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RSM Messenger
December 2014
In This Issue
City Manager's Message
City Council Reorganization
Military Support
Senior Programs
Holiday Shopping Tips
14th Annual New Year's Eve
Children's Art Contest
Christmas Tree Recycling
December Recreation Highlights
Join Our Mailing List
RSM City Council
Mayor
Carol A. Gamble

Mayor Pro Tempore
Bradley J. McGirr

Council Members
Steve Baric
L. Anthony Beall

Jesse Petrilla

  Quick Links
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  
Holiday Closures
City Hall and the Bell Tower Regional Community Center will be closed on Thursday, December 25 and Friday, December 26 in observance of Christmas.
Community Living Magazine   

  City Manager's Message

 

On January 1, 2015, the City of Rancho Santa Margarita will celebrate its 15th year of incorporation.  This is a major milestone in the City's rich history and an opportunity to celebrate our community. 
Community pride will be evident on New Year's Eve, where I invite you to join the City Council, friends and neighbors at our annual Celebrating Family and Friends event, where we'll gather together to ring in the new year and wish a very Happy Birthday to Rancho Santa Margarita in recognition of 15 years of growth and prosperity.
              
  
Sincerely,
                                     Jennifer M. Cervantez
   

 

 

 

 
 

City Council Reorganization

At the December 10, 2014, City Council meeting, there will be an election of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore. Annually, the City Council elects a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore to serve the residents and community both administratively and in a ceremonial capacity. City Council meetings are broadcast live, or accessible anytime through the audio streaming feature found on the City's website.

Spread Holiday Cheer to Local Military Families 

Please join the City of Rancho Santa Margarita and Team 2/5 RSM in assisting local Marine families this holiday season. The City has teamed up with Team 2/5 RSM, a local Rancho Santa Margarita non-profit organization, to provide holiday cheer to the Marines, Sailors and  family members of the City's adopted Second Battalion, Fifth Marines (2/5) through the Operation Christmas Spirit program.

 

How you can help: american-flag-wavy.jpg
  
  • Donate new, unwrapped toys for children ages 2-12 years
  • Donate grocery, gas, or gift cards ($10 - $25 suggested)
  • Contribute your talents as gifts for families such as photography, sewing, or scrapbooking
  • Craft homemade items for holiday baskets such as blankets, craft kits, ornaments, etc.

 

Donations will be accepted at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center through Monday, December 15, 2014. For more information contact Wendi Redington at 949.216.9700 or [email protected] or contact Team 2/5 RSM directly at [email protected] 

 

  

 Jingle Bells for Homebound Seniors

  

Help brighten the holidays for a special senior this season by stopping by the Bell Tower Regional Community Center before Wednesday, December 10th and donating a gift from the Jingle Bell Tree, sponsored by Age Well Senior Services.  Volunteers will deliver the gifts to the recipients prior to the Christmas Holiday.

 

For more information contact Lindy Kehler, Nutrition Site Director at (949) 216-9700 x1257. 

 

  

Shop Safe, Shop Local! Sheriff Star and City Seal
  
Rancho Santa Margarita offers many shopping choices; from national retailers to one-of-a kind boutiques, you're sure to find that unique and thoughtful gift for everyone on your list...right here in town!
  
  Shop Local this Holiday Season:
 
  • You'll have more time to spend with family and friends by shopping and running errands close to home.
  • Support local businesses to enhance and grow the local economy.
  • Know that your tax dollars will benefit local services that improve the quality of living in the community.
  • Less driving will result in fewer trips to the gas pump! 
  • Shop Safe this Holiday Season:

    • Park carefully and as close to your destination as possible.
    • Be observant of your surroundings; try not to get so overloaded with packages that your vision and reaction time to a situation might be compromised.
    • Don't leave valuables, packages or other personal items unattended in cars. 
    • Don't leave purses, wallets and purchases unattended while shopping.
    • Carry limited cash and only necessary credit cards.
    • Shop with a friend for safety in numbers!
    • Dress comfortably and consider leaving expensive jewelry at home.
    • When shopping online, use only reputable, well-known companies with secure sites.
    • Monitor your checking and credit card accounts often. 

     Celebrating Family and Friends

     

    Happy 15th Birthday

    Rancho Santa Margarita!

      

    The City of Rancho Santa Margarita will celebrate its fifteenth year of incorporation at the annual "Celebrating Family and Friends" New Year's Eve community gathering.

     

    "Celebrating Family & Friends" is an alcohol-free, family friendly New Year's Eve community festival featuring games, visual arts, music, inflatables, and interactive art activities. The event takes place at the Rancho Santa Margarita Civic Plaza and Central Park from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.on Wednesday, December 31, 2014.

     

    "As a founding member of the Cityhood Committee, it is an honor for me to serve as Mayor as we celebrate this milestone of 15 years as the City of Rancho Santa Margarita," said Mayor Carol Gamble of the occasion. "This is an event that truly engages people of all ages and I am delighted each year to join friends and families on this special evening to celebrate our community and the arts."

     

    Live entertainment is one of the hallmarks of the event and will include local rockers the 5150's, magician Mark Gibson, roving entertainers, and more.

     

    Magic man Mark Gibson will take the stage at 5:00 p.m. Seats are limited and available on first come first serve basis. The first 50 in attendance to the Magic Show will receive a complimentary voucher for unlimited use on all inflatable attractions.

     

    Gourmet food trucks and specialty food booths will offer a wide variety of culinary choices, ranging from snacks and appetizers to dinner and desserts.

     

    For more event information, including booth and sponsorship opportunities,  please visit the City's website at www.cityofrsm.org, "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rsmcommunitycenter, or call Rancho Santa Margarita's Community Services Department at (949) 216-9700.

     

     RSM Children's Art Show and Contest
    Entries will be displayed and winners will be announced at the "Celebrating Family and Friends" New Year's Eve and Happy Birthday RSM event!

     

    Students in grades K through 12 are invited to participate in the annual RSM art show and contest by submitting artwork in the following categories: drawings (i.e. pencil, charcoal, chalk, ink, crayons, and pastels), collages (i.e. paper, fabric, string, noodles, beads, tissue) or fiber work (i.e. needlework, sewn designs, leather). Pieces should be no larger than 3x3.

     

    All entries must be submitted with an entry form and received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 12, 2014 at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center, 22232 El Paseo, Rancho Santa Margarita. Entry forms are available online or at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center. Entries will be judged using the following age categories: K-2nd, 3rd-5th, 6th-8th and 9th-12th grades.

      

    For more information, please call the Bell Tower Regional Community Center at 949-216-9700.

    Christmas Tree Recycling

    Christmas tree collection will begin December 26th and continue through January 9th. Simply place the tree curbside on your regular collection day, making sure that all stands, lights, and other decorative materials have been removed. CR&R requires trees larger than 6' tall be cut in half. Small trees may also be placed in green waste carts.   Christmas trees are considered organic waste, which means they can be composted, mulched or even converted into fuel. Flocked trees are not recyclable and must be disposed of in regular trash carts. For more information, contact CR&R at (800) 826-9677.

       

    December Recreation Highlights   

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

     

    Boys and Girls Club Winter Break Hours

    The Boys and Girls Club at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center's Youth Lounge will be closed December 24, 25, 26, 31, and January 1, for the holidays. The Club will be open December 22, 23, 29 & 30 and January 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you have questions, please call 949.216.9700, extension 1280.

      

    Zumba with Tania

    Zumba Fitness is a fusion of Latin and international music/dance themes creating a dynamic, exciting, and effective fitness system appropriate for any fitness level. Try the first class free!

    Mondays - 7-8 p.m., Wednesdays - 6:30-7:30 p.m., December 1 - January 29

    No Class: December 24

    Ages: 18 years and up, $80/ 8 Classes, $40/ 4 Classes

     

    Heartsaver CPR

    Learn how to respond to breathing/cardiac emergencies for adults, children and infants.  Participants will receive an American Heart Association CPR & AED certification good for two years.

    Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

    Ages: 12 yrs. & up. $15 cash materials fee

     

    Blood Pressure Check

    Do you know your blood pressure?  Have it checked free at the Bell Tower Community Center.

    Tuesday's 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.