Community News briefs: Fallbrook Art Association to meet

By: North County Times - | Thursday, January 10, 2008 8:57 PM PST ∞

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Art Association's next meeting will feature a demonstration by David Musser at 7 p.m. Jan. 14 at the Hilltop Center, 331 E. Elder St. Musser's demonstration will be an example of negative painting, creating a landscape with depth and interest with no prior drawing, from a blank piece of white paper.

Preceding the meeting, there will be an informal "Eat 'n' Critique" session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to bring one or two paintings in progress, plus a snack or box dinner to eat during the session.

Refreshments will be served following the meeting. The meeting and critique session are open to the public at no charge. Membership applications are available at all meetings. For membership information, call Bill Rupp at (760) 723-6624.

A longtime resident of the Temecula Valley, Musser has worked as a professional musician, a commercial artist in the motion picture and television industry and gallery owner. He now makes his living as a teacher at local colleges and as a demonstrator. Primarily a plein air painter, Musser's work has won 19 best-of-show and first-place awards.

In addition to demonstrating at the meeting, Musser will hold a workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Hilltop Center. Cost is $50; $25 for members. For workshop information, contact Joan Nied at (760) 451-1591 or mopsynied@roadrunner.com.

Drum circle to gather Jan. 12

FALLBROOK ---- The first Fallbrook Community Drum Circle of 2008 will gather from 3 to 5 p.m. Jan. 12 at Village Square, corner of Main and Alvarado streets. The drum circle is sponsored by Rainbow Designs, 125 S. Main St. Bring any ethnic rhythm instruments to the gathering. The event will be canceled in case of rain. Information: (760) 723-1899.

Kiwanis Club arranged Santa visit

FALLBROOK ---- The Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook recently arranged for Santa Claus to visit children and infants at the local Head Start program at Fallbrook Street School. With Santa were two of his helpers ---- elf Gerry Helgemo and gift bag holder elf Walt Schuette.

Club officers are Cathy Kerley, president; Lea Curcio, vice president; Brian Kerley, secretary/treasurer; and Mike Choate, immediate past president. Directors are Gerry Helgemo, Maurice Bernier, Maurie Schuette and Walt Schuette.

The club meets at 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Lace Apron restaurant, 118 N. Main St. Information: http://Fallbrook-Kiwanis.org.

The Kiwanis Club of Fallbrook is one of 19 clubs of Division 37 in the California-Nevada-Hawaii District of Kiwanis International. The division includes clubs throughout North County encompassing an area that extends from Fallbrook south to Ramona, west to greater Encinitas and north to Oceanside. Information: http://div37cnhki.org.

Art Campus to offer printmaking classes

FALLBROOK ---- The Art Campus at Fallbrook, 310 E. Alvarado St., will offer several printmaking classes during the spring semester. Offerings include:

- Monotype and Beyond, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 26. Cost is $72, plus materials. Explore this quick process of making a unique print.

- Polaroid Transfer and Mixed Media, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. March 18. Cost is $72, plus materials. Use Polaroid transfers and lifts as a jumping-off point to create multimedia works of art.

- Intro to Etching, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 19. Cost is $82, plus materials. In this class, students will use the same kind of tools Rembrandt used to make their own zinc etching plate, after which they can use that plate to experiment with different printing methods.

Information and registration: (760) 728-6383, http://www.artcampusatfallbrook.com.

Learn American Sign Language

ESCONDIDO ---- Jennifer Watterson is teaching a 10-week "Introduction to American Sign Language" class from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays through the Escondido Adult School at San Pasqual High School, 3300 Bear Valley Parkway. The class began Jan. 7, but students are still welcome to start attending. Cost is $30. Information: (760) 739-7300.

Golf Scramble to benefit MHHS baseball team

ESCONDIDO ---- The Mission Hills High School Baseball Booster Club will host its fourth annual Grizzly Golf Scramble on Jan. 21 at the Escondido Country Club. Check-in will begin at 11 a.m., followed by the tee-off at noon. The event will include an awards dinner, raffle and auction. Proceeds will benefit the high school baseball team. Registration deadline is today. Information: Lupe Rocamora, (760) 580-8435, luperocamora@cox.net.

Free golf scheduled for Jan. 12

ESCONDIDO ---- On Jan. 12, the Welk Resort will offer free golf on both 18-hole golf courses to show appreciation to local golfers. Sign up by calling the golf shop at (760) 749-3225. All tee times are on a first-come, first-served basis, and golfers must provide a valid e-mail address to confirm their reservation. In addition, a round of golf for four players will be raffled each hour, along with a grand prize of one year of free golf on both of the resort's golf courses.

Bird-watching field trips offered

The Palomar Audubon Society will offer these bird-watching field trips. Information and directions: http://www.palomaraudubon.org (Field Trips).

- 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12: Dixon Lake, Escondido.

- 8:30 a.m. Jan. 19: Lake Norconian, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Norco in Riverside County. To attend, e-mail Jim Beckman at jbeckman@pwtinc.com by Jan. 14.

LSM Democrats to meet Jan. 12

SAN MARCOS ---- The Lake San Marcos Democratic Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at the Lakeside Pavilion, 1105 La Bonita Drive. All LSM Democratic Club meetings this year will be held on the second Saturday of the month.

Raymond Lutz, president of the East County Democratic Club and key organizer against Blackwater West, will talk about the founder of Blackwater, recent events involving Blackwater in Iraq and Blackwater's proposed training camp in San Diego County.

Members of all political parties are welcome. Information: Betty Ball, (760) 752-1035.

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.

- 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12: Naturalist Dorothy Klitzing and patrol member Lee Dezan will lead a moderate, 3.32-mile hike and talk about the flora and fauna, animal tracks and springtime on the ranch.

- 8:30 a.m. Jan. 12: Join naturalist Jack Pomeroy for a moderately strenuous, three-hour hike on the Englemann Loop Trail. Pomeroy will talk about rocks, common plants and trees on this end of the ranch. Meet at the Cougar Pass parking lot.

- 8 a.m. Jan. 13: Join naturalist Michelle Capodice for a leisurely, three-mile hike around the Boulder Loop. She will talk about local reptiles.

- 8 a.m. Jan. 13: Volunteers are invited to join a ranger for trail maintenance.

- 3 p.m. Jan. 15: Join Capodice for a leisurely, 1.8-mile roundtrip hike to the Ranch House.

Health 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. Information: (760) 480-0611.

- Audiologist David Illich will conduct and interpret professional hearing tests at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 14. A copy of the test is provided. Illich also will give advice on hearing aids. Call for space availability.

- The Parkinson's Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 15. Information: Lisa Russell, social work facilitator, (858) 538-2673.

- An Alzheimer's disease support group will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16. Information: Luna Odland, (760) 746-4687.

- Ophthalmologist Irene Chennell will conduct glaucoma and cataract screening at 9 a.m. Jan. 17. She also will answer questions about eye problems. Call for space availability.

Travel meeting planned for seniors

ESCONDIDO ---- Joslyn Senior Center Travel Services will host its monthly travel meeting at 1 p.m. Jan. 14 in the senior center auditorium, 210 Park Ave. Anita Robinson from Gadabout will speak, and the group will discuss upcoming trips. Seniors ages 50 and older are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Information: (760) 745-5414.

Multiple sclerosis group to meet

ESCONDIDO ---- The Escondido Multiple Sclerosis Self-help Group will meet at 1 p.m. Jan. 16 in Room 5 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Biogen Idec representatives will discuss and answer questions about the MS medications Avonex and Tysabri. The meeting is open to those with multiple sclerosis, family members and caregivers. Call Beth at (760) 747-9096.

Fire chief to discuss Witch Creek fire

ESCONDIDO ---- San Pasqual Fire Chief Gil Turrentine will discuss the recent Witch Creek fire, one of the most destructive in San Diego County history, at 2 p.m. Jan. 16 at the Escondido History Center in Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway. Information: (760) 743-8207, barker@escondidohistory.org.

Ballroom dance open to seniors

SAN MARCOS ---- The San Marcos Senior Center will hold a ballroom dance sponsored by Atria Buena Vista Knolls from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 17. Music will be provided by Billy Harper and the Hotshots. Refreshments will be served. The senior center is at 111 W. Richmar Ave. Information: (760) 744-5535.

Celebration of Life dessert planned

ESCONDIDO ---- The Alternatives Pregnancy Care Clinic will host "A Fresh Wind" Celebration of Life dessert event from 7 to 9 p.m. Jan. 18 at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave. New ministry developments will be presented and Kerry Jepson, site representative for Focus on the Family's Option Ultrasound Program, will speak. Cost is $20; $160 per table. Reservations: (760) 741-9796.

GriefShare workshop session to begin

ESCONDIDO ---- GriefShare, a nationally recognized, nondenominational group featuring biblical teaching on grief and recovery topics, will launch its winter workshop series this month at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave.

GriefShare is a weekly seminar and support group for people grieving the death of someone close. Participants can gather with others who understand how they feel and can relate to the pain of their loss. Attendees can learn valuable information and make new friends to help them through this difficult time.

The winter workshop series will kick off with a special program from 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 19 at Emmanuel Faith. Speaker Chip Whitman, a licensed professional counselor and director of Grief Care Inc. will present "Safe Passage: A Guide Through the Journey of Loss."

The workshop portion of GriefShare, which features video presentations and support-discussion groups, will be offered from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 22 through April 8. Suggested donation is $25.

Information: Cherryl Early, (760) 781-2108, congcare@efcc.org.

City offers classes for all ages

SAN MARCOS ---- The city is offering classes for youths and adults through May at the San Elijo Recreation Center, 1105 Elfin Forest Road.

For youths, classes include Young Rembrandts Drawing programs, Rocket Readers program, Kinderdance, Pee Wee Sports by Kid City and Jazzercise.

For adults, classes include ballroom dancing/social dancing; workout: core, cardio and resistance; and pilates.

Information and registration: (760) 744-9000.

Woman's club plans events

RAMONA ---- The Ramona Woman's Club will host these events in January.

- Berna Robb will review John Steinbeck's "Travels With Charley" at a meeting of the Literary Section at 1 p.m. Jan. 14. Call Dimple McCullough at (760) 788-7896.

- Thimble Club members will gather at 10 a.m. Jan. 17. In December, 60 blankets with stuffed dolls attached were delivered to Ronald McDonald House. Call Marilyn Ferguson at (760) 789-4348.

- The Ladybugs will carpool to Grebar Nursery at 10 a.m. Jan. 24. Call Ethel Kiss at (760) 789-4908.

Women's Connection to host program

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The North County Inland Women's Connection will host a free program from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in the Bernardo Heights Middle School multipurpose room, 12990 Paseo Lucido.

Monique Bottger, skin care, spa and image consultant, will present "Stress Busters for the New Year," teaching attendees how to relax, rejuvenate and recharge.

Lori Roach of Valley Center will share her experience overcoming grief and finding hope within the tragic loss of both her daughter and her home in the 2003 wildfires.

Refreshments will be provided. Reservations are suggested: Sandi, (858) 716-9609, womensconnection@cox.net. The group is affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, http://www.stonecroft.org.

Volunteers sought to help with tax returns

NORTH COUNTY ---- Interfaith Community Services, a nonprofit social service agency in North County, is gearing up for its fifth season providing tax filing assistance to local low-income working families. Interfaith needs more volunteers to make the program successful for 2008.

"Our program, which operates in Escondido, is run entirely by volunteers," explains Laura te Velde, Interfaith's director of social services. "Filing taxes can be difficult, especially when families aren't aware of the eligibility of tax credits."

Interfaith is seeking volunteers to fill positions for day, evening and weekend hours. The tax program will begin in mid-January and will continue throughout the tax season. Volunteers are needed to fill positions, including receptionists, tax assistants, Spanish interpreters, tax preparers and appointment schedulers.

Seasoned tax professionals and adults with little tax knowledge are all welcome to volunteer, as online training, as well as one-on-one training, is available. Each volunteer is asked to devote a minimum of four hours a week to the program.

Information: Laura te Velde, (760) 489-6380, Ext. 229.

Senior center to hold ballroom dance

OCEANSIDE ---- The Oceanside Senior Center will hold a ballroom dance featuring music by the Billy Harper Band from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 13 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $5 and anyone age 55 and older is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

Oceanside Elks hold bingo

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Jan. 13 at 444 Country Club Lane. Call (760) 433-1561.

Oceanside Kiwanis change meeting location

OCEANSIDE ---- After many years at the Flying Bridge restaurant, the Kiwanis Club of Oceanside is moving its meetings. Beginning Jan. 15, the club will meet at the Jolly Roger Restaurant, 1900 Harbor Drive North. The club meets the first, third and fourth Tuesday of each month at 12:10 p.m. The second Tuesday of the month, the club meets at 6:30 p.m. for anyone interested in serving the community who can't attend the noon meetings. The evening meeting lasts one-half hour. Call (760) 439-5354 or (760) 433-2637.

A Crack in the Door to meet

OCEANSIDE ---- A Crack in the Door will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Mission Branch Library Community Room, 3861-B Mission Ave. A film, "In Debt We Trust, America Before the Bubble Bursts," will be shown. The film shows how the mall replaced the factory as America's dominant economic engine and how big banks and credit card companies buys Congress.

The group is open to the public and its purpose is to seek glimpses behind closed doors that keep things hidden from the public's knowledge. Call (760) 445-3242.

Tri-City taking grant applications

OCEANSIDE ---- Tri-City Healthcare District will award up to $300,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations seeking to improve the health and well-being of residents of the tri-city region. To be considered, agencies have to be located in or serve the residents of the cities of Carlsbad, Vista and/or Oceanside. Excluded from consideration are other hospitals, hospital districts and government agencies. To request an application or for more information, contact Carol Mudgett at (760) 940-3597.

Nature center seeks volunteers

OCEANSIDE ---- Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center is seeking volunteers to act as hosts, participate in education programs for children, native plant propagation, bird watching events and field trips. Volunteers receive training. Call (760) 918-6622.

Vista Gem and Mineral Society to meet

VISTA ---- The Vista Gem and Mineral Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Catherine Davis, a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America and member of the San Diego Lapidary Society, San Diego Mineral and Gem Society and San Diego Gemological Society, will present a program on malachite. Call (760) 724-0395.

Chamber to host today's breakfast

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly networking and business breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. today at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. The theme for the breakfast will be "Solve the Puzzle of Business Success and Learn the Tools to Achieve Desired Results." Call (760) 931-8400, e-mail bjorgensen@carlsbad.org.

Sculpture school starts new classes

CARLSBAD ---- The Lynn Forbes School of Sculpture will offer a new slate of classes beginning Jan. 14 at the studio, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 102. Students can choose from day, evening and weekend classes focusing on portraits, anatomy and nude studies; and a variety of full body poses using the school's seven models. Call for class schedule at (949) 444-1926, http://www.sculptureschool.com.

Network at chamber's January sundowner

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host its monthly networking get-together for busy business professionals from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 16 at The Crossings at Carlsbad, 5800 The Crossings Drive. No reservations required. Cost is $5 chamber members, $15 nonmembers. Call (760) 931-8400, e-mail bjorgensen@carlsbad.org.

National Geographic portraits on display

CARLSBAD ---- The William D. Cannon Art Gallery will present "In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits," an exhibition of 51 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 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; (760) 602-2021; http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

'The Photographers' to be screened

CARLSBAD ---- The William D. Cannon Art Gallery will screen the documentary film "The Photographers" at 3 and 5 p.m. Jan. 20, the Schulman Auditorium, in the Carlsbad City Library Complex, 1775 Dove Lane. Meet the 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; (760) 602-2021; http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

Hospice offers walking group

CARLSBAD ---- Hospice of the North Coast offers the Carlsbad Walking Group for people who have lost loved ones and are in need of emotional support at 8 a.m. Fridays at the corner of Cannon Road and Coast Highway. The "walk and talk" group is designed to assist individuals who need support during their grieving, but are unable to come into a support group at the office. Call (760) 431-4100.

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; 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.

Encinitas offers family enrichment

ENCINITAS ---- The city of Encinitas is coordinating the winter schedule of 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 Fifth 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.

Learn to create Japanese flower art

ENCINITAS ---- For those interested in Japanese art and flower arrangements, Quail Botanical Gardens will host the five-session class, "Beginning Ikebana," from 10 a.m. to noon today, Jan. 18, Jan. 25, Feb. 1, and Feb. 8 at the gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Instructor Mary Rawlings is a certified Ikebana teacher of the traditional, 600-year-old Japanese art. Some materials will be provided. Students should bring a notebook, pen, bucket, towel and floral scissors. Cost is $125 for members, $150 for nonmembers, plus a $60 materials fee. Call (760) 436-3036, Ext. 206.

Gardens to host volunteer program

ENCINITAS ---- Quail Botanical Gardens will hold its volunteer orientation session for individuals interested in nature and plants looking to share their skills from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 26 at the gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Attendees will learn about unique volunteer opportunities in different departments, including the children's Seeds of Wonder Garden, carpenter work, general office procedures, garden development and more. Call (760) 436-3036, Ext. 206 to reserve a seat for the orientation.

Learn floral design with David Root

ENCINITAS ---- Quail Botanical Gardens will host "Learning Floral Design with David Root" from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 27 at the gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Attendees will learn to create their own floral arrangements and learn more about the integration of unusual plants and containers in floral design during the hands-on workshop with floral designer David Root. Some materials provided. Attendees must bring a floral knife, clippers, wire cutters and scissors. Cost is $55 for members, nonmembers $60, (includes all floral materials). A portion of the profits will benefit Quail Botanical Gardens. Call (760) 436-3036, Ext. 206.

Garden to host book signing

ENCINITAS ---- Quail Botanical Gardens will host the book signing and presentation by author and TV host Nan Sterman at 2 p.m. Jan. 20 at the gardens, 230 Quail Gardens Drive. Meet and greet garden writer and award-winning television host of "A Growing Passion," Nan Sterman, who will hold a presentation and book signing of her new book, "California Gardener's Guide, Volume II." Discover how to create a garden that is truly suitable for Southern California, in part by requiring less water and fertilizer, and less maintenance. Cost is free with admission to the gardens. Call for reservation. Information: (760) 436-3036, Ext. 206, http:// www.plantsoup.com or www.qbgardens.org.

Adopt a small dog

ENCINITAS ---- The Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals, a nonprofit pet rescue organization, will hold an adoption event for small dogs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 12 at PetSmart, 1034 N. El Camino Real. Call (619) 466-0426.

LIFE at MiraCosta meets today

OCEANSIDE ---- LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, at 1 p.m. today in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Administration Building.

Marlise Kast, author, in "Writing for the Tabloids" gives a lively account of the dangers encountered as an undercover Hollywood-celebrity reporter in her book "Tabloid Prodigy." At 2:30 p.m., Bob Gravlin of the Southern California Association of Violin Makers, will demonstrate how crafting these beautiful musical instruments, is an art form unchanged over centuries. Call (760) 721-8124.