FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE HOSTS VIRTUAL EVENT

Deborah A. Lott, author of “Don’t Go Crazy Without Me: A Tragicomic Memoir” will be in conversation with Melissa Cistaro, author of “Pieces of My Mother” today, Aug. 13, at 7:30 p.m.

“Don’t Go Crazy Without Me” tells the tragicomic coming of age story of a girl who grew up under the seductive sway of her outrageously eccentric father. He taught her how to have fun; he also taught her to fear food poisoning, other children’s infectious diseases, and the contaminating propensities of the world at large. Alienated from her emotionally distant mother, the girl bonded closely with her father and his worldview. When he plunged from neurotic to full-blown psychotic, she nearly followed him. Sanity is not always a choice, but for the 16-year-old, decisions had to be made and lines drawn between reality and what her mother called her “overactive imagination.” She would have to give up beliefs carried by the infectious agent of her father’s love.

To take part in this Zoom virtual event, go to

https://zoom.us/j/98094837364 today, Thursday, Aug. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

THE VIRTUAL VERDUGO HUUT! (HOOTENANY) FOUND ONLINE

The next virtual Verdugo HUUT! experience is on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 7 p.m. Virtual HUUT! is an online affair that premiers the third Saturday of every month, just like the live show. Songwriters, poets, essayists, and comedians from around the country contribute to a streamlined, fun experience that is less clunky than Zoom and more exciting than watching laundered masks go round in the dryer.

The sixth COVIDeo is “In the HUUT of the Night,” a celebration of sticky summer days in quarantine. Tune in on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UUVerdugo. Previous outings at the Verdugo HUUT! can be found at www.verdugohuut.com.

DNC MEMBER SPEAKS AT LOCAL DEMO CLUB VIRTUAL MEETING

Michael Kapp will join the Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club for the Zoom meeting on Sunday, Aug. 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. At only 30 years old, Kapp is the youngest elected California DNC member in a generation. He’s been active and progressive and has been involved in reforming the DNC. Members look forward to his insight on the Democratic National Convention beginning the following day, Aug. 17.

In addition, Dr. David Sawcer, M.D., Ph.D., an assistant professor of clinical dermatology in the Keck School of Medicine at USC and director of clinical and translational research, will speak on COVID-19 issues, specifically regarding the development of vaccines, a particular interest of his.

President Lora De La Portilla also announced that members in good standing will vote on where to spend the Club’s Campaign 2020 war chest, $7,800, on local and national races. A slate of options will be presented to the members for approval, including supporting Assemblymembers Laura Friedman and Luz Rivas, Congressman Adam Schiff and nearby congressional candidate Christy Smith in the Santa Clarita/Palmdale area.

The Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club serves the Crescenta Valley and Sunland-Tujunga areas. The meetings are open to anyone and are free of charge. For more information and ZOOM log-in, the Club’s website is www.ccdemclub.org.

PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OFFERING MUSIC, AUCTION

In maintaining its tradition of keeping music alive and front-and-center for youth through its music programs – Music Mobile, Youth Concert and Instrumental Competition – funded by contributions to the Showcase House and hosted events, PSHA is holding its first online auction.

From Aug. 17-31, an assortment of items will be available to bid on.

Funds raised from supporters will enable PSHA to continue its music programs and will allow it to continue awarding gifts and grants to a diverse list of local and regional non-profit organizations in support of their efforts in the community.

Register at https://www.charityauctionstoday.com/auctions/showcase-strong-12677.

COLORADO STREET BRIDGE PARTY

Pasadena Heritage celebrates one of Pasadena’s most iconic structures – virtually. The Colorado Street Bridge Party will be held Aug. 9-15 and will include an exciting lineup for events with something for everyone. Classic cars will cruise the historic neighborhoods of Pasadena and across the Colorado Street Bridge to kick of the festivities on Sunday and the rest of the week will include a lecture on the history of the Bridge by best-selling author Chip Jacobs, a panel discussion on the proposed new fencing with members of the Bridge Task Force and a “story time” and hands-on bridge building activity geared towards the younger generation with architect and structural engineer Chris Peck. Sponsors will be treated to en exclusive talk from renowned artist Kenton Nelson. Detailed information on each event can be found on the website www.pasadenahertiage.org/bridgecelebration.

Tickets are $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Corporate and individual sponsorships are also available.

MAKING MUSIC THE SUZUKI WAY – PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

The Suzuki Music Program of Los Angeles (SMPLA) will hold its “Making Music the Suzuki Way – Every Child Can Learn!” parent information night on Monday, Aug. 31 from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. All adults are invited to attend. For more information about the organization, visit the website www.SuzukiMusicofLA.org. To receive the Zoom meeting ID, and to RSVP, visit  www.SuzukiMusicofLA.org/contact and send an email request. The Suzuki Music education philosophy and method, child development issues, and the SMPLA program will be discussed in detail. 

The Suzuki Method is renowned for helping children develop musically, especially from a young age, and SMPLA offers music education in violin and guitar. Early musical education significantly enhances a child’s brain development, motor coordination and speech, and also increases a child’s level of discipline, awareness, and character. Suzuki Music education philosophy and method of music instruction is invaluable for children of all ages.