DESCANSO TO HOST GIFTS AND GREENS

Descanso Gardens is hosting Gifts and Greens on Dec. 4-5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase beautiful botanical décor and greenery to decorate for the holidays, and handcrafted gift items made by Descanso’s talented volunteers. Two wreath-making classes, priced separately and for Descanso members only, will be at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Dec. 4. Register in advance at (818) 949-7980. Admission to the Gifts and Greens boutique is free with admission: $8 adults, $6 seniors/students, $3 children 5-12, and free to children 4 and younger.

For more information, call (818) 949-4200 or visit www.descansogardens.org.

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

MODEST FLY TO HOST ATHENA MANTLE

Modest Fly Art Studio Gallery will be exhibiting Athena Mantle’s new works titled Desert Jewels through Dec. 20. The artist, who lives in the Tujunga area, is known for her oil paintings of agave and succulents.

The gallery is open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. from Monday thru Thursday and is closed from Friday thru Sunday. Contact Eerren at (818) 331-780 for more information or visit the gallery website at www.modestflyartgallery.com for more show information.

Modest Fly Art Studio Gallery, 7576 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga

KIWANIS PRESENTS TALENT CONTEST FOR KIDS

Applications are being accepted for the inaugural Kids Talent Showcase “WAW California Starz Talent Contest” on Dec. 19 at 12:00 p.m. at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge. Presented by The Kiwanis Builders Club of LCHS 7/8, Kiwanis K-Kids of the Community Center,  WAW Talent Training Studios and The Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, this community-wide event showcases the talent of local kids ages 7 to 21. First, second and third places will be awarded in each of four categories: vocal performance, instrumental performance, dance and beauty. Winners will receive cash prizes, trophies, gift cards and more.

Application forms are available at the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive or at WAWentertainment.com where details about the talent show, rules and regulations also are available. The deadline for entries is Friday, Dec. 17.

CVHS CHORAL ALUMS WANTED

Former members of choral groups at Crescenta Valley High School are invited to take part in the CVHS Alumni Chorale. The group, composed of CVHS choral alumni men and women, rehearse once a week on Wednesdays from 7:15 p.m. – 9:15 p.m., at the Glendale First United Methodist Church. The group performs for local civic groups and retirement homes in Pasadena, Glendale, La Crescenta, Montrose and Duarte during the holiday season and again in the late spring/early summer. After the holiday season performances the group will resume rehearsals in the middle of January 2011.

Anyone interested in singing in the chorale can contact Shirley Nute at shirleyb2@earthlink.net.

THE FOREST LAWN MUSEUM IN GLENDALE PRESENTS “LIGHT & HOPE”

Beginning Nov. 26 Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale will present its “Light & Hope” stained glass window display marking the start of the holiday season. This display is of renowned stained glass art that truly symbolizes the season.

“Light & Hope” will depict the seven most significant events in the birth and the early life of Christ, including The Betrothal of Mary and Joseph, The Visitation of Mary and Elizabeth, No Room at the Inn, The Shepherds in the Stable, The Flight into Egypt, Jesus in the Temple, and Joseph, Mary and Jesus in the Carpenter’s Shop. Franz Mayer & Company of Munich, Germany created the windows that date back to 1913.

The display will continue through Feb. 7. Admission is free.

For more information, call (800) 204-3131 or visit www.forestlawn.com.

Forest Lawn Museum, Forest Lawn-Glendale, 1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale

NOON CONCERTS OPEN TO PUBLIC

Glendale Noon Concerts is a free admission concert series taking place every first and third Wednesday from 12:10-12:40 p.m. in the newly restored chapel and sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale (downtown at Louise & Wilson, no religious affiliation). On Dec. 1, Catherine Del Russo will present an oboe recital featuring works by Verroust & Telemann.

She will be assisted by pianist Galina Barskaya and violinist Adriana Zoppo (joining Del Russo & Barskaya in the piece by Telemann).

Catherine Del Russo is a member of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra & the Glendale Symphony.

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

CANDLE LIGHTING MEMORIAL SERVICES SCHEDULED

Forest Lawn will again hold its annual Candle Lighting Memorial Services this holiday season.  There will be a service in English and a separate service in Spanish. Each of the services will be held from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and will feature holiday songs, inspirational messages, and candle lighting in memory of a family member or friend.  Refreshments will be served following the services.  The services are open to all community members at no charge.  On Dec. 8, Forest Lawn-Glendale, Museum Plaza, 1712 Glendale Ave. will hold services; on Dec. 9 services will be held in Spanish. On Dec. 13, Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills, Hall of Liberty Plaza, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive will hold services; on Dec. 14, services will be held in Spanish.

THE SNOW QUEEN COMING TO GCC

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic wintertime fairytale comes to life for the 13th annual production of the California Contemporary Ballet’s adaptation of “The Snow Queen.“

The ballet will be presented at Glendale Community College, Performing Arts Theatre, 1500 North Verdugo Blvd. with performances at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18 and matinee performances at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18 and Sunday, Dec. 19. Advance tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and $30 for adults and $25 for students at the door. For tickets or information, call Brown Paper Tickets at (800) 938-3006 or visit online www.ccballet.net or www.snowqueenballet.com.

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