North San Diego County Community News Briefs: Adopt a family for the holidays

By: North County Times | Monday, December 10, 2007 9:42 PM PST ∞

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Christmas Bureau Adopt-a-Family project is asking businesses, organizations and individuals for help to assist 400 less fortunate families in Carlsbad families this holiday season.

Organizations can assist a needy family by purchasing food and gifts for their family or by making a monetary donation to cover the cost of providing food and gifts. People can also assist by dropping off unwrapped gifts, nonperishable foods, school supplies and toothbrushes, toothpaste and other items at collection bins throughout the city until Tuesday, Dec. 11. Collection bins are located at Carlsbad City Hall, both libraries, all fire stations, the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce and other locations. Donors can sign up to adopt a family or find more information on the program by visiting the bureau's Web site at http://www.christmasbureau.org.

Major supporters of the program include the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce, the city of Carlsbad, the Carlsbad Unified School District, Rorick Buick, Time Warner Cable, the North County Times, CPS Printing, Carlsbad Christian Assembly Church, Waste Management, and the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club.

Bookstore boutique under way

FALLBROOK -- The Bottom Shelf Bookstore, the used bookstore operated by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library, is holding its Holiday Boutique, which features high quality books, audio books, CDs, videos and holiday cards.

The Friends of the Fallbrook Library also recommends that when people think about gift giving they consider a gift certificate to the Bottom Shelf; a membership in the Friends of the Fallbrook Library, which start at $15; dedicating a book to someone; or making a donation to the Friends of the Fallbrook Library New Building Fund.

The Bottom Shelf is on the lower level of the Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road. Information: (760) 728-3835.

Hospital auxiliary to host blood drive

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Hospital Auxiliary will host a San Diego Blood Bank blood drive from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 13 at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane. Participants can join the blood bank's Donor Difference Program, which includes access to an online store for donors and the ability to track cholesterol, pulse and blood pressure after each donation.

Anyone age 17 or older, in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended. Juice, coffee and cookies will be served to donors by auxiliary members.

Information: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org, (800) 4MY-SDBB.

Gem, mineral society plans holiday party

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Gem & Mineral Society will host a holiday party and silent auction at 7 p.m. Dec. 13 at its museum, 123 W. Alvarado St. Attendees are encouraged to bring desserts and snacks. Information: (760) 728-1130.

Win chance to play golf with Tiger Woods

FALLBROOK -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of North County is conducting the 2008 Tiger Hunt Opportunity Drawing, in conjunction with Boys & Girls Club of San Dieguito and The Century Club. Only 1,000 tickets are available nationwide.

Tickets will be sold for $250 each. The grand-prize winner will get to play a round of golf with Tiger Woods at the 2008 Buick Invitational on Jan. 23 during the AT&T Pro-Am, as well as a golf and gift package. The winning ticket will be drawn in early January.

Opportunity drawing tickets are on sale at the Boys & Girls Clubs of North County and Major Market. Information: (760) 728-5871.

OMA Store Show set through Dec. 23

OCEANSIDE -- Oceanside Museum of Art has turned its gift shop into a gallery showcasing the work of San Diego-area artists and hand-crafted items from around the world for a holiday fundraiser to benefit the museum. The OMA Museum Store Show offers an array of unique jewelry, hand-painted scarves, candleholders, bookends, carved boxes, note-cards and books on art, artists and architecture. There is also a children's section.

A special new feature in the store is a selection of finely crafted hand-blown glass, one-of-a-kind ceramics, teapots and table-top dÈcor items with a whimsical twist. OMA wishes to thank Gallery Alexander and Charles Koehler for their generous contribution to the OMA Museum Store Show.

The OMA Museum Store Show will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday through Dec. 23. Oceanside Museum of Art is located at 704 Pier View Way in downtown Oceanside. Information: (760) 721-2787, http://www.oma-online.org.

North Coast Symphony to perform

OCEANSIDE -- MiraCosta College will present the North Coast Symphony performing in concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15 and 2 p.m. Dec. 16 at the MiraCosta Theatre, 1 Barnard Drive. The concert, "Classical Favorites and Holiday Moments," will feature Bizet's familiar L'Arlesienne Suites 1 and 2. The holiday music will include traditional favorites.

Tickets cost $10 general admission; $8 for students and seniors. Tickets are available at the door, by calling (760) 795-6815 or online at http://www.miracosta.edu/InstructionMusic/index.htm.

Christmas concert set

OCEANSIDE -- The 50-voice San Luis Rey Chorale and Orchestra, directed by David Lewis, will celebrate its 30th anniversary with a Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 16 and 17 at Lighthouse Christian Church, 4700 Mesa Drive. The concert will feature favorite carols and classics of the season. There will be a free-will offering. Call (760) 724-8781.

No orientation in December

OCEANSIDE -- Tri-City Hospital Auxiliary will not hold a volunteer orientation in December. The next orientation will be held at 9 a.m. Jan. 12 at the hospital. To reserve a spot, call (760) 940-3125.

AARP tax aid volunteers needed

OCEANSIDE -- The AARP Tax-Aide Program offered at the senior centers in Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos, Carlsbad and Encinitas are seeking volunteers to assist in the preparation of federal and state tax returns for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and older. Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome. The program also is seeking people with management and/or administrative experience to assist in the management and oversight of the program.

Volunteers receive one week of free tax training at a local site in January. From Feb. 1 through April 15, volunteers help taxpayers at the senior centers using computers and tax preparation software. Contact Chuck Youde at (760) 967-6967.

Meet the chamber at Sundowner

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly Sundowner, from 5 to 7 p.m. Dec. 12 at the Grand Pacific Palisades Resort & Hotel, 5805 Armada Drive. Business professionals eat, drink and network at the event. No reservation required. Cost is $10 to chamber members, $20 nonmembers. Call (760) 931-8400.

Volunteers needed for annual bird count

CARLSBAD -- Buena Vista Audubon Society will begin its annual Christmas Bird Count before 8 a.m. Dec. 22 when more than 100 volunteers will fan out in a 15-mile diameter area that includes Oceanside, Vista, and portions of Carlsbad and Camp Pendleton to count birds. Warm clothing, sturdy shoes, and binoculars are a must. Around noon, they will begin to reconvene at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center in Oceanside, where results will be tallied. Last year's search resulted in the identification of more than 180 bird species. To volunteer, call (760) 908-3453 or e-mail thunefeld@gmail.com.

Learn how to get in, stay in the zone

CARLSBAD -- Learn "How To Get In The Zone And Stay In The Zone" during the workshop hosted by the Sacred Pathway Bookstore at 6 p.m. Dec. 27 at the store, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. Instructor Walter Holtschi will discuss how to stay calm, confident and focused when the pressure is on. The class is designed to show how all people have the ability to feel better, play better and perform better. Information: (760) 729-2434, http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Library to host 'Science Saturdays' for kids

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad City Library will host the next "Science Saturday" at 10 a.m. Dec. 15 at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Learn new facts about whales just in time for whale watching season and join artist Claire Vrabel for a whale drawing art project. Kids are encouraged to bring whale items (stuffed animals, photos, etc.) to share with the group. Call (760) 602-2047.

National Geographic portraits on display

CARLSBAD -- The William D. Cannon Art Gallery will present "In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits," an exhibition of 51 striking color and black-and-white photographs that highlight the work of some of National Geographic's most celebrated photographers, from Jan. 20 through March 16 at the gallery in the Carlsbad City Library Complex, 1775 Dove Lane. From archival images of tribal leaders, fishermen and American workers, to riveting modern pictures of refugees, city dwellers and urban laborers, "In Focus" takes visitors around the globe and through the heights and depths of human emotion. The exhibition opens with a public reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 20. Information: (760) 434-2904 or (760) 602-2021, http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

'The Photographers' documentary screened

CARLSBAD -- The William D. Cannon Art Gallery will screen the documentary film "The Photographers" at 3 and 5 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Schulman Auditorium, in the Carlsbad City Library Complex, 1775 Dove Lane. Meet the remarkable artists behind the cameras in a 56-minute documentary about the celebrated photographers of National Geographic. (The film is not rated, but some imagery may be disturbing and inappropriate for young children). Information: (760) 434-2904 or (760) 602-2021, http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

Fight holiday weight gain

ENCINITAS -- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, the national nonprofit weight loss support group, meets at 6 p.m. Mondays at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N El Camino Real. Information: (760) 753-2484, http://www.tops.org/

Divorce group meets Sundays

SOLANA BEACH -- The St. James Divorce Support Group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Sundays at St. James Catholic Church, Ministry Offices, 625 S. Nardo Ave. Information: (760) 533-1520, e-mail fwgrant@earthlink.net; kimberlyduvall@yahoo.com.

Learn to love public speaking

SOLANA BEACH -- The Pioneers Gavel Club, an affiliate of Toastmasters International, meets from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. the first Monday of each month at 710 S. Nardo Ave. The club's mission is to help members develop better speaking and communication skills, to learn to think quickly and clearly on their own feet, to build strong leadership abilities, to develop self-confidence in giving speeches. Call (858) 481-3998.

Seaside Day Camp open during vacation

CARDIFF -- The city of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department will operate the Seaside Day Camp out of the Scout House in Glen Park in Cardiff during winter wacation from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 26 through Dec. 28 and Jan. 2 through Jan. 4. Camp activities are offered for youths ages six to 12 and will include: arts and crafts, games, special events, sports and tournaments. Fee includes all activities, including a weekly field trip to local attractions. A trip to the San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade and Barbecue Picnic Lunch is planned the first week and a trip to Pump it Up in San Marcos is slated for the second. All activities and field trips are fully staffed with experienced and CPR/First Aid-trained leaders. Space is limited in the weekly camps and pre-registration is recommended. Call (760) 633-2759, visit the office at 505 S. Vulcan Avenue or Encinitas Community Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Online registration is available at http://www.EncinitasRecReg.com.

Encinitas to offer family enrichment

ENCINITAS -- The city of Encinitas is coordinating the winter schedule its Family Enrichment Program, open to city residents. The winter program will begin in January with activities planned through mid-March. Activities planned include the 5th Annual Diversity Dinner, Valentine Crafts, and a Leap Year Party. Family Enrichment Program activities, events and outings are free and available to all Encinitas resident families only. An activity lottery is initiated following program activity registration to insure fair enrollment. For more information or to be added to the mailing list, call (760) 633-2759.

Sign up at home for library programs

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Public Library has launched a quick and easy way to look up and sign up for library programs and events from a home computer. This convenient, up-to-date information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at the library's Web site -- http://www.library.escondido.org/calendar.

Search for programs and events planned at the main library and at the East Valley Branch Library by browsing through the calendar. To receive an e-mail reminder for an event, click on "remind me." To find out about other upcoming events of interest, click on "notify me."

The library hosts programs for toddlers, preschoolers, school-age children, teens, families and adults. Special events include book sales, author signings, concerts and library celebrations.

Stop by the main library at 239 S. Kalmia St. or the branch library at 2245 E. Valley Parkway for a quick demonstration or for more information on these or any other library services.

Group for mentally ill to host party

ESCONDIDO -- The North Inland chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, or NAMI, will host a holiday party at 5:30 p.m. today in the Kinesis Building, 474 W. Vermont Ave.

The Bellringers and other clients will entertain. Bring a favorite finger food or snack to share. Information: (760) 745-8381.

Take a hike at Daley Ranch

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

All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Bring at least a two liters 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 unless otherwise noted.

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. 14: Naturalist Kathleen Flanagan will lead a moderately-paced hike to learn about the sages on the ranch.

7:30 a.m. Dec. 15: Naturalist Don Parnell will lead a sometimes strenuous, 13-mile physical workout hike over many trails on the ranch. The hike will take about 5 hours, including breaks. Meet at the Caballo Trailhead.

7:30 a.m. Dec. 16: Join naturalist Michelle Capodice for a leisurely hike to the Ranch House.

9 a.m. Dec. 16: Naturalist Rick Paul will lead an occasionally-strenuous four-mile hike to see a diverse plant population and expansive views. Meet at the Cougar Pass parking lot.

Ballroom dance planned for seniors

SAN MARCOS -- The San Marcos Senior Center will host a ballroom dance sponsored by Cypress Court from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Music will be provided by Billy Harper and the Hotshots and refreshments will be served. The senior center is at 111 W. Richmar Ave. Information: (760) 744-5535.

Toy drive under way for holidays

SAN MARCOS -- Ted's Toy Collection for San Marcos children in need is in its 21st year. All items collected are delivered to the San Marcos Methodist Church and are then combined with food boxes for distribution to local families. Military families are now being included.

Collection barrels are at the Rancho San Marcos Mobilehome Park, 971 Borden Road; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795, 212 Mission Road; and Palomar Estates East Mobilehome Park, 650 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road. Toys are needed for all ages up to 15.

Joslyn Senior group distributes grants

NORTH COUNTY -- At its Dec. 3 general meeting, the Escondido Joslyn Senior Center Enterprises Inc. presented a total of $40,500 in grants to the following North County agencies: Assistance League of Inland North County, Aging & Independence Services (MOMeals), Caring Neighbors, The Elizabeth Hospice of Escondido, Interfaith Community Services, Joslyn Care Center, Meals-On-Wheels North County, North County Food Bank, OASIS, PAWs, Senior Independence Inc., Senior Service Council of Escondido and the Angel's Depot. The taxi voucher program administered by the Senior Service Council is funded throughout the year on an as-needed basis.

Students invited to tour Greece

SAN MARCOS -- Students and parents interested in taking a summer tour of Greece and the Greek Islands are welcome to attend a meeting at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at the San Marcos Library. The group will travel for four days on land and four days by cruise ship, visiting the historical cities of Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion and Santorini. Earn high school credit while on vacation.

Library to offer holiday activities

POWAY -- The Poway branch of the San Diego County Library, 13137 Poway Road, will offer these activities. Information: (858) 513-2900.

Holiday cookie decorating for all ages will be offered at 4 p.m. Dec. 13. The activity is sponsored by the Poway chapter of the National Charity League.

Have a souvenir photo taken with Santa and/or Mrs. Clause and receive a special treat at 4 p.m. Dec. 20.

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. Dec. 15 at Kahoots Animals and Supplies, 11965 Bernardo Plaza Drive. Information: (619) 466-0426.

Cat adoption fair planned

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH -- The Rescue House, a nonprofit organization dedicated to finding loving and caring homes for unwanted, abandoned or abused cats, will hold a Kitten and Cat Adoption Fair from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at Petco, 11160 Rancho Carmel Drive. Information: (760) 591-1211, Ext. 1; http://www.rescuehouse.org.

Comedy show to benefit fire victims

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Teen Korps will host the Laughter After the Fires (LAF) comedy variety show from 4 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16 at Rancho Bernardo High School, 13010 Paseo Lucido. The event will raise money to help those who lost their homes in the recent wildfires.

The benefit will feature entertainment, a raffle, food and other activities. Entertainers, who are all donating their time, will include comedy hypnotist James Kellogg Jr., master magician Jeff Marcus of Alakazam Magic, the Canyon Crest Academy Comedy Improv Team, DJ Extreme Nick Covino and a variety of talented students performing Flips for Tips.

Tickets will go on sale at the door starting at 3 p.m. Admission is $15, $10 for students and children and $30 for families.

Teen Korps is a subset of Kids Korps USA, a nonprofit youth volunteer organization that engages young people ages 5 to 18 in community service while developing their leadership skills.

RB Chorale to present holiday show

POWAY -- Tickets are on sale for the RB Chorale's holiday extravaganza, "A Jingle Bell Celebration," to be held at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21 and 22 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road. The show will include a special appearance by U.S. Marines and Toys for Tots.

Tickets are $30 for preferred seating; $20 for general admission; $18 for seniors and students; and $10 for children. Proceeds will benefit the RB Chorale Scholarship Fund.

Tickets and information: http://www.rbchorale.org, http://www.powayperformingarts.com, (858) 485-7664.

Kumeyaay tours offered Saturdays

POWAY -- Tours of the Kumeyaay Ipai Interpretive Center at Pauwai are held from 9 to 11:30 a.m. every Saturday. Visitors can view an American Indian village site and learn about North County's earliest residents.

Docent-led tours begin with discussions of native plants, foods and artifacts and end with a hike to the grinding holes and midden areas. Tours are free and walking shoes are advised. The center is at 13104 Silverlake Drive. Information: (858) 646-9616.

Guitar lessons will be offered

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Local musician Mark Fulton will offer guitar lessons for all skill levels starting Jan. 15 at The Church at Rancho Bernardo, 11740 Bernardo Plaza Court.

Fulton is a highly regarded studio player in Southern California and Nashville. He has performed alongside such artists as Amy Grant, Gregg Allman and Edgar Winter.Ý

Six-week courses will be offered throughout the year on Tuesdays. Private lessons also will be available. To sign up, contact Fulton at mark@thechurchatrb.org or (858) 513-0619.

Poway Bocce Club honors members

NORTH COUNTY -- The Poway Bocce Club held its annual Christmas Brunch on Dec. 2 at Bruno's Restaurant in San Marcos.

Sixty-five members and eight guests attended, and more than 40 members were recognized for their volunteer service. Special awards of appreciation were given to Sharon Perna and Tony Sciolino.

The club meets from 6 to 10 p.m. several times a week at the lighted courts in Poway Community Park. Information: Sharon Perna, (760) 745-8032.

Advertisement

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, email addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. All comments are screened before they appear online, so please keep them brief. Comments reflect the views of those commenting and not necessarily those of the North County Times or its staff writers. Click here to view additional comment policies.