Title: Growing Together

Artists: The Spruce Class, 2023
Media: Acrylic and Gouache on Wood
The Journey: The Spruce friends have enjoyed learning about many various ways to express their creativity this year. One of our art explorations was about printing. We used this as an inspiration, along with the children's budding curiosity and joy in learning about nature. The Spruce children, teachers (and even some members of our Gillispie admin!) used a brayer to layer on a rich acrylic background to be the "underbrush" for our bed of leaves. Then the friends took turns painting gouache on fresh lemon geranium leaves for a full sensory experience. As the leaves were printed onto our art piece, the colors layered and danced and came together to invite you to connect to your own memories of serene moments in nature.

Title: Golden Hour - Evoking the aesthetic of a Southern California sunset, the Juniper Art Project will leave you feeling like it is "golden hour" all day long! Inspired by the color and mood of the 70's, this is our way of celebrating Gillispie's 70th anniversary. In many ways, this piece represents time - its unfolding; giving space for things to bloom or take root; past, present, and future. Nature doesn't hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Much like flowers, the process behind this project, and how children grow and learn. We included the California State Flower, the poppy, in its pod form, waiting to bloom; palm fronds and dried delphinium, which represent different stages and phases. The children experimented turning beets, yellow onions, turmeric, spinach, black beans, and other produce into natural food dyes before hand-painting and sewing florals on the muslin cloth. The sorbet colors on canvas create a beautiful background, as La Jolla does for Gillispie.

Title: Children's Wondering Eyes

Photo Collage on wooden panel with glossy resin finishing

20 by 24 inches

This is an aesthetic, multi-medium art piece. The children used an iPod to excavate for intentional and meaningful things from their everyday school world that were then incorporated into this amazing piece of art. The result reveals the richly layered personal stories of our children.

Up to 8 guests will enjoy 6 glorious days and nights in an exquisite home in Hope Ranch, Santa Barbara! With an ocean view, you will be ever so comfortable in this stunning 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home that can sleep 8 guests, on 2 acres. Your home-away-from home during this stay is perfect for families, and includes a playset with swings, a children's playhouse, Wifi and Apple TV, and a BEACH PASS! The large and beautifully appointed kitchen lends itself to wonderful meal preparation and dining! You can get lost wandering the peaceful, sprawling grounds with views of the Channel Islands located minutes by car from downtown State Street, and a mile from Hope Ranch Beach. While wonderful for a family gathering, this getaway would also be a perfect girl's trip, a friends reunion, and more! Guests will also enjoy 8 guest passes to the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Available September 1 - February 28th subject to availability, with the exception of Labor Day weekend, Thanksgiving week, and Dec. 25 - Jan 2. Eight people maximum, no smoking or pets, and no parties. Must be reserved with Gillispie parents and owners, Amanda and Ed Esquenazi, by contacting 619-587-9520.

Escape for 5 days/nights to Villa 12-2 at Ho'olei in Wailea, Maui! Nestled in a lush tropical garden, this luxurious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom vacation rental offers the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation, with over 2500 square feet of space. Ho'olei is the most exclusive gated vacation home resort in Wailea. Located across the street from the Grand Wailea and Four Seasons, this split-level townhome provides the luxury and amenities of a 5-star hotel with the spaciousness and convenience of a fully appointed upscale residence. The open floor plan has an abundance of natural light and stunning garden views from every window. The fully equipped, top-of-the-line kitchen will make it easy to whip up deliciousness for your loved ones. The villa boasts 3 large bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom and private balcony. The 3 bedrooms easily accommodate up to 8 guests (2 king beds and 2 queen beds). A grotto-styled waterfall pool is the centerpiece of the Ho'olei's private courtyard, which also features a baby's play beach and shallow-water feature. Swim through the tropical grotto, refresh under the 19' waterfall, or sunbathe poolside. Courtyard amenities include whirlpool tubs, saunas, and high-end locker rooms with showers. Also enjoy a well-equipped and spotless fitness facility with Pelaton bikes, weight training, and cardio equipment. While this rental does NOT include access to the pools at Grand Wailea, access to the beach and restaurants are available to all guests. Early check-ins and late check-outs cannot be accommodated at this time. Subject to availability and scheduled with Gillispie parents Melissa and Jeff Brockett, at brocketbrood@gmail.com.

Jet off for a 3-night stay at the Luxury 5-star resort, Montage Los Cabos. You will fly directly from San Diego to this extraordinary resort, where you will be surrounded by the kind of beauty it is difficult to find elsewhere. This all-inclusive resort offers watersports galore, out-of-this world spa services, delectable restaurants and bars, and simply exquisite scenery. This is luxury on steroids. The package includes RT flights for 2 and an Ocean View King Room in the resort for 3 nights. Taxes are included, as is a daily $70 Breakfast Credit for 2. Spa services, restaurants, and other activities not included. Expires March 13, 2024.

For all you crime solvers out there, enjoy a fun Murder Mystery Adventure in San Diego! This Who Dunnit San Diego Scavenger Hunt is a Murder Mystery for 2 people that lasts for 2 hours. On your hunt you will visit several of the area's most popular destinations while solving a murder mystery. Hot on the heels of a killer through the streets of San Diego, you will virtually collect clues and evidence, crack codes, decipher riddles, and participate in crazy challenges to successfully compete this very important mission. There are variety of Adventure Tours to choose from and the tickets expire on Sept. 11, 2023.

The Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival is held in beautiful waterfront parks and piers, in Seaport Village, and on boats all along the San Diego downtown waterfront. Water taxis, trolleys, yacht party concerts, and sunset cruises are all part of the experience! San Diego, one of the most vibrant downtowns in the country, is integrated right into the Festival, with hotels, bars, restaurants, breweries, the Gaslamp Quarter, and Little Italy all within steps of the gates. And you can be a VIP attendee to one of the most unique festival destinations in the world, with two 2-day VIP passes! Previous artists include Gwen Stefani, Zac Brown Band, Kings of Leon, G-Eazy, Ben Harper, Miguel, MGMT, Big Wild, and many more!

The dates for this 3rd annual Wonderfront Festival have not been confirmed, but will take place this September or October.

Graciously donated by Gillispie parents, Amanda and Mitch Thrower.

LeClaire' Skincare is offering not 1, but 2 Luxurious HydraFacial experiences! This hydrafacial removes debris from pores without discomfort while delivering medical-grade serum boosters customized just for you. This treatment cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates, all while removing dead/dull skin, bringing brighter skin to the surface. The experience includes, but is not limited to, skin analysis, double cleanse, extractions, LED therapy, masks/serums tailored to you, hot stones. CryoTherapy, facial massage, arm and shoulder massage, aromatherapy, and facial/body accupressure. IN ADDITION, you will receive detailed instructions for a facial regimin to include all of the products! Enjoy: Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser, Jan Marini Transformation Eye Cream, IS Clinical Youth Complex Moisturizer, IS Clinical Eclipse 50 Sunscreen, Cymbiotika Liposomal Delivery Complex Sleep Formula, and samples of Futures Cosmedics products. This is a skincare bonanza to the nth degree! There is no expiration; Hillcrest location.

Contact 619-984-4792 or info@leclaireskincare.com

Laura Diaz skincare offers a private sanctuary where comfort and relaxation are second only to the beauty you feel when you leave. Specializing in skin rejuvenation and resurfacing, microblading, waxing, eyebrows and eyelashes, etc., Laura Diaz is offering a set of eyelash extensions, so you can look spectacular - whether for a special event, or just because!

The Switch is a luxury skincare experience in an uptown neighborhood near Balboa Park. Reconnect with custom-tailored treatments, intuitive lymphatic facial massage, and more, while working with estheticians who remedy acne, pigmentation, and facial rejuvenation. Enjoy one 90-minute visit with an esthetician to discuss your short- and long-term goals. After a brief analysis, you and your clinician will decide on the the best treatment, and a customized 75-minute facial will be yours! It may include advanced exfoliation, lymphatic drainage, hot stones, extractions (if necessary), and multiple modalities to enhance product efficacy and to produce an immediate glow. You deserve this treat!

Contact

Experience a whole body approach to beauty and wellness! This amazing package includes a personalized skin and wellness consultation, a Diamond Glow Facial, a Deluxe Facial, and a Signature Enzyme Treatment. In addition, the winner is entitled to a $500 discount toward a SofWave treatment - the latest FDA-approved technology in skin lifting for neck and brow!

Ooh - your face will be so tight and smooth! Exilis Ultra is a non-invasive skin tightening treatment designed to smooth wrinkles and address skin laxity in areas like the face, jowls, neck, abdomen, arms, buttocks and thighs. It uses a combination of ultrasound and radiofrequency energy to stimulate new collagen production. This amazing treatment is safe for all skin tines and requires no down time The winner must schedule an appointment for the service M-F; not available weekends or holidays.

Such a fun gathering! Host a wine sampling experience for up to 12 people in your home (guests must be 21 or older). This Tasting Event from PRP Wine includes 8 bottles of wine, a wine consultant, and lasts for 90 minutes. PRP offers customers access to high quality wines typically not sold anywhere else in the United States, bringing their exclusive wines directly to you from many of the world's top wine regions and producers. To ensure you do not become too tipsy between tastes, enjoy a luscious 16" custom charcuterie board from Smallgoods. This may just be the perfect evening! This wine offer must be redeemed by September 12, 2023.

Whether you collect wine, share wine, or simply enjoy a fabulous glass, this package of 3 delicious cabernet sauvignons is for you! Relish a bottle of 2019 Quilceda Creek Red Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (98 points), savor a bottle of 1991 Silver Oak Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (92 points), and delight in a bottle of 2019 Leonetti Walla Walla Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (96 points). Your palate (and your dinner guests) will thank you!

Personal trainer to many Gillispie moms, Silvana Whelan, NCEP Certified Personal Trainer with an IDEA Certificate in Nutrition, is offering two 1-hour in-person training sessions. These can take place in your home or another mutually agreed-upon location. Build a strong and feminine body, have more body definition, improve your health, and feel more confident. Become the "best version of you". Visit Silvana's Instagram - @silvwhelan.

Contact Silvana at silvwhelan@gmail.com.

The FARMS Golf Club in Rancho Santa Fe is an exclusive, year-round private golf club and "one of the top 50 clubs in the US", according to Golf Digest. Known for attracting some of the very best players in the country, this is definitely a once-in-a-blue-moon experience. The FARMS is home to stars such as Xander Schaufelle, Charley Hoffman, Yani Tseng, and San Diego's own 6-time major champion, Phil Mickelson. This package includes a foursome round of golf. Valid Tuesday-Thursday and reservations must be made prior to play. The offer expires February 24, 2024. But there is more! For the real golf lover, enjoy a Phil Mickelson signed flag from his winning 2006 Master's Tournament, in addition to a signed glove. An extraordinary package! Contact Membership Manager, Scott McCue at (858) 756-5885 to arrange a tee time prior to play. Register at the Golf Shop and present this letter upon arrival. Please review Guest Welcome Letter. Expires 2/15/24. Compliments of Gillispie Parents, Kevin and Lauren Carraher.

Please note that a forecaddie is required for play, at the cost of $250 + tip, to be paid in cash.

Beloved Gillispie teacher, Diana Leard, is donating 2 pairs of tickets (2 tickets to 2 different games) from her season tickets package! Great seats - Section 117, Row 16, seats 15 and 16 (aisle seats). The winner can choose from the following games and must contact Ms. Leard by March 25 to arrange for ticket transfer. Take me out to the ballgame! 4/1 vs. Rockies @ 5:40pm; 4/17 vs. Braves @ 6:40pm; 5/15 vs. Royals @ 6:40pm; 6/5 vs. Cubs @ 6:40pm; 7/3 vs. Angels @ 6:40pm

Such a memorable experience! Enjoy 4 tickets to the 2023 SDCCU Holiday Bowl, right here in San Diego! You will watch the best of the PAC-12 vs ACC at Petco Park, sometime between November 28 and December 2, 2023. Seat location is based on availability and the certificate becomes invalid after 12/2/23.

Is your child up for a top-notch sports camp? Nike Sports Camps is offering a $300 gift card toward any 2023 sports camp at any of their multiple San Diego locations. Visit USSPORTSCAMPS.com for a list of locations and sessions.

Enjoy a fabulous week of summer surf camp with Surf Education Academy! Located at La Jolla Shores, not only will you make new friends and hang out with old ones, but you will gain confidence in the ocean and learn to surf! This adventure must be used by August 31, 2023 and is not redeemable for surf lessons. There will be no credit or proration for missed classes.

Wow - 4 lucky fans will enjoy tickets to a 2023/2024 LA Laker's Game in Section 115, Row D, Seats 1, 2, 3, & 4. No nosebleeds here! These tickets are hot commodities, so grab them now!

For the avid baseball fan or memorabilia collector! Xander Jan Boegarts, nicknamed "the X-Man", "Bogey", or "Bogie", is a professional baseball shortstop for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. He has previously played in the MLB for the Boston Red Sox. He has also been a member of the Netherlands national baseball team. What a coo! This is a pristine Pro Select Limited bat signed by, none other than Xander Boegarts himself!

Gillispie Dad and pilot, Alden Rothe, will teach you to fly the friendly skies! This lesson will include 2 hours of ground instruction and a 1 hour flying lesson. The ground instruction can take place at any mutually agreed-upon time; the flying lesson is best scheduled in May or June and must be in the day-time. Let's see you soar!

Contact Gillispie parent, Alden Rothe at 619-808-1341 or b727fex@gmail.com.

Your loveable pup will have a great time with Super Chewer - a Legacy Gift Basket including 2 heavy-duty chew toys, 2 bags of treats, and 2 packets of gourmet grain-free chew sticks. And to ensure your furry friend remains as cute (and clean) as a button, enjoy a free grooming at La Jolla Grooming Company. It's time to fetch this offer!

Are you looking to freshen up a room in your home? Add a space? Expand your kitchen? Haven Design & Build, Inc. is your answer! They will provide design work for 1 room, to include a consultation, 1 meeting, renderings, and concept sketches up to a value of $5000. They are familiar with and work in La Jolla. There are no restrictions and no expiration date on this offer!

Contact Jake Pohl at 858-531-4930 or jake@havendesignbuild.com.

Perfect for a special occasion or milestone, this 30-minute mini photo session includes styling prep and review, re-touching, and 5 images.

Contact: tiffany@tiffanyallenphotography.com.

We all know that sitting too much is bad for our health, and standing desks have become the norm in so many offices! Enjoy a single-motor height adjustable desk made by Office Star Products. This desk top is 48" wide and 24" deep, and the desk height can adjust from 29" to 48". The desk top is white and the purchaser can choose between a black or grey base. This functional piece of office furniture has a 4-position programmable memory control, as well as an anti-collision saftey feature. Stand in comfort and style! Desk will be delivered within a 20-mile radius of La Jolla or can be picked up from local showroom.

Contact Perry Arenson at Arenson Office Furniture at 619-884-2411 or perry@arensonof.com.

Ooh la la! You and 10 of your friends are invited to a Ladies' Night at Be Boutique! Enjoy fashion, finger foods, and cocktails in this lovely, unrushed setting. Best yet? The winner of this item receives a $150.00 to spent at this unique and creative boutique. Shop til you drop!

If you have not yet visited the San Diego Museum of Art, you are missing out on something special! Located in the heart of gorgeous Balboa Park, the Museum of Art has scores of permanent exhibits, traveling exhibitions, special events, and just hall after hall of exquisiteness. Go with your family or with some friends - but GO! Enjoy 4 General Admission Guest Passes to the Museum of Art. These passes expire on March 11, 2024, and are not good for specialty shows and exhibits.

Enjoy 4 general admission passes to the San Diego Natural History Museum. Otherwise known as "the NAT", this amazing museum brings history to life and is a terrific way to spend the day!