One Out of Many
Musings By Our Illustrious Steve Sayer:

When one thinks of a penny, not many exciting or exhilarating images come to mind; spare change, jiggling piggy banks, maybe even pocket lint. How about the American adaptation of a Thanksgiving Day?

What relationship does a copper penny, that bears the image of our 16th President, have to do with Pilgrims, a wind driven clipper ship named the Mayflower, wars and peace, freedom and democracy, even turkeys and all of the other delectable condiments associated with Thanksgiving Day? Let’s step back in time seven score and five years and touch upon some olden but golden times.

While in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln not only declared into law the Emancipation Proclamation, but also a Proclamation for a Thanksgiving Day. Both events occurred in 1863. Ever since Lincoln’s presidency, every President has issued a Thanksgiving Day Proclamation. No President has forgotten this declaration of “giving-thanks” which has resulted with a seamless lineage of post-bellum American Presidents honoring this consecrated holiday.

The genesis of Thanksgiving Day, as an American National Holiday, began by the Emancipator’s vision that Americans should enjoy and celebrate “every last Thursday of November.” History books unveil to us that the original intent of such a national holiday was to simply offer thanks to Almighty God and the liberty and freedom that all Americans continue to enjoy.

The actual words that were spoken in 1863 by the ax wielding, rail-splitting, log cabin builder while announcing the Proclamation of Thanksgiving are everlasting and ring true today as they did when Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer were still being penned in their early infancy;

“The year is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.”

“No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the most high God, who, while dealing with us with anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Today Americans are blessed with “fruitful fields and healthful skies.” No nation on earth produces as much of a bounty of food for all nations of the world as America does. “We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown.”

As the months of 2008 have been laid to the wayside and the calendar approaches Thanksgiving Day, we should ask ourselves the reasons why we set aside a day to be thankful, while concurrently reflecting of the many things we have to be thankful for.

Today, some take for granted the abundance that the early colonists could never have imagined. We have the freedom that our forefathers came to the New World seeking, although this is sometimes taken for granted as well. “Freedom is not the right to do what we want, but what we ought. Let us have faith that right makes might, and in faith, let us, to the end, dare to do our duty as we understand it.”

We pledge allegiance to our nation that provides “liberty and justice for all.” Our thanks should envelop more than just freedom, food and ephemeral material goods. It’s a time to mind to the homeless, the sick and lonely, and to those that may need just a simple talcum word of touch, hope and encouragement. “It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels he is worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.”

“With malice towards none, and charity to all,” this self-educated man known for reading Hamlet by candlelight as a boy and wearing a beaver skin stove top hat as a Commander-In-Chief, is renowned as the President who collectively issued more pardons than his 15 predecessors combined, had acknowledged time and again the “gracious gifts of the highest God.” We would be most ungrateful on this Thanksgiving Day if we forget to acknowledge what a blessed people we are and thank God for all of our collective blessings. We should thank him for America, on which he “… shed his grace on thee.”

In 1909, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Honest Abe’s birthday, the Lincoln penny made its opening debut in America’s collective hands, pockets and coin jars. The newly minted coin was especially popular in black quarters, as it was called, “Emancipation Money,” in honor of the Emancipation Proclamation.

This splendid likeness of our 16th President on the penny’s obverse has the words, LIBERTY positioned to his right. Arched like a rainbow over Lincoln’s head reads; IN GOD WE TRUST, which appeared for the first time on a coin of this denomination.

On this Thanksgiving 2008 we find our country still at war. Let’s never take for granted the women and men presently in uniform, who, like the soldiers before them in preceding wars, are defending our collective way of life. And let’s never overlook our next-door neighbors, whose love ones are currently in harms way or who have paid the ultimate Section 60 Arlington National Cemetery sacrifice for you and our loved ones. “… My fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign land…”

What a priceless and esteemed value our country’s lowest currency denomination holds from within. The next time you see a discarded penny outside a 7-Eleven store or just a sun-baked sidewalk, street, or avenue take a second from your busy day and pick it up. Offer a silent prayer of thanks as you read into; In God We Trust and Liberty.

Steve Sayer

The flip side of the penny has United States of America curving around the upper border with the imposing marbled Lincoln Memorial etched in the middle. Engraved between the two are the words E PLURIBUS UNUM which is our national motto which means; “One out of Many.”

It’s with a sense of indescribable relief that is neatly tied with miles of yellow ribbons furrowed with thankfulness that my brother’s youngest son has safely returned home and is out of harms way just prior to this Thanksgiving Day. While away, his wife Nicole Sayer and their two mini-jets, Brett and Tyler Sayer, loaned their husband and daddy for our country these last 9 months that seemed and felt more like 900 score, 39 years, 11 months and 30 days.

It’ll be worth noting on this last Thursday of November, at least for my collective family and close friends, that Navy Lt. Nathan Phillip Sayer, a local San Clemente High School Graduate and a direct descendent of Army Major Daniel Sayer (1838-1924) of the Union Army, and grandson of WW II Navy Veteran, Albert Daniel Sayer (1926 – ), had been taking off and landing while we were all experiencing the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.

That is, from somewhere in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, in his Navy Jet; from the salt-crested, sun-baked blacktop of the free sailing aircraft carrier aptly christened; the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln.

Is the Real Estate Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
We have all seen, heard, and read in newspapers and the TV about the national, regional and local housing market blues. It is enough to become, well, discombobulated. But what about our precise geographic area; where that red head pin↨ from our GPS unit lands directly on the thatched roof of our houses? What about my home, with the new counters, crown molding and hardwood floors; what are my own personal opportunities? Where exactly does my most important investment; my home, stand today? What can I do, what shouldn’t I do?
Homeowners and you first-time buyers take heed; despite what the naysayers and media are telling you; there are some great opportunities to be had in today’s real estate market. It all depends if you consider the glass being half empty or half full. To explore this notion further, let’s find out what the true local experts think about all this. To find a localized expert, I didn’t have to go far or look very hard, as one name immediately came to mind: KAMRAN. Before finding out what this iconoclastic real estate veteran thinks about our homes and the opportunities that are available to all of us, let’s first take a look at his experience and track record to find out why he deserves the epithet “Your Area Specialist!”
You’ve already seen his name on your own front door, when you are writing your grocery list on his notepad, including real estate signs in your neighborhood with sold signs attached. He is omnipresent. His picture is just about everywhere, and there’s a good reason that. For the calendar year of 2007; rankings that were based on figures submitted by regional offices of National Re/Max; the tallies showed that KAMRAN of Re/Max Premier Realty placed 18th out of approximately 122,000 real estate agents nationwide, or if you prefer percentages; KAMRAN placed ahead of 99.9999% of his competition; at the very tip top of the mountain summit. This same ranking system for the time period of January through July 2008, indelibly evinces KAMRAN and his skilled staff are currently running 15th out of approximately 105,985 other Re/Max agents nationwide, or the top 0.00014%. These are not typos. This practiced real estate pro and his consummate staff knows their business and knows it well. Real estate in south OC is their forte.
KAMRAN is synonymous with; SOLD, CLOSED, SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED!
It doesn’t matter if he’s negotiating on multi-layered escrows; negotiating with banks on getting short sales approved on properties with 1st, 2nd and 3rd loans; successfully negotiating with the IRS and the Franchise Tax Board to obtain lien releases on properties; working out qualification issues, sub-prime induced credit problem and/or down payments; fast sells, bank-owned, one point here, another ½ point there, warped floors, nauseating leaky faucets, pesky flying termites, or the dreaded mold: KAMRAN has faced it, he is more than prepared for it, and he will solve it to make your transaction go through, and to make your wallet happy.
With over 20 years of real estate experience in the local OC market, KAMRAN has personally seen the ups and downs of the housing market, much like the current mountain peak and valley deep vacillations of Wall Street and the overall world economy. He keenly improvised and streamlined his skills during the savings and loans crisis of the late 80’s and the defaults of the early 90’s. KAMRAN has seen upfront and firsthand and understands the housing market in our area of south Orange County, which is needed to get homes sold in today’s market. This is what KAMRAN has to say about the current real estate market, and how he supports his view that the glass is half-full, rather than being half-empty;
“We live in a desirable area; the demand has always been high to live in south OC and most would, if they could, choose this wonderful area of Orange County to call home. Therefore, I firmly believe that the market will come back and it will, as hard as it may be to accept today, be stronger and go higher than the last high. This, of course, will take some time and unfortunately may not happen soon enough for some. But for homeowners who have the ability to take advantage of the opportunities that this market presents, the benefits will be bountiful.”
“Opportunities have arisen in all segments of the real estate market; whether you are considering moving to a larger home or if you planning on downsizing to a smaller home. If your need for more space has grown, it is much more advantageous to make the up-move to a larger home in a down market. This idea, as hard as it may be to accept in the current environment, is a solid plan to make some serious gains when the market cycle changes and the value of the larger home goes up more than the value of the smaller home. Additional advantages to this idea of selling a smaller home and trading up to a larger home in a down market are that you get to start at a lower property tax basis of today’s value for the larger home, along with the fact that you get to take advantage of today’s historically low interest rates, avoiding the uncertainty of where interest rates will be in the future.”
“It is important to point out, that everyone needs to look at their own personal finances and exclusive needs. If you are a victim of the subprime mess, propagated by Wall Street and the greed of the overall markets and you do not believe that you can wait out the market, it is important to act sooner rather than later. Time is of the essence and there are many options available to you through your mortgage company. Whether you choose to work with your lender on a loan modification plan or to work with a realtor on a short sale, you should explore all of your options and talk to a loan or a real estate professional to get the right information and proper advice as quickly as possible. The key here is to act fast and not lose valuable time. Many who fall in the foreclosure trap could have avoided such an unnecessary event, with huge negative consequences, if they had acted sooner.”
“The advice is the same if you’re somewhere in-between the above scenarios and you own a home but are not comfortable with the payments and want to downsize. Again, you should act sooner rather than later before the situation gets more serious. In this scenario of downsizing, you still have the benefits of starting at today’s lower property tax basis and locking in an interest rate close to the historical lows.”
“In conclusion, for those with the ability to sell the smaller home and purchase the larger property, the rewards will be great and measurable in many ways: greater appreciation of the larger home; starting at a lower property tax base based on today’s values; and locking in at today’s historically low interest rates. If this is not on option and foreclosure is breathing down your neck, or if you are uncomfortable with your monthly mortgage payment and want to downsize; talk to your lender or an experienced realtor to explore all of your options, whether a loan modification is the solution for you, or to find out if you qualify for a short sale or any other option.”

As it pertains to short sales, Kamran has successfully negotiated over 300 short sale transactions, which required a lot of experience on how to negotiate with lenders to reduce the amount of the mortgages with 1st and 2nd loans, as well as successfully negotiating the release of IRS liens and Franchise Tax Board liens on properties. If you think short sale is the way to go, make sure you ask your real estate agent what kind of short sale experience he or she has had. Short sale negotiating is a time-consuming process and experience is vital to succeed in this field of real estate.
KAMRAN started his award winning real estate practice over two decades ago in 1988, just prior to the last major down cycle in real estate, which was the result of the savings and loan crisis of the 1980’s. He sold his first property near the Aliso Creek and El Toro roads. Within days of the first sale, he started selling other homes on the same street, and soon after homes on the other side of the road in the area now called “Aliso Viejo.”
KAMRAN attended Fountain Valley High School followed by a stint at Saddleback College, and subsequently Long Beach State University. At CSULB he studied electrical engineering while simultaneously managing a restaurant. Attending university full time, while working 40+ hours every week was tough, however; it helped develop his strong work ethics and enabled him to manage long workdays in real estate. He attributes his stellar achievements in real estate to a strong work ethic, coupled with hands-on experience and time-earned knowledge, which can only be gained through more than two decades of focused efforts in learning the local real estate market.
KAMRAN and his beautiful wife Maria have been happily married for 18 years and have four children. Their oldest is now a freshman in college; with one each in high school, middle school, and elementary school. All four are soccer players and KAMRAN and Maria enjoy going to their soccer games and spending time with the family, “to do the little things in life that really matter.”

You can contact Kamran at 949-727-3737 and/or email him at kamran@kamran.info. Or better yet, just get his number off the FOR SALE/SOLD sign recently impaled on your next-door neighbor’s manicured lawn with the red arrow aiming directly at your soon-to-be former neighbor.

Mantra Meditation
A Deeply Relaxing Experience
Saturdays, November 8th and November 22nd
Noon to 1:00pm
Laguna Hills Community Center, Art Room
25555 Alicia Parkway, Laguna Hills
Presented free of charge.
949-272-1675

Officials urge residents to comment on colossal mail distribution center plan by Oct. 23

With just a week left to comment on the U.S. Postal Service’s (USPS) plan to build a massive mail-processing center in town, city officials are urging residents to tell the Postal Service “again” that Aliso Viejo is not the right fit.

The USPS is accepting comments on its Environmental Impact Study (EIS) of the project until Oct. 23. The city has long opposed the USPS’ plan to build a nearly 350,000-square-foot regional mail distribution center near homes, a religious facility, teen center, preschool, proposed affordable senior housing development and other vulnerable uses. Officials have been pushing for alternate more suitable locations that are closer to the freeway and away from such sensitive uses.

Officials and residents are concerned about public safety, traffic, noise, air quality and other significant issues associated with a 24/7 gigantic operation that would be located between 2A and 6 Liberty. In fact, during the September Postal Service-hosted meeting that drew more than 200 people, countless community members raised issues regarding public safety, big-rig truck traffic, noise, pollution and other significant impacts.

The EIS is available for review on a USPS Web site at www.alisoviejoeis.com. It is also available for review at the Aliso Viejo Library at 1 Journey. The public is urged to submit its specific comments regarding traffic, public safety, environmental, noise and other impacts in writing to the USPS and legislators.

The city can also help route the public’s comments to the Postal Service. They must be submitted to the city by Oct. 20. E-mail comments to the City Manager at citymanager@cityofalisoviejo.com. Detailed information about the project and such is available on the city’s Web site at www.cityofalisoviejo.com.

Italian Students Spending a Week at St. Mary’s

ALISO VIEJO, CA, October 15, 2008—St. Mary and All Angels School announced today that 17 middle school students and three teachers from the International School of Milan, Italy, will be spending a week in class and with families of the private, non-denominational Christian school.

The students will arrive on Sunday, October 19 and then depart on Sunday, October 26. The Italian group will make a short stop in Arizona to see the Grand Canyon before returning to Milan.

The purpose of this exchange is to connect St. Mary’s students with students from a different part of the world in order for them to learn from each other’s perspectives about culture, history and world views. As an authorized International Baccalaureate World School, St. Mary’s provides unique opportunities for students to expand their global awareness. The annual student exchanges between St. Mary’s and the International School of Milan began in 2004.

“It will be interesting to watch the students get to know each other and connect on what they have in common and how they see things differently,” St. Mary’s Middle School Teacher Jocelyn Medina said. Medina is responsible for much of the coordination of Italian Exchange Program.

The Italian students will be attending classes every day at St. Mary’s. They will be paired with St. Mary’s students who have applied to spend a week at the International School of Milan this coming spring. The matching of students will be also based on interests and age. Outside the classroom, the Italian students and teachers will go to Disneyland, a Lakers game and the beach.

# # #

Gene Bertoncini and Bob Magnusson

to play at

Soka University’s Jazz Monsters Concert

October 24, 2008

ALISO VIEJO, CA – New York guitarist Gene Bertoncini and bassman Bob Magnusson will play Friday, October 24, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. in Founders Hall at Soka University, located at 1 University Drive, Aliso Viejo. Admission is $15 at the door for adults, free for under 18. Early arrivals may dine at the Soka Bistro “All You Can Eat Buffet” for $10, which opens 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Directions and map are available at www.soka.edu/directions.

Soka University’s Jazz Monsters series will continue indoors in Founders Hall at 7 pm:

* November 21st with Grant Stewart on tenor sax and Tardo Hammer on piano

* January 23, 2009 with the Roy McCurdy Trio including Liew Matthews and John Belzaguy

* February 27, 2009 with Larry Koonse on guitar and Darek Oles on bass.

Background

Gene Bertoncini, from New York, has firmly established himself as one of the most eloquent and versatile masters of the guitar. Over the years, he has worked with singers like Tony Bennett, Lena Horne; the Metropolitan Opera orchestra; jazzmen Buddy Rich, Wayne Shorter; arranger/composers Burt Bacharach and countless others, always integrating his own spontaneous and tasteful improvisations. He performed regularly on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and is considered one of the most prolific and popular studio musicians in New York City. He has earned highest critical acclaim for his artistry on both the classical and electric guitar.

Bob Magnusson’s classical training and years as a busy Los Angeles studio player allow him to finesse any piece of music on sight. He can drive an up-tempo bebop tune, deliver a delicate bowed solo on a ballad or slip easily into a samba….His uniqueness is a startling mix of force and gentleness, a quiet attack that declares how fully the lower octaves can be lifted firmly to the framework.” Jim Merod, Jazz Now

Soka University is a private, non-profit four year liberal arts college and graduate school founded upon the Buddhist principles of peace, human rights and the sanctity of life. Soka University features a 9:1 student/faculty ratio, a non-sectarian curriculum and study abroad for all undergraduate students. Soka University is open to top students of all nationalities and beliefs. See www.soka.edu for more information.

ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB PARTICIPATED IN
“THE CLUBCORP CHARITY CLASSIC: CELEBRATING A LEGACY”
ON FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2008

The World’s Largest One-Day Charity Golf, Tennis, and Dining Event

ALISO VIEJO, CA — Aliso Viejo Country Club recently participated in the Second Annual “ClubCorp Charity Classic: Celebrating A Legacy,” the World’s Largest one-day Charity Golf, Tennis, and Dining event. More than 140 golf clubs, country clubs, businesses, and sports clubs around the country opened their courses and dining rooms to an estimated 25,000 members, guests, and patrons.

This nationwide event raised money for the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Augie’s Quest, and for ClubCorp’s Employee Partners Care Foundation, along with a selected charity of each Club’s choice. Aliso Viejo Country Club selected Savannah’s Organic Ranch, benefiting pediatric cancer, as their charity of choice. 100 percent of donations received at the ClubCorp Charity Classic benefit these charities directly!!

“We are proud to be a part of this great event not only in our community, but nationally,” stated Scott Lester, General Manager at Aliso Viejo Country Club. “It is very satisfying to know that the monies raised will benefit these worthwhile charities, especially one that is very near and dear to our Club’s heart, Savannah’s Organic Ranch,” he continued.

The ClubCorp Charity Classic festivities at Aliso Viejo Country Club kicked off at 1:00 p.m. with a Shotgun Golf Tournament. Following this tournament, the evening continued on at 6:00 p.m. with a night of Latin fun. Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to indulge in a tapas-style dinner complete with Sangria.

“We are humbled by the graciousness of ClubCorp and the extreme generosity by the staff at Aliso Viejo Country Club,” stated Joe Sachen III,
President of Savannah’s Organic Ranch. “Their donation will help us to build our foundation whose purpose is to support an organic lifestyle to create healthier generations. We are also assisting families who are battling pediatric cancer in a variety of ways, and plan to support organizations solely devoted to researching a cure for pediatric cancer. Our Foundation was formed in May 2007, the same month our daughter passed away from a rare form of pediatric cancer. She was 8 years old. Her name is Savannah Lee Sachen. This was her dream. She always cared more about others than her own self and we are just carrying her torch,” he continued.

Individuals wishing to donate to the three worthwhile charities benefiting from this event, but unable to attend the day’s festivities, still participated by donating directly to the ClubCorp Charity Classic.

ABOUT ALISO VIEJO COUNTRY CLUB

Aliso Viejo Country Club is Orange County’s newest country club. Members enjoy a broad range of benefits, including spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains, in addition to one of only two Nicklaus Design golf courses in Orange County. The 18-hole golf course leaves nothing to be desired, and offers an appropriate level of play for all skill levels. Both challenging from the back tees at over 6,500 yards and forgiving from the front tees, the redesign has made this course challenging for experienced golfers, as well as beginners. Built from the ground up, the new Clubhouse offers an array of amenities including a Fitness Center, Men’s and Women’s Locker Rooms, a Main Dining Room, a Members’ Grille, Card Rooms, and much more. In addition to the many amenities Aliso Viejo County Club has to offer, Members also become part of the ClubCorp Family of Private Clubs, allowing Members access to complimentary golf at over 140 of ClubCorp’s premier golf courses, in addition to complimentary dining at over 60 of their finest dining clubs throughout the U.S.

For more information, or to become a Member of Aliso Viejo Country Club, please contact the Aliso Viejo Country Club Membership Department at (949) 598-9200 or visit the website at www.AlisoGolf.com.

ABOUT CLUBCORP

Celebrating its 51st anniversary, Dallas-based ClubCorp is The World Leader in Private Clubs. ClubCorp and its affiliates own or operate more than 150 golf courses, country clubs, private business and sports clubs and resorts. ClubCorp’s Signature Gold membership level offers complimentary greens fees at more than 90 golf and country clubs and complimentary dining at more than 60 private business and sports clubs. In addition, members with Signature Gold benefits enjoy privileges at more than 200 facilities worldwide that includes exceptional deals at affiliate hotels and resorts (including KSL Resort properties in California, Colorado, Virginia, and Texas), ticket and shopping services, and more. Among ClubCorp’s nationally recognized golf properties are Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio (site of the World Golf Championships – Bridgestone Invitational) and Mission Hills Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California (home of the Kraft Nabisco Championship). The renowned collection of business and business sports clubs include the Columbia Tower Club in Seattle; Metropolitan Club in Chicago; and the City Club of Washington, D.C. More than 15,000 employees within the family of ClubCorp serve nearly 200,000 member households and more than one million guests who visit ClubCorp’s clubs each year. Visit www.clubcorp.com for additional company information.

# # #

Enjoy a “Passage to the Pacific” Onboard the Ocean Institute’s Tall Ship Spirit of Dana Point

DANA POINT, CA, October 13, 2008 – The Ocean Institute is pleased to offer monthly Passage to the Pacific adventure sails onboard its schooner Spirit of Dana Point. Enjoy an afternoon aboard a tall ship, while listening to folk music and stories presented by the Spirit’s talented crew.
Upcoming dates: Saturday, November 8 & 15 and December 13, 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Cost is $36 adults, $19 for children ages 4-12 and includes admission to the Ocean Institute. (Members: $33 adults, $17 children.) For additional information, call (949) 496-2274 or visit www.ocean-institute.org.

Ongoing Activities
The Ocean Institute is open to the public on weekends, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Visitors can enjoy ongoing exhibits, view hundreds of living ocean animals, and witness shark and jellyfish feedings. Cost is $6.50 adults, $4.50 children. Or, with the purchase of a membership, a family can enjoy year-round free admission, benefit from member-only events and receive discounts on all other programs. For information, visit www.ocean-institute.org.

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.

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.

UniMasters To Celebrate 10th Anniversary as Toastmasters Club! The UniMasters Club of Toastmasters International will host its 10th Anniversary Party on Monday, Nov. 17 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Unisys Corporation, 25725 Jeronimo Road, Mission Viejo. Guests welcome. To RSVP or learn more, contact Cliff Shimizu, president, at 949-951-5667; email Diana Ewing, VP of public relations, at dewing123@cox.net; or visit http://unimasters.freetoasthost.us. Regular meetings are held at UniMasters every Monday from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m. It’s the ideal way to improve your speaking, listening and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive environment.

“IS YOUR TEEN AT RISK?”

What every parent needs to know…

Attention Parents of Middle and High School Teens:

This FREE Safety Presentation is a must see! Want to learn more about:

*Teens and Technology Today:

Texting, Internet concerns, Social Networking (MySpace, Facebook & others), on line gaming, predators…learn how to keep your teen safe!

*Current Drug Trends in the Community & Substance Abuse

*Bullying and School Violence

*Teen Driving: Including Laws, Parental Liabilities, Street Racing and Distracted Driving.

Learn from experts working in our communities. Presenters include:

Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s School Resource Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, SMART Team Sergeant , Internet Safety/High Tech Crimes Unit & Traffic and Safety Bureau.

Orange County Fire Authority Battalion Chief

Dr. David Sabet of JourneySafe (please see journeysafe.org)

And hear from parents in our community who lost their child to an accidental overdose. Please don’t miss this important presentation!

SEVERAL RESOURCE PROVIDERS WILL HAVE BOOTHS AND INTERACTIVE EXHIBITS FOR YOU TO VISIT BEFORE AND AFTER THE PRESENTATION. TALK WITH THE EXPERTS AND GET INFO!!

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21st, 5:30 – 8pm

DINNER WILL BE AVAILABLE **Resource area opens at 5pm

WHERE: Laguna Hills Community Center (Alicia Pkwy/Paseo de Valencia)

TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT; REPLY TO: OUTREACH08@COX.NET

——————————————————————————–