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February 2012
In This Issue
The Bell Tower Foundation Donates iMac Computers
Are You Registered to Vote?
Rental Assistance Waiting List Opens
Free Tax Preparation Service
Try It Before You Buy It
Recreation Highlights
Holiday Closure
City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center will be closed on Monday, February 20, in recognition of Presidents' Day.
Quick Links
Community Living  
Spring 2011 CLM
Spring class registration begins February 13, 2011!
RSM City Council
Mayor
L. Anthony Beall

Mayor Pro Tempore
Steven Baric

Council Members
Carol Gamble
Jerry Holloway
Jesse Petrilla
City Council Meetings
Held on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. 
22112 El Paseo
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

For more information, call
949.635.1806. 
Join Our Mailing List
The Bell Tower Foundation Donates iMac Computers to Rancho Santa Margarita
iMac Computers Will Expand Learning Possibilities for Residents of RSM
The Bell Tower Foundation recently made a generous donation of 18 new iMac computers for the Bell Tower Regional Community Center's Cox Communications Technology Center.

The computers will allow RSM Community Services to expand its class offerings to include specialized programs on job searching, Internet marketing, and business networking programs such as LinkedIn and Facebook. The computers will also support inter-generational programs by encouraging youth to use the computers for school projects and homework, and assisting seniors in learning the latest technology.

"Through the years, The Bell Tower Foundation Board of Directors have been some of the most steadfast supporters in our community and the donation of these computers demonstrates they are still, and will continue to be, an outstanding community partner," shares Mayor Tony Beall. "This very generous donation will benefit people of all ages for years to come."

Join the City Council at the February 22, City Council meeting as they officially thank The Bell Tower Foundation for its commitment to the residents of the Rancho Santa Margarita area.

Click here to read press release.
Statewide Direct Primary Election June 5, 2012
Are You Registered to Vote? Do You Need to Re-Register? 
Registered voters of the City of Rancho Santa Margarita will have the opportunity to vote in the upcoming June 5, 2012 Statewide Direct Primary Election. But if you are currently NOT a registered voter, you have until May 21, 2012 to register.

Will you be turning 18 soon or on Election Day? Have you moved since the last election? Do you want to change your party affiliation? These examples would require either re-registering or registering to vote.

Registering to vote is now simpler than ever. Go to the Secretary of State's voter registration web page where you can easily fill out a registration form, print, sign and make sure it is postmarked by the date due. 

The RSM City Clerk's Office will continue to provide updated election information for you in the coming months. Next month, information will be provided concerning the Top Two Candidates Open Primary Act.
Rental Assistance Waiting List Opens
Seniors Can Get Free Help Completing Applications
The Orange County Housing Authority (OCHA) will be accepting pre-applications for the Housing Choice Voucher Program February 15 through February 29, 2012. The voucher program assists qualified low-income families as well as seniors and disabled persons with rental expenses.

Age Well Senior Services will be offering help to anyone 62+ years of age with online waiting list applications at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center Monday through Friday, February 15-29,  from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This service is offered free of charge on a first come, first serve basis to people who qualify. Click here for more information.

For more information about the OC Housing Authority Rental Assistance Program call the OCHA Waiting List Information Line at 714.480.2740.

Free Tax Preparation Service

Appointments Available Now  

The City of Rancho Santa Margarita and the AARP Tax Aide group will be conducting the "Tax Preparation Assistance" program from February 3 through April 13, 2012 by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled for Fridays only between the hours of 12:00-4:00 p.m.

The Tax Assistance Program provides free assistance in filing federal and state income tax returns for low and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages. This service is free to eligible residents of Rancho Santa Margarita.

 

Appointments can be scheduled by calling RSM Community Services at 949.216.9700, extension 1251.

Try It, Before You Buy It 

Try Something New by Taking Advantage of Free Classes
Not sure your pre-schooler is ready for group classes? Want to find out if Hula dancing is for you? The Community Services Department is offering a free class session one week prior to its official start. If you're looking to try something new, this is a perfect way to try it before you commit. Choose from over 30 pre-school, youth and adult classes that are being offered at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center during the months of February and March. For a complete list of free classes, click here. 

Pre-registration is required and can be done online at www.cityofrsm.org. For more information, call Community Services at 949.216.9700. 
Recreation Highlights 

ABC, 123 Fundamentals  

Children will have fun in this dynamic multimedia class. Children will learn the basic concepts of numbers, letters, shapes, and more in a fun environment. Parents and younger siblings can observe the class.

Thursdays, February 16 - March 22, 10-10:45 a.m.

Ages 3-5 years, $78 / 6 classes   

 

Karate  

Karate training is challenging, stimulating, and purposeful. The training is framed in the context of a formal class with specified etiquette and expected behavior. Classes will cover basic blocking and self-defense. Bring $40 cash material fee.  

Tuesdays and Thursdays, February 2 - 28, 5-5:45 p.m. 

Ages 6-12 years, $88 / 1 month 

 

Learn to Sew   

Learn sewing basics, fabric selection, how to follow a pattern, and complete amazing projects in class. No prior experience is needed. All fabric, notions, and sewing machines are supplied. Bring $20 cash materials fee.
Tuesdays, February 14 - March 13, 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Ages 8+ years, $138 / 5 classes

 

Intermediate Guitar      

This small, customized class allows students to follow their interests and learn a new song each week. Topics include barre chords, lead guitar, and basic music theory. Bring your own guitar to class.  Class is repeatable. 

Wednesdays, February 8 - March 7, 7:30-8:30 p.m. 

Ages 10+ years, $93 / 5 classes

 

Bride and Groom First Dance    

Start your marriage off on the right foot and make your first dance together one of the highlights of the day. A professional dance instructor will assist you in making you first dance smooth and memorable. Bring your own selected music to class. Good for father/daughter and mother/son dances, too. Bring $2 cash materials fee.    

Tuesday, February 21, 7-8:30 p.m.  

Ages 18+ years, $30 / 1 class

 

Heartsaver CPR    

Learn how to respond to breathing/cardiac emergencies for an adult, child, and infant. Participants will receive an American Heart Association CPR and AED certification that is valid for two years. Bring $25 cash materials fee. 

Wednesday, February 22, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Wednesday, February 22, 6-9 p.m.   

Ages 12+ years, $50 / 1 classes

   

To register for these and other classes, visit Community Services on the city's website at www.cityofrsm.org.