American Girl Program here in our Town
11/30/08 08:25 , Categories: Fun
South Orange County Activity Center: The American Girl Program

If your daughter is passionate about the historical collection of American Girl books and/or dolls, then she will love our innovative and educational American Girl Program. Girls ages 6 to 10 enjoy historical fiction, cooking, crafts, sewing, and art. This December, we offer two sessions of our Winter Holiday 2008 Series. Girls will be introduced to Felicity, Samantha, and Molly…and their friends Elizabeth, Nellie, and Emily. They will watch the magical movies, which celebrate the lives of these inspiring American Girls, as well as enjoy cooking, crafts, and theme activities. Choose Session 1 (Monday, December 22 through Wednesday, December 24) or Session 2 (Monday, December 29 through Wednesday, December 31). Each session is from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will be limited to eight participants.

Does your daughter have a birthday coming soon? Our unique American Girl “at home” hosted party is just perfect for the birthday child and her seven guests. Choose a Felicity, Samantha, Josefina, or Molly theme featuring colors and styles to complement a sit-down tea party or picnic-style buffet. Party invitations are custom-designed and printed on theme stationery and our distinctive party favors include specially designed “American Girl” decals. We provide the theme music and complete table settings including tablecloth, napkins, flatware, table décor, and serving dishes. The birthday party girls will help make a dessert cake, enjoy games, and create a craft that is imaginative and one-of-a-kind. Birthday parties are usually reserved for a Saturday or Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. and are appropriate for girls turning 7 through 11.

Starting in January, we present our new American Girl After School Cooking Program. Girls will learn about other cultures and traditions throughout American history and prepare recipes that the American Girls loved. Cooked dishes can be enjoyed in class or taken home to share with family and friends. The program consists of a 1½-hour class for two, four, six, or eight consecutive weeks. Classes are held on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and limited to six or eight participants, depending on age group. Early registration is highly recommended, as classes will be filled on a first-come, first served basis.

We are located at Suite 1B, 27601 Forbes Road in Laguna Niguel. For more information on any of our American Girl programs, please call 949-363-3507 or send an email to info@socactivitycenter.com.

The Knot Stop – Healing Massage
Adam Shevel – The Knotstop
Massage therapy and stress management

Everyday it seems a new study is reported in the press or medical journals relating stress to one disease or another. Some physicians suggest that stress may be responsible for 80% of all diseases in the Western world including skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis and eczema), headaches and migraine, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and heart-related diseases, as well as back-ache and muscle pain, poor eyesight and depression.
As the world in which we live becomes increasingly stressful both physically and emotionally we are left with two choices; either we avoid stress, or we learn how to deal with it effectively. It is, of course, impossible to avoid stress, and therefore the only real solution is to find ways to manage the stresses and strains we encounter each day. One way is the use of massage therapy
Massage is one of the oldest known and practiced healing techniques on the planet. Texts date back to 3,000 BC with reference to massage in China. It is more than a nice “luxury”, and Americans are beginning to realize what European and Asian cultures have for decades – that massage is an effective component of a healthy lifestyle. It is the reason why massage therapy is recognized and included in these countries’ medical systems.
Massaging the skin, the body’s largest organ, sets up a chain reaction that produces a positive effect on all layers and systems of the body. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands, and circulation, and is very effective for relieving back, neck and muscular pain. However, one of the most effective uses for massage is for stress relief and anxiety. Massage reacts directly on the body’s central nervous system which is why people feel so relaxed and calm after a massage. There are numerous research studies demonstrating the beneficial effects of massage in relation to the physiological and psycho-neurological aspects of stress.
One study at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida showed a 50% decrease in anxiety, and cortisol (stress hormone) levels in subjects who received regular massage. Another surprising effect of massage therapy that has been observed again and again in research is an increase in job performance and mental alertness. Like exercise, massage reduces fatigue, and increases mental clarity.
When should you NOT get a massage?
o Pregnant (During 1st Trimester ONLY) – Excellent & very beneficial thereafter.
o After, or during alcohol consumption
o Sick or on certain medications (Vicadin, Strong blood thinners etc.)
o Directly after an injury, surgery or car accident
If you have never had a massage before, it is suggested that you start with a Swedish or “Circulatory” massage which is a more relaxing, lighter touch massage designed to promote relaxation and tension relief.
Truly, massage is more than a luxury–it can be a strong ally in our self-care and feeling better that has a positive ripple effect on how we work, play, and care for others.
Adam Shevel is owner of The Knotstop in Aliso Viejo at 949 421-5668

Get a Close Look at the Migrating Gray Whale: Ocean Institute’s Marine Mammal Cruises

Dana Point, CALIF., November 26, 2008 – Gray whale migration season is beginning off Southern California’s coastline, and the Ocean Institute staff is pleased to introduce visitors to these gentle giants.
The Institute offers weekend Marine Mammal 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; trips in 2009 include:

January 11, 18 & 25; February 8, 15, 21, 22 & 28; March 1, 22 & 29, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
February 14; March 1, 8, 14 & 15, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
March 7, 8, 14 & 15, 1:30 – 4 p.m.

The cost of the Marine Mammal 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 more information, visit www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.

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. – 6 p.m. Institute address: 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point. Website: www.ocean-institute.org. Phone: (949) 496-2274.

2008 Business of the Year – The Dana Point Chamber of Commerce has selected the Ocean Institute as Dana Point’s “Business of the Year.” The award recognizes the positive contribution the Ocean Institute has made to the Dana Point community.
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