The next time you drop by the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, be sure to check out an incredible photographic display capturing the majesty of Special Olympics athletes in Mission Viejo.
During the City of Mission Viejo’s Host Town Program last summer, photographers Carol Cohn, Dennie Hahn, Jacque Conrad, Gary Mills, Joe Weinneger, Michelle Cole and Leagh Sachs chronicled the journey of Spanish and Indonesian Special Olympics athletes in town before they headed to LA to compete in the World Games.
The photographers volunteered their time taking photos of the athletes, who participated in activities, events and Mission Viejo life for three days.
“Getting involved with the Special Olympics was one of our most rewarding volunteer experiences,” said Leagh Sachs. “We were struck by the joy and enthusiasm of not only the achievement of the athletes but of the support of the crowds. Volunteering is always honorable and rewarding, and with this particular experience, we felt as though we were the ones being honored.”
This captivating exhibit will be on display at 24932 Veterans Way through August 31.
More than 50 local children ranging in age from 5 to 14 have spent the summer practicing to star in a beloved adventure story.
These young actors will have their chance this Friday when Out of the Box Learning & Arts presents “Shrek The Musical JR.,” at 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.
Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical, the production follows everyone’s favorite ogre – Shrek – as he leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, “Shrek JR.” is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the entire family.
The production features imaginative sets, costumes and a host of over-the-top roles for an expandable cast, which is sure to shine and entertain.
Tickets are $5 and are available at the door. For more information, call 949-470-8440. The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way.
The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Wednesday, July 20 will host its next low-cost pet vaccination clinic for Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo residents. The clinic is from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 28095 Hillcrest.
Rabies vaccinations are $10 and other vaccines for dogs and cats are available at reduced rates. (A $2 medical disposal fee is charged for each animal.) The clinic is a great opportunity for pet owners to renew a license or obtain a new one. Licenses and current rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel and Aliso Viejo. Microchipping is also available for $20. Dogs should be on leashes and cats in carriers.
For more information, call 949-470-3045 or visit http://www.cmvas.org.
Construction is expected to begin this summer on a new Coffee, Bean & Tea business on the northwest corner of Avery and Marguerite parkways.
The popular coffee chain will be housed in the southern portion of the building formerly occupied by a jewelry store that will be subdivided and renovated.
Just across the way, a groundbreaking ceremony will be held this month to kick off construction of a new commercial center at 28662 Marguerite Parkway. The two-story, 17,000-square-foot GreenStreet Center will feature restaurants, retail and services along with an auto spa below the deck of the parking garage. For more information, visit http://www.greenstreetdevelopments.com.
If you are seeking an exciting evening your entire family will enjoy, then make plans for Family Fun Night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at the Montanoso Recreation Center.
This fun summer event features a family luau, activities and the chance to test your skills on an inflatable pool obstacle course.
Family Fun Night is free for members and included in day fees for guests. General admission for non-members is $4 for kids under 13; and $8 for 14 and older. If you’re yet not a member, you can still obtain a 3-month seasonal pass starting as low as $75.
The Montanoso Recreation Center is at 25800 Montanoso Drive. For more information, call 949-859-4348.
Calling all Pokémon trainers: You are invited to take part in the Mission Viejo Library’s first “Pokémon Go Community Hunt” on Thursday, July 14.
This free event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and begins at the library at 100 Civic Center. Participants must sign a waiver to participate and should bring water along with comfortable walking shoes.
Minors should be accompanied by an adult. Participants will head to the Oso Creek Trail for Pokéstops and to catch some wild Pokémon. The evening ends at the library where folks can pit their newly acquired monsters for supremacy over the library’s Pokémon Gym.
Participants must have Pokémon Go installed and accounts created on their Apple or Android devices. Trainers must be at level 5 to participate in Gym battles.
No registration is required to take part in this exciting event. For more information, call 949-830-7100 ext. 5105
Calling local high school teenagers: Mark your calendar for July 15 when the first High School Teen Scene Dodge Ball Night takes place at the Montanoso Recreation and Fitness Center.
The City of Mission Viejo is hosting this exciting event for high school teens from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. July 15, July 29 and August 12 at 25800 Montanoso Drive.
The center’s tennis courts will be transformed into dodge ball central as teams compete for championship titles and forever bragging rights. Teams are formed on site and all levels are invited to play.
If you’re not into dodge ball, don’t fret: The event will also feature, music, snacks and tons of fun.
Cost is only $2 per person. For more information, contact recreation@cityofmissionviejo.org.
Community members of all ages are invited to make a splash during a special Derby Dive-In event on Saturday, August 12 at the Sierra Recreation Center.
The evening includes an exciting cardboard boat derby race where teams will build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape and attempt to race to the other side of the pool without sinking. The second part of the night will feature a screening of “The Sandlot” at dusk. Guests can bring rafts to enjoy the film. Hot dogs, chips and drinks will be provided.
Members of the facility get in free, with guest prices at $8 for adults and $4 for kids. (Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.) Cost to enter the boat derby race is $25 and registration is available online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4464.
The Sierra Recreation Center is at 26887 Recodo Lane. For more information, call 949-859-4348.
Guitar extraordinaire Brooks Robertson will dazzle fans from Mission Viejo and beyond when he performs at the Civic Center on Saturday, July 23.
Lord of the Strings presents this talented musician at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center.
Brooks is a finger-style guitarist who utilizes his superb technical abilities to play bass, rhythm and melody simultaneously and surpass the borders of conventional genres. He merges hauntingly beautiful compositions, country rhythms and jazzy harmonies with funky licks into his very own art form – sometimes delivered with a punch, sometimes with a smile. Through Brooks’ music, you can hear the influences of Buster B. Jones, Jerry Reed and other great finger pickers of the past.
Tickets are $30 and are available in advance at http://www.lordofthestringsconcerts.com or at the door based on availability. For more information, call 949-842-2227.
Special Olympics athletes are invited to a Home Depot workshop this fall developed just for them.
The workshop is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on September 16 at the Mission Viejo store located at 27952 Hillcrest.
The hands-on workshop will include an array of stations where athletes can learn the basics of carpentry, gardening and more. The September workshop is one of four Home Depot is hosting for Special Olympics athletes throughout Orange County.
Workshops are limited to 30 athletes; so early reservations are encouraged. Contact Hannah Bell at hbell@sosc.org for more information.
Celebrate “Parks Make Life Better” month by submitting a photograph and testimonial of you, your family or friends enjoying a favorite Mission Viejo park, program or facility for the “Play, Pose, Post” Photo Contest.
Whether it’s a park or playground, senior or mommy-and-me program, youth or adult sports league or community center class, the City wants to know about its positive impact on your life.
Post your photo with a description of 15 words or less and the hashtag #PMLBinMV to the Mission Viejo events Facebook or Instagram page through July 31. The number of likes will determine the winners, who will be announced on August 5.
Grand prizes for the top three entries include family passes to the City’s recreation and fitness centers and gift cards. See detailed contest ruleshere.
Kelly Tokarski
Public Information Specialist
City Of Mission Viejo
