Social Butterfly

September 27th, 2007

Evelyn Madison- The Social Butterfly

Coastal Communities Band Concert Scheduled

On Sunday, October 7, starting at 2:30pm, the Coastal Communities Concert Band will perform a concert comprised entirely of the works of George Gershwin. Dr. Joseph Valent will be the featured piano soloist on "Rhapsody in Blue," and vocalist Michael Ruhl will join the band on several selections. The band will play arrangements of "Porgy & Bess," "An American in Paris," tunes from Gershwin's Broadway shows, as well as songs from his time in Hollywood, including "Embraceable You," "Someone to Watch Over Me," "Strike Up the Band," and many more.

The concert will be held in the Carlsbad Community Church, 3175 Harding Street, Carlsbad, (corner Jefferson and Pine). General admission is $15; seniors and students, $12. Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling Bill Brackman (Escondido), 760.489.2383; Kris Sims (Encinitas), 760.436.6137; Buck Abel (Del Mar), 858.793.8258. For information, visit the website at www.CCCBand.com.

Comedy Night to Benefit Serenity House

Do you love to laugh? Then plan to attend the Comedy Night on Saturday, October 6, at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Starting at 6pm, browse the raffle tables while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and refreshments. There will be drawings throughout the evening.

The show starts at 8pm, and will feature Karen Rontowski, James P. Connolly, and Lamont Ferguson. Tickets are $50/person, and benefits the North County Serenity House. Contact them at 240 So. Hickory, Suite. 210, Escondido.

Author John Dean to Speak at Democratic Club Event

The Escondido Democratic Club's fall fundraising event "An Afternoon with John Dean" will be held at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, from 2pm to 5pm, on Sunday, October 7. Author John Dean will be the featured speaker. His latest book, "Broken Government" will be available for sale and signing. Also appearing will be U.S. Rep. Bob Filner, Nick Leibham, candidate for 50th Congressional District, and Olga Diaz, Escondido city council candidate.

Admission to the event is $50/person. Seniors and students are $30/person. Assistance is available to those with financial concerns. Catered hors d'oeuvres will be served, along with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Business casual attire is requested. For information or to purchase tickets, call Dolly McQuiston at 760.745.8617. Reservations are requested by September 28th.

San Marcos Lions to Host "Canine Capers Dog Contest"

The San Marcos Lions Club is launching it's first "Canine Capers Dog Contest" on Saturday, October 13, from 9am to 12Noon, at Walnut Grove Park (off Twin Oaks Valley Road and Olive), San Marcos. Dogs of all descriptions are invited to enter the contest or just mingle with other canines (and their owners). The contest categories are: Most Beautiful; Child (under 12) with Cutest Dog or Puppy; Dog in Best Costume; Adult with Cutest Dog; Most Look Alike Dog and Owner; Ugliest (but Lovable Dog); and Dog with Best Trick. Each category entered is $5.

There will be booths selling doggie outfits, toys and other canine gifts. The Escondido Humane Society will have some winsome dogs available for adoption, and the Canine Companions will have their trained dogs on exhibit, as well as the San Marcos Sheriff's K-9 Unit.

Pre-registration applications are available at most vets or groomers, Petco, Kahoots Pet Store, and Pet People. Although pre-registration is not necessary, early applicants will receive 10 raffle tickets to win one of the donated treasure-filled baskets. For more information, call Elsa at 760.746.7897 or Vivian at 760.744.5203.

All monies raised from this fun event will go towards the Lions Club Mobile Sight and Hearing Unit which is used by school nurses at all San Marcos schools. Early detection of sight or hearing problems is necessary to ensure necessary treatment. With the continuous addition of new schools, a second van is greatly needed. One of the Lions Club causes is to aid children in sight and hearing conservation. The San Marcos Lions Club Foundation is a Private Foundation under Section 507(D).

Local Century 21 Charity Drive Raises Thousands for San Diegans With Disabilities/Special Needs

The second annual Charity Clothing Drive by Century 21 Horizon in support of Easter Seals disability services raised almost $7,000 for the charity. Proceeds will enable Easter Seals to continue to provide services to residents with disabilities and special needs to learn independent living skills, enjoy social and recreational activities, become educated, and work paying jobs.

"Century 21 Horizon is excited to help raise money for such a valuable organization," said Joe Carta, owner of Century 21 Horizon Realty. "We salute Easter Seals for its work to help children and adults with disabilities gain independence."

Cleaning out your closets and have unwanted clothing items and gently-used merchandise? Anyone can drop off clothing at any PossAbilities thrift store location or schedule a pick-up from their home. Additional information about the thrift stores, and a phone number to call for pick-ups can be found at www.SouthernCal.EasterSeals.com. For more information, call Kim Stumpf at Easter Seals, 760.737.3990, Ext. 21, or Joe Carta at Century 21 at 619.280.5888.

LSM Democratic Club Meeting Set

The Lake San Marcos Democratic Club will meet Saturday, October 13, at 12:30p.m., at the Lakeside Pavilion, 1105 La Bonita Dr., San Marcos. The meeting is open to the public. Call Betty Ball at 752.1035 for more information.

Ross Porter, the speaker, is a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State, and will explain how the church/state separation issue is of importance to all Democracts. Mr. Porter is a graduate of Yale University and currently is a communications professional employed by the American Lung Association.

Trail Patrol Training Scheduled

Enjoy the outdoors as a Trail Patrol volunteer for the San Dieguito River Park! Learn about the natural resources in the 55-mile-long San Dieguito River Park and how you can assist rangers by patrolling the trails. Trail Patrol Training is set for Saturday, October 13, from 9am to 3pm, at Casa de las Campanas, Rancho Bernardo. The training is free, however, reservations are required. Contact barbara@sdrp.org or 858.674.2275, x14, for more information and to reserve a space by October 8.

Nature Walks Planned for Sundays in October

The San Diego Audubon Society has scheduled guided nature walks on Sundays in October at 10am and 1:30pm, at the Silverwood Wildlife Sanctuary, 13003 Wildcat Canyon Road in Lakeside. On these easy guided nature walks you will learn about the special characteristics of the chaparral vegetation community and the wildlife it sustains. Suitable for all ages. Bring water, sun protection, and wear sturdy closed-toed shoes. Contact the Society at 619.682.7200 or redfern@sandiegoaudubon.org for more information and to reserve a space.

Audubon Society Presents Birding Programs

Birders of all skill levels are invited to spend the last Saturday morning of each month (this month, September 29) with leader Tom Troy at the Buena Vista Lagoon Landing on Jefferson St. in Carlsbad, starting at 8:30am. Expect to see new species as winter visitors begin to fly in. Tom will help identify birds by sight and sound, with added instruction in the use of binoculars and scopes. Take I-5 to Hwy 78 East. Exit Jefferson. Turn right and go to stoplight. Turn right and park in Landing parking lot on right side of road. Contact Tom at 760.967.6915 for information.

And on the first Saturday of every month at 8am, join them for the Whelan Lake Bird Walk (next one on October 6). Explore freshwater lake and riparian edge habitat, not open to the public. Take I-5 to Hwy. 76. East on 76 to Douglas Drive. Turn left on Douglas and continue to the traffic light at North River Road. Turn left and meet at the end of the cul-de-sac by entrance gate. The leader is John Haddock, and he can be reached at 760.941.7824.

These events are free, and presented by the Buena Vista Audubon Society.

Moonlight Masquerade Gala Receives Challenge Donation from Rancho La Puerta

Deborah Szekely, founder of the famed Golden Door and Rancho La Puerta Spas, has donated a week for two at her Rancho La Puerta to support the Escondido Children’s annual gala fundraiser "Moonlight Masquerade." The package is valued at $7,000. Ms. Szekely announced she will donate a second week for two if the highest and second highest bids each exceed $10,000 or more. At that point, five complimentary treatments for each of the winners [Relaxation Massage, Golden Door Facial, Herbal Wrap, a Manicure, and Pedicure] will be added to the packages. “We are extremely grateful to Ms.Szekely for her generosity and her support of the 4th annual Moonlight Masquerade,” said Katie Ragazzi, Executive Director for the Children's Museum. “I’m hopeful her announcement of the possibility of a second week for two at the beautiful Rancho La Puerta will inspire even more generosity to the Escondido Children’s Museum.”

"Moonlight Masquerade," which benefits the Museum, takes place Saturday evening, October 6, from 6pm to 10:30pm, at the Rancho Bernardo Inn, and includes international cuisine, fine wines, beverages from local vintners and breweries, live and silent auctions, dancing and live entertainment. The theme is dance, "Take the Lead," a play on words that relates to the new initiative focusing on Science Literacy for children. Tickets are $150 and can be ordered by calling 760.233.7737, or online at www.escondidochidrensmuseum.org. More information is available by calling 760. 233.7737, or sending an email to kragazzi@escondidochildrensmuseum.org.

CWONC Supports Angel's Depot

The Contemporary Women of North County, a local women's volunteer organization, donates food items to Angel's Depot which provides 650 poor and elderly senior citizens with boxes of nutritious, nonperishable food. Donated food is packed by volunteers twice a week and distributed weekly through various senior centers, churches and shelters. For information about donating to Angel's Depot, visit their website at www.theangelsdepot.org. To learn about CWONC, contact Marilynn Kroeker at 760.471.6396, or visit the website at www.cwonc.org.

CWONC members Laura Collins (left) and Ann Lygas (right) donate boxes of raisins to Susan Hall (center) from Angel's Depot.
Photo courtesy Kaye Martin

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