If you are seeking a captivating and enjoyable afternoon, then make plans for the 38th annual Tellabration at 2 p.m. Saturday, November 19 at the Mission Viejo Library.
Hosted by the Storytellers from the South Coast Storytellers Guild, Tellabration is an international celebration of storytelling. The storytellers present interactive, captivating and engaging tales to delight audiences of all ages. Storytellers worldwide from Morocco to Mission Viejo are sharing their talents on this historic day. Take part in this story celebration!
The Mission Viejo Library is located at 100 Civic Center. For more information, call 949-470-8440.
Jump-start your holiday shopping at the annual Friends of the Library book sale from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, November 21 at 100 Civic Center Drive. The sale will feature some great “giftable” books in like-new condition for a fraction of the original cost, including many outstanding books for kids.
Book sale proceeds go to the Friends of the Library, which sponsor the library’s programs and purchase about a third of our new materials each year.
Vivid holiday displays from the Chabad Jewish Center of Mission Viejo, Orange County Islamic Foundation, Mission Viejo Christian Church and Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i of Mission Viejo are now decorating the southwest and northwest corners of the intersection of La Paz Road and Chrisanta Drive.
The displays are part of Mission Viejo’s annual “Four Corners Holiday Display” program – designed to embrace our community’s rich diversity and create a festive atmosphere.
Each year, the City accepts applications from qualified organizations seeking to showcase their holiday or seasonal displays. The displays will be officially lit on Sunday, November 27 as part of Santa’s Arrival and Celebration at the Mission Viejo Civic Center and remain up until just after the New Year.
To start the Hanukkah season, the Chabad Jewish Center will hold a special gathering on December 27 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. by the center’s display. It will include the lighting of the menorah, music, refreshments and some crafts.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’i will also hold a ceremony at their display on November 27 at 10 a.m.
For more information about the program, call 949-470-3061.
The pet path at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is greener after local Girl Scouts decorated it with hundreds of plants.
To obtain their Silver Award, Girl Scout Troop #3277 spent 60 hours total landscaping and installing 250 drought-tolerant plants at the center off Hillcrest.
The City appreciates the efforts of these young ladies who serve as an inspiration to us all!
Nine students from three local high schools were recognized this week by the Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo.
The following students were feted for displaying leadership, academic excellence and community volunteerism. The recognition is part of the Kiwanis Club’s efforts to support and foster the education and success of local students.
Mission Viejo High School
- Brianne Shannon was selected for her leadership in the Future Farmers of America at the state and national level. Her team won the state award. She plans to study agriculture in college.
- Jackson Maxwell is #1 in his class with a 5.0 grade-point average. He is also secretary general for the Model United Nations and president of the Kiwanis Key Club. He plans to attend the University of Pennsylvania to obtain a law degree.
- Alexandra Irving was selected for her leadership at school and role as chair of the committee on volunteer services at Saddleback Memorial Hospital. She plans to attend the University of Washington or UCSD.
Capistrano High School
- Dylan Martin is a leader in recruiting students for monthly service for the homeless at the Isaiah House. He has a heavy school load as an AP student and soccer player. Dylan plans to major in computer engineering at Cal Poly.
- Nico Zani has a 4.5 grade-point average in the IB curriculum, participates in the Model United Nations and stars in award-winning plays at Capo. Nico plans to major in the social sciences.
- Connor Morrison is an engineering student, pilot, archer, marksman, Eagle Scout and mechanic. He plans to join the Air Force and work for his father’s engineering company.
Tesoro High School
- Katelin Martinez maintains a 4.2 GPA while taking eight AP classes and participating in the California Scholastic Association as a national scholar. She mentors new high school students in their transition from middle school. She is captain of the league champion Lacrosse team and MVP of the county. Katelin will major in psychology.
- Michelle Chung is a well-rounded scholar, tennis MVP and cellist. She is department chair of the Mission Viejo Hospital for auxiliary volunteers. Michelle plans to attend John Hopkins University and major in public health.
- Shalin Shah achieved a perfect score on his SAT exam. Shalin uses his talents to develop computer apps that help the blind and diagnose glaucoma. He plans to major in computer science and hopes to attend MIT.
Along with quarterly recognitions for outstanding students, the Kiwanis Club of Mission Viejo mentors teens in leadership at the high schools’ Key Clubs and college K Clubs.
While purchasing your turkey for the holidays this year, consider also gobbling up a few “Turkey Bucks.”
The City’s Marine Adoption Committee is again joining forces with Albertsons for the Turkey Buck program that raises funds to provide Thanksgiving meals for Marines who cannot make it home for the holidays.
Pick up your Turkey Bucks for military families at the Albertsons stores on Alicia Parkway and Olympiad and Ridge Route in Lake Forest. All proceeds benefit Mission Viejo’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division.
Turkey Bucks are available through Thanksgiving Day. They will go on sale soon thereafter for Christmas and other holiday meals.
“I’ve personally witnessed the smiles of appreciation from the Marine families who benefit from this program and it just fills my heart with joy to see our Mission Viejo residents support these amazing men and women especially around the holiday,” said Gayle Wood, chairperson of the Marine Adoption Committee.
For more information about the committee or supporting our troops, call 949-470-3061.
Drum roll please … the countdown is underway for the return of jolly St. Nick to the Mission Viejo Civic Center on Sunday, November 27.
This fun-filled celebration begins at 3 p.m. with craft projects, games and holiday stories for children. Strolling Dickens Carolers will embrace the holiday spirit and delectable snacks and goodies will be available for purchase in Celebration Café area.
Main stage entertainment also starts at 3 p.m. with music, dance and fun for everyone. The evening ends with Santa’s dramatic arrival atop a fire engine and the turning on of the holiday lights in Mission Viejo. Families are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to benefit our adopted Marines.
For more information, visit http://mvactivities.com.
Kelly Tokarski
Public Information Specialist
City of Mission Viejo
