DANA POINT HARBOR, California –September 2008

The 34th Annual Dana Point Harbor Boat Parade of Lights sails into town on December 5 & 6, 12 & 13 at 7:30pm. The Dana Point Harbor Association is also excited to present additional NEW awards and CASH prizes, totaling over $5,000 for entered boats. The theme this year is “Santa’s Sealife Celebration”. Entry forms will be available online at www.danapointharbor.com in September. (949) 923-2255.

34th ANNUAL BOAT PARADE OF LIGHTS-SANTA’S SEALIFE CELEBRATION
Friday, December 5th and Saturday December 6TH – 7:30pm
Friday, December 12th and Saturday December 13th -7:30 p.m.

HOLIDAY IN THE HARBOR
Friday, December 5th 4pm-7:30pm

The 34th Annual Boat Parade of Lights sails into the Harbor on December 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th at 7:30pm and promises to light up your holiday season. The theme this year is “SANTA’S SEALIFE CELEBRATION” which promises to bring out lots of creativity and festive boat decorations. Boaters from all around Orange County decorate their boats and vie for the awards of Judges Choice, Best Theme, Best Use of Lights, Best Animation, Most Colorful, Most Original, Best Sailboat, Best Powerboat and the Perpetual Trophy for the Yacht Club with the Most Entries. This year we are excited to present additional NEW awards and CASH prizes, totaling over $5,000! The boaters will try to outdo each other to win the prestigious awards and cash prizes. The parade starts out in front of the Jolly Roger and goes down each of the basins turns at the bridge and then goes down the jetty on the island side towards the Ocean Institute and baby beach. You can view the parade free from mostly anywhere in the Harbor, or make reservations at one of our restaurants to view it from a cozy and warm spot. Costumed carolers will be singing throughout the area and the Dana Point Fine Arts will have an art show & sale dockside. Come on down and enjoy the sights and sounds of the season. Dana Point Harbor 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, CA.

Come down early and enjoy the festivities of “Holiday in the Harbor” on Friday, December 5th from 4pm-7:30pm. Santa will hear your Christmas wishes and is available for photos (bring your camera). The three areas of the Harbor, Dana Wharf, Mariner’s Village and Mariner’s Alley will all host holiday activities geared to families and kids of all ages. There are many fun activities planned, including photos with Santa, performances by various characters and holiday crafts and people painting. Activities start on the grass in front of Harpoon Henry’s located at 34555 Golden Lantern, Dana Point Harbor (and Dana Point Harbor Drive). The Dana Point Fine Arts will be hosting an Art Show & Sale dockside. The parking and events are FREE! For more info, call (949) 923-2255 or 496-2979 or visit us online www.danapointharbor.com.

Landlubbers can also participate in the parade! Dana Wharf Sportfishing offers boat rides so you too can experience the fun of actually riding on a boat and joining in the parade. Tickets are $25 for Adults and $15 for Children. Call and make your reservations at (949) 496-5794. For more information or a boat or sponsor entry form call our Harbor Info line at (949) 923-2255 or visit our website at www.danapointharbor.com.

Registration available beginning Oct. 27 for Snow Fest 2008

Registration is available starting Monday for a fun-filled holiday event that will transform a pristine park into a winter wonderland complete with snow.
The city’s Snow Fest takes place on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Grand Park, 26703 Aliso Creek Road. The holiday event will take place in three sessions – from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.; 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 to 2:45 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy the Polar Slide, Bunny Slope and Snow Lot for youngsters 5 and under. Along with tons of snow, the event will feature refreshments and music.
The entrance fee is $5 per person. Participants are encouraged to bring mittens and dress for snow. The City will supply sleds and saucers, and hot chocolate and cookies will be available. No pets or outside sleds/saucers are allowed.
Pre-registration is required and available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Nov. 21 at City Hall, 12 Journey, Suite 100. For more information, contact Linda Groscost at 949-425-2537 or lgroscost@cityofalisoviejo.com.

Date: October 21, 2008

From: Mandie San Miguel, Senior Recreation Leader

Re: Sea Country Center Excursion “Rose Parade Float Viewing”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Join Sea Country Senior and Community Center on Friday, January 2, 2009, for a day trip to the Rose Parade “Showcase of Floats.” Participants will get the chance to experience the floats up close and spend several hours strolling through the outdoor display to view the intricate work that goes into building these grand floral masterpieces. After viewing the floats, participants will enjoy a special New Year’s lunch at the Tam O’ Shanter Inn.

Date: January 2, 2009. Leave at 7:00 AM. Return at 2:30 PM. Cost: $73.00
Tickets are on sale in the office or online.
Go to: Activenet.active.com/cityoflagunaniguel
Phone registration is not available.
For information or for a mail/fax in registration form call (949) 425-5151

Sea Country Senior and Community Center is located at 24602 Aliso Creek Road, Laguna Niguel, 92677.

Calling all 11 – 15 year olds!

The South County Teen Center in Aliso Viejo is inviting you to our Pre-Halloween bash.

When: Friday, October 24th from 7:00 – 10:00 PM

Where: The South County Teen Center

6A Liberty

Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

(949) 305-3769

Who: 11 to 15 Year Olds

Cost: $5.00 at the door

What: Hangin’ Out

Food

Music

Playing Pool

Wii’s

Prizes

Many Other Activities

Just come on Friday night and have a great time in a safe environment.

About The South County Teen Center

Aliso Viejo is a growing community filled with young families with dreams for a bright and prosperous future. Families move to Aliso Viejo in order to establish their roots in a community that offers great opportunity for raising their children in a vibrant area in South Orange County . With the continuing rise in the cost of living, many families require both parents to work full-time in order to meet their financial obligations. This has created what sociologists refer to as the “Latch Key Child” syndrome. Latchkey kids are defined as “school-aged children who are typically unsupervised after school hours because of working parents and, therefore, who carry a house key to let themselves in after school.”

The dream for the South County Teen Center was born out of the heart of Doug Healy, a community leader who has served Aliso Viejo for the past 12 years and the fonder of Celebration Kid’s Co., a Day Care center located here in Aliso Viejo. “As a father myself, I have watched my children grow up here in Aliso Viejo and I observed the community developing into a magnet for young families. The school district had to build two new elementary schools just to keep up with the population growth of all these wonderful kids.” These children are going to grow up and become teenagers and there is no place for them to go. We need to provide a place for teens to come after school as well as on the weekends. A safe place to build relationships and life skills that will help them grow into the positive citizens of tomorrow.

The South County Teen Center is a non-profit organization established to facilitate the area’s need for a safe environment for middle school range children to go both before and after school as well as on weekends. The SCTC has various programs during the week inclusive of meals, transportation to and from school and supervision and activities at nominal rates. Additionally, the SCTC conducts a program throughout the summer where children get involved in community benefit activities, baseball games, go to the beach and many, many other activities, again at well below standard, all-inclusive rates.

The program is supported by fees, individual and corporate sponsorships and donations as well as public grants. For more information about getting involved, enrolling your children or providing financial support, please go to www.scteencenter.com or call the center at (949) 305-3769.

Volunteers, donations sought for holiday program to benefit AV Boys & Girls Club

The city is seeking donations and volunteers for the Aliso Viejo Branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley’s First Annual Operation Holiday & Homework program.

The program is designed to help promote education among club members and treat the youngsters – many whose families suffer from financial hardships – to toys and gifts during the holidays. The kids will earn points for completing their homework assignments until Dec. 13, when they’ll redeem those earned points for new donated holiday gifts for themselves and their families. Donations of new, unwrapped toys and gifts from residents, businesses, groups and others are sought to be dropped off at City Hall, 12 Journey, before noon on Dec. 11. Monetary donations are also welcome.

“Unfortunately, for some of our members, these may be the only gifts they receive this year,” said James Littlejohn, executive director of the club. “However, this may also be a wonderful opportunity for people to volunteer and see what makes the season bright!”

The Aliso Viejo Boys & Girls Club, which is housed at the city’s Family Resource Center at Iglesia Park, provides kids with fun year-round activities and programs. The organization provides group activities, mentoring programs and more that helps develop today’s youth for tomorrow’s challenges.

Through the first-time holiday program, the club hopes to serve more than 100 families.

For more information about volunteering or donating a new, unwrapped gift, contact Joel Rivera, branch director, at 949-699-2552 or e-mail jrivera@bgccapo.com.

10.16.08 RSM CA: Local Soccer club offers charity camp to help the needy…..

RSM Storm is proud to host its 4th annual charity camp December 7th 2009 from 1-5 PM in Aliso Viejo CA. This is a free camp for boys and girls ages 5 years and up. Our professional staff plus numerous volunteer coaches from with in the community will run the camp. We ask that you bring with you gently used soccer clothes/gear and 2 bags of non-perishable grocery’s. This year we have teamed up with two charities 2nd Harvest Food Bank and Sports Gift Inc. who will collect and distribute every thing to the most needy families throughout the county. Make sure to invite a friend or bring your entire team every one is required to register by going to our website WWW.RSMSTORM.COM , for more information please contact our community chair Jennifer Bussone jenniferb@rsmstorm.com

New Mission San Juan Capistrano Model
Debuts on Founder’s Day, Nov. 1, 2008

School Children Invited to Participate
in First-Ever Student Mission Model Display

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, October 20, 2008 – Mission San Juan Capistrano’s Docent Society is pleased to announce the debut of a new model of the historic Mission, created by professional model maker Jim Arbaugh. Arbaugh has devoted over 100 hours to the creation of the model, which depicts the Mission in the early 1800s. Mission docents will use the model to instruct visitors about the Mission’s history. The model is an improvement over the existing model, located along the Mission’s South Wing.
“Jim has done an outstanding job creating a beautiful model that will help our students and visitors better visualize the Mission in its early days,” remarked Mechelle Lawrence-Adams, the Mission’s Executive Director.
Arbaugh has worked professionally creating models for use by entertainment companies, and for commercials and movies. He noted, “It’s historic models like this mission that are the fun ones to make.”
The cost of the model was $5,000, paid for by the Mission San Juan Capistrano Docent Society.
The model will be officially unveiled on Founder’s Day, Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m., on the 232nd anniversary of the Mission’s founding. Founder’s Day also includes the reading of Mission San Juan Capistrano’s founding document; members of the Living History Society will wear period attire. The historic bells will be rung. Free birthday cupcakes and lemonade will be served. Visitors can also enjoy an interactive model steam train.
First-Ever Student Mission Model Display: School children are invited to share their own models of the Mission in a Mission model display. Mission model designs, both new and old, will be accepted. Students are invited to submit their application for the competition online at www.missionsjc.com on the Founder’s Day page. Prizes will be awarded.
Father Junipero Serra founded Mission San Juan Capistrano on November 1, 1776. It is the 7th of the 21 missions founded by the Spanish Franciscans in the 18th and 19th century in California. For information: (949) 234-1317.

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.

Sign-up for America’s Turkey Trot before Nov. 1, save money

DANA POINT, Calif. – Friends, families, runners, walkers, fitness enthusiasts and novices alike who sign up to participate in this year’s Dana Point Turkey Trot before Nov. 1 will save a few bucks on the entry fee.
California’s Thanksgiving Day run – the Dana Point Turkey Trot 5K and 10K run/walk – is one of the largest events in the nation, attracting nearly 11,000 participants from around the country and beyond for a scenic coastal run along the Dana Point Harbor.
Before Nov. 1, adults will pay $30 to participate; after that entry fees range from $35 to $60 depending on the race and date registered. For the Hot to Trot Kids’ Race, registration is $12 and ranges from $15 to $20 after Nov. 1.
Organizers say participants can sign up now and donate the money saved on the entry fee to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. Partial proceeds of the event benefit the non-profit organization, which serves more than 220,000 individuals a month. To join the Second Harvest Food Bank pledge drive or to make a donation, visit www.turkeytrot.com or www.feedoc.org. Credit card donations will also be accepted by Second Harvest on race day.

Online registration for the 31st annual Dana Point Turkey Trot, presented by Irvine-based Golden State Foods, is available at www.turkeytrot.com. For more information, call the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce at 949-496-1555. For more information about the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, call 949-653-2900.

GET READY FOR NATURE’S MOST BREATHTAKING SIGHT – GREY WHALES APPEARING ALMOST DAILY, NOV. THROUGH APRIL

DANA POINT, Calif. – Even as they chat with friends or family aboard Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watching vessels, passengers’ eyes seldom leave the ocean, scanning the horizon for the awesome, unmistakable shape of the gray whale. Some days, the ocean is alive with them.

The day after Thanksgiving, November 28th at 10am, marks the beginning of the season, when the waters off of Dana Point become a whale-watching showground. In fact, it’s the vantage point from which marine biologists and other ocean scientists study the huge mammals, as they make their way from the Bering Straits to Baja for the winter.

Dana Wharf schedules convenient, multiple cruises daily during the season and even offers rain checks on the rare occasion that passengers don’t see a whale or dolphins. Guests can go to www.danawharf.com to book and check the schedule of trips or call 949-496-5794 ext 7. Dana Wharf Sportfishing the originator of Whale Watching in Orange County is located at 34675 Golden Lantern in Dana Point. For more information or photos please contact Donna Kalez at the above number

Parents invited to learn if their ‘teens are at risk’ Oct. 21

Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel are joining forces with other agencies in an effort to educate parents about issues facing South County teens today.

The cities are hosting the “Is Your Teen at Risk?” community resource forum at 5 p.m. Tuesday for parents and caregivers interested in learning more about serious issues and growing trends affecting middle- and high school-aged teens. The forum will take place at the Laguna Hills Community Center at 25555 Alicia Parkway.

The free community forum will feature several experts in their respective fields speaking about Internet safety, substance abuse, drug trends, teen driving and much more. Aliso Viejo Chief of Police Services Lt. Rich Paddock and Crime Prevention Specialist Margo Beauchamp will participate along with a host of personnel from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, Orange County Fire Authority and others who will give informative presentations starting at about 5:30 p.m. to educate and benefit teens, parents and caregivers alike. Several resource booths will open at 5 p.m. offering displays and valuable information. Parents will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss specific issues.

The community presentation is a shared effort by the cities of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills and Laguna Niguel; Orange County Sheriff’s Department; Orange County Fire Authority; California Highway Patrol; Capistrano Unified School District; Saddleback Valley School District; PTSA and other agencies working to keep teens and the communities safe.

To reserve seats at the Oct. 21 forum, e-mail outreach08@cox.net. Information is also available at www.isyourteenatrisk.org or by contacting 949-425-1900.