YMCA LAUNCHES
HEART HELP PROGRAM
The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is holding free classes on Wednesdays on heart health presented through Huntington Hospital’s Heart Help program. The program is particularly appropriate for those who are overweight, have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or who are not physically active. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States however help is available by taking important steps to prevent and/or control those risk factors. Some of the workshop topics include: heart healthy meals, food label reading, managing stress and achieving a healthy weight. Classes are Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Please RSVP for this free program at (626) 397-8642.
The Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd. in La Cañada.

KIWANIS HOLDING
BOOK DRIVE
The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada is hosting a book drive through February and is seeking help in collecting 2,000 new or lightly used picture books from the community. The books will be donated to various organizations. Books can be dropped off at La Cañada Books & Toys, 653 Foothill Blvd. #A in La Cañada Flintridge and Once Upon A Time bookstore at 2207 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose. These stores offer a 20% discount on any book purchased for the book drive. Books can also be dropped off at Plan Spec Construction at 4545 Briggs Ave. in La Crescenta (across from Sheriff’s Station). A tax-deductible receipt will be mailed if you leave your name and address in the bag.

MEETING OF LC
REPUBLICAN WOMEN
La Crescenta Republican Women will meet today, Thursday, Feb. 11 at 10 a.m. in the new La Crescenta Library at Foothill Boulevard and La Crescenta Avenue. A tour of the new library will be given by Librarian Marta Wiggins. Guest speaker is John Colbert candidate 29th Congressional District. Representatives from Congressman Dreier and Assemblyman Smythe’s office will be present as well. For lunch reservations call Ellen at (818) 248-0924.

HAPPY “HEARTEA” LECTURE
The Verdugo Hills Family YMCA is hosting an English Tea (finger sandwiches, sweets and tea) at the facility from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12. Guests will hear from Rebecca Fletcher, American Heart Association educational trainer, about how to keep your heart healthy. RSVP for this free lecture at (818) 352-3255 or, for additional information, contact the Director of Senior Services Nancy Turney at (818) 790-0123 ext. 225 or e-mail at nturney@ymcafoothills.org.
The Verdugo Hills Family YMCA is located at 6840 Foothill Blvd. in Tujunga.
LITTLE LANDERS PRESENTS HISTORY OF RADIO
On Saturday, Feb.13 at 1:00 p.m. the Little Landers Historical Society will present “Fire in the Sky – The History of Radio.” Speaker Jimmy Weldon has had a long and notable career in both radio and television. In his presentation “Fire in the Sky” he will take guests on a historic and nostalgic tour of radio in the United States from its inception 125 years ago through 1962 and the end of the “Golden Days.” Weldon will recount moments that some will remember and others have only heard of, but all are part of history.
The public is invited to attend this free program. Everyone is welcome.
Additional information is available from Lynn Lowry or Marlene Hitt at the Little Landers Historical Society, (818) 352-3420 or littlelanders@verizon.net.
The historical society meets at Bolton Hall Museum at 10110 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga.

SHERIFFS SUPPORT GROUP HOSTING DAY AT THE RACES
The Crescenta Valley Sheriffs Support Group and the CV Chamber of Commerce are hosting the Second Annual Crescenta Valley Day at the Races at the Santa Anita Race Track on March 21.
The cost is $25 for adults (18 and over) and $15 for attendees 17 years and under. The day includes nine exciting Thoroughbred races, parking, official race program, BBQ lunch of tri tip sandwiches provided by Schreiner’s, soft drinks and “expert” handicapping advice from Rick Dinger. The event coincides with the Cal Rod Car Show, which features hundreds of street rods, classics and customs on display.
There will also be a raffle and silent auction. Proceeds from this event benefit both the CV Chamber and the CV Sheriff Support Group.
For more information, call the chamber office at 818-248-4957.

GLA PREPARING FOR AWARDS
The Glendale Latino Association is holding its annual installation and awards luncheon on March 4 at 11:30 a.m. at the Glendale Hilton Hotel. This year’s awardees are: Elissa Glickman of the Glendale Arts/Alex Theater – Woman of the Year; Rich Roche of AT&T – Man of the Year; and Community Foundation of the Verdugos – Business of the Year. Sponsorships available. Contact Mercy Velazquez at (818) 550-8222 x114.

THEATRE EXTENDS INVITATION
The Glendale Centre Theatre offers Pasadena Playhouse season ticket subscribers an invitation to see its production of Cole Porter’s Broadway musical “Kiss Me, Kate” which continues through April 3. Reserve with the box office and then present Playhouse ticket for admittance. The box office number is (818) 244-8481. Call for reservations and for any questions.

NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC
Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series taking place every first and third Wednesday from 12:10-12:40 p.m. in the newly restored chapel and sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale (downtown at Louise & Wilson, no religious affiliation). On Wednesday, Feb. 17 the Del Russo Ensemble will perform chamber music by Los Angeles composer – pianist Bevan Manson. All are encouraged to relax during their lunch hour with live music. Light lunch for purchase by Angela’s Bistro available for $6.
CVHS CLASS OF 2000 HAVING 10 YEAR REUNION
The Crescenta Valley High School class of 2000 is having its 10 year reunion on July 17, 2010. From 6:30 to 10 p.m. there will be a hosted bar, reception buffet and awesome door prizes. The event is being held at the ESPN Zone at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles. The cost is $75 per person if paid by Jan. 31; then $85 before April 30; $95 before June 30.
For more information, please contact Marie Peters at mariekpeters@gmail.com.
“THE LONG BRIGHT” COMING TO UCLA
The West Coast premiere of “The Long Bright,” a cantata that serves as a tribute to the memory of Anni Baker Wolman who, after a courageous battle, succumbed to cancer at the age of 55, comes to Royce Hall on the UCLA campus on March 11. In a a collaborative effort with the Israel Cancer Research Fund, the Los Angeles Jewish Symphony will perform “The Long Bright” along with Israeli-born, Grammy award-winning soprano Hila Plitmann and an intergenerational/interfaith women’s choir that will include young women from area Jewish day schools. Tickets start at $36 for general admission. A private donor reception begins at 6:00 p.m.; the program at 7:30 p.m.
For information contact the Israel Cancer Research Fund at (323) 651-1200, or e-mail email@icrfla.org.
THE COLOR PURPLE AT PANTAGES
Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple, starring American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino as Celie, is now at the Pantages Theatre through Feb. 28. Ticket prices start at $25 and are available at www.BroadwayLA.org, by phone at (800) 982-ARTS (2787), at the Pantages Box Office (opens daily at 10 a.m.) and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers.