"Rose Salgado is an extreme example of the adage that retirees are busier than when they worked.

The member of the tribal council for the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians is so consumed with volunteer chores that she needs a short break to avoid burnout.

After spending 27 years with Southern California Edison, she retired two years ago as an assistant planner for the utility.

The extent of the 53-year-old woman's volunteer efforts can be witnessed tonight in A.C.'s Lounge at Soboba Casino near San Jacinto during a 6:30 p.m. lip sync fundraiser. Ticket sales benefit the Ramona Bowl. Groups that are blessed with her involvement -- the tribal council, the Western Center for Archaeology and Paleontology and, the Hemet-San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Ramona Bowl Amphitheatre Association and the San Jacinto Education Foundation -- are among organizations with a role in tonight's contest

It will be a night that is part of her vision that charitable groups in the San Jacinto Valley need to band together. The first-place performer's organization will receive $2,000, the second-place finisher's group gets $1,500 and $500 will be rewarded for third.

"Once you go, you can see it's so much fun," said Salgado, who will compete on stage for winnings that would go to the San Jacinto Education Foundation. "It's just lip syncing. I can't sing.""

Get the Story:
Bob Pratte: Salgado retires to busy times (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 6/26)

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