ESCONDIDO -- The Honda Dealers of San Diego County will host free eco-friendly car washes each day for four days at select locations. Free VIP Exterior Detail by EcoPit will shine and protect each car with products safe for the environment that create no water waste or runoff.

In Escondido, car washes will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 25 at Westfield North County mall, 272 Via Rancho Parkway.

Seminar set for families with aging parents

ESCONDIDO -- "Covering Life's Bases," a seminar for families with aging parents, will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at Emmanuel Faith Community Church, 639 E. Felicita Ave. Requested donation is $10 at the door. Information: Cherryl Early, (760) 781-2108, cearly@efcc.org.

Hidden Meadows holiday craft fair set

ESCONDIDO -- The community of Hidden Meadows will host its annual holiday craft fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 at Meadow Lake Golf Club, 10333 Meadow Glen Way East.

Vaqueros to host horse show

VALLEY CENTER -- The Valley Center Vaqueros will host its Halloween Fun Show Oct. 28 at Aerie Park, Aerie and Betsworth roads. Grounds open at 8 a.m., with the first class at 9. Information: Fran DeWilde, (760) 749-1339; Del Smith, (760) 746-5809.

OASIS classes set for seniors

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. Trimester processing fee is $3. Call (760) 432-0635.

- Financial journalist George Chamberlin will present "Difference Between Saving and Investing" from 10:15 a.m. to noon Oct. 29. Cost is $7.

- Registered pharmacist Gerald Graf will offer "The Medication Maze," a discussion of prescription drugs and Medicare Part D, from 10:15 a.m. to noon Oct. 30. Cost is $4.

- Computer instructors Rue Harris and Flora Young will present "Inserting Pictures Into Your Documents" from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Oct. 30. Cost is $12.

Las Vegas trip on tap for seniors

ESCONDIDO -- The Joslyn Senior Center Travel Office is offering a trip to Las Vegas from Dec. 17 through 19. Stay at the Golden Nugget and enjoy the Christmas Light Show. Price includes one free buffet, luggage handling, deluxe motorcoach transportation and all gratuities.

Cost is $125 per person, double occupancy only. Reservations must be paid by Oct. 31. Travelers ages 50 or older are eligible to participate in Joslyn Senior Center trips.

To make reservations, stop by the senior center office at 210 Park Ave., or call (760) 745-5414.

'Portrait of Dorian Gray' will be screened

ESCONDIDO -- The Philosophical Library will show the film "The Portrait of Dorian Gray," starring Angela Lansbury and Hurd Hatfield, at its First Saturday Movie Night at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 3. Doors open at 6.

Following the film, there will be a group discussion moderated by Richard M. Dell'Orfano, who moderated film discussions at the Escondido Public Library for three years.

At its First Saturday Movie Nights, the library shows dramatic films chosen for their moral dilemma or socially controversial issues that will stimulate thought and consideration.

Admission is free; however, a $5 donation is suggested to support and expand the facility. The library is at 2091 E. Valley Parkway, Suite D. Information: (760) 745-2724.

Crafters sought for Nov. 17 fair

ESCONDIDO -- Crafters are sought for Palomar Family YMCA's annual bake and craft fair set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Cost for a table is $25. Register by calling (760) 745-7490. The fair will benefit Mary's House, a transitional living program in Escondido for young women who are turning 18 and "aging out" of San Diego's foster care system.

Chorus seeks new director

ESCONDIDO -- The Champagne Village Chorus is in need of a new director. The chorus (small and mixed) is currently rehearsing for its Christmas concert. Rehearsals are held once a week for one hour. The director position could be a good opportunity for a semi-retired music teacher or music student. Call Joan at (760) 749-0932.

Services for seniors offered

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

- Sharon Timko of Senior Independence Inc. offers help in finding resources for seniors and caregivers. Resources include assistance from the government and private sources in areas such as health, veterans benefits, rental and legal assistance and more. Call for an appointment.

- Get help with health maintenance organizations (HMOs), health insurance policies, HUD reports and bank reconciliation from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Thursdays.

- Seniors are invited to pick up informational fliers about the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP. Qualifying applicants may be eligible to receive an additional credit toward their utility bill.

Center offers tutoring, enrichment classes

ESCONDIDO -- Kidz Klub Tutoring and Enrichment Center of Escondido offers tutoring in math, reading, writing, science and other subjects for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. SAT preparation and high school exit exam tutoring also is available.

In addition, the center offers enrichment classes, such as arts and crafts, basic Spanish, computers, cooking and cake decorating, as well as themed birthday parties for children. Infants and toddlers can join their moms for mommy-and-me classes.

The center is at 1111 E. Washington Ave., Suite E. Information: (760) 739-5439.

VFW post serves meals

FALLBROOK -- The Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars post serves meals several nights a week. Hamburgers and hot dogs are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays. Cost is $4. Wednesday is pasta night. Servings are from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and this week's special will be spaghetti with homemade meatballs. Cost is $5. Specials are served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays. Cost is $8. The Oct. 26 special will be all-you-can-eat tacos with fresh salsa. The post is at 1175 Old Stage Road. Call (760) 728-8784.

Community Halloween festival planned

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook Community Center will host a free "spooktacular" safe Halloween festival for pint-sized ghosts, goblins and witches from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31. Children and their parents can participate in a variety of activities such as carnival games, trick-or-treats and a "haunted graveyard." This year's costume contest will be divided into categories including most creative, scariest and most elaborate, and will be held every half hour beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Carnival games will be staffed by volunteers from community service groups at stations throughout the center. Other service organizations will provide balloons, treats and popcorn. Another feature will be a "haunted graveyard" on the back lawn.

Children preschool age and older are welcome, but must be with an adult. The center is at 341 Heald Lane. Volunteers and donations are welcome. Information: (760) 728-1671.

Woman's Club prepares for Victorian teas

BONSALL -- The Bonsall Woman's Club is preparing for its annual Magic of Christmas Victorian teas, with two teas taking place from noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 4 and 5 at the Grand Tradition, 1602 S. Mission Road. Tickets are $45.

A third tea will be the Magic of Christmas finale, &#8220Stepping Out With My Baby," which will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 6 at the Golf Club of California, 3742 Flowerwood Lane. Tickets cost $50; $75 after Nov. 1. The event will feature cocktails and heavy hors d'oeuvres, live musical entertainment and prizes, including a kunzite gem on a 14-carat gold chain and several professionally decorated Christmas trees.

Information: Jane Johnson, (760) 941-5901.

Boys & Girls Clubs to open haunted house

FALLBROOK -- The Boys & Girls Clubs of North County will open their haunted house from 8 to 10:30 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27 at the Ingold Unit, 445 E. Ivy. St. Admission is $6; $4 for club members with a current membership card. Buy a wristband for $10 and get unlimited use each night. Information: (760) 728-5871.

Veterans Day service scheduled

FALLBROOK -- A Veterans Day ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 11 in the Village Square at Main and Alvarado streets. Master of ceremonies will be Fallbrook VFW Post 1924 Commander Mitch Chandler. Because it is a Sunday, there will be no parade this year.

Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Ron Ritter (CHC) will offer the invocation and benediction. Phyllis Bush of the VFW Auxiliary has organized patriotic music.

John R. "Dick" Rossi, Fallbrook resident and former Flying Tiger in World War II, will be the honored guest. He resigned his Navy commission in 1941 to join the American Volunteer Group (Flying Tigers) Command of Gen. Claire Chennault.

When the Flying Tigers were disbanded in 1942, he joined the China Nation Corp., flying supplies from India to China. By the end of World War II, he had flown more than 735 trips. He has served as president of the Volunteer Group Flying Tigers Association for 50 years.

All military families, especially the families of military serving overseas, are invited. Everyone is invited to lunch following the ceremony at the VFW Post at 1175 Old Stage Road. For information, call the post at (760) 728-8784.

San Marcos Trails Day planned

SAN MARCOS -- The city's Community Services Department and the Friends of San Marcos Parks and Trails will host the 16th annual San Marcos Trails Day from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 3. Check-in will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the south end of Santa Barbara Street off of Craven Road.

The event is open to hikers and equestrians of all levels. There is no fee to participate; however, donations for membership in the Friends of San Marcos Parks and Trails will be accepted. All proceeds from memberships will benefit the San Marcos Trail System, Jack's Pond Nature Center and other trail and park projects.

Participants can choose from three hikes: a three-mile hike to South Lake, which is not usually open to the public; a six-mile hike to South Lake and trails at the base of Double Peak; and a seven-mile challenge course to the top of Double Peak and back. The equestrian course takes riders through six miles of scenic trails. Registration includes trail snacks, event packet and trail guides.

Participants can register the day of the event or in advance by calling (760) 744-9000, Ext. 3535 or 3508.

Rehabilitation center plans open house

CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH -- Carmel Mountain Rehabilitation Center will hold an open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held to celebrate the center's recent renovations. Music and food will be provided.

The center, at 11895 Avenue of Industry, provides health care solutions for seniors, including rehabilitation services, post-acute care and skilled nursing. Information: Heather Ryberg, (858) 568-8619; http://www.carmelmountain.net.

Art group to offer critiques

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The Rancho Bernardo Art Association will meet at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the RB Swim & Tennis Club, 16955 Bernardo Oaks Drive.

The meeting will feature a peer critique session of paintings and drawings in all media. Artists are invited to bring a picture of their recent works or works-in-progress for feedback.

Admission is $3; free for RB Art Association members. Information: R. Hohberg, (858) 674-5624.

SDG&E initiatives to be discussed

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The Rancho Bernardo Community Council will host a presentation on "SDG&E's Energy Resource Plan" at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive.

J.C. Thomas, regional affairs manager for San Diego Gas & Electric Co., and Brian Freye, government affairs specialist for SDG&E, will discuss the Sunrise Powerlink, smart meters and clean transportation.

Information: http://www.rbcommunitycouncil.com.

Halloween event planned at YMCA

RANCHO PENASQUITOS -- The Rancho Family YMCA will host a family Halloween event from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at its facility, 9410 Fairgrove Lane. The free event will include a "gobstacle course," arts and crafts, games, healthy refreshments and a sensory table to explore. Information: http://www.rancho.ymca.org, (858) 484-8788.

Goodan Ranch Center grand opening planned

POWAY -- Four years after the Cedar fire consumed Goodan Ranch and Sycamore Canyon, the Department of Parks and Recreation will unveil the brand-new Goodan Ranch Center.

The community is invited to attend the ribbon-cutting and grand-opening ceremony set for 1 p.m. Oct. 26. Attendees also can tour the new energy-efficient facility that houses a ranger office, community room, comfort station, kitchenette and exhibits.

Goodan Ranch is at 16281 Sycamore Canyon Road. Information: http://www.sdparks.org, (858) 966-1331.

Fire safety event on tap

RANCHO BERNARDO -- North County Gymnastics and Gyminny Kids Inc. will host a free fire safety event from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at its facility, 17022 Camino San Bernardo. The Rancho Santa Fe Fire Department will provide fire safety information and demonstrations, and give fire engine tours. Information: (858) 451-0204.

Halloween carnival set at library

POWAY -- The Poway chapter of the National Charity League will host a Halloween Carnival from 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 27 in the courtyard of the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road. The event will feature a haunted house, games, refreshments and more. Information: (858) 513-2900.

School to host Halloween carnival

POWAY -- Country Montessori School will hold its annual Halloween Carnival from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 on the school playground, 12642 Monte Vista Road. Information: (858) 673-1756, http://www.countrymontessori.org.

GOP club members attend national event

RAMONA -- Thirteen members of the Intermountain Republican Women Federated attended the 34th biennial convention of the National Federation of Republican Women held recently in Palm Springs. They are Bonnie Munt of Julian and Ramona residents Marilyn Kruso, Eileen Castberg, Vicki Trimble, Mary Kafka, Hazel Cardwell, Racheal Gilmore, Mary Bonner, Margie Camomile, Betty Ann Tulloch, Marilyn Lawler, Linda K. Ball and Rachel Meyer.