Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center

The next time you drop by the Norman P. Murray Community Center, check out the impressive artwork on display.

The vivid creations are by Joyce Pekala, an award-winning artist who paints "en plein air" or "in the open air," a term first used by French impressionists.  She frequently travels to gain fresh subject matter while participating in some of the most respected art festivals.  Traveling to France gave her an opportunity to paint in the garden of impressionist artist Claude Monet, which was an artistic experience of a lifetime.

With people of all ages expected to flock to the City’s Symphony in the Cities and Prelude in the Park event this Saturday, July 28, the City of Mission Viejo is making it easier for residents to enjoy the fabulous festivities at the Norman Murray Center and neighboring Oso Viejo Community Park.

In addition to onsite parking at the community center and Newhart Middle School, the City is offering free shuttle rides from the Civic Center from 4-9 p.m. as well as additional street parking along the south side of Jeronimo between Marguerite and Via San Fernando.

Sport your favorite western wear and kick up your heels for a good cause at this year’s “Boots, Beer and Barbecue” bash Sunday, July 22.
 
Benefitting the City’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the First Marine Division, this fun and casual event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.
 

The City is launching a Back-to-School Supply Drive to benefit kids getting ready to head back to the classroom next month.

Grade-appropriate school supplies, backpacks and clothing will be distributed to low-income elementary, middle and high school students in August, helping them to start on the same foot as their peers – building their confidence for the coming school year.

Donation barrels will arrive at the Norman P. Murray Community Center and Mission Viejo Library on Monday, July 23. The drive takes place through August 14. 

Mark your calendar for Sunday and head to the Norman P. Murray Community Center for a free film presentation of the timeless classic “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”

Hosted by the Mission Viejo Community of Character Committee, the film, which starts at 2 p.m., coincides with this month’s character trait of “fairness.” 

Save the date for October 26 when Markus Zusak, the New York Times bestselling author of “The Book Thief,” makes a special Mission Viejo appearance. 

Zusak, who hails from Australia, will discuss his much-anticipated novel “The Bridge of Clay” at 7 p.m. at the Norman Murray Community Center.

Are you ready to take a swing or two on the dance floor? Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 14 when the Bee's Knees Speakeasy & Swing Dance featuring GOT THAT SWING! take center stage from 6:30-9 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.
 
This talented group of performers will have you clapping your hands and tapping your feet to classic tunes that inspire people of all ages to jump, jive, boogie, Lindy Hop and jitterbug.
 
Cost is $10 for kids and $15 for adults (cash only).
 

Mission Viejo residents and business owners are invited to a free seminar designed to protect them from cyber crimes on the rise in Orange County.

Registration is now available for the seminar that takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 15 at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

With excessive heat in the forecast for Friday and Saturday, the City is encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses. The Mission Viejo Library at 100 Civic Center; Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way; and Marguerite Tennis Pavilion at 27474 Casta Del Sol all serve as comfortable cooling centers for folks to beat the heat.

 
To stay safe during extreme heat, remember the following tips:

Meet New York Times bestselling author Andy Weir to learn of his latest escapade on the moon with “Artemis” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18 at the Norman Murray Community Center, 24932 Veterans Way.  This is $18.50 ticketed program includes the book plus two admissions.

Brimming with Andy’s trademark charm, “Artemis” is a science-fiction thrill ride set in the first inhabited city on the moon in the 2080s. This fantastic read is sure to find a home alongside “The Martian” as a new classic in the genre.