SCHULHOF  TO SPEAK AT DESCANSO GARDENS
The Pacific Camellia Society kicks off a new season of meetings at Descanso Gardens with popular former Descanso Gardens Executive Director Richard Schulhof as the featured speaker. The meeting will be tonight, Thursday evening, Feb. 5 at 7:30 p.m. The public is invited. There is no admission charge.

Schulhof will present a slide show about his search for wild camellias in China and Vietnam. Among other things, he is the former deputy director of Harvard University’s Arnold Arboretum, and is currently the CEO of the L.A. County Arboretum.

Dr. Bradford King, editor of the American Camellia Society Journal and president of the Southern California Camellia Society, will speak at all of the society’s 2015 meetings. At this meeting, Dr. King, a retired USC psychologist, will pass along some of his wisdom about solving camellia problems in an easy-to-understand Power Point presentation.

For more information, email gilfoytom@gmail.com.

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

JAZZ NIGHT AT THE CAFE
The Crescenta Valley Instrumental Music Foundation at CV High School is hosting its annual “Jazz Night at the Cafe” event on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will be a fun and lively evening, complete with refreshments, live music from CV’s award-winning jazz band, and a swing dance lesson by a professional!

The event will be held in CV’s cafeteria located at 2900 Community Ave. in La Crescenta. Tickets are $10 for adults, and $5 for students and jazz band alumni.  Tickets will be sold at the door, and the dress is casual.

Questions? Please contact Dena.Blood@yahoo.com.

NEW CLASSES AT CCLCF
The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge offers new classes for adults and teens for the winter session including beginning digital photography for teens and wine tasting 101 for adults. For information, call Maureen Bond at CCLCF at (818) 790-4353.

CCLCF, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive, La Cañada

CALTECH CLARINET CHOIR AND SLIDE RULE TROMBONES TO PERFORM
Second Sunday Concerts will present the Caltech Clarinet Choir and the Slide Rule Trombones on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 2:30 p.m. in the Donald Wright Auditorium of the Pasadena Central Library. Music will include selections by Mahler, Tschaikovsky and Schubert. Admission is free, and the library is handicapped-accessible. For information call (626) 398-0658.

Pasadena Central Library, 285 E. Walnut, Pasadena

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION
Beginning Feb. 4 and continuing through April 10, residents can receive free income tax preparation under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program administered by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a tax-exempt charity of AARP. Membership in AARP is not required.

Free income tax preparation will be provided on Wednesdays and Fridays at the

La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. (corner of La Crescenta Avenue). Enter from the upper level parking lot.

The hours are Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Taxpayers will be helped on a “first-come-first-served” basis; advance reservations are not available.

For details, visit www.cvweekly.com/BUSINESS or BETWEEN FRIENDS.

VALENTINE LUNCHEON
WITH AWH
The Foothill Auxiliary of Ahead With Horses (AWH) will present its Annual Valentine Luncheon and Chinese Auction on Friday, Feb. 6, at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena. Last year’s event was a huge success with over $12,000 given to AWH to benefit children.

The mission of AWH is to “maximize the potential of disabled/disadvantaged/ special needs children by providing developmental therapy, education and recreation through horses and related experiences, with measurable improvements physically, mentally, socially and emotionally resulting in increased self-sufficiency and the ability to lead better and more independent and productive lives.”

For more information, call (818) 790-1947.

SALON DE MUSIQUES
The next presentation of Salon de Musiques is on Sunday, Feb. 8 featuring Austrian composer Franz Schubert. Musicologist Julius Reder Carlson will introduce each performance. There will be an informal Q&A with the artists following the performance and a gourmet buffet dinner provided by Patina with French champagne served.

Tickets are $39 for students, and $75 for adults (includes dinner and drinks).

The performance takes place at 4 p.m. at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, fifth floor, 135 N. Grand Ave, Los Angeles.

CV ALLIANCE DISCUSSIONS
CV Alliance invites parents to attend the following discussions on Tuesday nights in February with Arsineh Ararat, LMFT, GUSD Healthy Start: Feb. 10 – “Communication and Setting Boundaries,” Feb. 17 – “The Importance of Non-verbal Communication, Body Language, and Appropriate Modeling Behaviors,” and Feb. 24 – “Dangers of Empty Promises/Threats.”

Parents and students are encouraged to hear John Howell, LMFT, talk about “Building the foundation for family to thrive” as part of Teen Trials & Tribulations on Thursday, Feb. 26.

Both events are free, open to the public, and are in CV High’s Library, 2900 Community Ave. in La Crescenta from 7 p.m. to 8:30 pm. For information, email info@cv-alliance.org.

GLENDALE QUILT GUILD
The next featured speaker for the Glendale Quilt Guild on Feb. 11 is member Don Beld. He has been the featured artist at Road to California and has had quilts hang in numerous museums across the nation. The topic for the meeting is American heroes quilts which is the subject of his second book. This book examines quilting patterns named for American heroes by showing quilts that use the patterns and telling vignettes about the heroes. The book is scheduled for release this year.

There will be a workshop conducted by Beld on Saturday, Feb. 15 on potholder quilts. These are small quilts that are then put together to make a large quilt.

The Glendale Quilt Guild meets the second Wednesday of each month at the First Congregational Church of Glendale, 2001 Cañada Blvd., Glendale at 6:30 p.m. for social and 7 p.m. meeting. The cost is $5 for visitors and is free for members.

HIGH SPEED RAIL TOPIC OF
CV SIERRA CLUB
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club will provide a program of information for the public about the high speed rail controversy by presenter Dave DePinto on Tuesday Feb. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library.

DePinto is a board member of the Shadow Hills Property Owners Association. He will speak to the public regarding this highly-charged issue. Explanations and proposed routes for this project have generated public outcry and will be addressed by DePinto. Please plan to attend this important meeting. Everyone is welcome.

For further information, contact program chair Wayne Fisher at (818) 353-4181.

La Crescenta Library, 2809 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta

LCRWF HOLDING LUNCHEON
The La Crescenta Valley Republican Women Federated kicks off 2015 with a luncheon at the Oakmont Country Club on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a powerful speaker, Peggy Grande, who served as executive assistant for 10 years to Ronald Reagan in his post presidential office.

Grande currently hosts executive leadership training at the Reagan Library and speaks on behalf of top conservative groups and campaigns, and shares behind the scenes insights into Ronald Reagan’s life, leadership and timeless principles of his enduring legacy.

Club President Coral Weston will present club business and Vice President Nicky Kapadia will introduce the speaker. Please call Joan Taylor (818) 790-0014 for reservations. Tickets are $25 each; the luncheon is open to the public.

‘OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF HATS’
Little Landers Historical Society announces the next in its series of monthly programs of historical interest. “Over a Hundred Years of Hats” will take place at Bolton Hall on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14 at 1 p.m.

For centuries, hats have symbolized wealth, status, nationality, occupation and religion. Hats are artistic creations and milliners though the ages have been influenced by everything in their socio-economic environment.

Speaker Pamela Heiman is an historian, librarian and collector of vintage hats.  She will guide the audience through 100 years of hats using examples from her own collection to display changes in hat design and use.

This program is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.

Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Parking is available a few doors uphill at the Elks Lodge.

Additional information is available from Little Landers Historical Society, (818) 352-3420 or www.littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or email littlelanders@verizon.net.

OPEN AUDITIONS FOR ‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’
“America’s Got Talent” is holding open auditions in Los Angeles on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15. The program is looking for exciting and entertaining acts of all ages and group sizes for season 10! Auditions will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center at 1201 S. Figueroa St. To register, visit www.agtauditions.com.

‘BALLETS RUSSES’  AT BRAND LIBRARY
The Brand Associates and Glendale Library, Arts, and Culture present “Ballets Russes,” an award winning film by Dan Geller and Dayne Goldfine. The screening will take place on Thursday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at Brand Library & Art Center (Recital Hall) in Glendale. Admission is free and open to the public. Complimentary parking is available in Brand Park adjacent to the library and an accessible entrance and parking is available on the east side of the building.

“Ballets Russes” (2005) is a documentary that captures the charismatic personalities of the revolutionary 20th century dance company, “Ballets Russes.” The company, comprised of Russian refugees, evolved into two rival dance companies that fought the infamous “ballet battles” that consumed London society prior to World War II. The film includes stunning archival footage and interviews with its glamorous stars, prominently featuring the legendary Irina Baronova, one of the “baby ballerinas” who was George Balanchine’s protégé.

Special guest speaker is Victoria Tennant, an Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actress. Tennant is the daughter of “Ballets Russes” star Irina Baronova and she has written a compelling book about her mother, “Irina Baronova and the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo.” The book is an intimate recollection including rare photographs, letters, and interviews capturing Baronova’s dramatic life. A book sale and signing with Tennant will follow the screening.

Brand Library & Art Center (Recital Hall), 1601 W. Mountain St., Glendale

RAPP SCREENING PLANNED
RAPP – Read And Practice Peacemaking is presenting “Inequality for All” on Friday, Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church.

In “Inequality For All” Robert Reich promises to present information deep enough so that the labels of liberal and conservative become irrelevant. He does not claim that total equality is necessary, but asks, “When does inequality become a problem?”

Doors open at 7 p.m.; film begins at 7:30 p.m.

Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.

JEWEL CITY KNITTERS NEWS
Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly JCK Charity Knit & Crochet on Saturday, Feb. 21 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale, (818) 548-2046. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of knit, crochet and conversation.

For more information, visit www.jewelcityknitters.com or email sandra.canfield@yahoo.com.

ALEX THEATRE TO PRESENT ‘BILLY ELLIOT: THE MUSICAL’
The Tony® Award winning musical “Billy Elliot: The Musical” is coming to the historic Alex Theatre Feb. 20 through Feb. 22.

Ticket prices start at $25. Visit www.alextheatre.org for information or call the theatre at (818) 243-ALEX (2539) for email boxoffice@alextheatre.org.

Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd. in Glendale.

LCWC HOSTS AUTHOR’S LUNCH
The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is hosting its annual Author’s Lunch on Feb. 28. The event starts at 10 a.m. at the LCWC clubhouse and promises to be full of fun and information. There will be a delicious lunch, a silent auction and door prizes. The tickets are $40 per person.

The main event will be to meet and chat with three authors – Shari Shattuck, Darlene Quinn and Sheila Lowe – who reside in the Los Angeles and surrounding areas. For those who purchase seven tickets there will be the chance to have one of the authors seated at their table. There are only three spots available. Contact Carol for information or reservations at (818) 790-3079.

The clubhouse is located at 4004 La Crescenta Ave.

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is a non-profit organization that helps the local community through scholarships and monetary donations. To be a part of this group, contact Dawna at (818) 957-6939 for information.

LOVE TO SING? JOIN THE TOWNE SINGERS
The Towne Singers is a non-audition choir that is in particular need of male voices, but all are welcome to join this family of musicians. Rehearsals for the upcoming spring concert “Broadway Bash” on May 17 are held Mondays from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Glendale.

Please contact Membership Coordinator Merrily Hake via email at merrilyhake@earthlink.net with questions and for new member orientation information.

The Towne Singers is an organization supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission.

First Congregational Church of Glendale, 2001 Cañada Blvd., Glendale.

MILLINERY DELIGHTS AT BOLTON HALL
Little Landers Historical Society is hosting a new temporary exhibit at Bolton Hall Museum. “Millinery Delights” is a fun and colorful exhibit featuring a variety of head coverings and fashion accessories from the first half of the 20th century and more.

Millinery Delights will be available for viewing at Bolton Hall through April 2015.

Bolton Hall Museum is located at 10110 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga.

Additional information is available from Little Landers Historical Society, (818) 352-3420, www.littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or email littlelanders@verizon.net.

FOOTHILLS PRO GROUP
The Foothills Professional Group meets every Wednesday morning from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Leon Lounge and Café. The group provides a structured and supportive system of giving and receiving business. It does so by providing an environment in which participants develop personal relationships with many other qualified business professionals. By establishing this “formal” relationship with other people, you may have the opportunity to substantially increase your business.

The cost is $15, which includes breakfast.

Leon Lounge and Café is located at 2519 Cañada Blvd., Glendale.

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
The Church of Scientology – Mission of the Foothills is hosting free workshops for children on how to make good choices in life. It gives a clear-cut guide to making good choices and finding the way to happiness. The booklet “How to Make Good Choices,” based on the book “The Way to Happiness,” will be used.

This workshop is for children 6 to 11 years old. It is on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Snacks served.

Call to reserve seat (818) 957-1500.

Church of Scientology – Mission of the Foothills, 2254 Honolulu Ave., Montrose

BLOOMIN’ SQUARES SQUARE DANCE CLASS
Beginners square dance classes are on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. followed by the intermediate class at 8:30 p.m. Winter classes meet on the first, third, fourth and fifth Wednesdays of the month through July at the Sunland-Tujunga municipal building.

Bloomin’s advanced class is still in progress and continues on Sundays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until mid February when the new advanced class will begin. Only $6 a class.

Sunland-Tujunga Municipal Building is located at 7747 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. For more info, call (818) 945-1189.

DBSA OFFERS SUPPORT GROUP
Depression Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) has a support group meeting every Tuesday at Vallejo Drive Adventist Church in Glendale every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. DBSA provides hope, help, and support through peer-based, recovery oriented empowering services, and resources when people need them and how they need to receive them.

For more information, call Wanda Sellers at (818) 352-4346, email dbsalosangelesne@yahoo.com or visit dbsalosangelesne.org.

Vallejo Drive Adventist Church, 300 Vallejo Dr., Room 106 in Glendale.

NEWS FROM FRIENDS OF THE SUNLAND-TUJUNGA BRANCH LIBRARY
The bookstore of the Friends of the Sunland-Tujunga branch of the library, which is located inside the library, is filled with used books on almost every subject. There are books on psychology, religion, self-help, cooking, classics and many more subjects. It is open during library hours (except evenings). Prices range from 10 cents to a few dollars. All books are donated.

All monies collected from the sale of these books support the Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library in purchasing new books, DVDs and equipment. The Friends also supports programs for children and young adults as well as adults. It is a 501(c)3 organization, so donations are tax deductible. Arrangements can be made to pick up large donations. Call the library at (818) 352-4481 to schedule a pick-up.

Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library, 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga

TOPS OFFERS LOCAL MEETINGS
T.O.P.S. – Take Off Pounds Sensibly – is a self-accountability group meeting held every Monday. Weigh in is from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

An hour meeting follows in the education building of Center for Spiritual Living, 4845 Dunsmore (at Santa Carlotta). For more information, call and leave a message for T.O.P.S. at (818) 957-8442.

A meeting is also held in Sunland on Thursdays. Weigh-in is at 6:30 p.m.; meeting at 7 p.m. at New Hope Community Church, 10438 Oro Vista St., Sunland. Contact Jeanie Druebert at (818) 353-5015.

GLENDALE ONE TOASTMASTERS
Glendale One Toastmasters meets from 6:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays at Shakers Restaurant in Glendale. Toastmasters is a non-profit organization developing public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs since 1924.

For more information, call (818) 314-4964.

Shakers Restaurant, 801 N. Central, Glendale

FREE DIABETES COMMUNITY EDUCATION CLASS
The Diabetes Care Center at Glendale Adventist Medical Center invites the community to a free diabetes community education class held every Tuesday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the hospital (Committee Room A).

Participants will learn more about living with diabetes – care and treatment, healthy eating strategies – the importance of blood glucose monitoring and AIC and tools for healthy life style to reduce the risk of complications.

For more information or to RSVP, call (818) 409-8100.

Glendale Adventist Medical Center (Committee Room A – Ground Floor), 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale

BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT GROUP AT Y
The Crescenta Cañada Family YMCA, in partnership with the La Leche League, is hosting a monthly lactation and infant development support group to help support new mothers. This monthly group meets on the third Friday of each month from noon-1 p.m.  This group is free and open to the community and will answer all breastfeeding-related questions that new mothers may have.

The Y is also offering a Mindful Parenting Course designed to help parents connect to their children and raise them to thrive. This course is adapted from the work of Dan Siegal, M.D and will focus on reducing daily stress while connecting with your child. The classes meet weekly on Tuesdays. The course is open to all and there is a fee to attend.

For more information, contact the Y at (818) 790-0123.

The Y is located at 1930 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada.