WHAT'S HAPPENING

Hospice hosts kids' grief workshop

MURRIETA ---- Registration is due Friday for a no-cost children's grief workshop hosted by Hospice of the Valleys.

The workshop will be held Nov. 14 and is for guardians and children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced the death of a loved one during the last two years. It will feature arts and crafts, stories and play as a way for children to explore ways of coping with loss while parents meet separately to share ways of helping them work through grief.

Check-in begins at 8:30 a.m. at 25220 Hancock Ave., Suite 400, with the workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch is included.

For information, call 951-200-7800.

Great Oak High presents musical

TEMECULA ---- The Great Oak Theatre Co. will present the Broadway musical "Oliver!" for two weekends.

The performance will run Friday and Saturday and Nov. 12 to 14.

Based on the classic Charles Dickens story of "Oliver Twist," the program will feature classic songs and actors from the district's elementary and middle schools working with Great Oak High School students.

Performances are at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m., at the high school, 32555 Deer Hollow Way.

Tickets are $7 for children and seniors and $10 for adults.

For information, call 951-294-6450.

PBS farmer to entertain, educate kids

TEMECULA ---- The Theater Foundation is presenting performances of the children's show "Farmer Jason" on Friday at the Old Town Temecula Community Theater.

The PBS show was nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Children's Show, and the "farmer" is known for offering a fun-filled show that teaches subtle lessons about ecology, exercise and history.

The performance will be at 1:45 p.m. at 42051 Main St. in Old Town. Tickets are $5, with proceeds benefitting the foundation's Arts Connection program. To purchase tickets, call 951-541-2588.

Barn dance benefits food pantry

MENIFEE ---- The second annual Menifee Community Barn Dance, for all levels of dancers, will be held Friday at Wheatfield Park's community center.

The dance will benefit Menifee Valley Community Cupboard, and participants are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation or a cash donation. The dance is sponsored by Valleywide Recreation and Park District and will run from 7 to 9 p.m. at the center, 30627 Menifee Road. It will include Bill and Colleen Ackerman teaching a variety of styles, including line and folk dances, circle mixers and partner dancing.

For information, call 951-672-6744.

Woman's club plans rummage sale

LAKE ELSINORE ---- The Lake Elsinore Women's Club is holding a rummage sale Friday and Saturday.

The sale helps support the group's scholarship fund, support of the arts, hospitalized veterans and others in need.

A wide assortment of goods will be available from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at the clubhouse, 710 W. Graham Ave.

For information, call Carol at 951-245-0421.

Church plans holiday craft fair

MENIFEE ---- Eagle Ridge Church is holding a holiday craft fair and chili cook-off on Friday and Saturday.

The fair will begin at 6 p.m. Friday and continue from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, at 25891 Holland Road, at Murrieta Road.

For information, call 951-679-3239.

Pancake breakfast to honor veterans

WILDOMAR ---- All those serving or retired from military service will be treated to a free pancake breakfast Saturday at the Veteran's Appreciation Pancake Breakfast hosted by Wildomar Young Marines.

A raffle with prizes such as a Chargers football will be included, and breakfast will be available to all for a cost of $5. Veterans are asked to bring proof of military service. Pancakes, sausage and eggs will be served from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1508, 21180 Waite St.

For information, call 951-306-4763.

Writers weekend features workshops

TEMECULA ---- Famous Temecula Valley author Erle Stanley Gardner will be celebrated with workshops, exhibits, a book fair and other activities at an annual event in Old Town on Saturday. The prolific mystery writer created character Perry Mason and used to live in the Temecula area, writing many mysteries from his Rancho del Paisano.

A popular activity is the 1 p.m. Agent's Panel, featuring Jill Marr of the Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and BJ Robbins, a former senior editor at Harcourt. Other workshops include author Gordon Johnson speaking on a comparison of the mysteries of Erle Stanley Gardner and Raymond Chandler, and Sheila Lowe discussing forensic handwriting analysis and its use in mysteries. Workshops cost $5 for those who register early and $10 at the door.

At noon, local published authors and readers are welcome at a speed-sale book fair, featuring one-minute presentations of books by authors. Registration is required.

The workshops and book sale will be at the Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth St. in Temecula.

For information, call Melody at 951-678-1456.

Hollywood professionals to visit center

TEMECULA ---- Bel Villaggio is hosting a former model and luxury cosmetics designer at a Hollywood style event Saturday.

Keisha Whitaker and AJ Crimson will be guests of honor at the fashion extravaganza hosted by IE Style magazine and Anela Apothecary, beginning at 5 p.m. at the mall-area shopping center at the apothecary, 41377 Margarita Road, Suite F104.

Whitaker is a former model and mother of three married to actor Forest Whitaker; Crimson, organizers say, is one of today's premier beauty experts whose clients include musician Estelle and vocalist Letoya Luckett.

The event includes a free "meet and greet," fashion show, Arthur Murray dancers, make-overs, live entertainment and an after party.

For information, call 951-296-9922.

E-waste events scheduled this weekend

Two recycling events will be held this weekend, offering residents a chance to get rid of working or nonworking computers, phones, fax machines, speakers, cable boxes and other electronics. All items that run on batteries and plug into an electric socket are typically accepted.

One event, at Elsinore High School, will benefit the school's football banquet. It will run from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 21800 Canyon Drive, Wildomar.

The second is organized by the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce, running from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in The Promenade parking lot, 40820 Winchester Road.

For information on the high school event, call Martine at 951-850-2743. For the Temecula event, call 951-676-5090.

Annual Day of the Dead celebration set

SUN CITY ---- Miller-Jones Mortuary and Menifee Valley Memorial Park will host the seventh annual All Souls/Day of the Dead Remembrance celebration Saturday.

The free event begins at 10:30 a.m. with a procession and memorial service officiated by the Rev. Antonio Das Neves of St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church.

Live music and dancing will be provided by Los Halcones De Jalisco and Folklorico Dancers, and paper masks and sugar skull decorating, face painting and a lunch of traditional Latin food will continue from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 26770 Murrieta Road.

For information, call 951-672-6579.

Events to celebrate local heritage

TEMECULA ---- Heritage Day will be celebrated Saturday in conjunction with the opening of the annual Erle Stanley Gardner exhibit.

Heritage Day performances and presentations will include ballet folklorico, the Judy Taylor Wild West Show, Pam Grender as Helen Hunt Jackson, Blacksmith Frank Matthies and his Blue Grass Band, Dale Garcia as the sheriff of Old Town, Temecula Valley Prospectors and more.

The events will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sam Hicks Monument Park, 41970 Moreno Road.

Craft boutique, chili cookoff planned

LAKE ELSINORE ---- A Fall Craft Boutique & Chili Cook-off will be held Saturday at Shepherd of Life Lutheran Church.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, and will feature artwork, jewelry, quilts, pillows and other handcrafted items, as well as a chance to vote for which local chef makes the best chili.

The church is at 30400 Grand Ave., south of McVicker Canyon Park in Lake Elsinore.

For information, call 951-678-5944.

Foundations plans motorcycle run

MENIFEE ---- The Mt. San Jacinto College Foundation will hold its inaugural Scholarship Motorcycle Run on Saturday.

The 88-mile ride will benefit the foundation, which provides scholarships for students and program grants for faculty members to enhance educational opportunities.

Riders will leave the Menifee Valley campus at 9 a.m., travel through the hills of Anza and Aguanga and wind through Garner Valley before ending at the San Jacinto campus, where a barbecue is planned at 11:30 a.m.

The cost for riders is $20 in advance or $30 the day of the event. Couples can register for $30 in advance and $40 at the event. Lunch only is available for $10.

Registration forms and information for riders is available by calling 951-487-3171 or online at www.msjc.edu/motorcyclerun.

Dutch heritage day planned

WINCHESTER ---- The Temecula Sister City Association is hosting the ninth annual Dutch American Heritage Day on Saturday.

The event will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature outdoor concerts and performances as well as educational arts and crafts.

In addition, there will be an exhibit on windmills and green energy, life-size windmill and canal houses, Dutch and Indonesian food, Dutch antiques and souvenirs, and vendors.

Admission costs $5, but children 12 and younger will be admitted free.

The event will be at Dutch Mill Trading, 36687 Van Gaale Lane in Winchester. For information, visit www.dutch-day.com.

Datsun show, toy drive set for Saturday

MURRIETA ---- The second annual SoCalROC Show-N-Shine Toy Drive will be held Saturday.

The event will feature a barbecue, raffles, vendors, music and a chance to "show and shine" those old Datsuns.

Cars made in 1983 or before are welcome. The early registration fee is $10, plus a toy worth at least $10 to benefit children in need.

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Datsun Heritage Museum, 41610 Date St., Suite 103, Murrieta. For information, call 888-713-2476.

Hospice celebration includes candle lighting

TEMECULA ---- A local hospice will hold its annual Light-Up-A-Life remembrance on Saturday.

The memorial event, by the Visiting Nurse Association of the Inland Counties Murrieta Hospice, will run from 2 to 4 p.m. at Sunridge Community Church, 42299 Winchester Road in Temecula.

A candle-lighting ceremony and video remembrance will honor and celebrate those who touched the lives of others. Everyone is welcome.

To confirm attendance, call 951-894-5340.

Volunteers needed to help spruce-up parks

LAKE ELSINORE ---- City parks officials are seeking volunteers to help keep area parks looking nice, and the next cleanup is set for Saturday at Yarborough Park.

It will run from 8 to 11 a.m., and will include planting, weeding and light painting.

For information, call 951-245-0442.

Emotional-survival tips for holiday offered

LAKE ELSINORE ---- Techniques to turn sadness into good memories, and more easily survive the holiday season, will be provided in a free workshop Monday.

Everyone is welcome, including those who have recently moved or otherwise do not live near family.

The discussion will feature Regina Seiz, a social worker from Ramona Visiting Nurses and Hospice, leading a discussion beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive.

For information, call 951-674-2526.

SENIOR NEWS

Information session for seniors offered

TEMECULA ---- Medicare salespeople from several health maintenance organizations will give presentations on medical benefits for seniors at a free information fair Monday.

The event at Mary Phillips Senior Center in Old Town Temecula will feature 20-minute discussions of health plans from Humana, InterValley Health, Aetna, Blue Shield, MD Care, Kaiser Permanente, Secure Horizons and HealthNet. It will run from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The senior center is at 41845 Sixth St. For information, call 951-694-6464.

Senior driving classes offered

AARP offers an ongoing driver safety program for mature drivers. The eight-hour course is offered for drivers 50 and older at various locations throughout Southwest County.

The course, which costs $12 for AARP members or $14 for nonmembers, can help participants save money on auto insurance.

One-day classes:

-- Nov. 10, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kay Ceniceros Community Center in Sun City, 29995 Evans Road. Register, 951-672-9673.

-- Dec. 8, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kay Ceniceros Community Center in Sun City, 29995 Evans Road. Register, 951-672-9673.

-- Jan. 6, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive. Register, 951-674-2526.

Four-hour renewal classes:

-- Nov. 18, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St. Register, 951-304-7275.

-- Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sun City Civic Association, 26850 Sun City Blvd. Register, 951-244-7513.

-- Dec. 2, 8:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive. Register, 951-674-2526.

-- Jan. 12, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Kay Ceniceros Community Center in Sun City, 29995 Evans Road. Register, 951-672-9673.

Two-day classes:

-- Dec. 16 and 17, 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. at Mary Phillips Senior Center, 41845 Sixth St. in Temecula. Register, 951-506-0444.

-- Jan. 20 and 21, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Murrieta Senior Center, 41717 Juniper St. Register, 951-304-7275.

-- Jan. 25 and 26, 12:15 to 4:15 p.m. at SDNB, 31990 Temecula Parkway. Register, 951-302-6768.

Attorney offers no-cost legal advice

LAKE ELSINORE ---- A Murrieta attorney is donating her time to meet with senior citizens and provide legal advice at the senior center twice a month on issues including basic estate planning and the power of attorney process.

Attorney Anita Cheek Milner will be volunteering at the Lake Elsinore Senior Center, 420 E. Lakeshore Drive. Reservations are required.

For information, call 951-674-2526.

HEALTH NEWS

Blood drives set next week

Six blood drives are scheduled in Southwest County over the next week.

The drives will be held from:

-- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Cornerstone Community Church, 34570 Monte Vista Drive in Wildomar.

-- 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at The Movie Experience, 27531 Ynez Road in Temecula.

-- 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at the Lake Elsinore Elks Lodge, 33700 Mission Trail in Wildomar.

-- 2 to 7 p.m. Monday at Pat & Oscar's, 29375 Rancho California Road in Temecula.

-- 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Murrieta Valley Unified School District, 41870 McAlby Court in Murrieta.

-- 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at California Lutheran High School, 31970 Central Ave. in Wildomar.

Donors must be at least 16 years old, healthy and weigh at least 110 pounds; the process takes about an hour.

Screenings help ID memory problems

HEMET ---- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America is hosting a memory screening on Nov. 17 that is open to anyone concerned about memory problems.

Screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Angels of the Valley home care agency, 41591 E. Florida Ave., Suite G. They are designed for anyone who forgets names, asks repetitive questions or experiences loss of verbal or written skills, among other possible indicators of memory problems, including erratic or confused moods.

Screening consists of questions and memory-assessment tasks and could indicate whether a person should consult a doctor.

For information, call 951-927-7428.

Children's support group to meet

MURRIETA ---- Michelle's Place, the Women's Breast Cancer Resource Center, will host Kids Konnected, a monthly support group for children age 5 to 18 who have a parent with cancer.

The group meets the second Tuesday of each month at Michelle's Place, 41785 Elm St., Suite 305, Murrieta. For information, call 951-304-1280 or visit www.kidskonnected.org.

Michelle's Place hosts group

MURRIETA ----- A self-help group for women dealing with breast cancer meets at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at Michelle's Place.

Survivors, those newly diagnosed and women undergoing treatment can share feelings, learn methods of coping and get resources. The group meets at 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month.

Michelle's Place, a breast cancer resource center, is at 41785 Elm St., Suite 305. For information, call 951-304-1280.