SCRIPPS RANCH FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY

Library upgrades near completion

Latest update

We just received an encouraging update on the roof and HVAC replacement work at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library! Both projects are nearing completion. We are hopeful that some welcome refreshes to the library’s interior will also take place before our library reopens – during the upcoming winter or perhaps even sooner. The parking lot expansion will reportedly resume once again in September with completion projected for summer 2027.

Accessing library services during closure

During the time the library is closed, books and other materials can be returned to the Mira Mesa Branch Library or to any library in the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) system (www.sandiego.gov/public-library/locations). Note that this does not include the Poway Library, which cannot accept SDPL books. When placing a hold through their online SDPL account, library patrons will be prompted to select the branch library where they’d like to pick-up their books. Consider exploring the free programs available at other branch libraries; check the events calendar on the SDPL website for information.

Friends of the Library news

Even though our library has been closed for more than three months, the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library (SRFOL) board continues to meet. A budget was adopted at the last meeting, and SRFOL is planning a special celebratory re-opening event for when that long anticipated time arrives. The publication of SRFOL’s e-newsletter “The Folio” continues as well, at a reduced frequency of alternate months – rather than the customary monthly issues – during the closure. If you don’t already receive this important source of information about our library and library services in general, sign up by emailing president@srfol.org. In addition, the SRFOL’s website contains a wealth of information and is updated frequently. Visit www.srfol.org.

Seed Library is open

Thinking about fall planting? Check out the offerings of the Scripps Ranch Seed Library, which has been relocated from the library for the duration of the closure and is being maintained by SRFOL volunteers. The Seed Library has a large selection of seeds – including flowers, herbs and vegetables – available without charge to community members. Those who receive seeds are encouraged to harvest and return some seeds to the library in order to perpetuate the collection and share with other gardeners, although this is optional. Visit www.srfol.org/seed-library.htm to learn more. Seeds can be requested by emailing seedlibrary@srfol.org and picked up from a centrally located Scripps Ranch home.  

Book donation options

During the time our library and Grace’s Book Nook (the Friends-run used bookstore) are closed, we are unable to accept donations of books.  If you can wait until our library reopens to donate your gently used books and media, that would be optimal. We’ll help your books find new homes, and you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re supporting our library! But if that’s not possible, look for information on alternate donation options that also support our libraries at www.srfol.org/gbn-donate.htm. However, please do not leave books outside the library as they will end up in the landfill.

Garden experts set for autumn 

By Denise Stewart

The Scripps-Mesa Garden Club will host gardening expert speakers at its monthly meetings this fall, according to program director Alva Rivera. After the club’s August outdoor harvest celebration potluck, members will be returning to their meeting place at the Scripps Ranch Community Center. The club meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday evening of each month at 6 p.m.

September’s topic will be Shade Loving Plants. The guest speaker, Michael Ludwig, has been involved with plant societies since 1977. They include Begonia, Camellia, Fuchsia, Gesneriads, Ferns, Plumeria, houseplants and exotics. He is also dedicated to landscaping and vegetable gardening.

Ludwig is a Begonia, fern, gesneriad judge and has judged at the San Diego Fair and numerous federated garden club shows. He was landscaper at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace for 45 years and has done garden consultations as part of his life’s work.

In October, Kathryn Blankinship, a UC Master Gardener, will address the topic of Plant Timing.

Garden tours were the focus of the club’s summer schedule. In July, Tom and Ann Massey hosted the gardeners in their expansive backyard full of a wide variety of flowering plants and trees. Among the highlights of the tour was a secret garden the Masseys have constructed that shelters a small ornamental table and chairs. It’s a favorite spot where their grandchildren enjoy sharing tea and treats, according to the hosts.

In August, Lynnell Hallock, once again, shared her gardening experiences with her backyard collection of lavish plantings. The yard is bursting with color from the hanging potted plants near her home to the blooming shrubs surrounding the lawn area, and to the trees growing up the hill behind her yard.

Scripps-Mesa Garden Club has been growing with Scripps Ranch since 1993. Their membership is open to anyone with an interest in gardening and greenery.  

SIR continues to grow in Scripps Ranch

The local Scripps Ranch branch of Sons in Retirement (SIR), an organization for semi-retired and retired men, continues to grow. SIR is a statewide organization with more than 100 branches throughout California, and our branch is proud to be the first in Southern California.

Since getting started late last year, our Scripps Ranch branch has grown to more than 70 members. Our goal is simple: stay active, meet new friends and enjoy a variety of activities together.

Each month, members participate in numerous indoor and outdoor activities based on their interests. Recent activities have included golf, pickleball, a day at the races, a tour of General Atomics, bridge, poker, Happy Hour, the Breakfast Club and much more. Many of these activities take place regularly, giving members plenty of opportunities to participate.

There is no obligation to attend every activity. Members are encouraged to choose the groups and events that interest them – and they are always welcome to suggest or organize something new.

In addition to the activities, we hold a monthly luncheon on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Mainstream Bar and Grill in Poway. The luncheon is a great opportunity to mingle, meet new friends, learn about upcoming activities and enjoy an interesting guest speaker. Last month, we were fortunate to have Dr. Neil Farber speak about NASA’s search for life on other planets.

As our branch continues to grow, we are excited to welcome new members and expand our activities and friendships. If you are semi-retired or retired and looking for a fun way to stay active and meet new people, we would love to have you join us at our next luncheon .

For more information, contact Larry Maibaum at larpegmai@gmail.com or visit our website at branch174.sirinc2.org.

Dog Photo Showcase

Enjoy these fun photos of Scripps Ranch dogs sent in by readers in the first Scripps Ranch News Dog Photo Showcase, held in conjunction with the Real House Dogs of Scripps Ranch Facebook group. 

The Scripps Ranch News Dog Photo Showcase is sponsored by Pet Wants Mira Mesa, 6906 Miramar Road, Suite B2, offering quality pet products and professional dog grooming. Visit petwantsmiramesa.com

Thanks go to all who sent in these amazing photos, as well as The Real House Dogs of Scripps Ranch and Pet Wants. 

Lemonade Stand Photo Contest

The deadline for the annual Scripps Ranch News Lemonade Stand Photo Contest is approaching. Send in a fun photo of your child’s lemonade stand from this summer.

All entries will appear in the September print edition of Scripps Ranch News and on ScrippsRanchNews.com.

One winner will receive an order of delicious treats as a prize! 

To enter, email a high resolution photo (300 dpi) of your lemonade stand to info@scrippsranchnews.com. Include the location of your stand and the date the photo was taken. Include name of the photographer and name of those in the photo from left to right.

Rules: Photo must have been taken in Scripps Ranch (92131 area). Photo must have been taken between May and Aug-
ust 2026. Please send only one photo per lemonade stand. Deadline to enter is Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. No charge to enter. By entering this contest you agree to allow Scripps Ranch News to publish your photo and names of those in the photo in the Scripps Ranch News print edition, on ScrippsRanchNews.com and on all Scripps Ranch News social media pages. 

Events: Gatherings, music and theater

By Denise Stewart

Having enjoyed a summer full of regular and seasonal activities, Welcome Club members are looking ahead to the fall and its calendar of events.

Middle September will be highlighted by an evening of laughter at Scripps Ranch Theatre’s season opening performance of “Theater People, or The Angel Next Door.” To start the special Saturday night, a potluck supper will gather the club members at Alan Binks’s home before the play. The potlucks have become a regular event where members can relish their culinary talents and share friendly conversations before the play. Denise Forgeron has scheduled the club’s viewing dates for the whole theater season.

A second highlight will occur later in the month during the daytime when members will travel together to Coronado to enjoy a tribute to America’s musical history from ragtime to swing, blues and rock and roll, currently featured at the Lamb’s Players Theater.

Club members have attended other performances there and have marveled at the talent and vitality of the cast members, according to Pam Savelsberg, Gadabouts organizer.

A third highlight on a Friday evening called a TGI will take place in the lovely garden of Lynnell Hallock. She is the club’s coordinator of these evening events and will host the finale of the outdoor potlucks that draw a congenial crowd during the warmer months.

Along with these highlights, the regular activities that Welcome Club is known for will provide weekly opportunities for women living on the Ranch to come together for pleasant times. A regular monthly meeting, card games, book talks, craft making, bunco, and morning coffees are routine parts of the club’s calendar. These events are opportunities to build relationships with others who share the same interests.

The Welcome Club is delighted to share its benefits with local residents. For more information, the website scrippsranchwelcomeclub.com will be a good start to connect with the women who already enjoy the club.

Celebrating great year; entering new, active season

By Mary Rea
Publicity chair

In July, the Scripps Ranch Women’s Club celebrated the close of a banner year marked by community service, engaging social and cultural experiences, and lasting friendships. Among the year’s highlights, the club awarded major scholarships to two highly deserving graduating seniors, Kailey Saipe and Sonali Caffrey, in recognition of their academic achievement and community service. The club also awarded eight grants to local schools and nonprofit organizations that serve the Scripps Ranch community.

At the same time, Women’s Club members enjoyed 20 lively interest groups – from Bridge, Bunco, Scrabble, Theater, and Mahjong to Book Discussions, Arts and Culture, and Pickleball. With our strong commitment to community service, wide-ranging social programs and welcoming spirit, the club attracted a record 46 new members during the year.

August opened an exciting new chapter for our club, bringing fresh opportunities to connect, explore and share new experiences. Two newer members are already turning their ideas into action. Robin Jessani is organizing casual Happy Hours at local restaurants and gathering spots, offering members an easy way to relax and make new friends. Kathy Steinhause is planning Golf Outings at area courses for both casual and experienced players – a welcome addition to the club’s active offerings, which include Pickleball and Adventure Walks.

Our many interest groups remain in full swing throughout the summer, giving members plenty of opportunities to enjoy Book Discussions, Canasta, Scrabble, Knitting/Crocheting, Mahjong, Bridge, Bunco, Fun and Games, Arts and Culture, Adventure Walks, Theater, Pickleball, and Social Programs. With regular Happy Hours and Golf Outings now on the horizon, even more variety is coming to the club’s lively, monthly calendar of activities and events.

August offered several memorable outings both outdoors and onstage. Members explored Liberty Station on a scenic Adventure Walk along the waterfront and through the historic park, followed by an enjoyable lunch. Later in the month, the club will attend opening night of “Theatre People, or The Angel Next Door” at the Scripps Ranch Theatre. Barbara Measelle and Michael Foster have offered to make the evening even more special by graciously hosting a festive pre-theatre cocktail party. Thank you, Barbara and Michael!

To learn more about the Scripps Ranch Women’s Club, contact Membership Chair Lynn Parke at lparke@san.rr.com or visit srwomensclub.org.

August 2026 Pet of the Month: Dutch

Introducing Dutch, an energetic guy whose curiosity about the world around him is infectious! Dutch loves taking long investigative walks on which he sniffs everything in his path. He can be a little shy initially, but warms up quickly with the help of some tasty treats! Once he gets to know you, he blossoms into a goofy and playful companion.

He’s a smart pup and already knows commands like “sit,” “paw” and “down.” Some of Dutch’s favorite things are hot dogs, cheese, stuffed toys and tennis balls. He is a cuddly guy who loves to receive pets and lay his head on your lap.

Dutch will thrive best in a home without the hustle and bustle of other dogs or young children.

If you’re looking for a loyal, active buddy to share your adventures, you need to meet this handsome boy! Dutch has been waiting for a family of his own for more than 540 days. Visit San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego Campus to adopt him today!

Dutch #941370
German Shepherd Mix
Male | 5 years
Adoption Fee: $175 (50% off through Aug. 31)

Available for adoption at:
San Diego Campus
5500 Gaines St.

NOTE: The San Diego Humane Society has an adoption promotion underway now through the end of August, celebrating Clear the Shelters Month with 50 percent off adoptions for every single pet, except horses! 

Focus is on meeting new friends, staying active

It’s been a busy month for our local Sons in Retirement (SIR) group of semi-retired and retired men. We are one of more than 100 branches in California, but the first in Southern California.

As our group grows, we continue to focus on meeting new friends and remaining active. We thrive by meeting the interests of our members with multiple events each month.

Monthly activities include golf, pickleball, poker, hiking, wine tasting and much more. The strength of our organization is that members can select ongoing events or start new ones. This past month, for example, groups enjoyed a Happy Hour, a tour of the Mormon Temple and backgammon. Members can choose what they want to participate in without any formal obligation. And, we encourage couples for many of our activities.

In addition to the numerous interest groups, a monthly luncheon is held at Mainstream Bar and Grill in Poway on the fourth Wednesday of each month. This gives us all the opportunity to meet new friends and discuss upcoming events. In addition, each lunch has an interesting and informative speaker. This past month, we were fortunate enough to have local resident Bob Ilko give us a presentation dealing with the upcoming Zone Zero changes to help us to understand the importance of making smart decisions regarding fire safety.

As we grow, we are excited to welcome new members. For more information, contact Larry Maibaum at larpegmai@gmail.com or visit our branch website at branch174.sirinc2.org.

Daily habits are as important as health resolutions

(Feature Impact) Most people don’t set out to ignore their health. It usually slips down the list somewhere between the morning alarm and the last email of the day. Breakfast gets rushed or skipped. Exercise is postponed until tomorrow. Sleep is cut short to catch up on everything else. By the end of the week, healthy intentions are still there, but the follow-through feels harder than expected.

For many, the challenge is not motivation but finding habits that fit into real life. Small, repeatable choices around sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being and social connection can support how the body and mind function over time.

Sleep well

Sleep is essential for physical recovery, mental focus and emotional balance, but it’s often the first habit to slip when schedules get busy.

Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps signal when it’s time to rest. Limiting screen exposure in the evening, keeping sleep and wake times consistent and creating a dark, quiet sleep environment can support more restorative sleep. Over time, better sleep contributes to improved mood, focus and overall heart health.

Exercise in manageable ways

Exercise often falls into the same trap as sleep. When schedules get full, it becomes something to get back to rather than something that fits into the day as it unfolds. A missed workout can quickly turn into a missed week, even for people who value staying active.

Regular movement supports heart health, muscle strength and overall energy, but it doesn’t need to be all-or-nothing. Short periods of activity spread throughout the day can still make a difference, especially when long stretches of sitting are the default.

Walking between meetings, stretching in the morning or adding light strength exercises at home are simple ways to stay active without blocking out extra time.

Always try to schedule some time at a local fitness center or exercise gym of your choice. Do your best to visit your favorite exercise establishment as often as you can. This is your “me” time for both physical as well as mental well-being. 

Eat nutritiously

Food decisions often happen on autopilot as meals are squeezed into busy schedules and long days, making nutrition one of the most influential daily habits.

Meals do more than provide fuel. When built around nutrient-rich foods, they support muscle health, brain health and heart health. An overall healthy eating pattern includes a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, helping the body keep up with everyday demands.

Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle and supporting daily movement, especially as people age. High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support all the muscles in the body. Choosing protein sources that are easy to prepare and repeat supports consistency when schedules are full.

As part of a balanced approach to healthy habits, nutrition guidance from the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, highlights how everyday food choices can support the body and brain over time.

Eggs are an example of a high-quality protein, and they fit easily into meals throughout the day. Eggs also deliver choline, a nutrient many Americans don’t get enough of. Choline is a critical nutrient, among others, for supporting brain development, memory and mood. Along with protein, choline helps support brain health, making it an important consideration across life stages.

According to the American Heart Association, healthy people can include one egg daily, up to seven eggs per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For healthy older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day can be included as part of a heart-healthy dietary pattern.

Mind your mental well-being

The way people eat, sleep and move does not just affect the body. It also shapes how the brain responds to stress and daily demands. When routines feel rushed or inconsistent, mental well-being is often one of the first areas to feel the strain.

Ongoing stress can interfere with focus, sleep and eating habits, making it harder to maintain healthy routines. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness or stepping away from screens for a few minutes can help reduce tension and restore attention.

Making time for rest and reflection, and setting realistic expectations, can also support emotional balance. What supports the brain often supports the heart as well, reinforcing the value of caring for mental and physical health together.

Socialize and stay connected

Mental well-being is shaped by both daily routines and relationships. When life feels busy or stressful, social connection is often the first thing to get pushed aside, even though it plays an important role in emotional health.

Staying connected doesn’t require packed calendars or constant interaction. Shared meals, short conversations or a quick check-in with a friend or family member can help maintain a sense of connection.

Build habits that fit real life

Healthy routines are more likely to last when they fit into the rhythm of everyday life rather than compete with it. Big changes can feel motivating at first, but it is often the small, repeatable choices that quietly shape how people feel over time.

Choosing foods that are easy to prepare, finding enjoyable ways to exercise and protecting time for sleep can make healthy habits feel more realistic.

When routines are built around what is already happening during a typical day, they are easier to return to even when schedules get busy.

For more information and educational resources on nutrition and healthy living, visit Heart.org.