Watch Out Alaska, Here Comes Ramona

Ramona is well represented by a large group of people on board the Carnival Spirit cruise ship as it sails out of port today in Seattle. Callie Robinson, who runs Tours By Callie out of her home in Ramona, got the group together and has planned an exciting Alaskan vacation for the next eight days.

Callie is joined on the cruise by her husband, Jim, as well as son and daughter-in- law, Andy and Ramona, and Jim’s brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Sue, all from Ramona.

Another group of friends on the tour include Flo Firth, Cheryl Story, Ann Morgart and Bonnie Stalker. Flo, Cheryl and Ann flew out of San Diego, and Bonnie took the train from her home in Lebanon, Oregon a few days early to take advantage of sightseeing trips over the weekend.

The first day on the cruise will be sailing the Pacific and enjoying activities and shows on board, with Thursday’s agenda calling for “Cruise Tracy Arm Fjord.” On Friday, the ship sails into port in Skagway, followed by Juneau on Saturday. Sunday’s cruise destination is Ketchikan. Monday will find the cruisers celebrating Fourth of July in Victoria, British Columbia, before sailing back to Seattle on Tuesday.

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Winners at San Diego County Fair in Del Mar include a selection of Ramona residents in nearly every competitive category. Teri Kerns won a gold medal in the winemaking division for the “Best Story in a Picture” label. She also won a silver medal for her zinfandel wine and two bronze medals for sangiovese and cabernet sauvignon.

Other local amateur winemakers bringing home bronze medals include Paul Griffin and Don Bartok. Steven Drenning won two bronze medals.

Jerry Berman and Jim Berger received honorable mention in Designs in Wood. Patricia Miklik won Best Single Item honors in the Gems, Minerals & Jewelry category for a faceted stone with rough design.

Honorable mention winners in Fine Art are Susie Burress and Heather McKey. Home & Hobby winners with honorable mention for knitting are Claudia Carmondy, Paola Coots and Carolyn Juarez.

Alwan Kelly’s color image “Flat Iron Building” received an honorable mention in the photography contest. James DeVere-Smith had two photos that won honorable mention: “Maui Jewel” and “Morning Prayer.”

Look for more winners from Del Mar in next week’s Talk of Ramona column.

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If you know of people you'd like to see recognized in Talk of Ramona, or if you have any questions about the column, send an email to talkoframona@yahoo.com