TOYS FOR TOTS DROP OFF LOCATION NAMED
FUNction and FITness announced that it is a drop-off location for Toys For Tots. It is also offering a Thanksgiving Day “Burn the Bird” workout. Participants will need to go to www.mindbody.com (or the MindBody app) and create a profile then search for FUNction and FITness and “purchase” the free class. By doing this, FUNction and FITness can make sure to have enough coaches for the event while saving a spot for each participant.
FUNction and FITness is located at 2833 Honolulu Ave. in Verdugo City.

SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS LUNCHEON
Salute to our Veterans Luncheon and program will be presented by the Pasadena Women’s Connection on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at Women’s City Club in Pasadena. Phil Crowley, voiceover actor and in-show announcer for the hit show “Shark Tank” will present a patriotic feature honoring the nation’s military.
Inspirational speaker Tess Rutherford, magazine founder and publisher, asks “Is assembly required when building a life?” Veterans and family are invited to attend.
Tickets are $23.
For reservations call Darlene (818) 353-2212 or Carole (818)790-1907.
NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC
Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series that takes 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 Nov. 16 and features violinist Connie Kupka and cellist David Speltz performing works by Bach, Kodaly and Beethoven.
For more information, email glendalesda@gmail.com or call (818) 244-7241.
Glendale City Church, 610 E. California Ave. (at Isabel) in Glendale.
FREE SENIOR LECTURE
Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital’ s 50plus Program is presenting a senior lecture, “Putting Your Financial House in Order” on Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Join William McMorran and learn what is needed to plan an estate and hear ideas that can help you now and loved ones later.
Please RSVP by Nov. 11 by calling (818) 502-2378. Seating is limited.  www.glendlaememorialhospital.org
The lecture will take place in the Dignity Health Glendale Memorial Hospital and Health Center auditorium at 1420 S. Central Ave. in Glendale.
SOROPTIMISTS WELCOME ROWLEY
Dr. Carolyn Rowley, founder and executive director of Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Center and CEO of Machao Orphanage Foundation, will speak to the Soroptimists International of Glendale on Nov. 17 at noon at the Oakmont Country Club.
She will talk about her work in impoverished regions of Africa with children who are orphans due to HIV/AIDS.
Lunch is $28, reservations due by Nov. 14 to (818) 863-1326.
Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive, Glendale
ABWA HOSTS ‘BILLIONAIRE MINDSET’
The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) Verdugo Glen chapter is hosting a special presentation, “The Billionaire Mindset: How to Attract Affluent Clients” by Christopher Kai on Thursday, Nov. 17 at 6:45 p.m. at the Glendale Elks Club. Inc. Magazine has referred to Kai as “the billionaire networker.”
Dinner meeting is $25. For information and reservations call Loren West at (818) 261-2386 or online at www.abwa-verdugoglen.org.
YULE BALL AT FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE
On Friday, Nov. 18, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., all are invited to attend a Yule Ball at Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse. Enjoy an evening of music, dancing and festivities held to usher in the holiday season and coinciding with the release of J.K. Rowling’s screenplay (published by Scholastic) for the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” which opens in theaters that evening.
To celebrate the season and the release of more wonders from the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling, the bookstore’s Yule Ball has planned an assortment of activities for all ages (attendees are encouraged to dress in “formal” attire).
The bookstore is now taking pre-orders for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay.” For each copy of the book sold ($24.99 plus tax), the purchaser is entitled to admission for two to the Yule Ball. General admission is $4 per person (tickets can be purchased in advance or at the door).
Flintridge Bookstore and Coffeehouse is located at 1010 Foothill Blvd., La Cañada Flintridge, at the intersection of Foothill Boulevard and Angeles Crest Highway.  For more information, call (818) 790-0717.
‘NEON LOS ANGELES’ TOPIC OF DISCUSSION
Tom Zimmerman discusses and signs “Spectacular Illumination: Neon Los Angeles 1925-1965” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19 at the Museum of Neon Art.
“Spectacular Illumination: Neon Los Angeles 1925-1965” is a collection of vintage photography that showcases the glowing neon heritage of the City of Angels. More than 200 images fill its pages. L.A. has long been recognized as the most vibrant city in America, and part of its radiance comes from streets lined with neon signs during the Golden Age of neon from 1925 to 1965. Photographer and historian Tom Zimmerman shows images that depict, in both color and in black-and-white, what Raymond Chandler, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and countless other writers have tried to put into words.
“Spectacular Illumination” tells a story of a city that has glowed, now glows and, thanks to institutions such as the Museum of Neon Art, will glow forever.
For more information on the event visit http://www.neonmona.org, call (818) 696-2149 or email info@neonmona.org. Members free, non-members $10.
For more information on the book visit http://www.angelcitypress.com/products/spil.
Museum of Neon Art, 216 S. Brand Blvd., Glendale
CALTECH GLEE CLUB TO PERFORM
An evening of choral music by the Caltech Glee Club is being presented on Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. at Ramo Auditorium at Caltech. This is an evening of choral music by Maurice Duruflé, G.P. da Palestrina and American composters including William Billings, David Dickau and Eric Whitacre. Special appearance by the Caltech Chamber singers.
One performance only; admission is free and no tickets are required.
FREE CONCERTS IN PASADENA
The Crown City Symphony will present two free concerts on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. at the Pasadena Christian Church, 789 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena and on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 75 N. Marengo in Pasadena.
Cheryl Lopez, flutist, will solo in the Mozart Flute Concerto in G major. The orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Paul Sherman, will also play the Overture from “Prometheus” by Beethoven and the Symphony #31 by Mozart.
DEMOS RECAP THE HISTORIC ELECTION
The 2016 election will be the topic of the day at the Cañada Crescenta Democratic Club meeting on Sunday, Nov. 20 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the home of Dona Mitoma and Marvin Inouye in La Cañada.
Long-time program chair Garland “Gar” Byrum Club will recap Hillary Clinton’s unexpected loss but also point to the wins by candidates the Club endorsed or supported: Anthony Portantino for state senate; Debra Archuleta for judge of the Superior Court, District 11; and Catherine Cortez Masto, new U.S. senator from Nevada (replacing Harry Reid).
Club business will include election of officers for 2017 and proposed rules for taping of meetings.
The meeting is free and open to the public. For more information, go to http://canadacrescentadems.org. The Club can be contacted at lccvdems@gmail.com
GYO TO PERFORM AT ALEX THEATRE
The Glendale Youth Orchestra, conducted by Brad Keimach, performs its 28th season opening concert on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. at the historic Alex Theatre in Glendale. The program includes Mozart – Overture to “Don Giovanni;” Saint-Saens – Cello Concerto No. 1, first movement (Andrew Lee, cello – Crescenta Valley High School), Tchaikovsky – Rococo Variations (Ryan Choi, cello – Crescenta Valley High School), and Beethoven – Symphony No. 1.
There will be a silent auction to benefit the scholarship program.
The GYO is funded in part by a grant from the L.A. County Arts Commission.
Tickets are $15 and may be purchased from the Alex Theatre box office. Groups of 15 or more get 15% off. Students, children and seniors may purchase tickets for $12 each.
The Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For more information, call (818) 243-ALEX, or visit www.alextheatre.org.

JEWEL CITY FLUTE CHOIR AT LANTERMAN
The Lanterman Historical Museum Foundation is hosting the locally renowned Jewel City Flute Choir for its annual fall concert in the Lanterman House ballroom on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. The flute choir performs under the direction of Francine Pancost, a local conductor and musician who has an extensive background in music.
Suggested donation is $5.
For more information about the concert please visit lantermanfoundation.org.
The Lanterman House is located at 4420 Encinas Drive in the city of La Cañada Flintridge.
CALTECH SYMPHONY PRESENTS ITS FALL CONCERT
The Caltech Symphony, under the direction of Allen Robert Gross, presents the opening concert of its 2016-17 season on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Caltech’s Ramo Auditorium. The concert begins at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free and no tickets are required.
The program consists of Wagner’s majestic “Prelude to Die Meistersinger,” Samuel Barber’s nostalgic “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” and Dvořák’s sunny and melodious “Symphony No. 8.” Soprano soloist in the Barber is Elissa Johnston.
Hailed by Musical America for “her voice pure and ethereal, her expression embracing and heartfelt,” soprano Johnston is a Southern California favorite and sought-after singer. Some of her local engagements include the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Jacaranda Music, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The Caltech Symphony is a college-community orchestra composed of students from Caltech, Jet Propulsion Laboratory staff, and players from the surrounding community. Director Gross begins his 33rd year of conducting at Caltech.
There will be only one performance of this program, so plan to arrive early for seating. For further information, contact Caltech Performing and Visual Arts at (626) 395-3295.
HAIKU POETS FEATURED
The Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga announced that poets Deborah P. Kolodji and Naia will feature at their next Monthly Reading Series on Sunday, Nov. 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Bolton Hall Museum.
Kolodji is the California regional coordinator for the Haiku Society of America.  Naia is active in numerous haiku-related conferences, study groups, readings and societies.
Poets, bring your poems and sign up for the open reading upon arrival. Light refreshments will be served; a $3 donation is appreciated.
Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga
DEVORAK ON MUSIQUES ROSTER
The next presentation of Salon de Musiques is on Dec. 4 and features the music of Antonin Dvorak.
An informal Q&A with the artists will follow the performance and a gourmet high tea buffet provided by Patina with French champagne will be served.
Tickets are $45 for students, and $85 general admission that includes buffet and champagne. 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.
CHILI AND LAUGHS BENEFIT
MC GROARTY ARTS CENTER
McGroarty Arts Center will be hosting two events over the weekend of Dec. 3-4. The first is the 14th Annual Chili Bowl Fest and Holiday Art & Craft Faire on Dec. 3. The upper parking lot will be filled with tents for additional comfortable seating for people enjoying a tasty meal and craft beers, and there will also be many more local artisan vendors than ever before. Additionally, NBC weatherman and lifelong comedian Fritz Coleman will be presenting his one-man comedy show, “Defying Gravity,” at the Ice House in Pasadena. This will be a fundraising event benefiting McGroarty Arts Center on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. http://icehousecomedy.com/event.cfm?id=468763&cart
McGroarty Arts Center is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga.
DISCOVER DANCE WITH BENITA BIKE’S DANCEART
On Saturday, Dec. 3 at 2 p.m., the public is invited to a free interactive dance outreach program at Lake View Terrace Library by Benita Bike’s DanceArt.
Now in its 36th season, the work of this Los Angeles modern dance work stands at the crossroads of past and present, blending the music and sensibilities of the past with evocative contemporary movement.
There will be two dances performed: “On Beat 3” and “Old Postcards from Europe.” Dance reviewer Jeff Slayton of SeeDance.com describes “On Beat 3” as “a rapid fire movement piece driven by the music Tin Play by Swedish composer Per Andreessen.” “Old Postcards from Europe” takes its inspiration from three late 19th/early 20th century postcards from the cities of Munich, Vienna, and Budapest. Church bells, Wallingford Riegger’s dramatic music, and the sounds of Klezmer accompany the dance.
For program information, call (818) 353-5734. For directions or library information, call (818) 890-7404.
Lake View Terrace Library, 12002 Osborne Street, Lake View Terrace
HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES PLANNED BY TOWNE SINGERS
The Towne Singers are performing a “Light Up The Season” concert on Saturday, Dec. 3. The 80-member choir will start the 2016 holiday with illuminating holiday music under the direction of Lance Merrill and accompanied by Ben Mason. A special visit from Santa is scheduled as well.
The performance is at 5 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena. Presale tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children 3 to 10 years of age. Group rates for 10 or more are $20 per ticket.
For more information, email townesingers87@gmail.com or phone (818) 275-4117. www.townesingers.org
The Towne Singers is an organization supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through Los Angeles County Arts Commission.
First United Methodist Church at 500 E. Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena.
FESTIVAL OF TREES TICKETS ON SALE
Tickets are on sale for the 64th annual Optimist Youth Homes & Family Services Festival of Trees event scheduled for Dec. 4.
The event will be held at the Pasadena Hilton and features entertainment and a fashion show. In addition guests will have the opportunity of having their picture taken with Santa!
Proceeds from this holiday event go to the Optimist Youth Homes and Family Services ongoing programs.
Ticket prices are early bird special (before Nov. 15) of $75 per person/$750 table for 10, and on or after Nov. 15 are $85 per person/$850 table for 10. Make checks payable to (Optimist Festival of Trees) and mail to c/o Pam Duben, 30535 Hasley Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384. Questions can be directed to Pam Duben at (661) 257-6867.
Pasadena Hilton, 168 S. Los Robles Ave.
FLINTRIDGE BOOKSTORE CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY
On Saturday, Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Flintridge Bookstore & Coffeehouse celebrates Small Business Saturday with a day full of guest authors, artists, musicians and others participating in activities for people of all ages. There will also be special story times and activities in the children’s area.
The La Cañada High School chamber singers will be on-site to regale visitors with Christmas carols. Local guitarist Bryan Guardado and harpist Hollinea are also here to perform holiday related music.
For specifics about the day’s schedule and 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 Angeles Crest Highway.
LOCAL YOGA CLASS
New gentle/level one yoga classes continue on Friday mornings at 11 a.m. at St. Luke’s of Mountains Church.
This class will improve joint mobility, flexibility, muscle strength and balance and will include some restorative yoga poses to help the body heal its own aches and pains by engaging the parasympathetic system. Sessions will be 75 minutes. Instructor is experienced in many forms of yoga. Please bring mat.
Cost is $15 cash.
Questions? Contact maiedell45@gmail.com or call (818) 298-4589.
St. Luke’s is located at 2563 Foothill Blvd., at the corner of Rosemont, in La Crescenta.
MUSIC APPRECIATION CLASS AT GCC
Dr. Ted Stern, professor of music at Glendale Community College, is conducting off-campus music appreciation classes for adults in the community. This ongoing series is for musicians and non-musicians alike. This semester will cover the topic “A New Appreciation of Music: Surprises from the Internet (beginning with the 18th Century – the world of Bach and Handel).”
Classes are held each Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. continuing through Dec. 13. They are held at the Crescenta Valley United Methodist Church cultural hall, 2700 Montrose Ave. in Montrose.
The cost for the 14-week series of classes is $100. Everyone is welcome!
For more information, call Dianne at (818) 445-2390.
FOOTHILLS COMMUNITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB
Foothills Community Toastmasters Club meets 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. every Monday night at 10700 Hillrose Circle in Sunland. Guests are always welcome at no charge.
Toastmasters International is a 91-plus-year-old worldwide organization of small neighborhood, company, community or organization sponsored clubs where people practice and get training in public speaking and leadership skills.
Foothills Community Toastmasters Club is the only official chapter in the Foothills area stretching from La Cañada Flintridge to Sylmar.
Anyone interested in visiting or learning more about the club should contact fctmclub@gmail.com or visit www.foothillscommunitytoastmasters.club.
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).

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.
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.