The first two rapid new member welcomes (within 24-hrs) by Chamber Ambassador, Rochelle Chacon (Business Group Resources) were just a fluke - or were they?

Not even - Rochelle has extended herself again today by receiving a new Ambassador assignment last evening and then scheduling a 1-to-1 meet up with existing member Rick Davenport (Franchise owner of Pillar to Post Home Inspectors) this morning at 10 AM!

We thank you again Rochelle for taking your member assignments seriously and for helping our members, both new and existing, feel welcome and that their business is important to our community!

To contact Rochelle Chacon about her business services, please call 949-973-4188 or email to rochelle.chacon@gmail.com.

To contact Rick Davenport about his business services, please call 949-239-6099 or email to rick.davenport@pillartopost.com.

The Shops at Mission Viejo is partnering with Mission Hospital and Valiant Women to host the 17th annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor, giving the community the chance to contribute to the wall and honor breast cancer survivors and patients.

The Wall of Honor is open through Thursday, October 31st in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the past 17 years, The Shops at Mission Viejo and its partners have raised more than $849,000 for Mission Hospital through the Wall of Honor. Last year alone, more than $60,000 was raised through generous donations from the community.  

All donations will go toward breast cancer diagnosis, screening and treatment for women in the community who are uninsured. All donations are accepted and merchandise like T-shirts and scarves can be purchased in support of the cause. A series of events will be held at the center throughout the month with proceeds going directly to the hospital.

Along with the Wall of Honor, you can support the cause by getting your car’s brakes worked on at Larry’s Independent Service at 25721 Taladro Circle, Unit A, as part of the annual Brakes for Breasts fundraiser. Through October 31, get free brake pads or brake shoes when your car receives complete brake service. The business will donate 10 percent of proceeds to benefit research for a breast cancer vaccine.

​To make a direct donation, visit www.brakesforbreasts.com.

Are you seeking a new feline friend who likes to snuggle? Perhaps it’s a charming chestnut tabby with golden eyes or a perfectly marked tuxedo cat that’s calling your name? Whatever your feline fancy, head to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center for a special two-week promotion on adult cats.

​Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is offering reduced adoption fees for any approved applicant.  You will pay only $20 for an adult cat’s microchip to start your new life together. Stop by to meet our chatty chestnut tabby, snuggle bug Persian kitty or gorgeous tuxedo girl.

Don’t delay as this adoption event ends October 13th. See the available animals at https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/animal-services/adopt/find-pet or call 949-470-3045 for more information. 

An amazing choral ensemble that has performed at the White House three times will evoke joy in Mission Viejo when it hits the stage at Mount of Olives Church on Sunday, October 27.
The program begins at 4 pm at 24772 Chrisanta Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691.
Since forming in 1995, the Gary Bonner Singers have been known for their musical excellence and versatility; contagious, sparkling performance; and warm, vibrant choral tone.  They have completed 21 recordings, including three that were produced and distributed by Word Music, four commissioned albums, five Christmas albums, a spirituals collection in Spain and sacred classics collection recorded in Prague with the City of Prague Philharmonic orchestra.
After being selected from a huge number of applicants across the United States, the Singers had the honor of performing at the White House Holiday Open House in 2006, 2008 and 2011.  Their list of esteemed venues goes on and on. Ranging in age from 18 to 60, the singers represent a wide diversity of backgrounds and occupations. Audiences respond enthusiastically to the 60-voice ensemble’s full range of choral music and unique style, which emphasizes communication and relationship with the audience.
Dr. Gary Bonner has what’s described as an “intangible magic” when it comes to creating choral music, a sound and experience that is related to the connection between the conductor, performers and audience – creating an elusive yet identifiable quality that makes every performance come alive.
For more information, call 949-837-7467.

If the Mission Viejo City Council votes to acquire the Casta Del Sol public golf course on October 8, more than 100 acres of open space will be preserved and the heart of the City will be connected, essentially providing the community with convenient access and a one-of-a-kind walking and biking amenity (see a map of the connectivity here).
The golf course property and open space behind it (totaling 108 acres) would provide a critical link to the Oso Creek Trail and well beyond. Residents would reap the benefits of the connection from as far south as Marguerite Parkway/Estanciero to the Civic Core (Mission Viejo Library, City Hall); Norman P. Murray Community Center, Potocki Center for the Arts, soccer fields, Marguerite Aquatics Center, YMCA, Tennis Pavilion, Casta Del Sol golf course and eventually Lake Mission Viejo. With such an extensive internal trail, people could walk or bicycle to their preferred destination without ever having to hop behind the wheel of a car.

Designed in 1970, the Casta Del Sol course has long been a significant community-oriented property with an emphasis on benefiting residents and guests as well as the entire Mission Viejo community.
Along with reducing carbon emissions from vehicle trips, the connection to the City’s trail system, open space and vast facilities would encourage a more active, healthy community through walking, biking and recreational activities that would complement the City’s longtime designation as a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city.
The Council’s October 8 meeting starts at 5:00 pm in the Council Chamber at 200 Civic Center Drive.

About 4,000 people will endorse a drug-free lifestyle during Mission Viejo’s 31st Annual Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair on Saturday, October 19. 
The City, Orange County Sheriff’s Department, school districts, businesses, service groups, students and families will unite for one of the City's biggest events. 
The event starts at 8 am and kicks off Red Ribbon week with a rally at Mission Viejo High School. Deputy Aron Grumbles, an amputee who uses his passion and experience to motivate others, will address the crowd and lead them up La Paz Road through the Oso Creek Trail to the Community Fair on the Village Green at Oso Viejo Park.
“Together, we are sending the message that we care about this community and share the common goal of making healthy choices while avoiding drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping,” Deputy Grumbles said. 
The Community Fair, which ends at noon, will feature interactive community booths, educational activities, food for purchase, entertainment, games and fun for all age as well as the South County Disaster Preparedness Expo.
Information about traffic, shuttle service and road closures is available at this link:  https://cityofmissionviejo.org/departments/police-services/walk-against-drugs-location. 
For more information, call 949-470-8433 or email crimeprevention@cityofmissionviejo.org.

Last evening, 11 Chamber attendees, along with 3 Presenters, 2 Directors, and 2 Communications Committee members, were on hand for our first networking 101 class: "The Secrets to Business Networking Success".

This class was specifically designed to help the attendees improve their 30-second commercials, confidently and enthusiastically attend mixers and events (and work the room properly), and employ other practical tips to enhance their networking skills.

We thank David Benson, Adrien Kalfus-Diaz, and Linda Coss for their excellent efforts and expertise as they presented this helpful information. We thank Diana Moreno and Elizabeth Elsanadi for helping us with the videotaping and social media. Also, we acknowledge CEO Doug Zielasko and Directors, John Salamy and John Rodriguez, for their support of this value-added program for our members.

Lastly, we want to wholeheartedly thank our dinner sponsor, Chamber member, Flippin Pizza (Danny and Kelly you are awesome!), for providing the pizzas, salad, and delicious cookies! 

Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks about new educational programs that will be presented for the benefit of our members.

Yesterday late afternoon, we welcomed our newest members, George and Kathie Bloomfield (Bloomfield Group), to the Chamber! Last evening, George and Kathie were assigned to Chamber Ambassador, Rochelle Chacon (Business Group Resources).

Fast-forward to this morning, 11:42 am, Rochelle meets with George to welcome them to the Chamber and takes a brief view, as seen below. Now this is the kind of "warm and speedy" welcome that our new members not only deserve, but truly appreciate!

Please enjoy this introductory video featuring George Bloomfield.

We are happy to share a variety of 4 business topics and helpful information from Chamber Silver member, San Diego Gas & Electric.
​
Thank you again for being a valued Chamber member and for providing these helpful tips for our community!