On October 25, 2008 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Aliso Niguel High School Booster Clubs will be holding their 2nd Annual Taste For Aliso Niguel. The event will be held at ALLEN Cadillac GMC Hyundai 28332 Camino Capistrano Laguna Niguel. Allen has donated the use of their facility for this event.
Please see www.tasteforalisoniguel.com for additional information.
Mary Smith
Taste for Aliso Niguel
Surf Science Teen Conference Ocean Institute Million Dollar Raffle
Surfscience Teen Conference 2008
Exciting Educational Event for Teens Featuring
a Visit to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
DANA POINT, CA, October 1, 2008 – The Ocean Institute is pleased to present its 2008 Surfscience Teen Conference for 8th to 12th grade students on Saturday, November 1, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The program is designed for teens with an interest in ocean science, surfing and conservation.
The day features an introduction by professional surfer Lisa Andersen, a mini-workshop on wave forecasting by Surfline scientist Kevin Wallis, a bus trip to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego, a currents experiment from the Scripps pier and a tour of a giant experimental wave tank.
The cost of the event is an affordable $15 per person. Register online at www.ocean-institute.org or call (949) 496-2274.
2008 Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle – Win a Laguna Beach home valued at $1.2 million or $1 million in the Ocean Institute’s 2008 Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle; call (949) 542-3600 or visit www.ocean-institute.org. There are also over 175 cash and merchandise prizes, and a bonus drawing for multiple ticket purchasers. The deadline to buy tickets is October 22, 2008, with the Final and Grand Prize Drawing to be held November 8, 2008 at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point.
Raffle proceeds benefit the non-profit Ocean Institute. The 2008 Laguna Beach Million Dollar Home Raffle is registered with the California Attorney General’s Office.
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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Helping OC Families with Drug and Alcohol Issues
Community Alliance Network (CAN)
The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-Orange County/Community Alliance Network (NCADD-OC/CAN) is the Lead Agency for the Tobacco Free Communities (TFC) program in Laguna Niguel. CAN is working with Laguna Niguel communities to implement this creative, comprehensive, community-school linked program that targets the tobacco education and cessation needs of youth, young adults, parents and smokers.
TFC community activities aim to increase the ability of community organizations, schools, businesses, health care providers, law enforcement, adult youth leaders and community leaders to implement effective tobacco educational programs and policies. Through collaborative planning activities and educational programs, CAN is striving to reduce the prevalence of tobacco in Orange County.
CAN is dedicated to using a prevention approach to take alcohol, tobacco and other drugs out of the mainstream. NCADD-OC/Community Alliance Network is working with our communities to build a healthier and safer Orange County.
For more information please contact:
Gwen Drenick, MPH
Associate Director
Telephone: (949) 595-2288
E-mail: gdrenick@canoc.org
Website: www.ncaddoc.org or www.canoc.org
Record turnout, Involvement at Aliso Viejo’s 3rd annual Founders Day Fair
Roughly 3,000 people – about 1,200 more than last year – attended the city’s 3rd annual Founders Day Fair Saturday at the Aliso Viejo Ranch.
The warm weather certainly was not a deterrent, as folks from Aliso Viejo and beyond attended the vivid community celebration that featured rock climbing, a BMX bike show, hula hoop contest and much more at the 7-acre city-owned ranch.
Founders Day Fair blended Americana style – with a watermelon-eating contest, bounce house, cake walk, gunny-sack races and more – with illustrations of early California life in Aliso Viejo through blacksmithing, adobe brick and rope making, panning for gold and grinding corn for cornmeal.
City officials say increased participation from community groups, organizations and non-profits helped to make this year’s event such a huge success.
The ranch site was dotted with 47 booths – offering appetizing food, ample activities, entertainment and information. More than 100 volunteers signed on for the six-hour event that included tasty grub dished up by Cosmo’s Italian Kitchen, Daphne’s Greek Cafe, Pop N’Mama’s Smoothies, and The Neighborhood Cup. The South County Teen Center served buttered corn-on-the-cob from Chili’s Bar and Grill.
Saturday’s fair featured refreshments, activities and games provided by several community groups including AYSO Region 889; Girl Scouts Troops 408 & 1234; Boy Scouts Troop 700; Cub Scouts Pack 751; YMCA; Community Alliance Network; OC Sheriff’s Explorers; ANHS Drill Team; Sweet P’s Cupcakes; Boys & Girls Club, Aliso Viejo Girls Softball; and Savannah’s Organic Ranch, which hosted a popular puppet show.
The BMX Bike Show by Team Soil was a hit with teens and folks of all ages – as was the rock climbing wall, which challenged endurance levels and skills. The City’s first hotel, Renaissance ClubSport, hosted good old -fashioned games and a fierce tug-o-war, which brought out the competitive side in many. With their hair pulled back, arms snug behind their backs and faces pointed down, contestants ate fast and furiously during the messy watermelon-eating contest hosted by Patriots Federal Credit Union.
Cal Experience gave visitors a taste of early California years with gold panning, rope making and a blacksmith demonstration. Keeping in step with the ranch’s history, the Aliso Viejo Community Association (AVCA) sponsored an informative historical display, while Western Antique Power Associates’ historical stationary engines and antique equipment – including an antique corn grinder – demonstrated how the country evolved from an agrarian to an industrial society. Kids enjoyed pony rides and a barnyard animal petting zoo, as Travis Wheeland strummed his guitar entertaining the masses. Water Wars West kept folks cool with its popular water-balloon launch.
Adults wanting to take a break from the action, saddled up to the Saloon, hosted by the Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Stadium Brewing Company.
Orange County Fire Authority Station 57, Doctor’s Ambulance and South Coast Medical Group provided first aid kits and support for the event.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department enhanced its display of “black and whites” with authentic Western cowboys on horseback. The Orange County Fire Authority, Orange County Vector Control, Aliso Viejo Library, and the City’s Used Oil & Recycling and other city booths also participated.
City officials say they are grateful for the community’s support and participation in this year’s hometown gathering and look forward to an even larger event next year.
3/5 Battalion Adoption City Of Laguna Hills
The City Council of the City of Laguna Hills passed a Resolution on August 28, 2007, adopting the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division based at Camp Pendleton on behalf of the Laguna Hills Community. The 3/5, call sign “Darkhorse,” was originally activated on June 1, 1917 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and deployed that summer to France to participate in World War I offensive campaigns. More recently, the 3/5 Battalion has been serving in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The Battalion was deployed in 2003 for the push to Baghdad to oust Saddam Hussein. The Battalion was again deployed in 2004 to capture the city of Fallujah from insurgents’ control. In November 2004, the Battalion, along with several other units, participated in Operation Phantom Fury and was part of one of the biggest battles in Iraq thus far. The 3/5 is scheduled to be deployed to Iraq next month. 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, because of its pride and professionalism in combat, has accumulated seventy-seven decorations, which solidify its battle tested colors. The 3/5 continually trains to maintain combat readiness in the event their nation requires their combat services. For more information about the 3/5, visit their website at www.i-mef.usmc.mil/div/5mar/3bn/default.asp.
Residents and businesses interested in getting involved and supporting the 3/5 Battalion may contact them directly through their website, or may contact the 3/5 battalion adoption committee at (949) 632-8395 or the committee’s email at darkhorse92653@cox.net. (See disclaimer below.)
Disclaimer: The 3/5 battalion adoption committee (“Committee”) is comprised of local volunteers and other interested members of the public. The Committee is not an official committee of the City of Laguna Hills (“City”), nor is it affiliated with any governmental agency. The City makes no representation, warranty, or guarantee as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided by the Committee, either through its members, representatives, volunteers, agents, or its website. While the City supports the Committee’s efforts to establish a relationship with and provide assistance to the members of the 3/5 Battalion and their families, the City of Laguna Hills is not in any way affiliated with the Committee. As such, the City of Laguna Hills is not responsible for the representations made by or actions of the Committee.
News from JSerra HS
JSerra Senior a Semifinalist in National Merit Scholarship Program, Two Others Achieve High Scores
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, CA, October 2, 2008 – JSerra Catholic High School senior Lexi Crommett was named a semifinalist in the 2009 National Merit Scholarship Program, one of 16,000 nationwide among the 1.5 million entrants. This Spring, she will have the opportunity to compete for one of 8,200 National Merit Scholarships which will be offered.
“Lexi is one of JSerra’s top scholars in its young history,” observed Tom Waszak, JSerra principal. “Her exceptional performance on standardized tests and outstanding 4.47 GPA reflect a love for intellectual challenges and a strong curiosity for knowledge.”
Lexi is in her 4th year at JSerra, and hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian. She has been active in a variety of extra-curricular activities, including cross-country and basketball. She has won several scholar-athlete awards. She is a resident of Rancho Santa Margarita.
Two JSerra seniors placed among the top 50,000 of 1.5 million National Merit Scholarship entrants, Lauren Donahue and Nicole Madro.
Lauren is a Laguna Niguel resident who is in her 4th year at JSerra. She sought out the school for its small size and good academics. She likes chemistry and English and hopes one day to be a physician. She is a volunteer with Operation Smile Club, which offers reconstructive facial surgery to the indigent.
Nicole is a Mission Viejo resident who came to JSerra as a sophomore. She was attracted to the school for its solid academics; favorite subjects include religion and English. She also volunteers through her church for the Catholic Worker, serving breakfast to the homeless in Santa Ana.
JSerra Catholic High School is a private Roman Catholic high school sanctioned by the Diocese of Orange and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the Western Catholic Education Association. JSerra began instruction of its first student body on September 3, 2003. Address: 26351 Junipero Serra Road, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. Phone: (949) 493-9307. Website: www.jserra.org.
Jim Graves
Is Your Teen at Risk?
What Every Parent Needs To Know!
Being a teenager can be challenging. Good kids, eager to grow up sometimes join the wrong crowd, are confronted with situations they don’t know how to handle, or end up in the wrong place at the wrong time. Being a parent to a teenager can be equally as challenging.
“Is Your Teen at Risk?” is a community resource forum for parents of middle and high school aged children who want to learn more about the issues facing our youth. A panel of experts will address topics related to internet safety, teen driving, substance abuse, drug trends and the role of technology and the Internet.
Free to the community, “Is Your Teen at Risk?” will be presented at the Laguna Hills Community Center on Tuesday, October 21 at 5:30 p.m. A complementary resource area will open at 5:00 p.m., offering exhibits and hands on displays. Parents will have the opportunity to visit the resource area, talk with professionals, ask questions and learn additional information on these important issues. Dinner and refreshments will be available beginning at 5:00pm.
The Laguna Hills Community Center is located at 25555 Alicia Parkway.
This presentation is a collaborative effort between the City of Laguna Hills, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, Orange County Fire Authority, California Highway Patrol, Capistrano Unified School District, Saddleback Valley Unified School District, PTSA and other agencies working together to keep our teens and our communities safe.
To reserve your seat, please reply to; outreach08@cox.net
Questions? www.isyourteenatrisk.org or contact OCSD Juvenile Services at
949-425-1900
Go See “Forever Strong”
Here’s a great new movie – for older children and teens besides adults
Jeff Vice 9/26 Deseret News
Forever Strong” is the slickest, most polished film that has emerged from a recent glut of locally produced features.
It’s also the best of this group, in terms of quality — and that’s not just by a little bit either. While it does boast some of the expected tropes and formulas of cinematic sports dramas, it’s a competent, entertaining and involving movie that features a decent message about self-discipline and redemption.
And perhaps more surprising is the fact that it looks this good, despite being produced on a budget that was less than $10 million. (A mere pittance by Hollywood standards.)
“Forever Strong” is one of the mottos of the Highland High School rugby team, a nationally recognized program that is portrayed fictionally in this tale.
Sean Faris (“Never Back Down”) stars as Rick Penning, a talented but self-destructive Arizona high school athlete who gets into an alcohol-fueled car accident.
Rick, who was behind the wheel, is lucky not to be imprisoned. Instead, he winds up at a juvenile detention center, run by the sympathetic Marcus (Sean Astin).
He even offers the embittered Rick a chance at redemption. Marcus has talked with Highland High coach Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole), who will allow him to join the team — so long as he follows the program’s strict rules and personal responsibility regulations.
In the meantime, Rick’s coach father (Neal McDonough) has become resentful — he’s been neglecting his son so far but has discovered he’s playing with his biggest rival.
This is another impressive step forward in the career of LDS filmmaker Ryan Little (2003’s “Saints and Soldiers”). The cast is good enough to bail him and screenwriter David Pliler out when things gets a little sticky, though.
Faris’s character is a little too cocky at times, but Cole — who usually plays either comic or villainous characters — is appealing as his surrogate father figure.
The fine supporting cast includes not only Astin and McDonough, but also Julie Warner and local personality Leroy “Big Budah” Teo, who plays Rick’s “keeper” in the detention center.
“Forever Strong” is rated PG-13 for some strong scenes of violence, most of it athletically based (as well as some implied vehicular mayhem), drug content and references (painkillers), scenes of teen drinking and abuse, some suggestive language and references, derogatory slurs and other terms of derisions, and some brief bloody moments. Running time: 110 minutes.
Saddleback Elks Get New Name
ELKS FINALLY GET THEIR NAME OFFICIALLY CHANGED
A long overdue presentation of an event from 1983 took place at the Past Exalted Ruler’s sponsored 38th Anniversary Elks Lodge Barbeque on September 21, 2008 At the 1983 Grand Lodge Convention, the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge proposed name change was approved in the presence of then Exalted Ruler Al Wakinekona. In 2007, then Exalted Ruler Hal Mattson requested a document from the Grand Lodge reflecting the name change. At the 38th Anniversary Barbeque, twenty-five (25) years after the fact and on behalf of all Lodge Past Exalted Rulers (PERs), Hal Mattson presented the Lodge with the certificate designating the name change of the Lodge to Mission Viejo / Saddleback Valley Lodge #2444. This name change importantly signified the Lodge’s expanded community outreach from just Mission Viejo to the entire Saddleback Valley. Over the past several years, the various Saddleback Valley newspapers have generously publicized this outreach to their communities, especially the distribution of dictionaries to every third grader in the valley, handicapped children’s charities and annual scholarships awarded to local high school seniors. Past Exalted Rulers attending the Anniversary Barbeque were Charles Hart, Richard Williams, Hal Mattson, Irene Romero (PER Association President), Bob Rusie, Norm Jones, Jim Humphrey, Jim Girton, Bill James, Dennis Keffer and and Newt Seal.
Andy
RAISE Fundraiser
Dear Friends:
On October 18th, 2008, The Raise Foundation will host its annual gala dinner to raise awareness and funds for our capital campaign projects of creating a mobile resource center, publishing our Parents Guide Book, and promoting programs for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Orange County.
This year we anticipate over 300 guests to join us at the Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach and hope you will be among them. This year The Raise Foundation will be honor Marian Bergeson, former California Secretary of Education, State Senator, Assemblywoman and Michael Riley, Ph.D., Chief Deputy Director of the Orange County Social Services Agency. This evening’s theme Casablanca, will celebrate our honorees efforts in the fight against child abuse, as well as the preventative services.
Please take a moment to review our sponsorship opportunities. I look forward to seeing you on October 18th.
Greg Gantman