altadenablog

Super book sale at St. Elizabeth's Saturday

Under the direction of Tony Rochester, founding member of St. Elizabeth's Knights of Columbus, the church will hold its annual Super Bowl Saturday book sale. The proceeds of the sale will be used for the Knights to fund scholarships for St. Elizabeth School's 8th graders who will be going on to high school. 

Books, CDs, DVDs, video tapes, and cassettes (what're those?) will all be available for your perusal and purchase. 

The book sale will be at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church Hall, 1840 N. Lake Ave.  Park in the  school lot off Woodbury Road.  Sale starts promptly at 9 AM, and goes on until 2 PM.

Soroptimists offer Women's Opportunity Award

Soroptimist International of Altadena/Pasadena is seeking applicants for the 2012 Women’s Opportunity Award.  

This cash award is given each year to a woman who serves as the primary wage earner for her family, and who is also enrolled in, or been accepted by, an undergraduate degree program or vocational school. She must also demonstrate financial need.  

The Altadena/Pasadena chapter will announce the recipient at an awards luncheon on March 28.  The local WOA winner will receive a $2,000 cash grant, and advance to the regional level to vie for a grant of $5,000.  The program culminates at the national level with three winners each receiving a $10,000 award. 

Additional information and applications may be obtained by calling (626) 398-1703.

Still time to give to the Altadena Sheriff's Station Food and Toy Drive

by Timothy Rutt

There's still time to donate food, cash, or a new and unwrapped toy to the Altadena Sheriff Station's food and toy drive,

The Altadena Sheriff Station is still looking for donations of non-perishable canned food items, cash, and/or unwrapped toys for children ages 2-12 for its annual holiday food and toy drive.  Altadena Capt. Steven McLean said that the need is great, and they are looking to assist 300 families this year.

Donations can be left at the Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr.; Bank of America, 2345 N. Lake Ave., or Chase Bank, 2333 N. Lake Ave., through Dec. 11.  

The President Streets neighborhood group will also be collecting donations on Harding Drive on Sat., Dec. 10, from 9-10 AM.

Distribution to families will be on Dec. 17.

You can also drop off cash or checks payable to "Altadena Station Fund" at the station.

For more information, call Dep. Ronnie Manier or Sgt. Michael Randenberg at the Altadena Sheriff Station at 626-798-1131 or 626-296-2105.

Pictured: Nancy Rothwell and Hugo Arteaga at the Palm St. Area Residents Association collection for the toy drive on Dec. 3.  What is it with these people and the red shirts?

UPDATE: Carolyn Seitz sends this schedule, if you'd like to volunteer:

Fri., Dec. 9: Help us from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Altadena Community Center as we set up the Center for the sorting and packing of the food and toys.  We'll be taking everything out of the Pods and into the Center and setting up tables to help facilitate the inventory of food and toys so we know whether the Station needs to purchase more or find a way to get more donated

Sat., Dec. 10: From 7:30 am to Noon or 1 or whenever we finish, we will be at the Community Center sorting toys and bagging them for each family we hope to serve and packing food boxes.  When we're done, everything has to be packed back into the storage Pods.  The briefing of the team and assignment of tasks will begin at 7:30.

From 9 am to 10 am - the President Streets area will hold its 3rd Annual Food & Toy Drive at 1826 N Harding.  You can drive by and drop off food and toy donations - all will be gratefully accepted.  Have small kids who would like to have mom or dad take their photo in a Sheriff's car, come on over and have some fun with us.

Fri., Dec. 16  We can use many hands again to unpack the Pods and set up the Community Center for the food and toy distribution.  We will be stacking the food boxes and organizing the bags of toys for each family, by the source who provided their information.  That will take place on Friday afternoon.

Sat., Dec. 17:    From 7 am to 12:30 pm at the Community Center.  We will have a briefing and assignment of tasks then we will sort the bags of toys in each group alphabetically.  The distribution will begin at 8 am and will be completed by noon.  We will also have groups of people making phone calls to those who haven't yet arrived to pick up their food and toys by about 10 am.  In that process sometimes  we've discovered that the custodial adult in some families is an elderly grandparent or a parent who is disabled, so volunteers deliver their food and toys.

If you can participate in any of these events, please let me know which day and event.  It'll help us know for which we need to look for more volunteers.  

If you'd like to donate non-perishable foods - canned corn, green beans, carrots, boxes of stuffing mix, cake mix, brownie mix, Jiffy Cornbread, jello, pudding or other similar foods, you can drop them off at the Sheriff's Station until Friday the 9th, or bring them to the Community Center on Saturday morning the 10th.

You can also drop off new toys at the Sheriff's Station until Friday the 9th or bring them to the Community Center on Saturday morning, the 10th. 

You can also bring cash donations or checks payable to "Altadena Station Fund" to the Sheriff's Station until Thursday, December 15th.

Many thanks to all who have donated and/or volunteered and special thanks to the President Streets area for their very generous support for the food and toy drive for 3 years and for the La Vina community for having supported the food and toy drive for many more years.

We have extraordinary need this year.  Your generosity is much appreciated.

"Star" art exhibit, benefit at Sidewalk Cafe tonight

Almadeus "Star" Gioeli will have an art exhibit and sale tonight at our currently-powered perch, Sidewalk Cafe HTS, from 7-9 PM.

The event is a benefit for the Alternative Cancer Research Project.  

Sidewalk Cafe is at 2057 N. Los Robles Ave. (Los Robles and Woodbury Road) in Borderdena.

Help make Bright Futures Scholars' holiday bright

from Dr. Sandra Thomas,
Quality of Life Center

Dear Bright Future Scholars Mentors, Donors, Partners, Sponsors, and Parents.

As you know the Holiday Season is quickly approaching. We have more than 250 brilliant and gifted young academic achievers in the Bright Future Scholars Program this year. The December 3, 2011 meeting will also be the Christmas Celebration for these outstanding youth.

We want to make it special and a joyous time that they will always remember; therefore we are soliciting your help. If you have any teen-appropriate items that you are willing to donate we will make them “special holiday gifts” and incorporate them into our December Leadership Development Session. If you don’t have items available, any financial contribution that you provide will be used to purchase gifts for the students. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to the Quality of Life Center, Inc., 3544 Canon Boulevard, Room M101, Altadena, CA 91001. Please make checks payable to the Quality of Life Center, Inc. and note, “Bright Future Scholars” on the “memo” line. Since time is of essence, let us know immediately if you will assist and we will make the necessary arrangements to collect your donations and/or to purchase a special gift for the students on your behalf.

As always your contributions, as well as all you do for the Quality of Life Center Inc., Bright Future Scholars Leadership Development Program is greatly appreciated. We wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our scholars if it weren’t for the generous contributions that you so freely give. If further information is needed contact Greg Middleton: (626) 798-5433 at the Center. The Quality of Life Center Inc., boards and staff wish you and yours a Happy and Bountiful Holiday Season!

 

Scissors Paper Rock Salon starts holiday gift drive to benefit URDC

Scissors Paper Rock Salon (Altadenablog sponsor) has started its annual Holiday Gift Drive benefiting URDC Human Services Programs of Pasadena. Donate any new gift item suitable for woman (any age) or youth (ages 12-18 in great need). Monetary gifts or gift cards also appreciated.  Contributors will be entered into a raffle with a chance to win prizes.

The salon also has a new manicurist:  Ana brings 30 years' experience offering manicures, pedicures, &  now gel polish manicures. on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays (please call for appointment)

Scissors Paper Rock Salon is at 1864 N. Allen Ave., phone 626-825-1846.

 

Peace & Justice Academy Goodwill fundraiser Nov. 19

by Timothy Rutt

The Peace and Justice Academy, 1041 N. Altadena Dr. in Pasadena, is having a unique fundraiser -- you don't have to buy anything!  They're trying to fill a trailer or two for Goodwill Industries.  Your donation of gently used clothing, furniture, household items and more will help them raise funds for financial aid.

You can drop items off at the school starting Monday, or on next Saturday, Nov. 19, from 8 AM-2 PM.  Receipts are available, and there's more information on the flyer.

 

Help the sheriff's food and toy drive, AND clear your library fines starting Nov. 21

from the Altadena Library District

Do you have some library fines you haven’t gotten around to paying? Would you like to clear those fines AND do a good deed--all at the same time? Well, now's your chance!

From November 21 through December 3, patrons at Altadena Library are invited to help support the Sheriff’s Food and Toy Drive by bringing in new toys or non-perishable food items in lieu of paying those fines.

According to Library Director Barbara Pearson, “This program has been so popular with our patrons that many bring in items even though they do not have fines because they want to help those in need at this special time of the year.”

Check below to see how you can help the community and clear up your outstanding fines.

• $ 1 - $  5    2 canned goods or 1 non-perishable item
• $ 6 - $10    3 canned goods +  1 non-perishable item or 1 new toy*
• $11 - $20   4 canned goods +  1 non-perishable item or 1 new toy*
• $21 - $30   5 canned goods +  2 non-perishable items or 2 new toys*
• $31 - $50   6 canned goods +  3 non-perishable items or 3 new toys*

*Toys must be new and unwrapped and of equal value to the fine waived.

For more information, please call the Main Altadena Library at 626-798-0833 or the Branch at 626-798-8338. 

 

 

Relay for Life looking for committee chairs

The American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life is looking for volunteers to chair or co-chair a variety of committees.  The Relay wil be held June 9-10, 2012.

Particularly needed is a chair for "Bark for Life," a two-hour fundraising event to be held sometime before the relay, where you can walk with your dog.  Other needs are:

• Food Co-Chair
• Logistics Chair
• Registration Chair
• Team Development Chair
• Youth Team Chair
• Advocacy Chair
• Caregiver Chair (new this year to have a caregiver's tent)
• Photographer/Historian Chair

If you're interested, contact Heather Morrow at  hcmorrow@gmail.com or Rose West at curvesaltadena@att.net.

Club 21 Walk-a-thon at Pasadena's Central Park Sunday

by Timothy Rutt

Just a last-minute plug for the Club 21 "Together is Better" Walk-a-Thon, to be held Sun., Oct. 30.  

Club 21 is a Pasadena-based organization that supports Down Syndrome children and their families, and the walk-a-thon is their biggest fundraiser of the year.

The festivities start at 8:30 AM at Central Park in Pasadena, with the walk starting at 10 AM.  Award-winning musician Melissa Green will perform in concert at noon, and the Pie and Burger food truck will be there. 

100% of the proceeds will to to benefit Club 21 Learning and Resource Center. 

(where DID they get that poster model? She's FABULOUS!)

 

Library hosts "Power of One: Part II" on Oct. 17

Learn how you can add passion and purpose to your life and make a real difference in the world by joining a panel of leaders at the Altadena Library on Mon., October 17 at 7  PM. 

Power of One, written by Traude Gomez and featuring the photographic work of Brian Biery, was the subject of a library discussion in June.  Next month, join Gomez, Biery and others as they discuss the inspirational and innovative ways they have contributed to the community.  Be ready to speak about your initiatives and bring information about them so that others can learn from you too!

Documentary photographer and community activist Biery will lead the discussion.  Speakers include journalist and author, Traude Gomez; “Drugstore Cowboy” Jim Avedikian, of Phoenix Pharmacy; “Mover and Shaker” Sue Black, of the Sue B. Dance Company; “Ms. Diversity” Gerda Govine, of the Pasadena Commission on the Status of Women; “Time Traveler” Elizabeth Pomeroy, writer and teacher at Pasadena City College; and “Public School Supporter” Tom Selinske, founder of the Pasadena City College Flea Market.

Gomez-Rhine has explored a variety of human interest topics, from fashion and art to education and botany, by using a range of writing styles. Most recently she has completed writing projects for the Pasadena Educational Foundation, the Music Center of Los Angeles, and The Huntington Library.

Biery’s work has been featured in numerous publications. He has lived in Guatemala as a Peace Corps Volunteer and works on organizing projects in the communities of Pasadena and Altadena.

This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. The main Altadena Library is located at 600 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena, 91001. For more information: (626) 798-0833 or www.altadenalibrary.org.

 

 

San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council looking for volunteers

Become a caring mentor to a small group of non-English speaking adults who want to communicate more effectively.  The San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council is offering a volunteer  opportunity to anyone who is fluent in English and can volunteer 2-10 hours a week. 

Tutor training for San Gabriel Valley Literacy Council ESL classes is on Saturdays, Sept. 10 and 24, 2011, from 9 AM-3 PM.  You must attend both sessions to receive the certificate.  $25 covers training expenses and council membership. For more information contact  626-795-7987 or 626-298-4731 or www.sgvlc.org.

 

On the court for a good cause

by TImothy Rutt

The Brandon Jackson Memorial Scholarship Basketball Shootout is going on all day today, to raise money in the name of the slain Altadena teen.  Here, the John Muir Mustang girl's basketball team (in yellow, from Jackson's own school) takes on Los Osos in some supercharged basketball action. More after the jump.

Tour of Altadena bike ride Saturday morning

  Don't forget that Saturday is the annual Tour of Altadena bike ride, sponsored by the Altadena Sheriff's Station and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Athletic Association.

There'll be a ten mile family fun ride, and a 12.5 mile hill challenge for the serious biker. The ride starts and finishes at Loma Alta Park on Palm St. east of Lincoln Ave.

Registration starts at 8 AM, and the ride begins at 9 AM.  Registration is $10, and proceeds the LA County Sheriff's Annual Charitable Giving Campaign.  There will also be an opportunity drawing with tickets $1 each or six for $5.

 

 

Alternative Gift Market at Altadena Community Church Sun.

This Sunday afternoon, Nov. 28, from noon to  2 PM, Altadena Community Church will hold its  Alternative Gift Market:

Take care of your holiday shopping and make a donation to local and global causes (Altadena Food Pantry, Union Station Homeless Services, and others) in one easy transaction.  For your donation, you will receive a card to send to your boss, Uncle Harry, or grandkids telling them of the groceries, housing assistance, disaster relief, etc., that you have purchased in their name.  There will also be Third World handicrafts available for purchase. 

Altadena Community Church/United Church of Christ is at 943 E. Altadena Dr.

Scissors/Paper/Rock collecting for women & children, announces concert

Altadenablog sponsor Scissors/Paper/Rock Salon and Boutique, 1864 N. Allen, is in the midst of a holiday benefit for URDC Human Service, Casa Maria, and Choices.

From now until Dec. 18, if you donate a new and unwrapped gift for a woman or child (ages 0-18),  receive 20% off all product purchases.

The salon also continues its tradition of live music with a free concert on Sat., Dec. 11, from 3-5 PM.  Local artist Cynthia Null will play traditional songs, folk, and rock on her mandolin and fiddle.

 

Holiday hearts in Altadena

It's time to start thinking about the holidays, and in a prolonged economic downturn, the need is always greater.  Many Altadena-based groups are involved in ensuring a happy holiday for all, especially children, and here are a few that need your help right now to do it:

Altadena Ale & Wine House
The pub is holding its second annual Thanksgiving Food Drive in cooperation with the Altadena Sheriff's Station.
Looking for: nonperishable holiday food items: gravy, stuffing mix, canned yams, cranberry sauce, as well as staples like baby food, cereal, beans and rice, peanut butter and jelly, pasta and pasta sauce, or supermarket gift cards.
Bring to: Altadena Ale & Wine House, 2329 N. Fair Oaks Dr., or Altadena Sheriff's Station, through Nov. 22.

Altadena Sheriff's Station
The sheriff's station holds an annual food and toy drive to help families that are struggling.  In the last couple of years, they've served about 250 families in need, and this year they are anticipating the need is much greater.  As a result, they're hoping to serve as many as 350 families.  Distribution will be Sat., Dec. 18, 8 AM-12 PM the Community Center,
Looking for: non-perishable foods normally associated with a big turkey dinner -- except the turkey. You can also donate cash or checks payable to Altadena Station Fund to help them purchase grocery gift cards to give families in place of a turkey.  They are also looking for new, unwrapped gifts for children up to age 12. 
Bring to: Altadena Sheriff's Station, 780 E. Altadena Dr., through Dec. 11.

California Highway Patrol - CHiPS for Kids
Looking for: toys for underprivileged children, which will be passed out at parks and recreation events.  Also monetary donations -- please make checks out to "Mattel," which will be used to purchase toys.
Bring to: Collection bins at the Altadena CHP office, 2130 WIndsor Ave., or any Walgreens (there are two in Pasadena).

Farnsworth Park - LA County Parks & Recreation
Looking for: toys appropriate for children age 5-13 years for their annual toy giveaway.  Toy drive and registration will begin Nov.29.  If there are any children of those ages that would like to participate, they must register at the park office.  They will receive a ticket voucher that must be presented the day of the event, Sat. Dec. 18 from noon-5 PM.
Bring to: Drop-off boxes in the Davies Building at Farnsworth Park.  For more information, call 626-798-6335.
.

Help the Altadena Ale & Wine House collect food for the holidays

Altadenablog sponsor the Altadena Ale & Wine House is conducting a Thanksgiving food drive for the Altadena Sheriff Station.  Owners Gail and Judah Casburn are looking for donations of holiday-type food (pumpkin pie mix, etc.) or grocery store gift cards that can be given to deserving families for the upcoming holiday.  Bring your donations to the pub at 2329 N. Fair Oaks from now until next Wednesday.

"Dancing with the Links" to kick off the holiday season

The Pasadena-Altadena Chapter of the Links, Inc. in partnership with the Pasadena-Altadena Community Endowment Fund presents  'Dancing with the Links " — an afternoon of fun, food and entertainment, Sun., Dec. 5, 12 PM, at the Masonic Temple,   200 S. Euclid Ave. in Pasadena. Proceeds will benefit community programs and scholarships for local high school graduating seniors.

Dancing with the Links is a perfect prelude to a fun and magical holiday season—complete with savory cuisine, music, dancing, silent auction and lively Salsa Dance Competition.The festivities kickoff at noon with a cocktail hour, followed by a luncheon starting at 1 PM. A highlight of the event’s program is a salsa dance competition featuring local community members and celebrity judges including Dancing with the Stars Musical Director Harold Wheeler, Screenwriter/ Director Kim Watson and Studio Executive/ Writer, Anne Johnson.

“Each year the Pasadena-Altadena Chapter of The Links sponsors a holiday benefit to raise money for the chapter’s community service programs and scholarships," says Yolanda Oliver, President of the Chapter. "This year,we look forward to raising money to support “Links-Up for Success: Connecting Through Mentoring” a program that provides one-on-one mentoring and workshops for high school young ladies and their parents,  We hope that this program will positively impact the lives of these students by promoting high academic standards, healthy lifestyles, strong moral character, global, career and cultural awareness."

Five Acres Clothing & Shoe Drive thru Oct. 15

Free some closet space and do a good work by recycling your unwanted clothes and shoes -- any size, any condition.

Five Acres is holding a Clothing/Shoe Drive thru Oct. 15. Clothing and shoe items will be used by a recycler as part of their job development program for disabled young adults, which trains them in the areas of: sorting, reusing, fixing, repurposing and organizing so that they can get jobs in thrift stores.

NOTE: No items will be re-used by children and families served by Five Acres

Drop off areas (use bin or barrel provided) are:

760 W Mountain View St.,  Altadena; 301 E Arrow Hwy Suite 101, San Dimas; 4401 Santa Anita Ave.,  El Monte; 1495 N Lake Ave., Pasadena; and 2055 N Lincoln St.,  Pasadena.

For additional information contact Lena Bailey, Social Enterprise Coordinator at (626) 798-6793 x 2325

scissors/paper/rock spruces up kids for back to school

Yolande Carson and Kenia Lira from (Altadenablog sponsor) Scissors Paper Rock Salon spent Thursday morning giving free haircuts and manicures at a "Back to School" event for underprivileged school kids.

The annual event was held at Santa Anita Racetrack and was sponsored by Foothill Unity Community Center. 

Carson said, "We had a great time and we encourage anyone to join us next year and volunteer."

(Pictured: Yolande Carson tackles another haircut, while manicurist Kenia Lira prepares a young manicure client.)

Altadena Relay For Life: eight days and counting

Andrea Sweet, manager of the American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life, sends us an update -- it starts next Saturday:

Things are getting busy and the countdown begins! Relay is about a week away and preparations and excitement are well underway for the 2nd Annual Relay For Life of Altadena. Currently Altadena has 15 teams and 76 participants registered online. The 2010 Relay for Life of Altadena Event is August 14 – 15 at Farnsworth Park, Saturday, 9 a.m. to Sunday, 9 a.m.

One Day, One Night; One Community, One Fight.
This is our second year in Altadena, we are still a young event and really need some more of that uniquely Altadena community spirit and support. Relay for Life is a 24 hour Walk-a-thon to raise awareness about cancer and funding for the American Cancer Society.  Please join us to Celebrate, Remember and Fight Back! Against Cancer. All funds raised at Relay for Life go towards, Cancer Prevention and Awareness, Education and Research; Advocacy & Public Policy and those most important Patient Services.

Please join us at one of our ceremonies:
Saturday, 9 a.m.        Opening Ceremony, Celebrate our Survivors
Saturday, 9 p.m.        Luminaria Ceremony, Remember our loved ones
Sunday, 9 AM.            Closing Ceremony, Fight Back against Cancer!!!

Learn more about Relay For Life of Altadena at our website at http://www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca. On Thursday, August 12 at 6 p.m. we have our last team captain and committee meeting if anyone is interest in getting involved last minute for the Relay for Life of Altadena. You can also get in touch with us by emailing:    relayforlife.altadena.ca@gmail.com

Help out the Relay For Life -- meeting Thurs., 6 PM @ Coffee Gallery

John C. Pings at the Altadena Relay for Life (Aug. 14-15 at Farnsworth Park) writes:

We have a committee meeting Thurs., July 22 at 6 PM at Coffee Gallery and could really use some Altadena support to Fight Back Against Cancer. Our fantastic fun Committee is looking for new participants, new teams and new committee volunteers, all are welcome!!

Odyssey Charter School book drive thru July 30

Odyssey Charter School is looking for gently used childrens' books for grades K-8. Donations help to build classroom libraries and save the school thousands of dollars each year.

Donations can be dropped off at Odyssey Charter School between 10 AM. -2 PM until July 30.

725 West Altadena Drive
Altadena, CA 91001-4103
(626) 229-0993

For questions or more information, please contact taffanylim@gmail.com

Bright Futures Scholars celebrate 2010 graduates

Pictured: The Bright Futures Scholars class of 2010.

The Quality of Life Center, Inc., and 1,000 plus guests honored local students from the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) during the 5th Annual Bright Futures Scholars Graduation and Awards Luncheon at the Pasadena Convention Center on June 6.

The Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, now in its seventh year, provides leadership development, as well as personal mentoring to local middle school and high school accelerating achievers, including many with economic challenges. Carefully selected mentors encourage and provide avenues for these scholars to climb above the challenges and focus on improving their quality of life.

Volunteer mentors include US Congressman Adam Schiff, California Senator Carol Liu, Assemblymember Anthony Portantino, Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich (Honorary Dean of Scholars), Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard, and many other dedicated leaders and volunteers such as physicians, clergy, corporate CEOs, attorneys, scientists, engineers, artists, educators, law enforcement officials, managers and administrators. To date, the program has assisted more than 1500 area students.

To participate in the Bright Futures Scholars Support Program, all students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and above. Program participants represent eleven local schools and are required to attend monthly leadership development meetings, participate in television tapings that air four times weekly on Public Access television. In addition, scholars maintain a website and a newsletter that is circulated throughout San Gabriel Valley in public and private schools. They are also involved in many community activities and play a vital role by sharing views as young leaders.

Qualifying Bright Futures Scholars attend a seven day Washington D.C. Leadership Spring Retreat where they gain knowledge in exercising their constitutional rights and actually discuss issues and pending legislation with members of congress, senators and others on Capitol Hill.

This is possibly one of the many things that make programs created by Dr. Sandra Thomas, Dean of Scholars and CEO of the Quality of Life Center, Inc., so promising. She has assembled groups of students, from as diverse an ethnic and economic base as you are ever likely to find, but who share one commonality—these students are academic achievers with a dream. They are encouraged to reach for the stars, believe in themselves and work hard to accomplish great things.

Dr. Thomas stated, "The program is designed to fill a particular gap in the educational system. In our effort to leave no student behind, we have somehow, at times, neglected many of our brightest. Through the scholars program, academically gifted students are given the extra attention and developmental opportunities needed to excel and become tomorrow's leaders.   They exemplify what can be accomplished when positive exposure is offered to young scholars truly focused on making a difference for themselves."
 
For further information on the Quality of Life Center and the graduation and awards luncheon, contact La Wanda Burnes (626)798-5433, email:qualityoflifecenterinc@yahoo.com or go to our website:www.qualityoflifecenterinc.com

 

Local autism discussion board now open

Warren Skidmore has founded a message board for those families affected by autism who reside in and around the Altadena area. Warren and his wife have a 4 year old daughter who has fairly recently been diagnosed with autism.

Warren writes:

"After almost a year of fear of and frustration, desperation and despair she is now receiving therapy services. We have learned a great deal in the past few months and one important lesson is that those people with a connection of any sort to autism need to communicate, to support each other, offer advice and ideas, etc.. So it is our hope that people will use the new message board to help build these important connections.

The URL is:

http://altadenaautism.maxforum.org/

Danny's Farm: Lucy had a baby, summer autism program starts

One of our favorite places in town, Danny's Farm, recently celebrated the birth of a baby girl to Lucy the goat.  They're also starting a specialty autism program through the summer -- details are on the flier.

Little Leaguers and deputies bowling for dollars, raffling Dodger tickets

Adam Bell of the Central Altadena Little League reports:

The Bowling Night Fundraiser at 300 Pasadena on Tuesday, June 1st, was a resounding success!  So far, the Altadena Sheriff and the Central Altadena Little League (CALL) have raised $4,100.  A great time was had by all and it was truly a pleasure to witness the deputies working with the kids.   The kids are still talking about it.  Special thanks go to Deputy Marcos De La Riva and Captain Steven McLean for organizing a great event.  The top fundraisers will receive prizes donated by the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  We will announce the top fundraisers at our closing ceremonies this Friday, June 4th at 7:00 p.m. at Farnsworth Park. 

 

Additionally, the CALL is having an MLB Raffle Ticket Fundraiser!  Thanks to a very generous donation from CALL parents and Altadena residents Mr. & Mrs. Michael Kealing, the league will raffle off four tickets (parking pass included) to the Los Angeles Dodgers vs. the WORLD CHAMPION New York Yankees game scheduled for Saturday, June 26, 2010 at Dodger Stadium.  The tickets are good for four loge seats in right field.  Raffle tickets are $20 each and only 200 raffle tickets are available.  The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, June 16th at the CALL Board Meeting.  The winner need not be present to win.  All proceeds from the raffle will benefit the Central Altadena Little League.  Raffle tickets will be available for purchase at our closing ceremonies this Friday or interested parties may contact the Central Altadena Little League at (626) 236-4969.  Ticket sales end on June 14th.

Updated with Dodger game information.

Central Altadena Little League and sheriffs hold fundraiser June 1

The Altadena Sheriff's Station in partnership with the Central Altadena Little League (CALL) are holding a fundraiser  on Tues., June 1 at the 300 Pasadena bowling alley (LOCATION), from 4-6 PM.

CALL players are getting sponsors to support an afternoon of bowling.  Players will be matched with a member of the Altadena Sheriff's Station.  There will be special prizes for the top two players who received the most dollars in sponsorships.


This is an opportunity to bring together the Altadena Sheriff's Station, the Central Altadena Little League, and the community of Altadena for a very special event.

For any questions about this event, or if you wish to make a private sponsorship, feel free to call Dep. Marcos De La Riva, 798-1131 ext. 2629.

Relay for Life moved to Aug. 14-15 in Farnsworth Park

The American Cancer Society's Altadena Relay for Life has been rescheduled to Aug. 14 and 15, and relocated to Farnsworth Park, according to race organizers (it was previously May 15-16 at Loma Alta Park).

Says John C. Pings, one of the race organizers, the rescheduling has greatly increased participation -- but just because the race has been delayed, doesn't mean there aren't plenty of activities until then:

If you want to bring out your inner artist, you are invited to come to Camp Mariposa (the Girl Scout Camp, across from the Altadena Library, 615 E. Mariposa) on Fri, May 7 from 2-5 PM to help us decorate bags for our Luminare Ceremony.  This is a great community building event; feel free to bring children too.

The decorated artwork from our community will be part of Relay for Life of Altadena’s Luminare Ceremony to be held on Sat. night August 14 at Farnsworth Park, right after the Summer Concert Series event that evening.

If you would like to learn more about Relay or help us plan a fabulous event, please come to our next Relay Committee meeting at the Coffee Gallery, on Thurs., May 13 at 6pm.

 Or plan to come to our kick-off event on Thurs., June 17 at Farnsworth Park. We'll show a great video presentation from ACS as well as a video from our successful first Relay Event last year.  Please invite your friends and team members to come to this fun event.

For more information about joining our fun Committee or forming your own Relay for Life Team please contact Andrea Sweet of the American Cancer Society at Andrea.Sweet@cancer.org or Cell 626.372.9456 ; Office  626.795.7774 x 240.

NAACP honors ACT-SO achievers

Talented young people from a wide variety of disciplines were recognized as local winners in the 2010 Altadena NAACP ACT-SO Awards Celebration held Sun., April 25, at the Altadena Community Center.  The celebration draws interest from the local community and surrounding areas, i.e. San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles.

Pictured: left to right rear: Barbara Bigby, Noah Smith, Aria Dean, Christine Jackson, Bronson Manning, Daja Shamburger, Alana Peck, Sarah Oberholtzer, Wilberta Richardson, ACT-SO Chair, Melvina, Khalfani, NeyatYohannes, Lulu Yohannes, Quran Shaheed.

The Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) is a National Youth Initiative of the NAACP.  Gold, silver, and bronze medalist were awarded during the Altadena NAACP's 13th Anniversary Celebration of ACT-SO.  KJLH (102.3 FM) evening radio personality Roland Bynum was the Master of Ceremonies. 

The success of ACT-SO is due largely to the dedication of the ACT-SO local sponsors, volunteers, mentors, and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence.  Through this collaborative effort, participating students develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in school and life.

Wilberta Richardson, Chairperson and the ACT-SO Committee comprised of Juanita DeVaughn, Sameha Sudan, Ilene Clingmon, Paula DeVaughn, Andrea Mills, Debra Johnson and Vitrice Nolen volunteer their time and resources to the youth of the community.

Vitrice Nolen of Wal-Mart Corporation  was responsible for presenting a generous donation to the Altadena NAACP ACT-SO Program as part of the company's "Volunteerism Always Pay" program.
 

ACT-SO is a yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, improve and encourage high academic and artistic achievement, and cultural awareness for student in grades 9-12. Receiving a gold medal at the local level, qualify the participant to compete in  the national finals held each summer in conjunction with the NAACP National Convention in cities throughout the country.

Altadena NAACP ACT-SO 2010 Gold medalists by category are: Noah Smith - Photography; Quran Shaheed -Instrumental Classical;  William Hardy- Instrumental Contemporary; Bronson Manning (2)-Oratory and Original Essay; Aria Dean -Drawing; Christine Jackson -Painting.

For more information and how you may get involved: Please call (626)794-7999, or contact us at P.O. Box 6547, Altadena, CA. 91103.

Christmas Tree Lane maintenance weekends coming up in May

Dear Christmas Tree Lane Volunteers,

We would like to invite all of you with green thumbs (and not so green) to join us during our annual Lane Maintenance workdays. Starting at 9:00 a.m. on the weekend of May 15th and continuing through Sunday the 16th, and the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd of May (9:00 a.m. till noon), we will be cleaning and weeding around all the trees on the Lane. Though many of the homeowners give us a helping hand by keeping the area around their tree clean, each one must be checked and cleaned around as needed. As with both "Lights Up" and "Take Down," we will be starting on Santa Rosa between Altadena Dr. and Mariposa. Unlike other times, the street will not be closed because we will be staying close to the trees and in the gutters.

We will have tools and gardening equipment needed for the job, but if you have tools that you love to use, feel free to bring them.

Like other work days on Christmas Tree Lane, we will have donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water for all the volunteers who show up and a homemade lunch after we are done for the day. Also if you plan to bring a group that is more then five people and plan to stay for lunch, please email or call us at 626-403-1123 so we will have enough food for all.

Thanks and see you on the Lane!

Elizabeth Nelson

ACCC honors Joe Wyatt in May 14 benefit

The Altadena Christian Children’s Center hosts "Bow Ties and Bubbles: It Takes a Community," on Fri., May 14 at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly Street, Pasadena, starting at 6 PM.

The fundraising event will honor Community Partnership Award winner Joe Wyatt.  Wyatt and his wife Marge have generously supported many non-profit organizations in the community, especially those that focus on services to children and education. He has served on several boards, including the Board of Trustees of Pacific Oaks College and the California State Personnel Board.

The event includes a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and libations catered by the Kitchen for Exploring Foods, topping off the evening with music and dancing.

Tickets begin at  $50 per person. Other sponsorship opportunities are available. All proceeds benefit Altadena Christian Children’s Center.

To attend the event, please contact Tricia Delany at (626) 794-4808 or email pdelany@pdmpromotions.com

For more information you can also contact ACCC: 797-6142. www.altaccc-kids.org

Reminder: Altadena Chamber Golf Tournament May 7

From C. Jake at the Altadena Chamber of Commerce:

Dear Chamber Members and Friends of Altadena

The 17th annual golf tournament is just around the corner (May 7th).

We want to award scholarships this year to deserving Altadena students and the only way we can do that is by having successful event. 

Here’s how you can help: (see attached flyer for details)

We need:

1.    Players

a.    Corporate Entries   $500

b.    Foursome entries     $400 until April 30 then $440

c.    Individual Players   $110

2.    Tee and Green Sponsors   $125

3.    Raffle Prizes  - you decide value

4.    Goodie Bag items         (72 each)

5.    Dinner guests                    $30/person

Danny's Farm announces spring schedule

 
  Good things going down on the farm this spring!  Click on the graphics for details.

Boy's Republic super sale starts today thru April 3

Boy's Republic Thrift Shop Super Sale 

Everything ½ Off

March 29th thru April 3rd 

Clothing, Glass, Books, Videos, CDs, Records, Electronics, Children’s, Linens, Kitchen Item, Furniture 

New Items Stocked Daily

Come Early For Best Selection 
2261 N. Lake Avenue

Altadena, CA

(Next to the Post Office)

10:00am – 3:00pm

Closed Sundays & Tuesdays 

All Proceeds Benefit Boys Republic

www.boysrepublic.com

Snortland organizes cancer fundraising events

Altadena author/actor/activist/whirlwind Ellen Snortland has packed a couple more events in her already-busy schedule, to help a friend, Robin Carlson, who is fighting cancer:

First, she tells us, they're holding a fundraising bingo night at Throop Unitarian Universalist Church, 300 S. Los Robles, Pasadena, on Sat., April 3. at 6:30 PM. TIckets are $20 (which includes three bingo cards),  and there will be refreshments and prizes.  To guarantee entry, reserve your tickets online by March 31:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/102639

Second, she will hold a benefit performance of her one-woman show, "Now That She's Gone," at the Actor's Repertory Theater, 2811 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at:

http://tinyurl.com/ydhndus

Tickets may also be purchased at the door, if seats are still available. No one under 12 will be admitted.

For more info, email ellensnortland@mac.com or call 626-798-8421.

Both events are sponsored by New Earth Organization, a 502(c)3 corporation.  All donations are tax-deductible.

"In The Name of Love": V-Day benefit for Haiti @ Coffee Gallery

Celebrate Valentines Day At The Coffee Gallery

IN THE NAME OF LOVE: A BENEFIT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HAITI

FEATURING
JULIE SANDOVAL, Comedian
RIUA AKINSHEGUN, Writer/Performer
AND
HOBERLEIGH PHREIGH Performing
"Over The Caesar Salad" By SARA HUNTER
FINN CARTER and LESLIE PERRY In
"The Muse" By Leslie Perry
With
LAURA VEGA, MC


SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14th at 3:30 p.m.
Coffee Gallery Backstage
2029 North Lake Ave.
Altadena, CA 91001

Free, But Donations Accepted

For more info call 626.398-7917

Altadena congregations respond for Haiti relief

Laura Monteros has done a fine job of legwork, checking out what local houses of worship are doing to provide relief to the people of Haiti.  We recommend her piece in the Examiner to give you some ideas of where to provide assistance.

Education Spectrum & Caltech discuss autism/Asperger research

Altadena=based Education Spectrum and Caltech invite you to an informative overview of Caltech's Autism and Asperger Syndrome Research Program. Ralph Adolphs, Ph.D., Bren Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience will describe fascinating studies of the cognitive and emotional aspects of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Laurie Stephens, Ph.D., Clinical Director of Education Spectrum, will then join Dr. Adolphs for a dynamic discussion about eye contact, brain function, and practical data.

The event will be held Sat. Feb. 27, at Broad Center Auditorium, Room 100 on the Caltech campus.  Check in is at 3:45 PM, and the program runs from 4-5:30.   There is no entrance charge, but seating is limited. The presentation is open to the community and especially geared for parents, caregivers and professionals.

"Relay for Life" kickoff today at 2 PM, Altadena Library

The American Cancer Society invites individuals and families who want to celebrate the lives of those who have faced cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease to join us at our Relay For Life of Altadena Kickoff on Sat., Jan. 30 at 2 PM at the Altadena Library, 600 E. Mariposa.In 1985, Relay For Life began with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours raising $27,000. This year, Relay For Life is coming to you in more than 4,800 communities and in Altadena we are hoping to raise $30,000 to fight back against cancer.

Our Relay For Life event is taking place May 15th-16th 2010 at Loma Alta Park –so Save the Date!

The Relay For Life kickoff rally is where anyone families, caregivers, cancer survivors, schools, companies, etc., get together to kick off annual Relay For Life activities and find out how they can get involved.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is an overnight community celebration where individuals and teams camp out, dance, and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. At nightfall, participants will light hundreds of luminaria around the track in a moving ceremony to honor cancer survivors as well as friends and family members lost to the disease. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life represents hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported, and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

    WHEN – Saturday January 30th 2010 at 2pm
    WHERE – Altadena Library, 600 E Mariposa St
    HOW – www.relayforlife.org/altadenaca
    Event Chair: John Pings

Bring your can to Coffee Gallery for some comedy Sat.!

This Saturday night, Jan. 30 starting at 10 PM, the Coffee Gallery is holding its Cans for Comedy benefit.

The price of admission is canned food that will be donated to Friends in Deed food pantry

The line-up for this show includes Adam Norwest, Marsha Morgan, Brad Schecter, Courtney Ca, Julie Sandoval, Jorjeana Marie, Tracie Walker, and Henierietta, with Di Stanky hosting.  Over the last two years this show has raised 4,000 pounds of food.

Help the "Supper Bowl" collection on Super Sunday for Fountain of Life

 

On Feb. 7, the annual Supper Bowl Sunday Food Collection Event for the Free Community Hot Meals will be held.  Three supermarkets will host members and friends of the Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene from 9 AM to Noon on Sun., February 7, 2010.  They will collect food purchased from the stores from a special menu for its Friday night and Sunday morning community meals for people living in the northwest area of Pasadena and Altadena.  The three stores are Vons at Orange Grove and Fair Oaks, Vons at California and Pasadena Ave. and Smart & Final at 401 N. Fair Oaks Blvd. at Maple St.

 

The Altadena Fountain of Life Church of the Nazarene is located 9 W. Mendocino at the corner of N. Fair Oaks.  Their Kitchen Ministry has been helping to feed local residents for the past 15 years.  Your participation at the supermarkets is most welcome and greatly appreciated.  

PUSD schools help with Haiti relief

From PUSD:

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) students, teachers, families, and families have united in support of the victims of last week's earthquake in Haiti.  Like the rest of the country, students have responded to images and news of the island nation's tragedy, and raised funds to help recovery efforts.

The Pasadena area's spirit of philanthropy is reflected in the efforts of our school children to help in any way they can, said Superintendent Edwin Diaz. "Many of our campus Haitian relief efforts were started by the remarkable, diverse and generous children who attend our schools. At moments like this, it is clear that PUSD is a truly extraordinary community of children, teachers, employees, administrators and families."

Among the school activities on the list provided by PUSD:

  * Eliot Middle School students will discuss relief aid to Haiti during their advisory period on January 25.  Student leaders are asking each student to donate $1 to $2 per student or family.

  * Marshall Fundamental Secondary School students are collecting coins for donation to Haiti relief.

  * Jackson Elementary School is organizing a collection to benefit Haiti.

Beat it into Rubio's and help Marshall's drumline Feb. 3

Hannah Holland-Moritz, a 12th grade "mallet percussion student" at Marshall Fundamental School, wrote us looking for your help:

The Marshall Fundamental School Winter Drumline is having a fundraiser night on February 3, at Rubio's!  We're looking for some neighborhood support so please come out and enjoy a night of wonderful food while supporting music in your local schools!

It's from 4:00 -9:30, just print out the attached flier, show it to the folks at the restaurant and 20% of what you spend will go to the Marshall Drumline.

The Marshall Winter Drumline is composed of 6-12th grade percussionists who compete with other high school and professional drumlines in percussion theater, a combination of music, marching and theater.

Altadena Nursery School orange sale going on now!

Altadena Nursery School's big orange and grapefruit fundraiser is well underway (last day to order is Wed., Jan. 27) We have a contact there and a grapefruit jones, so it's a "win" for everybody!  Check the website here for more details or to order:

Since 1953 the families of Altadena Nursery School have proudly offered gourmet quality California navel orange and Arizona ruby grapefruit. With your support our non-profit, co-op nursery school continues to enrich the lives of Pasadena area children.

These are the most delicious, freshest, juiciest oranges and grapefruit you can buy. They come to us directly from our growers in California and Arizona and are only a few days off the tree when you receive them. This fruit will last approximately 5 weeks if kept in a cool place where air is allowed to circulate. Our prices are below local market prices for top quality fruit. A case of oranges (42 lbs.) holds about 48 navel oranges. A case of grapefruit (36 lbs.) holds 36 to 40 sweet ruby grapefruit. We guarantee our product, and your purchase is 20% tax deductible!

Red Cross collecting at the Rose Bowl today for Haiti

Just got word that KNBC is holding a drive-thru at the Rose Bowl until 7 PM today -- drive in and give 'em your check to the Red Cross for Haitian relief.

Coffee Gallery Backstage to hold Haiti benefit Sunday

Bob Stane of the Coffee Gallery Backstage says that Sunday's matinee will be a benefit for agencies helping out in the wake of the Haitian earthquake:

I was somewhat confused about where to send money.  I have several charities I like but a perfect solution was handed me by one of the voiceover stars of the TV hit, South Park. (SOUTH PARK’S ELIZA JANE SCHNEIDER). She will do a 90 minute one woman play at The Coffee Gallery Backstage tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon starting at 2 PM.  It will be 90 minutes of good stuff.

There will be no set price and, actually, if you wanted to you could come for free.  However, we will be collecting, and forwarding, checks for several organizations now doing relief work, including bringing in supplies, to Haiti.  A check is fine, we don't want to handle cash.  We will mail your check to the organization you desire.

Breakthru for autistic kids

SGV Tribune's Kevin Smith has a feature on the one-year anniversary of Breakthru Fitness in Pasadena.  Breakthru is also announcing a partnership with Jim and Cathy Gott's Altadena-based Education Spectrum, to provide fitness classes for young people with autism spectrum disorders. 

Tickets available for NAACP Image Awards Feb. 26

The 41st NAACP Image Awards - February 26, 2010

"Tickets may be purchased through Altadena NAACP"

The NAACP Image Awards is the nation's premier event celebrating the outstanding achievements and performances of people of color in the arts (motion picture, television, recording, and literature), as well as those individuals or groups who promote social justice through their creative endeavors. The 41st NAACP Image Awards will be held on Friday, February 26, 2010 at the Shrine Auditorium, 665 West Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Doors open at 3:00 p.m., Pre-Show Taping 3:30 p.m. and doors close at 4:45 p.m.

Tickets for the 41st NAACP Image Awards are available now for purchase through our Altadena NAACP  branch. The deadline to purchase tickets is January 16, 2010. Ticket prices will range from $50 to $500. For ticket sale information, contact Judy Matthews, Publicity Chair, at judy.matthews@altadenanaacp.org or call (626) 794-7999.