The 28th annual San Diego Chargers Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Town and Country Convention Center in Mission Valley.

In addition, the San Diego Blood Bank's Stem Cell Donor Center is offering free bone marrow testing for all participants, enabling them to join the National Marrow Donor Program registry.

The Blood Bank, again, is awarding special VIP treatment to all those who complete the donation process at the event with a special wristband that guarantees them a priority place in the Chargers autograph line, a long-sleeve T-shirt, and a chance to drive off in a 2007 Ford Fusion.

For the grand finale, catch Roman Oben, Matt Wilhelm, Jacques Cesaire, Marques Harris and other Chargers superstars as they strut their stuff in tuxedos during the Chargers Family Fashion Show.

Go online to www.SanDiegoBloodBank.org.

NEW BOOK - Encinitas author Gretchen Schomer-Wendel and her brother, Adam Schomer, have collaborated on a children's book, which has just been published.

"Becka and the Big Bubble: All Around Town" hits bookshelves this month, and they say it is the first in a series.

"My children have been my inspiration," says Gretchen, the mother of two youngsters ages 4 and 1. "As a child, I loved bubbles and the idea of flying. Our books are irresistible adventures that had to be written and shared with others."

Adam, who also is an actor, assisted her in the writing and editing. North County artist Damon Renthrope did the book's illustrations.

Their book is available at Geppetto's Toy Stores, The Learning Express Stores, Mabels, Magical Child, Creative Teaching Supplies, La Costa Resort & Spa, Health Solutions and online at Amazon.com.

Gretchen will be signing her book on Nov. 25 at Mabel's in Carlsbad, and on Dec. 2 at the Magical Child in Encinitas

Two more "Becka" books are planned in this series.

SHOW TIME - The Oceanside Senior Center's Happy Wanderers travel club will be going north for a daytime New Year's Eve celebration to see a matinee performance of "Showtime Cabaret" at the Castaways restaurant in Burbank.

Cost is $77 per person, which includes the luncheon, champagne and round-trip transportation. Although the dress code is not mandatory, it is suggested women wear their fancy dresses and men a sports jacket or suit. Call (760) 435-5250. Reservations deadline is Nov. 29.

BIG 60th - Vista's Bea and Bob Tomko celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary Sunday up north with friends from Bishop and Mammoth Lakes. The couple plans on holding another party later for area friends. Congrats!

- Notes for Tom Morrow can be sent to tmorrow@nctimes.com or quotetaker@msn.com.