Community News briefs: Gift wrap booth opens at mall

By: North County Times - | Thursday, December 6, 2007 8:37 PM PST ∞

ESCONDIDO ---- The annual holiday gift wrap booth hosted by the San Pasqual High School music department will be open during regular mall hours today through Dec. 9, and Dec. 14 through 24 at Westfield North County mall.

Get packages wrapped for a nominal donation. The booth is staffed entirely by students and parents representing the music department's award-winning band, chorus and dance groups. The gift wrap booth continues to be the major fundraiser for the entire music department.

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.

- 8 a.m. Dec. 8: Join a ranger for trail maintenance.

- 8:30 a.m. Dec. 8: Naturalist Dorothy Klitzing and patrol member Lee Dezan will lead a moderate, three-mile hike. They will talk about fire safety, references and reports on wildfires and future fire protection.

- 7:30 a.m. Dec. 9: Join naturalist Michelle Capodice for a leisurely hike to the Ranch House and learn about Daley Ranch.

- 8 to 11 a.m. Dec. 11: Naturalist Tom Lyon will lead an easy bird-watching hike. Bring binoculars.

High Tech High fundraiser on tap

SAN MARCOS ---- High Tech High North County, a public charter school, will host a "Holiday Sports Memorabilia and Art Sale Fundraiser" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 at the school, 1420 W. San Marcos Blvd.

Attendees can purchase certified, autographed framed jerseys, photos and more from favorite players at 40 to 60 percent below retail prices. The event is presented by Planet Frame, a fundraising company; and the High Tech High Parent Association and Associated Student Body.

Information: Lisa, (760) 740-6732.

'Summation 2007' art exhibit under way

ESCONDIDO ---- The Escondido Arts Partnership is presenting a juried exhibition titled "Summation 2007" through Jan. 12 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, 142 W. Grand Ave.

Fifty-two pieces by Southern California artists were selected for the show by juror Stephen Curry. William Ferrell was awarded first place for his acrylic painting titled "In Ruin." Second place went to Sherry Krulle-Beaton for her acrylic, "With In Fire & Ice," and third place was awarded to Robert Garner for his mixed-media piece titled "Opportunity."

Meet the artists at an opening reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8. Gallery hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Admission is free. Information: http://www.escondidoarts.org.

Holiday bazaar set for Dec. 8

ESCONDIDO ---- How Bazaar! 2007, "Christmas on the Hill," a holiday festival tradition featuring North County artisans and crafters, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8, indoors at 2440 Summit Drive. Entrance fee is $2. Attendees are asked to bring canned goods and donations for St. Clare's Home for abused women and their children. Information: (760) 747-3765, howbazaar@cox.net.

Christmas Parade steps off Dec. 8

ESCONDIDO ---- The 57th annual Escondido Jaycees Christmas Parade will take place at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 8 starting at Escondido High School and traveling along Broadway to Grape Day Park. This year's theme is "A Fairy Tale Christmas."

Escondido High to host sale

ESCONDIDO ---- Escondido High School will host its annual Barnfest, featuring holiday gifts, crafts and rummage sale items, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 9 on the soccer field,1535 N. Broadway. The event will be held ---- rain or shine.

Music Men concert set for Dec. 9

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. 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.

Breakfast set to honor first responders

ESCONDIDO ---- The Escondido Sunrise Rotary Club, Rincon Band of San Luiseno Indians and Cocina del Charro restaurant will sponsor a thank-you breakfast for local firefighters, police officers, sheriffs and other first responders in recognition for the brave service the first responders provided to the community. The breakfast will be held from 6 to 9 a.m. Dec. 13 at Cocina del Charro, 525 N. Quince St.

Ranch to host Holiday Open Barn

VALLEY CENTER ---- Castle Creek Ranch will hold a Holiday Open Barn from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 15.

The event will feature demonstrations by Medicine Hat Equine Chiropractic, Equine Raindrop Therapy and animal communicator Lydia Hiby, equine gift ideas, training demonstrations and refreshments.

Castle Creek Ranch is at 30660 Circle R Lane. Information: (760) 751-9898.

AAUW branch to host luncheon meeting

ESCONDIDO ---- The Escondido-San Marcos branch of the American Association of University Women will host a luncheon meeting at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at the Escondido Country Club, 1800 Country Club Lane.

Author and activist Barbara Metzler will present "Passionaries: Turning Compassion Into Action." Lydia Backart and Dorothy Kline will present ''Tis the Season To Be Jolly," playing duets and leading a sing-along. Also, a "Regifting Sale" will be held, with all items priced at $5. Proceeds will benefit the branch's scholarship fund.

Cost for the buffet luncheon is $16. Reservations: Ruth, (760) 489-0579.

SM Lions seek new members

SAN MARCOS ---- The San Marcos Lions Club is looking for people to join its biweekly meetings. The Lions Club is a nonprofit service organization that provides an opportunity for its members to give something back to their communities. Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired.

The San Marcos Lions Club meets from noon to 1 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Spaghetti Factory. Information: Ish Lopez, (760) 744-5203.

Services for seniors offered

ESCONDIDO ---- The Senior Service Council will offer these services for seniors in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway, in the Joslyn Senior Center complex. Call (760) 480-0611.

- Taxi vouchers are available from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Fridays. Call before coming in.

- A job referral service is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays. Call before coming in.

- Seniors can get help with legal matters and personal finances from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays. A notary public is also available. Call for an appointment.

Seniors can get free Lifeline installation

NORTH COUNTY ---- To help seniors living in the Palomar Pomerado Health district have peace of mind this holiday season, PPH is offering free Lifeline installation to new subscribers now through Jan. 30.

Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal response service that ensures older adults living at home will receive quick assistance whenever needed. By pushing a lightweight waterproof button that can be worn around the neck or wrist, a subscriber has immediate access to a highly trained monitor who will assess the caller's situation and efficiently link each subscriber to the care they need.

Installation on Lifeline is free to new subscribers through Jan. 30. This is a savings of $75. The monthly service fee is $39, with no long-term contract.

For information, call Jennifer Allen, PPH Lifeline Coordinator, at (858) 675-5371 or go to http://www.pph.org.

Youth theater to present 'Nutcracker'

POWAY ---- Theatre in the Park, sponsored by the city and the Poway Woman's Club, will present the play version of "The Nutcracker" in Templars Hall at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Performance times are at 7:30 tonight and 2 p.m. Dec. 9.

The cast is made up of children ages 10 to 14. "The Nutcracker" play tells the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads.

Tickets are $5 and $3 for children younger than 12. Reservations and information, (858) 748-4492.

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 through Dec. 24.

Information: (858) 668-4576.

RB artist featured in art quilting DVD

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- Rancho Bernardo resident and mixed-media artist Jane LaFazio has taken her six-week art quilt class that she has taught for the past three years to the screen in the new DVD titled "The Small Art Quilt."

A local company called WonderChannel.com, owned by David and Andrea Graves, produced the 70-minute DVD, which features LaFazio teaching art quilting techniques.

"The Small Art Quilt" DVD is available for $29.95 on LaFazio's Web site at http://www.PlainJaneStudio.com or through Amazon.com.

Rotarians to host handwriting expert

RANCHO PENASQUITOS ---- Certified graphologist Paula A. Sassi will speak at a meeting of the San Diego North Rotary Club at 7 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Doubletree Golf Resort, just west of Interstate-15 at Carmel Mountain Road. Information: Eric Pahlke, (858) 869-5304, http://www.sandiegonorthrotary.org.

Travel club to meet Dec. 14

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The RB Travelers will meet at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 14 in the auditorium at the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Robin Williams will present a travelogue titled "Mozart in Italy." Information: (858) 674-6856.

Knitters, crocheters sought to help fire victims

POWAY ---- The San Diego Wildfire Blanket Project will provide handmade blankets to more than 1,500 families who lost their homes in the wildfires. Knitted and crocheted squares have been donated from around the world, but volunteers are still needed to help make the blankets.

All knitters and crocheters are welcome to join in the project, regardless of skill level. Supplies will be provided to participants. Join in the opportunity drawing with all proceeds going directly back to the project for supplies.

Volunteers are invited to meet from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Dec. 15 in the Poway Library meeting room, 13137 Poway Road. Coffee and treats will be provided. To volunteer, e-mail GeorgeAnne Smith at sandiegowildfireblankets@gmail.com.

Friends of the Library group forming

4S RANCH ---- A Friends of the Library Founders' group is in the process of forming a Friends of the Library for the 4S Ranch branch. To be a part of this new group, call (858) 673-4697. The library is at 10433 Reserve Drive.

Rita Coolidge to host reception

FALLBROOK ---- Rita Coolidge, two-time Grammy Award winner, will step up in support of the Boys & Girls Clubs' "Step Up to the Plate Campaign" by hosting a reception at the home of Sam and Ann Logan in Fallbrook. Anyone who donates $2,500 will receive two tickets to attend the Jan. 10 event.

Coolidge will sing some of her classic hits, share stories from her career and be available for a photo opportunity. All attendees will receive an autographed CD and be treated to appetizers and refreshments.

The Boys & Girls Clubs campaign was implemented Nov. 12. All donors from last year's campaign have been mailed letters asking them to consider renewing their support for this year's campaign. The goal is to raise $200,000.

Donations to the campaign are tax-deductible and support the five core programs offered at the club. Information: (760) 728-5871.

VFW to host New Year's Eve party

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1924 will hold a New Year's Eve party at the post, 1175 Old Stage Road. Festivities will begin at 5 p.m, followed by hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 and a prime rib dinner at 6.

Dinner will include a bottle of champagne for each table, French onion soup, Caesar salad, baked potatoes, string beans, croissants and "Ultimate Cheesecake" for dessert.

Music will be provided by Ace Party Productions. There will be door prizes and an opportunity drawing. Tickets are $25. Reservations: (760) 728-8784.

Disaster assistance deadline approaching

FALLBROOK ---- The Local Assistance Center for people who suffered losses from the recent wildfires continues to operate at the Fallbrook Community Center at 341 Heald Lane. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays. To date, $40 million in low-interest loans have been approved in Southern California.

Homeowners and renters must begin by registering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Call (800) 621-3362. Homeowners and renters who receive a disaster loan application should complete and return it to the Small Business Administration even if they are not sure they will need or want a loan. If the SBA cannot approve an application, they can refer it to FEMA's Other Needs Assistance program for possible additional assistance. For information, call the SBA at (800) 659-2955.

Boat Parade of Lights set for Dec. 8

OCEANSIDE ---- The annual Boat Parade of Lights will be held Dec. 8 in Oceanside Harbor. All participants are encouraged to attend a Skipper's Meeting at 6 p.m. today at the Oceanside Yacht Club. At that time, instruction sheets, participant numbers and admission tickets to the club (nonmembers only) for the Awards Ceremony after the parade will be handed out.

Judging categories are: Sail Over 20 Feet; Sail 19 Feet and Under; Power Over 20 Feet; Power 19 Feet and Under (includes inflatables and jet skis); and Self-propelled (includes canoes, kayaks, outriggers, etc.).

The parade is a collaborative effort of the yacht club, the Director of Harbor and Beaches and the Oceanside Harbor Police. The parade will start at 7 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Entry forms are due no later than today at the Skipper's Meeting; no late entries will be accepted. There is no entry fee and entry forms are available at the yacht club. Call (760) 722-5751.

Oceanside Elks to hold bingo

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at 444 Country Club Lane. Call (760) 433-1561.

Friends to host Holiday Home Tour

OCEANSIDE ---- The Friends of the Oceanside Public Library will host the Holiday Home Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9. The tour will feature four of Oceanside's most distinctive homes festively decorated for the holidays. New this year is a fifth stop for refreshments and other holiday surprises at the Civic Center Library. Tickets cost $20 in advance or $30 at the door. Call (760) 435-5560.

Tri-City Computer Club to meet

OCEANSIDE ---- The Tri-City Computer Club will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Salvation Army Community Center, 3935 Lake Blvd. The club will present a program on interesting Web sites. Members are asked to share their favorite sites and Web activities. Information: http://www.tricitycomputerclub.com.

RBV High to present 'Sleeping Beauty'

VISTA ---- Rancho Buena Vista High School will present its annual children's show, "Sleeping Beauty" at 6:30 p.m. today and 2 and 6:30 p.m. Dec. 8 at 1601 Longhorn Drive. Tickets are available at the door and cost $12; $10 for students with ASB card; and $8 for kids and seniors. Call (760) 473-3383.

Vista VFW open for meals

The Vista Veterans of Foreign Wars Post is open to the public for special meals and functions.

- Today, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., beef tips and noodles, vegetable and salad; $6.50, plus items on the regular menu.

- Dec. 8, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Grandma's burgers and fries; $3.50.

- Dec. 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mo's Holiday Brunch; $10.

- Dec. 11, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., steak, baked potato and salad; $6.

- Dec. 13, noon to 1:30 p.m., line dancing classes; $3.

Active-duty military always welcome. Proceeds support the post's many charitable obligations. The post is at 1717 East Vista Way, Suite 117. Call (760) 724-7041.

Vista VFW to hold Mo's Holiday Buffet

VISTA ---- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1741 invites the public for Mo's Holiday Buffet brunch from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 9 at 1717 E. Vista Way. The brunch will feature an omelet station with Denver, Laredo, cheese or shrimp omelettes; a carving station with prime rib, ham or pork loin; a waffle station; eggs cooked to order; bacon, sausage and many other items on the buffet line. Cost is $10; there will be no regular menu that day. Call (760) 724-7041.

Historical society to host Christmas Tea

VISTA ---- The Vista Historical Society will host its annual Christmas Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 9 at Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. The free event will feature holiday decor and refreshments and a visit from Santa.

The society's annual collector medallion of historical Vista sites ---- this year's represents the Rancho Minerva home build by Nick Huntalas in 1933 ---- will be offered for sale. Also available will be the 2008 "Then and Now" calendars with historical photographs and pertinent information for each month. Call (760) 630-0444.

Microsoft Word class offered

VISTA ---- The Gloria E. McClellan Senior Center will offer a class on Microsoft Word tables from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19 at 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Cost is $20 for two sessions. Preregistration is required through OASIS by calling (760) 432-0635.

Woman's Club of Vista to meet

VISTA ---- The Woman's Club of Vista will meet Dec. 12 at the Shadowridge Country Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. A business meeting will start at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon. The program at 1 p.m. will feature performers from kindergarten through second grade from the Vista Academy of Performing Arts. Women interested in community service are invited. Information: http://www.womansclubofvista.org.

El Camino quilters to meet

VISTA ---- El Camino Quilters will meet at 9:30 a.m. Dec. 13 in the Video Cafe of North Coast Church, 1132 N. Melrose Drive. A business meeting will be followed by a potluck lunch. Information: http://www.elcaminoquilters.com.

Line dancing classes offered

NORTH COUNTY ---- Line dancing classes are held at the Oceanside and Vista senior centers. Helen Pietroforte is the instructor. Cost is $3 or $4 per class.

Beginning classes are held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and intermediate classes are held from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Fridays at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane.

At the Gloria E. McClellan Senior Center in Vista, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive, beginning classes are held from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays; intermediate classes are held from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Mondays and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays; and intermediate/advanced classes are held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Information: (760) 724-6375.

New Horizons Band to perform

CARLSBAD ---- The New Horizons Band will present its Holiday Concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Museum of Making Music, 5790 Armada Drive. In addition to holiday music, the band will perform selections from other musical genres. Admission is free. Call (858) 793-0223.

Library to host jazz vocalist

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad City Library's upcoming concert series will feature a concert by jazz vocalist Rachel Lauren at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at the library, 1775 Dove Lane.

Lauren sings classical jazz standards fueled by raw emotion and an innovative style. She recently released her first album, "Away From the Crowd." Information: (760) 602-2012, http://www.rachellauren.com.

Choraleers to perform holiday favorites

CARLSBAD ---- The Choraleers will perform a program of holiday music during the annual "Holiday Show" from 1 to 2 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Ring in the holidays with the songs of the season. Call (760) 845-7092.

Senior center to host financial talk

CARLSBAD ---- Gordon Corwin will discuss "Sound Alternatives to a Bright Financial Future" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Corwin, a certified estate adviser, will address subjects such as guaranteed income, paying lower taxes, liquidity penalty-free and safety from stock market uncertainty. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 845-7092.

Center to screen 'Penny Serenade'

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad Senior Center will screen the classic film, "Penny Serenade," starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, at 1 p.m. Dec. 12 at the center, 799 Pine Ave. As Julie (Irene Dunne) prepares to leave her husband Roger (Cary Grant), she begins to play through a stack of recordings, each of which reminds her of events in their lives together. Call (760) 845-7092.

Hawaiian dancers to perform Dec. 13

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad Senior Center will present the annual Hawaiian Holiday Dance Show at 1 p.m. Dec. 13 at the center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 845-7092.

Library to host Celtic fiddler

CARLSBAD ---- Traditional Celtic fiddler and singer Patric Petrie will take to the stage with a program of seasonal cheer at 2 p.m. Dec. 16 in the Georgina Cole Library's Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive.

It's home for the holidays when Petrie, the fiddler-singer in the widely regarded Celtic/World fusion band called Skelpin', is joined by her friends to offer a personal take on the season with a wide-ranging program of traditional Irish and Scots ballads, winter tunes and dance favorites sure to conjure up a twinkle or two.

Enjoy refreshments in celebration of Georgina Cole Library's 40th anniversary. Seating is first-come, first-served. Information: (760) 602-2012, patric@skelpin.com.

Hospice offers grief counseling

CARLSBAD ---- The HOPE Bereavement Center of Hospice of the North Coast in Carlsbad provides bereavement counseling for community members who are grieving the death of a loved one. Individual counseling and support groups are provided. Counseling is available for children, teens, adults and seniors. Hospice of the North Coast, The HOPE Bereavement Center, is at 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A. Information: (760) 431-4100, http://www.hospicenorthcoast.org.

Food addicts meet Mondays

CARLSBAD ---- Food Addicts Anonymous meets at 11 a.m. each Monday in Room 4 at St. Michael's Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. The group treats sugar, flour and wheat as substances that can be abused like alcohol or other drugs and uses a 12-step recovery program to change the way participants act, think and feel about food. Information: (760) 433-0886; http://www.foodaddictsanonymous.org.

Networkers meet at Marie Callender's

CARLSBAD ---- Le Tip of Carlsbad meets for breakfast and business referral networking at 7 a.m. Thursdays at Marie Callender's restaurant, 5980 Avenida Encinas. Call (760) 877-7759.

Friends to hold annual book and bake sale

ENCINITAS ---- The Friends of the Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library group is hosting its annual book and bake sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Cardiff Seaside Market courtyard, 2087 San Elijo Avenue. The friends are asking that anyone who wishes to donate "giving-quality" books do so by delivering them to the friends' book nook at the library on 2081 Newcastle Avenue.

Women's connection to host 'Angels Sing'

SOLANA BEACH ---- The North Coast Women's Connection will host "Angels Sing" featuring the Santa Fe Christian School Choir directed by Rhonda Fleming. Guest speaker will be Donna Jacobson in "Chosen Twice for Adoption."

The event will be held from 9:45 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 11 at Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, Lomas Santa Fe and Highland Drive. Cost is $16. Reserve by today to (760) 436-2295 or (858) 755-5234.

Gardeners to share potluck

DEL MAR ---- The Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar will host its annual Holiday Potluck from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 8. For address and carpool arrangements, call (858) 847-0433 or (858) 481-2428.

Volunteers needed for canyon restoration

DEL MAR ---- Volunteers are being sought as part of the San Diego Canyons Campaign to assist in the Gonzales Canyon restoration effort, starting at 9 a.m. Dec. 8. Participants will meet at the gated access road just before the Torrey Highlands Dog Park, located on an unmarked access road off Lansdale Drive. Participants will remove invasive plants and debris from the canyon in Carmel Valley. Information: http://www.cvcanyon@yahoo.com, http://www.canyonscampaign.org.

Church to host musical 'Life'

RANCHO SANTA FE ---- The Village Players will present "It's a Wonderful Life, the Musical" at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 and 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Village Community Presbyterian Church, 6225 Paseo Delicias.

A musical score has been added to the play version of Frank Capra's classic Christmas film that tells the story of George Bailey's triumph over the misfortunes of life.

Behind the scenes are Margie Wood, director; Steve Hoey, musical director; Becky Stout, dance choreographer; Scott Grabau, lighting designer; and Pam Stompoly, costume director. Call (858) 756-2441 or (760) 315-8015.

Center seeks volunteer drivers

ENCINITAS ---- The Encinitas Senior Center is seeking volunteer drivers to take senior citizens to the pharmacy, senior center, doctors appointments, grocery stores, etc. Volunteers will be responsible for transporting senior citizens in private vehicles and will be reimbursed the current annual IRS rate per mile. Call (760) 943-2256.

Senior yoga class offered at library

CARMEL VALLEY ----- Senior yoga classes are offered at 1 p.m. Mondays in the Carmel Valley Library, 3919 Townsgate Drive. Gentle yoga classes are designed specifically to increase the strength, balance and flexibility of seniors. Call (858) 382-5057.

Special Olympics venue changed to Del Mar

DEL MAR ---- The Optimist Club of Carlsbad, "The Achievers," will provide volunteers and a monetary donation toward the cost of lunches for approximately 600 special athletes at the Special Olympics Floor Hockey competition on Dec 8.

The event location, originally scheduled for Fallbrook High School, has been changed to the Del Mar Fairgrounds Activity Center, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.

Opening ceremonies will start at 8:30 a.m.; warm ups and competition follow. All are welcome to come and volunteer for this special event. To volunteer, call Val Amaya at (760) 729-7252 or Joe Tosto at (760) 458-5222.

Donations are always welcome. Every dollar received will be used to defray costs of lunches provided at this event. Make checks payable to Optimist Club of Carlsbad Foundation and mail to: Optimist Club of Carlsbad, Special Olympics, P.O. Box 669, Carlsbad, CA 92018.