Briefing RSM Thru Dec. 8: Worthwhile Events This Week

By Martin Henderson

A look at what's going down and coming up for Rancho Santa Margarita and residents of the surrounding area. 

• Friday, 5 p.m., is the deadline for the children's art contest for K-12. The contest categories include: drawings (pencil, charcoal, chalk, ink crayons and pastels), collages (paper, fabric, string, noodles, beads, and tissue), or fiber work (needlework, sewn designs, leather) or digital photography. Submit entries to the Community Services Dept., at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.

• There's plenty to do on the weekend, so why not go to Laguna Beach on Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., for "A Christmas Memory" at the Laguna Playhouse. The reviews are good. Click here for details. 

• Wednesday, 6:30 p.m., is a meeting of the city's planning commissioners at City Hall. Among the public hearing items are an application for Pure Pilates fitness studio to set up in Plaza El Paseo, and an allowance by Shell at Interchange Plaza to sell alcohol.  

• Spa Gregorie's has a special event involving Moroccan Oil from 4-7 p.m. You'll need to RSVP. Click here for details.

• Big Bucks Bingo, presented by the Elks Lodge, is Wednesday, 6:15 p.m., as the club continues to raise money to do really neat work in the community, such as this. For more details, click here.
 
• Friday is the opening day for Pure Barre, the new fitness studio opening in Rancho Santa Margarita in Antonio Plaza. There's a great pre-opening deal available.  

• Oxford Preparatory Academy in Mission Viejo holds its inaugural holiday boutique on Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., promising home decor, ladies clothing, jewelry, holiday items from select vendors and hourly raffles. Click here for more details.

• A Christmas tree lighting ceremony takes place on the Lago Santa Margarita lakeshore on Friday, 6-7 p.m., with free cocoa, donuts and carolers. 

• Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive at the Beach Club on Saturday, about 12:30 p.m. The event, free for HOA members—no guests allowed—runs noon to 3 p.m., and you're asked to bring your SAMLARC card. Cash only for photos with the Clauses. Cookies, treats, holiday music and train rides are on the agenda.

• A neighborhood tradition continues Saturday when Santa arrives about 2 p.m. at 8 Talega in Rancho Santa Margarita. He'll be part of festivities as the community brings unwrapped toys for the "Spark of Love" Toy Drive. Cookies, and a treat from Santa and local firefighters await those who participate. Santa exits by fire truck at 3:15.

• There may be too many options available for Saturday. The Master Chorale of Saddleback Valley presents its annual concert program at 1 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Margarita Library. It's free, with cookies and hot spiced cider afterward. And, frankly this marketing ploy sounds too good to be missed: "If you want a hippopotamus for Christmas, then this is, beyond doubt, the concert for you." 

• If you missed the slew of boutiques last month, the second annual Holiday Boutique presented by Rancho Santa Margarita Intermediate takes place Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fifty vendors, raffle, food and art contest are among the spoils for attendees, as well as  a performance by the school band and choir. Proceeds go to RSM Intermediate's Technology program. Print the flyer to get in free.

• Miss drive-ins? The next-best thing this holiday season takes place Saturday and Sunday during the Drive Thru Nativity presented by Trabuco Presbyterian Church. See the story of the nativity acted out while you stay snug in your car. It begins at 6 p.m. Click here for details.

• If you miss the RSM Intermediate boutique, or maybe you just want to double up, there's another one on Sunday at 1 Calle Rienda in Rancho Santa Margarita featuring homemade items, jewelry, soaps, jams, oils, cupcakes, doggie items, aprons, Christmas stockings, holiday gifts and candy. 

• If Christmas music isn't your bag this week, The Coach House features New Riders of the Purple Sage ($20) on Wednesday, Mick Adams and the Stones ($15) on Friday and Howie Day with Tyler Hilton ($17-20) on Saturday.