PHOTO: James “Jimmy” Knott III (center with plaque) was chosen as Oceanside’s Senior of the Year 2018 from among 11 other nominees, including Donna Anderson, Dave Edwards, Beverly Hodges, Carol Kimmitt, Phyllis Koons, Flo Livers, Christy Peco, Anita Romaine, Steve Stewart, Shirley Thralls and Linda Walshaw. Knott has served as ombudsman and advocate for senior citizens in Oceanside, and he has attended almost every City Council meeting for the last 25 years. He has helped raise money for the Oceanside Senior Citizens Association Nutrition and has volunteered on many city committees. Oceanside Parks & Recreation accepts nominations for Senior of the Year each August. Knott’s name has been engraved on the perpetual plaque that hangs at Oceanside’s Country Club Senior Center. He was awarded a $50 gift certificate, and Councilman Jack Feller declared it “James Jimmy Knott Day – Senior of the Year” on Oct. 11, 2018. Pictured with Knott are city staff, council and community members.
Community events, news…
CARLSBAD
Vigil in memory
of shooting victims
B’nai Tikvah synagogue in Carlsbad will hold a North County Vigil from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday to remember Tree of Life Synagogue shooting victims. The candlelight service is open to community members of all faiths and will be a prayer vigil and Shabbat service. The service will be led by Rabbi Ben Leinow and Cantor Larry Kornit. This synagogue shares the building with Holy Cross Episcopal Church, and the two congregations have hosted a number of joint services. Various faith communities are slated to attend the vigil at 2510 Gateway Road. Visit bnaitikvahsd.com.
Mindfulness workshop for veterans Thursday
A free workshop, “Mindfulness Veterans,” is from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the Georgina Cole Library Community Room, 1250 Carlsbad Village Drive. The class will explore how to turn stress into a manageable challenge during periods of transition that are beyond one’s control. Call (760) 602-2038.
Club to hold holiday market this weekend
The Carlsbad Holiday Market will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Woman’s Club of Carlsbad, 3320 Monroe St. The market will feature handcrafted and unique gift items, ranging from food to home decor. The event includes vendors, food truck and on-site personalization of gifts. Admission and parking are free. Visit womansclubofcarlsbad.org.
Laughter Yoga classes kick off Thursday
The Carlsbad Senior Center offers free interactive Laughter Yoga classes. Classes will be held from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday and Nov. 8. Participants learn about the benefits of laughter from a certified laughter yoga instructor. Additional classes will be on the first two Thursdays of every month. Call (760) 602-4650.
Chef to discuss new cookbook at library
The Carlsbad City Library is hosting “An Afternoon With Chef and Author Isabel Cruz,” a free Meet the Author event, at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, 1775 Dove Lane. Cruz will discuss her new cookbook, “The Latin Table.” Samples of her dishes will be provided. Call (760) 602-2055.
Shopping center hosts blood drive Friday
The Island at Carlsbad will host a Mobile Blood Drive with the San Diego Blood Bank from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday at 5806 Van Allen Way, in the parking lot. Donors must be age 17 and older, weigh at least 114 pounds and be in a good health. Photo identification is required. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are welcome. Schedule an appointment at (800) 469-7322 or sandiegobloodbank.org.
Nonprofit holds ‘Peace Hero Celebration’
Carlsbad-based global nonprofit Kids for Peace hosts a “Peace Hero Celebration” from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday at a Del Mar residence. Highlights include a visit with R.J. Palacio—author of bestseller “Wonder,” dinner by Vigilucci’s Italian Cuisine, wine, dessert by Isabelle Briens French Pastry Cafe, a silent auction and entertainment by Devon Pinto and the Sage Creek High School Jazz Band featuring Kids for Peace member Ethan Hardy. Tickets cost $75 at kidsforpeaceglobal.org.
ENCINITAS
Multiple sclerosis support group meets
The Encinitas Multiple Sclerosis Connection Group meets from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at San Diego County Credit Union, 501 N. El Camino Real, in the Community Room. The support group is open to community members with multiple sclerosis and their families and caregivers. Topics include medicine, doctors and nutrition. Call (760) 944-4549 or (760) 805-6390.
ESCONDIDO
Music festival presents final concert of season
Headlining the final Levitt AMP Escondido Music festival for 2018 is Las Cafeteras, performing Afro-Mexican rhythms at 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. The opener at 4 p.m. is Dueto Dos Rosas, featuring two sisters, Emily and Sheyla Rosas, singing campirana music. Admission is free. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs. Highlights include food trucks, arts and craft vendors, kids’ activities and other entertainers. Visit levitt.org or artcenter.org.
OCEANSIDE
MiraCosta celebrates opening of studios
MiraCosta College hosts a communitywide ribbon-cutting ceremony from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Friday for its newly completed Dance & Theatre Studios building on the Oceanside Campus, 1 Barnard Drive. Highlights include guest performances by MiraCosta students and refreshments. Visit miracosta.edu.
Free German film featured Friday
MiraCosta College’s International Languages and Film departments present a free screening of “Nosferatu” (Germany, 1922) at 7 p.m. Friday at MiraCosta College’s Little Theatre in Room 3601 at 1 Barnard Drive. The film is about Vampire Count Orlok who expresses interest in a new residence and the real estate agent’s wife. The film has English subtitles. Visit miracosta.edu.
SAN MARCOS
Guided hikes take off Saturday morning
Two free, ranger-led hikes will be from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday along San Marcos trails. One hike covers 7.2 miles and includes expansive views from atop Double Peak summit and an elevation gain of 1,061 feet. The second hike, which also starts at 9 a.m., offers a slightly easier route that covers 6 miles and an elevation gain of 628 feet. Park and meet at the Ridgeline Trailhead parking lot at 102 San Elijo Road across from Double Peak Elementary School. Bring sun protection and plenty of water. Registration is at 8:30 a.m. Visit san-marcos.net.
Institute for Palliative Care hosts annual fair
The CSU Institute for Palliative Care at Cal State San Marcos hosts the 16th annual Because I Care Community Fair and Educational Forum from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the San Marcos Community Center, 3 Civic Center Drive. The free event, themed “Thanks for Caring,” focuses on self-care for caregivers and includes a light breakfast, resource exhibitor area and free health screenings. Register at bit.ly/2yGrQtg. Call (760) 750-3550.
VISTA
Hearing screenings offered at center
The Gloria McClellan Center will hold free hearing screenings and hearing-aid cleanings from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the center, 1400 Vale Terrace Drive. An appointment is required by calling (760) 643-5288.
Ex-gang member to speak about program
North County Lifeline hosts a “Strive 4 Success” forum from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday in the Sage Room of the nonprofit at 200 Michigan Ave. The speaker is Agner Medrano, a former gang member who turned his life around and is helping other former gang members in the area. Medrano is founder of a group called CLAIM (Creating Leadership and Inspiring Mentors), which empowers former gang members to mentor local youths. The free forum will be held in Spanish with English translation. Child care will be provided, and snacks will be served. Call (760) 842-6225.
‘Dancing Lessons’ opens at theater
Vista’s Broadway Theater kicks off its 15th season with Mark St. Germain’s comedy, “Dancing Lessons,” on Thursday. The play, directed by Randall Hickman, revolves around a man with Asperger’s syndrome who seeks the instruction of a Broadway dancer to learn enough dancing to survive an awards dinner. The play runs through Nov. 18 at the Broadway Theater, 340 E. Broadway. Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $25; seven shows for $149.50. Call (760) 806-7905.
