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The sound of an acoustic guitar often strikes the chords of our hearts and sings to the love that we share with the world. Talented and inspirational artist Tom Conlon will grace Rancho Santa Margarita’s community with a benefit concert at The Gate this Friday, March 26, at 7 p.m. It is more than a concert. It is a gathering of praise and generosity.

For some of us who live in the comfort and blessings of O.C. we sometimes may overlook the gifts we are given. We must not forget those who continue to struggle attaining the most basic of human needs, especially the youth of the world. As we all know, the country of Haiti was devastated by a massive 7.0 magnitude quake. Join Tom Conlon in supporting and rebuilding Good Rest Mission, an orphanage ravaged by the natural disaster.

Good Rest Mission is home to over fifty Haitian orphans. The community is approximately ten miles from the quake epicenter and was severely affected by the aftermath. The mission buildings and the housing dormitories collapsed during the earthquake. The concert this Friday is free for all to attend and those who do will have the opportunity to donate monetary support to aid the children and families of the Haiti orphanage.

Tom Conlon is a traditional folk Christian singer. He debuted in 1996 with his album Soil Out of Sand and since then has continued to create music that touches the soul. He continued on to make 6 more albums and touring the US exclusively. The size of the venue does not matter to him in performances; he still finds great comfort in the intimacy of playing house concerts for those who request it.

He once spoke about the inspiration that fueled him to sing saying, “Growing up, my biggest musical influences came from my home and the church. I remember my Grandmother’s playing – she was a fantastic jazz pianist. Each time she played, it was a journey. The same was true in church – the music began, and you just sort of dove in. It was something you could get lost in, but together. So I guess my music tries to keep that tradition of taking a journey in the context of relationship – creating a shared space to experience eternal, timeless things.”

Don’t miss your chance to hear the graceful tunes of Tom Conlon this Friday, March 26, at 7 p.m. For more information call 949.916.4283. The Gate is located at 22521 Avenida Empresa in RSM. The venue is a Christian Gathering Place where people can connect with God and with others, regardless of their background, nationality or denomination.

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“The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give Blood.” These are the words that speak out to the members of the American Red Cross. There is always an opportunity to give blood, money or time to the organization and now it is the RSM community’s turn to donate. On Wednesday, March 31 the Red Cross is hosting a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Walgreens in Rancho Santa Margarita.

Did you know that every year since 1943, March has been celebrated as National Red Cross month? President Franklin D. Roosevelt began the tradition that called Americans to “rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.” Every president from that moment forward has honored the work of the organization with the same designation each year.

It is a time to recognize the Red Cross as a true reflection of humanitarian and volunteer spirit. Before donating blood a few considerations should be reviewed. Remember to maintain a healthy iron level in your diet, drink an extra 16 ounces of liquid for hydration before donating and always have a healthy meal, avoiding foods high in fat just prior.

Each blood donation fills a need in another’s life. Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day. In 2006 alone a total of 30 million blood components are transfused each year in the country. Sickle cell disease is a major receiver of blood donations, more than 80,0000 people in the nation, of which 98 percent are African American. These patients require frequent blood transfusions throughout their lives.

Other patients who require transfusions or donated blood include the more than one million people who are newly diagnosed with cancer each year. As they go through their treatment they my require donated blood during their chemotherapy treatment or sometimes even on a daily basis. A car accident victim can also use the generous gift of life. A single person who has a serious injury from a vehicle collision can require as many as 100 pints of blood. The average single blood donation is a total of 3 pints.

There are stories of donors on the Red Cross website. One story is of John who says, “I donate every chance I get. I used to be a Captain in the Army and spent a year in Iraq. I still vividly remember whenever our base got attacked with rockets and mortars – there were injuries, and the call would go out for blood donors. Volunteers poured in. I never forgot that. Each time I donate, I reflect on that experience and hope that my contribution helps others. The free cookies are good too.”

The Walgreens is located at 30592 Santa Margarita Parkway in RSM. There will be a Bloodmobile in the Parking Lot. To learn more about the American Red Cross, donate or volunteer please visit www.redcrossblood.org.

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Don’t be a fool! Stay in school! This is one of the oldest lessons in the book. Education for our children is the hope for a better tomorrow. The Ladera Ranch Education Foundation (LREF) is inspired by this simple truth and invites you to take part in this year’s fundraising gala this Saturday, March 27 at 6:30 p.m.

This year is the 6th annual signature fundraising event and the theme is “Totally Awesome 80’s Gala.” It will be held at the Coto de Caza Golf & Racquet Club and will feature dinner, dancing, live music and incredible silent and live auction items. The Gala will be rockin’ with the totally radical 80’s cover band Freeze Frame.

The event will also have a stellar opportunity drawing. The winner will receive an overnight stay in a Bungalow room at The Resort at Pelican Hill in Newport Coast. The package includes a choice of two 60 minute Amber Gold massages at the Spa, or a round of golf for two players, plus a $150 card to Mastro’s Steakhouse.

Dinner will consist of an elegant menu featuring a traditional Caesar salad with garlic croutons, “Duo” of Filet Mignon served with Port Wine sauce & Salmon served with Chardonnay Cream sauce, garlic mashed potatoes and chef’s vegetables. A vegetarian option is available upon request.

Net proceeds from the 2010 Gala will help to fund the LREF grant awards. The purpose of the foundation’s grant program is to support the public schools that serve the community of Ladera Ranch. The goal is to provide the necessary tools to enrich the learning environment, motivate students, and enhance instructional effectiveness.

The Ladera Ranch Education Foundation awards grants on an annual basis and the success of fundraising events such as this year’s gala directly impacts the amount of funds awarded to school each year. The monetary donations help to fund various curriculum areas including reading, social studies, math and music. Since its incorporation in July 2004, the LREF has granted over $142,000 through its fund raising efforts.

Ticket prices are as followed: $83 for a single ticket, $166 for couples ticket and $800 for a table of ten. You can purchase opportunity drawing tickets and give an additional monetary donation upon registration through the event website. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this year’s “Totally Awesome 80’s Gala.”

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“In my own view, the important achievement of Apollo was a demonstration that humanity is not forever chained to this planet, and our visions go rather further than that, and our opportunities are unlimited.”

Lance Armstrong spoke these words at a press conference in 1999 and express the most human fulfillment of willpower and dreams. It is your turn to experience the worlds beyond our own. On Saturday, March 20, blast off on an adventure of your own when the Mission Viejo Library hosts “Mission to the Planets.”

Guests of all ages have the opportunity to take a tour of the solar system starting with the star that breaths life into our world. Special solar telescopes give us the ability to see the sun in the vastness of space. Participants will also have a wide range of telescopes at their reach to view the planets that make up our neighborhood in the stars.

This is a two-part event with armature astronomers who will guide your viewing of the sky. During the day from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. you will get hands-on activities to see sun flares and spots at the Kershaw Garden. From there the evening is filled with exciting planetary discoveries.

Beginning at 4 p.m., Richard Stembler, NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador, will speak to give visitors an overview of what they will be seeing on their observation. Mars and Saturn will be visible at night, with the rings of Saturn being of popular interest. When the sun sets on Mission Viejo the telescopes will be available for this planetary viewing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

It’s been quite a while for all of us since we first studied the solar system in grade school. This is the perfect opportunity to jump back into planetary perfection. But if you or your kid needs a little brushing up on the fun facts before the event you can visit this interactive website for a simple and exciting short lesson of our space community.

Don’t miss your opportunity to go to infinity and beyond at the Mission Viejo Library and the Kershaw Gardens located at 100 Civic Center. For more information please contact the reference desk at 949.830.7100 at extension 5105. 

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It’s time to lace up those sneakers and dash to the finish line at the 9th annual Dove Dash and Pancake Breakfast. The event is an opportunity for the members of the community to spend time with their family and friends as they walk or run through beautiful Dove Canyon in support the charitable efforts of Ryan’s Reach. The Dash date is Sunday, March 21 and will begin at 8 a.m. at the corner of Dove Canyon Drive and Sycamore Drive. Sign up now! Early registration ends March 18.

All proceeds and donations for the Dove Dash go directly to Ryan’s Reach, an organization that seeks to aid brain injured individuals and their families with the necessary tools to provide a better life to victims. The charity envisions a nationwide network of High Hopes Neurological Recovery Group facilities to serve the complex needs of those affected by Traumatic Brain Injury.

The funds raised will help to provide financial resources and support for the community efforts and to aid in expanding the programs, services and outreach of High Hopes Neurological Recovery Group and Ryan’s Reach. By ensuring the victim’s well being we can contribute to the necessary and complex care of the victims to encourage them to continue to live a full and productive life in the midst of their potentially devastating injury.

The 5K Walk/Run race begins with a booming start and will finish at the pool with a free hearty pancake breakfast. Participants will have a beautiful view of the community as they trot through the rolling terrain. The course travels from a slight uphill for about 200 yards, and then continues to a gradual decent to the half-point mark. The route shifts back with a u-turn as the course takes a gradual ascent to the final quarter mile. At that point the groups will turn right down a steep descent followed by one last mild ascent to the finish.

This is an event for all ages so bring the whole family. The Dove Dash will also host a Kid Fun Run for ages 7 and under free of charge, and who doesn’t love a free pancake breakfast? Volunteers are welcome to assist and those who are interested should contact Brian Stowe at 714-815-0009 or Lindy Michaelis at 714-420-7697.

Early check-in and in person registration is available from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 20th at Gold’s Gym in the Dove Canyon Shopping Plaza. But of course if you are a morning person, race day registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and parking will be available on location. Late registration fees apply after March 18th so sign up now!

Metals will be awarded to the top three teams and individuals in their respective age groups. The Dove Dash will triumph, rain or shine so lace up those sneakers and head on out the door. The residents of Orange County are proud to assist in the charitable efforts of Ryan’s Reach, now it’s your turn to touch the lives and hearts of others.

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Top o’ the morning to ya folks! It’s getting to be that time of year, when green clovers decorate our dreams of the rolling hills of Ireland. The Irvine Barclay Theater is bringing back its St. Patrick’s Day tradition of the sellout hit An Irish Hooley, presented by Kerry Records on Wednesday, March 17. Come join in on the irresistible merriment at this joyful family friendly event!

A hooley, what by golly is a hooley? I’m so glad you asked! A hooley is an old-fashioned Irish term for a dance or “boisterous party.” The Emerald Isle has been honored as the origin and home of some of the world’s most talented poets, writers, musicians and artists. This performance celebrates the incredible inheritance of Ireland in a piece that invites you to join in on the fun.

Traditional Irish instruments that create the melodies of the Celtic world come in all shapes and forms, from Pipes, flutes, harp, fiddles and bodhráns, to dancing, singing and of course storytelling, this Irish Holley is sure to be a hit! Dubliner Laura Turner will lead an interactive sing-along during the show with audience participation required.

The history of The Hooley is founded in the generations of celebration and good conversation flowing freely from the corners of every village in Ireland. The location did not matter to the community, the Hooley could be held at home, in a school house, dance hall, or even on the boats that brought the Irish culture to America. It is not a place; it’s a state of mind and an excuse for a cheerful gathering.

Kerry Records, the producer of An Irish Hooley, is the number one promoter of Irish Music and Culture on the West Coast. Based in L.A., it is an Irish owned production company that encourages the advancement of contemporary Irish music and the spoken arts, while supporting the performance, recording and preservation of the country’s priceless music and history.

An Irish Hooley begins at 8p.m. at the Irvine Barclay Theatre located at 4242 Campus Drive. Tickets range from $22 for children, $33 for seniors and $38 for adults. To order, please call ticket office at 949.854.4646 or visit the event website at www.thbarclay.org. Tickets can also be found through ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.

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The traditions of Saint Patrick’s Day are celebrated in a variety of ways throughout the world. The first parade for the green holiday took place interestingly enough, NOT in Ireland! So where was the first Saint Patrick’s Day Parade you ask? It was held in New York City on March 17, 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through the city to help reconnect them with their heritage. Reconnect with the Irish in you this season with the St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Costa Mesa, March 14th, and the St. Patrick’s Day Cruise in Dana Point on March 17th.

Put the ‘Rock’ in ‘Shamrock’ and celebrate the artistic traditions of live artistic entertainment at the 4th annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Costa Mesa. World class performers will be featured, from dancers to musicians, including Electric Cellist Marston Smith and a Celtic Stilt Walker. Dance troupes from around southern California such as Claddagh School of Irish Dance and Aniar Academy of Irish Dance will charm the audience at the OC fair grounds.

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival also includes a comedy and magic show performed by Abbit the Average Leprechaun and free Green Mint Ice Cream along with other swap meet activities. The event invites attendees of all ages to celebrate a bit o’ Irish lore beginning at 9am. This is a fun and affordable activity for families with ticket prices at only $2 with kids ages twelve and under free. For more information call 949.723.6660 or visit the event website at http://www.ocmarketplace.com.

After you tuck in the kids to bed after the weekend of family fun, settle down with your true love and step aboard 95’ Dana Pride on March 17th for a romantic St. Patrick’s Day Cruise in Dana Point. Set against the breathtaking O.C. coastline, you and your partner will watch the sunset as you search for whales, dolphins and other marine life. Kick back with a cocktail from the ship’s full cash bar and be sure to wear your green! Mates without a touch of clover will sure to be pinched!

This unique trip puts the “Kiss me” in the phrase “Kiss me I’m Irish” or even for those Irish at heart! The ship leaves port for its two hour tour at 4 p.m. Enjoy a complimentary glass of green beer as you cruise through the waves. Tickets are just $29 for adults. For more information on the cruise, to buy tickets or see other unique whale watching opportunities visit the event website at http://www.danawharf.com.

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Some of our most fond memories as children are often cuddling up in our bed right before we drift into dreamland and listening to our parents tell us stories of far off lands. The Pacific Symphony takes this comforting experience and elevates it, bringing story time to a whole new world. Come and join the musical group with an afternoon of Musical Storytime at 3:30pm at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center in Mission Viejo.

Sponsored by Disneyland, this event finds the happiest place in your heart for music. It is a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to play instruments, sing and dance along to the classic story of The Little Red Hen Sees Blue! The little red hen works hard all day long to create a delicious treat, but will any of her friends help her? Kids ages 4-7 and accompanying adults young at heart will learn the joys of making music and lasting memories together.

The core purpose of the Pacific Symphony is to enrich “the human spirit through superior performances of symphonic music and community engagement.” The organization celebrated its 30th anniversary in its 2008-2009 season and is the largest orchestra formed in the United States in the last 40 years. This season is a milestone for its Music Director, Carl St. Clair, as he celebrates his 20th anniversary with the orchestra. Come join him in sharing his vision for the future of the Pacific Symphony in the community.

Rooted in its multi-cultural home of Orange County, the Symphony seeks to make strides on both national and international music scenes. It is also a proud to partner with the Orange County Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, supporting Music and Movement Education.

The Pacific Symphony performs more than 100 concerts every year, touching more than 275,000 O.C. residents, from school children to senior citizens. The talented musical group continues to grace the stage of the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater in Irvine for its outdoor summer concert series.

Tickets are $15 per person and program. Participants will have another opportunity to experience the musical event on Saturday, March 27th when it returns with Musical Storytime featuring the tall-tale of Jack and the Beanstalk! The Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo is located at 24932 Veteran’s Way. For more information on the Pacific Symphony visit the organization’s website at www.PacificSymphony.org.

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We all can feel the long winter weather dragging along this year. The cool air and moisture filled clouds often make us want to cuddle up under our blankets with some warm soup and watch our favorite flicks. Well it’s officially time to kick off the sheets and hop into our running shoes! This Saturday, March 13, join the O.C. Chili Winter Trail Run to keep you motivated and fit during the cold season.

The course begins bright and early at 8:30 a.m. and will bring runners on a 5 mile trail through the scenic landscape of O’Neill Regional Park. This is a community event and features so much more than a brisk morning run. In addition to the fun-filled raffle, from 9a.m. to 11a.m. there will be a campfire and Chili Cook Off to keep runners warm, fit and well fed.

The trail run seeks to benefit Trails4All, a not for profit organization that assists in coordinating volunteer trail projects and to raise funds to support volunteer groups that undertake those projects. Trails4All is working with a network of about thirty groups, agencies and retail stores, and includes outdoor enthusiasts such as hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners and equestrians.

We all have experienced the effect of the struggling economy in our lives, but many do not consider the effect on our local recreation areas. It is estimated that over 700 miles of natural surface and trails are shared in Orange County, and although the land increases each year, the county’s budget for the park system decreases. Trails4All uses its generous donations to contribute to the maintenance and improvements of these natural resources.

The organization continues to welcome members, sponsors, donations and volunteers to help continue its efforts. Participants can be involved with trail construction, environmental clean-ups for creeks and watersheds, instructional seminars, youth programs and of course trail maintenance. Volunteers are also welcome to contribute their time at the O.C. Chili Winter Run Series and can sign up on the event website.

The March 13 run is actually the second in the O.C. Chili Winter Run Series, with the next race being held April 17. Registration prices vary and those who sign up have the option of buying a high quality fashionable t-shirt to show your commitment to your fitness and the organization’s efforts. You can find more information and past race pictures and results on the event website at www.bookthatevent.com.

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We’ve all heard of March Madness, but what about Orange County’s own March Mudness? Hosted by 5 Star Generation, the 2010 March Mudness Mud Run is set for Saturday, March 13 at Camp James in Irvine from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event offers the ultimate competition for active enthusiasts who don’t mind diving in the dirt and help build their community and confidence.

This unique Mud Run course has been redesigned and is equipped with new twists and turns. The 5 mile and 5K race ventures in an out-and-back course loop that takes the competition through bunkers, trenches, tires, logs and deep pits. The path runs through the old lion country safari pits and crevices with surprises around every corner. Racers will experience the thrills of running through the jungle, the lurking adventure of swampland and the desolate terrain of the desert all in one day!
The muddy activities continue throughout the event as 5 Star Generation also offers teams to participate in the All-Sport Competition. Sign-ups for these challenges are only available on “Race Day” and check-in is at the basketball court on location. These contests will test teams at their sports skills as well as team unity.

The organization is proud to contribute to the inspiring youth organizations that help build the future of O.C. It is a community of young people who seek to acquire knowledge, accomplish service, and accelerate change in their world. They are role models and mentors who thrive in helping others. March Mudness will benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCA and other local youth athletic programs.

With the recent impact of the devastation in Haiti still fresh in our minds, the event seeks to support the efforts of supplying those in need of basic essentials. Race participants are encouraged to donate their own shoes after the run. Collection boxes will be available on site and thanks are extended by all of the organizations who are continuing to collect for relief efforts in Haiti.

All ages are welcome to March Mudness. The minimum age for participating in the 5 Mile run is 15-years-old and 11 -years-old for the 5K run! Since getting muddy is the purpose of this charitable event, activities will be held rain or shine! Teams of five or more are permitted to compete and only teams of five are eligible for awards.

Come out, get dirty and help the youth in Orange County. Camp James is located next to Wild Rivers Water Park and Verizon Amphitheater at 8790 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine CA 92618.