Town Crier: Week of July 21
American Legion and Auxiliary Welcome Veterans to the Pageant of the Masters
The American Legion Post 222 Vice Commander Richard Moore coordinated a night out for veterans and two service dogs from the Jennifer Moreno VA Medical Center in San Diego to attend the Pageant of the Masters. The Auxiliary was on hand to greet the veterans, presenting each with a poppy to wear. After a group photo, each veteran received a program and snack before being escorted into the Festival of Arts to browse the booths before the show. The veterans expressed their thanks for the opportunity to attend this amazing production.
Those interested in upcoming events or joining the Auxiliary can contact Sandi at [email protected].
Spots still available for Hortense Miller Garden Bird Tour
There are still a few spots available for the next Hortense Miller Garden birding tour with Janine Robinson on Saturday, July 29, at 9 a.m. Those interested in the bird walk can book via the city at www.lagunabeachcity.net or by calling at (949) 464-6645.
Susi Q’s New Intimate Opera Series Wildly Popular
Susi Q is quickly becoming a music-lover’s mecca after a sold-out, fun evening on Bastille Day last Friday, featuring French music, frequent afternoon jazz concerts. And now the first in the free series of opera evenings offered in partnership with the stars of Lyric Opera OC is practically sold out, with a waitlist forming.
“The first session, Opera 101, will take participants on an educational and entertaining trip through 900 years of music in 90 minutes,” said Jo Ann Ekblad, Susi Q’s director of programs and communications. “Our future plans include performances from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro or Cosi fan Tutte in the fall; La Boheme or another well-known Puccini title in the winter; and a Verdi opera in June 2024, possibly Falstaff. We are beyond excited about this partnership and to be able to offer such a wonderful series free of charge.”
The first in the series, Opera 101, will take place on Tuesday. July 25 at the Susi Q Center, 380 Third Street, between 4 and 5:30 p.m.
Artistic Director and President of Lyric Opera OC, Diana Farrell waxed lyrical (of course) about the upcoming programs at the Susi Q.
“Susi Q has a long-standing reputation for community engagement with the arts, and I know that their audiences will be receptive and supportive of our singers. More so, I hope they are blown away by our intimate performances.” Farrell said.
To be included in the waitlist, register online for Opera 101 on the Susi Q website. To RSVP by phone, call (949) 715-8105 or email [email protected].
The Susi Q offers a wide range of educational and fun programs, classes and clubs for older adults – though all ages are welcome. The Susi Q’s Care Management Department provides free consultation, education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors, enabling them to stay safe, informed, and independent. For more information on The Susi Q, the portal to access the best of Laguna’s community resources, visit www.thesusiq.org.
Education for Kids Focus of Upcoming GLBGOP Members’ Meeting
The Greater Laguna Beach GOP Members’ Meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 26, at Mozambique Restaurant. The event will start at 5 p.m. with a social hour in the Shebeen Bar. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. in the Boma Room, with the speakers starting at 6:15 p.m. Attendees can enjoy Mozambique’s wonderful food and beverages. This month the meeting is focused on children’s education. Lawyer Parisa Fishback of Moms on the Ground and The Unity Project will be the speaker. Fishback’s discussion will be followed by a presentation from two of our local members who are experts in homeschooling. Those interested in attending can RSVP at www.glbgop.com/upcomingevents.
Music in the Park in Full Swing at Bluebird Park
The City of Laguna Beach Arts Commission presents the 40th annual Music in the Park concert series, with musical performances every Sunday until Aug. 20 at 5 p.m. at Bluebird Park. Low-seating beach chairs are encouraged. Alcohol is permitted for guests 21 and older but must be accompanied by a full meal. Solicitation of any kind is not permitted at city events.
Performance Schedule:
July 23 – Adaawe
July 30 – Scot Bruce
Aug. 6 – Lao Tizer Band
Aug. 13 – Always, Adele
Aug. 20 – TBA
La Playa Classes Start on Aug. 21
La Playa Center, which offers free English classes at the Laguna Beach Community Center, will begin its 28th year on Tuesday, Aug. 21. La Playa offers two levels of ESL instruction (beginner and intermediate/advanced) from 9:30 to 11 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, through the fall. Registration is available at www.crosscultural council.com or by calling Teresa at (949) 374-2513 for more information. The center always welcomes new volunteer teachers. Those interested can call (714) 887-9812.
Summer Community Fundraiser Concert Series Underway
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Women’s group (ECW) is hosting a series of community fundraiser concerts and events this summer on their ocean-view terrace. Shauna McFadden and Bob Gunn will present Broadway Cabaret as the next concert tomorrow, July 22. The Black Orchid Duo with Ed Krajec and special guest Danny Beissel will round out the concerts on Aug. 19. Dinner boxes from GG’s Bistro and Noonerz are available by preorder. For complete information and to buy tickets, go to www.ecwstmaryslb.org/upcomingevents. Also planned is a wine-tasting event on Sept. 9 with local sommelier George Zoumer of SommLaguna. Tickets for this event will go on sale in August. The ECW group, made up of volunteers, will donate all proceeds to local charities such as the Community Clinic, Friendship Shelter, Sally’s Fund, the Susi Q Community Center and others.
Laguna Art Museum Programs
July 22 at 11 a.m. – Storytime Saturday
Laguna Art Museum is hosting a special storytime and art-making experience honoring the history and traditions of Juneteenth! Read-alouds will be supplemented with mindfulness exercises, art-making projects or in-gallery activities that promote meaningful connections with caregivers and others. This month’s Storytime features “Another” by Christian Robinson with an in-gallery exploration activity and an art-making activity that sparks creativity and imagination.
July 26 at 9 a.m. – New Moms at the Museum
Join us for the inaugural launch of the New Moms at the Museum group at the Laguna Art Museum. Come meet new moms and insightful professionals surrounded by an electric mix of California art. Our monthly meet-up will be a blend of education, information and socialization with an artistic element. The event will start with an introduction of a featured piece of art by museum staff, followed by tips for 3rd & 4th-trimester moms from industry professionals such as pediatricians, midwives, doulas and newborn care specialists. The last 45 minutes are for participants to meet and mingle. There will be a live art exhibition of abdominal wrapping and an art-making corner. Bring a yoga mat to lie your baby on and a comfy blanket for extra warmth, as it can get chilly in the museum. Due to the meet-up being held at the museum, this gathering is for babies zero (pregnant) to four months. Our group is not only for new moms but also for new dads. A tasty morsel and beverage will be provided. Participants are welcome to stay and browse the gallery afterward.
July 28 at 7 p.m. – Teen Night: Y2K
LAM invites teenagers to a Y2K themed Teen Night where they can enjoy a night full of music, media and art experiences that celebrate the nostalgia of the 2000s. Themed outfits are encouraged, so grab those butterfly clips and bucket hats and bring your BFFs to LAM. Food and light refreshments will be provided.
