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by Luan Troxel

Last Tuesday was “Drug Store” day at Coronado Middle School (CMS). And it was no ordinary day in Mayberry. Sixth graders at Coronado Middle School saw a middle school classmate get arrested for stealing prescription drugs. That same classmate ended up in court with competing lawyers arguing over whether state custody would be the best place for the student or staying at home under the guidance of parents was the best answer. Ultimately, the student was remanded to the custody of parents, but ended up at party, took drugs and overdosed. In the emergency room, the classmate hung between life and death. The ER staff didn’t know what the student had ingested exactly, but it appeared to be a combination of alcohol and some type of narcotic. The parents appeared and were devastated.

Drug Store is a program that Coronado SAFE sponsors each year to introduce CMS students to the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

by Kris Grant

Each year, when Coronado Hospital Foundation holds its annual gala, the largest fundraising event of the year that supports Sharp Coronado Hospital, it honors a person or persons who have made an impact on the hospital and Coronado community.

This year’s “Under the Sea” gala to be held on Saturday, May 11 at Hotel del Coronado, will honor two Sharp-affiliated physicians: Doctors Joseph Jankiewicz and Tarek Hassanein.

Here are the stories of these two dedicated doctors, the roads that led them to Sharp Coronado Hospital, and the impact they have made on their profession.

• Joseph John Jankiewicz, MD

Dr. Joe Jankiewicz is one of Southern California’s premier orthopedic surgeons, and a leading specialist in total joint replacement surgery.

He is also a product of Philadelphia’s hard-working middle class. His father was a shoemaker who never graduated high school and his mother worked at night as a waitress. You can still detect a trace of his Philly accent, and you sense that Jankiewicz is proud to have it wired in his DNA.

Friendship is Handy with Kandi

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by David Axelson

Everyone can benefit from reading an uplifting book on occasion. Coronado resident and retired Superior Court Judge David Szumowski has authored a book that fits that description entitled “Reach for More: A Journey from Loss to Love and Fulfillment.” The book recounts his life and the challenges he faced on his way to a private law career, 12 years as a San Diego County Deputy District Attorney and 18 years on the bench.

The native of Gloversville, New York, is a 1967 graduate of the University of Richmond with a BA in Political Science and History. He was a member of the Army ROTC Corps and after graduation was inducted into the Army. In January 1968 the newly commissioned Second Lieutenant reported to Fort Knox, Kentucky for Armor Basic training. By March 20, 1969, Lt. Szumowski was the commander of the Air Cavalry Troop of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment in heavy combat near Dau Tieng, Republic of Vietnam, when his tank was hit by rocket propelled grenade. The explosion blew up his tank and shrapnel severely injured him, causing him to lose his vision. All of the accomplishments listed in the opening paragraph of this column, plus his graduation from the University of Denver Law School in 1973, came after he lost his sight.

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the 1989 baseball film, “Field of Dreams,” Coronado Island Film Festival will screen the beloved fantasy-drama on Wednesday, April 24 at 5 p.m. at Coronado’s Village Theatre, 820 Orange Avenue.

All tickets are $10 and are on sale now at the theater box office. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. Early arrival and lineup is recommended for optimal seating selection.

Nominated for three Academy awards (Best Picture, Best Writing, and Best Music), the film stars Kevin Costner and James Earl Jones, and was written and directed by Phil Alden Robinson. It tells the story of an Iowa farmer (Costner) who hears voices telling him to build a baseball diamond in his fields. (“If you build it, he will come,” he hears repeatedly.) Despite family and community protestations, he does build the field, and the 1919 Chicago White Sox do indeed come.

Coronado resident Tom Catlin will introduce the film and answer audience questions. Catlin is an Emmy- winning producer, writer and editor at Fox Sports San Diego, and has visited the actual Iowa movie site in Dyersville, Iowa several times. There are also rumors he has a Trivia Quiz in store for attendees.

The Coronado Eagle & Journal’s e-blast, the Eagle Weekender, randomly selects a weekly winner on their subscribers list to receive 2 free tickets to the Coronado Village Theater. This has been a huge success due to the support and donation of tickets from the Coronado Village Theater.