CANDLELIGHT TOURS AT DOCTORS HOUSE
The Glendale Historical Society (TGHS) will present its annual candlelight tours of the historic Victorian-era Doctors House Museum on Saturday, Dec. 17. The self-guided tour is offered from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. each evening. The museum, located in Brand Park, will be illuminated by lamps and candlelight in the 1800s holiday tradition. Costumed volunteers will serve refreshments and the Pasadena Conservatory of Music will perform live music.

No reservations are required for the Candlelight Tours, but a $5 donation is requested to support the maintenance of the Doctors House Museum. Admission is free for members of The Glendale Historical Society.

The tours will be offered regardless of weather conditions, but some outdoor activities may be curtailed in the event of rain.

Authentic Victorian-era lamps for the event are being provided by Craig Lightheizer.
For more information, visit www.glendalehistorical.org or call (818) 242-7447.

Doctors House in Brand Park, 1601 West Mountain St. in 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 restored chapel and sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Glendale (downtown at Louise & Wilson, no religious affiliation).

The next concert is on Dec. 21 and features Sudbury & Ramos who will perform original music that is a mix of Latin, French, Italian and Americana for mandolin, violin and acoustic guitar.


CV SIERRA CLUB PRESENTS MICHAEL BECK
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club presents Michael Beck’s South by Southwest on Jan. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Los Angeles County Public Library. (Please enter the meeting room and parking from La Crescenta Avenue.)

Beck will show his latest in a series of fast-paced photogenic slides that celebrate America’s less-visited, beautiful national and state parks. This presentation sweeps through an arc from Arkansas to Arizona to include Arkansas’ lush Ozark-like Quachita Mountains, the brilliance of colorful Arizona’s Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument and the Texas hill country’s exceptional wildflower blooms of spring 2010.  Stops at the Bandolier National Monument and Pueblo ruins, the craggy Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Preserve and a brush stroke of the Painted Desert will complete the tour.

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

Los Angeles County Public Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta


CPR CLASSES AT VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL
Verdugo Hills Hospital (VHH) offers CPR training classes to community members and healthcare providers. VHH also offers Heartsaver – Automated External Defibrillator (AED) classes. These classes provide instruction for CPR skills, including adult/child one-person rescue, adult/child choking maneuvers and adult/child AED. Both Healthcare Provider new and renewal classes are also offered, as well as Infant CPR and CPR Instructor training.

Upcoming Heartsaver CPR classes will be held on Jan. 16 and Feb. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Infant CPR classes are offered twice a month and cover from birth to one year of age. Classes are held on a Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on a Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 pm. The fee is $30 per person.

For more information about VHH’s CPR courses or to register for a class, please call (818) 952-2272, or visit www.vhhospital.org.


GLEN MEM OFFERING WALK-A-DILE WALKING PROGRAM
Glendale Memorial 50-plus walking club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the information table on the first floor of the Eagle Rock Plaza.

Participants can walk in a safe environment free from the smog, heat, rain and cold!

For information, call (818) 502-2396.

Eagle Rock Plaza, 2700 Colorado Blvd., #230, Los Angeles


OCCASION TO CELEBRATE ANNOUNCES 2012 BENEFIT CHARITIES
In honor of April’s National Autism Awareness Month, Occasion To Celebrate selected two non-profit equestrian organizations to benefit from their 2nd Annual Occasion To Celebrate charity golf tournament wine and beer tasting to be held Monday, April 9 at Mountain Gate Country Club. Proceeds from this event will directly support Los Angeles Equestrian Vaulting Club and Special Spirit, Inc., a PATH certified therapeutic riding center, in their continuing missions.

Occasion To Celebrate owner Teresa Woolson stated, “Our vision for this event is to build awareness and support for the work that Los Angeles Equestrian Vaulting Club and Special Spirit, Inc. are doing in the community. I am impressed to see how well two unique organizations can work together, especially in such a meaningful way as helping individuals with autism and other disabilities through certified equine assisted therapy and the international sport of equestrian vaulting.”

This day of charity golf will include a shotgun start, scramble format, golf contests, wine and beer tasting courtesy of sponsors One Hope Wines and Fireman’s Brew, raffle prizes, silent auction and awards dinner reception.

The public is encouraged to visit the event website for additional information, sponsorship opportunities and to make golf and dinner reservations at www.otccharityevents.org or call volunteer tournament director Teresa Woolson at (818) 590-3319.


DOCENTS, VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR AUTRY, DESCANSO, HOSPICE
Companion Hospice is recruiting volunteers for its upcoming training program. Volunteers are needed in the San Gabriel Valley, San Fernando Valley and Simi Valley to relieve tired caregivers for short periods of time or to help with errands and shopping. Assignments will in the volunteer’s geographical area.

Applicants will receive 16 hours of orientation and training. Training programs will be held on four Saturdays in October in Pasadena from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Cecelia Rudar, volunteer coordinator, at (877) 303-0692 or email ceceliar@companionhospice.com.

Descanso Gardens is seeking volunteers to share their time and talent. Volunteers enjoy a rich and meaningful experience at Descanso while helping the Gardens flourish. No experience is necessary to volunteer.

There are openings in many programs, including visitor services, education, Boddy House ambassador and membership table.

For further information, contact Volunteer Programs Manager Tali Arnold at (818) 949-7978 or tarnold@descansogardens.org.

Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge


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 can contact Shirley Nute at shirleyb2@earthlink.net.