cat scratchers that were donated will be put to great use.Also, we are grateful for the interest shown in meeting our adoptable dogs. The dogs and humans had a very enjoyable day meeting the Ramona community.We also thank Kahoots for allowing us to have our event at the Ramona store.

Debbie Peters

Hope Tileston

and all the other EHS volunteers