ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Historical Society needs docents for Fridays or Saturdays, two times per month. Service times are flexible. Volunteers receive education and informational materials and orientation. Call (760) 753-5726.

Seniors meet to dance

ENCINITAS -- The Encinitas Senior Center invites anyone 50 and older to dance from 2 to 4 p.m. every third Friday of the month at the club, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Cost is $3. Call (760) 943-2250.

Toastmasters meets Wednesdays

SOLANA BEACH -- North Coast Toastmasters meets from 7:30 to 9 a.m. every Wednesday at the Solana Beach Community Center, 133 Pacific Ave. Conquer fears of speaking in public and learn effective communication and leadership skills in a fun, supportive environment. Information: (760) 944-9732 or go to http://wwww.nctoastmasters.org.

Senior computer classes offered

ENCINITAS -- A variety of computer programs will be offered at the Encinitas Senior Center to boost seniors' computer skills, including: Basics, Internet and E-mail, Wordprocessing, Intermediate skills, Scanners and Digital Cameras, Tips and Tricks, eBay Workshop, and Using CD-RW, DVD & Multimedia. Instructor is Joan Yap. Call (760) 943-2250 for schedule and fees.

Turn writing into profits

ENCINITAS -- Publishers and Writers of San Diego will hold its monthly meeting from 10 a.m. to noon April 28 at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Paulette Ensign, the "Tips Booklet Queen," will speak on "Creating Profitable Spin-Offs: Write Once, Sell Often." Ensign, the author of "110 Ideas for Organizing Your Business Life," will show participants how to take the printed word and turn it into other products for profit. Taking the topic of a book, authors can also create CDs, DVDs, MP3s, posters, teleclasses, e-courses, T-shirts and more in order to reach a wider audience for residual income. Cost is $10 for members, $15 for nonmembers. Visit the Web site at http://www.PublishersWriters.org.

Celebrate 'Lagoon Day' at center

CARDIFF --The San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve will celebrate Lagoon Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 12 at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, 2710 Manchester Ave. The event celebrates the 20th anniversary of San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy and features a nature treasure hunt, complete with treasure map, special discovery stations and prizes. Call Maryanne Bache at (760) 436-3944.

Women in Business Symposium

DEL MAR -- The eighth annual Women in Business Symposium, "Sharing the Power of YES YOU CAN," will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, Jimmy Durante Boulevard. Author/coach Diane Conway will discuss "What Would You Do If You Had No Fear? Living Your Dreams While Quaking in Your Boots"; Lola Gillebaard will discuss "Laughter is the Handshake of Good Communication"; and Robin Jay will discuss "The Art of the Business Lunch: Building Relationships between 12 and 2." Cost is $95 if registered before May 10. Visit the Web site at http://www.WIBSymposium.

San Diegutio class plans 40th reunion

ENCINITAS -- The San Dieguito High School class of 1967 is planning its 40th reunion with a weekend cruise down the California coastline from Oct. 5 to 7. A get-together will be held following the cruise on Oct. 13 at Peabody's, 136 Encinitas Blvd. Call Kathy Stuart Jensen at (760) 753-2624 or e-mail sdhsclass67@yahoo.com.

Chamber counsels small businesses

CARLSBAD -- The Small Business Success Center, located in the CarlsbadChamber of Commerce office, has a regular schedule of counselorswho donate their time to help business entrepreneurs. The Success Center also hosts workshops and financial consultations to meet the needs of new and growing businesses. Information: (760) 931-8400, e-mail akorogi@carlsbad.org, or go to http://www.carlsbad.org.

Learn to soccer golf

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Senior Center will host soccer golf games from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays in Pine Park, 799 Pine Ave. Soccer golf is an excellent game involving light walking on grass, minimal eye/foot accuracy and the ability to have a good time. Call (760) 602-4654.

Class teaches ballroom dancing

CARLSBAD --- Dance instructors Gary Smith and Ellen Gladden offer ballroom dance lessons from 1 to 3 p.m. every third Thursday at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Learn the waltz, fox trot, East Coast swing, jitterbug, rumba, tango, and more. Call (760) 602-4654.

Church hosts grief workshop

CARLSBAD -- Griefshare, the 13-week special help seminar for people experiencing grief and loss, will meet from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays in Room 202, the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding St. The series will feature nationally recognized experts in grief therapy. Call (760) 729-2331.

Chamber hosts networking event

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce will host its networking Sundowner for business professionals from 5 to 7 p.m. April 18 at The Flower Fields, 5704 Paseo del Norte. Cost is $5 for members, $15 nonmembers. Call Bev Jorgensen at(760) 931-8400 or e-mail bjorgensen@carlsbad.org.

Senior Specialists Networking Group to meet

CARLSBAD -- Senior Specialists Networking Group will discuss long-term insurance programs and identity theft policies at 2 p.m. Apr. 26 at the Marie Callenders, 8790 Avenida Encinas.

Lecture discusses 'Turning Points'

CARLSBAD -- The Sacred Pathway Bookstore will present the lecture on "Powerful Turning Points," a guide on how to exercise the "Law of Attraction" and

its "Secret," at 6 p.m. April 25 at the bookstore, 300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Suite 103. Information: (760) 505-0004 or visit the Web site at http://www.SwissSystem.com.

California retired teachers to meet

CARLSBAD -- California Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11 a.m. April 26 at the Olympic Resort and Spa, 6111 El Camino Real. The menu is salmon; cost is $15. The program will be by Ballet Folklorico. For reservations, call (760) 757-3380.

Credit counselors offer help

SAN DIEGO --- Consumer Credit Counseling Services of San Diego and Imperial Counties' mission is to improve the financial stability and quality of individual and family life in the communities it serves through a variety of programs, including financial counseling, debt repayment programs, education workshops, financial literacy programs, credit report counseling and housing programs. Information: (866) 917-2227 or go to http://www.crediteducation.org.

Parkinson's 5K walk, fun run set for April 21

SAN DIEGO -- The Parkinson's Disease Association of San Diego will host its annual 5K Walk and Fun Run from 8 a.m. to noon April 21 at Liberty Station in Point Loma. Walkers will receive a commemorative T-shirt, snacks and prizes. Cost is $25 to $30. Information: (877) 737-7576 or go to http://www.pdasd.org.

Senior center offers computer classes

VISTA -- Beginning computer classes are held from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Learn to use e-mail, the Internet and basic applications. Cost is $35 for four sessions and a workbook. Call (760) 639-6160.

North Coast Church tackles service projects

VISTA -- North Coast Church will cancel all weekend services April 28 and 29 and send out all 6,500 attendees into the community to tackle 92 major service projects at 54 sites in North County cities including Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, Escondido, Fallbrook and San Marcos. Each city has a city leader who oversees the project managers for each work site. In turn, each work site has delegated team leaders. Participants will have two four-hour shift options on either day and the weekend goal is to have the entire congregation participate in some capacity. For overviews of each project and to sign up, go to http://www.weekendofservice.com or call (760) 724-6700, Ext. 221.

VFW Post open for meals

VISTA -- Vista VFW Post 7041 is open to the public for special meals four times a week at 1717 E. Vista Way. The special dinner from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 is stuffed peppers with salad for $6.50. Regular menu items also are available. Special dinners for the week are:

- April 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ronnie's burgers and fries, $3.50.

- April 22, 8:30 a.m. to noon, ham steak and eggs, $4.50.

- April 24, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., steak and baked potato, $6.

Active-duty military are always welcome. Proceeds are used for the post's many veterans programs. Call (760) 724-7041.

LIFE at MiraCosta to meet

OCEANSIDE -- LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. April 20 in Room 1068 of the Administration Building at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive. Don Hadley, director of harbor and beaches for the city of Oceanside, will discuss public safety services, venues and recreational opportunities for North County residents. At 2:30 p.m., DeWitt Drury, LIFE member, will present prehistoric cave art, starting 2,000 years ago in the south of France. Call (760) 721-8124.

Wal-Mart hosts blood drive

OCEANSIDE -- Wal-Mart will host an American Red Cross blood drive from 12:30 to 6 p.m. April 20 in the parking lot at 705 College Blvd. Call (760) 631-0434.

Spaghetti dinner benefits senior nutrition program

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Senior Citizens Association will hold an all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner from 4:30 to 7 p.m. April 20 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Cost is $4 and all proceeds will go to benefit the Senior Nutrition Program. Entertainment will be provided by C.C. Sanders and raffle tickets will be sold to win a quilt or afghan.

The Senior Citizens Nutrition Program is experiencing difficulty generating sufficient funds to keep the program going. Call (760) 435-5285.

Workshop gives tips for tenants, home buyers

OCEANSIDE -- To mark National Fair Housing Month, The Fair Housing Council of San Diego will present "Tips for Tenants and Future Home Buyers" from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 23 at the Crown Heights Resource Center, 1210 Division St.

There will be door prizes plus a Grand Door Prize of a home computer. To reserve a seat, call (760) 439-3940.

Neighborhood Watch to meet

OCEANSIDE -- Neighborhood Watch will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 24 in the Community Room at 3855 Mission Ave. The Oceanside Police Department will share crime statistics.

St. Mary's holds casino night

OCEANSIDE -- St. Mary's Star of the Sea School will present the 12th annual Pair-a-Dice Casino Night from 6 to 10 p.m. April 28 at 515 Wisconsin Ave. There will be raffles, prizes and games. Tickets are $35 or $50. Call (760) 722-7259.

Oceanside Sea Lions meet

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Sea Lions Club meets from 7 to 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at the China Star Super Buffet, 1401 Mission Ave. Call (760) 500-6104.

El Camino Real Rotary Club meets

OCEANSIDE -- The El Camino Real Rotary Club meets at noon on Tuesdays at the El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way. New members and visitors are always welcome. Call (760) 945-3559.

NARFE to meet April 19

OCEANSIDE -- The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association will meet from 1:30 to 3 p.m. April 19 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. The speaker will be Jean Soderberg from HI-CAPS (Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy). Call (760) 529-9455 or (760) 757-6223.

Jewish Seniors Club to meet

OCEANSIDE -- The North County Jewish Seniors Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. April 19 at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Rollie Borne will talk about United States Sen. Judah Benjamin, of Louisiana, who served during the Civil War. Call (760) 721-2482.

Japanese Spring Festival at MCC

OCEANSIDE -- MiraCosta College will host the Japanese Spring Festival this month on the campus, 1 Barnard Drive. At 6:30 p.m. April 20 in Room 3601, Academy Award nominated screenwriter Iris Yamashita will screen "Letters From Iwo Jima" and discuss the film. On April 25 in Room 3601, the following festival events will be held:

- 1 p.m. Koto Performance: Emiko Tayama and the Southern California Koto Ensemble

- 1:35 p.m. Bamboo Flute Performance: Mary Lu Brandwein

- 1:50 p.m. Abacus Demonstration: Kuniaki Miura from the Miura Education Center

- 2:20 p.m. Japanese Tea Ceremony: Ura Senke, San Diego Association tea master and Soko Fosket and her assistants, Eddie Kerns and Francesca Freeman

- 3 p.m. Origami Fashion Show: Asako Aizawa and students from the MCC Japanese Club

- 3:20 p.m. Haiku Kites: Awards and Readings

At 12:15 p.m. April 26 at the Student Center Pavilion, there will be taiko drums and an origami fashion show.

At 1 p.m. April 27 in Room 201 of the San Elijo Campus of MCC, 3333 Manchester Ave., Cardiff, the 2001 Japanese film "After Life," directed by Hirokazu Koreeda will be screened. The film also will be shown at 7 p.m. in Room 3601 of the Oceanside campus. Admission and parking for all events is free. Call (760) 757-2121, Ext. 7757.

'Lend Me a Tenor' performed at MCC

OCEANSIDE -- MiraCosta College's Theater Department will present "Lend Me a Tenor," by Ken Ludwig and directed by MiraCosta Theater professor Eric Bishop. The story centers on the world famous Italian opera tenor, Tito Merelli, who is to be the highlight of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company's most important fundraiser for the 1934 season, But luck is not on Merelli's side, and he is presumed dead after passing out due to a series of mishaps. The opera company stands to lose $50,000 in ticket sales unless they can find a way to get Max, a meek understudy, to replace the "dead" singer and deliver the performance of his life.

The play will be performed in the MiraCosta College Theater, 1 Barnard Drive, at 7:30 p.m. April 20, 21, 26, 27 and 28; and 2 p.m. April 22 and 29. General admission is $10; seniors/staff, $8; students, $6. Call the MiraCosta College Box Office at (760) 795-6815.

Hospice to hold annual luncheon

VISTA -- Hospice of the North Coast will hold its annual Shades of Spring Luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. April 21 at Shadowridge Country Club, 1980 Gateway Drive. The event will include an art auction, baskets and entertainment by Carlsbad magician and comedian Kevin Viner. Cost is $40 per person. Call Lee Lady at (760) 414-1855.

Hospice of the North Coast provides care for the terminally ill and their families and comprehensive bereavement support throughout the community regardless of a person's ability to pay. The hospice auxiliary also supports Camp HOPE, a weeklong camp for children who have suffered a loss.

Outback hosts WRC benefit

OCEANSIDE -- The Women's Resource Center will hold its third annual benefit luncheon April 21 at the Outback Steakhouse, 2485 Vista Way. There will be two seatings, at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Thanks to Outback Steakhouse owner Janice Koehler and her staff, who will be working for tips only, 100 percent of ticket sales will go to support WRC programs.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children younger than 13. Those who cannot attend but would like to support the event can donate their tickets to sponsor local military families. Information: call (760) 757-3500 or go to http://www.womensreourcecenter-wrc.org.

Dance with a hero

CAMP PENDLETON -- The Rotary Club of Camp Pendleton will hold its first "Dancing With Heroes" from 6 to 10 p.m. April 21 at the Staff NCO Club. The event will benefit wounded and fallen Marines, their families and the families of the base support personnel. All proceeds will go to the Wounded Warrior Center and Marine-related family services. The black-and-white ball will feature an auction for the privilege of dancing with a Marine. Tickets for the dinner/dance are $55 per person. The community is also invited to purchase tickets for Marines who might not otherwise be able to afford to attend. Information: (760) 940-6362, lindasundrum@pacbell.net or http://www.camppendletonrotary.org.

Republican women meet at Olympic Resort

CARLSBAD -- Carlsbad Republican Women Federated will hold its luncheon meeting at 11 a.m. April 24 at the Olympic Resort, 6111 El Camino Real. Speaker will be Mindy Tucker-Fletcher, wife of Nathan Fletcher who is a candidate for the 75th Assembly. Call Beverly at (760) 434-6478.

Camp HOPE accepting reservations

VISTA -- Hospice of the North Coast is now accepting reservations for the 10th annual Camp HOPE (Healing Outdoor Play Experience) for children 6 to 20 and their families who are grieving the death of a loved one. The camp will be held June 8 to 10 at Green Oak Ranch, 1237 Green Oak Road.

The camp will include meals, a private cabin, support groups, arts and crafts, swimming, drumming and opportunities to learn more about handling grief, all in a caring, healing environment. Reservations and a pre-camp interview are required for first-time camp participants. Call (760) 431-4100.

Breast cancer support group meets

OCEANSIDE -- Mara Davis, social worker at Tri-City Medical Center, facilitates a breast cancer support group from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the hospital at 4002 West Vista Way. For meeting room location, check in at the front lobby. For more information, call (760) 940-3119.

Daughters of Union Veterans to meet

SAN DIEGO -- Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 1861-1865, Nancy Hanks Lincoln Tent No. 5, will meet at 11 a.m. April 24 in the Veterans War Memorial Building at Zoo Drive and Park Boulevard in Balboa Park. Member Barbara Menningsen will complete her presentation of "Infectious Diseases of the Civil War." Call (858) 273-6968.