Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County

CENTRAL COUNTY

COSTA MESA
Come meet Navy Captain Don Walsh who helped pilot the infamous Trieste as it traveled 7 miles undersea, nearly the deepest point on Earth! For more information call 714-241-8088.

FOUNTAIN VALLEY
Senior Citizens older than 55 can come learn about the extravagant forms of art in an 8 week art course on Wednesdays from 1:30p.m.to 3:30 p.m. beginning January 27th at the Founders Village Senior and Community Center. For more information call 714-901-8106 ext. 4405.

HUNTINGTON BEACH
Are you looking for a sense of adventure? Join a group of roller skaters on Saturdays at the Huntington Pier from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information visit http://www.funroll.com/.

IRVINE
The UCI Forum will be hosting the lives of Orange County House cleaners by Anthropology Professor Emeritus Frank Cancia this Wednesday beginning at 11:15 a.m. with a lunch buffet. For more information call 949-824-7960.

LOS ALAMITOS
Nothing to report.

NEWPORT BEACH
David Muller has stepped down from being head of Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, allowing Rita Redaelli Stenlund to step up to the plate. Good luck Rita!

ORANGE
Rest In Peace Rev. Ralph Didier. Services will be held at noon Saturday at the Covenant Presbyterian Church. For more information call 714-998-6650.

SANTA ANA
Parents, come and enjoy an informational meeting at Middle College High School this Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. to understand how your child can take college courses while still attending high school. For more information call 714-953-3900.

SEAL BEACH
Clean the Beach, Take A Ride! Volunteers who participate in helping clean the beach for at least 4 hours on 1st St. and Ocean Ave. will receive a day pass into Disneyland. For more information visit http://www.saveourbeach.org/ All spots are filled until March 20th; it’s not too late to sign up for a date though!

TUSTIN
The Tustin Community Foundation will be hosting the Mayor’s Inaugural Dinner on Thursday February 4th for dinner at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. For more information visit http://www.tustincommunityfoundation.org/ or call 714-393-8506.

VILLA PARK
Do you want to be a part of the Villa Park Community Services Foundation? There are two open seats and applications are now being accepted. For more information visit http://www.villapark.org/ or call 714-998-1500.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/
Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For more information visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County

ALISO VIEJO

The Trauma Intervention Program is seeking individuals to volunteer and help support those who have experienced traumatic events. For more information visit www.tiporangecounty.org or call 714-343-0738

DANA POINT

Doheny Officials are reevaluating whether or not they are going to re-open the park today. Due to the weather the beach and park had been shut down.

LADERA RANCH

See Sheriffs blotter for information on delinquents in the area. www.ocregister.com/ladera

LAGUNA BEACH
Nothing to report.

LAGUNA HILLS
The cities rehabilitation movement is underway. Parking will be affected on the eastbound Laguna Hills Drive from Moulton to Paseo De Valencia.

LAGUNA NIGUEL

The Annual “Snow Day” at Chapparosa Park, which was supposed to be held on Saturday, has been canceled due to the weather conditions present.

LAKE FOREST
Come out and cheer on the boys and girls basketball teams of Trabuco vs. El Toro tonight at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Trabuco Hills High School.

MISSION VIEJO

Over 2,463 lbs. of food have been donated to South County Outreach according to the website www.missionviejolife.org. If you would like to contribute, donations can be dropped off at the Mission Viejo Library.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA

Bryan Cottriel has been hired as the boys and girls head volleyball coach at SMCHS. Congrats coach!

SAN CLEMENTE
Come out and witness SCHS version of “American Idol” tonight at 7 p.m. There will be countless acts and live entertainment. For more information call 949-363-6508.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO

The monthly Do-It-Yourself backyard skills workshop will be held at the Ecology Center. For more information call 949-443-4223 or visit theecologycenter.org

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

For more information, please visit ocregister.com

Military Personnel get Tax Credit Leeway

Good News!!

According to Mai Ling @ MSN Real Estate. The armed services have an extra year to qualify for the $8,000 homebuyer credit.

Making the decision to buy a home is one of the most important decisions most people will ever make, but for members of the armed services, that decision can be compounded with hesitation by their uncertainty over what the future holds.

The $8,000 homebuyer tax which requires participants to pay back the money if they don't stay in the home for at least three years is more difficult for families in the military. This makes it virtually impossible to take advantage of the program.

The L.A. Times reports, that servicemen and women, as well as members of the Foreign Service or Intelligence community who have served overseas for at least 90 days between Jan. 1, 2009, and April 30, 2010, have an extra year to apply for the $8,000 tax credit, giving them until April 30, 2011, to sign the paperwork to buy a home.

In addition, if a home is purchased through the program, and then the eligible member of the armed services, Intelligence community or Foreign Service is ordered to move a minimum of 50 miles, the three-year residency rule will be waived, and they will not be required to pay back the tax credit.

In tough economic times, this is a great and fair idea.

And Thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Hello...it's me again - Southern California

Hi...remember me? I'm the Great State of California and you always hear about me on the news.
Forget the fact that I'm broke, you usually hear me referred to along the lines of severe drought, wildfires, heavy rain and then mudslides / landslides, if we ever get our winter rains.

Guess what? We have our multi-year drought, we had our fires this past autumn and now it's winter...so here it comes! You'll read and hear about us again - because a series of winter rain storms is arriving and we'll have those mudslides and landslides.

Please keep us in your most positive thoughts and prayers.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
Best regards,
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

Check Out 5 Osprey Ave!

http://www.postlets.com/css/styles/soho/bg_body.gif"> Michael Caruso Michael Caruso Real Estate Group 1-949-753-7900 5 Osprey Ave, Dana Point, CA a lovely cul-de-sac, spacious bonus area for either an office or study, a dining room with a beautiful chandelier and a cozy fireplace for the family 3BR/2+1BA Single Family House $2,575/month Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 1 partial Sq Footage 1,650 Parking 2 dedicated Pet Policy No pets Deposit $3,000 DESCRIPTION Adorable single family home on a quiet cul-de-sac street with California Mediterranean exterior and really clean, sharp floor plan with abundant natural light. Interior carpets just cleaned, living room with fireplace and vaulted ceiling, dining room with chandelier. Stonelike tile in entry, kitchen floors and laundry room. Clean steamlined kitchen with all appliances included (refridge too) and a breakfast nook- opens to family room. Security System. Excellent master suite with tile bath floor and walk-in closet. Super Loft area for home office of study area. Very private yard with patio and grassy area has high property line walls. Newer energy effcient central AC and new water heater means HOT water-fast. Gardening service included. Seeking a long term tennant and trusting professional relationship. see additional photos below RENTAL FEATURES - Air conditioning - Fireplace - High/Vaulted ceiling - Walk-in closet - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Bonus/Rec room - Dining room - Breakfast nook - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard COMMUNITY FEATURES - Garage parking - Wheelchair access LEASE TERMS 12 month lease ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 1 Photo 2 Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 5 Photo 6 Contact info: Michael Caruso Michael Caruso Real Estate Group 1-949-753-7900 Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Jan 15, 2010, 12:49pm PST

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ South County

South County

ALISO VIEJO
The Family Resource Center and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center are teaming up to host a low cost Pet and Vet clinic on January 23rd from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Family Resource Center. For more information call 949-425-2519

DANA POINT
Catch the comedy “Museum” at the Southern Orange County School of Arts at Dana Hills tonight and tomorrow night beginning at 7 in the porthole theater at Dana Hills. For information call 949-240-1994

LADERA RANCH
Nothing to report.

LAGUNA BEACH
The Neighborhood Congregational Church will hold a concert to raise fund to renovate its 103 year old piano at 8 p.m. at Bridge Hall. For more information call 949-494-8061.

LAGUNA HILLS
Laguna Hills High will be hosting an “Every Fifteen Minutes” awareness program for drunk drivers. Please be safe and don’t drink and drive.

LAGUNA NIGUEL
Chaparosa Grill is continuing their lunch deals and cooking demonstrations. For more information call 949-363-9888.

LAKE FOREST
Do you love the Snow? Lake Forest is hosting a Trip for Teens to Snow Summit. They will leave 6 a.m. on February 12th. Equipment is not included. For more information call 949-461-3446

MISSION VIEJO
The Trauma Intervention Program needs volunteers for emotional and practical support for victims who have experienced traumatic events. For more information call 714-343-0738 or visit http://www.tiporangecounty.org/

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA
Come check out the new hair Salon Mai Place on 31441 Santa Margarita Pkwy. For an appointment call 949-635-6798.

SAN CLEMENTE
Nothing to report.

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO
Do you love Swallows day as much as the next person? Well here is your chance to volunteer for the Swallows Day Parade. For information call 949-493-1976 or visit http://www.swallowsparade.org/

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For more information, please visit ocregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ North County

ORANGE COUNTY HAPPENINGS – NORTH

ANAHEIM
The Shops at Anaheim Garden Walk is presenting free concerts to coincide with the National Association of Music. Come out and enjoy a good time with some good music. For more information visit http://www.anaheimgardenwalk.com/

BREA
Nothing to report.

BUENA PARK
Boys and Girls born in 2002 and 2003 can sign up for an instructional soccer league. The program begins February 16th and ends March 25th. So get your kids out there and encourage them to have a ball. For more information visit http://www.buenapark.com/ or call 714-236-3860.

CYPRESS
Nutritionist Pamela Williams is offering a lecture on how to add zest to healthy dinners by adding some spice into your life. The free presentation begins at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at the Cypress Senior Center. For more information call 714-229-2005.

FULLERTON
Do you have a desire to learn to fish? Fishing classes for all will be offered through the Park’s Department “Get Outdoors” program beginning Friday at the Laguna Lake. For more information call 714-738-6567.

GARDEN GROVE
A free dance camp from the Orange County Garden Grove Guardettes will be held on Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. for children ages 4-17 at 12211 Magnolia. For more information call 714-534-8326 or visit http://www.guardettes.org/.

LA HABRA
Sign up for Winter Youth Volleyball at the La Habra Boy’s and Girls Club. For more information call 562-905-9708.

LA PALMA
Attention all 13-18 year old models. The 2010 Teen Fashion show wants you. Come strut stuff and apply at the Cypress Community Center. For more information visit http://www.cityoflapalma.org/ or call 714-690-3350

PLACENTIA
Students and staff will host a Terry Conley Memorial Mile in efforts to raise money in memory of their beloved coach who past away in December on January 30th at 10 a.m. For more information visit http://www.runforconley.org/

STANTON
The American Cancer Society is seeking volunteers to help out with the organizing of Relay for Life. There will be a meeting on February 4th at 6:30 p.m. at the Stanton Parks Recreational Department. For more information call 714-318-0561.

WESTMINSTER
Boy Scout Troop 314 is holding an informational night for boys who are at least in the 5th grade and their parents on January 26th from 7-8 p.m.

YORBA LINDA
Come listen to the intriguing story of brothers who hid in the woods of Germany during WWII on January 24th beginning at 9:30 a.m. For more information visit http://www.ocjewish.com/

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.
http://www.michaelcarusorealestate.com/

Best regards.
Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900
For more information visit orangecountyregister.com

Caruso's OC Happenings ~ Central County

CENTRAL COUNTY



COSTA MESA

Christ Lutheran School in Costa Mesa is inviting prospective kindergarten parents to come and experience what classes are like for their children. They will meet teachers, principals and also learn the curriculum. The event takes place at 7 p.m. on January 27th . For more information call 949-548-6866 or visit christcm.com

FOUNTAIN VALLEY

Come out and root on the Fountain Valley High school baseball alumni team as they play the varsity team this Sunday at 11 a.m. at the varsity fields! Free game and delicious food will be on sale at the snack stand. For more information call 714-787-7023.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Bolsa Chica Conservancy will be hosting a public workshop at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday at the Huntington Beach Central Library. The workshop will focus on new wetlands education and restoration information. For more information call 877-265-7261.

IRVINE

UCI will be hosting Peter Rose's presentation on "Guest Appearances of a Peripatetic Sociology and Anthropology Professor." Come join on Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. at the University Club for a delicious buffet lunch following the presentation. For more information call 949-824-7960.

LOS ALAMITOS

Come enjoy a game of Texas Hold'em fundraiser with the Lost Alamitos High School baseball team on January 23rd at 5p.m. The $100 buy in includes chips, dinner and tickets for cocktails. For more information call 562-822-0123.

NEWPORT BEACH

Be aware of DUI checkpoints in Newport on Saturday near the Balboa Peninsula. Just always remember to be safe and don't drink and drive.

ORANGE

Do you love Disneyland? Well come help the Orange Public Library participate in the Disney's "Give a Day, get a Disney day" volunteer program. Help volunteer at the library and receive a token of gratitude while participating. For more information call 714-288-2458.

SANTA ANA

The Black Student Union of Santa Ana Valley High School will be hosting its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration assembly today. Take a moment to appreciate the amazing man he was. Happy Birthday MLK.

SEAL BEACH

Clean the Beach, Take A Ride! Volunteers who participate in helping clean the beach for at least 4 hours on 1st St. and Ocean Ave. will receive a day pass into Disneyland. For more information visit www.saveourbeach.org

TUSTIN

Come out and enjoy "Colorful Characters in History" with the Women's Salvation Army Auxillary at 9:30 on January 26th at the Salvation Army Headquarters. For more information call 714-832-7100 ext 238.

VILLA PARK

The Villa Park Library will be hosting a stuffed animal story time for all of the kiddies and adults who love to cuddle up, listen to a good story and enjoy a snack or two. The event takes place Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

www.MichaelCarusoRealEstate.com

Best regards.

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors (949) 753-7900

For more information visit ocregister.com

Bra Colors on Facebook Statuses

PINK RIBBON

Bra Colors on Facebook Statuses (edit/delete)

If you regularly go on Facebook, you probably have come across some status updates with just one word. A color. At first I didn't get it. Some said Black, some said White and others said, Red, Tan or Nude.

I didn't get it, and then I saw that my wife and daughter's had statuses with just the color. When I asked my wife, why everyone had listed a color on their profile and what it meant. She explained to me that it was to raise awareness about breast cancer. This campaign was designed to sweep the networking site, asking women to update the color of their bra, with one simple word.

Andrea Rader, a spokeswoman for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, said the group was not behind the campaign but called it "a terrific tool for raising awareness. We just hope people act on it - get educated, get a mammogram."

Kudos, for the person that started this campaign. It not only got people to ask, but it sparked awareness for breast cancer. I am sure we all know someone that has battled this disease. Keep on updating those colors ladies....

And Thank You for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection!

Best Regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GRI GREEN

2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors

www.michaelcarusorealestate.com

949-753-7900

When Life Gives You Lemons

When Life Gives You Lemons...You Do What??? (edit/delete)

Each year we start the year with a clean slate, and with lessons learned from the previous year. Making resolutions, setting goals and completing tasks. As hard as we try to take the right road and move forward. Life happens. Whether good or bad, we tend to get sidetracked or distracted. When good things happen we want the celebrating to begin. But when bad things happen we become fearful and unmotivated. This is the story of most of our lives. So what do you do? Hopefully, move on and move forward.

As you approach your midlife, you realize you can't change everything. Life happens...

The only things in this life that you really regret are the risks you didn't take. And God knows if you see a chance to be happy, you grab it with both hands and to hell with the consequences...

So when life gives you lemons.....make lemonade!
But what I want to know is....if life gives YOU lemons, what do YOU do?

And thank you for making me Your Orange County Real Estate Connection.

Best regards,

Michael Caruso, Broker ABR ABRM CRB CRS GREEN GRI
2007 President, Orange County Association of Realtors