News Briefs

PZA named Chamber Business of the Month

The Canyon Lake Chamber of Commerce has selected PZA restaurant as its March Business of the Month.

The chamber said PZA was selected because of its long-term support of the Chamber of Commerce and for its involvement in the community. PZA is located in the Canyon Lake Town Center.

April 11 blood drive set for Country Club

A blood drive at Canyon Lake Golf & Country Club will take place April 11 and, for a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies.

Plasma from routine donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems.

At the same time, the Red Cross blood supply remains vulnerable, and individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily-available blood supply so hospital patients can receive the care they need.

There are still appointment slots available for the Canyon Lake blood drive. Those appointments can be secured by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting the website, RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The Canyon Lake blood drive will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the country club at the golf course. Those who attend the drive will receive a Red Cross T-shirt while supplies last.

The Red Cross first tested donations for COVID-19 antibodies earlier in the pandemic to provide convalescent plasma for patients. When infection rates decreased and new treatment options became available, the Red Cross discontinued the program.

With the surge of new variants, hospitals began to seek out more treatments for their most vulnerable patients, and new clinical trial data has shown that convalescent plasma may benefit immunocompromised patients. The Red Cross is resuming this program to ensure doctors have every tool available to support treatment.

Antibody testing will indicate if the donor’s immune system has produced antibodies to COVID-19 following vaccination or infection, regardless of whether they developed symptoms. Donations will be tested using samples pulled at the time of the donation and sent to a testing laboratory where they will also undergo routine infectious disease testing. A positive antibody test result does not confirm infection or immunity.

COVID-19 antibody test results will be available one to two weeks after donation in the Red Cross Blood Donor App or donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org. The Red Cross is not testing donors to diagnose illness, referred to as a diagnostic test.

Lions Club to host annual Charity Golf Tournament

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Canyon Lake Lions Club is once again hosting its Canyon Lake Charity Golf Tournament at the Canyon Lake Golf Course. This 30th tournament put on by the local Lions Club will take place on April 28.

Over the previous 29 years, these tournaments have raised over $240,000 for the club’s numerous charities, many of them in Canyon Lake.

The proceeds from this year’s tournament will help fund Guide Dogs of the Desert, which provides guide dogs for the blind. As part of the tournament, participating golfers and non-golfers are invited to come early to meet, and perhaps take a photo with, these dogs, puppies and handlers.

Two different golfing formats will be available at the tournament. For golfers with a handicap, a threesome will be formed and a pro will be added to make up a foursome by Canyon Lake Pro Pat Kemball from the golf pro shop. Golfers just looking for a great day in the sun and a fun round of golf, will participate in a four-person scramble.

Prizes will be awarded in both formats. One of the prizes will be a golf cart for a golfer who gets a hole-in-one at Hole 11. The prize is sponsored by Canyon Golf Carts & Motorsports. “We are always looking for current and additional new sponsors,” Lion Nancy Coughlin said. “If you are interested in sponsoring, contact me at 951-805-0543. This is an excellent opportunity to advertise your business while helping others in need.”

To register for the tournament, contact Pat Kemball at 951-246-1782. The cost to participate in the tournament is $60.00 for Canyon Lake golf club members and $109 for non-members. Registration includes a banquet dinner and awards. Entry forms are also available at the Canyon Lake Pro Shop.

Canyon Lake Lions have a 47-year history of support and service to local, national, and international organizations. The Guide Dogs of the Desert, Ronald McDonald House, World Service for the Blind, City of Hope, and local food banks are just a few of the organizations the local Lions Club supports.

Canyon Lake Cancer Fair set for May 14

The Canyon Lake Cancer Fair set for May 14 at Holiday Harbor is gaining traction and organizers are adding details to the day-long event.

The event will kick off with a Cancer 1 Mile Walk at 10:00 a.m., which will start and end at Holiday Harbor and will include a beverage station at the corner of Canyon Lake Drive and Sparkle.

Some of the highlights of the Cancer Fair will include a preventative corner, cancer related vendors and community support from the City of Canyon Lake, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Canyon Lake POA, and American Cancer Fighter.

Keynote speaker Jami McNees will address attendees and hold a book signing. The Cancer Fair will also have entertainment by Code 415, Crimson Jazz, Steel Canyon, and Randon Lane Jr.

A Kids Corner will provide the youngsters with crafts, face painting, and a little magic.

Food and beverages will include JK Catering and other vendors. A beverage station will include beer, wine, water and soft drinks.

More details about the event, which is scheduled to conclude at 7:00 p.m., will be available soon.

Pet shelter to hold FORE golf tournament

The Animal Friends of the Valleys is hosting its annual charity golf tournament at Bear Creek Golf Club on April 25 and is inviting Canyon Lake golfers to participate.

The 14th annual charity tournament is being held to support life-saving programs at Animal Friends of the Valleys, which provides pet shelter services for various area cities and communities in Southwest Riverside County, including the City of Canyon Lake.

At $150 per player or $500 per foursome, the golf tournament is an opportunity to help the shelter animals find their forever homes. FORE the Animals Golf Tournament will kick off with registration opening up at 10:00 a.m., followed by a shotgun start at 11:00 a.m.

During the tournament, participants will have the opportunity to compete in contests such as the longest drive, a hole-in-one, closest to the pin, and putting games. Trophies will be awarded at a banquet following the tournament.

As part of the fundraising tournament, a unique silent auction will also be held.

“Animal Friends of the Valleys is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to promoting humane care of animals through education and a humane, pro-active animal service programs,” the organization’s Beth Soltysiak said. “We are committed to preventing the suffering of animals and to ending pet overpopulation in the communities we serve.”

For tickets or information about sponsorships, visit FOREtheanimals.com or call Beth at 951-805-6239.

Junior Tennis lessons available for kids, 6-12

Canyon Lake kids ages six to 12 interested in learning a new sport or maybe perfecting their game are being invited to participate in lessons at the Canyon Lake Tennis Courts.

The lessons will be given by Canyon Lake Head Tennis Pro Bobby Kielty on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Beginner and Intermediate levels will include tennis activities such as building the participant’s speed, agility, strength and more.

Lessons are twice a week and the cost is $175.00 per month. If interested and for more information, contact Meredith Kielty by text or call, 951-760-0140.