News Briefs

Local animal shelter adopts 171 pets during campaign

Canyon Lake’s animal shelter Animal Friends of the Valleys provided 171 adoptions during its participation in the Bissell Pet Foundation’s Spring National “Empty the Shelters‘‘ event which ran from May 2 to May 15.

During the two-week campaign, the shelter offered $25 for pet adoptions including dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens.

Bissell Pet Foundation provided a $100 per dog and $50 per cat grant for each adoption, which allowed Animal Friends of the Valleys to reduce adoption fees to $25. Pets that were adopted needed to be spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped before being adopted out.

“Animal Friends of the Valleys opened its doors to over 8,600 animals just last year,” Beth Soltysiak, Director of Development, said. “AFV is pleased to report we are at the highest adoption rate in our 31-year history.”

Beth said the shelter was pleased with the community support at the adoption event.

“It was a win/win all the way around,” she said. “171 animals in the shelter found forever homes, and we had the support of the Bissell Pet Foundation with funding. This stresses the importance of spay/neutering your pet so we can reduce the number of animals from ever entering the shelter.”

Animal Friends of the Valleys is in the process of building a new low cost spay/neuter clinic adjacent to its shelter in Wildomar.

Community Church to hold blood drive Tuesday

The Canyon Lake Community Church is holding a blood drive Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at its facility on Railroad Canyon Drive.

At all blood donation opportunities in Southern California, including the one at the church, all who come to give in the month of June will be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP trip to Graceland for two. The trip is in honor of the new Baz Luhrmann film, Elvis.

The trip will include round-trip airfare to Memphis, plus a three-night stay at The Guest House and Elvis Entourage VIP tour, courtesy of Graceland, a custom-wrapped Gibson Epiphone guitar and more. Additionally, those who come to donate in the month of June will also receive a $5.00 e-gift card to a merchant of choice.

Elvis Presley is known for being the first global rock and roll icon and was a blood donor himself. While times have changed, the need for blood has not − donors can leave a lasting legacy themselves by making a lifesaving blood or platelet donation with the American Red Cross.

It’s critically important the Red Cross maintain a stable blood supply for patients this summer. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Senior Center to host seminar on Cyper Threat Protection

The Canyon Lake Senior Center will be teaching Canyon Lake seniors how to protect themselves against cyper threats on their digital devices and computers at a class tomorrow (Saturday).

The two-hour seminar, which begins at 10:00 a.m. at the Senior Center, 23307 Canyon Lake Dr. S., will cover various topics on computer security. The three major areas to be taught to attendees at the free event will be: 1) Learn about common cyber threats, 2) Learn how to keep accounts and credentials safe and 3) Learn how to avoid dangerous threats and malicious scams.

Free STEM Camp available this summer

High school students will have a hands-on learning opportunity at a free, week-long event this summer designed to inspire teens to pursue science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers in the water industry.

The camp will take place July 11-15 and provides an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience and compete for team prizes of up to $1,000.

Those interested can sign up at www.evmwd.com/STEMPULL. The deadline to register for the camp co-sponsored by EVMWD and the Riverside County Office of Education is June 27.

Community Theater group needs community donations

The Canyon Lake Community Theater needs donations to stay afloat according to Nicole Garvito, publicity and PR on the board of directors for the organization.

Due to the recent pandemic, many of Canyon Lake’s clubs were affected financially, however, those that seemed to feel the biggest hit were the clubs and organizations that depended on in-person attendance.

The Canyon Lake Community Theater, which receives its funding from ticket sales to live shows, has set up a GoFundMe campaign in order to help save the club from shutting down.

“Our once-thriving company has sadly fallen on hard times,” Nicole Garvito, VP of Admin on the organization‘s board of directors, said. “We are on the brink of shutting down, and in order to continue our mission, we are asking for everyone’s help to save our organization.”

The Canyon Lake Community Theater is a non-profit theater company that has been bringing live theater arts and education to the community for over 30 years.

“This organization has been beloved by so many for years as we have been a constant in giving many talented young stars their start,” Nicole said. “Our mission is to educate and nurture budding actors with decades worth of knowledge from our directors and choreographers.”

The group also gives seasoned actors an opportunity to continue on with acting as their hobby well into their adult lives.

The Canyon Lake Community Theater’s GoFundMe goal is to raise $10,000.00. Those wishing to make donations, large or small, can visit the website and search for Canyon Lake Community Theater.

The funds received, Nicole said, will keep the organization alive so it can continue to bring quality live theater to the community and valley.