This article was published on News-n-Views

Dance is more than an outlet for personal expression. It is an art form. This weekend, Shen Wei Dance Arts returns to the Orange County Performing Arts Center and celebrates its 10th anniversary with the West Coast premiere of Re – (I, II, III) April 16 through 18. Billions of people experienced Shen Wei’s work during the first seven minutes of the 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Opening Ceremonies, and now it is O.C.’s turn to become part of the show.

The Shen Wei Dance Arts first visited the Center during 2008’s Fall for Dance festival and instantly became a raving favorite among attendees. Nearly two years later, the company returns to O.C. with its highly acclaimed Re – (I, II, III), which invokes concepts which “R” minds often run across including “renew,” “reconsider,” “rediscover,” “revisit” and “repair.”

Some say that all art is a reflection of the artist’s self. Whether it is in writing, imagery, dance or song, the idea of leaving a personal mark on a piece is of importance to the creator. In terms of this performance, it is absolutely true to this piece as it is in fact autobiographical to the choreographer. During the near two-hour spectacle, the audience will enter setting of an artist’s coming home.

Re – (I, II, III) is divided into three individual works and was inspired by lands such as Tibet, Angkor Wat and ancient and modern China. Shen Wei elegantly fuses elements of dance, theater, visual art and Chinese opera to share his journey through these beautifully complex cultures. The story will travel through scenes of reconciliation of the split between two distinct hemispheres and illustrate a coming to terms with seemingly incompatible societies. The dance is a deeply generous spiritual offering and a hopeful appeal for reconciliation and understanding.

The immensely talented Shen Wei, choreographer, director, dancer painter and designer, is internationally praised for his defining vision of an intercultural, interdisciplinary, and groundbreaking original mode of movement-based performance.
His ability to translate brilliant imaginative thoughts into pure physical art, Shen Wei created new works that were produced at venues such as the National Theater of Taiwan, Stockholm Dance House, Millennium Moves Festival in Germany, the American Dance Festival and more. Now it is Orange County’s turn to set the stage.

Another treat for fans will be presented this same weekend at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. On Saturday April 17 at 11 a.m., Cyrus Parker-Jeannette, chair of the Department of Dance for the California State University, Long Beach, will personally interview Shen Wei. There will be cross-ticketing promotions offered to audience members with special discounts related to the Orange County Performing Arts Center and the Bowers Museum. For more information on these offers please visit www.bowers.org or call 714.567.3677.

This article was published on News-n-Views

With great pride, Santa Margarita Catholic High School will be hosting a sneak peak of the upcoming soccer documentary entitled Pelada, following one of its own alumni as he and a friend travel the world for the love of the game. The screening is this Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m. in the Mioso Pavilian on campus.

The story records the life of SMCHS graduate Luke as he ventures with his friend Gwendolyn while they travel through twenty-five countries in search of pick-up games. From the solid prison walls of Bolivia to the moonshine brewers of Kenya, the perspectives of the game are true. The creativity of freestyle players in China and the women in hijab in Iran grace the scenes of this film.

The streets and fields may vary, but the passion of the game remains. Pelada is more than a movie; it is the story of people who play. SMCHS graduate and star of the film, Luke Boughen, speaks to the RSM community saying, “I’m very excited to screen our film back at the school where my soccer days began.”

Up to this point in production, funding has been generated primarily from the team’s grassroots efforts and personal connections. Social networking has again triumphed in modern communication with over 3500 members of the film’s facebook group donating a simple $25 gift. Other sources have been generously provided by way of scholastic grants and anonymous paypal donations from kind strangers.

The final field length it will take to run and make the goal of complete funding to finish the film is extended to the Santa Margarita community. By coming to view the preview of the documentary, it will kick the finishing touches into high gear. The show begins at 7 p.m. at the SMCHS Moiso Pavilion on April 17. Tickets will be available at the door for a donation of $10 and is a small price to pay for the incredible cultural experience given by the film.

Grant Wahl from Sports Illustrated wrote about the film describing it to be “a marvelous new soccer documentary…what elevates Pelada from a cute highlight travelogue to something more resonant is the filmmakers’ ability to find compelling stories and earn the trust of their interview subjects…the result is a film that combines eye-popping cinematography with human stories.”

This article was published on News-n-Views

Immanual Kant once said, “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” Pets hold a very special place in our lives. They are our companions, friends and often times, part of our family. This Sunday, April 11, the Irvine Animal Care Center will be hosting its Kitten and Puppy Shower to support the animals that need love the most.

The event will run at the center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and will include cake and refreshments. Those who bring a donation will be entered to win a prize. Items needed for foster kittens and puppies include: Milk Replacement Formula, Kitten Nerser Bottles, Baby Blankets, Exercise Pens, Digital Postal Scales, Gift Certificates, Cardboard Scratchers and more. Donations will support the center’s Foster Care program.

The vision of the Irvine Animal Care Center is “To be a pioneering and progressive municipal animal care facility until animal population control, humane education, and increased public responsibility for companion animals eliminate the need for the sheltering of lost, stray and unwanted animals.” The core mission is to Provide, Place and Promote animal safety and care throughout the local community and beyond.

In 2007, the center became the proud recipient of the Shelter of the Year Award by Dogs in Review and Bow Tie Inc. It was recognized for its disaster relief efforts during the Southern California wildfires the previous fall. The Irvine Animal Care Center remains the largest pro-humane animal shelter in Orange County and receives approximately 4,000 animals each year.

The organization continues to be a saving force in the betterment of animals and bringing love into their lives. Donating basic supplies is just one way residents can help contribute to the center’s efforts. Members also welcome monetary donations and provide volunteer opportunities and of course adoption options.

April often gives us our many picture perfect springtime moments. The shelter is giving the community the opportunity to give a fur-ever home to one of the many pet residents. The Bunny of the Month is named Aires, an affectionate and softhearted companion. Although Easter recently passed, a special family can make their home Easter year-round with this special furry friend.

To find out more about the featured pets and to view a complete list of the Irvine Animal Care Center’s wish list for its Kitten and Puppy Shower, visit the organization’s website at www.IrvineShelter.org.

This article was published on News-n-Views

Every entertainment enthusiast has heard of or seen the hit show Dancing With The Stars. This year, Orange County’s own Assistance League of Newport-Mesa brings their own version of the phenomenon to the stage with their Dancing for Tomorrow’s Stars 2010 Gala at the Marriott Hotel Irvine.

Assistance League is a national non-profit organization and network of volunteers that seeks to improve the lives of those in need through innovative and targeted philanthropic program. Through the passion of commitment and direct hands-on action, the organization has impacted over 1.4 million lives from children, seniors, families and others in the last year. Members have invested over 2 million service hours and returned an astounding $35 million to communities across the country.

Assistance League of Newport-Mesa began in 1940 and is the largest chapter of the organization. This year’s Dancing For Tomorrow’s Stars will celebrate the chapter’s 70th anniversary. The event will feature a cocktail reception, dinner and of course electrifying ballroom entertainment.

Dancers for this year’s gala include stars Vince Farragamo, Jill Ayres, Jeannie Lawrence and more. This year’s judges are Janet Curci, Tim Kashani and Pamela Roosin. The entertainment will come to a finale after the competition with encore performances by Julia Argyros and Steve Myers. It will truly be a stellar night filled with the glitzy cheer of charity.

The chic event is black tie optional and charitable audience members will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite performance while contributing to the incredible efforts of the organization. Votes are unlimited and will be $10 per cast. For simple perspective, the minor donation of $100 will help put a child in school clothes and give them a book bag of supplies to get them through the year.

Although registration for this event is closed, the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa continues its acceptance of donations through its website at http://assistanceleague.publishpath.com.

Keep updated with the organization’s news and find out how to become a volunteer. Donation programs include visiting or donating to the group’s thrift shop, Treasures on Consignment or participating in corporate outreach through grants and more.

This article was published on News-n-Views

This weekend on Saturday, April 10, UCI campus will be hosting a walk benefiting those affected by Multiple Sclerosis. It is a chance for the Orange County community to come together, raise funds, and celebrate hope for the future!

Join the members and families of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Pacific South Coast Chapter, for this joyous festival-like event featuring food, drink, entertainment, and of course an energizing 2 to 3 mile walk. This year’s goal is to raise $2 million towards the organization and its contribution to the MS community.

Multiple Sclerosis interrupts the flow of information between the brain and the body and ultimately prevents people from making basic physical movements. Symptoms may vary from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. Statistics estimate that every hour in the U.S. someone is newly diagnosed with MS. It is an unpredictable, and often disabling disease of the central nervous system. Most people who are diagnosed with MS are between the ages of 20 and 50, with more than twice as many women than men developing the disease.

The National MS Society is a community of passionate people who are driven to move together toward a future free of multiple sclerosis. The organization helps each person address the challenges of living with the disease through over 50-state network chapters. The Society helps those affective by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs to uplift victims and their families to move forward.

On the so-cal local level, the Pacific South Coast Chapter provides programs and services designed to help the 18,000 people affected by MS in Orange County and the neighboring San Diego and Imperial counties. Nearly $4 million is spent on Multiple Sclerosis research in the area annually and over seventy-five percent of the funds the chapter raises come from special events like the Walk MS.

The Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. and registration will be open an hour prior to the starting signal. Festivities will run from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at UCI and all friends and families of the community are welcome. The event is expected to gather over 3,000 walkers and supporters. Participants can start a walking team, join a team, walk as an individual, donate to a walker’s fundraising efforts and even volunteer for the event. 

This article was published on News-n-Views

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.

This article was published on News-n-Views

“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.

This article was published on News-n-Views

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.”

This article was published on News-n-Views

“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. 

This article was published on News-n-Views

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.