Community news briefs for Sunday, Nov. 23

By North County Times | Sunday, November 23, 2008 12:17 AM PST ∞

O'side Turkey Trot needs volunteers

OCEANSIDE ---- Volunteers are needed to help with the third annual O'side Turkey Trot on Nov. 26 and 27 to help with participant registration, refreshments, timing at the finish line, set-up and clean-up. All volunteers will receive community service hours, food from sponsors and an O'side Turkey Trot volunteer T-shirt.

Kinane Events also is looking for an intern to help with the coordination of the event. Applications for all levels of experience accepted.

The O'side Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk event raising funds for Oceanside schools as well as the Virginia Ann Scheunemann Memorial Fund for low-income women with cancer. Information: (760) 434-5255; www.osideturkeytrot.com; Jonathan@kinaneevents.com.

Salvation Army serves free Thanksgiving dinner

OCEANSIDE ---- The Salvation Army will serve a free Thanksgiving dinner for anyone in need from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 27 at 3935 Lake Blvd. Reservations not necessary. Anyone who can donate a turkey should bring it to the Salvation Army by Nov. 25. Best time to donate a turkey is from 9 a.m.-noon Monday through Friday. Call (760) 631-8212, Ext. 0.

Thrift store moves to new location

ENCINITAS ---- The Community Resource Center Thrift Store has moved two blocks north to 111 C St. after years of operating out of tiny office spaces at 650 Second St. Although currently open for business, the store will hold its grand opening in December. Call (760) 734-3872.

Meet the authors at weekly event

ENCINITAS ---- WEB Press will host authors' forum and book signings every Sunday from 1-3 p.m. at 315 S. Coast Highway 101, Suite W. Independent artists offer their ideas, lectures, and display their work. Information: (760) 505-9798, www.1stmanstanding.com; erapacrwr@hotmail.com.

Families needed to adopt Marines for holidays

OCEANSIDE ---- This year, the Oceanside Christmas Bureau will adopt 100 Marine families, E5 and below, with young children. To donate or adopt a family, call (760) 385-4921. Donations of any amount also can be sent to Oceanside Christmas Bureau, P.O. Box 5359, Oceanside, CA 92052. To volunteer, leave a message at (760) 433-5762.

Humane society offers low-cost spaying, neutering

The North County Humane Society & SPCA is offering low-cost spay/neuter vouchers to all Oceanside and Vista residents. The voucher is part of NCHS' Project KEPPT (Keeping Every Person and Pet Together). The project is designed to help people who are faced with a crisis and must make the decision whether or not to keep their pet.

Pet owners can purchase the vouchers at NCHS, at 2905 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. every day. The cost per dog varies by weight and sex. Fees start at $65-$105. The spay/neuter costs for cats varies by sex -- females are $50, males $60.

Project KEPPT also offers low-cost vaccinations, a pet food bank, help with behavioral issues and access to many other resources. Residents can apply to receive the full benefits of the program by visiting www.nchumane.org or during Project KEPPT day, the first Sunday of each month from 1-3 p.m. Call (760) 757-4357. Project KEPPT is funded by donations from the public. To donate or volunteer, call (760) 757-4357, Ext. 1230.

Senior writers to meet Mondays at center

CARLSBAD ---- Writers, ages 55 and up, meet from 9-11 a.m. Mondays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4650.

YMCA open free on Sundays

ESCONDIDO ---- The Palomar Family YMCA will open its doors to the community free of charge from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 23-Dec. 31. Guests will have free access to the Cross Training Center, basketball courts and playground. The YMCA is at 1050 N. Broadway. Call (760) 745-7490.

Senior Center plans Thanksgiving Feast

SAN MARCOS ---- The San Marcos Senior Center, 111 W. Richmar Ave., will hold its annual Thanksgiving Feast on Nov. 26. The Swingin' Seniors will perform from 10:45-11:15 a.m. Roast turkey and gravy will be served at 11:30 a.m.

Suggested donation for seniors 60 and older is $3. A $5 fee is required for those under 60. All are welcome. Make lunch reservations the day before by calling (760) 744-5535. To arrange for transportation, call (760) 744-5535, Ext. 3605.

The event is sponsored by Palomar Heights.

County will microchip your pet

CARLSBAD ---- The county Department of Animal Services hosts its ongoing program to microchip residents’ dogs, cats, or rabbits from 1-3 p.m. Thursdays at the County Animal Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road. The cost is $20 and includes national registration. Please bring dogs on a leash and cats or rabbits in a carrier. Information: (760) 438-2312; www.sddac.com.

Local instructor to lead art workshops

CARLSBAD ---- Artist Linda Luisi will offer art lessons and collage workshops at 2:55 p.m. Wednesdays at 7725 Primavera Way. Students will learn to draw all subjects with depth and dimension, highlight and shadow, as well as create colorful textured collages with woven art papers. Cost is $15 to $20. Supplies are included. Information and registration: (760) 944-7800; www.lindaluisi.com.

Weekly exercise classes offered

SOLANA BEACH ---- The A Better Life Group is sponsoring free exercise classes for men and women from 8 to 9 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in the Unitarian Fellowship Hall, 1036 Solana Drive. Attendees listen to classical music while getting in shape and sharing fellowship. Call (858) 481-0813.

Quail to offer monthly water-wise tours, tips

ENCINITAS ---- The public can learn free water conservation tips from the experts at Quail Botanical Gardens during the special hands-on tour held at 10 a.m. the last Saturday of each month at the garden, 230 Quail Garden Drive. Participants will discuss cacti and succulents and learn about international plants that are beautiful and easy to grow from areas such as the Mediterranean basin, Cape South Africa, Australia and Chile, as well as California natives. Attendees will learn how to plant, grow and cultivate a beautiful garden while saving water with easy how-to guidelines and instruction. Free with admission to the gardens. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and active military and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. Call (760) 436-3036, Ext. 206.

Church to hold interfaith Thanksgiving Eve service

SOLANA BEACH ---- St. James Catholic Community will host the 20th annual Thanksgiving Eve Celebration, organized by the San Dieguito Interfaith Ministerial Association, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 26 at the church, 625 S. Nardo Ave. The popular community event includes words and music from many different faiths as well as the famous Interfaith Choir, directed by Ken Bell of the Self-Realization Fellowship and the San Dieguito United Methodist Church. Attendees are encouraged to order pies from Mama's Kitchen for the social time after the service by calling the parish office at (858) 755-2545, Ext. 100. Singers who wish to join the Interfaith choir can attend the rehearsal at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 in the St. James sanctuary.

Free 'Girls Night Out' spa event set

ESCONDIDO ---- The Downtown Business Association of Escondido's "Downtown For The Holidays" will kick off with a free "Girls Night Out" event from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 5.

Women can visit all eight day spas and salons downtown and receive sample pampering, goodie bags, refreshments and more. Participants will receive a passport to have stamped at each location that they can turn in for a chance to win one of two $500 spa packages. In addition, several boutiques will offer mini fashion shows and discounts on holiday shopping. Participating Spas and Salons are Bellissima Day Spa and Salon, Oasis Day Spa, Seven Salon, Spa-Licious, Studio 158, Taglio and the Loft Hair Design & Skincare.

Information: (760) 745-8877; www.downtownescondido.com.

Seniors invited to see Christmas show

ESCONDIDO ---- The Joslyn Senior Center Travel Service has a few spaces left for a day trip to see a performance of "Traditions of Christmas" on Dec. 13 at the East County Performing Arts Center in El Cajon. Cost of $58 includes deluxe motorcoach transportation. Depart at noon; return at 5:30 p.m. Call (760) 745-5414.

Center to host Thanksgiving Day community potluck

ENCINITAS ---- The Seaside Center for Spiritual Living will sponsor its sixth annual community Thanksgiving Dinner potluck on Thanksgiving Day at 12:30 p.m. at the center, 1613 Lake Drive, after a unique Thanksgiving Gratitude Service at 11 a.m. The community is invited, including those who cannot bring a potluck dish. Volunteers are needed. Call (760) 633-0122.

Welcome Club to hold luncheon

NORTH COUNTY ---- The Welcome Club of San Diego North County will hold its monthly Bridge and Mah Jongg Luncheon on Dec. 2 at Bernardo Heights Country Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Parkway. Social hour is at 10:30 a.m., with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and game play at 12:30 p.m. Reserve at (858) 487-5123, (858) 451-8525.

Pet loss support group offered

VALLEY CENTER ---- A free drop-in pet loss support group is held at 4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month at the Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road. Adults who have recently experienced the death of a pet are welcome. Call (760) 751-9277.