Mark your calendar for a host of programs, classes and events offered by the City of Mission Viejo in March at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
Donations sought for sale that benefits cancer research
Donations of gently used jewelry, watches, scarves, purses, hats and more are sought for the “Second Time Around Jewelry/Accessories Sale” that benefits the June Relay For Life of Mission Viejo at Saddleback College.
The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event that raises money for cancer research.
Community members can feel good about donating their decent quality jewelry, costume jewelry and other items for a great cause. Donations can be dropped off at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, through the end of May. The sale takes place May 29-June 1 at the Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Constitution 103
Constitution 103 will be a continuum of the Constitution series that retired history teach Bob Hayes has presented since last September. The lessons focus on the Amendments that have been added to the Constitution since the Bill of Rights. Participants will read and discuss Amendments 12-27 and will read Supreme Court decisions and other handouts that influence the Constitution today.
This free series is from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday March 1, 8, 22 and March 29.
Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Learn to play modern Bridge the easy way
If you have ever wanted to learn how to play modern bridge the easy way, then this class is for you.
Instructor Dae Leckie will lead the “Easy Bridge 1 Part 2″ class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays from March 6 through May 1.
During the 8-week course, students will learn how to high bid; defensive bidding; finesses; and much more. The class is fun and a great way to make new friends.
Cost is $48 for the 8-week course. Registration is available online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org or by calling 949-470-3062.
Nutrition
On Wednesday, March 7, registered dietician Lisa Gibson will discuss vitamins, supplements and how they can enhance nutritional requirements. This free program is at 11 a.m. Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Amazing Experience
Wednesdays March 7 – March 28
The public is invited to learn about the rich life experience of folks who are staples at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center. This month’s presenters include:
3/7 Don Terrell Journey through U.S. Business
3/14 Elizabeth Busick Life as a Preacher’s Kid
3/21 Ken Annala Korean Chronicles via the U.S. Army
3/28 Milan Radovic Languages of Career Engineering
These presentations are free and registration is required.
Senior Computer Classes
You can learn how to love you computer with instructor Don Newton’s help. The classes are from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays March 9-23.
3/9 – Computer Basics
3/16 – Into to the Internet
3/23 – Email 101
Cost is $15 per class and advance registration is required.
Bunco Bash
The public is invited to a Bunco Bash from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday March 9. Folks can meet new friends at this evening of fun, refreshments and prizes. A $5 ticket must be purchased in advance.
Balance & Wellness with Balance Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy
This series combines exercise and education to help improve balance, strength, confidence, and proper body mechanics to maximize safe and efficient mobility. This program is from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. Tuesdays March 13 to May 15. Cost is $75 for the series. Registration is available online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2746 or by calling 949-470-3062.
Financial Recovery after Foreclosure or Short Sale
Are you struggling to recover financially after losing your house to foreclosure or short sale? On Tuesday, March 13 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can learn from local nonprofit agencies how to rebuild your credit, reduce debt, manage your money and increase assets. This free program will introduce you to the many free resources available to help you to get back on your feet and become a homeowner again. For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Birds and Nature
Enjoy the pleasures of birding and nature with local volunteer and OC Parks Naturalist Mike Clayton at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 14. Participants will learn about equipment, field guides, optics, and more on this free guided walk along the Oso Creek Trail. Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Living Well with Diabetes
People with diabetes can share information and obtain timely information from local health care professionals that will help them to live life to the fullest. On March 15, nutritionist Gretchen Perea MS, RD, CDE will discuss meal planning, eating out, and the relationship between exercise and diet. This free program is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month. Reservations are available by calling 949-470-3062.
St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon March 16
Enjoy a St. Patty’s celebration like no other with food, friends and fun on Friday, March 16.
The fun starts at 11:30 a.m. Guests will savor the “luck of the Irish” with traditional corned beef, cabbage and beer (non-alcoholic) while enjoying Marge’s Tappers. There is a suggested donation of $4 for seniors and $5.50 for others. Reservations are required by March 13. To make a reservation, call 949-470-3063.
Jitterbug Jubilee/Senior Swing Dance
See students Jitterbug and seniors Swing at the Jitterbug Jubilee from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 18. Kids of all ages will enjoy an evening of dance demos, showing off, teaching each other and just great dancing for all. Mission Viejo High School students are planning the free event, which features music, fun and hearty refreshments for local seniors. Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
AARP Driver Safety Program
The AARP Driver Safety Program is from 8 a.m. to noon on Monday, March 19. Classroom training is designed for those 50+ years. This 4-hour refresher (must be taken within 4 years of last 8-hour course completion) may reduce auto insurance rates. Registration is $12 for AARP members and $14 for non-members. To register, bring a check made payable to AARP to the front desk at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.
Senior Biographies
Seniors interested in receiving a personal biography written by middle school students will enjoy taking part in this program at 9:15 a.m. on March 20.
The students will interview participants at Ladera Ranch Middle School. Seniors will then be invited back to the school for the biographies presentation and a pizza lunch with the students and their parents.
For more information, call 949-470-3062.
Osteoarthritis
This free program presented by the Arthritis Foundation at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, March 20 will help you explore treatment options used to treat certain kinds of osteoarthritis – either before or instead of joint replacements. Learn when and why other types of surgeries are used and how you and your doctor can tell if they are right for you.
Registration is required and available by calling 949-470-3062.
Ms. Senior OC Pageant
The public is invited to the Ms. Senior OC Pageant from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. The Orange County Preliminary Pageant of Ms. Senior California Pageant will feature an evening gown, talent and interview competition along with showcasing the inner beauty of senior contestants from Orange County.
Contestants are 60 and older and can apply at www.senioramerica.org. General admission to enjoy the pageant is $5 at the door.
Making Your $$ Stretch in 2012
Learn how to invest this year for both safety and income in the current market environment at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28. This free program is presented by certified financial planner Scott Walker. Registration is required and available at 949-470-3062.
Newhart Intermediate School Spring Concerts
The public is invited to share in the vast musical accomplishments and talents of Newhart Intermediate students at this free outdoor band concert at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 28.
Fiscal Fitness Series
Thursdays 3/29 – 4/26
10:00 am – Noon
Take care of your financial well-being. It’s just as important as your physical well-being.
3/29 - Contingency Notebook
4/5 - Wills/Trusts Clinic
4/12 - Women and Money
4/19 - How Not to Outlive Your Resources
4/26 – Gift Options
A new regular column idea for your side bar on the right (i.e. where your ‘recent tweets’ and ‘videos’ are), perhaps name it Business Highlight. It supports the MV community to have a mini bio/business description with contact info/social media links for a Mission Viejo resident who’s a business owner regardless of where business is located or if only online, and/or owner of a business in Mission Viejo regardless of where they may reside. I write a similar column on MissionViejoPatch.com, but it’s more expanded with pics and video that appears approx once per month which we call Business Spotlight. Here’s link to one of them: http://missionviejo.patch.com/articles/video-ridiculously-affordable-and-convenient-massage-shop
Perhaps it can work like this: in each blog publication, announce the new addition to the blog. All interested can submit their name and email address to an email address link you provide. You can send them a template to make it easier for them to complete and relevant, taking into account space constraints if any. Have the template include some bio info, people are always interested to read that and if you can accommodate it, have them send video and pics. Indicate if there’s a maximum amount of words that can be used, type of businesses that won’t be accepted, and disclaimers, including that the MV Blog has the sole right to decide which businesses will be published.
My phone is 949-855-1102 if you’d like to reach me. I hope you give this serious consideration to help support MV residents and the MV business community, and at the same time, provide interesting and relevant content for your blog.