Rummage sale to benefit cheer team

POWAY -- The SoCal Elite Allstars Cheerleading and Dance Booster Club will hold a rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 29 in the Wal-Mart parking lot, 13425 Community Road.

Funds raised will go toward the team's travel expenses to the Allstar National Cheerleading Championships in Atlanta, Ga., and Orlando, Fla.

RB Travelers to meet, offers trips

RANCHO BERNARDO -- The RB Travelers will meet at 2 p.m. Aug. 4 in the auditorium of the Seven Oaks Community Center, 16789 Bernardo Oaks Drive. Stan Walsh will present a travelogue on Corsica and the Riviera. Refreshments will be served, and a drawing for travel discounts will be held after the meeting. For information, call (858) 674-6856.

In addition, the club is offering these trips:

• Sept. 2: "Gypsy" at the Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre. Cost of $89 includes the show and lunch. Call Kay at (858) 487-2726.

• Sept. 10: "Menopause the Musical" at the Grove Theater in Upland. Cost is $89. Call Kathy at (858) 485-9722.

• Sept. 23: Getty Villa Museum in Malibu. Cost is $69. Call Kathy at (858) 485-9722.

• Aug. 30 and 31: Pageant of the Masters, Laguna Beach. Cost is $291 double occupancy; $362 single. Call Marianne at (858) 485-7645.

• Oct. 2 through 10 and again Oct. 10 through 18: Boston Fall Foliage. Cost is $1,699 double occupancy; $2,099 single. Call Marianne at (858) 485-7645.

• Oct. 3 through 8: Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. Cost is $1,797 double occupancy; $2,326 single. Call Kathy at (858) 485-9722.

• Oct. 17 through 26: Treasures of Ireland. Cost is $2,349 per person double occupancy; $2,874 single, plus $150 international tax. Call Marianne at (858) 485-7645.

Chicago artist to teach workshops

POWAY -- Visiting mixed-media artist Leslie Altman of Chicago will teach these workshops at Stamping Details, at 14009 Midland Road. For information or to register, call (858) 513-8024 or go to http://www.stampingdetails.com.

• "A Journey to the Far East," 5 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11. Create a unique six-panel accordion fold card that captures the beauty and mysticism of the Asian culture. Cost is $69.

• "The Secret Garden," 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 12. Learn new mixed-media techniques on stretched canvas and using the "coil bindery" system. Cost is $69.

• "Belles Lettres," 4 to 9 p.m. Aug. 13. Learn Altman's technique of creating "torn metal" frame enclosures while altering a children's board book. Cost is $69.

• "Gem & Jewelry Assemblage," 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 13. Altman will teach her new "drizzling" Friendly Plastic technique to make one-of-a-kind pendants, brooches and other embellishments using found objects. Cost is $74.

Square dance club offers classes

POWAY -- The Wranglers Square Dance Club will offer beginning square dance classes from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays starting Sept. 13. Cost is $4 per lesson.

The classes will cover basic square dance calls. No experience is necessary. All ages are welcome. Registration will be held the first day of class.

For information or to sign up, call Lou or Suzi Harris at (858) 485-7421, e-mail sharris@sdcoe.k12.ca.us or visit http://www.thewranglers.org.

Hula school plans car wash fundraiser

SAN MARCOS -- Halau Hula o Ka'eo, a San Marcos-based, nonprofit school of hula, will hold a car wash and bake sale fundraiser from noon to 3 p.m. July 30 in the parking lot of Hawaiiana, 730 Nordahl Road. Cost for the car wash is $8. Those who have their vehicles washed will receive a coupon for Baskin-Robbins, which will donate 10 percent of the sale to the school.

Church to host blood drive

SAN MARCOS -- Meadowlark Community Church, 1918 Redwing St., will host a San Diego Blood Bank blood drive from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 30. The bloodmobile will be in the parking lot.

All donors at this drive will receive a voucher for a free Hornblower Harbor Cruise and Sea Lion Adventure. They also will receive a medical history review and mini physical, which includes blood pressure, pulse and temperature checks.

Anyone age 17 or older in good health and weighing at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. Eating a good meal before donating is recommended.

Information and appointments: http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org or call (800) 4MY-SDBB.

Auditions slated for Cabaret Show

SAN MARCOS -- The city's Community Services Department will hold auditions for its Cabaret Show at 10 a.m. Aug. 5 at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive.

Acts must have been rehearsed and ready to perform at the audition. Musical accompaniment can include CD, tape or live music. Acts can include singing, dancing, vocals, instrumentals, magic or drama. All materials and acts must be appropriate for family viewing.

The Cabaret Show will be held at 8 p.m. Aug. 19. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at the Community Center. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for youths and seniors.

For information, call (760) 744-9000, Ext. 3504.

VFW welcomes veterans of Afghanistan, Iraq

SAN MARCOS -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795 of San Marcos invites veterans who have served in Afghanistan or Iraq to become members. Those who have served overseas during a time war, insurrection or expedition and have been recognized with a campaign badge (medal) by the U.S. government may be eligible for membership. For information and qualifications, stop by the post at 212 Mission Road or call (760) 744-3795.

VFW in need of donations

SAN MARCOS -- Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3795 of San Marcos, 212 Mission Road, is in need of major repairs. The post is seeking contributions from local businesses, contractors and community members who are willing to offer their time, materials or services. Roof, heating and air conditioning, electrical, plumbing and cosmetic repairs are needed. Donations also are appreciated. For information, call Cmdr. Bob Abrams at (760) 744-3795.

St. Vincent de Paul group provides scholarship funds

FALLBROOK -- The St. Peter's chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul Society has provided scholarships for the REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program.

The funds will provide scholarships to five low-income, disabled students who ride in the program. These students include four children and one adult with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism and developmental delays. Three of the riders are from local military families. These scholarships will allow these five special horseback riders to receive therapy at REINS for a full year free of charge.

The REINS Therapeutic Horsemanship Program is a unique approach to therapy for the disabled.

More than 160 students ranging in age from two to 90 with a variety of mental, physical and emotional disabilities ride at REINS.

Several military families and single parents supporting more than one child are enrolled in the REINS program. Some families are even struggling to support and provide quality therapy to more than one disabled child. Approximately 30 students ride on scholarship each year, made possible due to funding REINS receives from individuals and organizations like the St. Peters chapter of the St. Vincent de Paul.

Gallery members win honors

FALLBROOK -- Brandon Gallery, a cooperative gallery that has existed since 1976, has a number of winners among its members.

At the recent San Diego County Fair's juried fine art exhibit, Diane Adams won a first-place award for her watercolor "Escape," and Penny Fedorchak won a second-place award in the same category for "Spiraling Out of Control." In addition, Mary Lou Zimdars won a third-place award for her collage "Whimsey" and the gallery's consignment artist, Trent Berning, won a second-place award for his ceramic "Nesting Bowls."

Nicole Toesca won second place for "Portofino" at the Fair, and in May, a first-place award in photography in the Temecula Valley Arts Council's Visual Expressions Show. Her photographs "After the Party" and "Frisco, Hatteras Island," each won fifth-place awards in the county fair's juried photography exhibit.

Gallery member Dan Witkoff's watercolor "P-51D Mustang" was accepted into the county fair's juried fine art exhibit.

More recently, entries were submitted for Escondido's Municipal Gallery's upcoming show "The Naked Truth," which will run from Aug. 10 through Sept. 6. Among Brandon members' works that were accepted were Ralph Lopes' digitally enhanced photographs "Pink Lady," and "Emotions." Mary Tomaskevitch, one of the gallery's founders, and Karen Langer Baker, gallery director, won awards in that show.

In addition, these works by Robin Erickson will be on display as follows: "Once in Italy," California Watercolor Association's 2006 National Exhibition; "Lily Bouquet," San Diego Watercolor Society's 26th International Exhibition Oct. 1 through 31; and "Coffee Break II," 25th Adirondack National Exhibition of American Watercolors, Sept. 23 through Nov. 12 in Old Forge, NY.

Bookstore sale theme is 'back to school'

FALLBROOK -- August is "Back to School" month at the Bottom Shelf bookstore and it will feature a selection of used text and reference books, including math, physical and life sciences, liberal arts and dictionaries for high school and college students, plus a selection of home schooling aids and educational reference material for younger students.

The bookstore continues its summer sale with many popular authors on the three for 25-cent paperback cart inside as well as the 10-cent cart outside, plus books on gardening, crafts and cooking as well as history and biographies.

The shop is operated by the Friends of the Fallbrook Library. Memberships start at $15, or donations may be made in memory of or in honor of individuals or families and all funds go to support library projects. Forms for memberships, memorials or volunteers are available at the bookstore. The shop is located on the lower level of the Fallbrook Library at 124 S. Mission Road. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call (760) 728-3835.

Vacation Bible school program planned

FALLBROOK -- Fallbrook First Baptist Church will sponsor a vacation Bible school from 9 a.m. to noon July 31 through Aug. 4 at the church. The theme of the program is "The PowerZone." Featured speaker at the closing program at 7 p.m. Aug. 4 will be 1984 Olympic decathlete Mark Anderson. The program is open to children who have completed kindergarten through sixth grade and it is free. Call (760) 728-7771 or stop by the church office at 125 W. Hawthorne St. to register.

Philosophical Library to host open house

ESCONDIDO -- The Philosophical Library will hold an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. July 30 at its new location, 2091 E. Valley Parkway, Suite D. The event will feature music, refreshments and conversation.

The 40-year-old Philosophical Library is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization that offers discussion groups and classes. The library embraces all religious thought; however, its focus is to provide support for the seeker who is looking for spiritual truth in a broader sense than just one belief system.

Smoking cessation sessions slated

ESCONDIDO -- Roger Morton will offer "Break Free -- A 5-Day Plan to Stop Smoking" from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 6 through 10 at Escondido Adventist Academy, 1233 W. Ninth Ave. A pre-session will take place from 7:30 to 8:15 p.m. July 30. Sessions will cover motivations for quitting, as well as effective physical, psychological and social tools for success. Morton also will discuss the latest herbal and chemical aids for quitting. Cost is $25. For information, call (760) 644-6377.

Summer reading program continues

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Public Library's "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" summer reading program for children ages 3 through sixth grade is under way. Register at either the main library, 239 S. Kalmia St., or at the East Valley Branch, 2245 E. Valley Parkway.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the free program runs through Aug. 9 and is intended to encourage children to get in the habit of reading every day. It also includes special guests, story and craft programs, prizes and family activities.

Upcoming activities include:

• 2 p.m. Aug. 2: "Pitter-Patter-Wag Story Time," stories, nursery rhymes and songs for all ages at the main library.

• 11 a.m. Aug. 2: "Take the Happy Train to Toddler Story Time" for ages 18 months to 36 months and an adult at the branch library.

• 11 a.m. Aug. 3: "Two Ears and a Tale," animal stories, songs, poems and activities for ages 3 to 6 at the main library.

• 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 5: "Critter Crafts" for all ages at both libraries. Make and take home a pet-inspired craft.

For information, call the main library at (760) 839-4837 or the East Valley branch at (760) 839-4392.

Nice & Easy Jazz Band to perform

ESCONDIDO -- The Nice & Easy Jazz Band will perform at the Escondido Public Library's First Thursday Concert at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 in the library's Turrentine Room, 239 S. Kalmia St.

The program will feature different styles ranging from the standard Dixieland format to early jazz and swing tunes.

The free concert is sponsored by the Friends of the Escondido Library. Call (760) 839-4601.

Blue Thong Society chapter to meet

ESCONDIDO -- A new chapter of the Blue Thong Society, a group for women 50 and older, will meet from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Aug. 4 at Dominic's restaurant in the Signature Theatre Plaza on Escondido Boulevard. The group believes in "fighting frump." Reservations and information: wildbluets@sbcglobal.net.

'Fitness Fun!' set at children's museum

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Children's Museum will host a 2nd Saturday event from 1 to 3 p.m. Aug. 12 in Studio 1 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, 380 N. Escondido Blvd. "Fitness Fun!" will feature health and exercise, with healthy snacks from Jimbo's … Naturally! and demonstrations of yoga, martial arts, dance and other forms of exercise. The program is free with $4 museum admission.

Information: (760) 233-7755, http://www.escondidochildrensmuseum.org.

Art of digital imaging is the topic

ESCONDIDO -- The Escondido Arts Partnership's Art Connection lecture series will present "The Art of Digital Imaging" with award-winning artist James G. Respess. The program will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 12 at the Escondido Municipal Gallery, 142 W. Grand Ave. Admission is free. For information about Respess, visit his Web site at http://greenflashphotography.com. For information about Art Connection, go to http://www.escondidoarts.org or e-mail artconnect.eap@gmail.com.

Learn to Swim classes offered

ESCONDIDO -- Warm-water Learn to Swim classes are offered Mondays and Wednesdays and Tuesdays and Thursdays after school at the Charles Hulme Community Pool, 420 N. Falconer Road, behind Orange Glen School at the Nicolaysen Center.

Cost for a twice-weekly class is $40 per month. Call (760) 781-3077.

Scrapbooking event set for Aug. 5

ESCONDIDO -- Join Cara Gabbard for a morning of scrapbooking from 10 a.m. to noon Aug. 5 at the Sikes Adobe Historic Farmstead at 12655 Sunset Drive, across from Westfield North County mall. Learn about which tools to use, quick page layouts and photo preservation. Materials will be provided at the free hands-on activity. Reservations are required. Call Barbara at the San Dieguito River Park at (858) 674-2275, Ext. 14.

Help for families of mentally ill

RAMONA -- The North Inland chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill will offer a free, 12-week "Family to Family" education program from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, starting Aug. 23.

The course is designed for family members of the mentally ill and provides practical information and educational tools to help deal with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar illness, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and anxiety disorders.

Family participation, along with medication and therapy, can be critical for stabilization and recovery. Family members can learn ways to help their loved ones who may be suffering with a mental illness, while also receiving emotional support themselves.

For information or to sign up, call teachers Clytie Koehler at (760) 788-9148 or Janine Moniot at (760) 789-9417.