North San Diego County Community News Briefs: Old-time Christmas to come to life

By: North County Times - | Thursday, November 23, 2006 7:14 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO -- A living history holiday event, "Christmas by Lamplight," will be held Dec. 1 at the Escondido History Center in Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway.

Visitors will see and hear about Escondido as it was 100 years ago, meeting more than 20 different costumed actors and singers portraying life long ago. Continuous tours will be offered between 6 and 8 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Admission is $10; free for children younger than 10. Park in the Woodward Street parking lot. For information, call (760) 743-8207.

Nethercutt Collection trip on tap

ESCONDIDO ---- The Joslyn Senior Center Travel Office, 210 Park Ave., will offer seniors a trip to see the Nethercutt Collection in Sylmar on Nov. 29. The museum of "functional fine art" features restored cars, mechanical musical instruments and antique furniture. Lunch at the Fiddlers Three restaurant will be included. Cost is $66. For information, call (760) 745-5414.

'Celebration' art exhibit to open

ESCONDIDO ---- Artists Gallery will host its "Celebration" exhibit from Dec. 6 through Jan. 13 at the gallery, 121 W. Grand Ave. Members can drop off their entries between 2 and 6 p.m. Dec. 4.

An opening reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the gallery. Information: (760) 489-0338, http://www.escondidoartists.org.

Learn to cope with grief during holidays

ESCONDIDO ---- A free seminar, "Coping With Grief During the Holidays," will be offered by VITAS Innovative Hospice Care at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. The seminar will be offered twice ---- from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6.

Professional facilitators Richard Greene and LeVon Switzer will lead the seminars to help people develop personal plans for coping with grief during the holidays. Light refreshments will be served.

For reservations, call Switzer at (858) 499-8901. For information, call the senior center at (760) 839-4688.

Courtly Noyse will present free concert

ESCONDIDO ---- Courtly Noyse will present a concert of renaissance music and holiday cheer at the Escondido Public Library's First Thursday Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the library's Turrentine Room, 239 S. Kalmia St.

The free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Library. For information, call (760) 839-4601 or go to http://www.library.escondido.org.

Christmas Parade set for Dec. 9

ESCONDIDO ---- The 56th annual Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade will begin at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 9 at El Norte Parkway. The parade, with the theme of "Baby's First Christmas," will proceed along North Broadway and finish at Woodward Avenue. There will be awards and festivities following the parade at Grape Day Park.

'Cabaret' auditions slated

ESCONDIDO ---- Patio Playhouse Community Theater will hold open auditions for "Cabaret," a musical by Masteroff, Kander and Ebb and directed by Deborah Zimmer, between 7 and 10 p.m. Dec. 3 and 4 at THEATRX, 155 E. Grand Ave., between Broadway and Kalmia Street. Appointments are available, but not required. Callbacks will take place Dec. 6.

A head shot or a recent photo is required and will not be returned. An accompanist will be provided. Bring sheet music or a CD, if singing a Sondheim song; a CD player will be provided. No a cappella auditions. The audition will consist of cold readings from the script (the production is the 1987 version). Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for dancing. This is an adult show; nobody younger than 16 will be cast.

Rehearsals will be held Sunday through Thursday evenings up until two weeks before opening.

Performances will take place at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, from March 2 through April 1, at the Patio Playhouse theater, 201 E. Grand Ave.

For information, call the director at (760) 727-3820 or (760) 746 6669 and leave your name and phone number.

Give gifts to Camp Pendleton families

ESCONDIDO ---- Downtown businesses are once again participating in the "Angel Tree" project, benefiting junior enlisted service members and their children at Camp Pendleton.

Small trees at local businesses are decorated with tags that feature an angel on one side and the age, gender and wish list item of a family member from Camp Pendleton on the other side. Customers and employees are invited to choose an angel from the tree and shop for, wrap and personalize gifts. The gifts will then be delivered to the Armed Services YMCA office by Dec. 19, and military families will receive their gifts Dec. 20 through 21.

More than 350 gifts were donated by Escondido merchants last year. For information, call (760) 745-8877 or go to http://www.downtownescondido.com.

OASIS to offer classes for seniors

ESCONDIDO ---- OASIS will offer these classes for seniors at its education center in the former Robinsons-May South store, third floor, Westfield North County. Preregistration is required. Registration fee is $3. Information: Donna Toro or Lois Novitz, (760) 432-0635.

- Kam Zarrabi will present "Biblical 'Satanic Verses'" from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 27. Cost is $5.

- Eugene Marseglia, Ph.D., will present "The Origins of Modern Art" from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Nov. 28. Cost is $5.

- Computer instructors Rue Harris and Flora Young will present "An Introduction to Downloading" from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 28. Cost is $12.

- "A Musical Journey" to explore folk and traditional music of Eastern Europe and Russia, will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 28 and Dec. 5. Cost is $8.

- Barbera McMenemin, Ph.D., will present "Introducing the Nine Enneagram Personalities" from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 29 through Dec. 13. Cost is $15.

- Henry J. George will present "Human Impact on the Environment in Ancient Societies" from 10 to 3 p.m. Nov. 30. Cost is $4.

Assistance League to host holiday luncheon

FALLBROOK ---- Assistance League of Inland North County will meet and host a holiday luncheon at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at Pala Mesa Resort, 2001 Old Highway 395. For information, call (760) 746-7532.

Amateur radio club cancels meeting

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Amateur Radio Club will cancel its regular meeting Dec. 2, and instead, provide communications support for the Christmas parade, which is the same day. The parade gives members the opportunity to practice logistics and communications procedures radio club members could use during emergencies.

For information, visit www.fallbrookarc.org. or visit www.refc.org.

Scampi's closing Thanksgiving weekend

FALLBROOK ---- Brigitta and Charlie Hurd with their daughters Andra Hurd and Carla Cline are closing the business after 13 years. The eatery opened on Thanksgiving of 1993 and is closing on Thanksgiving weekend this year. They will be closing out with a Sunday brunch. For information, call (760) 731-0007. The restaurant is at 1415 S. Mission Road.

Church sponsors motorcycle ride

BONSALL ---- A Riverview motorcycle ride will take place Dec. 3 departing at noon from the church's upper parking lot at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane. The ride will include a stop for lunch and all kinds of bikes are welcome. Riders are encouraged to attend either the 8:30 or 10:30 a.m. services before the ride. Contact Art at the church office at (760) 941-1240 for information or visit the church Web site at www.refc.org.

Church begins Christmas activities

BONSALL ---- The Christmas season begins at Riverview Church Dec. 3 with "The Case for Christmas" series, at the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. worship services, and performances of the Christmas Choir at 3 and 6 p.m. under the direction of Doug Marquart, with a special appearance by the Kids' Choir. The presentation will include Christmas selections as the choirs celebrate Christ's birth through music and worship. The church is at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane. Call (760) 941-1430 for more information or visit the Web site at www.refc.org. Riverview Evangelical Free Church is located in Bonsall at 4980 Sweetgrass Lane (just east of River Village intersecting Hwy. 76). Call (760) 941-1430 for more information; or visit our web site at www.refc.org.

Christmas for Kids event set for Dec. 9

FALLBROOK ---- St. Stephen Lutheran Church and School will host "Christmas for Kids" from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church at 1636 S. Mission Road. The program will feature Christmas fun, crafts, stories, singing and games.

Children from 2 years of age through fifth grade are invited and will be grouped for age-appropriate activities. Snacks and a hot dog lunch will be provided, along with gift bags for each child in attendance. The activity is restricted to the first 100 children registered by Dec. 2.

Brigetta Guelke, preschool director and event coordinator, promises a safe environment, and said it will be the perfect time for parents to have a fun-filled day out or finish Christmas shopping without the kids. For information, call (760) 728-6814.

Performance set for holiday favorites

FALLBROOK ---- The Ballet Society of North County will present "The Nutcracker Ballet" at 4 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Bob Burton Performing Arts Theater on the campus of the Fallbrook High School at 2234 S. Stage Coach Lane. The program also will feature "Babes in Toyland" using the youngest students in the school.

Tickets are $15 and available at the Ballet Society of North County, 325 N. Brandon Road, Suite B. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount. For information, call (760) 728-7360.

Flu shot clinic scheduled

FALLBROOK ---- Fallbrook Hospital will have a flu shot clinic from 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 28 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 399 Heald Lane.

The vaccines are available for people age 9 and older, and are recommended for those who are at high risk of getting the flu based on the guidelines outlined by the Center for Disease Control. Those groups include adults age 50 and older, people with chronic medical problems such as heart disease and asthma, women who are pregnant, and care givers and health care workers who work directly with patients. There is no charge for the vaccine, and it will be given on a first-come first-served basis. The preservative-free vaccine, which is now required for pregnant women and vaccines for children under the age of 9 will not be offered.

Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society sets annual meeting

FALLBROOK ----- The Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society will have its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at its museum at 123 W. Alvarado St. The meeting will include a silent auction, where members are welcome to bring auction items. There will be election and installation of officers, a vote on new by-laws and holiday refreshments.

People can view the display John and Claudia Watson brought in for display for viewing this month.

People can see what Elizabeth Cheathem has on display in the gift shop. Guests are welcome. Call (760) 728-1130.

Center hosts nature stories

OCEANSIDE ---- The Buena Vista Audubon Center will present "Preparing for the Winter," songs and crafts for preschoolers (ages 3 to 5 with parent), at 10 a.m. Nov. 27 at the center, 2202 S. Coast Highway.ÝCall Mary Ellen at (760) 918-6622.

Toastmasters meet Thursdays

CARMEL VALLEY ---- Public speaking group, the Carmel Valley Toastmasters, meets at 7 a.m. Thursdays at DavenportMajor, 12770 High Bluff Drive, Suite 320.Visit the Web site at http://www.cvtm.org.

Bocce fans are on a roll

ENCINITAS ---- Bocce enthusiasts in Encinitas invite players of any age to participate. Games start at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays at Oakcrest Park, 1219 Encinitas Blvd. Call Joseph Granata at (760) 942-9675 or Mike Punaro at (760) 632-2258.

Farmers market open Sundays

LEUCADIA ---- The Leucadia Farmers Market is open for business from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at the Paul Ecke School, 185 Union St. More than 40 vendors will offer certified California-grown farm fresh fruits, vegetables and flowers as well as seafood, specialty foods, and original art and crafts. Proceeds from the Farmer's Market help fund school programs at Paul Ecke Central School as well as help to support Leucadia Hwy 101 Main Street Association. Call (760) 436-2320 or visit the Web site at http://www.leucadia101.com.

Gardeners meet monthly

DEL MAR ---- The Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar meet from 1 to 3 p.m. every fourth Saturday the month (September through June). Activities include field trips, speakers, seasonal plantings, and exploring many other topics of interest. Call Ms. Locatelli at (858) 259-9636 for locations.

Senior legal services offered

ENCINITAS ---- Del Mar Community Connections offers many legal services (advanced healthcare directive, power of attorney, wills, and more) free for seniors age 60 and older in the 92014 zip code area. Private consultations with attorney from Elder Law & Advocacy are offered, by appointment only. Call (858) 792-7565 to reserve.

HR group hosts holiday party

DEL MAR ---- The San Diego Society for Human Resource Management's "Annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction" will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Del Mar Hilton, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Proceeds will benefit Fresh Start, which supports reconstructive surgery to children who suffer from physical deformities. Cost is $30 to $50. E-mail sdshrm@sdshrm.org or visit the Web site at http://www.sdshrm.org.

Diet planning for seniors available

CARLSBAD ---- Tri-City Hospital Medical Center dieticians will provide individual nutritional planning for seniors from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4650.

Caregivers meet Wednesdays

CARLSBAD ---- Brighton Gardens of Carlsbad will host the caregiver support group facilitated by licensed therapist and author Sandy Braff at 6 p.m. each first and third Wednesday at the facility's second floor "Country Kitchen," 3140 El Camino Real. Call (760) 720-9898.

Support group meets Nov. 26

CARLSBAD ---- Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, a parents-led

support and information organization, will meet at 2 p.m. Nov. 26 at the Pilgrim UCC Church, 2020 Chestnut Ave. PFLAG invites all those having difficulties in understanding gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender issues, particularly when family relationships are disrupted. Call (619) 922-1579.

Workshop explores 'law of attraction'

CARLSBAD ---- The Sacred Pathway Bookstore presents the workshop on

"The Secret: Understanding the Law of Attraction" at 6 p.m. Nov. 28 at the bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. The workshop will show you how to attract what you want, and the way it can be learned and developed. Call (760) 505-0004 or visit the Web site at http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Dance team hosts clinic for kids

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad High School Lancer Dance Team and six-time

National Dance Team Champions will hold their annual dance "Clinic For Kids" for girls and boys in grades K through five from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 2 at Valley Middle School, in the multipurpose room, 1645 Magnolia Ave. Learn new dance routines and improve your dance technique.Cost is $25. Call (760) 476-5900.

Barbershop chorus performs Dec. 3

CARLSBAD ---- The Music Men Barbershop Harmony Chorus will perform Christmas carols and popular holiday-season songs at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. Cost is $6 to $12. Call (760) 726-5615.

Senior scams discussed Dec. 5

CARLSBAD ---- Katie Wilson, San Diego District Attorney's office, will discuss elder abuse, I.D. theft and scams on seniors from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. District Attorney's Victim Assistance Program Elder Abuse Unit will be giving us a comprehensive presentation on identifying and responding to elder abuse. Call (760) 602-4654.

Senior center hosts dance

CARLSBAD ---- Come dance under the mistletoe to the music of the Billy Harper Band and socialize with a great group of fun-loving people from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Cost is $3. Call (760) 602-4654.

Learn to cook with chocolate

CARLSBAD ---- Chef Mark "The Candy Man" Jacobson, author of "The Candy Man's Recipes for Smiles," will demonstrate chocolate candy-making and more from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Dec.11 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Cost is $15 for materials. Call (760) 602-4654.

Nutrition Council hosts bake sale

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad Senior Center will host the fundraising bake sale for the center's nutrition program from 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 12 at the center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4654.

Police collect toys for kids

CARLSBAD ---- EmployeesandvolunteersfromCarlsbad Police Department and other City departmentswill contribute stuffed animals to children at Children's Hospital,Casade Amparo, and the Women's Resource Center as part of the 15th annual Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive.The teddy bears are usedtoprovide comfort to children not only during the holidays but also throughout the year. Thepolicecommunications center is serving as the temporary home for the stuffedanimals.Last year, more than 300 stuffed animals were collected from Carlsbad alone for the three organizations. Anyone interestedin contributingtothe drive can bring a new stuffed animaltotheCarlsbadSafety Center,2560 Orion Way, during regular business hours.Stuffedanimalsmust be delivered by Dec. 11. The teddybearsbeingdeliveredtoChildren's Hospital will leave Carlsbad PoliceDepartmentDec.12at6a.m.andwilltravelina law enforcement caravan to Children's Hospital starting at 10 a.m.

Radio personality to help with toy drive

EL CAJON ---- Scripps Ranch resident and radio personality Dave Mason, co-host of Newsradio 600 KOGO's "San Diego's First News," is scheduled to make a guest appearance from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 25 at the El Cajon Community Toy Drive and Street Festival, 345 Connecticut Ave., behind the El Cajon Civic Center.

At the event, Mason will greet listeners, sign autographs and help collect new unwrapped toys and donations to benefit the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves' Toys for Tots program.

The festival will feature live music, free food from East County restaurants and exhibit booths from sponsors. Admission is one new, unwrapped toy valued at more than $10. Information: http://www.ectoydrive.com.

Learn how to prepare for evacuation

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Rancho Bernardo Community Council's Public Safety Committee will host an American Red Cross presentation on "How to Prepare Yourself and Your Family in Case of Immediate Evacuation" at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Bernardo Heights Community Center, 16150 Bernardo Heights Parkway.

The presentation will include hand-out material, examples of what to pack and information on how to take inventory. Also, Red Cross emergency packs will be available for sale at $35 to $45.

For information, go to http://www.RBCommunityCouncil.com or e-mail Rbns1nest@aol.com.

Services offered for seniors

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The following events and services will be offered at Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14.

- Free hearing tests given by audiologist Dr. Judy Horning, 11 a.m. to noon Nov. 27. Call for an appointment.

- Free legal advice given by a local attorney, Nov. 27. Call for an appointment.

- Free blood-pressure checks given by a nurse, 10 a.m. to noon Nov. 29. No appointment is needed.

- Two-part AARP Safe Driving Course, noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8. Participants can earn a certificate entitling them to a discount on auto insurance. Cost is $10. Reservations are required.

Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Call (858) 487-2640.

Holiday Home Tour to benefit local charities

POWAY ---- The Poway chapter of National Charity League will present its fifth annual Holiday Home Tour fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 2.

The tour will feature four festively decorated homes staged to welcome the holiday season. Each home will have a theme. The themes are "The Nutcracker," "A Christmas Carol," "It's A Wonderful Life" and "Home For the Holidays."

Cost of $25 includes entrance into all of the homes, as well as refreshments and entertainment. Proceeds will benefit the Gayle Kennedy Memorial Scholarship Fund, Poway Senior Center and the After School Homework Club.

For ticket information, contact Wendy Gibson at (858) 668-0672 or wgibpoway@yahoo.com.

ORT chapter to host speaker

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Rancho Bernardo chapter of ORT will host retired U.S. Army Maj. Abraham Baum as the guest speaker at its meeting scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Remington Club Phase II, 16925 Hierba Drive. Baum is a recipient of the Army's Silver and Bronze Stars. For information, call Shirley at (858) 451-0065.

RB Woman's Club to meet Dec. 7

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Rancho Bernardo Woman's Club will hold a luncheon meeting Dec. 7 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Social hour will begin at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch and entertainment by the RB Chorale. Guests and new members are welcome. Reservations are required by Dec. 4. Call (858) 674-5941.

Christian Women's Club to meet

LAKE SAN MARCOS ---- "Holiday Elegance" is the theme of the San Marcos-Vista Christian Women's Club luncheon set for 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Lake San Marcos Country Club, 1750 San Pablo Drive. Cost is $11.

Lake San Marcos resident Marcia Gehris, a lively and humorous showbiz personality and dynamic speaker, will share some "shining thoughts" on "What It Really Means to be a Star." Gehris also will present "Sparkling Notes," entertaining with a medley of Christian music.

The club has no membership dues. All women are welcome. Reservations are required by Dec. 7. Call Vera at (760) 727-1372 or Muriel at (760) 744-3744.

Continuing Education Center offers lectures

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo is a nonprofit, volunteer organization offering college-level, noncredit enrichment lectures on a variety of subjects. In addition to the academic program, the CEC offers free evening forums and lectures as a service to the community, field trips to points of educational interest and tickets and bus service to special events, such as operas and concerts. Upcoming lectures include:

- "Learn to Draw" by award-winning artist Nate Polinsky (last of two-part lecture), 1:30 p.m. Nov. 29.

- "Middle East Dilemma" by Jack Templeton, 10 a.m. Nov. 28.

- "A Movie Date With Dr. William Cheek," 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30. This includes a showing of the classic film "The Little Shop Around the Corner" followed by discussion and refreshments.

No lectures will be offered during December. The CEC will resume activities Jan. 9, with lectures on art, philosophy and the U.S. post-Civil War reconstruction. The community lecture series at Oaks North Community Center, co-sponsored by the North County Times, will resume Jan. 18 with a talk on religion and politics by Dr. Pat Drinan. The event is free and open to the public.

The CEC's classrooms and office are at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Annual membership fees are $30 per individual; $50 per couple. Lecture fees are $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers. Information: (858) 487-0464 or http://www.cecrb.org.

Beginning knitting class offered

VISTA ---- A beginning knitting class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 26 at Michael's, 1851 University Drive. Students will learn the basics to knit, pearl, cast on and cast off. Cost is $15 plus supplies. Supply lists will be given to students as they register and students will receive 10 percent off all supply purchases. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Register 24 hours in advance by calling (760) 941-7350.

Meeting on block grants to be held

VISTA ---- An informational briefing will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 30 in the Vista Council Chambers, 600 Eucalyptus Ave., for local social service agencies interested in applying and competing for Community Development Block Grants available from the city. Agencies not currently receiving assistance from the city must attend one of the mandatory briefings. The briefings will provide information on completing the request for proposals, local priorities and estimated funding for the next fiscal year.

The city of Vista receives federal CDBG funds each year that can be used for a variety of community needs. A portion of these funds are provided to eligible nonprofit agencies for social service activities that benefit low-income residents. Services are generally targeted to programs that address youth, seniors, disabled or homeless needs. For more information, call Cecilia Barandiaran at (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1105. To R.S.V.P. for the meeting, call (760) 639-6191.

Moonlight Angels hold Holiday Dinner

VISTA ---- The Moonlight Angels Auxiliary will hold a general membership meeting and installation of officers at its annual Holiday Dinner from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6. The catered event includes a white elephant auction and will be held at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive.

The public is invited to attend and bring a wrapped gift ---- trash or treasure ---- for the fast-paced auction. Cost is $25 per person and proceeds benefit the Moonlight Cultural Foundation. For more information and to make reservations, call (760) 630-6123.

Christian Women's Club meets

SAN MARCOS ---- "Holiday Elegance" is the theme of the San Marcos-Vista Christian Women's Club luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Lake San Marcos Country Club, 1750 San Pablo Drive. Cost is $11 inclusive.

Speaker will be Marcia Gehris entertaining with a medley of Christian Music. A lively and humorous showbiz personality and dynamic speaker, she will share some "Shining Thoughts" on "What it Really Means To Be A Star."

The club has no membership dues. All ladies are invited and encouraged to make reservations before Dec. 7. The luncheon is sponsored by Stonecroft Int/Christian Women's Club. For reservations, call Vera at (760) 727-1372 or Muriel at (760) 744-3744.

Kids Club craft classes held

VISTA ---- Kids Club craft classes for children age 5 to 12 are held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays at Michael's, 1851 University Drive. Kids can drop in during that time and create a new craft each week. Cost is $2 per class and includes all supplies. Pre-registration is not required. Call (760) 941-7350.

Senior Center holds ballroom dance

OCEANSIDE ---- The Oceanside Senior Center will hold a ballroom dance featuring music by the Dixie Time Band from 3 to 5 p.m. Nov. 26 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $4 and anyone age 55 and older is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

Bingo at Oceanside Elks Lodge

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Nov. 26 at 444 Country Club Lane. Call (760) 433-1561.

Local authors to sign books

OCEANSIDE ---- Steve Willard, author of "History Book About San Diego Police Department"; Matt Lyons, author of "Images of America: Oceanside Police Department"; and Kristi Hawthorne, author of "Oceanside: Where Life Is Worth Living" will sign their books from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 1 at Barnes & Noble Booksellers, 2615 Vista Way. The Oceanside Historical Society also will hold a book fair fundraiser at the same time. Call (760) 529-0106.

Nautique holds Holiday Open House Dec. 2

OCEANSIDE ---- Nautique will hold its third annual Holiday Open House from 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at 220 Wisconsin Ave. Five percent of sales that day will be donated to The North County Humane Society. Artist Rodney McCoubrey will bring his unique Rodrigo's Recycled Art and musician Ron Ebel will perform. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 757-3440.

Holiday Home Tour upcoming

OCEANSIDE ---- Tickets are on sale for the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library Holiday Home Tour to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 10 and featuring some of Oceanside's finest examples of beachfront living. Four beautiful homes, from the historic to contemporary, will be on display, including a beachfront get-a-way originally owned by legendary film stars Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks.

Tickets are available at the Civic Center or Mission Branch Library or from any Friends of the Library board member. Advance tickets are $20 or $30 at the door. Call (760) 435-5560.

Elks plan trip to Las Vegas

OCEANSIDE ---- The Oceanside Elks Lodge is planning a trip to The Las Vegas Club Jan. 16 through 18. Cost is $225 per couple or $135 for a single room. The bus will leave the lodge at 444 Country Club Lane at 8:15 a.m. For more information and reservations, call Bob at (760) 433-7615 or the lodge office at (760) 433-1561.

Travel group to view New Year's performance

Join the Oceanside Senior Center's "Happy Wanderers" on Dec. 31 for a daytime New Year's Celebration to see a matinee performance of "Showtime Cabaret" at the beautiful "Castaways" Restaurant in Burbank. The cost is $77 per person and includes a New Year's Eve luncheon, champagne and favors and round-trip transportation. Although dress code is not mandatory, it is appreciated if ladies wear their fancy dresses and gentlemen wear a sports jacket or suit. Make your reservations now at (760) 435-5250. The deadline for reservations is Nov. 29.

Genealogists meet Nov. 28

CARLSBAD ---- The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will hear Colleen Fitzpatrick speak on "Forensic Genealogy" at 10 a.m. Nov. 28 in the Carlsbad City Council Chambers,1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Fitzpatrick will show how to examine hidden details in old family photographs. Fitzpatrick has worked for NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the Department of Defense and is the author of two books: "Forensic Genealogy" and "DNA and Genealogy." Call (858) 509-4937.

North County Scots march in parade

VISTA ---- The North County Scots will participate in the Vista Christmas Parade on Dec. 2. Anyone who has a Scotts heritage or who is interested in things Scottish is invited to help decorate the float at 9 a.m. at the Vista Masonic Lodge, 761 Eucalyptus Ave. Wear your kilt and march in the parade, which starts at 1 p.m. A Christmas party starts right after the parade at 4 p.m. at the Vista Masonic Lodge and is a potluck. Participation in a gag gift exchange is limited to $10 and younger. Santa will be there with gifts for the children. Names and ages of the children are requested by calling Janette McClintock at (760) 726-3691 or Mike Hamnquist at (760) 758-8096 before Nov. 30.

Big Brothers Big Sisters recruiting

OCEANSIDE ---- Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County will hold a recruitment event for its Operation Bigs program from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5 at The Flying Bridge Restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway. Find out about volunteering and mentoring in the community, learn all about the different BBBS programs, mingle with current Big Brothers and Big Sisters and hear their stories while enjoying free snacks, soda and coffee.

Big Brothers Big Sisters needs volunteers to provide one-to-one mentoring for just one hour a week to make an impact on the life of a child. Operation Bigs is the first program of its kind in the nation, which provides mentors to children of military families in four elementary schools on base at Camp Pendleton. Many of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters are Marines themselves, or other base personnel and community members who understand the needs of a child who has a parent deployed overseas. Call (858) 536-4900, Ext. 206 or e-mail tinar@sdbigs.org.

Flavors of San Diego Gala set for Jan. 31

SAN DIEGO ---- The San Diego Chapter of the American Liver Foundation will hold its fourth annual Flavors of San Diego Culinary Gala at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Omni Hotel, 675 L St. in downtown San Diego.

The Flavors Gala is a national culinary event that spotlights San Diego's premier chefs and creates a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience for each table of 10 guests. Proceeds from the Gala will benefit the San Diego Chapter of the American Liver Foundation, helping the nonprofit association in the fight against liver diseases in San Diego County.

Bill Menish, NBC 7/39 anchor, will serve as the Gala's 2006 Master of Ceremonies. Cost is $300. Call (619) 291-5483, or e-mail KLuton@liverfoundation.org.