AROUND TOWN - Nov. 7, 2008

‘ShakeOut’ week planned at libraries

Orange County Public Libraries will be participating in the 2008 Great Southern California ShakeOut! Earthquake drill at 10 a.m. Thursday.

The Earthquake Country Alliance organized the Great Southern California ShakeOut, a week of special events featuring a massive earthquake drill and with goal of at least 5 million participants.

“Each branch of OC Public Libraries will conduct a 15 minute ShakeOut drill,” at that hour, said Stephanie Beverage, Safety and Regional Manager for the library system. “Residents are encouraged to follow Red Cross earthquake safety guidelines, and parents should teach children to drop, cover and hold on.” Branch libraries will also provide resources on how residents can be prepared for an earthquake.

To learn more about the ShakeOut and to see a realistic portrayal of what could happen in a major earthquake on the southern end of the San Andreas Fault visit www.shakeout.org

New eating disorder program opens at SCMC

South Coast Medical Center opened a new program on Nov. 3 to treat patients with eating disorders including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge eating disorder.

“Our program provides an individualized treatment plan for each patient, in a serene setting,” said Anne Lee, MSRD, the Eating Disorder Program Manager.

The private Eating Disorder program, for men and women at least 18 years of age, offers a comprehensive approach to treatment, that focuses on the mind, body and spirit through psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, experiential workshops, nutrition and yoga.

Because the eight-bed program is situated on the SCMC campus, its proximity to the Emergency Room is important should additional medical attention and support become necessary. For more information, call (949) 499-7504 ext.2.

Edible and tiny gardens presented at Garden Club

Tina Chang, a vegetable gardener with a certified growers certificate, will discuss how to create an edible or itty-bitty garden, at the Laguna Beach Garden Club meeting Friday, Nov. 14. Chang sells tiny gardens as well as fresh vegetables at the Irvine and Laguna Hills Farmers Markets, and will display her whimsical miniature garden creations. See www.tinasgarden.net for photos.

The meeting will be held at the Neighborhood Congregational Church, 340 St. Ann’s Drive. The social gathering starts at 9:30 a.m., featuring a plant and garden boutique.

The business meeting starts at 10 a.m., followed by Chang at 10:30 a.m. The meeting is free one-time for guests.

Author to speak about Hitler era at bookstore

Laguna Beach Books will host author Mimi Schwartz, who will read from and sign copies of her new book, “Good Neighbors, Bad Times: Echoes of My Father’s German Village,” from 5 to 7 p.m. Nov. 10.

The American-born daughter of a German Jew tells the story of her father’s tiny village, where charity mostly trumped hate during Hitler’s reign. Schwartz shows how Christians and Jews got along even as the Nazis pushed their anti-Semitic agenda through a tiny Black Forest village.

Schwartz’s research for this book took 12 years and spanned across three continents, from the Benheim Jews who emigrated to the United States and Israel before the start of the war to the Christians who remained. Schwartz is the author of five books, and her essays have been widely anthologized. A professor emerita at Richard Stockton College in New Jersey, she teaches memoir and creative nonfiction.

Laguna Beach Books is at 1200 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach. For more information, call (949) 494-4779 or visit www.lagunabeachbooks.com.