Community Forum regarding arts, culture in Mission Viejo Jan. 14
The City of Mission Viejo has long embraced arts and culture in the community. As part of its Cultural Arts Master Plan process, the City will host a community forum on January 14.
The Community Forum on Arts and Cultural Arts in Mission Viejo is at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 200 Civic Center.
The forum will give community members the chance to share their ideas and thoughts about the future of arts and culture in our City. Staff will use the valuable information gathered during the forum to help prioritize and plan cultural arts events and services that are in line with the community’s needs and desires.
For more information, call 949-470-8440.
Jumpstart 2016 with free, low-cost classes and events for all ages
A cornucopia of classes, programs and events in 2016 are available through the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.
Senior Classes and Events
iPad Know How
Do you have a new iPad or just want to enhance your skills? Technical wizard Ed Schwartz will teach the basics so you can get the most out of your iPad. The program is from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. with practice from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. every Tuesday January 5 through February 23. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Osteo Strong
Osteoporosis and osteopenia are common concerns for older adults. During this program at 1 p.m. on January 7, you will learn about new machines that could increase bone density, muscle strength and balance as well as reduce pain. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Hearing Loss 101
Learn how to identify the signs and symptoms of hearing loss in this free program at 10 a.m. on January 11. The program is designed to improve communication between people with and without hearing loss. Presented by the Hearing Loss Association of America, this free program also focuses on common myths and aspects of mental health for folks with hearing impairments. Register for the program by calling 949-470-3062.
Savvy Social Security
Social Security is the foundation of American retirement income. Learn the benefits, when to start Social Security and what to expect during this free program at 4 p.m. on January 12. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Cellular Phone Know How
There are many things a cell phone can do. During this free program at 1 p.m. on January 14, you will learn about calendar functions, Internet, Skype, music, YouTube, news, search topics and how different plans work. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Medicare for Dummies
Learn the basics of this national insurance plan for people 65 and older at 10 a.m. on January 19. The program covers the traditional, Advantage and supplemental plans, prescription coverage, timing, common misconceptions and more. Register for this free program by calling 949-470-3062.
Macular Degeneration
Retina specialist Dr. Charles Efrig will discuss macular degeneration, what it is and what can be done during a free program at 12:30 p.m. on January 20. Register by calling 949-470-3062.
Moving Mom & Dad
Learn from experts important tools to help you navigate potentially difficult conversations while honoring dignity and self-determination during this free program from 9 a.m. to noon on January 30. Presented by Alzheimer’s Association, this drop-in program is designed to ease the relocation process and provide peace of mind during an otherwise traumatic process.
Senior Sunday
Enjoy entertainment, refreshments and Bingo. Sponsored by Sunrise Senior Living, this fun Senior Sunday starts at 1 p.m. on January 31. Tickets, which are $3, must be purchased in advance. Visit econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org and reference course #4146 to get your tickets today.
Community Classes and Events
Family Music
Through activities that bridge the natural connection between music and movement, your child’s musical aptitude and listening abilities are enhanced and further developed in this fun program for kids ages 15 months to 3 ½ years. The program takes place in three sessions from January 4 through February 29. Cost is $70. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4122; 4123 or 4124.
Family Music (preschool)
Classes are designed to build attention and self-expression and include singing, moving, focused listening, games, exploring musical instruments, creative movement and storytelling. Parents (and siblings, too) join for the first 15 minutes and children are independent for the remainder of the class. This fun program is for kids ages 3 ½ to 5 and takes place on Mondays January 4 through February 29. Cost is $70. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4125.
NEW! Kindergarten Express
With Mrs. K, children ages 4-5 gain confidence before entering kindergarten by expressing creative ideas as they engage in activities that teach letter formation, reading and numbers. This hour-long program takes place in two sessions beginning January 8. Cost is $45. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4028 or 4029.
“Cookous” Organic Children’s Cooking
A mobile cooking class for kids 5 and older, the program is designed to teach children how to make healthy, wholesome meals as well as important cooking techniques. The program takes place each Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. January 22 through February 12. Cost is $120 plus a $45 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4045.
Art with Mrs. Keady
These fun classes will teach students ages 6-12 to appreciate the basic concept of art while creating masterpieces they will be proud of. Art supplies are provided. The program takes place in three sessions beginning January 5. Cost is $60. Register online at connect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4117, 4118 or 4119.
Little Ninja Karate
This fun-filled class has high-energy drills carefully designed to develop important life skills in kids age 3-5. All lessons are based on positive recognition, reward and reinforcement for effort, skill, manners, sportsmanship and respectful treatment of others. The program runs through February at PKSA Karate, 25290 Marguerite Pkwy. Cost is $89 plus a one-time lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4022; 4023; or 4024.
After-school sewing kids and teens
Learn sewing basics, fabric selection, how to follow a pattern and complete amazing projects in this class for kids 8 and older. All fabrics, notions and sewing machines are supplied. The program takes place in two sessions beginning January 6. Cost is $135 plus a $35 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4120 or 4121.
Native American Indian Hiking Tour
How did indigenous people survive before Europeans arrived? During this hands-on experience, kids 8 and older will learn about the culture and history of local native tribes. This program is great for third-grade students, scouts and others. The program takes place in two sessions beginning January 19. Cost is $10 per session. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4040 or 4041.
NEW! Winter Desserts from France
In this hands-on class, adults will learn how to make profiteroles filled with a combination of vanilla pastry cream and crème Chantilly topped with a Grand Marnier chocolate sauce and crepes Normandy (crepes stuffed with an apple filling) adorned with a calvados cream sauce. The program is at 2 p.m. on January 24. Cost is $40 plus a $15 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4035.
Floral Design
Work with fresh flowers and gain valuable hands-on experience making basic, event and seasonal floral arrangements. Students take home practice arrangements after each class. Bring a cutter with you to Fuji Wholesale Flowers at 23362 Madero, Suite H in Mission Viejo. The class takes place in two sessions starting January 20. Cost is $30 plus a $20 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4031 or 4032.
Succulent Wreath
This class will provide hands-on learning to create and care for your own long-lasting living wreath. Wreaths are in a galvanized metal frame filled with high-quality sphagnum moss. Assortments of pre-cut succulent cuttings are provided. The course takes place in two sessions beginning January 17. Cost is $59 plus a $35 lab fee payable to the instructor. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4038 or 4039.
Chair Yoga with Dara
Students will receive the health and fitness benefits of yoga, improving their flexibility and strength and creating a calm mind and peaceful spirit. The program takes place in four sessions beginning January 5. Cost is $12 per class or $50 for five classes. Register online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #4042; 4044; 4043; or 4085.
The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is at 24932 Veterans Way. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Popular ‘secret’ children’s author to visit Mission Viejo Feb. 19
An author who has made a name for not revealing his name will delight visitors of all ages when he visits Mission Viejo on Feb. 19.
Pseudonymous Bosch is the pen name of the author of the New York Times bestselling “The Secret Series” fictional children’s books. This quirky and fun author will appear in the City’s Writers Present program at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Saddleback Room to discuss his newest book, “Bad Luck.”
The plot thickens in this brilliant sequel to “Bad Magic!” At Earth Ranch, things can get a little magical or strange. Intrepid readers will discover a runaway boy, fishy cruise ship, strange cave paintings, dragon-like footprints and other mysteries that Clay and his friends need to solve. Danger, adventure, mischief, mystery, llamas and a delightfully irreverent and hilarious narrator make Pseudonymous Bosch’s anticipated new novel irresistible.
Books will be sold onsite by A Whale of a Tale Bookshoppe. Buying books at the event is a great way to support the author programs and keep them free.
To RSVP for this free event please register online, via email at libreference@cityofmissionviejo.org, or by phone at 949-830-7100, ext. 5107. If registering by email or phone, include your name, email address and number in your party.
Kelly Tokarski
Public Information Specialist
City of Mission Viejo
