e-newsletter masthead
December 2017
December graphic

In this Issue:

City Manager's Message
ZeroTrash RSM
Low-Cost Pet Care Clinic

New Year's Eve "Celebrating Family & Friends"
Children's Art Contest

Crime Prevention - Preventing "Porch Pirates"
Senior Activities
Recreation Highlights
Military Support Opportunities
Pet Bedding Donations Sought
Santas for Seniors Donations Sought
Operation Homework Help Seeks Donations
TIP Volunteer Opportunity


City Manager's Message


As 2017 comes to a close and we publish our final issue of the City’s e-newsletter, I am reminded that one of the core community values in Rancho Santa Margarita is the importance of, especially during the holidays, giving thanks for our many blessings and assisting those in need. Opportunities to spread holiday cheer throughout the community are plentiful. You can donate much-needed items for the City’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines, and their families this holiday season.  Gift cards for our Marines and Sailors to use for gas, grocery purchases, clothing, and household items are most appreciated and assist in brightening the holidays – and allows families to shop for themselves and find the perfect gift. New toys are also being collected for the units’ holiday party. Donations can be dropped off at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through Friday, December 15th.

Also in the lobby of the Community Center is a collection station for the Rancho Santa Margarita Boys & Girls Club’s Operation Holiday Homework. This incentives based program rewards children for focusing on their education first – which can be especially difficult during the exciting holiday season. The kids cash in their homework dollars for gifts to give their parents and siblings. You can make a difference by dropping off new, unwrapped gifts for all ages through December 13th.

Another great effort underway in our community is “Santas for Seniors” presented by Age Well Senior Services. Also located in the Community Center is a beautiful Christmas tree with gift suggestions for homebound seniors.  You can help by donating gifts through December 15th.

We’re also partnering with HEART (Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team) to gather donations of gently used blankets, towels and pet bedding which can be distributed to pet owners upon the discharge of their pets from the spay/neuter clinic; donations will be used to comfort animals following this life-saving procedure.

Finally, I hope to see you at the 17th Annual Celebrating Family and Friends New Year’s Eve celebration. It’s a great way to ring in the New Year and celebrate the City’s official birthday with art, entertainment, refreshments, and activities. 



Sincerely,

Jennifer Cervantez

Civic Center Christmas Tree
ZeroTrash logo

ZeroTrash RSM

Saturday, December 2nd


ZeroTrash Rancho Santa Margarita is a volunteer group that meets on the "Zero T First Saturday" of each month to rally together to rid the community of litter. All are welcome; parents, children, students, friends, neighbors  – anyone interested in keeping RSM clean! 


Volunteers meet in front of Cinepolis/ Panera at 10:00 a.m. and fan out from there. ZeroTrash provides the pickers and bags; volunteers are asked to closely supervise young children at all times, stay on trails and to keep a look out for snakes!  Return pickers and trash at noon behind the Bell Tower Community Center and obtain sign-offs for certification of community service hours or badge requirements.


Follow ZeroTrash RSM on Facebook for more information.

Pets in Santa hats

Low-Cost Pet Care Clinic

Wednesday, December 6th
Bell Tower Regional Community Center
22232 El Paseo



6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Cats only)
7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (Dogs & Cats)

 
INFO: (714) 993-9193
www.heart4pets.org
 
Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team (HEART) provides vaccinations, de-worming, microchipping, flea and tick control and if time allows, nail trims. Please visit their website for detailed information. Cash or credit card ($3 processing fee) only; checks are not accepted.

If you have a cat or have pre-paid for your vaccines, you do not need to wait in line and can go immediately to the cashier table. All others will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis (with the exception of those who are physically unable to stand in line).
 
Important Rabies Information
Please bring a prior Rabies Certificate and other vaccination records with you. A 3-year Rabies Certificate can only be issued if you provide a prior Rabies Certificate. Otherwise, you will receive a 1-year Rabies Certificate.
 
Vaccines for dogs include:
Rabies - $7.00
DHP/DHPP - $20.00
Bordetella - $15.00
Lyme - $22.00
Microchip - $30.00
$2.00 hazardous materials disposal fee per pet
 
Vaccines for cats include:
Rabies - (killed virus) Purevax - $20.00 (1 yr) $48.00 (3 yr)
FVRCP "3-in-1" - $20.00
FELV - $22.00
Microchip - $30.00
$2.00 hazardous materials disposal fee per pet

"HEART" (aka "SCVVC") is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to saving lives and improving pet and wild animal health, safety, and welfare.
 
Prices are subject to change; clinic will cancel in the event of rain.


NYE logo

New Year's Eve Celebrating Family & Friends


Sunday, December 31st
5 - 9 p.m.
Civic Plaza and Central Park
22232 El Paseo



The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is proud to present our 17th annual New Year’s Eve Celebrating Family and Friends event! This festive evening of celebration provides a safe and fun opportunity for the community to gather in celebration of the New Year in an alcohol-free setting. The children's art contest, generously sponsored by Applied Medical, is the centerpiece of the evening and has become a beloved community tradition. Art contest entries are displayed throughout the halls of the Bell Tower Regional Community Center as part of the celebration.


We hope to see you there! For more information, call Community Services at (949) 216-9700.


New Year's Eve 2017
OCSD Badge

Crime Prevention 



Holiday Safety – It’s Shopping Season, Help Prevent Package Theft



The holiday season is officially here! With "Black Friday" and "Cyber Monday" behind us, chances are you have ordered gifts over the phone, via the Internet, or by mail. Many shoppers choose the home delivery option and have packages delivered straight to their front porch. The majority of these deliveries do not require a signature and are generally left at your door, even if no one is home to accept them. This time of year brings out those looking for a crime of opportunity as well as those thieves that actually target your delivery. Thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your presents safe from porch pirates:

• Install a security camera on your porch, put thieves on the defense by recording their        every move.
• Use your workplace as the shipping address
• Track your shipments by phone, online, or by carrier app so you know what day they          should arrive.
• Ask a neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home.
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting        or cruising the area – See Something, Say Something!
• Request a signature delivery option, if available.
• Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office or an Amazon        Pick Up Point or lockbox.
• Utilize a "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your      item for a fee.
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and              confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the      theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.



Follow Rancho Santa Margarita Police Services on Facebook and Instagram and Twitter:


Twitter - @OCSDRanchoSM


Facebook - @OCSDRanchoSM


Instagram - ocsdranchosm



REPORT SUSPICIOUS PERSONS AND ACTIVITIES!
Orange County Sheriff’s Department Non-Emergency (949) 770-6011
Emergency 911

Porch Pirate
Seniors at Christmas

Senior Activities at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center


The mission of Age Well Senior Services is to promote and improve the quality of life and independence of the senior community.


December

Visit our Senior Activities webpage for more information, follow Age Well RSM on Facebook or contact Lindy Kehler at (949)216-9700, ext. 257.


Senior lunch banner
December snowman

December Recreation Highlights



ABCs with Toddlers
$75/ per month
 
Is your child ready for more social interaction but not ready for preschool?  ABCs with Toddlers will introduce you and your child to a taste of ABCs with Tiny Tots with loving, experienced teachers participating alongside and guiding you as your child explores with art, music, story time, play and much more to prepare for the next step with confidence. Parent participation required. Ages: 2-3 yrs. 
 
Instructor:  SoCal Tiny Tots
 
310772 07       T,Th                  Dec 5 - Dec 21           10-10:45 am
310772 08       T,Th                  Dec 5 - Dec 21           11-11:45 am
 

ABCs with Tiny Tots
$198/ per month*
 
Come experience a fun way of preparing your child for kindergarten. Using hands-on interactive learning with art, science, cooking, music and much more, your child will learn their numbers, letters and shapes; how to write their name; develop social skills of patience, listening, cooperation and sharing. No parent participation needed. Children must be fully potty trained.  This is a year-round program with month-to-month registration to meet the needs of your schedule. Ages: 3-5 yrs. 
 
Instructor:  SoCal Tiny Tots
 
310761 04       M,W,F           Dec 4 - 22                   9 am-1 pm
 

Karate
$88/ per month
 
Youth Beginning Karate: 4:30-5:15 pm
This class will cover basic blocking and self-defense. The class is conducted in a traditional manner with an emphasis on protocol and etiquette. Ages: 6-12 yrs.
 
Youth Advanced Karate: 5:15-6 pm
This class will go more in-depth in the study of Karate and will include traditional Karate as well as preparation for National and International competition for the students who want to compete. Placement in this class is at the discretion of Sensei McDonough. Ages: 8-12 yrs.
 
Adult Karate: 6-7 pm
This class will cover all aspects of Karate; the lecture portion of the class is designed for individual’s ages 13 yrs. & up. Placement in this class is at the discretion of Sensei McDonough. 
 
Instructor:  Robert McDonough
 
320202 04       T,Th        Dec 5 - Dec 28
 
No Class: 12/26
       
      
Essential Oils for the Holidays
$13/ 1 Class
 
During the holidays, we all suffer from increased stress, decreased time and, as a result, compromised immunity. Essential oils can help you relax, feel better and enjoy the moment! Additionally, essential oils make great gift ideas that promote health and wellness. Don't give your family and friends another token or trifle, give them (and yourself) pure, natural and effective essential oils. Ages: 18 yrs. & up 
 
What to bring: $5 cash materials fee
 
Instructor:  Maureen Amirault
 
340836 01       T             Dec 5           6:30-8 pm
 

Feel Better & Reduce Pain with Essential Oils
$13/ 1 Class
 
The holidays can be a time of great stress and anxiety. Join us for an interactive class of stretches and simple exercises, combined with essential oils to reduce neck/back pain and ease anxiety. Ages: 18 yrs. & up 
 
What to bring: $5 cash materials fee
Instructor:  Maureen Amirault
 
340837 01       W            Dec 13        6:30-8 pm

 
 
Click here to access the City's online registration system.

Military Support graphic

Spread Holiday Cheer to Marine Families

Please join the City of Rancho Santa Margarita in assisting the City’s adopted 2nd Battalion, 5th Marines and their families this holiday season.  Gift cards for our Marines and Sailors to use for gas, grocery purchases, clothing, and household items are most appreciated and assist in brightening the holidays – and allows families to shop for themselves and find the perfect gift. 


New toys are also being collected for the units’ holiday party. Donations can be dropped off at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through Friday, December 15, 2017.


For more information contact Wendi Redington at (949) 216-9700 or email  wredington@cityofrsm.org.


Santa and Military member
Pets with Santa Hats

Pet Bedding Drive


The City of Rancho Santa Margarita is partnering with HEART (Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team) to gather donations of gently used blankets, towels and pet bedding which can be distributed to pet owners upon the discharge of their pets from the spay/neuter clinic.


Spaying or neutering pets prevents animals from being born accidentally, and is the most effective and humane way to save animals lives as well as protecting the health of pets; donations will be used to comfort animals following the procedure.


Donations can be dropped off at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo.

For more information call (949) 216-9700 or visit the Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team website.


Dog at Pet Clinic
Santas for Seniors


Help Brighten the Holidays for a Homebound Senior



The holiday season can be difficult for the homebound seniors in our community.  Age Well Senior Services' "Santas for Seniors" has some ideas for you to help brighten the day of a Meals on Wheels client. Suggested donations include non-slip socks and slippers, throws/blankets, puzzles and word search books, one-size fits all robes, gift cards, flameless candles, ground coffee, tea bags, toiletries, and towel sets. Donations may be dropped off at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through December 15th and will be delivered by Meals on Wheels Volunteers just in time for Christmas!

Visit the Bell Tower Regional Community Center or call (949) 216-9700 x1257 for more information. Click here to view a suggested gifts list.


Santas for Seniors Information
Boys & Girls Club logo

Donations sought for Boys & Girls Club of Rancho Santa Margarita


Help a child this holiday season by supporting the Rancho Santa Margarita branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Capistrano Valley’s Operation Holiday Homework. This is an annual program that rewards club members for putting education first; children earn points by working diligently during the club’s daily homework hour and the points they earn can then be used to “shop” for Christmas gifts for their families.
 
Community members can help by dropping off a new, unwrapped gift or gift card for kids and adults at the Bell Tower Regional  Community Center through December 13th. Click here for a suggested gifts list.

For more information, contact Carolyn Kozol at ckozol@bgccapo.com or (949) 219-9700 x1280.


Operation Holiday Homework child and volunteer
TIP logo

TIP Volunteer Training Opportunity


Caring and compassionate volunteers are needed to provide emotional first aid and practical support at trauma scenes. The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) Volunteer Training Academy, offered only twice a year, will give you the skills needed to provide emotional and practical support to victims and their families during the first few hours following a tragedy. No experience is necessary, but completion of Training Academy is required. Start the new year by putting your compassion into action.


Click here for more information or to register for the training.

Rancho Santa Margarita

City Council


Carol Gamble, Mayor

Michael Vaughn, Mayor Pro Tempore
L. Anthony Beall, Council Member
Jerry Holloway, Council Member

Brad McGirr, Council Member

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