A View from the Heights

The Rowland Unified School District has announced the new principals at Killian, La Seda, Jellick and Villacorta Elementary Schools.

The Board of Education selected Jason Gass for Killian, Liz Leon for La Seda, John Staumont for Jellick and John Martinez for Villacorta.

Jason Gass is currently the Vice Principal at Hollingworth Elementary in West Covina, also in the district. He has previously served as vice principal in the Riverside and Alvord districts. He has especially strong technology skills.

Liz Leon has been the vice principal at Northam Elementary in La Puente, also in the district. She has also been a vice principal in the Hayward District in Northern California. She brings expertise in English learners programs to the position.

John Staumont is currently director of Student Assessment for the district. Prior to this, he spent seven years as principal of Riverdale Elementary in Garden Grove.
He is known for his technology and data expertise, as well as his exceptional leadership skills.

John Martinez is currently vice principal at Villacorta so this new position keeps him at the school. He had previous experience at Rowland Elementary as well.
His bilingual skills and instructional expertise have already strengthened programs and communication with parents.

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Teens can enjoy a movie day at the Rowland Heights Library on Thursday, May 28, beginning at 3:30 p.m. Fresh popcorn will be served.

A video game day will be held 3 p.m. Friday, May 29, in the community room. Teens can enjoy an afternoon of "Guitar Hero," "Rock Band" and "DDR." Free snacks will be provided by the Friends of the Rowland Heights Library.

The library is at 1850 Nogales St. For information, call Adrian Romero at (626) 912-5348.

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The Good Time Travel Club at the Steinmetz Senior Center will visit Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge on Thursday, June 4.

The cost is $12 for members and $17 for nonmembers. This covers transportation and a tour, but participants must provide their own lunch.
The bus departs at 9 a.m. and returns at 4 p.m. Moderate walking is required.

The center is at 1545 Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

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Friends of Steinmetz Senior Center will visit Barona Valley Ranch Casino on Tuesday, June 2. The bus will leave at 8 a.m. and return at 5 p.m. The cost is $15.

The center is at 1545 Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

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The Sunset Woman's Club will hold its annual rummage sale on Saturday, May 30, from 8 a.m. to noon at 3382 Glenmark Drive in Hacienda Heights.

The proceeds will benefit the Delhaven Community Center and the Downtown Womans Center.

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Join "Dancing Tehani" and explore the culture, history and legends of Hula Kahiko, an ancient form of hula from Hawaii at the Hacienda Heights Library on Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m.
The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Karen Noyes at (626) 968-9356.

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The sixth annual Taste of the Heights will be held Wednesday, May 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Pathfinder Regional Park, Rowland Heights.

The fun event offers food, wine tasting and live entertainment. It showcases food from many local restaurants such as Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant, Baja Fresh, Stewart Andersons, Macaroni Grill and Friday's.

The HoDads will perform in concert. A kid's zone will include food, jumper, arts and crafts.
Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. This includes a taste from each of the restaurants. Children's tickets are $3.

For information or tickets, call (626) 333-1369.

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Aloha teens! Join "Dancing Tehani" and explore the culture, history and legends of Hula Kahiko, an ancient form of hula from Hawaii at the Hacienda Heights Library on Saturday, May 30, at 3 p.m.
The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Karen Noyes at (626) 968-9356.

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Help support the Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels program, which delivers two meals per day between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. five days per week to qualified recipients.

The program is funded by donations and is staffed by volunteers with one paid administrator. At this time we are in desperate need of volunteers to deliver meals.

Volunteers may drive one or more days per week and receive a gasoline stipend for each day they drive. We serve an area from the 605 Freeway west to the 110 Freeway, to the border of Whittier and La Habra and east to the border of Pomona.

If you cannot drive we appreciate any donation that you can make. The current state of the economy is resulting in increased demand for our service while funding is shrinking.

The delivery of a warm meal and a cold meal once a day is sometimes the only contact they have with the outside world. Delivering meals is a very rewarding experience. Remember, someday you may need our services.

Our contact phone is (626) 333-4902. Donations may be sent to: Greater La Puente Valley Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 3293, City of Industry, CA 91744.

Vince House
President GLPVMOW
La Puente

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The Puente Hills summer concert series celebrates its 15th anniversary this year.

It will offer its first Memorial Day Concert from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, in the Lower Level Court of the Puente Hills Mall.

The concert honors members of the armed forces who fought for our freedom. A National Moment of Remembrance will be held at 3 p.m.

The festivities include honoring retired Sergeant Parnell Fisher, a veteran of the Vietnam War who earned a Silver Star and a Distinguished Flying Cross. Fisher is the older brother of Martha House, who co-founded the summer concert series with her husband Charles.

Music for the concert will be performed by the Society for the Preservation of Big Bands.

Small flags and cans of Pepsi will be given out at the Customer Service Center while supplies last.

Concertgoers may sign up for a $150 Puente Hills Mall Giveaway.

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Monks from the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights play the Dragon Sidewinder game at their temple's Boy Scout Troop booth during the celebration of Vesak Day, Buddha's birthday, at Whittier Narrows Recreation Area on May 17 in South El Monte. According to Buddhist teachings, the birth, enlightenment and nirvana of the Buddha all fall together on Vesak Day. (Staff Photo by Sarah Reingewirtz)

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Friends of the Hacienda Heights Library will hold the Spring Book Sale.
It opens to members only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 13. Residents may join the Friends of the Hacienda Heights Library for just $5.

The book sale opens to the public on Thursday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, May 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call (626) 968-9356.

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Soroptimist International Puente Hills is seeking sponsors for its fifth annual "Tea for You" luncheon on May 28. The club would appreciate the community's support.

The luncheon benefits Cal SAFE students, that stands for California School Age Families Education. This state program helps pregnant moms, teen moms and teen dads who want to finish their education while learning how to care for their families.

Students from Hacienda La Puente, Rowland, Azusa and Pomona Valley Unified School Districts attend the gala event. This year, it will be held on on Thursday, May 28, at the Industry Hills Expo Center.

Soroptimists seek sponsors for students, tables and scholarships from $25 up. The club is also looking for teen parents who would like to share their stories.

For information, call (626) 945-0194 or (626) 337-8217.

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The National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service will hold a "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive on Saturday, May 9. Carriers will collect non-perishable food items, including canned meats and fish, soup, pasta, vegetables, cereal and rice.

Residents should place their donation next to the mailbox. The food will be delivered to local food banks and pantries.

Please do not include items that have expired or glass containers.

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Friends of the Steinmetz Senior Center in Hacienda Heights will host a Mother's Day Tea from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, May 7.

Friends of Steinmetz will bring their China and silverware to create their own table settings. Prizes will be given for the best decorations.

Luncheon will be served, along with teas. Entertainment will be provided.

Reservations must be made in advance, and proof of membership must be shown.
The center is at 1545 Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

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The Rowland Heights Library and the Asian Pacific Family Center will present the SOLD Project on Thursday, May 7, at 4 p.m.

The project uses films to present the plight of child slavery. The films will be screened in the community room.

Because of the sensitive material, the presentation is recommended for those 16-years-old and above. Those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult.

The library is at 1850 Nogales St. For more information, call Adrian Romero at (626) 912-5348.

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The Good Time Travel Club at the Steinmetz Senior Center will celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Old Town San Diego on Sunday, May 3.

The bus will depart at 8:30 a.m. and return at 6 p.m. The cost is $12 for members and $17 for nonmembers. This covers transportation, but lunch is on your own.

Moderate walking is involved. The center is at 1545 Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights. For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

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