FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook High School football coaches will be behind the counter from 5:30 to 9:30 tonight at Cold Stone Creamery at 925 S. Main St. selling ice cream to raise money for the football program.

People can eat their ice cream there or take it to go. Flyers are mandatory for teams to earn credit.

AAUW to hear program on global warming

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook branch of the American Association of University Women will hear a lecture from global warming expert Jonathon Cole at its general meeting at 10 a.m. Feb. 10 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District building, 990 E. Mission Road.

Cole is a physics professor at Mira Costa College and has a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Colorado, Boulder and a master of science degree from the UC San Diego. He has been a visiting scholar at Scripps Center for Atmospheric Science and Scripps Institute of Oceanography and has done graduate work in Scripps' climate science program.

Cole's fascination with global warming began in 1990 when he attended a lecture at Mount Wilson by Sallie Baliunas, a noted skeptic about global warming. Her questions spurred Cole to take a sabbatical to further study the science and politics of global warming. Specifically, he was interested in the following questions:

- Is the Earth warming?

- If yes, are human beings causing the warming or is it a natural phenomenon?

- If yes, what are the possible long-term consequences?

What can we as individuals and society as a whole do about it?

During his presentation Cole will discuss the growing consensus on the science of global warming, and provide insight into possible consequences and responses. At the conclusion there will be an opportunity for questions from the audience. This program is open to the public at no charge.

Fallbrook writers group has openings

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Professional Writers has two openings in its critique group. The group is comprised of authors who write short-story and novel-length mainstream or literary fiction. No other genres are accepted. The group meets with a mentoring coach every other Wednesday, alternating sites between Fallbrook and Escondido. Session fee is $75 and covers six, two-hour-plus meetings. The next six-week session begins April 25. Prospective members must submit work to be vetted prior to admission. To inquire about joining the group, contact Michael Wolf at wolfwriters@gmail.com.

Drum circle to gather

FALLBROOK -- The Community Drum Circle will gather from 3 to 5 p.m. Feb. 10 at Caffe Primo at the corner of Fig and Main streets. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Bring hand drums and rhythm instruments and/or check out the new stuff the group just got in. For directions or more information, call (760) 723-1899.

Fallbrook Drum Circle is sponsored by Rainbow Designs, 125A S. Main St.

Church welcomes new members

FALLBROOK -- Living Waters Christian Fellowship, Fallbrook's Assembly of God, invites worshippers to services at 2000 Reche Road. The church has a new pastor, Dr. Tim Zemanek, who recently was installed. Speaker was the Rev. Ray Rachels, superintendent of the Southern California District Offices of the Assemblies of God. Zemanek will conduct prayer and Bible study services at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. All are welcome.

Gem and Mineral Society meets

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Toumaline Room of the museum. In celebration of the group's golden anniversary, the speaker will be Mikhail Leybov, who will speak on gold and its mining districts in Russia.

Leybov is the publisher of the Mineralogical Almanac, which marks its 10th anniversary with the 2007 edition. He published Mir Kamnya (World of Stones) for several years prior to the start of the Mineralogical Almanac. Each edition of the almanac treats a selected area in Russia, covering geology, mineralogy and related topics. Leybov is a geology graduate of Moscow State University and is an expert in the geology and mineralogy of Russia, having conducted extensive field studies in geology and oceanography in Soviet times. He is a multitalented earth scientist, having done ocean photography and video and now is a world-recognized mineral photographer. Leybov has been known to play the guitar as well.

The museum also has a special member display of Russian minerals to welcome Leybov.

Gardens sought for tour

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook chapter of the American Association of University Women is seeking gardens for its 12th annual Country Garden Tour of Fallbrook, taking place May 12. It is the organization's only fundraiser for the year. For information on how to participate, call Marj Freda at (760) 9686 or Nancy Wilshire at (760) 723-1958.

Income tax preparation help available

FALLBROOK -- Free state and federal income tax preparation is now being offered daily at the Joslyn Senior Center at the corner of Heald Lane and Fallbrook Street. This service is available to all Fallbrook residents regardless of age and is sponsored by the AARP in cooperation with the IRS.

Tax counselors will be available between 8 a.m. and noon weekdays through April 13. Appointments may be made by calling (760) 728-4498. Persons with complicated returns involving the sale of real estate, multiple stock transactions and inheritance issues should seek the help of a professional preparer.

More participants needed for trips

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Senior Center trip to Palm Springs on March 15 needs more participants. People of any age can participate. Travelers will see "Senior Class," a musical comedy celebrating the golden years and starring Anna Maria Alberghetti. Cost is $64 per person and includes transportation, show ticket and driver's tip. Lunch is on your own.

The bus will leave the center at 399 Heald Lane at 9 a.m. Participants will have time to gamble, shop and eat lunch. They must be seated by 1:45 p.m. The show begins at 2 p.m. and lasts for 90 minutes with no intermission. Seats will be assigned when the reservation is paid and there will be no cancellations or refunds after Feb. 15 unless a replacement is found. Call (760) 728-4498 or Dee at (760) 723-7469 for more information.

May 12 to May 20 is the date for the trip to Mount Rushmore. The trip is for nine days and eight nights and the cost for double occupancy is $659 per person and $909 single. Tips for two step-on guides and the bus driver is extra. The cost includes motorcoach transportation and eight days lodging, including four consecutive nights in South Dakota and 14 meals -- eight breakfasts and six dinners and several tours of places of interest. Thirty people are needed for the trip; organizers can take 35. The bus is a 55-passenger bus so everyone is free to change seats and move around.

Blood drive planned for Feb. 16

FALLBROOK -- Team Manning & Sylvia Pacheo -- Re/Max United, Southland Title & Loan Warehouse will sponsor a blood drive from noon to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 16 at 1667 S. Mission Road. Blood donations are needed to meet the needs of local hospital patients.

Participants will receive a free American Red Cross T-shirt and refreshments, The donation process takes about half an hour and includes a health history review and a check of blood pressure, pulse, temperature and iron level. Persons who are at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good general health may be eligible to donate. A good meal is recommended before donating.

Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, or if your organization would like to host a blood drive, call (800) 514-1635. For a list of public blood drives, visit, www.sdarc.org. If you cannot donate blood, please donate your time at a blood drive by calling (858) 514-1671.

Men's Club to meet

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Men's Club will hold its monthly meeting from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 14 at the Fallbrook Senior Citizen Center, 399 Heald Lane. The group meets to discuss the economic, social and political effects of an out-of-control national debt, outsourcing American jobs, importing of cheap foreign labor, trade deficits, illegal immigration, failing education and the financial squeeze on the middle class. The club's goal is to seek solutions to these problems. This month's subject will be "How the Economy is Structured." For more information, call Don Bryant at (760) 728-3238.

Senior center holds dance

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Senior Center will hold a Valentine dance featuring music by The Vidals from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 11 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $4 and anyone age 55 and older is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

Oceanside Elks hold bingo

OCEANSIDE -- Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at 444 Country Club Lane. Call (760) 433-1561.

Senior center holds bingo

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Senior Center holds bingo from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Thursdays at 455 Country Club Lane. Last game is sold at 1:20 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Senior Nutrition Program. Call (760) 435-5258.

Income tax help offered

OCEANSIDE -- Professionally trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will provide free income tax services for low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to seniors age 60 and older, at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, starting Feb. 5.

This year, there will be a one-time refund for individuals who paid excise tax on long-distance or bundled telephone service billed after Feb. 28, 2003 and before Aug. 1, 2006. Filing for this tax rebate will be included for those individuals filing an income-tax return. For those who do not have to file an income tax return, assistance will be available to fill out Form 1040 EZ-T to get the excise tax refund. Appointments need to be scheduled as follows for all income tax assistance:

Tax-preparation services will be provided every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning on Feb. 5 and running thru April 16. To participate, come to the senior center by 8 a.m. the day you want to have your income tax form prepared. Ask the receptionist for a number. Appointment times will be scheduled for that day only on a first-come, first-served basis as patrons arrive at the center until all appointment times are full for that day only. No appointment times will be scheduled in advance for any other day.

Bring with you: All IRS income statements for 2006 including W2's & 1099's; copy of income tax returns for 2005; and expense records, if itemizing. The number of appointment times to be scheduled will be based on the number of volunteers available to prepare your taxes. Space is limited. This service is sponsored by AARP.

Hospice offers support group

OCEANSIDE -- The Elizabeth Hospice facilitates a free education and support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved one, whether recent or in the past. The group meets from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays at First Oceanside Religious Science Center, 4079 Oceanside Blvd., Suite E. No reservation is required. Group facilitators are bereavement counselors from The Elizabeth Hospice. Call (760) 737-2050.

Breast cancer support group meets

OCEANSIDE -- Mara Davis, social worker at Tri-City Medical Center, facilitates a breast cancer support group from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the hospital at 4002 West Vista Way. For meeting room location, check in at the front lobby. For more information, call (760) 940-3119.

VFW serves meatloaf dinner tonight

VISTA -- VFW Post 7041 is open to the public for special meals four times a week. Tonight's special meal is meatloaf for $6.50. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Regular menu items also are available.

Part of the proceeds will be used to help pay for the kitchen license needed to keep the VFW kitchen open. Proceeds from the kitchen are used to finance auxiliary charitable endeavors that include donations to cancer research, work at the VA hospital in La Jolla and at the VFW National Home for Children in Eaton Rapids, Mich.

Military personnel are always welcome. The post is located at 1717 E. Vista Way, Suite 117. Call (760) 724-7041 or Nancy Rivera at (760) 724-2383.

VFW post holds Valentine's dinner/dance

VISTA -- VFW Post 7041 will host a Valentine's Day dinner/dance Feb. 14 at the post at 1717 E. Vista Way, Suite 117. Menu is prime rib or stuffed chicken at a cost of $15 per person. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 6:30 and dancing until 11 with music by Country Express. Tickets must be purchased in advanced from the post canteen by Feb. 12. Proceeds benefit the post's many veterans programs. Call (760) 724-7041.

Beginning crochet class offered

VISTA -- A beginning crochet class will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 10 at Michael's, 1851 University Drive. Students will learn basic chaining, single and double crochet stitches. Cost is $15 plus supplies. Supply lists will be given to students as they register and students will receive 10 percent off all supply purchases. The class is recommended for those age 12 and older. Register 24 hours in advance by calling (760) 941-7350.

Health seminar set

VISTA -- Valerie Hall, a certified natural health professional will teach a free "Be Healthier Seminar" from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at Frazier Farms Market, 225 Vista Village Road. Attendees will learn about current information on a heart healthy diet and lifestyle, how food affects health, ways to balance cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, how to enhance circulation and beneficial nutritional supplements to support heart health. Reserve a seat by calling (760) 586-5500.

Basketball club seeks coaches

OCEANSIDE -- "… the Flow!" Basketball Club is seeking volunteer coaches for practices and workout sessions for its girls club and travel teams. A meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Oceanside High School gymnasium, 150 S. Horn St. Call (760) 809-6531.

League of Women Voters meets

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside/Vista Unit of the League of Women Voters will meet at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 12 at the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center, 2200 S. Coast Highway. Guest speaker will be Gary Hill, a local researcher and member of the Livable Community Movement. Call Kathy Mason at (760) 643-0177.

Gem and Mineral Society to meet

VISTA -- Vista Gem and Mineral Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, Azalea Room, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Visitors are welcome.

Marisa Zachoray of the Gemological Institute of America, a certified goldsmith and gemologist, will give a presentation on Columbian emeralds. She will show scenes from the mines and its location and discuss the challenges facing this industry. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 724-0395.

GI Forum sponsors scholarship concert

OCEANSIDE -- The American GI Forum, Oceanside chapter, will sponsor a Mariachi concert by Mariachi Chula Vista as a scholarship fundraiser from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 24 at Martin Luther King Middle School, 1290 Ivey Ranch Road. The cosponsor is San Diego Gas & Electric. Admission is $15. Dinner admission with reserved seating cost $25. For tickets, call Pete Magana at (760) 757-6276, Johnny Lozano at (760) 724-1890, John Herrera at (760) 724-2508, Manny Astorga at (760) 721-1579 or Rod Sandoval at (760) 630-5198.

Diabetes support group meets

OCEANSIDE -- Tri-City Medical Center Diabetes Support Group meets from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at the medical center, 4002 W. Vista Way. For meeting room location, call (760) 724-8411.

Cancer group meets Mondays

ENCINITAS -- Caring Community -- Living with Cancer offers support group services to people in North County who are living with cancer from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays at the Jewish Family Service in Encinitas, 285 N. El Camino Real, Suite 218.

CCLC, a program of Jewish Family Service of San Diego, provides free psychosocial support programs to improve the health and quality of life of people living with cancer and their loved ones through of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Call (619) 682-2663.

Weight-loss group meets

ENCINITAS -- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a nonprofit weight-loss support group, meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real. Call (760) 632-9471, or visit the Web site at http://www.tops.org.

Volunteers sought by history society

ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Historical Society needs docents for two hours of help on Fridays and Saturdays, twice a month. Docents will attend an orientation meeting which describes the duties of the docent. A handbook and local history booklets will be given to help with emergency procedures and local history. Call (760) 753-5726.

Fire Department offers CPR classes

ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Fire Department will offer cardiopulmonary resuscitation classes from 5 to 9 p.m. March 21 and May 23 at Fire Station No. 5, 540 Balour Drive. Cost is $6. Call (760) 633-2815.

Memorial writing contest seeks entrants

ENCINITAS -- The San Dieguito Heritage Museum is sponsoring the Wendy Haskett Memorial Writing Contest, open to all San Dieguito third-graders in Cardiff, Carmel Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas, Leucadia, Olivenhain, Rancho Santa Fe and Solana Beach.

The contest honors the memory of Haskett, a local historian and columnist. Contest deadline is Feb. 15.

Writers can interview an older local person and write a story about life in the past or research and write about a historical building or important event in the community. Entries should be handwritten and include original artwork. Judges will look for content, organization, writing style and creativity. Cash prizes will be awarded. Call (760) 632-9711 or drop off or mail entries to the museum, 561 S. Vulcan Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024. Visit the Web site at http://www.sdheritage.org or http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/dgstudentinfo/hmuseum/index.htm.

Women meet to study Bible

CARLSBAD -- St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church will host its Women's Christian fellowship, prayer, praise and Bible study from 9:30 a.m. to noon Thursdays at the church, 6628 Santa Isabel. Call Debbie at (760) 476-9693 or Barbara at (858) 279-8450.

Genealogists meet Feb. 13

CARLSBAD -- The North San Diego County Genealogical Society will hold its business and sharing meeting from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Carlsbad City Council chambers, 1200 Carlsbad Village Drive.

At 1 p.m. Feb. 13, Karon Jarrard, current recording secretary of the California chapter of the DAR, will speak on "Everyone Has a Story" for the computer-oriented Genealogy Group in the Carlsbad City Council chambers.

The presentation will feature specific techniques on how to collect data in an organized manner and prepare for publishing. Call (760) 630-5720.

Library hosts opera previews

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Cultural Arts Office and the San Diego Opera will host musicologist Ron Shaheen as he previews SDO's production of Saint-Saens' "Samson and Delilah" at 10 a.m. Feb. 17 in the Shulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Shaheen also will present an overview of Verdi's "Il Trovatore at 10 a.m. March 24 in the Shulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Call (760) 434-2904 or visit the Web site at http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

Dog obedience class offered

CARLSBAD -- Carlsbad Recreation Department will offer a dog obedience class for pets and owners from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 27 to April 3; and April 17 to May 22 on Tuesdays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine St.

Emphasis is placed on understanding how dogs learn. Solutions for house training, digging, chewing, barking, jumping and other destructive behavior will be addressed.

Dogs must be at least 4 months old and current on all shots. Dog handlers between the ages of 12 and 16 must have a parent or guardian present while participating in class. Cost is $80 Carlsbad residents, $90 non-residents. Dog owners are also encouraged to visit the Ann D. L'Heureux Dog Park, Carlsbad's park for canines and their companions, Carlsbad Village Drive, 1/2 mile east of El Camino Real. Call (760) 602-4650 or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Young kids learn Spanish

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Recreation Department will offer Spanish for Toddlers ages 1 to 2 from 9:15 to 10 a.m. Feb. 27 through April 3 on Tuesdays at the Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Drive. Class is a way for young children to learn Spanish through music, games and movement. Basic vocabulary and conversation will be taught.

The class also will be offered Wednesdays from Feb. 28 through April 4 at the Stagecoach Community Center, 3420 Camino de los Coches. Cost is $72 for Carlsbad residents, $82 nonresidents. Call (760) 602-4680 or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Learn to speak French

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Recreation Department will offer beginning and intermediate French language classes for adults. Beginning French I will be offered from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 27 to April 3, at the Harding Community Center, 3096 Harding St. Learn to understand and speak French through vocabulary, songs and stories.

Beginning French II will be offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, March 3 to April 7, at the same location. Intermediate French will be offered from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, March 1 to April 5, at Magee Park, Heritage Hall, 258 Beech Ave. Cost is $65 for Carlsbad residents and $75 for nonresidents. Call (760) 602-7510 or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Competition winner performs March 31

CARLSBAD -- Soprano Rebecca Sjowall, winner of the 2006 Carlsbad to Karlovy Vary vocal competition, will perform in recital at 10 a.m. March 31 in the Shulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Call (760) 434-2904 or visit the Web site at http://www.carlsbadca.gov/arts.

Volunteers needed to donate blood

SAN DIEGO -- The American Red Cross is encouraging area residents to donate blood to stave off an expected blood shortage in San Diego. The American Red Cross currently has just a one-day inventory of Type-O and Type-B negative blood in Southern California.

Any healthy person age 17 or older and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Call (800) 448-3543 or visit the Web site at http://www.GiveLife.org. En Espanol, (866) 767-8432.

Poway Woman's Club to meet

POWAY -- The Poway Woman's Club, a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs International, will meet at 10 a.m. Feb. 13 in Templars Hall at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. At 11 a.m., Pat Schultz, a certified public accountant, will present "It's Tax Time: What Do I Need? Help!" Guests are welcome. Call (858) 748-4492.

Services offered for seniors

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The following events and services will be offered at Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14.

- Free income tax assistance: 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays; 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays through April 15.

- Free consultations with an attorney, 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 12 and 19. Call for a 20-minute appointment.

- Free consultations with certified financial planner Jeanni Harrison, 1 to 3:15 p.m. Feb. 12. Call for a 45-minute appointment.

- Free blood-pressure checks given by a nurse, 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 14 and 21. No appointment is needed.

- Free consultations with health insurance specialist Patty Ann Born, 9 to 11 a.m. Feb. 23. Call for a 30-minute appointment.

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

Stamping Details offers classes

POWAY -- Stamping Details, at 14009 Midland Road, will offer these stamp art classes. Information and registration: (858) 513-8024 or http://www.stampingdetails.com.

- "Spritz That Background" card making, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 12 or 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19. Cost is $23.

- "Panel Cards" card making," 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13. Cost is $20.

- "Stenciling Techniques and Gold Leaf," 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 17. Cost is $23.

- "Fine Silver Jewelry Making With Rubber Stamps," 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 18. Cost is $90.

- "Watercolor All Occasion Card" card making, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26. Cost is $23.

'Regulation compliance' program offered

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Silverado Hospice and Community Education LLC will present a free education program titled "The Fundamentals of Regulation Compliance," from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at Villa Rancho Bernardo, 15720 Bernardo Center Drive.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. A continental breakfast will be provided. Eight hours of CEUs are available for residential care facility administrators, LVNs and RNs.

To R.S.V.P., call Lyn Kennedy at Silverado Hospice at (888) 328-5560. For directions, call (858) 672-3900.

San Vicente Valley Club to meet

RAMONA -- The San Vicente Valley Club will host a luncheon Feb. 28 at the San Vicente Inn, 16911 Gunstage Road. Cost is $11.

Local speakers and year-round travelers Janice and Chuck De Mund will give an entertaining presentation on "The Trip of a Lifetime," covering their four-week tour of the South Pacific.

Social time will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a brief business meeting, then lunch. The De Munds will speak at 1 p.m.

The luncheon is open to residents of the greater Ramona area. Reservations should be made at the front desk of the San Vicente Inn by Feb. 24.

For information, call Joan Renaud at (760) 788-6960.

AAUW offers scholarships for re-entry women

NORTH COUNTY -- The Poway-Penasquitos branch of the American Association of University Women is offering scholarships to help local women who are returning to college.

Scholarship candidates must be female and a high school graduate; reside in Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Sabre Springs, Carmel Mountain Ranch, Mira Mesa, Rancho Penasquitos, Scripps Ranch or Ramona; be a re-entry student who has been out of high school or college for at least three years before current enrollment; be currently enrolled in or accepted to a four-year college or university; provide verification of registration; and not already have a bachelor's degree.

For an application, go to http://www.aauwpowayarea.org. For information, call Norine at (858) 566-4909. The deadline for applications is May 12.

SVP offers home checks, visits to homebound

RAMONA -- Members of the Ramona Sheriff's Substation's Senior Volunteer Patrol perform a number of duties traditionally performed by sworn deputies, including checking on homes while owners are on vacation. This service is available to residents of the greater Ramona area. For information, call the Ramona Sheriff's Substation at (760) 789-9157.

Another service provided by the SVP is the Your Are Not Alone, or YANA, program, an outreach service offered to elderly and disabled individuals who are homebound and do not have anyone to regularly check on them. SVP members call each program participant daily and make weekly visits to their homes. If you or someone you know would benefit from the YANA program, call Bill Hicks at (760) 738-2481.

Senior center plans Valentine's dance

SAN MARCOS -- The San Marcos Senior Center, 111 W. Richmar Ave., will hold a Valentine's Day ballroom dance from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 15. Seniors can dance to the tunes of Billy Harper and the Hot Shots. Refreshments will be served. The dance is sponsored by The Springs at Oceanside. Call (760) 744-5535.

'Einstein' to visit SM Lions Club

SAN MARCOS -- Albert Einstein, portrayed by Arden Bercovitz, Ph.D., will make a special guest appearance at the San Marcos Lions Club's luncheon meeting at 11:45 a.m. Feb. 15 at Lorine's Country Cafe, 752 S. Rancho Santa Fe Road.

In a talk titled "Knowing What You Know -- The Einstein Way," Bercovitz, a professional speaker and Vista resident, will share anecdotes and experiences to inspire people to think like Einstein.

For information about the Lions Club, contact Paul Van Middlesworth (760) 744-4315 or pvanmid@yahoo.com. For information about Bercovitz, go to http://www.einsteinalive.com or call (760) 726-1124.

CEC offers enrichment lectures

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo, "A Fitness Center for the Mind," offers college-level, non-credit enrichment lectures on a variety of subjects.

Upcoming lectures include the following:

- "World's Endangered Children" by psychologist Anne Hoiberg, 10 a.m. Feb. 13. This lecture is Part 3 of the Great Decisions Series co-sponsored by the World Affairs Council. Hoiberg will discuss efforts of the international community, sovereign nations and nongovernmental organizations to prevent children from being forced into labor, the military and prostitution.

- "Climate Change and Global Warming: What to Do?," Part 4 of the Great Decisions Series, 10 a.m. Feb. 20. Ronald J. Bee of San Diego State University will discuss the options available and the technologies that might hold promise for a "cooler" future with reduced greenhouse emissions.

The CEC's classrooms and office are at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Lecture fees are $5 for members; $7 for nonmembers. The annual membership fee has been reduced for the February through June period to $15 for individuals and $25 for families. Information: (858) 487-0464 or http://www.cecrb.org.

Dinner theater event to feature Mexican fare

ESCONDIDO -- Church of the Resurrection will present "An Evening in Romantic Old Mexico" from 6 to 10 p.m. Feb. 10. Cuisine in the style of Mexico City will be served, and entertainment will include trick roper Tony Munoz, Mariachi Fiesta Mexicana from San Diego, Ballet Folklorico Tierra Caliente, Danza de los Viejitos and singer Clemen. Tickets are $15 each and are available by calling (760) 747-2322. The church is at 1445 Conway Drive.

Team Women networking group to meet

ESCONDIDO -- Team Women Escondido, a businesswomen's networking organization, will meet at 8:30 a.m. Feb. 13 at Carrows Family Restaurant, 510 W. Valley Parkway. The organization meets for an hour every other Tuesday so that women can exchange business information. Membership is limited to 30; one person per profession. Free breakfast to first-time visitors. R.S.V.P. to (760) 525-0926. Information: http://www.TeamWomen.com.

Senior Anglers to meet Feb. 16

ESCONDIDO -- The Senior Anglers of Escondido will meet at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 16 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. The speaker will be Peter Piconi, an expert on saltwater fly fishing.

The group will offer a freshwater outing to Lake Morena from Feb. 19 through 23.

Information: call (760) 723-3350 or go to http://www.senioranglersofescondido.org.

Wild Animal Park to host blood drive

ESCONDIDO -- The San Diego Blood Bank bloodmobile will accept blood donations at a blood drive hosted from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 17 by the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park, 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road.

All donors will receive a voucher for a free whale-watching trip. Participants also can join the San Diego Blood Bank's new Donor Difference program, which includes access to an online store for donors and the ability to track cholesterol, pulse and blood pressure after each donation.

Anyone age 17 or older in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended.

Information: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org or (800) 4MY-SDBB.

CSUSM lecturer to discuss 'House on Mango Street'

ESCONDIDO -- As part of the 2007 Escondido Reads One Book community reading project, Cal State San Marcos lecturer Dr. Pamela Redela, will present a free lecture titled "'The House on Mango Street': An Exploration of Latina Women's Bicultural Experience" at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St.

Redela's lecture will focus on how Sandra Cisneros' classic novel, "The House on Mango Street," offers a distinct and valuable perspective on the bicultural experience of Latinas in the United States.

"The House on Mango Street" is the book selected for this year's Escondido Reads One Book citywide reading project.

Information: (760) 839-4601; http://www.escondido.org/library/escondidoreads.

Water exercises offered for those with arthritis

ESCONDIDO -- Redwood Elderlink offers an aquatic exercise program for people with arthritis and chronic pain in its heated indoor pool, 1151 S. Redwood St. The program consists of gentle stretching and toning exercises; no swimming skills are needed. Instructors for the program have been trained and certified by the Arthritis Foundation. Classes are offered throughout the week. Call Barbie at (760) 480-1030.

Seniors can take classes at mall

ESCONDIDO -- OASIS will offer these classes for seniors at its education center in the former Robinsons-May South store, third floor, Westfield North County. There is a nominal cost for each class. Preregistration is required. Call (760) 432-0635.

- 10:30 a.m. Feb. 12: Noted author David Valley will present "General MacArthur."

- 10:15 a.m. Feb. 13: Loretta Derian will offer "Protecting Your Assets."

- 10:15 a.m. Feb. 13: Cal State San Marcos adjunct professor Jennifer Gunsaullus will present "The Vagina Monologues: What's All the Hype?"

- 10:15 a.m. Feb. 16: Certified financial planner Rick Alvarado will present "What Is Diversification for the Prudent Investor."

Forest Home auxiliary to meet

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Forest Home Women's Auxiliary, Chapter 31, will meet for its monthly Bible study and brunch at 9:15 a.m. Feb. 16 at a member's home. The group is nondenominational and all women are invited. Call (858) 487-4951.

Rubio's to host blood drives

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill is hosting 16 blood drives with the San Diego Blood Bank this month. As an incentive, blood donors will be awarded a coupon for a free Rubio's meal (up to a $7 value) at each drive. In addition, Rubio's is offering free Taco Cards at a variety of other San Diego Blood Bank mobile drives.

Anyone age 17 or older in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended.

For a list of Rubio's Blood Drive dates and locations or to schedule an appointment to donate, call (800) 4MY-SDBB or go to http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

'Walk for Kids' planned

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Center for Children will host a fundraising event called "Walk for Kids" on March 24 along De Anza Cove on Mission Bay. Check-in for the 5K walk will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the walk at 9.

The nonprofit center works to help children and adolescents with troubled backgrounds succeed in life. To register or make a donation, go to http://www.centerforchildren.org or call Steve Porter at (858) 277-9550, Ext. 244.

Words Alive group receives grant

SAN DIEGO -- Words Alive, one of San Diego's leading reading advocacy organizations, has received a $10,000 grant from the S. Mark Taper Foundation. The foundation, founded in 1989, is a private family foundation dedicated to enhancing the quality of people's lives by supporting nonprofit organizations and their work in the community. This is the first time that Words Alive has received a gift from the Los Angeles-based foundation.

Words Alive helps at-risk children and teens discover how books can add meaning to their lives. With its volunteer workforce, Words Alive strives to instill a passion for reading and literature in its students.

Information: Robin Pelletier, (858) 274-9673; http://www.wordsalive.org.