The San Diego-Imperial Counties chapter of the American Red Cross has joined a nationwide effort this month to help communities get prepared for disasters. September is National Preparedness Month.

Visitors to the Red Cross store at http://www.sdarc.org/store will receive a 10 percent discount this month on items such as disaster packs, safety tubes and first-aid kits.

Companies interested in having their employees trained to be Red Cross volunteers through the "Ready When the Time Comes" program are invited to call (858) 309-1200.

Also, the public is invited to visit a free online education module available at http://www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady that walks visitors through three simple actions to be ready for a disaster.

Scottish country dance classes offered

SAN DIEGO - The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will hold a free introductory night of dancing at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14 in Room 203 at Casa del Prado in Balboa Park. A Friday night beginner class series will follow. Classes also are offered Tuesdays in Poway. Information: http://www.rscds-sandiego.org or (619) 280-5855.

AAUW begins new year with brunch

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook branch of the American Association of University Women will begin the new club year with a brunch at 10 a.m. Sept. 15 at the home of Chris Young, 2568 Dos Lomas.

The brunch is for new, potential and current members of the organization to introduce the board and tell of the upcoming programs for 2007-08. Leaders of special interest groups will describe their activities and proposed meeting dates and have sign-up lists available.

Since 1881, AAUW has paved the way for women and girls to pursue their goals. The organization has been in the forefront of battles for civil rights, social justice, equality and continued educational opportunities. Those who are interested in joining and or attending the brunch should call JoAnn Rego, membership chairwoman, at (760) 731-6040.

Fallbrook Newcomers to host welcome-back gathering

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Newcomers Club will host a Welcome Back Coffee at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 13 at the Fallbrook Presbyterian Church, 463 South Stage Coach Lane. The club's new theme, "Reach Out and Be a Friend," will be highlighted.

Those who have moved to Fallbrook, Bonsall and the surrounding countryside within the last three years are invited to meet new friends, enjoy refreshments and discover the schedules and scope of the many Newcomers activities and interest groups.

Sign up to join the Lunch Bunch for a $10 catered lunch following the meeting. Come and bring a neighbor. Information: Trude Marquez, (970) 420-1101; Adela Edgecombe, (760) 941-1902.

Fallbrook Camera Club to meet Sept. 17

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Camera Club will meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in the community room of Silvergate Retirement Residence, 420 Elbrook Drive. Ron Garrison will present a program on "Dolphin Rescue After Hurricane Katrina." These stories are being made into a book using photographs he and others took documenting the events.

Garrison's travel and wildlife photography has been published in national and international magazines such as Time, Life, National Geographic, Sunset and World. He has had a long career working for the Zoological Society of San Diego. He continues his interests in dolphins and other animals by working with the Dolphin Quest Organization and the Embrey Institute for Wildlife Conservation. See his work at http://www.RonaldGarrison.com.

Information: Judy Jobe, (760) 726-7223.

Republicans to host USJF director

ESCONDIDO - Gary Kreep, executive director of the United States Justice Foundation, or USJF, will speak at a meeting of the Escondido Republican Club on Sept. 17 at Cocina del Charro restaurant, 525 N. Quince St. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the luncheon meeting at noon. Information: http://www.escondidorepublicanclub.org.

History discussion set at library

ESCONDIDO - Gen. Henry Halleck will be the topic of a history discussion led by Richard Meyer at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Monthly discussions are hosted by the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association. Information: Ron Hinrichs, (760) 746-8380.

Canterbury Gardens & Gifts to host party

ESCONDIDO - Canterbury Gardens & Gifts will host a "25 Years of Christmas Fantasy" celebration from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20. See holiday decorations, get a preview of holiday classes and events and enjoy refreshments and entertainment. The store is at 2402 S. Escondido Blvd. Information: http://www.CanterburyGardens.com, (760) 746-1400.

Boy Scouts to honor Angelo Damante

ESCONDIDO - The Boy Scouts of America will present its 2007 Distinguished Citizen Award to Mercedes-Benz of Escondido founder and president, Angelo Damante, at a dinner and auction Sept. 21. The event, which begins with a 6 p.m. reception, will be held at the luxury car dealership Damante established 19 years ago, 1101 W. Ninth Ave.

The evening also will feature examples of Boy Scouts in action, including a series of pinewood derby races; an "Angelo roast" by North County Times columnist Irv Erdos; a live auction; and a brief report on Scouting and its impact on the community.

Tickets cost $125. Proceeds will benefit the Boy Scouts Kit Carson District, which extends from Escondido to San Marcos.

For sponsorship information and tickets, contact Jeff Boswell at (619) 298-6121, Ext. 237, or e-mail jboswell@bsamail.org.

Cougar Athletic Club golf tourney on tap

ESCONDIDO - The Cougar Athletic Club will hold its fourth annual Jerry Sorg Memorial/Benefit Golf Tournament on Sept. 22 at Reidy Creek Golf Course, which is adjacent to Jesmond Dene Park on North Broadway.

Proceeds from the event will go towards the club's scholarship fund to provide financial assistance to graduating Escondido High School student-athletes planning to continue their education at a community college.

Tournament fee is $55 per golfer or $210 per foursome. It includes greens fees, a golf cart, entry in a putting contest, bottled water on the golf course and a steak/chicken barbecue picnic for golfers and their families at Jesmond Dene Park immediately following the tournament, where awards will be made. For non-golfers, the barbecue will cost $15 and $7 for children younger than 12.

Heller Hyundai is offering a new automobile for a hole-in-one on the 14th hole and major prizes also will be awarded for other holes-in-one. EHS graduates Bob and Arlene Shuster of Shuster Oil of Escondido are sponsors of the barbecue picnic.

Preregister with Secretary George Cordry at (760) 751-1750 or by mailing a check to him at 29613 Circle R Greens Drive, Escondido, CA 92026. Checks must be made payable to the Cougar Athletic Club.

The club, which has 200 members, is open to former Escondido High athletes, students, coaches, teachers, counselors, administrators and friends. The group meets quarterly for breakfast at Cocina del Charro restaurant, 525 N. Quince St. Its next breakfast is scheduled for Sept. 22, with guest speaker John Cunningham, who is an Escondido resident and former baseball coach at the University of San Diego. Fellowship will start at 8:30 a.m., followed by a buffet breakfast served at 9:15. Cost for breakfast is $11. Call Cordry for information about the golf tournament or the breakfast.

SD Independent Scholars to discuss election

SAN DIEGO - UC San Diego Professor Samuel Popkin will discuss the 2008 presidential election at a meeting of the San Diego Independent Scholars at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 15 in the Chancellor's Complex, Room 111A, at UCSD. Information: (760) 603-8930.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE - LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Sept. 14 in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. Cy Hadley of the International Humanist & Ethical Union will be the guest speaker.

At 2:30 p.m., Suzanne Lingold, assistant dean, Extended Studies, Cal State San Marcos, will talk about little known facts, history, growth and continuing education at the San Marcos campus. Call (760) 721-8124.

MiraCosta to hold foreign film series

OCEANSIDE - MiraCosta College will hold its International Film Series with screenings of six films from around the world. There will be two screenings of each film: at 1 p.m. Fridays in Room 201 of the San Elijo Campus, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff; and at 7 p.m. Fridays in the Little Theatre, Room 3601 of the Oceanside campus, 1 Barnard Drive. All films will be presented in the original language with English subtitles. Admission is free. Call (760) 757-2121, Ext. 7737 or 7806. The following films will be shown:

• Sept. 14, "Let's Go With Pancho Villa," (Mexico, 1936). The Mexican Revolution is on its way when six brave peasants known as "Los Leones de San Pablo" decide to join Pancho Villa's army and help end the suffering in their community. Directed by Fernando de Fuentes.

• Sept. 28, "Tokyo Godfathers," (Japan, 2003). Three homeless people set out to find the parents of an abandoned baby on Christmas Eve. Directed by Satoshi Kon.

• Oct. 12, "Cache," (France, 2005). A married couple is terrorized by a series of videotapes planted on their front porch that may have been the direct result of an event years ago. Directed by Michael Haneke.

• Oct. 26, "Mostly Martha," (Germany, 2002). Martha, the domineering chef at a fancy restaurant, has her routine broken when her sister dies in a car wreck leaving behind her 9-year-old daughter, Lina. Directed by Sandra Nettlebeck.

• Nov. 9, "Facing Windows," (Italy, 2004). A young working-class wife and mother unlocks a freedom within her heart that she never expected. Directed by Ferzan Ozpetek.

• Nov. 30, "Curse of the Golden Flower," (China, 2007) A volatile balance of power exists between the king and queen and his three sons, entailing betrayal, deceit and passion. Directed by Yimou Zhang.

Community garage sale upcoming

OCEANSIDE - The fifth annual Vista San Luis Rey Community Garage Sale will take place from 7:30 a.m. to noon Sept. 15. For directions and information, call (760) 525-0840.

Learn to have positive attitude

OCEANSIDE - Joe Pergolizzi, a motivational speaker and trainer, will present "Attitude In Action," from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 15 at the Mission Branch Library, 3861-B Mission Ave. Pergolizzi cites positive attitude as the beginning of accomplishing all the best things people want from their lives. His topics will cover attitude changes, motivational skills, communication techniques, personality traits, telephone etiquette and salesmanship.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Oceanside Public Library and is appropriate for adults and young adults. Call (760) 435-5640 to reserve a space.

Sunset Poets to meet

OCEANSIDE - Sunset Poets will feature San Diego poet Harry Griswold at its meeting at 3 p.m. Sept. 16 at the Flying Bridge restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway. Griswold will read and sign his new book, "Camera Obscura." Griswold teaches poetry writing in a private workshop in Solana Beach an lives in San Diego. His reading will be followed by an open microphone reading. Information: (760) 758-2410, http://www.sunsetpoets.org, sunsetpoets@sbcglobal.net.

Protect your assets

OCEANSIDE - "How to Protect Your Personal and Business Assets" will be offered from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Small Business Development Center, 1823 Mission Ave. This workshop will cover personal liability vs. professional liability; the top ten sources of lawsuits; how to minimize income taxes; and how to judgment-proof your business and yourself. Fee is $89. To register, call (760) 795-6820.

Principles of bonsai is topic

OCEANSIDE - A program, "Bonsai: A Living Art," will be held from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Martin Mann will discuss the principles of bonsai design, care and the history of this living art form. Class fee is $4. Register online at http://www.oasisnet.org or call (760) 639-6160.

A Crack In the Door to meet

OCEANSIDE - A Crack In the Door will present the documentary movie, "What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire," at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Mission Branch Library Community Room, 3861-B Mission Ave. A middle class white man comes to grips with peak oil, climate change, mass extinction, population overshoot and the demise of the American lifestyle. A $5 donation is suggested to cover the $100 event license.

The group is open to the public and its purpose is to seek glimpses behind closed doors that keep things hidden from the public's knowledge. Call (760) 445-3242.

Days of Art needs volunteers

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Days of Art board is seeking volunteers to help plan next year's Days of Art, to be held April 19 and 20.The board meets at 6:30 p.m. on the third Tuesday of each month until January, then the second and forth Tuesday of each month until the event.The board meets at the Flying Bridge restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway.Information: (760) 439-7766, http://www.oceanside-day-of-art.org.

Seniors can learn about genealogy

VISTA - Seniors 55 and older can learn about genealogy research in a class offered from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 13, 20, 27 and Oct. 4 in the Palm Game Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Cost is $16 plus a $2 materials fee for four sessions. Registration is through Oasis. To register, go to http://www.oasisnet.org or call (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1531.

Fiesta at Guajome upcoming

VISTA - Rancho Guajome Adobe will hold Fiesta at Guajome from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 15 and 16 at 2210 N. Santa Fe Ave. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, American Indian storytelling, live music, period fashion show and dancing. Children can make their own ice cream, take-home pinatas, cowboy and cowgirl vests, and more. All children's activities are free with paid admission. Admission is $6 for adults, $3 for ages 4 to 12 and free for ages 3 and younger. Call (760) 724-4082 or visit http://www.sdparks.org.

Historical society holds Dinner Downtown

VISTA - The Vista Historical Society will hold its seventh annual Dinner Downtown from 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 along South Citrus Avenue between Main Street and Eucalyptus Avenue. A social hour, catered dinner and music by David Larkin & Friends will be followed by the presentation of awards and prizes for table decorations.

Organizations and individuals who choose to are invited to decorate tables in the following categories: best in service clubs, most beautiful, most historic, most patriotic and most whimsical.

The menu includes turkey and ham, lemonade, coffee and Dutch apple pie. Reservations are required by Sept. 13.

Single ticket price is $30. Round or long tables seating eight are $240 and long tables for six are $180. Cost for children ages 6 to 10 is $20; younger than 5, free. (760) 726-5465.

Gem and Mineral Society to meet

VISTA - The Vista Gem and Mineral Society will meet at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center's Azalea Room, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Catherine Davis will present a program on her favorite mineral, malachite. Davis is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America, member of the San Diego Lapidary Society, San Diego Mineral and Gem Society and Gemological Society of San Diego. Call (760) 724-0395.

Stuffed animals collected for Iraq

VISTA - The Faith Lutheran Church & School's Lutheran Women's Missionary League is helping the military collect small stuffed animals for an immunization program for children in Iraq. The goal is to have enough stuffed animals for 1,000 children being immunized. Donations of new small stuffed animals are being collected until Sept. 19. leave donations in the church office at 700 E. Bobier Drive. Call (760) 724-7700.

Singles and friends meet

VISTA - Singles & Friends 55 & Over meet from 6 to 11 p.m. the third Thursday of each month for dinner, dancing and karaoke at San Giorgio Lucano Restaurant, 1280 Vista Way. Call (760) 721-8412.

Adoption days at PetSmart

OCEANSIDE - The North County Humane Society and PetSmart National will hold adoption days Sept. 14 to 16 at the Oceanside PetSmart, 3420 Marron Road. Families who adopt a pet during this event will receive a special New Pet & Parent guide with more than $50 in valuable PetSmart coupons. Call (760) 729-4546.

NCHS to hold volunteer orientation

OCEANSIDE - The North County Humane Society will hold Volunteer Orientation from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19 at 2905 San Luis Rey Road. Call (760) 757-4357, Ext. 1244.

League of Women Voters discusses immigration

CARLSBAD - As part of an ongoing, two-year immigration study by the League of Women Voters, the local North Coast branch of the league will host a general meeting on immigration at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Featured will be the district director of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, Paul Pierre. The study by the league is aimed at helping communities to understand the implications of immigration at the local, state and federal levels. It will explore the underlying values and principles of immigration, as well as the reasons for immigration, current policies and immigration's impact on society. Call (760) 736-1608.

NARFE to hold monthly meeting

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. Visitors are welcome. Call (760) 757-5559 or (760) 529-9455.

'Wind in the Willows' performances set

POWAY - Theatre in the Park, co-sponsored by the city of Poway and the Poway Woman's Club, will present "Wind in the Willows" at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Sept. 15; and 2 p.m. Sept. 16 in Templars Hall at Old Poway Park, 14134 Midland Road.

The Theatre in the Park cast is made up of children ages 10 to 14 who have a love of the dramatic arts. "Wind in the Willows" is notable for its mixture of mysticism, adventure, morality and camaraderie.

Tickets cost $5; $3 for children younger than 12. Reservations and information: (858) 748-4492.

Mothers of twins club to meet

POWAY - The Pomerado Hospital Mothers of Twins and Triplets Club will kick off its new club year at 7 p.m. Sept. 18 in Conference Room C on the third floor of Pomerado Hospital, 15615 Pomerado Road.

Mothers of multiples are invited to share their experiences and learn from their peers during a "Match the Munchkins" breakout session in which moms are grouped together by the age of their children.

The club is open to any parent or guardian of multiple birth children. Information: Cathy Eitzen, (858) 229-6253.

'The Fantasticks' auditions set

RAMONA - Ramona Community Theater will hold auditions for "The Fantasticks" from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19 and from 2 to 4 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Sun Valley Charter High School Theater, 2102 Main St. Auditioners should prepare a one-minute song and bring a headshot. An accompanist will be provided.

Information: (760) 789-3287 or http://www.RamonaCommunityTheater.com.

Services offered for seniors

RANCHO BERNARDO - The following events and services will be held at Rancho Bernardo Senior Services, 16769 Bernardo Center Drive, Suite K-14.

• Free blood-pressure checks given by a nurse, 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 12, 19 and 26. No appointment is needed.

• Free legal advice given by local attorneys, 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 17 and 24. Call for a 20-minute appointment.

• Simple wills created for seniors ages 55 and older, Sept. 21 and 28. Call for an appointment with an attorney. This service is offered on the last two Fridays of each month.

• Free hearing tests given by Andy Dickman, 11 a.m. to noon Sept. 24. Call for an appointment.

• Two-part AARP Safe Driving Course, noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 5 and 12. Participants can earn a certificate entitling them to a discount on auto insurance. Cost is $10. Reservations are required.

• Free flu shots, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 22 through 24. Call for an appointment.

Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays. Information: (858) 487-2640.

Cub Scout pack invites new members

SAN MARCOS - Cub Scout Pack 664 of San Marcos will hold a "Round Up" recruitment event at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 13 in the cafeteria at Discovery Elementary School, 730 Applewilde Drive.

Boys in first through fifth grade and their parents from Discovery and Alvin Dunn elementary schools and the surrounding neighborhoods are encouraged to attend and learn about Cub Scouting with Pack 664.

Information: Tonya Jamois, (760) 744-5260 or http://www.pack664.org.

Church plans Men's Breakfast

SAN MARCOS - Mission Hills Church will hold its Men's Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 15 at the Courtyard Cafe at the church, 400 Mission Hills Court. Cost is $5. Information: (760) 759-2233, men@missionhillschurch.org or http://www.missionhillschurch.org.

College planning workshop set

SAN MARCOS - The city's Community Services Department will offer a workshop for parents of school-age children called "Help Your Kids Succeed in College - Starting Now!" from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive.

The workshop will address learning styles, motivation, building a child's resume from an early age and other issues. It will include information on college selection and financial aspects and why the most expensive, faraway colleges may not be the best option for one's child.

Cost is $25 per person; $35 per couple. To register, call Lillian Godone-Maresca at (760) 233-8870.

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 today: "Masterworks Digitizing Embroidery Software." Cost: $25.

• 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 13: "Palette Digitizing Embroidery Software." Cost: $25.

• 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 18: "Designers Gallery Software - Colorworks." Cost. $25.

• 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 18 or Sept. 21: "Quilting - Backgrounds and Fillers." Cost. $30.

• 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 19 and 22: Sew What's New Sewing Club meeting. Free.

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

• 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.