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Home & Garden Calendar...What’s Happening?

FARMERS’ MARKETS

Corona del Mar Certified Farmers’ Market, open every Saturday from 9 a.m. -1 p.m., rain or shine. Marguerite Avenue at Pacific Coast Highway. Comprises 27 local farmers who offer fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as flowers, pastas and fish.

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Lido Marina Village Farmers’ Market, open every Wednesday from 12-5 p.m. 3434 Via Lido. Spend the afternoon sampling and shopping for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, cheeses, juice, bread and more. One hour of complimentary parking in the structure. 

Newport Beach Farmers’ Market by Farmer Mark, open every Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Located at 104 McFadden Place, right next to Newport Pier. Offers veggies, fruits, flowers, honey, fresh breads, local farm fresh meats and handcrafted items from local artisans. Choose from a variety of free range quail, duck, chicken and goose eggs. On the fourth Sunday of each month, the Farmers’ Market teams up with the Newport Beach Surfrider Foundation Chapter to host a beach clean up. To show their appreciation, they give the first 30 participants a Farmers’ Market Buck to spend with any of their vendors. The next beach clean up is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 22 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Certified Costa Mesa Farmers’ Market at the O.C. Fair, open every Thursday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Located in Lot D.

CLASSES, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS and more

Sherman Library & Gardens Seeks Nominations for the 2020 Newport Beach Garden Tour, Continuing through January 31. Free. Sherman Library & Gardens is in the planning stages for the 2020 Newport Beach Garden Tour. The annual tour will showcase gardens in the Newport Beach area. The Garden Tour committee of dedicated volunteers is seeking recommendations for private, residential gardens in this area. The Newport Beach Garden Tour showcases six residential gardens each year. Selected home garden owners will allow members of the community to wander through their yard from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. Homeowners do not need to be home for the tour, as Sherman Library & Gardens provides staff at each location. The Tour, in its 24th year, is Sherman Library & Garden’s largest fundraiser of the year and is an event for the avid and amateur gardener alike. To nominate a garden, please provide the physical street address, along with the owner’s name, contact information and a photo or two if possible to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 949.673.2261, ext. 300. The annual fundraiser takes place on Saturday, May 9. www.slgardens.org

Wall Garden in a Woolly Pocket Workshop with Onita Castillo on Saturday, January 25 from 10-11 a.m. Vertical gardens are a great way to add a design element, color and interest to smaller garden spaces. Join Original Designs Team Leader, Onita Castillo, as she shows you how to plant and care for your outdoor planted Woolly Pocket Wall Garden. Workshop fee is $130 per person, that includes a Woolly Pocket felted wall planter, various succulents and step-by-step instructions. Space is limited, sign up before spots are filled. Unfortunately, due to material costs, cancellations after January 17 cannot be refunded. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

Food Preservation on Saturday, January 25 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. This class will bring you up to date on the latest recommendations, teach you how to process your food safely and tell you why you are doing it that way. You will learn what equipment is needed and proper storage methods. In addition, you will discover ways to save money and prolong the life of your fruits and vegetables, all while reducing food waste and eating healthier without additives. Pamela Wnuck, the speaker, is a University of California Cooperative Extension Master Food Preserver of Orange County and the OC Fair Culinary Arts Supervisor. A multi-blue ribbon winner, Wnuck shares her passion for cooking with fresh garden ingredients and priceless tips on preserving the harvest. You can reach her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Register by January 24 at the website. Cost: The $25 fee covers ingredients and handouts. Bring two half-pint Ball or Kerr canning jars with lids and rings, along with an apron. Knives will be provided, but you can bring your own if preferred. Tied-back hair and close-toed shoes are required. Held in the Silo Building at Centennial Farm at OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. https://ocfair.com/centennial-farm/garden-classes/

Free Class: Berry Delicious on Saturday, January 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Plant berries now for nutritious, flavorful summer harvests. Armstrong has its largest selection in stock now – chosen just for your neighborhood by experts. Berries are easy to grow, even in small spaces. They’ll show you how. Register at the website. Free. Held at Armstrong Garden Centers, 1500 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. www.armstronggarden.com

Succulent Stones on Thursday, January 30 from 9-11 a.m. Succulents  are masters of disguise. You will learn how to use split stones and living rocks to hide among beautiful polished pebbles to design a camouflage creation. Discover the tricks for caring for these lasting botanical wonders. Pre-registration is required. Cost: Members, $90; Non-members, $100. Visit the website to register. Held at Sherman Library & Gardens, 2647 E. Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. www.slgardens.org

Free Class: Pet-friendly Houseplants on Saturday, February 1 from 9-10 a.m. We love our houseplants and we love our pets. They’ll teach you about houseplants that will work in any room of your house that are also safe for our furry friends. Register at the website. Free. Held at Armstrong Garden Centers, 1500 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.www.armstronggarden.com

Composting 101 on Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. In this class, attendees will learn the value of composting and discover there are lots of do’s, a few don’ts, and many maybes regarding composting. While there is a general method, each family is different and contributes uniquely to the compost pile. Any household can compost its green and brown waste to eventually yield organic matter that enriches soil. The basic set up will be presented along with suggestions for those that are experienced in composting, and all are welcome to contribute to the discussion. The speaker, Dr. Francene Kaplan, will help you navigate a path to make your compost bin a thriving ecosystem. Dr. Kaplan, the “Priestess of Rot,” has been trained and certified as a Master Composter and has been “recycling nature’s way” for more than three decades. She has taught science for more than 30 years in the Huntington Beach Union High School District. You may have seen her at the OC Fair presenting a composting workshop, encouraging others to start a “pile of fun” of their own. Register by January 31 at the website. Cost: The $5 fee covers the cost of materials and/or handouts. Bring two half-pint Ball or Kerr canning jars with lids and rings, along with an apron Held in the Silo Building at Centennial Farm at OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. https://ocfair.com/centennial-farm/garden-classes/

Free Class: Orchids on Saturday, February 1 from 9-10 a.m. Orchids look exotic, but are easy to grow with blooms that last weeks or even months. Their local horticulturist will show you the best way to water, feed, and get your orchids to rebloom, and repot – all you need to know for beautiful orchids. Register at the website. Free. Held at Armstrong Garden Centers, 1500 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.www.armstronggarden.com

Heart Succulent Container Workshop with Onita Castillo on Saturday, February 1 from 10-11 a.m. Make your valentine’s heart grow and grow! Spread the love with a lovely, sustainable succulent heart arrangement. Original Designs Team Leader, Onita Castillo, will show you how to create this unique succulent heart arrangement. Workshop fee is $100 per person/arrangement, and includes a metal heart shaped metal container, soil, succulent plants, votive candles and step-by-step instructions. Due to material costs, cancellations after January 24 cannot be refunded. If desired, bring gloves. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Garden-to-Table in February with Steve Hampson on Saturday, February 8 from 9-10 a.m. Master Horticulturist Steve Hampson will discuss everything edible, including vegetables, herbs, fruits, berries and more. Emphasis this month will be on planting the last of the cool season vegetables starting warm season vegetable transplants from seed, insect control and fertilizing of fruit trees. Hampson will lead a lively and interactive discussion about what, where and when to plant, prune, feed and harvest. Bring your questions as well as your own tips and tricks, as audience participation is encouraged. This event is free. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Gardening 1019 for Beginner Series | Planting in Pots with Tracy Wankner on Saturday, February 8 from 10-11 a.m. Join expert horticulturist, Tracy Wankner, for the first of an ongoing series of gardening for beginners seminar. Whether you’re a new homeowner, apartment dweller, college student, new gardener or simply retired with more time on your hands, planting in pots, bowls, baskets and other containers is a fabulous way to learn the basics of gardening. A collection of containers is a fun way to explore gardening without requiring very much space. This event is free. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

Valentine Orchid Container Workshop with Shelley Burton on Saturday, February 8 from 10-11 a.m. Open your heart and share the love. Create an orchid garden container with the guidance of their Garden Room Team Leader, Shelley Burton, you will have the opportunity to make a stunning Orchid arrangement that will add elegance to any home. Workshop fee is $100 per person, includes plants, a container and step-by-step instructions. Space is limited. Due to material costs, cancellations after January 31 cannot be refunded. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Back to Basics: How to MakeSimple Flower Arrangement on Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. If you love flowers and have always wanted to know the tips and tricks of putting together a simple arrangement in a vase, this class is for you. Learn how to design your own tabletop arrangement with seasonal greens and flowers like a pro. Everything you will need is in included. Speaker Kat Castagnoli, AIFD, CFD, CCF, is a professional freelance floral designer with 15+ years of experience as a floral designer, judge and instructor. She specializes in wedding and event design with her own company, Kat’s Florals, LLC, in Los Alamitos. She is an active member of the California State Floral Association (CSFA) as well as the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD), where she is currently on the Southwest Board of Directors. Her wedding work has been published on several notable wedding blogs, including Green Wedding Shoes, Southern California Bride and Ceremony Magazine, and she is currently a contributing writer/designer for Florists’ Review magazine. Register by February 6 at the website. Cost: The $45 fee covers the cost of materials and/or handouts. Held at Centennial Farm at OC Fair & Events Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. https://ocfair.com/centennial-farm/garden-classes/

World Class Sweet Peas with Steve Hampson on Saturday, February 15 from 9-10 a.m. Well-known horticulturist, Steve Hampson,. has been growing and trialing sweet pea varieties for 10 years. He has cultivated a wealth of knowledge about varieties that are truly exceptional including some modern sweet peas that have been bred for large, ruffled, fragrant blooms that are great for cutting. Hampson will cover topics such as seed sowing, soil preparation, insect and disease control, support systems and growing in containers. Learn how to grow and care for these wonderful cool-season plants so you can pick arms full of this favorite flower to enjoy in your home. This event is free. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

Living Vertical Wall Garden Seminar with Tim Fiskin & David Bishop on Saturday, February 15 from 9-10 a.m. Join Landscape Design General Manager, Tim Fiskin and Owner of Elevation Design Walls, David Bishop, as they explain the process of how to create, design and install a vertical garden. Learn all the steps from conception to completion on how to transform the smallest spaces into an amazing vertical garden sanctuary. This event is free. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

Nature Gardening Series – Learning from Nature How to Garden with Ron Vanderhoff on Saturday, February 23 from 9-10 a.m. Become a better gardener, by being a keen observer of how nature does it in its own wild space. If we look carefully and pay attention, these wild spaces will provide us lessons about how we might approach our more domestic gardens. Join Rogers Gardens, General Manager, Ron Vanderhoff, in this classroom for a fully illustrated program. He will educate you on native plant communities and habitats throughout Orange County with expert discussion of such garden topics as slope, aspect, water (and its seasonality), sun exposure, soil texture, soil composition, nutrients, insect associations and more. Vanderhoff is an Orange County horticulture leader, native plant expert and wildlands ecologist. He is a director of The CA Native Plant Society and sits on several natural history and horticultural advisory and science committees. This event is free. Held at Roger’s Gardens, 2031 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona de Mar. www.rogersgardens.com

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

 

ONGOING

OC Market Place is Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission is $2; free for kids 12 and younger. Located in Lot A at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Year Round - Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Events Center is open daily. Hours: Monday - Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free admission and parking. Located at 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa. 

https://ocfair.com/centennial-farm/

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Courtesy of OC Fair & Event Center

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Let’s Get Outside...places to explore

Community Days, Sundays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Come explore parts of the Back Bay Science Center and participate in fun hands-on activities to learn more about the ocean.

Led by Newport Bay Conservancy volunteers. 600 Shellmaker Rd., Newport Beach.

Marine Protected Area Hikes – Join the Natural Resources Staff on a guided, informational 2.6-mile hike through Newport Beach’s Crystal Cove State Marine Conservation Area. Hikes meet at Little Corona Lifeguard Tower #7 and is open to ages 13 years and above. Free.

Hike Dates & Times:

–Saturday, Feb. 8 from 2-4 p.m.

–Saturday, March 7 from 1-3 p.m.

Registration is available online at www.letsgooutside.org.

Courtesy of Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Dept.

Buck Gully Upper Loop Evening Hike on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 3-5:30 p.m. Explore the richness of Upper Newport’s Buck Gully Reserve as you hike during the beautiful early evening hours. The stream is running and the rich plant and animal life are enjoying the cool, shady canyon making for an evening hike in a natural oasis amid the suburban surroundings. You’ll walk along San Joaquin Hills Road, which overlooks Buck Gully for the first mile, then drop down into the canyon on the Bobcat Trail, looping back through the upper end of the gully along the Buck Gully Trail. This activity is conducted at a walking pace, approximately 3 miles per hour. Led by an Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteer, this free hike is open to those 8 years and older. The distance is 4 miles; duration, 2.5 hours with moderate difficulty. Registration is required. Staging location: Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Road, Newport Coast. Bring water, a light trail snack, sturdy closed-toe shoes and supplies to keep you safe during the journey. Sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. Register at www.letsgooutside.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanups

Surfrider Foundation hosts a two-hour beach cleanup at 9 a.m. and a three-hour harbor cleanup at 8 a.m. on the first Saturday of each month. On the fourth Sunday of each month, they partner with the Newport Beach Farmers’ Market for a beach clean up from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. To register, click here. They also partner with OC Public Works to host an annual flood control channel cleanup on Earth Day in April and Coastal Cleanup Day in September. For more information, contact Michelle Giron at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Beach Cleanups on the first Saturday of the month. Meet on the beach in front of Prospect Street and Ocean Front Boulevard in Newport Beach. They run from 9-11 a.m. There is paid public parking nearby, but there are limited spots.

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Harbor Cleanups with volunteers meeting at Southwind Kayak Center at 100 N. Bayside Dr., Newport Beach. From PCH, turn onto Bayside Drive toward Newport Dunes. www.newportbeach.surfrider.org

Interested in being a Tidepool Volunteer?

If you are interested in volunteering as a tidepool docent, visit www.ocmarineprotection.org for the next Orange County docent training dates and times.

Did You Know?

Winter marks the start of one of the coolest things that happens in Newport Beach – the Gray Whale migration! Usually beginning in February, adult and calf gray whales can be seen just yards off from the beach throughout Newport Beach, searching for food in the sand and scratching themselves on the shallow bottom. At a distance, look for their heart-shaped spout, since they have two blow holes instead of one.

Courtesy of the Newport Beach Recreation & Senior Services Dept.

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OASIS Senior Center events, classes, trips...

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Courtesy of OASIS Senior Center

HAPPENINGS

Weekday Lunch. Welcome to lunch! Want to meet new friends? Come join other seniors on weekdays in the Evelyn Hart Event Center, Monday through Friday, from 12-12:30 p.m. Delicious hot and cold lunches are served by a local catering company. Reservations by 9 a.m. two days in advance are appreciated. Call 959.718.1820. Suggested donations: $4.50 per meal. Check the OASIS newsletter for the monthly menu calendar. They are collecting new blankets and throws to give to their Home Delivered Meals clients. They have at least 60 people they would like to give to...and they are asking the community to help reach their goal.

SAVE THE DATES:

–One Warm Coat, continuing through February 28. They will be collecting new and gently used coats and jackets for our local homeless population. Please bring your donations to the OASIS lobby.

–Meal & A Movie on Wednesday, Jan. 29 with the screening of The Wrecking Crew. The meal starts at 12 p.m.; the movie starts at 1 p.m. in the Evelyn Hart Event Center. Call 949.718.1820 the prior Friday to request a meal. Movie Synopsis: Prolific session musicians, The Wrecking Crew, who provided backup instrumentals
for numerous popular bands in the 1960s, are profiled by filmmaker Denny Tedesco, whose father, Tommy, was a member of the band, in this absorbing documentary. Cher, Brian Wilson, Mickey Dolenz, Dick Clark and others reflect on the amazing musicians who backed up the Beach Boys, Frank Sinatra, the Mamas and the Papas, the Monkees and many more. Starring: Brian Wilson, Cher, Dick Clark, Glen Campbell, Lou Adler and Nancy Sinatra. Running time: 1 hr. 41 min.

–Tax Alert: Beginning in early February 2020, under AARP’s Tax-Aide program, OASIS will be offering free tax preparation services for tax year 2019 to Seniors and Low Income taxpayers. During January, you will begin receiving various Federal and State documents required for tax return preparation. Set these documents aside and bring them to your tax appointment. Such documents include the following:

–W-2: Wages from employment

–SSA 1099: Social Security

–1099-R: Pension/IRA income

–1099-B: Brokerage statements

–1099-INT: Interest income

–1099-DIV: Dividend income

–1099-MISC: Business/Self-Employment income plus associated expenses

–1095-A: If on the Covered California healthcare program

–1099-LTC: If you have long-term care insurance

Tax appointments at OASIS can be scheduled beginning Wednesday, January 8. Some tax documents aren’t sent out until
later in February (such as year-end combined brokerage statements) so make sure you set an appointment date when you will definitely have all the required documents.

TUESDAY NIGHT TOPICS LECTURES will return in 2020. Schedule TBD.

VOLUNTEERISM

ENC Museum Docents. Interested in spending time helping out the Environmental Nature Center (ENC)? Docents staff the front desk, greet visitors and provide information at the ENC’s state-of-the-art learning facility. Training will cover frequently asked questions, emergency information, and ENC policies and procedures. Commit to volunteering one day a week or just one day a month. This training is for both experienced as well as brand new docents. It is located at 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Volunteer hours: Weekends, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12-4 p.m. Weekdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30-5 p.m. Register at www.encenter.org.

CLASSES & ACTIVITIES

Let’s Go Trippin’: Travel Film Series has returned. This group meets every other month. Join the "excursion," for a first-hand account of travels from different presenters and to different locations.

NEW Classes Coming in 2020! Politics of Protest Election, U.S. International Conflict Management, Russia from Tsars to Putin and U.S. Middle East Relations. Politics of Protest takes place from January 27-March 23 from 5-6:45 p.m. in Room 2A.This course examines the evolution of protest politics in the United States. Various methods of dissent and citizen organizing has emerged in America. From the Tea Party Movement to Occupy Wall Street, you will explore the tactics these and other protest groups have employed to achieve their political goals. America was founded on civic engagement. The freedom to openly petition the state of American life is fundamental to what it means to be an American. This course is for those seeking to understand effective civic engagement and the ways people can get involved in discussions about important public issues. (For details of other new classes, see page 16 in the OASIS January newsletter.)

Food for Thought Program: A Creativity Program with Adult Brain Health in Mind on Tuesday, January 28 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Art Room. Presented by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. When we combine creativity with using our hands while visually engaged, we use multiple areas of our brain all at once, making vital connections. Using one’s creativity throughout a lifetime positively impacts the retention intelligence gained from accumulated knowledge and a lifetime of experiences. This program is limited to 24 participants who are able to commit to all four workshops. Cost: $20 (cash only). Pre-registration and payment in person is required to reserve a spot. Stop by the OASIS office to register.

Men’s Group – Life’s Third Act on Tuesdays, February 4 through March 10 from 3:30-5 p.m. in Room 5. Seven-week group for individuals age 50 years or better focusing on enhancing communication skills. In late adulthood, many physical and psychological changes take place. How well we adapt to these changes is influenced more by our state of mind than by years live. Join with other men in the journey to find meaning and purpose in life. Facilitated by Robert B. Smith, Ph.D. Space is limited to 15 participants. For questions regarding the group, contact the facilitator at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. RSVP to 949.644.3244.

Four Weeks to a Bette Memory on Tuesdays, February 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10 a.m. in Room 5. Presented by Alzheimer’s Orange County. Remember names and faces, recall appointments and learn to practice everyday memory techniques in this course written and designed by Gary Small, M.D. and Linda Ercoli, Ph.D. for people with mild memory concerns. Nine out of 10 people report improvements in their memory. Cost: $65 is payable to Alzheimer’s Orange County. Contact the organization directly at 949.757.3764.

Intro to the MELT Method of Self Care on Tuesdays, February 25-Mrch 17 from 1-1:40 p.m. in the OASIS Dance Room. For anyone new to the MELT Method, this class must be taken prior to taking the one-hour class. Erase pain and tension brought on by everyday stress, aging and overuse. This simple self-treatment technique can make your whole body feel better and provide relief from neck and low back pain, arthritis, bunions, plantar fasciitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In this 40-minute class Yvette Casal will teach you the four Rs of MELT: reconnect, re-balance, re-hydrate and release so you can develop a home practice. Please bring a mat and water to drink. New to MELT? Email Casal once you register at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Cost: $50/4. Drop In (no refunds), $15/1.

Great Courses Discussion meets Thursdays from 3-4 p.m. New Topic: “My Favorite Universe,”  to watch Great Courses DVD followed by a group discussion. Meetings are free and RSVP is not required. Takes place in Room 2B. View page 17 in the newsletter for the scheduled topics.

Food for Thought Program: A Creativity Program with Adult Brain Health in Mind on Tuesdays, January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 9-10:30 a.m. in the Art Room. Presented by the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity. When we combine creativity with using our hands while visually engaged, we use multiple areas of our brain all at once, making vital connections. Using one’s creativity throughout a lifetime positively impacts the retention intelligence gained from accumulated knowledge and a lifetime of experiences. This program is limited to 24 participants who are able to commit to all four workshops. Cost: $20 (cash only). Pre-registration and payment in person is required to reserve a spot. Stop by the OASIS office to register.

Learn a New Language with Portal Languages. Portal Languages teaches Italian, French and Spanish with six- to eight-week courses. Come learn a new skill and make new friends in the New Year. View page 18 in the newsletter for class dates, times and costs.

Sing & Pick Hootenanny Group meets every Friday from 1-3 p.m. Bring your stringed instrument or just come and sing along. Takes place in OASIS Room 5.

OASIS Wood Carvers Seek New Members on Thursdays between 8-11 a.m. This group works on individual projects and welcomes new members. Come any Thursday and see Junie Allen to sign up, or find out more about the group. Instructors are available during class time to assist members. Group members are asked to contribute $15 every three months for class tool and machine maintenance. For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/oasiswood.

A Different Kind of Book Club meets the first Wednesday of every month at 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Read a different book based on a chosen topic. You will go home with a list of interesting reads. Theme: Historical fiction or fiction. Free.

Beginning Guitar Workshop gets together on ongoing Fridays from 3-4 p.m. and it’s free. No experience is necessary. Come learn to play the guitar in an informal setting. Bring your own acoustic guitar. Takes place in Room 5.

OASIS Sing Along happens on ongoing Thursdays from 1-3 p.m. and it’s free. Join a group of music aficionados who love to sing together, harmonize and learn new tunes. RSVP is not required. Takes place in OASIS Room 1A.

Hula is on ongoing Mondays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. and it’s free. RSVP is not required. Taught by Marianne Ripley.

Head to Toe Fitness on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 8-9 a.m. Cost: $65/8. Drop ins $12/1; no refunds. Starting with dynamic stretching and low impact movements, this class includes light-weight training and floor exercises, helping you maintain bone density as it strengthens and stretches muscles throughout the body.

Longevity Stick on ongoing Tuesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and it’s free. These easy-to-learn gentle movements promote physical fitness and mental relaxation. Bring a one-inch round (in diameter) wood stick that has a length equivalent to your body height. Most hardware stores carry wood sticks. Meets at Grant Howald Park, 3000 5th Ave., Corona del Mar.

Zumba Gold classes are offered at varying times. Costs vary. Offered by CS Dance Factory, your dance party workout will have you groovin’ at your own pace. Easy to follow, low-impact dance steps to zesty Latin and international music. Meet new friends while moving and having fun. Improve balance, strength and mobility. The instructors will uplift and energize you.

FINE ARTS

Open Art Workshop on ongoing Fridays from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the OASIS Art Center. Free. No RSVP is required. For students of any medium, this is the perfect time to catch up on class projects.

ENRICHMENT

Current Events Discussion on ongoing Mondays from 5-7 p.m. in the OASIS Library. Free. Join this group to openly discuss current events in a friendly setting. Topics will include news, magazines and movies. Participants are asked to bring an article to share with the group. From time to time, a speaker may present a special topic.

Writing Roundtable Group on ongoing Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. in OASIS Room 5. Free. The class is dedicated to improving writing skills by presenting readings then receiving critiques. Authors can bring prepared material, double spaced with a copy for each attendee. A classroom copy machine is required. Content can include short stories, personal essays, a magazine article or poem. Reading time depends upon class attendance. The instructor is Jos Vloet. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Technology Tutoring on Monday, Jan. 27 from 2-3 p.m. in the Computer Lab. Free. RSVP is required. Call 949.644.3244. Bring in your device and get assistance. Instructor is The Grey Haired Geek.

2020 Election on Thursdays, January 30-March 26 with no class on February 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. in OASIS Room 1A. This course examines the policies, people and politics of the 2020 Election. From campaign strategy to voter analysis, you will explore how the 2020 Election for President of the United States is stacking up against the electorate. You will rely on up-to-date candidate policy proposals, such as health care, economic approaches and national security issues to ensure a substantive discussion on the presidential race. This course is for those seeking to listen and share their views on the current state of 2020 Presidential Election Politics and the policies driving public debate. Cost: $60/8. Instructor: Joshua Stone, MPP. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

OASIS LIBRARY

Did you know that Oasis has a library that is well stocked with books and puzzles available for checkout? The library has current hardback and paperback fiction as well as non-fiction and biographies. There are also special collections of military/veteran books, sailing/nautical books and large print books. It is located adjacent to the game room in the front left section of OASIS. Hours are weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers are often available, but there is a sign-out sheet so that books can be checked out even if no volunteers are present. 

Donations of books and puzzles are always appreciated. They can be left at the library desk or placed in the book return slot. The library is currently hoping to expand the non-fiction/biography and large print book sections. Please stop by to browse or chat with a volunteer.

SPORTS

Endless Sun Surf Lessons. Newport Beach’s Endless Sun Surf School is offering private and group lessons meet under Newport Pier (Lifeguard headquarters building, lower level) and 24th Street. They teach to any surfing ability. Pro surfers will help you develop confidence, competence and awareness as a surfer. Cost: Private, $75/hr.; Two people, $55/hr./pp.; Three people, $50/hr./pp.; Six+ people, 60/2hr./pp. Book your lesson at www.endlesssunsurf.com.

Sailing with the OASIS Sailing Club makes recreational sailing available to members and their guests, and provides instruction in sailing to those members who wish to learn how to handle a sailboat. Enjoy year round sailing in their beautiful Catalina 34MKII sloops, OASIS-V and OASIS-VI. Both are in excellent condition and ready for all-weather operations. Sailing is sometimes tranquil and always enjoyable. More than 150 friendly club members welcome both experienced and new sailors. The Club meets the last Wednesday of every month from 1:30-3 p.m.. There is a $42 monthly dues fees. Sailing is free. Google “Oasis Sailing Club” for the website. Call Membership Chair Rob Reid at 510.329.2741 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for membership details. 

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Courtesy of OASIS

Pickleball – Outdoor Open Courts & Drop-In. Four outdoor courts; no lights. Open Courts: Mon.-Fri., 7-8 a.m. and 12 p.m.-dusk; Sat.-Sun., 7 a.m.-dusk. Drop In: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-12 p.m. A predetermined schedule of play is based on skill levels will be posted at the courts and online. View the schedule at www.newportneachca.gov/sports. Participants will be required to supply their own paddle. Approved paddles must be used at all times. Visit www.newportbeachca.gov/sports for the list of approved paddles. Noise reduced balls will be available onsite. Outdoor pickleball is permitted only at the designated courts.

Pickleball – Indoor Drop-In. Three indoor court for doubles play; no partner is required. Mondays, 12:30-3 p.m.; Fridays, 12:30-3:30  p.m. Paddles and indoor balls are available. All skill levels are welcome. Pay and Play. Drop-in cards can be purchased online at City Hall or Newport Beach Community Center. RSVP not required.

Senior Tennis Group on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Interested in playing tennis? Come out to the San Joaquin Tennis Courts at 1550 Crown Drive, Corona del Mar. Please note: All play is doubles, no need to bring a partner or sign up in advance. Players ranked 3.0 and above are encouraged to participate. Please bring a racquet and $1 for balls. For more information, contact Linda Hardenbergh at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Let’s Tee it Up on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Check-in times and costs vary. Get out and hit the course as the weather is warming up. Groups play at four different courses: Monday: Costa Mesa-Los Lagos, $33 for this long and challenging par 72; Wednesday: Fountain Valley-Mile Square Classic Course, $38; Wednesday: Costa Mesa-Mesa Linda, $26, par 70; and Friday: Fountain Valley-Mile Square Players Course, long and challenging, $40. Cart fees vary. Average cost is $12 per person. Reservations required.

CARDS & GAMES

Bridge from beginning to advanced and duplicate, learn and advance your skills in this stimulating game. Session times and costs vary.

Mah Jongg when experienced players meet on an ongoing basis on Mondays and Fridays, 12:30-3:30 p.m. in Room 3. Free and RSVP is not required.

Mexican Train where this interactive fun-packed game is played with dominoes. Beginners should come at 1 p.m. on Fridays to learn how to play. Meets on an ongoing basis on Fridays from 1- 4 p.m. in the Library/Game Room. Free and RSVP is not required.

Ping Pong where new players are always welcome. Meets on an ongoing basis on Tuesday and Thursday from 2-5 p.m. in the Event Center. Free and RSVP is not required.

Scrabble where game boards, tiles and official Scrabble dictionary provided. All levels welcome. Meets on an ongoing basis on Monday from 1:30-4 p.m. in Room 2B. Free and RSVP is not required.

Shanghai/May I where if you know how to play Rummy, you’ll pick up this game in no time. Meets on an ongoing basis on Tuesday from 12:30-4 p.m. in the Library/Game Room. Free and RSVP is not required.

Texas Hold’em Players Wanted whether you are a beginner or advanced experienced. Come enjoy treats and a chance to win a gift certificate to In-n-Out Burger. You should know the basics of poker, and new players are welcome. Meets on the first and third Friday every month from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Room 1B. Play for chips only. Free and RSVP is not required.

MEAL PROGRAMS

Daily lunch program where both hot and cold meals are served Monday through Friday from 12-2:30 p.m. Suggested donation: $4.50 and reservations are required two days in advance by calling 949.718.1820. 

SCREENINGS, SUPPORT GROUPS and COUNSELING

Health Screenings with walk-in Blood Pressure Screenings on the first and third Tuesday from 9-11 a.m. Visual Aid Screening by the Braille Institute for magnifying when eyeglasses are no longer sufficient. Call 714.821.5000 for an appointment.

Free Medical Lectures provided by Hoag Hospital. Call 949.644.3244 for the schedule.

Alzheimer’s Caregiver Support Group where meetings are open to caregivers, family members and friends caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia on the first Wednesday of the month from 10-11:30 a.m.

Caregivers Support Group where “Thrive not Survive” meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. in Room 5. Caregiving is challenging. The goal of this group is to increase your confidence as a caregiver, improve the skills that you have developed and offer a safe place to share your feelings. Free and facilitated by the Caregiver Resource Center, 714.446.5030.

Parkinson’s Newly Diagnosed Support Group where a group of people newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s meets the second and fourth Friday of the month from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Nasira’s Nutrition Individualized Nutritional Counseling with Nasira Burkholder-Cooley, DRPH, RD, CPT. She is a doctorate-level registered dietician, a certified personal trainer and a yoga instructor. This one-on-one nutrition consultation benefits individuals seeking to optimize their health through diet. If you’re interested in learning more about how good nutrition can help you meet your health goals, set up a nutritional counseling appointment. Fitness consultation is also available. Cost: $80 for a 60-minute consultation. For more information and to set up an appointment, contact Nasira at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Call 425.445.3914.

Meals on Wheels where three (3) nutritious meals are delivered Monday through Friday to homebound seniors (60 and older) that qualify for the program. Volunteers take time from their days to use their own vehicles to lovingly ensure that no senior is without a meal. If you have questions about the program, how it works, or if you and a loved one qualify, call 949.718.1811.

TRAVEL

DAY TRIPS

The Broad on Wednesday, Jan. 29. It’s time to visit one of our most popular museums. This newest contemporary art museum’s aim is to inspire and foster appreciation of art of our time with a collection of nearly 2,000 works of contemporary art. If you haven’t seen Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror rooms, two are currently on view and can be seen at no additional charge. A new and special exhibit originated by The Broad, “Shirin Neshat: I Will Greet the Sun Again,” is the largest exhibition to date of internationally acclaimed artist, Shirin Nesha. However, there is an additional charge of $20 to view the exhibit which includes 230 photographs and eight video works. Lunch on your own. Departs: 9 a.m. Returns: 5 p.m. Cost: $60/$65.

Grape Expectations – Chocolate, Wine & Exotic Animals on Thursday, Feb. 11. Put on your walking shoes for an action-filled day. First stop will be an alpaca ranch where you will enjoy a guided tour and meet these inquisitive and friendly creatures. You will be able to pet them and will be given snacks to feed them. Afterward, visit the shop with alpaca fleece products. Then to Sugarplum Farms where they have artisanal chocolates and a petting zoo. You will have time to meet their friendly and exotic animals and enjoy a guided tour of the chocolate store with an opportunity to sample and buy your favorites. A boxed lunch will be served at their picnic site. From there, you head to an award-winning boutique winery for wine tasting. On the way home, there is a stop at Tom’s Farms. Departs: 8 a.m. Returns: 6:30 p.m. Cost: $115/$120.

Norton Simon Museum on Wednesday, Feb. 26. Travel to Pasadena to visit the Norton Simon Museum, founded in 1922 and one of OASIS’ favorites. Upon arrival, enjoy an included box lunch at the Norton Simon Garden Café. Afterwards there will be a self-guided audio tour with time to view the exhibits at your own pace and perhaps with a stop in the gift shop. Departs 10:30 a.m. Returns 5 p.m. Cost: $65/$70.

Welk Resort Theatre – A Chorus Line on Saturday, March 7. Travel down to Escondido and enjoy the Welk Theatre’s performance of this stunning Pulitzer Prize and Tony award-winning musical that captures the spirit and tension of a Broadway chorus audition. Lunch at the resort included prior to the performance.

Departs 9 a.m. Returns 5 p.m. Cost: $115/$120.

Autry Museum of the American West on Wednesday, March 11. Travel to Griffith Park and visit this world-class museum dedicated to exploring the American West. It was established by Gene Autry to explore and share the comprehensive story of the American West and its multiple cultures. It is organized into three theme areas: Religion and Ritual, Land and Landscape and Migration and Movement. Also, on display will be the 23rd annual Masters of the American West and the Gamble Firearms Gallery which shows more of the context and place of firearms in the Old West. Lunch on your own at one of the park’s most popular cafes, Crossroads West. Departs 8:30 a.m. Returns 5 p.m. Cost: $60/$65.

Wheel of Fortune on Thursday, March 26. Be part of the audience for the taping of this popular show at Sony Studios. Before the show a tasty lunch is included at Cantor’s Deli, one of California’s oldest delis. Departs 11 a.m. Returns 7:30 p.m. Cost: $85/$90.

Note: Day Trip Departure/Return Location is the Newport Coast Community Center, 6401 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Newport Coast (corner of Newport Coast Drive and San Joaquin Hills Road).

EXTENDED TRIPS

Laughlin - Riverside Resort & Casino Norton Simon Museum on March 17-19. Take a leisurely to trip to Laughlin (bingo on the bus) and then enjoy the exciting atmosphere of the area. Gamble, walk by the river or take a boat ride, shop or just relax. Departs 8:30 a.m. Returns 5:30 p.m. on March 19. Cost: Single, $170; Double, $135pp.

Note: Extended trips can be 3-5 days within driving range or a shorter flight leaving out of Orange County. New trips to be posted.

Gambling trips are scheduled monthly. All trips are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and may sell out. Note: Trips fill up quickly, so sign up early. Travel Office: Open Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Call 949.718.1810.

OASIS Senior Center is located at 801 Narcissus Ave., Corona del Mar,

92625. Call 949.644.3244. Parking is Free. OASIS Senior Center is on Facebook.

For a complete list of classes, happenings, support groups and trips, visit http://bit.ly/OASISSeniorCenter. They are also listed in the quarterly Newport Navigator, available at Newport Beach Public Library branches.

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Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve Events

Winter Beginners Bird Walk on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. With the opportunity to view large flocks of ducks, gulls, and other shorebirds, this beginner level bird walk will feature the migratory birds who visit Upper Newport Bay every winter. You will walk along the bay and bluffs, and focus on basic bird identification, binocular use and how to use all the available clues to figure out what you’re looking out. Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Walk-ins are welcome, however seating is limited, so registration is suggested. For more information, call 949.923.2250 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is at 2301 University Drive in Newport Beach.

Junior Ranger Day at the Bay on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Come earn your Junior Ranger Badge and Certificate at Upper Newport Bay. Participants will go on a guided hike, complete a short service project and take the junior ranger oath. Activities will be designed for learners in the 9-12 age range, but everyone is welcome. Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event. Registration is required. Visit www.letsgooutside.org. For more information, call 949.923.2250 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is at 2301 University Drive in Newport Beach.

World Wetlands Day Trash Cleanup on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1-3:30 p.m. Every year, winter rains push tons of trash down riverbeds, flood control channels, and storm sewers and it all ends up in Newport Bay. In recognition of World Wetlands Day, join in for a trash cleanup in the Back Bay to help prevent all this plastic and other trash from ending up in the ocean. Participants should come prepared to get muddy! Gloves, bags, and all tools will be provided.

Minors aged 16 and younger must have legal guardian present at all times. Rain will cancel the event. For more information, call 949.923.2250 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Visit www.letsgooutside.org to register. Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center is at 2301 University Drive in Newport Beach.

Family Science Sundays, One Sunday each month from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Recommended for ages 3-12. Enjoy free activities in the Muth Interpretive Center classroom, with a different educational theme to explore. The activities are self-guided and can include hands-on exhibits, outside hikes, crafts and more. No registration is necessary.

Wild Tales, every Friday, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center for 2-8 year olds. Enjoy story time, a walk and an activity. Pre-registration is required. 949.923.2269.

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Kayak Tour every Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Launch from the Newport Aquatic Center at 1 Whitecliffs Drive for a two-hour guided tour of Upper Newport Bay. Trained naturalists begin with a quick lesson on how to paddle and then lead participants into the Ecological Reserve. They make several stops where they discuss various aspects of the ecology and wildlife of the Bay. Each tour is unique with startling differences in birds and other wildlife seen depending on the season and state of the tide. In winter, there is a huge abundance and diversity of shorebirds, ducks, and grebes that have migrated from Canada and Alaska. Roughly 80 species of fish have been found here. Bring sun protection, even in winter, and be prepared to get a little wet. Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to tour to check in and fill out a waiver. 

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Courtesy stevescamera.com

Back Bay Drive Nature Walks on the first Sunday of the month. Enjoy a leisurely morning walk along Back Bay Drive observing birds and plants. A side channel of the estuary runs adjacent to the multi-purpose road and there are great opportunities to view shorebirds, waterfowl and other birds.

Back Bay Science Center Community Day every Sunday at 10 a.m. Learn about ongoing research, restoration and education. Explore touch tanks and tour the teaching lab. Free; no reservations needed. 600 Shellmaker Road.

Big Canyon Bird and Plant Walk on the third Saturday of the month. Expert Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists conduct highly informative themed plant and bird programs at Big Canyon. They involve a short walk in an area where several habitats meet, and provide a great introduction for those interested in identifying the birds and plants they see at the Bay. Free; no reservations needed. 600 Shellmaker Road.

Big Canyon Bird Walk on the last Sunday of the month (except in December). For those interested in a more intense bird-watching experience and the possibility of seeing something rare, one of the bird experts offers a 2-3 hour outing at Big Canyon. Suitable for beginner and advanced bird watchers. Free; no reservations needed.

Family Hike on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of every month. Meet and the Muth Center patio for an hour-long hike providing a great introduction to the Bay. All ages welcome. Call 949.923.2269 to RSVP.

Habitat Restoration in Newport Bay on the second Thursday of the month. Birds and other wildlife need a healthy habitat to thrive. Be a part of that positive impact while enjoying the beauty of Newport Bay and Big Canyon. All training, tools and gloves will be provided.

Shellmaker Discovery Tours on Saturdays where you can join a California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife Naturalist to learn about Shellmaker Island’s rich history, the future of the Back Bay Science Center, and discover unusual and endangered plant, bird and crab habitats.

Restoration Program in Newport Bay on the second Sunday of the month. Join Preserve staff and other volunteers in enhancing the Bay’s habitat for local wildlife. Activities may include non-native plant removal, planting natives, watering, trash cleanup and Butterfly Garden maintenance. No experience is necessary. Bring a hat, sunscreen and snacks. Water and tools are provided. Space is limited and pre-registration is required.

What Else?

Walking and Jogging

Back Bay Drive is a multi-use road that stretches 3 miles northwards along the east side of the Bay from the Back Bay Science Center at Shellmaker Road to Vista Point on the corner of Eastbluff Drive. Back Bay Drive is one-way for motor vehicles from south to north. This is the best route if you would like to be close to the water and see shorebirds and waterfowl, but bear in mind that bikes and pedestrians share the road. Street parking south of Shellmaker Road, at the bottom of San Joaquin Hills Road and on Eastbluff Drive, and a parking lot at Big Canyon. There are scenic pedestrian trails at Big Canyon.

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Horseback Riding

There are designated horse trails between 23rd Street and Bayview Drive, but there are no horse rental facilities in the Ecological Reserve or Nature Preserve.

Cycling

There is a 10-mile bike loop around the Bay. Starting at Jamboree at San Diego Creek and heading clockwise the first stop is Vista Point on the corner of Eastbluff Drive and Back Bay Drive. Take Back Bay Drive to the Newport Dunes Resort. Follow the sign-posted bike path through the resort, which brings you out onto Pacific Coast Highway at the bridge. Take the highway over the bridge and turn right on Dover Drive. You can take a quick detour to Castaways Park, Northstar Beach or Galaxy Park or follow the direct route along Dover to Irvine Avenue where you will turn right. On Irvine just beyond Santiago Drive a set of paved trails begin. These take you to the Interpretive Center, and from there to Bayview Drive and back to Jamboree Road. The 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, which runs from Weir Canyon north of Irvine Regional Park joins the Back Bay Loop at Jamboree Road and continues through to Shellmaker Road.

Newport Bay Conservancy

www.newportbay.org

Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center,

2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Email:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Photos courtesy of Upper Newport Bay

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Crystal Cove State Park’s upcoming events

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Winter is a magical time to explore the park and learn about the local critters including bobcats, butterflies and birds. Join park naturalists on a moderate three-mile Family Nature Hike at Crystal Cove State Park on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 9 a.m. Meet at the Berns Amphitheatre. (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park follow the signs to the Campground.)

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Crystal Cove State Park is hosting a Coastal Geology Walk along the coastal section of the park on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. Visit several diverse and geologically outstanding sites which all display a story from a different geologic time. Meet at the Los Trancos lot at the trailer (PCH turn inland at stoplight “Los Trancos”).

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Courtesy of Crystal Cove Conservancy

Enjoy a super low tide (-0.9) at Crystal Cove State Park where a park naturalist will lead a Guided Tidepool Walk to Pelican Point on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 3 p.m. and help identify animals and describe some awesome adaptations. Meet at Pelican Point parking lot #2, at the top of the boardwalk near the parking lot. (PCH coastward at Newport Coast right at the kiosk to the first lot.)

About Tidepool Etiquette: Crystal Cove State Park is a Marine Protected Area. Taking or possessing tidepool sealife is illegal. To help preserve the longevity of the tidepools: Never remove animals, shells or rocks; Never pick up animals, observe them where they are; Walk gently, taking care not to step on plants and animals; and Never turn over rocks.

Stop by and meet Park Naturalist Laurel at a Trailside Chat table by the Moro Canyon Trail Head before starting a hike into the backcountry of Crystal Cove State Park on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn about some of the fun critters living in the park and reasons to stay on the trail. Park near the Berns Amphitheater. (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park, follow signs towards the campground.)

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Enjoy a super low tide (-0.3) at Crystal Cove State Park where a park naturalist will lead a Guided Tidepool Walk to Reef Point on Sunday, Jan. 26 at 3 p.m. and help identify animals and describe some awesome adaptations. Meet at the Reef Point parking lot. (PCH coastward at stoplight Reef Point, turn left after the entrance kiosk to meet at the first restroom building.)

Enjoy a free Sea Glass Jewelry Making activity on Wednesdays, Jan. 29 and Feb. 5 and 12 from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Turn a found object into a beautiful piece of jewelry. Learn the art of wire wrapping sea glass to turn it into a one-of-a-kind creation. Takes place at the Education Commons in the Historic District. Park in the Los Trancos lot. (PCH inland at the stoplight at Los Trancos then walk across the street or take the shuttle.)

SAVE THE DATE: Come help Crystal Cove State Park learn more about Moro Canyon’s Ecosystem at Stewardship Saturday on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Become a scientist as you collect data on ecological research and monitoring projects in the park. RSVPs are requested. Register at www.crystalcove.org. Meet at the Berns Amphitheater in Moro Canyon at 9:30 a.m. Event is free; $15 day use fee required per vehicle. This event is recommended for ages 8 and up. All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Contact Erick Valdez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions.

Parking: $15 day-use fee. For additional information on events, call 949.376.6200 or visit www.crystalcove.org.

Interested in a historic cottage rental? Visit www.reservecalifornia.com. Cottages are available every day of the month. But call early, as they book up very quickly.

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For A Good Cause

From Golf to Galas: Supporting Our Community

The Adoption Guild of Southern California’s “Cocktails for a Cause” | Thursday, March 5 from 5:30-8 p.m. I Festivities include a welcome cocktail, lite fare, entertainment, an opportunity drawing and a whiskey tasting. Cost: $100 per person. Valet parking is included. To purchase tickets, visit www.adoptionguild.org.

Contact: Terry Becker at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Takes place at Balboa Bay Resort, 1221 W. Coast Highway, Newport Beach.

CASA Celebration of Children Black & White Ball I Saturday, March 14 from 5-11 p.m. I Celebrate 35 years of CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) in style.

Contact: Katie Dougherty at 714.619.5140 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.casacelebrationofchildren.org

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

Otterfest to support Eastbluff Elementary School I Saturday, March 28 from 6-11 p.m. I Eastbluff Elementary School PTA’s Gala Committee will be hosting a music festival themed fundraiser, Otterfest. Tickets are $90 and details are available on the website. The event will feature two bands, a DJ, gourmet food stations, a live and silent auction, and much more. Event proceeds will be used to support a variety of education programs for more than 400 Eastbluff Elementary School students. Everyone in the community is invited to attend the event and donations are tax deductible. 

Contact: Leah Hannegan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. www.otter-fest.org

Takes place at Fete the Venue, 3101 Red Hill Ave., Costa Mesa.

Girls Inc. Champions for Girls Event Reception I Saturday, April 11 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. I This Spring Champions for Girls stewardship event is hosted by Erika Lowe. Girls Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart and bold.

Contact: www.girlsinc-oc.org

Takes place at Big Canyon Country Club, 1 Big Canyon Dr., Newport Beach.

33rd Annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch I Wednesday, April 22 from 9-11 a.m. I Hoag Hospital Foundation is honors Circle 1000’s extraordinary legacy of supporting Hoag Family Cancer Institute at the 33rd Annual Circle 1000 Founders’ Celebration Brunch. This year’s brunch features guest speaker, Jake Olson. A Huntington Beach native and former USC football player, 22-year-old Jake was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer at just eight months old. Although the disease claimed Jake’s sight by the time he was 12, he has used this experience to inspire and motivate others. They invite you to join in recognizing and celebrating this special group of donors who have played an integral role in building Hoag Family Cancer Institute into a world-class community resource. To purchase tickets, click on https://giving.hoag.org/2020Circle1000.

Contact: www.hoagpromise.org

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

Imaginology 2020 I Friday, April 17 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. I Have you ever wondered how math can help you cook...or what causes a rainbow...or how baby chicks know when to hatch? Set a course full STEAM ahead to OC Fair’s Imaginology, where science, technology, engineering, art and math come alive in the most fun and exciting ways. Admission is free. Parking is free in Friday and $9 on Saturday and Sunday.

Contact: www.ocfair.com/steam

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

2020 Natalie’s Wish Celebration I Saturday, April 18 from 5-11 p.m. I The Natalie’s Wish event is the most inspirational night of the year! Join the Cystinosis Research Foundation to honor the children and adults affected by cystinosis and celebrate the milestones they have accomplished together. They promise that the Natalie’s Wish event will be an evening of laughter, celebration and hope. Join them for a magical night and enjoy the outstanding entertainment of Matt Mauser and his Sinatra Big Band. Registration information will be available soon on the website.

Contact: Zoe Solsby at 949.223.7610 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

It’s in the Bag I Sunday, April 19 with a cocktail reception at 12 p.m. and lunch at 1 p.m. I The Women’s Circle of Wishes presents this event to support Make-A-Wish Orange County and the Inland Empire. Enjoy a fabulous luncheon with your girlfriends, silent and live auctions with beautiful designer handbags and the famous wine wall. Tickets: $150; Table of 10 is $1,500.

Contact: To purchase tickets, call Debbie Finster at 714.573.9474, ext. 239. www.ocie.wish.org.

Takes place at Fashion Island Hotel Newport Beach, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach.

Editor’s Note: If you have a philanthropic event taking place in 2020 with a connection to Newport Beach you would like to see publicized, please email the information with an image and contact person with email address to Lana Johnson at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to reach out to Newport Beach nonprofit organizations, visit https://greatnonprofits.org/city/newport-beach/CA.

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Newport’s Best Bets in Arts & Entertainment

From Live Theater to Community Happenings, enjoy these!

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Submitted photo

Balboa Car Show, Every Sunday from 7-9 a.m. 

Fun Zone Parking lot, 600 E. Bay Ave., Balboa Peninsula

Newport Beach Restaurant Week continuing through January 26 for its 14th year. Showcases Newport Beach as a premier dining destination where Orange County’s best and brightest chefs showcase their talents with special pre-fixe menus starting at just $15. The annual culinary festival has grown to incorporate a wide variety of restaurants offering preferred menu pricing for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Contact: www.visitnewportbeach.com/dinenewportbeach/

Takes place at restaurants throughout Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of visitnewportbeach.com

Fireflies continuing through January 26 on the Argyros Stage. Ticket prices and performance times vary. Somewhere in the Jim Crow South, the sky burns red. A church bombing has rocked the Civil Rights Movement to its core, and Reverend Charles Grace must galvanize the people with messages of hope. It is his wife Olivia, however, who skillfully crafts his speeches and delivery. But her ability to play the supportive spouse is cracking under the weight of too many secrets, too many regrets and life lived in the shadows. Recommendation: High school and above.

Contact: www.scr.org

Takes place at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

OCMAExpand Season 3 with the six new exhibits continuing through March 15. features six new projects by artists Carolina Caycedo, Daniel Duford, Ximena Garrido-Lecca, Mulyana, Robert Zhao Renhui and Yang Yongliang, whose work considers the complexities of our relationship to nature. Admission and parking are free. Hours: Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Contact: www.ocmaexpand.org

Takes place at OCMA/Expand, South Coast Plaza Village, 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana.

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Courtesy of OCMA

USVA Tết Festival from January 24-26. The UVSA Tết Festival (Hội Tết Sinh Viên) of Southern California is the largest Vietnamese New Year Festival in the nation. It is run entirely by volunteers consisting of high school and college students, young professionals and parents. Their goals are to help preserve and share the Vietnamese culture, and to serve the community. Hours vary. Cost: $6 general admission tickets available online. Parking is $9.

Contact: www.tetfestival.org

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Taking Sides, January 24-February 23. A tale based on the life of Wilhelm Furtwangler, the controversial conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic whose tenure coincided with the controversial Nazi era. One of the most spectacular and renowned conductors of the 1930s, Furtwangler’s reputation rivalled that of Toscanini’s. After the war, he was investigated as part of the Allies’ de-Nazification program. In the bombed-out Berlin of the immediate post-war period, the Allies slowly bring law and order, and justice, to bear in an occupied Germany. An American Major is given the Furtwangler file, and is told to find everything he can and to prosecute the man ruthlessly. Tough and hard-nosed, Major Steve Arnold sets out to investigate a world of which he knows nothing. Orchestra members vouch for Furtwangler’s morality. He did what he could to protect Jewish players in his orchestra. To the Germans, deeply respectful of their musical heritage, Furtwangler was a demigod; to Major Arnold, he is just a lying, weak-willed Nazi. Ticket: $20.

Contact: www.ntacoline.com

Takes place at Newport Theatre Arts Center, 2501 Cliff Dr., Newport Beach.

Museums Free-For-All on Saturday, Jan. 25. SoCal Museums are celebrating the 15th annual Museums Free-for-All whereby more than 40 museums presenting art, cultural heritage, natural history and science open their doors and invite visitors to attend free of charge. Participating is OCMAExpand (Orange County Museum of Art). OCMA offers free admission and free parking. For current exhibitions visit the website.

Contact: www.ocmaexpand.org

Takes place at OCMAEXPAND-SANTA ANA, located in South Coast Plaza Village at 1661 W. Sunflower Ave., Santa Ana. This is the museum’s temporary venue while it builds its Thom Mayne-designed new home at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.

Lunar New Year on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 8 p.m. Join Pacific Symphony’s annual festivities honoring the Lunar New Year. Celebrating the Year of the Rat, this performance is sure to sell out once again as audiences from across our communities come together to feast on a colorful presentation of Eastern and Western music and dance. Carl St.Clair, conducting. Tickets start at $28. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.PacificSymphony.org.

Contact: www.PacificSymphony.org.

Takes place at Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of scfta.org

She Loves Me on January 25-February 22 on the Segerstrom Stage. Ticket prices and performance times vary. Romantic, charming and brimming with joy, this musical comedy reminds us that one kind deed can open up a world of possibilities. At Maraczek’s Parfumerie, clerks Georg and Amalia are constantly at odds. Outside of work, they’re each falling madly in love with an anonymous pen pal, unaware that it is the other. This nostalgic Broadway hit inspired by the story that gave us The Shop Around the Corner and You’ve Got Mail is “as sweet and exhilarating as a first kiss.” (New York Daily News). Recommendation: Ages 12 and up.

Contact: www.scr.org

Takes place at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

An Evening with Anderson Cooper, award-winning broadcast journalist & best-selling author on Monday, Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. Anderson Cooper takes audiences inside the news of the day, sharing sometimes provocative yet always eye-opening insights on the stories impacting people and issues around the world. He’s one of the most recognizable faces on television and has no plans of slowing down. Relentless, fearless and locked onto the truth, Cooper spends nearly every day, including weekends (and especially New Year’s Eve) working. There’s Anderson Cooper 360°, his five-nights-a-week newscast on CNN, which enters its 15th year this September; his gig as a 60 Minutes correspondent (he’ll shoot 10 pieces for the CBS newsmagazine this season); and his new Facebook news series, Full Circle; not to mention the live road show he does with pal Andy Cohen, AC²: Deep Talk and Shallow Tales. As the son of heiress and artist Gloria Vanderbilt and screenwriter Wyatt Cooper, Cooper grew up in the rarified world of Manhattan society. He tributes the loss of his father and brother as the reason he started roaming the globe as a young freelance journalist to war-torn places like Rwanda and Somalia, searching for others who “spoke the language of loss,” and why he still travels to hotspots as much as possible. Now, as the anchor of the Emmy-winning CNN news program Anderson Cooper 360°, he brings the most pressing stories of the day to a worldwide audience from multiple perspectives. Tickets are only sold as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. To purchase tickets to the series, visit the website at www.scfta.org/Subscriptions/Packages.aspx?seasonID=674.

Contact: www.scfta.org

Takes place at Segerstrom Hall, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

Courtesy of scfta.org

Soy Wax Candle Making Workshop with Bramble Candles on Saturday, Feb. 1 from 10-11 a.m. Join Instructor Michelle Bendetti, owner of Bramble & Co. Candles and member of Seaside Gallery & Goods Collective. She will walk you through the candle making process from start to finish. The cost of $55 per person includes instruction and all supplies, to make two beautiful soy wax candles. Choose from a variety of vessels. Minimum 4/Maximum 20.

Contact: www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com

Takes place at Seaside Gallery & Goods, 124 Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Newport Beach.

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Courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

The Joshua Show: Episode 2 on Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 2 at 1 and 3:30 p.m. in the Samueli Theater. Tickets start at $20. Award-winning puppeteer and “Ambassador of Joy” Joshua Holden uses singing, tap dancing and a cast of zany puppets to thrill audiences of all ages in a whimsical production about friendship and the value of being yourself. Everyone can be an Ambassador of Joy during the Joshua Show pre-show activities. Segerstrom is partnering with the Orangewood Foundation in Santa Ana to bring joy to current and former foster youth by decorating totes and filling them with hygiene items. Their Ambassadors will also be able to make their own greeting card to send to children in the hospital through the organization, Cards for Hospitalized Kids. Finally, everyone will be able to share their joy in the Joshua Show-themed photo op. Bring your smile and sharing spirit to the  Samueli Lobby an hour before the performance to earn your Ambassadorship.

Contact: www.scfta.org

Takes place at Segerstrom Hall, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

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Photo by Richard Termine

Courtesy of scfta.org

Escape to Margaritaville from February 4-9 at 8 p.m. in Segerstrom Hall. Performance times vary. Tickets start at $26. Plan your escape to the new musical about the choices we make – and the people we become – once we’ve had a change in latitude. Welcome to Jimmy Buffet’s Escape to Margaritaville, where people come to get away from it all – and stay to find something they never expected. Get ready for a hilarious and heartwarming musical with the most unforgettable songs from one of music’s greatest storytellers. USA Today calls it, “A little slice of paradise!” and Entertainment Weekly raves, “It will knock your flip-flops off!” So don’t let the party start without you.

Contact: www.scfta.org

Takes place at Segerstrom Hall, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

Click on photo for a larger image

Photo by © Matthew Murphy

Courtesy of scfta.org

Watercolor Floral Monogram Workshop with Erna van Dyk on Thursday, Feb. 6 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Join Artist Erna van Dyk as she guides you through the basics of painting with watercolor and creating your own Monogram letter with a lovely floral accent painting. Van Dyk teaches students of all ages including private workshops and schools in Orange County. Workshop fee is $100 per person, which includes two (2) hours of instruction and all the materials needed for painting. You will get to take home a finished painting on heavy weight watercolor board. Open to all levels of painters. Due to material costs, cancellations after February 1 cannot be refunded. To make your reservation, go to shoprogersgardens.com or call 949.640.5800.

Contact: www.rogersgardens.com

Takes place at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar.

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Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon: A Musical Adaptation on February 7-23 as part of the Theatre for Young Audiences on the Argyros Stage. Ticket prices and performance times vary. Go on a thrilling musical adventure filled with magic, mystery and fantastical creatures! Young Minli’s poor village desperately needs good fortune. So she sets out on a quest to find The Old Man in the Moon, who holds all the answers to life’s questions. Along the way Minli rescues a dragon, encounters the dreaded Green Tiger and, by drawing wisdom from her father’s stories, moves closer and closer to riches greater than gold. Adapted from the best-selling book based on Chinese folklore. Recommendation: Ages 6+.

Contact: www.scr.org

Takes place at South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

Learn to Play, Ukulele! on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10-11 a.m. Bring a friend or make a friend in music. Taught by husband and wife team Kim and Pat O’Brien; Kim is a classically trained musician and Pat is the campfire musician. Pat will cover the basics and Kim will be there to answer questions and discuss theory.

They offer one-on-one coaching and you will learn one new song each month, for those who are more advanced, they will cover music theory, note reading and scales. Open to all levels. Cost: $20 per class ($15 for your first three classes with the purchase of a Uke.)

Contact: www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com

Takes place at Seaside Gallery & Goods, 124 Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Newport Beach.

Great Train Show on February 8-9 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This train show is designed for all ages – modelers, collectors and enthusiasts, families in search of good old-fashioned fun and for the simply curious. The show features hundreds of tables of trains, accessories, scale models and collectible toys for sale as well as huge operating exhibits, activities for kids, free seminars and educational opportunities. Cost: $11 adult admission on Saturday (good for both days) or $10 on Sunday (good for only Sunday); children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $9. Save $1 online using coupon code W11.

Contact: www.trainshow.com/costamesa

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Discovery Day at the Farm on February 12 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups can participate in the following activities:

Radish Seed Planting: Children will plant a radish seed to take back to school; Chick Education: Chick Development Process (no petting chicks); Oxen Demonstration: Demonstration days vary depending on the volunteers’ schedules; Crops: Seasonal varieties; Livestock Animals: Swine, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits, and poultry; and Cow Milking Demonstration: 9:30 a.m. (provided there is a lactating cow; call one to two days before your visit to verify).Free admission and parking. This is open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reservations are required for groups of six children or more. 

Contact: Reserve online at ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/
tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/.

Takes place at Centennial Farm at the OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Pacific Symphony presents trumpeter Chris Botti on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 14-15 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $55.Back by popular demand, the multifaceted virtuoso Botti teams up with Pacific Symphony for a night of trumpeted serenades that you and your Valentine won’t soon forget. From crooning jazz standards and classical ballads to upbeat pop tunes, Botti’s wide array of performing expertise is sure to put you in a romantic mood. Pops conductor Albert-George Schram joins the Symphony again for this spectacular concert. This concert is part of the Symphony’s 2019-20 Pops Series.

Contact: www.PacificSymphony.org

Takes place in the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa. 

Pacific Coast Sportfishing Festival on Friday, Feb. 14 from 12-5 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Parking is $9. 

Contact: www.sportfishingfestival.com

Takes place at OC Fair & Event Center in the Costa Mesa Building, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Book Signing by Author Tiffany Goff on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 12-3 p.m. Loving Tiara is a compelling memoir of a mother’s unwavering devotion to her daughter, Tiara, who was born with a rare genetic condition. Uncontrolled seizures, developmental delay, prolonged hospital admissions, and violent behaviors are the realities they face and endure with love and compassion.

Come meet this local author and blogger at this free event. Books will be available for purchase.

Contact: www.seasidegalleryandgoods.com

Takes place at Seaside Gallery & Goods, 124 Tustin Ave., Ste. 100, Newport Beach.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Seaside Gallery & Goods

Mardi Gras on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-9 p.m. Laissez les bon temps rouler – let the good times roll as you celebrate Mardi Gras in an afternoon of New Orleans-style revelry. This is the first event to kick off the 20 free events in 2020 on the Plaza.

Contact: www.scfta.org

Takes place on the Julianne and George Argyros Plaza at Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 100 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa.

Oil Painting Workshop with Robin Hall on Thursday, Feb. 20 and Friday, Feb. 21 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Robin Hall, a local oil artist for a two-day oil painting workshop. The focus will be to interpret a simple set up of objects and break them down into shapes with corresponding values. The importance of massing shapes and keying in values is a crucial step in creating better paintings. Hall will provide students with a better understanding of this thoughtful process, and instructions on how to create a strong painting. Prior experience is recommended. Workshop fee is $200 per person. Students will need to bring a portable easel and supplies. Once you are signed up for this workshop, you will receive an email with a list of materials needed. Cancellations after February 6 cannot be refunded. Space is limited. To make your reservation, call 949.640.5800.

Contact: www.rogersgardens.com

Takes place at Roger’s Gardens, 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar.

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of Roger’s Gardens

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Newport Beach Public Library Hosts
Events, Workshops

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Submitted photo

Upcoming Events & Workshops

SAVE THE DATE: 56th Annual Newport Beach Art Exhibition will be held on Saturday, June 20 from 1-6 p.m. at the Newport Beach Civic Center, 100 Civic Center Drive, Newport Beach. This annual juried event will showcase more than 300 pieces of original art at the Newport Beach Civic Center location, an open modern venue where guests can enjoy a festive atmosphere of art, music, food and wine. Admission is free. Free parking is available in the Civic Center parking structure and in the Central Library parking lot. The Call for Entries will be announced on the City of Newport Beach website at www.newportbeachca.gov/culturalarts in January 2020. For more information, contact the Cultural Arts office, at 949.717.3802 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Witte Lectures are for the curious, engaged and motivated. It presents serious topics for serious times. Join in for dynamic, informative, call-to-action conversations about the U.S. Presidency, the impacts of income inequality, what to anticipate with rapid environmental change, and learn the societal price of addiction. Understand the complexities of globally relevant issues. Tickets for these events are now on sale for the 23rd season running January through April. The Series kicks off with Doris Kearns Godwin on January 24, which is sold out. To become a member click here.

“Shore and Marsh Birds” photographic exhibition by Gail White continues through March 6. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents this exhibition at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery. White is a long-time resident of Balboa Island. She grew up on the Island, graduated from Newport Harbor High and returned to the Island in 1995 upon her retirement. Strictly an amateur photographer, White’s interest in photographing shore and marsh birds evolved from her love of the beach. All of the photographs on exhibit were shot locally in Newport Beach, Crystal Cove, Bolsa Chica Wetlands and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary. White’s desire in exhibiting these photos is to share with library patrons the wonderful marine birds we have in this area. The exhibition will be on display during library operating hours.

“Driftwood Bird Sculpture” exhibition by Cindy English Gilis continues through March 6. The Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents a sculpture exhibition by Cindy English Gillis, on display at the Newport Beach Central Library gallery. Gillis creates bird sculptures from wood, driftwood and other natural pieces from nature. The objects usually have a shape, color or texture that inspires her. Gillis began her artistic career at the age of 26 when she began painting birds with watercolor. In 1997, she received a BA in interior design, and then went on to work with her husband’s firm, Gillis & Associates Architects, which specialized in public works projects. After her retirement in 2010, Gillis began creating jewelry and driftwood bird sculpture with the things she found along the way, a journey that has been a rewarding one that she look forward to every day with joy and passion.

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Arctic Animals Crafts on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 3:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Let’s make crafts celebrating delightful dwellers of the polar regions. Antarctic friends are invited, too. Geared to ages 3 and up. No registration is required. First come, first served. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at the Balboa Branch Library, 100 E. Balboa Blvd., Balboa.

CENTRAL LIBRARY CLOSES AT 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 24 to prepare for the Witte Lecture Series at 7 p.m. with Doris Kearns Goodwin which is Sold Out!

Furry Pets Storytime on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Join library staff and an officer from Newport Beach Animal Control as you learn about caring for our furry pets. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. PLEASE, NO PERSONAL PETS ALLOWED. Funding for this program is generously donated by the Friends of the Library. Takes place in Central Library’s Children’s Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Sensory Play Saturdays on Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Drop in with your little one to explore, investigate, and create with sensory-based play. Sensory activities include tubs and more filled with interactive items to stimulate your child’s senses. For all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at the Corona del Mar Branch Library, 410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar.

LEGO Saturdays, Saturday, Jan. 25 from 12-3 p.m. From buildings to action figures, design, build and invent with LEGOs at this casual, but creative program for elementary age children. No registration required. (Not held the first Saturday of the month.) Takes place in Central Library’s Stahr Storytime Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Witte Lecture Series on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 2 p.m. with Doris Kearns Goodwin which is Sold Out!

Teen Study Hall on Sunday, Jan. 26 from 12-4:30 p.m. Busy preparing for finals? They’re opening the Friend’s Room as a study space exclusively for teens. You bring your schoolwork and study pals, they’ll provide WiFi! Age level: Students 9th-12th grades. Takes place at Central Library in the Friends Meeting Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach.

Medicine in Our Backyard - The Secret Power of Music for Dementia on Monday, Jan. 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. In the battle against Alzheimer’s disease, Joshua Grill, Ph.D., invokes a deceased jazz singer, iPods and a 35,000-year-old vulture bone that cavemen fashioned into a flute. Grill is a neuroscientist whose research interests focus on clinical trials in neurodegenerative disease. He will explain how music is a powerful force and that can tap into the deepest recesses of the mind, stir emotions and conjure memories, and why music memory is one of the last things affected by Alzheimer’s disease. Takes place in the Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. No reservations are required. Free, but a suggested donation of $10 is always appreciated).

Click on photo for a larger image

Courtesy of NBPL

LEGO Block Party on Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 3-4 p.m. at the Mariners Branch Library. Design, build, and invent with LEGOs at this fun, creative program. All ages are welcome. No registration is required. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Takes place at 1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach.

Let’s Read! Kids’ Storytimes 

Books & Babies – It’s never too early for storytime. Introduce language and reading to the littlest lap-sitters, 6-24 months. CdM Library on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Mariners on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Balboa on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Mariners on Wednesdays at 9:30 and 10:30 a.m.

Toddler Storytime – Start building a love of reading early with fun stories and songs for toddlers from 24-36 months. Please arrive on time and do not bring older siblings. Central on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Songs & Stories – Children 2-5 years of age will enjoy stories and music, while being introduced to guided movement, yoga and instruments. Central Library on Fridays at 10:30 a.m.

Preschool Storytime – Stories, poems and songs will inspire literary, dramatic and musical fun for kids 3-5 years of age. Balboa on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Central on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Corona del Mar on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m.

Pajama Storytime – Children from age 3-7 can enjoy just-before-bed storytelling fun. Don’t forget to come in your pjs! Central on Mondays at 7 p.m.

Family Storytime – Enjoy family time with stories, songs and a craft geared especially for children ages 3-7. Central on Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. www.newportkids.org

 

Branches

Central Library

1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3800

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

Sunday, Noon - 5 p.m.

Mariners Branch

1300 Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. 949.717.3838

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.;

Sunday, Noon – 5 p.m.

Balboa Branch

100 E. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. 949.644.3076

Hours: Monday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Tuesday, Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Corona del Mar Branch

410 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar. 949.644.3075
Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., closed Sundays

www.newportbeachlibrary.org