News Briefs

CL Student makes President’s List

Riley Franzo, of Canyon Lake, is one of more than 500 students to have been named to the Fall 2020 President’s List at Western New England University. To qualify for the President’s List, students must achieve a GPA of 3.80 or higher.

Riley is working toward a BSE in Biomedical Engineering.

“Making the President’s List is a notable achievement under any circumstances, but particularly so during the unique challenges of our fall semester,” Dr. Robert E. Johnson, the university’s president, said. “It is an honor to salute our students who have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to academic excellence.”

Despite COVID-19 concerns, the school successfully navigated holding most classes in person.

“Of the roughly 3,000 colleges and universities tracked by the College Crisis Initiative, Western New England University was among just 27% nationwide that resumed primarily ‘in-person’ teaching last fall,” Dr. Johnson said.” Our President’s List students stayed focused and engaged; they should be very proud of their accomplishments.”

Having just celebrated its Centennial, Western New England University is a private, independent and coeducational institution located on a 215-acre suburban campus in Springfield, Massachusetts. Western New England serves 3,690 students, including 2,486 full-time undergraduate students.

Canyon Lake POA pool opening March 15

The Canyon Lake POA swimming pool will open for the 2021 season on March 15. The pool, located behind the Lodge, will be operating under spring season hours. Open swim spring hours will be daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and lap swim/exercise will be daily from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

It is anticipated that there will be no need for appointments as part of COVID-19 restrictions.

The use of the large Junior Olympic size pool is for the entire community, however, those requesting access must be a member in good standing to use the pool. Canyon Lake POA ID cards are required to access the pool.

Persons under 14 years of age must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. Persons 14 to 17 years of age may be unaccompanied by an adult; however, they are required to have their own valid Canyon Lake POA card to enter the pool.

The pool varies from 3.5 feet to 8 feet deep with lap lanes at one end. There is a separate children’s pool for smaller children and toddlers. Amenities at the pool include: Changing Areas, Handicap Lift, Shade Areas, Showers and a Snack Shack.

Jordyn Strange named to Dean’s List

Jordyn Strange, majoring in History from Canyon Lake, was among the students named to Augustana College’s 2020-21 fall semester Dean’s List.

Augustana College is a private Lutheran liberal arts college in Rock Island, Illinois. The college enrolls approximately 2,500 students. Covering 115 acres of hilly, wooded land, Augustana is adjacent to the Mississippi River.

Family Matters Club still adopting duckies

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club’s wacky Duck Derby is selling its pool-full of little rubber duckies quickly and is looking to sell the remainder long before the event takes place next month.

The race will be held on March 13 at 3:00 p.m. at the Canyon Lake Lodge swimming pool. The race and duck adoptions will be done socially distanced. Ducks can be bought on the club’s website (familymattersclub.org) or by limited in-person purchases. The race will be live streamed on Facebook and Zoom and the winners will be announced live over the streaming services.

“Get your ducks in a row for the Family Matters Club Lucky Duck Derby fundraiser,” Club Founder Shawna Bowen said. “The Family Matters Club is quackers about ducks! Join us for the quaziest race ever when we ‘launch’ hundreds of rubber ducks at the Lodge pool during the 1st Annual Luck Duck Derby fundraiser.”

Race sponsors will be the only ones physically at the pool for the race. For those interested in becoming a sponsor, contact the club at 714-394-4885 or email info@familymnattersclub.org.

This is a “FUNdraising” event for the entire community and for people of all ages, Shawna said. Participating ducks can be purchased at the club website. On race day, the ducks will be dropped into one end of the Lodge pool and the race will begin as water hoses will be used to push them to the end of the pool.

“With your $3 donation to adopt a racing rubber duckie, you have the opportunity to cheer on your little quacker racing for the finish line and help raise money for our community,” Shawna said. “You can choose the specific pattern duck you would like to adopt to race and we will number it, email you the adoption certificate and keep it safe until race day.”

There are “quack packs” available for those who would like to purchase more than one duck. A Single Duckling (1) is $3, a Set of Twins (2) is $5, a Six Quack (6 ducks) is $10 and a Box of Quackers (15) is $20.

POA part-time job openings announced

The Canyon Lake POA is accepting applications for part-time work at the swimming pool and at the Country Club Bar and Grill.

A part-time Pool Attendant is being hired to perform responsible work in the enforcement of pool rules while assisting members and guests in the enjoyment of pool activities, but not as lifeguards.

Under the direction of the Sous Chef at the Country Club Bar & Grill, a part-time dishwasher is being hired. The dishwasher would be responsible for the cleaning and sanitation of all kitchen areas including table, glass and silverware along with kitchenware utensils and equipment.

The Country Club Bar & Grill is also looking for part-time professional line cooks who can help prepare meals as per the restaurant’s standard recipes. The successful candidate will be responsible for creating meal portions, cleaning food, cooking meals and keeping a sanitized work area. Restaurant management is seeking an individual who has experience in the food service industry. The part-time job would include shifts on weekends, evenings and holidays.

Those interested can apply online or download an application at the canyonlakepoa.com website (search for jobs).

Little League signups continue

With COVID-19 wiping out most sports for almost a year, The Canyon Lake Little League has decided to move forward with a 2021 season, with games beginning April 10. The league is accepting signups and encourages youth ages 4-14 to register.

Registration is now open and can be completed online through the Canyon Lake Little League website.

Because this season is impacted by the circumstances of COVID-19, registration fees will be discounted. Those already registered will be refunded the difference, league officials said. The season was doubtful until Little League presidents in District 28 voted for a season.

Evaluations (tryouts) will be held on March 6. These evaluations are required for divisions AA through Juniors (league age 8 years old and above). League age is calculated with Aug. 3 being the cutoff.

The Little League provides a  scholarship program that grants financial assistance to children who otherwise would not participate in the league. Scholarships are only available to cover the cost of league fees. Those in need of financial assistance can apply for either a full or partial scholarship.

The Canyon Lake Little League has been established since 1996 and remains an excellent way for Canyon Lake children to form unique friendships through sports and allow them to develop great sportsmanship.

“For now, the kids are practicing, and it’s going great! We are so excited and optimistic for this season.” Tiffany White, manager of the Canyon Lake Little League Facebook page, said. “We’ve had a lot of players, all ages, but we are always looking for more to join our little family.”

More information and registration details can be found at the league’s local website, www.clllca.com (click on registration information).