Orange County Events Newsletter
 
    The Al Freeman Events Newsletter    
 
October/November 2008
Last Update November 9
Next Issue November 11

Blanca Newport

Our Halloween Party Friday 10/31 was a Monster success....
What a
Great Time on the water at the Mansion...
Click Here for the Party details, and send me your pix....


Some Hot News.....  just for our readers.... Free Tickets !!

I have been getting a few dozen Free Tickets for several nights at the 
Anaheim
House of Blues, and more are coming soon.

They are all yours, just find a way to come find me and get them.....
Watch this space for the next batch to arrive !!!!

WOW !!!!  Lookit all these free tickets !!!  

          Wed 11/12       Helmet & Fu Manchu
Thurs 11/13       Blues Traveler
Sunday 11/16    Mason Jennings
Tues 11/18        Who's Bad
Thur 11/20        Government Mule
Tues 11/25        Eric Benet
Wed 11/26        Power Serge

Call me at the office 949.222.2232 or email HOB@bestOCevents.com and come and get 'em !!!!

Click Here for the Anaheim House of Blues website and all the info
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Also....  we have FREE TICKETS to shows at the OC TAVERN
through the generosity of Michael Merrigan, head guy there.  
Send an email to
younghutchison@gmail.com at OC Tavern
for a pair of FREE tickets to the following shows:    

TONIGHT  Friday 11/7... DJ Jamfest @ 9pm and
Hip Hop DJ @ 10pm... both FREE for my readers !!!  Tell them Al Freeman sent ya'........

Click Here for the OC Tavern website and all the info

OC Tavern - San Clemente

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you see the John McCain & Tina Fey (as Sarah Palin) opening sketch
from
Saturday Night Live on 11/1 ??

The best one yet, no matter which party you lean to......



Pampered Mobile Spa

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miss Newport Beach Pageant - Coming in February 2009

Miss Newport Beach Pageant


Announcements / Updates

Please add afreeman@bestOCevents.com to your email address book - that way our newsletter will always get through to ya’!!    As the spam filters continue to tighten email delivery, it is more of a challenge to get the emails through.  So now every issue of our newsletter (or a link) will be on the same web page,  at www.bestOCevents.com/newsletter    If you save and bookmark this website, you can get the latest issue at any time.  We will continue to send the regular emails as a reminder……   

Also, after many requests by our readers and others, we have begun to accept (tasteful) banner and rotation advertising.  This is your chance to promote your Restaurant, Product or Service to 22,768 active readers, mostly professional singles ages 21-49 in the Newport/Irvine/OC area.  Please  Click Here to see a Fact Sheet or call us at (949) 222-2232 for further information…… Welcome to our newest advertisers American Yacht Charters, The Pampered Self Mobile Spa Servicesand The OC Tavern......  please support our sponsors !! 

For those new to the newsletter, we make changes to this website and add events throughout the month, almost every day.  You can check back to this site anytime to see the latest !!

For all readers.... there is an index below to take you to sections of this newsletter..... 

Holiday Boat Parties coming up .... or a leisurely cruise this fall on a private yacht....  book your event early through our sponsor American Yacht Charters. Stuart knows how to make your event perfect, and he has access to dozens of vessels of all shapes and sizes.  I'll be doing an event or two with them later this year..... Visit them at www.aycharters.com   Call us for promotion and planning of events, large or small......

Lots of Restaurants and Clubs opening and closing 'round here, and we get the inside dope.... Click Here to go the Openings and Closings section....

For the latest information Click Here for our Checkpoints page, listing the Sobriety Checkpoint action we know about.  Don't drink and drive .....

Getting energized, it's about time for the Party Season to begin, right around the corner.... much to do in the Fall around here.........  
 

American Yacht Charters


To all........ let us know about charity and other fun events by emailing the details to events@bestOCevents.com or calling us at (949) 222-2232..... 

We regularly send out an email newsletter listing local charity and social events that appeal to the active Orange County Newport/Irvine community.  We try to find something for everyone, with an emphasis on opportunities to meet other quality local people.  We look for interesting and worthwhile events that are not commonly known, or have some special appeal.  If you have good friends that might be interested, please pass this email along to them.  You can sign up for our newsletter at the bottom of this page .....


         ~~~~  Index ~~~~  click the links below to go to:


The Crow Bar

September 25 – The Off Center Indie Band series continues at the OC Performing Arts Center Samueli Theater with Jose Gonzalez and Jason Swift…. excellent, especially in such an intimate venue.  More info on this and other great concerts and abstract theater at www.ocpac.org/offcenter


Party with a Purpose! - Newport Jr. Chamber Jaycee’s Monthly Mixer
Thursday, September 25 - 6:30 pm    Five Crowns Restaurant, Corona del Mar

This group has many, many activities and is very worthwhile.  The Jaycees (Junior Chamber) are the premier leadership training organization for young people in the world. The Newport Beach Jaycees serve members from all over Orange County, and offer a gateway into the community for young professionals with opportunities to volunteer, get active or socialize.  Membership is limited to those between the ages of 21-40, but all are welcome to the mixers.  The Jaycees offer leadership training through developing and participating in community service, business, internationalism, and individual development projects. They have monthly networking social mixers and plenty of other social events too!  Visit www.newportjaycees.org to find out the events offered to members and guests this coming month.   Their new President Robert Periera invites you to come join this fine organization !!

The Newport Jaycees host a social mixer on the 4th or 5th Thursday of every month. Come join 50-75 fun people ages 21-40 for food and libations. Hors d'oeuvres are provided, bar is no-host.  RSVP's not required but it would be appreciated.  NBJC mixer entry fee is free for members and $10 for guests (payable at the door).   For more information and to RSVP visit their website www.newportjaycees.org  Five Crowns is a stately veteran, on the water side of PCH as you head south from CdM, Website www.lawrysonline.com/fivecrowns_gen_info.asp


Orange County Young Republicans Mixer
Thursday, September 25   7:00 pm    Newport Beach Brewing Company

The political process is lurching forward this Fall, toward elections in November.  Rub elbows with the junior GOP set and get a little Republican socializing.  OCYR has regular events throughout the year, and draws a rich mixture of the local populace.  You don't have to wear a dark suit and a vest - this is a fun and upbeat group interested in politics and making the system work.   Enjoy the potshots at the Dems as they gear up for the big election coming up. 

Complimentary appetizers & no-host bar.  Cost: Members $5  - Guests - $10. Business attire.  For more information, please contact Shawn Fago at president@ocyr.org   The OCYR website is at  www.ocyr.org  with more information,  The Newport Beach Brewing Company is on the Peninsula, website  www.nbbrewco.com

And.... if you want to get an email each week of the Republican events going on hereabouts, get all the local OC GOP info and get on the email list at www.ocgop.org

Hansche Realty



A Night of Indulgence - Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Association, The Leukemia Lymphoma Society and EPCF

Friday, September 26   6:00-10:00 pm    The Center Club, next to the Performing Arts Center, Costa Mesa

A Night of Indulgence will be held at the exclusive, private Center Club, adjacent to the Orange County  Performing Arts Center and across from South Coast Plaza.  Befitting its surroundings, A Night of Indulgence will treat its 300 to 400 guests to a decadent bazaar of fine art, live entertainment, luxurious silent auction items, sumptuous wines and libations, as well as culinary delights by the Club’s award-winning chef Bruno Massuger. In addition, the luxury jeweler Black, Starr & Frost has made generous donations that are sure to excite. 

-     The Muscular Dystrophy Association’s Augie’s Quest Initiative, which is dedicated to finding a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease).  Website www.als-mda.org
-     The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, whose mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.  Website www.lls.org
-     Employee Partners Care Foundation, a fund created to help ClubCorp’s employees and their families by providing financial assistance in times of crisis. www.center-club.com

The honorary guest of the evening will be Augustine (Augie) Nieto, founder and co-chair of Augie’s Quest, a division of the M.D.A. Augie indicated that he was, “honored that ClubCorp had decided to host a second annual Charity Classic and felt confident that this  year’s events would be even more successful than those of 2007. ” A Night of Indulgence is part of ClubCorp’s second annual “Charity Classic: Celebrating a Legacy,” the world’s largest one-day golf and dining event in which more than 140 clubs around the country open their doors to an estimated 25,000 members and guests for tournaments and social extravaganzas to raise proceeds for the MDA and other charities.  Tickets are $100 pp, and can be purchased at www.center-club.com  For more information contact Annie Luther email Annie.Luther@ourclub.com phone (714) 662-3414 ext.108


September 26 - Big Ten Happy Hour @ UC Irvine University Club.  Long-time readers of this newsletter (I love ya !!) know that I am a Michigan State grad, and if you are from the Midwest or want to mingle with same….  head over to the UCI University Club from 4:30-7:00 on Friday, September 26th .  We get about 125 or so Midwesterners to mix, talk football and swap tales.  This place is a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling UCI campus.  No entry charge, cash bar, munchies provided for a few bucks.  RSVP to Joan Mclane jmclane@uci.edu so we can get an accurate head count.  Here’s a map www.uclub.uci.edu/Directions.php  Info on the Southern Cal Big Ten Club is at www.bigtenclub.com/

September 26-28 – 30th Annual Greek Festival at St. Paul's Greek Orthodox Church in Irvine.  The Greeks have been partying like it's 1999 for a looooong time..... and this is a big fun festival for everyone !!!  Lots of authentic Greek dishes, wine with unpronounceable names, dancing wild, much fun !!!  Map and info www.stpaulsirvine.org/festival/index.htm

Code Pink Boot Camp

September 26-28 - ATSC's 26th Concours d'Elegance at the St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach - 125 exquisite classic cars on the Golf Course overlooking the Blue Pacific, wine tasting and veddy chic atmosphere and crowd.  For more than two decades, the Concours has displayed some of the highest caliber classic automobiles in the United States in an effort to raise money for the well being of children and teens.  There are events and private showings on Fri/Sat, and a gala dinner benefit Saturday night.  For more information regarding volunteering, sponsorship, tickets or vehicle entry, call  800.839.7520 website  www.atscconcours.com  The Charity benefit is for ATSC and Hoag Hospital's Diabetes Center, website www.atsc4kids.org/

September 26 - Phil Shane will rock the house at La Cave in Costa Mesa.  If you have never caught this guy’s act, it’s about as campy and fun as anything you’ll see around here.  2006 OC Lounge Singer of the Year.  Don’t ask, just go.  He attracts fans from 18 to 81 with his mix of Elvis and other vocal styles.  Check out his website www.philshane.com  for scheduled local appearances.  He hits Original Mike’s in Santa Ana and The District in Orange on occasion, too……

September 27 -  Sons of the American Legion present the 11th Annual Bands on the Bay at the American Legion Hall, at 15th St. and the sand on the Newport Peninsula, 2pm-10pm.  This is a very unique spot, right on the water, run and maintained by our ex-fighting men and women.  See The Nick Pepper Trio, Roger Baldwin Band and Balboa Blues while enjoying a full on Harbor view.  Tix are only $10 and get your great food and beverages there too.  Wonderful way to wrap up the summer, info and tickets at  949.673.5070  website www.al291.com flyer www.bestocevents.com/images/LegionBandsBay1.pdf 

September 27- Wines for Canines
is a novel idea to raise funds for Cuddly Canines Rescue -
www.cuddlycanines.com specializing in taking pregnant dogs and underage orphaned litters out of high-kill shelters. All dogs are raised in a foster home until they are healthy, altered and vaccinated.   Held in downtown Fullerton at the Villa del Sol Courtyard, with food and wine by Cafe Hidalgo, 7-11pm. Tickets are $50 in advance / $60 at the door and can be purchased directly by contacting Jodi Simard CuddlyCaninesRescue@yahoo.com phone 562-365-1252 or through www.localwineevents.com  People that make a difference in the world, especially for our four legged friends.....  


Miracles for Kids Presents – 7th Annual Night of Miracles benefit CHOC Hospital and PCRF
Saturday, September 27th     6:00 pm   St. Regis Resort & Spa, Monarch Beach

The fabulous St. Regis Resort in Monarch Beach is the setting for the 7th Annual Night of Miracles.  The event benefits CHOC Hospital and PCRF - Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, and features sumptuous International Cuisine, wine tasting, DJ and dancing, opportunity drawings, and live and silent auctions.  Chaired by: Chaired by: Curtis Green, Brian Cameron, Ken Gerdeu, Len Hamilton, Autumn Strier & Tom Swanecamp.

Since it's inception in 1982, PCRF has raised over $18 million to fund cutting edge research that leads to medically sound treatment for childhood cancers.  Much progress has been made.  For instance, childhood leukemia, once almost certainly fatal, now has a 70% survival rate.  But the battle is far from over -- cancer continues to afflict more children under 18 years of age each year than any other disease.  Miracles for Kids is a non-profit organization based in Orange County whose mission is to improve the lives of kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

Tickets are $250 pp.  Cocktail attire.  For more information and tickets call 949.878.5437 email
info@miraclesforkids.org  or go to the website at www.miraclesforkids.org or  www.pcrf-kids.com/ 


9th Annual Cruisin' for a Cure  -  Fundraiser for Prostate Cancer Research
Saturday, September 27   7am-5pm    OC Fair and Events Center

The 9th  annual "Cruisin' for a Cure" fund-raiser for Prostate Cancer Research will be Saturday, Sept. 27th  from 7:00 a.m. (gulp) to 5 p.m. at the Orange County Fairgrounds.  Organizers expect the hot rod and motorcycle event to be the World’s largest charity car show,  with all money raised to benefit the UCLA Johnson Cancer Center Foundation for Prostate Cancer Research.  The event will feature more than 1,500 customs, classics, muscle cars, specialty vehicles and trucks, as well as more than 1,500 motorcycles.   Also on view will be 400 Corvettes, 200 Mustangs and 150 PT Cruisers.   I checked the website a few minutes ago and they already have lots of entries - they had 3,300 vehicles last year.  They have already sold out most all of the 215 Vendors spots.  Lotsa prizes too.... this will be HUGE !!!!

Men are encouraged to receive a free PSA test at the show.  Prostate Cancer will strike over 189,000 men this year alone. Of these men, over 31,000 will die. That
’s one man every 12½ minutes! Husbands, fathers, sons, and brothers…. in many cases it could have been prevented with regular precautionary checkups.  We men tend to figure, “it won’t happen to me” or, “well, I’m busy now, but I’ll check into it later”. Later could be too late. After all, don’t we regularly do tune ups and other precautionary work on our cars in the hope of preventing major repairs later? Your body deserves no less. And the truth is, the testing is painless, not embarrassing, and could save your life. Just ask any of the guys you will see at the show wearing the blue “Survivors” shirts. They will tell it to you straight.  Last year, over 900 men were tested at the Cruise. Of these, 52 were discovered to have a high count and instructed to see their doctor for further testing.  Somebody watchin’ out for them.....

Admission is only $12, kids under 13 free, register and display your buggy for $40 in advance.  For information call (949) 752-5115 Ext 10 or visit the website at www.cruisinforacure.com  It’s all there, great site.....


Susan G. Komen 16th Annual Race for the Cure - Breast Cancer Benefit
Sunday, September 28th   Fashion Island, Newport Beach

The Susan G. Komen Foundation exists to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening, and treatment.   In 2007, the Komen Orange County Race for the Cure was the largest, most successful fundraising event in Orange County, raising $1.7 million with 25,000 participants. The Race has raised over $15 million in Orange County for the fight against breast cancer, and this year’s goal is $2 million.  The event will include women's and co-ed 5K run/walk, a 1-mile fun walk, and a breast cancer survivor tribute -- for serious runners, casual walkers, survivors and enthusiastic supporters of all ages.

One of the most moving and inspirational sights you will ever witness….  will be 1,000's of women dressed in a sea of pink shirts on the steps of the Pacific Life building in Newport Center, a tribute to their surviving the disease.   They are looking for participants and volunteers for the event.... and they need oodles of volunteers.  All the information will be on the website for the local OC Chapter at www.occure.com/  The National Foundation is at www.komen.org/    

YHouse


Grand Opening of A Restaurant  - benefit Orangewood PALS and John Wayne Cancer Foundation
October 1   6-9pm 
A Restaurant, Newport Beach  

The old Arches Restaurant moved their shop onto the Newport Peninsula a while back, and the eagerly anticipated A Restaurant opened in the famous building by the bridge over PCH in Newport.  Tim and Lisa Goodell (Aubergine, Trouquet, Red Pearl Kitchen) have a long local history of successful restaurant concepts, and this latest venture has been packing them in since inception.  A couple of celebrity owners add a bit of panache'  - Director  McG and musician Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray.  That aside, the food is excellent and reasonably priced for an A Restaurant (!!) and PALS is the beneficiary of their Grand Opening celebration.  This is by invitation only, and our readers are invited to attend.

Orangewood PALS (Providing Assistance, Love and Support) is a group of young professionals eager to become involved with the issues of child abuse in the community and provide future leadership to the Orangewood Foundation.  PALS is governed by a Board of twelve directors, each with particular areas of responsibility. Their main goals as an organization are to provide activities and to raise funds for the children of the Orangewood Children's Home.   This is a young, chic, dynamic group and all of their events are top notch and very well attended.    

Enjoy an evening of fine wine, signature cocktails and an incredible array of A's culinary creations.  Tickets are $60 and may be purchased on the website.  I would get them now, they are only allowing 300 people and this will sell out for sure.    For more info contact Kerri Dugan 949.632.6269  KeriDugan@aol.com  or 714.619.0237.  The website for PALS with more info is at www.orangewoodpals.org/    A Restaurant website is www.arestaurantnb.com   Here's a writeup about A from our friends at OC Weekly  www.ocweekly.com/2008-06-19/food/a-is-for-awesome


24th Annual Second Harvest Charity Event  - Food, Wine, and Micro Brew Fest
Thursday, October 2    5:30-8:30 pm (new time)  --  South Coast Plaza Annex, Crate and Barrel Wing

They do this party/fundraiser two times a year.....  ask anyone who has been there before, it's a great time !!!  The Second Harvest Food Bank and KTLA Charities sponsors the Food, Wine and Micro-Brew fest on Thursday, October 2  from 5:30-8:30 pm in the "Crate and Barrel Wing"  (old Crystal Court) of South Coast Plaza on Bear Street.  They get about 1,000 people….

Here's a quote from the LA Times:  "The Second Harvest Food Bank in Orange County this year is supplying food to more than 360 soup kitchens, church pantries and senior homes, an increase of about 80 agencies from five years ago.  "We're thinking it doesn't take a recession for people to need food," said development director Nicole Suydam".  This is your chance to make a difference, and have a great time to boot !!!

Your entrance fee includes all food, wine, events, etc......   This culinary festival features more than 30 of South Coast Plaza’s finest restaurants,  and 30 of California’s most distinguished wineries, micro breweries, gourmet coffee purveyors and bottled water distributors will also participate in one of South Coast Plaza’s most popular events. The admission fee is $50 in advance, $55 at the door and includes lavish food sampling, wine tasting, beverages, deserts, live entertainment and dancing.  Raffle prizes.  Live Music and dancing by Evan Stone & The Jazz Constituents.  This is a popular & fun event – and it benefits a great cause.   

THE SPECIAL HOT DEAL:  As we have done for many years, we have arranged to get a break on the admission fee, at the "group" rate of only $45 a person.  Please send your checks made out to "Second Harvest Food Bank" to Alan Freeman,  2 Summerset, Irvine, CA 92603 .  We gotta have the money in by Tuesday night 9/30 so make sure your check gets to me by then, or call me with a credit card #.....

For information call (714) 771-1343 or visit the website with a list of the participants at www.feedoc.org   


October 2 First Thursday Art Walk in Laguna Beach, stroll around and soak up some culture, find that ideal piece…..many of the galleries set forth refreshments….. information at www.firstthursdaysartwalk.com    And after the Artwalk….. Mozambique is just down the street at 1470 S. PCH, website www.mozambiqueoc.com  

October 3-4 -  Macy’s South Coast Plaza and Second Harvest Food Bank team up for a fundraiser called Macy’s Passport. Buy a $10 ticket from Second Harvest (they get all of this) and you are entitled to 10-20% off of just about everything in the store. You can even pre-shop, for the hopelessly addicted.  Special events, product samplings, beauty galas (for the ladies and the metros out there) and all for a great cause.  Info at www.feedoc.org/macys.html

October 4 - The City of Irvine is once again proud to sponsor the 7th annual Irvine Global Village Festival on Saturday, October 4 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at Bill Barber Park in Irvine.  This multifaceted festival features international cuisine, live entertainment, children’s activities, cultural exhibits, a community partners pavilion, and world marketplace.  Over 20 diverse World Music bands and groups will play on 5 stages !!   One of the City’s most popular events, the festival is a wonderful opportunity for people to learn, experience, and share the cultural traditions of their friends and neighbors. Festival admission is free. Food court tasting tickets are available for purchase at the event for $1 each. Bill Barber Park is located adjacent to the Irvine Civic Center on Harvard between Barranca and Alton in Irvine. For more information call (949) 724-6606 or visit www.irvinefestival.org

Pampered Mobile Spa

October 4 - Buccaneer Days on Two Harbors in Catalina Island.  This is the 19th annual dress up pirate blowout on that little island jewel west of here.  Sayeth our friends from Pub Club:  Dress up like a pirate or wench, say "arrrg" a lot and drink navy grogs. This is Buccaneer Days, all under the stars at the remote outpost of Two Harbors on Catalina Island.  Check the write-up at www.pubclub.com/losangeles/buccaneer.htm

October 5  - 47th Annual Corona del Mar Sandcastle Contest draws thousands to see these exquisite works of sand art, and the chance to say “How did they do that ?”.  Sponsored by the NB Chamber of Commerce, at Big Corona Beach, info at www.newportbeach.com    

October 9 - The Newport Beach Bacchus Society hosts "Battle of the Cabs" at the Wine Lab in Newport.  Come enjoy a "blind" tasting of 5 wonderful Cabernet varietes, some nibblies, and good conversation with local wine lovers.  Opens 4pm, event runs 5pm until about 8, most people get there around 6ish.  Business clothes, business casual, whatever.  The Bacchus Society is a social group of Young Professionals that love food and wine.  Membership in the Bacchus Society is free -- all they ask is that you promise to donate some time to charity efforts.  It's $25 pp or $20 for Bacchus members.  Invite a friend to join, and sign up and RSVP for the event at www.bacchussociety.org  The Wine Lab is in central Newport on PCH, website www.winelabnewport.com    

"Con el vino y la esperanza, cualquier cosa es posible."  With wine and hope, anything is possible !!


7th Annual Banquet & Duffy Boat Rally - Fundraiser for Young Life Newport/Mesa
Friday, October 10th  5 – 9pm   Historic Balboa Pavilion – 400 Main St. Newport Beach  

The 7th Annual "Banquet & Duffy Boat Rally” fund-raiser for Young Life Newport/Mesa will be on October 10th with check in at 5:00 pm at the Balboa Pier.  The rally begins at 5:15, and Duffy Boats will be provided.  The rally’s finish line takes you to the Harborside Restaurant & Grand Ballroom located at the historic Balboa Pavilion.  The banquet begins at 7:00 with food and entertainment!   Organizers present this FREE event through generous underwriting by local businesses, individuals, families, foundations and churches.  They provide the boats, food and the entertainment for this event!  All the money raised will benefit Young Life’s students at seven local high schools (CDM, Newport Harbor, Costa Mesa, Estancia, Back Bay, and Monte Vista) and five middle schools (CDM, Ensign, Harbor Day, Costa Mesa & Tewinkle).  Comfortable boating attire.....

Founded in 1941, Young Life is a non-profit, non-denominated Christian organization with programs in 450 communities in the U.S. and Canada, and 36 countries overseas.   Over 83,000 kids are involved weekly and more than 795,000 are helped in the course of a year. 

Admission is FREE, but reservations are required to  R.S.V.P. to reserve your space on a Duffy.   For information contact Kristine Simon at 949-533-0199.  Additional information about Young Life is available on the national website www.younglife.org or read about their local program at  www.newportbeach.younglife.org


26th Annual Land Rover Miramar Bike MS Bay to Bay Tour - Benefit the Multiple Sclerosis Society
October 11-12 -  start in Irvine  and ride to Mission Bay in San Diego

Join 2008 cyclists on a two-day bike tour from Irvine, Orange County to Mission Bay, San Diego October 11-12.  The MS Bike Tour provides fully supported one or two day 30, 100 or 150 mile scenic routes, a fun filled overnight festival in Carlsbad, and the opportunity to raise vital funds for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.  You do the fundraising and pedaling and they'll take care of the rest.  The MS Bike Tour is celebrating its 26th  anniversary in Southern California and is the largest biking fundraiser in So. Cal.  In 2007, the MS Bike Tour had 2006 riders and raised more than $2 million to fund research into the cause and cure for MS and for services for people with MS and their families in Orange and San Diego Counties.  The MS Bike Tour represents the only cycling event by a national health organization that is endorsed by the Bicycling Touring Group of America.

MS is the number one neurological disease among young adults.  Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40, but the unpredictable effects are lifelong.  Symptoms may be mild, such as numbness in the limbs, or severe, such as paralysis or loss of vision.  The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are giving hope to those affected by the disease.  The proceeds will directly fund the programs and services of the Orange County Chapter in addition to providing continued research and significant benefits to the people who are affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

For information call the National MS Society at (800) 486-6762 or check their website at www.nmssoc.org/  You may register online or by phone at (800) 486-6762.   Here’s the info on the Tour www.biketofinishms.com

American Yacht Charters


October 14 – Under the light of the full moon, an eclectic group of locals get together for some Full Moon Drumming and Dance Circle at Aliso Beach in Aliso Viejo.   Delightfully unstructured, it's a full-on Zen happening.  In the bright moonlight, hot pulsating rhythms......  the heat of the bonfire in the cool crisp air.  Bring a drum if you have one, some wood, dance moves and your own seating.....  just listen and you'll find it.  Go to the south end around the construction - it's intimate and tucked away and out of earshot of the buzzkills on the hill.  For more info contact Billy Fried billyfried@cox.net drumhead and organizer extraordinaire……

October 18 -  Code Pink Boot Camp invites you to Beat Breast Cancer Boot Camp Saturday October 18th at Kaleidoscope Courtyards in Mission Viejo. This will be a 90 min. boot camp open to the public (men and women) for a $25.00 fee.  Gives you a chance to see what this is all about, for a great cause.  All proceeds will go to Breast Cancer Network of Strength <