GUESTS CELEBRATE NATIONAL POETRY MONTH

The Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga will be featuring Marlene Hitt, Joe DeCenzo, Dr. Maja Trochimczyk, Dorothy Skiles and two guest poets, Elsa Frausto and Dr. Mira Mataric on Saturday, April 5 from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Sunland-Tujunga Library. This event is sponsored by The Friends of the Library in celebration of April – National Poetry Month. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga, www.villagepoets.blogspot.com

Sunland-Tujunga Library, 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga

BRAND ASSOCIATES HOLD CONCERT

On Sunday, April 6 at 2 p.m., the Brand Associates will be hosting the first concert in its 2014 music series celebrating the reopening of Brand Library after a two-year renovation. Pianist Mark Robson will be performing on piano and toy piano with major works by Gerard Schurmann, Vera Ivanova, Maurice Ravel and Mark Robson.

The concert will be in the Brand Library Recital Hall. Admission is free and a reception will follow the concert. For more information, visit the Brand Library Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brandlibrary. This concert is sponsored by the Brand Associates. For more information, visit http://www.associatesofbrand.org.

Brand Library is located in northwestern Glendale at 1601 W. Mountain St.

 


TOASTMASTERS BURBANK HOLDING OPEN HOUSE

Open house Toastmasters of Burbank is hosting a free public speaking seminar on Tuesday, April 8 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Burbank Holiday Inn. At “Public Speaking for the Rest of Us,” attendees will gain tips to improve their public speaking abilities immediately, learn lessons on leadership from a seasoned professional, discover how joining Toastmasters can benefit both career and personal life, and (if they wish) have the opportunity to give a brief impromptu speech and enjoy free refreshments.

Registration 6:45 p.m. to 7 p.m., seminar from 7 p.m. to 8:30 and networking from 8:30 p.m. to 9.

 


‘LA BELLA EPOQUE’ FROM SALON DE MUSIQUES

The next presentation of Salon de Musiques is on April 6 and is dedicated to “La Belle Epoque” with the Expressionism Movement. The program features four composers: Reynaldo Hahn, Benjamin Godard, Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Ernest Chausson.

The Pantoum Trio (Tereza Stanislav, violin, Cecilia Tsan, cello and Steven Vanhauwaert, piano) will be joined by Hae Ji Chang, soprano.

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 student, and $65 (includes dinner and drinks).

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

 


SIERRA CLUB PRESENTS BOB IBSEN

The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club Group will feature Bob Ibsen’s World War II in the Pacific on Tuesday, April 8 at 7:30 p.m., at the La Crescenta Library.

Ihsen, a member of the Sierra Club for over 40 years, is a historian and world traveler of 192 countries, all 50 states and nearly all of the national parks. He will take attendees chronologically from Pearl Harbor to Hiroshima, with a multitude of stops along the way to places like Wake Island, Guadalcanal, Guam and Iwo Jima.

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

La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. Please enter on La Crescenta Avenue for the meeting room and parking.

 


WOMEN AT WORK BENEFITS FROM ART & CHAMPAGNE

Louise Wannier and Vera Teller host Art & Champagne on Thursday, April 10, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Louis Jane studio (93 E. Union in Pasadena) to benefit Women At Work’s Founder’s Challenge Grant.

Champagne tasting and unique hand-painted designs by Louise will be enjoyed

Contact Camille Levee at (626) 796-6870.


 

‘SIMPLY SPEAKING’ LUNCHEON

On Saturday, April 12, the Junior League of Pasadena, Inc. (JLP) will host its first annual benefit luncheon, Simply Speaking, at the University Club of Pasadena. The event will highlight guest speaker and organizational expert Peter Walsh, star of the popular TLC network TV program “Clean Sweep” and author of several best-selling books on clutter and organization. The event will feature a seated lunch, silent auction and a donation drawing.

In addition, the 2014 recipient of the Nancy Reed Payne Achievement Award will be announced acknowledging a sustaining member for her exceptional contribution and years of dedication to the Junior League and to her community.

Simply Speaking luncheon tickets cost $125 for general seating or $175 for preferred seating. All funds raised will directly benefit the Junior League of Pasadena and its community partners and projects.

To purchase tickets and to learn more about the Junior League of Pasadena, visit www.MyJLP.com.

 


BRAND LIBRARY LAUNCHES SOUNDS ON THE PLAZA

On Sunday April 13 at 2 p.m., acclaimed Glendale based singer/songwriters Maggie McClure and Shane Henry will inaugurate the new Sounds on the Plaza concert series with an outdoor spring concert on the new Brand Library & Art Center Plaza. Sponsored by the Brand Associates. Admission is free. Bring a picnic!

For more information visit http://www.associatesofbrand.org/ or the Brand Library Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/brandlibrary.

Brand Library is located in northwestern Glendale at 1601 W. Mountain St.

 


BENITA BIKE’S DANCEART PRESENTS ‘DANCE AMONG THE TREES’

Benita Bike’s DanceArt brings concert dance into the outdoors with a performance at McGroarty Arts Center on Sunday, April 13 at 3 p.m. This performance is supported by the City of Los Angeles’ Dept. of Cultural Affairs and the McGroarty Arts Center. This is a free event.

The unique dance event demonstrates how dances are made and how dance artists train, work and create. Dances will be performed and there will be numerous opportunities for audience members to interact with the artists.

This program will feature three dances: the premiere of “In the Garden,” a dance that takes place in a mysterious ancient garden, the humorous “Through the Lens,” and popular “Southern Memories” set to music from the southern United States.

For program information, call (818) 353-5734 or see www.danceart.org.

McGroarty Arts Center, 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga


 

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 April 16 and features cellist Julie Jung and

pianist Jennie Jung performing works by Beethoven and Chopin.

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

 


NEWS FROM THE LLHS

Little Landers Historical Society announces programs in April and May that focus on the importance of collecting oral histories and saving the stories about our lives, experiences and the times in which we lived. Guest speaker for both months’ programs will be oral historian and filmmaker Ellie Kahn.
On April 12, Kahn will screen her acclaimed documentary film, “Meet Me at Brooklyn & Soto,” based on oral histories with former residents of the once thriving Jewish community of 70,000 in Boyle Heights. The street now known as Cesar Chavez Avenue was once named Brooklyn Avenue, and its intersection with Soto was the heart of the community. After the screening, Kahn will describe how the project came about and the process of training volunteers to do the initial interviews.

On May 10, she will return to Bolton Hall to offer a hands-on workshop experience in collecting oral histories. Learn the basics of interviewing and sharing experiences in order to collect our personal and family’s stories.

Programs are free and open to the public; both begin at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Little Landers Historical Society announces the April revival of Granny’s Attic Treasure Sale and the LLHS famous plant sale. Both events are fundraisers for Little Landers and Bolton Hall, and will be held at Bolton Hall on April 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Donations of new, gently used, antique and vintage collectibles may be brought to Bolton Hall during public hours any Tuesday or Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. or on Friday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For plant donations, please call Bolton Hall to make arrangements.

Bolton Hall shoppers can purchase lunch at the nearby Elks Lodge Chili Cook-Off on April 26 and return to Bolton Hall for more shopping.

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

Bolton Hall Museum is located at 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga

 


ABWA HOSTS FASHION SHOW

The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Verdugo Glen chapter is hosting “Step Into Style,” its annual fashion show and luncheon including boutique shopping, silent auction, and opportunity prizes on Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Angeles National Golf Club. Luncheon cost is $50.

For information and reservations, call Rondi Springer (818) 425-5820 or online at: www.abwa-verdugoglen.org.

Angeles National Golf Club, 9401 Foothill Blvd, Sunland-Tujunga

 


NEUTRA RUN/WALK FOR HEALTH PLANNED

The public is invited to race for tax-deductible donations on Sunday, April 27 for the preservation of modernist icons of the recent past, and the VDL Research house II in Silverlake.

Throughout the day there will be runs, walks and bike rides around the lake from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by house tours at VDL all afternoon. In addition, from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., a five-station Interiors Tour of Neutra designs at and around Neutra Place, just south of the Meadow on SLB.

In the evening at the VDL starting at 5 p.m., activities will be ongoing until 9:30 p.m. Music will include Dan West, musician, composer and founding member of renowned jazz combo Sidewalk Society and one half of the famed experimental pop-rock duo Lovey Dove. Wine tasting is at 6:45 p.m. and at 7 p.m. is a VIP dinner and reception.

For more information, consult www.neutra.org, Dion@Neutra.org or carlaris13@aol.com.

Dion Neutra is granting interviews regarding the event, and will be available late morning at VDL to sign copies of his book, V1 of “The Neutras, Then & Later.”

Check the Neutra Institute website www.neutra.org.

 


MEET AND GREET WITH WALSH

The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada Flintridge – AM invites the community to join in meeting and greeting the new CEO of USC/Verdugo Hills Hospital, Debbie Walsh. She will be a guest of the Kiwanis on Wednesday, April 16 at the Lutheran Church of the Foothills, 1700 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada. Coffee at 7:15 a.m., Walsh will speak at 8 a.m.

 


DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MAGIC

Tickets are now on sale for Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic. The show will be in Ontario Wednesday, April 16 through Sunday, April 20. Ticket prices range from $22, $28, $45 (VIP), $65 (front row). Opening night tickets are $15 each for select seating (not valid for VIP or premium seating)*.

Tickets available for purchase online at AXS.com, charge by phone at (888) 9AXS-TIX or in-person at the CBBA Box Office.

The show then comes to Long Beach from Wednesday, April 23 to Sunday, April 27. Ticket prices range from $22, $28, $45-$50 (VIP) and $65-$70 (front row)*.

Opening night tickets are $15 each for select seating (not valid for VIP or premium seating)*.

Tickets available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or charge by phone at

(800) 745-3000 or in-person at the Long Beach Arena Box Office.

*Tickets may be subject to service charges, facility and handling fees.

 


ALL DAUGHTERS INVITED

The First Baptist Church at La Crescenta is celebrating “Daughter’s Day Delight” on

May 3 at noon in the Fellowship Hall. Please join us as we celebrate daughters –

every woman is a daughter – with a luncheon, including an interpretive drama and a special musical performance.

What’s in your closet? For the adventuresome, the program also includes a “What Not to Wear” contest for those who dress in their “wackiest” outfits (optional). Prizes will be awarded to the most fashionably challenged contestants.

Tickets are $5 each for children ages 6-12, $10 for ages 13 to 99, and $30 for families of four or more.

For information and reservations, email mailto:infor@fbclc.org. Reservations must be received by April 25.

First Baptist Church – La Crescenta is located at 4441 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta.

 


REUNION FOR HRS CLASS OF 1954

Plans are being finalized for a weekend-long reunion for the Holy Redeemer School – class of 1954. They include a get-together at the home of Gary Geer on the afternoon of Friday, April 25, dinner at Casa Cordoba restaurant on Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and coffee and rolls Sunday morning back at Gary’s from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

           Please bring any memorabilia, pictures, mementos or souvenirs that you would like to share. Please call Francine Enders Lee with questions at (818) 891-3630.

The cost is $40 per person paid in advance and includes dinner Friday and Saturday nights and continental breakfast on Sunday. Beverages other than coffee, tea and soft drinks are not provided on Saturday but are available.

Please make checks payable to Patricia Gale and mail to 24344 N.W. Meacham Road, North Plains, Oregon 97133; phone (503) 647-2797; email patgoldengale@yahoo.com.

 


AFRICAN VIOLET SOCIETIES SALE

The Montrose & Burbank African Violet Societies will be having their Annual Judged Show & Sale on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Descanso Gardens (Van de Kamp Hall). The theme is “Violets in Wonderland.” There will be African violets and other related plants and supplies available for sale and club members available to answer questions as well as an educational table and cultural demonstrations throughout the day.

There is an admission to the gardens but not to the judged show and sale.

Visit websites www.burbankafricanviolets.weebly.com or www.montroseafricanviolets.weebly.com or telephone Burbank A.V.S. club president Susan at (818) 951-3597 for more information.

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

 


SPECIAL CONCERT AT THORNE HALL

The Caltech-Occidental Symphony and the combined Glee clubs of Occidental College and Caltech will present a special concert at Occidental College’s Thorne Hall on Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 pm. The performance of Mozart’s Requiem, with 100 singers, marks the first time in several years that the choruses of the two colleges will combine in concert. The program begins with Tchaikovsky’s “Violin Concerto,” performed by Caltech senior Misha Raffiee. Allen Robert Gross, director of the Caltech-Occidental Symphony, conducts.

The program will be repeated on Sunday, April 27, at the First United Methodist Church in Pasadena, at 3:30 p.m.

Admission and parking are free for both events. For further information, call (626) 395-3295 or visit orchestra.caltech.edu.

 


‘SYDNEY PAIGE: MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT’ AT FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE

On Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m., Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse hosts a special story time with Courtney Brockmeyer, a La Cañada resident, social entrepreneur and founder of Sydney Paige (www.sydneypaigeinc.com), a buy-give business whose mission is to provide kids the tools and self-esteem to stay in school. Brockmeyer will be reading the story “Sydney Paige: Miss School, Miss Out”, which she created (written by Margery Hannah). For every purchase of the book at this event, Brockmeyer’s company will donate another copy to Better with Books, a non-profit organization that gives brand new books to children in need throughout the Los Angeles area. In addition, the company will give 10% of its proceeds to the La Cañada Educational Foundation.

For more information, call (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.

 


RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER

The public is invited to race on Sunday, April 27 for tax-deductible donations for the preservation of modernist icons of the recent past, and the VDL Research house II in particular in Silverlake. Proceeds benefit the Neutra Institute and the Cal Poly foundation.

The day will include walks and bike rides around the lake from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. followed by house tours at VDL all afternoon, In addition, there will be five-station tours from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. of Neutra designs at and around Neutra Place, just south of the Meadow on SLB.

At the VDL, starting at 5 p.m. there will be ongoing activities until 9:30 p.m. These include music by Dan West, musician, composer and founding member of renowned jazz combo Sidewalk Society and one half of the famed experimental pop-rock duo Lovey Dove. Wine tasting is from 5 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. followed at 7 p.m. by a VIP dinner and reception.

Tickets range is price from $25 to $205 depending on level of participation.

For more information, consult www.neutra.org, Dion@Neutra.org,  or carlaris13@aol.com. Dion Neutra is granting interviews regarding the event and will be available late morning at VDL to sign copies of his book, V1 of “The Neutras, Then & Later.”


 

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

LCWC HOSTING TEA

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is having a spring tea party at the clubhouse on Saturday, May 10. Seating begins at 11 a.m. Lunch includes tea sandwiches scones and desserts. The afternoon features a silent auction and an award will be presented for the best hat.

The cost is $25 per person. Make checks payable to the La Crescenta Woman’s Club and mail to P.O. Box 106, Verdugo City 91046. Proceeds benefit local charities. The LCWC is a non-profit organization.

For more information, contact Dawna Berger at (818) 957-6939.

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

 


EMPTY BOWLS BENEFIT FAMILY PROMISE

An Empty Bowl event is taking place on Sunday, June 1 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The lunch benefits Family Promise of the Verdugos www.Familypromiseverdugos.org and the local first time homeless families as they transition into independence.

Currently Family Promise of the Verdugos has 25 faith congregations in Burbank, Glendale, North Hollywood and Eagle Rock and community partners including the Burbank Community YMCA.

The Empty Bowl event is $35 a person that provides a choice of soup served in a handcrafted bowl that the guest will take home. It will be hosted at the Carlson Center, Glendale First United Methodist Church in Glendale. Sponsorships are also very much needed and appreciated.

Purchase tickets or make your donation online at http://familypromise.donordrive.com/event/EmptyBowl.

 


CALTECH-OCCIDENTAL CONCERT BAND TO PERFORM IN WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

The Caltech – Occidental Concert Band, directed by William Bing, is going to perform in Walt Disney Concert Hall on June 18. This celebrated ensemble, which has performed in Carnegie Hall and the Great Wall, will perform as part of a concert of ensembles from around the world.

On the program will be the world premiere of a work for organ and concert band by the band’s multi-talented composer-in-residence, Dr. Leslie Deutsch. Also appearing on the program and conducting his own work will be world famous composer and conductor, Frank Ticheli. Paul Asimow, a professor of geology and geochemisty, will also guest conduct, and Kjerstin Williams, who received her PhD in robotics from Caltech, will be the vocal soloist singing songs composed by George Gershwin.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. at Disney Hall. Tickets go on sale around May 1, and will be available for $30 each at Ticketmaster or the box office at Walt Disney Concert Hall.

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

 


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.