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Webster's Community Pharmacy: an institution becomes new
by Lizze Slocum
There’s a new pharmacy in Altadena and, unlike most new businesses, it can boast a history as a neighborhood institution. This past year has seen the rebirth of Webster’s Pharmacy, as Webster’s Community Pharmacy.
Pictured: Meredith and Michael Miller
The only fresher face will be Webster’s Community Pharmacy after the store gets the face lift that its owners have planned for early next year. Pharmacist Michael Miller and his wife, Meredith, bought Webster’s in December of 2010. Previously, the Millers had owned several pharmacies, including South Pasadena’s Fair Oaks Pharmacy, which they transformed into the vital business it is today during the eighteen years that they owned it.
In Altadena, at Webster’s, the post office will stay in place, and next-door Webster’s Liquors will remain adjacent. No walls will be going up or coming down. Also unchanged is Webster’s heavy emphasis on customer service, so important to the Millers. They have already reinvigorated the store’s gifts department, and stock is growing and expanding “as we learn more about our customers,” according to Meredith Miller. Selling well are bath and body products from makers like Crabtree and Evelyn as well as Caswell Massey. Those who have shopped at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy will recognize a thoughtfully considered section of classic toys and games for sale.
Webster’s Community Pharmacy has also quadrupled its candy section, which includes “retro” candies that make perfect stocking stuffers for kids and adults alike. The store’s newly large selection of greeting cards is part of the endeavor to bring in what people need and actually miss from having the Hallmark store on the block, such as calendars. Fun “retro” gifts are joined on the shelves by on-trend fashion accessories such as purses, scarves and jewelry. The jewelry includes some of Meredith’s own creations from her Poker Chip Gal line, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces made from vintage poker chips: http://www.pokerchipgirl.com
New Pharmacy Services
At its heart, though, the business is a pharmacy, and new pharmacy services available to the community are slated to include flu shots and other walk-in vaccinations. Webster’s Community Pharmacy now accepts most insurance, offers delivery service and sells and rents medical and home health care supplies. Webster’s has also just installed a full-service, state-of-the-art dispensing system to process prescriptions. The automated system’s accuracy and efficiency frees up time for the pharmacist to consult and talk with the patients and customers.
Open House
Today, Nov. 19, Webster’s will host a very special Holiday Open House, and the entire community is invited. Between 2 pm and 7 pm that day, there will be prize drawings, refreshments,discounts on specially selected items, and egg nog at Webster’s Liquors. Read the Open House details at http://websterscommunitypharmacy.wordpress.com
Food Trucks!
Webster’s Community Pharmacy has already made headlines for something that represents a complete change from what everybody used to know Webster’s Pharmacy as: Friday night fancy food trucks. The Millers have just renewed a food truck permit with Los Angeles County, good through the end of 2012. Once a month, on the second Friday and weather permitting, the trucks will roll into the parking lot. Webster’s partner The Rolling Bistros will bring in six food trucks, which will rotate; sponsor Danny’s Farm also brings its mobile petting zoo to Webster’s parking lot on Lake Avenue. (In January, February and March, 2012, the food trucks event will be dark for the winter season.) For these occasions, Webster’s sets up tables and chairs in the main part of the parking lot.
“The benefit,” says Meredith, “is more about community building than it is about dollar building. We’re in it just to have fun and to provide a community event. I just love seeing everyone having a good time.” The Friday night events have been drawing mostly people from Altadena, whether they are young food truck followers or older people coming with their grandchildren who otherwise might not give such eateries a try.
"We’re enjoying being up here, and we’re excited to get to know people,” says Meredith.
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Lizze Slocum keeps busy as a writer, editor, and mom.
Altadena Ale & Wine House: the neighbors with the neighborhood pub
May 1, 2011, marks the first birthday for the Altadena Ale & Wine House, and the fulfillment of a dream for Gail and Judah Casburn.
The Casburns, 22-year Altadena residents, have created the pub experience they've always wanted -- and it's only four blocks from home.
"We like to call it the neighborhood pub," says Gail. Judah chimes in: "Not just Altadena, but people in Pasadena consider it their neighborhood pub ... [Customers] actually thank us and shake us by the hand for that very reason. So it is very much a local spot."
Pictured: Gail and Judah Casburn
Originally from Yorkshire, England -- "which is where the best beer comes from, but you can't bring it here" -- Judah moved to California to "get away from the bloody rain." He and Gail have been married for 23 years. They became interested in running a pub in the early 1990's because, Judah says, "there was nowhere in the Pasadena area where you could enjoy a pint of good beer or wine at a reasonable price."
What's the difference between a pub and a bar? "A pub is a place for social intercourse, instead of a place for getting blasted, getting [drunk] ," Judah says. He compared it to the bars in Old Town Pasadena, which are sports bars, have big TVs, and are very loud and not conducive to conversation.
The Casburns purchased a Pasadena deli and sandwich shop with a beer and wine license -- Lucky Baldwins -- and turned it into nighttime pub. It enjoyed considerable success, but they ended up selling it to one of their bartenders sometime later.
"The city of Pasadena was impossible to deal with," Gail says. "And, with two young kids, it's difficult to raise a family and be away in the evenings." Judah affirmed that "we decided our kids were the priority," but also says, before the indoor smoking ban, "the smoke was making me ill, it was really getting to me."
Pictured: The Ale & Wine House also offers an extensive wine selection.
After selling Lucky Baldwins, Judah spent some years buying, selling, and renovating British sports cars. ("I've always been working on old cars, old houses," Judah says. "We have a home in the south of France we're restoring.") Gail still keeps a day job teaching math and computer science at Baldwin Park High School.
But as their sons, Gareth and Owen, grew older, the Casburns wanted to find a place where they could create a new pub and put to work Judah's expertise with beer and Gail's with French wine. A ranchero bar on Fair Oaks went on the market, not far from where they live, and the Altadena Ale & Wine House was born.
While Judah admits "the exterior needs attention," it's what's inside the pub that makes it work: A friendly bar with multiple taps. A TV with the sound low to encourage conversation. A large room that can be used for special events (Altadena Heritage recently held a tribute to Altadena art promoter Ben McGinty there). And, says Judah, a "proper [wine] cellar, which is rare."
One of the things that sets the pub apart from others is its emphasis on wine: "We have fabulous French wine, probably the best French wine of anywhere in the area," Judah says: "My wife is the aficianado."
Gail nods. "We also have Argentine and Australian wines ... we try to do a wine tasting at least once a month."
A customer recently gave them a large pizza oven, so the Casburns are mulling addition of some simple food to their offerings (they already offer cheese plates).
Besides being a family business (Gareth, 21, pitches in on weekends), the Casburns are big supporters of the community they've called home for over two decades. "We support our local sheriff, we participate in their fundraisers," Judah said. In additional to supporting other local charities, Gail is gearing up the pub's team for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. She also announced her candidacy for a seat on the Altadena Town Council.
The Casburns mix in their love of home with a love of travel -- after all, they do have another home in France. When they married 23 years ago, they married on March 17, St. Patrick's Day.
"The rationale behind that is we like to travel around the world," Judah says. "And you can always find a party on St. Patty's Day."
This year, they stuck close to home: "St. Patty's Day was our busiest day this year," Judah said. "It was a really good feeling."
Altadena Ale & Wine House
2329 N. Fair Oaks
Open Monday-Fri. 5 PM-1:30 AM
Sat.-Sun. 3 PM-1:30 AM
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Baietti-Seyffert Realtors
Altadenablog welcomes new members to its sponsorship team, Baietti-Seyffert Realtors.
For the real estate team of Michael Baietti and Linda Seyffert, becoming the #1 Realtors in Altadena was a genuine labor of love. Talk to them for a few minutes and it becomes clear that their devotion to Altadena goes far beyond the operations of their business.
"My tagline used to be living, working, and loving Altadena," says Baietti. "That's really what it was. Living here and wanting to be a part of it, and wanting to promote it."
Both Baietti and Seyffert have been Realtors for thirteen years, and they have been partners for the last six and a half. Baietti says that Baietti-Seyffert now sells more real estate in Altadena than their top two competitors combined. Baietti admits that their success was a result of deliberate effort to become the top agent in Altadena. They have always been with Dickson Podley Realtors and have no plans of ever changing companies.
"Dickson Podley Realtors is a very modern, progressive organization operating in the old-fashioned family business style," says Baietti.
There are many parallels between what attracts them to Dickson Podley and what they love about Altadena, particularly an attractive balance between progressivism and a small-town feel. Both Baietti and Seyffert have lived in Altadena for many years (Baietti no longer does), and have come to love not only the physical beauty of the unique homes and foothill landscape, but also Altadenans themselves.
"In Altadena, we do what other people talk about," says Baietti, "We actually live with each other. We're a microcosm of American diversity and we all get along."
"And I think it draws people who are attracted to that," Seyffert adds. "That is one of the things I tell people I'm working with. It's a very embracing community."
Both Baietti and Seyffert admit that one of the challenges they face as Realtors in the area is dispelling preconceived notions about the community. Baietti especially laments those who think the charm and beauty of Altadena doesn't continue west of Lake Avenue. One of Baietti's goals when he decided to focus on Altadena real estate was to enhance the perception of the west side, where he lived. One way he did this was by founding Janes Village, a community group devoted to celebrating the work of Elisha P. Janes, who in the mid-1920s designed and built the high-peaked, English-style houses that can be found in clusters around western Altadena.
Many of Baietti-Seyffert's clients are impressed with the fact that every house in Altadena is different, and Baietti and Seyffert acknowledge that the diversity of building styles is a credit to their business.
The real estate team has also taken on community beautification personally. Several years ago they organized a project to plant more shade trees in certain Altadena neighborhoods.
"We invented the fact that there was an anonymous donor who wanted to buy street trees for Altadena streets who didn't have them, when the truth is we were the ones who bought the trees," Baietti says. Seyffert, Baietti, and Baietti's gardener planted California native sycamores in the yards of those who did not object to the plan. The trees, which add color to the landscape when their leaves change every fall, continue to flourish along many Altadena streets. Baietti-Seyffert is also an annual supporter of the concerts in Farnsworth Park hosted by the Altadena Sheriff's Support Group.
Despite the roots that Baietti and Seyffert have planted in Altadena, neither of them are originally from California. Baietti was raised in St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He moved to Altadena from Long Island, New York, after visiting his parents, who had bought a house here. Baietti's father was the pastor at Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church on Glenrose Avenue for many years, and Baietii remains a member of the church. He also served on the board of Altadena Heritage and the Pasadena Symphony. He was also involved with fundraising at the now defunct Bienvenidos Children's Center and was on the marketing Committee for the Pasadena Symphony for a number of years.
Seyffert is originally from Cleveland and was inspired to move to Altadena when a broken water main destroyed her home in Mt. Washington. Seyffert has lived in Altadena for seventeen years with her husband and raised her two children here. She has served on the board of the Altadena Nursery school and has volunteered as a referee for American Youth Soccer Organization. She and her family are members of All Saints Church, where her children sing in the choir.
In Altadena's future Baietti and Seyffert hope to see continued beautification and renovation, such as the sports facilities at Loma Alta Park and store front renovations along Fair Oaks Avenue. They also hope to see a return to community schools, and cited the success of charter schools such as Odyssey and Aveson.
"[It would be great] if we could get back to community schools where people walk out their front doors and down the block to go to school, and walk home with their friends again in the afternoon," says Baietti. "There has to be a balance between supporting the schools and the schools being worthy of support."
Baietti and Seyffert work primarily as listing agents, but they also represent buyers. They work with a part-time assistant out of a distinctive office on Altadena Drive that resembles a Tudor cottage. Seyffert says the building has always been a real estate office and has been attributed to famous Southern California architect Sylvanus Marston. They also work with a marketer who does not share the office with them.
Baietti and Seyffert acknowledge that real estate has been a difficult business to be in for the last couple years, but it is a battle they share with everyone in their line of work. Their obvious devotion to the community makes it obvious that they will continue to help families find new homes in the Altadena for years to come.
Baietti-Seyffert's offices are located at 1471 Altadena Drive. They can be reached by telephone at (626) 791-2800.
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Friends of the Altadena Library
by Erika McCarden
Altadenablog welcomes its sponsor, The Friends of the Altadena Library.
Whether you’re an avid reader, a writer in need of a private space to collect your thoughts or a parent looking for just the right after school programs, chances are that the Altadena Library has proven to be a valuable resource for you.
Friends of the Altadena Library is a non-profit organization committed to the support of the Altadena Library District's programs and services. Since 1959, Friends of the Altadena Library has been a strong literary voice for the community- raising funds for books and materials, educational programs, and providing support for the Children’s Reference Desk, while increasing public awareness.
The Friends also hold regular art shows, author lectures (recent lectures have included George McGovern, John Dean, Robert Wagner, and Cloris Leachman), and Poetry and Cookies, the annual celebration of the poet's art. The Friends also support the Young Adult and Children's Summer Reading programs which have become a valuable community resource.
Recent fundraising events include last weekend's" Art on Millionaire’s Row," which featured multi-media work by 30 local artists, plus "A Taste of Altadena," from many local restaurants. Another recent fundraiser was the Zane Grey Playwriting Contest, which raised $4,500, for Friends programs.
"These events really helped to put us on top for the types of events we're capable of doing for the Altadena community," said former Friends of the Altadena Library President, Trevor Bryant.
Want to get involved? Friends of the Altadena Library is always looking for new Friends! You can help by joining the organization, becoming a committee member, signing up to volunteer, and of course, donations of any kind are always appreciated. For additional information, contact (626) 798-083.
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scissors/paper/rock salon
scissors/paper/rock, Yolande Carson’s salon and boutique at 1864 N. Allen, strives to be a place to be stylish and a place to relax.
“We like it to be intimate, so the clients get one-on-one treatment, like it’s their place,” she said. “A place to go to go to the refrigerator and get a drink, a place to relax.”
Carson has been in the hair styling business for 25 years, but she and her husband followed parallel careers as musicians -- they met each other playing in bands, and moved up to the Pasadena area to be closer to family. She says she worked in big salons and spas, but never wanted her own, until she decided that “I kind of wanted arenas for music, and to do my thing.”
That idea became scissors/paper/rock, a place for “shopping, fashion, and music,” Carson said. In addition to hair styling and beauty services, the store sells fashion jewelry and hosts trunk shows and hair and makeup seminars.
Besides the funky but serene decor, music is a big part of scissor/paper/rock’s experience -- jazz or Sinatra are always on the sound system, and every summer she holds an acoustic music concert series at the salon.
The staff includes hair stylist Rickelle Howard, who has spent 17 years in styling in the area and specializes in black hair care; manicurist Tracy Vuong; and assistant Celeste Oliverez. The salon plans to add skin care and waxing services in the near future.
scissors/paper/rock has been in business for ten years, the last four at the Allen location . The salon is also expanding into the storefront next door by mid-February.
Carson also believes in giving back to the community: every Christmas the salon holds a fundraiser for URDC Human Services, a nonprofit program for women and children in Pasadena trying to conquor substance abuse. Every Mother’s Day, they hold a beauty day with makeovers for URDC clients.
As for the name? The “scissors” comes from the hairstyling, the “rock” comes from the funky chunky jewelry -- but “paper?” “We’re still working on it!” Carson said.
Pictured: Yolande Carson, left, and RIckelle Howard.
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www.binary-monk.com
Binary-Monk is an Altadena-based web hosting service run by, appropriately, an Abbott -- K. Zachary Abbott, a 17-year Altadena resident. With three levels of plans (The Novice, the Brother, and the Abbot), binary-monk can set up a business or personal website that's easy to manage, with easy-to-set-up email accounts, FTP accounts, and mailing lists. Features are totally customizable according to your needs.
The Abbott says, "I've been building/selling/repairing computers since 1994, have been in business as MyPCBiz since 1997, and in the web hosting business for about a year now.
"MyPCBiz grew out of a hobby and has been my primary "side business" since 1997 - I build custom desktop and laptop computers, sell pre-built computers and other hardware, and also do repairs and consulting.
"I followed the adage 'Find something you love doing so much you would do it for free, then make yourself so good at it that people will pay you to do it.' I guess it worked, because as well as running MyPCBiz for 12 years, I've spend my weekdays as a Senior Systems Administrator at Caltech since September 2003."
Why Binary Monk? "Binary Monk was started by a good friend who has moved on to the priesthood; I took over the business so he would be free to dedicate his time to ministry. I liked the name, though, and since I also have an M.Div. (from Fuller) but work in computers, I thought it was a good fit.
"We take our cue from Jeff Smith, a.k.a. The Frugal Gourmet - that is to say, while we will not always be the least expensive, we strive to provide our customers with the best value for the money in all things - whether that be our products, service, or advice. "
If you're looking for a good web hosting service that can fit itself to your needs -- and want your problems to be solved from Altadena, not India -- you've got it at www.binary-monk.com!
Phone No. :626-354-3032
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Webster's Fine Stationers: Home Office Supplies....and so much more!
Altadenablog welcomes its new advertisers, Webster's Fine Stationers at 2650 Lake Ave., Suite B in Altadena,
Owned by Scott and Lori Webster, it's a lot more than stationery: it has a full line of children's books and educational items, fine art supplies, UPS and FedEx shipping services, faxing and copying, and "is the only place in town where you can buy one envelope, or one file folder," Lori says.
They are also planning to expand a gourmet food selection before the holidays and increasingly emphasize home decor items.
The stationery shop is part of the new configuration of the Webster's dynasty that has done business in Altadena for 82 years. Frank Webster opened Webster's in April, 1926, as a one store pharmacy with a soda fountain, cosmetics, liquor, and photo supplies. During the 1960's and 1970's, his son William Webster expanded the stores and services up and down the block, and connected the stores by removing walls.
Starting in 2007, new walls went up to separate the stores into separate entities, both physically and as businesses. Scott Webster, who has been involved in his family's businesses for about 40 years (starting with the ice house in the parking lot), and Lori now own the stationery store. William's stepdaughter Karen and her husband Robert Myers bought the Hallmark department and repoened it at Karen's Hallmark and Gifts.
Webster's Pharmacy Corp., headed by Susan Webster Felt, retains ownership of the pharmacy, liquor store, and Hallmark Gold Crown store located in the Orangewood Village complex across from Huntington Hospital in Pasadena. Michael Miller, formerly of Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena, will be managing the pharmacy. Gary Webster manages Webster's Fine Wine and Spirits, and his wife Dianna manages the Orangewood Hallmark.
While the businesses are becoming separate entities, what unites them all, Lori says, is the emphasis on customer service. The staff at Webster's Fine Stationery -- all local residents -- are knowledgeable about what's available at the store and in the area. Lori says that they are also emphasizing local arts and artists -- the store sells cards by Altadena artist Donna Barnes-Roberts and photographer Athena Metzler, and jewelry by Diana March.
While Webster's is also the best (maybe only!) local store to find quality papers and pens, they also sell computer printer ink and speciality paper (photographs, labels, etc.). Webster's also has a full stock of fine art supplies (watercolors, acrylics, oils, pencils ... everything!).
Since taking over the stationery store, Scott and Lori are also working to increase Webster's involvement in the community. Besides featuring the work of local artists in the shop, Lori has just joined the board of Dr. Sandra Thomas' Quality of Life Center, and has plans for to involve it in their belated grand opening.
Despite downturns in business from the economy and customer uncertainty over the changes at Webster's, Lori and Scott are dedicated to running a thriving local business.
"I'm Altadenan at heart," Lori said. "I raised my daughter here and she went to St. Elizabeth's. We employ local people. We're trying to keep the economy in Altadena."
UPDATE JULY 09: Webster's has their new website here:
http://www.webstersfinestationers.com/
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Mike Gibson Service Center
Mike, the eponymous owner, a longtime Altadenan, boasts almost 50 years in the automotive business. He started working in a service station in Altadena when he was 15. In 1966, when he was 20, he bought the business, which was located near Eliot Middle School. And after all those years in the automobile service business, Mike says, "I still like it."
Mike describes the business as "general repair -- we work on all makes and models," Mike says. "We specialize in doing the best we can."
(Pictured: l-r, Gene Cummings, Mike Gibson, and Herb Hopkins.)
And it seems to be working -- Mike says he has had some customers for decades, some even since 1966. This year, he will be named the best auto repair service in Pasadena Weekly's "Best of Pasadena" issue. Why? Quality, customer-centered service. Gene Cummings, a 20 year employee, says "Customer service is contagious -- we started the epidemic."
Mike Gibson Service Center shows the craftsmanship and care that can only come through long-term dedication to their work. "We're like a family here," Mike says, which isn't just a saying. Other employees include mechanic Herb Hopkins (30 years) and Mike's children, mechanic Robert Gibson and daughter Lisa Gibson.
Open five days week from 7:30 AM - 5 PM, Mike describes the shop as "busy," and isn't afraid to grab a wrench himself. "I still get greasy," he says: "Whatever it takes to do it."
If you're looking for car service by experienced hands, with an old-fashioned sense of craftsmanship and love for what they do, Mike Gibson Service Center is the place to go. For prompt service, call ahead of time for an appointment (ask for Gene) at 626-795-3726.
