Southwest Riverside County Community Briefs for Sunday, Nov. 2, 2008

| Sunday, November 2, 2008 1:13 AM PDT ∞

Temecula libraries offer activities

The Californian

TEMECULA ---- A sampling of November events at Temecula's two public libraries. The programs are primarily sponsored by Friends of the Temecula Libraries.

Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. 693-8900.

Adult Programs

-- Temecula Library Book Discussion Group, 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 10. The group will discuss "My Antonia" by Willa Cather. Information, e-mail donjoanndoran@verizon.net.

-- Studies in Philosophy, 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 16. The topic is: Home and Private Schooling vs Public Schooling, with Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Dewey. Information, temeculareads@live.com.

Children's Programs

-- Goodnight Moon Pajama Storytime: “Dinosnores!” 7 p.m. Monday. How do dinosaurs say good night? Do they wear bunny slippers and sleep with teddy bears? Learn the answers during bedtime tales. All ages.

-- Baby Sign Storytime, 10 and 11 a.m. Tuesday. An interactive, on-the-lap storytime for babies up to 23 months with stories and sign language.

-- Preschool Storytime, 10 and 11 a.m. Wednesday. An independent group activity designed to introduce preschool age children to storytelling and to build a foundation for reading readiness.

-- Terrific Turkey Craft, 4 p.m. Wednesday. Children can make a turkey to fill with treats for Thanksgiving. All materials provided. Space limited to 60 children. Registration is required. Ages 3 to 12

-- Asha's Baba, 4 p.m. Nov. 19. Asha's Baba will create music on the kora, an ancient 21-string West African harp, and share family stories in the Jaliyaa tradition.

Teen Programs

-- Continental Caper, Nov. 10 to 14. Asia plus GIS equals a chance to win a prize. Ages 13 to 17.

-- Cartoon and Anime Workshop. 3:30 to 5 p.m. Nov. 12. Ages 13 to 17.

-- Book Buzz Club, Tuesday and Nov. 18. Chat with friends about books you're reading. Register by calling 693-8980. Ages 9 to 12.

Grace Mellman Library, 41000 County Center Drive. 600-6262.

Adult Programs

-- First Monday Book Group, 7 p.m. Monday. An informal discussion group.

Children's Programs

-- Terrific Turkey Craft, 4 to 5 p.m. Nov. 10. Children can make a turkey to fill with treats for Thanksgiving. All materials provided. Space limited to 30 children. Required registration begins Tuesday. Ages 3 to 12.

-- Juggling David Cousin, 4 p.m. Nov. 12. All ages.

-- Crafty Kids, 4 p.m. Nov. 24. Children will make holiday countdown rings. Space is limited to 30 children. Required registration begins Nov. 18. Ages 3 to 12

Teen Programs

-- Guitar Hero, 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday. Compete for prizes or play for fun. Ages 13 to 17.

Food bank puts out call for turkeys

The Californian

MURRIETA ---- St. Martha's Community Food Pantry is seeking donations to provide Thanksgiving meals for those in need in Southwest County.

St. Martha's is expecting to put together 350 Thanksgiving baskets. Items needed by Nov. 17 include gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, potatoes, pies, cereal, spaghetti and sauce, noodles, peanut butter, jam, soup, macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, meats, tuna, beans, fruits, dry beans, rice, brown bags, zip-lock bags, diapers, toilet paper, shampoo and soap.

The pantry was recently received a donation of almost 2,000 pounds of food thanks to a drive by the Vista Murrieta High School football team.

The pantry is located behind the 2nd Hand Treasures thrift shop , 38444 Sky Canyon Drive, No 170-190. For information, contact Sonia Strong at 677-6347.

Writing seminars part of Gardner weekend

The Californian

TEMECULA ---- Authors looking for tips on writing the perfect mystery or crime story can attend writing seminars as part of the Erle Stanley Gardner Mystery weekend from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Mary Phillips Senior Center.

The headline speaker will be Michael Mehas, an author and attorney, who helped Nick Cassavetes write the screenplay "Alpha Dog." His most recent novel, "Stolen Boy," is based on a true life crime and a death penalty trial in Santa Barbara. He'll speak at 1:30 p.m.

"How to Research and Pitch a Publisher" will be taught by Writer's Digest instructor, writer and lecturer Marilyn Meredith, author of the Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series and the Rocky Bluff P.D. series. Meredith will also lead a seminar on self-promotion for the writer. Researching and Pitching Publishers will be at 10 a.m., promotion at 2:30 p.m.

Lecturer Sunny Frazier will talk about small publishing houses, e-zines, sniplits, contests and Kindle publishing at 2:30 p.m..

Frazier's short stories have won more than 30 awards.

John Hall, crime and court reporter for The Californian, will speak at 3:30 p.m. about crime scene reporting, first-on-scene aspects of crime scenes and aspects of reporting court proceedings.

A speed-sale book fair will be held in the multipurpose room with all authors getting 90-seconds to talk about their books to potential fans. It is open to local mystery and romance authors. A $5 donation to the Temecula Valley Museum is suggested to reserve space for the seminars and to have a table at the book faire.

The weekend is designed to celebrate Gardner, one of Temecula's most famous residents. Visitors will try to solve a Perry Mason crime by interacting with costumed characters. Gardner wrote more than 700 fictional works, including 80 books feature the crime-solving attorney Mason.

For information on the weekend of the workshops, call 678-1456 or visit www.esgmysteryweekend.org.

Murrieta library to honor veterans

MURRIETA ---- The Murrieta Public Library will recognize Veteran's Day during an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday.

Visitors can make a star honoring family members who have served or are currently serving in the military. Each star will be added to the Wall of Stars, which will remain on display in the library throughout November.

There also will be a display of military regalia and craft activities for children.

The library is at 8 Town Square, on Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street. For information, call 304-2665 or visit murrieta.org/services.library.

-- The Californian

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Mall hosts decorating contest

TEMECULA ---- The owners of The Promenade mall are looking for the area's best multimedia home holiday light display as part of a nine-city contest.

Forest City, owner and manager of The Promenade, has opened the contest to residents in 13 markets In Temecula, the winning display will win prizes including a $300 gift card to The Promenade. The grand prize is a weekend trip for two to Chicago to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra perform.

The contest runs through Dec. 12.

To kick-off the contest, The Promenade is holding a drawing for a $100 gift card and two tickets to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Honda Center. Entries will be accepted until Nov. 15.� 

For information and rules, visit www.symphonyinlights.com.

Animal Friends to continue vouchers

WILDOMAR ---- Animal Friends of the Valleys will continue to provide spay/neuter vouchers to pet owners. The vouchers are for $100 off the price for the spay/neuter for dogs and $50 for cats. A list of participating vets will be included.

Animal Friends of the Valleys also is offering half-price adoptions this week to celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.

A microchip, vaccinations, collar, ID tag and a veterinarian check are included in the price.

The shelter's adoption hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 29001 Bastron Ave., Lake Elsinore.

For information or adoptions or vouchers, call 674-0618 or visit www.animalfriendsofthevalleys.com.

Parade applications due

TEMECULA ---- Applications are available for the city's 16th annual Santa's Electric Light Parade are due by Tuesday.

The parade will be at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 on Jefferson Avenue. Every entry must have lights.

Applications are available at City Hall and on the city's Web site, www.cityoftemecula.org.

For information, call 694-6480.

Super Seniors meeting slated

SUN CITY ---- An orientation and reception for the Super Seniors program will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Heritage High School.

Super Seniors is a collaboration of the Menifee Valley PTA Council, Perris Union High School District, the Kay Ceniceros Center and Partnership for Healthier Communities.

The school is at 26000 Briggs Road. For information, call 943-6369, Ext. 298.

Free yoga class offered

MURRIETA ---- Two free yoga classes for first timers will be offered this week at Yoga Healing.

Sessions are at 6 p.m. Wednesday and 9:15 a.m. Friday. Tobetan bowls will be played during deep relaxation and a vegetarian meal and yogi tea will be served after the Wednesday session.

For information, call 696-9063.

Waltz classes begin this week

TEMECULA ----Waltz classes will be offered Wednesday or Thursday evenings, beginning this week.

Classes will be held from 7:15 to 8:45 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 5 to 19, or Thursdays, Nov. 6 to 30, at the Temecula Community Center. The cost is $21 for either three-week session. Singles and couples are welcome.

The center is at 28816 Pujol St. For information, call John Irwin at 676-1471.

Hospice offers coping workshop

TEMECULA ---- Hospice of the Valleys will hold its annual "Coping With the Holidays," workshop Thursday in Temecula and Nov. 14 in Sun City.

The workshops will offer support and education about surviving the holidays after suffering the loss of a loved one.

The free event will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Sterling Senior Communities, 41780 Butterfield Stage Road. The second session will be 1 to 2 p.m. Nov. 14 in the medical education center at Menifee Valley Medical Center, 28400 McCall Blvd.

For reservations or information, call 200-7800.

Outlets offer youth program

LAKE ELSINORE ---- The Lake Elsinore Outlets offer Kids Outlet, a free weekly program for preschoolers featuring arts, crafts and other activities from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays.

The upcoming schedule is:

Friday ---- Celia the Fiddle Girl, musical sounds; Nov. 14 ---- Design a Potholder; Nov. 21 ---- Give thanks by making Thanksgiving-themed napkin holders; Nov. 28 ---- Holiday ornaments. Dec. 5 ---- Healthy smoothies, healthy eating tips and story time; Dec. 12 ---- Holiday door hangers; Dec. 19 ---- Mini Christmas trees; Dec, 26: Celia the Fiddle Girl, musical sounds.

The Outlets is at 17600 Collier Ave. For information on Kids Outlet, call 245-0087 or visit www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com.

Museum offers science night

TEMECULA ---- Pennypickle's Science Night will highlight messy, gooey and astonishing scientific wonders from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Temecula Children's Museum.

The fee is $5 per person. The museum is at 42081 Main St. For information, call 308-6376. Register at www.pennypickles.org.

Author to speak Saturday

MURRIETA ---- Local author Ann Mauer will present a free slide show and discuss her book, "The Magic Eye," at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Murrieta Public Library.

Mauer will also be signing copies of her work, which can be purchased after the presentation.

"The Magic Eye" is a historical fiction work based upon the life of M.J. Trumble, for whom Trumble Road in Perris is named.

Trumble played an important role in the oil refining process during the early part of the 20th century while living in Perris. Mauer's slide show is packed with historical images and information about his life.

The Murrieta Public Library is at 8 Town Square at Adams Avenue and Kalmia Street. For information, call 304-2665 or visit www.murrieta.org/services/library.

Workshop set for distressed homeowners

TEMECULA ---- A free clinic for distressed homeowners will be held from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at San Diego National Bank.

The workshop will features professionals from the fields of real estate, tax, lending and bankruptcy. Temecula Mayor Mike Naggar will be the moderator.

The bank is at 31990 Temecula Parkway.

For reservations, call 308-1555 or e-mail bgoetz@wintonlarson.com.

Bazaar planned at center

MENIFEE ---- Crafters and independent sales consultants will show their wares at a holiday bazaar from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Kay Ceniceros Senior Center.

The center is at 29995 Evans Road. For information, call 696-0100.

Shopping day benefits charities

LAKE ELSINORE ---- Lake Elsinore Outlets will help local nonprofit organizations raise money and awareness for their causes at the center's sixth annual Shopping Extravaganza from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Participating charities are American Association of University Women, American Cancer Society, Angels at Work, Animal Friends of the Valleys, Bubel Aiken Foundation, Canine Support Team, CASA for Riverside County, Child Help of Temecula Valley, Canyon Lake Middle School Avid, Lake Elsinore Valley Thunder Football, Empty Cradle, Lancer Cheer Association, Lake Elsinore Valley Chamber of Commerce, Luiseno Elementary Music Program, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Orange County & Inland Empire, Shoshanah Chapter of Hadassah, Teen Challenge Ladies Guild, Terra Cotta Band Boosters, Thessalonika Family Services and Think First.

The shopping extravaganza features lunch, wine tasting, an energy and pamper station, free gift bag, free gift wrap, music, entries to a drawing for a $500 shopping and a raffle.

Tickets are $20 and proceeds go to the groups. Tickets are available at the center, by calling 245-0087 or at www.LakeElsinoreOutlet.com.

Space museum to visit UCR

RIVERSIDE ---- Middle and high school students can explore science as well as their futures in higher education when the Traveling Space Museum visits the UC Riverside campus from 8 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

Hands-on science activities, including climbing aboard a life flight simulator, will be combined with informational sessions on college admissions and financial aid.

The annual free event is sponsored by UCR Graduate School of Education's Copernicus Project, which helps identify and prepare science teachers.

During lunch, attendees will participate in a technology and college resource exposition with campus departments and science businesses staffing tables with collegiate information and more hands-on science activities. In addition to the flight simulator, the Traveling Space Museum will provide an astronaut toilet.

For information. visit www.ucr.edu.

MSJC to perform 'The Cherry Orchard'

MENIFEE ---- Anton Chekhov's "The Cherry Orchard," will be performed this week in the Menifee Lab Theatre at Mt. San Jacinto College. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 9.

This Russian piece, written in 1903, is the story of a family that is about to lose its home and orchard due to financial irresponsibility and the inability to accept the truth of their circumstance.

Tickets cost $9 general admission and $8 for MSJC students.

The theater is in room 207 on the campus at Antelope and La Piedra roads. For tickets or information, call 639-5790.

Vendors sought for craft fair

MURRIETA ---- Vendors are being sought for Murrieta United Methodist Church's third annual Craft Faire on Nov. 15.

The fair will include booths with hand-crafted items.

For booth rental or other information, call Marilyn Hultquist at 678-6868.

Light Up a Life celebration upcoming

TEMECULA ---- The Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties, Murrieta Hospice, will have its annual "Light Up a Life" remembrance and celebration of those who have died from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 22.

The event, which will include a candle lighting ceremony and video remembrance, will be at Sunridge Community Church, 42299 Winchester Road. For reservations or information, call 894-5340.

Calvary Chapel plans fair

MURRIETA ---- Calvary Chapel Bible Fellowship will hold its third annual Christmas boutique from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 6.

Numerous vendors and artisans are expected to show their wares.

The event will be at 34180 Rancho California Road. For information on the boutique or being a vendor, call 699-9207.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Lake Elsinore

Planning Commission ---- 6 p.m. Tuesday, Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St.

Riverside

County Board of Supervisors ---- 9 a.m. Tuesday, County Administrative Center, 4080 Lemon St.

Temecula

Planning Commission ---- 6 p.m., Wednesday, City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive.