A Aug 27 - Sept 2 09 - San Gabriel Valley Examiner

Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2009
San Gabriel Valley
S.G.V. EXAMINER
A1
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Volume XIII, Issue No. 35
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STRIVING FOR JOURNALISTIC EXCELLENCE
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2009
INSIDE Military Care Packages Provide Basic Necessities
Publi???????? / B1
R.I.P.
Lorie Pope Pauly / A2
INDEX
City Notices
B15
Classifieds
B14
Financial/ Consumer
B4
Legal Notices
B7
By Jorge V. Rosales
On Friday, August 7, over 20
volunteers consisting of youth
and adults gathered at the Veterans of Foreign War Post
8070's Social Hall located at 250
E. 1st St., Azusa, to assemble
military care packages for five
Azusa military service personnel currently serving in Iraq or
Afghanistan. The group included Mayor Joe Rocha,
Councilman Robert Gonzales,
and members, relatives, and
friend of the five Azusa soldiers.
Military care packages bring
some the comforts of home to
the troops. Some personal items
are hard to find, especially in
combat zones. Military care
packages make soldiers' lives a
little bit easier and more enjoyable by providing these extras.
A package of wet wipes may
be the closest thing to a shower
the troops have had for a few
days. A book or magazine will
help a soldier relax and escape
reality for a few hours. Military
care packages can take care of
these needs and more while
showing the troops that people
back home are thinking about
them.
"Sending care packages is a
time-honored way to give our
West Covina Hurst
Ranch Fund-raiser
By George Ogden
WEST COVINA — On
Sunday, August 23, the Hurst
Ranch had a fund-raising dinner and BBQ... They had on the
menu, tri-tip and chicken which
went over well.
It appeared that nearly 200
people may have showed up for
the event which included an
open house atmosphere with old
antique cars, tractors, fire engine and much more. They also
had the General Store open to
show what it was like back in
the old days.
There was a lot of history to
be seen and talked about.
During a break in the music,
John Hughes thanked everyone
for coming and then talked
about his old friend, Bob
Borden, who had recently
passed away and was part of
the Barn Boys there at the ranch.
Hughes pointed over to an old
wagon and talked about how
Bob had completely rebuilt the
old wagon from yesteryear.
The fact that Bob had to find
82 special bolts to replace the
old ones was kind of a running
joke with everyone. Hughes acknowledged the family that was
also attending and then asked for
a moment of silence in honor
of Bob Borden.
Hughes also recognized
Mayor Roger Hernandez and
council members; Shelley
Sanderson and Sheri Lane. Also
attending was Police Chief
Frank Wills and a number of
school board members Steve
Cox and George Fuller.
The event was to help raise
money for The Hurst Ranch
Historical Foundation which is
an entertaining and educational
living history museum located
in West Covina California. Everyone who attended had a great
time and meeting with old
friends.
SGV
Examiner
John Hughes thanks the nice
crowd for attending the event
and talks about Bob Borden
who recently passed away and
the wagon that he rebuilt which
now sits in the background
(right side behind speaker.
Sallie Garcia and Mayor Joe Rocha, both members of the Veterans Memorial Committee, distribute toiletries and sundries to each of
the eleven Care Packages to be sent to Azusans in Iraq or Afghanistan, while George Romero and Richard Lugo of the Azusa Canyon
City Car Club help put together the Care Packages.
troops items they need and to
let them know that someone at
home is looking out and cares
for them. Basic items like sunscreen or deodorant make an
enormous difference to those
stationed on the frontlines without many of the comforts we
take for granted. Whether you
know of a specific service
member overseas or are reaching out anonymously, volunteering to collect its contents, sort
them out, or package them, is
the right thing to do," said Azusa
Mayor Rocha.
It was obvious that everyone
present enjoyed collecting the
contents and assembling two
care packages full of "basic necessities" weighing approximately thirty-pounds per box
for each of the five Azusa Military Heroes currently deployed.
Those Azusans who were sent
care packages are: L Cpl. Nathan
G. Ashlock, S Sgt. Pedro
Cuadros, Andrew A. Montes,
Michael M. Puente, and PFC
Morua Jacob.
Mayor Rocha (extreme left) and Councilman Gonzales (center) together with a group of more than 20
family members and friends of the five Azusa soldiers being sent Care Packages to Iraq or Afghanistan. The Puentes family was amongst one of the families present to help: Standing next to post
Michael Puente's mother, Kathy; kneeling down his father Michael Sr.; and his son sitting on top of
one of his Care Packages while his wife, Denise, hold his hand.
USO Show is Big Hit
Mayor Roger Hernandez has fun trying to help out by assisting the
bartenders. He didn’t do too bad, but maybe he should stick to
politics.
Local actors put on USO Show in Arcadia.
By George Ogden
Great crowd showed up for the event to show their support.
Arcadia — A number of local actors, actresses, singers
and dancers (including yours
truly, George Ogden) participated in a “USO SHOW” put on
by “Show of Support Productions”.
The Show of Support Production puts on a number of
shows to raise money for various charities in the area. Donna
Scarantino who heads the pro-
The San Gabriel Valley
Examiner
gram is also the Director and
Executive Producer for the production.
This particular show was
held at the Mason Theater and
Stage at the Mason Lodge in
Arcadia. There were a number
of special guests for this dinner
show that has a full house with
members and their guests.
The show was a big hit for
those that attended. Laura
Loucks, who came all the way
from Lake Arrowhead, said
“The show last night was awesome!”
The next schedule production
will be a USO Type Show on
9-11 (Sept. 11) at Altadena’s
Farnsworth Park - Amphitheater, 568 E Mount Curve Ave,
Altadena. Admission is $10.00
per person. For more information, contact 626.683.8025 or
if
you
prefer,
email
[email protected].
A2
NEWS
Celebrating The Life of Lorie Pope Pauly
S.G.V. EXAMINER
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2009
HOME SAFE
Some morning, in the obituaries,
You may observe my name,
With a list of dates and accomplishments, but,
I, hereby, do proclaim:
I will not be in that body,
That lies there rigid and cold.
I'll be alert, alive and well,
Dancing down those streets of gold.
Tasting pure delights of Heaven,
With my Saviour, Lord and King,
Greeting old friends and my loved ones,
Listening to the angels sing.
Enraptured, with my mansion,
Strolling through each lovely room.
No more tears, nor pain, nor sorrow,
No frustration, no more gloom.
I'll be ever in the Presence,
Of that One who died for me.
Who purchased my salvation,
Led me through to victory.
I hope my friends remember,
And good deeds, I have done.
My life on earth had problems,
But, over all, it was great fun!
So, when you view me in repose,
If I could, I'd smile and nod.
I'd tell you to rejoice with me,
'Cause I'm safe at Home with God!
Lorie was born in Akron,
Ohio to Earnest William and
Emily Elliot Estes on July 29,
1922 and went home to be with
her Lord on August 23, 2009.
She attended Kent State University, where she met Robert
Stuart Pope, Jr. They were
married in 1943. He went home
to be with his Lord in 1988. She
married Robert Daniel Pauly in
1990.
She is survived by her husband Robert Daniel Pauly, and
her sons Robert S. Pope III with
his wife April L. Pope, William
E. Pope, Daniel T Pauly with
his wife Pamela Pauly, David R
Pauly with his wife Anne Marie
Pauly. Her grandchildren Jeremy J. Cunningham with his
wife Rachel Cunningham, Charlotte Huddleston, Tanya
Rodriguez, Robert S. Pope IV,
James W. Pope, John E Pope,
Sarah Bach with her husband
Steve Bach, Rebekah Sheldon
with her husband Andrew
Sheldon, Elizabeth Di Amato
A Prayer For My Demise
Have you ever wondered how your life will end,
And where you will spend your last days?
I've often said, "God, keep my mind clear,
I don't want to be caught in a maze,
And not be aware of where I am,
And I want to know those I love best.
I want to depart with some dignity,
As my body takes its final rest.
I don't want to be a burden to anyone,
With a lingering illness severe!
Please, God, Let me be a helper,
And an asset to those I hold dear!
Help me, God, to be ready each day,
To answer your beckoning call.
Help me keep my house in Your Order,
Please help me avoid each pitfall,
And temptation to be unforgiving,
Or Jealous with malice or greed.
Please keep me on Your straight and narrow path,
To follow wherever You lead.
Comes the day, I will be in Your presence,
With all those who have gone on before,
Please let my departure be graceful,
As angels bring me to your shore.
And when I come Home to Yourself, Lord,
Please let it be quick as a light,
Flashing over the sky in the evening.
That's how I desire my last flight"!!
with her husband Dax D'Amato,
Samuel Pauly, Daniel Pauly,
Leighton Pauly, Mark Pauly,
Scott Pauly, Douglas Pauly,
Byron Pauly, Alexandra Pauly.
And also her great grandchildren
Felicity, Trinity and Liberty
Cunningham, William, Brandon,
Spencer, and Ryley Huddleston,
Landon Pope, Isaac Avila, Seneca Bach, Oliver and Theodore
Sheldon, Oceanne, Sage, and
Arjuna Di Amato.
Lorie was an Interior De-
signer for 21years in West
Covina. She was ordained to
the Christian Ministry at Valley
Christian Center in 1990. She
served as Director of volunteer
services and chaplain for Citrus Valley Hospice for 11 years
from its inception. She received
the West Covina Human Service
Award for her Hospice work in
1987. She served as a volunteer Chaplin at Foothill Presbyterian Hospital for three years.
She was President of the FPH
Serrano Chapter Of DAR Holds Fun Hawaiian Party
Each year Serrano Chapter of
Daughters of the American
Revolution hosts a HODAR honoring the husbands of DAR
members. This fun evening includes dinner, Las Vegas style
games, and prizes. Forty-five
ladies, men, and friends attended this years event held at
the lovely home of Maurice and
Kara Cayem. Every corner of
the house and yard was decorated with Hawaiian Luau
items...flowers, tikis, tropical
birds, etc. People were greeted
by Kara and Maurice with a
flower lei. A wonderful dinner
of Teriyaki Chicken, fruit kabobs, and Hawaiian rice followed by dessert, which consisted of coconut cake decorated with whipped cream and
drizzled with strawberry sauce.
Tasty Hawaiian drinks were
served all evening. Following
dinner guests played Bingo,
Blackjack, and Roulette for
prizes donated by the Board.
The HODAR is a fun-raiser
for Serrano Chapter. This year
over $ 700 was raised and this
money will be used to help
Serrano with their many service
projects including lap blankets
and other gifts to our Veterans,
promoting Conservation in
Glendora, helping Glendora
Coordinating Council with their
Holiday Basket Program and
Camperships. Indian schools in
Southwest USA are helped by
financial donations of Serrano
Auxiliary 1994-1995. She was
honored by the Hospital with the
Exception Service Award in
2007. She is a poet who has had
over 500 poems published
throughout the United States in
various newspapers and magazines and wrote two columns
for the San Gabriel Valley Examiner. She was designated
Poet Laureate by Dick Stanford,
Publisher of the Azusa Gazette
when she wrote a poetry column for that paper. She has
written 1,463 poems and has
published 7 poetry books as
well as a book called "Out of
Sorrow Into Joy" about her personal experiences and knowledge she gained in leading grief
groups for over 15 years. She
has been a Bible teacher as well
as a speaker for many churches
and social groups.
Memorial Services will be on
Saturday, August 29th at 9:30
am, at Foothill Vineyard Church,
100 E Foothill Blvd, San Dimas.
Calling All Glendora
Club Presidents
Pat Loukota, President, Debbie Deal, past President, and Barbara
Stamps, Recording Secretary, would like to invite all Glendorans
to attend the first meeting of the school year of the Glendora Community Coordinating Council on Monday, September 14th at
Glendora Continental Restaurant.
By Lynda Siminske
All dressed up for a fun Hawaiian evening are Peggy Comstock (left) and daughter, Letha, and
granddaughter Jennifer (all DAR members) and friend, Allen.
Chapter DAR. In another two
weeks Daughters of American
Revolution will again be celebrating Constitution Week.
Serrano Chapter helps promote
this at each of the Glendora
schools and at Glendora Public
Library. Later in the fall at each
of the schools the American
Essay contest will take place.
Winners are invited to a tea at
the State DAR Headquarters and
are given pins, certificates, and
in some cases, cash awards.
Mike Albers (husband of member, Juliet Albers) helps at blackjack table.
Glendora
Jewelers
White Goose Down
Comforters and Pillows
Glendora Community Coordinating council is inviting members of the community to attend
their "Kick Off" September Luncheon/Meeting on Monday, September 14, 2009 at Glendora
Continental Restaurant. The
meeting starts at 11:45 AM and
lunch cost $12.00. The GCCC
is made up of all clubs and organizations in Glendora and
functions to help them promote
their monthly activities. Many
community leaders attend the
meetings just to find out what
is going on in our wonderful
city. Each month a nominated
adult can receive the Humani-
tarian Service Award; a teenager
is honored with the "Youth Recognition Award. Following the
business meeting and awards,
interesting people are invited to
speak.
Traditionally the program for
the September meeting is to
have the Presidents of different
clubs and organizations in town
tell of their upcoming activities.
This builds interest in group and
also serves as a means of advertising. No reservation is
needed, just come. You will enjoy and learn more about
Glendora and make new friends
as well.
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SOLANKI Saturday
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RANCHO CUCAMONGA
626-650-1111 909-476-6666
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2009
S.G.V. EXAMINER
A3
State Of The Art Children's Center Opens In The Heart Of East L.A.
"Gloria Molina-Para Los Niños Child Development Center" now serving children at East Los Angeles Civic Center Campus
EAST LOS ANGELES Now enrolling local children ages
two to five years old, the new
Gloria Molina-Para Los Niños
Child Development Center campus is located at the East Los
Angeles Civic Center, a beautiful oasis in the heart of East
L.A., which opened in 2008 to
provide central, welcoming,
and accessible community services for the residents of East
L. A. In addition to local government, transit, recreation and
retail, the Civic Center now includes a comprehensive
children's center. And, soon the
Linea de Oro (Eastside Gold
Line) will travel to and from the
Civic Center.
Molina said, "From the very
beginning, we envisioned a central, welcoming, and accessible
Civic Center to serve our East
Los Angeles families-we dreamt
of a unique hub that included
cutting edge learning facilities
for our children and youth-and
our vision became a reality with
the our state-of-the-art library,
and now, our state-of-the-art
Child Development Center!"
The Gloria Molina-Para Los
Niños Child Development Center will provide high-quality, enriched, and nurturing child development services to approximately 88 local young children
using a curriculum that will prepare them to succeed in kindergarten and beyond. In four
state-of-the-art classrooms and
an inviting learning environment, uniquely trained teachers
and curriculum experts will
strive to prepare English and
non-English-speaking children
with the skills needed to succeed in school and in life. It
becomes the first building to
carry Supervisor Molina's name
after her many decades of public service.
"I have long admired the efforts of Para Los Niños over the
years to provide child care services to our County's working
families, and I am very excited
about our partnership at the new
East L.A. Civic Center," said
Molina. "The working families
in this community will have the
highest quality care for their
children, which is why constructing a children's center in
the Civic Center complete was
such a critical component for
me."
Joining Master of Ceremonies Wilmer Valderrama, who is
the voice of Disney character
Handy Manny, in the celebra-
tion on Saturday were civic,
business and community leaders, including Los Angeles
County Fire Chief P. Michael
Freeman; Celia Ayala, COO of
Los Angeles Universal Preschool, which is a financial supporter of the center; First 5 LA
Executive Director Evelyn
Martinez; Lourdes Caracoza,
President of the Maravilla
Businesspersons Association;
and the children already enrolled
in the center who, as the first
class of the Gloria Molina-Para
Los Niños Child Development
Center joined with Supervisor
Molina and other guests to create special commemorative artwork. Generous sponsors of the
event include Nevara, Juan
Pollo, Jarritos and Frijolitos.
Para Los Niños was established in 1980 in response to the
plight of children living in Skid
Row hotels. Today, in its 29th
year of operation, Para Los
Niños provides integrated educational and family support services to nearly 9,000 economically challenged children, youth
and families throughout Southern California.
Education programs include
early childhood services, Charter Schools (K-6), after-school
enrichment, youth diversion
and delinquency prevention,
youth workforce services, and
a life skills training and academic assistance program for
transitioning foster youth. Para
With actor Wilmer Valderrama serving as the Master of Ceremonies, the community of East Los
Angeles welcomed a new resident to the neighborhood - a state-of-the-art child development center
named after one of the most passionate champions for children in the region, Los Angeles County
Supervisor Gloria Molina.
Los Niños offers emergency
and ongoing comprehensive
support to at-risk families, including food and shelter vouchers, child abuse and domestic
violence prevention, parenting
skills, and mental health services. For more information
about child care enrollment, ease
visit www.paralosninos.org.
Representing over two million residents within the
County's First District, services
for children and families continue to be one of Supervisor
Gloria Molina's highest priorities, as well as preserving and
expanding recreational space,
sustaining the County's public
health care delivery system, addressing quality-of-life issues,
and ensuring public safety. Additionally, she provides responsive and effective constituent
services-the cornerstone of her
public service.
Thief Takes Over ‘Cask n Cleaver’ in San Dimas
By George Ogden
SAN DIMAS — Saturday
night, the San Dimas Cast n
Cleaver restaurant and cocktail
lounge had “Thief” take over the
place that evening. “Thief” a
popular Rock and Roll band
from the area played and packed
the house.
Staff had to keep taking a
head count to make sure they
didn’t have too many people in
the lounge at one time.
Thief is a “classic rock” band
and has been around for about
25 years. They play some good
old Rock and Roll to some of
the latest top 40s. The band consists of five members, Doug
Wheat: Lead vocals, electric and
acoustic
guitars.
Dave
Demerjian: Guitars, keyboards,
vocals. Dennis Demerjian:
Drums, vocals. Rudy Lopez:
Lead vocals, bass guitar and
Terry Ripley: Lead guitar.
When the band gets started,
it doesn’t take long for everyone to get into the groove, no
matter what your age is. Dancers usually fill the floor as soon
as the music starts.
Everyone had a great time
with some great music. Their
song list is around 150 great
songs, however, they don’t play
all of them in one night, just not
enough fun time. Thief’s next
local gig will be local and you
can catch them at Rude Dogs
in Covina on Oct. 3. You can
also check out their Web Site
at:www.thiefrocks.com.
No question, “Thief” gets them “Dancing to the Music” any time they play.
Glendora Kiwaniannes
To Hold Luau Bunko
Membership Night
by Joan Hallidy
“Thief” plays at Cask n Cleaver in San Dimas. From left: Dave Demerjian, Doug Wheat, Rudy Lopez,
Dennis Demerjian and Terry Ripley.
GLENDORA - The Kiwanis
Club of Glendora Kiwaniannes
will hold a Luau Bunko Night
for current and future members
at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept.
2, at a member's home.
Members planning to attend
are asked to invite their friends
who are interested in community service and hearing more
about the Glendora Kiwaniannes
Club and its service projects.
The evening will include hors
d'oeuvres, desserts, no-host
tropical drinks and prizes, said
membership vice president Pam
Richards. Helping to plan the
Hawaiian-themed event will be
Tricia Gomer, club president,
and Pat Rasmussen, club president-elect. Tickets will be $15
per person.
For more information, call
626-335-0406.
Glendora Kiwaniannes Club members, from left, Pat Rasmussen,
club president-elect, Pam Richards, membership vice president;
and Tricia Gomer, club president, prepare a toast to the success
of the club's upcoming Luau Bunko Night on September 2.
Kyle A. Cline, Agent
Insurance Lic. #: OD16727
1275 E Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740-3779
Bus: 626-335-0815
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The San Gabriel Valley
Examiner
A4
S.G.V. EXAMINER
Aug. 27 - Sept. 2, 2009
Consumers "Go Green" by Buying
Produce from Local Farmers at
Duarte's Saturday Farmers Market
DUARTE - Local farm
picked lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries and more fruits, vegetables, and nuts delivered fresh
to Duarte every Saturday morning. That's Duarte's Certified
Farmers Market, offering consumers some of the freshest
produce in town typically
picked from the fields and orchards the day before market.
The farmers market is open
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every
Saturday in the Big Lots parking lot at the northeast corner
of Buena Vista St. and Huntington Dr. Scholastic Gardens,
Inc., a non-profit organization,
operates the open air Certified
Farmers Market year-round
under contract by the City of
Duarte.
"Duarte residents are finding
farmers markets are a great
way to 'go green' by buying
produce from local California
farmers," said Deputy City
Manager, Karen Herrera.
"Importing food from thousands of miles away uses large
amounts of fuel and adds to environmental pollution. By buy-
One of the many produce stands at the Farmer’s Market
ing local, you can help preserve
the small farms around California who are working to grow
crops with fewer chemicals and
more natural fertilizers and pesticides," she said.
While food prices at the store
often rise in a poor economy,
prices at the farmers market
are holding steady. The farmers market also accepts coupons
from the WIC program and the
Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, two government
aid programs that operate in
California. Consumers can contact the local WIC center or
Senior Center to see if they
qualify to receive the coupons.
In addition to fresh produce,
Duarte's farmers market also
features cut flowers, natural
honey, and handmade craft
items.
For more information about
Duarte's Certified Farmers Market call (310) 633-3966 or email
[email protected].
Mass And Vigil In Memory Of Martin
By Jorge V. Rosales
AZUSA — The first day of
school at Azusa Unified School
District (AUSD) is scheduled
for Tuesday, September 1,
2009. Last year the first at
AUSD was September 3, a day
of tragedy for all of Azusa and
in particular for the Solorio family and friends of Martin Solorio
who was killed on that day.
Martin Solorio, 11, was hit
by a car on September 3, 2008,
at about 1:30 p.m. as he rode
his bicycle across the intersection of Baseline Avenue at
Rockvale Avenue. He had just
attended his first day at Foothill Middle School, having
graduated from Magnolia Elementary, and was on his way
home. Martin lived just off the
south end of the freeway pedestrian bridge overpass at
Rockvale Avenue. Authorities
said Solorio entered the intersection while the light was red.
The driver of the vehicle,
Francine Willis, 42, of Azusa,
was meanwhile distracted by a
spilled soda and did not see the
child in the intersection, officials said.
Wit, Wisdom of Will Rogers
GLENDORA - If ever there
was a time when we needed to
laugh at ourselves, it's now, you
know what I mean?
Will Rogers might have said
just those words, especially the
signature "you know what I
mean," during another challenging time in America - the dark
days of the Depression. A man
of many hats beside his trademark cowboy hat, Rogers
wrangled laughs out of hard
times as a vaudeville performer
whose comedy and social commentary is as relevant today as
it was in the 1920s and '30s.
Rogers' words, wit and wisdom take center stage when
Glendora resident Russ Bundy
presents his one-man show
"Will Rogers, Common Sense"
on Friday, September 4, at 7:30
p.m. at Village Book Shop, 123
N. Glendora Ave., in the
Glendora Village. Tickets are
$10.
Bundy is one of only 16
Rogers specialists sanctioned by
the Will Rogers Memorial Museums in Claremore and
Oologah, Oklahoma. And curiously, that's how Bundy first got
this show off the ground.
In 2005, Bundy sought the
simplicity of presenting a oneman show after producing reenactments of old radio shows
throughout Southern California.
He felt that "Will Rogers USA"
by the inimitable James
Whitmore was the best oneman show he had ever seen.
Hoping to acquire rights to
present the production, Bundy
went to the Rogers Memorial
Museums web site where he
found contact information for
Whitmore's production.
"I called the number listed on
Martin Sr. and Feliciana Solario, parents of Martin Solario
Martin was survived by his
parents, Martin and Feliciana,
his older sister Guadalupe, his
older brother Randy, and his
younger brother Roberto. Martin Sr. and Feliciana are originally from a town named
Cortijo Nuevo in Michoacan,
Mexico. They immigrated to
Azusa over 25 years ago to fulfill their American Dream.
Martin's father always held two
jobs since his arrival to Azusa
in order to be able to support
his family. Feliciana has been a
full time Mom and housewife.
A mass in memory of Martin
Solorio is scheduled to be held
during the 5:15 P. M. mass at
Saint Frances of Rome Church,
501 E. Foothill Boulevard,
Azusa. Immediately following
the mass, the Solorio family invites everyone to join them for
a brief vigil in front of the shrine
that they have maintained for the
past year with flowers and
candles in memory of Martin,
which is the location of his
death. The small shrine is located on Baseline Avenue (1st
Street) just east of Rockvale
Avenue also in Azusa.
The San Gabriel Valley
Examiner
Russ Bundy presents his one-man show "Will Rogers, Common
Sense"
the web site, and a woman answered," Bundy recalled. "I
asked to speak to Mr.
Whitmore's manager, and she
turned the phone over to a
man."
It turned out the woman was
Whitmore's wife and the man
was the actor himself.
"He asked, 'Why are you
looking for the rights?' and I
said 'People in our country have
lost the ability to laugh at ourselves. His (Rogers') words are
more apropos now than they
were then,' " Bundy recalled.
Satisfied with Bundy's answers to his questions,
Whitmore referred the actor to
the person who held the rights
to the show. "I want to see you
do it," Whitmore told Bundy.
Two weeks after that conversation, Bundy suffered a stroke.
Undaunted, he called Whitmore
from the hospital to assure him
he would still do "Will Rogers
USA."
"He said no one was beating
down his door to do the show,
and was very encouraging and
supportive," Bundy recalled.
"Later I was in another play, and
I dedicated my performance to
James Whitmore, because he
had become such a mentor to
me."
When Whitmore died last
February, "it broke my heart,"
Bundy said.
At each performance of "Will
Rogers, Common Sense,"
Bundy reserves two seats in
memory of two people who
helped him most with the show
- Dale Peevey, who taught him
how to twirl the rope and whose
saddle is an important prop in
the show, and, of course, James
Whitmore.
For tickets and more information about "Will Rogers,
Common Sense," call the Village
Book Shop at (626) 335-5720
or send an e-mail to
[email protected].