The Happening That’s Happening From the IE to the OC in November 2017!

If you are like most of us here at Kessler Alair Insurance you work hard to play hard.  For many of us filling our weekends with fun family activities is first priority when we clock out on Friday evening. It finally feels like Fall here in Southern California and families are looking for fun things to do.  Having our offices located in Newport Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland California gives us a wide variety of events to choose from.  Of course one of the best things about Southern California is the fact that you can go snowboarding in the morning and sit on the beach to watch the sunset all in the same day. 

Whether you are in the Inland Empire or in Orange County and you are looking for a great thing to do this month here are a few ideas:

What to do in the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga Area

November 3 – The Under Water Bubble Show - Take a dive into an underwater fantasy world surrounded by seahorses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids and bubbles! Inspired by the artistry of Cirque de Soleil, this lavish production uses drama, mime, dance, puppetry, juggling, sand art and theatrical magic to whisk families to an imaginary bubble world through the beautiful, deep-blue sea. This interactive performance is sure to treat children and adults alike!

One show at 4:00 pm and another at 7:00 pm. For more info call: 909.477.2752 or visit: https://www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com/events/view.php?eventid=0000001650

November 4 - Claremont Art Walk – 6:00 – 9:00 pm. Showcasing art exhibitions through the Claremont Village on the first Saturday of the month. Open and free to the public. http://discoverclaremont.com/event/claremont-art-walk/2017-06-03/

November 7 – Business Bowling League with the Upland Chamber - Brunswick Upland Bowl, 451 W. Foothill Boulevard, Upland. Is Bowling Right Up Your Alley?

Tuesday, September 5th through Tuesday, November 14th.  $10 each week, including shoe rental and three games.  Teams forming now! For more information, please contact the Upland Chamber of Commerce at (909) 204-4465, or visit: https://www.ci.upland.ca.us/#Calendar_/_Updates

November 11 – Ceremony of Remembrance – 11:00 am. For the third consecutive year, the City of Upland and the Upland Veteran's Monument Committee will play host to all who want to "Honor and Remember" our current serving military, veterans, and POW/MIAs.  This special ceremony will include posting of the colors, singing of the national anthem, veteran recognition, rifle salute, uplifting patriotic tunes, and special addresses and honors. The Veteran's Plaza is located in Upland between City Hall and the library.  It's unique environment pays homage to those who served to ensure our freedoms.  Architect Eric Hoechenroeder's design includes nearly an acre of memorials.  The center of the west end of the plaza is a 14-foot high, 5-sided, single piece of granite.  The engraving on each side honors one of the five branches of the U.S. Military.  A magnificent bronze eagle with a 6-foot wingspan sits atop the obelisk as a symbol of our nation's courage and free spirit. Each evening, carefully placed lighting warms the entire plaza.  The east end features a striking set of granite walls and blocks with a water feature that encourages remembrance and reflection.  Each of these structures bears engraved messages of recognition and love from the friends and family of loved ones of local veterans. Please join us for this important and reverent event.  For more information, please contact the Upland Recreation and Community Services Division at (909) 931-4280. https://www.ci.upland.ca.us/#Calendar_/_Updates

October 20 – November 12 – Shrek the Musical - “Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek....” And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film, SHREK THE MUSICAL is a Tony Award-winning fairy tale adventure, featuring all new songs from Jeanine Tesori (Thoroughly Modern Millie; Caroline, or Change) and a sidesplitting book by David Lindsay-Abaire. Shrek brings all the beloved characters you know from the film to life on stage and proves there’s more to the story than meets the ears. Irreverently fun, but appropriate for the whole family, Shrek proves that beauty is truly in the eye of the ogre. This musical comedy is perfect for the fall Halloween Season and is appropriate for all ages. Call 909.429. SHOW (7469) for more information. http://www.centerstagefontana.com/upcoming-shows.html

November 23 – Upland Turkey Trot- Register today https://www.facebook.com/Uplan...

Ongoing Monthly Events in the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga area:

Every Friday in November  – Victoria's Farmer's Market – at Victoria Gardens, 10 am to 2 pm. Take a fresh approach to shopping every Friday. South Main Street. Local fresh produce, local flavors and edibles, grass fed meat, handmade arts and crafts. http://www.victoriagardensie.com/event/farmers-market/2145485066/

First Friday of Every Month - Square Dancing - All ages welcome. Join the RC Bachelors 'N Bachelorettes for an evening of fun. August dance held at RC Family Resource (9791 Arrow Rte.). Call to inquire: 909.477.2782. 7:00 pm. $7 at the door. https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/cs/parks/facility/cp/special_events_at_central_park.asp

Every Wednesday and Thursday – Discovery Club at Archibald and Biane Libraries – 4:00 pm – This program is specially designed for school-aged children 6 – 12. If your child is curious, adventurous, creative or looking for fun, come join us as we experience stories hands on through exploration, discovery and creativity. Walk-ins welcome. All walk in storytimes require tickets for each family member attending storytime and will be available at the Children's Information Desk 30 minutes before the program. For more information call 909.477.2720, ext. 3925. https://www.cityofrc.us/cals/default.asp

Every Tuesday in November – Upland Weekly Farmer's Market at Memorial Park – 5:00 – 9:00 pm. Located at Upland Memorial Park, 1100 E Foothill Blvd. Upland, CA 91786. FREE for the entire family. Turn your Tuesday evening into a fun-filled time with family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy Farmers. Retail vendors. Petting zoo. Food vendors and free raffle. For more information, visit:https://upland.macaronikid.com/events/5970d8824f9e446c27c47d8b/upland-weekly-farmers-market-at-memorial-park-upland-ca.

Every Friday in November – Victoria's Farmer's Market – at Victoria Gardens, 10 am to 2 pm. Take a fresh approach to shopping every Friday. South Main Street. Local fresh produce, local flavors and edibles, grass fed meat, handmade arts and crafts. http://www.victoriagardensie.com/event/farmers-market/2145485066/

Claremont Artisans and Farmers Market – Every Sunday, rain or shine. 8:00 am – 1:00 pm – FREE – located on Indian Hill Ave. and 2^nd Street in Claremont Village. Voted best farmer’s market in the Inland Empire (Los Angeles Times, 2012), the Farmers & Artisans Market was founded in 1996 to connect California farmers and artisans to the local community, and features over 100 grower and artisan members sharing their goods and services throughout the year. Highlights include Certified Organic Produce, Specialty Artisans & Crafts, and Flowers & Plants Sponsored by The Claremont Forum.  http://discoverclaremont.com/event/claremont-farmers-artisans-market-2016-01-18-2017-04-03/2017-06-04/

Every Monday in November - DAQ – Free Zumba – From 8:00 to 9:00 am. at the Dorothy A. Quesada Community Center. 1010 S. Bon View Ave., Ontario, CA. Cost is FREE. This dance fitness class will get you moving and get you in shape. Ages 18+, participants must have an emergency card on file. For more information, please call: 909.395.2300. http://www.ontarioca.gov/events/daq-free-zumba?delta=36

November – Every day of the month, excluding Fridays and Thanksgiving Day - The Wiz Kidz Club – 3:00 – 6:00 pm. Dorothy A. Quesada Community Center. 1010 S Bon View Ave. in Ontario, CA. Cost is FREE. Students receive assistants with their homework assignments while developing and improving their scholastic skills. Kindergarten through High School. For information, please contact: 909.395.2300. http://www.ontarioca.gov/events/daq-wiz-kidz-club?delta=41

Third Friday of Every Month – Monthly Dances – 7:00 pm. $6 at the door. All ages welcome. Free dance lesson with each paid admission. See below for dance themes and more information. Call to inquire (909) 477-2782. https://www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/cs/parks/facility/cp/special_events_at_central_park.asp

Downtown Upland Family Night Out - The Thursday night market, "Downtown Upland Family Night Out," is back for the 2017 season. We're concentrating on more unique items, arts and crafts of all sorts. We've added a great Kidz Zone with free games and activities (check our EVENTS page). Save the date every Thursday night, 5 - 9. Visit weekly to enjoy vendors, food, music, drawings, & community. Call 909.509.6414 or visit: http://www.historicdowntownupland.org/

Sam Maloof Residence, Workshop & Gardens – Located at 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Lorna. Sam Maloof was America's most widely admired contemporary furniture craftsman. You'll enjoy visiting his historic residence, workshop and gardens located at the foothills of Rancho Cucamonga. Public tours of the Maloof residence are available twice weekly, and special group tours are available by appointment. The residence, workshop and gardens are operated by the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. Sam Maloof was entirely self-taught. Maloof's work has even been exhibited in the Smithsonian. http://www.malooffoundation.org/

Mary Vagle Nature Center. 11501 Cypress Ave., Fontana, CA. It's so fun to have a family day out in nature! There is so much to explore for active families. You can enjoy a lovely walk along the nature trail which winds around the pond. Kids can have a great time spotting the local wildlife, or seeing if they can find the native plants currently in bloom. Or, for that extra learning experience, you can venture into the center itself and discover all the exhibits of the local animals, plants, geology and history. There is nothing better than learning about what you can see right in front of you! There are also programs with hands on approach to learning. For more info, call 909.349.6994. http://www.familydaysout.com/attractions-usa/the-mary-vagle-nature-center/

The Riverside Downtown Farmer's Market. The cost is free, located downtown Riverside - Main St. Riverside between 5th and 6th, in the arts and culture district of downtown Riverside. It provides a unique opportunity to shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, hummus, aged gouda cheese by Winchester Cheese Co., fresh baked bread from Old Towne Baking Co. and other specialty food items. For more info. call 714.345.3087 (Oscar De Leon). http://www.riversideca.gov/arts/farmers-market.asp

 Every Saturday - Fontana Farmer's Market - 8:00 am every Saturday morning. Residents enjoy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables available every week at the Market. The Southland Farmer's Market Association (SFMA) has committed to bringing Fontana residents nutritious, in-season produce so residents have even more opportunities to make healthy food choices. The cost is free. Located at Center Stage Parking Lot, 8463 Sierra Blvd. in Fontana. For more information, call 909.429.7469 or visit: http://www.fontana.org/index.aspx?NID=2149

 Veterans Resource Center – Now open! Open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Discovery Lab of the Library. Meet with one of our trained volunteers to learn about the benefits that veterans and their families can receive. Questions? Call 909.931.4225 or e-mail https://www.facebook.com/UplandPublicLibrary/

 Every Saturday – La Verne Fresh - Old Town Certified Farmer's Market. La Verne Fresh is the source of the highest quality, seasonal and locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and delicious gourmet specialty foods, plants and flowers. The Market has something for everyone who eats......and is a fun and interesting gathering place, with weekly entertainment. Check it out and make it part of your Saturday morning routine! Rain or shine....Where: Old Towne La Verne - at 3rd & D Streets. When: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. Who: Entire Family! How: Just show up! Cost: Free Admission. More Info: Call 909.596.8706. http://www.ci.la-verne.ca.us/index.php/residents/event-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2016/01/16/32511/-/la-verne-fresh-old-town-la-verne-certified-farmers-market  and http://www.dailybulletin.com/lifestyle/20150416/fresh-farmers-market-opens-saturday-in-old-town-la-verne

What to do in the Newport Beach area:

November 2 – Mission Viejo, Holiday Container Planting – 6:00 – 7:30 pm. Gardening Classes led by UCCE Orange County Master Gardeners. Spruce up your planters or create new ones for the holiday season. Classes are Free! (949) 470-3062. http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/?calitem=371102&g=16069

November 4 – Cultivating Gardening Skills – Fruit Trees – Winter Pruning Methods  8:30 am – 12:00 pm. Located at Southwest Research and Extension Center, 7601 Irvine Blvd Irvine, CA. This hands-on workshop series offers gardeners opportunities to learn and practice new skills. The series is wide-ranging, and covers current topics of interest. The cost for each workshop is $22.00 per person. Some classes may have additional/optional materials fees, and this is noted in the description of the workshop. For more information, visit: http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/?calitem=368076&g=16069

November 4 – Thanksgiving Centerpieces – Drop-In Crafts – 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm. Central Library Children's Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. Make beautiful centerpieces for your Thanksgiving table. No registration required.  Event will be held in Children's Storytime Room. For ages 3-8. Funded by generous contributions from the Friends of the Library. http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/38041/11906?curm=11&cury=2017

November 11 – Family Game Day – 11:00 am – 3:00 pm. Balboa Branch Library, Balboa, CA. Drop by for family board games at the Balboa Branch. Funded by generous contributions from the Friends of the Library. http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36899/11906?curm=11&cury=2017

November 11 – Yoga at the Shop – 8:00 am – 9:00 am – Hobie Surf Shop, 3140 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar. Start your morning on a positive note with an all-level vinyasa flow right inside the surf shop! Move and breathe to fun music in Hobie's relaxed and endless-summer vibe. After class, enjoy coffee/doughnuts on the house! Best of all, 25% of all proceeds collected from each class will benefit Surfrider's Newport Beach Chapter to help protect our coasts and keep our oceans clean. Taught by local instructor Kristin Lee Geiger, RYT500. Bring your own mat & water. Cost: $10/class (includes a $2.50 donation to Surfrider NB). https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/yoga-at-the-shop-2017-11-11/

November 16 – Free Wheelchair Mission Kicks Off – 6:00 – 10:00 pm. Port Theatre, 2905 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA. The 1 Million for 1 Million campaign invites individuals to transform the life of one of the world’s neediest people – those living with disabilities in the developing world. Schoendorfer believes that the dramatic, real-life stories showcased in the new documentary will inspire viewers to give the gift of mobility. The campaign is based on a simple premise: if one million individuals become inspired, they will be empowered to transform one million lives, one wheelchair at a time. Join Free Wheelchair Mission at its tour stop in Orange County: Thursday, November 16, 2017 6:00 p.m. Doors Open, 7:00 p.m. Film screening followed by an intimate Q&A with Don Schoendorfer, Port Theater, 2905 East Coast Hwy, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. https://www.freewheelchairmission.org/Newportbeach, https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/free-wheelchair-mission-kicks-off/

November 16 – Gobble Up Crafts – 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm, Corona del Mar Branch Library, 420 Marigold Ave., Corona del Mar, CA. Make turkey and all the fixin's at this Thanksgiving craft event. http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/38122/11906?curm=11&cury=2017

November 17 & 18 – Fashion Island's Annual Tree Lighting – 6:00 – 6:30 pm. 401 Newport Center Drive. November 17 & 18, Fashion Island is returning to its classic tree lighting tradition with the annual ceremony from 6-6:30pm in the Neiman Marcus-Bloomingdale’s Courtyard complete with celebrity host Mario Lopez and KOST 103.5 FM’s Ellen K, a 25-minute live musical show by The Young American’s, Santa and “snowfall”. After the ceremony stroll through the paseo and enjoy holiday entertainment and surprise & delights. Call 949.721.2000 for more info or visit: https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/holiday-tree-lighting-fashion-island/

Ongoing Events in Newport Beach/Orange County Area

Every Third Saturday of the Month – November 18 – Big Canyon Bird and Plant Program – 9:00 am – 11:00 am at Big Canyon Trail, San Juaquin Hills Rd and Back Bay Drive. Suitable for kids ages 6 – 17. Expert Newport Bay Conservancy Naturalists conduct highly informative themed plant and bird programs at Big Canyon from 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM on the 3rd Saturday of the month. These interpretive programs, which involve a short walk in an area where several habitats meet, provide a great introduction for those interested in identifying the birds and plants they see at the Bay. If a particular theme is not stated, the Naturalist will discuss items of special interest encountered by the group along the way, such as a bird in breeding plumage or a rare plant that is flowering at the time. This is a “serendipity” walk. Bring binoculars if you have them. There is no charge for the program, but reservations are requested. Please call 949-923-2269 for more information and to RSVP. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Big-Canyon-Trail/Big-Canyon-Bird-and-Plant-Program-10927

Shark Lagoon Nights – The public is invited to get up close with the ocean's ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during the Shark Lagoon nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium's Shark Lagoon. Almost every Friday – but some Fridays are excluded. Please check dates for availability. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather – dependent. These are FREE events. Please call 562.590.3100, ext. 0 for more information. http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/shark_lagoon_nights/

Big Canyon Trail – San Joaquin Hills Rd & Back Bay Drive - See the diverse plants, birds and other wildlife of six distinct habitats at the Upper Newport Bay as you take a self-guided tour on a 1/2 mile nature trail. From San Joaquin Hills Rd, turn right on Back Bay Drive and park at the Big Canyon parking lot. After parking, walk north on Back Bay Drive. The sign of the nature trail will be on your right.

The Upper Newport Bay is the largest of only a few remaining natural estuaries in Southern California. An estuary is a coastal wetland where salt water from the ocean mixes with nutrient-rich fresh water from inland sources, to provide a fertile feeding area for birds, fish and other animals. Upper Newport Bay is an important rest stop and/or winter home for birds migrating from Canada and Alaska, and up to 30,000 birds can be seen here on any one day during the winter months. During the spring and summer many birds that have migrated from the south nest here, together with other birds that are year-round residents. Call 949.640.6746 for more information or visit: https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Big-Canyon-Trail-100, and http://newportbay.org/?s=big+canyon+trail&b.x=18&b.y=6

Muth Interpretive Center - The Newport Bay Conservancy is pleased to support Orange County Parks at the Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. This 10,000 square foot educational facility was built into the side of one of the bluffs on the north side of the Bay. It offers panoramic views of the Bay yet is nestled so unobtrusively that many local residents are still unaware that the Interpretive Center is there. The center is open from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM Tuesday through Sunday. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (949) 923-2290. Location: Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Avenue, Newport Beach, CA 92660. For more information, call: 949.923.2290. http://newportbay.org/?s=muth+interpretive+center&b.x=0&b.y=0

Wild Tales @ Muth Interpretive Center - Children will experience a story, light trail hike (weather permitting) and an arts or crafts activity in this interactive parent & child experience led by a naturalist. Meet in the classroom at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center. Walk-ups are ok (space limiting) but RSVP is recommended especially for groups larger than 5. A $5 program donation (cash only) is collected to help support our educational programs. Located at 2301 University Ave, Newport Beach. Call: 949.923.2269 or visit: http://newportbay.org/education/interpretive-center-programs/

Corona del Mar State Beach – Swimming, surfing, volleyball, fire rings. Corona del Mar is a popular place for swimmers. The half-mile long sandy beach is framed by cliffs and a rock jetty that forms the east entrance to Newport Harbor. The beach is also popular with surfers and divers. Amenities: 3 Barbecues, parking lot, 5 picnic tables, restrooms, showers, volleyball court, water fountains, ocean view. Open every day of the week, 6:00 am – 8:00 pm at 3001 Ocean Blvd. in Newport Beach. Admission is free. Parking $15 provided on location. For more information, contact: 949.644.3151 or visit: https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Corona-Del-Mar-State-Beach-712

 Orange County Museum of Art – The Orange County Museum of Art enriches lives through modern and contemporary art. This museum is the premier visual arts organization in Orange County, serving a population of nearly three million residents in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. More than 40,000 visitors come annually. Some 15,000 children and adults participate in award winning educational programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Some holidays. Located at: 850 San Clemente Drive in Newport Beach. Free on Fridays. Call 949.759.1122. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Orange-County-Museum-of-Art-314 and http://www.ocma.net/

 Environmental Nature Center - 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Founded in 1972, the Nature Center is known to thousands of visiting students through the years as the "ENC". It is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitats, walking trails, Free museum and children's play/learning center. It's a sanctuary from life's pressures and a place of learning. It is visited by thousands annually. For more info, call: 949.645.8489. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32780-d3653262-Reviews-Environmental_Nature_Center-Newport_Beach_California.html

 Family Storytime - Every Saturday starting September 5 from 10:30 am - 11 am at the Central Library , 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. Enjoy family time with stories, songs and a craft especially for children from 3-7, along with their favorite grownups! www.newportbeachlibrary.org

 Every Saturday and Sunday morning - Continues year round. One of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay is to get out on the water, experience the tranquility and see pelicans, terns and egrets flying by you. Kayaking is fun and easy. The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach. This is great for novice and the experienced. They will make several stops on the way. Rain cancels the event. Where: Meet at the Newport Aquatic Center. When: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Who: Ages 8 and older. How: RSVP to 949.923.2269. Cost: $25 per person. www.newportbay.org

If you know of some family fun that should be added to this list for the IE to the OC then please let us know with a note! Send us a picture of you at these events to share with us to share on FB.  Have a great time making memories with your Family!