January 30, 2026

BSCCA Opens 50th Season with Soprano Lauren Jelencovich

Share

Student Concert and Evening Show at BSPAC

The Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) opened its 50th season on January 27, 2026, with two performances at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center (BSPAC): a morning concert for local elementary students, followed by a public evening show.

During the student program, soprano Lauren Jelencovich moved throughout the theater to engage students seated across the room, helping create a shared and inclusive concert experience.



The program featured familiar selections such as “Part of Your World” and *“Popular.” During “Popular,” Borrego Springs Elementary School principal Victoria Baay was brought into the moment as Jelencovich playfully performed the song to her, drawing laughter and attention from the students.



Between selections, Jelencovich shifted briefly into teaching mode, demonstrating how musicians describe dynamics by singing softly and asking students if they could still hear her, then explaining the terms for soft and loud and the word used for very quiet passages. She also connected the lesson to opera, explaining that an aria she referenced comes from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi and noting it is sung by a 14-year-old character.


BSCCA board members and retired music teachers Elizabeth Renner and Virginia “Jinny” Perrin worked with the school on coordination and helped prepare students ahead of time so they understood what they would hear and how to experience a live concert setting.

That evening, the public concert brought community members together at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Student thank-you notes from the morning program were displayed in the lobby, where soprano Lauren Jelencovich took time to read them before the performance, responding with visible appreciation.


The evening program continued the interactive tone of the school concert, with moments that engaged audience members and reinforced the connection between performers and community.


Student notes included:

“Thank you for inviting us to the musical. It was amazing. The performance was perfect. The piano player was amazing. I hope everyone loved your performance.”

“Thank you, Lauren and Jonathan, for the free performance.”

“Your voice is beautiful.”

“Hi, I’m Ariana. Thank you for the performance. I sang Popular for the talent show. Thank you so much.”

“Thank you for sharing with us.”



Donations to the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association help sustain live performances and student outreach programs, ensuring high-quality music experiences remain accessible to the community. Visit borregoconcert.org for more information.


2026 Season Donors

The Cultural Enrichment of Quality Eclectic Music, for both the Public and the Children of Borrego Springs is made possible by Community Support from Individuals, Local Businesses, Government Agencies, and Philanthropic Organizations.



Sponsors

Borrego Springs Civic Foundation*
Borrego Springs Rotary Club*

Janet & Marshal Brecht

Cathy Darracott & Jo Reeves
CVB*
Jennie & Gary Edwards

Joan Kirk & Richard Gray

Mitzi Matijevich

Jeff Meagher

Virginia Sloan Perrin
Elizabeth & Jon Renner
Andrea McKenna

& Brian Peet

Linda & Jim Roller

Anne & Jim Wermers


Supporters

Jan & George Abrams
Gerry Abrams
Blackbaud Giving Fund*
Sondra Boddy & Bob Smith
Patti & Ralph Burnley

Steve Carter
Carlee’s Place*
Angela & Tom Cassidy
Center Market*
De Anza Country Club*

Hisako & Roger Coombes
Kathy & Jim Dice
Marilyn Dickson

Marlene & Richard Dopp

Kathy & Jim Fielding

Sherry Harapat & Dick Helvig

Paula & Rick Huls

Reverend Zoe Inman
Jean Odmark
Colleen & Terry Paulus
David & Lena Rose
Marjorie & Paul Schuessler
Ramona Disposal Service*
Rams Hill Golf Club*

Sempra Foundation*
Tony & Randall Start
Nancy & Dan Wright


Friends

Paulette Ache

Anson Construction*

Amy Brewster

Barbara Coates
Judy Coyle
Don Irwin

Desert Pantry*

Functionally Fit for Life*
Carol Meetze
Pablito’s Mexican Bar

and Grill*



* Business or Organization Links





Learn More About Borrego Springs

Rams Hill Announces Summer Hours for 2026

By Andrea McKenna • June 15, 2026
Golf, Dining, and Summer Savings in Borrego Springs

A Community Resource for Dementia Caregivers

By Sandra Sterling, Retired R.N. • June 15, 2026
By Sandra Sterling, Retired R.N. Many health care professionals consider dementia one of the greatest challenges facing older adults and their families today. Millions of Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, and as our population ages, that number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years. Families often do not know what to expect when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis. Most people have heard stories about memory loss, confusion, poor judgment, personality changes, and wandering, but the reality of caring for someone with dementia is often much more complex. Dementia affects more than memory. Individuals may experience changes in behavior, communication, sleep patterns, mobility, and their ability to perform daily tasks. Caregivers frequently find themselves providing increasing levels of support over many years. One of the greatest challenges facing families is caregiver burnout . Providing care can be emotionally, physically, and financially exhausting. Many caregivers put their own health and well-being aside while focusing on the needs of their loved one. Education and support are essential. Understanding the disease process, learning effective communication techniques, and connecting with available resources can make a significant difference for both caregivers and those living with dementia. In Borrego Springs, caregivers do not have to face these challenges alone. The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month at 12:00 p.m. The group provides a welcoming environment where families can share experiences, discuss concerns, learn coping strategies, and find encouragement from others who understand the journey. Over the years, I have seen how important it is for caregivers to have a place where they can speak openly about their struggles and successes. Many participants tell me that simply knowing they are not alone brings comfort and hope. My interest in dementia care became deeply personal after losing a family member to the disease. After more than 40 years as a registered nurse, I found a renewed purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. Through the support group and caregiver respite visits, I strive to provide practical assistance, education, and encouragement. There is no single solution for dementia, but there is help. Families can benefit from support groups, respite care, community resources, and the guidance of healthcare professionals. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is an important part of providing the best possible care. When a loved one is living with dementia, remember that quality of life matters. Patience, compassion, understanding, and support can make a meaningful difference for both the individual and their family.  Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group The Alzheimer's Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets at the Borrego Seniors Community Center, 580 Circle J Drive, on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:00 p.m. Families share stories, struggles, helpful coping skills, and resources in a supportive environment. Sandra Sterling, a retired registered nurse with more than 40 years of experience, also provides caregiver respite visits for relief and support. After losing a family member to dementia, she found purpose in helping other families navigate the challenges of caregiving. For information about the support group, call the Borrego Seniors Community Center at 760-767-3116 . For caregiver respite visits and support services, contact Sandra Sterling at 760-803-2212 .

June 2026 Skywatching Highlights

June 14, 2026
June 2026 Skywatching Highlights

Stay Active This Summer at Prajna Yoga

By Andrea McKenna • June 14, 2026
Beat the heat and keep moving all summer long. As temperatures climb in Borrego Springs, Prajna Yoga is offering a full summer schedule with air conditioning and a variety of classes designed for all experience levels. Whether you're looking for a gentle stretch, a relaxing slow flow, or a more active sculpt and flow class, there are options throughout the week. The summer schedule includes Slow Flow classes on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, Sculpt & Flow on Tuesdays and Thursdays, Gentle Stretch on Wednesdays, Vinyasa on Monday evenings, and a Sunday evening Restorative class. Prajna Yoga also offers flexible pricing options, including $15 drop-in classes, a two-week trial for $39, class packs, and unlimited monthly memberships. With triple-digit temperatures arriving in Borrego Springs, summer is a great time to stay active indoors while focusing on strength, flexibility, balance, and relaxation. The studio's air-conditioned space provides a comfortable environment to maintain a healthy routine throughout the season. Whether you're new to yoga or have been practicing for years, Prajna Yoga invites the community to stay connected, stay moving, and enjoy a healthy summer.

Escape the Heat at Santa Ysabel Art Gallery

By Andrea McKenna • June 14, 2026
Art, History, and Scenic Views Just 38 Miles Away

County Animal Services treating horses from Julian rescue, relying on Spirit Fund

By East County News Services  • June 13, 2026
Photo courtesy County of San Diego

Futuristic Exoskeleton Tested at Font's Point | California Overland Desert Excursions

By Andrea McKenna • June 12, 2026
Photos and videos from the event were shared by California Overland Desert Excursions and participating content creators on social media.

How Service Helped One Borrego Resident Heal

By Andrea McKenna • June 12, 2026
A Hand Up for Neighbors in Borrego Springs

Borrego Springs High School Pool Opens June 22 for Summer Swimming

By Andrea McKenna • June 11, 2026
Borrego Springs has a story worth sharing. Ram Media Foundation was created to strengthen community through media. As a nonprofit foundation, its mission is to foster connection, creativity, public engagement, and access to local information through projects that serve Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. Ram Media Foundation currently supports three main media initiatives: KRAM-FM 90.5 Borrego Springs — Radio KRAM-FM is Borrego Springs’ local radio station, created to support community connection through radio, storytelling, music, interviews, and public programming. Through KPBS Public Media, the name “Borrego Springs” is heard throughout San Diego County every day, reaching hundreds of thousands of listeners and helping introduce the community to a much wider audience. This regional exposure brings outside awareness to Borrego Springs while KRAM remains rooted in serving the local community. BorregoSun.com — News, Community Storytelling, and Youth Media BorregoSun.com focuses on regional news, local history, events, and community storytelling. It carries forward a name and legacy that has served Borrego Springs for generations while creating new ways to share the stories that matter today. BorregoSun.com also supports the Borrego Sun Youth Intern Program , which provides opportunities for local students to gain experience in journalism, photography, digital media, storytelling, and community reporting while helping share the next generation’s perspective on Borrego Springs. GoToBorregoSprings.com — Visitor and Community Guide GoToBorregoSprings.com highlights local events, businesses, recreation, arts, dining, lodging, and outdoor experiences throughout Borrego Springs and the surrounding desert region. This initiative is rooted in community immersion — showing up at local events, connecting with businesses and organizations, sharing photos and updates, listening to residents, and helping visitors discover what makes Borrego Springs unique year-round. Each platform has a different purpose, but together they help Borrego Springs be seen, heard, and connected. Why does that matter? Because awareness creates opportunity. When more people hear about Borrego Springs, read about it online, or discover it through social media, they learn about our businesses, events, nonprofits, schools, artists, athletes, volunteers, and attractions. Growing Reach During the past month alone, Borrego Springs content under Ram Media Foundation initiatives generated: 150,000 social media views Social media reach up 28 percent 95,300 website views More than 4,500 active website users Website traffic up more than 23 percent That visibility helps local businesses, nonprofits, community events, and organizations reach more people. It helps showcase the accomplishments of students, artists, athletes, volunteers, and community leaders. Most importantly, it helps keep Borrego Springs connected to the larger region. Ram Media Foundation also values, supports, and encourages other local media voices and community spaces, including the Borrego News, Mike and Monica Rue’s online radio station The Ram, and social media groups such as Borrego Springs 92004 and Borrego Out and About. Each platform brings something valuable to the community, helping people share updates, stay connected, and tell the story of Borrego Springs. Borrego Springs has many stories worth telling. The more people who help share them , the farther those stories can travel. This has long been a place where creativity, curiosity, and community come together. We are proud to help tell those stories and share them with the world. Our Ask Visit BorregoSun.com daily. We are committed to Free constant updates and ongoing coverage of local news, events, businesses, schools, sports, nonprofits, and community activities. Help us share your stories by sending in announcements, photos, ideas, and updates from your organization, business, school, club, or neighborhood. Send it in. We'll send it out. Consider becoming a sponsor. Sponsorship helps support community journalism, youth media opportunities, storytelling, and outreach. Let's talk about how we can help amplify your content , message, cause, concern, event, organization, or act of kindness.
Show More

Share This Post