Norman Mackenzie, Community Engagement Coordinator for the Salvation Army Rehabilitation Center, discusses the programs at the Center, along with his story on how the Center helped him overcome homelessness and fight addiction.

Dr. Kiersten Riedler, a multi-talented facial plastic surgeon for the La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre & Medical Spa, is joined by Monique Ramsey, Chief Community Officer, chat about the Centre’s exceptional patient care and customer service, along with the organization’s longtime support of venerable nonprofits such as Humble Design San Diego, Las Patronas and Promises2Kids. Dr. Riedler, an accomplished violinist, chats about her involvement with the VAPA Foundation.

Scott Silber, Executive Director of the Allgire Foundation, chats about the Foundation’s mission to empower people who are impacted by the lack of affordable housing by changing their lives through advocacy, education and support.

Richard Lederer, nationally recognized author, columnist and humorist, is joined by Jose Cruz, CEO of the San Diego Council on Literacy, to talk about the Council’s collaboration with Cloudcast Media to develop a 10-part audio-curriculum series called “Lederer on Language.”

Veronica Murphy, Artistic Director for Write Out Loud, and Rachael Van Wormer, an Associate Artistic Director, discuss Write Out Loud’s “LitAlive” productions: The Yellow Wallpaper and Ripples from Walden Pond. Van Wormer stars in the one-person The Yellow Wallpaper play.
Murphy chats about the myriad of community programs offered by Write Out Loud.

Dr. Lauren Lek, Head of School at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace, and one of OLP’s superstar students, Ainsley Savant, an OLP senior, talk about how the OLP culture helps students thrive in their areas of interest … for Ainsley, its broadcast journalism. Lek and Savant are joined by OLP Alum, Sophia Nunez, a Senior Executive Producer at Cloudcast Media.

Artists Zach Dobbins, Ethan Chan and Helena Westra chat about La Jolla’s Bfree Studio where their artwork is featured in the “More Than 1: An Art Exhibition of Multiples” exhibit. Dobbins talks about the Santa’s Workshop Holiday Pop Up Show at Bfree.

Mary Jurgensen, Community Outreach Director for the nationally recognized Gary & Mary West PACE (Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly), is joined by colleague Matt Vasile, a West PACE social worker, to discuss the organization’s annual “Everyday Necessities Drive for North County Seniors” program. Jurgensen and Vasile chat about PACE programs and services, along with tips on how to identify a senior that may need assistance.

Tracy Jones, Founding Board Member of the International Memoir Writers Association, and Mahshid Hager, a memoirist and a founder of a counseling and consulting business, talk about the 8th Annual Memoir Showcase that will be held on December 8 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center in La Jolla.