Author, fighter to sign books
REGION ---- Forrest Griffin, a top-ranked UFC light heavyweight mixed martial arts fighter and champion, will host a book-signing event from noon to 2:30 p.m. Aug. 8 at the Marine Corps Exchange Miramar Main Store, Bldg. 2660, Miramar and from 3 to 5 p.m. Aug. 8 in the Country Store at Mainside Center, Bldg. 15100, Camp Pendleton. For the Miramar location, call 858-695-7288. For the Camp Pendleton location, call 760-725-6233, ext, 122.
Area veteran clinics offered
REGION ---- The San Diego Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive health care for veterans at these outpatient clinics in North County. The Oceanside clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 1300 Rancho del Oro Road. This clinic features primary care, mental health clinics, laboratory services, audiology services, enrollment and member services, a women's health clinic, podiatry, social work, nutrition, optometry, physical therapy, patient education and more. Patients enrolled at the Vista clinic will automatically be transferred to the Oceanside clinic because of closure. To enroll, call 858-552-7475 or 800-331-8387. For information, call 760-643-2000.
The Escondido clinic is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 815 E. Pennsylvania Ave. This clinic features primary care, laboratory services, emergency medications and educational and mental health services. To schedule an appointment, call 760-643-2050. For information, call 760-466-7020. These are not emergency clinics; emergency care is not available. Patients are seen by appointment.
Military officers to meet
OCEANSIDE ---- The Pendleton Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will host a representative of the U.S. Coast Guard at a meeting at 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at Hunter Steakhouse, 1221 Vista Way. No-host bar is available. The event will celebrate the 220th birthday of the U.S. Coast Guard. Lunch costs $13. All active duty, retired and former officers and warrant officers and their guests are invited. Reserve at 760-720-9917.
Workshop to FOCUS on families
OCEANSIDE ---- San Diego Spine and Rehab will present two sessions of the "Problem Solving is a SNAP" workshop as part of the FOCUS program from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at 3772 Mission Ave., Suite 122. FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress) is a resiliency-building program designed for military families and children facing stress during wartime. The program will help families plan and work toward solutions by using a four-step problem-solving system, SNAP. Child care is available. Register to 760-630-8400 or visit focusproject.org .
VFW to meet, host party
VISTA ---- The Sgt. Maj. Ralph E Gibbs Jr. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7041 will host a general meeting at 10 a.m. Aug. 14, followed by the annual Shrimp Boil Party from 4 to 7 p.m., at 1717 E. Vista Way, Suite 117. The group also serves dinner items from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays. Lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Breakfast is served from 8:30 a.m. to noon Sundays. All meals range from $4.50 to $10. Hall rentals are also available. For event information, call 760-724-7041 or visit VFW7041.com. For a list of August events, visit spensleyent.com/vfw7041 .
Book to discuss military families
CAMP PENDLETON ---- New York Times best-selling author Stephen R. Covey will discuss his book, "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Military Families," from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 10 at Bldg. 1795. This Marine Corps Family Team Building presentation will provide each participant with a free copy of Covey's book. Child care available. Registration required. Call 760-725-9052.
Whooping cough vaccine available
CAMP PENDLETON ---- The Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is providing pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations for all children enrolled in the hospital and its clinics. Parents, family members and caregivers of infants are encouraged to be vaccinated or get a booster shot, since pertussis is especially dangerous to infants, although anyone can become ill. Women may be vaccinated before or during prenancy or after giving birth. Fathers and siblings may be vaccinated at any time, preferably before the birth of a new baby. Active-duty military members serving in the Camp Pendleton area should go to their respective aid services to be vaccinated. The Naval Hospital is available for appointment 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday at Bldg. H100. To schedule an appointment, call 760-725-4357.
School, sports physicals offered
CAMP PENDLETON ---- The Family Medicine Clinic at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton is sponsoring two specialty clinics for back-to-school and sports physicals from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and 17 at Bldg. H100. Parents and patients must bring their immunizations record and the correct physical exam form for their school or program. These appointments will be available for TRICARE patients ages 5-19 who are enrolled as "prime" to the Family Medicine clinic. Medical care other than physical exams will not be available during this visit. To schedule an appointment, call 760-725-4357.
Family swim nights offered
CAMP PENDLETON ---- The Summer Nights Family Swimming events are scheduled from 6:45 to 9:30 p.m. Aug. 12 and 26 at the 13 Area swimming pool, Bldg. 1313. Barbecue grills will be available for families who wish to bring their own food. Call 760-725-4344 or visit mccscp.com.
Trunk show on tap in vision center
CAMP PENDLETON ---- Coach and Nike Eyewear will host a Trunk Show event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 14 at the Family Vision Center, Bldg. 1103 in the Mainside Store. Attendees will get a sneak peek at the latest styles and fashions. Contestants may win a Coach wallet or receive 10 percent off on all Nike frames. Call 760-725-6233, ext. 189 or visit mccscp.com .
Stained glass classes offered
CAMP PENDLETON ---- The Hobby Shop will offer six-week stained glass art classes at Mainside, Bldg. 13113:
-- Stained Glass Fundamentals for beginners, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Aug. 12 through Sept. 16. Course will cover the basics of stained glass using the copper foil method. Students will learn how to design, cut and grind glass to make a 12-by-12-inch panel of about 15 pieces. Fee is $110, which includes use of all tools and materials. Additional glass can be purchased onsite.
-- Intermediate/Advanced Stained Glass, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Aug. 11 through Sept. 15. Students will work at their own pace and learn from classmates about different glass types and textures while making a design of up to 12 by 18 inches. Fee is $88, plus additional materials purchased onsite. Wear long sleeves to class. Because stained glass works involves contact with lead, pregnant and breast-feeding women are strongly advised to stay away from stained-glass activities. Recommended for ages 16 and older. Register at 760-725-4880 or e-mail pendletonhobby@gmail.com .
Story time, art class on tap
CAMP PENDLETON ---- The Hobby Shop will host the "Paint Me a Story: Curious George ---- The Kite" book reading and children's art class from 10 to 11 a.m. Sept. 2 at Mainside, Bldg. 13113. After the story, children will have an opportunity to paint a kite. Cost is $15 per child, includes story time, studio fee and pottery pieces. Recommended for ages 1-5 or for preschoolers. Parents are asked to stay and participate. Registration is required. There is a 48-hour cancellation policy. Register at 760-725-4880 or e-mail pendletonhobby@gmail.com .
'Ultimate Warrior' training offered
MIRAMAR ---- The "Ultimate Warrior" Outdoor Training program is held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays at the Miramar Sports Complex Track at building 2471. The program will focus on speed, agility, strength and power for the ultimate workout. Call 858-577-4129.
Youth center offers child care
MIRAMAR ---- The MCAS Miramar Youth Center offers hourly child care from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays at building 2700 for children ages six weeks to pre-kindergarten. Cost is $4 per hour or $1 per 15-minute time period. Active-duty members stationed at Miramar, MCRD or Camp Pendleton can reserve a spot up to two weeks in advance. Active-duty stationed elsewhere may call one day before requested date. Hourly care will be provided no more than two days per week per child, with a maximum of 13 hours per child per week. Parents must provide a blanket, comfort toy, diapers, wipes, formula and snack or lunch. There is a fee of $1 per diaper if supplied by the Youth Center. Closed-toe shoes are required. To reserve or cancel, call 858-577-4136. A $10 fee will apply for no-shows. Visit mccsmiramar.com .
Sessions to explain G.I. Bill
MIRAMAR ---- Post 9/11 G.I. Bill Information Sessions are offered for those who need assistance at 11:30 a.m. Thursdays at The HUB, Bldg. 5305. The 45-minute session features a brief Q&A opportunity. E-mail smbmccsmiramar.edu@usmc.mil or visit gibil.va.gov .
Free college prep for military families
MIRAMAR ---- EKnowledge, a supplier of interactive learning software for college test preparation, is offering Test Prep Programs, valued at $200, free to military families nationwide. Active-duty, reserve, retired, guard and military relatives are eligible. To order software, visit eKnowledge.com/military. For information, visit mccsmiramar.com .
Museum to keep the spirit alive
SAN DIEGO ---- The Veterans Museum & Memorial Center will host a "Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive" event to commemorate the 65th anniversary of Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day and to remember the end of World War II from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 14 at 2115 Park Blvd. The event will feature World War II-era music, concessions and an opportunity to interact with veterans of this war. Guest speakers include Congressman Bob Filner, Congresswoman Susan Davis, Assembly members Nathan Fletcher and Ron Lacey, and a representative for Mayor Jerry Sanders. A bugler will sound taps at 4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for veterans, $2 for students and free for active military and children ages 12 and under. Call 619-239-2300 or e-mail info@veteranmuseum.org or visit veteranmuseum.org .
Exhibit to highlight Korean War
SAN DIEGO ---- The Veterans Museum & Memorial Center is displaying the "Hold at All Costs: the Battle for Outpost Harry" gallery exhibit through June 27, 2011 at 2115 Park Blvd. In partnership with Bob Baker and DINI Films, the yearlong exhibit focuses on the Korean War from 1950-1953 and features accurate reconstructions of the U.N. and Chinese bunkers dug into the earth at Outpost Harry, which will be populated by authentic artifacts and memorabilia from veterans on both sides of battle. Oral history interviews of Greek, Chinese, Korean and American soldiers who fought at Outpost Harry will play on interactive video kiosks, and photographs of the battle will accompany the exhibit space. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for veterans, $2 for students and free for active military and children ages 12 and under. Call 619-239-2300 or visit veteranmuseum.org .
Health services offered for female veterans
SAN DIEGO ---- The Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System provides comprehensive health care services to address the individual needs of female veterans. To schedule an appointment, call 619-400-5067. Women Veterans Health Care provides medical, surgical, mental health and other services. Call 858-642-3676 or e-mail Jennifer.Roberts8@va.gov .
Transition help for veterans
SAN DIEGO ---- VA San Diego Healthcare System, with the San Diego Veterans Coalition and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of San Diego, has created the Veterans Transition Assistance Program to assist veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and their families with transition from military to civilian life. The program will feature a free four-part series of seminars on benefits and resources available for veterans. These seminars and discussion topics are scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m. at the VA Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, in Conference Room B on the first floor. Call 858-642-3671:
-- Aug. 11: VA benefits, including home loans and disability claims
-- Aug. 18: VA education benefits and veteran service organizations
-- Aug. 25: Employment opportunities.
Veterans to celebrate VJ Day
TEMECULA ---- Randy Sanders, a member of the VFW Temecula and a representative from the VA Temecula office, in association with the Chateau Harveston and Chancellor Place retirement communities, will celebrate the Victory Over Japan (VJ) Day, now officially the Spirit of '45 Day, to commemorate the end of World War II on Aug. 14. Local veterans will be honored at 10 a.m. at Chateau Harveston, 40024 Harveston Drive, Temecula and at 2 p.m. at Chancellor Place, 24350 Jackson Ave., Murrieta. The event will feature a color guard presentation and a video of Bob and Dolores Hope talking about some of their USO tours. Call 951-926-6555.
