Southwest Riverside County Community News for Friday, Oct. 31, 2008

| Friday, October 31, 2008 12:13 AM PDT ∞

HALLOWEEN

Halloween festival at MSJC

MENIFEE ---- The Mt. San Jacinto College Associated Student Body and the Interclub Council will hold a free Halloween Festival from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday.

The event will be in the quad area if the Menifee Valley campus and in the cafeteria on the San Jacinto campus.

Families with children ages 6 to 12 can enjoy a haunted house, candy and fun-filled activities.

The Menifee Valley campus is at 28237 La Piedra Road. The San Jacinto campus is at 1499 N. State St., San Jacinto.

Other free or low-cost Halloween activities:

French Valley

-- The seventh annual French Valley Halloween Haunted House will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 31380 Gabriel Metsu St., Winchester.

A $2 donation will benefit Temecula charities. Call 479-8639.

Lake Elsinore

-- The city's ninth annual Safe Candy Night will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday along Main Street in the downtown area. Merchants will give treats to children and there will be carnival games and other activities. A costume contest will begin at 6:30 p.m. at City Park. Call 245-0442.

Menifee

-- A Pumpkin Patch and Fun House will be held from 4 to 10 p.m. Friday at Kay Ceniceros Senior Center. The event will include jumpers, face painting, pumpkin painting and carving and apple bobbing, scarecrow building and costume contests. The center is at 29995 Evans Road, Call 672-9673.

Temecula

-- Haunted Museum will be held at the Imagination Workshop, Temecula Children's Museum at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Call (866) 963-7262 or visit pennypickles.org.

-- Trick-or-Treating will be offered from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bel Villaggio Shopping Center, on Margarita Road, between Winchester and Overland roads.

-- The Chateau at Harveston is inviting everyone for some indoor trick or treating at 4:30 p.m. Friday, including games and refreshments. The facility is at 40024 Harveston Drive. For information, call Carole Machen at 308-9200.

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Fire Department to hold open house

MURRIETA ---- The Murrieta Fire Department will conduct its annual open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Station 2.

The event will include disaster preparedness information, fire prevention displays and demonstrations by fire crews. Fire apparatus and other equipment will be shown and refreshments will be served.

The station is at 40060 California Oaks Road.

Concert to benefit food pantry

TEMECULA ---- The Temecula Valley Elks, Grace Presbyterian Church and the Musicians Workshop will put on a benefit concert for the Temecula-Murrieta Community Pantry at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church.

The concert will feature performances by the Jon Laskin Trio, members of the Musicians Workshop and the Dixieland jazz group, the Night Blooming Jazzmen.

Tickets cost $25, and are available by calling the Musicians Workshop at 678-2517, the pantry at 676-8022 or Ken Nordstrom at 461-8344. Admission will require a ticket and at least one nonperishable food item. Children younger than 12 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Proceeds will be shared by the pantry and the Musicians Workshop.

Grace Presbyterian Church is at 31143 Nicolas St.

Chess club meets Sunday

TEMECULA ---- The Temecula Valley Chess Club will meet from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 16 at Perks Coffee House.

Meetings are open to all ages and players are asked to bring a chess board.

Perks is at 26423 Ynez Road. For information, call 296-2320 or e-mail petersurowski@yahoo.com.

Fair planned in Rainbow

RAINBOW ---- The Rainbow Oaks Faire will take place Sunday and Nov. 16, Dec. 7 and 14 at the Rainbow Oaks Marketplace.

The event features antiques, arts, crafts and flowers.

Rainbow Oaks Marketplace is at the corner of Highway 395 and 5th Street.

For information, call Oscar at 225-2889.

Parade workshop slated

MURRIETA ---- A workshop for participants wanting to build a push cart for Murrieta's third annual Holiday Light parade will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Murrieta Senior Center.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. Dec. 6 along Washington Avenue.

Applications are available for organizations, groups, schools and businesses to participate. Marching groups are also invited.

The senior center is at 41717 Juniper St. For information or an application, call 304-7275.

Christian Mentors plan conference

TEMECULA ---- Christian mentors will host two Riverside County mentoring conferences this month. Sessions will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Temecula Community Church and 10 a.m. Nov. 14 at Bible Fellowship Church in Hemet.

Topics will include youth and adult mentoring and technology. Kids Hope U.S.A., a program where churches "adopt" an elementary school, also will be discussed.

To RSVP, call Robert Manno at 926-0856. Temecula Community Church is at 29825 Santiago Road.

Kennel club plans match

LAKE SKINNER ---- The Temecula Kennel Club All-Breed Conformation and Obedience match will be begin at 10:30 a.m. Nov. 8 at Lake Skinner.

The event will include canine good citizen testing and prizes will be awarded to winners.

Entry fees starts at $5 if registered by Wednesday and $10 the day of the show. There will be a $5 parking fee plus $1 per dog for entry at the event.

For information, visit www.temeculakennelclub.com.

Plateau lecture series continues

MURRIETA ---- The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve will offer a free presentation by area biologists Zach and Beth Principe from 9:30 a.m. to noon Nov. 8.

Zach Principe has worked as a biologist on the Santa Rosa Plateau, and is The Nature Conservancy's eco-regional ecologist for Riverside and San Diego counties. He will speak about the unique biological features of the Santa Rosa Plateau and projects under way to protect the biological diversity of southwestern California.

Beth Principe is a biologist with the Mission Resource Conservation District and is finishing research for her masters degree on the southwestern pond turtle. The latest data on the rare reptile will be shared along with information on important water quality issues in the region.

The presentations will be at the Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St. For information, call Rob Hicks at 677- 6951 or e-mail rhicks@co.riverside.ca.us.

Outreach ministry to hold fashion show

MURRIETA ---- Community Outreach Ministry and Casual to Chic Boutique will hold its inaugural Holiday Tea and Fashion Show from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8 at Gateway Church of the Nazarene.

Tickets cost $6 and proceeds will help provide clothing and food for children of prisoners.

The event will include hot brewed tea and baked pumpkin and cranberry scones. Sponsors will be giving away gift baskets, door prizes and gift certificates.

Community Outreach Ministry works to break the cycle of crimes against at-risk children through mentoring, outreach and camping.

Make reservations by calling 678-5058. For information, call 698-7650 or visit www.communityoutreachministry.org. The event will be at 25360 Jefferson Ave,

Marines birthday celebration slated

WILDOMAR ---- A celebration of the U.S. Marine Corps 233rd birthday will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 8 at VFW Post 1508.

The event is cohosted by the VFW post and Marine Corps League Southwest Riverside County Detachment 1057.

Tickets cost $15, which includes dinner. They are available from the VFW post, 21180 Waite St., or officers of either organization.

There will be a sword cutting of the cake and a speaker.

For information, call the post, 674-4735 or Don Herpy at 678-2650.

HEALTH

Menifee woman raising funds for cancer

MENIFEE ---- Debra Perea, of Menifee, will host a poker tournament to raise money for the San Diego Breast Cancer 3-Day, from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday at Rancho Amoroso.

Perea will join thousands of other people for the event, a three day, 60-mile walk benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure and National Philanthropic Trust. In order to participate, each walker must commit to raising a minimum of $2,200.

The second annual Rancho Amoroso Poker Tournament has a $50 buy-in, with 50 percent going to the charity and the rest to the top three players in the Texas Hold 'em tournament

There also will be food and beverages and door prizes.

Rancho Amoroso is at 33065 Buckwheat Road. For information on the tournament, visit www.the3day.org/site/TRC/Walk/SanDiegoEvent?pg=center&fr_id=1187.

For information on the walk, call (800) 996-3329 or visit www.The3Day.org.

Health events scheduled

A number of free and low-cost community health events are scheduled at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar and Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta.

---- Prostate Cancer Screening ---- 8 a.m. Saturday. PSA blood test and digital rectal screening. Inland Valley Medical Center, Main Conference Room. Continental breakfast served. $15. For reservations, call Teri Waites at 696-6060.

---- Diabetes Education, two-part class ---- 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Nov. 18. Learn how to control or prevent diabetes. Rancho Springs Medical Center, Conference Center. Free.

---- Healthy Cooking Demonstration and Tasting --- 10 a.m. Wednesday. Leah DiBernardo, a local chef who uses fresh, local ingredients to whip up simple, tasty recipes, will show how to easily prepare healthy "comfort" foods, especially for fall. Rancho Springs Medical Center. Free

Rancho Springs Medical Center is at 25520 Medical Center Drive, Murrieta. Inland Valley Medical Center is 36485 Inland Valley Drive, Wildomar. For reservations, call (800) 879-1020.

Michelle's Place hosts group, class

MURRIETA ----- A self-help group for women dealing with breast cancer will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at Michelle's Place.

Survivors, those newly diagnosed and women undergoing treatment can share feelings, learn methods of coping and get resources. The group meets the first Wednesday of each month.

Michelle's Place also offers le bed exercise classes at 7 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. Wednesdays.

Le bed is a relaxing way to increase the circulation in the lymph system after breast surgery.

Michelle's Place, the Women's Breast Cancer Resource Center, is at 41785 Elm St., Suite 305. For information, call 304-1280.

Hospital plans recruiting event

MORENO VALLEY ---- Riverside County Regional Medical Center will hold a recruiting event for health care professionals from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

Openings includes nursing, therapy and management positions.

The event will be in he hospital's cafeteria at 26520 Cactus Ave. For information, call 486-5501 or visit www.rc-hr.com.

Hospital needs volunteer drivers

SUN CITY ---- Menifee Valley Medical Center is looking for volunteers to drive the patient transportation van.

Applicants must have a valid California driver's license and a good driving record.

Information will be available at a volunteer orientation class from 8:30 a.m. to noon Thursday at the medical center.

The hospital is at 28400 McCall Blvd. For information, call 679-8888, Ext. 7254.

Coping with loss topic of talk

MURRIETA ----Dr. Leslee Cochrane will discuss coping with loss, grieving and bereavement at 7 p.m. Nov. 13 at Michelle's Place, Breast Cancer Resource Center.

Cochrane, medical director for Ramona VNA & Hospice, also will address the stages of grief, the length of the grieving process and answer questions on grief and loss.

Michelle's Place is at 41785 Elm St., No. 305. For information, call 304-1280 or visit www.michellesplace.org

Blood drives

Valley Blood Services

---- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6, Ortega High School, 520 Chaney St., Lake Elsinore.

---- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 8, Henry's Farmers Market, 39606 Winchester Road, Temecula.

---- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 8, Canyon Hills Marketplace, 29991 Canyon Hills Drive, Lake Elsinore.

---- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10, Temeku Hills Master Association, 41687 Temeku Drive, Temecula.

---- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10, Grizzle & Hunter Plastic, 27957 Diaz Road, Temecula.

---- 2 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10, Pat & Oscar's, 29375 Rancho California Road, Temecula.

---- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 14, Tower Office Plaza, 27555 Ynez Road, Temecula.

---- Noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 17, Murrieta Ranch Preschool, 24850 Lincoln, Murrieta.

Donations also may be made at Valley Blood Services, 25115 Madison Ave., Suite 105, Murrieta, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Donors must be at least 17 years old, in good health and weigh at least 110 pounds.

For information, call 696-4067 or visit valleybloodservices.org. Valley Blood Services is part of the San Diego Blood Bank.

Lifestream ---- formerly Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties

---- 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Nov. 1, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 24820 Las Brisas, Murrieta.

---- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 3, Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail, Wildomar.

---- 1 to 6 p.m. Nov. 5, Rancho Springs Medical Center, 2550 Medical Center Drive, Murrieta.

---- 11 to 4 p.m. Nov. 15, Pole Position, 41810 McAlby Court, Murrieta.

Information, (800) 879-4484 or www.LStream.org.

SENIORS

Wildomar seniors to gather

WILDOMAR ---- The Wildomar Senior Association will meet for its monthly potluck and program at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Canyon Mobile Home clubhouse.

The group meets the first Tuesday of each month at 21601 Canyon Drive. For information, call Marji at 674-6820.

Center holding food drive

MURRIETA ---- Senior Citizens Service Center of the Temecula-Murrieta Area will hold a food drive Wednesday to Dec. 17. Donations of canned food, ham and turkeys are being sought.

Drop-off sites for canned food include Quaid Harley-Davidson, Winchester Cheese Company and LA Fitness Murrieta.

Turkeys and hams need to be dropped off at the service center, 41765 Elm St.. Suite 201.

The center will offer flu shots starting at 8 a.m. Nov. 14. There is no charge, but a $5 donation is requested.

For information, call 600-9557.

Center to receive donation

TEMECULA ---- The Mary Phillips Senior Center will receive a $200 gift card from the Riverside County Foundation on Aging to help provide food for the Thanksgiving table of seniors.

The card, to be presented at 11 a.m. Nov. 12, will be used to purchase turkeys for needy seniors.

More than 7,000 seniors in Riverside County reported that they are not getting adequate nutrition on a daily basis, according to a report cited by the foundation.

Gift cards will be awarded to 32 senior centers across the county leading up to Thanksgiving.

The Phillips center is at 41845 Sixth St. For information, call the center at 695-6464 or the foundation, 867-3822.

Bingo offered at center

LAKE ELSINORE ---- Bingo is offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Lake Elsinore Senior Center.

Cash prizes are awarded and refreshments provided. The basic buy-in is $6.

The center is at 420 E. Lakeshore Drive. For information, call 674-2526.

Senior Center plans trips

MURRIETA ---- The Temecula Senior Service Center is offering two trips.

The group will visit Viejas Casino on Nov. 17. The cost is $6, which includes a $5 coupon for lunch. The bus will leave at 8:30 a.m. and return around 6 p.m.

There also will be a Christmas party Dec. 10 to 12 at the Riverside Hotel in Laughlin, Nev. The cost is $117 per person single occupancy or $107 double occupancy. It includes three free buffets and a party with music, a buffet and prizes.

For reservations or information, call Rose at 679-2560.

Golden Years group to travel

TEMECULA ---- Seniors' Golden Years of Temecula Valley has a number of day and overnight trips planned in coming months.

The group will attend a performance of "Tradition of Christmas" Dec. 20. The cost is $70, which includes lunch.

Trips in 2009 include: Chinatown, Feb. 20; Las Vegas, at Hacienda Hotel and Lake Mead, March 18; Grand Canyon and Laughlin, Nev., April 14; Napa Valley and Sacramento, May 17; and an Alaskan cruise in August.

For information, call Esther at 694-6466 between 9 a.m. and noon.

Gospel choir seeks members

LAKE ELSINORE ---- The Senior Gospel Community Choir is looking for people 50 or older who enjoy singing traditional and contemporary gospel, hymns, and spirituals.

The club is spiritually based and membership is open to those of all ethnicity and religions.

For information, contact Valarie Howard at 471-1780 or 522-5096, by e-mail at info@seniorgospelchoir.com, or visit www.seniorgospelchoir.com.