Thursday, December 24, 2015
INSIDE
Vol. 129, Issue 45
50¢
ramonasentinel.com
Ramona’s Community Newspaper since 1886
Friends dedicate sculpture to Elyse Kuhn BY KAREN BRAINARD
Not everyone is happy with Santa. 22
■ Business News, 3 ■ Opinion, 4 ■ Students Travel, 7 ■ Special Delivery, 8 ■ Crime Reports, 9 ■ Sports, 10 ■ Hall of Fame, 11 ■ Song Team Wins, 13 ■ Obituary, 16 ■ Classifieds, 19
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The Friends of Ramona Library’s Dec. 16 ceremony to dedicate its new Wings of Inspiration sculpture to Marion Elyse Kuhn became a bittersweet event as several paid tribute to the longtime library advocate who died just a week before. “Unfortunately Elyse is not here to witness the dedication to her for her unending efforts for the betterment of the library and the community of Ramona,” said Dr. Michael Barker, president of Friends of Ramona Library. Kuhn, 86, died Dec. 10 in her Ramona home. Her husband, Bernard, and grandson, Joe Koch, attended the dedication. Kuhn’s commitment to the library began over 30 years ago, said Barker. Under her leadership in 1985, Friends of Ramona Library was organized, he said, and she served as the second president of that group and continued in that role until 2011, the year the library on Main Street was completed. Barker said Kuhn worked tirelessly to see a new library built in Ramona, and she, Joan Gansert and Dick Wayman raised $1 million to show Ramona was committed. Barker said he had recently visited with Kuhn and showed her pictures of the Wings of Inspiration sculpture, telling her they would be honoring her. “She was very pleased and surprised,” he said.
KAREN BRAINARD PHOTO
Standing by the Wings of Inspiration sculpture, dedicated to Elyse Kuhn, are, in front from left: Dr. Michael Barker, president of Friends of Ramona Library; sculpture artist Leslie Souza; Bernard Kuhn, husband of Elyse Kuhn; Librarian Josh Mitchell; Jose Aponte, executive director of the San Diego County Library; Joe Koch, Kuhn's grandson; and Donna Ohr, deputy director of the San Diego County Library. Pictured in back at left are Regional Librarian Jacqueline Ayala and library staff Wesley Jackson, Klara Bako, Cecilia Salgado, Chelsea Harris and Manuela Castillo. The metal sculpture, commissioned by the Friends and created by Ramona artist Leslie Souza, stands in front of Ramona Library, symbolizing how literacy can lead to the the soaring of imagination and education. “Elyse’s exemplary commitment
education and entertainment, derived from books and programs, she helped to develop children’s and adult programs as well as programs for minorities,” said Barker. When Kuhn first became involved with the library, it was in the county SEE WINGS, A2
Motorcycle club brings Christmas cheer to reservation BY JESSICA KING It wasn’t jingle bells but rather the thunderous roar of motorcycles that signaled the arrival of Christmas for children living on the Mesa Grande Indian Reservation. About 30 members, friends and associates of the Rekkrs Motorcycle Club delivered approximately 150 toys and gift cards to the reservation on Saturday. “It’s the first time we’ve been able to do it and we’ll be doing it again for years to come,” said
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to literacy, family and community will remain her legacy for years to come,” said José Aponte, executive director of the San Diego County Library system. Ramona Library is one of the county’s 33 branches. “Because of her interest in literacy,
club president Neil Talmadge. “We’re not going to give up on these kids.” Talmadge said his club learned of the need for Christmas gifts for the reservation’s disadvantaged youth about two weeks ago. The decision to launch an inaugural “Run for the Hill” charity toy drive was a no-brainer, said Talmadge. Each participant donated an average of five gifts. “Next year, we’re going to have more time and it’ll be even better,” said Talmadge. About 45 reservation youths ranging in age
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from infancy to 17 received gifts. Rekkrs prospect Brad Wohl was among the participants who rallied at Packards Coffee Shop in Old Town Ramona to begin the ride. “I live in Julian and so the reservation up near there is pretty near and dear to me,” said Wohl. “The kids up there don’t have a lot and it’s a shame. Somebody’s got to do something, so why not us.” Anyone wishing more information about the motorcycle club may contact Talmadge at neil@neilageinc.com.
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