Nobel Peace Laureate Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and international law professor, Karima Bennoune, will speak at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29 at the Soka Performing Arts Center, 1 University Dr., Aliso Viejo.
Their topic is, “Outrageous Acts of Peace: The role ordinary people must play in transforming violence to peace.”
Tickets, $6-$8 are available at www.performingarts.soka.edu.
Unofficial Cheerleader in Need of Community Spirit
Dana LaRose, a parent volunteer who assisted with high school drama productions for several years, found a creative outlet creating jewelry while recuperating from chemotherapy for bladder cancer.
Her output is for sale at the gift store Twig, 1175 S. Coast Highway, and at a trunk show at Catherine Helshoj’s house Saturday, Oct. 25, 4-9 p.m., 795 Coast View Drive, Laguna Beach. Wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Proceeds will help LaRose meet her medical bills.
Alumni Return to Boys and Girls Club
Leaders of the Boys & Girls Club plan a reunion party for alumni at the Sandpiper Lounge on Sunday, Oct. 26, 3 to 8 p.m.
Admission is free and the party includes live entertainment, food, a chance to reconnect with old friends and to find out how the club has changed.
Please RSVP with Michelle Ray by calling (949) 494-2535 x 103 or emailing her at [email protected]
Methodists Hold Fall Boutique
The fall boutique sponsored by the United Methodist Church takes place from 9:30 to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the church’s Healton Hall, 21632 Wesley Dr.
A $3 lunch will be available in addition to handcrafted items, gently used clothing and housewares, plants, Christmas decorations, jewelry, gifts and collectibles. A silent auction will be held until 12:30 p.m.
Proceeds will benefit several charities.
Photo: A shopper finds a treasure at last year’s boutique.
Fall Vegetable Tastings at the Garden Park
Chef Linda Elbert of Mindful Cuisine will be demonstrating tasty side dishes with fall fruits and vegetables from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the South Laguna Community Garden Park, Eagle Rock Way and South Coast Highway.
Learn to prepare dishes such as white gazpacho and roasted winter squash.
Reserve now at SouthLaguna.org/garden. Attendance is free, but donations are appreciated.
Soroptimists Accepting Grant Applications
The Soroptimists International is accepting applications for their Live Your Dreams award, which provides women financial resources to pursue schooling or training. The cash prize may be used for tuition, books, childcare, transportation or any other education-related expense.
The local club awards $2,500 to a recipient, who can pursue other awards through the organization. Last year’s recipient, Natalie Fisser, won locally and regionally.
For applications and more information, contact Connie Burlin at 949-933-8257 or [email protected].
Cat Lover Purrs Over Her Mission
Pamela Knudsen, a Blue Bell Foundation for Cats volunteer, describes her passion for felines the organization’s services at a meeting of the Laguna Beach Exchange Club Thursday, Oct. 30.
Members meet at Mandarin King Restaurant, 1224 N. Coast Highway, at 12:15 p.m. RSVP to Jim Rue at 494-6684.
Son Spins the Tale of the Amazing Zamperini
A presentation on the life of Louis Zamperini, as told by his son Luke, will be presented at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Dr.
Louis Zamperini, a star of the 1936 Olympics and a WW II prisoner of war, is the subject of Laura Hillenbrand’s book, “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, and Redemption.” A film based on the book is scheduled for release in December.
Luke Zamperini knows every detail of his 96-year-old father’s account; they were his bedtime stories growing up.
Nicholas Yrizarry Wealth Management Group of Laguna Beach is sponsoring the event. RSVP to 949 715-8585.
Relationship Coach Share Secrets of Communication
Communication coach Jean-Pierre Ruiz will lead a free workshop for women at the Laguna Beach Library about miscommunication between the sexes Wednesday, Oct. 29, 6-7:30 p.m. Others sessions are set for Tuesdays, Nov. 4 and 25, at 4:30 p.m., also at 363 Glenneyre St.
How you say something is more important than what you say, according to Ruiz. For more info: 949 497-1733.
Clinic Switches On New Records System
A recent gift of $100,000 from the Draper Family Foundation has enabled the Laguna Beach Community Clinic to purchase software that will enable them to keep medical records electronically.
The clinic’s ability to offer high quality care demand the capabilities of an electronic records system, said Dr. Jorge Rubal, assistant medical director.
Send Troops a Sweet Message
The Lion’s Heart Service Group – Laguna Beach Chapter Girls Class of 2019 — will be collecting excess Halloween candy to donate to Operation Gratitude, which sends the candy to U.S troops stationed overseas.
Collection bins will be located at the Laguna Beach Library’s children’s section Nov. 1-7 and at schools as well. Arrange a candy pick up by contacting [email protected].
Forget the Dog Park; There’s Yappy Hour
Hundreds of dogs are expected to attend the Yappy-Howl-O-Ween, a yappy hour from 4- 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 on the Dawn lawn, at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point.
A bar for the dogs will offer bacon, cheese, chicken and liver flavored water. The staff will be serving home-made dog treats and there will be a costume contest, $10 entry fee, with prizes for scariest, funniest, most glamorous and best in show.
The event is sponsored by Canine Companions for Independence to raise funds for their Wounded Veterans Initiative, which provides service dogs to disabled vets.
For more information contact Katie Malatino at 760-901-4300 or [email protected].
Gala Supports Scholarships for Children of Service Personnel
The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation’s fundraising gala is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
The turnout will include celebrities, dignitaries, emcee and “NCIS” television actor David McCallum and guest of honor, retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant General Terry Robling.
For more info: visit http://www.mcsf.org/.
