Community news briefs: Thai cooking course offered

By: North County Times - | Thursday, January 17, 2008 8:02 PM PST ∞

FALLBROOK ---- The Fallbrook Community Center will offer a course beginning Feb. 14 on how to make traditional Thai food. Learn about Thai herbs, spices, vegetables and ingredients, and how to make popular Thai dishes. The course will include an optional tour of local Thai markets.

The class, for adults ages 18 and older, will be taught from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 14, March 13 and April 10. Fee is $80, plus a $20 supply fee payable to the instructor at the first class.

For information, call the Fallbrook Community Center at (760) 728-1671 or visit the center at 341 Heald Lane.

Artist to teach classes in Fallbrook

FALLBROOK ---- Fallbrook resident Martin Betz, a multimedia artist with an emphasis on sculpture, specifically electronic and video/film room installations, will teach the following classes at the Fallbrook Community Center, 341 Heald Lane.

- "Anyone Can Paint," from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 31 through Feb. 28. Learn to paint in either acrylic or oil paints in a friendly informative and supportive environment. Complete a painting by end of class. The class is for students at any level of skill and will support any special interests. Fee is $83, and a supply list will be given at registration.

- "Skateboard Design," from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, March 29 through April 19. Youths ages 15 to 17 can create original graphics for their skateboards. Students learn skateboard deck design, layout, stenciling, painting and application techniques. Designs must be original work, no trademarked graphics or logos can be used. Deck, trucks, wheels, bearings and grip tape are included. Fee is $93.

- "Gizmos," from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 19 through Feb. 16. This class is for children ages 7 to 12 with great imaginations, who enjoy creating new projects. Participants will create a new "gizmo" every week from electric toys, solar projects or paddle boats. Fee is $63, plus a $10 supply fee paid to the instructor at the first class. Parents are encouraged to enroll with their children for an additional $5 charge.

Life Chain set for Jan. 20

FALLBROOK ---- The 12th annual Life Chain demonstration will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 20 on the west side of Mission Road between Fig Street and Ammunition Road. Signs will be available on the corner of Mission Road and West Fig Street. Participants in this event oppose abortion. This demonstration will be held two days before Jan. 22, which is the 35th anniversary of the Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion in the United States. Information: (760) 731-3037.

Republican club to meet Jan. 21

ESCONDIDO ---- Tony Krvaric, chairman of the Republican Party of San Diego County, will talk about the California Primary Election at a meeting of the Escondido Republican Club on Jan. 21 at Cocina del Charro restaurant, 525 N. Quince St. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon meeting at noon.

Reservations: Sharon Wood, (760) 741-5060. Information: http://www.escondidorepublicanclub.org.

Doll designers to conduct workshop

ESCONDIDO ---- Six doll designers will conduct a workshop from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 at Bits & Pieces, 426 W. Second Ave., Suite B. The designers are Elinor Peace Bailey, Patti Medaris Culea, Barbara Willis, Li Hertzi, Sally Lampi and Betts Vidal. The focus will be on doll faces ---- painting, drawing and sculpting, as well as creating realistic, whimsical and fairy faces.

Cost of $65 includes lunch. Information: (760) 745-5878.

OASIS classes set for seniors

ESCONDIDO ---- OASIS will offer these classes for seniors at its education center in the former Robinsons-May South store, third floor, Westfield North County. Preregistration is required. Trimester processing fee is $3. Call (760) 432-0635.

- "The Art of Lei Making," 10:15 a.m. to noon Jan. 22. Cost is $5, plus $15 materials fee.

- "Successfully Managing Stress," 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Jan. 22. Cost is $5.

- "Sudoku Made Easy," 10:15 a.m. to noon Jan. 23. Cost is $5.

San Pasqual Battlefield group to meet

ESCONDIDO ---- Kim Bayliss will talk about the Taos Massacre at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Monthly history discussions are hosted by the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association. Information: Ron Hinrichs, (760) 746-8380.

'Mastering Alchemy' class planned

ESCONDIDO ---- The Philosophical Library, 2091 E. Valley Parkway, will host Jim Self and his free "Mastering Alchemy" class at 7 p.m. Jan. 24. Self teaches that "alchemy" is accomplished by changing the frequency of thought, altering the harmonics of matter and applying the elements of love to create the desired result. Information: (760) 745-2724.

Irish dancers to perform at library

ESCONDIDO ---- The Bracken School of Irish Dance will perform from 2 to 3 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Grove Room at the Escondido Public Library's East Valley Branch in the East Valley Community Center, 2245 E. Valley Parkway.

Ranked No. 12 in North America by Irish Dance Magazine International, the Bracken School of Irish Dance is home to a world champion and first runner-up, as well as numerous other medal-winning students. Performers, ages 6 to 12, will delight with their talent, artistry and traditional costumes.

The free event is sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Public Library. Reservations are not required. Information: (760) 839-4394, http://www.escondido.org/library.

Square dance classes offered

ESCONDIDO ---- Learn how to square dance at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Classes will start at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28 and Feb. 4; the first lesson is free. All ages are welcome; however children younger than 10 must be with a parent. Information: Howard and Betty Eberly, (760) 728-0355

Dance to big-band music Jan. 30

ESCONDIDO ---- Big John's Big Sound will play big-band music at its Happy New Year Dance set for 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Admission is free; however, donations are welcome.

Dance classes offered for older women

ESCONDIDO ---- A dance program for women older than 40 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, is offering enrollment for its 2008 session.

The movement class is for women who used to dance or who have always wanted to dance, but never had the opportunity. It incorporates multiple movement and dance forms, including classical ballet, yoga, modern, jazz, Latin, Asian and creative movement.

The mission of Golden Connections is to reconnect former dancers and introduce non-dancers to the life-enriching powers of dance.

Golden Connections classes are held from noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays in Studio IV at the arts center, 340 N. Escondido Blvd. Information and enrollment: Instructor Gwyn Henry, (760) 233-0848.

Senior Anglers group elects officers

ESCONDIDO ---- The Senior Anglers of Escondido recently elected new officers for the 2008 club year.

At the group's annual Christmas dinner, outgoing President Carl Arnold introduced Ron Parker, president; Anitra Gehrke, secretary; Karen Taylor, treasurer; Barbara Gattuso, vice president, saltwater; David Martinez, vice president, freshwater; Karen Entwistle, newsletter; Minerva Martinez, membership; Ross Granados, apparel; David Gehrke, calling; Bill Borst, historian; George Martinez, raffle; Alice Lage, sunshine; Bob Lage, programs; Tom Martinez, parliamentarian; and Sharon Martineau, public relations.

The group meets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. the second Monday of the month at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Information: Ron Parker, (760) 745-5751; http://www.senioranglersofescondido.net.

Services offered for seniors

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

- Free hearing tests given by Andy Dickman, 11 a.m. to noon Jan. 21. Call for an appointment.

- Free legal advice given by local attorneys, 1 to 3 p.m. Mondays. Call for a 20-minute appointment.

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

- Simple wills created free of charge for seniors ages 50 and older, 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 25. Call for an appointment with an attorney. This service is offered on the last two Fridays of each month.

Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Information: (858) 487-2640.

Center offers lectures for adults

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo will offer these enrichment lectures.

- 10 a.m. Jan. 22 and 29: Dr. Cathy Blecki, a specialist in 17th-century literature, will present a two-part lecture on Francis Bacon.

- 1:30 p.m. Jan. 23: Librarian Sandy Steel will continue her series, "Books Too Good to Miss."

- 1:30 p.m. Jan. 30: Bruno Leone will present a lecture and recital, "Legends of Broadway."

All lectures are held at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Lecture fees are $7; $5 for members. Information and registration: (858) 487-0464, http://www.cecrb.org.

World Affairs group plans programs

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- The World Affairs Council, North County Chapter, meets at 10 a.m. Thursdays in the second-floor meeting room at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Upcoming free programs include the following:

- Jan. 24: Following his recent visit to Jordan and discussions with Iraqi exiles and Jordanians, member Dr. Farouk a-Nasser will report on "The U.S. Military Surge in Iraq; and the Political Environment in Jordan."

- Jan. 31: Member Dan Conway, who worked in the UN system for many years and is now an international management consultant, will present "Delayed Justice: The Cambodian-UN Khmer Rouge Tribunal." Conway's latest assignment took him to Cambodia where he assisted with the Cambodian-UN Tribunal set up to try Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity.

Information: http://www.sdwac.org.

RB Art Association to host demo

RANCHO BERNARDO ---- Artist Shela Gordon will give a demonstration at a meeting of the Rancho Bernardo Art Association at 7 p.m. Jan. 24 at the RB Swim & Tennis Club, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

Gordon is the owner of Ashe Designs, and her fine art jewelry is sold in speciality boutiques and at Nordstrom stores nationwide.

Admission is $3; free for RB Art Association members. Information: R. Hohberg, shootart@juno.com; (858) 674-5624.

Rotarians to meet Jan. 24

RANCHO PENASQUITOS ---- The San Diego North Rotary Club will meet at 7 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Doubletree Golf Resort, just west of Interstate-15 at Carmel Mountain Road.

Mike Liversedge from the City of San Diego Fire Rescue Department will talk about the Community Emergency Response Team Program.

Information: Eric Pahlke, (858) 869-5304, http://www.sandiegonorthrotary.org.

Author to speak at library

OCEANSIDE ---- James Schell, author of "We Call Our Daddy 'Mister,'" will read from his book at 1 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Civic Center Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. Schell will discuss how genealogical research helped him recreate the fascinating story of the Winston family, a mixed-race family that struggled for identity in the segregated South. His book will be available for sale and signing afterward. Call (760) 435-5580.

Oceana to hold ballroom dance

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceana will hold a ballroom dance for couples and singles ages 55 and older from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Jan. 19 at 550 Vista Bella. The dance will feature table seating with finger foods, refreshments and music by The Vidals. Cost is $6 per person. Dances are held the third Saturday of each month. Attendees should bring their own alcoholic beverages. Call Joe at (760) 966-6838.

Elks lodge to hold bingo

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Jan. 20 at 444 Country Club Lane. A free hamburger, fries and soda will be served from 10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. to all who buy in.

Native plant club to meet

OCEANSIDE ---- The Buena Vista Native Plant Club will meet at 2 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2202 S. Coast Highway. The topic of the meeting will be plant propagation. Information: (760) 439-2473, BVNPC@sbcglobal.net.

Neighborhood Watch to meet

OCEANSIDE ---- Neighborhood Watch will meet at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 22 in the Community Room at 3855 Mission Ave. The guest speaker will be Tom Heritage, special assistant to investigations, who will discuss identity theft.

Tri-City Computer Club to meet

OCEANSIDE ---- The Tri-City Computer Club will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Salvation Army Community Center, 3935 Lake Blvd. There will be a program on making home slide shows and movies using Photostory 3, Pinnacle Systems video software and Muvee. Successes and problems will be reviewed. http://www.tricitycomputerclub.com.

Anita's fundraiser benefits senior program

OCEANSIDE ---- Anita's Restaurant at 309 S. Coast Highway will donate 10 percent of proceeds from lunch and dinner on Jan. 23 to the Oceanside Senior Center Association, Project Care. This program calls homebound seniors to check on their welfare. Customers are asked to mention this ad for the senior program to get credit for the fundraiser. Call Eileen Turk at (760) 435-5529.

Civitan to host opening night fundraiser

OCEANSIDE ---- Oceanside Civitan will host the opening night fundraiser of "Death and Taxes," an audience participation murder mystery, on Jan. 25 at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Highway. A wine and dessert reception begin at 7 p.m. and show time is at 8 p.m. Call Anne Speraw at (760) 439-1543.

Mariachi Concert and dinner upcoming

OCEANSIDE ---- The American GI Forum Oceanside chapter will once again sponsor the biannual dinner, Mariachi Concert and Ballet Folklorico Tapatio scholarship fundraiser at 6 p.m. Feb. 16 at the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, 1290 Ivey Ranch Road.

The dinner concert with reserved seating is $25 per person. Proceeds will benefit the AVID program with support from San Diego Gas & Electric Co. Call Pete Magana, (760) 757-6276; John Lozano, (760) 724-1890; John Herrera, (760) 724-2508; Rod Sandoval, (760) 630-5198; Ida Acuna, (760) 717-3309; or Manny Astorga, (760) 721-1579.

VFW Post open for meals

VISTA ---- Vista VFW Post 7041 is open to the public for special meals four times a week at 1717 E. Vista Way. The special dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today is pot roast and salad for $6.50. Regular menu items also are available. Special dinners for the week are:

- Jan. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., burgers and fries, $3.50.

- Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m. to noon, steak and eggs, $6.

- Jan. 22, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., steak and baked potato, $6.

Active-duty military are always welcome. Proceeds are used for the post's many veterans' programs. The post also has a large room for rent for private parties or business functions. Catering is available at reasonable prices. Call (760) 724-7041.

Feng Shui class offered

VISTA ---- OASIS will offer the class, "Good Feng Shui for the New Year," from 10:15 a.m. to noon Jan. 22 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Cost is $5. Call (760) 432-0635.

Identity theft is topic

VISTA ---- Financial instructor George Chamberlin will discuss what might be in store for 2008 stock, bond and mutual fund investments from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Cost is $5. Call (760) 432-0635.

Bookstore to offer motivational workshop

CARLSBAD ---- Instructor Walter Holtschi will lead the workshop, "Find the Courage to Take Action Now!" at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at The Sacred Pathway Bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. Holtschi presents a class on how to take action and change old, unhealthy habits. Information: (760) 729-2434, http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Pediatrician to discuss her book

CARLSBAD ---- Author and pediatrician Christine Wood will discuss kids health and her book, "Healthy Habits, Healthy Kids" at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Carlsbad Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The lecture is sponsored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad and the Cardiovascular Disease Foundation. To reserve a space, call (760) 730-1471; http://www.cvdf.org.

Library to present 'Beethoven's Wig'

CARLSBAD ---- The Carlsbad City Library will host two performances of the music education program "Beethoven's Wig" at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Feb. 9 as part of the library's Family Open Studios free art making workshop held in conjunction with the "In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits" exhibitions at the William D. Cannon Art Gallery in the library, 1775 Dove Lane. Families can tour the Cannon Art Gallery exhibition and participate in the free art project until 2 p.m. "Beethoven's Wig" performances will be held in the adjacent Schulman Auditorium. The brainchild of creator, lyricist and lead vocalist Richard Perlmutter, "Beethoven's Wig" blends high brow and high jinks, featuring zany sing-along lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music. Information: (760) 434-2904, (760) 602-2021, http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

MS Society is seeking volunteers

CARLSBAD ---- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Pacific South Coast Chapter is looking for volunteers to serve on its Government Relations Committee who will help track legislative, judicial and regulatory issues at the local, state and federal level, and communicate with lawmakers regarding proposed changes in policy. Committee members also will actively engage in advocacy strategies and track the progress of priority issues as they move through the government process. Information: (760) 448-8432, valerie.koss@mspacific.org.

Senior center offers rides

CARLSBAD ---- Carlsbad residents 60 years of age and older who cannot drive and are in need of transportation for medical appointments or grocery shopping can contact the Carlsbad Senior Center's Transportation Program for assistance. Transportation for medical appointments is provided Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Appointments must be made at 2 p.m. or later and end by 4:30 p.m. Service area is limited. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for grocery shopping at Stater Brothers. The first Thursday afternoon of the month transportation is provided to go to Wal-Mart or Trader Joe's. Mondays through Fridays, seniors can enjoy lunch at the Carlsbad Senior Center. The Senior Center provides transportation to and from the center. Call (760) 602-4650.

Basic birding at the Lagoon Landing

CARLSBAD ---- Birders of all skill levels are invited to spend a morning with leader Tom Troy at 8:30 a.m. the last Saturday of the month at the Buena Vista Lagoon Landing, Jefferson Street. Expect to see many species, including lots of ducks, as winter visitors settle in. Tom will help you identify birds by sight and sound, with added instruction in the use of binoculars and scopes. Presented by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. Call (760) 967-6915.

Scholarships available for area students

SOLANA BEACH ---- The Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito Foundation sponsors various scholarships focusing both on financial need and students who have potential for success. There are also scholarships available for elementary-age children for private schools who seek to improve learning abilities. Call (858) 755-9012.

Toastmasters meet weekly

ENCINITAS ---- Encinitas Moonlighter's Toastmasters Club at noon Thursdays at Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. Learn to speak in public with no fear in a supportive and positive learning environment. Information: (760) 633-2793; http://www.moonlighters.us.

Support offered for families

ENCINITAS ---- Families Anonymous, the 12-step, self help support program for parents, relatives and friends who are concerned about substance abuse of a loved one, meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays in the community room, San Diego National Bank, 131 N. El Camino Real.

Rotary meets at Chart House

CARDIFF ---- The Encinitas ---- La Costa Rotary Club meets at 12:15 p.m. Tuesdays at the Chart House, 2588 S. Coast Highway 101. Information: (760) 944-1056; http://www.elcrotary.org.

Project provides senior services

ENCINITAS ---- Free senior services are available through Project CARE (Community Action to Reach the Elderly) at the center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. These free services are offered as a safety net: Vial of Life, Gatekeeper, Postal Alert, Home Safety Check, You Are Not Alone and "Are You Okay?" Call (760) 943-2255.

Adopt a dog on Jan. 19

DEL MAR ---- Give a small dog a new home and family. The Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals, a nonprofit pet rescue organization, will hold its adoption event for small dogs from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at Petco, 2749 Via de la Valle. Call (619) 466-0426.

Poetry Slam at La Paloma

ENCINITAS ---- Full Moon Poets will present the 10th annual La Paloma Winter Poetry Slam at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 at the La Paloma Theatre, 471 S. Coast Highway 101. Poets will need three of their original poems not longer than three minutes each. No props or recorded music. All poets entering will put their name into the box at 6 p.m. and the first 17 names pulled will be the line-up for the night. Poets younger than 18 need a parent's signature on a release form. Warning, the slam is not recommended for young children or pets. There are three elimination rounds. Information: (760) 944-6027, http://www.fullmoonpoets.org.

Aquarium to host climate lecture series

LA JOLLA ---- The Jeffrey B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series, presented by the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, 2300 Expedition Way, will provide concise, comprehensive presentations on climate change and other research conducted worldwide by scientists from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The lecture series will include: Meet "Future Stewards of Our Planet: Scripps Oceanography Fellowship Students" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 11. Learn about the challenging research work of three outstanding fellowship students at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, including climate science, sub-seafloor mapping and coastal oceanography.

Lectures are intended for a lay audience. Birch Aquarium admission and parking are included with all lectures. Cost is $8, $5 for students and educators. Information: (858) 534-FISH, http://aquarium.ucsd.edu.

Learn to identify lagoon birds

CARLSBAD ---- The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will hold its monthly docent-led nature walk from 9 to 11 a.m. Jan. 19, starting from the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center, end of Gabbiano Lane. The focus of this walk is to help people identify the different waterfowl at the lagoon, particularly if they are beginner bird watchers. Information: (760) 931-0800; http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org.

First name only. Comments including last names, contact addresses, e-mail addresses or phone numbers will be deleted. Attempts to misrepresent your identity or impersonate any person will not be approved. 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.