OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD NATIONAL COLLECTION WEEK

Impact a child’s life with a simple shoebox gift. Fill a shoebox with school supplies, toys, necessity items and a note of encouragement for a child overseas suffering due to disaster, disease, war, terrorism, famine or poverty. Local drop-off location is at First Baptist Church at La Crescenta, 4441 La Crescenta Ave., La Crescenta, and drop off dates are Nov. 18-25.

For more information, visit www.samaritanspurse.org or email akenney@samaritan.org or phone (714) 432-7030.

 


SKATING RINK IN BURBANK

The holiday season in Downtown Burbank will be celebrated with the arrival of the first-ever outdoor skating rink that will be located adjacent to City Hall at Third Street and Orange Grove. The 4,100-square-foot rink will accommodate up to 165 skaters per session and will be open through Jan. 5. Hours are set for 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Admission is $10, and skate rentals are $3.

While the rink is in operation, Downtown Burbank’s weekly Farmer’s Market will move temporarily across the street to the parking lot behind the Community Services building. Convenient street access will be from Orange Grove and Olive avenues.

Free parking is available at numerous structures in Downtown Burbank. For details, call (818) 238-5180 or visit www.downtown-burbank.org.

POETRY AND “VISUAL INTERPRETATIONS OF music”

The Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga is having its monthly poetry series on Sunday, Nov. 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Bolton Hall Museum. Poets are welcome to bring their own poetry and sign-up for the open reading. Light refreshments; $3 donation is appreciated!

Featured poet is Ed Rosenthal who survived a harrowing near-death experience in the Mojave Desert in 2010. The experience deepened his divorce from practicality in the direction of spiritual exploration. This reading presents selected poems from “The Desert Hat” inspired by his miraculous rescue after six days alone in the Mojave Desert without food or water. “The Desert Hat” was published in October 2013 by Moonrise Press www.moonrisepress.com/desert.html.

Susan Dobay is a Hungarian-born California artist and gallery owner of the Scenic Drive Gallery in Monrovia. She left Hungary after the 1956 uprising against the Soviets that left thousands dead and the country in bondage for another 40 years. Her most recent project is creating music videos with artistic interpretations of scenes and characters from Italian opera (“La Traviata,” “Madame Butterfly” and “Pagliacci”) and Hungarian music. www.susandobay.com

Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga meets in the Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga. http://www.villagepoets.blogspot.com

CALLING ALL RUNNERS! 

The 20^th Annual Thanksgiving Day 5K Run and Food Drive, hosted by the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge and presented by Ross, is on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 28 starting at 8:30 a.m. at Memorial Park. This 5K Run/ Walk and Kids’ Mile has been a local tradition and a community favorite with families, athletes, and community supporters of all types for two decades.

The run is the major fundraiser for the community center and opportunity to support a worthy cause, squeeze in a pre-dinner workout and donate non-perishable food to those in need. This year’s theme is “Thanks for Giving.” The food drive has already begun. Food items can be dropped off at the community center until Nov. 27.

The community center partners with the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Dept. for the food drive during the weeks that lead up to the run. Last year, the food collected was delivered to over 150 families.

Registration is open. Register at www.ThanksgivingDayRun.eventbrite.com. For information on becoming a sponsor or volunteering during the event, contact the center’s main office at (818) 790-4353 or email Amanda@cclcf.org.

HOME TOUR TICKETS ON SALE

Tickets for the Prom Plus Holiday Tour of Homes are now available. The self-guided tour takes place on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $25 and gives access to five properties in Glendale and La Crescenta. A boutique is also being featured in the courtyard of St. Luke’s of the Mountains, 2563 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta (no cost to attend).

Purchase locations include CV Weekly, Merle Norman – Montrose, the UPS Stores in Glendale, Montrose and La Crescenta plus others. For details, email info@promplus.org or call Robin at (818) 248-2740.

 


ALEX FILM SOCIETY PRESENTS THREE STOOGES FILM

On Saturday, Nov. 30 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., the Alex Film Society will be screening the 16th Annual Three Stooges Film Festival. The theme is “Hello Pop! Stooges Family Values!” featuring the long lost Stooges short from 1933, “Hello, Pop.”

This film has not been seen on the West Coast in over 80 years! Five other Stooges shorts will also be featured.

Tickets can be purchased at www.alexfilmsociety.org.

NEWS FROM JCK


Itza Knitterie will celebrate Smalltalk Business Saturday by offering a quick gifts class on Saturday, Nov. 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1413 W. Kenneth Road, Glendale. Award-winning designer/instructor Evelyn Van Orden will demonstrate how to quickly knit or crochet beaded jewelry and other elegant gifts. No special skills required! Students receive a free pattern and free ball of yarn. Info and registration at www.itzaknitterie.com.

Jewel City Knitters will hold its 11th Annual Holiday Potluck Party on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2563 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta. There will be a potluck dinner, raffles, and a white elephant gift exchange. For more information, visit www.jewelcityknitters.com. RSVP by email to susandietel@yahoo.com.

Jewel City Knitters will hold its monthly JCK Charity Knit & Crochet on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Chevy Chase Library, 3301 E. Chevy Chase Dr., Glendale; for more information, call (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.

GLENDALE BEAUTIFUL TO HOLD CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Glendale Beautiful is hosting a Christmas luncheon on Dec. 3 at the Joe Bridges Clubhouse in Glendale.

Social hour begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch at noon. The cost is $15.

Please email Myra Kendall at Wmkend5@aol.com or call (818) 242-3689 for reservations by Thursday, Nov. 28.

The program includes Celtic harpist Dennis Doyle. There will also be door prizes.

All are welcome.

Joe Bridges Clubhouse is at 2531 E. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is hosting its annual Breakfast With Santa at the clubhouse on Dec. 7 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Tickets are $10.

Bring the family to enjoy a fantastic breakfast, festive holiday music, and an opportunity to win great prizes in the decorated historic clubhouse. Each child will receive a digital photo with Santa, and be able to make holiday crafts. Proceeds from the event will benefit a variety of charities. Santa will be there from 10:30 to noon.

To purchase tickets or for any questions email lcwcjuniors@gmail.com or phone (818) 957-6939.

The clubhouse is located at 4004 La Crescenta Ave. in La Crescenta.

TOWNE SINGERS PREP FOR HOLIDAY SEASON

Set aside Sunday, Dec. 8 at 4:30 p.m. for the Towne Singers holiday production of “Yuletide! The Towne Singers Bring You Harmony for the Holidays” at First United Methodist Church in Pasadena.

The 2013 holiday season brings many changes to the Towne Singers. The Towne Singers is now an organization supported, in part, by the Los Angeles County board of supervisors through the Los Angeles County Arts Commission. Lance Merrill is the organization’s new conductor for the 2013 holiday season. Maria Wietrzynska is the new accompanist for the Towne Singers. Both bring a wealth of experience that will delight the holiday audience.

To learn more, contact Loretta Umland at townesigners@gmail.com.


 

GLENDALE BEAUTIFUL HOSTS HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

Glendale Beautiful is hosting Fiesta de las Luminarias at Casa Adobe de San Rafael.

On Friday, Dec. 13 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Jerry Keeling Piano Studio students will be performing from 5:30 p.m. to 7p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 14 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Crescenta Valley High School Charismatics will be performing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, there will be a children’s piñata party from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. plus the Horace Mann School Folkloric Group.

Attendance is free.outenH

Casa Adobe de San Rafael, 1330 Dorothy Dr., Glendale

LITTLE LANDERS ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

Little Landers and Bolton Hall welcomes Sunland-Tujunga’s Franny McCartney and the Randy Van Horne Singers for their Dec. 14 Annual Holiday Party. Everyone is welcome for an event that begins at 1 p.m. and features Christmas carols, a gift drawing and refreshments. Anyone wishing to donate small gift items to the drawing may drop them off at Bolton Hall any Tuesday or Sunday afternoon from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. before Dec. 10.

This program is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome.

Bolton Hall Museum is located at 10110 Commerce Ave. in Tujunga. Parking is available a few doors uphill at the Elks Lodge.

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


 

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

VENDOR OPPORTUNITY

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club will be holding an antique and collectable sale on Jan. 11. Reserve a table with a $25 deposit and balance of $25 by Jan. 3.

For information and reservations, call Gloria Lee at (818) 248-9454 or Sandy Satterwhite at (818) 209-1967.

VAN BLOEM SINGERS HOLDING AUDITIONS    

Auditions are being held for the Van Bloem Singers, a volunteer singing group that has completed its 21stseason having performed more than 800 shows. The group is looking for those interested in performing Broadway and contemporary music.

Being able to “sight read” is not necessary, but some performing experience is preferred. Men and women who are able to perform between noon and 3 p.m. on weekdays and on an occasional evening, Saturday or Sunday can apply. Rehearsals are Monday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Chapel of the Burbank Salvation  Army.

The Van Bloem Singers perform more than 30 shows each year for service clubs, volunteer organizations, retiree and church groups, senior residences and  health care facilities, however, singers need not make every performance.

If interested, call Elaine Paonessa, musical director, at (818) 845-6851.

Burbank Salvation Army, 300 E. Angeleno St. (corner of Angeleno and 3^rd Street) in Burbank.

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.