ORANGE COUNTY RELIGION NOTES : Tardeada to Raise Funds for Paraguay Missions

Tardeada, a fund-raising event featuring a lecture, dancing and refreshments, will be held July 9 from 2 to 5:15 p.m. at St. Irenaeus Church Hall, 5201 Evergreen Ave., Cypress.

The event, which will benefit the Catholic Missions of Paraguay, is a traditional Latino celebration usually held on Sunday afternoons and is sponsored by Third World Handarts, a private, nonprofit organization based in Orange. Third World Handarts acts as a marketing outlet for the artwork and handicrafts produced through cooperatives by Third World and American artisans.

The profits generated from the sales of handicrafts are often the artisans’ only means of support for themselves and their families.

The lecture will be given by the Rev. Robert Hopwood, a representative of the Missions of Paraguay. Donation is $14 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information, call (714) 634-1685.

Biologist William Wright and psychologist Charles Barnes will describe their recent experience in Nicaragua at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at the Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church, 1259 Victoria St., Costa Mesa. Wright will comment on aquaculture and environmental and economic issues. Barnes will describe his experiences in the country after a 43-year absence. Donations will go to the Robert Coomes Sound System for the sanctuary. Child care will be provided during the services. For more information, call (714) 646-4652.

In honor of “The Year of the Child,” Gan Israel Day Camp is offering one week free at day camp to children ages 5 to 12 who have not attended any religious-school program this year. Participants will be given the opportunity to express their talents and abilities. The free week will be from July 17 through 21. Bus transportation will be available depending on space availability. For more information, call (714) 898-0051.

Young Sholom Singles of Temple Beth Sholom will hold a dance next July 8 from 8 p.m to midnight at the temple’s social hall, 2625 N. Tustin Ave., Santa Ana. The event will feature music, dancing and refreshments and is open to all Jewish singles in Orange County. Cost is $8 for members and $10 for non-members. For more information, call (714) 556-4650 or 532-6724.

A “Wholistic Retreat” to focus on balanced living will run from July 16 through July 23 at the Center for Spiritual Development, 434 S. Batavia St., Orange. The retreat will intergrate Scripture, art, literature, journaling, dreams, physical exercise and good nutrition. Cost is $200. Registration deadline is Thursday. For more information, call (714) 744-3175.