Special Kids Sock Hop Hosted by the Elks Lodge #2444 Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley

Elk event chairman Ray Mallen gives a little love to guests Marge Carlson, and Rick Bacon.

Elk of the Year Laura Lumley dances with special guest Michael Douglas.

Lodge President Pat Martino takes guest Nicole Butler for a spin around the dance floor.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 held its annual summer “Sock Hop” on July 17th. Over 200 mentally handicapped and downs syndrome Special Kids, danced and ate and partied like any other 7- 10 year olds, despite the fact some were in their 50’s and some were in wheel chairs. They rocked and rolled like never before. The ever popular band the “High Hopes” (mentally challenged themselves) were the afternoon’s entertainment. The dance floor was filled all day. Thirty-two volunteers from the Lodge came out to help with the cooking, serving and chaperoning led by event chairman, Lodge Officer, Ray Mallen. There were too many helpers to name individually but without them this marvelous event would not have occurred. Elks Care….Elks Share.

The “Special Kids Sock Hop” is one of two held each year for the kids. The Special Kids also see Santa Claus at a Special Kids Christmas party in December. Other events the Elks sponsor are a Cancer Kids Carnival which annually hosts 100 - 120 kids with cancer or surviving cancer. Regular trips to the Long Beach Veterans Hospital are also well supported by the Elks volunteers, and Norm Murray Senior Center dinner dances take place twice a year. The Lodge donates to the Saddleback Valley’s first responders as well, with a trained Police Dog donated to the Mission Viejo Police Department a couple of years ago. The dog (officer) is in service today serving the residents of Mission Viejo. It was the third such donation of a police dog to Orange County police services.

The Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks have been serving the Saddleback Valley for 40 years and award Scholarships annually to local college bound students. Dictionaries are given to every 3rd grader in the Saddleback Valley annually, all funded by Elks Charities. Lodge 2444 recently appeared, 142 members strong, in the Lake Forest Independence Parade proudly displaying their new Elk Statue which was acquired through private donations of the membership and will be soon dedicated and placed at the entrance of the Lodge located at Marguerite Parkway in Mission Viejo.

The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is a national organization dedicated to its principles Charity, Justice, Brotherly Love and Fidelity. They have been doing such works for well over 100 years. Contributing largely to these works of charity is the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elk’s Charity Bingo which is held every Wed. night at the Lodge. The proceeds fund many charitable causes and events. For information about the Elks Charities, Elks Bingo or membership in the Order, contact the Elks at (949) 830-ELKS (3557)

Link: http://www.cityofalisoviejo.com

Helen Wilson

Helen Wilson, who has worked as Aliso Viejo's community services director since its July 2001 incorporation, will retire from the post in October.

The recruitment for her replacement is currently underway.

After almost a decade in the post, Wilson is credited with complementing the City Council's vision for a vibrant community that offers an array of beneficial recreation, community service and social services programs along with special events that cater to people of all ages.

Wilson has overseen and expanded operations at the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center, assisted with the implementation of programs at the Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club branch and worked with numerous non-profit organizations on grant funding and community volunteer projects. She helped set up operations at the Aliso Viejo Aquatic Center and Conference Center, which opened to the community in 2009. She has helped to launch special city events such as the popular Founder's Day Fair in September, Snow Fest in November and Twilight Camp in the spring, among many other community endeavors.

"Working for the City of Aliso Viejo and carrying out the vision of the City Council has been a very enjoyable experience and I am proud to have had an opportunity to share in the growth and development of this wonderful community," Wilson said. "I will miss working with City Manager Mark Pulone and the management team but look forward to the time I'll be able to spend with family and friends and traveling to new places."

Detailed information regarding the Community Services Director position is available on the city's website at www.cityofalisoviejo.com. The deadline for submitting applications is 5:00 p.m. Aug. 19.

Link: http://www.cityofalisoviejo.com

Deputy Mike Tanabe

On Wednesday, July 21, the City Council recognized Deputy Mike Tanabe - Aliso Viejo's 2006 Deputy of the Year - for his seven years of service to the city.

Tanabe served Aliso Viejo from August 2003 until last month when he was promoted to the rank of investigator. He currently works in the department's Economic Crimes Unit. During his Aliso Viejo tenure, he was as a member of the Critical Incident Response Team, Bike Patrol Team and Selected Enforcement Team. He was also a field training officer for newly assigned deputies to Aliso Viejo.

It was Tanabe's commitment and service to the city that led to his 2006 recognition by the City Council as Deputy of the Year. For his hard work and efforts, the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge also honored Tanabe that year.

Tanabe was selected to represent Aliso Viejo Police Services in 2007 on the Orange County Sheriff's Directed Enforcement Team (DET), an assignment that required a strong commitment to public safety and a willingness to work in a challenging environment. While assigned to that unit, he received department commendations for his outstanding work.

For more information, visit the city's website at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Link: http://www.missionsjc.com

Great Stone Church

Mission San Juan Capistrano is celebrating a new milestone. Membership in the Mission Preservation Society has reached an all-time high of more than 10,000 active members. In a sign of overwhelming support for its goals to protect the religious and historic significance of Orange County’s only mission through ongoing preservation work, to create culturally meaningful events, and to provide inspired hands-on learning, membership in the historic Mission’s Preservation Society grew 39% over the last year.

Mission membership comes from all over the world, but locally, 3.7 percent of members are from Dana Point, 5.2% are from San Clemente, 11.8% are from San Juan Capistrano, and 2.6% are business owners and local merchants.
Specifically, 100 percent of membership funds are directed to the ongoing preservation of the historic Mission, Orange County’s only mission. Along with fundraising and sales of Mission cookbooks, funds raised go toward the conservation of historic paintings, safety and stabilization improvements to walkways, improved exhibits, earthquake safety, protection of artifacts and art displayed throughout the grounds, and much more.

The up-close results of these wonderful preservation-related funds can be seen on the Mission’s new webpage “Save the Mission.” Click on preservation to see reports from the last several years outlining each and every project carried out to date.

The Mission receives no church or state funding, and has to stand alone in its efforts to care for over 3,500 artifacts, a historic site with historic buildings. Staying open is not enough, as we need to take care of this site and do what we can to ensure that we have a proactive preservation strategy. None of this could happen without the public’s generosity and support .
Membership benefits include:
• Free Admission for a Year
• Free Guest Passes (family level +)
• Free Summer Children Activities
• Free Admission to Festivals
• Free Audio Tour
• Discount Off Concert Tickets
• 10 percent Off at the Gift Shop
• Advance Invitation to Attend Exhibit Openings and Private Events
• Annual Report Recognition

Sign up online at http://www.missionsjc.com/store/store.php or if you prefer to to mail in your membership, please download the membership enrollment form – http://www.missionsjc.com/membership/membership_signup.pdf – and mail to:
Mission San Juan Capistrano – Membership Department
26801 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

The “Jewel of the Missions” is one of the most culturally important venues in Orange County. To help support the Old Mission or for membership questions, call (949) 234-1300.

Link: http://www.lls.org

Greg Trayer

Hardie’s Champions for the Cure, a 2010 Light The Night® Walk team for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter (LLS), has drawn 25 members and raised $3,278 to date for cancer research. The team is composed of employees of James Hardie Building Products in Mission Viejo, and is walking in honor of fellow employee and Aliso Viejo resident Greg Trayer, who is a blood cancer survivor. Light The Night will be held on Sunday, September 19, 4 p.m. at Angel Stadium. A second Walk for Inland Empire residents will be held Saturday, October 16, at California Baptist University in Riverside.

Participants seek pledges for the Walk that will support critical programs for cancer patients and research towards a cure.

“We’ve had a lot of enthusiasm among our employees for the cause, and we’re hoping to reach our fundraising goal of $10,000,” remarked Andrea Macpherson, a Mission Viejo resident and James Hardie employee who is serving as walk team captain.

To support Hardie’s Champions for the Cure, visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/ocie/OrangeCo10/Hardie.

Light The Night is LLS’s annual evening fundraising walk held each fall in communities throughout the United States and Canada to raise money for blood cancer research and patient services. Teams of co-workers, families and friends walk together in twilight holding illuminated balloons – white for patients and survivors, red for supporters, and a single gold balloon that represents a loved one lost to cancer. The Walk, which honors and commemorates lives touched by blood cancer, is a community celebration, with music and family activities.

Every walker is encouraged to fundraise. Walkers who raise $100 or more earn the distinction of being a “Champion For Cures” and receive their illuminated balloon, official t-shirt and refreshments at the Walk.
For additional information about the Light The Night Walk, including a message from celebrity spokesperson Tina Fey, please visit www.lightthenight.org/ocie or contact Grace Hinojoza at the Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter at Grace.Hinojoza@lls.org or 714.481.5608.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested nearly $700 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers. The Orange County/Inland Empire office is located at 765 The City Drive, Suite 260, Orange, CA 92868. Phone: (714) 481.5600. Website: www.lls.org.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

Join the search for the world’s largest animal! The Ocean Institute is offering Blue Whale Safari cruises which take participants to the feeding grounds of the great blues, the world’s largest animal. Cruise dates: August 7 & 21, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Institute marine biologists lead the cruises aboard the Sea Explorer, which makes use of equipment such as an acoustic array, plankton nets, video microscopes and a sediment sampler.

The cost of the whale watching cruises is $55 ($49 Ocean Institute members). Participants must be age 8 or older, under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A continental breakfast will be served; participants should bring a sack lunch. For more information, call (949) 496-2274.

Ocean Education Center Open on Weekends
The Ocean Institute welcomes visitors on Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., to enjoy ocean-themed exhibits, view hundreds of living ocean animals, and witness shark and jellyfish feedings.

Cost is $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Or, with the purchase of a membership, a family can enjoy year-round free admission, benefit from member-only events and receive discounts on all other programs.

The Institute also offers many exciting programs for children. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

Diane & Bob Petrowski of Dana Point.

Bill Steel of Laguna Beach, an Ocean Institute Board Member, serenades the Laguna Playhouse group.

Julia & Kevin McBennett of Long Beach.

Audrey & Mike Morgan of San Juan Capistrano; the Morgans were the Grand Prize $1 million cash winners in the 2007 Ocean Institute Home Raffle.

Members of the Ocean Institute enjoyed a special reception and discounted admission to “Life Could Be a Dream” at the Laguna Playhouse on July 16. The show featured a performance of classic rock songs. Members of the Ocean Institute receive a variety of special benefits and play an important role in advancing the Institute’s mission, ocean preservation through education. Purchase a ticket to the Ocean Institute’s 2010 Laguna Beach Home Raffle and receive a free membership. Information: (949) 496-2274 or www.ocean-institute.org.

City Accepting Applications For Community Services and Cultural Arts Grants

The City of Laguna Niguel is currently accepting grant applications for community services and cultural arts programs. Highest priority will be given to organizations and programs that provide direct service or benefit to the greatest number of Laguna Niguel residents. Learn more.

Council Recognizes 20th Anniversary Committee and Outgoing Youth Committee Members

The City Council on Tuesday night recognized Members of the 20th Anniversary Committee who helped to plan, organize and coordinate special events in celebration of the City’s 20th Anniversary of incorporation.

December 1, 2009 kicked off the celebrations with a cake cutting ceremony at City Hall.
Since then, the Committee has organized many other events including: a Gala Dinner, a ceremonial Jacaranda Tree Planting and the July 4 Red, White & Blue Fair to name but a few. Tanna Jacob, a local artist, was recognized for her creative talents in designing a special 20th Anniversary logo that was used on all promotional materials to highlight the milestone event.

Outgoing members of the City’s Youth Committee were also recognized for their service to the youth of the community. During their tenure on the Committee, the members participated in and planned numerous events including: Battle of the Bands, volunteering at City’s annual Haunted Trails event, and updating the City’s Teen Website. Each member was given a City plaque in appreciation of their service to the community.

Upcoming Events

July 25
Shakespeare By The Sea – Twelfth Night

July 27
Planning Commission Meeting

August 3
City Council Meeting - CANCELED

Link: http://www.seaworldsandiego.com

Summer Nights at SeaWorld, which continues daily through Aug. 29 and Sept. 4–6, features extended park hours, fireworks, and special nighttime animal shows, including “Shamu Rocks” and “Sea Lions Tonite,” plus “Cirque de la Mer,” an acrobatic odyssey on and above Mission Bay, performed during the day.

“Blue Horizons” — a spectacular new show featuring energetic bottlenose dolphins, magnificent pilot whales, a colorful array of exotic birds and amazing human performers — is now open at SeaWorld San Diego’s completely- renovated Dolphin Stadium.

“Believe,” SeaWorld’s visually-stunning, daytime killer whale show, features a 2-story stage, three underwater cameras that capture Shamu below the surface, a giant 3-story whale tail that soars high above the set, and four LED screens that move and rotate as they highlight the power and beauty of the park’s killer whales.

The 189-acre adventure park features thousands of fascinating mammals, fishes, reptiles and birds including; killer whales at Shamu Stadium; a dozen species of sharks at the Shark Encounter; and polar bears, beluga whales, arctic foxes and walruses at Wild Arctic. Other attractions include “Sea Lions LIVE,” a hilarious new sketch-based comedy show starring Clyde and Seamore; Sesame Street Bay of Play, a whimsical play area for kids with family-friendly rides, Sesame Street character meet-and-greets and photo opportunities; Journey To Atlantis, a wet and wild water coaster and 130,000-gallon Commerson’s dolphin habitat; “Pets Rule!” —a zany show where clever canines, curious cats and unpredictable pigs take charge and show humans who’s the boss; Shipwreck Rapids water raft ride; spectacular animal shows, interactive attractions, aquariums, rides and dining facilities.

Ages 10 and older, $69; ages 3–9, $59; children under 3, free; parking $12. Park hours vary by season. For more information visit www.seaworldsandiego.com or call (800) 25-SHAMU.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

The Ocean Institute is pleased to offer a 2010 Summer Stargazing Family Night on Saturday, August 7, 6:30 – 11 p.m.

Participants will explore the night sky with JPL scientist Ron Buning and other local astronomers at the Lazy W Ranch Campground, located in the Cleveland National Forest. Learn how sailors used stars to sail the seas, discover constellations, and explore the solar system. Make a sextant and learn to use it, take a night hike with an Ocean Institute naturalist and join in hilltop stargazing.

Cost: adults, $40 (members: $30); children: $30 (members: $25). For additional information, please visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

City of Aliso Viejo
12 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
949-425-2500

Work to improve traffic flow at the intersection of Pacific Park Drive and Aliso Creek Road begins Monday, July 19. Initial staging work for the project started July 5. This traffic-easing project is part of the city's ongoing effort to maintain its roadway system at a high level of service.

The Pacific Park and Aliso Creek Road Intersection Project includes adding right-turn lanes from eastbound Pacific Park onto Aliso Creek Road, and northbound Aliso Creek Road onto Pacific Park Drive.

During construction, motorists may experience short delays, as eastbound Pacific Park Drive and northbound Aliso Creek Road will be reduced to two lanes in these directions. Information signs alerting motorists of the closures were posted today.

Traffic control signs will detour motorists through and around the construction zone. Pedestrian traffic will also be re-routed at this intersection. Construction is expected to take place from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, but the sidewalk and lane closures will be permanent during construction.

Entrances to the businesses next to the project will remain open from Pacific Park Drive, but alternate exits to Aliso Creek Road will be used.

The intersection project is expected to be completed in September.

For more information, contact the contractor at 909-771-7079 or the Aliso Viejo Public Works Department at 949-425-2530 or pworks@cityofalisoviejo.com. Information is also available on the "Project Alert" link on the city's website at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Kelly Tokarski
KT Community Relations

Link: http://www.saddlebackrunningclub.com

Saddleback Running Club participated in the 16th Annual Firecracker 5K in Lake Forest - July 3. The club over all had 7 out of 10 runners medal in their respective age groups. Congratulations to the runners and coaches.

Saddleback Running Club
Runners/5K Final Time
Abbott, Michael/20:07
Bishop, Kathryn/21:47
Bishop, Steve/21:47
Boles, Delaney/26:39
Boles, Nick/28:22
Choye, Ryan/23:38
Cuero, Jacob/22:30
Heinicke, Tristan/22:05
Johnson, Garrett/22:25
Margolis, Andrew/26:12
Margolis, Bailee/22:21
Rathor, Sophia/24:20
Reichle, Devin/25:10
Teager, Emma/29:41

Saddleback Running Club, a local distance running club for kid’s grade 3-8, has online registration open for their summer camps.To register for any of the camps please go to www.saddlebackrunningclub.com. More information can also be obtained by e-mailing runningclub@cox.net.

Summer Running Camp August 9th - August 12th, Time 9 am - 10:30 am, Cost: $75, Boys and Girls grade 3-8, Meeting place: THHS in Mission Viejo. Register online www.saddlebackrunningclub.com.

Link: http://foapom.com/

As I was sitting in the cool air, waiting for the 2010 Pageant of the Masters to begin, I felt at peace with the world.

I watched the wealthy and artistic of the world filing in around me, and I was appreciative.

Appreciative until the performance began. Then I was blown away.

My wife, Susan, commented to me, "I think this might be the best ever."

I am in no position to pass such judgments. We have only lived in this area for ten years. But from where I sat, I had never seen or experienced anything like it.

The Pageant of the Masters has become a true multimedia experience. As the flawless orchestra struck each note, reproduced in perfect stereo surrounding me, photos and videos transported me on a journey to incredible living reproductions of famous oils, watercolors, sculptures and castings. This year we even were treated to a Mardi Gras parade and salute to New Orleans!

And I really came to appreciate narrator Skip Connover.

But I am not going to tell you any more.

Go.

If you went last year, go.

If you go every year, go.

If you have never been, go.

And let me know if it is the best ever.

Learn more here: http://foapom.com.

Link: http://www.lls.org

Chris Kreuz and Patricia West, both of Aliso Viejo

Matt Moloci and Jackie Obie, both of Aliso Viejo

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) Orange County/Inland Empire Chapter’s 2nd annual “Cocktails for a Cure” fundraiser drew 100 participants and raised $25,000 for blood cancer research. The event was held at Ketel One in Aliso Viejo on June 26. For additional information on upcoming Leukemia & Lymphoma Society events, as well as for information and resources for those battling blood cancers, please visit www.lls.org.

Link: http://www.tapestryuu.org

Enjoy great music in a warm and welcoming UU atmosphere!

Bring the kids and the grandkids to this family-friendly musical gathering! Face painting, handmade jewelry, toys and baked goods will also be offered.

Join us for this wonderful musical event, and you will also be supporting Tapestry's mission to be a transformational home for liberal spirituality and a dynamic community leader in South Orange County and beyond!

Suggested donation of $7 per person, kids under 12 free.

www.MelissaCoxMusic.net
www.myspace.com/MelissaCox

BIOGRAPHY
Take the poetic lyricism of Paul Simon, mix in the vocal timbre of Sinead O'Connor, and throw in the unbridled power of Tori Amos, and you have Melissa Cox.

Melissa Cox's lyrical style is a throwback to the days of classic rock and the songwriters of the 60s and 70s, when lyrics were poetry unto themselves and windows into the songwriter's soul. She blends this part-metaphorical, part-storytelling writing style with her own musical elixir of rock, New Folk, progressive, alternative & World.

While most songwriters opt for a guitar these days, Melissa is fearless on the mandolin--a tribute to her Celtic roots & mainstream musicians who used the instrument and influenced Melissa (i.e. Led Zeppelin, Goo Goo Dolls, REM).

Melissa also plays acoustic and electric guitars and the djembe.

Melissa began studying classical music at age six. At 14 she picked up the guitar. Two weeks later, she wrote her first serious song, and a year later she recorded her first CD. Since then, she has released three more albums, shared the stage with many national and international artists, including Spin Doctors, Sister Hazel, Tom Chapin, Black 47, Celtic Crossroads & many others, and appeared at some of the largest and most prestigious venues and festivals in the country.

Melissa is dedicated to enacting change through her music. She performs at UU Churches across the country, and has raised money for several charities and initiatives, including Easter Seals, the Girl Scouts, Haiti Earthquake Relief, the Rainforest Alliance , and a variety of locally-based animal, pet, environmental and community organizations.

Link: http://www.saltcreekgrille.com

They're a little bit country and a lot of pop. Their songs are fueled by the drive of the Dixie Chicks, the imaginative vitality of John Mayer and the rootsy pop-inflected immediacy of Sheryl Crow. Yes, give rising 18-year-old twin starlets Nik and Sam a microphone, guitar and a banjo and the audience will be blown away.

They have certainly taken Orange County locals by surprise ever since the Arkansas-based sensations started playing at the Quiet Woman Restaurant and Bar in Corona Del Mar. Now, the duo has added a second Orange County venue to the mix in two special performances at Salt Creek Grille in Dana Point.

This venerated south county establishment, known for its fabulous fare, ambiance and live entertainment, will host Nick and Sam at 7 p.m. on July 8 and July 22.

Nik and Sam, who possess a raw, maturing talent, have been singing since they were out of diapers and were introduced to musical instruments at the age of 10, Sam on the banjo and Nik on the guitar. By the time they turned 11, the girls, who had added the Dobro and mandolin to their repertoire, decided it was time to hit the stage. They have not exited since.

Their live shows give audience members a chance to listen to original songs written by them, witness entertaining musicianship and experience a connection to Nik and Sam and their music.

The Dana Point-based Salt Creek Grille at 32802 Pacific Coast Highway (at Crown Valley Parkway) is one of five award-winning eateries that include locations in Rumson and Princeton, N.J; and Valencia and El Segundo, CA.

For more information about Salt Creek Grille, visit www.saltcreekgrille.com or call 949-661-7799.

Lodge Exalted Ruler Pat Martino with Elks Statue

Unloading Elks Statue

With the help of over one-hundred Boy Scouts, Little Leaguers, military veterans and Lodge members, Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 (“Elks Lodge”) debuted its recently acquired bronze statue of an Elk on a float entered in the Lake Forest July 3rd parade.

The float was decorated with the American flag and other symbols of America. From the float, convertible cars and supporters walking the parade route, the entourage handed out American Flag key fobs, candy and fans. Patriotic music emanated from the float while parade participants waved American flags. The Elk statue will be installed by the entrance to the Elks Lodge. The bronze finished aluminum Elk’s statue is approximately ten feet in height, six feet in length and two feet in width.

Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Pat Martino said, “We are especially grateful that some of the groups receiving financial support from the Elks Lodge will participate in an event celebrating the Elk statue’s debut, the American flag and our country’s independence.” The national Elks organization, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (“BPOE”), led the effort to create national recognition of the American Flag. As a result, in August 1949, President Harry S. Truman, also a member of the Elks, proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. June 14 was chosen because on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress proposed that the United States have a national flag instead of the British Union Jack.

The Mission Viejo / Saddleback Elks Lodge #2444 is one of ten lodges in the Orange Coast District of the BPOE whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 142 year history of giving, “Elks Care, Elks Share.”

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

The Ocean Institute is pleased to announce the return of its Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle. Participants will have the opportunity to win a beautiful Laguna Beach home with an estimated value of $1 million or the alternate prize of $1 million in cash. The home has an ocean view and is a short walk to the beach.

In 2009, Eric & Paige Gage of North Hollywood were the happy winners and took home the $1 million dollar cash prize. The Ocean Institute is one of the few raffles in the state that has awarded the grand prize every year. Tickets for the 2010 Home Raffle go on sale on Tuesday, July 6.

Tickets are $150 each, a maximum 20,000 tickets will be sold. In addition to the grand prize, there will be over 400 cash and merchandise prizes including bonus drawings for multiple ticket purchasers. There will be two drawings for Early Bird ticket purchasers; the Grand Prize drawing will be this fall at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.

“The home raffle has produced hundreds of happy winners in the past five years, and has raised crucial funding that benefits the 110,000 school children the Ocean Institute serves every year,” remarked Greg Goggin, developer of the raffle. “We’re proud we have built one of the few successful and sustainable home raffles in the state.”

To purchase a ticket or for more information on the raffle, please call (949) 542-3600 or visit www.ocean-institute.org. Purchase your ticket beginning July 6, or contact us beforehand to be placed on the raffle mailing list. All proceeds benefit the non-profit Ocean Institute. The 2010 Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle is registered with the California Attorney General’s Office.

For information about the Institute, please visit www.ocean-institute.org.

Founded in 1977, the Ocean Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean preservation through education, setting the standard for educational excellence and serving as a leading resource for universities, museums, teachers and all others seeking to increase their knowledge of the ocean. The Ocean Institute is open to the general public on weekends, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: $6.50 adults, $4.50 children (ages 4-12), Ocean Institute members free. Unique maritime and ocean-themed items are available in the Chambers Gallery everyday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.

Link: http://www.lcicoaching.com

Joan Smith, founder and president of Leadership Consultants International, will present The Leadership Journey 2011: Passion, a series of monthly meetings September 2010 – June 2011, which offer professional coaching for a wide range of disciplines with an end goal of producing “unprecedented breakthrough results.” Meeting dates include: September 14, October 19, November 16, December 14, February 8, March 15, April 12 and May 17, 9 a.m. – noon each day. The series includes two day-long retreats: Saturday, January 8 & June 11, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. each day. Meetings will be held at Joan’s home in Aliso Viejo.
Joan observed, “We all have ‘comfort zones.’ We have comfort foods, comfort clothes, comfort friends. We feel comfortable and familiar, safe and secure in our comfort zone. To pursue our PASSION, we have to be willing to do what is UNCOMFORTABLE…until it becomes comfortable. We have to jump, stretch, expand, reach and – go full out. There are countless stories of wildly successful CEO’s and leaders who lived their passion: Starbucks, IHOP, Ebay. And there are personal victories of people with MS who live in wheelchairs, but swim daily in the ocean! All passionate. All immersed in action.”

Joan Smith founded LCI in 1995, and has coached over 250,000 people in a career that has spanned over 30 years. Her clients have included business executives, who with her assistance have seen dramatic improvements in their business, and individuals pursuing personal goals. She is author of the book Building Blocks for Breakthrough Results. She holds a M.A. in Education from San Diego State University and a B.A. from UC Santa Barbara. Website: www.lcicoaching.com.

Cost of the series is $2,350; register with a deposit of $650. Includes 30-page notebook, training materials and ongoing coaching for 10 months.

Registration deadline: September 1, 2010. For additional information, please call (949) 448-7912 or email LCI@cox.net.

Meet Joan Smith: Prospective Leadership Journey participants will have the opportunity to meet Joan at a free wine & cheese event on Friday, July 16 and Friday, August 20, 4 – 7 p.m. at Joan’s home in Aliso Viejo. RSVP required: (949) 448-7912 or LCI@cox.net.

Link: http://www.ocean-institute.org

The Ocean Institute offers weekend Marine Wildlife Cruises to provide participants with a ship-board view of whales, dolphins, sunfish, sea lions, and other creatures of the sea. Institute marine biologists lead the cruises onboard the Sea Explorer, which makes use of state-of-the-art equipment such as an acoustic array, plankton nets, video microscopes and a sediment sampler.

Trips last 2 ½ hours and are held most weekends, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Upcoming cruises: June 27, July 11 & 25, August 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, September 19 & 26, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
The cost of the Marine Wildlife Cruises is $35 adults, $22 for children, ages 4-12 (for Institute members, $22 adults, $19 children). Cost includes admission to the Ocean Education Center. For additional information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.