By Rebecca Washington-Lindsey

We all know that those who work in government positions , own a business , educators , surfers , or work from 9 to 5 p . m . might quickly assert , “ I don ’ t have time to volunteer in my community . My only free time is mine , and I ’ m not giving it away .”

We all have time , and what we choose to do with it can be fruitful or unfruitful .

I ’ d like to explain how giving a small portion of your time volunteering can go from being unfruitful to bearing fruit .

You ’ re in the doctor ’ s office , your pulse is taken , and the doctor says , “ Wow , your pulse is high . What ’ s going on in your world ?” At that point , you pour out your routine . “ I don ’ t understand , doctor . Every morning , I have two healthy cups of latte and a hearty bagel egg sandwich , and then I settle back with my local newspaper and watch my favorite game show . Was that time fruitful ? In my career as an administrator , my pulse was high too . From the time I entered the building to the end of my workday , I had challenges that needed attention , and you couldn ’ t offer me any incentives , not even a Starbucks gift card to be a volunteer . I had no time to volunteer . It was not on my agenda . But maybe it should have been . Sometime later , I found a solution to my high pulse : create a student-to-student volunteer program , including teachers . That move resulted in decreased student problems , improved student attendance , and a boost in teacher morale . Volunteering to help other students was rewarding , and teachers

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“ Sunset Lookout .” Photo / Craig Hatfield .

Laguna Bluebelt Photo Exhibition Opening Reception

Laguna College of Art + Design ’ s Gallery is presenting original photography from the Laguna Bluebelt ’ s 13th annual photo contest winners , celebrating Laguna ’ s Marine Protected Areas and their diversity . This exhibition is comprised of professional and amateur photos that capture the natural beauty of the Laguna Bluebelt ’ s beaches , marine life , and recreation from above and below while bringing attention to the importance of conserving and protecting this invaluable resource . The opening reception will be held Aug . 1 from 6 to 9 p . m . at the LCAD Gallery , 374 Ocean Avenue , Laguna Beach . Admission is free . The contest photos will be on exhibit from Aug . 1 to Aug . 18 .

Tickets are going fast for Lyric Opera OC ’ s upcoming event at the Susi Q

Lyric Opera OC will offer another outstanding evening ’ s entertainment at the Susi Q on July 30 between 4 and 6 p . m ., following the sold-out success of the previous series . A nominal administrative fee of $ 5 secures a seat at the popular event , which this time focuses on Opera in

America . Tickets are going fast .

Lyric Opera OC President and Artistic Director Diana Farrell explained that the performance will trace the evolution of opera in America from Puccini — several of whose operas premiered in the US — to the Great American Songbook , featuring compositions by Gershwin , Porter , and Rodgers & Hammerstein .

“ The presentation will trace the classical voices of the mid-20th century , including composers like Bernstein and Menotti , and move on to Broadway crossovers like Stephen Sondheim ,” Farrell said . “ We ’ ll also offer an overview of opera in the 21st century . And we have wonderful news to share about our Carnegie Hall debut .”

Lyric Opera OC ’ s operas are presented in a concert format , with minimal to no staging or costumes , but with piano accompaniment . English supertitles appear on large flatscreen TVs to aid the audience in following the story behind the opera .

“ Susi Q has a long-standing reputation for community engagement with the arts , and their audiences are so receptive and supportive of our singers . They ’ ve proven they love our intimate

performances .” Farrell said . The performance takes place at the Susi Q , 380 Third Street . The Susi Q offers a wide range of educational and fun programs , classes , and clubs for older adults , although all ages are welcome . The Susi Q ’ s Care Management Department provides free consultation , education and practical resources for vulnerable seniors , enabling them to stay safe , informed , and independent . For more information on The Susi Q , the portal to access the best of Laguna ’ s community resources , visit thesusiq . org .

Laguna Community Concert Band to Celebrate FOA Grant with Special Concert

The Laguna Community Concert Band has received a $ 3,000 grant from the FOA Foundation . The band said the grant will significantly bolster the band ’ s ongoing efforts to bring the magic of live music to the Laguna Beach cultural arts scene .

The FOA Foundation , an independent nonprofit endowed by the Festival of Arts , awards art and educational programs in Laguna Beach and the surrounding area annually . On average , the foundation assists over twenty

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