What's Up, Doc? A Time to Give Thanks

By Randall Freeman, PhD

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we pause to remember those events of the past year and express our gratitude for surviving yet another 12 months. We have much to be thankful for in Menifee. Following are a few that stand out in my mind:

Our Menifee Union School District is growing. As of today, we are rapidly approaching 10,000 (K-8) students. Add in the almost 4,000 Menifee high school students and we are bursting at the seams. We are opening a new elementary school in August but it’s not enough to alleviate all of the young people entering our outstanding school district.

Our young Boys & Girls Club of Menifee is also experiencing tremendous growth. Under the leadership of Director John Whann, his excellent staff provides services and educational programs for over 1,000 Menifee children. Not bad for an organization that has yet to attain its second birthday!

Our Menifee Historical Society has found a home at the old Menifee Elementary School. The society provides our community family with the rich history of our fair city. The new historical museum will be opening very soon. I look forward to the opportunities for our young people to visit and learn more about the community in which they live.

Our political leaders chose the proper method of selecting a replacement for our late councilman, Wallace Edgerton. I was pleased to have a direct say in helping to select my councilman’s successor. (I was also very pleased that the campaign signs were removed so quickly and efficiently.)

On a personal note, I am thankful that our eldest daughter, Daniela, is adjusting so well to college life. My only concern has been how a girl born and raised in Southern California will adjust to Toronto, but early returns are favorable. She loves it!

Our daughters, Sarah, Holly, and Megan are also making a major transition from middle school to high school. As freshmen at Paloma Valley High School, they are experiencing the joys of high school life. They are settling in for the next four years of school. Joy!

Our family is in good health. We are experiencing the crazy life of teenagers, pets, and careers and seem to be surviving so far. We are very grateful to be living the good life in our home of Menifee.

Randy Freeman and his family have lived in Menifee since 1993. Randy teaches kindergarten in Perris and his lovely wife Karen teaches first grade here in Menifee at Freedom Crest Elementary School. They are the proud parents of four beautiful daughters: Daniela, 18, and 14-year-old triplets Sarah, Holly, and Megan. Other family members include dogs Scruffy and Max, 17-year-old cat Hunter, and turtle Tuttles. Randy earned his PhD in early childhood education in 2011 and has served on the Menifee Union School Board since 2008. Randy has wisely decided to delete the bit about being Karen's boss in order to continue living in his happy home.