WHAT'S HAPPENING
Animal shelter plans kids camps
LAKE ELSINORE ---- Animal Friends of the Valleys is preparing to kick off its last session of Furry Friends Kids' Camp.
During the weeklong camp, children will brush and walk the shelter dogs and lessons will be offered on proper pet care and bite prevention.
The camp will run from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays, starting July 12. Space is limited and the cost is $60 per child.
The activities will be at the shelter, 29001 Bastron Ave. in Lake Elsinore. To register, call Lesley at 951-775-3204.
Dem's club offers tours of office
MURRIETA ---- The Southwest Riverside County Regional Democratic headquarters office will celebrate its grand opening Monday.
At 5 p.m., the organization will host a tour of its new digs at Bella Piazza, 40250 Murrieta Hot Springs Road, Suite 104.
Organizers say many of the local Riverside County/San Diego County candidates for office will be on hand to answer questions and listen to suggestions. Candidate campaign materials also will be available.
For information, call Gail Ferrell at 619-988-2893.
Author to sign books on Wildomar
WILDOMAR ---- The Wildomar Historical Society will host a special book signing Monday featuring local author and society President Robert Cashman.
The book signing event will run from 5 to 9 p.m. at Marna O'Brien Park, 20505 Palomar St.
"Images of America: Wildomar" features more than 200 vintage photographs that depict the history of the area.
The Wildomar Historical Society will receive a portion of the proceeds from sales of the book.
For information, call 951-245-2555.
MSJC seeks donated vehicles
Mt. San Jacinto College's automotive technology department is looking for donated vehicles that can be worked on by students.
The vehicles should be less than 10 years old and in running condition. All donations will be filtered through the college foundation so they are tax deductible.
For information, call Roddy at 951-487-3511 or Cody at 951-487-3512.
City offers lyrical dance classes for youths
LAKE ELSINORE ---- The city is offering a lyrical dance class for youths ages 7 to 14.
The activity is designed for beginners and emphasizes having fun. Classes are held Wednesdays from 4:15 to 5:30 p.m. at the Lake Community Center, 310 West Graham Ave. The instructor is Melissa Houtz.
The cost is $25 for four classes.
For information, call 951-245-0442.
Volunteers needed for Day of Caring
The United Way is seeking volunteers for its third annual Day of Caring, which is the largest day of community-wide volunteerism in Southwest County.
This year's event is planned for Sept. 11 at two locations.
Businesses and organizations team up to provide their employees with a variety of projects including painting houses, planting gardens, cleaning up abandoned lots and more.
Each volunteer will receive a Day of Caring T-shirt, a kick-off breakfast in the morning and a luncheon to close the event in the afternoon.
For volunteers interested in participating from the Temecula or Murrieta area, call Barbara at 951-551-8818.
Volunteers from the Lake Elsinore and Wildomar areas are asked to call Bob at 951-698-7650.
Organizations can find out how they can benefit from the Day of Caring or request a project to be completed by calling Bernie Bramante at 951-795-0087.
Host families sought for exchange students
Laguna Beach-based World Heritage Student Exchange Programs is seeking local families to host boys and girls ages 15 to 18 from a variety of countries.
The students arrive shortly before the school year and return at the end of a semester or school year. Each brings spending money and expects to contribute to household duties, as well as be included in family activities. Host families can choose students by reviewing applications, photos and essays.
For information, call 800-888-9040.
Birth Choice seeks donated items
TEMECULA ---- The Birth Choice of Temecula pregnancy resource center is in need of donations that it can give to new mothers.
The center's wish list includes: undented and not expired baby formula, baby wipes, maternity clothing (especially nursing gowns, pants, shorts, tops and dresses), diapers sizes 3-6 and baby clothing for sizes 12-24 months.
Donations should be delivered to the center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
The center is at 27488 Enterprise Circle W., Suite 4. For information, call 951-699-9808.
Farmers market offered in French Valley
FRENCH VALLEY ---- Valley Wide Recreation is hosting a farmers market from 5 to 8 p.m. each Friday at the Rancho Bella Vista Community Center.
The market features fresh produce, crafters, art and more. To become a vendor or for more information, call 951-894-1468.
The community center is at 31757 Browning St.
Astronomy exhibit comes to museum
HEMET ---- An interactive astronomy exhibit called The Space Spot is on display at the Western Science Center.
The exhibit, which runs through January, includes 17 interactive stations, a portable planetarium and books. It was developed by Pacific Science Center with support by the National Science Foundation.
The center is at 2345 Searl Parkway; hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission costs $8 for adults, $6.50 for senior citizens and students, and $6 for youths.
For information, call 951-791-0033.
SENIOR NEWS
Senior driving classes offered
AARP offers an ongoing driver safety program for mature drivers. The eight-hour course is offered for drivers 50 and older at various locations throughout Southwest County.
The course, which costs $12 for AARP members or $14 for nonmembers, can help participants save money on auto insurance.
One-day classes:
-- July 14, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sun City Civic Association, 26850 Sun City Blvd. Register, 951-244-7513.
-- July 21, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Simpson Senior Center, 305 E. Devonshire Ave. in Hemet. Register, 951-312-4120.
Four-hour renewal classes for students who have completed the eight-hour course within the last four years will be held:
-- July 7, 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive. Register, 951-674-2526.
-- July 13, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Kay Ceniceros Community Center, 29995 Evans Road in Sun City. Register, 951-672-9673.
-- July 21, noon to 4:30 p.m., Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St. Register, 951-304-7275.
Senior association to meet Tuesday
WILDOMAR ---- Shirley Harms, the "Flag Lady," will give a talk when the Wildomar Senior Association meets Tuesday for a potluck.
Harms has done an extensive study on the history of American flags and will bring flags to show the changes throughout the years.
The group meets at 11:30 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Canyon Mobile Homes clubhouse, 21601 Canyon Drive. Visitors are welcome.
For information, call Marjie at 951-674-6820.
Group plans 4th of July BBQ
CANYON LAKE ---- The Country Club Crowd, a social group for people 50 and older, will celebrate the Fourth of July with a barbecue on Saturday.
The gathering will feature hot dogs, side dishes, dessert and live music. The cost is $15.
To reserve a spot, call Vi at 951-237-2783.
HEALTH NEWS
Blood drives set next week
Five blood drives are planned in Southwest County over the next week.
The drives will be held from:
-- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday at CVS, 33205 Temecula Parkway in Temecula.
-- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Kohl's, 30152 Haun Road in Menifee.
-- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Canyon Hills Marketplace, 29991 Canyon Hills Drive in Lake Elsinore.
-- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at Ronald Reagan Sports Park, 30875 Rancho Vista Road, Temecula.
-- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, California Highway Patrol office, 27685 Commerce Center Drive, Temecula.
Donors must be at least 16 years old, healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds; the process takes about an hour.
Meditation classes offered at center
MURRIETA ---- Meditation classes are being offered twice every week at Michelle's Place.
Rose Zuhde leads the classes, which are held at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. She has more than 25 years of experience teaching worldwide.
Classes are free and open to all women.
Michelle's Place is at 41785 Elm St. in Murrieta. For information, call 951-304-1280.
CPR, first aid class scheduled
LAKE ELSINORE ---- CPR and first aid classes will be offered July 10 at Lake Community Center.
The CPR session will run from 8 a.m. to noon, with first aid set for 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $45 for both classes.
Certificates are provided to people who successfully complete the classes.
The center is at 310 W. Graham Ave. For information, call 951-245-0442.
