Coastal Community news briefs: Library hosts yoga for seniors

North County Times – Escondido,CA,USA
ENCINITAS —- English as a Second Language classes are offered free
by San Dieguito Adult School at various coastal locations including Oak
Crest Middle School …

CARDIFF —- Emmy Garnica will lead the “Gentle Yoga for Seniors” class at 3 p.m. Wednesdays at the Cardiff-by-the-Sea branch library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Call (760) 753-4027.

Schools offer ESL classes

ENCINITAS —- English as a Second Language classes are offered free by San Dieguito Adult School at various coastal locations including Oak Crest Middle School, 675 Balour Drive. Classes range from beginning to advanced levels.

Daytime and evening classes offered. Call (760) 753-7073 or visit the Web site at http://www.sdadulted.com.

Weight-loss group meets

ENCINITAS —- Take Off Pounds Sensibly, a non-profit weight-loss support group, meets from 9 to 10 a.m. Wednesdays at the San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real. Call (760) 632-9471, or visit the Web site at http://www.tops.org.

Volunteers needed by botanical garden

ENCINITAS —- Quail Botanical Gardens is seeking volunteers to assist with the children’s Seeds of Wonder Garden, carpenter work, general office procedures, garden development and more. Call Pat Hammer at (760) 436-3036, Ext. 203, or visit the Web site at http://www.qbgardens.org.

Walkers meet for coast walk

ENCINITAS —- Encinitas Walkers meet for a one-hour conditioning walk along the coastal route at 7:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in front of the fountain at the Lumberyard Shopping Center on Highway 101. Call Geri Beckord at (760) 633-1884 or visit the Web site at http://www.encinitaswalkers.org.

Women for sobriety meet

ENCINITAS —- The support and advocacy group meets at 10 a.m. Saturdays at the Encinitas Community and Senior Center,1140 Oakcrest Park Drive. Call Deborah at (858) 220-9300 or visit the Web site at http://www.womenforsobriety.org.

Gardeners meet monthly

DEL MAR —- The Friendship Gardeners of Del Mar meet from 1 to 3 p.m. the fourth Saturday of each month September to June for field trips, speakers, seasonal plantings, and to explore many other topics of interest. Call Ms. Locatelli at (858) 259-9636.

Ensemble, dancer perform Jan. 3

CARDIFF —– The gypsy-influenced Middle-Earth Ensemble will be joined by a belly dancer for the concert at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Cardiff-by-the-Sea branch library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Call (760) 753-4027.

Learn to oil paint

RANCHO SANTA FE —- Learn oil painting with well-known local muralist and artist Mona Mills at 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays from Jan. 16 through Feb. 20 at the Rancho Santa Fe Branch Library, 17040 Avenida de Acacias. No experience necessary. Call (858) 756-2512.

Library hosts Spanish classes

RANCHO SANTA FE —– Instructor Josefina Gomez will lead “Spanish Conversation Classes” from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, beginning Jan. 18, at the Rancho Santa Fe Branch Library, 17040 Avenida de Acacias.

Call (858) 756-2512.

Learn to organize

DEL MAR —- January, the official self-improvement month, is the perfect time to attend the Art of Organizing and the Surrogate Self’s “Get Organized and Clear for the New Year” at 9 a.m. Jan. 20 at the Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino del Mar. Receive de-cluttering tips and organizing strategies for 2007 from experts Cindi Peterson and Victoria Windsor. Learn how to create activity zones and new systems that work for you. Call (858) 755-1666.

Turn dreams into reality

CARDIFF —- The Cardiff-by-the-Sea Library will host motivational speaker and stand-up comedian Mark Whitney in “Reinventing Yourself and the Relentless Pursuit of Dreams” at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the library, 2081 Newcastle Ave. Whitney, winner of the 2005 San Francisco Comedy Convention and a 91X radio presenter, will outline simple steps to begin turning dreams to reality. Call (760) 753-4027.

Library hosts books, art class

DEL MAR —- Kids, ages 6 and up, can listen to the story “A String of Beads,” by Margarette B. Reid from 4 to 5 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino del Mar. Kids can string beads onto a rawhide cord to make unique necklaces.

Learn how paper beads are made, and make some to take home with instructor Sandra Dodd. Call (858) 755-1666.

Author discusses fraud, ethics

DEL MAR —– Author Wayne Label will speak about fraud and ethics and his book “Accounting for Non-Accountants” from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Del Mar Library, 1309 Camino del Mar. Call (858) 755-1666.

Citizens asked to report graffiti

CARLSBAD —- Carlsbad city officials are asking residents and park visitors to report graffiti and other vandalism through the Carlsbad Graffiti Hotline at (760) 434-6700 or visit the Web site at http://www.carlsbadca.gov.

City seeks feedback

CARLSBAD —- The Carlsbad Recreation Department is seeking feedback from the public regarding:

- Recreational needs and priorities of the community;

- Types of programming and/or activities the community would like to see;

- How the department can better serve and communicate with the public;

- How recreation can keep up with changing times, demographics and trends.

An online survey will be available at www.CarlsbadConnect.org through Jan. 2, 2007.

The Recreation Department is also inviting the community to participate in open community forums held throughout the month of February. Forums will be held at:

- 6 p.m. Feb. 6 at Stagecoach Community Center, 3420 Camino de los Coches;

- 6 p.m. Feb. 15 at Pacific Rim Elementary, 1100 Camino de las Ondas;

- 6 p.m. Feb. 21 at Calavera Hills Community Center, 2997 Glasgow Drive;

- 10 a.m. Feb. 24 at Georgina Cole Library, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive.

Reservations for the forums are requested. Call Craddock Stropes at (760) 602-7524, e-mail cstro@ci.carlsbad.ca.us or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Microchip your pet

CARLSBAD —- The county Department of Animal Services will offer microchips for dogs, cats, or rabbits from 1 to 3 p.m. Thursdays at the County Animal

Shelter, 2481 Palomar Airport Road. The cost is $20 and includes national registration. Please bring dogs on a leash and cats or rabbits should be in a carrier. For those whose animal is unaltered, please ask about the $50 coupon. Call (760) 438-2312 or visit the Web site at http://www.sddac.com <http://www.sddac.com> .

Senior writers meet weekly

CARLSBAD —- Writers ages 55 and up meet from 9 to 11 a.m. Mondays at the Carlsbad Senior Center, 799 Pine Ave. Call (760) 602-4650.

Tutor a child in reading

CARLSBAD —- Olivenhain Pioneer Elementary School is seeking tutors for its award-winning “Everyone a Reader” volunteer program. Tutors will be trained and will work in weekly, 90-minutes session with students in grades 1 through 4. Call Elaine Barton at (760) 943-2027.

Hospice seeks volunteers

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.

City offers teen programs

CARLSBAD —- Carlsbad Recreation Department is inviting teenagers to take an active role with two programs designed specifically for teens.

The Counselor-in-Training Program is a free after school program for middle school and high school youths who wish to develop skills in leadership, communication and volunteerism. The program requires a commitment from the participants to attend the program at least 12 days per calendar month, participate in two community service activities per month and maintain good standing in school.

The CIT’s will also have opportunities to participate in enrichment classes, field trips and other service learning opportunities. The program is geared toward teens ages 11 to 16. In addition to the CIT program, “Totally Teen Nights” are a series of safe, fun Friday-night events for teens to socialize outside of school.

“RoadTripz” take teens on adult-supervised day trips to local destinations. Call Aly Mancini at (760) 602-7527 or visit the Web site at http://www.CarlsbadConnect.org.

Execs meet to network

CARLSBAD —- ExecuNet Networking Meeting for Senior Executives in Career Transition will be held from 8:15 to 10:30 a.m. Jan. 4 at Tamarack Beach Resort, 3200 Carlsbad Blvd. Cost is $35 in advance; $50 at the door. Call Mark James at (760) 230-4301or e-mail mjames@HireConsultant.com.

RBV Adobe decorated for holidays

VISTA —- The Rancho Buena Vista Adobe has once again been decorated beautifully for the holiday season and is open to the general public from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays throughout December. Chairwoman Peggy Zachary and co-Chairwoman Judy Pantazo coordinated the decorators as part of Vista’s 20th annual Holiday Homes Tour sponsored by the Vista Community Clinic. Call (760) 639-6164.

Senior center begins new program

VISTA —- The Vista Senior Center is collaborating with the Vista Library and Aging & Independence Services on a new program called “Food for Thought” beginning in January. Speakers, demonstrations, movies and other fun and enriching programs have been planned for older adults. The free series will be held at 11 a.m. the first and third Thursday of each month at the Vista Library. The senior center will be complementing the events with a gourmet lunch available for a suggested contribution of $3 for those older than 60 and $5 for those younger than 60. Call (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1531.

Senior center holds Holiday Buffet

VISTA —- A Holiday Buffet will be held at 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19 in the Park Terrace Cafe at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. The menu will include turkey, ham, mashed and sweet potatoes, dressing, gravy, vegetables and Christmas dessert. There will be holiday entertainment by Glydell Knight on piano, treats and a visit from St. Nick. Suggested contribution is $3 per meal for those age 60 and older; those younger than 60 pay $5. Make lunch reservations the day before or the morning of luncheon by calling (760) 724-3362.

NC Bar Association hosts blood bank

VISTA —- The San Diego Blood Bank will accept blood donations at a drive hosted by the North County Bar Association from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 19 at 325 S. Melrose Drive. The bloodmobile will be parked in the North County Superior Court parking lot.

All donors will receive a voucher for a free whale-watching trip donated by Helgren’s Oceanside Sportfishing and Islandia Sportfishing. Participants also will have the opportunity to join the blood bank’s new Donor Difference program, which includes access to an online store for donors and the ability to track cholesterol, pulse and blood pressure after each donation.

Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to give blood. A good meal is recommended before donating. Call (800) 4MY-SDBB or visit http://www.sandiegobloodbank.org.

Senior abuse, fraud is topic of talk

VISTA —- A free informational talk on senior abuse and fraud will be held at 10:45 a.m. Dec. 21 in the Palm Game Room of the Gloria McClellan Senior Center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. Speaker Susan Dewey will provide new and updated information. To reserve a seat, call (760) 639-6160.

Day camp programs offered

VISTA —- The city of Vista Recreation Division will hold three separate winter sessions of its ever popular Day Camp Program from Dec. 21 through Jan. 5. The programs include: Teen Travel Camp, a fun and exciting outlet for middle school-aged kids to see and experience events and places around the county. This traveling camp will occupy the minds of adolescents by going offsite to a new location everyday. Some camp highlights include a visit to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Boomers-Vista, ice skating at Icetown at UTC and Belmont Park; Sports Camp teaches children in kindergarten through fifth grade the various skills and techniques useful in playing many different sports; Explorers is a camp where children participate in a wide range of themed activities that encourage the curiosities of children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Field trips for both Sports Camp and Explorers are to Boomers-Vista and the movies. Space is limited and registration is now available at the Brengle Terrace Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fees will vary based on selected camps and residency. For any additional information, contact Robert Rhoades or Jesse Montanez at (760) 726-1340, Ext. 1501.

Ice menorah is highlight of Hanukkah event

OCEANSIDE —- The carving of a giant ice menorah will be the highlight of the Hanukkah celebration at 3 p.m. today at the Oceanside Civic Center Library Community Room, 330 N. Coast Highway. The Chabad Jewish Center will present an exciting Hanukkah program that is fun, educational and hands-on. In addition to the ice menorah, the program also will feature a menorah-building contest from different kinds of food, Hanukkah arts and crafts, a Judaic Gift Shop, shaping and decorating doughnuts and delicious Hanukkah treats. Suggested donation is $7. The event is open to the community. Call (760) 806-7765 or visit http://www.JewishOceanside.com.

Used cell phones help WRC

OCEANSIDE —- The Missions Committee of First Presbyterian Church of Oceanside invites community members to donate their used cell phones to help women and children in North County through the Women’s Resource Center.

Proceeds from the collections will not only help fund needed programs, but help the environment as well. Phones may be left at the church office weekdays or at the Sanctuary on Sundays. To make large donations, call Bonnie Campbell at (760) 231-6278 to arrange for a pick-up. The church is at 2001 El Camino Real. For more information, call (760) 757-3560.

Orientation set for pageant contests

VISTA —- An orientation is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 18 at Round Table Pizza, 923 E. Vista Way, for the Miss Pride of Vista and the Miss Teen Tri-City Scholarship Pageant scheduled for March 3. Members of the Pride of Vista Lions Club invite any young woman between the ages of 13 to 24 to participate. Peoples Choice money raised the evening of the pageant goes directly to the San Diego Center for the Blind. Other funds donated by community members will be used to provide scholarships, eye exams and glasses and dictionaries for the dictionary project in Vista elementary schools.

Anita Hutchins, Lions Club member, said: “Money raised at the pageant will allow Lions to meet needs in our community for other organizations such as Angels Depot, Casa De Amparo, Vista’s high schools programs and other projects. Lions members thank everyone who contributes to this important work. You are truly helping Lions make a difference in our community.”

Call (760) 644-3124 or (760) 724-2875.

Fundraiser for burn center set for Feb. 3

SAN DIEGO —- The Burn Institute’s 15th annual Share Your Heart Auction, Wine Tasting & Casino Night will be held at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Hall of Champions Sports Museum in Balboa Park. Join Coach Tony Muser and emcee Kimberly Hunt from KUSI TV for an evening of foods, fine wines, fabulous auction items and casino fun.

Proceeds, from this Burn Institute Auxiliary-sponsored event benefit the Burn Institute, a nonprofit health agency dedicated to reducing the number of burn injuries and deaths in San Diego, Imperial, San Bernardino and Riverside counties through fire and burn prevention education, burn care research and treatment, and burn survivor support services such as Camp Beyond the Scars for burn-injured children. Cost is $75 to $85. Call (858) 541-2277 or visit the Web site at http://www.burninstitute.org.

MDA needs volunteers for summer camps

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is in need of summer camp volunteers who will help young people with neuromuscular diseases enjoy fun-filled, weeklong MDA summer camps across the country. Volunteer counselors must be at least 16 years old and able to lift and care for a young person between the ages of 6 and 21. Each counselor becomes a companion to a camper with a neuromuscular disease.

Counselors help their campers with daily activities such as eating, bathing and dressing, and in recreational activities such as arts and crafts, swimming and horseback riding. At no charge to families, MDA’s summer camp program serves more than 4,000 campers nationwide in some 90 weeklong sessions. Call (800) 572-1717 or the Web site at www.mda.org/clinics/camp.