The courses will help you reconnect to the earth while growing something fresh and healthy.  The series takes place on four consecutive Saturdays through March 10. Participants will learn about gardening in tight spaces – such as growing herbs and veggies on balconies – basic gardening principles, how to grow herbs, vegetable or fruit trees; and maintenance that includes information on pest management and harvesting.

The classes, which take place from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., are led by Maryellen Bell of Scenic Earth Inc. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Cost is $40 and registration is available online at econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course # 2745 or by calling 470-8488.

Tonka is a cute fawn-and-black male Pug, who is neutered and about 5 years old. He craves attention and is looking for a family to love and care for him.

You can see Tonka and the other adorable, loving animals wanting for their forever homes at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 28095 Hillcrest or online at www.cmvas.org. For more information, call 949-470-3045.

The film demonstrates how a town torn apart by resentment, friction, and mistrust comes together in triumphant harmony.
Coach Herman Boone (played by Oscar winner Denzel Washington)  “unites” a previously segregated varsity football in 1971 and in the process unites the town of Alexandria,  Virginia.

Character educator Bob Hayes will lead a brief discussion following the film, which will be shown on a theater-size screen with theater-style seating and surround-sound at 200 Civic Center, just across from the Mission Viejo Library.

For more information about this free event, call 949-470-3094.

An online career guidance center, Career Transitions helps library card members discover their career interests and explore in-demand occupations, while also leveraging their work and military experience to identify career options across various industries and career pathways.

The service is about accessibility and guidance – helping people get started and providing them with meaningful activities to help them find sustainable employment. The program offers a multitude of job-search options, including temporary positions, apprenticeships, internships and entry-level positions. The program can help job seekers create targeted resumes and cover letters. They’ll also find helpful tips and advice from career experts on applying for jobs, interviewing, networking, and much more.

Fun and interactive practice activities help folks develop skills, strategies and confidence for actual interview situations. The program also features ongoing articles from “The Daily Leap” that offer ongoing, fresh advice on important topics several times a week.

Career Transitions can be accessed from the library’s Internet computers and from home by using your Mission Viejo Library card number and PIN.  Login at http://cityofmissionviejo.org/Library/ElectronicResources.aspx to get started today.
 

The 3-month “Winter Pass” is valid for the Montanoso and Sierra Recreation and Fitness Centers and comes sans an initiation fee. The pass expires three months from the date the person signs up, which is simply done by showing proof of residency with a current utility bill, property tax bill, or Lake Mission Viejo Association bill. Residents in surrounding cities can also take advantage of the promotion by purchasing three months at the non-resident rate.

The 3-month passes range from $75 (resident) and $108 (non-resident) for a single; $117 (resident) and $159 (non-resident) for a couple; and $159 (resident) and $207 (non-resident) for a family. People over 55 receive a 10 percent discount.

For more information, call 949-859-4348.

The tournament includes 18 rounds of golf with a shotgun start at 11 a.m. at the pristine Marine Memorial Golf Course in Camp Pendleton. 

Community members, businesses and organizations are invited to support Mission Viejo’s adopted troops by participating in or sponsoring the event. Sponsorships range from $200 to $5,000 but donations in any amount are welcome and appreciated. Items that will be auctioned or raffled off are also sought. The fee for an individual golfer is $200. A foursome, which includes a Marine, is $800. The deadline for sponsorship opportunities is March 9.

Along with the honor of golfing with Mission Viejo’s Marines, the fun-filled worthy event will include lunch, a barbecue dinner, an awards ceremony and much more.

To support the event, make checks payable to the Mission Viejo Community Foundation and mail them to the Marine Golf Tournament c/o Mission Viejo Community Foundation, 200 Civic Center, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

For more information, visit www.teeitupforemarines.com or call 949-470-3061.

The latest vendor to join the market’s unique mix is Sunny Cal Farms. Based in Reedley, California, this third-generation family farm boasts specialty citrus, apples, cherries, peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, pears, blueberries and grapes along with a hearty selection of dried fruits, fresh pomegranate juice and more. Shaun Rosendahl, one of the farm’s owners, started working at farmers markets when he was only 9 years old. He is passionate about bringing smiles to peoples’ faces and satisfaction to their palates when they try something new. His produce has been a great addition to this weekly market. 

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Friday at the Mission Viejo Civic Center, 200 Civic Center, and features live entertainment the first Friday of the month.

For more information, visit http://cityofmissionviejo.org/farmersmarket.

1000 Words Photography Club with George Katzenberger

Students use their cameras to document the  world by creating visual art stories. The classroom is first transformed into a giant pinhole camera before moving on to blurred realities, fun portraits and much more.
The class is from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Mondays from Feb. 6 through May 7.  Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2716. 

Sports programs with Fernando Gallud

Students will participate in football, soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee, golf and more in this afterschool sports program at the Oso Viejo Park Sports Fields.  The fun takes place from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Feb. 6 through June 15.
Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2717.

Art Workshop with Aileen May & Joy Aldrich

Kids seeking to tap their creative sides will enjoy creating collaborative art projects through a diverse number of art materials including paper making, mixed media, drawing, painting and mosaic. Students will receive individual guidance as they develop their innate creative ability and discover and explore new perspective.
Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2725.

City Art Club with Judy Baca and Rachel Reinert

In this fun-filled class, students will explore working with various mediums and creating fun projects using clay, painting, chalk art and cartooning. The emphasis is on teaching traditional techniques to develop skills and encourage creativity. This class is from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course # 2744.

Algebra Tutoring

Students can receive professional Algebra tutoring from a school-certified teacher on Thursdays from 3:45 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Personal attention and instruction can help kids to better understand the subject.  Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course # 2724.

Beginning Guitar with Ron Gorman

Kids who’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar should sign up for this beginning class that runs from 3:30 p.m.to 5 p.m. Feb. 10 through June 15.  Students will learn easy chords, fun melodies and popular songs. Students must bring their own acoustic or electric guitar with a small amp to class.
Cost is $5 and registration is available online at https://econnect.cityofmissionviejo.org by referencing course #2723.

The Thomas R. Potocki Center is located at 27301 La Paz Road. For more information about any of these programs, call 949-470-3061.

The school is teaming up with All Green Recycling to host the recycling event from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 24382 Regina Street.

Folks will be able to properly dispose of E-waste, which includes computers; laptops; monitors; keyboards; copiers; VCR’s; fax machines; cell phones; printers; scanners; hard drives; stereo equipment; cables and cords; shredders; microwaves; and more.

For more information, call 949-830-5430.

The Mission Viejo Relay For Life has joined forces with Chili’s to host “Give Back Nights” to benefit the American Cancer Society event that takes place June 2-3 at Saddleback College.

Bring this flier to restaurant off Bellogente anytime from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. January 26, February 23, March 29, April 26 and May 24, and Chili’s will donate 15% of the sales toward the cause.

Relay For Life is a fun-filled overnight event designed to celebrate survivorship and raise money for research and programs. The event offers something for everyone – from the newly diagnosed and caregivers to friends and long-term cancer survivors. The goal is to fight cancer together so people can enjoy more birthdays.

For more information about Mission Viejo Relay For Life, visit mvrelay.org. Chili’s is located at 27407 Bellogente. Information is available at 364-2207.