January 2015 Voice of the Village
Transcription
January 2015 Voice of the Village
Voice The Serving the Community of Sunland-Tujunga and Beyond January 2015 Volume 6, Issue 1 Visit us online at www.voiceofthevillage.org Canyon project would mean 242 homes By Pat Kramer STNC Region 1 Representative It’s a new year, and as your STNC Region One representative for Sunland I wanted to bring you up to date on several news items that are of interest to our region. Region 1 covers the north side of Sunland between the 210 Freeway and Mt. Gleason Avenue. I share Region One with STNC Rep. Jorge Martinez, and together with the other board memAlso in bers of article: the Sun• High-speed land Turail junga Neigh• Oro Vista borhood Park Council, we are • Community trying to Clean-up make our Day community healthier and stronger. Big T housing project proposed There is growing concern about a new development proposed for 242 single-family homes along Big Tujunga Canyon in Tujunga. The development is called Canyon Park Homes and would be built on 78 acres at 12400 N. Big Tujunga Canyon Road, Filmmaker Mike Timm proves that ‘Love is out there ... Way out there’ View of the area on Big Tujunga Canyon, east of the Little League fields, currently zoned for 22 homes. The developer is seeking a zone change that would allow for 242 homes. See community reaction in “Letters to the Editor” on Page 16. between the Little League field and Louis Roth Detention Center. The owner of the property, Ben Salisbury, has applied for a zoning change (from A1 zoning to RE9 zoning) because the current A1 zoning would By Kresse Armour If Woody Allen had a brother who was a down-to-earth rocket scientist suddenly thrust into a deep space conspiracy, he might be Walter Kipling –– the plucky hero of “A Girl, a Guy, a Space Helmet,” the award-winning indie film by Mike Timm. Shot in black and white, shades of the feel-good ‘50s, Timm describes his whimsically Mike Timm sophisticated film as “a movie that people haven’t seen in a long time, but it’s what I grew up on. It’s all about making people laugh, even when it pulls at heartstrings.” A fan of Bergman and Fellini, he See TIMM, Page 5 only allow him to build 22 homes in this scenic corridor. Since his development is for 242 homes, he would need the zoning change to go forward with this project. Many residents have expressed op- position to a development of this size, as it would add considerable traffic to Big Tujunga Canyon, Mt. Gleason Avenue and Oro Vista Avenue. Since Big See STNC, Page 2 Area man presents world premiere concert featuring ‘The Planets’ Renowned Pianist David Rubinstein will give the world premiere of his concert transcription for piano of “The Planets,” by Gustav Holst, on Sunday, Jan. 11, at Bridges Hall of David Rubinstein Music. Rubinstein, who makes his home in Shadow Hills, has been praised for a combination of refined musical taste, formidable technique and probing interpretations of the works he performs. In 2014 he undertook performances of his own transcription of Gustav Holst’s The Planets, a tour de force that brought him further recognition as a musician of the first order. Born in New York City, he was a piano student of George Kochevitsky and later studied with Claudio Arrau. Rubinstein’s recordings have been critically acclaimed and appear regularly on the playlists of major broadcasting services including Classical24, K-Mozart (Los Ange- See PIANIST, Page 2 Page 2 Voice of the Village Bolton Hall activities planned ‘Millinery Delights’ on display Little Landers Historical Society announces the opening of a new temporary exhibit at Bolton Hall Museum. Millinery Delights is a fun and colorful exhibit featuring a variety of head coverings and fashion accessories from the first half of the 20th century and more. Millinery Delights will be available for viewing at Bolton Hall through April 2015. The museum also has a wonderful collection of local artifacts Canyon Park subdivision is proposed STNC, from Page 1 Tujunga Canyon is only a two-lane road, leading into the Angeles National Forest, many wonder whether the current infrastructure could support a major housing development. There are also concerns about the impact that Canyon Park Homes would have on local schools, water (which we already have restrictions on), the scenic view and aesthetics of our area, and the watershed that provides water to the City of L.A. If you have concerns about this proposed development, you can attend the Scoping Meeting scheduled for Jan. 15, at 6 p.m., at North Valley City Hall, 7747 Foothill Boulevard, Tujunga. That meeting will allow the public to submit comments that the developer will have to address in his Draft Environmental Impact Report. You can also submit a statement in writing to Nick Hendricks, City Planner, Major Projects Section, 6262 Van Nuys Boulevard, #351, Van Nuys, CA 91401. Email: [email protected]. All statements should reference “Canyon Pak Homes” and need to be received at that office by Feb. 6, 2015. For more information and updates on this and other land use issues visit the Projects Page on the STNC.org website. There is also a community group independent of the STNC called Save Big Tujunga Canyon. Their email: [email protected]. There is also a Facebook page called “Save Big Tujunga Canyon” that you can join. If you are not using email, you can call Liliana Sanchez at: 818309-0423 for more information. A tunnel through our area? as well as a great gift shop. Bolton Hall is open to the public on Tuesday and Sunday afternoons from 1-4 p.m. and entrance is free. Bolton Hall Museum is located at 10110 Commerce Avenue, Tujunga. For more information on Little Landers Society or historic Bolton Hall, call 818-352-3420. Or, e-mail: [email protected]. You may also visit the website at: www.littlelandershistoricalsociety.org. les) and Pandora, with the most recent addition of LIVE365. He currently performs a wide range of repertoire from Bach and Scarlatti to the present and has recorded extensively. He has per- NEON –– Liquid Fire! Where was the first NEON sign in America? It might have been right here in downtown Los Angeles. You can find out more as Little Landers welcomes historians, Dr. Dydia LeLyser and Paul Greenstein, to tell us about the history of neon signs. This program will be held Saturday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m., at Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Avenue, Tujunga. Their research into the history of neon signs has taken them to the archives of many government and educational institutions. The program is free and open to the public. Parking is available a few doors uphill at the Elks Lodge, in the rear portion of the Elks parking lot. Additional information is available from Little Landers Historical Society by calling 818-352-3420. Or, check out the website:www.littlelandershistoricalsociety.org or e-mail [email protected]. Louis Roth Detention Center Canyon Park Homes project area Big Tujunga Canyon Road Little League ball fields An aerial view of the 78 acre-parcel (outlined in white) proposed for the construction of 242 homes in the Canyon Park development. A scoping meeting regarding this project is set for Thursday, Jan. 15, 7 p.m. at North Valley City Hall. Stay involved with the high-speed rail issue. The California High Speed Rail Authority has held several ‘Open House’ events to share their proposal to tunnel through either Kagel Canyon or Shadow Hills. This is a major proposal that would have significant impacts including the loss of our equestrian neighbors and their homes. For more information and to stay involved, I recommend you email [email protected] to be added to the community noticing list and attend any local meetings on this issue. For more this issue, please visit: www.STNC.org. New Oro Vista Park As many people know, we are going to have a new park down at the end of Oro Vista by Big Tujunga Canyon in early spring, 2015. Wesly Hernandez, area director for Councilmember Fe- World premiere concert planned PIANIST, from Page 1 January 2015 formed throughout the U.S. and Europe with appearances including an allFrench program at the Norton Simon Museum. Other venues include Zipper Hall, the National Gallery of Art, Crocker Art Museum, Lincoln Center, the Whittier College Bach Festival, the lipe Fuentes, recently told me that the contractor has completed demolition, trenching for irrigation and preliminary grading at the future Oro Vista Park. When completed, it will be a passive park with native plants, benches for sitting and enjoying the view, and decomposed granite pathways to take walks. There will be more information coming to you as the project nears completion. Region 1 Clean Up on Jan. 17 Speaking of Oro Vista Park, there will be a community clean up for Region 1 by Oro Vista Park on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2015. We need all the help we can get so please show up at 9 a.m. at the corner of Grove Street and Oro Vista Avenue, in Sunland. Councilmember Fuentes and STNC’s Clean Up and Beautification Committee, chaired by STNC board member Gail San Diego Convention Center, the Dame Myra Hess Series in Chicago, and numerous international radio broadcasts. Orchestral appearances have included the Cal State L.A. Baroque Ensemble, Berkshire Symphony, Westlake Festival Orchestra, and Hudson Symphony. Later this year Rubenstein will perform at the “Music at Meyer Concert Carlson, will be on hand to support our clean up project. Special thanks also to Fresh and Easy market for refreshments. There will be garbage bags to fill up to make our Region 1 area more beautiful. Please come out to support this event. Please bring your own rake and work gloves. Community Volunteer credits are available for teens. Together, we can make a difference! Our next Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council Land Use Committee meeting will be held Jan. 5, at 7 p.m., and the monthly board meeting will be held Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m., both at North Valley City Hall (entrance is on the back side of the building). I look forward to meeting you and hope you will take an active role on any issues in our community that are of concern to you. Series” in San Francisco (March 9) and at the “Steinway Series @ the Smithsonian” in Washington, D.C. (Sept. 13) Bridges Hall of Music is located at Pomona College (“Little Bridges”), 150 E. 4th St. Claremont. General Admission tickets are $25 Seniors (60+), Students $20. For an online discount: http://davidrubinstein.net/contact-tickets.html. January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 3 The storm drain: Not just for flood control Growing Up in Sunland By Tom Gilfoy Have you ever wondered which man-made feature would most dominate the landscape if you looked down on Sunland-Tujunga from an airplane? I’m sure the campus at Verdugo High would be a candidate, as would Mt Gleason’s campus. Even Foothill Boulevard would have to be considered as it wends its way though town. But right up there with the rest of them, and certainly the most surprising to most residents, would be the Haines Canyon Storm Drain. As many residents know, storm waters off the western slopes of Sister Elsie are funneled from a catch basin at the mouth of Haines Canyon into a large open storm drain that runs the length of our valley before it empties into the Big Tujunga Wash in Sunland. Along the way it bisects literally hundreds of parcels as it sweeps from one side of the valley to the other. One of the parcels bisected when the storm drain was constructed back in 1937 was our family’s 2 1/2 acre walnut grove on Oro Vista Ave. (The old grove has long since been removed and is today the site of the Sunland Neighborhood Church.) Because of the angle the storm drain took through our property, it left a relatively small triangular part of the original acreage isolated on the opposite side of the drain. Eventually, our family sold this inaccessible parcel to the Los Angeles Unified School District and today it’s part of Sunland Elementary’s playground where it backs up to the drain. The storm drain itself is a very large concrete structure that increases in size as it picks up more and more water on its downward journey. Starting out with a width of 14 feet and sidewalls that are only seven feet high, the drain’s measurements steadily increase until by the time it reaches our old Oro Vista property, the width and height have grown to 20 feet across and 12 feet high, effectively more than doubling the original upstream capacity. When it rains hard and there’s a lot of water coming down the storm drain, the smooth concrete bottom causes a surprising (at least to me) wave phenomena, with wave after wave coming down in evenly spaced intervals. Just exactly what force of nature causes these waves I’ll leave to a hydraulic engineer to explain, but whatever causes them, they had a special meaning to our family. To us, wave formation was a pretty reliable indication of just how hard it was raining upstream. Many is the time we ran out in the rain to look in the drain to see if waves had yet formed, with a typical report back to the house being something on the order of, “No waves yet. It must not be raining very hard up in Tujunga.” During our youth the storm drain was protected on both sides, as it is today, by a chain link fence topped PHOTO ABOVE: Tom Gilfoy looks at the storm drain where it empties into the wash in Sunland. PHOTO AT LEFT: Ted Capuano views the Haines Canyon Catch Basin where it funnels water into the storm drain, sending “waves” of water cascading toward the wash in Sunland. with barbed wire. It was dangerous to go over the fence and try to slide down those 12-foot high walls on a rope, and we were prohibited by our parents from doing so. But even while still only six or seven years old, we often dreamed of doing just that. My brother, Dick, reminds me of the time we and a couple of other friends drew straws to see which of us would have the privilege of riding an old air mattress down to see where the storm drain ended. I don’t remember who won, but it doesn’t really matter, anyway, as whoever won didn’t have the nerve to actually get in the drain and ride one of those waves. At that age we didn’t know where the drain went after it disappeared around the first big bend below the walnut grove; in our imagination we thought it might have gone over a big waterfall or into a big pipe that emptied in Hansen Dam. As we became older, we not only became bolder but didn’t mind our parents quite as well, either. As a result, many was the time we defied standing orders and found ourselves in the bottom of the drain (when it wasn’t flowing with storm water, that is) to embark on one adventure after another. But to begin these explorations we first had to figure out how to get into the drain without being spotted from our house. Since the drain was in plain sight from the back windows of the house, we knew we wouldn’t have much luck getting over the top of the fence and into the drain without first being spotted by our parents. So we found a place out of sight a few yards above our property where there was a notch cut in the top of the sidewall to allow storm runoff to drop in. It was just big enough to allow small boys to crawl through, and by lowering our- selves on a rope tied to one of the fence posts, we were able to drop to the bottom without being seen from our house. While in the bottom, we frequently worked our way up stream to Foothill Blvd. Others had been there before us, as confirmed by the various graphic displays of sex drawn on the concrete walls under the Foothill bridge. As young but interested kids, this was our first exposure to this sort of graffiti, and it wasn’t long before we had excitedly told most of our playmates at Sunland Grammar School about what we had seen. Soon afterward there was a regular parade of school chums coming through our back yard to go down the rope and see the bridge artwork. Of course, too much of even a good thing eventually became boring and it See GILFOY, Page 12 Page 4 Voice of the Village January 2015 Sunland Womans Club meets for fall celebrations, hears reports The Sunland Womans club met on Nov.12 for their Thanksgiving meeting. The meeting was opened by President Laney Clevenger White. The tables were decorated with a lovely fall theme, which included jars of candy corn. Guests were introduced. The Operation Gratitude volunteer project was discussed and a decision was made to assemble bracelets to be sent to our servicemen. The financial Statement Club News was read by Treasurer, Margaret Beddoe. Membership Chairman, Shirley Cooper, stated that we had 49 members. New yearbook pages were passed out by President Laney. It was decided that we would again bring to the December meeting items to be taken to the police department for their use when encountering children in need. Hannah Ross and her committee would take the items to the Foothill Division station. The luncheon was catered by I-Hop restaurant, which was turkey with all the trimmings. The program for the afternoon was From the Editor’s Desk … With this first issue of the New Year, we would like to wish the community a very happy 2015. As a monthly newspaper serving the Foothills Communities, our mission is to provide news coverage on subjects of community interest: topical issues, cultural and social events, dining, sports, human interest stories, business, youth, school, and Neighborhood Council news. The Voice welcomes submissions, photos and letters to the editor, which may be sent to: [email protected]. Staff Acknowledgements: Voice of the Village is published on the first day of each month by the Sunland-TujungaShadow Hills Community Fund, a non-profit 501c3 organization established to provide financial support to student organizations at Verdugo Hills High School through matching grants for community service performed by the students. VHHS Journalism students are encouraged to write for Voice of the Village. Deadline for advertising, articles and announcements is the 15th of each month. Content may also be submitted by people in our community, who may send in articles, letters, photos, and announcements for publication –– the content of which expresses the views of senders and is not necessarily that of the Voice of the Village. Voice of the Village promotes submission of articles on subjects of interest in our community and reserves the right to edit articles and/or to not publish them. Manager/Publisher: Brenda Fortune Editor-in-Chief: Kresse Armour • [email protected] Managing Editor/Photographer: John Emig Staff Reporter: Eric Owens Advertising Manager: [email protected] • 818-397-3835 Voice of the Village: P.O. Box 4323, Sunland, CA 91041 E-mail: [email protected] Website: voiceofthevillage.org Looking for your own Voice? We deliver 10,000 copies to locations throughout Sunland, Tujunga, Shadow Hills, Sun Valley and the Foothills communities — be sure to get yours! Locations include: JOSELITO’S IHOP MI CASITA DENNY’S CROW’S NEST SPORTS GRILLE S-T BRANCH LIBRARY DO IT CENTER RALPHS, VONS and FRESH & EASY markets MISSION VALLEY BANK SPARKLE AND SHINE VERDUGO HILLS HOSPITAL GIAMELA’S C & M PRINTING S-T CHAMBER OF COMMERCE McDONALDS YMCA ANGELES GOLF CLUB LOST A PET? Looking for a lost a pet? A local group has formed that is dedicated to helping local lost and found pets to be reunited with their owners. Join the ‘Sunland-Tujunga Animal Lost and Found.’ Check them out on Facebook: www.facebook/groups/sunlandtujungapets/ presented by Lois Johnson, who entertained with violin music, which included patriotic and classical numbers. The December meeting was held on Dec. 10. Tables were set with lovely decorations befitting the Christmas season. The financial report was read by Margaret Beddoe. Many items were brought to the meeting to be taken to the Foothill Division on behalf of the Rosalee Stokes Memorial drive, which is done each year by the ladies. The membership chairman reported that we have 60 members and all have paid-up dues. Luncheon was served with lovely ham, tomato tarts, green salad and lemon bars. The program for the afternoon was presented by Steffen and Skylar Presley, who entertained with piano and saxophone duets. Included in the program were Christmas tunes. The Sunland Womans Club meets the second Wednesday of the month at the center for Spiritual Living in La Crescenta. For more information about membership in this charitable organization, please contact Joanne Brookfield at 818-768-4608. January 2015 ‘A Space Helmet’ TIMM, from Page 1 admires the “surrealness” of their approach to filmmaking, which has influenced his own style. “You have to amaze people,” he said. The trace of a New York accent gives flavor to Timm’s narrative as he recounts his journey from being boy in Queens to a writer-director in Hollywood. He was just 10 years old, he says, when he started seeing the world through the lens of his father’s 8mm movie camera. Animating great galactic battles, he’d cast his own army of GI Joes in reenactments of Star Wars and other sci-fi epics. The youngest of five kids, he channels the heart and soul of his artistic parents –– his mother a painter, his father a musician. And though his father had urged him toward a “practical” career, Tim nonetheless set his imaginative sites on the craft of filmmaking, a choice his father could fundamentally appreciate. “He was a bass guitarist and saxophonist who understood the pull of creativity,” Timm said of his dad. “I tried music, but not seriously. I’m not a musician. I’m a storyteller.” The boy from Queens attended Catholic high school in Long Island, “with a shirt and tie,” he said, and after graduation turned down NYU for the Rochester Institute of Technology –– which had a budding film program. But when he finished college, a job and career, he said, “were the furthest things from my mind.” So with all the freedom and wanderlust of a young man with no ties, he saw much of the world –– hitchhiking his way through Europe and the UK. “I would stay for months at a time,” he Voice of the Village said. “Come back, work, save money, then go out and travel more.” Such travels have a way of both broadening and grounding. In 1996 Timm found himself in Salt Lake City working for the Sundance Institute. “I was there for three years,” he said. “Script writing, directing commercials.” A TV commercial for Mountain America Banking would win Timm an Addy award. The experience began to shape his career. Now a creative manager for Universal Studios, he excels in cross-media film campaigns: billboards, radio, TV, “the things that tell the media narrative,” he explains. “The movie is one part of the process. You need to sell the audience at every level. What’s the story of the actors? Why make this movie?” As for “A Girl, A Guy, A Helmet,” the story is one that portrays a labor of creative love –– made on a budget of just $10,000. “Knowing I would be shooting on a micro-budget, I focused on the four creative elements which are not bound by money: an original story, great acting, camera angles and editing style,” Timm said. “As long as I chose wisely, I knew I could entertain the audience as well as any studio picture would. Plus, there was a pure thirst to direct, which needed that creative quenching.” With the huge success of his first feature film, Timm is currently in development of a “fantastic reality, comedy-esque love story.” It’s another micro-budget project, “with a big ensemble cast,” to be shot in the winter and spring of 2015. “Local pros are coming out of the woodwork to be part of the production,” he said. Local audiences are invited to see the screening of “A Girl, A Guy, A Space Helmet” on Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., at McGroarty Arts Center. Across the film festival circuit, the film has won Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Production Design and Best Cast Ensemble awards. Tickets are $15, with all funds from this “Night at the Movies” benefitting Page 5 McGroarty. A Q&A with filmmaker Mike Timm, who makes his home in Tujunga, will follow the screening. Moderator will be Krystee Clark. Movie munchies with a cash beer/wine bar will be available. McGroarty Arts Center is located at 7570 McGroarty Arts Center, Tujunga. For more information call 818352-5285. 0G mD FT PG $IS J T U PQIFS 4 3FZFT Page 6 Voice of the Village January 2015 Business News Free income tax preparation Beginning Feb. 4, and continuing through April 10, residents can receive free income tax preparation under the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program administered by AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, a tax-exempt charity of AARP. Membership in AARP is not required. Free income tax preparation will be provided on Wednesdays and Fridays at the La Crescenta County Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd., (corner of La Crescenta Avenue). Enter from the upper level parking lot. The hours of preparation are: Wednesdays – 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Fridays – 8:30 am to 1:00 pm Taxpayers will be helped on a “firstcome-first-served” basis; advanced reservations are not available. All tax returns, both federal and California, are filed electronically using IRS-provided tax preparation software. Tax returns are prepared by volunteer tax counselors who are trained and certified by IRS; all returns are subject to a quality review by a second certified counselor. After the tax return is prepared and reviewed, it is e-filed within 24 hours; copies of filed tax returns are provided to the taxpayer. All tax counselors must adhere to IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct as well as AARP’s Standards of Professionalism. This means taxpayers can be assured that their tax information is treated with strict confidentiality and security. Taxpayers should bring with them: • Last year’s tax returns • Social Security Cards for you, your spouse (if filing a joint return), and all eligible dependents • Picture identification for you and your spouse (if filing a joint return) is- sued by a government agency • Income related documents: SSA 1099, 1099R, W2, Unemployment Compensation statements, and other 1099 forms showing interest, dividends, and other income • New this year: If you purchased health insurance (“Obamacare”) in 2014 through Covered CA, you will receive a new tax form – Form 1095-A – which provides information required for your tax return. This form will show your eligibility for coverage as well as help determine your entitlement to a new Premium Tax Credit. It should be mailed to you by Jan. 31, 2015. • You will not receive Form 1095-A if you did not purchase health insurance through Covered CA, or you were enrolled in Medicare, or you were covered by an employer-sponsored health care plan, including retirees. • Expense-related documents: forms showing federal and state income taxes paid, 1098 forms, summaries of medical, dental, prescription drug expenses, contributions to charities, vehicle tax statements, property taxes and home mortgage interest, and any business expenses. Receipts for expenses need to be in reasonable order and legible. • Brokerage statements or other documentation showing the cost basis (purchase price) and date purchased for all securities or property sold or transferred during the tax year • A blank check with your name printed on it, if you want direct deposit or debit for any refund or balance due • If you received a pension or annuity from a former employer, bring the date you began receiving these payments Find other AARP Foundation TaxAide locations in your local area at: http://www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action Elks and Chamber team to brighten holidays Photo by Kresse Armour From left: Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Rochelle Zenger, S-T Chamber of Commerce President John Loussararian, and new S-T Chamber Executive Director Alescia Penn, holding some of the many toys gathered for distribution to local youngsters along with holiday gift baskets. The Chamber’s Annual Holiday Mixer and Toy Drive, held Dec. 9 at the Elks Lodge, drew a sizeable crowd of supporters. With generous donations of food and toys collected from community donations, the Elks made the holidays happier for many local families. The Elks Lodge, always looking for new members, is located at 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Call 818-352-2098 for more information. The Sunland-Tujunga Chamber is located at 8250 Foothill Blvd., #A, Sunland. Call 818-352-4433 for more information on local business. #FUUFS 0EET 5IBO 7FHBT PS 5IF -0550 spacious new boarding kennels & air conditioned runs 6934 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga, CA 91042 • (818) 352-6085 Retirement Planning Associates Tel (818) 781-7721 Ext. 25 Stocks Fax (818) 787-2232 Municipal Bonds Efax (847) 628-0426 Closed-End Funds [email protected] Mutual Funds James A. Ellis Retirement 7145 Woodley Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406-3932 Sunland-Tujunga Employer Plans Registered Representative of, and securities offered through, J.K.R. & Co. Inc. Lions Club Member NASD, SIPC 063 -"%: 0' -063%&4 '3* %": /* ()5 #* /(0 "11&340/ 45 tø 56+6/(" '03 (". &4 1":065 8* / 5J DLFU T '03 January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 7 School News Santa and his crew visit Pinewood Elementary The Verdugo Hills High School Leadership Class delighted kindergarten students at Pinewood Elementary School with a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and a host of ‘elves’ and helpers. The kindergarteners wrote letters to Santa asking for special presents, and with the help of donations from around the community the VHHS students delivered. In the holiday spirit, the following LAUSD Police officers donated gifts to help make the day a special one: Sgt. Besunder, Det. Stafford, Officer Flood, Officer Mendez, Officer Perez, Officer Anabell, Officer Weber, Officer Hernandez, Officer Harvey, Officer Amir, and Officer German. Leadership students who coordinated the event included Shelley Quema, Tatiana Abramian, and Shannon De Leon. The VHHS Leadership Class is comprised of students, hand-chosen by faculty, who have demonstrated strong leadership qualities and help to coordinate events and activities at VHHS throughout the school year. Business News Photos by Kresse Armour Century 21 Crest, in Sunland, made hundreds of Christmas memories for local families this past December by providing free, professional color photos for the more than 450 children who came to visit Santa. And there were cookies. Kids weren’t the only lucky ones. Pets were also invited to come and sit on Santa’s lap. At right, Lucy tells Santa all about her Christmas wish list. Poetry Corner Village Poets present Teresa Mei Chuc and Ross Canton Jan. 25 The Village Poets of Sunland-Tujunga will hold their first Monthly Reading Series of the New Year on Sunday, Jan. 25, from 4:306:30 p.m., at Bolton Hall M u s e u m , 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. They are delighted to announce that Teresa Mei Chuc poets Teresa Mei Chuc and Ross Canton will feature at this event. Teresa Mei Chuc is the author of two poetry books, Red Thread (Fithian Press, 2012) and Keeper of the Winds (FootHills Publishing, 2014). Teresa Mei Chuc was born in Saigon, Vietnam and immigrated to the U.S. under political asylum with her mother and brother shortly after the Vietnam War, while her father remained in a Vietcong “reeducation” camp for nine years. Her poetry appears in journals such as EarthSpeak Magazine, The Good Men Project, Hawai’i Pacific Review, Hypothetical Review, Kyoto Journal, The Prose-Poem Project, The National Poetry Review, Rattle, Verse Daily and in anthologies such as New Poets of the American West (Many Voices Press, 2010), With Our Eyes Wide Open: Poems of the New American Century (West End Press, 2014), and Mo’ Joe (Beatlick Press, 2014). Teresa’s poetry is forthcoming in the anthology, Inheriting the War: Poetry and Prose by Descendants of Vietnam Veterans and Refugees. Ross Canton is a poet, playwright, filmmaker, novelist, and director. His work has been published widely in literary journals in the United States, England, and Australia. He graduated from UC Santa Cruz, where he studied under such luminaries as George Hitchcock, editor of Kayak, Gregory Bateson, and Norman O. Brown. He received his MFA in Poetry and Non-Fiction from Vermont College of the Fine Arts. His books of poetry include Involving Residence, No Thanks, Walking Water On Earth, The Art of Naming, and The Endurance: Journey To Worlds End, a lyric novel. He is also the author of You Don’t Know Me, a novel, The Light Where Shadows End, a memoir, and a number of plays and stage adaptations. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of Studio Theater West in Santa Monica, and the founder/originator of Movie/Poem, Inc. a multi-media platform for cross-genre poetic expression. Poets are welcome to bring their poems and sign-up for the open MIC upon arrival. Light refreshments will be served, and a $3 donation is appreciated! For more information, take a look at our blog: http://www.villagepoets.blogspot.com. Page 8 Voice of the Village January 2015 Club News Bloomin’ Squares: Alive, well and growing this winter By Dianalee Bartera Bloomin’ Squares Ambassador Friends and family are among the most important associations one has in this world. Research points to the fact that humans need one another to thrive. Still, life is more than an allemande left your corner or a dosado your partner. Thriving is about making real connections with people that help heal broken hearts, mend broken bodies, stir up life-long friendships, and even solidify business opportunities. I never in a million years thought I’d even remotely tolerate square dancing, so when a friend at work starting “recruiting” me, back in the ‘90s, to try square dancing, I ran like the scared girl I was. Boy am I grateful he kept asking, and for three years! Thriving is about bridging gaps, and so is square dancing, which was named the Official Folk Dance of California in 1988. My best friend is a lady I met nearly 20 years ago at a square dancing weekend event right here in Los Angeles. My life has changed a lot in those years, as most lives do. I’ve developed in ways I could not have imagined back then –– and all because of that friendship. Every day, I thank God for all the joy that dancing and the dancers bring into my life. I enjoy dancing with clubs all over the world, but I frequent “Glendale B&Bs,” the “La Crescenta Sets in Step,” and am a founding Elks supporting veterans member of the Bloomin’ Squares, which dances in Tujunga. Born from a liaison between Occidental College students, local dancing residents and Bloomin’ Squares Dance and Social Club, 2015 will mark the first time in more than a decade that Sunland-Tujunga has had a beginner square dance class start up this January. People asked, and Bloomin’ Squares stepped up to the plate and said, “yes” to the community! Often I hear, “I don’t like country music, so I won’t like square dancing!” Believe it or not, modern western square dancing doesn’t require country western music. Any music with a fourfour beat makes for great square dancing, and Bloomin’ Squares’ new teacher, Phil Farmer, brings SunlandTujunga a great variety of music, a terrific singing voice and a great mind and manner for helping students learn easily while having a great time. Classes begin: Beginners Square Dance Classes start on Wednesday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., followed by the Intermediate Class at 8:30 p.m. Winter Classes meet on the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Wednesday of the month, through July. Bloomin’s Advanced Class is still in progress and continues on Sundays 4-7 p.m. until mid-February, when the new Advanced Class will begin. All dancing and classes are held at the Sunland-Tujunga Municipal Building located at 7747 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga. More info: 818-945-1189. BUILDINGAFOUNDATIONFORYOURFAMILY! Photo by Earl Bouchard The Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge has a proud tradition of supporting veterans. For many years the Lodge has maintained ongoing programs, visitations and presentations of special gifts to patients at the Veterans Administration Medical Center. Some much appreciated ‘gifts from the heart’ this past year included the 40 warm and colorful lap robes crocheted by Veronica Chavez and Margie Bouchard, who made them especially for the veterans at VAMC. The Elks Lodge is located at 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Call 818-352-2098 for more information. JJANA ANA A ACE CE WUNDERLICH R Realtor® ealtor®, CRS, GRI, ABR, SRES, E EcoBroker coBroker WISHING YOU A PROSPEROUS Residential ential and Senior cation Specialis Relocation Specialistt 2015 Cell > 8 818.472.3131 18.472.3131 Office > 818.583.1208 818.583.1208 Email > A [email protected] [email protected] WWWJANAACEWUNDERLICHCOM JANAAC CEWUNDERLICHCOM BRE #01438712 #01438712 PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS WITH Postcards, Pens, Flyers, Brochures, Labels, Memo Pads, Product Sheets, Stickers, Catalogs, Coupons, Newsletters, Banners & Event Printing YOUR LOCAL PRINT & COPY CENTER FAST, FRIENDLY SERVICE IN HISTORIC OLDE TOWNE TUJUNGA 10034 Commerce Avenue (818) 353-7135 www.cmprintmail.com WE ARE SUNLAND-TUJUNGA Gateway to the Angeles National Forest™ ffollow ollow me online! January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 9 Club News Elks help OLL Food Pantry When local organizations come together, it’s a great thing for the community. For the third year running, the Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge pledged matching funds of up to $1,100 to benefit Our Lady of Lourdes food pantry, known as “The Pasture,” which services hundreds of local families in need. To acquire the donation, the S-T Elks applied to the Elks National Foundation for a grant to meet their goal. The grant also pays for dictionaries that are given to local elementary school students. OLL raised $1,997 in their 2014 fund drive and, as promised, Elks Exalted Ruler Rochelle Zenger, and Elks Lodge members Jim Saurer and Earl Bouchard presented a check to OLL’s Gena Beierschmitt for The Pasture. The Elks Lodge is located at 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Call 818352-2098 for more information. Photos by Kresse Armour Elks and OLL team up for ‘Help Make Christmas Dinner Special’ The Pasture is a well-stocked pantry that serves about 200 families per month. N New ew Construction Remodel Additions Additions Kitchens & Baths Home Repairs Painting Decks Costco generously donates bread and pastry items to OLL for distribution to families in the Sunland-Tujunga area. Santa visits La Crescenta Woman’s Club Santa wore himself out and took a little nap!! The Junior Section of the La Crescenta Woman’s Club hosted its annual “Breakfast with Santa” by serving a continental breakfast to the approximately 120-plus children and adults who attended. Children received a digital photo with Santa Claus, a candy cane and bag with small gifts (stickers, toys, etc.). Our visitor, Santa Josef, also brought his special gold coins, giving one to each child. The children were able to color on the paper table covers at the event. Members and guests were entertained with holiday music and Christmas Carols sung by the CVHS Charismatics. There was a holiday craft area for the children to get creative by decorating ornaments. Our local firefighters from Station #29 c a m e with their hook and ladder truck for the kids to climb on and visit with the firemen. We thank all of the local businesses and members who donated many prizes for the opportunity drawings and silent auction, as well as donations of food. We also appreciate Skip Rogers for his great photography skills, capturing the special day! The profit our club made from the event will be donated to various local organizations. Call Call fo for for a free estimate, free estimate, no no job job iiss too too ssmall! mall! Tim AArmer construction c onstruction License # B557720 818-749-0422 818-7 749-0422 4 [email protected] Page 10 McGroarty fundraiser serves up chili with all the fixin’s Voice of the Village January 2015 Photos by Kresse Armour The community flocked to McGroarty this past December for its annual Chili Bowl fundraiser. Hundreds of beautiful bowls, hand-crafted by McGroarty pottery students, were sold to hungry members of the public, who had their choice of ‘varietal’ chilis. Left, John Carey and Desmond enjoy a bowl. Cookies and chili: An unbeatable combo Photos by Kresse Armour Above, 5-year-old Micah Horowitz gets creative at McGroarty’s cookiedecorating station as Donna Horowitz looks on. At left, Santa’s ‘helpers’ offer the best baked goods in town. The Randy Van Horne Singers! The Randy Van Horne singers played to a standing-roomonly crowd at Bolton Hall on Dec. 13. The popular group, featuring Tujunga’s own Franny McCartney, far left, rocked the house with Christmas carols and favorite holiday standards. Photo by Kresse Armour January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 11 WinterFest 2014: Snow, Santa and fun! Additional photos, Page 19 Photos by Kresse Armour WinterFest thrilled the community again this past December as people young and old flocked to Little Landers Park for snowplay (with fresh snow provided by Councilmember Felipe Fuentes), a visit with Santa, warm cups of hot chocolate and an evening of great entertainment. Music and rich voices filled the air across the event. New to WinterFest were special tables where kids could get creative with holiday projects to take home. WinterFest was a Rotary-sponsored event. Above, from left, Rotarians Candace Laughlin, and Sabrina Godinez, Congressman Adam Schiff, Rotary president Wendell Bowers, and event organizer, Rotarian Brenda Fortune. Rotary meets Tuesdays, 7 pm, at Joselito’s. Page 12 Voice of the Village Restaurant of the Month Photo by Kresse Armour The Crow’s Nest Sports Grille is a friendly, sawdust-on-the-floor tavern where family and friends can meet up for a good meal and good drink. Open seven days a week, fresh peanuts are always out for customers. A full menu offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, with entrees from eggs to Friday night steaks prepared with fresh, quality ingredients. Sauces are homemade. Meats, produce, wines, beers, and bakery goods are hand-selected. There are 24 big screen TVs, along with pool tables and video games. There are specials every night, with Happy Hour from 3-6 pm, Monday through Friday. Trivia contests and Comedy Night are great crowd pleasers. Owners are Susan and Art Miner. The Crow’s Nest is located at 7279 Foothill Boulevard, Tujunga. Call 818-3530852. Check out the website: www.thecrowsnestsg.com. Growing Up in Sunland GILFOY, from Page 3 wasn’t long before we wanted to explore farther upstream. To extend exploring possibilities, we managed to use the side opening and the ropes to lower our bicycles into the drain, which, with its smooth concrete bottom, turned out to be a great place for bike riding. It was pretty darned safe too, with certainly no danger posed by careless auto drivers. Although we rode up and down the drain a lot, we never dared go up as far as the Haines Canyon beginning. This was mainly because we never quite managed to summon the courage it took to enter the long, dark tunnel near the lower end of Commerce Avenue, where for a long stretch the drain runs along under Vallejo Drive. Below the tunnel, however, there were several opportunities for short side excursions up feeder drains. From these we could be found pop- ping out of culverts and manholes all over town. One time we were spotted on one of these side excursions by a friend of our dad. It was too long ago to remember exactly what happened next, but can you imagine our dad being asked by his friend something to the effect of, “You’ll never guess where I saw one of your boys this time,” and then proceeding to tell him he saw one of our heads popping out of a manhole or a culvert somewhere on Foothill Blvd. In all events, and regardless of the exact nature of the conversation, it was enough for dad to crack down hard and bring our days in the storm drain to a screeching halt. Insofar as I know, the Haines Canyon Storm Drain has forever after been used exclusively for its originally intended purpose of flood control. Reach Tom Gilfoy at: [email protected] Foothills Music Academy MUSIC LESSONS Call now to schedule your FREE lesson today! (818) 951-5077 Piano, Violin, Guitar, Drums, Banjo, Bass, Flute, Sax, Ukulele, Voice, Cello and more! *All ages *Great rates *Brand new studio 8337 Foothill Blvd, Suite D, Sunland www.FoothillsMusicAcademy.net January 2015 American Legion Post #377 supports needy families Commander Dan Kellgreen of American Legion Post #377 had a mission this Christmas: it was to support the community and those who are in need. He contacted fellow American Legion member Dorie Scott, a teacher at Pinewood Elementary School, and asked for her help. She presented the request to the new principal at Pinewood, Ms. Patrizia Puccio, who was thrilled with the idea. “We have families who contact us, asking for help at this time of year,” she said. “They are looking for Christmas presents for their children.” A list was provided by Principal Puccio, and the American Legion did the rest. Karen Ostrom stepped up and helped to arrange a meal for each of the families. Commander Dan and Post #377 were already supporting Toys for Tots, so a special box was placed inside the Post to collect presents for the local families. It all came together the night of Dec. 20. The families showed up at the Post and were treated to a full meal; then Santa passed out presents to all of the children. Karen made sure each family had food to take home as well as grocery store gift certificates. This was a memorable Christmas celebration for all. Post #377 members and boosters, such as Bud Fales, Bob Smith, and Doug Boyland, as well as many others, were more than generous in donations of food and gifts. Many others, including Sharon Thorpe and Tina Messina, donated their time preparing the meal and decorating the Post. Sweet Cherrie’s Diner %UHDNIDVW6HUYHG$OO'D\/XQFK'LQQHU6SHFLDOV ',1(,17$.(287&$7(5,1*)25$1<2&&$6,21 15 % OFF Monday-Friday All Day ìÜÚÜÓÚb¬å»¬¨ #¬ÜÚܬÚXvÚb¬£X¨vl with any other offer. íbålvÓÚlÏÓÚ£v¨åÀÚ 818-353-0465 )RRWKLOO%OYG6XQODQG The Best Omelettes in Town Waffles Charbroiled Burgers Deli Sandwiches ÐvlÚJXåÜÚaÚ4У» OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Mon–Fri 7am–9pm 6DWDP²SP6XQDP²SP The Sunland Tujunga Library is open Monday -Saturday 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga 818-352-4481 Your LOCAL Locksmith 818-430-5244 MARK’S LOCK + KEY Licensed • Bonded • Lic #5481 Residential - Commercial LOCKOUTS - KEY LOCKS ALIKE PAINTING 818-951-1181 www.richardstewartpainting.com Residential / Commercial / Interior / Exterior LIC# 510600 January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 13 Obituaries William Edward Petteplace 1959-2014 The family of Billy Petteplace is sad to announce his passing on Dec. 9, 2014, in Williams Lake, British Columbia, Canada. He was 55. William Edward Petteplace Jr. was born in Va n c o u v e r , Canada on Aug. 19, 1959 to Bill and Betty Petteplace. He lived in Tujunga most of his life but moved to Williams Lake in December 2007. Billy had a kind heart, was creative, loved animals and played the guitar. He was a welder by trade, a great mechanic and able to fix or build almost anything. He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Betty. His dad, Bill, passed away in September 2013, and his mother, Betty, passed away in August 1986. He is remembered by his daughter, Frankie Lee, and granddaughter, Jose- lyn, of Sacramento; siblings, Joanne, Tammy, Jimmy, Tracey and Chris, along with their family members; by many aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada, California and Nevada; as well as by many friends. Memorial services to be held in Williams Lake and Tujunga in the future. Thank you for sharing a part of this man’s life. He will be missed. William ‘Bill’ Crow William Charles Crow died peacefully on Dec. 12, 2014, at New Vista Care Facility. He was 83 years old. Bill was manager of Post 377 of the American Legion in Tujunga for over 30 years. Prior to that, he had worked at various establishments in the Sunland-Tujunga area. Bill served in the U.S. Marine Corps in Korea. He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, the son of the late William and Lucile (Michel) Crow. He moved to Tujunga in the 1950s after his service in the Marine Corps. He was the brother of the late Lucile Crow Williams, Mary Frances (Francie) Crow McHendry and Carolyn Crow McTernan. He is survived by several dozen Williams, McHendry and McTernan nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grand-nephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews. He was assisted in his later years by Rita Williams of Bullhead City, Arizona, and Gina Poulos of Zephyr Cove, Nevada. Funeral services were held at the Crippen Mortuary in La Crescenta on Dec. 18. Mass services were held at Our Lady of Lourdes on Dec. 19. Graveside services were held at the San Fernando Mission Cemetery on Dec. 19. A “Celebration of Life” was held at the American Legion, Post 377 on Dec. 19. Wildlife Waystation seeks Crowdfunding Wildlife Waystation founder and director, Martine Colette, could use your help in getting the word out about the new Crowdfunding Campaign that started in December. The money raised will help the Wildlife Waystation obtain its muchneeded Conditional Use Permit from the County of Los Angeles, which holds the potential to help the facility return to the mission of aiding all animals in need –– and once again have visitors be able to come and see its animal residents. For more information call 818-8995201. Visit the website at: wildlifewaystation.org. The Wildlife Waystation is located at 14831 Little Tujunga Canyon Rd, Angeles National Forest. Remodel Additions Decks Deck Repair Dan Murnan Construction Termite Damage Repair Dry Rot Repair 818-517-1560 [email protected] California Contractors License #592570 Page 14 Voice of the Village Haggen to acquire Tujunga Albertsons The Haggen grocery store chain, based in the Pacific Northwest, has announced that it will acquire 146 stores as part of the divestment process brought about by the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) review of the Albertson’s LLC and Safeway merger. This will include the Albertsons market located in Tujunga. After the close of the transaction in early 2015, Haggen will convert all of the Albertsons (and Safeway) stores it acquires to the Haggen banner, in phases, during the first half of 2015. All Albertson’s LLC and Safeway store employees will have the opportunity to become employees of Haggen as their individual stores are transitioned to the Haggen banner. Haggen plans to retain the current store management teams. “With this pivotal acquisition, we will have the opportunity to introduce many more customers to the Haggen experience,” said John Caple, chairman of the Haggen board of directors and partner at Comvest Partners, a private investment firm that owns the majority of shares of Haggen. Haggen is deeply rooted in the communities it serves, providing support to local events and partnerships. For more information visit haggen.com. Community News Tabbi and Carpenter are 2014 Spirit Award winners The 12th Annual Spirit of Johny Car- (NHOER) ends an exciting year of penter Awards and Second Annual growth and has extended its reach to Community Food Drive, held at the new heights. We look forward to 2015 McCurdy’s ranch, took place this past to be the best year ever. NHOER is a Nov. 22. This was the first time both CA 501 c(3) public charity, located in events were held on the traditional day Lake View Terrace. ID# 27-2613489. that Johny had his Thanksgiving Dinner at the original Heaven on Earth Ranch. The 2014 Spirit honorees were Phil Tabbi Sr. and Katherine Carpenter. The recipient of the donated food was “Winds of Hope,” led by Pastor Domingo Mota, from Sun Valley. Our community donated more food this year, and it took a U-Haul truck to load it. The offices of Councilman Felipe Fuentes, CongressAdam Schiff, Spirit Award winners Phil Tabbi and Katherine man Assemblyman Raul Bocanegra Carpenter. and Supervisor Michael Antonovich also recognized our hon- All donations are tax deductible. Please orees. We had representation from mail to: NHOER 9845 Foothill Place, Foothill Trails District Neighborhood Lake View Terrace, CA 91342. Call us Council, Valley Village, Foothill Divi- at 818-470-5235. You can also email: sion LAPD, and the San Fernando [email protected]. Visit our website: Rangers, among others. We also thank www.NHOER.org. Like us on Facebook under ‘New Heaven on Earth OK Trophy for donating the plaques. The New Heaven on Earth Ranch Ranch.’ January 2015 Cadre Landscape is CLCA award winner The California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) has honored three landscape contractors in the San Fernando Valley with 2014 statewide Trophy Awards for excellence in landscape installation and maintenance, demonstrating the best quality, construction, originality and attention to detail on local 2014 projects. Landscape of Los Cadre Angeles (Tujunga) won the top tier Excelsior Award, which is first place in Large Renovation Installation, and first place in Unlimited Commercial Maintenance for their work at the Wateridge in Los Angeles. The Trophy Awards were established to encourage interest in landscaping, recognize crafts people who produce outstanding landscapes, create pride in superior workmanship and bestow public recognition on companies, institutions, municipalities and residents for their interest in a beautiful California. A total of 56 awards were presented from more than 121 entries. The California Landscape Contractors Association is a non-profit trade organization of licensed landscape and landscape-related contractors. For more information visit the website: www.clca.org. Arts & Entertainment 50+ music students perform at Foothills Music Academy’s Holiday Recital This year’s holiday recital for Foothills Music Academy students was the largest yet. It was so big that it had to be split into two separate performances. The beautiful sounds of holiday music and cheer filled the chapel of Open Bible Church in Tujunga. A total of 53 students, ages 3 years to adult, played a variety of music for an audience of more than 300. It was a huge success and shows that music is alive and well in our beautiful community of Sunland-Tujunga. Notable performances included 8year-old IJ Cheock on the drums playing “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. His first recital, 5-year-old piano player, Kevin Washington, smiled from ear to ear after his performance. Rowan FillHudala sang a beautiful rendition of “I’m Not the Only One” by Sam Smith. We also had 7-year-old Zoë Yeseta, who sang and played the piano. Brothers, Ayden and Charley Daza both played exceptionally; Ayden on the guitar and Charley on the drums, both have been playing for about eight months and are very talented. We had the pleasure of hearing the beautiful voices of Jennifer Thompson, Jessica Vega and Juliana Cobb, as well, who continue to impress us. Another first time performer, Zachary Pontius, played “Star Wars” on the piano and played “Good Riddance” on the guitar and sang at the same time. Lastly, Alexandra Bebout serenaded us on the piano with “Moon River” and another beautiful piece. Overall, both performances were wonderful and filled with a tremendous amount of talent from these students. In addition to the recitals, the school announced the winners for their practice game. The school created a great game in order to encourage the students to practice more. The winners for this quarter won trophies, gift cards, cash and special certificates. The first place winner was Anna Toomey, of La Crescenta. Second place winners tied: Amina Wright of Lake View Terrace and Aolani Dominguez, of Sunland. The third place winner was Natalie Dominguez of Sunland. All of the students did a really great job in their practicing, and it is very notice- able at each recital when we see the improvements. Practice is the fundamental backbone of learning to play an instrument, and the more students practice the better they will become. If you have any questions or would like to inquire about music lessons for yourself or a family member please call the school at 818-248-4848. They offer music lessons to students from age 2 through adult. Foothills Music Academy offers a free introductory lesson for anyone who would like to try an instrument. Information is also available on their website at www.foothillsmusicacademy.net. They host recitals 3 times a year and attendance is always free to the local community. January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 15 Girls water polo looking to claim a 4th league win Verdugo Hills HS News By Cristian Morales Girls water polo is back and ready to win the competition. The team has a triad of captains composed of Lauren Case, Yuri Walsh, and JoAnna Yortiss. The team has been league champions for three years in a row and expects a fourth win this season. With the team consisting of plenty of returning players, they expect a good season this year. Lauren Case is one of the captains of the team. She is in 12th grade and started water polo when she was in 10th grade. She first started out by joining swim team in 9th grade because of her desire to learn how to swim. From there, she grew fond of the water and joined water polo as a sophomore. Lauren looks forward to bonding with the other players and preparing them for next year. In addition to playing water polo, Lauren was in the Rose Bowl Aquatics grade. During Club this 11th grade, she past summer. was a starter There they for the team. trained her to Yuri looks forgo to Nationward to buildals and Junstrong ing i o r relationships Olympics. In with her teamwater polo, mates over the her advancourse of the tage is the season. Her amount of advantages are experience being a good Photo by Cristian Morales she has. As a Girls Water Polo captains are, from left, Lauren shot and supcaptain, she Case, Yuriu Walsh and JoAnna Yortiss port. She behopes to lieves that she carry the team to victory. can synergize with her team to put forth Another one of the captains is Yuri a tremendous amount of effort. Walsh, a senior. Yuri joined swim team JoAnna Yortiss is another one of the as a freshman and enjoyed swimming a captains. She is in 11th grade and has lot. Then she decided to take it to the been in water polo since 9th grade. next level by joining water polo in 10th JoAnna believes that having a positive VHHS girls soccer begins a new season By Edward Tatulian Verdugo has had its first girls soccer game of this exciting new season, with much emphasis on the new. According to co-captain Elizabeth Blackwell, “We pretty much had the same team for two years.” This year however, of the 18 players they had last year, 11 of them had been seniors due to graduate. Even so, our Lady Dons are taking the field by storm. On Dec. 4, both our varsity and JV teams took on the Sylmar Spartans at Verdugo. Our JV team beat Sylmar in a shutout game 3-0. Our varsity team prevented Sylmar from scoring after Sylmar’s first goal in the first half, with Verdugo varsity acquiring a victory of 4-1. On Dec. 8, Verdugo faced off against Village Christian at Village Christian High School. Verdugo fought long and hard, tying up the score by the end of the first half with 2-2. In the second half, however, Verdugo shutout Village Christian and managed to score themselves, nipping their second victory of the season with Verdugo 3, Village Christian 2. The Grant game has been postponed to a further date due to With the smell of ribs cooking, I write this following story on high school basketball to you, my loyal readers, and supporters, as I enter my fifth year here at the Voice of the Village. The varsity Dons boys’ basketball team is off to a 5-8 start. Senior center Adrian Gutierrez guided his team to its second-ever Division I program victory, when he had a career-high 29 points over Long Beach Wilson. Two-year transfer from Renaissance Academy in senior Shane Hughes also recorded a personal-best 23 points to beat out cur- Girls basketball working toward a good season By Mohammad Nafis Photo by Edward Tatulian The Verdugo Hills High School Girls Soccer Team practices for a new season. rain (in California? Yeah right!). We can look forward to playing against Grant at a date to be announced, but it will probably take place sometime in January. As of Dec. 15, Verdugo Hills varsity girls soccer has not had any league games, but they have been playing strong in the games they’ve played so far. In accordance to the team’s overall win-loss-tie record, Verdugo stands third in the East Valley Girls Soccer Standings. We do have the same number of wins as John H. Francis Polytechnic High School, but we haven’t lost a game yet, unlike Poly. It is too early to tell how well our JV soccer team will perform, though we can all expect the JV team to continue to try their hardest. Our girls varsity soccer team will have their first game of the year on Jan. 3 against Granada Hills. The details of the game are to be announced. Girls soccer will hold many more games after Verdugo Hills High School’s winter break ends. On the 14th, our varsity team will take on Monroe at Verdugo. On the 16th, Verdugo varsity and JV will host a conference game against Chavez. Verdugo varsity will have two away games against Arleta and North Hollywood on the 21st and the 23rd respectively. On the 28th, Verdugo varsity will have its last game of the month playing against Grant at Verdugo. rent Laker Nick Young’s Cleveland team 71-52. On the JV side of things, the Dons are also 5-8 after a 3-1 finish at the third annual Dons Holiday Classic. Sophomore transfer from Concordia - Sylmar finished with a career-high 18 points, while freshman Dylan Anderson had 15 to beat San Fernando 69-51 in the semifinals on Dec 20. Sophomore Chris Ojoh and Keyvin Gharabekyan were named to the alltournament team and were involved in the crazy game with SF that had four technical fouls called in. After starting 4-0, former Dons player Lilly Roque’s Valley Academy of Arts & Science (VAAS) girls’ team loss to host Grant 55-60 and Rialto 3847 at the Lancer Tournament. Roque’s younger sister, Lana, a member of the 1-3 Lady Dons team started off its season with its 1st preseason home victory since Nov. 2005 after a 48-38 win over San Fernando. Senior All-League selection Veronica Verduzco contributed to the game with 18points on December 3rd. Then the Dons squared off against the Crusaders (8-5) of Village Christian VHHS basketball roundup: Another great year By Eric Owens attitude already makes you a better player. “When you have a positive mindset and get into the game, you’re going to play better if you’re being positive rather than negative.” In addition to water polo, she does swim team in order to stay conditioned with the water. Last summer she was also a lifeguard at San Fernando pool. With the pool switching over to LA County, she is now an LA County lifeguard, and she plans to continue the program. She looks forward to winning league for the fourth time in a row. All of the captains expect that the players will have a good time and enjoy this season. With the player build mostly consisting of returning players, they already have a strong, experienced team. With girls water polo under skilled, admirable, and positive leadership, we can expect them to give a great season. See ROUNDUP, Page 17 Verdugo Hills’ girls basketball team is giving their best for this season! Last year, JV had an overall score of 3-15 win/loss ratio, and Varsity had an overall score of 10-4 win/loss ratio. This year JV has lost only one game, and Varsity has a total of one win and one loss. JV and Varsity have just started, and they are practicing as much as they can to be persistent! A JV player named Giselle Mota thinks that this year is going strong; they are progressing and hoping to have a dunking season. According to Giselle, the team’s goal for the season is to “win the league and to work as a team!” Giselle has practiced her skills such as crossovers, dribble control, lay-ups, shooting forms, and more! The JV and Varsity players show their dedication by practicing after school from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Their training consists of workouts to help them improve their game, including running laps, practicing shooting, and having a one-on-one practice. The coach pushes his players to the limit, honing the skills that they learn every second! On Dec. 3, Verdugo Hills JV team went up against San Fernando, and the score was 49-28. Verdugo lost; we struggled in the first three quarters, but in the last quarter, we got up to 29. According to Giselle, “it was unfair because our JV players were dropping out, and there were only five players in the game, so nobody couldn’t sub in for the five players to go out and have some rest; everyone was tired to even move anymore. According to JV basketball player Giselle Mota, “We barely See BASKETBALL, Page 17 Page 16 Voice of the Village January 2015 Letters to the Editor No zoning change: No to 242 houses in Big Tujunga Canyon Dear Editor: Save Our Canyon! I just learned that a developer from Calabasas is planning to build 242 homes in Big Tujunga Canyon next to the Little League fields. This has to be stopped. The area is zoned for 22 houses. Does the developer not realize the dangers? Big T is a narrow canyon with a winding two-lane road. There is a huge threat of wildfire in dry years. There is a huge threat of flooding in wet years. There are only two ways in and out of the canyon. The traffic impact that vehicles from 242 houses would bring is huge. How are emergency vehicles supposed to get in and out on this narrow canyon road in the event of emergency? And what about the threat to wildlife habitat? And what about water use and electric use for 242 homes, when we’re already supposed be conserving our utility use? We’re talking about 1,000 people occupying what is now natural space. Three words come to mind: ‘Save Our Canyon.’ Do not let another developer come in, destroy the natural land, and leave with a pocket full of profit. We cannot allow this zoning change. Go to the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council meetings and make your voices heard! Go to the Land Use Committee meetings and speak up for our community. How do you ‘Stop the Canyon Park Development?’ Check it out on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/StopCPD/ Call 323-895-6275. Get information at these websites: [email protected], http://www.stnc.org and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F To_1RBhYjc John Gibbs Tujunga Stop high-speed rail dead in its tracks Dear Editor: I was shocked when I learned that Supervisor Antonovich was the one who suggested tunneling through our local national forest for a Palmdale-toBurbank high-speed rail. What a terrible thing that would be for our forest and our foothills community. I felt sucker punched. I thought he cared about our part of the world. Public transportation is important, but this is a VERY misguided attempt. There are so Shop the Rock! many reasonable alternatives. Those alternatives need to be explored, and this high-speed rail project needs to be stopped dead in its tracks. Lois MacKenzie Sunland High-speed rail is a real threat Dear Editor: As a resident of Shadow Hills, I cannot believe that a high-speed rail is planned through our quiet equestrian community. I have talked to many neighbors who don’t believe that it is a ‘real’ threat, and so they are not concerned. They should be. Years ago my family lost the home I grew up in when nobody considered that threat to be ‘real,’ either. So they didn’t stop it. We lost a whole neighborhood to a powerful developer. We were forced out. There is a now a seedy mall and parking lot where our house used to be. Where dozens of houses used to be. The mall could have been built in a number of other places. Just like this high-speed rail proposal – it needs to be built in another place. This is not a case of ‘not in my backyard.’ This is a case of somebody standing up to another bad idea and a powerful interest that will hurt our residents and our community. They might have money, but we have loud voices. Supervisor Antonovich’s plan would mean tunneling 25+ miles underground from Palmdale to the Big Tujunga Wash and Flood Plain. It’s a terrible idea. We need to stand together and stop this madness. I don’t want to lose another home I love. Katy Ramsdell Shadow Hills High-speed rail: A special interest at work? Dear Editor: Nobody asked me if I was OK with a high-speed rail through Sunland. This is just another case of our whole area being treated like we’re a sub-standard utility yard of Los Angeles. Let me be clear: we count. And we vote. And we don’t want a high-speed rail through these beautiful mountains. How could such a plan even be considered? Isn’t our local forest protected? A tunnel under the mountains and then an elevated bridge over the 210 Freeway is the stuff of nightmares for a community like ours. We moved here for the beauty and rural environs of this community. Is Supervisor Antonovich working with some special interest group that we don’t know about? I think there is a lot more at work here than we’re being told. Who really benefits from a highspeed rail through our mountains? Not us, that’s for sure. Timothy Bale Sunland Photos by Kresse Armour Our local foothills boast many sprawling parks. One of the North Valley’s public areas, McGroarty Park, is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. This “pocket park” features a children’s play area with swings and climbing equipment, as well as tennis courts and picnic tables. Situated just across the street from the McGroarty Arts Center, it’s grassy with lots of trees and a nice place to take kids. Seven-year-old Nathan enjoys an afternoon with his dad, Charles Clewley, on a recent Saturday afternoon. Business Card Ads January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 17 Twenty Questions By Kresse Armour Honorees for the Fernando Awards. Johnny Higginson is second from left NHOER’s Johnny Higginson honored as Fernando finalist Johnny Higginson was one of the finalists for the 56th Annual Fernando Awards, held this past October at the Globe Theater at Universal Studios. The award is given to those from the San Fernando Valley who volunteer for the purpose of making this a better community and helping others. Johnny is the owner of the Rockin’ W Ranch in Shadow Hills. Using equine therapy, his Shadow Hills Riding Club works with those with disabilities. He has also participated with Saddles for Soldiers to offer veterans the same type of therapy.He has also worked with the Help Group for teens with autism, Phoenix House for at risk children, and the Girls basketball BASKETBALL, from Page 15 Roundup, from Page 15 on Dec 10. Crusader freshman Micaela Cacho-Negrete posted one crazy stat line, when she had 22 points and 22 rebounds in a 59-31 cross-town rivalry contest. While Lia Petrosian was storming the court for the Dons, former CV basketball teammate and Sunland resident Camie Ellingford was sitting at scores table doing book. Finally, USC-bound Bennie ‘Buckets’ Boatwright racked up a Village Christian record 50 points to beat Saugus 97-66 at the San Fernando Valley Invitational Tournament, while Lancaster Baptist’s Seth Hanna put in 43 points to beat host University Prep on the road this past month. VHHS Lady Dons Soccer Roundup By Eric Owens On December 4, your reigning Div II city champion Lady Dons soccer team started the 2014-2015 season with a 41 home win over the Spartans of Syl- LAPD Fridge Chart Please snip and keep handy! 911: Emergencies only, when you need fast help Fire! Crime in progress. Medical emergency. Imminent danger. 877-ASK-LAPD (877-275-5273) Police Dispatch Sends first available car: Suspicious activity. Noise. Lewd acts. Illegal alcohol sales. Clipped from The Voice VHHS Roundup The Voice is launching a new feature for 2015 that offers twenty trivial questions. Sometimes they will be entirely random, and sometimes there will be a unifying theme. See how well you do. Answers are on Page 18. The capital of Kentucky is: a.) Lexington, b.) Louisville, c.) Frankfort. The diamond is the birthstone for the month of: a.) April, b.) May, c.) June The largest planet is: a.) Saturn, b.) Venus, c.) Jupiter The first college fraternity was formed at: a.) Harvard, b.) Yale, c.) William and Mary. What two colors, when combined, make green? a.) red and blue, b.) yellow and blue, c.) black and blue A negative number is: a.) any number less than zero, b.) any number than can be subtracted from another number, c.) an inverse fraction Which of the following is a staple drink in Tibet? a.) llama milk, b.) tea with rancid butter, c.) red onion juice Juliette Low established: a.) the Girl Scouts of America, b.) the National Organization for Women, c.) Daughters of the American Republic He is credited with saying “it is better to avoid a war than to win one.” a.) Colin Powell, b.) Francis Bacon, c.) Dwight Eisenhower In early American homes, Dutch ovens were: a.) copper-bottomed cooking pans, b.) cast iron boxes, c.) small ovens at the side of the open fireplace. What was Gandhi profession? a.) doctor, b.) lawyer, c.) accountant What underwater byway takes travelers from England to France? a.) the Metro, b.) the El Train, c.) the Chunnel Which of these famous artists is known for his paintings of sunflowers? a.) Michelangelo, b.) Renoir, c.) van Gogh Who was Davy Jones? a.) the mythical ruler of a Limbo under the ocean, b.) the captain of the Titanic, c.) the first inventor of the aqua lung What is a scarab? a.) one of the many scabs caused by leprosy, b.) a sacred Egyptian beetle, c.) an Arab in exile Horticulturists consider ladybugs to be: a.) garden pests because they eat fruit, b.) garden saviors because they eat bugs harmful to plants, c.) benign, neither helpful or harmful The water-filled ditch around a castle is called: a.) a moat, b.) a causeway, c.) a spire Who is known as the founder of psychoanalysis? a.) Sigmund Freud, b.) Plato, c.) Louis Pasteur Who wrote “The Night Before Christmas?” a.) Charles Dickens, b.) Robert Frost, c.) Clement Moore The largest state east of the Mississippi is: a.) Georgia, b.) South Carolina, c.) Virginia. Senior Lead Officer for Quality-of-Life Issues Vice, prostitution. Neighbors’ disputes. Vehicles on lawns, long-term illegal parking: S-T, LVT, Shadow Hills 818-634-0705 North & South Pacoima 818-634-0685 East Sun Valley 818-634-0755 W. Sun Valley, North N. Hollywood 818-634-0854 Clipped from The Voice mar, which saw senior forward Makayla Nichols score a hat trick. A hat trick, for those who don’t know, is when a player scores 3 goals. Nichols’ hat trick was the second of her career to help the Dons (3-0) win their 21st consecutive home game and beat a Los Angeles City Section opponent for the 16th time in a row. Next up on the schedule was a matchup against the Crusaders of Village Christian (3-2) on December 8th. Crusader and FC Golden State teammate of Beth Blackwell, Harmony Menier scored two goals against the Dons, but senior transfer Diana Chilian goal won it in the second half. To end the month, the 5-time defending East Valley Conference Champ Dons traveled to Polytechnic in Sun Valley to go up against the Parrots, the score in this game was 3-1 Verdugo to extend their conference winning streak to 28 in a row and unbeaten in their last 33 games. Finally, the girls played two games against the JV boys’ and the alumni girls’. In the alumni girls’ contest former captains Amanda Ochoa and Melody Flores as well as mid-fielders Meghan Bezak, Anita Chavez and Grecia Alfaro-Ruiz, defenders Valerie Vasquez and Kelli Gelsinger and goalie Jadira Espindola were all on hand for the alumni in a game that went to a penalty shootout. Clipped from The Voice had a few practices, so we were not prepared as we should have been.” So far JV is doing a solid job in their games, but let’s see how Varsity is doing. Our Varsity girls are in a 1-1 win/loss ratio, and it is really good to see some progress being made. On Dec. 3, Verdugo Hills went up against San Fernando, and we crushed Fernando by 48-38. We showed San Fernando who is the boss around our area! For that game, #50 Veronica Verduzco was nominated for as Player of the Game! On Dec.10, Verdugo went up against Village Christian, and we lost by 59-31. Wounded Warriors Project for post 9 11 veterans. Johnny was nominated by New “Heaven on Earth” Ranch (NHOER). Another local 501 c(3) public charity, located in Lake View Terrace. NHOER became a non-profit member of the Fernando Foundation in 2013. This was NOER’s first year to submit a nominee. Johnny was chosen as one of the finalists. It is a rare honor for a first-time nominator see their choice get to the finals. Johnny’s message was on his presentation video before the gathered guests at a packed house. The business and political community of the San Fernando Valley heard firsthand his commitment to those in need. We also had Mel Wilson, nominated by the North Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, from Pacoima, a finalist. The eventual honoree was Martin Cooper, nominated by the Boys & Girls Club of the West Valley and New Horizons. The winner is determined from the votes of Fernando Foundation members. Answers on Page 18 See LADY DONS, Page 18 Page 18 McGroarty presents a ‘Night at the Movies!’ Jan. 10 The award-winning indie film, “A Girl, a Guy, a Space Helmet,” will screen at McGroarty on Saturday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m., as the arts center introduces a “Night at the Movies!” with filmmaker and Tujunga resident, Mike Timm. A fund-raiser for McGroarty, the event will include a “Q & A” with the writer/director. Contact McGroarty for tickets, which are just $15. The arts center is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga. Call 818352-5285 for more information. ‘Timeless Tile’ event at McGroarty Jan. 18 Flex your creative muscle while supporting the McGroarty Arts Center! The “First Annual Timeless Tile Event,” set for Sunday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., is just $25 per person and your unique renditions will be on permanent display. By creating your own 6X6 tile masterpiece, you’ll help the iconic McGroarty Arts Center continue to provide a full program of workshops and events. Supplies and expert help will be provided. Call 818-352-5285 for more information. Check out the website at: www.mcgroartyartscenter.org. McGroarty is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga. Fourth Fridays continue at McGroarty Jan. 23 For a wonderful night of musical entertainment, come to “Fourth Fridays” at McGroarty Arts Center and kick back with refreshments and live performances. Call 818-352-5285 for more information. Check out the website at: www.mcgroartyartscenter.org. McGroarty is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga. TTT to screen film ‘God’s Not Dead’ On Tuesday, Jan. 6, Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley, 818767-4488, “Tuesday Table Talk” will offer a showing of the film “God’s Not Dead” (rated PG). When college student Josh Wheaton encounters an atheistic philosophy teacher who insists that his students will only pass by admitting that God is dead, Josh dedicates himself to proving the professor wrong about God. The video will be preceded by a potluck supper. The potluck starts at 6:30 p.m. The video presentation starts at 7:15 p.m., followed by desert and discussion at about 9:15 p.m. This event is free. Voice of the Village Upcoming Events Day Trippers live at Crow’s Nest Jan. 31 Day Trippers is an all ages musical journey incorporating the sounds of The Beatles, as well as the music from the solo years of John, Paul, George, Ringo and others! The band is the brainchild of local Tujunga resident, Steve who has DeAro, performed/recorded with Harry Nilsson, Eric Carmen and members of The Turtles. He recreates/interprets in their own “style” a Fab four music performance (without the Elks Omelet Bar January 18 The Elks Lodge will host its monthly Omelet Bar on Sunday, Jan. 18, 9 a.m. – noon. This event, held on the ‘Third Sunday of the Month,’ offers one of the best breakfasts in town, served up hot, fresh and to your order. Cooks are great and the atmosphere is family friendly. The Elks Lodge is located at 10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Phone 818352-2098 for more information. Best Friends Society The Best Friends Society is an animal rescue organization with nationwide programs that are helping to end the killing of homeless pets by holding adoption events, spay and neuter programs, promoting no-kill shelters and much more. For upcoming events: call 818-643-3989. Visit the website at: bestfriends.org/la Lady Dons Lady Dons, from Page 17 In the shootout: Blackwell, Ochoa, Nichols, both Kelli and Danielle Gelsinger, Bezak and Katie Flores all scored; but freshman goalie Brisa Flores beat Jadira to win it. Finally, Village Christian boys’ will host Lancaster Baptist (1-1) on Tuesday, January 13th at 11am, while the Lady Dons look to extend its chance to win the program its 6th consecutive East Valley League title – when they travel to the Mustangs of Arleta on January 21st at 2:30 p.m. wigs and makeup) in a way that is a new, creative and unforgettable blast to the past. Performing a vast musical catalog of eclectic and familiar songs to enjoy, a Day Trippers performance ensures that “a splendid time is guaranteed for all!” Day Trippers will be performing an “all ages” show on Saturday Jan. 31, 9 p.m., at The Crow’s Nest Sports Grille, 7279 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga. No cover. For more information, call 818-352-0852. Poetry Festival at Library January 10 The Sunland-Tujunga Public Library and Elsa Frausto, Poet Laureate of Sunland-Tujunga, will present the “Foothills Poetry Festival” on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 3-5 p.m. Come celebrate with us the many voices in our community with poets Teresa Mei Chuc (Vietnamese), Shahe Mankerian (Armenian), Mira Mataric (Serbian), Gloria Enedina Alvarez (Spanish/English), Maja Trochimczik (Polish) and Elsa Frausto (Spanish and Russian). Poems will be read in their original languages, with translations into English with a musical interlude by guitarist Ander Frausto. The Friends of the S-T Public Library will provide refreshments. The library is located at 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. Call 818-3524481 for more information. January 2015 Skills workshop for Teen Parents at S-T Library Jan. 8 The Sunland-Tujunga Branch Library will be offering a program called “Skills for Teen Parents (STEP),” starting Thursday, Jan. 8, at 3 p.m. The program’s goal is to connect pregnant/parenting teen moms with the services and resources they need to: • Identify personal strengths and goals for the future • Continue their education, find employment, and manage their finances • Take care of their health and that of their children • Develop skills to build healthy family relationships We will offer at least 10 workshops from the following list, with lunch and day care provided: • Pediatrician basics • Healthy eating for you and baby • Car seat safety • College 101 and financial aid • Banking basics • Resume writing • Job interviews • Time management • Day care inspection • Cooking • Sewing • Yoga The Sunland-Tujunga library is located at 7771 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. Call 818-352-4482 for hours of operation and more information about their many programs. Stand Up at McGroarty Jan. 31 Who doesn’t love a great night of stand up comedy? We can all use a good laugh! Come laugh the night away with stand up comedians and musical acts on Saturday, Jan. 31, 8-10:30 p.m., at McGroarty. Tickets are just $25, and proceeds benefit McGroarty Arts Center. Call 818-352-5285 for more information. Check out the website at: www.mcgroartyartscenter.org. McGroarty is located at 7570 McGroarty Terrace, Tujunga. Answers to Twenty Questions From Page 18, the answers to ‘twenty trivial questions.’ 1. Frankfort 2. April 3. Jupiter 4. William and Mary in 1750 5. Yellow and blue 6. Any number less than zero 7. Tea with rancid butter 8. Girl Scouts in 1912 9. Francis Bacon 10. Though now generally referred to as the two-handled cooking pans in modern kitchens, Dutch ovens were originally small brick ovens on the side of a fireplace 11. Lawyer 12. Chunnel 13. Vincent van Gogh 14. Ruler of a limbo under the ocean 15. Sacred Egyptian beetle 16. Ladybugs are garden saviors, because they eat garden pests 17. Moat 18. Sigmund Freud 19. Clement Moore 20. Georgia January 2015 Voice of the Village Page 19 Community News WinterFest brings out community! Photos by Kresse Armour Hundreds came out to the 2014 WinterFest celebration held in Little Landers Park Dec. 6. Volunteers from Verdugo High School, local police and fire, Teranga Ranch (terangaranch.org), Best Friends animal rescue group (bestfriends.org) and other organizations and entertainers came together for a great night of community fun. Additional photos, Page 11 WO OW HONEY! This newsletter is FULL of interresting things! ,¶PVR glad we joined! tone The Co r ner s (818) 352-3420 [email protected] We have lots of great historical programs Get our monthly newsletter Membership is only $20 per year Page 20 Voice of the Village January 2015 &85( )25 %25('20 (9(176$&7,9,7,(6DW<285<LQ-$18$5< %(&20($+($/7+,(5<28 Jan 2nd NEW MEMBER PROMOTION - Your membership will bring about more positive change not just ZLWKLQ\RXUVHOIEXWLQ\RXUFRPPXQLW\WRR<RX¶OO reach your goals and connect with family and friends. At CCY & VHY. -RLQLQ-DQXDU\DQG\RX¶OOJHWD)5((HQWU\LQWRWKH Fiesta Days 5k Run. With expert support from our ³*RDO&RDFKHV´ZH¶OOEHZLWK\RXHYHU\VWHSRIWKH ZD\VR\RX¶OOEHUHDG\IRUWKHELJUDFH Jan 12th YOUTH SWIM LESSONS - Your kids will gain confidence and learn new skills in a fun & caring environment. All ages & levels. 6 week sessions, 1 or 2 days a week, at VHY & CCY $81 members, $148 participants Jan 12th Registration Deadline YOUTH BASKETBALL LEAGUE - Open to boys & girls 3 to 17 years. League includes 1 weekday practice & 1 Saturday game. Played at CCY & VHY. Early bird fees: $100 member, $130 participant Jan 3rd Saturday 1:00pm YOGA FOR POSITIVE CHANGE - This workshop is ideal for anyone trying to make a positive change in their life such as in their careers, relationships or physical well-being. At CCY $10 members, $25 participants Jan 13th 6:30pm²Program Orientation MODEL UNITED NATIONS - Come to our Rally event & learn about our premiere leadership program for 6th, 7th & 8th graders. At CCY. Contact Natalie at 818.583.4737 Jan 5th 12:30pm-1:30pm POETRY GROUP ± Share your favorite poems as we read and discuss how poetry impacts our lives. Meet at VHY. Contact Suzanne at 818.583.4732 Jan 20th-22nd ARIZONA GEMS TOUR - Come and explore 4XDUW]VLWH&HOLD¶V*DUGHQDQG4XDUW]LWH0XVHXP Stay at the beautiful Blue Water Resort Hotel in Parker, Arizona. Contact Suzanne at 818.583.4732 Jan 10th Saturday 10:00am INTRO TO INDOOR CYCLING - Individualized instruction on proper alignment and how to use the cycle power meter. Also learn hand and seat positions, terminology, and pacing. At CCY $10 members, $25 participants Jan 20th Tuesday 7:00pm FAMILY LINE DANCING - Come bring your family to learn some new line dances or refresh some old ones. At VHY. Free to all. Contact Suzanne at 818.583.4732 Jan 12th YOUTH GYMNASTICS - Join our popular program DQG\RX¶OOPDNHQHZIULHQGVDQGEHFRPHD gymnast. 6 week sessions, 2 days a week all levels, at VHY & CCY $96 members, $144 participants Jan 28th 12:00pm DOC TALK± Low Vision Awareness Learn from local experts about a variety of health & wellness topics in this fabulous speaker series. At CCY. FREE to all, no RSVP necessary. <0&$2)7+()227+,//6 )RRWKLOO%OYG /D&DQDGD )RRWKLOO%OYG 7XMXQJD ZZZ\PFDIRRWKLOOVRUJ - -