ONGOING EVENTS

‘On Golden Pond’
Through Nov. 10Lamplighters Community Theatre presents a play written by Earnest Thompson, made famous by its 1979 film adaptation. The plot focuses on aging couple Ethel and Norman Thayer, who spend each summer at their home on a lake called Golden Pond. During the year the story takes place, they are visited by daughter Chelsea, with her fiancé Billy Ray and his son Billy Ray Jr. The play explores the often-turbulent relationship the young woman shared with her father growing up, and the difficulties faced by a couple in the twilight years of a long marriage. Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. at Lamplighters Community Theatre, 5915 Severin Drive. Tickets are $23 general: $20 seniors, students, active military; $18 groups of 10 or more, available at bit.ly/2kPmvMr.

FEATURED EVENTS

Friday, Oct. 25

‘Les Misérables School Edition’
Through Nov.3
Christian Youth Theater presents: “Les Misérables School Edition.” “Les Misérables” is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. at Joan B. Kroc Theater, 6611 University Ave. Tickets are $18 advance; $14 group of 20 or more; $20 at the door. Advance tickets and information at bit.ly/2AZcKA0.

Halloween Happening
San Carlos Preschool’s annual Halloween Happening is a fun event for children ages 3-7 and their parents. The carnival features games, food, silent auction and a cakewalk. Costumes are encouraged. Admission is free. Tickets for games and refreshments sold at the event. Money raised will go directly back into the classroom and provide the opportunity for teachers to purchase items that meet the needs of their classroom community. Tickets for food and games are available at the event. Contact Cindy Prodor at 619-464-4335 for more information.

Saturday, Oct. 26

Pumpkin Poolooza!
Come to a floating pumpkin patch on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Children will get to dive in, pick a pumpkin, and then decorate it! The whole family will be entertained by the inflatable obstacle course, rock-climbing wall, games, prizes, goodie bags, candy and more. Plus, stay for open swim after from 1-4 p.m. Children 6 months-12 years: $7 for members /$10 for community. Adults ages 13 and over: $1 with paying child (Does not include pumpkin or goodie bag.) Space will be limited. Sign-up began Sept. 23 at: sd.kroccenter.org/poolooza.

Stuff The Jeep
Join the La Mesa Chamber of Commerce and support military children and families living in La Mesa military housing. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Barnes & Noble at Grossmont Center. Crafts, activities, special story time, and raffle prize drawings and ending with stuffing a Jeep with the donated books for children and families of military personnel. For details, contact the La Mesa Chamber at 619-4657700 or [email protected].

Sunday, Oct. 27

Ed Kornhauser Live at The TablePianist/keyboardist Ed Kornhauser is one of the busiest artists on the San Diego music scene. From performances at Normal Heights’ go-to neighborhood pub, Rosie O’Grady’s, to the vaulted ceilings and cedar walls of Madison on Park and from the upscale Westgate Hotel to the retro cocktail lounge of Golden Hill’s Turf Supper Club and the peace of Unity Way, the “Little Church on the Hill” in Vista, Ed’s music is heard and celebrated. Also known for his work backing such noted vocalists as Leonard Patton and Whitney Shay, he holds the piano chair in the drummer-led Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio, sharing with them the credit for two albums of original music. 2 p.m. at The Table: United Church of Christ of La Mesa, 5940 Kelton Ave., La Mesa. For more information, visit tableucc.com. A freewill offering will be collected.

Monday, Oct. 28

Blood Drive
Cuyamaca College is hosting a blood drive in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank Oct. 28 and 29 from 10:30 a.m.?4 p.m. at 900 Rancho San Diego Parkway, El Cajon. Look for the Bloodmobile Parked in the Quad. Anyone 17 and older, who weighs at least 114 pounds and is in good health may be eligible to donate blood. A good meal and plenty of fluids are recommended prior to donation. All donors must show picture identification. Donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to donate, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule an appointment or for more information, visit sandiegobloodbank.org.

Thursday, Oct. 31

Halloween Walk-through
Free walk-though scary house featuring the scariest movie characters and villains. Starting at 6:15 p.m. at 8414 Kappa St., La Mesa

Saturday, Nov. 2

Historical Society Home Tour
The La Mesa Historical Society presents its 14th annual Home Tour, “Stone Age to Space Age.” Featuring the rural suburban neighborhoods of Grossmont/Mt. Helix, the breathtaking views, the period decor, inspiring architecture, and the beautiful landscapes. Check in at 8:30 a.m. at San Miguel Fire District Station 21, 10105 Vivera Drive, La Mesa. $40 tickets for non-members and discounted tickets for members available at bit.ly/2BeVs1R.

Craft & Bake Sale
St. Andrews Lutheran Church and Lake Murray Community Church have joined together to present an annual Craft & Bake Sale. It will be held Nov. 2-3, from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, 8350 Lake Murray Blvd., San Diego, CA 92119. The crafters have been working very hard to sew, design, bake and create many new crafts to be sold at the event. All proceeds go to local and global charities. All are to join us for the fun festivities.

Friday, Nov. 8

Joan Evards One-Woman Show
Artist reception for Jon Evards. Free and open to the public. Wine and hors d’oeuvres served. 6-8 p.m. at Nainsook Framing + Art, 8130 La Mesa Blvd.

Saturday, Nov. 9

La Mesa Park Appreciation DayLa Mesa is proud to hold the honor of being called Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for the past 39 years! To continue our efforts, the city will host the 14th annual Park Appreciation Day at Harry Griffen Park on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 8 a.m.–noon, where 200 trees will be planted. Before the planting begins, there will be free snacks, information booths, opening comments and a tree-planting demonstration. Funding is provided through a grant from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) Urban and Community Forestry Program. All ages are welcome! Register online and sign the waiver at cityoflamesa.us/specialevents or at Harry Griffen Park on the day of the event at 9550 Milden St., La Mesa. For more information call 619-667-1300. All participants are encouraged to bring their own gloves and tools such as shovels, trowels, rakes, etc.

Fall Festival
The Casa de Oro Alliance presents its annual Fall Festival, featuring games, food trucks, live entertainment and prizes. 10 a.m-3 p.m. at the Spring Valley Academy, 3900 Conrad Drive, Spring Valley. Free.

Saturday, Nov. 12

Genealogical presentations
The preeminent speaker and researcher on the topic of Eastern Europe, Lisa Alzo will be presenting “Ten Ways to Jumpstart your Eastern European Research” and “Crossing the Pond: Successful Strategies for Researching Eastern European Ancestors” at the San Diego Genealogical Society (SDGS) meeting at St. Andrews Church, 4816 Glen St., La Mesa on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. The San Diego Genealogical Society meetings are open to the public. Visit casdgs.org to register if you plan to attend and for a complete calendar of events.

RECURRING EVENTS

Mondays

 Note Catchers
California Note Catchers, four-part harmony chorus, invite ladies of all ages to their rehearsals 7-9 p.m. Performances throughout SD. Located in Social Hall of La Mesa First United Methodist Church, 4690 Palm Ave. 619-464-3727.

Tuesdays

La Mesa Walks!
Enjoy a fun walk with friends and neighbors. First and third Tuesdays, meet at various locations; second and fourth Tuesdays meet at 9 a.m. at La Mesa Library, 8074 Allison Ave. Call 619-667-1300 for more information.

Wednesdays

Senior Women’s Support Group
City of La Mesa offers senior women’s support group, every Wednesday 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center, 8450 La Mesa Blvd. Please contact 619-667-1322.

Wellness Wednesday
Wellness Wednesday is a health series normally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month in the Herrick Library, 9001 Wakarusa St. in La Mesa. Admission is free and advance RSVP is not required. Light refreshments and informational handouts will be available. For more information, call the library at 619-825-5010 or visit herricklibrary.org.

Grossmont Center Farmers Market
Grossmont Center hosts a produce-only farmers market, 2-6 p.m. in the back lot in front of the Dollar Tree.

Thursdays

 Movie Matinee
The La Mesa Adult Enrichment Center hosts a series of modern and classic film viewings every Thursday at 1 p.m. in the center’s main hall. Cost is $2 per ticket. For movie listings, visit bit.ly/2FVrOSQ.

Fridays

 La Mesa Farmers Market
La Mesa’s farmers market offers fresh local produce, florals, pastries, live music, and arts and crafts each Friday. 3-7 p.m. along La Mesa Boulevard. Free.

Saturdays

 Shop Local Market
Last Saturday of the month at Grossmont Center, participating shops set up tables outside and offer markdowns and new product showcases. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.

McKinney House Museum
The McKinney House Museum, 8369 University Ave., is open Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. Fall 2019 exhibit is “La Mesa’s Hospitals: A Brief History of Local Healthcare Institutions.”

Sundays

Traveling Stories
Visit Grossmont Center each Sunday for an interactive story time for kids. Kids visit the StoryTent, pick out a book that interests them, and then read it out loud to a volunteer. The volunteer asks engaging questions that help the child build reading comprehension and critical thinking skills all while earning book bucks to trade for cool prizes. Free. 5500 Grossmont Center Drive, La Mesa.