ESCONDIDO - The first Orange Glen High School Alumni and Friends Barbecue will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the high school gymnasium, 2200 Glenridge Road. Speakers will include alumna and Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, as well as OGHS Principal Diego Ochoa and others.

Admission of $50 includes dinner, raffle tickets and admission to the homecoming football game, which will follow the barbecue. Information: Dennis Tomlinson, tomlinsonescondido@cox.net, (760) 740-0619. The event is sponsored by the Orange Glen High School Patriot Foundation and proceeds will go to pay for educational needs.

Arts alliance to meet today

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Arts Alliance will meet at 12:30 today at the Art Campus, 310 E. Alvarado St. Vince Ross of the Fallbrook Village Association will give an update on activities of the Fallbrook Village Association and the Fallbrook Revitalization Committee. .

Anti-violence conference scheduled

FALLBROOK - A conference, "Violence Against Women: Reclaiming Your Spirit," will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 6 at Maie Ellis Elementary School, 400 E. Elder St.

The free event for women only will feature speakers from social services, law enforcement, medical, legal, psychological and educational fields addressing issues of violence against girls and women - domestic/intimate partner abuse, sexual assault, teen date rape, bullying, girls and gangs, stalking, prostitution and elder abuse. Domestic violence survivors will share their stories of triumph. Activities such as a self-defense workshop, art therapy, music and yoga and a raffle of gift baskets also will be featured.

Participants are invited to take part in the creation of the 2007 Fallbrook/Bonsall/Rainbow/DeLuz Clothesline Project, which will be displayed in and around Fallbrook. It is a display of T-shirts with messages and illustrations that have been designed by women survivors of violence or by someone who loves a woman who has been killed.

Spanish and sign language interpreters will be available. Registration is required. Call P.J. Grimes at (760) 451-2077 or e-mail pj@toast2.net.

Swap meet scheduled

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Community Center will host a swap meet from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 in the center auditorium and on the front lawn, 341 Heald Lane. Set-up will begin at 6:30 a.m.

More than 50 spaces will be available for rent for $25 for the day. Call (760) 728-1671 to register. Participants may select their location, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Resale permit numbers are required. Call (800) 400-7115 or go to http://www.boe.ca.gov.

Film Factory plans workshops

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Film Factory will present a 10-week series of workshops with topics ranging from how to write a screenplay to allowing kids to share their ideas. Workshops are free to Fallbrook Film Factory members; $10 for others.

Sept. 19 will kick off the workshops with "The Early History of Filmmaking" at 6 p.m. at the Art Campus, 310 E. Alvarado St.

Idea workshops will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. every other Wednesday at Cafe Primo and are casual get-togethers to talk about film making. Dates are Sept. 26, Oct. 10, Oct. 24, Oct. 30 and Nov. 14.

Other dates and workshop topics are: Oct. 3, Brandon Chesney, "Writing"; Oct. 17, "Kids and Filmmaking"; Oct. 24, "Cheap Filmmaking"; Nov. 7, "Filmmaking in Fallbrook"; and Nov. 28, "Making Films for U-Tube."

Information: Janie Chesney, (760) 723-8916.

Recital nets $525 for Crop Walk

FALLBROOK - Community Baptist Church pianist Rachel Eades recently performed a violin and piano recital at the church, netting $525 for Fallbrook Crop Walk. The program included music written by J.S. Bach, F. Kreisler, F. Chopin, Pablo de Sarasate, Felix Mendelssohn and Ludwig van Beethoven.

Rally for Children plans fundraiser

NORTH COUNTY - Rally for Children will hold a casino night fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at Vista Valley Country Club.

This year's fundraiser, called "Rally Royale '007," is a James Bond-themed event, with professional casino company dealers manning the tables. Casino prizes are a Laughlin vacation for two, Del Mar racetrack passes for four and a Ritz Carlton package. New this year is a Web site auction. Go online until Oct. 19 at http://www.rallydorchildren.cmarket.com to bid on items.

Dining will be "by the bite," with culinary international favorites befitting the 007 movie locations. Raffle tickets will go out with the invitations for cash prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Proceeds will go to health, welfare and enrichment programs that make a difference in the lives of children in the Fallbrook/Bonsall area.

Rally for Children, in partnership with the Fallbrook Union Elementary School District, sponsors, organizes and supervises "Arts in the Park." The annual Fallbrook event allows children to participate in a day of crafts, painting, music, clay, drama and dance at no charge. Request tickets from Rally for Children, P.O. Box 2502, Fallbrook, CA 92088. Respond before Sept. 29.

Stage Coach Sunday set for Oct. 7

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Land Conservancy will hold its 17th annual "Stage Coach Sunday" from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Oct. 7 at the Palomares House on South Stagecoach Lane.

A barbecue dinner will be served from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults; $5 for children. Festivities will include music by Ken & Phee, a live "Wild World" animal show by Pacific Animal Productions, wagon rides by Victorian Carriages, a children's Halloween costume contest, face painting, pumpkin carving and games and contests for all ages. One highlight of the event every year is the silent auction and raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses, resorts, golf courses and San Diego attractions.

Information: (760) 728-0889.

OGHS Alumni Barbecue set for Sept. 21

ESCONDIDO - The first Orange Glen High School Alumni and Friends Barbecue will take place from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the high school gymnasium, 2200 Glenridge Road. Speakers will include alumna and Escondido Mayor Lori Holt Pfeiler, as well as OGHS Principal Diego Ochoa and others.

Admission of $50 includes dinner, raffle tickets and admission to the homecoming football game, which will follow the barbecue. Information: Dennis Tomlinson, tomlinsonescondido@cox.net, (760) 740-0619. The event is sponsored by the Orange Glen High School Patriot Foundation and proceeds will go to pay for educational needs.

Hoedown set for Sept. 21

ESCONDIDO - Villa Del Rey assisted living community will hold a Country Western Hoedown from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 21. The event will feature live entertainment, country dancing, a petting zoo, games, raffles and prizes. A barbecue dinner will be available for $5 per plate. Villa Del Ray is at 1351 E. Washington Ave. Information: (760) 741-3055.

Dinner-dance planned at senior center

ESCONDIDO - An "Endless Summer Dinner & Dance" will be held Sept. 22 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave. Dinner will be served at 5:30 p.m. and dancing will begin at 7. Music will be provided by the Rumble Seat Rascals. The dinner is hosted by Cypress Court, Escondido.

Cost for the dinner and dance is $7; cost for the dinner or dance only is $4. Reservations for dinner are required. Tickets can be purchased at the senior center's front desk. Information: (760) 839-4688.

Democratic Club to host professor

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Democratic Club will meet at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 22 in the Turrentine Room at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St.

Staci Beavers, political science professor at Cal State San Marcos, will discuss "Abusive Views of Presidential Power, Past and Present."

Information: http://www.escondidodems.com; Rick Moore, (760) 740-8595.

Gem & Mineral Club to meet

ESCONDIDO - The Palomar Gem & Mineral Club will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Joslyn Senior Center, 210 Park Ave.

Club member and geologist Gene Ciancanelli will take the group on a geologic exploration of the island of Kyushu, Japan, discussing how the geology is influenced by volcanic activity. Guests and members are welcome to wear or bring items to display relating to the speaker's topics.

Information: (760) 739-5504.

Luau to benefit firehouse renovation

ESCONDIDO - The Del Dios Town Council will host a luau fundraiser to help fund the renovation of the old firehouse in Del Dios. The event will be held from 5 p.m. to midnight Sept. 22 at the firehouse, 20155 Elm Lane.

The luau will feature an authentic Hawaiian dinner and live music by San Diego's own Backwater Blues Band.

Tickets are $25; $10 for youths younger than 18. For reservations, call Suzette at (760) 212-4802.

Vaqueros horse show on tap

VALLEY CENTER - The Valley Center Vaqueros horse club will host its Silver Buckle Gymkhana Show at 8 a.m. Sept. 23 at Aerie Park, Aerie and Betsworth roads. Grounds open at 7 a.m. Cost is $6.50 per class; $6 for members. Information: Fran DeWilde, (760) 749-1339; Teri Stathatos, (760) 751-2443.

Take a hike at Daley Ranch

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.

• 1 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23: Naturalist DJ Summers will lead an easy, one-hour hike along Jack Creek Meadow Loop Trail for parents and their children, followed by a leaf craft for the kids to make at the Ranch House picnic area. Meet at the La Honda Drive entrance and ride the shuttle to the Ranch House.

• 8 to 11 a.m. Sept. 25: Join naturalist Tom Lyon at the La Honda Trailhead for an easy bird walk. Bring binoculars.

Hospital board meetings televised

OCEANSIDE- Tri-City Medical Center will hold a special series of board meetings of interest to all citizens in the cities of Carlsbad, Vista and Oceanside. These meetings will provide a progress report on the status of the Tri-City Healthcare District master facilities planning process and financial options. The meetings are scheduled to be taped at 6 p.m. Sept. 20, Oct. 18, Nov. 8 and Nov. 29 (tentative). For replay schedules, go to http://www.koct.org and click on Schedule.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE - LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 21 in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Bernard Drive. Scott Kardel, education and public outreach director of Cal Tech's Palomar Observatory, will show astounding astronomical images, new discoveries and current research at Palomar.

At 2:30 p.m., Ione Head, LIFE member, will moderate a panel of three LIFE members who will discuss contemporary people and/or books. Call (760) 721-8124.

Downtown history walk planned

OCEANSIDE - Author Kristi Hawthorne will be the guide for the Oceanside Historical Society's Downtown Oceanside History Walk at 9 a.m. Sept. 22. The two-hour walk will begin in front of the Oceanside Public Library at 300 N. Coast Highway. Wear comfortable shoes, light clothing and a hat.

Hawthorne is the author of "Oceanside: Where Life is Worth Living," a history of early Oceanside. Call (760) 891-0801.

Boogie woogie pianist to perform

OCEANSIDE - Legendary "Queen of Boogie Woogie," Sue Palmer, will perform Sept. 27 at the Oceanside Museum of Art, 704 Pier View Way. The evening will begin with wine and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 for museum members, $15 for nonmembers. Guests also will have the opportunity to view the current exhibition, "OMA Regional 5," which showcases the work of San Diego-area artists.

Woman's club to hold rummage sale

OCEANSIDE - The Woman's Club of Oceanside will hold a rummage sale from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 28 and 29 at its club house at 1606 Missouri St. Donations are welcome and will be accepted between 10 a.m. and noon Sept. 25 and 26 at the clubhouse.

The club supports many worthy organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club, the Pregnancy Resource Center, scholarships. The club recently donated funds to purchase a thermal imaging camera for the fire department. Call (760) 433-3366.

OMA to hold book arts class

OCEANSIDE - Helen Shafer Garcia will teach "Book Arts: Structured and Altered: from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesdays, Oct. 3 to Nov. 7 at the Oceanside Museum of Art School of Art, 219 N. Coast Highway. Design, paint, collage, stamp, alter and assemble handmade books with acrylics, watercolors, polymer clay and other mediums. Explore book binding techniques, printmaking, papermaking and transfer methods to complete beautiful unique books. Experiment with writings and images with a variety of themes. Cost for museum members is $87; $107 for nonmembers. To register, call (760) 721-2787.

CERT training scheduled

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Fire Department, in conjunction with Palomar College, will offer a Community Emergency Response Team training class at the Oceanside Fire Training Center, 110 Jones Road. Class sessions are from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Oct. 2 to Nov. 20 and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 1. CERT provided training for emergency situations and is open to all residents of North County. To register, call (760) 435-4086 or e-mail jurban@ci.oceanside.ca.us.

Nominees sought for Blue & Gold Awards

OCEANSIDE - The North County NAACP will host the 42nd annual Blue & Gold Awards Gala at 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Del Mar Hilton, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd. Community members are invited to nominate worthy individuals or organizations for the awards, given to individuals, organizations and businesses that most exemplify the mission of the NAACP.

Nomination forms can be obtained at the office at 605 San Diego St. or downloaded at http://www.nsdcnaacp.org. Submission deadline is Sept. 21. Tickets for the event are $70 in advance, $85 at the door. Call (760) 754-9686.

Teen craft class to be held

VISTA - A "Teen Crafting" class will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 at Michael's, 1851 University Drive. Students will use decoupage and collage techniques to decorate their own unique "altered clip board." Cost: $10 including all supplies. To register, call (760) 941-7350.

Movie and lunch planned

VISTA - The featured movie of the month will be "Herbie, Fully Loaded," Sept. 28 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Lunch will be fried chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy and treats at 11:30 a.m. followed by the movie at 1:15 p.m. Refreshments and drinks will be served. For lunch reservations, call (760) 724-3362 the day before or the morning of the lunch. Those ages 60 and older are $3. Those under 60 must be accompanied by a senior and will be charged $5 for lunch.

Book discussion groups forming

VISTA - Three new book discussion groups are forming at the Vista Library to provide opportunities for local readers to meet others and share a good book. Groups will meet monthly on the second Saturday of the month at 10 a.m.; the third Thursday at 6 p.m.; and the fourth Friday at 3 p.m. Members join only one group. Interested members are asked to bring a book that will spark discussion to the first meeting. Books for November and December have been selected and will be distributed to the members at the October meetings. Future selections will be made by members. All groups will meet in the conference room of the library. Call (760) 643-5130.

Tibetan bowl concert, workshop offered

ENCINITAS - Diane Mandle will present the concert of Tibetan bowl music at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 at Inner Strength, 2124 El Camino Real, Suite 200. Mandle will combine precision-tuned Tibetan bowls, moon and wind gongs and other sacred instruments with a moving light show. Bring a mat to lie on. Cost is $20 in advance; $25 at door.

Mandle also will lead the workshop, "Learn How to use Tibetan Instruments for Meditation and Self Healing" at 2 p.m. Sept. 22 at the same venue. Cost is $50. Call (760) 822-1348.

Gardeners to meet Sept. 22

DEL MAR - Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar will meet from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 (call for venue address). The guest speaker will present "Name That Plant." The group meets from 1 to 3 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month. Call (858) 847-0433, (858) 481-2428.

Sound healing set for Sept. 28

ENCINITAS - The Well Within will host musician Diane Mandle and her Tibetan healing bowls in concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at the shop, 555 Second St. Mandle will perform on precision-tuned Tibetan bowls, moon and wind gongs and other sacred instruments. Bring a mat to lie on. Cost is $20. Call (760) 944-3441.

Senior center needs office help

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Senior Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, is seeking a volunteer for general office support in the Project CARE/Outreach office. The volunteer is needed from 8 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays and Fridays. Position available immediately. No computer skills are necessary, training will be provided. Project CARE is a "Safety Net" program of services for Encinitas seniors and disabled adults. Call (760) 943-2255.

Humane Society seeks student volunteers

ENCINITAS - Rancho Coastal Humane Society is seeking students to share their passion for animals by participating in the Kid's Community Service Program during the school year. KCS meets after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the shelter, 389 Requeza St. Students in grades 6 to 12 who are interested in and committed to animal welfare are invited to apply and get involved with meeting and learning about animals, and raising funds for RCHS. Information: (760) 753-6413; education@rchumanesociety.org; http/://www.rchumanesociety.org.

Seniors meet to dance

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Senior Center invites seniors age 50 and older to dance from 2 to 4 p.m. every third Friday of the month at the club, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Cost is $3. Call (760) 943-2250.

Women voters to meet Sept. 20

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Unit of the North Coast League of Women Voters will meet at 11 a.m. Sept. 20 at La Posada, 2478 Impala Drive. City attorney Ron Ball will discuss the charter form of city government and Scott Donnell will give an update on the effect of state law on affordable housing requirements. Attendees should bring a sack lunch. Call (760) 729-7242.

Retired teachers to meet

CARLSBAD - The California Retired Teachers Association will meet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Olympic Resort and Spa, 6111 El Camino Real. The program will be on identity theft and seniors, along with legislative and insurance reports. For reservations, call (760) 757-3380 or (760) 724-1887.

Class explores intuition

CARLSBAD - The Sacred Pathway Bookstore will hosts the class on "How to Listen to and Develop Our Inner Voice, and How to Recognize Our Deeper and Inner Feelings" at 6 p.m. Sept. 26 at the bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. The class will demonstrate how all people have the ability to be intuitive. Call (760) 729-2434; www.SwissSystem.com.

Police to provide firearm safety kits

CARLSBAD - Carlsbad Police Department will provide free firearm safety kits to local residents through a partnership with Project ChildSafe, a nationwide firearms safety education program. Safety kits include a cable-style gunlock and a safety curriculum; kits will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis with a maximum of two kits per household. The goal is to prevent a child or any other unauthorized person from accessing firearms in homes. Citizens can pick up the safety kits between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays at the Carlsbad Police Department, 2560 Orion Way.

The gunlocks will fit any type of revolver, shotgun or rifle. Residents are asked to leave their weapons at home; they do not need to bring them to the police department to receive the gunlock. Project ChildSafe is distributing millions of firearm safety kits throughout the country over the next year. The program in funded by a U.S. Department of Justice grant.

Police recruiting senior patrols

CARLSBAD - Patrol volunteers 55 and older are needed to help increase law enforcement services in Carlsbad. The next academy begins Oct. 15 at the Safety Center, 2560 Orion Way, and an extensive background check is required. Volunteers must be able to attend a 10-day training academy and volunteer a minimum of 24 hours a month. Call (760) 931-2181.

Class teaches ballroom dancing

CARLSBAD -- Dance instructors Gary Smith and Ellen Gladden offer ballroom dance lessons from 1 to 3 p.m. every third Thursday at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Learn the waltz, fox trot, East Coast swing, jitterbug, rumba, tango, and more. Call (760) 602-4654.

Church hosts grief workshop

CARLSBAD - Griefshare, the special help seminar for people experiencing grief and loss, will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in Room 202, the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The series will feature nationally recognized experts in grief therapy. Call (760) 729-2331.

Casino Day outing planned

Hospice of the North Coast Auxiliary will hold Casino Day with a trip to Viejas Casino from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 16. Cost is $20 per person and includes transportation and $5 credit toward lunch. Bus pick up will be at Ocean Hills Country Club or Plaza El Camino Real mall. For reservations, call (760) 732-5956.

Book discussion planned at RB library

RANCHO BERNARDO -- A discussion of the book "Dear Miss Breed" by Joanne Oppenheim will take place at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The book is about the Japanese-American internment during World War II and a librarian who made a difference. The book will be available at the library. Information: (858) 538-8163.

Republican women to host speaker

POWAY - The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women Federated will meet Sept. 21 at the StoneRidge Country Club, 17166 Stoneridge Country Club Lane. Social hour will begin at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow at noon.

Dr. Phil Goscienski, author of "Health Secrets of the Stone Age," will be the guest speaker.

Cost for lunch is $23. Reservations: (858) 487-0378 or (858) 673-1409.

Living history event planned

POWAY - The city and the Old Poway Park Action Committee will host the 2007 Rendezvous in Poway from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22 and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 23 at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road. Admission is free.

Featuring more than 15 historical encampments, the event offers the chance to learn about California history. There will be campfires; Civil War era cannon, rifle firing and tomahawk throwing demonstrations; mock gunfights and train robberies; authentic crafts; and rides aboard the Poway Midland Railroad's 1907 Baldwin Steam Engine. Trail and Rails will perform live music throughout the day, and the Hamburger Factory will serve a barbecue lunch for a nominal fee.

Other Rendezvous activities will include a campfire sing-along from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sept. 21 in the park and a barn dance at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in Templars Hall.

Information: (858) 668-4576.

Native Plant Club to host speaker

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Lake Hodges Native Plant Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the in the Seminar Room at the Rancho Bernardo Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. Rick Halsey, author of "Fire, Chaparral and Survival in Southern California," will speak on "Grizzlies, Fire and the Chaparral." Information: (760) 745-6435, http://www.lhnpc.org.

Health care reform is meeting topic

RANCHO BERNARDO - The North Central Democratic Club will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive.

Barbara McEwen of the California Nurses Association will discuss health care reform efforts. The legislation at the center of the discussion will be House Resolution 676 and California Senate Bill 840.

Information: Bob Mott, (858) 451-3469.

Republican women to host district attorney

RAMONA - The Intermountain Republican Women Federated will host a barbecue fundraiser at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Schwaesdall Winery, 17677 Rancho de Oro.

The guest speaker will be District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis. Barbecue beef tri tip will be served. There also will be a silent auction.

Cost is $15 per person. For reservations, call (760) 787-9668, (760) 741-1338 or (760) 765-0412 by Sept. 19. A chicken dinner can be requested at the time of reservation.

Free OASIS classes offered at library

RANCHO PENASQUITOS - The Rancho Penasquitos Library has partnered with Escondido OASIS to offer free classes this fall. Upcoming classes include the following:

• "Rx: Laughter, Humor and Play," 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 26.

• "Health Benefits of Wine and Chocolates," 1 to 2:30 p.m. Oct. 2.

• "Southern Skies: Gorgeous Views From Down Under," 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 12.

To register, call the library (858) 538-8159 or OASIS at (760) 432-0635, or sign up at the library, 13330 Salmon River Road. Information: http://www.sandiegolibrary.org.

Sewing classes offered in SM

SAN MARCOS - The following sewing classes and events will be offered at Martins Sewing Center, 711 Center Drive, Suite 104.

• 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20: "Serger Techniques." Cost: $20.

• 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21: "Quilting - Backgrounds and Fillers." Cost. $30.

• 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 25: "Basics of Serger Coverlock Machines." Cost: $25.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 26: "Heirloom Pillow Case." Cost: $30, plus kit fee.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 28: "Basic Embroidery Cutwork." Cost: $35, plus supplies.

• 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 29: "Intermediate Embroidery Cutwork." Cost: $35, plus supplies.

Information: (760) 739-8222, (800) 401-8151 or http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/martins.php.

Free seminar on dementia offered

SAN MARCOS - The Southern Caregiver Resource Center and AmeriCare Adult Day Health Care Center will present a free seminar titled "Dementia: Creating a Positive Environment" on Sept. 27 at AmeriCare, 340 Rancheros Drive, Suite 196. Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the program to run from 6 to 8.

Topics will include "Understanding the Dementia Diagnosis," "Behavior Management," "Caregiver - Taking Care of You," "Communication Skills" and "Tips for Success for the Caregiver."

Two continuing education units are available for health care professionals, counselors and social workers.

R.S.V.P. to AmeriCare at (760) 682-2424.

NARFE group to meet

OCEANSIDE - The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will meet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. The speaker will be Owen Coyle, reverse mortgage consultant. Information: (760) 757-5559 or (760) 529-9455.