SAN DIEGO - Rotary International will sponsor a presentation by Lee Gordon, co-founder of Hand In Hand Schools, at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at Frances Parker School, 6501 Linda Vista Road. - Gordon co-founded Hand In Hand Schools in 1997 to build peace between Jews and Arabs in Israel through the development of bilingual and multicultural schools. Today, there are four Hand In Hand schools in Jerusalem, Galilee, Kfar Kara and Beersheba, each with enrollments of half Jewish and half Arabic children.

Joining Gordon will be local residents Miko Peled and Nader Elbanna, who have created the Jewish-Palestinian Dialogue in San Diego.

Donation is $10 at the door. Information: http://www.handinhandk12.org.

Book talk set for Oct. 11

FALLBROOK - Jane Austen's classic, "Northanger Abbey," will be the selection at the next Book Talk at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11 in the Fallbrook Public Utility District board room. Written in 1798, it was the first of Austen's novels to be completed, but the last published. The discussion will be led by Lynette Wood.

Sponsored by Friends of the Fallbrook Library, the community book club meets the second Thursday of the month from September through June. The discussions are open to the public, no reservations are required and attendees need not be members of the Friends organization.

Other selections on this year's schedule include "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson, "The Face of a Stranger" by Anne Perry, "Snow Flower & the Secret Fan" by Lisa See and "Ender's Game" by Orson Scott Card. Suggestions of books and volunteers to lead discussions are welcome.

Information: (760) 420-9957.

AAUW branch to meet Oct. 13

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook-Bonsall branch of the American Association of University Women will hold its first general meeting of the year at 10 a.m. Oct. 13 at the Fallbrook Public Utility District building, 990 E. Mission Road.

Club President Chris Young will discuss the national AAUW convention that she and past club President Sherry Ludwig recently attended in Phoenix. She will explain this year's goal, "Expanding a Legacy of Leadership," with the focus on advancing equity for young girls and women through advocacy, education and research.

Members of AAUW who participate in the Fallbrook High School AVID, or Advancement Via Individual Achievement, mentoring program are encouraged to bring their student(s) to the program, as it is directed toward them. Each year, AAUW members who participate in AVID serve as mentors and plan social and educational events for students to experience. One of the highlights of the year is Career Day. This year, the AVID mentor chairwoman is Barbara Ajello, who can be reached at (760) 728-1910.

For membership and other information, call JoAnn Rego at (760) 731-6040.

Running club announces schedule

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Running and Walking Club will meet as usual at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 13 in the parking lot behind the library. Refreshments will be available afterward.

The starting time and location for the Sunday workout is 6:45 a.m. at Sandia Creek Park. Take De Luz/Pico Road from East Mission Road for about two miles. At the bottom of the hill, turn right on Sandia Creek Road. Go about one mile to the Sandia Creek parking lot on the right hand side just before crossing Sandia Creek.

Wednesday workouts continue at the Los Jilgueros Preserve. The preserve is located north of the high school on South Mission Road. Meet at 6 p.m. in the preserve parking lot. New members of all ages and abilities are welcome. Bring babies in a jogger or a dog on a leash. There are no membership dues.

Fallbrook VFW serves meals

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Veterans of Foreign Wars post serves meals several days a week at 1175 Old Stage Road. Hamburgers and hot dogs are served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Mondays for $4. Wednesday is pasta night, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This week's feature is Trish's three-meat/four-cheese spaghetti bake. Cost is $5. Specials are served from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays. The Oct. 12 feature is an Oktoberfest. Cost is $8.

Information: (760) 728-8784.

Teen Read Week programs set at library

FALLBROOK - The Fallbrook Library, 124 S. Mission Road, will offer several programs this month to celebrate Teen Read Week. Information: branch librarian Teresa Sheehey, (760) 728-2373.

• Calligrapher Sylver Kinsella will teach a class on fancy lettering from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 17. The "Quick and Quirky Lettering" class will cover special lettering techniques that could be used to decorate invitations, scrapbooks and school reports. The class is recommended for sixth-graders and older. All materials will be provided by the teacher. Call (760) 728-2373 to sign up.

• Artist Bob Hendricks will offer free face painting from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 30. He has painted faces at Balboa Park, the county fair and other venues. His artwork is on display at the library through the end of the month.

• Teen game night will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 24. Chess and checkers will be available.

Take a hike at Daley Ranch

ESCONDIDO - Free, guided nature hikes are offered at Daley Ranch.

All trails include steep and/or slippery sections. Bring at least a quart of water and wear a hat, sunscreen and hiking boots or treaded footwear. Youths younger than 18 must be with an adult. No pets are allowed. Meet at La Honda Drive entrance.

The hike schedule and trail map are online at http://www.ci.escondido.ca.us.

Reservations are requested. Call (760) 839-4680. A shuttle with handicapped accessibility runs Sundays.

• 8:30 a.m. Oct. 13: Naturalist Dorothy Klitzing will lead a moderate, three-mile hike and discuss ancient inhabitants of the area.

• 8 to 11 a.m. Oct. 18: Join naturalist Tom Lyon for an easy bird walk to see what winter birds have arrived. Bring binoculars.

• 1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21: Naturalist DJ Summers will lead an easy, one-hour hike along Jack Creek Meadow Loop Trail for parents and their children, followed by a woodpecker craft for the kids to make at the Ranch House picnic area. Meet at the La Honda Drive entrance and ride the shuttle to the Ranch House.

Escondido Civic Faire planned

ESCONDIDO - The city and its community partners will host the sixth annual "We Love Children and Families! Escondido Civic Faire" from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13 at Grape Day Park, 321 N. Broadway.

More than 70 community organizations will be in attendance at the resource fair, providing crafts and activities for children, free health screenings, demonstrations of healthy activities and other information.

SDG&E will hold a lighting exchange event, where residents can exchange up to five 75-watt or higher incandescent light bulbs for up to five compact fluorescent bulbs or two halogen torchiere lamps for two energy-efficient torchiere lamps. Bring a valid California ID and a copy of a current SDG&E bill. Call SDG&E at (800) 411-7343.

For Escondido Civic Faire information, call (760) 839-4081.

Walk through Old Escondido East

ESCONDIDO - Join Ann and Richard Rothwell for a free 90-minute historical walking tour of Old Escondido East starting at 11 a.m. Oct. 13. The tour will begin at the southeast corner of Broadway and Grand Avenue.

The monthly walks are presented as a public service by the Escondido Historical Society and the Escondido Citizens Ecology Committee. Preregistration is not necessary.

For information about the Old Escondido East tour or any of the other five routes offered throughout the year, call (760) 743-8207.

Art Connection to host local artist

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Arts Partnership's Art Connection free lecture series will present local artist Tom Tiedeman from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, 142 W. Grand Ave.

Tiedeman will discuss his recent trip to Tuscany, Italy, where he taught a watercolor class. He also will share and demonstrate some of his watercolor techniques. See Tiedeman's artwork at http://www.arttom.com.

Information: http://www.escondidoarts.org, (760) 480-4101.

Escondido Republicans to gather

ESCONDIDO - Saul Lisauskas will speak at a meeting of the Escondido Republican Club on Oct. 15 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.

Lisauskas will talk about the North American Union and the Security and Prosperity Partnership of North America.

Reservations: Sharon Wood, (760) 741-5060. Information: http://www.escondidorepublicanclub.org.

San Pasqual Battlefield group to meet

ESCONDIDO - Jim Newcom will talk about California railroads at 7 p.m. Oct. 16 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Monthly history discussions are hosted by the San Pasqual Battlefield Volunteer Association. Information: Ron Hinrichs, (760) 746-8380.

Also, the association will hold its annual luncheon meeting at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park visitor center, 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road. Bob Bowman will present "The Life and Death Journeys of Capt. A.R. Johnston." R.S.V.P. by Oct. 17 with Shirley Buskirk at (760) 745-6950 or BuskirkNS@peoplepc.com.

Genealogy workshop set for beginners

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido Genealogical Society will host a free two-part workshop for beginners from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 19 and 26 at the Escondido Public Library, 239 S. Kalmia St. Class size is limited; preregistration is required. Call (858) 592-9360 or e-mail peggyrossi@sbcglobal.net.

AAUW to host Humane Society director

ESCONDIDO - The Escondido-San Marcos branch of the American Association of University Women will host a luncheon meeting at 10 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Escondido Country Club, 1800 Country Club Lane.

Sally Costello, executive director of the Escondido Humane Society, will present "The Benefits of Companion Animals." She also will share stories of specific animals and bring some animals for attendees to hold.

Cost for the buffet luncheon is $16. For reservations, call Ginny at (760) 489-0579.

Italian Halloween Party on tap

ESCONDIDO - The Italian American Social Club of Escondido will host Carnevale di Venezia, an Italian Halloween Party, from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Resurrection Church parish center,1445 Conway Drive.

The party will include dancing to the Phil Anthony Band, dinner, wine and dessert. Cost is $18 in advance; $20 at the door. Information: Joyce Scordia, (760) 728-6241.

NAMI to host art sale and auction

ESCONDIDO - The North Inland National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, will hold an art sale and auction from 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 4 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Proceeds will benefit NAMI, Rady Children's Hospital and Wounded Warriors at Camp Pendleton.

Artists who may be interested in taking part are invited to call Arlene Cawthorne at (760) 739-2988 or aec3@pph.org.

Computer help offered to seniors

ESCONDIDO - Experienced instructors offer one-on-one tutoring in the Senior Service Council computer lab at the Dorothy E. Boeger Building, 728 N. Broadway, in the Joslyn Senior Center complex.

Learn basic computer skills on a PC or Apple computer, as well as applications such as e-mail, the Internet, word processing, spreadsheets and PowerPoint. Cost is $5 per hour. Call (760) 480-0611 for an appointment.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE - LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Administration Building. Thomas De La Cruz, aka Smoothini the magician, will perform comedy, magic and mind-reading.

At 2:30 p.m., Bradley Steffens, author of "The First Scientist," will discuss his book about Ibn-Haytham, an early Muslim scholar who changed the course of history in the sciences and art. Call (760) 721-8124.

Biotech CEO to speak at MiraCosta

OCEANSIDE - MiraCosta College's Biotechnology Program will host International Stem Cell Corp. CEO Jeff Krstich at noon Oct. 12 in the Little Theatre, Room 3601, at 1 Barnard Drive. Krstich will speak on stem cell technology and will be available to answer audience questions. The event is free. Call (760) 757-2121, Ext. 6499.

Santa Margarita DAR to meet

OCEANSIDE - The Santa Margarita chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, will meet Oct. 13 at the El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way. The meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast, followed by a short business meeting. The speaker will be George Key, descendant of Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star-Spangled Banner." Reservations are required. E-mail dpinckney@san.rr.com.

Concert to benefit German shepherd rescue

OCEANSIDE - Coastal German Shepherd Rescue will present a benefit concert Oct. 13 at the Star Theatre. A pre-concert beer and wine reception and multimedia presentation will be held from 6:15 to 7 p.m., followed by performances by the bands Paperback Writer and Jumping Jack Flash, tribute bands to the Beatles and Rolling Stones respectively. Tickets cost $40 and available at http://www.coastalgsr.org. Money raised will be used to find loving homes for abandoned, stray German shepherd dogs from high kill shelters. The group also provides foster homes and medical care to dogs rescued.

MiraCosta choral ensembles to perform

OCEANSIDE - Three of MiraCosta College's choral music ensembles will present their fall premiere concert, "Let My Voice Ring Out," at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 and 2 p.m. Oct. 15 in the MiraCosta Theater, 1 Barnard Drive. The concert will include performances by the North Coast Concert Chorale, the MiraCosta College Chamber Chorale and the Camerata Singers. Selections will include works by contemporary composers and traditional choral masters.

Tickets cost $10 general admission; $8 for seniors, students and military. Tickets may be purchased at the door, reserved by calling (760) 795-6815 or ordered online at http://www.miracosta.edu/events.

Gems of the Sea Necklace workshop set

OCEANSIDE - MiraCosta College will hold a Gems of the Sea Necklace Workshop from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct. 22 in Room 4809 at the college, 1 Barnard Drive. Students will strand coin pearls, stick pearls, potato pearls and more on a silk cord and also make a pair of earrings. Fee is $57. To register, or for more information, call (760) 795-6820 or go to http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs.

Small business workshops set

OCEANSIDE - MiraCosta College's Community Services Program will offer a Small Business Forum in partnership with the Small Business Development Center. The forum consists of five workshops. The fee for each is $45 or students can enroll in all five at the same time for the discounted rate of $198. All classes are held from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mondays in Room 3103 of the Oceanside campus, 1 Barnard Drive. To register, call (760) 795-6820 or go to http://www.miracosta.edu/commsvcs. Dates/topics of the workshops are as follows:

• Oct. 22, Module 1, Starting a Small Business: The Basics

• Oct. 29, Module 2, Sales and Marketing Strategies for a Growing Business

• Nov. 5, Module 3, Strategies for Keeping Your Business in the Black

• Nov. 19, Module 4, Small Business Customer

• Nov. 26, Module 5, How to Write a Business Plan

Oasis classes available at senior center

VISTA - Oasis classes are now being held at the Gloria E. McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. To register, call (760) 432-0635 or go to http://www.oasisnet.org. The following classes will be held in October:

• Oct. 11, Internet Essentials

• Oct. 12, Ten Ways to Prevent Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease

• Oct. 12, 19, 26, Artfully Asian

• Oct. 15, 17, 22, 24, Beginning Computer

• Oct. 16, Exploring the Internet

• Oct. 18, 25, Understanding Pictures

• Oct. 23, Keeping Your E-Mail Organized

• Oct. 25, Academy Award Winners and Losers

• Oct. 29 through Nov. 5, Mondays, Me, My Family and I: Genealogy Online

• Oct. 30, Safety First: Privacy and Security Online

Vistans ROC event upcoming

VISTA - The city of Vista's annual revitalization project known as Vistans ROC (Revitalizing Our Community) will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 in the neighborhood located on Cananea Street between Citrus Avenue and Indian Rock Road, and along Calera Street, adjacent to Cananea Street.

Volunteers for the ninth annual project will paint, landscape and clean up homes. More than 800 volunteers are expected to participate in this year's event. The project is sponsored by the Vista Townsite Community Partnership and the city of Vista.

Vistans ROC is made possible by funding from the city's redevelopment agency and the generosity of community sponsors. Vistans ROC continues to seek sponsors and invites all local businesses to give back to the community through the donation of time, money or materials. Information: (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1482.

Community clinic to mark 35th anniversary

VISTA - The Vista Community Clinic will celebrate its 35th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Moonlight Amphitheatre. The event will feature Mayors Morris Vance of Vista and Mayor Jim Wood of Oceanside reading proclamations honoring the clinic, preceded by activities including a rock climbing wall, face painting, lunch, cotton candy and popcorn and games for clinic employees and their families. Call (760) 631-5000.

Women's group to meet

SAN MARCOS - The San Marcos-Vista Women's Connection will hold its annual Fall Harvest Fair luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 at the Lake San Marcos Country Club, 1750 San Pablo Drive. Cost is $15 inclusive.

The fair will feature jewelry, baked goods, crafts, white elephants and unusual gift items. All proceeds will be given as a Christmas gift to Stonecroft missionaries. Bonnie Smith of Carlsbad will entertain. The speaker will be Nell Heard of Fallbrook. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. Reserve by Oct. 11 by calling (760) 726-2977 or (760) 744-3744.

Youth Basketball Program offered

VISTA - The city of Vista Parks and Community Services Department will offer a Youth Basketball Program for boys and girls born between 1990 and 2001. Registration will be taken Oct. 17 for Vista residents only; Oct. 24 for open registration; and a late registration date will be offered Oct. 27.

Registration will be taken at the Brengle Terrace Recreation Center, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive from 6 to 8 p.m. The cost of the program ranges between $65 and $94, depending on the division and whether or not the participant is a Vista resident. Volunteer coaches also are needed. Call (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1572.

Boys & Girls Club holds Denim Day

VISTA - The Boys & Girls Club of Vista will celebrate Denim Day from 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 3 at 410 W. California Ave. The fun-filled family event will feature a Cowboy Carnival with barbecue dinner, a chili cook-off, pie eating contest, pony rides, silent auction and performances by club members.

The event also will feature the first Bozo Rodeo competition. The club is seeking chili cook-off entries fro m individuals, service clubs and businesses. Adults tickets are $25 each or $75 for a family. All proceeds support the club. Call (760) 724-6606, Ext. 12, or e-mail misty@bgcvista.com.

Fire Prevention Week event set

ENCINITAS - The Encinitas Fire Department will celebrate National Fire Prevention Week with an expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Moonlight Beach parking lot at the corner of Third and C streets. Fire safety officials will be on hand during the event to provide the public with important information on developing and practicing their escape plans.

Other activities will include fire extinguisher demonstrations, a vehicle rescue exhibition using the Jaws of Life car-cutting tool and exhibits for the public to view, including a fire engine, ambulance, ASTREA helicopter and other rescue equipment. Children will have an opportunity to spot fire hazards in the interactive fire safety trailer; learn stop, drop and roll techniques; and dress up in firefighter clothing. Safety information, food and assorted items will be provided free to those in attendance. Call (760) 633-2800.

Women tee off Oct. 20

SOLANA BEACH - The Women's Global Network monthly golf outing will be held at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Lomas Santa Fe Executive Course, 1580 Sun Valley Road. Cost is $68, includes continental breakfast, green fees, cart fees, lunch and golf. No experience necessary, all players welcome. Reservations required, http://www.wgn-global.com.

Lecture addresses investing concerns

CARLSBAD - James Merrill from the Society for Financial Awareness will be the speaker for the seminar, "Investing Concerns in a 'Fragile' Market" from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 16 in the Dance Studio, Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Merrill will cover topics such as the "U.S. Economy is Heating Up"; "Learn How to Grow Your Money Wisely"; "Why 'Down' Markets Create Investment Opportunities"; and more. Call (760) 602-4650.

Library to screen Buster Keaton films

CARLSBAD - The Carlsbad Library will present a Buster Keaton film series at 6 p.m. Oct. 17, Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 at the Carlsbad Library's Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. The film lineup will include: "The Navigator" Oct. 17; "Go West" Oct. 24; and "Speak Easily" Oct. 31. All screenings begin at 6 p.m. and will feature a special pre-show introduction and post-show question-and-answer with Robert Keaton, Buster Keaton's grandson. Oct. 17 and Oct. 24, pianist Bryan Verhoye will perform a live soundtrack for the films. Admission is free. Call (760) 602-2012.

Artist to discuss his work

CARLSBAD - World traveler and artist Jack Vogelsang will discuss his many interests in engineering and art from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Vogelsang has traveled the world and worked in places such as Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Lebanon and Morocco. His art work will be displayed for the month of October. Call (760) 602-4650.

Women's Network celebrates birthday

SAN DIEGO - The Women's Global Network will celebrate its first anniversary from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 11 at Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens, 9675 Scranton Road. The group's mission is to assist other women reach their personal and professional goals through educational forums, mentoring young professionals and community service. Cost is $55; includes dinner, wine, beer or soft drinks, and birthday cake. Reservations required; http://www.wgn-global.com.

First-aid class offered

POWAY - The city will offer an American Red Cross first-aid class from 8:30 to noon Oct. 13 in the Community Meeting Room at the Poway Library, 13137 Poway Road. Cost is $38; $28 for Poway residents. Registration: http://www.ci.poway.ca.us; Community Services Department at City Hall, 13325 Civic Center Drive.

Class for first-time dads offered

POWAY - Palomar Pomerado Health will host "Basic Training for Dads" from 9:30 a.m. to noon Oct. 13 at the Women's Health Connection, 15725 Pomerado Road, Suite 100.

The class is designed for first-time dads-to-be anticipating the birth of their baby within the next three to four months. Participants will learn what to expect during the last trimester of pregnancy, how to prepare for the experience of birth and what to do during the first few weeks at home, including practical tips for diapering, feeding and soothing the newborn.

Cost is $35. Registration is required. Call (800) 628-2880.

Dog adoption event on tap

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals, a nonprofit pet rescue organization specializing in small dogs, will hold a dog adoption event from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Oct. 13 at Kahoots Animals and Supplies, 11965 Bernardo Plaza Drive. Information: (619) 466-0426.

Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge set

4S RANCH - The Knights of Columbus Soccer Challenge will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Oct. 13 at Patriot Park, off 4S Ranch Parkway and adjacent to Monterey Ridge Elementary School.

The event will be a penalty kick contest and is open to boys and girls ages 10 to 14. Winners could move on to state, national and international championships. Information and registration: John Ramirez, (858) 776-1937; johnramirez_kofc@earthlink.net.

Barbecue to benefit Rides & Smiles program

SABRE SPRINGS - The second Rides & Smiles Community Barbecue will be held from noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 14 at Belmont Village Senior Living, 13075 Evening Creek Drive South.

The event will include a barbecue lunch, music, silent auction and drawing. Attendees also can meet former Padres pitcher Randy Jones, who will sign autographs.

Admission is $10; free for children younger than 7. Proceeds will benefit Rides & Smiles, a volunteer-based program that provides rides to local seniors.

Information and reservations: (858) 391-0033, (858) 729-9933.

Welcome Club to host luncheon

POWAY - The Welcome Club of North County will hold its monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 18 at the House on the Hill, 12440 Poway Road. A Las Vegas-style performance group called It's Showtime will provide the entertainment. Reservations and information: Millie Moskoff, (858) 673-4734.

Center offers enrichment lectures

RANCHO BERNARDO - The Continuing Education Center at Rancho Bernardo offers college-level, non-credit enrichment lectures on a variety of subjects.

Upcoming lectures include the following:

• 10 a.m. Oct. 9: Dr. Michael Provence of UC San Diego will describe the post World War I intrigues that created the boundaries of the modern Middle East.

• 1:30 p.m. Oct. 10: FBI public affairs specialist April Langwell will talk about identity theft.

• 1:30 p.m. Oct. 11: Dr. Dennis Clausen will discuss "Small Towns in American Literature."

• 10 a.m. Oct. 16: University of San Diego law professor Steven D. Smith will talk about what "separation of church and state" meant to writers of the First Amendment.

The CEC's classrooms and office are at the Remington Club Phase II, 16916 Hierba Drive. Lecture fees are $7; $5 for members. Membership fees are $30 for an individual; $50 per couple.

Information and registration: (858) 487-0464, http://www.cecrb.org.

Aglow group to meet Oct. 13

RANCHO BERNARDO - Aglow International North County San Diego will meet from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 13 at Coco's restaurant, 16759 Bernardo Center Drive.

Chapter President LueAnn Grosdidier and Administrative Secretary Kim Rohde will share their experiences from the 2007 Aglow conference.

An optional breakfast is available for $11. Information: LueAnn Grosdidier, (858) 451-8668; Kim Rohde, (858) 451-5631.

Democratic club to host speaker

LAKE SAN MARCOS - The Lake San Marcos Democratic Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. Oct. 13 in the Lake Pavilion, 1105 La Bonita Drive.

The guest speaker will be Ross Porter, a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Members of all parties are welcome.

The group also is seeking volunteers to help get the Democratic vote in San Diego County. Information: Betty Ball, (760) 752-1035.

Family Halloween activities offered

SAN MARCOS - San Marcos Community Services' Family Enrichment Program will host two fun Halloween events.

A Halloween Party will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Wood House, 1148 Rock Springs Road. Participants can make spooky crafts and creepy treats and play bingo for prizes. Children can also win prizes by playing carnival games. Attendees are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Cost is $5 per child and $3 per adult. The deadline to register is Oct. 17.

Families are invited to decorate canvas trick-or-treat bags at 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. Cost is $2 per bag. Registration deadline is Oct. 23.

Information and registration: (760) 744-9000.

Event to benefit equestrian park

SAN MARCOS - The Twin Oaks Valley Equestrian Association will hold its first Poker Ride & Stride for the Park event Oct. 21 to raise funds for improvements at Walnut Grove Equestrian Park.

The event is open to walkers and horseback riders. Those who would like to walk the trail route can participate beginning at 9 a.m. Horseback riders will begin riding in small groups at 10 a.m. Donations also are being accepted.

Participants will receive an event T-shirt and goodie bag and will have the opportunity to win various prizes up to $2,000 in cash. Additional activities will include a barbecue lunch, live band and equestrian demonstrations.

Information and registration: http://ww.helpthehorsepark.com.

Fine arts group offers bus trip

NORTH COUNTY - The North County Society of Fine Arts will offer a Nov. 3 bus trip to the Armand Hammer Museum, the Fowler Museum and the Sculpture Garden, all on the campus of UCLA. Cost is $45. Information and reservations: http://www.ncsfa.org; Valerie Raymond, (858) 748-0535.