Ring in the holidays with three free concerts
This holiday season brings a series of free concerts to fans of the Laguna Community Concert and JaZz Bands.
Both bands will rock the holidays on Dec. 1 for Hospitality Night, starting at 6 p.m. The Laguna Community Concert Band kicks things off with holiday classics, “Sleigh-Ride,” “Christmas on Broadway” and “Christmas Pop Sing-Along,” featuring vocalists Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene and Samantha Morrice. Next, the Laguna JaZz Band will play its holiday blend of jazz and pop standards, Latin, funk and salsa with featured vocalist Ginger Hatfield.
The two groups share the stage again on Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., for a holiday show at the Laguna Beach High School Artists Theatre.
The concert features favorites such as “The Hanukkah Song,” “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and “White Christmas,” as well as a visit from “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,” and a rousing sing-a-long finale. Vocalists include Lisa Morrice, Gary Greene, Samantha Morrice, Rob Harryman, and Ginger Hatfield.
On Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 6 p.m., the Laguna Community JaZz Band returns to the Susi Q with holiday favorites such as “Santa Baby,” “Feliz Navidad,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Now finishing its 23rd season, The Laguna Community Concert Band rehearses at the Laguna Beach High School band room on Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. For the latest news about the concert and jazz bands and a calendar of concerts, or if you would like to play with the band, go to the website at www.lagunaconcertband.com.
Surfboard Menorah Chanukah celebration on Main Beach
Meet at the Main Beach cobblestones on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. for music and dancing with Israeli DJ Eldad, a variety of street performers, crafts for the kids, face painting, dreidel cookie decorating, latkes, chocolate gelt and lighting of the Laguna Beach surfboard menorah. Admission is free, and it’s fun for all ages.
The iconic Surfboard Menorah is constructed from surfboards donated by Chabad Laguna Beach friends and congregants. The Menorah was designed by Steve Sachse and Laguna Beach contractors Mike Tomkins and Tony Hempen, who generously volunteered their time to put it all together.
Calling all kids for a Chanukah Lego party
Chabad Laguna Beach is hosting a Chanukah Lego party on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at 4:30 p.m. The program is packed with Chanukah games, activities and crafts. There will be a dreidel game showdown, build your own light up Leg Menorah, Chanukah superhero cards, donut decorating, Latke party and Menorah lighting. The cost is $8 per child. RSVP to [email protected]
For more details and Chanukah megasite, please visit www.chabadoflaguna.com. The Chabad is located at 30804 S. Coast Hwy., across from the Montage Resort.
Free nordic walking classes on Main Beach Boardwalk
Gerred Popejoy, a lifestyle doctor and international speaker specializing in exercise rehabilitation for seniors, is conducting classes on Nordic walking on the Main Beach boardwalk on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Popejoy suggests participants arrive slightly earlier to set up poles for the class. Nordic walking poles will be provided. To register, visit www.nordicwalkingnations.com/laguna-boardwalk. After registration, participants will receive an email with the date of the next walk. Call or email Popejoy at 916-806-9150 or [email protected] for more information.
Help Nepal’s earthquake victims on Giving Tuesday
R Star Foundation asks for support on Giving Tuesday, Nov. 28 to help the women and children of rural Nepal who recently experienced an earthquake. Donations may be sent to R Star, PO Box 4183, Laguna Beach, CA 92652. For more information, visit www.rstarfoundation.org.
Laguna Beach Business Club to host president of DJW and Associates as Nov. speaker
The Laguna Beach Business Club’s speaker for its Nov. 30 meeting is Deidra Wager, President of DJW and Associates. The LBBC holds monthly breakfast meetings starting at 7:30 a.m., hosting speakers that discuss topics valuable to achieving success in your personal and professional lives.
Wager provides strategic advice on retail replication and growth strategy. She spent 13 years as a senior operations executive at Starbucks Coffee Company. As executive vice president for Retail North America, Wager led operations, marketing, real estate and store development. She spent four years in Tokyo, Japan, as chief retail officer, Starbucks Japan. She started DJW and Associates in 2005 and pursued her interest in sustainable agriculture and non-profit work.
Wager is a co-founder and serves on the board of The Lacewing Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the health and education of women and children. She is a Women’s Leadership Board of Harvard Kennedy School’s Women in Public Policy Program member, focused on gender research, teaching, training and outreach. Wager also serves on the board and executive committee of North West Harvest, ensuring access to healthy food through a network of 400 food justice organizations including food banks and high-need schools.
The LBBC is a group of local business professionals and entrepreneurs that meet monthly to discuss current events, business opportunities and share insights within the context of their community and lives, intending to build and maintain relationships with local professionals and businesses that they can proudly recommend to clients and friends. LBBC also supports its community by providing and participating in community services and/or events that benefit the citizens of Laguna Beach.
Club meetings begin with a buffet breakfast and networking roundtable. Meetings are hosted at Nirvana Kitchen + Pantry, 303 Broadway St., #101, Laguna Beach, CA 92651. Non-members are welcome. For more information about the LBBC or to register to attend the meeting please either visit our website at lagunabeachbusinessclub.com, or write us at: [email protected].
Ceremony and vigil for Worlds Aids Day
The City of Laguna Beach and HIV Advisory Committee are sponsoring a coffee, greet and community sharing at Main Beach cobblestone area on Dec. 1 at 3:30 p.m. A vigil will follow at 4 p.m. Free HIV testing vouchers will be available courtesy of the Laguna Beach Community Clinic.
