Corona del Mar: Fashion Island to light menorah on Sunday

The first night of Hanukkah is Sunday, when Fashion Island and the Chabad Center for Jewish Life will host a menorah lighting ceremony beginning at 3 p.m. in Fashion Island’s Atrium Garden Court near Barnes & Noble.

“The celebration begins with a holiday musical performance by a group of young special-needs children from the Friendship Circle,” a news release said. “Participants will enjoy holiday gifts and treats, Hanukkah crafts, face painting and balloon animals. Participants are encouraged to bring along a gift for the community toy drive and distribution to underprivileged children, making these deserving children’s holiday that much brighter.”

Dignitaries will light the menorah at 3:45 p.m. A menorah also has been added, along with Christmas decorations and a tree, in the median at East Coast Highway and Marguerite Avenue in Corona del Mar.

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Donations being accepted for charity drives

In the spirit of giving, the city of Newport Beach is supporting Operation Christmas and the Spark of Love donation drives, according to the city’s website.

Spark of Love drop-off locations include all city fire stations, including the Corona del Mar station at 410 Marigold Ave., the Central Library at 1000 Avocado Ave. and the Newport Beach City Hall permit center at 100 Civic Center Drive, Bay 1C.

Donations should be new, unwrapped toys and sports equipment or gift cards, the website states.

“In Orange County, the Spark of Love combines efforts with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, the Social Services Agency’s Operation Santa Claus and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Holiday Charities program,” the city website states. “Working together as the Orange County Toy Collaborative, these agencies collect and distribute approximately 200,000 toys annually to Orange County children who may otherwise go without during the holiday season.”

The city clerk’s office is supporting Operation Christmas, a program organized by Yellow Ribbon America, which seeks new, unwrapped toys, new or used DVDs for the troops, and gift cards that will “bring holiday cheer to California’s military personnel and their families,” the website states.

Items may be dropped off at City Hall on the second floor of Bay E or at the Oasis Senior Center until noon Dec. 22.

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‘Hedgie’ author-Illustrator to visit library

Bestselling children’s author and illustrator Jan Brett will visit the Newport Beach Central Library at 5 p.m. Dec. 13, according to a library news release.

Doors will open at 4 p.m. for the free event, and no reserved seating is available. Seating will be limited to room capacity and will be first-come, first-served, and the first 100 families will receive a free, signed Jan Brett poster, the release said.

Brett, who has written more than 36 children’s books, including “Gingerbread Baby” and the “Hedgie the Hedgehog” series, will discuss her new book, “The Turnip,” which tells the story of eight animals struggling to pull a giant turnip from a garden.

“Clearly an animal lover, Brett is known for creating colorful, detailed depictions of a wide variety of animals,” the release said. “As part of the presentation, the author/artist will give a short drawing demonstration and talk about how she develops her story and characters.”

Guests also will have the chance to see her colorful tour bus and have their photo taken by the bus or with the Hedgie character, the release said.

Books will be available for purchase and signing, courtesy of Whale of a Tale Children’s Bookshoppe.

The event will be in the Friends Room of the Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave.

Corona del Mar Today appears Sundays in the Daily Pilot. Read daily updates at coronadelmartoday.com.