altadenablog

You can never have enough Friends (of the Library)

by Erika McCarden
for Altadenablog

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.

'Dena weekend: elections, art, and more art

UPDATES: Just added: hazmat roundup and Pat Donohue concert.

THIS is a busy weekend:

Thurs., June 3

• Art Bender Weekend begins at Gallery at the End of the World with an artist's reception for the weekend's show, 6-9 PM at the gallery, 2475 N. Lake.  Music by MMMKay.

Fri., June 4

• Art Bender weekend continues at McGinty's with the First Friday Art Club, 7 PM- 1 AM.  $5 cover.  Music by The Sundowners.

Sat., June 5

• Altadena Town Council elections: Polls open at 9 AM and close at 3 PM.  Check our elections page for the full rundown and polling places.
• "Art on Millionaire's Row," the Friends of the Altadena Library art show and festival, runs from 10 AM-6 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.  Vendors, food, entertainment, and art for the whole family.
• Aveson School's June Jubilee runs from 10 AM-4 PM on the Aveson campus, 1919 Pinecrest.
• Hazmat and e-waste roundup at the Rose Bowl, parking lot B, 9 AM-3 PM.
• Art Bender weekend continues at McGinty's with a potluck barbecue.  Music by Thee Invention.

Sun., June 6

• Art Bender weekend concludes at McGinty's with brunch. HB3 will perform.
• Pat Donohue, "Prairie Home Companion" guitarist, will appear at the Coffee Gallery at 7 PM.  TIckets are $20, this WILL sell out.  Reservations: (626) 794-2424.

Brio Spa adds hair, natural health services

Altadenablog sponsor Brio Spa & Salon, 2003 and 2009 Lake Ave., has expanded the services it offers to clients.

In addition to spa, nail, and esthetician services, Brio has opened a hair studio in their facility.  In addition, Body Tech Therapy has opened a clinic in their studio.  Lynwood Lanham, Ph.D. a doctor of natural health, offers body contour sculpting, pain management, massage, and detoxification services.  

Owners Kaye and Nick Flores remind us that Brio can also hold private events (such as pre-wedding spa parties) after 7 PM most nights.

Welcome new sponsor: Mike Gibson Service Center

Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, Mike Gibson Service Center, 1701 E. Walnut in Pasadena.


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.

Thanks for your support!

Wow!  And they say August is a slow month!  We'd like to thank all our new Altadenablog advertisers, who help keep this blog going! (Maybe some day we'll actually cover expenses!)  We encourage you to patronize these local organizations:

Curves Altadena, 2525 N. Lake #6, 797-9177

Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 W. Altadena Dr., 794-7011

Mike Gibson Service Center, 1701 W. Walnut, Pasadena, 795-3726

McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake, 794-8779

And of course our old stalwarts:

Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 N. Lake, Suite B, 797-1135

Binary Monk (www.binary-monk.com)

There's room for you and your budget, too!  Contact us via phone or email and we'll get your ad on Altadena's news source!

New ways to get to Webster's Fine Stationers

Altadenablog advertiser Webster's Fine Stationers (and we LOVE our advertisers, 'cause they keep this comin') just opened a new website:

http://www.webstersfinestationers.com/

Don't forget that Webster's is on Facebook and Twitter, too!

Altadenablog welcomes new sponsor: www.binary-monk.com

Altadenablog welcomes our new sponsor, 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 number: 626-354-3032.

The Easter Bunny visits Webster's on Sat., April 11

Egg-zactly what you were looking for ... Webster's Fine Stationers (an Altadenablog sponsor) is bringing over the Easter bunny on Saturday to celebrate the season!  Lori Webster writes us:

Please join us Saturday, April 11 at 12 noon, as we salute the season with an Easter party for our littlest customers, and a hoppin' good time for our ummmm...older ones!

Come enjoy the little one's excitement at our Coloring Contest raffle of 3 gorgeous, goodie-filled baskets. If your child hasn't entered yet, bring them down to the store to choose which picture they'd like to color, bring it back all prettied up and we'll enter them into the raffle. All artwork will be showcased in the store.

The Easter Bunny, that venerable master-of-ceremonies himself, will be on hand to meet and greet, pose for pictures and hand out the prizes. Adults won't miss the fun, either....door prizes will be given throughout the day! Indulge in tasting Isabella Cookie Company's fabulous Sugar Rush cookies, specially decorated for the season. Sample from our gourmet appetizer line, Wind & Willow....once you've tried Wind & Willow, you'll never open up another can of grocery-store bought, processed dip again. Groove to the ever-young sounds of XM Radio's Soul Street while you look around the shop and see what's new.

Scott and I and the staff of Webster's Fine Stationers - Michelle, Leilana, Betsy and David - invite you to share with us the fun of this Easter season. We'd love to see you and your children having a great time....do make time to come in and see us!

Lori also reminds us that Webster's food drive for Five Acres comes to an end tomorrow (Mon.), so if you've been procrastinating with your donation, it's time to get hopping!  A list of needed items is available at the Webster's blog.

Webster's holiday open house and Five Acres benefit Fri., Dec. 12

The Webster's Center (which includes Altadenablog sponsor Webster's Fine Stationers),  invites you to their Center-wide holiday open house this Fri., Dec. 12, which is also a benefit for Five Acres.  Bring an unwrapped gift for a child age 5 to 13 and receive a 10% savings certificate, good on home and holiday decor.  Webster's Fine Stationers will give Five Acres that 10% and match it....giving a total of 20% of every qualified purchase to Five Acres.  You may drop off your unwrapped gift at the Pharmacy or at WFS.

Enjoy holiday spirit in all the stores, starting with Santa and his Elves in Karen's Hallmark at 3 PM.  Savor holiday goodies at WFS and warm your hands arounds a steaming cup of hot apple cider. Let your spirit be lifted by knowing that your holiday shopping is helping a child in need.

Scott and Lori Webster write us, "Listen to the carols of the season while you greet your neighbors and enjoy delicious holiday cookies.  This is Christmas as it should be.....what it once was....a community gathering to share its many blessings. We'd love for you to join us and give the gift of giving. ."

Festivities go on until closing at 7PM. Find out more about it at http://www.webstersfs.blogspot.com.

Welcome new advertisers: Webster's Fine Stationers

(Photo of Lori and Scott Webster by Petrea Burchard of the fine Pasadena Daily Photo blog, who recently profiled Webster's Fine Stationers, and reproduced with permission)

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!).

And Lori has her own blog!

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."

Welcoming an Altadenablog sponsor: EmbroidMe - Arcadia

Today Altadenablog welcomes its first sponsor, EmbroidMe, located at 411 E. Huntington Drive, Suite 113, in Arcadia.  EmbroidMe is owned and operated by Altadena residents Ruben Cardenas and Desiree Alvarado (with their children Daniella and Jarrod), and is now in its second year of operation making custom promotional items of all kinds, from coffee cups to company polo shirts to custom banners -- almost anything that can carry a company name or logo.

Altadenablog has been very impressed with its advanced computerized embroidery equipment, which can translate anything into an embroidered design (they've made the official Altadenablog fleece vest, cap, and polo shirts, for example). Businesses, sports teams, church groups ... any kind of organization can get customized items (Altadenablog was visiting once when the Arcadia police SWAT team needed names embroidered for their tactical vests!)  They also have a great selection of giveaway promotional materials for your business.

Stop by EmbroidMe or call 254-0195 and see how they can help you (tell 'em you heard about it on
Altadenablog!).  You can also visit their website.

P.S. Yes, advertising is now available on Altadena's community newsblog!  Email us at altadenablog@gmail.com or call (626) 201-1023 to find out more!