Lifestyle briefs

Memorial wall dedicated

The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of San Dieguito held a dedication of its Memorial Wall on May 2 at 51036 Solana Drive in Solana Beach. The memorial was designed and sculpted by San Diego artist Gerald L. Thiebolt. Members describe the fellowship as "a haven and community of inspiration creatively meeting the spiritual, social, educational and emotional needs of members and their families in ways consistent with UU principles. Through this mutual support, members are empowered to transform the world, one person at a time." For more information, visit www.uufsd.org.

Young actress keeps shining

Karli Cruise, 9, of Solana Beach will star as Molly in the Pickwick Players Production of the musical "Annie," May 7-16 at the Moxie Theatre, 6663 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego. Cruise has performed throughout the county since she was 5. She also has experience in commercials, film and voiceover. Cruise studies dance at Scripps Performing Arts Academy in Carmel Valley. She is a Brownie Girl Scout, enjoys soccer and playing with her dolls. For tickets, visit www.suchnsuchproductions.com

Voting begins for art awards

The San Diego Fine Art Society will present the first annual San Diego Fine Art Society Art Awards dinner on Sept. 2 to recognize the achievements of individuals, organizations and programs committed to enriching the community through the arts.

The group invites San Diegans to vote for the nominees by visiting www.art pulse.tv/vote.

The winners will be announced at the opening night dinner party. The nominees include:

- Exhibition of the Year - Museum: A museum exhibition that generated excitement and delight, elevating our thinking and appreciation of art.

1. Museum of Contemporary Art Downtown: Tara Donovan exhibit

2. San Diego Museum of Art: Richard Avedon: Portraits of Power exhibit

3. Museum of Photographic Arts: Picturing the Process: the Photograph as Witness

- Exhibition of the Year - Gallery: A gallery exhibition that generated excitement and delight, elevating our thinking and appreciation of art.

1. Athenaeum Music & Art Library: David Adey exhibit

2. R.B. Stevenson Gallery: Charles Arnoldi exhibit

3. Subtext Gallery: Ready. Fire. Aim. exhibit by Shawn Wolfe

- New Artist of the Year: A professional artist whose talent, vision, passion, and purpose deserves our attention and recognition

1. Greg Brotherton

2. Susy Bielak

3. Shinpei Takeda

- Patron of the Year: A philanthropist who gives of him/herself to the organization they most believe in - not only in terms of money, but in thought, soul, energy, work and love.

1. Ian Mausner, for his work on the board of the New Children's Museum

2. Ann Berchtold, ART SAN DIEGO (formerly Beyond the Border International Contemporary Art Fair)

3. Steven Churchill, Art of Photography Show

- People's Choice: A most loved contributor to the arts in whatever capacity, who deserves a nod.

1. Constance White: San Diego County Regional Airport Authority

2. Matt D'Arrigo

A Reason to Survive

3. Bob & Cheryl Nickel: San Diego Space 4 Art

4. Oceanside Museum of Art: Danielle Susalla

For more information, visit www.artsandiegofair.com and www.sdfas.org.

Fund hosts Julio Iglesias

The Don Diego Fund has tickets at diverse pricing levels to the Julio Iglesias Dinner and Concert Gala on June 25 at the San Diego County Fair.

The gala features preferred parking, cocktails and dinner at the Turf Club's Equus Room and VIP stage-front seating at the Heineken Grandstand Stage for the Iglesias concert.

Proceeds benefit The Don Diego Fund, a college scholarship program of the San Diego County Fair and Del Mar Fairgrounds. Don Diego donors and scholarship recipients will be honored during dinner and also on stage at the concert.

"This year's gala promises to be an affair to remember," said Fund Executive Director Chana Mannen. "Event-goers can enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, if they hurry. We have reserved a top tier level for a limited quantity of guests who pledge $5,000 for a table of eight: each party will get a chance to meet the most romantic singer of our era by receiving backstage passes to the concert."

Additional gala ticket packages are available. Donors may pledge $2,500 for four dinner/concert tickets or $1,000 for two. Individual tickets are priced at $150 each.

Tickets are available at cmannen@sdfair.com or (858) 792-4120.

New in 2010 is an Amigo Club opportunity for free admission to year-round fairgrounds events - including daily entrance to the fair and a stretch-run pass to each day of the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Race Meet - plus other events for a $99 annual donation. Information and membership are at www.dondiegofund.org.

The nonprofit Don Diego Fund provides annual college scholarships to outstanding San Diego County high school seniors who have participated in the San Diego County Fair or other Del Mar Fairgrounds events. The Fund was formed in 1986 as a lasting tribute to Tom Hernandez, who, in the role of Don Diego, served as the legendary goodwill ambassador of the Fair from 1947 until his death in 1984. To date, the Fund has distributed $513,000 in scholarships and grants, helping 121 students pursue a college degree.

Walks teach about nature

The North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign will conduct a series of outings to proposed wilderness and wild/scenic river areas in north San Diego County and south Riverside County to inform the public about natural places that are being proposed for protection through federal wilderness and wild/scenic river designation in the 49th Congressional District.

All of the outings are free. The series can be viewed at www.wilderness4all.org. Reservations are required to leader Geoffrey Smith at yourpartners@partners4nature.com The next six-mile hike is set for 9 a.m. May 8 to San Diego River Gorge. From SR78/79 near Julian, turn south on Pine Hills Road, bear right on Eagle Peak Road at several forks in the road, then proceed to the end of Eagle Peak Road. This is a distance of 11 miles over narrow, windy and sometimes unpaved roads. Allow at least 1/2 hour from SR78/79 intersection. 'Saddleback' is located just south of the San Diego River Park Foundation's 'Eagle Peak Preserve'.

Identified by the Forest Service as an area of high ecological significance, the river's diverse riparian and coastal sage habitat is home to the endangered arroyo toad, endangered California gnatcatcher, sensitive southwestern pond turtle, Coast Range newt, two-striped garter snake, yellow warbler, rosy boa, coast horned lizards, and orange-throated whiptails.

The outing is sponsored by Friends of the River, Wilderness4All and The North San Diego Wild Heritage Campaign.

Academy puts on 'Batboy'

The Canyon Crest Academy Theater Program will present "Bat Boy: The Musical," May 7-14 at the Proscenium Theater, Canyon Crest Academy, 5951 Village Center Loop Road, San Diego.

This twist on the musical comedy tells the story of a strange boy with pointy ears, his struggle to find a place in a world that shuns him, and the love that can create both miracles and madness. It's based on a June 23, 1992 Weekly World News story about a half-boy, half-bat dubbed "Bat Boy," found living in a cave.

The show is directed by Envision Theater Coordinator Michael Schwartz and features 35 Envision students in the cast, crew and band, along with a professional choreographer, music director, costume designer, set designer and lighting designer.

"Bat Boy has been described as Edward Scissorhands meets My Fair Lady," Schwartz said. "It balances comedy with real issues about fear and hatred vs. family and acceptance." Tickets are $7-15 at www.CCAenvision.org/main/tickets.

Winston event is open to all

The Winston School will present its annual spring Festival of the Arts, 2:30-5:30 p.m. May 15 on its Del Mar campus at 215 Ninth Street.

The free, carnival-style fundraiser is open to the public and provides an opportunity for students to showcase their work. It will include a European-style coffee house for poetry readings, a theatrical production, music by The Winston Band, photograph and art displays, a carnival with food and games and a silent auction.

For more information, call the school at (858) 259-8155.

Print sale helps preemies

An ocean-themed photography show to benefit the Neonatal ICU at UCSD Medical Center will be held 5-8 p.m. May 13 at the Del Mar Powerhouse, 1658 Coast Blvd.

The event is sponsored by Elena, Cyndie and Chris Fessenden.

The cost to attend is $10 and prints will be available via silent auction. Dress is casual for enjoying the taco bar from one of the area's authentic Mexican restaurants. Reservations are requested by May 9 to UCSDNICUBenefit@gmail.com.

Artists host garden tour

"Coastal Treasures" the annual tour of the homes, gardens and studios of the San Dieguito Art Guild members runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 9-10. There will be refreshments, entertainment and art for sale. Tickets are $20 at Off Track Gallery, 687 S. Coast Highway 101, Encinitas or offtrackgallery.com. Proceeds benefits school art departments.