On a wet winter evening, the spectators at the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program’s 7th Open House & Holiday Food Drive were warm and dry inside the studio watching a martial arts demonstration by the MSMAP participants on December 11.

Also included in the evening’s festivities were several raffle drawings with prizes donated by local merchants and a food collection to benefit the Senior Nutrition Program.

She makes it look so easy...		Arielle v. Masha: Battle of the Titans		Double-Whammy

 

Amy and Aaron Redelsperger of Weed enjoyed watching their three children in action. Amy noted that it was “another wonderfully well organized event. They had impressive demonstrations, great raffle prizes and plenty of Christmas cheer in the form of food doantions for the Senior Nutrition Program.”

Based upon the reaction of the Redelsperger children, a crowd-pleaser was the demonstration of yongmudo, the Korean martial art of self-defense by Riley Witherell, 14, and MSMAP Executive Director and Head Instructor Chuck Buhs.

“I think it was great to see them doing Yongmudo,” said Noraa, 7. “It was fascintating! I really liked seeing the moves that they do. There was lots of activity and excitement.”

Noraa’s sister, Elizabeth, 9, added, “I liked the Yongmudo because I liked seeing Riley throw Chuck!”

Raffle prizes includced donations from the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, the Sportsmen’s Den, Dos Geckos, Soul Connections, the Wayside Grill, and others.

“We're extremely grateful for all the support we receive from the families, schools, and businesses in our community,” said Buhs. “Showing up on a night when the extensive flooding caused treacherous driving condition means a lot to our participants.”

Those in attendance also brought in a few bags of food for the Senior Meal Program operated by the Mount Shasta Recreation and Parks District.

District Administrator Mike Rodriguez noted that “it’s great to see members of our community reach out to our seniors, especially during the holidays. We certainly appreciate the students and families of the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program who should be commended for their thoughtfulness.”

Two teens were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the program over the past year: Lily Weaver, 13, and Elina Saryon, 17.

According to Buhs, Lily competed in Berkeley in April and volunteered at several fundraisers and outreach events throughout the summer including leading the team in the July 4 parade.

The Teens (plus 1) in Action		Advanced Group: Taeguek 6

“She’s had her ups and owns, but success in martial arts is not a sprint; it’s more of a long-distance event,” said Buhs. “Learning how to stick with something and deal with the physical, mental, and emotional obstacles we all face at one time or another — and still succeed — is maybe the ultimate lesson we learn through training.”

“Elina is an example of mature leadership,” said Buhs. “She won third place alt the UC Open in forms then won first place at the Redding Invitational in November. She contributes at each of our events and does even more like single-handedly organizing a fundraiser at City Park to aid the Boles Fire families this past October. She accepts every challenge with an impressive amount of grace and her example of patience and kindness is a helpful reminder for the rest of us to follow.”

Vitaliy v. Elina: Jump Back Kick

 

Lily and Elina each received scholarships provided by anonymous donors.

“The benfactors are a couple without grandchildren in the ara that support local youth in their efforts to achieve their goals,” said Buhs. ”Both Lily and Elina are deserving recipients of such an honor.”

Another teen was also recognized, Vitaliy Tveritin, 13, for earning his black belt this past May. Vitaliy also ended the evening with a few words of appreciation.

“I was surprised,” said his mother, Olga. “I thought he had prepared a speech. I didn’t realize that he was speaking off the top of his head.”

“It was actually fun and axciting being in a new postion of leadership,” said Vitaliy. “I got to learn new things being in charge of the group. It was a great opportunity.”

“I loved seeing the hard work of the participants rewarded and recognized,” added Redelsperger. “These kids work so hard to better themselves and their community. It was a joy to be able to take part in such a fun-filled evening.”

A Few Awesome People		Thank you for coming!

MSMAP is holding a fundraiser in January called “There’s No Business Like Snow Business.” It includes one adult lift ticket from the Mount Shasta Ski Park, one ski or premium snowboard rental from the Sportsmen's Den, and lunch for two at Poncho & Lefkowitz.

Tickets are $5 each; or three for $10. For tickets contact MSMAP via phone, email, Facebook, or visit their studio at 612-A South Mt. Shasta Blvd in Mount Shasta.

Senior Nutrition Program
The Recreation and Parks District is the official provider for the senior meal program thru a contract with the California Department of Aging and Planning and Service Area 2 - Agency on Aging. Year-round donations of food and money for the Senior Nutrition Program can be made by calling 926-2494.

“Since 1974, there has been a hot lunch program for senior citizens at the City Park Recreation Center...55+ meals are delivered to homebound seniors in the South County (Home Delivered Meals). Transportation to and from the Mt. Shasta lunch site is also available...The Senior Nutrition Program strives to not only meet the nutritional needs of its senior participants, but also recognizes the importance of socialization and life enrichment. Informational programs, special events, and other activities are a regular component of the senior lunch program schedule.”

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MSMAP's Open House
Each December, MSMAP hosts an Open House & Holiday Food Drive to celebrate the holidays with a unique, martial arts-based event of action, prizes, and food donations. First held in 2008, it is a chance for participants to display their growing skills and help those in need.

MSMAP's Open House