Chair fitness classes offered

ESCONDIDO -- Chair fitness and physical conditioning classes are held from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Community Lutheran Church, at Valley Parkway and Lake Wohlford Road. The classes help build strength, flexibility and balance. A new session starts today. Cost is $10. For information, call the Escondido Adult School at (760) 739-7300.

Library to offer children's programs

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Public Library, at 239 S. Kalmia St., will host these free children's programs. For information, call (760) 839-4837.

- 7 to 7:40 p.m. Tuesdays, tonight through Jan. 31: "PJs With BJ: A Family Affair." Families can share the joy and excitement of listening to stories and books, singing fun songs and moving to finger-play with librarian Beth Jones, aka BJ.

- 11 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 5, 12 and 26: Teeny Toddlers Storytime for 2- and 3-year-olds and a parent.

- An "American Girls" story time and craft program featuring the character Kaya will be held for children in grades three through six from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 18. Come and enjoy the adventures of Kaya, a Nez Perce American Indian girl growing up in the 1760s. Call to register beginning Jan. 10.

- "Children Around the World: China" will be offered for kindergartners through second-graders from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Jan. 25. Learn about China's rich and ancient past through crafts, food and customs.

History Center to celebrate 50 years

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido History Center will host a Golden Oldies 50th anniversary party from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 8 at Grape Day Park. The open house will include door prizes, music, refreshments, demonstrations and contests. 1950s attire is optional.

Volunteers sought for Escondido boards

ESCONDIDO -- Volunteers are being sought to serve on the following city of Escondido boards and commissions: Building Advisory/Appeals Board, Community Safety Committee, Community Services Commission, Design Review Board, Environmental Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Housing Advisory Commission, Library Board of Trustees, Personnel Board of Review, Planning Commission, Public Art Commission, Senior Advisory Board and Transportation Commission.

The deadline to apply is Jan. 10. For information or an application, stop by the Escondido Clerk's Office at City Hall, 201 N. Broadway, call (760) 839-4617 or visit www.ci.escondido.ca.us/government/boards.

Book Club to meet Jan. 11

ESCONDIDO -- The Wednesday Afternoon Book Club invites all avid readers to join a discussion about Bildungsroman (coming of age) novels at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 in the Conference Room of the East Valley Branch Library, 2245 E. Valley Parkway. A list of books is available at the reference desk at the branch library, as well as the main library at 239 S. Kalmia St. For information, call Paul Crouthamel at (760) 839-4395.

Local artist to unveil bronze sculpture

ESCONDIDO -- Gale Pruitt, celebrated Escondido sculptor, will unveil her second life-size bronze called "Elation" at 3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 on the southwest corner of Escondido Boulevard and Signature Way at the Signature Pavilion shopping center and movie theater. A champagne reception will immediately follow the installation at Grayscale & Bronze Gallery, 115 W. Grand Avenue.

Pruitt, an award-winning artist, is best known for her first bronze statue, "Lorelei," which also decorates the Pavilion on the corner of Escondido Boulevard and Valley Parkway. She recently was awarded "Best of Show" for 3-D art at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, along with numerous other honors and accomplishments.

The sculpture is sponsored by Escondido resident Jan Bourgeois who is generously underwriting "Elation" as a gift to the community. She hopes that others will also sponsor artwork for the city. Attending the unveiling will be Escondido Mayor Pro Tem Ed Gallo, Jim Crone and Associates, who are developers of the Pavilion, and other city dignitaries.

Patio Playhouse to present comedy

ESCONDIDO -- Patio Playhouse will present "Chicken Every Sunday," by Julius J. and Phillip G. Epstein, from Jan. 27 through Feb. 19 at the theater, 201 E. Grand Ave., Suite 1-D. A well-to-do woman opens her mansion to boarders when her overly ambitious husband overextends himself financially in this family comedy. For information and reservations, call (760) 746-6669 or visit www.patioplayhouse.com.

OASIS class registration to begin

ESCONDIDO -- OASIS will hold registration for its winter 2006 classes, January through April, at Robinsons-May South, third floor, Westfield North County. OASIS, a national education organization for adults ages 50 and older, offers classes in the arts, humanities, sciences, exercise, health and wellness, consumer information and finance. More than 150 different classes, special events and travel opportunities will be offered this semester.

Register any time up until the start date of a class, if space is available. Membership is free; trimester registration fee is $3; and classes have a nominal cost.

Mail-in registration for classes must be postmarked by Jan. 6.

Registration for computer classes is by walk-in only. To register for Palomar College classes, come to the first class and register directly with the instructor (no mail-in or walk-in registration).

Walk-in registration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Jan. 11 at the mall.

Preregistration is required for all classes and activities. For a description of classes, call (760) 432-0635 or visit www.oasisnet.org.

Arts center seeks volunteers

ESCONDIDO -- The California Center for the Arts, Escondido, education department is seeking volunteers for its docent and Art Angel programs. Docents lead tours in the museum gallery, and Art Angels teach art lessons to children. The docent training program will begin in April. For information and applications, call (760) 839-4194.