Mission Viejo

Community members are invited to a special Spring Soiree featuring two Olympic gold medalists Thursday, May 18 at Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club.

Artists and students are gearing up to share creative ideas and projects with the community during the Mission Viejo Arts Alive Festival. This dynamic event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30 at the Oso Viejo Community Park on the Village Green and neighboring Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

If you know "when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em," make plans now to play Texas Hold 'Em for a great cause on Saturday, June 10.

The Mission Viejo Rotary is hosting a community-wide poker tournament and fundraiser to support the City's Marine Adoption Committee as well as many local nonprofit organizations.

The event is from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.  The exciting evening includes a silent auction, dinner by Outback Steakhouse, beverages and gaming. Must be 21 to attend.

Blue Star Mothers of America will charter a new Orange County chapter on Sunday, April 23 at the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge, 25092 Marguerite Parkway.

The public is invited to the special event from 3:30 to 5 p.m. that will launch mothers into action providing support for our military, veterans, families and others. The event will include light refreshments.

Blue Star Mothers of America, Inc., is a nonprofit organization that provides support for mothers who have sons or daughters in active service in the U.S. Armed Forces. It was originally formed during World War II.

Registration is available for the next exciting Middle School Teen Scene "Splash" Friday, May 12 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sierra Recreation Center, 26887 Recodo Lane.

Mission Viejo residents can pick up free compost in the parking lot of the Norman P. Murray Community and Center/Oso Viejo Park starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 22, while supplies last.

In celebration of Earth Day, the City's trash hauler Waste Management of Orange County and green waste processor Tierra Verde Industries are donating the compost.

The Trauma Intervention Program (TIP) is seeking caring volunteers to participate in a training program to provide emotional and practical support to victims of traumatic events.

Registration is now available for the next training academy that begins on Thursday, April 27. After training, these "modern-day Good Samaritans" are called to provide comfort to people affected by crisis and emergency situations. No prior experience is required.

Joe Robinson, a guitar phenom who won "Australia's Got Talent," will amaze music aficionados when he takes the Mission Viejo stage on April 29.

Lord of the Strings will present the popular guitarist at 7 p.m. in the Mission Viejo Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center. 

Since being named the 2008 winner of "Australia's Got Talent," Smokin' Joe Robinson has been proving why he deserved to be the victor, touring across the world, showing off his amazing guitar and vocal skills, accompanying the music he spends hours writing.

The city of Mission Viejo is gearing up to host its annual Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration with a planting and cleanup effort and Green Expo from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 22.

Volunteers will have an opportunity to plant trees and shrubs along Los Alisos Boulevard near Mustang Run.  Participants should bring a hat, gloves, boots and sunscreen.  Free hotdogs and ice cream will be available for volunteers while supplies last.

The City of Mission Viejo and Orange County Sheriff's Department will take part in National Take Back Day on Saturday, April 29 as part of an ongoing effort to prevent drug abuse and theft.

The City will host a drive-through drop-off location from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the City Hall parking lot at 200 Civic Center.  The Sheriff's Department is working on the collection with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. There is no cost to drop off medications. Individuals can dispose of drugs free of charge and remain anonymous.