SUMMER CONCERT SERIES CONTINUES AT DESCANSO
Summer evening jazz concerts at Descanso Gardens presents Elliott Caine tonight, Aug. 5 from 5:30–7 p.m. Caine plays East Coast be-bop jazz. Picnics and blankets welcomed. Free with Gardens admission: $8 adults, $6 senior/students and $3 children 5-12. For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org. (818) 949-4200, Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada

SCREENING TO
BENEFIT CONSERVANCY
A screening of the new film “Nanny McPhee Returns,” will be shown at 2 p.m., (doors open at 1 p.m.) on Aug. 15, at the Orpheum Theater, 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. Be one of the first to see the latest adventures of Nanny McPhee starring Emma Thompson on the big screen at the historic Orpheum Theater. This fundraiser benefits the Los Angeles Conservancy. $10 adults, $8 children 12 and younger. Ticketholders get a 10% discount at nearby Clifton’s Cafeteria. (213) 623-2489. http://lac.laconservancy.org/nanny.

MUSIC APPRECIATION CLASSES TO START
Dr. Ted Stern, professor of music at Glendale Community College, will again conduct off-campus music appreciation classes for adults in the community. This semester marks the beginning of the tenth consecutive year that these classes have been offered to musicians and non-musicians alike in the area. This semester will cover music of the 20th century from WW II onward.
Each semester offers new and interesting information.  Dr. Stern weaves music examples with cultural history to increase the listener’s understanding of the evolution of the music of the time. Classes are held at the Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church located at 2700 Montrose Ave. in La Crescenta.  The classes begin Tuesday, Sept. 7 and are held each Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., continuing through Dec. 14. The cost for the 15-week classes is $90. Everyone is welcome!  For more information call Dianne at (818) 248-8110 or (818) 445-2390.

HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS
The Crescenta Valley High School class of 1970 is having its 40-year reunion on Saturday, Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at the Altadena Town and Country Club. The cost is $119 until Sept. 1. Casual event on Friday Oct. 1 at El Cholo Restaurant in Pasadena. Visit www.CVHS70.com for more details and registration form.
Verdugo Hills High School class of 1970 is having its 40-year reunion on Aug. 28 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cost is $60 per person and includes dinner and music at the Angeles National Golf Club, 9401 Foothill Blvd., Sunland. Tickets are $75 per person. Make checks out to Neoma Mitchell Barnthouse and mail to 10314 Woodward Ave., Sunland CA 91040. A final count is needed by Aug. 14.
A pre-reunion is being held on Aug. 27 at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor in Burbank at 1300 N. San Fernando Blvd. The day after pot luck picnic is at Sunland Park on Sunday, Aug. 29. Additional activities include golf at Angeles National Golf Course (make your reservation early with Cheryl Vargas at (818) 951-8771 for discounted group rate); Bolton Hall History Tour at 2 p.m. (free); special reunion ‘air show’ by Peter Hernandez at 6 p.m. over the grounds of the golf club on Aug. 28. Be there early and gather on the patio.
For more information email Neoma at neomamb1@verizon.net or call (818) 353-4600.

ANNUAL WATERMELON FESTIVAL COMING TO SUNLAND PARK
Sunland Park is hosting the 49th annual Watermelon Festival on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13-15.
Presented by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club, the event features free watermelon, live entertainment, a festival marketplace, food court, carnival rides, games, raffles, contests and more. Tickets are $2. Festival hours are Friday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday from noon to 11:30 p.m.; and Sunday from noon to 10:30 p.m. Proceeds from the annual event will benefit various Sunland-Tujunga youth and community activities, aid with disaster relief programs and support many regional, national and international health and vision conservation programs. For more information, schedules and directions log on to www.lionswatermelonfestival.com, www.facebook.com/watermelonfestival  or call (818) 353-4554.
Sunland Park, 8651 Foothill Blvd. in Sunland.

NOON CONCERTS OPEN
TO PUBLIC
Glendale Noon Concerts are 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 August 18, oboist Catherine Del Russo will be featured in the Arthur Bliss Oboe Quintet. The program includes Frederic Chopin & Robert Schumann Bicentennials: Chopin Nocturne No.8 in Db major Op.27 No.2 and Schumann Intermezzo: Mit Groesster Energie from Faschingsschwank aus Wien Op.26 Rosa LoGiudice.

LIBRARY HOSTING FLOWER ARRANGING, CHILI COOK OFF
The La Crescenta Library is hosting The Art of Japanese Flower Arrangement on Aug. 7 at 1:00 p.m. Ikebana is the Japanese art of flower arrangement. Mari Prasad will visit the library for a discussion and demonstration of the Sogetsu style Ikebana and its principles with fresh floral arrangements. All adults over the age of 18 are welcome.
On Aug. 14, at 1:00 p.m. the library is hosting its inaugural chili cook-off.  All are invited to bring their best recipe and compete with others in the community to be crowned the Chili King of La Crescenta Library. The winner will receive a crown and a $25 gift card.  Space is limited, so only the first 20 registrants will have a place in the competition.  Everyone is welcome to taste and judge the chili.
La Crescenta Library is located at 2809 Foothill Blvd.

ONCE UPON A TIME HOLDING EVENTS
Once Upon A Time bookstore hosts a variety of events over the summer including Grandie’s Day Camp Mondays and Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Structured fun with grandparents and their grand kids (or parent/child). Stories, themed crafts, activities, games, songs, snacks and more. $10 per class or discount available for multiple classes. Best for children aged 2 1/2 – 6.
Storytime on Tuesdays at 10:30 am, Saturdays 10:30 a.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. These free story times are best for children 3 and older who are used to sitting for a story.
Book Bingo Night on Wednesdays at 7 pm. Free. Match picture books with story characters and yell Bingo! Prizes. Best for ages 4-9.
Once Upon a Time Bookstore, 2207 Honolulu, Montrose, call 818-248-9668 or email maureen@onceupona.com for more information

  Crescenta