por Jay Wilson 

We want to thank everyone who attended our fourth annual Art in the Park fundraiser, sponsored by the Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation. Fifty-five juried pieces of nature-related art is on display through Nov. 6. Check vimeo.com/141963737 for a preview video of the exhibition. Great art is still available for sale benefitting Mission Trails.

Noted local plein air painter Paul Strahm created a spectacular painting of South Fortuna which he donated for the live auction. Tierrasanta resident, and noted plein air painter Margaret Larlham, also donated a painting titled “Crest of the Path” for the live auction. A signed and numbered print by renowned western artist, Olaf Weighorst, “Spring Rain,” was the third item in the live auction. George Cowles stopped by and conducted the silent auction. A special thank you to volunteer and trail guide Linda Hassakis for coordinating the entire silent auction and to the many local businesses for their generous donations of products and services.

The Morse High School Culinary Arts Management Department again provided an exceptional selection of mouthwatering hors d’oeuvres and delectable desserts. Thank you to Sara Smith, who oversees the culinary program at Morse, and her students for outstanding food. Olive Garden Restaurants also contributed, and Rita’s Italian Ice in Del Cerro donated samples of their delicious product throughout the evening. The “mango” is great!

Brad Bruce, the Program Director for the San Diego Wine Guild, donated and served samples of a select group of regional estate wines. Brad said, “I provide a wine exploration opportunity for everyone.” Brad gave excellent information about the wines to enhance the exploration. As part of the fundraiser, wine donated by the event co-chairs and MTRP Foundation board members Nancy Acevedo and Shannon O’Dunn was served by the glass.

Local renowned guitarist Fred Benedetti performed throughout the evening. He will return for a free concert in the Visitor Center on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 3 p.m. as part of the free concert series sponsored by the MTRP Foundation.

The event would not have been successful without the MTRP volunteers who helped throughout the entire evening: Audrey Baker, Barbara Drews, Charles Carter, Silvie Plesim, Sue Sifton, Deloris Sniegowski, Jessie Swanstrom, and Carole Wilson.

Take some time and stop by the Visitor Center Gallery before Nov. 6 to view the great artwork; you may want to purchase a piece of nature-related art. All proceeds benefit the MTRP Foundation.

 Programs at the Visitor Center

Classes for Children and Adults. Our children’s program, “Tales & Trails,” continues on designated Tuesdays from 9:30 to11:30 a.m. On Nov. 3, the topic is “Survivors and Adaptations” and on Nov. 17, it is “In A Nutshell.” The classes are for children ages four and up, and taught by naturalist and educator Cindy Christ.   The next “Art Smarts” art classes will be held on Oct. 24. The beginners class, for children 7 and up, meets from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., and the topic will be “Pumpkins and Gourds,” using pastels. The advanced class meets from 2:45 to 4:45 p.m. for children 7 and up; adults are welcome. For Nov. 7, the topic for beginners is “trees,” using sponge painting; the advanced class will concentrate on “flowers,” using acrylic or mixed media. Go to mtrp.org. Look under “More News” for information, costs, and registration forms for both programs.

Upcoming Concerts
Oct. 18 –  Elizabeth Schwartz, vocalist, klezmer music
Nov. 1 – San Diego Clarinet Quintet
Nov. 15-  Patrick Hadley and Ray Ford “Unusual Instruments – Beautiful music”

Halloween Spooktacular – Oct. 24: Join storyteller Harlynne Geisler for not-too-spooky tales for children ages 3 to 93 at the Fifth Annual Family Friendly Halloween Spooktacular, sponsored by Team Northcutt Realtors on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the MTRP Amphitheater. Children are encouraged to come in costume; each child will receive a bag of Halloween treats! Seating is limited (125 seats) and it will be first come, first served.

Private Events – The MTRP Visitor Center is a unique venue for an after-hour business or private event. Whether it is a fundraiser, wedding, celebration of life, or business event, the MTRP Visitor Center is an ideal place for that special after-hours event. For functions for 50 to 350 people, contact Maggie Holloway, administrative assistant for the MTRP Foundation at 619-668-3280 or by email at [email protected]

There is a great adventure waiting for you every day at Mission Trails!

––Jay Wilson is Executive Director of the Mission Trails Regional Park Foundation. Write to him at [email protected].