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Around Town: Disney and Santa take spotlight in Irvine Spectrum Center festivities

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The Irvine Spectrum Center is presenting “Disney Magical Holiday Lights,” a yuletide tribute to the holiday spectaculars that have become guest favorites at the Disneyland Resort, as part of the mall’s tree lighting festivities in the Edwards courtyard.

Sparkling effects and music highlight the event at 5:30, 6:30, 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. daily through Jan. 3. The voice of Mickey Mouse leads a holiday sing-along.

The mall also is hosting Santa Claus for free “Selfies with Santa” as the jolly one, clad in a Hawaiian shirt and board shorts, greets visitors to a beach-inspired house decked out with surfboards.

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Every visitor can take two complimentary photos with their cellphones or cameras.

Santa’s house, in Carousel Court, is open from noon to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays through Dec. 24.

Hours will be noon to 9 p.m. Dec. 21 through 23 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Christmas Eve.

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700 attend O.C. Community Foundation’s 25th-anniversary meeting

Nearly 700 philanthropists and business and community leaders gathered Nov. 18 at the Orange County Community Foundation’s annual meeting at Hotel Irvine.

Shelley Hoss, president of the Newport Beach-based foundation, announced that the group had awarded $59 million in grants and scholarships to hundreds of nonprofit organizations and students during its fiscal year ended June 30, bringing the total of grant and scholarship awards during the foundation’s 25-year history to $360 million.

With total assets exceeding $247 million, the foundation is the nation’s 12th most active grant maker among more than 750 U.S. community foundations, according to a news release.

“Our 25th anniversary was not a time to look back but to take bold new strides in our work to ensure that Orange County is a place where every member of our community has the opportunity to thrive,” Hoss said in a statement. “Building on the accomplishments of the past 25 years in partnership with our donors and nonprofit partners, we believe the best is yet to come.”

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Volunteers help American Legion auxiliary send goods to troops

The American Legion Auxiliary Newport Harbor Post 291 on the Balboa Peninsula recently gathered about 100 volunteers to fill 302 boxes with items for U.S. military personnel.

The boxes contained requested items such as sunglasses, sunscreen, microwavable foods, beef jerky, personal hygiene products, socks and hot sauce, along with handmade beanies and Christmas stockings. High school students and a local Boy Scout troop and Cub Scout pack pitched in for community service, according to Pamela Garrett of the auxiliary.

Two boxes for military working dogs were filled with paw pads, paw balm, ear wash, harnesses, leashes, treats and toys.

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Irvine author releases self-help book

Irvine author Saundra Taulbee has released a new book, “You Can’t Heal a Wound by Saying It’s Not There.”

The self-help book addresses the need to face and overcome psychological wounds on the way to finding peace and meaning beyond oneself.

The book, published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, is available at bookstores and at tatepublishing.com/bookstore, barnesandnoble.com and amazon.com.

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Irvine resident recognized for service to Laura’s House

Cheri Starr of Irvine was among a dozen people recognized for their volunteer service and support for Laura’s House at the nonprofit’s volunteer appreciation event Nov. 19 in Ladera Ranch.

Laura’s House helps individuals and families affected by domestic abuse through services including emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, events and a 24-hour crisis hotline.

“To date, nearly 400 volunteers collectively donated more than 10,000 hours of unpaid service and are the reason we are able to change the lives of thousands of domestic violence survivors,” Margaret Bayston, executive director of Laura’s House, said in a statement.

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Volunteers help Wilson Elementary

Volunteers with AmeriCorps visited Wilson Elementary School in Costa Mesa on Nov. 20 as part of a OneOC service initiative.

The group helped with Wilson’s vegetable garden areas by repairing and staining raised beds and amending soil for the upcoming months, according to a news release.

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Firefighters raise money for burn victims

Costa Mesa firefighters are teaming up with the UC Irvine Health Regional Burn Center this weekend to raise money for burn patients.

Each year for almost two decades, members of the Costa Mesa Fire Department have asked for donations for the “Fill the Boot” fundraising drive.

The money goes toward activities like holiday parties, support groups and trips to camps for young burn survivors, according to a news release from UC Irvine Health.

Shoppers at the Orange County Market Place at the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa can give donations to firefighters who will be stationed and the Blue Gate entrance from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

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