WHAT'S HAPPENING

Reading group meets Monday

TEMECULA -- A book discussion group will hold its first meeting of the year Monday.

The group meets from 2 to 4 p.m. in the community room of the Grace Mellman Library, 41000 County Center Drive in Temecula.

Members will discuss "A Prayer for Owen Meany," by John Irving and learn about future books the group will read.

For information, call Melodie at 296-6091.

Deaf bowling night Monday

LAKE ELSINORE -- The monthly deaf bowling night will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday at Trevi Entertainment Center.

People with hearing impairments and American Sign Language students are invited. The cost to bowl is $2 per game.

The event, to be held the second Monday of each month, is coordinated by group of ASL students who want to connect with deaf friends.

Trevi is at 32250 Mission Trail. For information, call 678-6080 or e-mail roydhensley@tmail.com.

Activities on tap at outlet center

LAKE ELSINORE -- An art project is on tap for preschoolers this week at the weekly kids program at The Lake Elsinore Outlets.

Children will create their own Crunch Art critter at the free Kids Outlet program, which is held each Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The rest of the month's activities include:

- Jan. 23: Anthony the Magician will visit and perform magic tricks.

- Jan. 30: Kids will learn about healthy eating from Sherry Bean, Juice Plus coordinator.

The Outlets is at 17600 Collier Ave. For information, call 245-0087 or visit www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com. The program is held in Suite 106, near Bath & Body Works.

Rocket building workshop set

TEMECULA -- A workshop for children to build their own model rocket is scheduled for 4 p.m. Jan. 21 at Temecula Public Library.

Children ages 8 to 12 will build the rocket, which they can later launch with the Temecula Rocket Group. All materials will be provided.

Space is limited to 60 children and registration is required by Wednesday. The library is at 30600 Pauba Road in Temecula. To register, call 693-8900.

Kids activities planned at library

TEMECULA -- Two children's programs are in the works this month at Grace Mellman Library.

On Wednesday, children of all ages can learn about mushing as part of "Adventures in Dog Sledding." The hands-on interactive program by Adventure Quest Institute will start at 4 p.m.

At 4 p.m. Jan. 26, children ages 3 to 12 can create a craft for the Chinese new year. Registration, which is required, begins Jan. 19. Space is limited to 30 children.

The library is at 41000 County Center Drive in Temecula. For information, call 296-3893.

Chorus looking for new voices

TEMECULA -- Southwest Women's Chorus is holding auditions for new members Tuesday at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

Women who love to sing, can carry a tune and have good choral blending voices are encouraged to try out to join the group.

Auditions will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday and Jan. 20. Call Joan at 926-4100 to reserve an audition time.

Veteran counseling service offered

MURRIETA -- Veterans Affairs Counseling Service is offered twice per month at the Murrieta Senior Center. The next session will be Wednesday.

Don Krampe, a veteran and past assistant to the Veterans Administration regional director, will be at the center from 8 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Wednesday of the month.

The center is at 41717 Juniper St. For information, call 600-0542.

CPR classes available

TEMECULA -- The Riverside County chapter of the American Red Cross is offering CPR classes in January at the Temecula training center.

On Jan. 17, a daylong class in first aid with CPR training to respond to adults, children and infants in distress takes place from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.

On Jan. 24, similar CPR training only is offered from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The training center is at 27715 Jefferson Ave.

For information, see www.riversidecounty.redcross.org or call (888) 831-0031.

Cartooning class for kids planned

TEMECULA -- An anime drawing class is scheduled to kick off Jan. 27. at Temecula Public Library.

Children ages 11 to 17 are invited to sign up for the "Anime Super Pop" class, which will run from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, from Jan. 27 through Feb. 17.

The class will be taught by professional cartoonist Tony Moramarco and students will create their own unique characters. The four-week class costs $50 plus a $20 materials fee.

To registers, call 694-6480.

Etiquette workshop set for Jan. 24

MURRIETA -- The essential rules of social and dining etiquette will be demonstrated at a workshop on Jan. 24 at the Murrieta Public Library.

Instructor Angela Sturdivant will discuss how to set a table, utensil management and the art of conversation. The free workshop is open to adults and teens 14 and older.

The library is at 24700 Adams Ave. For information, call 304-2665.

Credit repair is subject of seminar

MURRIETA -- A financial services representative will explain how to repair damaged credit and improve your credit report at a Jan. 27 seminar at the Murrieta Public Library.

Lynn Laing of California Coast Credit Union will teach attendees how to repair their bad credit rating, remove negative credit history, understand consumer rights and obtain a free credit report from the three major credit agencies.

The event is free.

The library is at 24700 Adams Ave. For information, call 304-2665.

Training offered for baby-sitters

LAKE ELSINORE -- A one-day training session to teach teens and preteens the skills needed to be a successful baby-sitter will be held Jan. 31 at Lake Community Center.

Children age 11 and older will receive training in basic safety, first aid and general child care.

The class will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and the cost is $40. Prior registration is required and attendees are asked to bring a lunch.

Lake Community Center is at 310 W. Graham Ave. in Lake Elsinore. For information, call 245-0442.

SERVING THE FLAG

Airman arrives in Las Vegas

TEMECULA -- Air Force Airman 1st Class Austin M. Fisher recently arrived for duty at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas.

Fisher, a munitions systems apprentice, is assigned to the 57th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. He is the son of Grant D. and Donna S. Fisher of Temecula and a 2006 graduate of Chaparral High School.

Private graduates basic training

TEMECULA -- Army Pvt. Samuel B. Muratalla has graduated from basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Columbus, Ga.

During the nine weeks of training, the soldier received training in drill and ceremonies, weapons, map reading, tactics, military courtesy, military justice, physical fitness, first aid and Army history, core values and traditions. Additional training included development of basic combat skills and battlefield operations and tactics, and experiencing use of various weapons and weapons defenses available to the infantry crewman.

Muratalla, the son of Jamie Muratalla of Temecula, is a 2008 graduate of Great Oak High School.

Marine receives officer commission

WINCHESTER -- Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Jered L. Staton recently received his commission as an officer in the Marine Corps after completing Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Va.

During the 10-week training program, Staton received extensive instruction on Marine Corps history, tactics, operations and organization, and land navigation. He also completed a physical fitness program, leadership training and instruction on the importance of the Marine Corps' core values.

Staton is the soon of William C. Staton of Winchester.

COMMUNITY NOTES

Winery donates to center

TEMECULA -- Ponte Family Estates Winery donated $3,000 last month to a residential treatment facility for at-risk and special needs children.

Claudio Ponte, owner of the winery, said the money would be used to refurbish the boys dormitory's common area. Although the winery receives numerous requests for donations, Ponte said he decided to focus on groups that serve needy children in the area.

After receiving a personal tour of Oak Grove Center for Education Treatment & The Arts, Ponte decided to support the program. The center is a 24-hour residential and educational treatment facility in Murrieta that serves 76 children.

Habitat group receives donation

TEMECULA -- The local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity received a $500 check last month from a regional real estate agents group.

The money was donated by the Southern California Chapter of Council of Residential Specialists.

Tammy Marine, executive director for the Habitat group, says the money will be put to use as the nonprofit groups embarks on several projects this year.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Temecula

City Council -- 7 p.m. Tuesday, city council chambers, 43200 Business Park Drive

Menifee

Menifee Union School District -- 4 p.m. Tuesday, district office, 30205 Menifee Road.

Murrieta

Murrieta Valley Unified School District -- 7 p.m. Thursday, district support center, 41870 McAlby Court.

Murrieta Steering Committee -- 6:30 p.m. Monday, City Hall, 24601 Jefferson Ave.

Lake Elsinore

City Council -- 4 p.m. study session, 7 p.m. regular meeting Tuesday, Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St.

Lake Elsinore Public Safety Advisory Commission -- 6 p.m. Wednesday, Cultural Center, 183 N. Main St.

Wildomar

Wildomar City Council -- 7 p.m. Wednesday, City Hall, 23873 Clinton Keith Road, Suite 111.

Riverside

Board of Supervisors -- 9 a.m. Tuesday, county administrative center, 4080 Lemon St.

Riverside County Transportation Commission -- 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, county administrative center, 4080 Lemon St.

CORRECTION: Date for activity listed incorrectly

An incorrect date for a workshop where children can build their own rocket was given. The workshop will be at 4 p.m. Jan. 21 at the Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. We apologize.