Recently in Temecula Category

Army Pfc. Eric Sharf recently graduated from Direct Fire Infantryman One Station unit training at Fort Benning, Ga. Scharf studied basic combat training, first aid, Army history, core values, traditions, battlefield operations and tactics and map reading. Scharf is the son of Gregory Scharf of Temecula and Mary Ilich of Winchester and is a 2002 graduate of the Temecula Valley Independent School in Temecula.

Shawn Felcher recently graduated from the Uniformed Services University, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine in Bethesda, Md. Felcher was promoted to the rank of captain commissioned to serve in the Medical Corps of the Air Force. Felcher is the son of Shelley Moon of Temecula. Felcher received a bachelor's degree in 2004 from Arizona State University.

A program for people who want to know about raising parrots is set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at Wings and Beaks, 27496 Commerce Center Drive, Ste. C. Speaker will be Joyce Dodd from Quail Ridge Parrot Rescue. Free. 951-308-1020.

A tea sponsored by St. Catherine's Women Guild is set for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, in Dideo Hall, 41875 C St. 951-699-0962.

A dance party Rhythms sponsored by the city of Temecula community services department is set from 8 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at 41625 Enterprise Circle South. $4. 951-694-6469.

The Rancho Music Association will hold vocal, string and wind auditions during the month of September for the annual production of Handel's Messiah scheduled for 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Calvary Chapel. Applicants must be a quick study and be able to read music. There will be seven choral practices every Monday beginning Oct. 13 and running through Dec. 1. A full dress rehearsal with a full orchestra and soloists will be held Dec. 6. For an audition appointment call 951-894-4256.

A free financial assistance workshop for women who have breast cancer presented by Michelle's Place is set from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Temecula Community Recreation Center, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. 951-304-1280.

A discussion on transportation in Riverside County sponsored by the Citizens for Democracy is set for 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth St. Speaker will be Ron Roberts. 951-694-6582.

A Claremont-based adult community concert band is accepting applications from young wind and percussion musicians ages 14 to 20 for their scholarship program.

The Claremont Winds is allowing contestants to audition by submitting a compact disc (CD) or a digital music file (mp3). Finalists will be invited to live auditions. First place winner will receive $800, second place gets $200 and third place $100. The first place winner will also play a solo with the band at their spring concert in May.

To be eligible, contestants must be in high school or in their first year of college. They also need to be a member of the band or orchestra in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino or Riverside counties. Applications with audition recordings must be postmarked or e-mailed by December 1, 2008. Auditions will be held January 10-11, 2009. Winners will be announced in early February.

For more information, go to www.claremontwinds.org.

A meeting of the Rotary Club of Temecula Sunrise is set for 7 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16, at Marie Callender's, 29363 Rancho California Road. Guests are welcome to attend. 951-698-6116.

The next meeting of the Temecula Valley Newcomers Club is set for 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 15, at the Temeku Country, Club, 41687 Temeku Drive. Check in is 10 a.m. $18. 951-652-5119.

The Temecula Valley Republican Women Federated will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Temecula Sizzler, 27717 Jefferson Ave. Speaker will be Ron Carcich, a Fullerton High School reading and English language development teacher. 858-220-4113.

The Music Center of Los Angeles County is seeking Southern California high school performers, artists and photographers to apply for the annual Music Center Spotlight awards. It is a performing and visual arts education program offering training in the arts and awards of over $100,000 in scholarships. The program is for high school students in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. Applications and information are available at 213-972-3300 or at www.musiccenter.org.

The Inland Empire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure will hold its annual race Oct. 19 at the Promenade mall in Temecula. The race is seeking prospective teams or individuals for the upcoming race. Information: 951-304-9488 or visit www.Komenie.org.

The city of Temecula Community Service Department is seeking nonprofit community service organizations as vendors for its 2008 Halloween family carnival from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Ronald Reagan Sports Park roller hockey arena, 30875 Rancho Vista Road. Booth space will be free. 951-694-6480.

The Temecula Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau in conjunction with Mt. San Jacinto College are offering three new classes: resort food and beverage operations, sales and marketing in hospitality and introduction to enology. The classes were set up to help ensure that the region has qualified employees to fill local hospitality and tourism jobs. For more information call 888-363-2852 or go to www.msjc.edu.

The play "Taming of the Shrew" by Shakespeare in the Vines is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 12, at Frangipani Estate Winery, 39750 De Portola Rd. 951-699-8845.

Applications for the 21st Annual Music Center Spotlight Awards by the Music Center of Los Angeles County are available to Southern California high school student performers, artists and photographers.

The awards program, which offers training in the arts and scholarships to finalists, is free and open to students who attend high school in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

Students audition before judges in categories including ballet, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental, and jazz instrumental.
Twelve performance finalists will compete at the 21st Annual Music Center Spotlight Awards set for May 2, 2009 at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Downtown Los Angeles.
Grand prize finalists will receive $5,000 and $4,000, honorable mentions will receive $250 and semi-finalists receive $100.

The Performing Arts application deadline is Oct. 1 and the Visual Arts applications are due by Dec. 1.

Applications and information are available at musiccenter.org or by calling 213-972-3300.

The next meeting of the Temecula Valley Computer Users Group is set for 10:15 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, in community room A of the Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. Speaker will be Simonne Gallagher. 951-699-9563.

Veterans who continue to serve their community in some outstanding way are eligible for
an award to be presented in November. The deadline for the award is Sept. 2. Any veteram residing in Temecula or Murrieta is eligible. Five winners will be selected and honored at the Tribute to Veterans -- Temecula Valley event scheduled for 9 a.m. Nov.
15 at the Temecula Community Recreation Center. Nominations should be no more than three pages, double-spaced and specify why the nominee should be honored. Include the nominee's full name, branch of service, highest rank held, dates of service, last duty station served and contact information for the nominator. Nominators will receive a Good Samaritan Award. Entries can be sent to Tribute to Veterans -- Temecula Valley,
27475 Ynez Road, #394, Temecula, CA 92591. Information: www.veterans-temeculavalley.com.