Side Notes

The Orange County Water District, based in Fountain Valley, has a new

mascot named Ginny Groundwater. Ginny represents a drop of water that

fell in the San Bernardino Mountains, followed a stream to the Santa Ana

River, then percolated into Orange County’s ground water basin to he

pumped out by the water district, to help tell the story of water

conservation and ground water protection.

The water district manages the large ground water basin under north and

central Orange County. The basin provides 75% of the water for north

Orange County residents, about 2.2 million people. Ginny is available to

participate in community-based events in north and central Orange County.

The water district also has an active water education program to reach

future Orange County water users. Each spring the district and Disneyland

host a Children’s Drinking Water Festival for 5,000 third- and

fourth-graders and their teachers. The water district also helps fund a

program that provides guest teachers to area schools to provide special

water programs involving Ricki Raindrop and Ginny Groundwater.

For more information about the 2000 Children’s Drinking Water Festival,

teachers can call (714) 378-3362.

HELP THE NEEDY FOR CHRISTMAS

The Orange County Salvation Army is accepting applications through Dec. 1

for low-income and disadvantaged people who need assistance during the

holidays. Volunteer Coordinator Judy Dominguez is organizing the process

at two separate locations. Applications can be filled out on Tuesdays and

Wednesdays at the Army’s Santa Ana facility at 1710 Edinger Ave., or on

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at the Anaheim Red Shield, 1515 W. North

St., in Anaheim. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applicants are required to

show a picture identification, Social Security card, rent receipt, proof

of address, proof of income and children’s birth certificates. For more

information, call (714) 832-7100.

CALVARY CHURCH SPOTLIGHTS BEL CANTO LADIES’ CHOIR

This Sunday evening, the Azusa Pacific University Bel Canto Ladies’ Choir

will be offering a medley of treasured classics and present day hits with

their own touch of excitement and energy. The Calvary Baptist Church is

located at 8281 Garfield Ave., Huntington Beach. The concert will begin

at 6 p.m. Call (714) 962-6860.

HUNTINGTON BEACH CHILDREN GIVE TO THE NEEDY

Operation Christmas Child, an international program of the Samaritan’s

Purse, offers children the chance to help needy children throughout the

world. Children wrap shoe boxes in colorful paper and fill them with

small gifts and notes of encouragement. Close to 4,200 shoe boxes were

sent last year by Huntington Beach children. The project continues

through Monday. Call Bethany Welsh at (714) 891-9495.

CLINIC OFFERS AID TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS

The Huntington Beach Community Clinic is offering free presentations for

employees on health care at the workplace. Run by Sandra Guerra, a

bilingual-trained specialist, the presentations also cover resources for

low-cost health insurance. Call (714) 844-4222 Ext. 231.

FREE FLU SHOTS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS

The Huntington Beach Community Clinic is currently offering free flu

shots for seniors, 60 years and older. No appointment is necessary. Staff

is available Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays 9

a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. On-site flu shot

clinics are available for senior centers and churches. Call Barbara at

(714) 847-HBCC.

KOCE NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

KOCE, a local public broadcasting station, is looking for people with an

interest in public broadcasting to join their group of enthusiastic

volunteers. Positions such as newsletter editor, newsletter writers,

photographers, artists, speakers, tour guides and event planners are

open. The station can be reached at (714) 895-5623.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOLDS ANNUAL MEETING

The Fountain Valley Chamber of Commerce will be holding its annual

meeting Tuesday. Awards and installation are also planned. The meeting

will begin at noon at the Los Caballeros Sports Club, 17272 Newhope St.,

Fountain Valley.