COMMUNITY AND CLUBS:Invest in reading program

People can complain about what is happening in our schools, but here is a chance to do something about the opportunities provided in our schools.

The Fountain for Youth Program of the Rotary Clubs of Costa Mesa, Newport-Balboa, Newport Beach Sunrise and Newport Irvine will match up to $3,250 in contributions made by Daily Pilot readers.

The donations will buy recreational reading books for kindergarten through third-grade students of College Park, Pomona, Whittier and Wilson elementary schools in Costa Mesa as they master English and reading skills.

A $10 contribution will be matched by the Rotary Fountain for Youth and buy 10 reading books. A $25 donation will be matched and will buy 25 books; $50 will buy 50 books; $100 will buy 100 books.

Make your tax-deductible check payable to Rotary 5320 Foundation, c/o the Daily Pilot Promotions Department/Reading by 9 Book Drive, 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Donors will be recognized in the Reading by 9 Honor Roll in the Daily Pilot unless you request not to be listed. The books are used in different ways in the four schools. In all cases, children will have books to check out, take home and read.

Your contribution is a good investment.

VISIT A MOSQUE ON KING DAY

You are invited to join the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council on its January field trip to the Islamic Center of Orange County Garden Grove Mosque on Martin Luther King Day, Jan. 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The mosque is at 9752 W. 13th St., Garden Grove, CA 92642.

The Islamic Center of Orange County is one of the largest Islamic communities in the Western Hemisphere.

Participants will meet at the mosque at 11:30 a.m. and be provided with a tour of the mosque and the school, and will be hosted for lunch and have the opportunity to join in a discussion about Islam, as well as experience Islamic prayer at the mosque, according to Greg Kelley, Interfaith Council vice president.

Dr. Muzammil Siddiqi, director of the Islamic Center of Orange County, who is currently on pilgrimage, will be returning in time to provide the tour of the mosque and a discussion of its importance. To join, you must RSVP to the Interfaith Council by Monday, Jan. 8, by calling (714) 921-8665 or by e-mail to nmiinterfaith@aol.com.

MEET THE CHIEF

Attendees at the Jan. 10 Speak Up Newport program will have the opportunity to meet Newport Beach’s new fire chief, Steve Lewis, and learn about the fire department and resident services. Lewis previously served as deputy fire chief in Long Beach. The meeting will be held at the Newport Beach Yacht Club, 1099 Bayside Drive, starting at 5 p.m., with appetizers and a cash bar followed by the program at 6 p.m. Guests are always welcome; one need not be a member to attend. For more information, call (949) 224-2266 or go to www.speakupnnewport.org.

ROSE PARADE

The 2007 Rose Parade, being held Monday, will be broadcast on ABC, NBC, Univision, HGTV, Travel Channel, Discovery HD as well as KWHY and KTLA. The parade is also seen in more than 150 international territories.

Don’t forget to look for the floats sponsored by Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International and Rotary International.

Many of our local service club members have worked on this year’s floats, each with a different theme to emphasize their specific area of service to the community, the world and its people.

WORTH REPEATING

From the Thought for the Day as provided by Greg Kelley of the Newport-Mesa-Irvine Interfaith Council:

“It is easy to love the people far away. It is not always easy to love those close to us. It is easier to give a cup of rice to relieve hunger than to relieve the loneliness and pain of someone unloved in our own home. Bring love into your home, for this is where our love for each other must start.”

— MOTHER TERESA

SERVICE CLUB MEETINGS THIS WEEK

As the new year begins, help your community and the world through a service club. For many, service club membership is an extension of our religious beliefs and congregation affiliation.

You are invited to attend a service club meeting this coming week to learn more about opportunity for service. Most clubs will buy your first meal for you as you get acquainted with them.

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY