Blog
Hoag Brings Bugs Bunny to Help Prevent Alzheimer’s
09.17.14
In an effort to slow or prevent the development of dementia as a person ages studies have shown that engaging in intellectual pursuits and expressing creativity can help. So, Hoag Neurosciences Institute’s Orange County Vital Brain Aging Program (OCVBAP) is calling on an unlikely ally in the battle against Alzheimer’s disease: Bugs Bunny.
On Friday, Sept. 19 from 6 to 8 p.m, the OCVBAP and Chuck Jones Center for Creativity will team up for a fun, family-friendly evening to introduce creative pursuits and intellectual activity as a way to prevent the development of dementia as a person ages.
The OCVBAP supports local efforts to help Orange County residents maintain a healthy brain for life, while the Chuck Jones Center for Creativity in Costa Mesa strives to inspire the innate creative genius in every one.
“When you activate a brain area, it works like a muscle – it gets bigger, functions more efficiently. Creative activity activates more brain areas than just about any other kind of activity and might help to prevent damage from various diseases like Alzheimer’s,” said William R. Shankle, M.S., M.D., F.A.C.P., the Judy & Richard Voltmer Endowed Chair in Memory and Cognitive Disorders at Hoag. “Chuck Jones helped create all these iconic characters in our culture: Bugs Bunny, Wile E. Coyote. Using these characters to educate and inspire people to be more creative is an exciting exercise.”
The organizations are particularly interested in reaching the “sandwich generation,” people who don’t normally think about their risk of dementia or ways they can protect themselves in early adulthood from the ravages of progressive cognitive disorders.
Dr. Shankle will present information about the importance of keeping the mind “young” through creative pursuits. Chuck Jones Center for Creativity representatives will offer participants – including children – the opportunity to put that creativity to work at various “creativity stations.” Refreshments will be served.
Hoag Hospital Newport Beach Conference Center, One Hoag Drive, Building 44, in Newport Beach.
Reservations required. To RSVP, call 800-400-HOAG. For more information, visit hoag.org/brainhealth.
Blog
La Costa Film Fest Sept. 18-21
09.15.14
Film enthusiasts will love the La Costa Film Festival celebrated on September 18-21 that will take place at the Omni Resort La Costa in Carlsbad. It’s not too far from South OC and definitely worth the drive.
The La Costa Film Festival will screen 42 films from 13 countries and host nightly red carpet galas, exciting panels and a bevy of special events.
The festival will debut a World Premiere on Friday, Sept. 19, “Brothers in Exile” as well as a special tribute to actor Ed Harris. Other highlights include the drama, “Circles,” a story of five people affected by a tragic heroic act; and “Life’s a Breeze,” a comedy which follows Nan and her family, - when a wonderful surprise goes awry and the family misplaces a fortune, and a desperate search ensues. There are also sports features shorts, documentaries and other independent films in all genres.
The Opening Night Gala begins on Thursday, Sept. 18 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa with a ‘Taste of North County,’ showcasing the area’s exquisite cuisine, award-winning craft breweries and boutique wines - all accompanied by live music.
Following the Taste event, guests will be escorted to Centre Court for an outdoor screening at 8:30 p.m. under the stars of the film, “Frank vs. God” along with the doc-short, “Before Babe: The Women Who Changed Golf.”
“Frank vs. God.” starring Henry Cusick and Ever Carradine, follows a hot shot lawyer, who after a series of misfortunes, decides to serve God with a lawsuit. The director and the lead actress, Ever Carradine will offer comments before the start of the film screening.
Friday Night Gala
The Friday Night Gala will include a special reception at the Cinepolis Luxury Cinema honoring Ed Harris. Mike Tollin, the producer/director of “Radio,” will be on hand to share his experience of working with Harris.The party then moves back to the Omni La Costa for the World Premiere screening of “Brothers in Exile,” a true American story which follows the heart wrenching journey of two brothers who risk their lives to escape Cuba and play professional baseball in America. The film’s director, Mario Diaz and Dave Check, MLB producer, will offer brief comments prior to the screening. You can finish off the evening with an after party at the Omni, with live music, appetizers, and plenty of libations.
Awards Night Gala
Saturday is Awards Night, at the La Costa Film Festival but it will begin with wonderful cuisine, fine wines, and live music. Then the Festival’s Sports Competition Jury will recognize the best Sports Films in feature narrative, documentary, and shorts.
For a complete schedule of films, visit acostafilmfestival.org/2014-film-program/2014-schedule/ and for tickets and more information, visit lacostafilmfestival.org/attend/tickets-and-passes
Festival screenings and events take place at the La Costa Resort and Spa, at 2100 Costa Del Mar Road in Carlsbad; Cinépolis at 6941 El Camino Real in Carlsbad; the Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium at 1775 Dove Lane in Carlsbad.
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