North San Diego County Community News Briefs: Music Men to perform holiday concert

By: North County Times - | Monday, November 19, 2007 7:19 PM PST ∞

SAN MARCOS -- The city will present "Holiday Harmony With the Music Men," an afternoon of holiday entertainment featuring the Palomar Pacific Music Men a cappella chorus under the direction of John Hulbert. View A Video

Also performing will be the Chapter Quartets and the San Marcos High School Chorus.

The concert will be held at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 9 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. Tickets cost $10; $15 for reserved seats. To purchase tickets, call (760) 744-9000.

O'side Turkey Trot upcoming

OCEANSIDE -- The annual O'side Turkey Trot Family Expo will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Oceanside Civic Center, 330 N. Coast Highway, and the Oceanside Turkey Trot Open 5K and Local's 5K Run/Walk will take place from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Nov. 22 at the Oceanside Municipal Pier. For registration and more information, visit http://www.oceansideturkeytrot.com.

Rotary Club seeks grant applicants

FALLBROOK -- The Rotary Club of Fallbrook is preparing to disperse its 2007 charitable funds to local nonprofit organizations and agencies that are making the community a better place to live. These charitable funds come from the proceeds of the club's annual "Lobster On The Green" fundraiser held each fall, as well as donations from club members throughout the year.

Nonprofit organizations interested in being considered for charitable funding should submit a letter requesting a specific amount of money for a specific reason by Dec. 7 to the Rotary Club of Fallbrook, in care of Betsey Levering, P.O. Box 1, Fallbrook, CA 92088.

For information, contact Levering at the address above.

Customer appreciation night set

FALLBROOK -- The Art Center has joined the Historic Downtown Merchants for a special holiday campaign to feed the region's hungry. For every sale the center makes it will donate a canned food item to the Fallbrook Food Pantry.

Meet the artists and join the art center for refreshments at a customer appreciation night from 5 to 8 p.m. Nov. 30. The event will feature horse-drawn carriage rides and carolers along the 100 block of Main Street.

Opera fundraiser to benefit fire victims

FALLBROOK -- A concert featuring local resident Sasha La Russo and six other members of the San Diego Opera will be held Dec. 29 at the Bob Burton Center for the Performing Arts.

All proceeds will go to the fire victims of the mobile home park on Reche Road. There are 532 seats to fill. Tickets are $25; $40 for gold circle tickets. Those unable to attend are encouraged to purchase tickets for fire victims.

Information: rhondareinke@roadrunner.com, (951) 970-2518.

OCNA meets tonight

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Coastal Neighborhood Association will meet at 7 p.m. today at St. Mary Star of the Sea School, 515 Wisconsin Ave. Call (760) 494-4342 or e-mail ocna@ocna.info.

Trash pick-up delayed one day

OCEANSIDE -- Waste Management of North County and Coast Waste Management's trash and recycling pick-up schedule will be delayed by one day in the days following Thanksgiving Day on Nov. 22. Customers who receive service on Thursdays and Fridays in the cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, Oceanside, Solana Beach and communities in unincorporated San Diego County, including Rancho Santa Fe and Valley Center, should place bins out for pick up one day later than usual on Nov. 23 and 24. Call (800) DUMPSTER or (760) 929-9400.

LIFE at MiraCosta on hiatus

OCEANSIDE -- LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will not meet Nov. 23 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. For future meeting information, call (760) 721-8124.

Brother Benno's holds Fashion Show

OCEANSIDE -- The Brother Benno Auxiliary will present its annual Fashion Show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 at the NCO Club Camp Pendleton. There will be a luncheon, door prizes, opportunity prizes, fashions and entertainment by two Red Hatters. Profits are used to support shelters for the homeless women and children and women in recovery that Brother Benno's serves. Tickets cost $40 each. Call Dixie Bales at (760) 439-3117.

Celtic band Craicmore to perform

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Public Library and the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library will present Celtic band Craicmore for the final performance of the Fall 2007 World Music Series. The concert will be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 at the Star Theatre, 402 N. Coast Highway. Free parking is available in the Civic Center garage.

Craicmore, a contemporary traditional Celtic band, draws inspiration from the traditional music of Ireland and Scotland, and claims influences as diverse as the Afro Celts, the Chieftans and Pogues, rock and Australian indigenous music. For this performance, Craicmore will perform a "Celtic Yuletide Celebration," which incorporates joyful and heartfelt seasonal songs and tales, along with traditional Scottish and Irish music.

Tickets cost $15 and are available at the Oceanside Civic Center Library and Mission Branch Library check-out desks. Doors open at 7 p.m. and seating is open. For more information on Craicmore, visit http://www.craicmore.com. For more information on the concert, call (760) 435-5560.

KOCT wins award

OCEANSIDE -- KOCT-TV producer Russell Ferguson recently attended a conference in Ventura to accept an award for KOCT programming. The 2007 Western Access Video Excellence Award was presented at the Alliance for Community Media Western States Region Conference.

The award was presented to KCOT for "Climate TV #2," a program for young teens that shows their peers enjoying fun and positive after-school activities. "Climate TV #2" won first place in the category of Programs for Youth/Pro.

Another KOCT program, "Living Legacies featuring Paul Tanner," produced jointly by Ted Smit and Tom Morrow and hosted by Tom Morrow, was named as a finalist in the Programs by or for Seniors/Pro category.

WAVE Awards recognize the work of community access volunteers and professionals in the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Nevada and New Mexico.

Palm Springs Follies is destination

OCEANSIDE -- MiraCosta College's Community Services Program is offering a Palm Springs Follies Holiday excursion Dec. 15. Cost is $95 and includes bus transportation, prime seating, and a general background and en-route narration by tour guide Dick Nelson.

The bus will leave the San Elijo campus at 7:30 a.m. and the Oceanside campus, parking lot 1A, at 8:10 a.m. Return times will be about 7:30 p.m. to Oceanside and 8 p.m. to San Elijo. Call (760) 795-6820.

'Santa Claws and Paws' event set

OCEANSIDE -- Pet owners can have their photos taken with their pets and Santa Claus at the North County Humane Society & SPCA's "Santa Claws and Paws" event from noon to 5 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Springs at Oceanside, 3524 Lake Blvd. For a $12 suggested donation, pet owners will receive a 4-by-6 inch photo processed and delivered on the spot in a holiday card frame, ready to mail or keep. Also included in the event is a Holiday Boutique & Bake Sale featuring pet treats, holiday gifts and crafts and baked goods. All proceeds benefit NCHS. Call (760) 945-1811.

Friends and Newcomers hold holiday luncheon

VISTA -- The Vista Friends and Newcomers will hold its annual Christmas Holiday Luncheon at 11 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Vista Valley Country Club. Entertainment will be provided by a wind instrument quintet from Rancho Buena Vista High School. Cost is $26. Ticket deadline is Nov. 27. Call (760) 758-4120 or (760) 945-6737.

Cat & Kitten Adoption Fair set

CARLSBAD -- The Rescue House will hold a Cat & Kitten Adoption Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2 at PETCO, 3239 Camino De Los Coches. Each cat has been spayed or neutered, tested, vaccinated, microchipped, dewormed and de-fleed. There is an adoption fee and interview process. Call (760) 591-1211.

Legoland to offer free entry for firefighters

CARLSBAD -- Beginning with its annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 26, Legoland will offer free admission to emergency personnel and family through Dec. 25. All active emergency personnel with valid identification and up to three immediate family members can enjoy a complimentary day at the 128-acre family theme park. Call (760) 745-4741; http://www.sandiegonorth.com.

Jump onboard the opera caravan

CARLSBAD --- The Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office and the San Diego Opera will offer its 2008 Opera Caravan program, which offers a special opportunity for North County residents to attend SDO productions by chartered coach service. In 2008, Opera Caravan will be available to all Sunday matinees, providing opera-goers with the chance to see each of the season's five productions. Opera Caravan also will be available for two Wednesday evening performances. Coaches depart at noon for Sunday performances and 5 p.m. for Wednesday performances. All caravans arrive in time for pre-show opera talk with Nick Reveles. Programs include: "Tannhauser," 1 p.m. departure, Feb. 3; "Mary, Queen of Scots," Feb. 24; "Cavalleria/Pagliacci," March 30, April 2; "Aida," April 20 and April 23; and "The Pearl Fishers," May 11. Cost is $20 and provides round-trip transportation from the Carlsbad City Library. Call (619) 232-7636.

Senior writers meet weekly

CARLSBAD -- Writers ages 55 and older meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4650.

Senior center hosts bingo

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Senior Center hosts games of bingo from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays at the center, 799 Pine Ave. Bingo game packets stop selling at 1 p.m. Sponsored by the Carlsbad Senior Citizens Association. Call (760) 602-4650.

Holiday Bazaar planned

ENCINITAS -- Scripps Hospital Encinitas Auxiliary will hold its Holiday Bazaar from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 3 at Scripps Hospital Encinitas, 354 Santa Fe Drive. The bazaar will include designer clothes, shoes, jewelry, collectibles, electronics, kids' stuff, books, baked goods and more. Call (760) 633-7834.

Bus trip to visit Pow Wow set

CARDIFF -- Don't miss this year's Native American Pow Wow, sponsored by the Twentynine Palms Band of Mission Indians, as MiraCosta College hosts the bus trip that will leave at 7 a.m. Dec. 8 from the college's San Elijo campus, 333 Manchester Ave. Return time will be around 6:45 p.m. The event will feature drum groups, as well as singing and dancing competitions, Native American vendors displaying and selling authentic merchandise, and food. There also will be a casino nearby for a non Native American lunch, gaming and people watching. Cost is $55, which includes transportation and on-board narration. Call (760) 795-6820; http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs.com.

College registering for spring 2008

CARDIFF --- Registration for spring semester at MiraCosta College is just around the corner. First-priority enrollment, open to continuing students and first-time college students who have completed testing, orientation and advisement lasts through Dec. 12. Second-priority enrollment takes place Dec. 13 to Jan. 21 and is open to returning students; first-time college students who have not completed testing, orientation and advisement; students new to MiraCosta who have prior college credit; and all first-priority students who have not yet enrolled or who wish to add/drop classes. Cost is $20 per unit for California residents. Call (760) 795-6615 or e-mail pio@miracosta.edu. Register in person at the San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., or online at www.miracosta.edu.

Senior legal services offered

ENCINITAS -- Del Mar Community Connections offers many legal services (advanced health care directive, power of attorney, wills, and more) free for seniors 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.

Volunteer drivers for seniors needed

ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Senior Center's Out & About Program is seeking volunteer drivers to take senior citizens to the pharmacy, Senior Center, doctor appointments and grocery store. Volunteers will be responsible for transporting senior citizens in their own private vehicle and will be reimbursed the current annual IRS rate per mile. Call (760) 943-2256 to request an application.

Birch Aquarium seeks volunteers

LA JOLLA -- Volunteers are needed to share their time and love for the ocean at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego. Volunteers help visitors understand marine life and science exhibits, assist instructors in the classroom and interact with visitors from all over the world. Minimum age for volunteers is 16. For a complete description of volunteer opportunities, visit http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/Members_and_Friends/Volunteer/. Call (858) 822-4934; volunteers@siomail.ucsd.edu.

Daley Ranch hikes scheduled

ESCONDIDO -- Free, guided nature hikes are offered at Daley Ranch.

All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Bring at least a quart of water and wear a hat, sunscreen and hiking boots or treaded footwear. Youths younger than 18 must be with an adult. No pets are allowed. Meet at La Honda Drive entrance.

The hike schedule and trail map are online at http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us.

Reservations are requested. Call (760) 839-4680. A shuttle with handicapped accessibility runs Sundays.

9 a.m. Nov. 23: Walk off that Thanksgiving dinner on a hike led by naturalist and biologist Carol Stanford. The moderate, three-mile hike will cover the Jack Creek Nature Trail and show the riparian habitat mixed with native chaparral.

8:30 a.m. Nov. 24: Naturalist Jack Pomeroy will lead a moderately-strenuous 3.5-mile hike and discuss common plants found along the trail.

9 a.m. Nov. 25: Stanford will lead a moderate three-mile hike and talk about the plants and animals that live on the ranch.

VC Library to host events

VALLEY CENTER -- The Valley Center branch of the San Diego County Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road, will offer these activities. Information: (760) 749-1305.

Coffee and Conversations will be offered for adults only at 11 a.m. Nov. 24. The group will discuss how the tradition of Santa Claus began.

The San Diego County Library Customer Appreciation Open House for all ages will take place from 2 to 5 p.m. Nov. 30. Meet library Director Jose Aponte, enjoy refreshments and programs.

A book discussion group for adults meets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month.

Dog adoption event scheduled

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals, a nonprofit pet rescue organization specializing in small dogs, will hold a dog adoption event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 24 at Kahoots Animals and Supplies, 11965 Bernardo Plaza Drive. Information: (619) 466-0426.

Poway Adult School classes to begin

POWAY -- Enrollment is under way for classes offered through Poway Adult School. Winter classes will begin Nov. 26. To see class offerings, go to http://www.PowayAdultSchool.com. Also, catalogs are available at local libraries or at the adult school office, 13230 Evening Creek Drive, Suite 220, San Diego. Gift certificates are available. Information: (858) 668-4024.

Dance to big-band music Nov. 28

ESCONDIDO -- Big John's Big Sound will play big-band music at its annual Thanksgiving Dance set for 1 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Admission is free; however, attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable canned food to the band's food drive. There will be free refreshments and a drawing for a door prize.

The band is made up of seniors ranging in age from 62 to 85. It has been playing dances at the senior center since July 2001. The annual Christmas Holiday Dance will be held at 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at the senior center.

Palomar student art, pottery sale set

SAN MARCOS -- Palomar College will hold its semi-annual student glass, pottery and photography sale from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 29 and 30; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 1 near parking lot 15, just south of the Howard Brubeck Theatre on campus, 1140 W. Mission Road.

Shoppers can select from a wide variety of items hand-crafted by Palomar students, including dishes, planters, plates, platters, trivets, stoneware, jewelry, bowls, cups, wind chimes, hand-blown glass vases, goblets, stained glass, paperweights, ornaments, sculpture, prints, cards, calendars and other decorative items. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Palomar College students and the college's art department. Cash, checks and credit cards will be accepted.

Sale attendees without campus parking permits should use the main campus entrance and obtain a one-day visitor's pass from the campus police at that location.

Information: (760) 744-1150, Ext. 2302.

Volunteers sought to share computer skills

ESCONDIDO -- Volunteers are needed to share their computer skills (Windows or Apple) with seniors at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Instructors are asked to tutor in one-on-one one-hour sessions or teach one morning or afternoon per week in each eight-week session. Information: (760) 480-0611.

Dental Society honors city leaders

ESCONDIDO -- The San Diego County Dental Society recently honored Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler and city leaders for their efforts to implement fluoridation of the city's public water supply. Pfeiler and others were honored at the society's annual recognition and gala, which benefits the Pediatric Dental Residency Program at Rady Children's Hospital.

Theosophical discussion group meets weekly

SAN MARCOS -- The Theosophical Society of North County meets to discuss theosophical concepts from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at the Old California Coffee House, 1080 San Marcos Blvd., Suite 176, in Old California Restaurant Row.

The Theosophical Society was founded in 1875 in an effort to promote the expressed awareness of the oneness of life. Its philosophy is a contemporary presentation of the perennial wisdom underlying the world's religions, sciences and philosophies. For information about the society, go to http://www.theosociety.org. For information about the local group, call (760) 751-5302 or e-mail melbrod@cox.net.

Craft vendors sought for holiday event

SAN MARCOS -- The city is accepting vendor applications for its 13th annual Santa's Magical Village to take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. Crafters offering handmade items are needed.

The event will feature a craft fair, tree-lighting celebration, a holiday breakfast, free entertainment and hands-on activities for children.

For vendor fees and applications, go to http://www.san-marcos.net or call (760) 744-9000.

Free computer classes offered in Escondido

ESCONDIDO -- Free computer classes are held from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Room AE 1 at Escondido Adult School/ROP, 3750 Mary Lane. All skill levels are welcome; individual assistance is available. Sign up at the school or call (760) 739-7300 or (760) 739-7309.

'Hedda Gabler' auditions planned

ESCONDIDO -- Patio Playhouse will hold auditions for "Hedda Gabler," a drama by Henrik Ibsen, at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the theater, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1-D. No appointment is required.

Auditions will be cold readings from the script. Callbacks may be held Dec. 11. Headshots and resumes are helpful but not required. Performances will be held Feb. 22 through March 22.

Information: (858) 487-0527.

Medical assistants group to meet

POWAY -- San Diego Medical Assistants will host a presentation on depression by Arlene Cawthorne at 6 p.m. Nov. 29 at Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road. For health care providers, one continuing education unit will be awarded for attendance. Reservations and information: sandiegoocmaa@aol.com, (858) 722-5446.

Enjoy Christmas in the Park on Dec. 8

POWAY -- The city and the Old Poway Park Action Committee will present the 14th annual Christmas in the Park celebration from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Admission is free.

Bring an ornament or make one at the event to decorate the community Christmas tree between 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. A member of the Poway City Council will officially light the tree at 5:15 p.m. Escorted by the park's western gunfighters, Santa Claus will arrive aboard the steam train at 5:30 p.m.

Other activities will include face painting, a model railroad display by the Poway Station Model Railroad Club, steam train rides, a holiday craft boutique, visits and pictures with Santa and more. Live musical entertainment will be held in the park's gazebo throughout the event. A variety of treats and dinner foods, as well as cold and hot beverages, also will be available for a nominal fee.

In addition, attendees are invited to visit the historical Nelson House, festively decorated for the holidays. While in the Nelson House, kids can write letters to Santa. Letters can be dropped in Santa's mailbox on the Nelson House porch from Dec. 1 through 24.

Information: (858) 668-4576.