Jan. 12: Local and regional events

Helen Woodward Animal Center to hold volunteer orientation

Helen Woodward Animal Center will hold a volunteer orientation from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14 at the campus, 6461 El Apajo Road. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available, from walking dogs to lending a hand at one of the nonprofit’s local events or helping in the administrative office. Visit animalcenter.org/volunteer. —Linda McIntosh, SD Union-Tribune

January has a new Disney BookStar, a special cheese tasting with Venissimo, a visit from a San Diego District Attorney and so much more. Come to the library where everything is happening!

Love Your Library: New Disney BookStar, cheese tasting, Coffee & Conversation guest speaker and more

By Sarah Z. Sleeper

Rancho Santa Fe Library Book Club—Jan. 13

Join the Rancho Santa Fe Library for its book club on the second Friday of each month, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. On Jan. 13, join the discussion about The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave. You can check out the book from the library or access it via the Libby online system.

Cheese Tasting: Venissimo — Jan. 18

Have a delicious morning with Venissimo Cheese. Taste cheeses from around the world on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. Learn about pairing, history, the cheese-making process and more. Please contact the library to sign up, 858-756-2512. Space is limited for food, but the lecture is open for all.

Coffee & Conversation: Monique Myers from the San Diego DA’s Office— Jan. 19

On Thursday, Jan. 19 at 11 a.m., come to the library for Coffee & Conversation with Monique Myers, a community partnership prosecutor with the San Diego District Attorney’s office. She will discuss two of the greatest risks youth face today, human trafficking and the fentanyl crisis. Sponsored by the Library Guild of Rancho Santa Fe.

Youth Lock-In with Pizza, Treats and More—Jan. 20

Pizza, crafts, treats, games, prizes and magic are on the schedule for Friday, Jan. 20, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This fun lock-in night is for kids grades 5 to 8. Advanced sign up and permission slip required.

Chair Yoga—Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m.

Chair Yoga is back, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 to 11 a.m. Sign-up is required as class space is limited to 20 people.

Book Buddies—Every Monday

On Mondays from 2 to 3:30 p.m., please bring your kids to read with their teen Book Buddies. Children can listen to teenagers read books, or can read books out loud to their teen buddies. This is an excellent way to improve literacy and reading skills. No sign-ups are required, just come to the library and join the fun.

It’s Always Fun in the Children’s Library

—Mondays: Book Buddies at 2 p.m. and Game Day at 3 p.m.

—Tuesdays: Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. and STEM at 2 p.m.

—Wednesdays: Toddler Storytime at 10:30 a.m. and Tween Time at 2:30 p.m.

—Tuesday and Wednesday, January 24 and 25: Puppet Show at 10:30 a.m.

—Thursdays: Crafts at 2:30 p.m.

—Thursdays, January 19 and 26: Zone for Babies and Kids with Miss Yuru at 10:30 a.m.

—Fridays: Movie Day at 2:15 p.m.

—Saturdays: Drop in crafts from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Library Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Book Cellar Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

17040 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

(858) 756-2512, www.sdcl.org

January BookStar

Did you know that the Rancho Santa Fe Book Cellar sells exciting and rare books? Here’s this month’s highlighted book, chosen from thousands available every day.

The book: Walt Disney Imagineering: Behind the Scenes Magic

Description: With beautiful photographs and illustrations, the book is a must-have for a devoted Disney lover. It came out in 1998 and is almost 200 colorful pages. It shows the behind-the-scenes secrets of the Magic Kingdom.

Why it’s special: This is the 9th printing of a first edition. It is inscribed by Kevin Rafferty, a Disney Imagineer.

How to buy: Visit the Book Cellar any Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can find other unique books in person at the Book Cellar or on its eBay store, www.ebay.com/usr/rfsbookcellar.

Casa de Amistad Executive Director Nicole Mione-Green to speak at Del Mar – Solana Beach Optimist Club Zoom meeting

The Del Mar - Solana Beach Optimist Club recently announced that Casa de Amistad Executive Director, Nicole Mione-Green will be the guest speaker at the club’s Zoom meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Interested parties may join the Zoom meeting by clicking on the Zoom link to the meeting at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3859025629

The meeting is open to the public.

Mione-Green has worked in education in both the United States and Mexico. She has received a bachelor’s degree in International Studies from the University of Oregon and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from California State University, San Marcos. Mione-Green has been with Casa de Amistad since 2006. Under her leadership, Casa de Amistad has been able to offer many new and innovative programs.

Since 1997, Casa de Amistad, a nonprofit organization, has served children and families in coastal North County San Diego through education and mentoring programs. Casa de Amistad students are from school districts throughout coastal North County San Diego, including:

• Solana Beach School District

• Del Mar Union School District

• Encinitas Union School District

• Cardiff School District

• Carlsbad Unified School District

• San Dieguito Union High School District

Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 60,000 adult and youth members in over 2,700 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the world. To learn more about Optimist International visit the organization’s website at optimist.org

‘AAUW Public Policies’ topic of Jan. 14 event, public invited

American Association of University Women Del Mar-Leucadia Branch invites the public to learn about AAUW public policies at its virtual meeting on Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m. to noon. AAUW is a national organization with the mission to advance equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research.

Guided by the national mission, AAUW California has three public policy priorities: “Economic Security for All Women; Equal Access to Quality Public Education for All Students; and Social and Racial Justice for All Members of Society.” Details about the implementation and impact of these policies will be presented at the meeting.

Guests for the Jan. 14 meeting must send their name and email address to membership@aauwdml.org to receive a Zoom link to the meeting and for their name to be recognized when they enter the Zoom Waiting Room. The Zoom room will open at 10 a.m. for a social/chat time followed by the program at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome.

The Del Mar-Leucadia Branch serves coastal San Diego communities and always welcomes new members. Membership is open to all college graduates with an associate or higher degree. AAUW values and seeks a diverse membership. The branch reflects the varied interests of its members with monthly meetings (open to the public) and special interest groups such as Great Decisions, dining, book, movie, and bridge groups. Some groups meet virtually, while others are in person.

The local AAUW branch raises money for scholarships for local college students and for local middle school girls who are chosen to attend AAUW’s Tech Trek, a STEM camp for girls. The branch also supports Speech Trek for local high school students and AAUW Greatest Needs Fund.

For more information, visit delmarleucadia-ca.aauw.net or contact Karen Dorney, membership@aauwdml.org

All invited to attend Del Mar Garden Club event featuring guest speaker

The Del Mar Garden Club welcomes all to its complimentary Community Outreach program Jan. 23, 10 a.m. at the Del Mar City Hall, “Encouraging Native and Exotic Plants to Get Along in the Garden.” Learn how to successfully incorporate native plants into low water landscapes including plants of mixed origin. This eclectic approach to Southern California gardens is in great demand. The program speaker, Tony Gurnoe, is president and lead arborist of Treehugger Care & Consulting and a senior biologist at San Diego Botanical Services.

Address for the presentation is: 1050 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, 92014.

Guest speaker to share a variety of astronomy insights at SB Historical Society event, all welcome to attend

On Friday, Jan. 13, the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Society will present an astronomical adventure with Douglas Leonard, associate professor of astronomy at San Diego State University. He will explain topics such as the expanding universe, exploding stars, neutron stars and black holes. His presentation will be in easily understood language and will include amazing photographs of the universe.

Join the Solana Beach Civic and Historical Sociaty at 5:30 p.m. at the Fletcher Cove Community Center, 133 Pacific Avenue, Solana Beach on Jan. 13 to learn all about it. Bring your curiosity and your questions.

Horizon Church to host ‘The Chosen’ producer Dallas Jenkins at Men’s Breakfast

Join Horizon Church on Jan. 14, 8 a.m.-9:30 a.m., for a Men’s Breakfast with special guest speaker Dallas Jenkins, the creator, director and co-writer of “The Chosen” TV series. This is a free event with breakfast offered by donation. Horizon Church is located at 6365 El Apajo, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.

Jenkins will also be speaking at all three of Horizon’s weekend services, Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, Jan 15 at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

Visit bit.ly/3BYphDt to register and for more information. Visit The Chosen website at bit.ly/3joUzNl

Ovation Theatre presents ‘Into The Woods’

Ovation Theatre will present the classic musical “Into the Woods” by Steven Sondheim. This Tony Award-winning musical follows the journey of a group of fairy tale characters as they venture into the woods in search of their desires. Along the way, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack (of beanstalk fame). But be warned: this is no ordinary retelling of these classic stories. Sondheim’s clever lyrics and memorable score add depth and complexity to these beloved characters, leading them on a journey of self-discovery and the surprising consequences of their actions.

“Into the Woods” has been a fan favorite since its Broadway debut in 1987, and this production promises to be no different, a news release states. With a talented cast of actors from throughout San Diego County, stunning sets and costumes, and the award-winning creative team of Pamela Laurent (artistic director), Scott Gregory (music director), and Susie Dycus (choreographer), this is a show you won’t want to miss.

Laurent agrees and states in the news release, “The hilarity as well as eventual pathos provided by these well-known fairy tale characters - with real people’s wants and desires - being thrown together in the middle of the woods is compelling for anyone who is in the show as well as anyone who attends as an audience member. ‘Be careful what you wish for!’”

“Into the Woods” will be playing at the Howard Brubeck Theatre at Palomar College Jan 20-22 and Jan 27-29. Get your tickets now at ovationtheatre.org and join the magical journey. Get a sneak-peek into the production and rehearsals on Instagram @ovationtheatreshows and Facebook @ovationtheatre

Batiquitos Lagoon to hold bird walk and ‘The Winter Migration’ discussion

Batiquitos Lagoon will be hosting a bird walk and discussion titled “ The Winter Migration” on Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. Docent Mike Gollong will discuss the variety of species of birds from the north that make the lagoon their home from November to April each year. This event is free and good for ages 12 and older. Bring your binoculars or borrow from the Nature Center. Meet at the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit www.batiquitoslagoon.org.

13th annual presentation of ‘WOOD, A Furniture Show’

The Escondido Arts Partnership will hold the 13th annual presentation of “WOOD, A Furniture Show,” hosted by Brian Murphy of Murphy’s Fine Woodworking. This exhibition, which will be held Jan. 13 - Feb. 24, will feature a gathering of some of the very best furniture makers in Southern California showing their work at the Escondido Municipal Gallery. Handcrafted furniture will be exhibited in a variety of wood mediums and techniques, including innovative contemporary, traditional and whimsical art furniture, as well as detailed veneering and marquetry works. This exhibition is presented in association with the San Diego Fine Woodworking Association.

Escondido Municipal Gallery is located at 262 E. Grand Ave., Escondido, CA 92025. Visit www.escondidoarts.org and call 760-480-4101 for more information.

Scripps Ranch Theatre to present ‘Lucky Stiff’, a musical

Scripps Ranch Theatre continues its 43rd season with its musical production of “Lucky Stiff” by Ahrens and Flaherty, running at its theatre on the campus of Alliant International University and directed by San Diego veteran director Kathy Brombacher. Lucky Stiff is a co-production between Scripps Ranch Theatre and Oceanside Theatre Company. It previews at Scripps Ranch Theatre on Friday, Jan. 27, opens Saturday, Jan. 28 and runs through Feb. 19. Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. The show then runs at Oceanside Theatre Company from March 3-19.

This little musical theatre wonder has comedy, mystery, romance and a trip to Monte Carlo wrapped up with a splendid musical theatre score written by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, authors of “Anastasia”, “Ragtime The Musical” and “Once on his Island”.

To reserve seats for Lucky Stiff contact Patron Services Manager Dani DeCarlo at the box office at (858) 395-0573 or online at www.scrippsranchtheatre.org

Soroptimists holding virtual walk this month

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland are holding their third annual “30Miles in 30 Days to Fight Human Trafficking” Virtual Walkathon fundraiser. The walkathon began Jan. 1 and runs through Jan. 30. Proceeds will support the club’s efforts to help women and children who have been trafficked. Participants can register at bit.ly/3AYKYmi.

Basket-making classes in Los Angeles and San Diego

The Los Angeles Basketry Guild and the Misti Washington Gourd & Basket Guild will present four special classes taught by basketmaker Judy Zugish.

The dates of the classes are March 11 and 12, in the Los Angeles Area and March 18 and 19, in San Diego. The registration deadline is Feb. 11. Each of the four 8-hour workshops will run from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p,m, will have a maximum 12 students. The classes are open to all levels of basket makers.

Zugish began experimenting with cultivating fibers and using them to invent contemporary, sculptural basket forms. She gardens in the Pacific Northwest, where she grows, nurtures and collects fiber plants for her creations. A teacher since 1988, at home and abroad, she designs her classes to explore delicious natural materials, applying good techniques with a touch of the unusual – just because it’s fun. To learn how Zugish cultivates and prepares willow in her 40-year-old garden to make her unique pieces, go to youtube.com/watch?v=U8kIkTqx88k.

Registration is now open to the general public. Each class fee is $80, plus material/preparation fee which ranges from $55 to $95 depending on the class.

For a description of each class offered and for registration information go to baskets-gourds.com/classes or contact info@baskets-gourds.com for more information.

Exact location of classes will be shared after registration is confirmed.