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is a vibrant community with unbounded natural curiosity, intellectual vitality and a true love of scholarship. These qualities are nurtured and celebrated each day. Our students have unlimited opportunities to discover new passions and interests, from humanities and arts, to computer science and engineering. Expert faculty are invested in their growth and success. Classrooms are alive with examination and debate. From our youngest preschoolers to seniors about to go on to colleges across the nation, St. Margaret’s students are excited to learn and explore, and that energy is contagious.

This is our everyday.

PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, November 15

Preschool-K: 8:15 a.m., Grades 1-12: 9:00 a.m.

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano, California 92675

Phone: 949.661.0108 www.smes.org

Moms, Dads & All Things Kid in Orange County™

NOVEMBER

2014

EDITOR IN CHIEF

BETSY SANZ

EDITORIAL

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

DONALD A. HUNSBERGER, ESQ

JIM GILMORE, CFP®

CRYSTAL NAY

MICHELLE KOEPPL

JODY ROBINSON

LILY SANZ

ART

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

LINDSAY TAYLOR

DAVID PEREZ

CALENDAR EDITOR

ALEX DEFELICE

EDITORIAL INTERN

JACKIE GRADE

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

LANA FARFAN

ADVERTISING / MARKETING

SALES & MARKETING

MARLO ANDERSEN

ANTHONY ARCURIO

KIM ROBERSON

ERIC BERGSTROM OF BERGSTROM MEDIA

DISTRIBUTION

DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING

SUSAN ROBIN-VEGA

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER DAVID STARR

PUBLISHER

COMMUNITY PUBLICATIONS, LLC

JODY ROBINSON

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

(714) 469-3495 • INFO@MARMALADEOC.COM

Dear Marmalade Reader,

Somehow when my mother passed away I became the person who facilitated family gatherings. In our brood, that meant I had to get good at Thanksgiving. And when I say “good” I don’t mean “great”; I mean I had to get to a place where twenty people wouldn’t resent me at the end of the night. I am so fortunate that in the absence of my own mom I had an army of domestic geniuses surround me and make me able. I had my Aunt Tere to show me little things, like how a dish towel on my shoulder can be my best ally in the kitchen, and how to dig into the cavity of a turkey carcass for giblets that could simmer all day to eventually yield up gravy-worthy broth. I had my beautiful sister-in-law to give me the secrets to perfect mashed potatoes; I had my good friend, and her friends, to guide me in the mysteries of pie-making; I had my motherin-law to demonstrate effortless (really,

effortless-looking) hosting; and I had my sister to help me be brave.

So, thanks to many amazing people, I can manage a Thanksgiving meal for a large group with reasonable success. Every November it is a capability that proves very rewarding, because people love a Thanksgiving meal, and they are always grateful to receive it. That is all to say this: Thanksgiving, and the holiday season in general, marks an opportunity to help and to be helped.

You might say that this issue of Marmalade is all holidays and help. There are helpful ideas for your own Thanksgiving celebration (pages 20-23), and opportunities to volunteer your help to local charities (page 28). With Christmas around the corner, we are helping you get your family into the spirit

DC_TT_Marmalade_7.375x4.875.pdf 1 9/17/14 2:29 PM

(and the photo opps) with a list of mustdo activities and must-see sights (page 24). This is also the time of year to be prospecting private schools, and to that end we offer a directory of private school open house events to help you make the most of your time (pages 16-17).

Nothing – next to a nativity scene, Tiny Tim and the scent of Douglas Fir – says “Christmas” like the Grinch. He is coming (singing!) to Segerstrom Center for the Arts in December – read the story on page 12 and enter to win four tickets to opening night. We will pull the winner Thanksgiving evening, when we are all drowsy from a gargantuan effort and the aftereffects of turkey.

Happy November!

BETSY SANZ , EDITOR IN CHIEF BETSY@MARMALADEOC.COM

As parents, we all want the best for our children and dental health is no different. By Kindergarten, over 50% of children in California have already experienced dental decay. But there is a solution, a way to give every child a Healthy Smile!

Healthy Smiles for Kids of Orange County is a specialized nonprofit pediatric dental clinic for the underserved and special needs population. By offering, visual dental screenings, complete evaluations, comprehensive treatment, and dental education for the entire family, we aim to give every child a healthy smile.

To find out how you can provide a child a Healthy Smile visit HealthySmilesOC.org or call

Capistrano

Christian Schools (ACSI/ WASC)

3 TRIGGERS FOR TRUST REVISION

LIFE MOMENTS THAT SHOULD REMIND YOU TO UPDATE YOUR DOCUMENTS

BY DONALD A. HUNSBERGER, ESQ.

Parents of younger children often leave their lawyers’ offices with a sigh of relief. “We are so glad to get that out of the way,” they laugh together as they drop their pens on the conference room table after signing their estate documents. “We won’t have to think about these things any more, and we can concentrate on dance class and AYSO.”

As vital as is youth soccer to a healthy childhood, it is actually a good idea to not let any of the joys of young parenting get in the way of managing the documents that will direct the pattern of a family’s life if one or both parents meets an untimely end. Most families need to follow a few simple rules to be certain their estate documents don’t age as awkwardly as Dad’s homecoming tie or Mom’s prom dress.

REGULAR CHECK-UPS

The easiest way to think about managing the family estate documents is to consider them to be much like the family car. Parents understand that changes in the family configuration – a new baby brother, a cousin who moves in for an extended visit, or a sister who leaves for college – should prompt thoughts about what kind of ride the family will need after the shift in size. The same process applies to managing the family trust. While it is a good idea to plan on getting to the trust attorney’s office at least once every three years to review how your documents have stood the test of time, there are a number of other events besides just the ticking of the timepiece that should send parents back to the estate planning table.

Most families need to follow a few simple rules to be certain their estate documents don’t age as awkwardly as Dad’s homecoming tie or Mom’s prom dress.

CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP

Most people don’t need to be convinced that becoming a father or mother calls for a trust tune-up; adding a son or daughter-in-law should trigger the same response with our planning papers. Likewise, reaching grandparent status should automatically signal the time to touch up testaments and trusts. Sadly, when cherished parties leave us, it is also a time to revisit our documents. No one ever likes to learn that his or her name was never added to the sacred scrolls of family legacies (being the youngest carries enough opportunity to feel left out without discovering it also deprives one of a place at the will-reading party).

FOLLOWING UP ON PROMISES

Besides those times of adding (or subtracting) places from the holiday table settings, there are other moments when the trust and associated documents need to go in for a legal fine-tuning. When a parent makes a promise to a child (or to a grandchild) about something which will happen after Mom or Dad is gone, that statement may only be a passing premise to the speaker, but the young mind that hears those words immediately carves the commitment into stone. Failure to follow up on a promise about the contents of a trust or a will does more than disappoint the party who heard the commitment: it guarantees that the disappointed person will consider challenging, protesting, and impairing the trustee’s work at any opportunity once the inconsistency becomes known. It happens every time.

Wise mamas and prudent papas stay ahead of this challenge. They know that every child had a favorite watch that Great Granddad carried on the railroad, a cherished necklace that Grandmother wore on her wedding day, or an antiquated slide rule that Uncle Harry used to engineer a bridge in San Pedro. The collective value of all these items may fail to equal the cost of a family meal at the Golden Arches or even a week’s worth of Seattle’s finest caffeine, but the effect of including a special gift to each family member will be a dividend of appreciation that every trustee will appreciate.

Regular checkups, responding to change, and following up on promises: these simple steps will help assure that a trust will continue to be as appropriate for a family’s needs after Mom and Dad are gone as the documents were on the day they were signed. M

Hunsberger Law is a full-service estate and business planning legal firm serving families all over Orange County. Connect with Donald Hunsberger by calling (714) 663-8000 or visiting hunsbergerlaw.com.

ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

WINTER/SPRING SESSION

February 28 - May 23, 2015 (various grades)

SATURDAY CLASSES (1 pm - 4 pm)

 Ballroom Dance  Creative Writing  Guitar  Musical Theatre

 Painting & Drawing

2015 SUMMER ARTS & ACADEMIC ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

June - July 2015 (various classes, various grades, Monday - Friday, ﬁve/four/three/one-week programs and one-week workshops. Morning and afternoon sessions on most classes)

Online registration for summer program available mid-january, 2015 at www.ocsarts.net/summer Arts Enrichment Program

www.ocsarts.net/communityclasses

For more information call 714.560.0900 ext. 5630 or 3259

you're an entertaining one, mr. Grinch

Broadway’s #1 Holiday Hit Comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts

BY JODY ROBINSON • Photography by paparazzibyappointment.com

It’s a holiday story that is so charming, it defies seasonal constraints. In our household, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss lives on the bookshelf, readily available for reading in winter, spring, summer and fall. Like all great tales in America, the Grinch, with his heart two sizes too small, wasn't allowed to dawdle on the pages of a book. He was quickly brought to the small screen in cartoon, eventually glorified in live action motion picture, and it was only a matter of time until his nearly-heartless ways were to be seen (and heard) on Broadway.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway during its holiday engagements at the St. James and Hilton theaters in New York. Since then, theatergoers across the country have been delighted by this heart-warming musical, which the Gannett papers hailed as, “A genius of a show! A total delight for both kids and adults.”

HHNext month, the Grinch will make his debut in Orange County when Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts December 10 – 14.

Audiences will find their hearts growing a few sizes along with the Grinch’s when they experience the magic of the beloved tale on stage, which features the hit songs "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas” (written by Albert Hague and Dr. Seuss), from the original animated television special. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the loveable Whos.

The Segerstrom production of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical is directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard, based on the original choreography by John DeLuca and originally created by threetime Tony Award®-winning director Jack O’Brien. It features magnificent sets designed by John Lee Beatty and costumes designed by Robert Morgan, inspired by Dr. Seuss’ original book, while the music and book of Mel Marvin and Timothy Mason breathe new life into this story we all know so well. It’s a perfect way for children, parents, holidaylovers – and especially holiday-loathers – to get into the Christmas spirit.

Single tickets to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical start at $29 and are now available online at scfta.org, the box office at 600 Town Center Drive in Costa Mesa or by calling (714) 556-2787. For inquiries

Above: Grinch 2010 company

Right: Brooke Lynn Boyd as Cindy-Lou Who and Stefan Karl as The Grinch

Left: Stefan Karl as The Grinch with Seth Bazacas as Young Max

about group ticket savings for ten or more, call the Group Services office at (714) 755- 0236. The TTY number is (714) 556-2746. The 2pm performance on Saturday, December 13 will include audio description, open captioning and sign-language interpretation.

Orange County’s Premier Performance Venue

Previously called the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Center traces its roots back to the late 1960s when a dedicated group of community leaders decided Orange County should have its own world-class performing arts venue.

As Orange County’s largest non-profit arts organization, Segerstrom Center for the Arts owns and operates the 3,000-seat Segerstrom Hall and intimate 250-seat Founders Hall and the 2,000seat Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. The Center also houses the 500-seat Samueli Theater, the Lawrence and Kristina Dodge Education Center’s studio performance space and Boeing Education Lab. A spacious arts plaza anchors Segerstrom Center for the Arts and is home to numerous free performances throughout the year as part of Segerstrom Center for the Arts’ ongoing Free for All series.

GIVEAWAYS

The Center presents a broad range of programming each season for audiences of all ages, including international ballet and dance, national tours of top Broadway shows, intimate performances of jazz and cabaret, contemporary artists, classical music performed by renowned chamber orchestras and ensembles, family-friendly programming, free performances open to the public from outdoor movie screenings to dancing on the plaza and many other special events.

In addition to the presenting and producing institution Segerstrom Center for the Arts, the 14-acre campus also embraces the facilities of two independent acclaimed organizations: Tony Award®-winning South Coast Repertory and a site designated as the future home of the Orange County Museum of Art.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts is also proud to serve as the artistic home to three of the region’s major performing arts organizations: Pacific Symphony, the Philharmonic Society of Orange County and the Pacific Chorale, who contribute greatly to the artistic life of the region with annual seasons at Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Visit scfta.org to find out more. M

WIN TICKETS FOR

4 *TO OPENING NIGHT* and be Marmalade's ROVING REPORTER to Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. Find out more and enter to win at marmaladeoc.com

J the Holidays at Segerstrom Center

Judy Collins: Holidays and Hits

December 6 • Saturday 8pm in Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall • Tickets start at $39

Grammy®-winning singer/songwriter

Judy Collins, known for her silvery soprano and eclectic tastes, will fill the season with the spirit of hope, performing beautiful songs of the season as well as some of her greatest hits. She will be joined by Passenger String Quartet, who will also be the opening act.

Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical December 10–14 • Wednesday 7:30pm; Thursday 1pm & 7:30pm; Friday 7:30pm; Saturday 11am, 2pm & 7:30pm; Sunday 11am, 2pm & 6:30pm in Segerstrom Hall • Tickets start at $29

THE GRINCH broke box office records for two consecutive years on Broadway and has delighted thousands of families across America who have been enchanted by this heart-warming holiday musical, which the New York Times praised as “100 times better than any bedside story.”

Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas The Symphony Tour December 15 • Monday 7:30pm in Segerstrom Hall • Tickets start at $49

The celestial voices of multi-platinum Irish singing sensation Celtic Woman present Home for Christmas – The Symphony Tour. Featuring music from the all-female music ensemble's second Christmas album, Home for Christmas.

Fiesta Navidad with Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano December 23 • Tuesday at 8pm in Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall • Tickets start at $29

Get ready to dance in the aisles as the yearly holiday concert Fiesta Navidad returns for one night only with the Grammy Award-winning ensemble Mariachi Los Camperos performing in this joyous show that honors and celebrates the unique cultural traditions of Mexico. Fiesta Navidad also features the tradition of La Posada, the reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s pilgrimage to Bethlehem.

WAYS THE MIDDLE CLASS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR CHARITY

YOU

DON’T NEED TO BE WEALTHY TO MAKE AN IMPACT AND GET A WIN-WIN

PROVIDED BY JIM GILMORE, CFP®

Do you have to make a multimillion-dollar gift to a charity to receive immediate or future financial benefits? No. If you’re not yet a millionaire or simply a “millionaire next door,” yet want to give, consider the following options which may bring you immediate or future tax deductions.

PARTNERSHIP GIFTS.

These gifts are made via long-term arrangements between donors and recipient charities or non-profits, usually with income resulting for the donor and an eventual transfer of the principal to the charity at the donor’s death.

For example, a charitable remainder trust also allows you to pay yourself a dependable income (typically for life) and then distribute the remaining trust principal to charity. A charitable lead trust offers you the potential to reduce gift and estate taxes on assets passing to your heirs by making annual charitable gifts; your beneficiaries get the leftover trust assets at the end of your life or the specified trust term. You could even name a charitable life income arrangement as the beneficiary of your IRA.1,2

If you don’t have enough funds to start one of these, you might opt to invest some of your assets in a pooled income fund offered by a university or charity. Your gifted assets go into a “pool” of assets invested by a fund manager; you get a pro rata share of the income of the fund for life, and when your last income beneficiary passes away, the principal of your gift goes to the school or charity.

If you like the idea of a family foundation but don’t quite have the money and don’t want the bureaucracy, you could consider setting up a donor-advised fund. You make an irrevocable contribution to a third-party fund, realizing an immediate tax deduction; the fund invests the money in an account you create. You advise the fund where the money goes and how it grows, but the fund makes the actual grants to nonprofits.

LIFETIME GIFTS.

These are charitable gifts in which the donor retains no powers or other controls over the gift once it is made. A lifetime gift of this sort is not included in what the IRS calls your Gross Estate (but taxable gifts are used in calculation of estate tax).3

Lifetime gifts also include outright gifts of cash or appreciated assets such as stocks or real estate. A gift of appreciated stock could bring you a charitable deduction to lower your income tax, and help you avoid capital gains tax linked to the sale of the appreciated shares.

Through a gift of appreciated property, you can transfer a real estate deed to a school or charity and get around capital gains taxes that may result from a property’s sale. If you have held the appreciated property for at least a year, the gift is deductible up to 30% of adjusted gross income with no capital gains tax on the appreciation. You could even arrange a retained life estate, in which you deed your home to a charity or non-profit while retaining the right to live in it as your primary residence for the rest of your life.4

ESTATE GIFTS.

These are deferred gifts you make after your lifetime, without impact on your current lifestyle. You can make a bequest to a charity through your will or a living trust without generally incurring estate taxes on the gift amount. A gift of life insurance to a university or charity can give you an immediate income tax deduction for the cash surrender value of a paid-up policy, and possible future deductions. You can also make an IRA gift or retirement plan gift effective upon your death, with the nonprofit organization receiving some or all of the assets as you wish.5,6

THE CAVEATS.

As your income increases, you may face limits on the amount of charitable gifts you can deduct. If you are retired, an increase in income can also cause more of your Social Security benefits to be taxed. The IRS says that your charitable deductions for any tax year cannot be more than more than 50% or your adjusted gross income (possibly 30% or 20% depending on the specifics of your gifts). But if you exceed such limits, the IRS lets you carry forward excess contributions for up to five years.4

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?

Okay, so they may not name a hospital wing or a library after you. But your charitable gifting can have real effect even if you don’t have a fortune. Keep in mind that your unique circumstances need to be weighed before making any decision. As with all tax and estate planning, please consult your financial advisor, attorney or tax advisor to affirm that you are in a position to fully benefit from charitable deductions. M

This material was prepared by MarketingLibrary.Net Inc., and does not necessarily represent the views of the presenting party, nor their affiliates. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however we make no representation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please note - investing involves risk, and past performance is no guarantee of future results. The publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other professional services. If assistance is needed, the reader is advised to engage the services of a competent professional. This information should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice and may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any Federal tax penalty. This is neither a solicitation nor recommendation to purchase or sell any investment or insurance product or service, and should not be relied upon as such. All indices are unmanaged and are not illustrative of any particular investment.

Citations:

1 - www.wellsfargoadvisors.com/financial-services/estate-planning/trusts/ charitable-trusts.htm [3/6/13]

2 - giving.unc.edu/ccm/groups/public/@giving/@main/documents/content/ ccm3_033150.pdf [3/6/13]

3 - irs.gov/Businesses/Small-Businesses-&-Self-Employed/Frequently-AskedQuestions-on-Estate-Taxes [3/4/13]

4 - www.purdue.edu/giving/fed_tax.html [3/6/13]

5 - www.irs.gov/publications/p950/ar01.html [3/6/13]

6 - redcrosslegacy.org/GIFTinsurance.php [4/23/12]

PRIVATE SCHOOLS OPEN HOUSE DIRECTORY

Looking for the right school for your child or teenager? Orange County offers many high quality options for private school… you just need to know where to look.

CAPISTRANO VALLEY CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS

32032 Del Obispo Street, San Juan Capistrano | 949.493.5683 | cvcs.org

Ages/grades served: 4-18 (JK-12th)

Open House Events:

JK-6th: November 5 – 9am 7th & 8th: November 12 – 9am High School: November 19 – 9am

When you step foot on the campus of Capistrano Valley Christian Schools you realize you are not in the typical school setting. The facilities provide you with a sense of security and calmness with

MCDOWELL SCHOOL

29028 Aloma Avenue, Laguna Niguel 949.495.5162 | mcdowellschool.org

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 6th

Open House Events: November 15 – 9am-1pm

McDowell School offers preschool through elementary programs. We are dedicated to developing lifelong learners through accelerated curriculum,

a dynamic spirit. Parents who consider Capistrano Valley Christian Schools say their values, both academically and spiritually, are consistent with an environment that emphasizes Christian values, strong academics, and individual student responsibility and leadership. The opportunity for their children to participate in this rigorous and rewarding experience from Junior Kindergarten through High School is viewed as a wonderfully unique opportunity.

technology integration, innovation, exploring new ideas, and critical thinking. We also individualize through differentiation and we focus on character education. Our curriculum is enhanced with Music, PE, Technology, Art, Spanish, Science Lab and a full day Kindergarten program, all within a nurturing, familyoriented environment which makes McDowell unique.

ST. JOHN’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

30382 Via Con Dios, Rancho Santa Margarita | 949.858.5144 | stjohns-es.org

Ages/grades served: 8 weeks – 8th grade

Open House Events: January 10, 2015 – 10am-12pm

Does your child love school? Does she receive close personal attention in the classroom? Are your teachers

responding to each child’s learning style in dynamic and creative ways? Is character education woven into every aspect of your school? Discover the St. John’s difference. Our STEAM approach to teaching and learning can take your child from surviving school to thriving in school. Educating children age 8 weeks to 8th grade.

NEW VISTA SCHOOL

23092 Mill Creek Drive, Laguna Hills 949.455.1270 | newvistaschool.org

Ages/grades served: 6th – 12th

Open House Events: February 12, 2015 – 6:30-8pm

New Vista School is a WASC-accredited, non-profit independent school serving children with high-functioning Autism in grades 6-12 and beyond. We maximize personal achievement and foster independence through academics, social skills, self-advocacy, and community involvement.

FAIRMONT PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Five Campuses in Anaheim, Anaheim Hills and Tustin | 714.765.6300 fairmontschools.com

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 12th

Open House Events:

Fairmont Anaheim Hills Campus

Preschool 2yrs. – 8th

Friday, January 30, 2015 – 6-8pm 5310 E. La Palma Ave, Anaheim Fairmont North Tustin Campus

Preschool 4 yrs-8th:

Friday, February 20, 2015 – 6-8pm 12421 Newport Ave, Santa Ana Fairmont Historic Anaheim Campus Preschool 2 yrs-8th: Friday, February 27, 2015 4:30–6:30pm (preschool)

ST. ANNE SCHOOL

32451 Bear Brand Road, Laguna Niguel 949.276.6700 | st-anne.org

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 8th Open House Events: January 16, 2015 – 9-11am

St. Anne School provides unparalleled academics and extracurricular activities designed to challenge, educate and

6-8pm (elementary and junior high) 1557 W. Mable Street, Anaheim Fairmont Preparatory Academy 9th – 12th

Thursday, January 15, 2015 – 6-8pm 2200 W. Sequoia Ave., Anaheim

At Fairmont our individualized approach to education gives students the opportunity they need to reach their full potential. Our passionate educators have successfully blended technology and tradition to create an accelerated curriculum that is second to none. Established in 1953, Fairmont is the oldest, largest, nonsectarian private school in Orange County with five campuses serving students preschool through the twelfth grade.

nurture the whole child in partnership with parents. Founded in 1992, St. Anne is a National Blue Ribbon School and WASC, WCEA and NAEYC accredited. St. Anne welcomes students of all faiths and offers 2-day, 3-day and 5-day preschool options, full-day kindergarten and extended daycare. Call today to schedule a tour!

ST. MARGARET’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL

31641 La Novia, San Juan Capistrano 949.661.0108 | smes.org

Ages/grades served: Preschool – 12th

Open House Events: November 15 – Preschool 8:15am Kindergarten - 12th 9:30am

We meet every young child where they are and nurture their unique development. Our early-childhood approach focuses on cognitive,

physical, social, emotional and creative growth. Our Preschool curriculum fosters exploration and foundation skills. The curriculum evolves into a dynamic academic classroom experience in kindergarten through the Lower School years in reading, writing and math, as well as science, social studies, world languages, physical education and arts.

Tis the Season for Helping

N

How local families in need are staying fed, housed and cheered this holiday season

BY CRYSTAL NAY & JACKIE GRADE

We live in a beautiful place. People vacation here, dream about living here. The holidays are fast approaching, so everything will soon be decorated with twinkling lights and sparkles. But behind this famed Orange Curtain lie the same problems that affect any other lesscelebrated destination.

Homelessness and hunger are very real struggles in Orange County, with the number of poor hovering around 450,000 people. These people lack the financial resources that allow them to meet their basic food and shelter needs, and are considered poor by our traditional standards. Fortunately, there are many organizations who help fulfill the need for housing, food, and even education and

training to help those down-and-out to get back on their feet.

Organizations like Family Promise (familypromiseorangecounty.org) offer a place for families to live while focusing on their next steps. These families stay as guests of local houses of faith, with each congregation signing up for a month of hosting one to four families. A Sunday school room is converted into space for these families, and meals are served in the evenings. The Family Resource Center in Orange is where families can shower, wash clothes, and receive therapy and other needed services. “In 2013 we served 115 individuals including 72 children, of which 92.5% returned to housing,” says Casey Crosby, Executive Director of Family Promise.

To help with the transition during the holidays, workplaces, churches, and individuals can sponsor a Giving Tree. A list will include person-specific gifts or gift cards for use by any family. People can also host a “move-in kit” party, where daily necessities like toiletries and cleaning supplies are collected and donated. Also appreciated are little extra items to make a new place feel like home

Homelessness and hunger are very real struggles in Orange County, with the number of poor hovering around 450,000 people.

when these families move back to their own place.

Hunger, however, seems to outpace homelessness. “Since Orange County is not a third world country and there is no shortage of food, we know that hunger in Orange County is a symptom of poverty,” says Mark Lowry, director of the Orange County Food Bank (ocfoodbank. org). The OC Food Bank works with over 400 local organizations to end hunger, and distributes food to 50 sites across the county. Hunger and homelessness are not mutually exclusive, which is why fewer of those who are hungry are also homeless. Those who don’t have adequate funds for food include persons who are disabled or unemployed.

“The largest number of people needing food assistance are seniors living on fixed incomes and the ‘working poor’,” says Lowry. With Orange County’s estimated living wage being closer to $25 per hour, those having to live off service industry jobs paying $9 or $10 per hour are feeling the struggle to meet Orange County’s cost of, well, living.

The programs offered through the food bank are year-round because, as Lowry puts it, “hunger knows no season.” However, with heightened awareness of it during the holiday season, the food bank does have its Hope for the Holidays campaign that includes all of the specials events and efforts that take place during the holiday season, such as food drives, adopt-a-family programs, and hosted holiday events. (The Orange County Food Bank invites you to participate in the free Hope for the Holidays kickoff event November 5th, from 5:30-7:30pm at the Anaheim Packing House.)

Mary’s Kitchen (maryskitchen.org) in Orange also sees the struggle firsthand. Started in 1984 by 82-year-old Mary McAnena, Mary’s Kitchen provides a place for families to wash their laundry, take a hot shower, receive clothing, and to eat three meals a day – breakfast in the morning, a hot meal for lunch, and a sack dinner to take after the kitchen

day. Every Thursday, donated clothes that have been sorted and arranged by size are handed out to the poor. Roughly 100 people make it into Mary’s each day, so volunteers maintain the efficiency of the laundry machines and showers, to ensure everyone will have both.

Mary’s Kitchen operates entirely on donations and volunteers, and every year they have a special Christmas dinner. Volunteers and donations are always needed, and Mary’s will happily accept yours.

N“Mary’s Kitchen was near and dear to my mom’s heart, who passed away a year ago,” says Amy McCamly of Fullerton, who actively volunteers for Mary’s Kitchen, and has taken on more of a role there since her mother’s passing. “Even when my mom was suffering from seizures and a bad hip, I couldn’t keep her away. Her philosophy was that there is always someone who needs you.”

Indeed, there is. Whether it’s the homeless needing shelter, the hungry needing food, or children being born in less-fortunate circumstances, someone always needs you.

Fristers (fristers.org) has got the last one covered. Fristers caters to a specific demographic: teen moms. Orange County ranks fifth in California for counties with the most teen births. Fristers works to ready Orange County teen moms for the workplace and their children for school. “We don’t provide housing, because these young women don’t necessarily need housing,” says Fristers founder Ali Woodard. “They need help in parenting and in finding a job, and help with work. We are able to reach more moms with education and support.”

NWhile Fristers doesn’t necessarily see a spike in teen visitors seeking help during the holidays, there is a spike in donations because of all

the children. “A lot of people want to give toys,” says Woodard of the charitable spirit that surfaces with the holidays, and Fristers gives away about 400 toys a year to the children of the mothers it helps. It also hosts an annual Christmas party at each of the six chapter locations. Gift cards are given to the moms for household necessities, and Fristers greatly welcomes ageappropriate developmental toys for kids ages zero to six, as well as volunteers for a variety of opportunities, including mentorship, transportation, meals, education, and more.

Orange County has a lot of wealth, but it is also home to a lot of poverty. Fortunately, there are many organizations countywide that work tirelessly to combat the difficulties that come with poverty. While these organizations work throughout the year, we all can make sure they have a fantastic holiday season.

Opportunities to Help

Opportunities to give help others increase tremendously at the dawn of the holiday season. This year, make the act of giving a family effort! Here are opportunities to give your time and energy to bettering someone else’s Thanksgiving or Christmas as you and your family serve side by side.

(continued on page 28)

Volunteers for Child Abuse Prevention Center

A volunteer for Fristers assists a teen mom with her baby

4 WAYS TO DRESS UP A PLAIN WHITE PLATE

BY MICHELLE KOEPPL

With everything that you have to worry about around the holidays, why make decorating the table for those big family meals an ordeal? Here are four simple and inexpensive ways to make your guests feel like you took way more time than you did to show them they are welcome and special at your holiday table – even if all you have to work with is an everyday white plate. All materials suggested here you can find at your local craft store.

Family, fall leaves, handmade cranberry sauce… we are all thankful for something. Give your guests the opportunity to express their thanks right at their own place setting. All you need is brown kraft paper, a white opaque marker, et voila! A fill-in-the-blank place setting that can keep your guests entertained while you figure out that handmade cranberry sauce.

Kraft Paper: $2.99/roll White Craft Marker: $1.99

Gorgeous wheat stalks are handy as a festive decoration for a plain white napkin. Simply roll the napkin, bind it loosely with some twine, and place the wheat stalk through the middle. It adds a pop of color and serves as a lovely representation of the season.

Jute Twine: $2.49/50 yards Wheat Stalks: $5.99/bouquet

A simple charger is quite possibly the easiest way to dress up your holiday table. Just throw one underneath your dinner plate, put a mini pumpkin on top, and you have an incredibly elegant, minimalist place setting for next to no cost. Carve out a little slot in the pumpkin’s stem, put some washi tape on a piece of kraft paper, and you’ve got yourself a name tag in two minutes or less.

Gold Charger: $1.99 Mini Pumpkin: $.99/each

With this setting, you can celebrate all that fall should be in its colorful glory. Simply lay your most colorful napkin atop that classic white dinner plate, stack your bread plate on that, and use a fabric leaf (or a real one if you can find it!) to denote who sits where. At the end of the night, your guests can take their leaves as a last taste of the Thanksgiving festivities.

Fabric Leaves: $1.99/10 pieces

Sunday | Nov 2 | 3:00 PM

Direct from Las Vegas

Sunday | Nov 2 | 3:00 PM

Direct from Las Vegas OH WHAT A NIGHT!

OH WHAT A NIGHT!

Direct from Las Vegas OH WHAT A NIGHT!

A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons PRESENTED BY EVANS ASSOCIATES

PRESENTED BY EVANS ASSOCIATES

A family-friendly musical revue with hits like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Walk Like a Man.

PRESENTED BY EVANS ASSOCIATES

Thursday | Nov 6 | 8:00 PM

A family-friendly musical revue with hits like Sherry, Big Girls Don’t Cry, and Walk Like a Man. Thursday | Nov 6 | 8:00 PM

In celebration of the International Year of Czech Music. Includes works by Dvorák & Brahms.

Friday | Nov 14 | 8:00 PM

In celebration of the International Year of Czech Music. Includes works by Dvorák & Brahms. Friday | Nov 14 | 8:00 PM

In remembrance of our friend and jazz master’s 70-year career. We are thrilled to host his own Orchestra, under the direction of Anthony Wilson, and with additional special guests.

Sunday | Nov 16 | 3:00 PM

Sunday | Nov 16 | 3:00 PM Sundays at Soka

Sunday | Nov 16 | 3:00 PM Sundays at Soka Pacific Symphony

Pacific Symphony

Favorite Violin Concertos

Featuring Chad Hoopes, Violin

Mendelssohn – Concerto in E Minor for Violin & Orchestra, Op. 64 with

Featuring Chad Hoopes, Violin Mendelssohn – Concerto in E Minor for Violin & Orchestra, Op. 64 with

Symphony

Mendelssohn – Concerto in E Minor for Violin & Orchestra, Op. 64

on Sale NOW | www.performingarts.soka.edu Series Packages Available – SAVE 25% OR MORE! tickets@soka.edu

Tickets on Sale NOW | www.performingarts.soka.edu

Series Packages Available – SAVE 25% OR MORE! tickets@soka.edu | www.performingarts.soka.edu 1 University Drive Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 949.480.4278

“I can always say food I make is amazing because it’s never my own recipe.”

– Betsy Sanz on Buttery Pecan Pie revealed to her by local pie legend Wendy Solberg

“My friend Megan taught me to be adventurous with potatoes. These are a staple Thanksgiving side dish, fancied up.”

– Lily Sanz regarding her Garlic Rosemary

A MARMALADE THANKSGIVING

Near and dear recipes to pair with turkey, and advice that you may or may not want to follow this Thanksgiving, from your friends at Marmalade

“It’s such a simple thing, but he makes it for every occasion, including Thanksgiving, and it’s always what I look forward to.”

– Jody Robinson regarding her adoptive dad and his HawaiianStyle Macaroni Salad

Mashed Potatoes

KELLY’S DAD’S HAWAIIANSTYLE MACARONI SALAD

Ingredients

1 package or box of small elbow macaroni

1 cup mayonnaise (Best Foods is best)

1 tablespoon finely minced

onions

2 tablespoons finely minced celery

1 small carrot finely minced

Salt & pepper to taste

Directions

Cook macaroni according to package instructions. You want the macaroni cooked but not soggy. Rinse cooked macaroni with cold water, drain and put aside in refrigerator until completely cooled. Mince onions, carrots and celery until super fine. Once macaroni is cold, add mayonnaise, salt, pepper and onion, celery, carrots. Mix well. Add additional mayonnaise to taste, especially before serving.

ERIC’S GREEN BEAN SALAD

Ingredients

1 ½ pounds fresh green beans cut into 1” pieces

Vinaigrette:

2/3 c olive oil

1 tsp dried dill

1/3 c red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Toppings to add later:

1 cup toasted chopped pecans

½ cup diced red onion

½ cup cranberries

1 cup feta

Directions

Boil a pot with salted water and drop green beans in, approximately 4 minutes. Do not overcook! They will turn bright green and still be firm. Rinse beans and immerse in icy water to prevent overcooking. Pat dry. In a small bowl make the vinaigrette and whisk. Place beans and vinaigrette in a shallow dish and refrigerate overnight. Just before serving toss in the pecans, onions, cranberries and feta.

AUNT TERE’S ZESTY

CRANBERRY

Ingredients

SAUCE

16 ounces fresh cranberries

½ cup orange juice

¼ cup honey

2 cinnamon sticks

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Boil over medium heat until cooked through and all the cranberries plump and pop, about 10-15 minutes. Remove cinnamon sticks and transfer sauce to a serving dish. It will congeal as it cools. Serve chilled.

JOSHIE’S SQUASH

Ingredients

½ banana squash

2 good-sized turnips

3 apples

Brown sugar (to taste) – up to ½ cup

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp butter

Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and cube the banana squash – if it is too hard to cut, microwave for about 1 minute and try again. Peel the apples and cut into small slices. Cut turnips into small chunks; place them into a bowl with 1 tablespoon of water and microwave until soft (about 1 minute). Place apples, squash and turnips into a large pot and cook over medium-low heat. When they begin to soften, mash with a potato masher. Cook until the medley resembles mashed potatoes. Add butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, salt and pepper and stir together. Place into a decorative bowl and sprinkle cinnamon on top. Add more seasoning if you prefer it more sweet or savory.

“I know it’s Thanksgiving when I come out of my room smelling the spicy, sweet combination of cinnamon, apples and turnips.”

– Jackie Grade on her Grandma Joshie’s recipe

CORNBREAD SOUFFLÉ

Ingredients

1 can whole corn, drained

1 can creamed corn

1 8-ounce carton sour cream

1 box Jiffy cornbread mix

½ cup butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten

Directions

In a buttered serving dish

– 8” square glass is ideal –combine all ingredients and stir until mixed well. Bake 1 hour at 350º F. Serve warm and reheat to your heart’s desire.

GARLIC ROSEMARY MASHED POTATOES

Ingredients

4 russet potatoes

½ cup heavy cream

4 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons rosemary 2 cloves garlic

Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and cut the potatoes into about 1” chunks. Cover generously with water in a large pot and boil until a fork slides easily into them. Drain and place in a mixing bowl. Add all other ingredients, letting the butter melt a bit before mashing. Mash in an electric mixer or by hand. Mash until just resembling mashed potatoes. Taste test. Add more salt or pepper if desired and mix minimally to combine. Serve hot!

BUTTERY PECAN PIE

Ingredients

Pie crust of choice

3 eggs

1 cup dark corn syrup

1 ½ teaspoons molasses

½ cup brown sugar

½ cup melted butter

1 1/8 cup chopped pecans

¼ cup whole pecan

Directions

Combine all ingredients except the whole pecans. Pour mixture into crust line pan then arrange whole pecan on top. To make pecan appear glossy dig each whole pecan in the left over corn syrup mixture, then arrange on top of pie. Bake at 425 for 10 minutes then reduce heat to 350 for 30-40 minutes. M

IDEAS FOR A HAPPY TURKEY DAY

IT’S POSSIBLE TO serve everything hot if you plan your timing and serving dishes ahead

WHEN MIXING pie crusts and potatoes, be a minimalist

GO ALL IN ON making food fresh and by hand, then don’t feel an iota of guilt when you are forced to cheat

NEVER, UNDER ANY circumstances, serve canned whipped cream

MAKE YOUR children help you (yes, make)

ADD CINNAMON, nutmeg and clove to your favorite red sangria recipe so you can call it a holiday drink

IF YOU ARE A GUEST, you can (almost) always bless your host by taking seconds, giving kudos and washing dishes

Orange County Family Holiday MUSTS

Feeling like this is the year to really get your family's sleigh bells jingling? Here are 15 Orange County family holiday mustdo's (some new, some old) for you to check off your list before the season speeds by. Don't forget your camera.

Attend a tree or menorah lighting. Turning on the holiday lights is tantamount to turning on the holiday season. Lightings are a special way to connect with your community during this time of year. Visit your city’s website for information on local ceremonies. If yours doesn’t hold a lighting ceremony, visit one of Orange County’s iconic ceremonies: South Coast Plaza or Fashion Island for glitz, the Montage Laguna Beach for a seascape background, or Old Towne Orange for charm. All are open to the public.

Be overwhelmed at Rogers Gardens. If any venue goes all out during the holidays, it is Roger’s Gardens. This year’s theme, “The Golden Glow of Christmas,” is gold, champagne and crystal through and through. Yes, you may want to consider putting your little one on a leash (just this once!) for your time in the galleries, but there are also moments made just for the tykes

– like Santa in the Disney Gazebo. Find out more at rogersgardens. com

See a boat parade. This year marks 106 years for the world famous Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, where yachts, boats, kayaks and canoes deck out their decks, hulls and bows with lights of all colors and sail about 14 miles within the harbor. Pick one of five nights December 17 – 21 (6:30-9pm) to dazzle the kids. Find out more at christmasboatparade.com

Take in a holiday stage classic. Holiday-themed stage performances make for memorable family traditions. This year Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical comes to Segerstrom Center for the Arts (see page 12 for the full scoop), while the South Coast Repertory puts on its 35th annual performance of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Found out more at scfta.org and scr.org

Ride the Christmas train. Starting November 28th and running through December 23rd, the Irvine Park Railroad offers enchanting night rides through historic Irvine Regional Park to meet Santa Claus. The train departs from the brightly-lit train station and drops passengers off at the North Pole. Children can share their wish list with Santa and have their photo taken with him, and when the train returns to Santa’s Village, there are tons of other festive activities to make the night special. Find out more at irvineparkrailroad.com

Finally see the Nutcracker. Orange County’s longest-running production of the Nutcracker Ballet celebrates its 38th year at Golden West College, offering a feelgood tradition for the entire family. Find out more at gwctheater.com

5 8 9 10

Do Christmas at the Mission. No other venue in Orange County can do Christmas quite like Mission San Juan Capistrano, which holds its annual holiday event in conjunction with the City of San Juan Capistrano’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and community-wide holiday celebration. Christmas at the Mission features live holiday music throughout the Mission, crafts for kids, visits with Father Christmas, tamales, cider, cocoa, holiday treats, and Christmas shopping at the Mission Store. Find out more at missionsjc.com

Do some holiday science. No time of year, and no holiday, is without its fair share of science. During the Discovery Cube’s holiday festival, “Science of Gingerbread” (November 28 – January 5), kids find out that inside the kitchen, much more is going on than pouring and mixing – it’s science at work! They also get to build candy cars and race them in the Gingerbread Derby, decorate cookies (and eat them too), meet Santa, and see incredible gingerbread houses displayed as part of the Annual Science of Gingerbread Competition. Find out more at discoverycube.org

Journey to Bethlehem (in Santa Ana). “Las Posadas” is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration reenacting Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. On the evening of December 20th at the Bowers Museum, enjoy traditional Mexican music, dance, costumes, hot chocolate, and pan dulce (sweet bread), all free and all family-friendly. Mexican dress is encouraged! Find out more at bowers.org

Go ice skating. You’ve got to justify your hot chocolate somehow. Get your chill on by getting on the ice! The Irvine Spectrum’s temporary ice skating rink appears in December, but you don’t have to wait until then. The Rinks offer daily public skating sessions at their

Golden West College shares its 38th annual production of the Nutcracker Ballet

four ice rinks (Anaheim, Lakewood, Westminster and Yorba Linda), they have a wide variety of rental skates (including figure skates and hockey skates) in all sizes, and if ice skating is too cold for you, strap on a pair of roller skates and hit one of their three inline rinks (Corona, Huntington Beach & Irvine). For public skating times and to find the location nearest you visit the-rinks.com/ publicskating

See some art. Each day from November 22 to December 21, the Sawdust Festival grounds in Laguna Beach will be transformed into a winter wonderland where 175 artists create, display and sell original creations in the Sawdust Winter Fantasy holiday exhibition. Find out more at sawdustartfestival.org

Do some art. Make the holidays a time for your children to stretch their creative muscles. OCSA Arts Enrichment Program offers two 12-week sessions on Saturdays for grades three and up at the OCSA campus at 1010 N. Main Street in Santa Ana. Students of all ages and ability levels are encouraged to join this fun, rewarding program. You needn't be a current OCSA student to participate. Build up your skills or explore

(continued on page 46)

Hundreds of houses, lights and figurines make up the Blounts' holiday display in Laguna Hills

Opportunities to Help

(cont. from page 19)

Child Abuse Prevention Center

Orange // Brightfutures4kids. org // (714) 543-4333

Purpose: The Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center directly serves atrisk children and families in crisis to prevent and break the generational cycle of child abuse. Opportunities: Volunteer as a “reindeer” to help deliver donated gifts to families in need or as an “elf” on December 13th and 14th to sort through and organize gifts in the North Pole Warehouse.

Families Forward

Irvine // Families-forward.org (949) 552-2727

Purpose: Families Forward helps families gain the skills and tools they need to stabilize, regain or maintain their self-sufficiency as well as provide stability for their children. Opportunities:

“Every

year I am so blessed to be able to put a smile on the faces of those in most dire need in Orange County. At a time in their lives when they feel most alone, the community plays such a critical role in spreading the holiday message that everyone matters."

Je’net Kreitner

, Grandma’s House of Hope

Prepare food bags for Thanksgiving and join the Thanksgiving-themed grocery donation or distribute gift bags to help provide for a family’s basic needs this Christmas.

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Tustin // Ocie.wish.org // 714.573.9474

Purpose: Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Opportunities: Donate toys, gifts or airline miles, adopt a child’s wish or create your own fundraising campaign. Don’t forget to stop by a “Believe Station” at a Macy’s store in Orange County between

November 8th and December 31st to drop your letter stamped and addressed to Santa At the North Pole!

You Are Special Community Outreach

Orange // Youarespecial.org // (714) 863-6058

Purpose: Centrally located on the busiest street of Orange and Garden Grove, You Are Special helps its neighbor in need by providing an accessible food pantry and showing the love of Christ in the process. Opportunities: Join You Are Special’s efforts by collecting ingredients and packing grocery bags for the Holiday Thanksgiving Meal Outreach.

Human Options

Irvine // Humanoptions.org // (949) 737-5242

Purpose: Human Options provides safe havens and life changing programs to help abused women, their children and families rebuild their lives — and works with the community to break the cycle of domestic violence.

Opportunities: Adopt a family by December 13th and donate gifts to each of its members to unwrap on Christmas day.

KidWorks

Santa Ana // Kidworksonline. org // (714) 834-9400

Purpose: KidWorks strives to transform challenged

(continued on page 30)

Giving Children Hope distributes over 4,000 wrapped presents to children in need each year, all wrapped by volunteers

Cookie Dough School Fundraising Call for Details

There are many opportunities for families to volunteer together. Seen here: wrapping gifts for Giving Children Hope

NOpportunities to Help

(cont. from page 28)

neighborhoods in central Santa Ana by building on the strengths and potential in the community through education, character formation, and personal development.

Opportunities: Volunteer December 9th-13th by hosting or joining the holiday toy drive. Contribute a new, unwrapped toy to the drive and bring a smile to a child’s face in one of the Santa Ana at-risk neighborhoods.

Giving Children Hope

Buena Park // Gchope.org // (714) 523-4454

Purpose: Giving Children Hope works to promote family sustainability, economic independence and selfsufficiency so that children can grow in stable environments.

Opportunities: Volunteer by sponsoring a wish list from a student in the GCHope program or choose from one of the six Wrapping Party dates and help wrap over 4,000 Christmas presents.

Miracles for Kids

Tustin // Miraclesforkids.org // (714) 730-3040

Purpose: Miracles for Kids works towards improving the

lives of children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. Opportunities: Volunteer your time and resources by becoming a Grant Program supporter, joining the Fund-a-Family program or delivering produce and canned goods with the Basket of Miracles program on November 21st and December 11th-17th.

The Holiday Project County-wide opportunities // Holidayproject.info // (949) 500-2381

Purpose: The Holiday Project organizes visits to people in nursing homes, hospitals and other residential institutions in order to rekindle holiday cheer and gratefully give back to the community. Opportunities: Volunteer on Christmas day and visit the nursing homes around Orange County through songs, gifts and warm conversation.

Serving People in Need

Costa Mesa // Spinoc.org // (714) 751-1101

Purpose: Serving People in Need provides programs to serve the homeless in the community and assists in finding solutions to the many causes of homelessness.

Opportunities: Join one of SPIN’s many family-oriented projects including the warm clothing drive, canned food drive, adopt-a-family for

“We

expect to give around 4,000 presents to vulnerable children in Orange County this year! With all of these presents to give, we will need a tremendous amount of help to wrap all these gifts.”

Drew Bryson, Giving Children Hope

Thanksgiving or Christmas, house warming basket project or even in event of your own!

Grandma’s House of Hope

Santa Ana // Grandmashouseofhope.org // (714) 558-8600

Purpose: Grandma’s House of Hope is a non-profit charity, serving underserved and underprivileged persons in Orange County through affordable housing and various programs. Opportunities: Volunteer to donate and deliver food to homeless children, decorate the homeless shelters for the holidays, prepare for the Children’s Holiday Party on December 21st or prepare Christmas dinner for 45 homeless women living in the nonprofit’s Healing House.

Kids Who Care Foundation

Irvine // Kidswhocareclub.org (949) 233-0568

Purpose: Kids Who Care works toward brightening the

stays of kids in the hospital undergoing major surgeries. Opportunities: Volunteer by sending a “smile pack” to a child in the hospital, collecting toys for hospitalized kids and teens or by joining the travelling variety show to provide entertainment.

Second Harvest Food Bank of

Orange County

Irvine // Feedoc.org // (949) 633-2900

Purpose: Second Harvest Food Bank reaches out to the community for donations, grants, fundraising, food drives, food rescue, harvesting and volunteers to help provide food, education and advocacy for the hungry. Opportunities: Join the fight to end hunger in Orange County this year by helping out in the warehouse through the sorting food and fresh produce for the community.

(continued on page 46)

The volunteer army at Grandma's House of Hope

IF YOUR TEENAGER...

has a difficult time interacting with family members at Thanksgiving, here are some tips to ease that awkwardness.

BY LILY SANZ

Thanksgiving season is without a doubt one of the most pleasurable times of the year. Whether it be the break from school aspect, the getting-together-with-family aspect, or the actual dinner itself, there’s something in it for everyone. Of course, that doesn’t mean there aren’t downsides, especially if you’re a teenager.

As it turns out, we teenagers often don’t have the easiest time when thrown into situations where we’re uncomfortable. Although family is family, seeing people we haven’t seen in a long time (especially when we’re expected to be able to hold conversation with them) can be downright tricky. However, with the proper expectations set and a few given prompts, your teenager can be steered in the right direction and improve their entire Thanksgiving experience. If your teenager doesn’t suffer from these issues, have them go ahead and skip to the final paragraph.

Tip 1: preparatory sleuthing. Know what you’re getting yourself into. Ask your parents what and who you should expect. If you or your family is expecting anyone to be in attendance with whom you are relatively unfamiliar, or have never truly built a relationship with, ask your parents for a brief backstory on them. This way, when you’re encountered by said persons, you can have some sort of information to pull questions from for conversation starters.

Tip 2: Conversation. If you’re dreading the idea of having to go through the various stages of familial interrogation: first, feel better knowing that your dread is justified. Having to deal with answering the same basic questions over and over and over again by alternating family members is something we teenagers must deal with at any family function, but it’s exceedingly

more prominent on Thanksgiving. It’s easy to let this prospect drown you, but don’t let it. Remember: adults are often just as awkward as we are. It’s inevitable for them to ask questions such as “so, have you started driving yet?” or “what are your plans for college?” or the most dreadful of them all, “what do you plan on doing with your life?” They ask these questions because they’re questions that they know will begin some sort of discussion. It’s their sincere way of attempting to strike up a conversation with their family. If you find it overwhelming, refer to the next step.

Tip 3: Relating. Conversation is hard, but finding a way to actually relate through conversation is the real difficulty. It’s easy to talk about yourself, or listen to someone else talk about themselves. It’s an entirely different endeavor to be able to get something out of it. What’s the key? Be sincere and pay attention. When you’re answering a question, be creative and include the motives behind the answers you’re giving. Ask your relatives why and how they decided on being who they are today, and listen. Take what they tell you and turn it into something that will be beneficial for you.

All in all, Thanksgiving is a time where you have the opportunity to relate with those you may not often get to see and create new relationships or strengthen old ones, all while having some amazing food. In fact, if all else fails, talk about the food, the awsomeness of which is something everyone can agree on. M

Lily Sanz is a student at El Modena High School. She is an editor for El Modena Frontline and a teen decoder for Marmalade.

Guide A

Event for

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST

Celebrate Dia de los Muertos; Irvine. The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for and remember loved ones who have passed away. Visit to participate in fun, vibrant activities that will teach your children about this traditionally Mexican holiday - Sensational Storytime: Whether your child is already familiar with the tradition, or you are looking for a way to introduce it to him or her, these storytimes will incorporate picture books, music, and videos to tell the tales and history of this holiday. SmartArt: Colorful skulls are a symbol of this holiday. During this art activity, your child will learn history behind the skulls and create their very own. All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 10:30am-12:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Dia de los Muertos, A Celebration of Life and Family; San Juan Capistrano. Join us for a fun event with crafts for children, artwork, altars, performers, face painting and more. All ages. Free. 12pm-3pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. As children confront new challenges and test their abilities, the smiling faces of Thomas, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt, and others are there to offer encouragement and remind children how “really useful” we all are. All ages. Adults $16.95, seniors/children 3-14 years $12.95, children 2 years and under free, discovery cube members free. 10am-5pm. Discovery Science Center. 2500 N Main St. (714) 542-2823.

J-Care at Jump ‘n Jammin; Mission Viejo. What if you could drop off your children at a place they already love, with a staff member you know is friendly, and pick them up two, three or even four hours later. Sound good?Our J-Care program gives you flexibility, and puts you in control. You decide when to drop off your youngsters and when you want to pick them up (Four hour maximum per session/per week). Children must be potty trained. Jump ‘n Jammin provides a safe, fun, exciting environment for children to play and learn under the care of our friendly staff. Children attending our program may stay under our care, for up to four hours. Reservations are highly recommended and space is limited. Ages 3-12 years. Hourly fee is only $10/hour (two hour minimum). We also offer a sibling discount when dropped off at the same time at only $6/hour (two hour minimum). The rate for J-Care, for children requiring oneon-one attention, will be charged at $20 per hour. Mon-Thur and Sun 10am-6pm, Fri/Sat 10am-

8pm. Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center. 27741 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 582-5890.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. Wondering what creatures you can find at The Reptile Zoo? We have several species of snakes, lizards, tortoises, and insects from around the world varying from your backyard kingsnake to endangered species. You'll have to visit to see just how many exotic species we have on display at The Reptile Zoo. Some of them include Fischer’s Chameleon, Jackson’s Chameleon, Meller’s Chameleon, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, Southern Pacific Rattlesnake, Red Diamondback Rattlesnake, False Water Cobra, Hognose Snake, Green Tree Python, Blood Python, Ball Python, Red Tailed Boa, Motley Boa, Viper Boa, Rhine Iguana, Cuban Iguana, and so much more! All ages. Adults (12 years and older) $5, children (3-11 years) $5, under 3 years free. Mon-Sat 11am-7:30pm, Sun 11am-5:30pm. The Reptile Zoo. 18818 Brookhurst St. (714) 500-0591.

Donuts with Dad; Brea. Children and their Dads are invited to visit the library for a special Saturday storytime. This storytime will feature fun stories and yummy donuts! Older/younger children and Moms are invited too! All ages. Free. 9am-10am. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Rainbow Loom Day; Garden Grove. We provide the bands, you provide the fun! Bring your loom and get in on the action. All ages. Free. 1pm-2pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Hills. Come explore the world of storytime and early literacy using technology with digital storytime. Signup with library staff. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 9am-9:30am. Laguna Hills Technology Public Library. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2699.

Read to a Dog; Seal Beach. Come and have your reluctant reader read to a dog! Children can improve their reading skills and build confidence by reading to a trained therapy dog. Call the information desk to sign up. Ages 4 years and older. Free. 11am12pm. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Kids Crafts; Seal Beach. Stop by the Information Desk to select from a variety of crafts. All ages. Free. 10am-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. The Zoofari Express has been prowling through Zoo grounds since the spring of 1999. While the train is in excellent condition after its fortythree year run at Santa's Village (in Skyforest, CA), it now benefits from a more environmentallyfriendly electric locomotive.The train travels throughout the Crean Family Farm and up into the northern part of the Zoo for a 6 ½ minute ride, pulling six cars: a tender, four passenger cars and a caboose. Come check it out! All ages. $3 per person. Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat/Sun 11am-4pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 836-4000.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. On the Conservation Carrousel, children learn about the value of environmental conservation through the preservation of endangered animals, while having fun on a classic carrousel. Each rider receives an educational collector's card describing an animal and why it is endangered. The carrousel brings much enjoyment to the children of Southern California and guests are delighted to ride any of the carrousel's thirty-three animal line-up including the Giraffe, Giant Panda, African Elephant, Cheetah, Hummingbird, Lowland Gorilla, Eagle, Jaguar, Zebra, Bengal Tiger, Sea Otter, Panther, Seal, Sea Dragon and a custommade Anteater. The carrousel also features a wheelchair accessible Swan Chariot. All ages. $3 per person. Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat/ Sun 11am-4pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 836-4000.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

Showtime; Aliso Viejo. Join us for a recent DVD release-Gravity (2013). All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Showtime; Laguna Niguel. A current, popular film will be shown on the first Sunday of each month in the Community Room. Today’s film is Captain America: The Winter Solider (2014) PG-13. All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Tustin. Our teen volunteers can assist students with their homework assignments. Ages-K-5th grade students. Free. 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3RD

Preschool Storytime; Brea. This popular program includes stories, songs and activities to help develop early literacy skills. All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Brea

Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more! We hope to see you soon! Agestoddlers. Free. 11am-11:30am.

Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Homework Help; Cypress. Students can receive free homework assistance from our Teen Homework Helpers, or find a quiet place to study. Ageselementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/ Lake Forest. Babies and toddlers are invited to come with their caregivers for a program featuring songs, stories, rhymes and playtime. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10am-10:30am. El Toro Branch Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

School Age Homework Help; El Toro/Lake Forest. Children may come to the El Toro Library Community Room for help with their homework. Please sign up at the Information Desk. Ages-K-8th grade students. Free. 4pm-5pm. El Toro Branch Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. Enjoy stories and songs! Everyone sits on the floor to be close to their child. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Homework Help; Irvine. Helping Everyone Learn! Get help with your homework from University High School students. Ages-K-12th grade students. Free. 3pm-5pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Kids Book Club; Irvine. A book club just for kids! If you love reading, come and share your thoughts about each month’s selection. It’s just for fun, and there will be food! Plus, you get a certificate for each book you finish. Ages 6-12 years. Free. 6:30pm7pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. Join us for stories, music, movement and craft. Older and younger children are welcome.

The library is closed to the public during this time. We will let you in starting at 11:20am. Ages 2-4 years. Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. Stories, songs, flannel board, and crafts. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am-11:30am. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. Join us for a wiggly, giggly, good time. Older and younger siblings welcome too. Ages-toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11am and 11:15am-12pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. Join us every Monday morning in the Community Room for books, music, movement, and fun! Ages 3 years and under. Free. 10:15am10:45am and 11:15am-11:45am. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. BabySteps is a story, song and play program appropriate for children accompanied by an adult. Ages 2-15 months. Free. 10:30am-11am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 3pm-9pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4TH

Preschool Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Come for a fun storytime with books. Ages 3 ½-6 years. Free. 1:15pm-1:45pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Pajama Storytime; Brea. We will listen to stories, sing songs and enjoy a craft project afterwards. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed animal! All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. Children and their families are welcome to visit one of our Duplo tables in our lobby every Tuesday.

Use your imagination to build your own unique creation! All ages. Free. 2pm-6pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join us for a unique blend of traditional and digital stories with fingerplays and songs! Older siblings are also welcome. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11am-11:30am. Mesa Verde Branch Public Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. Immediately following our storytime-activities may include simple crafts, games, or outdoor fun like bubble days, scavenger hunts, and sidewalk chalk! Older siblings are also welcome. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11:30am-12pm. Mesa Verde Branch Public Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. Come join us for a fun-filled storytime. Ages 18-35 months. Free. 10am-10:30am. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Preschool Storytime; Dana Point. Come for storytime for children. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am-11:30am. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. Listen to some marvelous stories and find books to check out and take home. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Homework Help; Irvine. Students can receive help with homework assignments. Ages-elementary and middle school students. Free. 3:30pm-5pm. Irvine Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. Children, enjoy stories, songs, and a craft! Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Family Storytime; La Habra. Fun with books in the Children’s Corner. All ages. Free. 7pm7:30pm. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 6940078.

Homework Help; La Palma. Tutoring will be done by adult and teen volunteers in the Children's

Story Area. The volunteers will help the child but will not do the homework for them. Bring any worksheets, books, paper, pencils etc. Ages-K-12th grade students. Free. 4:30pm-5:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Read Orange County; La Palma. Family storytime run by a Read Orange County volunteer. Stories, craft, snack and a free book for each child. Child must be accompanied by a caregiver. Everyone welcome. All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:45pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. Please come in your pajamas and slippers, and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm.

Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. Children and their caregivers are invited to join us for stories, songs, crafts and fun. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 11:15am12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. Songs, stories and play for children and their caregivers. There is fifteen minutes of social play before and after storytime. Storytime starts before the library opens so the front door will be locked, just knock and someone will let you in! Ages-infants and toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

BARK Book Buddies; Stanton. Kids can practice reading out loud to Hogan, a therapy dog who will always listen and never judge. All ages. Free. 5pm-6:30pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. Stories and a craft for the entire family! Pajamas and stuffed animals optional. All ages. Free. 7pm-7:45pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Pajama Family Storytime; Tustin. Put on your pajamas, grab your favorite stuffed animal, and join the Tustin Tellers every Tuesday evening. All ages. Free. 7pm7:30pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 3rd. Note: today has two times, 10am10:30am and 11am-11:30am.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd.

Note: today’s time is 4pm-8pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH

Toddler Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Stories, songs, and fingerplays for babies with parent or caregiver. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Pajama Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Enjoy Pajama Storytime the first Thursday of every month with the Sunshine Readers of the National Charity League. Pull on your jammies and join us for bedtime stories. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Stories and Crafts; Brea. Join us for a fun program that features longer stories and more complicated crafts that will interest children. Ages 6 years and older. Free. 3pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

School Age Read to the Dogs; Brea. Join us each month to read to a trained, gentle therapy dog. Come meet our favorite furry friends! All ages. Free. 6:30pm7:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, fingerplays, songs, crafts and more! Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed toy! All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Afternoon Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join us for a unique blend of traditional and digital stories with fingerplays and songs! Older siblings are also welcome. Ages 2-5 years. Free. 1:30pm-2pm. Mesa Verde Branch Public Library. 2969 Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Storytime with Sage and Delilah; Cypress. Studies have shown

that children can improve their reading skills and boost their self-confidence by reading to a licensed therapy dog. Won’t you come pet and read to them? All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/ Lake Forest. Children and their caregivers are invited to a storytime full of rhymes, stories, fingerplays and more. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 1:30pm-2pm. El Toro Branch Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. Enjoy some great read aloud books and stay for learning activity time. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

PJ Storytime and Playtime; Irvine. Join us for an exciting storytime held upstairs in the Children’s area. Feel free to come in your pajamas! All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Irvine Katie Wheeler Public Library. 13109 Old Myford Rd. (714) 669-8753.

Preschool Storytime; La Habra. Come enjoy books, songs, finger plays, and a craft in Meeting Room. We work to build prereading skills in children and to help parents to learn these skills to use at home. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11:15am. La Habra Public Library. 221 E La Habra Blvd. (562) 694-0078.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. Our Early Literacy Storytime models the five skills that are crucial for every child to be ready to read when they enter Kindergarten: talking, singing, reading, writing and playing. We include stories, fingerplays, songs, movement and playful activities. We focus on coordination and recognition of colors, shapes, and numbers, but most of all we emphasize the important role that parents and caregivers have in their child’s development! All ages. Free. 10:30am-11:30am. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. Simple stories, lots of fingerplays, puppets, and easy activities. Emphasis on repetition to aid our youngest learners. Ages 2 ½ years and under. Free. 10am10:20am. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. An active storytime with new stories every week, including music and dance time for kids. Ages 5 years and under. Free. 11am-11:20am. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. Volunteers give one-on-one homework help to children. Ages-elementary school students. Free. 4:30pm-6pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. One-on-one parent/ child interactive learning with stories, motor skill development, and songs. Ages 18 months-3 years. Free. 10am-10:20am. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. Stories, music and play for children and their caregivers, with fifteen minutes of social play before and after. Ages-preschoolers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. Looking for a safe, fun outlet for your three year-old’s energy? Or maybe you just want to make sure that your little one has a particularly restful afternoon nap. Either way, we at Big Air Trampoline park have you covered. We open our doors for little ones to jump at their own speed and comfort level. Without the older kids around, the toddlers feel right at home on all the attractions. In addition to opening the attractions, we provide extra balls and toys for the little kiddos. So whether your kids are bobbing around the dodgeball court or hopping into the foam pit, they will have a blast! Ages 6 years and under. $7 per jumper. 10am-1pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida De La Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 3rd. Note: today’s time is 10:45am-11:05am. Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 3pm-8pm Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6TH

Toddler Play and Learn; Aliso Viejo. This program features playtime and occasional guest speakers on topics such as early literacy and development. Agestoddlers. Free. 11am-12pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Chess Club; Irvine. Play Chess! Learn techniques and sharpen your skills! Ages-kids and teens. Free. 4pm-5pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Family Storytime-The Peapod Academy; Laguna Beach. The Peapod Academy has space for a few new cadets. Join some of the cutest babies in town and the adults of their choice at the library. Little peas will enjoy songs, fingerplays, board books, and other cadets. Get to k now others and help your baby learn pre-reading skills. All ages. Free. 10:30am-12pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Reading is Fun; Laguna Niguel. Beginning readers can practice fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension by reading to teen volunteers. All ages. Free. 4pm5pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Family Night; Rancho Santa Margarita. Join us and Sparkles the Clown for some fun! All ages. Free. 7pm-8:30pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Lego in the Library; Seal Beach. During the school year, teen volunteers host Lego in the Library in the Children’s Area. Duplos will be available for younger children. Hope you can join us for some creative fun! All ages. Free. 4pm-5:30pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

School Age Storytime; Tustin. Join us every Thursday afternoon in the Storytime Room. All ages. Free. 4pm-4:30pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th. Homework Help; La Palma. See 4th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 4pm-9pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @

Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st. Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH

First Friday Film; Brea. Come screen a fun, family film with us on the first Friday of each month. Check with the library staff for the title of the movie. All ages. Free. 2:30pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. You asked for it, and we listened! Unwind after a long week at school and watch anime with your friends. Snacks will be provided. Ages-teens. Free. 3pm-5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Read to the Dog; La Palma. Read to Bodey, an Australian Shepherd therapy dog. Read and/or pet Bodey our gentle, child-friendly therapy dog. All ages. Free. 6pm6:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Friends of the Library First Friday Film; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in the La Sala auditorium for a movie night. All ages. Free, $2 donation is welcome. 7pm-9pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music and Art; Santa Ana. Bring your little ones to a unique learning experience through art, music, creative movement, and stories from our experienced and beloved Miss Bev and Miss Jackie! Ages 2-6 years. Member $10, non-member $12. 10:30am-12pm. Bowers Kidseum. 1802 N Main St. (714) 480-1520.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. The public is invited to get up close with the ocean’s ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific during Shark Lagoon Nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sand tigers, as well as rays in the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon. Coffee, hot cocoa, beer, wine, desserts, and snacks are available for purchase. All ages. Free. 6pm9pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 100

Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. You’ve heard of cosmic bowling, but have you ever tried cosmic trampolining? Now at Big Air Trampoline Park, you can! We turn down the lights, turn up the music and fire up the lasers and strobes. Enjoy access to all the attractions at the park–including Battlebeam and The Wall! All ages. $17 per jumper. 8:30pm-11pm. Big Air Trampoline Park. 23251 Avenida De La Carlota. (949) 305-9788.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH

Visible Fictions: The Adventures of Robin Hood; Costa Mesa. Somewhere near you there is a band of brothers fighting for justice, seeking to rid the land of evil and return hope to the poorly treated. They are lean, mean, fighting machines on behalf of justice! Armed with whatever comes their way, nothing is as it seems in this Sherwood Forest, but one thing is for sure…no rogue is safe. Hailing from Scotland, join internationally acclaimed Visible Fictions for a silly and unexpected take on The Adventures of Robin Hood and be prepared to unleash your imagination! Ages 7-12 years. $20 per person. Saturday showtime 1pm, Sunday showtimes 1pm and 3:30pm. Samueli Theater, Segerstrom Center for the Arts. 615 Town Center Dr. (714) 556-2122 ext 4371.

Autumn Festival; Long Beach. The Autumn Festival highlights the traditions and cultures of Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines through a weekend of learning opportunities and family entertainment celebrating the rich diversity of Asian and Asian American cultures. The festival will feature traditional crafts, music, dance, demonstrations, cultural arts exhibits, ethnic cuisine, storytelling, and much more. Move to the sounds of taiko drumming, watch dancers, acrobats, and martial arts demonstrations. Try your hand at origami, and purchase hand-made crafts. All ages. Free with general admission: adults $28.95, children 3-11 years $14.95, seniors $25.95.

9am-5pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 1 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100 ext 0.

Family Film; Aliso Viejo. Join us for a fun family matinee the second Saturday of the month. All ages. Free. 2pm-3pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Saturday Movie Matinee; Brea. Come watch a great family film with us. Check with the library staff to find out the title of the month. All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Books and Barks; Garden Grove. Kids – practice your reading aloud skills with a specially trained volunteer dog! Drop by anytime the program for a session. All ages. Free. 11am-12:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Reading Time; Irvine. Read Together, Play Together, Learn Together. At each session, adults and children listen to a story, sing songs, play games and make crafts together. Parents receive ideas and resources to help make their home a learning place. All ages (at least one child under 5 years preferred). Free. 10am-12pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Friends of the Library Book Sale; Laguna Niguel. Big book sale put on by The Friends of the Library in the Community Room. Bargains galore. Proceeds help the library. All ages. Free admission. 10am2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Family Activity; Rancho Santa Margarita. Come for a fun-filled drawing class. All ages. Free. 1:30pm-2:30pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Family Film Feature; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in the La Sala auditorium for a family film matinee. Popcorn is included for this fun family event! All ages. Free. 10am-12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9TH

Kids Showtime; Laguna Niguel. Join us on the second Sunday of the month for showtime! Kids only! Today’s film is Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013) PG. All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Autumn Festival; Long Beach. See 8th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH

Celebrate Veteran’s Day; Irvine. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor and thank those who have served or are serving in the military. Today Pretend City will take the time to teach children the significance of the holiday through simple and age-appropriate activities that will show respect and appreciation to our veterans. Sensational Storytime: Join us for a heartwarming story time that will teach your children about our nation’s veterans and why we honor them on this special day. SmartArt: Celebrate this special day with a remembrance activity that you can take home to give to a special veteran in your life or to serve as a keepsake. All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 10:30am12:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Family Storytime; Garden Grove. The fun starts with a playtime followed by stories and a craft. All ages. Free. 6:45pm-7:30pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Storytime; Irvine. Come join us for a fun storytime. Ages 3-6 years. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Irvine Heritage Park Regional Public Library. 14361 Yale Ave. (949) 936-4040.

Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. Little Readers, Tesora teens club presents storytime for children. Ages 2nd grade students and under. Free. 2:30pm-3:15pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 3rd.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 3pm-9pm. Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See 3rd.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana.

See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11TH

All OC Public Libraries Closed for Veterans Day.

Veterans Day; Long Beach. In celebration of Veterans Day, the Aquarium of the Pacific honors veterans and military personnel. These men and women are invited to enjoy the Aquarium with no charge. Please bring service ID. All ages. Free for veterans/military, general admission: adults $28.95, children 3-11 years $14.95, seniors $25.95. 9am-5pm. Aquarium of the Pacific. 1 Aquarium Way. (562) 590-3100 ext 0.

Fall Into Learning Through Play; Irvine. Combining learning and play this young toddler playgroup focuses on developmental stimulation for children. In celebration of the holiday season, this playgroup will be filled with festive activities that promote learning. With a fall sensory bin, the children will hone their fine motor skills while learning about the seasonal changes that take place in the fall. Learning colors will be all the more fun when pairing it with brightly painted turkeys and everyone knows “Jingle Bells” is the best song to

freeze dance to! Focusing on a new type of play each week will promote learning of language, cognitive, and motor skills while strengthening the parent-child relationship. Ages 18-24 months. All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 3:30pm-5pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. There will be a playtime with toys before storytime. Ages-toddlers. Free. 10am-11am. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Afternoon Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 5th.

PJ Storytime and Playtime; Irvine. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 5th.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 5th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th. Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 5th. Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 5th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd.

Note: today’s time is 3pm-8pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills.

See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH

Celebrate Diwali; Irvine. Diwali is a five day festival of lights celebrated in India and other countries with Hindu populations. Today your children will become a part of this joyful celebration by participating in fun traditional activities that are celebrated in Northern India. Smart Art: Celebrate this vibrant holiday by stopping by the Art Studio to create Rangoli designs using a variety of mediums. Music and Movement: Children will enjoy dancing to traditional, upbeat Diwali songs. Symbols in a Second: The name Diwali means “rows of lighted lamps.” During the festivities, people light up their homes with small earthenware oil lamps called diyas or diwas. Children will enjoy making their own diyas with clay and decorations during this activity. All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 10:30am12:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Get Looney; Cypress. The Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will be here to teach you how to draw your favorite Looney Tunes characters! All materials provided. All ages. Free. 3:30pm-4:30pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th. Chess Club; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Palma. See 4th.

Family Storytime-The Peapod Academy; Laguna Beach. See 6th. Reading is Fun; Laguna Niguel. See 6th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 4pm-9pm. School Age Storytime; Tustin. See 6th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

Learning Around the World; Irvine. What better place to learn than at Pretend City, where imagination and education come to play! Our Play is the Way themed playgroups provide a

warm and inviting environment where children and parents can meet and play. Focused on healthy development, early learning, and social skills building, this program includes a variety of group based activities ranging from drum circles to science experiments. With the holidays fast approaching, our playgroups will also be exploring winter cultural traditions from around the globe. With so much fun in store, this is one early learning program you will not want to miss. Ages-4 years. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 3pm-5pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Make A Robot; Laguna Hills. This month: Demolition Derby! Part of a series of robotic classes taught by a certified teacher from Mathmania Robotics. Pizza will be served! Signups required. Ages 8-14 years. Free. 5:30pm-8:30pm. Laguna Hills Technology Public Library. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2699.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music and Art; Santa Ana. See 7th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. See 7th.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15TH

Aqua Tots; Long Beach. Come to the Aquarium to introduce your little one to marine life. These classes are designed for you and your child to interact together in a fun and dynamic learning environment. We therefore strongly encourage you to leave children not in this age group at home. Slippery to Prickly: Let’s focus on our sense of touch as we explore slippery slugs, prickly sea urchins, and more! Your toddler already wants to touch everything, bring him to a program where touching is encouraged! Activities include: touching animals in our private classroom touch pool, create an ocean themed craft to take home, become touch detectives and identify objects

using only our sense of touch, touch a wide variety of animal artifacts such as sea otter fur, whale teeth, shells and more, read a story about a hermit crab looking for a good home, and more! Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Ages 2-3 years. Adult/ child pair $40, $20 per additional guest, member pair $36, $15 per additional guest (Aquarium admission is included in price). 10am-11:30am. Aquarium of the Pacific. 1 Aquarium Way. (562) 951-1630.

Read to a Dog; Dana Point. This event is for beginning readers and held in the Children’s Area. All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Read to the Dogs; El Toro/Lake Forest. The Laguna Woods Dog Club will be at the library, with trained therapy dogs who want you to read to them! All ages. Free. 2pm-3pm. El Toro Branch Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Sesame Street Party Activity; Irvine. Sunny day. Everything’s A-Okay! Come to the library for activities and crafts based on the favorite series and characters. Brought to you by the letter “B” and the number “3.” Ages 3-7 years. Free. 2pm-3pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

University of California Master Gardeners @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. Fun activities and helpful information for the gardening enthusiast! All ages. Adults $10, child/senior $7, members free and parking free. 10am-4pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 836-4000.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana.

See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17TH

Family Autism Event; Irvine. This special evening is an opportunity for children and their parents/siblings/caretakers to have some fun in an autismfriendly environment along with other families. Many of our community partners, who specialize in supporting children on the autism spectrum, will be on-hand to enrich your family’s play experience with welcoming smiles and practical support. All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 5pm-7:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Nighttime Storytime; Cypress. Come by and join us for bedtime stories and fun with Miss Candy. All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. Get your child ready to read by introducing your child to books in a fun and interactive setting. Join us for fun stories, silly songs, and a simple craft! Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. Los AlamitosRossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Pajama Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. The National Charity League Sunshine Readers offer energetic and entertaining stories for kids at this family storytime. Wear your pajamas and join the fun! All ages. Free. 6:30pm7:30pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 3rd.

School Age Homework Help; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 3rd. Family Storytime; Garden Grove. See 10th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 10th. Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 3rd. Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd.

Note: today’s time is 3pm-9pm.

Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Villa Park. See 3rd.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH

Welcome the Dimant Family; Irvine. Pretend City welcomes the Dimant Family to the Our Home exhibit! This family will share their family values, traditions, and activities which are deeply rooted in their very strong passion for the Jewish religion. Visitors will learn about traditions such as how the Dimant family sits down to enjoy Shabbat meals together every Friday. You will also learn how to make homemade challah (braided bread) with your very own take-home recipe card. This family’s strong tie to their heritage and maintenance of traditions will inspire your family to begin traditions of your very own! All ages. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 10:30am12:30pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Family Craft Night; Brea. This fun-filled craft program will provide entertainment for the whole family! All ages. Free. 6pm7pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Pop-Up Books Party; El Toro/ Lake Forest. We will share pop-up books from our library collection, make our own pop-up cards, and more! Ages 4-12 years. Free. 4pm5pm. El Toro Branch Public Library. 24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Teen Night; Garden Grove. Learn crafts, play games, and have fun! Ages-teens. Free. 5pm-6pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Family Storytime; La Palma. Join us for stories, music, movement and craft. All ages (3-6 years preferred). Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. Kids pair up either one-onone or in small groups with local

teen big buddies who will read stories aloud and help them do a fun craft! Spending time reading with a big buddy is a great way to make a new friend and get little ones excited about books! Ages 3-7 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:15pm. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Toddler Storytime; Villa Park. Join us for a fun-filled story sharing program. Ages 2-4 years. Free. 9:30am-10am. Villa Park Public Library. 17865 Santiago Blvd. (714) 998-0861.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 4th.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa. See 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Dana Point. See 4th.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. See 4th.

Family Storytime; Irvine. See 10th. Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 4th.

Family Storytime; La Habra. See 4th.

Homework Help; La Palma. See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 4th. Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. See 4th.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. See 4th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 4pm-8pm. Pajama Family Storytime; Tustin. See 4th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

Lego Club; Brea. Bring yourself and your imagination to build your own Lego creation! All ages. Free. 5pm-6pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Reading to Rover; Irvine. Children improve their skill by reading to certified READ dogs. Programs will be cancelled on days when it rains. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Irvine

Heritage Park Regional Public Library. 14361 Yale Ave. (949) 936-4040.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Afternoon Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 5th.

Baby Toddler Storytime; Garden Grove. See 12th.

PJ Storytime and Playtime; Irvine. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; La Habra. See 5th.

Family Storytime; Laguna Beach. See 5th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Homework Help; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Toddler Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Rancho Santa Margarita. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 5th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 3pm-8pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH

Lego and Game Night; Aliso Viejo. Families are invited to come build Lego creations, play board games, and enjoy snacks. All ages. Free. 6pm-8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Fall Craft for Kids; Cypress. Have a “leafy” good time and make crafts at the library! Ages 5-10 years. Free. 3pm-4:30pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Tales For Tails; Laguna Niguel. Kids – develop your reading skills and confidence by reading out loud to trained therapy dogs. All ages. Free. 4pm-5pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Looney Tunes Drawing Class; Stanton. A teaching artist from the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity

will teach children and parents to draw famous cartoon characters created by the legendary animator Chuck Jones. Registration recommended, space is limited to 26 participants. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th. Chess Club; Irvine. See 6th. Homework Help; La Palma. See 4th.

Family Storytime-The Peapod Academy; Laguna Beach. See 6th. Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 4pm-9pm. School Age Storytime; Tustin. See 6th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST

Homeschool Day; Irvine. Once a month we offer Homeschool students unlimited access to our interactive exhibits offering learning through fun experiences. A trip to Pretend City offers your students a learning experience through hands-on educational play. These activities surround your students with challenging problems and absorbing questions. Ages 8 years and under. General admission free for 12 months and under, $12.50 per child or adult, $9.50 for military and family members. 10am-5pm. Pretend City Children’s Museum. 29 Hubble. (949) 428-3900.

Teen Game Night; Laguna Hills. Calling all teens! Come check out Laguna Hills Tech Library's monthly gaming night. Video games and chess! Pizza will be served, and there will be an opportunity drawing for a GameStop gift certificate. Registration is required. Ages-teens. Free. Laguna Hills Technology Public Library. 25555 Alicia Pkwy. (949) 707-2699.

Friends Book Sale; Seal Beach. Come on by for some great deals on everything from books to CDs, DVDs, audio books, magazines, and large print books. You won't find these kinds of prices anywhere else! All ages. Free admission. 9am-5pm. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Teen Movie Matinee; Rancho Santa Margarita. Kick back and enjoy a movie and snacks after school. All movies will be rated G or PG. Ages-7th-12th grade students. Free. 3:15pm-4:45pm. Rancho Santa Margarita Public Library. 30902 La Promesa. (949) 459-6094.

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music and Art; Santa Ana. See 7th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER

22ND

Read to a Dog; Costa Mesa. Children and their families are invited to read to licensed therapy dogs. Bring your favorite book and read to Fido and friends! All ages. Free. 11am-12pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Read to a Dog; Irvine. Children are invited to read to licensed therapy dogs. This is an opportunity to improve reading skills while meeting new canine friends. All participating dogs are part of B.A.R.K. Ages 12 years and under. Free. 11am-12pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Friends Book Sale; Seal Beach. See 21st.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery

Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH

PJ Storytime; Dana Point. Your children will love the high energy and antics of the Sunshine Readers! Feel free to come in your pajamas! All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Preschool Storytime; Brea. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 3rd.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. See 3rd.

Toddler/Preschool Storytime; La Palma. See 3rd.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. See 17th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Note: today’s time is 3pm-9pm. Childrens Storytime; Tustin. See 3rd.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25TH

School Age Read to a Dog; Laguna Beach. Do your kids love to read aloud, or just need to practice their reading skills? Come meet Venus and her owner, Theresa, from Beach Animals Read to Kids (B.A.R.K.). Children can read to a certified therapy dog who is eager to listen and love. Aarf! Sign up at the Children’s Desk, drop-ins welcome too. All ages. Free. 3pm-4pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Niguel. The Sunshine Readers, enthusiastic high school volunteers from the National Charity League will spread a little sunshine by reading and playacting stories to children. All ages. Free. 7pm-8pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa.

See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 4th.

Preschool Craftivity; Costa Mesa.

See 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point.

See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Dana Point.

See 4th.

Night Owl Storytime; Garden Grove. See 4th.

Teen Night; Garden Grove.

See 18th.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 4th.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. See 4th.

Homework Help; La Palma.

See 4th.

Family Storytime; La Palma.

See 18th.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. See 18th.

Preschool Storytime; San Juan Capistrano. See 4th.

Toddler Storytime; Seal Beach. See 3rd.

Lapsit Storytime; Stanton. See 4th.

Pajama Family Storytime; Stanton. See 4th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd.

Note: today’s time is 4pm-8pm.

Pajama Family Storytime; Tustin. See 4th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26TH

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Afternoon Storytime; Costa Mesa. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; El Toro/Lake Forest. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Garden Grove. See 5th.

Lapsit/Toddler Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Laguna Niguel. See 5th.

Preschool Storytime; Stanton. See 5th.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd.

Note: today’s time is 3pm-8pm.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH

Plymouth Rock ‘n Run; Anaheim. The 5k and 10k course is around the perimeter of the Yorba Regional Park, and the Santa Ana River bike trail. There will be live music throughout the event, courtesy of CSUF jazz combomusic, prizes, food, and a 1k kids fun run for 12 years and under. New this year: in addition to the biggest team challenge, there will be awards given to the fastest teams (one each for the 5k and 10k races) and to the team that raises the most money for the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, the beneficiary of Plymouth Rock ‘n Run’s event proceeds. All ages. Participants: 5K timed run is $35, 5K untimed walk is $30, kids untimed fun run is $15, 10K timed run is $40. 6:15am registration/packet pickup, 7:15am 10K race start, 8am 5K race start, 8:15am 10K race winners announced, 8:45am 5K race winners announced, 8:50am special message from Reeve-Irvine Research Center, 9am costume contest judging, 9:15am kids fun run. Yorba Regional Park. 7600 E La Palma Ave. (714) 779-7803.

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort Thanksgiving Buffet; Dana Point. Join us this Thanksgiving in our ocean view, Vue Restaurant. Enjoy live entertainment as you dine with us. All ages. Adults $99, children 6-12 years $40, discounted valet parking $5. 2pm-5pm. Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort. 25135 Park Lantern. (949) 487-7516 or (949) 487-7577.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH

Teen Anime Club; Garden Grove. See 7th.

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music and Art; Santa Ana. See 7th.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Shark Lagoon Nights; Long Beach. See 7th.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29TH

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 7th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30TH

Homework Help; Tustin. See 2nd. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

A Ev e nts Sneak peek December

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

A

MONDAY, DECEMBER 1ST

Preschool Storytime; Brea. This popular program includes stories, songs and activities to help develop early literacy skills. Agespreschoolers. Free. 11am-12pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Toddler Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, songs, fingerplays, crafts and more! Ages-toddlers/preschoolers. Free. 11am-11:30am. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

24672 Raymond Way. (949) 855-8173.

Toddler Storytime; Irvine. Children, enjoy stories and songs! Everyone sits on the floor to be close to their child. Ages 3 years and under. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Preschool Storytime; Seal Beach. Get your child ready to read by introducing them to books in a fun and interactive setting. Join us for fun stories, silly songs, and a simple craft! Ages 2-5 years. Free. 11:30am-12:15pm. Los AlamitosRossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

Homework Help; Tustin. Our teen volunteers can assist students with their homework assignments. Ages-K-5th grade students. Free. 3pm-9pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Cheetah, Hummingbird, Lowland Gorilla, Eagle, Jaguar, Zebra, Bengal Tiger, Sea Otter, Panther, Seal, Sea Dragon and a custommade Anteater. The carrousel also features a wheelchair accessible Swan Chariot. All ages. $3 per person. Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, Sat/ Sun 11am-4pm. Santa Ana Zoo. 1801 E Chestnut Ave. (714) 836-4000.

Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. Hop on board and discover the engineer within! Travel to the Island of Sodor where imaginations charge full steam ahead in Thomas and Friends: Explore the Rails, a hands-on STEM exhibit based on the adventures of everyone’s favorite blue engine, Thomas, his engine friends and the Island of Sodor’s iconic locations: Knapford Station, Sodor Steamworks and much more. Help Thomas and his friends solve a variety of challenges, from simple sorting and shape identification to more complex engineering obstacles. As children confront new challenges and test their abilities, the smiling faces of Thomas, Percy, Sir Topham Hatt, and others are there to offer encouragement and remind children how “really useful” we all are. All ages. Adults $16.95, seniors/children 3-14 years $12.95, children 2 years and under free, discovery cube members free. 10am-5pm. Discovery Science Center. 2500 N Main St. (714) 542-2823.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2ND

Duplo Play Day; Costa Mesa. Join us for our weekly Duplo Play Day! Children and their families are welcome to visit one of our Duplo tables in our lobby every Tuesday. Use your imagination to build your own unique creation! All ages. Free. 2pm-6pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Toddler Storytime; Dana Point. Come join us for a fun-filled storytime. Ages 18-35 months. Free. 10am-10:30am. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Preschool Storytime; Dana Point. Come for storytime for children. Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am-11:30am. Dana Point Public Library. 33841 Niguel Rd. (949) 496-5517.

Teen Program; Garden Grove. Come on over after school for an exciting teen event! We hold a wide variety of programs, including: art and photography, games (party, board and video), movies and anime, makespace and computers, study skills, creative writing/poetry, job searching/ resumes, college applications/ financial aid. Ages-teens. Free. 3pm-5pm. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Teen Night; Garden Grove. Learn crafts, play games, and have fun! Ages-teens. Free. 5pm-6pm. Garden Grove West Public Library. 11962 Bailey St. (714) 897-2594.

Preschool Storytime; Irvine. Children, enjoy stories, songs, and a craft! Ages 3-5 years. Free. 11am. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Homework Help; La Palma. Tutoring will be done by adult and teen volunteers in the Children's Story Area. The volunteers will help the child but will not do the homework for them. Bring any worksheets, books, paper, pencils etc. Ages-K-12th grade students. Free. 4:30pm-5:30pm. La Palma Public Library. 7842 Walker St. (714) 523-8585.

Pajama Storytime; Laguna Beach. Please come in your pajamas and slippers, and enjoy the Sunshine Readers as they whisk the whole family off to dreamland. All ages. Free. 6:30pm-7:30pm. Laguna Beach Public Library. 363 Glenneyre St. (949) 497-1733.

Big Buddies and Books; Seal Beach. Kids pair up either one-onone or in small groups with local teen big buddies who will read stories aloud and help them do a fun craft! Spending time reading with a big buddy is a great way to make a new friend and get little ones excited about books! Ages 3-7 years. Free. 6:30pm-7:15pm. Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Public Library. 12700 Montecito Rd. (562) 430-1048.

front door will be locked, just knock and someone will let you in! Ages-infants and toddlers. Free. 10:30am-11am. Stanton Public Library. 7850 Katella Ave. (714) 898-3302.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 1st.

Note: today’s time is 4pm-8pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3RD

Stories and Crafts; Brea. Join us for a fun program designed for school-age children. This storytime will feature longer stories and more complicated crafts that will interest children. Ages 6 years and older. Free. 3pm-4pm. Brea Public Library. 1 Civic Center Cir. (714) 671-1722.

Family Storytime; Costa Mesa. Join Mr. Erik for stories, fingerplays, songs, crafts and more! Children are welcome to come in their pajamas and bring their favorite stuffed toy, we hope to see you soon! All ages. Free. 7pm-7:30pm. Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Public Library. 1855 Park Ave. (949) 646-8845.

Mesa Verde Dr. (714) 546-5274.

Storytime with Sage and Delilah; Cypress. Studies have shown that children can improve their reading skills and boost their self-confidence by reading to a licensed therapy dog. Won’t y9ou come pet and read to them? All ages. Free. 6pm-7pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350.

Homework Help; Cypress. See 1st.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 1st. Note: today’s time is 3pm-8pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

THURSDAY,

DECEMBER 4TH

Pajama Storytime; Aliso Viejo. Enjoy Pajama Storytime the first Thursday of every month with the Sunshine Readers of the National Charity League. Pull on your jammies and join us for bedtime stories. All ages. Free. 7pm8pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

Chess Club; Irvine. Play Chess! Learn techniques and sharpen your skills. Ages-kids and teens. Free. 4pm-5pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Reading is Fun; Laguna Niguel. Beginning readers can

practice fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension by reading to teen volunteers. All ages. Free. 4pm5pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

School Age Storytime; Tustin. Join us every Thursday afternoon in the Storytime Room. All ages. Free. 4pm-4:30pm. Tustin Public Library. 345 E Main St. (714) 544-7725.

Homework Help; Irvine. See 2nd. Homework Help; La Palma. See 2nd.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 1st. Note: today’s time is 4pm-9pm. Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Toddler Time; Laguna Hills. See 3rd

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5TH

Friday Morning Storytelling, Music and Art; Santa Ana. Bring your little ones to a unique learning experience through art,

music, creative movement, and stories from our experienced and beloved Miss Bev and Miss Jackie! Ages 2-6 years. Member $10, non-member $12. 10:30am-12pm. Bowers Kidseum. 1802 N Main St. (714) 480-1520.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH

Science Saturdays; Garden Grove. We will do a science experiment together and talk about a science idea. Wonderful science books will be on display (pick out some good books and read fact books as a family). Make this school year your science thinking year. Ages-K-3rd grade students. Free. 11am11:30am. Garden Grove Regional Public Library. 11200 Stanford Ave. (714) 530-0711.

Family Film Feature; San Juan Capistrano. Please join us in the La Sala auditorium for a family film matinee. Popcorn is included in this fun family event! All ages. Free. 10am-12pm. San Juan Capistrano Public Library. 31495 El Camino Real. (949) 493-1752.

Kids Crafts; Seal Beach. Stop by the Information Desk to select from a variety of crafts. All ages.

Free. 10am-5pm. Mary Wilson Public Library. 707 Electric Ave. (562) 431-3584.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Cosmic Nights; Laguna Hills. See 5th.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7TH

Showtime; Aliso Viejo. Join us for a recent DVD release, shown in the Community Room. This month’s video: Saving Mr. Banks (2013). All ages. Free. 2pm-4pm. Aliso Viejo Public Library. 1 Journey. (949) 360-1730.

A Unique Presentation of A Christmas Carol; Cypress. Duffy Hudson, Broadway and film actor, plays all of Dickens' 46 characters. Without props or costumes, the actor animates the classic A Christmas Carol. All ages. Free. 2:30pm-3:45pm. Cypress Public Library. 5331 Orange Ave. (714) 826-0350. www.duffyhudson.com.

How the Grinch Stole Storytime; Irvine. The Grinch is a massive grump – help us turn that frown upside-down! We’ll start the afternoon by reading How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss, and then enjoy Grinchinspired crafts and activities guaranteed to make anyone happy – and make their heart grow three sizes. Ages 3-8 years. Free. 2pm-3pm. University Park Branch Public Library. 4512 Sandburg Way. (949) 786-4001.

Showtime; Laguna Niguel. A current, popular film will be shown on the first Sunday of each month in the Community Room. All ages. Free. 2pm. Laguna Niguel Public Library. 30341 Crown Valley Pkwy. (949) 249-5252.

Homework Help; Tustin. See 1st. Note: today’s times are 12pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm.

Zoofari Express Train Ride @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Conservation Carrousel @ Santa Ana Zoo; Santa Ana. See 1st. Thomas and Friends @ Discovery Science Center; Santa Ana. See 1st.

Come Visit The Reptile Family; Fountain Valley. See 1st.

Opportunities to Help

(cont. from page 30)

H.I.S. House

Placentia // Hishouseplacentia. org // (714) 993-5774

Purpose: The Homeless Intervention Shelter and House assists families, couples and individuals as they regain self-sufficiency through housing, training, counseling and personal support.

Opportunities: Volunteer your your families’ time by providing childcare, homework club, painting time and gift wrapping.

Mercy House

Santa Ana // Mercyhouse.net (714) 836-7188

Purpose: It is the Mercy House mission to end homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing alternatives, programs and supportive services.

Opportunities: Volunteer opportunities include giving welcome baskets to new families in the shelter, hosting holiday parties, assembling sack lunches and cleaning the shelters.

South County Outreach

Lake Forest // Sco-oc.org // (949) 380-8144

Purpose: South County Outreach helps those in crisis reach self-sufficiency by providing homeless prevention services, transitional housing,

computer learning labs, thrift stores and various seasonal programs. Opportunities: Volunteer this Thanksgiving or Christmas season by adopting a family and providing food, clothing and toys for each of its members.

Child Guidance Center

Newport Beach // Cgcoc.org (714) 953-4455

Purpose: For over 40 years, Child Guidance Center has been providing quality behavioral and mental health services to Orange County children and their families as well as empowering them to reach their potential. Opportunities: Volunteer December 7th and 8th at the Holiday Tree Fantasy Event. Opportunities include decorating the Christmas tree, selling raffle tickets and setting up for the event.

Olive Crest

Santa Ana // Olivecrest.org // (714) 543-5437

Purpose: Olive Crest works tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling and education for both youth and parents.

Opportunities: Beginning December 2nd, Olive Crest will be looking for volunteers to help receive, sort and log donated gifts into Santa’s Workshop in order to bring and share positive holiday memories. M

“Each year, more than three million people spend their holidays confined to institutions. Many have outlived their relatives and friends or for some, those people have moved far away. Our goal is to remind them that they are not alone and that their life and stories are valued and appreciated.”

Betsy Densmore, The Holiday Project

(cont. from page 26)

something completely new. All classes are taught by OCSA’s artist faculty. Find out more at ocsarts.net/communityclasses or by calling 714.560.0900, ext. 3259.

See some serious lights. Laguna Hills residents Andrew and Michelle Blount have been welcoming people to – and into – their home nearly every night of the holiday season since 2009. They spread cheer with over 120,000 Christmas lights synchronized to music, plus rooms and rooms of Winter Wonderland and hot cider for everyone who visits. You can text message Andrew and your message will automatically appear in his light display! Find out where to find them at orangecountychristmaslights.com. This year marks the first annual Dana Point IlluminOcean, a brilliant shoreline spectacle of 18 oversized lighting sculptures with over 225,000 LED lights. This wonderland by the sand – created and funded by The Resorts of Dana Point to become an annual winter tradition – will be held at Dana Point Harbor and is free to the public for viewing nightly at sundown beginning November 26th. Find out more at illuminocean.com

Find Santa at the beach. On December 1st Balboa Village invites families from all over Orange County to partake in its local tradition, Christmas at the Beach. In the afternoon enjoy complimentary horse drawn carriage rides around the village, holiday arts and crafts, live music and holiday movies showing in the ExplorOcean galleries along with other Fun Zone attractions, retailers and restaurants. As dusk arrives, stay for the annual tree lighting and a special visit from Santa, as well as the sound of carolers spreading the holiday spirit. Find out more at balboavillage.com

Take to the streets (of Laguna Niguel). This year marks 25 years that the fine folks of Laguna Niguel have marched in the Laguna Niguel Holiday Parade. On December 13th, along Crown Valley Parkway, the tradition will continue. Horses, classic cars, marching bands, military tributes and Santa? Yes! Darth Vader, the Oscar Mayer Weinermobile and pygmy goats? Quite possibly! Find out more at lagunaniguelparade.com M

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