MARDI GRAS AT USC/VHH
The USC/Verdugo Hills Hospital Women’s Council is planning its annual casino night on Feb. 20 at the hospital council room from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras.

Cost to attend is $55 and all funds will be allocated to the hospital nursery.

To purchase tickets, contact the Foundation Office at (818) 952-2226 or email Barbara.Jordan@vhh.use.edu.

USC/VHH is located at 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale 91208

TOM NUCCIO TO TALK AT DESCANSO GARDENS
The Pacific Camellia Society kicks off its 2016 series of meetings today, Feb. 4 with its most popular speaker, Tom Nuccio of Nuccio’s Nursery in Altadena. In addition to being a humorous, enthusiastic speaker, Nuccio brings a vast array of beautiful blossoming camellia plants to talk about at the meeting. Most of the camellias plants are donated to the society for raffling off to the audience at the end of the meeting. Nuccio will be available to answer questions from the audience about growing camellias.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. in Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.

RECEPTION AT ADAMS SQUARE MINI-PARK
The Adams Hill Neighborhood Association is sponsoring a reception in the Adams Square Mini-Park on Feb. 6 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. The event includes viewing of “Beluga’s Journey,” an installation by artist YaYa Chou, which is mounted in the historic Adams Square gas station. This exhibition is the fourth in a series of site-specific installations supported by the City of Glendale and the Glendale Arts & Culture Commission with funding from the Urban Art Fund. The reception also includes a family-friendly art activity provided by the Adams Square Library as well as free refreshments.

“Beluga’s Journey” is part of a traveling temporary public art project designed to raise awareness of wild animals in peril. The installation consists of an artist-designed inflatable in the shape of a beluga whale. “Beluga’s Journey” was initiated in 2008 after the deaths of several beluga whales in aquariums and zoos around the world.

The exhibition is on view through March 9.

The Adams Square Mini Park is located at 1020 Palmer Ave. in Glendale.

MARIENTHAL AND SHPACHENKO TO PLAY AT CALTECH
The Caltech Jazz Band, directed by Barb Catlin, presents guest artist Grammy Award–winning saxophonist Eric Marienthal one night only on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 8 p.m. in Beckman Auditorium on the Caltech campus.

Marienthal started his career with Al Hirt and went on to play in the Chick Corea Elektric Band, The Yellowjackets, Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band and many others. He has performed in over 75 different countries, recorded 14 solo CDs, and played on hundreds of records, films, television shows and commercial jingles. Come hear the Caltech Jazz Band with this incredible artist!

Tickets can be purchased by calling (626) 395-4652. Admission prices are $10 general admission, $5 Caltech students/staff/faculty/JPL/NASA and $5 seniors.

For further information, visit bands.caltech.edu or call (626) 395-3295.

On Feb. 7 at 3:30 p.m. in Dabney Lounge at Caltech, Grammy® nominated pianist Nadia Shpachenko will present a program of new and recent works, including six west coast premieres. The recital, titled “Quotations and Homages” will feature newly-written works inspired by a variety of earlier composers and pieces, from Mozart to Brahms to Messiaen to Carter to Gubaidulina to The Velvet Underground.

Admission is free and no tickets are required. Dabney Lounge is located in the center of the campus.

OLL HOSTING CASINO NIGHT
Our Lady of Lourdes School is hosting a fundraising casino gala on Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Angeles National Golf Club. Festivities include silent auction, live auction and raffles. Poker tournament is a $25 buy-in.

The cost is $65 per person that includes appetizers, cocktail reception, sit-down dinner, dessert, music, dancing and $500 in gaming chips.

Tickets are available at www.itsmyseat.com/oll, at the Our Lady of Lourdes School office or Our Lady of Lourdes Church after masses.

Angeles National Golf Club, 9401 Foothill Blvd., Sunland

MONA GRAND OPENING
The community is invited to the grand opening celebration of MONA, the Museum Of Neon Art, on Saturday, Feb. 6 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. Entertainment by Lightening String Quartet, Neon Hunter Collective and Lou Mannick. There will be desserts, an open bar band beverages.

Exhibitions currently on view are “It’s About Time, the Neon Clock,” from Curtis Stimpson, Larry Albright, and Eric Evavold; Glenn B. Ward – Photographs of Glendale Neon from the ’40s and ’50s; “Illuminations,” a group exhibit of neon and kinetic art.

MONA is located at 216.S Brand Blvd. in Glendale. For more information, email info@neonmona.org or call (213) 489-9918.

DANCEART PERFORMS AT LAKE VIEW TERRACE LIBRARY
Benita Bike’s DanceArt will perform at the Lake View Terrace Library on Saturday, Feb. 6 at 2 p.m. This program is suitable for adults, children, and seniors, with a focus on families sharing art together. This is a free performance, supported in part by a grant from the Dept. of Cultural Affairs, City of Los Angeles.

Lake View Terrace Library, 12002 Osborne Street, Lake View Terrace

‘SCHUBERT & SCHUBERTIADES’ ON MUSIQUES ROSTER
The next presentation of Salon de Musiques is on Feb. 7 and features the music of genius Austrian master Franz Schubert, with a chamber music program for voice, strings and piano.

It will be performed by world-renowned artists David Castillo, baritone, Johnny Lee, violin, John Walz, cello, and Francois Chouchan, piano.

An informal Q&A with the artists will follow the performance and a gourmet buffet dinner provided by Patina with French champagne and high tea will be served.

Tickets are $39 for students, and $75 general admission that includes dinner and drinks. To reserve a ticket, visit LeSalondeMusiques.com or call (310) 498-0257. www.LeSalondeMusiques.com

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

CV PRESENTS KLEMM
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club presents Roger Klemm’s “Native Plants” on Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library. Please enter on La Crescenta Avenue for the meeting room and parking.

Klemm has been hiking and gardening in Southern California for over 20 years. He will talk about native plants, why they should be used in local landscaping and how indigenous flora can be integrated into yards and gardens.

Native plants are a different paradigm from mainstream landscaping and are sometimes seen as difficult. Klemm will explain that, with the right approach, gardening with native plants can be a lot easier than the default plants from elsewhere, and more rewarding, too!

The program begins following news of conservation and outings. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served.

Please contact Wayne Fisher at (818) 353-4181 for more information.

La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Boulevard, La Crescenta.

LCVRC HOSTS CANDIDATE DEL BECCARO
The La Crescenta Valley Republican Club invites the public for lunch ($25) from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to hear speaker Tom Del Beccaro on Thursday, Feb. 11 at the Oakmont Country Club.

Del Beccaro is a candidate for U.S. Senate and is the former chairman of the California Republican Party having served as chairman of the Republican Party in his home county of Contra Costa. A noted author and media commentator, Del Beccaro also serves as an attorney for the small business community and has been a small business owner for over 20 years. He received his law degree from Santa Clara University and his bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley.

RSVP no later than Monday, Feb. 8 to Ellen Hedrick at (818) 248-0924 or Margaret Lyons at (818) 248-4996.

Oakmont Country Club is located at 3100 Country Club Dr. in Glendale.

AHEAD WITH HORSES PLANS LUNCHEON, AUCTION
Jack and Jill is the theme for this year’s annual fundraiser for the Foothill auxiliary of AHEAD With Horses’ Valentine Luncheon and Chinese Auction. The event will be held on Friday, Feb. 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena. Proceeds from the event benefit AHEAD With Horses, a nonprofit developmental therapeutic riding program for disabled children. AHEAD With Horses is located at 10157 Johanna Ave., Shadow Hills.

To learn more, to enroll a child, or discover how to become involved, visit www.AWHLA.org or call the office at (818) 767-6373.

To get more information about the luncheon or purchase tickets, please call (818) 790-1947.

JEWEL CITY KNITTERS NEWS
Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly JCK Charity Knit & Crochet on Saturday, Feb. 13 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale. (818) 548-2046. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of knitting, crocheting and conversation. For more information, email sandra.canfield@yahoo.com.

ART ALLIANCE OF IDYLLWILD HOSTS ANNUAL ART FAIR
On Saturday, Feb. 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors to the mountain artist community of Idyllwild will be treated to local art that is all priced under $100. Hosted by the Art Alliance of Idyllwild, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the 3rd Annual Under $100 Art Fair will feature 19 individual artist booths.

Art mediums will include jewelry, paintings, leather, photography, wood, carved eggs, and much more. Many of the artists will be on hand.

Admission to the art fair is free. Held at the historic Idyllwild Town Hall located at 25925 Cedar St., it is walking distance to art galleries, inns, restaurants and locally owned retail establishments.

The Art Alliance of Idyllwild is a volunteer-based, nonprofit organization that features art events throughout the year. Visit www.artinidyllwild.org for more information.

NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC
Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series that takes place every first and third Wednesday from 12:10 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. at the sanctuary of Glendale City Church.

The next concert is on Feb. 17 and features cellist Maksim Velichkin performing Bach and his own improvisations.

For more information, email glendalesda@gmail.com or call (818) 244-7241.

Glendale City Church, 610 E. California Ave. (at Isabel) in Glendale.

AUTHORS TO TALK AND SIGN AT FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE
On Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m., Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse presents a conversation and booksigning with two Penguin Random House authors – J. Ryan Stradal, author of the award-winning novel “Kitchens of the Great Midwest,” and Ashley Warlick, author of the “The Arrangement” (releasing Feb. 9).

Stradal’s is a contemporary story about a chef’s unlikely rise to international fame. Warlick’s is a fictional imagining of the life of celebrated food writer M.F.K. Fisher who rose to prominence in Los Angeles in the 1930s. The protagonists of both novels are complex and charismatic women who thwart convention to follow their passions.

The interconnection of food and love plays a central role in the narratives of Stradal and Warlick, whose discussion touches on this dynamic as well as their individual approaches to storytelling and how their personal backgrounds inform their work.

All are invited to join these accomplished young authors on Wednesday, Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. for a lively dialogue about writing and the confluence of food and love.

Then on Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse hosts a book signing for Los Angeles writer Erin Aubry Kaplan, author of “I Heart Obama,” a personal and cultural exploration of Barack Obama as black president, black icon and black folk hero.

In his nearly two terms as President, Obama has solidified his status as something black people haven’t had for 50 years: a folk hero. The 1960s delivered Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, who took on racism and died in the process. Obama is different: not an outsider, but head of the most powerful state in the world; a centrist Democrat, not the face of a movement. Yet he is every bit a folk hero, doing battle with the beast of a system created to keep people like him on the margins. Journalist Erin Aubry Kaplan offers an unapologetic appreciation of our highest-ranking “First” and what he means to black Americans. Obama’s is a noble and singular story that will be told for generations. In “I Heart Obama,” the author looks at his story thus far.

For more information, contact Gail Mishkin at (818) 790-0717.

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and the Angeles Crest Highway. Parking is in the rear of the store.

CVUMC PRESENTS ‘AN ACT OF LOVE’
Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church is hosting a special one-time screening of the new film “An Act of Love” on Friday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m. at CVUMC, 2700 Montrose Ave.

This compelling documentary follows Rev. Frank Schaefer when he was put on trial in the United Methodist Church for officiating his son’s same-sex wedding. The Schaefer family was pulled into a movement for LGBTQ equality in the nation’s second largest protestant denomination. “An Act of Love” follows Rev. Schaefer’s journey from small-town minister to outspoken advocate, as well as the ongoing debate in the United Methodist Church over LGBTQ inclusion.

To see a trailer of the film, visit vimeo.com/139747257 or for more information visit anactoflovefilm.com.

PIANO SPHERES FREE WORKSHOP
Piano Spheres is offering a free workshop with pianist Vicki Ray who will provide the audience with an opportunity to observe how the composer and performer work out two new pieces of music. Also with Ray are composers Mu-Xuan Lin and Dominique Schafer. John Schneider is moderator.

The workshop is on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 1 p.m. at Boston Court in Pasadena. Admission is free.

Boston Court is located at 70 No. Mentor Ave. in Pasadena.

LANTERMAN PRESENTS EQUESTRIAN HISTORY
The Lanterman Historical Museum Foundation in La Cañada will unveil its new special exhibition on Feb. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Titled, “Historic Trails: The Equestrian History of the Crescenta/Cañada Valley,” the exhibition will focus on the changing role of the horse and trails in local history, from a necessity for survival to a source of recreation.  The exhibition will run through Dec. 22. Items on display will be from the Lanterman House archives, especially the La Cañada Trails Council Collection, and from current members of the Trails Council.

The first part of the exhibition will focus on the agrarian origins of the Crescenta Valley, while the second part will concentrate on the development of Flintridge and the equestrian lifestyle. Visitors will be able to trace the evolution of Flintridge, its hotel, country club, riding trails, and horse properties. The exhibition will then explore the history of the Flintridge Riding Club. The final installment focuses on the origins of the La Cañada Trails Council, preservation of the trails system, and the ongoing work of the Trails Council.

Admission to the opening day (Feb. 21) is free, and there will be a full schedule of exhibition-related events during 2016. After the opening day, admission to the nearly year-long exhibition will be $5 for adults and $3 for students ages 12-18 as well as seniors. Children under the age of 12 are free with adult admission. Tours of the Lanterman House are provided on Tuesday, Thursday, and the first and third Sundays of each month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Lanterman House is located at 4420 Encinas Drive in La Cañada Flintridge. For more information visit lantermanfoundation.org.

BINGO COMING SOON
The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a bingo game on Saturday, Feb. 27 at the American Legion Hall – Post 288. Doors open at 6 p.m.; first game starts at 7 p.m. Every bingo game pays $100 cash!

The cost is $10 that includes two bingo cards and a dauber.

For information, contact the chamber office at (818) 248-4957.

American Legion Hall is located at 4011 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta.

BRAND ASSOCIATES MUSIC SERIES
Brand Associates Music Series are concerts that are sponsored by the Brand Associates; admission is free. A reception follows each concert. All concerts are on Saturday at 2 p.m.

On Feb. 20 is Trio Brio (Armen Anassian, violin, Jacob Braun, cello and Mark Robson, piano); March 12 is duoKYaria (Yoon Hee Jung, flute and Ko Ni Choi, harp); April 23 is Crescenta Ensemble (Nancy Roth and Jackie Suzuki violins, Adiana Zoppo, viola, Mary Anne Steinberger, cello and Susan Svrcek, piano); May 21 is Maksim Velichkin, cello; June 18 is Annelle Gregory, violin.

The Brand Associates promote the Brand Library & Art Center as an arts, cultural, educational, and historic resource for the region. More information is available at http://www.associatesofbrand.org.

Brand Library & Art Center is located in northwestern Glendale at 1601 W. Mountain St. Hours are Tuesday and Thursday, noon to 8 p.m., Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.; and Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to galleries and reception is free and open to the public. There is ample free parking. Call (818) 548-2051 for additional information.

MONTROSE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCITY MEETS
The Montrose African Violet Society is having its next club meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 24 at 10 a.m. at Descanso Gardens (Birch Room). The guest speaker will be Yvonne Savio. The topic will be “Garden Ornaments – Fun & Art in the Garden.”

Guests are always welcome to attend meetings. There will be an opportunity to win the door prize, participate in the silent auction and raffle table. Refreshments are served and friendships are made.

For more information email club president gessieguy@tcw.com or phone (323) 236-0104 or visit www.montroseafricanviolets.weebly.com.

Descanso Gardens is located at 1418 Descanso Drive in La Cañada Flintridge.

THEATER ARTS CALTECH PRESENTS ‘BOLDLY GO!’
Caltech Theatre presents a musical parody based upon “Star Trek.” “Boldly Go!” follows the intrepid crew of the Starship Enterprise, along with some new characters, on an exciting and hilarious adventure.

Assumptions will be confronted, paradigms challenged, alliances tested, and new contacts made – whether for good or ill as yet to be seen. And it¹s all set to a side-splitting tour de force of musical mayhem!

It will be presented at the Ramo Auditorium, California Institute of Technology (Caltech) campus in Pasadena. Showtimes are Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27 at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2:30 p.m.; Thursday, March 3 and Friday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 5 at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 for Caltech students, $9 for Caltech/JPL staff, faculty and other students and $18 general admission.

FREE DANCE CLASSES AT SUNLAND REC CENTER
The community is invited to take part in free Tuesday night dance classes at Sunland Recreation Center. Dances include Zumba, hip-hop and swing. No prior knowledge or experience required.

Couples and families are encouraged to attend.

Classes are from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Sunland Rec Center, 8651 Foothill Blvd., Sunland

FREE STROKE SUPPORT GROUP, AND HEART LECTURE
A stroke support group hosted by Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center meets the second Tuesday of each month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. in the Rehabilitation Conference Room on the third floor of the hospital.

The support group is open to caregivers, family members, friends and stroke survivors and will help with communication, education, and coping styles while building friendships, solving problems and sharing resources and experience.

RSVP by calling (818) 502-4725.

Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital is located at 1420 S. Central Ave. in Glendale.

COURSES AVAILABLE ON RELIEVING FINANCIAL STRESS
Life Improvement Courses are offered on “Principles of Prosperity,” “How to Obtain Financial Security” and “Overcoming Financial Stress” at the Church of Scientology Mission of the Foothills.

These courses help empower a person with the knowledge to overcome financial stress to prosper in life. Each course is $50, is done at the individual’s own pace and timing is flexible. A stress-free financial future can be attained and having the right knowledge can make all the difference.

These are just a few of the life improvement courses offered. Others available address various subjects. The classes are open Monday-Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information contact (818) 957-1500.

Church of Scientology Mission of the Foothills, 2254 Honolulu Ave. in

Montrose (entrance off Market Street, behind in parking lot).

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.

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