* Send AROUND TOWN items to the...

* Send AROUND TOWN items to the Daily Pilot, 1375 Sunflower Ave.,

Costa Mesa, CA 92626; by e-mail to lindsay.sandham @latimes.com; by

fax to (714) 966-4679; or by calling (714) 966-4617. Include the

time, date and location of the event, as well as a contact phone

number.

TODAY

Take a walk with a founder and learn about the history of the

Environmental Nature Center and the plant communities of California.

Robert House will guide the free tour, which will run from 12 p.m. to

1 :30 p.m. at the Center, 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. Information:

(949) 645-8489.

FRIDAY

A scrapbook expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orange

County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Information: (360) 897-6024 or https://www.scrap bookexpo.com.

Learn about environmentally responsible gardening, runoff

management, organic gardening and more with landscape architect Julia

Jones Ufkes. The program will be held at the Environmental Nature

Center 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. Information: (949) 645-8489.

SATURDAY

A scrapbook expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orange

County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Information: or https://www.scrapbookexpo.com.

A “Living Colors” lecture and workshop with Jennifer Butler will

focus on art, color, personal beauty and professional image. Butler,

a color and wardrobe consultant, has spent 20 years developing a

program that has helped men and women to express themselves through

the psychology of color and style. The lecture is free of charge and

open to everyone. It will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in the Friends

Meeting Room of the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.,

Newport Beach. Information: (949) 717-3870.

The Waldorf School of Orange County is holding a pre-K and

kindergarten orientation meeting, a required first step in the

application process. This forum presents information about the

philosophy and curriculum of Waldorf programs. Event will be held

from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Waldorf School, 2350 Canyon Dr.,

Costa Mesa. The meeting is free of charge and reservations are not

required. Information: (949) 574-7775.

SUNDAY

A scrapbook expo will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Orange

County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa.

Information: or https://www.scrapbookexpo.com.

MONDAY

The Great Decisions group will discuss China, its increasing

global influence and the obstacles it continues to face. As China’s

record economic growth continues, the country must still contend with

a growing gap between rich and poor, devastating pollution and

resource shortages. The discussion will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2100 Mar Vista, Newport Beach.

Information: (949) 760-1691.

TUESDAY

The Costa Mesa Community Center and Angel’s Charity have partnered

with Baja Fresh to raise funds to build a playground for able and

disabled children in TeWinkle Park. Baja Fresh, 3030 Harbor Blvd.,

Costa Mesa, will donate 15 percent of their proceeds from 4 p.m. to 9

p.m. Information: (714) 557-0915.

“Fabulous Frogs!” -- a parent and child playtime with an amphibian

theme will be held from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Environmental

Nature Center, 1601 16th St., Newport Beach. Cost is $5 per child.

Information: (949) 645-8489.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is holding a volunteer

orientation. Participants will learn about the many community

programs the Komen Foundation offers and will have the opportunity to

get involved. Orientation will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the

Orange County headquarters, 3191-A Airport Loop Dr., Costa Mesa.

Information: (714) 957-9157, ext. 30.

Hoag Physical Therapist Kristin DeMars will lead a discussion

about poor balance. Attendees can learn about strength and balance

exercises that can help reduce the risk of serious falls. The

discussion will begin at 6 p.m. in the Hoag Conference Center at Hoag

hospital, 1 Hoag Drive, Newport Beach. The event is free of charge.

Information (800) 514-HOAG.

WEDNESDAY

“Feng Shui Your Way,” a seminar and book signing by Sandi Mille,

will be held at Mother’s Market from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., 225 E.

17th St., Costa Mesa. Information: (949) 631-4741.

The West Newport Beach Assn. and the city of Newport Beach will

co-sponsor a program about the Orange County Water District’s

Groundwater Replenishment Program and also the Metropolitan Water

District’s Landscape Performance Certification Program. The program

will be held at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers, Newport Beach City Hall,

3300 Newport Blvd., Newport Beach. The public is invited to attend.

Information: (949) 722-6421.

FEB. 24

UC Irvine’s 14th Annual Health Care Forecast Conference will be

held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the UC Irvine Beckman Center, 100

Academy Dr., Irvine. Information: (949) 824-6286 or

https://www.gsm.uci.edu/go/hcc.

“Bach Flower Essences -- Opening the Heart,” a free seminar by

Helena Sprake, will be held at Mother’s Market from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30

p.m., 225 E. 17th St., Costa Mesa. Information: (949) 631-4741.

Newport Harbor Republican Women will present James Bruce Joseph

Sievers, “An American in Love with his Country.” Sievers has given

this presentation at the White House for four presidents, including

former President Ronald Reagan. The lecture will begin at 11:30 a.m.

at the Pacific Club, 4110 MacArthur Blvd., Newport Beach. Cost is

$25. Information: (949) 644-0539.

FEB. 25

UC Irvine’s 14th Annual Health Care Forecast Conference will be

held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the UC Irvine Beckman Center, 100

Academy Dr., Irvine. Information: (949) 824-6286 or

https://www.gsm.uci.edu/go/hcc.

The human Genome and Beyond, the University of California

Chancellor’s Distinguished Fellows Series, will begin at 8 p.m. in

the Crystal Cove Auditorium at UCI’s Student Center, Irvine. The

event is free of charge. Information: (949) 824-6503.

FEB. 26

A Computer Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in building

#12 of the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr.,

Costa Mesa. Admission is $5. Information: (800) 800-5600 or

https://www.lacomputerfair.com.

A Malibu Cat Show will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in building

#10 of the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr.,

Costa Mesa. Admission is $5, $4 for children and seniors.

Information: (909) 372-9079.

A guided tour of Fairview Park will be offered by the city of

Costa Mesa’s Fairview Park Friends Committee. The tour will highlight

the ecological significance of the park’s vernal pools, which are the

sole habitat of San Diego Fairy Shrimp. The hike will begin at 9:30

a.m. at the picnic shelter on the west side of Placentia Avenue,

Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 754-5698.

“Prelude to Spring,” the UC Irvine Arboretum’s annual winter bulb

festival will feature wild garden species from Southern Africa and a

plant sale of rare and unusual plants. The event will run from 10

a.m. to 4 p.m. at the UCI Arboretum, on the corner of Campus Drive

and Jamboree Road at the UCI North campus, Irvine. Information: (949)

824-5833.

Pacific Northwest Ballet School will hold auditions for its

five-week summer course. Auditions will be held at 3 p.m. for dancers

12 to 15 years old and at 4:30 p.m. for students 16 to 18. The

sessions will be at the Jimmie Defoe Dance Center, 151 Kalmus Drive,

Costa Mesa. Information: (206) 441-2435.

FEB. 27

A Computer Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in building

#12 of the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr.,

Costa Mesa. Admission is $5. Information: (800) 800-5600 or

https://www.lacomputerfair.com.

A Malibu Cat Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in building

#10 of the Orange County Fair and Exposition Center, 88 Fair Dr.,

Costa Mesa. Admission is $5, $4 for children and seniors.

Information: (909) 372-9079.

The American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Newport Beach

kick-off rally will teach attendees and participants how to start a

relay team, grow the one you already have or become a sponsor of

Relay for Life. The rally will be held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at

Newport Rib Company, 2196 Harbor Blvd., Costa Mesa. Information:

(949) 567-0635.

FEB. 28

The Great Decisions group will discuss Sudan’s crisis in Darfur.

The conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region has drawn the world’s attention

because of the humanitarian crisis it has spawned. The event will be

held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church, 2100 Mar

Vista, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 760-1691.

MARCH 1

“Ask the Epileptologist,” presented by Hoag neurologist and

epileptologist Dr. Barbara Swartz, is a question-and-answer session

about the research and treatment options for persons with epilepsy.

The event will be held at the Hoag Conference Center at Hoag

hospital, 1 Hoag Drive, Newport Beach. It is free to attend and open

to anyone who has or knows someone with epilepsy. Information: (800)

514-HOAG.

MARCH 2

A Kindergarten Information Night for parents is being hosted by

College Park Elementary School. Parents will have an opportunity to

meet the teachers, visit a classroom and be oriented to the

registration procedures. from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the school

multi-purpose room, 2380 Notre Dame Rd., Costa Mesa. Information:

(714) 424-7960.

MARCH 3

“Children are Angels,” a luncheon hosted by the Adoption Guild of

Southern Orange County, will raise money to benefit Holy Family

Services, a nondenominational adoption agency. The luncheon will run

from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Balboa Bay Club, 1221 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach. Tickets will cost $125. Information: (949) 645-6755.

MARCH 4

The “Search for Talent” contest for kids aged 6 to 18 will be held

at 6:30 p.m. in the Oasis Senior Center auditorium, 800 Marguerite

Ave., Corona del Mar. Entries are open until Feb. 25. Information:

(949) 673-8701.

MARCH 5

A wedding open house will guide prospective brides through the

selection of wedding stationery and help them explore the latest in

bridal trends. Brides-to-be can also enter to win a dream honeymoon

in Los Cabos or Cancun, Mexico. The event will be held from noon to 4

p.m. at Crane’s Paper Makers in South Coast Plaza, 3333 Bristol St.,

Costa Mesa. Information: (714) 979-1828.

MARCH 6

“Bach Vespers for Lent,” a concert, is being hosted by Saint

Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church. It begins at 5 p.m. at 3233

Pacific View Dr., Corona del Mar. Information: (949) 644-0463.

Cruise for a Cure, a cruise around Newport Harbor to raise cancer

awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life,

will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Endeavor, 2901 Pacific Coast

Highway, Newport Beach. There will be the opportunity meet fellow

Relayers and supporters. Registration is $20. All proceeds go to the

American Cancer Society. Information: https://www .acs

events.org/relay/ca/newportbeach.

The Florestan Trio will make its concert series debut. The

ensemble was awarded Britain’s Royal Philharmonic Society Award and

will perform Mozart, Beethoven and Rachmaninoff. The concert will

begin at 4 p.m., with a preview talk by Herbert Glass beginning at

3:15 p.m., at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Founders

Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Tickets will cost $58.

Information: (714) 556-2787 or https://www.ocpac.org.

MARCH 7

A support group for caregivers sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assn.

will meet from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Our Lady Queen of Angels, 2046

Mar Vista Dr., Newport Beach. Information: (949) 640-1750.

The Global Poverty Gap will be the topic of the Great Decisions

discussion. The promise of globalization is that it will benefit poor

countries through trade and close the poverty gap. The discussion

will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian Church,

2100 Mar Vista, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 760-1691.

MARCH 8

A support group for caregivers sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assn.

will meet at 6 p.m. at Crown Cove, 3901 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del

Mar. Information: (949) 760-2800.

A Family Educational Series on “Types of Dementia: Difference in

Symptoms and Care,” is co-sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Assn., Adult

Day Services of Orange County and the UCI Institute for Brain Aging

and Dementia. The event will be held from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at

the University Club, UCI campus, Irvine. Information: (949) 824-2382.

MARCH 10

“Talking Heads” rocker David Byrne will display and discuss his

latest art project, “I (love) PowerPoint,” at UC Irvine. Byrne uses

the popular PowerPoint presentation software to create eye-catching

visuals. His PowerPoint artwork was published in 2003 as a

coffee-table book and DVD titled “E.E.E.I. (Envisioning Emotional

Epistemological Information).” The free event will be held from 7:30

p.m. to 9 p.m. at the UC Irvine in the Humanities Instructional

Building, Room 100. Information: (949) 824-3638 or

https://www.humanities.uci.edu /humanitech.

MARCH 14

The Middle East will be the topic of the Great Decisions

discussion. How will the war in Iraq and the creation of a

transitional government transform the Middle East? How will a

democratic Iraq relate to its neighbors and regional partners? The

discussion will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St. Mark Presbyterian

Church, 2100 Mar Vista, Newport Beach. Information: (949) 760-1691.

MARCH 17

The 10th annual Shamrocks and Rainbows spring fundraiser presented

by the Assistance League of Newport-Mesa will feature silent and live

auctions, a luncheon by the Balboa Bay Club and a performance by

Patrick Cassidy. The event will start at 10:30 a.m. at the Balboa Bay

Club, 1221 West Coast Highway, Newport Beach. Cost is $75. All

proceeds benefit the philanthropic projects of the Assistance League

of Newport-Mesa. Information: (949) 645-6929 or https://www.alnm.org.

MARCH 21

Global Water Issues will be the topic of the Great Decisions

discussion. Scarcity of water in many regions creates problems and

conflict for large numbers of the world’s population. What policies

should be adopted to ensure water quality? What international actors

or governments will make the greatest impact on improving water

governance? The discussion will be held from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at St.

Mark Presbyterian Church, 2100 Mar Vista, Newport Beach. Information:

(949) 760-1691.

MARCH 25

Senior Insurance Specialist Sue Tarvin will lead a discussion

about Medicare 2005 deductibles and co-payments, the new Medicare

supplement (Medigap) plans, senior HMOs, and Hoag’s Golden Health

PLUS program. The free event will begin at 1:30 p.m. in Hoag

hospital’s conference center, 1 Hoag Drive, Newport Beach.

Information: (800) 514-HOAG.