Widows and Widowers Club celebrates 50th year

CARDIFF

“Heart of the Zoo” author to speak Friday

Kathi Diamant, San Diego award-winning author, actor, and broadcaster will give a presentation with photos on her latest book, “Heart of the Zoo: How San Diego Zoo Director Chuck Bieler Earned his Stripes,” from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday Feb. 10 in Room 204 at the San Elijo Campus of MiraCosta College, 3333 Manchester Ave. as part of the San Elijo Life series. Bieler and Georgeanne Irvine, director of publishing and award-winning children’s author, will accompany Diamant for her talk. Admission and parking are free. Email lifesanelijo@miracosta.edu.

CARLSBAD

“Watching Whales” topic of talk at lagoon

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a free presentation 10 a.m. Saturday Feb. 11 on “Watching Whales.” Dr. Dave Weller of the NOAA will share decades of research about the gray whales seen off the coast as they travel from Alaska to the Gulf of California where females give birth to their calves. The family event is open to ages 10 and older. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. Visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

Tax help offered at senior center

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program runs from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 13. AARP IRS-certified volunteers will help adults age 50 and older with their 2022 tax returns using free e-filing. Call (442) 339-2650 to make an appointment. Walk-ins accepted 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit https://ca-carlsbad.civicrec.com/CA/carlsbad-ca/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTIyMjkxMTY=.

Restorative Yoga offered for seniors

The Carlsbad Senior Center offers a new Restorative Yoga class from 11 a.m. to noon Mondays, Feb. 6–27. The class will begin with a breathing meditation and move into gentle restorative poses. This class is for all levels and introduces the benefits of each pose. Fee is $42. Register at https://ca-carlsbad.civicrec.com/CA/carlsbad-ca/catalog?filter=c2VhcmNoPTIyMjUwNjI=

Volunteers sought at The Flower Fields

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad offers volunteer opportunities including giving walking tours for elementary school children. Duties include greeting classes and touring children through the art, music, composting, music and growing stations. Volunteers must like working with children and interacting with teachers and chaperones. Other general volunteer jobs include greeting visitors, helping at events and workshops, and welcoming people to The Flower Fields. Volunteers need to be able to stand for periods of time and enjoy working with people outdoors. Training will be provided in January and February, and volunteer shifts start March 1 and run through May 14. Experience is not required, and volunteer hours are flexible. Call Joni Miringoff at (760) 930-9123, ext. 118.

ENCINITAS

Workshop on growing food set for Saturday

A workshop, titled “Grow Food, End Hunger, Save the Planet” is from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 11 at the San Diego Botanic Garden, 300 Quail Gardens Drive. The workshop is taught by Mim Michelove of Healthy Day Partners and sponsored by the City of Encinitas. Takeaways include, organic seedlings, organic seed packets, garden tools, a local garden resource and planting guide, tricks of the trade for a zero-waste kitchen and more. Cost is $10, including materials and Garden admission. Register by Wednesday Feb. 8 at https://sdbg.org/programs/02-11-grow-food-end-hunger-save-the-planet/.

ESCONDIDO

Chocolate fest Saturday

For The Love of Chocolate — Escondido Chocolate Festival is from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11 in downtown Escondido. Stroll down historic Grand Avenue sampling chocolates paired with fine wines, Champagne and craft beer at various locations. Stop by restaurants, shops and art galleries and the 2nd Saturday Escondido Arts & Culture Experience. Attendees can get their Passport tickets from Will Call at Maple Street Plaza or online. Tickets are $35-$55. Visit downtownescondido.com/events.

Two exhibits featured at arts center

An Art exhibit, “Constraint and Transcendence” by Huai Li runs through Feb. 26 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.The exhibition shows Li’s process which involves “relentless experimentation, bouts of self-doubt, and liberating moments of confirmation.” Tickets are $6-$12. Also, on display is “Blurring Boundaries: The Women of American Abstract Artists, 1936 – Present.” The show highlights the work of female abstract artists, exploring their range of styles and approaches to abstraction: color, space, light, material, and process. Visit artcenter.org.

A Lived Experience

An exibit of woodcuts titled, “Lived Experience” runs through Feb. 26 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The Printmaking Class at California State University, San Marcos created this series of woodcuts, inspired by personal storytelling, memories and experiences that “portray visual autobiographical documentation.” Visit artscenter.org.

Friends of Daley Ranch to hold picnic next month

The Friends of Daley Ranch will hold their annual picnic and fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mar. 26 on the patio of the Ranch House. The nonprofit volunteer group will report on its achievements and ongoing efforts to preserve and improve Daley Ranch, including future projects. Highlights include Ranch House tour, trail tour, speakers and lunch. Shuttles start 10 a.m. from the main La Honda gate to Ranch House and return starting 1 p.m. Cost is $10; free for members. Membership can be renewed at daleyranch.org. RSVP required for lunch by Mar. 19 at info@daleyranch.org, include with your name, number of attendees, and whether you will use the shuttle to the Ranch House.

Romance is theme of February art show

The Escondido Art Association holds its February art show themed “Romance” through Mar. 3 at the Artists Gallery, 121 W. Grand Ave. A free artist demonstration by artist, Paul Kobriger is from 2 to 4 p.m. Thursday Feb. 9 at the Fusion Restaurant, 201 East Grand Ave. The Artists Gallery will host an artist reception from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11 at the gallery, offering a chance to talk with the exhibiting artists. Visit escondidoartassociation.

Library holds free concert Saturday

The Escondido Public Library’s 2nd Saturday Concert features the Swingin’ with Dean Show from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11 in the Turrentine Room at the Escondido Library, 239 S Kalmia St. Dean Ratzman plays Big Band, Jazz Standards, Tijuana Brass, Blues, Rock and Soul hits of great American artists from 1940’s to 1970’s. Visit library.escondido.org.

Writers group hosts author at Tuesday meeting

The Escondido Public Library’s Hybrid Escondido Writers Group meets from 1 to 4:30 Tuesday February 7 and Feb. 21 in the library’s Turrentine Room, 239 S. Kalmia. Adult writers of all genres are invited to read their work and receive group critiques in a friendly environment. Meet special guest author Susan Farese on Tuesday. February 7. Free. Visit library.escondido.org.

Arts Partnership features Wood Furniture Show

The Escondido Arts Partnership features, “Wood: A Furniture Show XIII” through Feb. 24 at 262 E Grand Ave. The exhibit is curated by Brian and Nancy Murphy of Murphy’s Fine Woodworking. Visit escondidoarts.org.

NORTH COUNTY

Upcoming blood drives

The San Diego Blood Bank will hold blood drives in the following parking lots:

Oceanside High School from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 7, in the school’s MPR room, 1 Pirates Cove, Oceanside.

Escondido High School 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, February 9 in the school’s small gym, 1535 North Broadway, Escondido.

Fallbrook High School 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, February 10 at 2234 S. Stage Coach Lane, Fallbrook.

Heart of The Village Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, February 11at 3060 Roosevelt Street, Carlsbad.

VG Donut & Bakery from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11at 106 Aberdeen Drive, Cardiff by the Sea. Donuts will be served to donors, courtesy of the bakery.

Saint James Catholic Church from 7:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Feb. 12 at 625 South Nardo Ave., Solana Beach.

Albertsons 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 13 at 1459 Main Street, Ramona.

Tri-City Medical Center 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 at 4002 Vista Way, Oceanside.

Call (800) 469-7322 or visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

Scripps Ranch Theatre stages Lucky Stiff

Scripps Ranch Theatre stages Lucky Stiff through Feb. 19. The musical by Ahrens and Flaherty is directed by Kathy Brombacher. The “life-affirming musical” revolves around the story of a dead man’s holiday. Visit https://scrippsranchtheatre.org.

Widows and widowers group holds social events

The North County Widows and Widowers group for men and women who have lost a spouse and wish to rebuild a social life, invites members, guests and prospective members to the following February gatherings, which are open to the public:

Feb. 7: Social Hour, Hennessey’s Tavern, Carlsbad.

Feb. 10: Twilight Dinner Dance, Vista Elks Lodge.

Feb: 19: Sunday Brunch, Cocina del Charro, San Marcos.

Feb. 24: Twilight Dinner Dance, Oceanside Elks Lodge.

Feb. 28: Social Hour, Felix’s BBQ with Soul, Oceanside.

For more information or to make reservations visit WidowsAndWidowersNC.com or call (760) 420-3775.

OCEANSIDE

“Generational Black Pioneers” featured at Brooks Theatre Saturday

The Oceanside Theater Company and Oceanside Historical Society host “Generational Black Pioneers, featuring Oceanside Entrepreneurs,” an interactive, multi-media presentation, celebrating Black entrepreneurs in Oceanside 7:30 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11 at Brooks Theatre, 217 N. Coast Hwy. The non-fiction narrative and fictional dramatization spotlight stories of Oceanside black business owners past and present. Actors will depict black historical figures who played important roles in Oceanside’s history over several generations. Visit oceansidehistoricalsociety.org.

Concert at mission features Native American music

Faustino Fredericks, Rob and Margie Anderson and Mel Vernon will create “music to be in wellness with beauty, harmony and balance” using Native American flutes and percussions 5 p.m. Saturday Feb. 11 in the Mission church at 4050 Mission Ave. Their music is based on the “spiritual connections with nature and the circle of life.” Cost is $20 per person, including refreshments afterwards. Visit sanluisreyparish.org.

Veterans advisory group meets Monday

The Veterans Asociation of North County’s veterans advisory committee meets from noon to 1 p.m. Monday February 6 in the VANC Resource Center, 1617 Mission Ave. The speakers include Chuck Miller, the National Veterans Chamber of Commerce; David Zumaya, founder of My San Diego North County Digital Marketing Advocate and Jenna Biggane, admission counselor for San Diego Job Corps. Visit vanc.me.

Fishing enthusiasts meet Tuesday

The Oceanside Senior Anglers meet 9 a.m. Tuesday Feb. 7 at the El Corazon Senior Center, 3302 Senior Center Drive. The club focuses on a deep sea fishing, but also hosts some social lake and surf fishing events, along with monthly social picnics. The club created the nonprofit Oceanside Senior Anglers Foundation to support its charitable programs. The programs include providing fishing gear for scout camps, free fishing trips for kids and wounded warriors and other military personnel. Visit osanglers.org.

Market holds Oceanside’s Best Shopper Contest

Mission Marketplace holds Oceanside’s Best Shopper Contest for residents age 18 and over to compete for the chance to win the Oceanside Best Shopper title along with shopping money. Five finalists, selected from “Why I’m Oceanside’s Best Shopper” entry form essays, will each win $500 to spend in the contest shopping finals from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4 at Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd. The contest judges will review the finalist’s purchases to select Oceanside’s Best Shopper, who wins an additional $1,000 in gift cards from Mission Marketplace merchants. Entry deadline is Feb. 22. Download contest information and entry form at missionmarketplaceoceanside.com/events.

Buena Vista Audubon looking for nature guides

The Buena Vista Audubon is looking for volunteer nature guides to offer a short lesson as well as small group walks on the lagoon nature trails. Schoolchildren come to the nature center for free guided tours on topics such as birds, insects and animals of the lagoon. All training and materials are provided and time commitment is flexible. Email bvaudubon@sbcglobal.net.

Brother Benno Thrift Shop benefits homeless

The Brother Benno Thrift Shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays at 3955 Mission Ave. Donations are being accepted at the store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Visit brotherbenno.org or call (760) 967-7505.

POWAY

Knights of Columbus put on Superfest Saturday

St. Michael’s Knights of Columbus Council hosts the annual Knights SuperFest Family Buffet & Raffle from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday, February 11 at St. Michael’s Holy Family Community Center, 15410 Pomerado Rd. The 9th annual event benefits the youth programs at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Poway, including Scouting, high school youth ministry and Holy Family Center Servers (a volunteer youth group) as well as Knights of Columbus Charities, which include assistance to the intellectually and physically disabled, warm coats and blankets to children and food bank assistance to the hungry. The buffet features a Mexican-inspired menu with all-you-can-eat fresh Dungeness crab as the main attraction. There will be a Big Game Bonanza Raffle. Tickets are $65; $60 senior and military, $30 teen 13-17, $20 child 5-12 and free for under age 5 at KnightSuperFest.com. For questions, call (858) 382-6030.

Meal Program Debuts at community center

Poway is starting a new dining experience for older adults ages 50 this month Feb. at the Mickey Cafagna Community Center. Guests will be seated and served a meal while enjoying time around a table with others. Oak Hall West in the community center will be transformed into a dining room from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Chef Charlie Heineke has more than 40 years of experience cooking in restaurants, hotels, hospitals and community churches. Lunch fee is $5 for ages 50 and over, $8 for caregivers, staff and people with disabilities and $16 for others. Visit https://poway.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=769.

RANCHO BERNARDO

John Daley to give talk on History of Oceanside

The Rancho Bernardo Historical Society Speakers Series presents “The History of Oceanside,” a talk by John Daley, cofounder and board member of the Oceanside Historical Society. The event is 11 a.m. Saturday, February 11, at the Rancho Bernardo History Museum in the Bernardo Winery. Admission is free. Visit rbhistory.org.

“Music for a Lifetime” concert at library

The Discovery Concert Series presents Music for a Lifetime, 3 p.m. Saturday, February 11 in the 2nd floor Community Room of the Rancho Bernardo Branch Library, 17110 Bernardo Center Drive. The piano program features pianists of various ages, including Stephen Chen, Agustin Resendiz, Justine Hansen, Barbara Azevedo, Naomi Hobbs, Monique Kunewalder and Sylvia Liwerant. The concert includes works from composers ranging from Hadyn, Chopin and Ravina to Debussy, Rachmaninoff, Piazzola and Schumann. Free. Visit sandiego.gov/public-library/locations/rancho-bernardo-library.

Republican women’s group meets for lunch

The Rancho Bernardo Republican Women Federated holds a luncheon meeting from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Feb. 17 at The Heights Golf Club, 16066 Bernardo Heights Pkwy. Guest Speaker is Jordan Gascon, executive director of the Republican Party of San Diego County, who will give a presentation titled, “Building on 2022; a Path to Victory in 2024.” Cost is $35 for two course lunch. RSVP by 9 p.m. Friday Feb. 10th at rbrwf.org.

Church holds “Souper Bowl of Caring” food drive

Rancho Bernardo Community Presbyterian Church sponsors a drive-thru food collection 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, February 11 at 17010 Pomerado Rd. Items need include canned fruits and vegetables, (no fresh produce), cereals, pasta and pasta sauces, soups and canned meals. Donations will be split between Interfaith Community Services and New Day Urban Ministries. Cash and checks will be donated to New Day Urban Ministries. Visit rbcommunity.org.

RANCHO SANTA FE

Church holds soup can drive

The Village Church in Rancho Santa Fe will deliver soup cans to area missions as part of Souper Bowl Sunday, a national effort held each year around the time of the Super Bowl. The community can drop off soup cans from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb 11 in the church parking lot at 6225 Paseo Delicias or after services Feb. 5 and Feb. 12. Check donations can also be mailed to the Village Church, PO Box 704, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, marked Souper Bowl in the check memo. For questions, email mbproctor53@gmail.com.

SAN MARCOS

Prize Bingo Mondays at senior center

The San Marcos Senior Activity Center, at 111 Richmar Ave., hosts Bingo on Mondays from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The cost is $1 per card. Prizes include snacks, decorations and household items. Participants can also join at 11:30 a.m. for lunch before Bingo. Suggested lunch contribution for ages 60+ years is $4; cost for ages 59 years & younger is $5. Lunch reservations must be made by 2 p.m. Friday. Sign up by calling (760) 744-5535 ext. 3607 or visit the Lunch Desk.

VISTA

Moonlight’s cabaret features Love Songs of Stephen Schwartz

“Gifts of Love: The Love Songs of Stephen Schwartz” will be featured Saturday Feb. 11 at the Moonlight’s cabaret ClubM, 1200 Vale Terrace Drive. Doors open 6 p.m.; show starts 7:30 p.m. The dinner menu includes kale and strawberry salad, herb encrusted salmon (or vegetarian option) along with garlic mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and chocolate mousse cake. Tickets are $85, including dinner and show. Visit https://my.moonlightstage.com.

LINDA MCINTOSHU-T

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