Kids Safety Day set

OCEANSIDE -- Seaside Family Dental will hold a free Kids Safety Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today at 3142 Vista Way, Suite 305. Parents will receive a free child ID card, free fingerprinting for 6- to 14-year-olds and a free dental and orthodontic screening. Call (760) 722-1416.

Senior center holds ballroom dance

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Senior Center will hold a ballroom dance featuring music by Billy Harper from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at 455 Country Club Lane. Admission is $3.50 and anyone age 55 and over is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call (760) 435-5250.

LIFE at MiraCosta meets

OCEANSIDE -- LIFE at MiraCosta, a lifelong learning group, will meet at 1 p.m. Aug. 11 in Room 1068 at MiraCosta College, 1 Barnard Drive, Administration Building. Rosemarie Haskins, travel enthusiast, will talk about her safari to Kenya and Tanzania. At 2:30 p.m., Arlene Paa will offer a slide/lecture presentation of Gaudi and de St. Phalle of Mosaic Art and Architecture. Visitors are welcome. Call Tillie at (760) 721-8124.

Fundraiser supports Mackin's campaign

OCEANSIDE -- A community celebration fundraiser to re-elect Deputy Mayor Shari Mackin will take place from 7 to 11 a.m. Aug. 11 at El Camino Country Club, 3202 Vista Way. Entertainment will be provided by the Mar Dels. Tickets are $30 each and reserved tables of eight are available. There will be a no-host bar. Call (760) 967-5997.

Laurel and Hardy movies shown

OCEANSIDE -- The Worship and Arts Ministry Team of Oceanside First Presbyterian Church, 2001 El Camino Real, will sponsor "Sum More Fun for Your Summertime" at 3 p.m. Aug. 13. The event includes a showing of old silent movie comedies by Laurel and Hardy. Russ Peck, a well-known theatre organist, will accompany the movies. A suggested donation of $10 includes popcorn and soda afterward in the Fellowship Hall.

Ragtime piano concert on tap

OCEANSIDE -- A Ragtime Piano Concert featuring Eric Marchese will be held at 8 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Sunshine Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Highway. The event is a fundraiser for the theatre. Marchese will cover many standards and share the history of the pieces with the audience. He also will perform some lesser known works and a few original pieces. Tickets are $10 and are available by calling (760) 529-9141 or visit http://www.nvtheatre.com.

Annual Ice Cream Social at Heritage Park

OCEANSIDE -- The 20th annual Ice Cream Social will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 20 at Heritage Park, located at 220 Peyri Road. This event is sponsored by the Oceanside Senior Center and the Friends of Heritage Park Village. Continuous entertainment will include the Billy Harper Band from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Michael the Magician from 1 to 2 p.m.; and the Rumble Seat Rascals from 2 to 4 p.m.

This year will feature a party jump for kids, free pop corn from the Lions Club, a white elephant sale at the General Store, a bake sale with lots of homemade goodies sponsored by the Senior Center's Nutrition Program, and a Model A Car Show. Of course, this event features an ice cream parlor with sundaes, cones, root beer floats and hot dogs with all the trimmings for sale. In addition, docents will be on duty for tours of the historical buildings of Heritage Park ,which include the old school house, the post office, the jail, the printing press office and much more. Admission is free. For more information, call (760) 433-9297.

Pine needle basket workshop set

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Museum of Art, School of Art will hold a workshop, "Wood 'N Clay: Pine Needles on Ceramic Base," from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 20 at 219 N. Coast Highway. Instructor is Carol Lang. Students will create an unusual pine needle basket attached to a ceramic base.

This is an excellent opportunity to explore pine needle techniques with a unique twist. Class is for all levels of experience. Cost is $55 for museum members and $80 for nonmembers, plus a $10 materials and preparation fee. Space is limited, pre-registration is required. Call (760) 721-2787. For more information, call (760) 431-1645 or e-mail caldesigns@adelphia.net.

Medicare Part D Fair scheduled

OCEANSIDE -- State Sen. Bill Morrow and the Oceanside Senior Center will host a Medicare Part D Fair from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 23 at the senior center, 455 Country Club Lane. Information and assistance will be provided with drug plan comparisons and Low Income Subsidy enrollment.Representatives from Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP); Consumer Center for Health Education & Advocacy (CCHEA) and Medicare Rx Access Network will be on hand.

Each Medicare beneficiary will check in and be screened by HICAP. They will then be sent to the appropriate booth for assistance. If a Medicare/Medicaid beneficiary is currently assigned to a plan that is not covering their medications by Medicare Part D, help will be given to switch them into a plan that will serve them best. Help will also be provided for anyone who has encountered problems with the exception process and/or co-pays.

Participants are asked to bring Medicare and Medi-Cal cards, if applicable; all prescription medications; name and location of pharmacy. All former Medi-Cal beneficiaries who have been moved into a Medicare Part D Plan are encouraged to attend for assistance in finding the best coverage at the lowest out-of-pocket price.

Chipotle supports the military

OCEANSIDE -- Buddy Bowl Inc., a local nonprofit organization, received a generous contribution of $2,500 in sponsorship from Chipotle in Oceanside to assist military members who have become disabled in the line of duty pursue their athletic endeavors by providing them with specialized equipment and mentoring programs, as well as scholarships of children of U.S. troops killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Buddy Bowl Inc. is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization dedicated to raising money for military, law enforcement, and children's related charities through an annual flag football tournament. The 2006 All Star Buddy Bowl will be played on Sept. 2 at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.

Jaycees assist with Military Ball

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Jaycees have teamed up with the 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion to assist with its military ball.

The 3rd Assault Amphibian Battalion is presently deployed in Iraq and returns home in October. Their military ball approaches immediately after their return.

The Jaycees and key volunteers are hosting a dress exchange for the women who are unable to afford a new dress for this ball. More than 300 wives will be outfitted. Some will have dresses to exchange but most will not. Needed are dresses, shoes, accessories, etc. Donations can be dropped off from noon to 7 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Cigar Grotto, 220 N. Coast Highway.

The Jaycees will also host a Salad Luncheon Fashion Show at 1 p.m. Sept. 17 at the Flying Bridge restaurant, 1105 N. Coast Highway. Tables of eight are $150; individual tickets $20. There will be a silent auction, raffle and vendors of beauty products. To donate and/or purchase tickets, call DeeDee Engels, (760) 439-9316 or e-mail OsideJayceesDD@aol.com or send checks to Oceanside Jaycees, P.O. Box 687, Oceanside, CA 92049. Attn: Fashion Show.

Tickets on sale for big band concert

OCEANSIDE -- The Oceanside Senior Center is selling tickets to the 10th annual Big Band Concert and Dance to be held from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Pier Amphitheater. Tickets are $5 each and include a box lunch. All proceeds from the sale of tickets to go to Project CARE.

Through the generous sponsorship of county Supervisor Bill Horn, this year's concert is dedicated as a fundraising event for health and human service-related nonprofits that serve residents throughout North County.

Project CARE is a nonprofit program serving homebound seniors. Services include the Vial of Life packet, which contains medical information, including medicines taken, emergency contact and doctor's name and phone number. The information is placed in an envelope and attached to a senior's refrigerator door and is used by paramedics if they are called to a senior's home.

The second element is the daily phone call to ensure the welfare of the senior. This program helps seniors to continue living in their own homes, maintaining a sense of independence.

Tickets for the concert can be purchased at the Oceanside Senior Center, 455 Country Club Lane. Call (760) 435-5250.

Oceanside Noon Optimists seek members

OCEANSIDE -- Oceanside Noon Optimists help youth in their communities. The group holds an oratorical contest for middle schools, an essay contest for high schools, awards scholarships and hosts a middle school track meet annually, among other events. The group is looking for new members. It meets at noon Wednesdays at the Oceanside Elks Lodge, 444 Country Club Lane. Call Marylou Lynch at (760) 724-3498.

Young Marines hold orientations

CAMP PENDLETON -- The Young Marines of the Marine Corps League is the Commandant of the Marine Corps official program for drug demand reduction. Membership is open to boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 17 who are interested in participating in a well-rounded, year-round program with emphasis on the traditions and values of the United States Marine Corps. The purpose of the Young Marines is to provide an organized program devoted to development of character and physical fitness in the youth of America, as exemplified by the United States Marine Corps.

Character building is one of the most important objectives of the program and all of the activities emphasize the importance of honesty, courage, respect, loyalty, dependability and a sense of devotion to God, country, community and family. The Young Marines offer classes on a variety of subjects including: land navigation, close-order drill, mountain survival, customs and courtesy, clothing care, physical fitness and sexual harassment, to name a few.

There will be two identical orientation meetings at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 19 and 26 at the Corporals Course building #21441, Camp Del Mar, Camp Pendleton. Contact Leigh Dick (760) 415-5540 for more information and directions. The Camp Pendleton Young Marines will hold recruit training beginning Sept. 9.

Vista Elks hold bingo

VISTA -- Vista Elks Lodge 1968 holds bingo at 6:15 p.m. every Monday at 1947 E. Vista Way. Call (760) 724-1968.

Tri-City Hospice seeks volunteers

Tri-City Hospice is seeking caring individuals who would like to be trained to work with hospice patients and family members. A medical background is not necessary. Volunteers receive training on hospice care, end-of-life issues, spiritual concerns and the volunteer's role. Graduates of this class serve hospice patients in their homes, assisted living facilities and nursing homes in the North County. A new class is starting in September. Contact Caryn Nidelman, volunteer coordinator, at (760) 940-5855.

Seaside Singles 55+ meets

CARLSBAD -- Seaside Singles 55+, a group formed to meet, mingle and socialize, meets for Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Aug. 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. Contact Sheila at (760) 433-6472 or Evie at (760) 732-3535 or e-mail seasidesingles@hotmail.com.

Ocean subject of art exhibit

SOLANA BEACH -- The Studio of Art & Design will present "Oceans Seven," an exhibit of ocean scenes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, Aug. 12 through Sept. 16, at the studio, 616 Stevens Ave., Suite C. The exhibit will feature works by seven local artists: Craig Anderson, Walter Bruning, Alison Christler, Pat Dispenziere, Bonnie Ellison, Beverly Franklin and June Maxion. Call (858) 755-6202.

Watercolor class offered

SOLANA BEACH -- James Q. Millard will teach a workshop on painting watercolor landscapes from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 15, 22, 29 and Sept 5 at the Studio of Art & Design, 616 Stevens Ave., Ste. C. The workshop will focus on painting with freedom and directness from a firm foundation of design, value and color. Cost is $120 for four classes.

Call (858) 755-6202 or visit the Web site at http://rikki-studio.com.

Colony hosts artisan market

ENCINITAS -- The 101 Artists' Colony will host the artisans market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 19 in the sculpture garden, 101 N. Coast Highway 101. The outdoor market features original artworks: jewelry, fashion, textiles, woodworking, ceramics, glassworks, mosaic, stained glass, collage, paintings and millinery. Call Sandy Haasis at (760) 390-3972, e-mail artistscolony@speakeasy.net, or visit the Web sites at http://www.101acevents.com or http://www.101artistscolony.com.

Cardiff library hosts book sale

CARDIFF -- The Friends of the Cardiff by the Sea Library will hold a 1/2 price book sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 26 at the library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. The sale will be held inside the Friends' "Book Nook" and on the adjacent patio located at the south side of the library.

Hardbacks and quality paperbacks, cookbooks, children's books and nonfiction of all types will be on sale at bargain prices. Call (760) 635-1000.

Volunteers needed by N.C. hospice

CARLSBAD --- Hospice of the North Coast at 5441 Avenida Encinas, Suite A is seeking volunteers to serve in several capacities. Each one helps this nonprofit organization to 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.

Call Judith Miller at (760) 431-4100 or visit the Web site at http://hnc@hospicenorthcoast.org.

Seaside Singles 55+ meets

CARLSBAD -- Seaside Singles 55+, a group formed to meet, mingle and socialize, meets for Happy Hour from 5 to 7 p.m. the third Thursday of each month. The next meeting will be Aug. 17 at the Hilton Garden Inn, 6450 Carlsbad Blvd. Contact Sheila at (760) 433-6472 or Evie at (760) 732-3535 or e-mail seasidesingles@hotmail.com.

College application process explored

CARSLBAD -- Study Depot will present "Demystifying the College Application Process" from 7 to 8p.m. Aug. 10 at the learning center, 7750 El Camino Real, Unit H in the La Costa Towne Center.

Parents and students will gain valuable information regarding how to plan for applying to college. Attendees will learn how to study for and when to take the SAT and ACT tests and more. Call (760) 632-0242 or visit the Web site at http://www.studydepot.com

Barreiro performs Venezuelan harp

CARLSBAD -- The Carlsbad City Library will feature the performance by Venezuelan harpist Carmen Barreiro at 2 p.m. Aug. 20 in the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, Carlsbad City Library, 1775 Dove Lane. Call (760) 602-2012.

Museum hosts salute to electric guitar

CARLSBAD -- The Museum of Making Music will host "Brother Musician -- Listen to a Miracle!: The 75th Birthday of the Electric Guitar presented by Rickenbacker," a retrospective of the electric guitar focusing on the pivotal contributions of Rickenbacker International Corp. to the development of electric stringed instruments.

The opening reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. Aug. 26 at the museum, 5790 Armada Drive. Following the reception, guests will get a rare chance to see an intimate acoustic performance by Paul Kantner, original member of Jefferson Airplane.

Emceed by Billy Hinsche, founding member of Dino, Desi and Billy, and former member of the Beach Boys, the concert will feature Kantner. Cost is $50; advanced purchase required. Call Jillian Jepsen at (760) 438-5996, Ext. 212 or visit the Web site at http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org.

Class offers families mental illness support

CARLSBAD -- The National Alliance on Mental Illness will host the 12-week North Coastal Family to Family Education class at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays beginning Sept. 12 at St. Michael's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 2775 Carlsbad Blvd. Call (760) 722-3754.

'Carlsbad Art in the Village'

CARLSBAD -- Prepare to shop 'till you drop when crafts and crafters take over the heart (and streets) of the Village of Carlsbad for the 8th Annual Arts and Crafts Show from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 13, Grand Avenue and Carlsbad Village Drive. Call (760) 945-9288.

Montoya plays free concert

CARLSBAD -- Blues legend Coco Montoya will perform from 6 to 8 p.m. Aug. 18 during Carlsbad's TGIF Jazz in the Parks series at Calavera Hills Park, 2997 Glasgow Park. Call (760) 434-2904.

Aviation museum hosts open house

SAN DIEGO -- The Flying Leatherneck Museum will host "Open Cockpit Days" from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. today, Aug. 12 and 13; Aug. 26 and 27; and Sept. 9 and 10 at the museum, MCAS Miramar. Call (858) 693-1723.

Small biz expo set for Aug. 29

SAN DIEGO -- The 2006 Small Business Services Expo and Awards Luncheon, presented by Women's Business Center of California, National University and the U. S. Small Business Administration, will be held from 11:15 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 29 at the Town and Country Resort, 500 Hotel Circle N., Mission Valley.

Luncheon keynote speaker will be Kendra Todd, season three winner of the NBC show "The Apprentice." The Small Business Services Expo will follow the luncheon. North County Women In Networking will be an official partner of the event. Call Beth Goodman at (760) 231-7419.

Big band beach bash

OCEANSIDE -- Dust your dancing shoes off and get ready for the 10th Annual Big Band Beach Bash concert from noon to 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the Pier Plaza Amphitheater, base of the Oceanside Pier. Cost is $5, includes concert and meal. Proceeds will benefit the Encinitas Senior Center. Call (760) 943-2250.

Museum hosts Gala fundraiser

SAN DIEGO -- The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego's 30th annual Monte Carlo fundraiser will be a black-and-white gala, "Monte Carlo! Monte Carlo!," beginning at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at the museum, 700 Prospect Ave., La Jolla. The gala serves as the primary annual fundraiser for the museum. Cost is $500 to $1,000. Call Christine Kartchner at (858) 454 3541, Ext. 117 or e-mail ckartchner@mcasd.org.

Fundraiser benefits canine companions

SAN DIEGO -- Canine Companions for Independence will host the upcoming fundraiser "Wheels of Wonder," featuring Floyd Landis and Axel Merckx of the Phonak Hearing Systems cycling team with other cycling celebrities, Oct. 21 and 22.

The weekend kicks off with a gala dinner Oct. 21 at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Guests will enjoy live entertainment, champagne social hour, full course dinner, a live auction and the opportunity to meet some of the hottest celebrities on two wheels.

Cost is $175. Landis, Merckx and other cycling celebrities will participate in the 20-mile "Fun Bike Ride" Oct. 22 up the Pacific Coast, with all the proceeds going to benefit CCI, a national nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships.

Cost for the "Fun Bike Ride" is $120. Call Davielle Huffman at (760) 901-4306 or e-mail dhuffman@cci.org or visit the Web site at http:// www.cci.org.