NEXT MEETING OF MONTROSE AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETY
The Montrose African Violet Society is having its next club meeting on Thursday, March 24 at 10 a.m. at Descanso Gardens (Birch Room).

Guests are always welcome to attend the meeting. Refreshments are served and friendships are made.

For more information, call (323) 236-0104 or visit www.montroseafricanviolets.weebly.com.

Descanso Gardens (Birch Room) 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

USC-VHH HOSTING SPINE SEMINAR
USC Verdugo Hills Hospital (USC-VHH) invites members of the community to a free informational seminar on the latest advancements in spine surgery. Attendees will learn about minimally invasive surgical techniques, USC’s advanced pain management and recovery programs. Leading the session is Dr. Raymond Hah, MD, a faculty orthopedic surgeon from Keck School of Medicine of USC, who is now performing spine surgery at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

The seminar is Thursday, March 24 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the USC-VHH council room on the fourth floor. Parking is free and light refreshments will be provided.

Register for the event by calling (818) 952-4771. For more information, email Julie.Anderson@vhh.usc.edu.

USC-VHH is located at 1812 Verdugo Blvd., Glendale.

ROSE LEAF RAGTIME CLUB
The next meeting of the Rose Leaf Ragtime Club is on Sunday, March 27 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

MONA PRESENTS ‘DANCING WITH LIGHT’
An opening reception is being held on April 1 for the neon art of Brian Coleman and the visionary photography of Roger Steffen at the Museum of Neon Art. The reception is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for non-members; free to members.

MONA is located at 216 S. Brand Blvd. in Glendale.

BINGO EVENT BENEFITS CADETS
A bingo night is being held on April 2 at 6 p.m. at the American Legion Hall

Air Force JR. ROTC – CA882 is hosting and proceeds will benefit the high school’s drill and ceremony cadets who will be attending the national high school drill team championships in Daytona Beach, Florida.

This team won first place (for the third year in a row) at SCIDM (So. Cal. Invitational Drill Meet).

Support Crescenta Valley High School’s AFJROTC, a class dedicated to teaching core values of “integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do.”

Tickets are $10 for 10 games. For more information, contact Lynn McGinnis at (818) 248-1264 or (818) 726-1994. There will be a $100 prize for each game plus additional grand prizes, raffle, food and drink.

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

WALK FOR KIDS
The Walk for Kids is an approximately 3.7k (2.3 mile) noncompetitive walk/run that is designed to raise funds and awareness for the services and programs provided by the Pasadena Ronald McDonald House®. Walkers come together for a day of fun, food, entertainment and giveaways. The event is co-sponsored by the City of Pasadena and Councilmember Steve Madison. The walk is being held on Sunday, April 3 at Central Park in Pasadena.

Registration and family activities begin at 9 a.m., opening ceremony and warm-up with Ronald McDonald starts at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 10:30 a.m.

To register or donate, email www.walkforkids.org/pasadena. For more information, email edever@rmhcsc.org or telephone (626) 204-0400. Everyone is welcome to participate!

Central Park is located at 275 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena.

JIM POTTS TO SPEAK AT REPUBLICAN CLUB
The Republican Club of the Foothills will present Jim Potts who will be speaking on domestic terror on Tuesday, April 5 at 6 p.m. at the La Cañada Thursday Club.

As a former reserve captain with 20 years service to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept, he worked on the Open Source Intelligence Team, searching for terrorist threats in the United States, Central and South Americas.

The cost is $25 for members, $30 for non-members; students are $5, which includes dinner from StoneFire Grill. The cost to attend without dinner is $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

RSVP to rcotfl@gmail.com or call Mary Owen at (818) 249-5936.

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

JEWEL CITY KNITTING NEWS
Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 6 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, April 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon of knitting, crocheting and conversation. For more information, visit www.jewelcityknitter.com or email sandra.canfield@yahoo.com.

MT. EVEREST CONQUEROR TO SPEAK IN DESCANSO GARDENS
On Thursday, April 7 Gary Nelson, one of the nation’s premier mountain climbers, will make a PowerPoint presentation in Descanso Gardens about his ascent of Mt. Everest. The presentation will be at the Pacific Camellia Society’s final meeting of the season.

A prominent and busy Glendale attorney, Nelson has found the time to climb the highest mountains on all but two of the world’s seven continents, with his crowning achievement being his ascent of the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest. His PowerPoint presentation will include pictures of spectacular Himalayan mountain scenery, some of which will be of the infamous Khumbu Icefall where 16 sherpas lost their lives in a 2014 avalanche.

The 7:30 p.m. meeting will begin with a short PowerPoint presentation by Brad King, editor of the National Camellia Journal. His pictures will illustrate the wide array of camellia colors.

Membership in Pacific Camellia Society is not required to attend. The meeting is open to the general public. Admission is free.

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

ESTABLISHING A LOCAL HISTORIC DISTRICT
On Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, Pasadena Heritage is offering an information seminar covering two topics: how to designate a landmark district and how to apply for the Mills Act property tax incentive. The seminar will take place at La Casita Del Arroyo. The event is free but all attendees must RSVP in advance and a $10 donation is requested.

http://www.pasadenaheritage.org/content.php?pgID=258
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/landmark-district-mills-act-seminar-tickets- 22803189955?aff=phweb

This event is sponsored by The Arroyo Group.

La Casita Del Arroyo is located at
131-199 S Arroyo Blvd. in Pasadena.

“TROPICAL LU’AU” AT WOMAN’S CLUB
The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is hosting a tropical lu’au on Saturday, April 9 at the clubhouse. Doors open at 4 p.m. for cocktails and appetizers followed by a Hawaiian style dinner from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and an evening full of entertainment. Performances by local ukulele band The Honolulu Avenue Strummers, and Tahitian dancers, drummer and luminary “fire” show.

There will be auctions and opportunities to win cash and prizes.

Tickets are $50 per person ($55 per person after March 31). Prepaid reservations required. Pay by PayPal or credit card on the LCWC website www.lacrescentawomansclub.org or pay by mail, check payable to the La Crescenta Woman’s Club, P.O. Box 8494, La Crescenta, CA 91224.

For questions, contact (818) 219-1702.

The Clubhouse is located at 4004 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.

PASADENA FESTIVAL OF WOMEN AUTHORS
The 8th Annual Pasadena Festival of Women Authors will be held on Saturday, April 9 at the Pasadena Hilton Hotel from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The festival will feature Jane Smiley, author of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning novel, “A Thousand Acres,” and Kristin Hannah, author of the 2015 Goodreads Historical Fiction Choice Award winning novel, “The Nightingale,” as well as five other acclaimed authors – Cynthia Bond, Jan Ellison, Nayomi Munaweera, Victoria Patterson and Maggie Shipstead.

The Pasadena Festival of Women Authors brings together a group of diverse, well-published authors to discuss their work with enthusiastic readers whose love of literature inspired the event. The festival provides a stimulating setting where authors and guests interact with each other and authors are available to answer questions and sign their books for guests.

Proceeds from the event will benefit both the Masters Series, part of the

Lifelong Learning Program at the Pasadena Senior Center, and the Writer-in-Residence Program at Pasadena City College. Tickets for the festival are $95 per person and include lunch. Reserved tables of 10 are $1,500. Visit www.pasadenafestivalofwomenauthors.org to purchase tickets and for more information.

The Pasadena Hilton Hotel is located at 168 S. Los Robles Ave. in Pasadena.

ARMENIA: AN OPEN WOUND EXHIBITION AT BRAND LIBRARY
The City of Glendale and the Library, Arts & Culture Dept. present the exhibition “Armenia: An Open Wound” in partnership with the Armenian American Museum. The exhibition will be on view at the Brand Library Art Galleries April 9-June 11 during the library’s regular hours: 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. A series of weekly programs will accompany the exhibition.

“Armenia: An Open Wound” debuted in Mexico City at the Museo Memoria Y Tolerancia [Museum of Tolerance] in April 2015 in honor of the Armenian Genocide centenary. The exhibition explores the intricate history of the Armenian people and creates an interactive experience by illustrating early Armenian culture; it shares the story of Armenian livelihoods on their ancestral lands, and prepares viewers to gain a deeper insight into the events that lead to the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

For further information, contact Cathy Billings, senior Library, Arts & Culture supervisor, at (818) 548-2713 or email cbillings@glendaleca.gov.

EUROPEAN MASTERS ON MUSIQUES ROSTER
The next presentation of Salon de Musiques is on April 10 and features the music of Beethoven, Faure and Bosmans. The concert will be introduced by musicologist Dr. Kristi Brown-Montesano and performed by a virtuoso duo consisting of John Walz, principal cellist of the Los Angeles Opera, and Steven Vanhauwaert, pianist.

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

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

BLAZING STAR BAZAAR
On Saturday, April 16, Bolton Hall Museum and Little Landers Park is hosting “not your average rummage sale.” There will be new, used, antique, retro, vintage and collectable items at great prices. Also there will be a variety of potted plants for a fraction of the cost at stores.

Doors open at 9 a.m.

Donation items are being accepted at Bolton Hall during public hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays and Sundays. Donations can also be brought to the Hall on Friday, April 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For plant donations, please contact organizers to make arrangements.

www.LittleLandersHistoricalSociety.org, (818) 352-3420

Bolton Hall Museum and Little Landers Park is located at 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga

A CALL TO ARTISTS
An art information seminar is being held at Samy’s Camera in Pasadena on April 17 at 1 p.m. to provide information about the Mojave National Preserves Artists Foundation (MNPAF) in residence program. This seminar is open to the public.

Representatives of the MNPAF will conduct the seminar for anyone interested in learning more about the Preserve and who may apply for a residency. Samy’s is located at 1759 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.

Bob Killen, Foundation president, and Todd Seuss, Preserve superintendent, will explain how the Mohave’s majestic canyons, mountains, mesas, and long-abandoned mines and rock-walled military outposts make great subjects for photographers and other artists. They will also talk about Mojave’s Artists in Residence Program, including how to apply to be an artist in residence. Artists in residence from past years will be present to discuss their desert experiences and share their art work.

The presentation will conclude with an opportunity for questions.

For information about the MNPAF go to mojaveair.org, or contact Jim Smart by calling (760) 401-2166.

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.

TASTE OF DOWNTOWN GLENDALE
Glendale Arts with Glendale Healthy Kids presents the 15th Annual Taste of Downtown Glendale. The fundraiser will take place on Wednesday, May 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the presenting organizations’ wellness initiatives, youth programs, and services.

More than a food festival, the Taste of Downtown Glendale is one of Glendale’s premier events, showcasing what the city does best. With the purchase of a ticket, guests can stroll along Brand Boulevard, popping into restaurants to sample the cuisine, enjoy wine or beer from one of the designated locations, and enjoy live music along the way. Glendale Arts’ POPUP! series will program live music at the locations along the route, including check-in stations and the beer and wine areas.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.TasteofDowntownGlendale.com.

Pre-sale ticket prices through May 3 are: adult, food only, $30; adult, food and wine, $40; children, ages 6-9, $15; children 5 and under, free.

Day of event ticket prices are adult, food only, $35; adult, food and wine, $45; children, ages 6-9, $15; children 5 and under, free.

For more information about the event visit, www.TasteofDowntownGlendale.com.

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.