ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Children's Museum will host a Second Saturday event focused on earthquake awareness at 1 p.m. April 14. The program will feature hands-on experiments, demonstrations and the unveiling of the museum's Wacky Science Lab. The event is free with museum admission of $4. The museum is at 380 N. Escondido Blvd. Information: (760) 233-7755, http://www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org.

Seniors offered free services

ESCONDIDO - The Senior Service Council will offer these free services for seniors in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway (in the Joslyn Senior Center complex). Call (760) 480-0611.

• Audiologist David Illich will conduct and interpret professional hearing tests at 9:30 a.m. April 9. A copy of the test is provided. Illich also will give advice on hearing aids. Call for space availability.

• The North County Post Polio Support Group will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. April 10 and every second Tuesday of even-numbered months. For information, call Mary Clare Schlesinger at (760) 741-5075.

• A job referral service is offered from 9 a.m. to noon Mondays through Thursdays. Call before coming in.

Dos Valles Garden Club to meet

VALLEY CENTER - Ann Kezeor and Jan Glaviano will present "All About the Flower Show" at a meeting of the Dos Valles Garden Club at noon April 10 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 31020 Cole Grade Road. For more information visit http://www.dosvallesgardenclub.org, or call (760) 749-5078.

Explore historical Escondido Boulevard

ESCONDIDO - Learn about the city's "Marvelous Mile" and get some exercise during an hour-long walking tour starting at 6 p.m. April 10 from the northeast corner of Escondido Boulevard and Fifth Avenue.

Wendy Barker, director of the Escondido History Center, will lead the tour of Escondido Boulevard, a venerable artery that has served Escondido as a residential street, commercial district and transit corridor since 1886.

The tour is offered at no charge and is sponsored by the history center and the Escondido Citizens Ecology Committee.

For information about this tour or any of the other five routes offered throughout the year, call (760) 743-8207 or go to http://www.escondidohistory.org.

Blacksmithing classes to begin

ESCONDIDO - A 10-week session of blacksmithing classes will begin April 14 at the Bandy Blacksmith Shop in Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway. Saturday classes will be taught by master blacksmith Phil Ewing, with beginning class in the afternoon and advanced students in the morning. For information, call the Escondido History Center at (760) 743-8207. To register, call the Escondido Adult School at (760) 739-7300 or go to http://www.escondidoadultschool-rop.com.

Trinity to dedicate restored pipe organ

ESCONDIDO - Former San Diego Civic Organist and international concert artist Robert Plimpton will play a dedication concert on Trinity Episcopal Church's newly restored and enhanced pipe organ. The concert will take place at 4 p.m. April 15 at the church, 845 Chestnut St.

Plimpton, who is the organist at the First United Methodist Church of San Diego, will perform an eclectic program including works by Bach, Widor, Franck, Sibelius, Elmore and Scott Joplin.

A free-will offering will be taken.

Take the challenge to lose weight

ESCONDIDO - The Palomar Family YMCA will offer a six-week weight-loss team challenge from April 23 through June 1. Teams of four to five people will be coached by a YMCA personal trainer twice a week, and the team with the greatest combined average percentage of body weight lost will win a credit or refund for the program cost of $199.

An orientation meeting will be held at 7 p.m. April 19 at the YMCA, 1050 N. Broadway. For information, call (760) 745-7490.

Church to host concerts, movie

ESCONDIDO - Bethel Baptist Church will host free concert and movie nights from 6 to 8 p.m. April 20 and 21.

Listen to the music of Lauren Silva on April 20 and Shachah on April 21. See the stirring film "Invisible Children" on both nights. The film may not be appropriate for children younger than 13.

For information, go to http://www.bbcesc.org. The church is at 855 Brotherton Road.

Artist studio and garden tour on tap

ESCONDIDO - Artist Cathy Carey will turn her hilltop home overlooking Lake Hodges into a gallery and invites the public to view her most current paintings. A free artist studio and garden tour will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 21 and 22 at 2048 Ridgecrest Place. This year's paintings are from Carey's recent travels to Maui, Tuscany and Santa Barbara Wine Country, as well as local California scenes. Admission is free. Information: Cathy Carey, (760) 489-9109, element@abac.com or http://www.artstudiosandiego.com.

Glass show and sale planned

ESCONDIDO - A pre-Mother's Day glass event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 28 and 29 at the Glass Ranch, 20307 Beech Lane, in the Lake Hodges community of Del Dios.

Watch glass-blowing demonstrations; purchase new art glass, dichroic glass jewelry and garden art; and enjoy refreshments and music in an unusual sculpture garden. The artists are Garry Cohen, blown glass art and fused glass sculpture; and Cherrie La Porte Cohen, fused dichroic glass jewelry, garden art and bronze sculpture.

Admission is free. Information: (760) 745-7020, http://www.cherrielaporte.com, http://www.garrycohenstudio.com.

Volunteer musicians needed

ESCONDIDO - Patio Playhouse Community Theater will present "The King and I" this summer in Kit Carson Park.

Volunteer musicians who play the following instruments are needed to join the orchestra: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion, violin, viola, cello, bass and harp. The theater group also needs a pianist for rehearsals and performances, as well as an experienced conductor.

Students are welcome. There is no pay, but the group offers a fun, friendly, supportive atmosphere and one free show ticket to each orchestra member.

"The King and I" will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays (with one Sunday show) from Aug. 10 through Sept. 2.

E-mail resume to townsend@sdcoe.k12.ca.us or leave a message at (760) 746-6669.

See stars and more April 7

SAN PASQUAL VALLEY - The California Department of Parks and Recreation will host a Star Party on April 7 at San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, just east of the San Diego Zoo's Wild Animal Park on Highway 78.

The free event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an orientation in the Astronomy Lab. Attendees are encouraged to bring telescopes. For information, go to http://www.aquatest.org.

Sjogren's syndrome group to meet

LA JOLLA - The San Diego and Imperial Counties chapter of the Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation will meet at 9:30 a.m. April 14 in the Coral Room at Thornton Hospital, 9300 Campus Point Drive. Dr. Kentaro Yamada of the Eye Treatment Center in San Diego will present "Update on Dry Eye." Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. For information, call Dona Frosio at (619) 303-9004.

10 North artists' group has new exhibit

ESCONDIDO - The 10 North artists group's new art exhibition titled "American Landscapes" is under way through June 5 at the studio/gallery at 115 W. Grand Ave. The original artwork has been created in watermedia, acrylic, fabric and collage. An artists' reception will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. April 14.

Gallery hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. All the art is for sale. For information, call (760) 740-8770.

OASIS classes on tap 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. Preregistration is required. Call (760) 432-0635.

• Energy therapist Diane Forsythe will present "Exploring More Energy Therapy" from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. April 17. Cost is $4.

• Chaplain Bill Hard will present "Visitors Welcome: Making the Most of a Difficult Situation" from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 18. Learn what to say and do when visiting a friend or loved one in the hospital. Cost is $3.

• Owen Coyle will present "Access Your Assets: Reverse Mortgages Explained" from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 24. Cost is $2.

• Certified financial planner Ken Stern will present "Analyzing Stocks, Bonds and Investments Like a Pro" from 1 to 3 p.m. April 24. Cost is $4.

Eye disease seminar slated

SAN DIEGO - Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Centers and the Braille Institute will team up to present an eye disease seminar April 24 at the Braille Institute, 4555 Executive Drive.

Dr. Ann Lopez will discuss glaucoma at 9:30 a.m., followed by a macular degeneration presentation by Dr. Sathy Bhavan at 11. To register for the seminar, call (800) 82-SHARP or go to http://www.sharp.com/classes.

Vons fundraiser to benefit Easter Seals

Safeway Inc., operator of Vons and Pavilions markets in Southern California, are holding a month-long charitable fundraising campaign in support of Easter Seals this month. Customers have the option at every check-out counter of making a contribution to Easter Seals. All funds raised will directly benefit local Easter Seals services for children and adults with autism, and also provide job training for adults with developmental disabilities.

Foster families needed for pets

RANCHO SANTA FE - The Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road, needs foster families to care for orphaned puppies and kittens that need temporary care before they become available for adoption. Call (858) 756-4117.

Diabetes support group meets

ENCINITAS - Seniors dealing with diabetes, or who have a family member who has diabetes, are invited to attend the Diabetes Support Group from 10 to 11 a.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Call (760) 943-2250.

Learn all about stamps

ENCINITAS - Learn all about stamp collecting from instructor David Montag at 10 a.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Attendees will learn how to mount and protect your collection, soak stamps and topicals, history, appraisals, and collecting for your grandchildren. Call (760) 943-2250.

Toastmasters meet Thursdays

ENCINITAS - Encinitas Moonlighter's Toastmasters Club at noon Thursdays at Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave. Learn to speak in public with no fear in a supportive and positive learning environment. Call Blair Knoll at (760) 633-2793 or visit the Web site at http://www.moonlighters.us.

Center hosts seniors dance

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Senior Center will host the social dance for senior citizens 50 and older from 2 to 4 p.m. the third Friday of each month at the center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Dance to the music of the Oceanside Society Orchestra. Cost is $3, includes beverages and appetizers. Call (760) 943-2250.

City hosts egg hunt

ENCINITAS - The city of Encinitas will present its 2007 Easter Egg Hunt event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 7 at Ecke Sports Park, 278 Saxony Road. The free festival will feature family friendly activities such as crafts, entertainment, food, party jumps, pictures with the Easter Bunny and egg hunts.

Adopt a dog

DEL MAR - The Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals, a nonprofit pet rescue organization, will hold its free to the public dog adoption event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 7 at Petco, 2749 Via de la Valle. Call (619) 466-0426.

Learn to watercolor

SOLANA BEACH - Rikki Reinholz will teach the one-day introductory watercolor class from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. April 14 at The Studio of Art & Design, 616 Stevens Ave., Suite C. The class will include beginning basic exercises using a limited palette and transparent watercolors. Each student will go home with at least one completed painting. Cost is $90. Call (858) 755-6202 or visit the Website at http://www.rikki-studio.com.

Animal center seeks volunteers

RANCHO SANTA FE - The Helen Woodward Animal Center will hold its volunteer orientation from 9 a.m. to noon May 12, June 16, Aug. 18 and Oct. 6 at the center, 6461 El Apajo Road. Volunteers opportunities available for people age 14 and older. Applications are needed. Call (858) 756-4117, Ext. 305, or e-mail ritas@animalcenter.org.

Fundraiser to benefit moms

ENCINITAS - Mamafest, the fundraiser for the nonprofit Postpartum Health Alliance will be held at 6:30 p.m. May 17 at the Temple Solel, 3575 Manchester Ave. Moms can find new resources and tools to support them through motherhood with a series of mini-lectures from professionals ranging from pediatricians to psychologists. Additionally, there will be a marketplace for vendors who specialize in mom products and services. Cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Call (888) 507-5571.

Rotary hosts 'Sunset soiree'

DEL MAR - The Del Mar Rotary Club will host its third annual Sunset Soiree from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. May 22 on the upstairs patio of the Del Mar Plaza, 1555 Camino Del Mar. Last year's event featured more than 12 wineries and 10 restaurants offering samples of their wines and food.Cost is $50. Interested vendors can call (858) 204-5775 or e-mail crowncapital@san.rr.com.

Learn to identify birds

CARLSBAD - Visit Buena Vista Lagoon for a look at local birds with Buena Vista Audubon Society host Tom Troy at 8:30 a.m. the last Saturday of each month at Buena Vista Lagoon Landing. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound with added instruction in the use of binoculars and scopes. Call Tom Troy at (760) 967-6915.

Women's club meets at library

CARLSBAD - The Aviara Women's Club monthly general meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 10 at the Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The guest speaker will be Dave Curtis, deputy library director at the Carlsbad City Library. Call Elizabeth Barasch at (760) 268-0526.

Bookstore hosts attraction workshop

CARLSBAD - The Sacred Pathway Bookstore will present the workshop on "What is the Law of Attraction: How to Understand The Secret" at 6 p.m. April 18 at the bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. The workshop will show how to develop the power to attract what you want. Call (760) 505-0004 or visit the Web site at http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Women voters meet April 19

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Unit of the North Coast League of Women Voters will hold its April meeting at 11 a.m. April 19 at La Posada, 2476 Impala Drive.The topic of discussion will be the possible extension of health care benefits to all Californians.Call (760) 736-1608.

Bug talk, walk around lagoon

CARLSBAD - The Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation will hold the easy, docent-led nature walk around the lagoon from 9 to 11 a.m. April 21 starting from the Batiquitos Lagoon Foundation Nature Center, Gabbiano Lane. Leading the walk will be Dave Dyer, a retired entomologist who can find insects that the rest of us miss.Call (760) 931-0800 or visit the Web site at http://www.batiquitosfoundation.org.

Women Voters discuss issues

CARLSBAD - The North Coast League of Women Voters Issues Groups will present "Thinking Out of the Box" at 6:45 p.m. April 25 at Carlsbad by the Sea, 2855 Carlsbad Blvd. New ways to approach vital issues for the community and the world will be discussed, including women's issues, juvenile justice, water, public health, global warming and the FCC.Call (760) 736-1608.

Assistance League hosts luncheon

La JOLLA - Assistance League of Rancho San Dieguito volunteers will meet from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. April 30 at the Hilton La Jolla Torrey Pines, 10950 N. Torrey Pines Road. Channel 10 News anchor Carol LeBeau will be mistress of ceremonies. Author Erminia Guarneri, founder and medical director of the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine in La Jolla, board certified in cardiology, internal medicine, nuclear medicine and holistic medicine, will discuss her book on heart health, "The Heart Speak," which has been featured on the "Today" show. Call (760) 753-2259.

O'side Elks hold Easter Brunch

OCEANSIDE - Oceanside Elks will hold an Easter Brunch Buffet from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 8 at the lodge, 444 Country Club Lane. Cost is $10 per person. Guests can pay at the door or reserve a seat by calling (760) 433-1561.

Services offered for seniors

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

• Consultations with an attorney, 1 to 3 p.m. April 9 and 16. Call for a 20-minute appointment.

• Consultations with certified financial planner Jeanni Harrison, 1 to 3:15 p.m. April 9. Call for a 45-minute appointment.

• Blood-pressure checks given by a nurse, 10 a.m. to noon April 11 and 18. No appointment is needed.

• 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 14.

• Consultations with health insurance specialist Patty Ann Born, 9 to 11 a.m. April 13. Call for a 30-minute appointment.

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

RB Travelers to meet April 13

RANCHO BERNARDO - The RB Travelers will meet at 1:30 p.m. April 13 in the auditorium of the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Robin Williams will present a travelogue on "Mayday - Tugs of War."

Refreshments will be served. A drawing for travel discounts also will be held. Call (858) 674-6856.

In addition, the club is offering these trips:

• "A No-Flying Vacation," June 4 through 9. Travel by train to Monterey, Carmel, Salinas, Yosemite, Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kings Canyon National Park and the Sequoias. Cost is $1,539 per person, double occupancy; $1,839, single. Call Kathy at (858) 485-9722.

• "Great Canadian Cities," June 6 through 13. Cost is $2,253 per person, double occupancy; $2,875, single. Call Paddy at (858) 451-9579.

Open Studios Tour planned

RAMONA - Area artists will open their home studios to visitors during the Ramona Artists' Open Studios Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 14 and 15. Sponsored by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce, the tour will feature 16 artists in 13 private studios throughout Ramona representing a wide range of media, including glasswork, painting, sculpting, ceramics, gourd art, woodworking, jewelry, wearable art and photography.

Tickets cost $10 per person and include a full-color brochure with map. Tickets can be ordered by phone from the Ramona Chamber of Commerce at (760) 789-1311 or in person at 960 Main St. on weekdays. Tickets also can be purchased at these Ramona locations: Schwaesdall Winery, 17677 Rancho de Oro; Daniel's Liquor and Deli, 1350 Main St.; Art About Africa, 621 Main St.; Daniel's West, 17718 Highway 67; and at the artists' studios on the days of the event. To view a map of artists' locations go to http://www.ramonaart.com.

Information: Judy Nachazel, (760) 789-7131; http://www.ramonachamber.com.

Hospital auxiliary plans garage sale

POWAY - Pomerado Hospital Auxiliary will hold a giant garage sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at 14270 Hacienda Lane.

Republican Women's group plans meeting, excursion

NORTH COUNTY - The Intermountain Republican Women Federated has arranged for an excursion as part of its "Kick Off to Spring" meeting April 23. Participants will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Ysabel Indian Mission at 23012 Highway 79 for a tour and then travel to Wynola Pizza for a no-host lunch at about 11:30 a.m.

Guest speaker Claudia Davis of Partners for Community Access will discuss the organization's mentoring program, which is available for at-risk students in grades four through eight in both the Ramona and Julian school districts .

The group also will tour King Leo's Chocolate Factory in Wynola.

Call club President Rachel Meyer at (760) 788-8902.

Medicare seminar set for April 27

RANCHO BERNARDO - Health insurance specialist Patty Ann Born will present a seminar on Medicare/HMOs and Part D of the prescription drug program from 9:30 to 11 a.m. April 27 at Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14. Reservations are suggested. Call (858) 487-2640 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays.

Support group for seniors offered

SAN MARCOS - The San Marcos Senior Center offers a support group for seniors who suffer from depression or anxiety, have lost a loved one or just need understanding and support. The group meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at the center, 111 W. Richmar Ave. Call (760) 744-5535.

Senior center plans swap meet

SAN MARCOS - The San Marcos Senior Center will hold a huge swap meet from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 14 in the parking lot at the center, 111 W. Richmar Ave. Books, furniture, kitchen items, clothing and other items will be available for sale. Sellers spaces are available for $5 each. Call (760) 744-5535.

Kiwanians hear report on Romania

SAN MARCOS - Dave Imper and Joe Heard recently spoke to the Lake San Marcos Kiwanis Club about Kiwanis International and Kiwanis Division 37 efforts to assist orphaned and abandoned children in Romania.

Attendees heard about how Kiwanis Division 37 has funded a trade school for boys and a transition school for girls in Romania, and that without this service, many children would be reduced to a life crime and/or prostitution.

The group also learned that there are currently 19 Kiwanis Clubs in Romania working to improve the lives of the country's children, and that nearly all members of the Romanian Kiwanis Clubs are female.

The Lake San Marcos Kiwanis Club meets at 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays in the Lake Pavilion at Lake San Marcos. Call (760) 471-1007.

PFLAG chapter to meet April 10

RANCHO BERNARDO - The San Diego North County Inland chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Friends and Families of Lesbians and Gays), a parent led support group, will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 10 in the Community Room of the San Diego National Bank building, 16789 Bernardo Center Drive. Entry is through the double doors facing Bernardo Center Drive.

Information: Sue Fine, (858) 673-4560; Barbara Wohlmuth, (858) 485-6480; or pflagsdnocty@sun.rr.com.

Women's Connection group to meet

RANCHO BERNARDO - The North County Women's Connection will hold a luncheon meeting from 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 11 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

Personality consultant Linda Baker will present "Navigating the Nuances of Personality Types."

Cost is $22. For reservations, e-mail womensconnection@cox.net or call (858) 716-9609 by April 9.

Tai Chi Chuan classes offered

OCEANSIDE - Tai Chi Chuan classes will be held at 11 a.m. Mondays for six weeks starting April 9 at John Landes Recreation Center, 2855 Cedar Road. Cost for six classes is $24. Classes feature gentle, controlled movements to increase strength and flexibility and improve balance and coordination. Call (760) 435-5545.

Senior center holds Easter dance

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Senior Center will hold an Easter dance featuring music by the Jerr Allen Band from 2 to 4 p.m. April 8 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $4 and anyone 55 and older is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

Youth sports registrations ongoing

OCEANSIDE - The Mottino Family YMCA is now accepting registrations for its Youth Flag Football and Basketball "Fun-damentals" Sports Session. The session is for boys and girls ages 6 to 14 and runs April 14 to June 23. Cost is $65 for members and $82 for nonmembers. Information: (760) 758-0808 or go to http://www.Mottino.ymca.org.

Author to speak at library

OCEANSIDE - Deborah J. Copeland, author of "The Kids at Latimar High," will hold a book talk at 6 p.m. April 11 at the Oceanside Public Library Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. The event will kick off National Library Week, April 15 to 21.

Copeland's book is a contemporary teen novel that portrays the author's challenging upbringing in the Bronx, N.Y. Copies of her book will be available for purchase and signing. Call (760) 435-5580.

MiraCosta hosts children's art show

OCEANSIDE - The Child Development Center at MiraCosta College will hold its second annual children's art show from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 13 at 1 Barnard Drive. There will be an exhibit of children's art as well as a silent auction for art and gift baskets. Information: (760) 795-6689 or dmeester@miracosta.edu.

O'side Christian Women's Club to meet

OCEANSIDE - Oceanside Christian Women's Club will meet for a Bunny Face Luncheon from 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. April 13 at the Flying Bridge restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway. Yuli Adkins will speak on Abronne skin care and their will be an inspirational speaker and entertainment. Attendees can wear their favorite Easter bonnet. R.S.V.P. to (760) 967-8522.

Family Fun Walk set for April 14

OCEANSIDE - New Venture Christian Fellowship hosts a free monthly family fitness Fun Walk at 4000 Mystra Drive. The next walk will take place at 8:30 a.m. April 14. Participants will meet with Carl Grubbs, gold medal Senior Olympian and fitness coach who will show how to improve upper body strength and flexibility while walking.

The course is set up for everyone regardless of age, physical limitations or athletic abilities. Bring along light hand weights or two 16-ounce water bottles, cans or stretch bands. For more information, call Grubbs at (760) 941-1562 or e-mail carlg313@juno.com.

Women in space is topic at DAR meeting

OCEANSIDE - The Santa Margarita chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution will meet April 14 at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way. Breakfast will be at 9:30 a.m., followed by a program and short business meeting. Joan Underwood, senior manager, communications, for the Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., will present a program titled "Women in Space Exploration." E-mail dpinckney@san.rr.com.

Take a walking tour of native gardens

OCEANSIDE - Buena Vista Native Plant Club and Oceanside Coastal Neighborhood Association will sponsor a visit to more than 10 California native plant gardens on a 1-mile walking tour of the historic Seaside Neighborhood of downtown Oceanside. Walkers should meet at 2 p.m. April 15 at St. Mary's School, 515 Wisconsin St. The guided walk is free and children will sell lemonade and cookies along the route. Information: (760) 439-2473 or BVNPC@sbcglobal.net.

Spaghetti dinner benefits senior nutrition program

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Senior Citizens Association will hold an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 20 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Cost is $4 and all proceeds will go to benefit the Senior Nutrition Program. Entertainment will be provided by C.C. Sanders and raffle tickets will be sold to win a quilt or Afghan.

The Senior Citizens Nutrition Program is experiencing difficulty generating sufficient funds to keep the program going. Call (760) 435-5285.

Pizza sales to benefit education

VISTA - Flippin' Pizza will donate 100 percent of the gross sales from its upcoming grand opening weekends to the Vista and Encinitas education foundations. The Vista grand opening will be held April 13 to 15 at 2440 S. Melrose Drive in the Home Depot shopping center. The Encinitas grand opening will be held April 20 to 22 at 215 S. El Camino Real, in the LA Fitness shopping center. Doors open daily at 11 a.m. Information: http://www.MyKOPizza.com.

RBV Adobe holds quilt display

VISTA - The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe will have an array of new and vintage quilts on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15 at 651 E. Vista Way. Quilts will be exhibited throughout the adobe courtesy of the Friends of the Rancho. An "Adobe Time Capsule" will be buried in the Rose Garden at 2 p.m. Entrance fee is $5 and tickets also will be sold for an opportunity quilt. Call (760) 639-6164 or (760) 271-6526.

Microwave Magic is topic or program

VISTA - The free Food for Thought program for seniors at the Vista Library, 700 Eucalyptus Ave, will include "Microwave Magic" with Vickie Velasco from 11 a.m. to noon April 19. Those who wish can stay for lunch by reserving to (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1531. A donation of $3 is suggested for lunch for those 60 and older and $5 for all others.

Looking for former Miss Vista queens

VISTA - The Miss Vista Scholarship Pageant is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and organizers are seeking all former queens to be their guest at the 2007 pageant on April 21 at Tri-City Church. Call (760) 518-4220.

Parkinson's support group to meet

VISTA - North County Parkinson's Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon April 11 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Topics will be long-term care insurance, Medi-Cal and nursing home care. Call (760) 940-2763.

Diabetes support group to meet

OCEANSIDE - The North County Diabetes Support Group will meet at 7 p.m. April 12 in the Community Room of the Oceanside Public Library, 3861 Mission Ave. A speaker from Pfizer Pharmaceuticals will update and explain how Exubra, an inhaled insulin medication, can be of benefit to diabetics. Call (760) 945-3559.

Pepper Tree Day upcoming

OCEANSIDE - Mission San Luis Rey will host the annual Pepper Tree Day, known as North County's Earth Day Celebration, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. April 15 at 4050 Mission Ave. The day celebrates the oldest pepper tree in California, located on mission grounds and features interactive and educational events for children of all ages and displays for adults to enjoy. There also will be a farmer's market, refreshments and food available and a horticultural tour of the mission from 1 to 3 p.m.

For a listing of all of the events featured at the mission on Pepper Tree Day, go to http://www.sanluisrey.org or call (760) 757-3651, Ext. 146.

Outback hosts WRC benefit

OCEANSIDE - The Women's Resource Center will hold its third annual benefit luncheon April 21 at the Outback Steakhouse, 2485 Vista Way. There will be two seatings, at 11:30 a.

Thanks to Outback Steakhouse owner Janice Koehler and her staff, who will be working for tips only, 100 percent of ticket sales will go to support WRC programs.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children younger than 13. Those who cannot attend but would like to support the event can donate their tickets to sponsor local military families. Information: call (760) 757-3500 or go to http://www.womensreourcecenter-wrc.org.

Dance with a hero

CAMP PENDLETON - The Rotary Club of Camp Pendleton will hold its first annual "Dancing With Heroes" from 6 to 10 p.m. April 21 at the Staff NCO Club. The event will benefit wounded and fallen Marines, their families and the families of the base support personnel. All proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Center and Marine-related family services. The black-and-white ball will feature an auction for the privilege of dancing with a Marine. Tickets for the dinner/dance are $55 per person. The community is also invited to purchase tickets for Marines who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend. Information: (760) 940-6362, lindasundrum@pacbell.net or http://www.camppendletonrotary.org.

Camp H.O.P.E. accepting reservations

VISTA - Hospice of the North Coast is now accepting reservations for the 10th annual Camp H.O.P.E. (Healing Outdoor Play Experience) for children 6 to 20 and their families who are grieving the death of a loved one. The camp will be held June 8 to 10 at Green Oak Ranch, 1237 Green Oak Road.

The camp will include meals, a private cabin, support groups, arts and crafts, swimming, drumming and opportunities to learn more about handling grief, all in a caring, healing environment. Reservations and a pre-camp interview are required for first-time camp participants. Call (760) 431-4100.