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The Pet Lovers Club held their annual meeting on Nov. 10. Our guest speaker, Carly Padilla, of the San Diego Humane Society's Project Wildlife, gave a fascinating presentation. She informed us of what we should do and who to contact if we encounter certain kinds of injured wildlife. In explaining each animal's role in our ecosystem, she helped us understand why removing some animals that we consider "pests" may be unwise, ineffective, or illegal. She brought one of Project Wildlife's Ambassadors, Guinevere. This Merlin Falcon, who came to them in 2005 as an adult with an injury that removed her ability to fly properly. After kestrels, Merlin's are the smallest of the falcons in North America and are known for their speed and agility in flight. Merlin's were also the species of falcon used by the ladies of the court in medieval Europe. They are rare to see in a captive education program in Southern California because they are not present here year-round, but only migrate through the area as adult birds. Guinevere is a talkative bird who will often announce herself on programs with Merlin's typical territorial calls. This presentation was so interesting that the PLC Board and members present decided to invite her back to speak to a larger group at our Annual Brunch in August, and possibly video tape it. President Ellen Kippel reports that the prior to the Annual PLC Board Meeting on Nov. 10, the slate of proposed officers for 2019-2020 had been sent to all PLC members. The nominees for the 2-year term were Ellen Kippel, President; Dan Golembiewski, Vice President; Dolores Dowdle, Treasurer; and Karen Hastings, Secretary. The members voted unanimously to elect the nominees. Ellen announced that we would be hosting another Humane Society-sponsored pet vaccination and licensing event on Sun., Jan. 20, 2019. If your pet is due for a vaccination, you will need to bring their current vaccination records. The miniature therapy horse that was presented at a Village Vets/PLC program this summer is also expected for a return visit. 36 | OHCC LIVING | DECEMBER 2018 | Woodchucks 'Tis the season to deck the halls with toys crafted by the Woodchucks' Master toy builders, painters, and crafty seamstresses. After toiling all year, everyone enjoys imagining the joyful faces that the toys bring to the many families of Camp Pendleton, as they celebrate Christmas and Hanukkah. We hope that you will stop by the OHCC Clubhouse to see the display of over 400 wooden toys, doll cradle blankets, and holiday stockings handmade by members of the Sewing Club. As always, the toys that you generously give enhance the Woodchucks' toys. What you do not see are the many cash and gift card donations, given both individually and through your Social Clubs. This year The Woodchucks are raffling off two handcrafted wooden vehicles: A Vintage Semi-Tractor/Trailer and a Classic 1932 Lincoln. These beautiful heirlooms have been built and donated to the Woodchucks by two of our Master Toy Builders. The raffle tickets will be sold in the Clubhouse, at the Woodchuck Toy Display. We will hold the drawing on Dec. 6. You will not want to miss participating! Please join us in "Serving those who so bravely serve us." Happy holidays from the tired and dusty Woodchucks. Pet Lovers Club USEFUL CONTACTS - Consider putting them on speed dial on your phone for emergency purposes. Emergency Care: VCA North Coast Animal Hospital 760-632-1072; 414 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas, CA 92024 24 hours/day, 365 days a year. Major disasters: Animal Rescue Reserve (ARR) 619-299-0871; 24 hours/day, 365 days a year ARR is part of the San Diego Humane Society, and staff are specially trained to save and care for animals threatened by major disasters such as fire and earthquake. Project Wildlife: 619-225-wild (9453) Dog Walkers and Pet Sitters: Log in to the OHCC members website. Under Social Clubs, go to Pet Lovers Club. Open that link and under "Services," you'll see lists of people who provide these services, who have also been recommended by neighbors in our community. Cat Connection: There is a list of cat owners here in our community who volunteer to take care of each other's cats when the owners are away. To find out more about the connections, contact Vic White: vicwhite8778@gmail.com. There is a link on the same OHCC website, under Pet Lovers Club Services, that describes how it works.