North County Commmunity News: Event sponsorships still needed

By: North County Times - | Monday, December 24, 2007 9:04 PM PST ∞

FALLBROOK ---- The following sponsorships still are needed to assist with the costs of the Valley Oaks Gala Opera benefit taking place Dec. 29 in the Bob Burton Performing Arts Center on the Fallbrook High School campus: theater technician, $300; refreshment costs, $400; costs for seat tickets for fire victims and first responders to attend the gala at no cost to them, total 200 seats at $25 each, $5,000.

Any donation amount towards the seating will be appreciated. Checks can be made out to Valley Oaks Opera Gala Benefit and mailed to or dropped off at Pacific Western Bank, 130 W. Alvarado St., Fallbrook, CA 92028, in the Major Market shopping center. Information: (760) 731-2278.

Fallbrook VFW menus listed

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars post, 1175 Old Stage Road, serves meals several nights a week. Hamburgers are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Cost is $4. Wednesday is pasta night. Servings are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and cost is $5. Specials are served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays. All-you-can-eat tacos will be featured Dec. 28 for $7. Barbecued pork ribs will be featured Jan. 4 for $8. Call (760) 728-8784.

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.

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. today: Naturalist and biologist Carol Stanford will lead the annual Christmas morning hike.

9 a.m. to noon Dec. 30: Stanford will lead a four-mile hike along the Sage Trail and talk about the plants and animals on the ranch.

8 to 11 a.m. Jan. 1: Naturalist Tom Lyon will lead an easy bird-watching hike. Bring binoculars.

Grandmothers to meet Jan. 3

ESCONDIDO ---- The Escondido Grandmothers Club will meet at noon Jan. 3 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. The group will celebrate its 46th anniversary with a potluck. Bring a dish to share with six to eight people. Information: Regina, (760) 745-5719; Marie, (858) 487-6714.

Pianist Scott Pratt to perform Jan. 3

ESCONDIDO ---- Concert pianist Scott Pratt will perform a classical concert in his annual "Music to Welcome the New Year" program at 7 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Escondido Public Library's First Thursday Concert.

The program will feature works by Beethoven, Chopin, Poulenc and a special homage to Edith Piaf. The finale will include works by a mystery composer. A native of Escondido and accomplished performer, Pratt is on the faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Laney College of Oakland.

The Escondido Public Library is at 239 S. Kalmia St. The free concert series is sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Reservations are not required; however, early arrival is encouraged to ensure seating. Information: (760) 839-4601, http://www.library.escondido.org.

Divorce Care workshops set for adults, children

ESCONDIDO ---- Heart Healers ministry for those dealing with divorce or suffering through separation issues will offer its next workshop series for adults and children starting in January. The following programs will be offered at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave.

The seven-week Heart Healers Divorce Care video-assisted workshop series for adults will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 9 through Feb. 20. Cost is $30 per adult or $15 for "alumni" per repeated workshop. To register, call Dorothy De Long at (760) 743-1410

The Heart Healers for Kids workshop for first- through eighth-graders will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 8 through April 22. There is no cost for this program. To register, call Cherryl Early at (760) 781-2108 or e-mail congcare@efcc.org.

Romance Writers group to meet

ESCONDIDO ---- The San Diego chapter of the Romance Writers of America will now hold its monthly meetings in Escondido. The Jan. 19 meeting will feature Mary Castillo, author of "Switchcraft," "Hot Tamara," and "Friday Night Chicas"; and FBI public liaison April Langwell.

The group will meet from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church, 845 Chestnut Street. Cost is $25 for members in advance and $30 for guests and members at the door. Lunch will be included. Reservations: http://www.rwasd.com/chapterMeetingsReserve.html.

The chapter promotes excellence in romantic fiction, helps writers get published and establish careers in their writing field, and provides support for writers in the romance publishing industry.

Moms Day Out set for Jan. 26

ESCONDIDO ---- The Hearts at Home Moms Day Out "Extreme Home Makeover" event will take place Jan. 26 at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave. Cost of $45 includes a tote bag, lunch and refreshments.

The main sessions will include music by Crimson Bridge, drama and keynote messages from Jill Savage, founder and executive director for Hearts at Home; and speaker and author Julie Barnhill.

Moms can tailor the day to their own needs by selecting from 10 different workshops that include a variety of topics on marriage, parenting and balanced living.

Registration and information: (309) 828-MOMS, http://www.hearts-at-home.org. The deadline for registration is Jan. 9.

Services offered for seniors

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14, will offer these services for seniors.

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

Two-part AARP Safe Driving Course, noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 4 and 11. Participants can earn a certificate entitling them to a discount on auto insurance. Cost is $10. Reservations are required.

Other services available at the center include hot meals delivered to home-bound seniors; a referral list of drivers, caregivers and handymen; reassurance telephone calls; and income tax assistance by appointment.

Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. The center will be closed today and Jan. 1. Information: (858) 487-2640.

Stamping Details to offer craft classes

POWAY ---- Stamping Details, 14009 Midland Road, will offer these classes. For details, go to http://www.stampingdetails.com or call (858) 513-8024.

Learn a technique to create two wall hangings from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 14 and again from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 16. Cost of $28 includes class supplies.

Make a hand-painted clutch purse from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Jan. 20. Cost of $28 includes class supplies.

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