Things to Do: November 2010 Archives

La Sierra University's Stahl Center Créche Festival at La Sierra University's Sierra Vista Chapel will open be open Friday, Dec. 3 from 6-7:30 p.m. and 9:30-10:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 4 from 2-5:30 p.m.

The festival will featuring dozens of nativity displays, or crèches, from around the world. Free cookies and hot beverages will be provided. The display will be open before and after La Sierra's annual Candlelight Concert which will be held at 7:30 p.m. in La Sierra University Church. Admission to the concert and crèche festival is free

Sierra Vista Chapel is located across from La Sierra University Church which is at 4937 Sierra Vista Ave. in Riverside. Community members are invited to display their créches in the exhibit. Créche drop off time will be noon to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 3; créche pickup time is 6:30 p.m. Dec. 4. For more information about the créche festival call 951-737-5789.

LifeHouse Theater in Redlands will present the 25th anniversary production of the company's original musical, "Scrooge" Dec. 11-15 at the Clock Auditorium on the Redlands High School campus.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

Bob Cratchit (Jonathan Bushey) and Tiny Tim (Logan Watts) anticipate Christmas in defiance of Scrooge (Glen Heavilin) in LifeHouse Theater's "Scrooge," coming to Clock Auditorium Dec. 11-15.

Based on the Charles Dickens class "A Christmas Carol," the production was adapted by LifeHouse Theater President Wayne Scott and is directed by Dustin Ceithamer.

The community Christmas event will take place at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11, at 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, and Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 13-15 at 7:15 p.m. Dec. 13-15.

"We're truly excited to be celebrating the 25th anniversary since "Scrooge" first premiered and we have many fun surprises in store," Scott said. "We look forward to inspiring audiences with a beautiful story of redemption through our community event."

The cast is made up of about 30 members. Glen Heavilin will play the miser Scrooge, Jonathan Bushey will play Bob Cratchit and Logan Watts will be Tiny Tim. Sarah Horn, Diana Handy and Ray Watts play the three Ghosts of Christmas and Mark Mosher will appear as Jacob Marley. Scott will be the narrator.

For tickets and more information visit www.lifehousetheater.com or call 909-335-3037 ex. 21.

Lake Elsinore Outlets will ring in the holidays this weekend with the return of its Hybrid Ice Rink on Friday at 10 a.m. The 30-by 40-foot rink will be open this weekend only and is free to skaters, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and until 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Located at the south end of the center, the rink is made from hybrid-ice, a non-toxic, recyclable polymer compound, which has a surface with a little more friction that regular ice, so it's a little safer/easier for new ice skaters.

Skaters can also enter a drawing for an iPad this weekend.

"The hybrid ice rink is only one of a number of fun community events we are hosting this holiday season," said Christina Riojas, Marketing Director for Lake Elsinore Outlets. "We are excited to kick off the holiday shopping season with 23 hours of shopping at our annual Moonlight Madness on Thanksgiving night at 10 p.m., and we have Visits with Santa, as well as an opportunity to win a visit with St. Nick in your own home!"

Santa Claus will be at the Lake Elsinore Outlets, Suite 129, now through December 24. Youngsters will receive a candy cane and those who purchase a photo package will also receive a Night Before Christmas story book.

For those who want a personal visit from Santa in their own home, customers can enter to win now through December 5 at Customer Service at Lake Elsinore Outlets. The visit will be on Saturday, Dec. 18 for approximately 30 minutes, between the hours of 7:30 and 9 p.m. The winner must be 12 years or younger and will be notified on Tuesday, Dec. 7.

Big Bear Mountain Resorts announced today that Bear Mountain will open tomorrow, Nov. 24, just in time for the Thanksgiving holiday. With a weekend storm that added four to six inches of fresh snowfall and allowed for around-the-clock snowmaking, conditions will be excellent for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Bear Mountain will open Chair 9 Wednesday accessing Park Run, which will be stacked with jibs and snow features.

Snow Summit opened Saturday, Nov. 13 with Miracle Mile (Chair 1) and Bear Bottom Beginner area (Chair 8). Summit Run (Chair 2) opened Tuesday with more lifts and runs opening throughout the week as conditions permit. On Friday and Saturday beginning at 3 p.m., Snow Summit will also offer the first night sessions of the season.

Special early season rates will apply on Wednesday. Full day rates (8 a.m.-4 p.m.) cost $40 for adults 22 and older; $35 for young adults ages 13 to 21; and $10 for children 7 to 12. Half-day rates (noon-4 p.m.) cost $35 for adults; $30 for young adults; and $10 for children.

Beginning Thursday, regular season rates will be in effect: $56 for adults; $46 for seniors and young adults; $25 for children.

"We're excited to kick-off the season this week, just in time for Thanksgiving and the long holiday weekend," said Clayton Shoemaker, Park Development and Youth Marketing Director for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. "The entire crew has been working around the clock to get things ready. We've got some cool things planned for the season and we're stoked to roll out our new Skill Builder Parks. With the recent snowfall and ideal snowmaking weather, these conditions are definitely the best I've seen for Thanksgiving week in years."

There will be several arts, music and holiday activities in downtown Fontana next month.

Fontana's Festival of Winter will be held on Dec. 11, at Miller Park with holiday performances at the Steelworkers' Auditorium. At Miller Park, on the main stage, the band Soto will perform Latin music. Meanwhile, vendors selling food and other items, as well as other activities will be going on at the park.

This month the Steelworkers' Auditorium at the Lewis Library will hold several free events on Tuesday evenings. The first performance will be by Ballet folklorico Orgullo Mestizo called "Raices Y Bailes de Mi Tierrad," on Tuesday, Dec. 7, from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. This performance is presented by Latin Expression.

The next event will be a live piano performance by Vince Torbey that will be outdoors at the Lewis Library's courtyard. The performance will take place Tuesday, Dec. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A DJ and vocals from Alter Egos, as well as chalk artists and other hands-on art opportunities will take place at the Art Depot Gallery in downtown Fontana for Fusion Friday, Dec. 3, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Fusion Friday features music, entertainment and live art demonstrations.

ll venues are located in Downtown Fontana, off Sierra Avenue between Arrow and Spring Street. The Fontana Arts Program focuses on enriching life through the arts in the Fontana Community. For more information about these events and other events in the City, please visit arts.fontana.org or call 909-349-6900.

Twice a year students at the 5678 Dance Studio in Redlands perform a show that presents their growth in dance to friends and family.

The 5678 Winter Gala show will take place Sunday, Dec. 12 at the Crafton Hills College Theatre, located at 1171 Sand Canyon Rd. in Redlands. Students from toddler-age to senior dancers will perform. Also dancing will be Benji and Lacey Schwimmer ("So You Think You Can Dance" champion and "Dancing With the Stars professional).

Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for children (4 and under get in free).

Doors open at 5 p.m. and the show begins at 5:30. For more information call 909-435-9094.

The Crafton Hill College Dance Department, instructed by Stephanie Gomez, is producing a two-night show Friday, Dec. 3 and Thursday, Dec. 4. Both shows begin at 8:00 p.m. in the Finkelstein Performing Arts Center on the campus in Yucaipa. Admission is $5 for students and seniors and $10 general admission. The public is invited and parking for the evening shows is free.

The 26 works, of which 20 are student-choreographed, will showcase a variety of dance styles, including jazz, modern, tap, ballet, hip-hop, funk, pop, pop & lock, disco, and lyrical/contemporary. These styles will utilize current music, such as songs from the musical "Chicago," and pieces by Lady Gaga ("Pokerface"), Eminem, Riahna, Adel ("Show my love"), Maroons, Brittney Spears (including a Glee-inspired work), Janet Jackson, Michael Posner ("Cooler than me") and Aliya. The cast of 16, although a smaller cast than some previous shows, is producing the largest dance show in recent Crafton history.

The show will be videotaped and the videotapes sold to raise money for future performances. Two of the pieces in this show involve the use of strobe lights, but audience members will be advised in advance of which pieces so they can step out in the foyer if strobes bother them. Virtually all of the show is suitable for family, although there are a couple of numbers that stress feminine sexuality.

For more information call 909.389.3333.

The 3rd annual Show-N-Shine Toy Drive scheduled for last weekend was postponed due to the heavy rain. The classic Datsun car show and annual toy drive will be held Saturday, Nov. 27 at the Riverside International Automotive Museum.

The car club partnered with Loma Linda University Children's Hospital and the Riverside International Automotive Museum to organize the event, which donates the toys to children in Loma Linda University Children's Hospital.

See the PE.com story on the upcoming toy drive at http://www.pe.com/localnews/sbcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_D_toys01.2540aff.html

Show-N-Shine Toy Drive
Where: 815 Marlborough, Ste. 200, Riverside
When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 27
Registration: $15
Information: chris@socalroc.net, www.socalroc.net

Santa Claus is coming to town! He'll be at the San Bernardino County Museum for a pajama party Dec. 10 and 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Parents and grandparents are invited to bring their children to the museum to play special winter games, make a Christmas tree ornament and hear an unusual story about the 12 bugs of Christmas.

Santa will be available for photos and "wish list" requests. Yuletide refreshments will also be served. Children are invited to wear their pajamas and bring a favorite blanket or teddy bear.

Event cost is $10 per person (children under 1 are admitted free). The price includes all holiday crafts and activities, and refreshments. The deadline for reservations with payment is 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8. The reservation form is available at the museum or online at www.sbcountymuseum.org.

I just met Reed Alexander, aka Nevel Paperman of Nickelodeon's iCarly. He is in Riverside being interviewed by Brad Pomerance of Charter Local Edition, which airs on CNN Headline Local News (HLN).

Since I have two kids who love iCarly I was very excited to meet Reed. And ... he was simply delightful! We talked about the show, his character and a new health initiative he has embarked on for the last year and a half.

Check out Reed's website kewlbites.com to read about his experience with getting healthy, recipes and a lot more.

"I didn't like the way I looked and felt," Reed said of why he began eating better and exercising. "There wasn't a lot out there for kids or by kids. So I began gathering resources ... started blogging ... and got in the kitchen. I was like a chemist in there."

Reed also thought about ways to make exercise more fun and began getting up early to take walks with his dad and trying to do four or five exercises every night.

Over time he has lost about 15 pounds and found something he feels really passionate about - health and nutrition. I expect to hear and see more big news from Reed Alexander in the future!

Harkins Theatres 2011 loyalty cups and t-shirts will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 18 and it's a cool program for regular moviegoers. You buy a Loyalty Cup for $4.75 and all soft drink refills (in the cup) for the rest of the year (2011) cost $1. You buy a Loyalty t-shirt for $25 and everytime you wear it through the end of the 2011 year, you get a free medium popcorn.

The 2011 editions are available for purchase at Harkins Moreno Valley 16 and Harkins Chino Hills 18 or online at www.harkinstheatres.com. The Loyalty Cup and T-Shirt are valid until December 31, 2011.

Harkins Moreno Valley 16 is located at Freeway 60 and Center Pointe Drive, inside the Moreno Valley Mall. Harkins Chino Hills 18 is located at Highway 71 and Chino Avenue.

Mrs. Claus will be visiting the Lake Elsinore Outlets on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. Kids can participate in a free craft and story time that will include decorating holiday ornaments and an Elf hat giveaway. Children can also write letters to Santa.

For more information visit www.lakeelsinoreoutlet.com.

The University of Redlands School of Music will present organist Robert Salisbury and the Casavant Opus 1230 Organ accompanying the silent film classic "The Iron Mask" on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel. The Iron Mask stars Douglas Fairbanks, Marquerite De La Motte, Ullrich Haupt, and William Bakewell and is based on Alexandre Dumas's "The Three Musketeers" and "The Man in the Iron Mask."

In 1929, as the silent cinema succumbed to the rise of sound technology, Douglas Fairbanks bade farewell to his swashbuckling persona with a lavish adventure film. Returning to his favorite literary character -Alexandre Dumas's heroic D' Artagnan, whom he had portrayed in 1921's "The Three Musketeers" -- Fairbanks and director Allan Dwan orchestrated a torrid 17th-century saga.

"The Iron Mask" finds D' Artagnan's romance with Constance (Marguerite De La Motte) and his brotherhood with the Three Musketeers threatened by the machinations of Cardinal Richelieu (Nigel De Brulier) and Count De Rochefort (Ulrich Haupt).

Robert Salisbury started piano lessons at an early age and by the time he was 13 began studying the theatre organ with Gaylord Carter. After he moved with his family to Catalina Island at age 15 he quickly began a long association with the Avalon Theatre and its Page Organ. A year later, he was hired to play the organ in the Jade Pagoda Restaurant, and eventually began playing for three churches on the island.

In 1964, Salisbury left the island for the mainland where he played the organ at the 488 Keys nightclub in Redondo Beach. After a nine-year gig at the nightclub, he traveled to Europe where he was able to play many of the major cathedral organs. In 1973, Salisbury went to work for Princess Cruise Lines playing piano and traveling throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Australia and New Zealand.

He currently lives in Running Springs where he spends as much time as possible rehearsing on his Rodgers organ and Roland Atelier. Salisbury is associated with Robert Tall and Associates as Product Manager, teaching new users of Rodgers and Roland instruments.

This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the School of Music at 909-748-8700.

Riverside Art Museum and the International Relations Council are holding a Lunar Fest Art Contest in conjunction with this year's Asian Pacific Lunar Festival and Parade on Jan. 29.

The contest is open to students in Riverside Unified School District and Alvord Unified School District. Students can participate as individuals or as a class.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for students to show off their skills by creating a work of art that celebrates Asian Pacific Cultural Heritage," said Pamela Atkinson, youth education curator at Riverside Art Museum.

Art categories are two dimensional only and include, collage/mixed media, painting watercolor, tempera paint, acrylics and oils, pastel, colored pencils and graphics.

The artwork must be no larger than 18" by 24" (no frames allowed). Artists full name, teacher's name, school and teacher contact information should be printed on the back, upper right corner of the piece. A completed application must be turned in with each art entry. Registration information is available at http://lunarfestriverside.com/art-contest.

Art drops off times are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9, 10 and 11. Entry deadline is Dec. 11 and there will be no exceptions.

All artwork will be displayed in downtown Riverside at Lunar Fest venues from Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. Judging will be completed by local artists and community leaders.

Contest winners will be announced by Jan. 26 on the Lunar Fest website, www.lunarfestriverside.org.

The Asian Pacific Lunar Festival and Parade celebrates the cultures and heritage of Asian Americans in Riverside. Activities will take place Jan. 29 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in downtown Riverside over two square blocks on Mission Inn Avenue and Lemon Street, near the Mission Inn. There will be a festival of food and market, a parade, performances, music and more. Closing the evening will be a fireworks celebration.

When artistic director Glenda Carhart left California Riverside Ballet last spring she knew she wanted to devote herself full-time to expanding her classical ballet school, Riverside Ballet Arts, located in the historic Aurea Vista building in downtown Riverside.

William Willson Lewis III/The Press-Enterprise

Michel Gervais, left, watches ballerinas dance in preparation for their performance of the Nutcracker at Landis Autorium at Riverside Community College in December.

In pursuit of this goal, she formed the nonprofit organization Ballet Resource Active Volunteer Association, or BRAVA, which will combine the school, performing opportunities, mentoring programs, workshops, scholarships and community outreach to eventually become a performing arts center.

The association will hold it's first big outreach program - Art for the Heart - along with its first production, David Allan's "Nutcracker," in December. The Art for the Heart program will provide free shows to at-risk children.

There are 1,000 seats reserved for the Nov. 17 performance of the "Nutcracker" at the Landis Performing Arts Center as part of the Art for the Heart program. Children who qualify for the program will be bused to the free performance, which will include a behind-the-scenes talk about what goes into a professional productions like the "Nutcracker."

So far, some of the tickets are pledged to the Boys and Girls Clubs in Redlands and San Bernardino, the YMCA in Riverside and an Inland shelter for battered women and abused children.

There are still seats available. To nominate an organization that serves families who wouldn't ordinarily be able to experience a professional ballet, call 800-870-6069.

BRAVA is still raising funds for the outreach program; a portion of each ticket purchased in advance for the Dec. 18 and 19 performances of the David Allan's "Nutcracker" will go to the program. To donate to the program, purchase tickets to the "Nutcracker" or learn more about BRAVA, visit www.brava-arts.org.

It's that sweet time of the year at the Taco Bell Discovery Science Center -- Gingerbread time.

The fifth annual "Science of Gingerbread" exhibit will be open Nov. 26 to Jan. 2 at the Santa Ana science center.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

The Science of Gingerbread will feature hands-on food science activities, interactive learning stations and real gingerbread houses. Last year, more than 100 gingerbread houses were on display, all submitted by local families, businesses and schools.

This year, the science center is once again looking for families, businesses and other groups who would like to submit their gingerbread creations and compete for prizes. The deadline to enter is Nov. 29. Visit www.discoverycube.org for entry details and competition categories. All entries will be on display during the length of the Science of Gingerbread.

During the exhibit, weekend activities will include cookie-decorating demonstrations, special guest speakers, stage shows and visits from Santa.

THE SCIENCE OF GINGERBREAD
Where: Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana
When: Nov. 26-Jan. 2
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
Information: 714-542-2823, www.discoverycube.org

Big Bear Mountain resorts are gearing up for the ski season, and the weather is finally starting to cooperate. As soon as cool daytime temperatures prevail, the resorts will start making snow and open for the new season.

Special to The Press-Enterprise

This year, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts will have some new features, including Skill Builder Parks for beginning terrain-park skiers and snowboarders, new fan guns to create more snow and snowcats to better groom the trails and park. Plus, senior skiers and snowboarders will be eligible for discounts.

"We're excited to introduce Skill Builder Parks at Bear Mountain this season," said Chris Riddle, marketing director for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. "These new 'parks within the park' are designed ... as a place to learn and improve their skills in a relaxed setting."

The special senior ticket rate being offered this year for guests age 62 or older will be an average discount of about 20 percent per ticket.

The resorts purchased two new snowcats and fan guns for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts.

Text the word SNOW to 52406 and get powder alerts and regular updates from the resorts. Standard text rates apply. More information can be found at www.bigbearmountain resorts.com.

Arts and crafts retail chain Michaels will host a FREE Holiday Craft Spectacular event Saturday, Nov. 13 with craft ideas meant to give gift ideas that are personal and might save some money.

Here's the full schedule of the Holiday Craft Spectacular gift events at all 1,030+ Michaels stores:

Holiday Magic Scrapbook Magic Hotfix Cards: From 10-11 a.m. learn how to make an instant impression with Magic Hotfix cards and embellishments. (Adult event)

The Knack FREE Pumpkin Centerpiece: From 10 a.m.-noon kids can easily create this decoration to grace a Thanksgiving table.

Jewelry Make-It Take-It: From 11 a.m.-noon learn beading techniques that can make a great bracelet or pretty gift tag. (Adult event)

Clay Pot Penguin Make-It Take-It: From noon-1 p.m. craft a cute clay pot penguin for the holidays.

Holiday Treats: From 1-3 p.m. learn how to transform boring cookies in to fun creations for easy holiday gifts and entertaining.

Find additional information and gift ideas at www.michaels.com/holiday.

Big Bear Mountain resorts are gearing up for the ski season and the weather is finally starting to cooperate. As soon as there's sustained cool daytime temperatures, the resorts will start making snow and open for the new season.

This year, Bear Mountain and Snow Summit resorts will have some new features, including Skill Builder Parks for beginner terrain park skiers and snowboarders, new fan guns and snowcats to create more snow and better trail and park grooming and discounts for senior skiers and snowboarders.

"We're excited to introduce Skill Builder Parks at Bear Mountain this season," said Chris Riddle, marketing director for Big Bear Mountain Resorts. "These new 'parks within the park' are designed for beginning terrain park skiers and riders as a place to learn and improve their skills in a relaxed setting."

The special senior ticket rate being offered this year for guests age 62 or older will be an average discount of about 20 percent per ticket.
The resorts purchased two new snowcats to groom the park and purchased new fan guns for both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain resorts.
To get snow reports, text the word SNOW to 52406 and get powder alerts and regular updates from the resorts. Standard text rates apply. More information can be found at www.bigbearmountainresorts.com.

The Colton Woman's Club is having a 'Christmas in November' craft sale on Saturday, November 13. The sale will feature handmade crafts for all seasons from members as well as outside vendors. The sale will run from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm with lunch available from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The clubhouse is located at 495 N. 7th Street in Colton, on the corner of 7th and 'F' Streets.

The craft sale is open to the public. There is still space available for those interested in renting a table. Call Linda Chavez, at 909-825-6336.