OCEANSIDE - Vitas Innovative Hospice has become an official partner with the Library of Congress, sponsor of the "Veteran's History Project." Trained by the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project, interviewer Jude Begell will have a display table in the lobby of the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane, from 9 a.m. to noon today to sign up veterans who would like to be interviewed for this project. Begell understands the value of preserving the wartime memories of veterans and those who supported them at home.

Any veteran of World War I, World War II and the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf wars, including the current conflict, is invited to participate by making an appointment with Begell to tell their story. The interviews will be recorded by audio or video, be added to the official archives at the Library of Congress and become a permanent record of the nation's history.

The project was motivated by a desire to honor the country's war veterans for their service and was signed into law by President Bill Clinton on Oct. 27, 2000. There are at least 19 million veterans of previous conflicts currently living in the United States. Every day 1,500 are lost before they are able to share their stories.

Those veterans who miss the today's date can still sign up by calling Begell at (760) 505-5188.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE - LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Feb. 8 in Room 1068 of the Administration Building at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. Kathleen Murray, in "The Legacy of Jonas Salk," will share her personal reminiscences of the human side of this very special scientist, the inventor of the ground breaking polio vaccine.

At 2:30 p.m., Bill Bourke, 65, mountaineer and retired corporate lawyer, having conquered the highest mountains on six continents, will talk about his return to Nepal this year to complete the last 100 yards of Mt. Everest. Call (760) 721-8124.

View the lunar eclipse at mission

OCEANSIDE - The Mission San Luis Rey Retreat Center and Oceanside Photo and Telescope will feature an evening of viewing the heavens during a full lunar eclipse on Feb. 20 at the mission at 4050 Mission Ave.

The retreat will begin at 6 p.m. with Mass in the Mission Church, followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. and presentation from 7:30 to 9 p.m. A donation of $20 to $25 per person is requested. Register by calling (760) 757-3659.

Knit-in to assist fire victims

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Public Library invites all knitters and crocheters to assist the San Diego Wildfire Blanket Project from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 in the Community Rooms, 330 N. Coast Highway. The project will help provide handmade blankets to more than 1,500 families who lost their homes in the October fires. While many knitted and crocheted squares have already been donated from around the world, more 8-inch by 8-inch squares are needed. Volunteers are needed to share patterns, work on squares and begin blanket assembly.

All skill levels are welcome. Information: (760) 435-5586; http://www.sandiegowildfireblankets.blogspot.com.

Angel's Depot needs volunteers

VISTA - The Angel's Depot provides free food boxes for senior citizens who live on a monthly income of $900 or less. Volunteers are needed to join "The 21 Club" Auxiliary. The auxiliary will meet at 6 p.m. Feb. 7 at the depot, 1495 Poinsettia Ave. Information: (760) 599-7093; http://www.theangelsdepot.org.

Financial planning workshops offered

VISTA - The United Methodist Church of Vista Foundation will sponsor free financial planning workshops from 3 to 5 p.m. on three Sundays in February:

• Feb. 10: Young Families, budgeting, investing and handling emergencies

• Feb. 17: Mid-earning Years, wills, trusts and long-term planning.

• Feb. 24: Mature Years, custodianship, nursing homes and giving legacy.

Speaker will be Mary Winters, attorney Cary Cotton and Gerald Williams. All are invited to attend one or all of the workshops. Call (760) 726-0442.

Soccer academy to hold try-outs

CARLSBAD - Three Lions International Soccer Academy will hold tryouts from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 and 13 for boys and girls age 8 , 9 and 10. Tryouts for youths age 11, 12, 13 and 14 will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 18 and 20.

Call backs will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22. Tryouts will be held at Calavera Hills Middle School, 4104 Tamarack Ave.

Three Lions International was formed to offer North County a coaching-driven program comparable to youth soccer programs in Europe. For more details on whether Three Lions is the right choice for a child, attend the pre-tryout free presentation from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 6 at Calavera Hills Elementary School, 4100 Tamarack Ave. Information: (760) 494-8704, (949) 294-8340; http://www.threelionsfc.com.

Basic birding at the lagoon landing

CARLSBAD - Birders of all skill levels are invited to spend a morning with leader Tom Troy at 8:30 a.m. the last Saturday of the month at the Buena Vista Lagoon Landing, Jefferson Street. Troy will help identify birds by sight and sound, with added instruction in the use of binoculars and scopes. Presented by the Buena Vista Audubon Society. Call (760) 967-6915.

Hospice offers grief counseling

CARLSBAD - The HOPE Bereavement Center of Hospice of the North Coast provides bereavement counseling for community members who are grieving the death of a loved one. Individual counseling and support groups are provided. Counseling is available for children, teens, adults and seniors. Hospice of the North Coast, The HOPE Bereavement Center, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A. Information: (760) 431-4100; http://www.hospicenorthcoast.org.

Networkers meet at Marie Calendars

CARLSBAD - Le Tip of Carlsbad meets for breakfast and business referral networking at 7 a.m. Thursdays at Marie Calendars, 5980 Avenida Encinas. Call (760) 877-7759.

Center to host Tai Chi classes for seniors

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Senior Center will host advanced Tai Chi Chuan, noncredit, tuition-free classes offered by MiraCosta College from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 6, at the center, 799 Pine St. The classes will consist of practice in the advanced form of the Chinese exercise discipline of Tai Chi Chuan. Emphasis is placed on balance, flexibility, and ease of movement. The instructor for the class is Yvonne Merson. Call (760) 795-8710.

Take a 'Magical Mystery Trip'

CARDIFF - Join MiraCosta College's Community Services Program for a truly memorable mystery trip hosted by magician Michael Johnson. Come along with him to one of his all-time favorite spots in Hollywood to enjoy a road trip, a first-class dinner and a special show on Feb. 10.

The bus leaves at 3 p.m. Feb. 10 from MiraCosta College San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., and 3:45 p.m. from MiraCosta College Oceanside campus, 1 Barnard Drive. Cost of the trip is $130, which includes the bus ride to Hollywood, dinner, dessert, professional show and magic. The dress code is elegant attire and this trip is for people 21 and older only. Bus returns at 11:30 p.m. to Oceanside, midnight to Cardiff. Information: (760) 795-6820; http://www.miracosta.edu.

Library to host 'A Funny Valentine'

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad City Library will feature vocalist Rosemary Watson and her trio performing a musical tribute to Rogers and Hart with "A Funny Valentine" at 2 p.m. Feb. 10 in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. The trio includes pianist Mikan Zlatkovich, Danny Weller on bass and Brett Sanders on drums. Admission is free, with tickets given out at the door beginning at 1 p.m. Information: (760) 602-2012; http://www.RosemaryWatson.com.

Bookstore to host self-hypnosis talk

CARLSBAD - Walter Holtschi will discuss "Easy Steps to Self-Hypnosis" at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at The Sacred Pathway Bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. The talk will explain how self-hypnosis works and what can be achieved by it, and how simple exercises bring about the pleasure of change. Donations accepted. Information: (760) 729-2434, http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Store to contribute funds to school

DEL MAR - Tatiana Boutique, 2710 Via De La Valle, Suite B120, will host its special "Valentine's Day Shopping Weekend" Feb. 9 and 10 when 10 percent of all sales will be donated to Solana Highlands School. Fliers have been distributed by the Solana Highlands School, which identify participating Flower Hill Promenade stores and the percentages each store is donating. Shoppers must present the flyer at the time of purchase. Information: (858) 481-3284; http://tatianadelmar.com.

Encinitas Follies fill La Paloma

ENCINITAS -- The 10th annual Encinitas Follies will be held at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Feb. 10 at the La Paloma Theater, 471 S. Coast Highway. The event is the major annual fund raiser for senior activities at the Encinitas Senior Center. Information: (760) 518-7100; http://www.esfencinitas.org.

Library to celebrate Black history month

RANCHO SANTA FE - As part of San Diego County Public Library's celebration of Black History Month, the Rancho Santa Fe branch library, 17040 Avenida De Acacias, will host several events. For adults, The Rancho Santa Fe Book Club will discuss "When a Crocodile Eats the Sun: a Memoir of Africa," by Peter Godwin from 2 to 3 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Musician/educator Carl Winters, "The Kalimba King," will perform blues, jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues on the kalimba, the African thumb piano, in a concert for all ages, at 3:30 p.m. Feb. 7. Call (858) 756-2512.

College to host real estate workshop

CARDIFF - MiraCosta College's new class, "Introduction to Real Estate Appraising - A Great-Home Based Business" will teach students about the real estate appraisal business from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 21 in Room 601 on the college's San Elijo campus, 3333 Manchester Ave. The course is taught by William Mansfield, a licensed real estate broker and appraiser with 40 years experience in the industry. He is also a published author, lecturer and instructor at various colleges throughout Southern California. Cost is $50. Information: (760) 795-6820; http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs.

Center seeks volunteer drivers

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Senior Center is seeking volunteer drivers to take senior citizens to the pharmacy, Senior Center, doctors' appointments, grocery stores, etc. Volunteers will be responsible for transporting senior citizens in private vehicles and will be reimbursed the current annual IRS rate per mile. Call (760) 943-2256.

B>Gem and mineral society to meet

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Gem and Mineral Society will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 21 in the museum meeting rooms at 123 W. Alvarado St. Brendan Laurs, editor for the Gemological Institute of America, will present "Journey To The Source: Paraiba-type Tourmaline From Mozambique."

He will discuss the culture, mines and landscapes of this relatively new source of copper-bearing tourmaline. Laurs is a gemologist and geologist specializing in the formation of gem deposits. Information: (760) 728-1139, http://www.fgms.org.

Retired teachers group to meet

FALLBROOK - The California Retired Teachers, Division 81, will meet for brunch at 9 a.m. Feb. 13 at the Fallbrook Golf Club, 2757 Gird Road. A talent show featuring several members is planned. Everyone interested in education is welcome to attend. Reserve with Jewell Roberds at (760) 728-1092 by Feb. 8.

Book Talk scheduled for Feb. 14

FALLBROOK - The next Book Talk will be at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14 in the board room of the Fallbrook Public Utility District building at 990 E. Mission Road. The featured selection is "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. This science fiction novel is the first in the Ender's saga, and has won both the Nebula and Hugo awards. The discussion will be led by Mary Ellen Holman.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library, the Community Book Club meets the second Thursday of each month from September through June. No reservations are required, and attendees need not be members of the Friends organization. Future selections on this year's schedule include "Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows" by J.K Rowling, "Run" by Ann Patchett and "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan" by Lisa See. Suggestions of books and volunteers to lead discussions are welcome. Information: (760) 420-9957.

Senior center sponsors casino trip

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Senior Center is sponsoring a trip to the Pauma Casino on Feb. 20. Cost is $10, which includes a tip for the driver.

Each participant will receive a $10 cash certificate. Breakfast and a beverage may be purchased for $3.95. The buffet, from 1 to 4 p.m., is $2.95. Free coffee is always available.

Participants must have picture identification such as a driver's license, Department of Motor Vehicle identification or passport.

The bus will depart from the center at 9 a.m. and leave the casino at 3 p.m. It is not necessary to be a member of the senior center to take the trip.

Reservations: (760) 728-4498; Dee, (760) 723-7469. Payment is due when reservations are made. No cancellations or refunds after Feb. 10 unless a replacement is found.

Health services offered for seniors

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.

• Dr. Randy Jungman, a local dentist, will hold a dental screening from 9 to 10:15 a.m. Feb. 6. Call for an appointment.

• Audiologist David Illich will conduct and interpret professional hearing tests at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 11. A copy of the test is provided. Illich also will give advice on hearing aids. Call for space availability.

• Diabetes blood sugar screening will be offered from 8 to 9 a.m. Feb. 15. Do not eat, drink or take medications before coming in. No appointment is necessary.

SM Library to host Black History Month events

SAN MARCOS - The San Marcos branch of the San Diego County Library, 2 Civic Center Drive, will host these events to celebrate Black History Month.

• Carl Winters, known as the Kalimba King, will perform from 6 to 7 p.m. Feb. 7. Playing an African thumb piano called the kalimba, Winters combines blues, jazz, gospel and rhythm and blues in a concert for all ages.

• Seth Mallios, chairman of the San Diego State University anthropology department, will discuss the archaeological dig at the Nate Harrison site on Palomar Mountain from 2 to 3 p.m. Feb. 17. Harrison was a former slave who was San Diego County's first permanent black resident.

Information: (760) 891-3000.

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.

• "Color Power Analysis" will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 6. Cost is $10.

• "Myths From Genesis" will be presented from 10:15 to 11:45 a.m. Feb. 5. Cost is $5.

• James Beck, past president of PACE-TV, will present "Up Close and Personal: The Ins and Outs of Getting Your Message on TV." Cost is $3.

• "Gardening in the French Style" will be offered from 1 to 3 p.m. Feb. 8. Cost is $4.

Hearing loss group to meet

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Hearing Loss Association will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Feb. 9 in the Joslyn Senior Center auditorium, 210 Park Ave.

A panel of cochlear implant recipients will discuss the pros and cons of their experiences with the implants.

Refreshments will be served and a 50/50 raffle will be held. Information: Sylvia, (760) 745-5408.

Senior Anglers to meet Feb. 15

ESCONDIDO - The Senior Anglers of Escondido will meet at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 15 in the Joslyn Senior Center auditorium, 210 Park Ave.

Ron and Valerie Hoperich will discuss Queen Charlotte Island and great Alaska fishing.

Information: President Ron Parker, (760) 745-5751; http://www.senioranglersofescondido.net.

Seniors can get computer training

ESCONDIDO - The Senior Service Council is offering new computer classes in Windows Vista, as well as Windows XP, Apple Works, e-mail and the Internet, at its computer lab in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway, in the Joslyn Senior Center complex.

Classes run for 90 minutes per week for eight weeks - 12 hours of personalized instruction with only three students per instructor, each furnished with a computer. All materials are supplied with the $25 tuition.

Sign-ups for classes starting in March will begin at 9:30 a.m. Feb. 25 at the center.

Information: (760) 480-0611.

Local man is Model T Club president

Escondido resident Larry Ciuffo has been installed as president of the Model T Club of San Diego at the club's recent annual installation luncheon in Mission Valley. The club, with members from all over San Diego County, focuses on maintaining historical interest in the Model T vehicle and enjoying frequent tours locally and away. This year, the club will celebrate its 25th anniversary. To attend a monthly meeting, call Ciuffo at (760) 233-1263 or Carolyn Lemler at (619) 469-3042.

Center offers lectures for adults

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo will offer these enrichment lectures.

• 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6: Dr. Dennis Rohatyn of the University of San Diego will begin a three-part biography of Henry David Thoreau. Other dates are Feb. 13 and 20.

• 10 a.m. Feb. 12: Dr. Vicki Golich of Cal State San Marcos will present "Outsourcing - Good, Bad and Ugly."

All lectures are held at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Lecture fees are $7; $5 for members. Information and registration: (858) 487-0464, http://www.cecrb.org.

Library Friends to host book sale

POWAY - The Friends of the Poway Library will hold a giant book clearance sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 9 in the Poway Library meeting room, 13137 Poway Road. Most paperbacks will be priced at 25 cents; most hardcover at 50 cents.

A presale for Friends' members will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Memberships will be available at the door.

COGG to host City Council candidate

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Conservative Order for Good Government will host a luncheon at noon Feb. 11 at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive. The guest speaker will be Carl DeMaio, candidate for San Diego City Council District 5. Reservations: (760) 432-4460.

Find out about Wildfire Relief Fund

RAMONA - The Ramona Forum will host a Wildfire Relief Fund information clinic at 6 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Sizzler restaurant, 344 Main St. The fund offers numerous FEMA-funded programs for fire victims and others. Information: Dave Patterson, (760) 207-9139.

Poway Valley Garden Club to meet

POWAY - The Poway Valley Garden Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 13 at Templars Hall in Old Poway Park, at Midland Road and Temple Street.

Horticulturist Patrick Anderson will discuss "Mediterranean Gardening," with a slide show to demonstrate how Mediterranean gardens have inspired garden styles in Southern California. He will offer examples of how these plants and design components can be incorporated into home gardens.

Information: Lucille Rosicky, (858) 672-6225; Karen Sanchez, (858) 748-6746.

AAUW branch to host heart attack survivor

POWAY - The Poway-Penasquitos branch of the American Association of University Women will celebrate Heart Healthy Month with a presentation by Suzie Arnegger, a heart attack survivor, at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13 in the multipurpose room at Pomerado Elementary School, 12321 Ninth St. Bring a friend and learn about the heart attack symptoms that are specific to women. Information: Tina Goldsmith, (858) 842-1516, tgoldsmith212@cox.net.

Poway Democrats to meet Feb. 14

POWAY - The Poway Democratic Club will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 14 in the Valley School multipurpose room, 13000 Bowron Road. Dr. Farouk Al-Nasser will discuss the status of the troop surge in Iraq. Information: http://www.PowayDemocraticClub.org, (858) 487-9489.

Brandeis women to present program

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Rancho Bernardo chapter of Brandeis University National Women's Committee will present "The Immigrants Are Coming, The Immigrants Are Coming" at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at the Eastview Community Center, 17520 Drayton Hall Way.

The presentation is an adapted version of Leo Roston's images of Hyman Kaplan. Maud Pincus and Flora Kuritsky will enact the roles of Leo Roston and Hyman Kaplan, and the program will be narrated by Barbara Wohlmuth.

A $10 donation and reservation may be sent to Enid Harris, 12868 Camino de la Breccia, San Diego, CA 92128, by Feb. 10.

Learn about food allergies

LA JOLLA - The San Diego Food Allergy support group will host the "Food Allergy Product Tour" from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at Whole Foods market, 8825 Villa La Jolla Drive. Reservations are suggested. Information: (760) 505-9984; info@sandiegofoodallergy.org.