GUIDED RELAXATION CLASSES

Jo McLaughlin, master reiki teacher and healer, certified master therapeutic imagery, master hypnotist and international certified AFFA personal trainer, presents a guided relaxation class every Thursday at 6:15 p.m.

Goals of the class include increasing focus, increasing immune system function and energy levels and decreasing depression anxiety, worry, and stress.

Come and directly experience the benefits of group relaxation facilitated by Jo. Both beginner and the experienced are welcomed for guided relaxation personalized with suggestions from the audience members in a relaxed, quiet candlelight setting.

Sessions held at Anthony Chiropractic at 3935 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta. The cost is $15 per session. Call the office at (818) 957-7035 to RSVP.

CALTECH CHAMBER MUSIC

Caltech Chamber Music continues its Winter 2016 Concert Series in Dabney Lounge. Directed by Delores Bing, pieces extend from the well-known masterpieces (Beethoven:  Op. 18, No. 4) to less familiar gems (dances by Robert Schumann’s father-in-law, sonata by Bach’s pupil Goldberg).

Each concert features a different program with different music and different performers. Remaining performances are Friday, Jan. 29 and Saturday, Jan. 30 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 31 at 3:30 p.m.

All concerts will be held in Dabney Lounge. Admission is free with no tickets required. For complete program information visit music.caltech.edu one week prior to concerts.

‘COMICS SQUAD: LUNCH!’ EVENT

Once Upon A Time bookstore is hosting a “Comics Squad: Lunch!” event with Babymouse, her creator Jenni Holm and graphic novelist Cecil Castellucci. Those who love comics should stop by OUAT on Saturday, Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. to celebrate the release of “Comics Squad: Lunch!” This will be a funny, laugh out loud event made for kids who enjoy drawing, laughing or just a good story. Free to attend.

Once Upon A Time bookstore is located at 2207 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose.

LANTERMAN HOUSE TO PRESENT NAOMI HIROHARA

The Lanterman House will present an author talk by Naomi Hirohara on Jan. 30 at 2 p.m. at the La Cañada Flintridge Library. The talk is titled “This is America: Local Asian American Writer Tells Stories of Her Community,” and will focus on her first novel, “Summer of the Big Bachi” and how it’s reflective of her family’s immigrant experience.

Hirahara is an award-winning author of both fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for her Mas Arai mystery series that is set in and around Los Angeles. “The Summer of the Big Bachi” was Hirahara’s first mystery novel.

A former journalist, she also writes short stories and middle-grade fiction. Hirahara served as chapter president of the Southern California chapter of the Mystery Writers of America in 2010.

The author talk is free and will be held in the Library meeting room. The library is located at 4545 Oakwood Ave. in La Cañada Flintridge. For more information, please visit lantermanfoundation.org.

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 Jan. 30 is Harout Senekeremian on piano; 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.

JOIN THE TOWNE SINGERS

The Towne Singers is a non-audition choir. Though we are in particular need of male voices, all are welcome to join this family of musicians. Rehearsals for the upcoming spring concert are on Mondays from 7:15 p.m. thru 9:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Glendale. The 2016 spring concert, “It’s About Time,” is on Saturday, May 21.

Please contact Merrily Hake, membership coordinator, via email at merrilyhake@earthlink.net with questions and new member orientation information.  New member orientation session is prior to rehearsal on Jan. 25.

Congregational Church of Glendale, 2001 Cañada Blvd. in Glendale

ROSE LEAF RAGTIME CLUB

The next meeting of the Rose Leaf Ragtime Club is on Sunday, Jan. 31 at Wang’s Place in the old town area of Monrovia. Meetings are held the last Sunday of the month from 1 p.m. until approximately 4:30 p.m. Free parking is available in several adjoining city-owned lots.

For further information, call Hal Leavens (626) 359-8648 or Ron Ross (818) 766-2384 or send email to ragtimeron@earthlink.net.

The Rose Leaf Ragtime Club features performers on piano and other instruments playing ragtime and other related types of music. All performers and listeners are welcome.  The only charge is to non-performers who are asked to make a $2 donation.

More information on the Rose Leaf Ragtime Club is available at http://roseleafclub.com.

Wang’s Place, 120 E. Lemon Ave., Monrovia

JEWEL CITY KNITTERS NEWS

Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Scholl Canyon Estates, 1551 E. Chevy Chase Drive, Glendale. Membership is free. Knitters, crocheters, and those who wish to learn are welcome. For more information, visit www.jewelcityknitters.com or email susandietel@yahoo.com.

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.

NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC

Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series taking 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. 3 and features the Calico Winds with Eileen Holt on flute, Ted Sugata on oboe, Theresa Treuenfels on bassoon, Kathryn Nevin on clarinet and Rachel Berry on horn.

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

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

TOM NUCCIO TO TALK AT DESCANSO GARDENS

The Pacific Camellia Society kicks off its 2016 series of meetings on 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 camellia 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.

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 and 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.

MARIENTHAL TO PLAY WITH CALTECH JAZZ BAND

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.