Orange County Blog

The holidays are approaching.  We look forward to reconnecting with family and friends as we step back into traditions that are lost during the busy year. But with holiday travels in the near future, have you thought about what you are going to do with your pets?  Pets are such an important part our families, but sometimes for a variety of reasons it just make sense to take them with you.  Happily, there are options.  Some swear by boarding their pets.  Others want the security of knowing their pets are in the comfort of their own homes.  Check out a few benefits of both options at www.WelcomeToOC.com

Before settling down for football, family, and feasting, start your day with an invigorating run. Dana Point offers the opportunity to tour its beautiful beach, majestic cliffs and coves on Thanksgiving Day with its annual Turkey Trot - a 5K, 10K, and/or Kids’ Race. Enjoy pounding surf, rugged cliffs, and cool ocean breezes as you sail through the Dana Point Marina, Doheny State Park and pass the Historic Tallship Pilgrim moored in Dana Point Harbor. Hosted by the Dana Point Chamber of Congress, the Dana Point Turkey Trot is considered one of America’s most scenic coastal runs, and draws as many as 10,000 participants.  From beginners to elite runners, this event is for everyone!

This year on Thanksgiving Day, you can run so others can eat by Partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank. When you register to run the race, please join the Pledge Drive and ask 10 people to donate $20 each or just make a donation. The 2008 Turkey Trot raised over $40,000 for Second Harvest Food Bank and this year the need is greater than ever. Second Harvest is working to eliminate hunger in Orange County. They provide over 1 million pounds of food each month for over 220,000 people in need. The Food Bank currently serves more than 397 member charitable organizations that reach the hungry, including church pantries, shelters, senior centers, rehabilitation centers, homes for abused children and many other emergency assistance organizations. Your donation can make a difference!

For information on registering for this fabulous, not-to-missed event, go to: http://bit.ly/1KKaQG and click on Dana Point Chamber of Commerce.

Yes, it’s that time of year when kids are squeezing in that last bit of recreation before settling down to hit the books.  It feels just yesterday when they were counting down how many more days until summer vacation.   But a new school year is looming in and now is the best time to get organized so you don’t find yourself scrambling on the first day of school.  Here are some tips to make the start of school smooth and panic free.

♦ Start moving bedtime back so it’s not such a shock to the system when the alarm clock rings when it is still dark outside
♦ Shop for a backpack.  Rolling backpacks work great for elementary school kids while middle and high school students prefer the traditional style.
♦ Go back to school shopping.  But first, be sure to assess what they actually need and make a list.  Check the ads and be a savvy shopper.
♦ Designate a place in the house for schoolwork.  Nothing is more frustrating than completing homework and then not being able to find it.
♦ Discuss lunch options.  Kids appreciate being a part of the decision making process and if they have a choice about what goes in their lunch, it’s not as likely to be thrown or traded away.
♦ Choose a central place for the family calendar.  Some families find it helpful to use a different color marker for each family member’s activities.  

A new school year brings excitement, activities, friends, and opportunities.  Be sure to make the most of it!

For parents interested in learning more about the schools in their area, an informative website is http://www.schoolfinder.ca.gov/  Learn about test scores, course offerings, and more.

Moving is hard work, both physically and emotionally.  And for children, moving can be particularly difficult.  They will have many questions and concerns. Why do they have to move? Will they be able make new friends? Will their new house have room for all their toys?  Can they keep their pets?  So before the packing begins, parents should start preparing their child for the big day. To learn how to make the big move just a little easier, visit www.welcometooc.com

You can wind down the summer and support south Orange County’s community radio station at the third annual KSBR Morning Breeze Schmooze. It’s coming Sunday evening, September 6 at 6 p.m. at the Dana Marina Center courtyard in Dana Point Harbor.

You’ll dine under the stars while being serenaded by world-renowned violinist Scarlet Rivera (www.scarletrivera.com); pianist and composer Kori Linae Carothers (www.koritunes.com); New Age Reporter Piano Album of the Year nominee Denise Young (www.deniseyoung.com); songwriter and multi-instrumentalist John Luttrell (myspace.com/johnluttrellmusic); and NAR Album of the Year winner Jeff Oster and friends (www.jeffoster.com). 
Featured will be sumptuous appetizers from What a Dish Bistro (www.whatadish.biz), a buffet dinner from Mahé (www.eatatmahe.com) and Two Guys Grilling (www.twoguysgrilling.com), and desert from It’s All About the Cake (www.itsallaboutthecake.com).

Throughout the concert, you will be able to bid on several original pieces of surf art as well as a customized Morning Breeze surf board created by Paul Carter during a silent auction.Tickets for this distinctive event, including the concert, dinner, and beverages begin at just $55, and fewer than 180 tickets are being sold.  For an extra special experience, you are invited to purchase a Cruiser Pass for $100.  With a Cruiser Pass, you will be treated to a special pre-concert sunset cruise aboard the Ocean Institute’s sailing ship, Spirit of Dana Point (beginning at 4:30), plus you will be seated at the tables closest to the stage.  You may purchase tickets by logging on to www.KSBR.org.  For more information, you may call KSBR’s Membership Services office at (949) 582-4501.

The Morning Breeze is the most popular specialty show on KSBR (88.5 FM), featuring an eclectic blend of electronic and acoustic World and New Age Music Saturdays 5 – 9 A.M. and Sunday 5 A.M. - noon. It is easy to forget that the Morning Breeze programming is commercial free because the flow of the music elevates you beyond those concerns. However, the way KSBR is able to provide this great music without interruption is by receiving the support of its listeners.  This will be an exciting way to treat yourself to a special experience while supporting the station that brings you the unique music of the Morning Breeze every Saturday and Sunday morning. KSBR (88.5 FM) is a commercial-free contemporary jazz and community information station serving Orange County and is broadcasted from Saddleback College in Mission Viejo.KSBR’s primary format is contemporary jazz and offers weekend specialty shows featuring other musical styles such as Techno, Reggae, Folk, Latin Jazz, and Blues.

KSBR began broadcasting in 1975 when the FCC granted an educational license to the Saddleback Community College District. In 1979, KSBR was granted a power increase to cover all of south Orange County and began broadcasting jazz as part of its programming.  KSBR is operated by Saddleback College Communication Arts students and is funded through membership drives, local fundraising events, and sponsorships.

28000 Marguerite Parkway Mission Viejo CA 92692  www.KSBR.org
SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Thomas A. Fuentes, William O. Jay, David B. Lang, Marcia Milchiker, Nancy M. Padberg, Donald P. Wagner, John S. Williams Dr. Raghu P. Mathur, Chancellor  SADDLEBACK COLLEGE: Tod A. Burnett Ed.D., President

Ah, summer. How we love the relaxing days of summer.  It’s the time of the year that children daydream about all school year and parents strive to find ways to keep their children busy.  Although theme parks and movie theatres are exciting and entertaining, they can be a drain on the bank account.  Besides they are not the only way to entertain on those warm, lazy days of summer. 

Most communities offer an alternative – concerts in the park.  San Clemente takes us to the coastal sand for their concerts while Dana Point brings us the bluffs with gorgeous ocean views.  Rancho Santa Margarita calls us to picnic in the park and San Juan Capistrano entertains us just a block from the Mission.  Best of all, this time with family and friends is free.  Bring a blanket or chairs and a willingness to enjoy music which may vary from the 60’s, disco, country, or good ol’ rock and roll.  Besides the fun at summer concerts, most communities also offer great family activities on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.  How wonderful to enjoy activities right in your own backyard!

For an easy way to review all the cities in your area and what activities they offer, visit http://www.orangecountyresourceguide.com/city-information.html

It’s time to slide into summer and dance the night away.