Friday, November 30, 2007

 

Here Comes Santa Paws


Orange County has many holiday events for pets. These events for animals were sent to me and I thought I would pass them along.


Muttropolis is having an event called Jingle Mutt Mingle & Open House. Enjoy egg nog and hot apple cider and Christmas cookies while your pup munches on gourmet all natural treats. This event is from 6pm-9pm on December 6, 2007 at Muttropolis, located at Fashion Island Mall • 865 Newport Center Drive • (949) 717-MUTT (6888) This pet friendly event will benefit the Irvine Animal Care Center. Find out more at http://www.irvineshelter.org/

Westfield Main Place is holding two Santa Paws events for photos with pets and Santa Saturday, December 1st, and Saturday, December 15th from 5pm-8pm located at 2800 N. Main St. Santa Ana CA 92705 (714) 547 7000This event was emailed to me this morning from one of my fellow animal lovers-

Neighborhood Church is having their annual Blessing of the Animals and we have partnered up with the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter. We are asking those that come to the Blessing of the Animals to bring toys, food,blankets ect..for the shelter.It is December 2 from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Neighborhood Church 320 St Ann's Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 in the recreation hall.

Check out your Local Petsmart stores for holiday photos with Santa.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

 

"Giving"- The Heart of Thanksgiving


In Santa Ana, there is a group of people who get together every Sunday at 3pm in front of the Santa Ana Library located at 26 Civic Center Plaza. The group is called Food Not Bombs and they gather to feed anyone who would like to stop by a delicious vegetarian meal. The meals are created from vegetables that would have been discarded. Food Not Bombs believes that food is a right, not a privilege.

Food Not Bombs is a group that epitomizes the spirit of Thanksgiving. Their message of non violent social change is parallel to the sentiments our own founding fathers were expressing by leaving an oppressive government and creating a new beginning. Food Not Bombs recreates Thanksgiving every week by offering a community feast in the spirit of peace, conservation, animal advocacy, and ending hunger. I think the pilgrims would be proud.
Food Not Bombs has many autonomous affiliate groups throughout the world. To find out how you can learn more about or participate in Food Not Bombs visit their website at Food Not Bombs





Sunday, November 11, 2007

 

Holiday Celebrations In Orange County Communities

It's hard to believe that the holiday season is going to begin in a few days! I have compiled a list of holiday celebrations that are happening in Orange County. As I was creating this list, I kept thinking "I wanna go to this one!". Since many of the tree lighting events are on Saturday, December 1st and Sunday, December 2nd, it is going to be hard for me to choose. I hope this list helps you find a fun holiday celebration to go to. I will try to add an updated list at the end of this month, so if you know of any events that just shouldn't be missed, please send them to me and I will post them here. Season's Greetings!


Aliso Viejo-

Celtic Christmas Faire
Sunday, December 2, 2007
10 am to 7 pm
Soka University

Anaheim-

Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Holiday Village
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Center Street Promenade
Marketplace 12 to 7:30
Children's Snowplay Area 1 to 5:45pm
Holiday crafts, train rides, climbing wall, Santa pics 3pm-5:45pm
Tree Lighting Ceremony 6 pm
Carolers, Christmas Fairy, and more!
(714) 956-3586

Brea-

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, December 6, 2007
6:30 pm
Brea Civic & Cultural Center
1 Civic Center Circle
(714) 990-7771

Snow Play Day
Saturday, December 15, 2007
8 am to 12 pm
Brea Community Center
695 E. Madison Way
(714)-990-7771

Buena Park-

Kandy Kaneland Kraft Faire
Saturday, December 1, 2007
10 am to 4 pm
Ehlers Community Recreation Center
8150 Knott Ave
(714) 236-3860

Costa Mesa-

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Monday, November 26, 2007
Town Center Park
(714) 435-2000

A Christmas Carol
November 24 - December 24, 2007
South Coast Repertory
(714) 708-5555

La Posada Magica
December 7-23, 2007
Enchanting musical play for the entire family
South Coast Repertory
(714) 708-5555

Nutcracker for Kids
Saturday, December 1, 2007
10 am & 11:30 am
Musical Carnival at 9 am & 12:15 pm
Orange County Performing Arts Center
Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall
600 Town Center Drive
(714) 755-5799

Swedish Christmas Fair
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Costa Mesa Community Center
1845 Park Ave.

The Spirit of Christmas
November 16-19, 2007
The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center
88 Fair Drive
(949) 261-0823

Cypress-

Holiday Bazaar Arts & Crafts Fair
Saturday, November 17, 2007
9 am to 4 pm
Breakfast with Santa 8 am - 11:30 pm $5
Cypress Community Center
5700 Orange Avenue

Holiday Sing
Thursday, December 6, 2007
6 pm
On the south steps of the Council Chambers at corner of Orange and Grindlay

Dana Point-

Boat Parade of Lights
December 7 - 15, 2007 (Fridays & Saturdays)
7:30 pm
View from anywhere in Dana Point Harbor
(949) 923-2255

Boat Rides with Santa
December 1 - 2, 2007
10 am to 2 pm
Photos w/ Santa, performances, holiday crafts, people painting, and a caricature artist.
Dana Wharf Sportfishing Docks
34675 Golden Lantern
(949) 923-2255

Holiday in the Harbor
Friday, November 30, 2007
4 to 8 pm
Photos w/ Santa, performances, holiday crafts, people painting, and a caricature artist.
Mariner's Village & Dana Wharf

Fullerton-

Muckenthaler Holiday Festival
December 23, 2007
1 pm to 5 pm
Muckenthaler Cultural Center
1201 W. Malvern Ave.
(714) 738-6340

Huntington Beach-

Cruise of Lights
December 13 - 23, 2007
(714) 840-7542

Huntington Beach Christmas Parade
Sunday, December 2, 2007
2 to 7 pm
PCH and Main Street in downtown Huntington Beach.
(714) 960-9276

Nutcracker Ballet
December 8-24, 2007
Golden West College Mainstage Theater
15744 Golden West
(714) 895-8150

Irvine-

Joyful Jingles Concert
New Orange County Children's Choir
Irvine City Hall

Winter Family Concert
New Orange County Children's Choir
Irvine City Hall

Laguna Beach-

Sawdust Winter Fantasy
Weekends, November 17 - December 9, 2007
Sawdust Art Festival
935 Laguna Canyon Rd
(949) 494-3030

Laguna Niguel-

Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade
Saturday, December 8th, 2007
10 am
Crown Valley Parkway between Nueva Vista and Crown Valley Community Park

La Palma-

20th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
5:30 pm
(714) 690-3300

Newport Beach-

Annual Newport Harbor Christmas Boat Parade
December 12-16, 2007
6:30 pm Collins Island

Orange-

Tree Lighting Ceremony & Candlelight Choir Procession
Sunday, December 2, 2007
3:30 pm
Old Towne Orange Plaza at Glassell and Chapman
(714) 744-7278

San Juan Capistrano-

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Starts at 4:30 pm
Downtown San Juan Capistrano
(949) 493-5911

Orange County New Years Eve!
New Years Eve Party!
December 31, 2007
5 pm to 12:30 am
Save 20% with promo code "killer"

San Clemente-

Candy Cane Carnival
Saturday, December 1, 2007
12 pm to 5:30 pm
Community Center 100 N. Calle Seville
(949) 361-8264

Christmas Gift Program
Saturday, December 15, 2007
11 am
Community Center 100 N. Calle Seville
To donate gifts call (949) 492-8477

Puttin on the Glitz
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A magical & enchanting evening for the entire family
5 to 9 pm
(949) 218-5378

Santa Ana-

Las Posadas Mexican Christmas Program
Sunday, December 9, 2007
5 pm
Bowers Museum
2002 N. Main Street
(714) 567-3679

The Science of Gingerbread
November 19, 2007 - January 6, 2008
Discovery Science Center
2500 N. Main St.
(714) 542-2823

Yuletide Celebration with Handbell Ensemble
Thursday, December 20, 2007
7 pm & 8:30 pm
Bowers Museum
Norma Kershaw Auditorium
2002 N. Main Street
(714) 567-3679

Seal Beach-

27th Annual Holiday Parade
Friday, December 7th, 2007
7 pm
Parade from Ocean to PCH
(562) 799-0179

A Visit from Santa and his Reindeer
Saturday, December 15, 2007
12 to 4 pm
Eisenhower Park
(562) 799-0179

Tustin-

Tree Lighting
Friday, November 30, 2007
City Hall
(714) 573-3326

Villa Park-

Great Inland Boat Parade & Holiday Celebration
Sunday, December 9, 2007
4:45 pm
Villa Park Towne Centre
(714) 998-1500

Yorba Linda-

3rd Annual Handel's Messiah Community Sing Along
Sunday, November 25, 2007 1 pm & 3:30 pm
Richard Nixon Library
18001 Yorba Linda Blvd.
(714) 996-1960

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Tuesday, November 6, 2007

 

Sam Durbin- Self Determined And On a Mission




One of the most inspiring people I have met in my OC wanderings has to be Sam Durbin. Sam was once homeless, in extremely poor health, alone, and in mental crisis. I met Sam for our interview at Integrity House. Integrity House is an organization that is committed to serving social, independent living and housing needs for adults with cognitive disabilities.

Today, Sam Durbin is a published author, sits on the board of The Consumer Advisory Committee for the Department of Developmental Service in Sacramento, and is currently running for the chairperson position for that board. The election will be held in February. Sam is in charge of Quality Assurance at Integrity House. He also acts as a peer counselor and handles much of the Public Relations work for the organization.

Sam’s book is titled, “You’re Not the Boss of Me”. The book is about self determination and is quite an inspirational read. The story of Sam’s journey to Integrity House, good health, and friendships made me laugh and cry. This was pretty entertaining for the other people at my doctor’s office. I bet they were all trying to guess which medication I needed to have adjusted. The chapters I read in this book during my stay in my doctor’s lobby made a long wait seem too short. I could not put it down. Sam’s unique interpretation of life’s messages is inspiring and also humbling. Whether you have a diagnosed disability or just feel a little weary from your life’s obstacles, “You’re Not the Boss of Me” is a book that most of us can relate to.


Sam is also public speaker. Though he may be considered an advocate for people with disabilities, I think Sam Durbin’s message of self determination applies to anyone who struggles. If Sam’s message to all people could be put in a nutshell it is simply this—“You are important.” “Your dreams and goals are yours alone and should be honored.” “You are a special human being and deserve to be loved and honored.” Many of us need these affirmations, no matter who we are.

Tashie is Sam’s dog. She is a Siberian Husky. Sam lights up when he talks about her, they have a wonderful life together and the stories they share could be another great book. Tashie has the special talent of being able to predict a seizure and warn Sam that it is coming. Tashie also reminds Sam to take his medications, and will refuse to come to bed until Sam does so. Tashie is independent and has a great sense of humor. She can also be somewhat stubborn. I think Tashie and Sam are a perfect match.

To purchase a copy of Sam’s book click on this link “You’re Not the Boss of Me”

To find out more about Integrity House check out their website Integrity House

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