OCEANSIDE - The Encouragement Center, a nonprofit charity, cooks and serves a free meal for the poor and homeless on the fourth Saturday of each month. All are welcome. Clothing and toiletries also are distributed. The next event will take place at 11 a.m. Sept. 22 at 1900 S. Nevada St. Call (760) 845-8838.

Boys & Girls Clubs plans day for kids

FALLBROOK - The Boys & Girls Clubs of North County will hold a free "Day for Kids" from 1 to 5 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Ingold Unit, 445 E. Ivy St. Activities will include laser tag, swimming, games, prizes and a barbecue. Information: Lisa, (760) 728-5871.

Plant sale set for Sept. 15

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook FFA will hold a plant sale from 9 a.m. to noon Sept. 15 in the ag area at Fallbrook High School, 2400 S. Stage Coach Lane. The summer nursery crew has transplanted hundreds of the one-gallon plants into two-gallon containers. People with one-gallon cans are urged to bring them along. Information: (760) 723-6300, Ext. 250.

'The Genie Within' class offered

FALLBROOK - A seven-week class called "The Genie Within" will be conducted from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays starting Sept. 17 at the Hilltop Center in Fallbrook. Learn how to use the subconscious mind to achieve success, health and abundance.

The class is taught by Harry Carpenter, author of "The Genie Within: Your Subconscious Mind, www.thegeniewithin.net."

Information: Harry Carpenter, (760) 477-7068.

Volunteers needed for cleanup project

FALLBROOK - Organizers of the Sept. 15 Fallbrook cleanup project are seeking volunteers to assist with this year's project, which will focus on the vacant lot behind McDonald's restaurant where workers will pick up litter and paint over the graffiti on surrounding walls and fences. Volunteers are also being sought to pick up litter on a few downtown streets.

Volunteers are asked to check in at the large community parking lot behind the Art Center by 9 a.m. to receive their assignments.

Also, volunteers are needed to help retrieve illegally dumped tires. Anyone with a pickup truck that can be used in this effort is asked to call (760) 728-1138 or (760) 728-1332.

Library bookstore plans sale

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Library's Bottom Shelf Bookstore's next half-price sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21.

All merchandise will be half off the price marked - hard and soft cover fiction, including new releases and best sellers, biographies, history, cookbooks, children's books, health, arts and crafts, travel, magazines, CDs and tapes.

Customers who completed book request forms are asked to check with store staff to make sure they still have it because some were recently lost.

The bookstore is on the lower level of the library at 124 S. Mission Road. Information: (760) 728-3835.

Senior circle hosts cancer talk

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook chapter of the Senior Circle, a community outreach group for individuals ages 50 and older sponsored by Fallbrook Hospital, will host a talk on prostate cancer at 2 p.m. Sept. 21 at Silvergate, 420 Elbrook Drive.

Dr. Monisha Crisell, a urologist with Tri-Valley Urology Medical Group and member of Fallbrook Hospital medical staff, will discuss prostate cancer.

Refreshments will be served, and there will be a drawing for door prizes. For reservations, call Jan Mangus at (760) 731-8433.

GOP women to host speaker

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Republican Women, Federated, will meet Sept. 25 at the Escondido Country Club. Saul Lisauskas, co-founder and president of StopSPP.org, will talk about the North American Union, the Security and Prosperity Partnership and the unrestricted access of Mexican trucks to U.S. highways, and what these agreements mean to the United States. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon and the guest speaker at 12:45. Reserve to (760) 480-7850 by Sept. 15.

Health services for seniors offered

ESCONDIDO - The Senior Service Council will offer these services for seniors in the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway, in the Joslyn Senior Center complex. Call (760) 480-0611.

• A blood pressure clinic is held Mondays in the Wellness Center - 8:30 to 9 a.m. for staff and volunteers and 9 to 10 a.m. for the general public.

• The Parkinson's Support Group will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 18. Information: Lisa Russell, social work facilitator, (858) 538-2673.

• Ophthalmologist Irene Chennell will conduct glaucoma and cataract screening at 9 a.m. Sept. 20. She also will answer questions about eye problems. Call for space availability.

Senior education courses scheduled

ESCONDIDO - Sharon Timko of Senior Independence Inc. will offer these informational courses on Tuesdays.

• Sept. 18: "Identity Theft and Scams."

• Sept. 25 and Oct. 2: "Government Programs."

• Oct. 9: "Transportation," including how to get a DMV handicapped license plate or placard for the car.

All classes are free and will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in Room 2 at Midway Plaza, 463 N. Midway Drive. Registration: Escondido Adult School, (760) 739-7300; http://www.quikreg.com.

Senior Independence is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to educating seniors, their families and those who serve the older community.

GOP women to host Patsy Fritz

ESCONDIDO - Patsy Fritz will speak at a meeting of the Valley Center Republican Women at 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at the Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road. Fritz has lived in Valley Center for more than 20 years and has been involved in politics and community issues since she arrived in town. She will discuss the challenges the Republican Party faces and answer questions. Reservations: Jean, (760) 751-8654.

Intermediate Bridge class to begin

ESCONDIDO - Intermediate Bridge will be taught by Bill Butler, Bronze Life Master, at 1 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 19 through Oct. 24, at the OASIS education center for seniors in the former OASIS adult education center in the former Robinsons-May South store, third floor, at Westfield North County mall. Fee is $50. Registration: (760) 432-0635.

Learn about native plant landscaping

ESCONDIDO - Greg Rubin of California's Own Native Landscape Design will give a talk, "Recapturing Our Native Plant Heritage in Our Gardens," at 2 p.m. Sept. 19 as part of the Escondido History Center's free monthly lecture series.

The history center is in Grape Day Park at 321 N. Broadway. Information: (760) 743-8207.

Young recording artist to perform

VALLEY CENTER - Twelve-year-old Daechelle Hernandez of Valley Center will talk about and perform her award-winning song, "Fearless," at 3:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Valley Center Library, 29200 Cole Grade Road. The song is featured on the "Bratz" movie soundtrack. Information: (760) 749-1305.

'Psychic to Stars' to speak Sept. 20

ESCONDIDO - Linda Drake, author and "Psychic to the Stars," will make an appearance from 6 to 9 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Philosophical Library, 2091 E. Valley Parkway. She will talk about how to deal with the roller coaster of grief, whether it is loss of a loved one, job or relationship.

Altrusa to host 'Laughs for Literacy' event

ESCONDIDO - Altrusa International of Escondido will host its annual comedy night, "Laughs for Literacy," on Sept. 20 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Karen Rontowski will be the featured comedian.

Admission is $35 and includes entertainment by three performers and silent and live auctions. Tickets and information: Cynthia Chisum, (760) 743-7996. Proceeds will benefit local literacy programs.

Sponsors for the event include Zella Norwood, CPA; Rusty Grant, attorney-at-law; Suncoast Natural Water Features; and June and Roger Tavernier.

Dave Winfield to discuss, sign new book

ESCONDIDO - Dave Winfield, former San Diego Padres player and Baseball Hall of Famer, will discuss and sign his new book, "Dropping the Ball: Baseball's Troubles and How We Can and Must Solve Them," at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Admission is free; however, tickets are required. Free tickets are available at the library's customer service desk. Information: (760) 839-4684.

Home gardening workshops slated

ESCONDIDO - The city of Escondido will host two landscape workshops presented by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California that can help the beginner become a water-wise gardener. Location will be given when registering. Registration: (760) 839-4076.

• 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 22: Landscape Maintenance: Watering and Fertilizing.

• 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29 or Oct. 6 (choose one only): Gardening for the Water Wise Garden.

Oceana to hold ballroom dance

OCEANSIDE - Ballroom dancing for couples and singles ages 55 and older will be held from 7 to 9:15 p.m. Sept. 15 at Oceana, 550 Vista Bella.

The dance will feature table seating with finger foods, refreshments and music by The Vidals. Cost is $6 per person. Dances are held the third Saturday of each month. Attendees should bring their own alcoholic beverages.

Tickets are now on sale for a special, catered prime rib dinner dance featuring The Vidals on New Year's Eve. Cost is $30 per ticket. Call Joe at (760) 966-6838.

Oceanside Yacht Club set for Harbor Days

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Yacht Club will be showcase their club facilities for the public during Harbor Days, Sept. 15 and 16. OYC will also have a booth to attract new boating enthusiasts and juniors to become members. According to Rear Commodore Lee Pryor, "new members will be offered one free adult 'Learn to Sail' course. Additionally, we encourage everyone to stop by our booth during the festivities to learn more about OYC's community involvement and to register for our drawing for one free 'Learn to Sail' course." As part of the Harbor Days events, the OYC Junior members will demonstrate a mock sail race using CFJ sailboats in the inner harbor at 2 p.m. on Sept. 15.

The Oceanside Yacht Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting safe sailing and boating. For information, contact Rachel at (760) 722-5751

Oceanside Elks to hold bingo

OCEANSIDE - The Oceanside Elks Lodge 1561 will hold bingo at 1 p.m. Sept. 16 at 444 Country Club Lane. A free hamburger, fries and soda will be served from 10 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. to all who buy in. Call (760) 433-1561.

Finding the right graduate school is topic

OCEANSIDE - MiraCosta College will offer a comprehensive workshop on the ins and outs of graduate school, from choosing the right university to finding the money to pay for the tuition. The workshop is broken into two days, with the first day providing an overview of graduate school and the second day giving students the opportunity to interact directly with graduate school representatives and students.

The first workshop will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 in Room 3601 of MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. The workshop will include guest speakers from Cal State San Marcos and MiraCosta College, as well as current UCSD medical school students.

The second workshop will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 20 in Aztlan A/B, and will include roundtable discussion groups with experts in the graduate school field. Both workshops are free and open to the public. Information: (760) 757-2121, Ext. 6580, lflocken@miracosta.edu.

Author to sign book of dogs

VISTA - Author Liz Palika will host a book signing party for the release of her newest book, "The Howell Book of Dogs," at 3 p.m. Sept. 15 at Kindred Spirits Dog Training, 3343 E. Vista Way. Information: http://www.lizpalika.com.

Vista Library to host authors

VISTA - The Vista Library will host the following authors in the Community Room at 700 Eucalyptus Ave. For more information, call (760) 643-5100.

• Today, 3 p.m. Sylvia Mendoza, author of "The Book of Latina Women, 150 Vidas of Passion, Strength and Success," will address middle and high school girls on the topic of "A Good Time to Be a Girl."

• Sept. 23, 2 p.m. The authors of "They Poured Fire On Us From the Sky," the story of the Lost Boys of Sudan, will present a short film and discussion.

• Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m. Linda Sundstrom, romance author and member of the Romance Writers of America, will discuss fiction writing and getting published.

• Sept. 29, 3 p.m. Robert Gould, publisher of Big Guy Books, will talk about how he started a publishing company and why he wanted to write books for children.

Club to host Day for Kids

VISTA - The Boys & Girls Club of Vista, 410 W. California Ave., will host a Day for Kids from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 15. The day will include games, dancing, food and fun. Go to http://www.bgcvista.org.

South Vista Communities to meet

VISTA - South Vista Communities will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at Shadowridge Country Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. Diane Nygaard, president of Preserve Calavera, will provide an update on the San Diego Association of Government's Habitat Conservation Plan, as well as other environmental activities.

South Vista Communities is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to maintain and enhance the quality of life for all south Vista residents. Information: (760) 295-2559, southvistacommunities@cox.net.

Learn the basics of jewelry design

VISTA - A class, "Jewelry Design: First, The Basics!" will be taught by Kim Yang from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 24 in the Palm Game Room at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Class fee is $10. Jewelry making kits will be provided for a cost of $8 to $15, cash only to the instructor. Participants will create and design a project, start to finish. Completion of the class is required prior to enrollment in any of the jewelry classes being held in October. Register at the center or online at http://www.oasisnet.org. Call (760) 639-6160.

Boys & Girls Club continues food program

VISTA - The Boys & Girls Club of Vista has announced it will continue its Food Program offering after-school snacks for youths ages 6 to 18. A limited number of nutritional snacks are available each day at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Daily snacks will be served at 3:30 p.m. daily at the club at 410 W. California Ave.

Vista Pony/Colt baseball seeks sponsors

VISTA - Vista Pony/Colt baseball is an all-volunteer nonprofit corporation dedicated to providing a healthy outlet for the youths of the community to grow into productive citizens.This program needs the generous financial support of sponsors to continue the job of helping form these boys and girls into community's leaders of the future. Various levels of sponsorship are outlined on the Web site athttp://www.leaguelineup.com/vistapony. Click on the Handouts link. Information: (760) 518-2222; vistapony@pacbell.net.

Lions Club to hold pancake breakfast

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Lions Club will host a Pancake Breakfast along with a Woodie Car Show from 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 15 at Moonlight Beach.

'Surf Stomp' to raise funds

DEL MAR - Keep Del Mar Clean will hold its fourth annual Keep Del Mar Clean Surf Stomp Fundraiser from 6 to 10 p.m. today at the indoor/outdoor ocean-front Del Mar Powerhouse Community Center, 1658 Coast Blvd. Activities will include a silent auction, raffles, dance music by Atomic Groove and a Polynesian dinner catered by Da' Kitchen. Cost is $60 in advance; $70 at the door. Adults 21 years and older. Call (858) 792-9091; dara@keepdelmarclean.com.

Republican women to meet Sept. 26

DEL MAR - Del Mar Sea Coast Republican Women Federated will meet at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 26 at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club, 1505 Lomas Santa Fe Dr. The speaker will be Crystal Harris, a financial advisor and money manager with Smith Barney. Harris will identify current events and issues relating to politics and the economy. Reservations required. Cost is $20, lunch included. Call (760) 753-8247 before Sept. 21.

City to offer preschool program

CARDIFF -- The city of Encinitas Parks and Recreation Department's new "Ready, Set . . . Alphabet" program, designed to prepare kids ages 34 to 48 months for the preschool experience in a cooperative learning environment, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Sept. 24 at the Scout House in Glen Park, 2149 Orinda Drive. Children will be introduced to pre-reading and pre-writing skills as well as circle time, art, snack and open play. The fall session of the program begins Oct. 22. Call (760) 633-2759.

Hospice seeks volunteers

CARLSBAD -- Hospice of the North Coast, 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A, is seeking volunteers to serve in several capacities. Each one helps this nonprofit organization provide medical, emotional, physical and spiritual support to patients and families who are going through the most difficult of times. The Hospice Re-Sale Shop is looking for volunteers to sort, display and cashier at their Encinitas store. Opportunities are available for patient care volunteers, Hospice Auxiliary members who work on special events to raise funds for hospice, people to help with the October Golf Tournament, and office assistance. Information: (760) 431-4100; http://hnc@hospicenorthcoast.org.

Learn about chaparral and grizzly bears

CARLSBAD - The Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Discovery Center will present "Chaparral, Grizzly Bears and the Agua Hedionda Lagoon" from 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 19 at 1580 Cannon Road. Richard Halsey, chaparral ecologist, writer and director of The California Chaparral Field Institute, will reveal the truth concerning the many myths and surprising mysteries of chaparral, especially concerning the grizzly bear, and why chaparral represents such a vital link to nature for all Californians. Call (760) 804-1969.

Carlsbad biz expo set for Sept. 19

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host its 17th Annual Carlsbad Business Expo from noon to 6 p.m. Sept. 19 in the Westfield Plaza Camino Real parking lot, 2525 El Camino Real. The chamber will host its monthly sundowner from 5 to 7 p.m. Connect with business people, meet new customers, network with existing clients while enjoying food and drinks. Information: (760) 941-8400; lmanemann@carlsbad.org.

Psychic abilities subject of talk

CARLSBAD - The Sacred Pathway Bookstore will host the class on "How to Develop Your Psychic Senses and Improve Your Intuition" at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the store, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. The class will show how all people have the ability to be intuitive with clear, telepathic vibrations. Information: (760) 729-2434; http://www.SwissSystem.com.

Chamber to host '5 Minute Networking'

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host "5 Minute Networking" from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Sept. 27 at Windmill Banquets & Catering, 890 Palomar Airport Road. Participants will meet up to 20 individuals, one-on-one, in five minute increments to describe respective businesses, exchange business cards, and pass on referrals. Space is limited, reservations are required. Cost is $30 for chamber members; $40 prospective members. Information: (760) 931-8400; http://www.carlsbad.org.

Lions to host surf clinic

Carlsbad - The Encinitas Lions Club's 11th Annual Surfing Clinic for the Visually Impaired will be held from 9 to noon Sept. 23 at South Ponto Beach. Participants will be given instruction, and assisted in the water by local surfers and volunteers as they challenge themselves to balance atop surfboards. The Encinitas Lions Club are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. In addition to the annual Blind Surfing Event, the Encinitas Lions Club works on a variety of projects such as free diabetes and eye testing clinics, a Christmas food drive for needy Camp Pendleton families, an eye glass recycle campaign for the sight impaired, and guide dogs for the blind. The Encinitas Lions Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at the Encinitas Ranch Golf Course Grill. Information: (760) 436 7338; bmangini@sbcglobal.net.

Republican women to meet

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Republican Women Federated will host a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 25 at The Olympic Resort, 6111 El Camino Real.Guest speaker will be California state Senator Mark Wyland. For reservations, call (760) 434-6478.

Book discussion group to meet

POWAY - The Poway Library's Book Discussion Group will meet at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Harry "Bud" Barber Reading Room at the library, 13137 Poway Road. "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls will be discussed. The group meets the third Tuesday of each month and welcomes new members. Information: (858) 513-2900.

Ramona Forum group to show film

RAMONA - The Ramona Forum will show the film "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death" at 6 p.m. Sept. 19 at the Sizzler restaurant, 344 Main St. A discussion will follow, time permitting. Admission is free; dinner optional. Information: (760) 207-9139.

Library offers craft workshops

POWAY - The Friends of the Poway Library will present "Knitting for Absolute Beginners," the first of five "Crafts for Absolute Beginners" workshops, Sept. 20. Knitting needles and yarn will be provided or participants can bring their own.

The free workshops are open to all ages and will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the Children's Area at the library, 13137 Poway Road. Additional workshops include: crocheted granny squares, Oct. 4; silk ribbon embroidery, Oct. 18; faux finishes and stenciling on boxes, Nov. 1; and painting on sweat- or T-shirts, Nov. 15.

Space is limited. To register, call (858) 513-2900 or stop by the library's Reference Desk.

Class offered for families of mentally ill

RANCHO BERNARDO - A National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family class, a 12-week program for family members of people with mental illnesses, meets from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays in Rancho Bernardo. The class began Sept. 5; however, those interested can sign up within two weeks of the start date.

In addition, a support group meets the third Tuesday of each month.

Information: Ellie Taylor, (858) 485-0703; Judy Mapston, (858) 485-8549; or Bob Borden, (760) 480-0057.

Interfaith Council to walk in parade

POWAY - The Poway Interfaith Council will walk as a united group in the Poway Days Heritage Parade on Sept. 15. The council's mission is "to increase community awareness and understanding of different faith traditions and to consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship." Information: (858) 487-8885.

Make chocolate-covered strawberries

SAN MARCOS - The Family Enrichment Program invites families to make chocolate-covered strawberries at 7 p.m. Sept. 20 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. Using the finest strawberries and colorful sprinkles, participants can decorate fresh and juicy strawberries.

Cost is $2 per person. The deadline to register is Sept. 18. Call (760) 744-9000.

Sponsored by San Marcos Community Services, the Family Enrichment Program brings families together through arts, crafts, cooking and special events.

Bird-watching field trips offered

The Palomar Audubon Society will offer these bird-watching field trips. Information and directions: http://www.palomaraudubon.org (Field Trips).

• 8 a.m. Sept. 15, Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary, Oceanside.

• 8 a.m. Sept. 22, Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Imperial Beach.

• 8 a.m. Sept. 29, Batiquitos Lagoon, Carlsbad.

• 8 a.m. Oct. 6, Old Mission Dam, San Diego.

• 8 a.m. Oct. 13, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and Huntington Central Park, Orange County.