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Community Corner

Grab 'n' Go Kids Planner: Build, Learn and Give Back

Avoid another boring weekend and check out what's going on in your neck of the woods. This week, we've included simple ways kids can give back to the community.

Where/When: Lowe's Department Store, 30481 Avenida De Las Flores, Rancho Santa Margarita. Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.

Why Go: Both boys and girls will enjoy this free kids’ clinic. This weekend, they will have a chance to make their very own Sports Pinball game by hand.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Pricing: FREE

Find out what's happening in Rancho Santa Margaritawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Where/When: Borders bookstore, 22372 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. Saturday, April 9, noon.

Why Go: This is a great opportunity for kids to give back to their community. In honor of Spring Charity Day, Borders is offering a Charity Drive for Kids, where children can choose a new book or toy and donate to a local child in need.  Your children will enjoy browsing the large children’s section of Borders and choosing something special for someone else.

Pricing: FREE to attend; purchase of book or toy for charity suggested.

MY GYM PARENTS NIGHT OUT

Where/When: My Gym Children’s Fitness Center, 31991 Dove Canyon Drive, Suite G, Trabuco Canyon. Friday, April 8, 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Why Go: This special night is a win-win for kids and parents alike. Children will have a blast with fun, educational games, rides and activities in this hands-on kids’ gym while parents enjoy a much-needed night out. No cooking required for Mom; the night includes dinner and juice for kids. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 949-459-8556.

Pricing: $10/hr.  per child for members; $5/hr. per additional sibling member. $12/50/hr. per child for non-members; $7.50/hr.  per additional sibling non-member.

YOUTH EXPO 2011

Where/When: OC Fair and Event Center, 100 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. Friday, April 8, 9-3 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 10-5 p.m., Sunday, April 10, 10-5 p.m.

Why Go: Children pre- school age thru high school won’t want to miss this 3nd annual non-profit educational expo. They can enjoy hands-on activities and see a wide variety of displays as non-profit groups such as Girl Scouts and 4-H exhibit their talents in the subjects of science, art, creative writing and more. This year’s theme is “Barn to Be Free"; plenty of animals will be showcased as well. A variety of unique food vendors will be present selling everything from kabobs to gelato to baked goods. Children can give back to the community by bringing two cans of food for the Second Harvest Food Bank; by doing so, they will be entered to win an OC Fair Super Pass and other exciting prizes.

Pricing: FREE. Parking is $5. Food available for a fee.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO 50th BIRTHDAY PARTY

Where/When: Historic Town Center Park, San Juan Capistrano. Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m.

Why Go: Help the city of San Juan Capistrano celebrate its 50th birthday in style! This free event for the whole family includes photo booths, face painting, bounce houses, a Sees Candy art table, merry-go-round, train ride, clowns and more. Entertainment provided by Blue Jazz Band and Family Style Band.

Pricing: All activities are free; food available for a nominal fee.

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