Categories | Aliso Laguna News | Share your local news!Aliso Laguna News – Share your local news!

SOUTH COAST WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES: DECEMBER 2008

Sports

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 19, 2008

0

SOUTH COAST WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES: DECEMBER 2008

LAGUNA COAST WILDERNESS PARK

December 4, Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Helen Flanagan, Joe Sortais and Norm Lacourciere. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, James Dilley Preserve (east side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, just north of 73 Toll Rd). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 6, Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Plant Adaptation Hike: Native plants are the focus of this moderate, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile-hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation naturalist Len Gardner and Norm Lacourciere. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 6, Saturday, 1:00-4:00 p.m., First Weekends at the Nix Nature Center—Why Do Birds Mob, Sing & Soar? Discover the wonders of bird behavior with biologist Trude Hurd and make your own game to take home. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 7, Sunday, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Intermediate Mountain Bike Ride: Enjoy ocean and canyon views on this 13-mile ride over steep terrain (2,200-ft gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer mountain bike trail assistant Jeff Bartell and naturalist Tito Fuentes. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Big Bend Staging Area (ask for directions when making reservations). Reservations and helmets required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 11, Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this fast-paced, 4.8-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Helen Flanagan and Sheila Morshead. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 13, Saturday, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Native Plant Hike: Learn to identify native plants with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Brad Larkins on this moderate, but steep and rocky, 3.5-mile-hike. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 18, Thursday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Helen Flanagan and Joe Sortais. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

December 18, Thursday, 3:00-4:30 p.m., Junior Rangers: Second and third graders ages 7-9 will become junior rangers by learning about wilderness plants and animals and how to care for native habitat. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $10/person. Parking: $3.

December 19, Friday, 9:00-10:00 a.m., Tot Walk: Bring your wee ones to explore our wild backyard on this easy walk with Laguna Canyon Foundation’s Education Director Kimberly Leeds and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Joyce Cross. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Willow Canyon Staging Area (20101 Laguna Canyon Rd, just south of El Toro Rd intersection). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Requested donation: $2/person. Parking: $3.

December 20, Saturday, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Keep It Wild Volunteer Day: Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with clean up and restoration projects. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $5. Parking: $3.

December 21, Friday, 2:00-4:30 p.m., Winter Solstice Hike: Celebrate the shortest day of the year on this slow-paced, 2.8 mile steep hike up Little Sycamore Canyon to Serrano Ridge with OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $5. Parking: $3.

December 26, Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Gentle Fitness Hike: Walk off your Christmas dinner on this slow-paced, easy, 2.8-mile hike to Barbara’s Lake and surrounds with OC Parks Resource Specialist Laura Cohen and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Lois Taylor and Joyce Cross. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approximately 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $5. Parking: $3.

December 27, Saturday, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Cultural Resource Hike: Learn how Native Americans used various plants on this rigorous, 2.8-mile hike (400-foot gain) with OC Parks Ranger Jacky Velasquez and Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists Penny Lewis and Annie Stoeckmann. Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Little Sycamore Canyon Staging Area/Nix Nature Center (west side of Laguna Canyon Rd/SR-133, approx. 3.5 miles south of I-5/405). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Program: $2/person. Parking: $3.

Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park

December 9, Tuesday, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Yoga Hike: Stretch your mind and body with this yoga hike led by Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer Lauren Robinson. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vista to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235.

December 13, Saturday, 8:30-11:00 a.m., Signs of Life Hike: Learn about diverse life forms on this 2.4-mile (100-ft. steep elevation gain) hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vista to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235.

December 20, Saturday, 8:00-11:00 a.m., Keep It Wild Volunteer Day: Volunteers help Laguna Canyon Foundation and OC Parks staff with clean-up and restoration projects. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia and make the first right into the parking lot). Information: 949-923-2235. Free (parking fee waived).

December 26, Friday, 9:00-11:00 a.m., Fitness Hike: Raise your heart rate and your spirits on this strenuous, fast-paced, 3.5-mile hike with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalists. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vista to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235.

December 27, Saturday, 9:00-11:30 a.m., Native Plant Hike: Learn about Wood Canyon’s diverse plant life on this 4.4-mile hike along lovely Wood Creek (100-foot steep elevation gain) with Laguna Canyon Foundation volunteer naturalist Karin Klein. Aliso & Wood Canyons, Canyon View Staging Area, Gate 7 (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Glenwood [turns into Pacific Park] and right on Canyon Vista to Canyon View Park). Reservations required: 949-923-2235.

December 27, Saturday, 12:00-12:30 p.m., Ranger Hike: Learn about diverse wildlife on this 0.12-mile hike with OC Parks Ranger Steve Jax. Aliso & Wood Canyons Wilderness Park Ranger Headquarters, Gate 1, 28373 Alicia Pkwy (from southbound Aliso Creek Rd, turn right on Alicia and make the first right into the parking lot). Reservations required: 949-923-2235. Parking: $3.

INFORMATION: Visit http://www.ocparks.com/lagunacoast (click on Activities and Programs). To be included on the monthly e-mail event list, call 949-923-2235. To learn more about volunteering or helping Laguna Canyon Foundation to preserve, protect and enhance the South Coast Wilderness, visit www.lagunacanyon.org or call 949-497-8324.

Disney’s Hawai‘i Project Begins With Ground Blessing

News

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 19, 2008

0

O‘AHU, Hawai‘i (November 19, 2008) – Walt Disney Parks and Resorts broke ground for its first family destination resort in Hawai‘i Wednesday with a traditional Hawaiian blessing ceremony on its 21-acre oceanfront property, located at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development on the western side of O‘ahu.

Update on Legality Issues of Prop 8

News

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 18, 2008

0

Proponents of Proposition 8 Urge California Supreme Court to Hear Challenges to Measure’s Validity
Proponents and Yes on 8 Campaign Seek to Intervene in Cases Challenging Proposition 8, Declare Confidence in the Validity of Proposition 8 and Urge Supreme Court to Reject a Stay of The Initiative
November 17, 2008
Contact: Cherri Spriggs-Hernandez, 916-448-4234
SAN FRANCISCO, November 17 / — The official proponents of Proposition 8 and the campaign committee responsible for its enactment by voters today urged the California Supreme Court to accept original jurisdiction of three cases challenging the measure’s validity and have petitioned the Supreme Court to intervene in the cases as Real Parties in Interest. Expressing confidence that the Supreme Court will uphold the validity of Proposition 8, the authors of the measure urged the Supreme Court to deny requests to stay implementation of Proposition 8 pending resolution of the legal issues.

In calling for the Supreme Court to take original jurisdiction of three challenges to Proposition 8, the attorney for the five official proponents of the measure and the ProtectMarriage.com- Yes on Proposition 8 campaign, Andrew Pugno, said in legal papers, “The people of California are entitled to a prompt resolution of whether Proposition 8 properly amended their Constitution. Proposition 8 was the subject of a vigorous and expensive campaign that generated an intense debate and very strong feelings on both sides. The people have a right to know as quickly as possible the status and definition of marriage under the California Constitution.”

Three lawsuits have been filed with the California Supreme Court claiming that Proposition 8 is a “constitutional revision” and thus could not have been enacted by voters. While urging the Supreme Court to accept original jurisdiction of the challenges, the authors of the measure and the campaign committee that spent approximately $38 million campaigning in favor of the proposition expressed confidence that the Court would uphold Proposition 8. “When using the initiative process to amend the Constitution, the people exercise their sovereign power of self-government. The three branches of government must accord profound respect and great deference to that authority, which is the very basis of the government’s democratic legitimacy,” they wrote in papers filed with the court.

The proponents of the measure noted that courts in neighboring states have uniformly rejected nearly identical challenges to measures banning same-sex marriage. “Other courts addressing similar revision/amendment arguments under closely analogous constitutional provisions have rejected them…Proposition 8 is simple, narrow, and targeted to a single issue. It restores the definition of marriage to what it was and always had been prior to May 15, 2008-nothing more…Whatever one’s view of the wisdom of Proposition 8, the people of California have spoken and their will should be respected.”

The proponents also urged the Supreme Court to deny the request of those challenging Proposition 8 to stay implementation of the initiative. The proponents told the Court that a stay would create a class of “interim same-sex marriages whose validity would be highly questionable” when Proposition 8 is upheld. Additionally, the proponents told the Court that a stay of Proposition 8 would undermine the preeminence of the Constitution as the ultimate expression of the people’s will. “Enjoining or staying the enforcement of Proposition 8 – as if it were a mere statute or municipal ordinance to be set aside by the judiciary pending further proceedings, rather than a presumptively valid expression of the people’s sovereign will – would be widely perceived as the judiciary ignoring or countermanding the supremacy of the Constitution and silencing the voice of the people on a vitally important matter of public policy. That would be deeply harmful to the democratic process.”

Seeking to intervene as Real Parties in Interest in the three lawsuits, the official proponents of the measure argued in court papers that their fundamental rights as initiative proponents are at stake. As official proponents, the five authors of Proposition 8 have a unique legal position that requires legal representation separate from that provided voters by Attorney General Jerry Brown. The petitioners note that Brown has vigorously opposed Proposition 8 and cannot be counted on to vigorously defend the measure. Additionally, the proponents noted in their filing that Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger similarly cannot be counted on to defend the People’s vote since he has already publicly urged the Supreme Court to invalidate Proposition 8. “The whole point of the initiative process is for the people to be able to pass laws despite opposition from government leaders. It just makes no sense that we should have to rely solely on hostile government leaders to defend the will of the people when they opposed the measure in the first place,” Andrew Pugno said.

The cases seeking to invalidate Proposition 8 are Strauss v. Horton, S168047; City and County of San Francisco v. Horton, S168078; and Tyler v. State of California, S168066.

###

Ribbon Cutting for McDowell Middle School

Schools

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

McDowell Elementary & Children’s Choice Preschool

New Building Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
McDowell recently had the honor of Mayor Paul Glaab attend their ribbon cutting ceremony launching the new Middle School. Executive Director Ms. Caris welcomed Mayor Glaab and his daughter Molly along with school President Mr. Greg Cygan.
After a brief flag salute and welcome, Mr. Glaab cut the protocol ribbon welcoming the family and friends of McDowell to its new building. This new addition to the school has added new, larger classrooms, computer lab and equipment, library with video-conferencing equipment and new administrative offices. McDowell is extremely proud of this milestone and recognizes this expansion as a physical representation of their commitment to the children who attend their school.

Open Enrollment
It is not too early- personal tours and information for the 2009-2010 school year can be arranged by calling the front office at (949) 495-5162. This is a great chance to see the spectacular classrooms and meet the hard working teachers and staff behind this award-winning private school. Mark your calendar for McDowell’s annual preview open house Saturday, January 31 from 9am-12pm.

McDowell is a traditional secular private school appealing to parents who are seeking a proven curriculum and a safe, nurturing environment with small class sizes. For 32 years, McDowell Elementary has served the community in grades preschool through the fifth grade, and is accredited by NIPSA and NAEYC.
The U.S. Department of Education bestowed its highest honor upon McDowell when it awarded the school the 2005-2006 “Blue Ribbon” award. The “Blue Ribbon”, the Nation’s most prestigious education award, distinguishes McDowell Elementary for its excellence in leadership, teaching, curriculum, student achievement, parent involvement, and community support.

“Thomas Jefferson” – Tapestry MV will host Performance

Religions

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

For Immediate Release: Special Guest Speaker Performance Announcement:
Meet the President: A Press Conference with former President Thomas Jefferson

WHEN: December 28, 2008 – 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. Performances

On December 28, Tapestry Unitarian Universalist Church of Mission Viejo will host an inspirational and informative performance entitled Thomas Jefferson, Man from Monticello at its 9:30 and 11:00 a.m. services. The show is 99% ad-libbed in a vibrant question-and-answer format in which all congregants and guests are invited to participate.

Actor/historian Dale Reynolds has been portraying Thomas Jefferson for three decades and has toured his one-man, totally ad-libbed Q&A show from California to Germany, playing schools, universities, churches, cruise liners and various clubs. In a 40-year showbiz career, he has appeared on-and-off-Broadway as well as for various well-known theater groups.

“Dale’s performance as President Thomas Jefferson not only had those in attendance spellbound, but also entertained and educated them,” said Michael Bear of Mason’s Los Angeles.

Besides being known as the first Secretary of State and the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson was one of the most famous Unitarians in history. In a letter to John Adams, Jefferson wrote, “I expect every young man born today to die a Unitarian.” Please join us to discover what Jefferson believed and how he might relate to today’s politics and social advancements. No questions are off the table in what is sure to be an exciting performance!

News From LEGOLAND

Happenings

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

NEW BOB THE BUILDER™ 4-D MOVIE FROM HIT ENTERTAINMENT DEBUTS EXCLUSIVELY AT LEGOLAND® PARKS WORLDWIDE
Brand-New Feature Marks Bob’s First Foray Into 4-D and the First Worldwide Deal Between HIT Entertainment and Merlin Entertainments Group

New York, NY – November 17, 2008 – HIT Entertainment, a leading provider of quality children’s entertainment, and Merlin Entertainments Group, the leading name in location-based family entertainment, have commissioned SD Entertainment and Threshold Animation Studios to bring the innovative movie, Bob the Builder™ In 4-D: Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster exclusively to LEGOLAND® family theme parks worldwide beginning in March 2009. The never-before-seen movie in 4-D debuts at LEGOLAND California and LEGOLAND Windsor in the United Kingdom in March followed by the other two LEGOLAND parks in Denmark and Germany as well as LEGOLAND Discovery Centers in April. Bob the Builder and the Roller Coaster will air in LEGOLAND theaters daily during normal operating hours.

In the movie, Bob the Builder™ and his friends demonstrate teamwork and follow-through as they learn the importance of starting each building project with a plan. Bob, along with his Can-Do Crew, are busy building a roller coaster. They build a model out of LEGO® DUPLO® bricks before starting work on the real roller coaster. When Spud the scarecrow embarks on his own building project, making a birdhouse without a plan, his creation falls apart. Spud learns firsthand that every job – big or small – starts with a plan. At the end of the day, everyone enjoys the new roller coaster and goes for a fantastic ride!

“LEGOLAND Parks, with their focus on providing innovative, quality family experiences, are the perfect home for this new Bob the Builder 4-D movie,” said Gary Krakower, Senior Vice President, U.S. Licensing and Live Events, HIT Entertainment. “The groundbreaking special effects and fresh CG animation provided by SD and Threshold will wow aspiring builders and their families around the world!”

“Bob the Builder is already a popular themed LEGO product and will be a great addition to the more than 50 rides, shows and attractions currently at each LEGOLAND Park,” said John Jakobsen, Managing Director of LEGOLAND Parks. “We’re excited to partner with HIT Entertainment in presenting to our guests from around the world this unique opportunity to build their imaginations with this new Bob the Builder 4-D movie.”

Exclusive to LEGOLAND for one year in the U.K., U.S., Germany and Demark, the 10-minute film uses 3-D computer generated (CG) animation with special glasses and special effects – such as wind and mist in the theatre — for a 4-D effect. The film will use animation developed by SD Entertainment and exclusive 3-D stereoscopic technology from Threshold Animation Studios and IBM.

About SD Entertainment
SD Entertainment is a property launcher and animation studio that develops, enhances and re-brands global intellectual properties, led by one of the most respected teams in animation worldwide. Former MGM Animation heads Paul Sabella and Jonathan Dern and their production team have produced and directed numerous feature films, direct-to-DVD movies and hundreds of hours of television, in both 2D and 3D animation.

About Threshold Animation Studios
Threshold Animation Studios makes family oriented, Computer Generated animated films. Through a revolutionary alliance with the IBM Corporation, Threshold has developed ground breaking 3D technology for its films. Threshold’s first computer animated feature film, Foodfight!, is a $60 million CGI animated feature that tells the story of what happens when the supermarket closes at night is scheduled for wide theatrical release in 2009. Foodfight! stars the voice talents of Charlie Sheen, Eva Longoria, Hilary Duff, Wayne Brady, Chirs Kattan, Larry Miller and Christorpher Lloyd. In addition to producing animated feature films, Threshold is a leading producer of 3D theme park rides including Star Trek: Borg Invasion 4D, and Mission Space for Disneyworld Epcot Center in Florida. Threshold’s principals have been involved with many groundbreaking digital entertainment productions including: Terminator 2, True Lies, and Mortal Kombat.

About LEGOLAND Parks
LEGOLAND® is a brand of interactive theme parks dedicated to families with children between the ages of 2 and 12. Each Park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions geared towards family fun. There are four LEGOLAND Parks in the world – LEGOLAND Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND Windsor outside of London, LEGOLAND California in the U.S. and LEGOLAND Deutschland near Günzburg, Germany. The LEGOLAND theme parks are a part of Merlin Entertainments Group., the world’s number two visitor attraction operator in the world. Merlin has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years and aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 33 million visitors worldwide. For the most current information, log on to www.LEGOLAND.com or call (760) 918-LEGO.

About Merlin Entertainments Group
Merlin Entertainments Group is the leading name in location based, family entertainment, which has seen the most successful and dynamic growth of any company in the sector over the last five years. The world’s second largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin has 58 attractions and six hotels in 12 countries and across 3 continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences to its 33 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and local brands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 13,000 employees. Merlin Entertainments operates the following attractions – SEA LIFE, Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND, The London Eye, Dungeons, Gardaland, LEGOLAND Discovery Centres, Alton Towers, Warwick Castle, Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Earth Explorer.

About HIT Entertainment
HIT Entertainment, owned by private equity investment group Apax Partners, is one of the world’s leading independent children’s entertainment producers and rights-owners. HIT’s portfolio includes properties, such as Barney™, Bob the Builder™, Thomas & Friends™, Pingu™, Fireman Sam™, Angelina Ballerina™ and Rainbow Magic™. HIT represents Chapman Entertainment’s Fifi and the Flowertots™ and Roary the Racing Car™ in North America and Japan, as well as Wallace & Gromit™, Shaun the Sheep™ and Aardman Classics from Aardman Animations. HIT also acts as a worldwide representative for The Jim Henson Company’s library of classic family brands and as representative for The Wiggles® in the UK. Launched in 1989, HIT’s lines of business span television and video production, content distribution, publishing, consumer products licensing and live events and has operations in the UK, US, Canada, Hong Kong and Japan. HIT is a part-owner of US-based preschool channel, PBS KIDS SproutSM, and international preschool channel JimJam, (outside of the US, UK and China). For more information, visit
www.hitentertainment.com.

Open House at St. Mary’s – Dec 10th

Schools

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

St. Mary’s School Welcomes Families with Preschoolers to Open House

What:

Open House for prospective parents interested in a preschool program for their children ages 2 ½ to 5 years.

When:

Wednesday, December 10, 2008, at 9:00 a.m.

Where:

St. Mary’s School, 7 Pursuit, Aliso Viejo, 92656

Contact:

St. Mary’s Director of Admissions Carol Glattstein, carol.glattstein@smaa.org or (949) 448-9027, ext. 319

Background:

St. Mary’s School, a non-denominational Christian school in Aliso Viejo, is hosting an open house to give prospective families the opportunity to see how preschool students attending an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School develop inquiry-based learning. This approach in education prepares students to become knowledgeable, principled, balanced and open-minded. St. Mary’s is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and is an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. St. Mary’s serves students preschool through grade 8.

Thoughts From F. Bailey – Corpus Christi

Religions

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

November 22-23, 2008
Solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ the King
Ezekiel 32:11-17 Corinthians 15:20-28 Matthew 25:31-46

What’s that song say: ‘Every new beginning is some other beginning’s end?’ Thus, in order to embrace the fresh beginnings of Advent next weekend, this weekend we bring our present liturgical year to a close with our celebration of ‘Christ the King’. Much as the Presidential elections are followed by a period of transition, so too with our rhythms of Church life. Endings can be bitter-sweet; when the last smoke from the Fourth of July drifts away….we know it is over for another year. When Labor Day approaches we understand that the BEST of summer is behind us. When the needles on the Christmas tree are as brittle as kindling…we know it is time to embrace the New Year. The ending of this year invites us to consider what has occurred in our life since we began Advent in late 2007. Has anyone precious to us died or been stricken with serious illness? Has our employment changed? Have we relocated or moved? Has our circle of friends expanded or shrunk? Has our heart hardened or softened during the rough and tumble of these past 12 months? In the midst of it all, how has our awareness of God been affected? Has our relationship with Jesus grown, diminished or remained stagnant? Once we have considered the year now depleted, we anticipate the fullness of what is about to begin. What are our hopes for the New Year of Faith? How do we wish God to move in our life in the months to come? What are we willing to do in order to make that happen? Having learned from our mistakes of the past, what are we willing to do so as to avoid the same errors in the upcoming year? Another year has come and gone…and another year is about to dawn with fresh possibilities. Are we ready to let old beginnings end so that new beginnings may be born?

On the eve of Thanksgiving week, thank you for coming and sharing our Corpus Christi Catholic-Christian celebrations. If you offered to cook a turkey for tomorrow’s feast, you can claim your bird in the kitchen. Please return the cooked gobbler no later than 4:00 p.m. on Monday. Tomorrow (Monday) is one of our most festive and wonderfully frenetic evenings, our Parish Thanksgiving Dinner! Come on down, bring some food to share and enjoy the evening with our parish family. Complete info and directions are in the Bulletin. Be advised that most people set up their table IMMEDIATELY AFTER the 12 Noon Mass, and most tables are claimed within a few hours! So…be wise…and come early to get a choice location for you and your family. The Bulletin has other info for the upcoming weeks, once Advent hits, we are on a short slide to Christmas. This week, as you gather with your family and friends, please know that YOU are amongst the gifts from God for which I am most grateful….HAPPY THANKSGIVING. Remember, you are loved! FKB

Grace Hills Church is Awesome !!!!!

Religions

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

Council to honor church group for its volunteer efforts Wednesday

The City Council on Wednesday will honor Grace Hills Church for its volunteer efforts in helping to paint the city’s Family Resource Center at Iglesia Park.
On Oct. 10-11, roughly 24 teens and adults from the Aliso Viejo-based church and six neighborhood residents assisted in giving the building fresh coats of paint.
The Family Resource Center underwent an interior makeover to better serve the residents that use the facility at Iglesia Park for a wealth of resources and the Aliso Viejo-based Boys & Girls Club, which is housed in the center.
The volunteer efforts resulted in the city saving more than $7,500 in associated costs.
The City Council will present a certificate of appreciation to Pastor Mike Johnson and Small Group Coordinator John Aldridge for the church’s outstanding efforts and contributions to the city.
The City Council meets at 7 p.m. Nov. 19 in Council Chambers at 12 Journey. For more information, visit the city’s Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Mission Exhibition Features Work of Local Artists

Welcome

Susan Keysor Espenschied

-

November 17, 2008

0

Mission Exhibition Features Work of Artists from Mission Fine Art Gallery

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif., November 17, 2008 – Mission San Juan Capistrano is pleased to welcome Lasting Impressions, an art exhibition featuring the work of 13 local artists who operate the Mission Fine Art Gallery in San Juan Capistrano, January 11 – March 30, 2009, in the Mission’s Soldiers Barracks Gallery. The exhibition features plein air paintings and photographs of land and seascapes alongside Mission images.
“We’re excited to welcome the talented artists of the Mission Fine Art Gallery and look forward to sharing their work with our visitors,” remarked Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Executive Director. “And, should any of our visitors wish to purchase a painting or photograph, a portion of the purchase price benefits the historic Mission.”
Artists’ Reception, January 10 – Patrons will have the opportunity to meet the artists at the Artists’ Reception on Saturday, January 10, 2009, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Admission to the Artists’ Reception is free.
The artists featured include Robin Altman, Leslie Avalos, Maria Elena Bicer, Kevin Davidson, Nancy Egan, Alan Nowel, Steve Kell, Carolyn Pelkey, Karen Shaw, Joan Steed, Mary Talebi, Mark Van Dam and Gary Zuercher.
To view images of the artists’ work, please visit www.missionfineartgallery.com. The exhibition may be viewed daily 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.; viewing is included in the price of admission to Mission San Juan Capistrano.

Mission San Juan Capistrano is open 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. The Mission operations are funded by gate admissions – preservation work is funded by grants and fundraising efforts. To reach the Mission, take I-5 to the Ortega Highway exit to San Juan Capistrano. Admission: $9 adults, $8 seniors, $5 children ages 3-11, and under 3 free. Price includes self-guided, digital audio tour for adults and seniors. Information: (949) 234-1300. Mission address: 26801 Ortega Hwy., San Juan Capistrano. Website: www.missionsjc.com.
#

Aliso Laguna News

Aliso Laguna News

Aliso Laguna News

Company

Aliso Laguna News

SOUTH COAST WILDERNESS ACTIVITIES: DECEMBER 2008

Disney’s Hawai‘i Project Begins With Ground Blessing

Update on Legality Issues of Prop 8

Ribbon Cutting for McDowell Middle School

“Thomas Jefferson” – Tapestry MV will host Performance

News From LEGOLAND

Open House at St. Mary’s – Dec 10th

Thoughts From F. Bailey – Corpus Christi

Grace Hills Church is Awesome !!!!!

Mission Exhibition Features Work of Local Artists

Aliso Laguna News

About us

Company

The latest

Volunteers Help Bring Award-Winning Elks U.S.A. Float to Life at the 2026 Rose Parade

Elks Lodge #2444 Celebrates 20 Years of Giving Dictionaries to Local Students

Low-Cost Pet Vaccination Clinics

Subscribe