‘SLACK KEY’ GUITAR PERFORMANCE AT COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE
Tonight, Thursday, Coffee Gallery Backstage in Altadena presents Two Slack Key Guitars with Jim “Kimo” West and Stephen Inglis on Jan. 30 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Inglis and West, two icons of Hawaiian ‘slack key’ guitar, will perform together in a rare duet performance. Limited seating. Cost: $20.

For more info, visit http://www.coffeegallery.com or call (626) 798-6236.

Coffee Gallery Backstage, 2029 N. Lake Ave., Altadena



LOREN SPRIVACK TO SPEAK AT REPUBLICAN CLUB
The Republican Club of the Foothills hosts motivational speaker and author Loren Sprivack at its next meeting tonight, Thursday, Jan. 30 at the La Cañada Thursday Club. Sprivack conducts “economic literacy” seminars across the United States. All are invited to “fast track” their economic literacy and discover what most citizens and politicians alike don’t know about free market economics.

Doors open 6 p.m.; dinner by Joselito’s is at 7 p.m. The cost for members is $20 per-person; $25 for non-members; $10 for students.

There will be a guest appearance by Miss Tujunga and 2014 Junior Miss California contestant Gissele Tohom.

RSVP to Joanie at (818) 790-0014 or Mary at (818) 952-7040. Reservation and payment – make checks payable to Republican Club of the Foothills and mail to P.O. Box 8314, La Crescenta, CA 91224.

La Cañada Thursday Club is located at 4440 Woodleigh Lane in La Cañada.

BEAL, LO GUEST SPEAKERS AT ALAMEDA WRITERS GROUP
Screenwriter Greg Beal and blogger and author Therese Lo are the guest speakers of the Feb. 1 meeting of the Alameda Writers Group.

Beal has administrated the Academy Nicholl Fellowships in screenwriting since 1989 and oversees an international screenwriting competition that mentors and identifies emerging talent. He’s taught film and screenwriting at Syracuse University, written several screenplays on assignment, and written and directed several short films.

Lo, Los Angeles blogger and author of “Hell’s Game” and “The Red Lantern’s Scandal” and a self-proclaimed pop culture junkie, will share her insights on the subject self-publishing. No longer just Vanity Press, self-publishing has morphed into an exciting new industry that allows writers new opportunities to get work out there.

This session is open to the general public. Free coffee and donuts served.

The meeting is from 10 a.m. to noon (new membership/renewal registrations 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.) at the Glendale Central Library, 2nd floor auditorium, 222 E. Harvard, Glendale. http://alamedawritersgroup.com

AWG members and guests receive three hours free parking across Harvard at the Marketplace parking structure with validation at the first floor library check-out desk.

BERGERON, MARTIN GUEST ARTISTS
The Caltech Jazz Bands, directed by Barb Catlin, will present their annual guest artist concert featuring Grammy nominated trumpeter Wayne Bergeron and jazz trombonist extraordinaire Andy Martin on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. in Caltech’s Beckman Auditorium. Admission fees are $5 for students and seniors, and $10 for general admission. Parking is free near the auditorium. Early arrival is recommended, as a full house is expected. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Bergeron and Martin are both Yamaha performing artists and enjoy their work as clinicians and guest artists both nationally and internationally. The Caltech music department is excited to bring these well-respected and entertaining musicians to our program.

For further information, call the Caltech Ticket Office at (626) 395-4652 Monday through Friday between the hours of noon and 5 p.m., or visit the band’s website at http://bands.caltech.edu.

GLENDALE CHAMBER HOSTING BUISINESS SPOTLIGHT
The Glendale Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Business Spotlight on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the Hilton Glendale. Guest speaker is Glendale Galleria Senior General Manager Larry Martin who will share the Glendale Galleria story. He will provide insight into the almost two years of renovation, the many new businesses brought to Glendale with the extensive upgrade to the center and some of the future plans still in the works.

Make reservations by calling the Glendale chamber office at (818) 240-7870. Tickets are $40 for member; $55 for non-members.

Hilton Glendale is located at 100 W. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale.

NEWS FROM JCK
    
Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 5 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 judy@judykits.com.

Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly JCK Charity Knit & Crochet on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E. Chevy Chase Drive, 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.

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. to12:40 p.m. in the restored chapel and sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale (downtown at Louise & Wilson, no religious affiliation).

The next concert is on Feb. 5 violist Victor de Almeida performing works of Los Angeles composers Cary Belling and George N. Gianopoulos.

First Baptist Church of Glendale, 209 N. Louise St. (at Wilson)
in Glendale.

BOAT SHOW COMING
The 2014 Progressive Insurance Los Angeles Boat Show takes place Feb. 6-9, cruising into the Los Angeles Convention Center and Pier 44 in Marina del Rey. The four-day event showcases hundreds of vessels from entry-level family cruisers to million dollar yachts, plus the latest in boating accessories and gear. The show also features educational seminars, on-the-water boating workshops and nautical fun for all-ages.

Complimentary round trip shuttle transportation will be available between locations. The Los Angeles Convention Center is located at 1201 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles and the in-water location is Pier 44, 4637 Admiralty Way in Marina del Rey.

The cost is $12 for adults; youth 15 and younger accompanied by an adult, and active military free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at losangelesboatshow.com or day-of-event at the box office.

Convention Center hours are Thursday, Feb. 6 and Friday, Feb. 7 from noon to 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, Feb. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Marina del Rey hours are Feb. 6-7 from noon to 5 p.m. and Feb. 8-9 from 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (714) 633-7581 or visit www.losangelesboatshow.com.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB TO BENEFIT FROM RUMMAGE SALE
A rummage sale & e-waste collection benefitting the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank is taking place on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Items donated include DVDs, stuffed animals, posters, small electronics, clothing, home goods, toys, games, office equipment, furniture, etc. plus mass quantities of Baby Einstein DVDs, books, infant toys and more.

The e-waste collection by Greenmouse will also be available. Get rid of small electronics  around the house! Old TVs, computers, computer accessories, cellphones, stereo equipment and more. Visit www.bgcburbank.org for details.

The event takes place at 141 N. Glenoaks in Burbank at the corner of Glenoaks and Olive.


 AAUW GLENDALE BRANCH FEBRUARY MEETING
The February meeting of the AAUW Glendale branch features guest speaker Jane Hancock, co-director of UCLA’s writing project at Center X, who will be discussing her book “Jungle Jenny” a fictionalized biography.

The meeting is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8 at Oakmont Country Club. The cost is $25 per person; make check payable to AAUW Glendale. Reserve by Oct. 9 by calling Susie Robinson at (818) 951-6104, or (818) 317-5602.

Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive in Glendale.

BOWLING TO BENEFIT UNITED WAY
The community is invited to attend the Live United Bowl United Los Angeles Bowling Classic. Proceeds to benefit The United Way of Greater Los Angeles and The Gaines For Youth Foundation at Pinz Bowling Center on Saturday, Feb. 8. Event begins with registration from 5 p.m. to 5:30 then bowling from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Come bowl, mingle and take pictures with NFL stars while benefiting a great cause! Expected are Dashon Goldson and Donald Penn of Tampa Bay Bucs; Bobby Wagner of Seattle Seahawks; Omar Bolden and Ryan Clady of Denver Broncos; and Orlando Scandrick of Dallas Cowboys. Many more special guests expected!

Price of $50 per person or $275 for a lane that accommodates up to six bowlers includes games, shoes, event shirt, pictures and goody bag. Silent auction, too.

Company sponsorship opportunities are still available.

To register and for more details, visit www.liveunitedbowlunited.com.

VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM PRESENTATION
Little Landers Historical Society announces the next in its series of monthly programs at Bolton Hall Museum. On Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. Valley Relics Museum founder and curator Tommy Gelinas will provide insight into his collection of over 10,000 items related to the history of the San Fernando Valley from the 1800s to the present. Items from the Valley Relics Museum’s travelling exhibit will be available for inspection by program attendees.

This program is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome. Additional information is available from Little Landers Historical Society, (818) 352-3420; www.littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or email littlelanders@verizon.net.

Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Avenue, Tujunga

Parking is available a few doors uphill at the Elks Lodge.

MICROWAVE DYING/SEW-IN
On Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, the American Sewing Guild, Los Angeles is hosting a sew-in and microwave dying workshop.

Participants of the sew-in will spend the day finishing UFOs, meet new sewers and get some help or ideas.

The microwave dying is taught by award winning fiber artist Audrey Durnan.

Dye the provided silk in the morning and sew or serge it up in the afternoon.

For more information, class cost and purchasing, visit www.asgla.org/Sewin.html.

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club, 4004 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta

RATTLE MAGAZINE PRESENTS ISSUE #42
Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is the site for Rattle magazine’s second installment of the 2014 Rattle Reading Series on Sunday, Feb. 9. Every second Sunday, Rattle continues to gather a selection of performers from around the country for a series of poetry readings to celebrate the winter issue.

This winter Rattle presents another entirely open issue of evocative poetry: from personal ads to angels, from plum blossoms to catfish tits (you read that right). Tim Laffey longs for Pindar’s couch, Taylor Mali misreads a magnifying glass, and Patricia Smith has a binder for Mitt. These poems are heavy and light, eye-opening and jaw-dropping, including powerful work by teenager Grace L. Park, and 7-year-old Ghanaian Kofi Edufo. In the conversations section, Timothy Green discusses poetry and life with the irreverently funny Ron Koertge.

The second reading of the winter features a trio from California: Chanel Brenner, Liz Scheid, and this issue’s interviewee, poet and Young Adult author Ron Koertge. The audience is also encouraged to bring their own poems for an open mic.

Each poetry performance is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Rattle reading series, contact Rattle magazine at (818) 505-6777 ext. 111 or visit www.rattle.com/poetry/readings.

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge.

HORACEK TO OFFER FUN AT THE ZOO
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club Group presents Muriel Horacek’s, “Sex and Mischief at the Los Angeles Zoo” on Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the La Crescenta Library. Enter on La Crescenta Avenue for the meeting place and parking.

Horacek is a volunteer field rep with the Earthwatch Institute, a world traveler and a docent at the Los Angeles County Zoo. She will show slides and tell how zoos’ conserve species, those similar to a matchmaking service, and including the difficulties within the process.

The program begins following news of conservation and outings. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be served. Call Wayne Fisher at (818) 353-4181 for further information.

La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta

VALENTINE’S DAY OPPORTUNITY
Glendale Healthy Kids is hosting a Valentine’s Day (Friday, Feb. 14) fundraising event at Pirch in the Glendale Galleria.

Bring friends, family or that special date and support a great cause while enjoying the opportunity to mingle, drink champagne, eat delicious food and listen to wonderful music!

Details to follow or call Glendale Healthy Kids at (818) 548-7931 or email info@glendalehealthykids.org.


GAMC SPECIAL VALENTINE LUNCH
The Founders Guild at GAMC is having a special Valentine luncheon on Feb. 12. Guest speakers will be five of the 13 Women of Jewelia. Back in 2004 they collectively embarked on a journey that changed their lives, all because of an experiment involving a $15,000 diamond necklace. This resulted in the book “The Necklace,” which to date has been published in 15 languages with a movie pending. Since then, they have been  speaking at fundraising events and  inspiring women everywhere, including a visit to GAMC in 2009.

Proceeds from will benefit GAMCs Play to Learn Center for children with special needs.

For information, contact Hilda Bogossian, Auxilary Relations manager, at (818) 409-8425 or email Hilda.Bogossian@ah.org.

BEACHCOMBER KATE’S UKULELE JAM AT THE ELBOW ROOM
All are invited on Saturday, Feb.15 at The Elbow Room from noon to 2 p.m. for an informal ukulele jam on the patio. We will be playing love songs in celebration of Valentine’s Day weekend!

Bring your ukulele, or if you don’t yet have one, come and learn all about this fun, easy instrument. Singers and spectators are always welcome and much appreciated.

The Elbow Room (formerly Java Brew) is located at 2418 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose and has lunchtime fare as well as fabulous coffee drinks.

Playing will be done on the partially shaded patio, so dress accordingly.

This event is free to the public, all ages, no reservations required.

BOOK LAUNCH AT FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE & COFFEEHOUSE
On Sunday, Feb.16, at 2 p.m., Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse hosts a book launch for children’s author Sara Louise Kras. Her latest chapter book (for ages 6 to10), “The Hunted – Polar Prey, releases this month and tells the tale of a young boy who must save his mother. She is alone and floating on an iceberg in the Arctic and is being pursued by a hungry and determined polar bear.

Kras flew to Churchill in Manitoba, Canada to do research for this story. While there, she saw 25 polar bears in the wild and has since become a “bit of an expert.” Kras will talk briefly about polar bears and then read a few chapters of the book, as well as answer questions. Following the reading, hot chocolate will be served in the bookstore’s coffeehouse, and the winner of a raffle for a stuffed polar bear will be announced.

For more information, call (818) 790-0717.

Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge.

LCWC PRESENTS ‘STEP INTO SPRING’
La Crescenta Woman’s Club presents Step Into Spring fashion show on Saturday, March 15 at 10:30 a.m. at the clubhouse.

Fashions by Talbots. Tickets are $40 (cash/check only) and include fashion show, luncheon, opportunities, silent auction and live auction.

Contact reservations chairperson Cindy Charles (818) 389-2266 or event coordinator Vickie Guagliardo at (818) 957-8442.

RSVP deadline March 5.

Portion of proceeds to benefit The Firehouse (a local teen youth  center) and Saddles for Soldiers (a therapeutic equine program for veterans).

Make checks payable to La Crescenta Woman’s Club, and mailed to Cindy Charles, 3402 Gromer Terrace, La Crescenta, CA  91214.

lcwcmembership@charter.net

La Crescenta Woman’s Club is located at 4004 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.

DAY AT THE RACES
The Crescenta Valley Sheriff Support Group, the Crescenta Valley and the Montrose-Verdugo City chambers of commerce are hosting the 6th Annual Crescenta Valley Day at the Races at the Santa Anita Race Track on Sunday, March 16.

The cost is $25 for adults (18 and over) and $15 for attendees 17 and under. The event takes place at the Top of the Stretch on the grandstand side – a prime viewing area. Each attendee will enjoy nine exciting thoroughbred races, parking, an official race program, barbecue lunch, soft drinks and “expert” handicapping advice from Rick Dinger.

The barbecue lunch will once again be donated by Schreiner’s Fine Sausages.

There will also be a raffle and silent auction so everyone will have the opportunity to leave a winner. Proceeds benefit the CV Sheriff Support Group and both local chambers.

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

TIME EXPOSURE AT BOLTON HALL
Little Landers Historical Society announces the installation of a new temporary Bolton Hall exhibit. Until April 2014, Time Exposure will display an extensive collection of vintage cameras and projection equipment. Visit Bolton Hall to see how photo memories were recorded in the olden days.

Bolton Hall is open to the public on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and entrance is free. Special group tours may also be arranged.

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

Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga

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 support 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 infant lactation and 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.