Mitchell Thorp Warrior Spirit Run/Walk Family Festival
The Parks & Recreation Department permitted Mitchell Thorp Foundation’s 10th annual 5K Warrior Spirit Run/Walk Family Festival. Hundreds of runners and walkers participate in the fundraiser benefitting children battling life-threatening illnesses, diseases and disorders. The event kicks off on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Poinsettia Park and includes a kids area, a vendor expo, musical performances, and an inspirational opening ceremony featuring three skydivers making an aerial entry carrying a 1500 square foot American Flag.
Game on at Pine Avenue Community Center!
Carlsbad teen adventurers embarked on a journey of epic proportions with the Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) game at Pine Avenue Community Center. Through D&D, players have the opportunity to exercise their creativity in not only creating a unique character but also with interactions in the world. Teens are building critical thinking skills to out-maneuver great monsters and villains while learning how to work together to overcome challenges that no single person can achieve on their own. They also develop social skills through role-playing as mighty adventurers and are building long-lasting friendships. The January and February sessions sold out with 12 teens each, and a few March slots are still open. D&D provides teenagers an intense adventure with challenges and rewards, all without a digital device in the room!
Aloha Shirt Reception Spotlights Hawaiian Culture Last Saturday, more than 150 guests attended the opening reception for the exhibition “Art of the Aloha Shirt: Keoni of Hawaii, 1938-51” in the William D. Cannon Gallery. This colorful and distinctively-patterned collection explores the history, artistry and production of Hawaii’s enduring fashion statement, the Aloha Shirt. This exhibition features sixty objects, including original textile artwork, production sketches and swatches, advertisements and vintage shirts that tell the story of an early innovator, John “Keoni” Meigs, in an industry that has left an indelible mark on fashion in the U.S. and the world. Attendees were encouraged to wear their favorite Hawaiian garb. The highlight of the evening was a performance by the local dance group Kumu Kahne’s Hula Dancers who performed traditional dances and offered insights about the stories and movement. During an interactive segment, guests of all ages were invited to join the performers and learn more about these ceremonial dances first-hand. The exhibit runs through March 16. Aloha!
Library Hosts Books & Bingo The library’s first Books & Bingo event last Sunday was a success thanks to 12 authors who spoke and signed books for nearly 200 readers who attended. Attendees were encouraged to mingle with the authors to get their bingo cards signed and enjoyed the opportunity to connect with passionate writers and other booklovers.
Making Events Safer
During the Carlsbad Marathon on Sunday, Jan. 20, the Police Department’s Mobile Command Vehicle had an additional resource to keep the public safe during the event. Traffic Systems Operations Specialist Tam Tran used the city’s robust traffic management system to provide support to the Incident Commanders by monitoring activity on traffic cameras throughout the race course. This helped ensure that all Marathon participants and spectators, an estimated crowd of 10,000 people, were safe and could enjoy the event. This is a wonderful example of interdepartmental support and collaboration. Go Team Carlsbad!
Women in Water Symposium
On Jan. 17 Utilities Director Vicki Quiram participated in a General Manager’s forum at the Women in Water Symposium, presented by the Center for Water Studies at Cuyamaca College. More than two hundred women and men gathered to engage in discussions about building rewarding and exciting careers in the water and wastewater industries. The full-day, two-track program included sessions such as “The New-Wave – Engaging the Next Generation” to “Building Leadership Skills” and ended with the official Grand Opening of Cuyamaca Colleges’ impressive new Center for Water Studies building and facilities.