Seniors can get homeowners, renters help

ESCONDIDO -- The Senior Service Council will offer homeowners and renters assistance from 8:30 a.m. to noon today and every Tuesday through Oct. 17 in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway (in the Joslyn Senior Center complex). No appointment is necessary. For information, call (760) 480-0611.

Singles Group to attend play, host dinner

ESCONDIDO -- The Singles Group of the First Methodist Church will hold a theater party and chili supper at 2 p.m. July 16. The group will attend the matinee performance of "The Mousetrap" at Patio Playhouse and then have a chili supper at a member's home. For reservations and information, call Ann at (760) 745-6139.

Professor to address Democratic Club

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Democratic Club will meet from 10:30 a.m. to noon July 22 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St.

Carl Luna, professor of political science at San Diego Mesa College and well-known commentator on the local political scene, will talk about elections in a presentation titled "The Past Is Future? Do Democrats Have a Chance?"

Information is available at http://www.escondidodems.com or Ginny Armbrust at (760) 737-5026.

'The Mousetrap' onstage at Patio Playhouse

ESCONDIDO -- Patio Playhouse Community Theater has kicked off its 40th season with Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap" at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays through July 23 at the theater, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1D.

A group of snowbound travelers realizes that a murderer is among them in the long-running classic from the master of mystery. The play is directed by Connie Boyd.

Admission is $14 and $12 for seniors and students with ID. Group rates are available. A dinner-theater combo with Bistro 221 is available for $30 and $28 for seniors (not available on Sundays).

Tickets and information: (760) 746-6669, http://www.ticketleap.com.

Singles can take day trip to Getty Museum in Malibu

ESCONDIDO -- The Singles Group of the United Methodist Church has organized a bus trip Aug. 12 to the Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. The museum is newly reopened and features art from Italy and Greece. The bus will leave the church at 9 a.m. and returns at about 7 p.m. Cost is $25. For reservations, call Ann at (760) 745-6139 by Aug. 1.

Oral history workshop slated

ESCONDIDO -- The Pioneer Room Friends will host an oral history workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 19 in the Turrentine Room at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St.

Two historians from Cal State Fullerton will teach participants the art of interviewing parents, friends, neighbors, civic leaders and town characters for the historical record. Many worthy citizens move away or die before their stories have been recorded for posterity. It is recommended that every community club, ethnic heritage group, church, historical society and even families should select someone to acquire the skills necessary to record the stories of its members.

Only 25 spaces are available for the workshop, reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. A fee of $10 must be paid by Aug. 7. Mail checks to Pioneer Room Friends, 1806 S. Juniper St., Escondido, CA 92025. Bring a lunch or buy it at a nearby restaurant. For information, call Cathrine at (760) 740-0922.

Escondido Rotary adds two members

ESCONDIDO -- Peter Wolf, past president of the Escondido Rotary Club, recently inducted two club members, bringing the total membership to 218. New members Michael Milam with Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps and Jennifer Walters, new superintendent of the Escondido Union School District, were sponsored by Patty Greiss and Mike Caston, respectively.

Arts Off Broadway to present 'West Side Story'

ESCONDIDO -- Arts Off Broadway will present "West Side Story," its first young adult production, from July 14 through 16 in the Center Theater at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 340 W. Escondido Blvd.

"West Side Story" is the legendary Broadway musical in which Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is transported to modern-day New York City, where two young lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks.

The show will feature a singing and dancing cast of 45 teens and young adults, as well as older guest artists, from Escondido, Valley Center, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, San Marcos and Encinitas. The production also will feature a full-pit orchestra. Songs performed will include "Maria," "Tonight," "I Feel Pretty" and "Somewhere."

Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. July 14; 2 and 7 p.m. July 15; and 7 p.m. July 16. Tickets cost $12.50 and can be bought by calling (760) 735-3302. Tickets can also be bought at the door. For information, go to http://www.artsoffbroadway.org.

Photography shows planned at museum

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Natural History Museum will feature impressionistic, abstract and representational photography by Abe Ordover from July 15 through Sept. 10 in the fourth-floor gallery.

"Water: Impressions and Abstractions" is the fifth show in the eight-show series, "Visions of the Natural World Through the Lens of the Masters." The series, featuring nationally recognized photographers, is a collaboration between the museum and the Ordover Gallery and will continue through February.

Abe Ordover will be available to sign his book, "Imagining Nature," and to meet collectors at the opening reception for the show from 1 to 3 p.m. July 16.

All artwork in the "Visions" series will be for sale; a substantial portion of the proceeds will benefit the museum.

Admission is $6 to $11; free for members. The museum, in Balboa Park, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

For information, visit http://www.sdnhm.org/exhibits.

Daley Ranch hikes planned

ESCONDIDO -- Free, guided nature hikes are offered at Daley Ranch. All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Bring at least a quart of water and wear a hat, sunscreen and hiking boots or treaded footwear. Youths younger than 18 must be with an adult. No pets are allowed.

The hike schedule and trail map are online at http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us.

Reservations are requested. Call (760) 839-4680. A shuttle with handicapped accessibility runs Sundays.

• 9 a.m. July 16: Naturalist Rick Paul will lead an occasionally strenuous four-mile hike to see a diverse plant population and expansive views. Ask Paul about a Daley Ranch keepsake. Meet at the Cougar Pass parking lot.

• 8:30 a.m. July 22: Naturalist Jack Pomeroy will talk about rattlesnakes, rainfall and earthquakes on a moderate to strenuous 4.5-mile hike. Meet at the Cougar Pass parking lot.

Submarine races to begin July 20

ESCONDIDO -- The Human Powered Submarine competition will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 20 through 22 and 8 a.m. to noon July 23 at the Offshore Modeling Basin, a research and design facility for submersible vehicles, devices and structures.

More than a dozen teams will design, build and race submersibles that are human powered and comply with competition safety regulations. Submarines compete on a straight course and aim for speed. Recent years have brought notable race results, including a Guinness World Record.

Spectators are welcome; admission is free. The Offshore Modeling Basin is at 578 Enterprise St. For information, call (858) 254-7656 or go to http://sections.asme.org/sandiego.

Event organizers are the San Diego Section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the IEEE Oceanic Engineering Society and High Tech High.

Golf tourney to benefit PKD research

ESCONDIDO -- The 10th annual Mel Wasko Memorial Golf Tournament will be held July 22 at Castle Creek Golf Course. Proceeds will go to the research of polycystic kidney disease (PKD), a prevalent but little-known genetic disease. The tourney tees off at noon; check in at 11:30 a.m.

To sponsor a hole or to participate, call Marjorie Blanchard at (760) 804-9523 or e-mail pkd02@hotmail.com.

Walk to benefit United Cerebral Palsy

SAN DIEGO -- The 24th annual Unity Walk and Roll to benefit United Cerebral Palsy of San Diego County's aquatics program will take place at 9 a.m. July 22 at Spanish Landing Park, across from the airport.

Enjoy a continental breakfast and help athletes with disabilities compete in swimming competitions on the local, national and international level.

Pledge forms are available by calling the UCP office at (858) 571-5365. To register for the event, go to http://active.com.

Jaguar car owners to gather

SAN DIEGO -- The San Diego Jaguar Club will host its 42nd annual Concours d'Elegance from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 6 at Spanish Landing Park. The event is open to all models of Jaguar cars.

Any Jaguar owner, club member or not, is welcome to enter his or her car for judging or display in the event, sanctioned by Jaguar Clubs of North America. Admission for spectators is free. For registration information, call Hazel Beck at (858) 638-0011 or go to http://www.sdjag.com.

Guts & Glory benefit walk/run set

SAN MARCOS -- The 2006 Guts & Glory 5K Walk/Run to benefit the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation of American will take place Aug. 6 at Cal State San Marcos. Register online as a team or an individual at http://www.gutsandglory.org. All registered participants with a minimum of $100 in contributions will receive an official Guts & Glory T-shirt. For information, go to the Web site or call (858) 547-8200.

Families sought to host foreign exchange students

Forte International Exchange Association, a nonprofit educational organization, is looking for families to host high school students ages 15 to 18 from various countries for the 2006-07 school year. All students are prescreened, speak English, have medical insurance and their own spending money. For information, call (888) 866-9148. Experience is not required; an orientation and support will be provided.

Bonsall chamber prepares for country festival

BONSALL -- The Bonsall Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its country festival set for Oct. 14 at the River Village Center at the corner of South Mission Road and Highway 76.

It will feature food, music, entertainment and contests. The honorary mayor for 2006-07 will be announced. That campaign kicks off at the chamber's Aug. 10 sundowner and the event is a fundraiser for the chamber. Candidates sell votes and the one who sells the most wins.

Festival chairman is Leigh Ann Howard. Contact her at (760) 414-3239. Other committee members are Gary Evans, (760) 630-6115; Cory Carrier, (760) 741-6115; and Tony Flores, (760) 917-7090.

Chairmen of other features and activities are:

• Retail vendors and arts and crafts contests for children and adults: Marilyn Schweibold, (760) 758-4513; and Jill Marie Thorburn, (760) 535-2998.

• Children's performances or activities by individuals or groups, Laura Rosier, (760) 414-3384.

• Business expo section, where tables will be furnished, Frank Long, (760) 723-8210; and Andrea Aston, (760) 758-1565.

• Chili cookoff, Leigh Ann Howard, (760) 414-3239.

Rattlesnake avoidance clinic scheduled

FALLBROOK -- Kindred Spirits Dog Training will host a rattlesnake avoidance clinic for dogs Aug. 26 and 27 at 3343 E. Vista Way, between Gopher Canyon Road and Highway 76. Patrick Callaghan, who has more than 20 years experience at rattlesnake avoidance training, is the trainer.

Callaghan trains each dog to respond with aversion to the scent, sound and sight of a rattlesnake. He uses a remote collar that does not shock the dog but instead stimulates a muscle contraction. Training is conducted in a controlled environment, thus ensuring the safety of the dogs as well as the safety of the muzzled or defanged rattlesnakes used in the training. Training will be conducted by appointment only and preregistration is required. Times will be assigned on a first-come basis. For more information or to register, visit www.kindredspirits9.com.

Fallbrook Hospice plans remembrance program

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook Hospital Hospice will have its summer program and butterfly release from 10 a.m. to noon July 15 at the Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road.

The gathering will feature a continental breakfast, special presentations, entertainment by various members of the hospice staff and the butterfly release.

Family members or guests are welcome. Make reservations by July 10 to Vilasini Wilson, (760) 728-1435, Ext. 540.

Benefit spaghetti dinner planned

FALLBROOK -- A spaghetti dinner to benefit the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary will be held at 6 p.m. July 15 at the VFW Post at 1175 Old Stage Road. The meal will be provided by Vince Vinceguerra of Vince's Pizza. Tickets are $10 and available at Vince's Pizza, 855 S. Main St.; North County Times, 232 S. Main St; and Phyllis Sweeney's Encouragement Factor, 425 E. Alvarado St., Suite B. For information, call (760) 685-3533.

Thrift shop has Christmas in July sale

FALLBROOK -- St. John's Thrift Store's Christmas in July sale is under way and will continue for the entire month. Bargain items include tree and table decorations, figurines and jewelry items. The shop is located at 1075 S. Mission Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Call (760) 723-9520.

YMCA offers day camp specials

RANCHO PENASQUITOS -- The Rancho Family YMCA's summer day camps for youths are under way. Those who enroll in six or more weeks of camps by July 17 will receive a free pool pass for themselves and their families. Current camp participants who sign up for an additional week will have their names entered into a drawing for one month of free family membership.

More than 50 camp themes are available. For information, call (858) 484-8788, go to http://rancho.ymca.org or stop by the YMCA at 9410 Fairgrove Lane.

Poway Hometown Reunion Picnic set

POWAY -- The Poway Historical and Memorial Society will host its annual Hometown Reunion Picnic from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 23 at the Heritage Museum in Old Poway Park, 14114 Midland Road.

Attendees should bring their own lunches and drinks. Chairs and tables will be provided. The museum is air conditioned and wheelchair accessible.

For information, call Lucille Dalbey at (858) 748-1383.

Stamping Details offers art classes

POWAY -- Stamping Details, at 14009 Midland Road, will offer these classes. For information or to register, call (858) 513-8024 or go to http://www.stampingdetails.com.

• "Stenciling Techniques and Gold Leaf," 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m. July 25. Learn the newest techniques in dry embossing using paste, the Palette Stamp & Stick Gluepad and gold leafing. Cost is $22.

• "Frame Your Name," 6 to 8 p.m. July 27. Make a custom name tag using wire, beads and charms. Cost is $22.

• "Tantalizing Techniques for Background Papers," 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 29. Cost is $26.

• "Focal Point Panache," 1:30 to 4 p.m. July 29. Make "focal points" for backgrounds using clay, wire, glass and other materials. Cost is $26.

• "Christmas Workshop in July," 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 31. Get a jump on your Christmas card-making with Leila Steineckert, a 13-time guest on HGTV's "The Carol Duvall Show." Cost is $18.

Tai chi for arthritis workshop set

RANCHO BERNARDO -- Flowing Waters Tai Chi will offer the workshop "Tai Chi for Arthritis and Health" on July 29 at the Rancho Bernardo Swim & Tennis Club, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Part 1 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and part 2 from 1 to 4 p.m.

Participants can learn tai chi movements to help with arthritis pain and improve overall health. Cost if registered by July 15 is $30 for part 1 only or $50 for parts 1 and 2 ($10 more after July 15).

For information or to register, call (858) 485-0517, e-mail taichisandiego@aol.com or go to http://www.flowingwaterstaichi.com.

Chamber to host food and wine event

POWAY -- The Poway Chamber of Commerce will present its Sunset Food & Wine Experience from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 17 at the Bernardo Winery.

Guests can taste food, wine, microbrews, as well as sample fine desserts, from dozens of food and beverage professionals for $30 per person or $50 per couple. Entertainment will be provided by jazz musician Bradley Leighton and his band.

Tickets are available at the Poway Chamber of Commerce, 13381 Poway Road. Vendor space also is available. For information, call (858) 748-0016 or go to http://www.poway.com.

Stroke screenings offered

SAN MARCOS -- Life Line Screening will offer stroke screenings July 19 at Royal Oaks Adult Community, 650 Woodward St. Appointments begin at 9 a.m. Through preventive screenings, the risk of having a stroke can be reduced.

The cost for a complete vascular screening package, which includes stroke/carotid artery, abdominal aortic aneurysm and ankle brachial index (hardening of the arteries), is $109. Cost for this package plus an osteoporosis screening is $129.

For an appointment, call (800) 697-9721.

VFW post serves Friday dinners

SAN MARCOS -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795 of San Marcos and its auxiliaries serve dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays at the post, 212 W. Mission Road.

Following is the menu for July:

• July 14: Ribs, chicken and catfish with all the fixings. Donation: $10 for adults; $6 for children younger than 12.

• July 21: tri-tip steak with butter-glazed potatoes, vegetables and dessert. Donation: $8 for adults; $4 for children.

• July 28: barbecue chicken with beans, cole slaw. Donation: $5.50 for adults; $3 for children.

Large parties are encouraged to make reservations. Call (760) 744-3795.

Seminar for parents of teen drivers set

SAN DIEGO -- A seminar to help parents become effective driving instructors for their new teen drivers will be offered from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. July 23 at the Marriott SpringHill Suites, 12032 Scripps Highlands Drive. Participants will receive a high visibility suction cup rearview mirror.

Cost is $67 payable at the door. Seating is limited to 30; reservations are required. Go to http://www.sdteendriver.com.