Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center will be closed Saturday and Sunday while the annual AYSO Mission Viejo youth soccer tournament takes place.

The June 3-4 closure will accommodate the many visitors expected to flock to the center and neighboring Oso Viejo Community Park for the AYSO soccer tournament. The community center will resume normal operations Monday, June 5.

The Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center is located at 24932 Veterans Way. For information about this beautiful facility, room rentals, programs and more, call 949-470-3062.

If you have a green thumb and even if you don't, this new free gardening lecture series is perfect for you.

Led by OC Master Gardeners, this monthly series will teach you valuable tips for producing a vibrant garden - whether you're new to growing or a seasoned expert.

Whether it's learning new ways to lower your risk for disease, feeling great at any age or enjoying a leisurely Sunday with friends, the Norman P. Murray Center's free and low-cost programs are designed to benefit local seniors.

Here's what's on tap this month:

In celebration of five decades of educational excellence, Mission Viejo High School is hosting a "Flashback to the Future" 50th Anniversary Party on Saturday, May 20.

Open to Mission Viejo alumni, teachers, coaches, staff and people throughout the community, this fun event is from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way. Guests will enjoy a DJ, light dinner, dessert and no-host bar. (Must be 21 to attend.)

If you are interested in taking a daylong excursion that's out of the norm, then listen up. The City of Mission Viejo is offering a special excursion on Thursday, May 4 that includes a trip to "The Vault" Petersen Automotive Museum.

The City of Mission Viejo is gearing up for its spectacular Arts Alive Festival 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 community center at 24932 Veterans Way.

The Norman P. Murray Center will host a special Open House Thursday, April 27 giving folks the chance to sip, snack and socialize while discovering the many exciting programs, services and opportunities the center offers.
 
The event is from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature free class demonstrations, giveaways and refreshments.
 
From karate, music and fun biology classes for kids to longevity, fine arts, water color and travel talk for the young at heart, the community center offers a cornucopia of programs for all ages.
 

Community members are invited to a special presentation on May 3 by popular author Lemony Snicket and his illustrator wife Lisa Brown.

This talented duo will discuss their latest collaboration "Goldfish Ghost," a heartwarming tale about the search for belonging, at 6 p.m. at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

The countdown is underway to the 2017 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.

In an effort to better serve local veterans and members of the armed forces, the City of Mission has expanded veteran services at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center.

Individuals can now learn about benefits and other services with a VA representative on the second Wednesday of the month beginning April 12. Appointments are available between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. by calling 949-470-3062.