July 2011 Voice of the Village

Transcription

1
Voice of the Village
◆
the
◆
good
◆
news
◆
newspaper ◆
online at voiceofthevillage.org
Volume 2, Issue 6
LEADS:
American Pride-Home town heroes honorsmen and women in the military-page2
Features:
A whole new way to market your business!page 20
June 1, 2011
Arts:
City Champs to perform in Fourth of July
parade -page 29
On This Day We Celebrate...
On the Fourth of this
month, July, we celebrate
the birth of our nation – that
day 235 years ago when our
founding fathers signed the
Declaration of Independence
declaring themselves and our
country no longer a British
Colony but a free and independent nation. The British
disagreed of course and since
they had troops stationed
here, we had to fight our revolutionary war to make it stick.
Their ‘Minute Men’,
their ‘Hometown Heroes’,
fought, suffered and died in
that war but eventually carried the day – earning for us
with their blood and sacrifice
the freedoms that we now en-
joy and so we celebrate them,
and us, every year on the 4th of
July.
We celebrate them for
the opportunities they secured
for us; and we celebrate ‘us’ for
the use we have made of those
opportunities – Life, Liberty,
and the Pursuit of Happiness
a pursuit that require each and
every one of us to ‘soldier’ as
the price of freedom truly is
eternal vigilance and the willingness to fight back.
We celebrate with a
parade - Not just any parade
mind you but a parade Sunland-Tujunga style. A parade
born in 1986 from the vision of
local Rotarian, furniture storeowner, and all-around good
guy Ted Mertz. Ted passed
last month so this year’s parade honors him and his memory. Ted was a straight-ahead
guy whose handshake was his
contract. Rotarian Ellis Robertson, chairman of this year’s
parade recalls that in 1986 he
was part of the ‘S-T Improvement Association’ which put
on a 4th of July picnic in Sunland Park. One day Ted asked
him “How are you going to
get people to come to your
picnic?” Ellis recalls stammering out an answer about
spreading flyers, etc. and Ted
said, “Don’t worry, I’ll lead
them down to you.” and our
parade was born.
Ted single-handedly
planned the parade, took care
of all the paperwork and details, and with the help of Don
and Peggy Cates and a handful of volunteers, staged and
put on the entire event until
a stroke in 2006 forced him to
pass the torch to someone else.
So this year’s parade
starts with a float honoring
Ted, whose vision and tireless
efforts stated it all.
It features the Verdugo Hills High School’s awardwinning Marching Band and
their all-city champion Drum
Line –and our Grand Marshal,
Dan McManus, president of
the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council.
There will be the usual cast of local political and
civic leaders and crowd favorites of course – but the real
stars of the parade are us, the
folks of the foothills. Equestrian groups, Business owners,
Service Clubs, Musicians, Jugglers, Classic Car Enthusiasts
and Bikers, Boy Scouts, Girl
Scouts, homey, some would
say hokey floats and a heck of
a lot of fun.
Hometown
Heroes
- This year our parade takes
place under our own Hometown Heroes banners, which
will line Foothill Boulevard
between Newhome and Oro
Vista. Another first for SunContinued On Page 2
Working to Save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course
Karen Zimmerman
Last month the Los Angeles Prop O Administrative Oversight
Committee and Citizens Oversight
Advisory Committee authorized city
staff to proceed with a detailed assessment of the Verdugo Hills Storm water
Project. Proposition O is a water bond
passed in 2004 by Los Angeles voters to clean up the City’s rivers, lakes,
beaches and ocean, as well as meet federal requirements for the Clean Water
Act. The project was recommended
for Prop O consideration by L.A. City
Councilmember Paul Krekorian, who
has supported community efforts to
save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course
since 2007.
If the study demonstrates the
storm water project meets the required
criteria for Prop O, and if sufficient
funding is available, the Verdugo Hills
Golf Course would be acquired and
likely overseen by a joint powers agreement agency. This would preserve the
golf course and protect native habitat,
while enhancing storm water capture
and bio-filtration to reduce contaminants. As the city moves forward in
evaluating the storm water project local communities are not sitting idly by.
On Monday July 4th supporters of the VHGC will be participating in the Sunland-Tujunga Fourth of
July Parade. All are welcome to join
the ‘Save the Golf Course’ entry. Wear
your ‘Save the Golf Course’ T-shirt (if
you have one), golf attire, or anything
that’s just plain cool and comfortable.
If you have golf clubs, a bag, or anything else ‘golf-related’, be sure to
Ad Sales - Sandy ShafferBroms
818-397-3835
adsales@voiceofthevillage.org
Ad Design - Jeannine Crowley
Liaison/Journalism Advisor
David W. Riemer
Layout Advisor
Arshavir Steven Saryan
Supervising Co-Editors
Samantha Willson
Amy Hwang
Continued On Page 4
Index:
Staff Acknowledgements:
Editor in Chief
Bob Georgius
818-523-5494
bring that as well. And don’t forget
a hat and sunscreen! Children under
eight should have some means of conveyance (a wagon, bike, stroller, etc.) in
case they don’t feel like walking.
The parade begins at 10am.
Fans of the VHGC will rendezvous at
9am at the Von’s parking lot, corner
of Mount Gleason and Foothill Boulevard. Look for the “Save the Golf
Course” banners. To RSVP or for more
information, please email gcvoice@
gcvoice.org.
Section Editors
Josh Esquivel
Lina Hwang
Christy Kim
Connor Newell
Travis Pierce
Irene Penn
Web Address
www.voiceofthevillage.org
P.O. Box 4323
Sunland, CA 91041
News................................................................
Features..........................................................
Who We Are....................................................
Business..........................................................
School News...................................................
Service Clubs..................................................
Church News..................................................
Announcements..............................................
The Arts..........................................................
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page 25
page 27
page 29
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Call to Arms (pens, really) – it’s time for the
foothills to rally around Redistricting
Nina Royal
California State Assembly - East SFV
Regardless of which way redistricting goes,
we will be affected. We need to pay attention because
the politicians that represent Sunland-Tujunga and
our neighbors will change. The latest proposed maps
for State Assembly, State Senate and US Congressional Districts lump our community with the flatlands of the eastern San Fernando Valley which do
not share our natural resources and concerns, but do
have a far greater population density, and therefore
a bigger voting voice than we enjoy and will be able
to elect representative that represent their interest
rather than ours. Not a pretty picture.
During the STNC Board meeting on
Wednesday, June 8, a Straw Vote was taken of over
100 community members in attendance who voted
unanimously to ask the Commissioners to include
Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills, Lakeview Terrace
and Kagel Canyon, communities that share common
interests, in the same district as La Crescenta, Glendale and Burbank rather than the San Fernando Valley flatlands.
The Commission that is redrawing district
lines listens to “community of interest testimony”
which is Commission-speak for listening to people
who live in an area. What they need is to hear, strongly, from each of our communities: Sunland-Tujunga,
Lake View Terrance, Shadow Hills, La Tuna & Kagel
Cyns is that we want to be in a district with Burbank,
Glendale, and La Crescenta; not the east valley. They
are interested in demographic arguments such as income, education and housing that are closer to the
areas you want to join than the areas you are presently being assigned to; and anecdotal reasons like,
the foothills, equestrian and hiking trails, the environment, watershed, fire dangers, and preservation
Continued On Page 4
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On This Day We Celebrate...
Continued From Page 1
land-Tujunga;
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although Hometown
Heroes has been embraced by other
Southland Cities we are the first community in Los Angeles to participate
in this program. Good on us! Wendell
and Deanna Bowers, the force behind
this project, will be in the parade so
wave to ‘em and, if you are so moved,
buy a Hometown Heroes Support
Bracelet and show your support, these
are our ‘colors’, wear them proudly!
Then there are Fireworks! –
Starting at 4PM the celebration moves
to Turner Field at Verdugo Hills High
School for the annual Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council/SunlandTujunga, Shadow Hills Community
Fund sponsored Fireworks show.
Much more than just Fireworks, the show offers a chance to
get together with family, friends
and neighbors for an afternoon of
fun. “Fun,” in this case, means Food,
Games, Waterslides, the introduction
of our new Honorary Mayor – and
the candidates for Watermelon Festival King and Queen; and Live Music
featuring some of our best local bands:
Deby Rey’s Revue, The Garage Band,
Living in July, The Working Stiffz, and
Franny McCartney all followed by the
best and Brightest Fireworks in the LA
Skies. Can’t beat that!
So grab your beach chairs and
blankets, come on out, kick back and
enjoy! Tomorrow we are off to work
again – paying the price of freedom
each is our own way; remaining constantly vigilant, and ever ready to fight
back.
The 4th of July Parade Starts at
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10504 Mount Gleason Ave, Tujunga
(At the corner of Mt. Gleason and Summitrose across from Vons)
818-353-9070
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3
Storable foods and emergency preparedness
Greg Saunders
Many (many) years ago I came
out to Los Angles to visit friends and
family, in the course of that trip I came
across a wise UCLA Junior who had
in his apartment a wall of Beer cans
stacked from the floor to the ceiling 10
feet wide and 4 cans deep. When I enquired about this odd bit of collage artwork I was informed that it wasn’t art
but in fact and earthquake early warning system, “really” I inquired, not
knowing that I was at the beginning of
a long educational journey on the subject of California earthquakes. Yes indeed, he responded, “when a few cans
come off the top we are having a little
one and when the entire wall comes
down it’s the Big one and we’re all fish
food” The Big one? I asked, realizing
there was more here than a Frat party
beer fest, “Ya, the Big one, that’s when
all of Southern California slides in to
the pacific and Nevada become beach
front property.”
And that was the beginning
of my seismological education in California, while the science of that earthquake meter left a little to be desired,
it was my first encounter with the
subject. It is a subject that all of us in
southern California are familiar with.
We have earth Quakes and at some
point in the future we will have some
big ones, We all know that, however,
with the recent events in Japan we are
reminded that we need to be prepared
ourselves.
So what do you do in the event
of such a disaster ? I’m not going to regurgitate all the various lists of things
that you should have on hand save
a few, but more importantly I would
like to point out a state of mind and
“mindset” that we should all have in
the event of a larger scale natural disaster. And that begins with a plan or
strategy.
The First thing you need is a
plan. You and your family need to sit
down and work out a plan on what
you all are going to do in the event of
such a disaster that cuts off communications. The plan needs to be known by
one and all concerned, as well the plan
needs to have contingencies. “What
do you do if?” A plan is no good if the
people it’s designed for don’t know
about it and use it, so it is something
that bears repeating from time to time.
The next things you need are
supplies, non-perishable foods and water. For Japan and there recent disaster
it took up to ten days before additional
food and water arrived to some areas.
The Rule of thumb is a two-week supply of food and water for all the people
in your household including pets, if
you consume a gallon a day of water
and you have 4 people in the household then that is 56 gallons for 2 weeks.
Drums you can fill with tap water and
special chemicals that preserve the water are available. Food is the next thing,
dry goods and canned foods are the
next easiest to buy and store. Per the
Campbell’s soup web site the shelf life
of a can of soups is 1 to 2 years. Soup
is inexpensive and easy to store. But
there are many others. Things that are
nutritional and yet do not require refrigeration.
You can buy emergency rations and specially made storable
foods and that may not be a bad idea
but it is not the only solution. If you
spent and extra $25 dollars a week at
the grocery store a week and were able
to begin building a supply of storables
you could have adequate supplies for
a 2 week in just a few months. From
there you continue to buy storables but
then you can dip into those supplies
as you need from time to time. Have
a storable food item one night a week
and then buy replacement cans for the
ones you used and in so doing you
keep your stores relatively fresh.
Ok, so go do and assessment of
your kitchen and see how many meals
you have for the family on hand that
won’t go bad in the event of a power
outage. And then make your plans.
Oldest Rock in Sunland-Tujunga Discovered
Richard Stewart
A roughly 35 pound granite rock was discovered in the Tujunga Wash earlier this year and appears at this writing to be the actual oldest rock in all
of Sunland-Tujunga.
Long-time resident Dr. Lloyd Hitt accompanied two geologists to the area where the discovery
was made. Voice of the Village was able to secure
an exclusive interview with Dr. Hitt regarding this
amazing discovery.
VOV: Dr. Hitt, can you verify the recent
news regarding the amazing discovery at the Tujunga Wash?
LH: Well, I’m trying not to be too excited
about it, but based on a battery of tests performed
on the rock by the geololgists that found it, we might
possibly just have the actual oldest rock in SunlandTujunga.
VOV: This is amazing, Dr. Hitt! So what are
the ramifications of this discovery?
LH: Well, things are starting to move pretty
fast. We just got word that two officials from the
Smithsonian Museum are flying in to see the rock
and verify our testing.
VOV: What procedure did the geologists use
to test the age of the rock, Dr. Hitt?
LH: Many people know I was a pharmacist
before retiring but I have to admit that I do not fully
understand the tests that the geologists performed or
how those tests led them to their conclusion. However, they are professionals and I have to assume that
they know what they’re doing. Supposedly, a video
of them performing the tests is going to be put up on
YouTube.
VOV: What do you say about the comments
from La Canada and La Crescenta? Word is they
have declared this whole rock business nonsense.
LH: This to be expected with such a momentous discovery. I don’t blame them, but I do believe
they are jealous that their neighborhood doesn’t have
the quantity of rocks that we do. I equate it to sibling
rivalry on Foothill Blvd.
VOV: Well this is obviously history in the
making. Do you know what plans are being made
for this valuable rock?
LH: Well, it shouldn’t be kept locked up in
a safe. There are plans to take the rock on tour so all
the people can see and experience this rock for themselves. The first appearance will be at the SunlandTujunga 4th of July Parade. We invite not only our
Sunland-Tujunga Community to view it at the parade, but also La Canada and La Crescenta residents
and all of Los Angeles to come see it and other things
of interest in our fantastic parade. Then the rock will
be on display at the Fireworks Festival that evening
at Verdugo Hills High School. There will be a major
press release and most likely lots of media present, so
come early to both events.
VOV: Terrific! What time is the parade?
LH: It starts at 10 AM at Mt. Gleason on
Foothill and ends at Sunland Park.
VOV: And the Fireworks Festival?
LH: That starts at 4:00 with lots of activities
for the kids and music with many bands throughout
the evening until the gala Fireworks display at 9 PM.
VOV: Thank you Dr. Hitt and congratulations!
Why we Need a Community Disaster Plan
and Why You Should be a Part of it.
David Cain
During any major disaster whether Flood, Fire, Earthquake, Tornado or
Hurricane most people hunker down
and let the official services do their
jobs, holding out the best we can until it blows over. In the past this has
worked reasonably well for those of us
here in the greater Los Angeles area,
we ride out the Earthquakes, Fires and
torrential down pours knowing the
City services will rush us to the hospital if we need it and the power and
water will be back on soon.
Were pretty good at dusting
off and going about our daily lives
without missing a step getting beyond
the fallen freeways or blackened sky’s
and ignoring the minor inconveniences of fouled up traffic.
The good news and the bad news
is we haven’t faced a true major disaster, we haven’t seen a 7.5 or larger
Earthquake and the cold war promise of Nuclear war never materialized
(thank god), the fires and flooding
is pretty much in isolated spots and
doesn’t affect the largest part of the
City and is disaster for only a handful
of people.
Current events in Japan have
shown us what can happen when
faced with a really large earthquake
and that’s in a country that lives with
earthquakes constantly and thought
they were prepared (and were prepared better than we are).
Seismologists and Geologists
at Cal Tech University have us well
over due for a large earthquake of 7.4
or larger.
Most people can’t begin to
comprehend the size of an earthquake
that large or the damage it will cause,
and are anything but prepared for such
an event, a few people may have some
water and maybe food stored away but
likely inadequate quantities for themselves and family.
Couple this with massive
failure of our water and power infrastructure, our transportation corridors
(freeway over passes collapsing and
roads buckling) as well as communications failing and you have the makings
of a full blown disaster, medical facilities, those that are still able to operate
will more than likely be swamped with
injuries of all sorts and transportation
may make getting to them next to impossible.
Being prepared:
With all of that said, to say that
it’s overwhelming would be an understatement let alone downright scary
and yet we need not be fearful if we
plan a little and know what to do.
Coming together with your neighbors and community before a disaster and preparing together for these
kinds of events can and will avoid
much needless suffering and tension
between friends, neighbors and family.
We who live in the foothill
communities of Sunland Tujunga,
Shadow hills and Lakeview Terrace
have the added assurance of our City
officials that we will be on our own for
at least 3-4 weeks without City services. Please join me in getting our communities prepared and safe.
Please join the S-T Neighborhood Council
2nd and 4th Mondays @ 7:00pm North Valley City
Hall7747 Foothill Blvd.
Tujunga to find out what you can do to prepare
and protect your family and friends when the next
disaster hits.
4
California Congressional - E. San Fernando Valley - Tujunga
be sent via email to votersfirstact@crc.ca.gov or via
mail or fax: Citizens Redistricting Commission 901 P
of open space. Etc.
20110610_q2_CD_la_SFVET.pdf
“The latest proposed maps for State Assembly, State Senate and US Congressional Districts lump our community with the flat-lands of the eastern San Fernando Valley which
do not share our natural resources and concerns, but do have a far greater population
density, and therefore a bigger voting voice than we enjoy and will be able to elect representative that represent their interest rather than ours.”
By the time you read this all of the hearings
in Southern California will be over but we are urging everyone possible to write to the commission
and present your arguments. Public comments can
Street, Suite 154A, Sacramento, CA 95814 or by Fax:
(916) 651-5711.
If our foothill communities can stay united,
we will have a better chance of protecting our envi-
Working to Save
the Verdugo Hills
Golf Course
Participating in the parade is
a great way to remind people about
the proposed 229 unit housing development which threatens to pave over
the golf course and significantly increase traffic along Tujunga Canyon
Boulevard and surrounding streets.
This would be in addition to Canyon
Hills’ 223 houses, which the City of
Los Angeles approved in 2005. Combined, the two projects could bring
an estimated 900 to 1,000 additional
vehicles to our area roadways.
On Thursday, July 7, VOICE
[Volunteers Organized in Conserving the Environment) is sponsoring
a fundraiser for the golf course from
10am to 10pm at La Cabanita Mexican Restaurant, 3445 North Verdugo
Road, Glendale, 91208. Visit the SaveTheGolfCourse.Org website for more
If you have any questions or want to help with
efforts to save the Verdugo Hills Golf Course please
email info@savethegolfcourse.org.
Now Travelers, one of the most trusted names in home and auto insurance,
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•
Home
•
Flood
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Sign Up
Today
Re gistr ation Fee
$25
VHC Summer Day Camps provides games, crafts and
community which are blended to offer: team sports, individual
sports, card making, cooking, drama, puppets, rock band,
guitar hero & dance-dance revolution to all campers. We want
children to learn sportsmanship, team spirit, creativity and
how to better serve their family, friends and community.
Field Trips ar e Optional and May
Requir e Additional Fees
SAURER INSURANCE AGENCY
THE INSURANCE STORE
Ron Cech
8325 FOOTHILL BLVD STE A
SUNLAND, CA 91040
Phone: 818.352.6044 • 818.352.2746
Email: RON@JAMESPSAURER.COM
•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••
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June 20 T hr ough August 26
Camp Hour s: 7am-5:30pm M-F
Field trips include: Hurricane Harbor, Mountasia, LA Zoo,
Long Beach Aquarium, California Science Center, Skating,
Swimming, Los Angeles Sparks and Movies!
New movers can save up to
10% OFF
If you have any questions contact acting S-T Redistricting Advocate, Nina Royal at 818-618-1648
VHC Summer
Day Camps
information.
If you haven’t already written to City
Councilman Paul Krekorian, please email
him at councilmember.krekorian@lacity.
org. Let him know you appreciate his
efforts on behalf of the VHGC and. in
particular. applaud his recommendation of the golf course for Prop O funding. Please copy: Damian.Carroll@lacity.org and info@savethegolfcourse.org.
A town hall meeting is being
planned for July to introduce the Verdugo Hills Storm water Project to the
community. Date and location will be
announced on the website and via the
Save the Golf Course eBlasts. Supporters can sign up for the email blasts at
SaveTheGolfCourse.Org.
homeowners insurance.
ronment and preserving our open space for future
generations to enjoy for years to come. We have
proven history of partnering with the Kagel Canyon
and the La Crescenta communities. As it is now, the
last of our open space is constantly under attack by
developers and we are spending much of our time
defending it from destruction. With the help of our
foothill area neighbors, we can help prevent this
from happening!
Identity Theft Protection
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Va l u a b l e I t e m s
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Day Camps Location:
10027 Commerce Ave. Tujunga, Ca 91042
818-353-6500
email: verdugohills@live.com
5
Features
Pet Pals - Finding Lost Pets
Penny Barcena - Kim’s Pet Palace
OMG… my pet is gone.
Whether you left a gate open or it escaped out the door when you opened
it. You run after your animal and it
just keeps running down the street.
Stop chasing it. If it’s a dog and it’s accustomed to riding in the car, hop in
your car right away to go get it. Get
close to the dog and open the car door
to let it hop in like it usually does. If
it’s a cat, they usually don’t ride in
cars too often so this trick will not
work. However, it the pet runs out of
site and you don’t know which way
to go or if it went missing while you
were gone, here’s what to start doing
immediately.
First, Ask For Help - Tell all
you neighbors you pet is missing, then
all the delivery people, people who
do morning walks, the kids going to
school, anyone who frequents your
area. When you are searching always
carry a leash, a flashlight and some of
your pet’s favorite treats as you may
have to coax them or look in dark places. Be sure to check unusual places,
including behind bushes or trash bins,
in storm drains, if it’s a cat that is missing then look up in trees or on rooftops. Your pet is scared and looking
for a place to hide from this dangerous
world it has been protected from.
Next - If you don’t find your
pet that day, make up a flyer and post
it all around the neighborhood including the local store, restaurant, and gas
station. Put a recent photo of your pet
and a description with its name, breed,
sex, weight, color and any markings.
Provide your telephone number, but
Do Not put your name and address
on the flyer. If there is a reward, don’t
state the amount. Try to use fluorescent paper that will show at night and
use large lettering. Also, distribute the
flyer to local veterinarians, groomers,
pet stores, animal shelters and any other place in your area where someone
would bring a lost pet.
Place an ad in the local newspaper, in case the pet got further away.
This shows that you are actively looking for your pet too. And post it on
the web. There are specialized sites to
post for lost pets. Start with Craig’s
list; other sites are www.lostandfound.
com; www.petfinder.org; www.missingpet.net; or www.missingpetpartnership.
org. We live in an electronic social environment and if someone finds your pet
they might just start the search on their
iPhone.
Even if your pet was wearing an ID tag when it went missing,
you have to assume that it might have
fallen off. Visit all the animal shelters
in person, phoning is not enough. It
takes a lot of paperwork to get a pet
into these systems plus if it’s been a
few days of your pet being lost, it’s
appearance could be dirty almost ne-
FOOTHILL PLUMBING
glected looking. Be sure to visit shelters even up to 30 miles away as pets
can travel long distances and someone
who found your pet may take it to a
shelter near where they found it.
You may want to take some
Preventative measures. You could
consider a permanent means of identifying your pet, like a microchip or a
tattoo. Consult a veterinarian on the
microchip process; a tiny chip inserted
under the pet’s skin and is registered
with a national service. The tattoo
is normally done on the inside of the
pet’s thigh and also is registered with a
national service. Shelter staff is trained
to look for these markings or are normally equipped with a scanner for the
microchips and would then contact the
recovery agency that would contact
you.
Don’t Give Up - Sometimes it
could be weeks, months or there have
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7
Life Lessons Learned from Horses Q & A Special!
Celie Weston
“The simplest truths are often the
hardest to live by”.
Our goal here
at Celie Weston
Horsemanship
is to inspire people through Life
Coaching
and
Horse Behavior to
reach their goals
and broaden their
horizons.
New opportunities open up
when you realize
that you always
have many more
choices than you
think. In coaching,
I often experience
that a person is
stuck in a thought
pattern of having
do to something,
and fearing to do
so. When you think
that way, you’re
limited
between
only 2 choices.
These two choices
are often associated with pain or
more pain for that individual.
This results in procrastination,
anxiety and a lack of action. It is my job
to open the doors of the mind and help
you realize that there are always many
more options.
When this happens, a person
will go from feeling stagnant or victimized to feeling powerful and in charge
of their destiny. Freedom is the ultimate result!
Throughout my articles I have
touched on many subjects, however
the core element of my philosophy is
that finding your personal truth and
living by it, will always lead to happiness no matter who you are or what
your path might be. Finding your truth
is never easy as we are constantly surrounded by illusions and expectations
telling us that what we seek is somewhere outside ourselves. But it never
is. No matter what you think you need,
materialistically or otherwise, what
you are really seeking is a feeling. The
illusion is that you think said object or
situation will bring you that feeling.
Actually, it is the other way around.
Therefore you can only reach
that goal if you realize that what you
seek is internal not external. Internal
means that it is something inside yourself, something you already have - you
just don’t know it yet. Something that
you can be responsible for, something
that you are in control of. Isn’t that a
liberating thought?
External on the hand means
something outside yourself, something
that you don’t have, something in the
past or in the future, something you
don’t have control of. This is depressing and somewhat exhausting to think
Secrets of staying young
Mary Mulally/MeriCare
I am looking forward to July.
I am going back to my hometown for
the 4th of July where I will get to stay
with and enjoy my father for a week.
He is 86. I come from a family of 10.
Our mother passed away in 1985. Our
father is very important to all of us in
the family and is very close to every
grandchild and their children.
He has the secret I believe for
staying young and he doesn’t even
know it… He lives and enjoys each
day. He has a great positive attitude.
He wakes up and first thing he does
is says his prayers and thanks God for
another day and all the good things
about his life. (His family, health, etc.)
He enjoys the simple things
in life like going for a ride up the
lake, looking at nature and the anticipation of seeing a deer or two along
the way. He loves going to church.
He looks forward to each day because every day is a new day. He
never knows who will stop by for
a surprise visit. (No one ever calls
before they come, they just pop in,
that’s the way it is there.) He always
has the coffee on and a few goodies
to set out.
He keeps his mind alert. He
loves to learn new things. He reads
books of wisdom and history. He
talks and writes about WW 11 experiences which our whole family
loves to hear. He can tell a story with
great enthusiasm and conviction. (He
is wonderful to listen too and he has a
great sense of humor).
He also loves to do crossword
puzzles. He keeps up with the latest
news. He takes care of himself. He
takes his vitamins and has his exercise routine. He enjoys going to a store
and walking around (as much as he
can do because of bad knees.), and he
takes great care about what he eats. He
doesn’t worry what happened in the
past and he lives for the day. He looks
forward to the future.
He truly is as happy inside as
he is outside… and that’s why I think
he has the secrets to staying young!
about and a wide cause of suffering.
Suffering occurs when someone is detached from their universal
truth. Universal truths are positive beliefs that we can all agree on - existential truths you might call them. These
truths overcome all obstacles and negative belief systems and can be used to
break down any pattern that a person
might be stuck in.
Let me give you some examples:
Imagine a subject or a situation that you have difficulty with or a
goal that you haven’t yet achieved Then imagine me saying: “Okay,
but have you ever considered, that you
have already done the best that you can
do, based on your current resources
and experience? When the time comes,
I know that you will handle this issue
one step at a time, just like you have
handled other issues in the past.”
Or: “Have you tried saying yes
to life and what it brings you? What
can you let go of to open up to new opportunities that are coming your way?
Accept what life brings you even if it’s
painful - then you will no longer be a
victim, instead you can regain your
power and act on it! Everything is just
as it should be.”
How do you feel after reading
that?
Notice, that universal truths
are never about having to achieve
something (external) they are always
about letting go of something - like
a negative belief (internal) - thereby
setting yourself free and living in the
NOW. These are only two examples
and there are many more.
If you have been inspired by
Life Lessons learned from Horses,
please write in and tell us about your
experiences or send us a personal question related to your life - in connection
to either Life Coaching or Horsemanship that you would like to receive
some coaching on. It would be a joy
for me to help my readers reach their
goals, break patterns and get back in
touch with their true selves. Remember, There is no such thing as the truth.
There is only - Your Truth.
Email questions or comments to celiewestonhorsemanship@gmail.com and remember to include
an alias that you would like Celie to respond to in
the article.
8
Stop in and Enjoy A Spa Adventure in Tujunga
Jackie Houchin
Recently I had an incredible spa experience, and
all in the name of research.
With a possible article in
mind, I went to the Descanso
Spa in Tujunga - the only business in a beautiful new shopping court on Foothill Blvd at
Commerce Street - to see what
it was like.
Two storied, with
marble and polished wood
throughout, the Descanso Spa
has simplicity of design common in Asian cultures. There
are downstairs wings for both
men and women and an upstairs for co-ed relaxation and
refreshment.
“How much are your
sports’ massages?” I asked na-
ively.
“This is not that kind
of spa,” said Steve, the softvoiced, young Korean gentleman behind the counter.
“Oka-ay,” I said, looking at the list of services he
handed me, mostly in Korean
with a few English subtitles.
I booked the #2 option under “Ladies.” (There are also
“Gentlemen” options.) If I was expecting a
standard massage with scented oil, while lying comfortably on a padded (perhaps
warmed) table in a dimmed
room where soft new-age music played, I was in for a big
surprise.
The next day, after
paying, I received a stretchy
wrist band with an electronic
Jerri Simpson is The Debt Lady
Last weekend I was getting
maintenance done on my car, and
while I was waiting, the guy behind
the counter asked me what I do for a
living. I told him “I help people get out
of debt.” As you can probably imagine,
whenever I say this people instantly
start telling me about their financial
problems. It’s like when a doctor tells
someone his profession, and they start
asking for medical advice, like he has
x-ray vision and can diagnose them
while waiting in line at the grocery
store. Unlike most doctors I know, I actually like helping people with a little
free advice. It makes me feel like I’m
making a contribution to society, one
person at a time.
cardkey attached. It would
unlock my private locker with
a mere wave and could be
used in the upstairs lounge
to charge food and beverages
to my “account.” Steve introduced me to my masseuse
who took me into the “inner
sanctum.”
When I booked the
“Body Scrub and Oil Massage”
I was told to arrive a half-hour
early. I assumed this was to fill
out paperwork like I’d done at
other places. Not so at the Descanso Spa. You need that extra
time to “prepare your body”
for the scrub and massage.
“Preparation”
includes a shower, shampoo,
and soak in a steaming Jacuzzi, after which you are led,
still dripping, to the marble
Anyway, this guy started telling me about every financial problem he’s had in the last two years.
He asked me about bankruptcy, debt
negotiation, debt consolidation, and
some strange ads he keeps hearing
on the radio that say they can “eliminate your debt.” The more he talked,
the more I realized that he didn’t need
any of those things. He told me that
between him and his wife they make
over $150,000 per year, but that the
more his wife makes, the more she
spends. They’re drowning in credit
card debt. I looked at him and told
him that he and his wife both need
some education on how to handle
their money, as there really is a correct
way to do it. He looked a bit confused
and asked me what to do.
That’s what it comes down
to: “What do I do and how do I do
it?” This guy understands brakes and
tires. That’s how he makes his living,
and that’s what he’s really good at. He
didn’t take financial classes in high
school, because frankly there weren’t
any offered. Most people get a quick
semester on how to manage their
money, and maybe a brief overview
on how a checking account works.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s good to know
lined scrub/massage area.
What follows is an
all-over body scrubbing by a
no-nonsense masseuse wearing loofah-like mitts that feel
like fine sandpaper. Intermittently, buckets of hot water are
poured over you to rinse away
soap, dirt, and dead skin.
Softer mitts with
scented liquid soap then
sooth your skin (which may
be stinging mildly by now). A
shampoo and scalp massage
follow, then more buckets of
water to rinse everything. A
surprising cool respite comes
when layers of thin cucumber
strips dipped in a milk solution are applied to your face.
Finally, the massage.
Copious amounts of oil glide
forearms, hand heels, and
knuckles deep into your muscles. More drenching, a suggested shower-rinse and you
are done. Your skin is amazingly smooth and your body is
totally relaxed.
Towels, lotions, hair
dryers and brushes are provided, also a heavy cotton
shirt and shorts set to wear
upstairs.
Feeling like a little
kid squeaky-clean and warm
from an evening bath, I padded barefoot up the polished
teak stairs, peering with childlike curiosity into the various
rooms I found.
There were ladies’ and
gentlemen’s Sleeping Rooms
(with mats and small square
pillows), an Oxygen Room (to
improve memory), three Dry
Saunas – Clay, Salt, and Geranium (for muscles, circulation
how to balance your checkbook. But
there is so much more to it than just
that.
Whether you’re on a program to help you get out of debt or
not, you still need the basics on how
to handle your money. There are rules
that can help make your life easier if
you follow them.
Don’t buy whatever you want,
whenever you want.
Don’t buy on credit unless it’s an
emergency.
Don’t buy every upgrade--the
newest and the brightest--when you
already have one that still works.
Don’t allow yourself to be enticed
by advertisements and salespeople.
and respiratory), and a Cooling Room, lined with small
white stones and kept at 45-55
degrees.
A large open room
with a simple cafeteria at one
end entices visitors to replenish what the heat and treatments drew out. I sipped a
chilled corn tea. Others quietly
chatted, ate, or slept.
Eventually, dressed
for the street but still feeling “soft” inside and out, I
quizzed the desk clerk about
the Spa.
“Descanso
means
“rest” in Portuguese,” he explained. “Many mothers come
here after dropping the kids
at school and spend hours.
Others come after a hard day
at work.” (The Spa is open
seven days, 8 am to 12 midnight.) “Spas are part of the
Korean culture; one in Korea
Town is twice as big and open
24-hours.”
The “Grand Opening” sign still hangs at the
entrance to the parking lot, although Descanso Spa opened
last December. Visitors (of all
cultures) may enjoy the spa’s
amenities without signing
up for any of the treatments
– though many are offered,
including facials and acupressure sessions.
The daily fee is $25
($20 before 11:00 am), but the
Spa offers $15 “specials” for
ladies on Tuesdays and gentlemen on Wednesdays.
Give it a try...if you
dare.
Ask yourself, “Do I really have to have
that?”
And definitely don’t pretend that
everything is all right when it isn’t. Understand what you’re doing and do it.
The Debt Lady says: Be proud
of who you are, no matter what your
profession. Don’t let bills, creditors,
collectors, finances, money, price tags
or the price of gas affect you. Instead,
have full understanding of how it all
works and be able to experience it!
If you would like to submit a question for the
Debt Lady, email it to thedebtlady@thedebtlady.com.
Follow the Debt Lady on Twitter at the_debtlady, on
Facebook at debt lady and the Blog at thedebtlady.
blogspot.com.
Chimney Sweep
Summer
Family owned & operated
Special
15 years in the chimney business
$89.00
License # 960218 and Bonded
We are local
www.socalchimney.com
818-273-4804
9
Greg’s Getaways Mazatlan’s El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel
Greg Aragon
I was standing on the edge of
a waterfall, looking 10 feet down into
sparkling sapphire water, when it hit
me: I was in Mexico.
This was hard to believe because only a few hours earlier, I was
sitting home, flipping through TV
channels and eating a bag of chips.
But after a two and a half hour
plane ride from Los Angeles, I was in
a tropical paradise, overlooking a giant serpentine pool, trying to decide
which dive to perform- a jackknife or
a cannonball. I chose the latter.
My getaway to the 600-room
El Cid Beach Hotel in Mazatlan began on Thursday afternoon, when two
friends and I checked into a comfortable suite, overlooking the ocean and
a pool with lush gardens. Featuring a
marble floor, two double beds, cable
television, a bathroom with tub and
shower and a wash area with mirror,
hair dryer and sink, the room had everything we needed.
But its best feature was the
balcony. From this pedestal, we spent
hours watching waves crash into sand
and listening to the water roar as it retreated to the sea.
After playing by the pool, we
headed to the seaside Al-Andulas Restaurant for lunch. Since we were on
the hotel’s “all-inclusive” plan, our
stay included all the food and beverages we could intake. For me, this
meant two plates of roasted meats
with beans, rice and salad to go along
with three glasses of cold, salted and
limed Tecate beer. The meal was significantly enhanced by an incredible
view of the Pacific Ocean and the three
tiny islands sitting about a mile off of
the coast.
Next, it was back to the water,
and this time it was the ocean.
Located near the Tropic of
Cancer, at the same latitude as Hawaii,
Mazatlan is blessed with bath-like waters and thanks to the protection of its
islands, calm beaches, which make it
ideal for swimming. I body-surfed
and lounged beneath one of the hotel’s
oceanfront grassy umbrella’s until it
was time for dinner and a show at the
La Pergola Dinner Theater.
The La Pergola offers buffet
food and live Broadway-styled entertainment nightly. Our show featured
the music of musicals such as “Chicago,” “Phantom of the Opera,” and
“Evita.” After dinner, I relaxed at the
lobby bar with a Bloody Mary and
practiced my Spanish with a couple of
new friends. In the morning, I awoke to
the sounds of waves crashing against
the Mexican sand. Stepping outside,
I was enveloped by a gust of thick,
moist air and the aroma of ham, eggs,
tortillas and pancakes warming below
my balcony.
It was my third morning at the
El Cid Castilla Beach Hotel and as part
of my daily ritual, I put on my shorts
and sandals and hit the Al-Andulas
Restaurant for breakfast. While sipping
cinnamon-flavored coffee, I watched
para-sailers, pelicans and small boats
drift past the rocky profile of Bird Island.
After breakfast, I worked out
at El Cid’s state-of-the-art fitness facility. From here, I played volleyball in
the pool, before swimming to the bar
for a cold Tecate and a Spanish lesson
from a fellow vacationer.
“Te gusta cerveza?” asked Brisia, an architect from Zacatecas, Mexico. “Do you like beer?”
“Si,” I replied. “Me gusta mucho.
Sweet Cherrie’s Diner
Breakfast Served All Day • Lunch & Dinner Specials
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Especially on hot days like this.”
When the cerveza and Spanish words ran out, I said adios to Brisia and hello to the beach. I found an
empty grass umbrella and spent the afternoon body surfing and relaxing under a big umbrella. While sitting there
I was approached by numerous strolling merchants, selling ahats, sunglass-
es, jewelry, t-shirts and hand crafted
items. I bought a puka shell necklace
and Mazatlan hat.
For dinner, I joined my friends
at the Arabian-styled Alcazar International Restaurant, located above the
lobby. Over crab cakes, tortilla soup
and succulent filet mignon, we planned
our strategy for some after-dinner fun
at the hotel’s disco.
The next morning, we joined
a city tour of “Old Mazatlan” hosted
by the hotel. Driving down the Camaron Sabado, the city’s main street,
we watched a cliff diver jump from a
boulder 50 feet high; sampled tequila
at a jewelry store and then visited a restored 1864 opera house. We concluded the tour with a view of the largest
fishing fleet in Mexico and a stop at the
highest (500-ft.) working lighthouse in
the world.
After the tour, I took a boat
from the hotel to nearby Deer Island,
where I wondered about the beautiful
uninhabited island. Our last evening
was spent at Castilla’s La Cascada Restaurant, where a strolling quartet treated us to the best rendition of “Cuando
Caliente El Sol” that I have ever heard.
For more info on visiting the El Cid Castilla
Beach Hotel or other El Cid Resorts in Mexico, call
(866) 796-5571 or visit: www.elcid.com
The Phantom Food CriticSweet Cherries Diner
Phantom FC
I was feeling a little under the
weather and Sweet Cherries Diner hit
the spot with the home made soup, just
what the doctor ordered. Yummy!!!
The next day I went Back after feeling
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which was fantastic. Sweet Cherries
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meal at a reasonable price!!!
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10
High Enders
By Myles Mellor and Sally
York
See Answers Page 22
Across
42. ___-proof
Down
34. “And I Love ___” (1964 tune)
1. Monroe’s successor
43. Caviar source
1. Eastern pooh-bah
35. Mature
6. Yammers
44. Afflict
2. “Dang!”
36. “___ I care!”
10. “Hamlet” has five
45. Gathered dust
3. Common contraction
37. Early European
14. Storyteller
46. Black gold
4. Fashionable
39. Bandy words
15. Unsightly
47. Dutch pottery city
5. Funeral slabs
40. Hoaxes
16. Binary
49. 1940s-60s world leader
6. Pursue relentlessly
41. Lady Macbeth, e.g.
17. High enders
51. Dorm room staple
7. “Give it ___!”
46. Fish hawk
20. Fifth-century scourge
53. “We ___ the World”
8. Disheveled
47. Strip of potency
21. Border monitors (abbr.)
54. Dash
9. Harmonize
48. Crude stone artifact
22. Absorbed, as a cost
56. Plaudits
10. Play title word
49. Bigwig
23. Caesar’s meal starters?
60. High enders
11. Relating to a steward
50. Clear, as a disk
26. Bach composition
64. 1952 Olympics host
12. Spoonful, say
52. “Andy Capp” cartoonist Smythe
28. ___-l’Eglise, France
65. Home, informally
13. Cold shower?
31. E or G, e.g.
66. Heart chambers
18. Spicy stew
55. “Empedocles on ___” (Matthew
Arnold poem)
32. International language
67. Western or Buy
19. Corn dish
33. ___-time low
68. Arabic miracle
24. Like, with “to”
34. “Seize ___!”
69. Leather whip
25. Mark for misconduct
35. Arctic jacket
27. Aroma
38. High enders
28. Truth
29. Scat queen, to friends
30. Hinged dredgers
57. City on the Yamuna River
58. Dilute
59. Alone
61. Auction offering
62. ___ Today
63. Utmost
11
Who We Are
Local Mountains Favorite Hideout for El Bandito Vasquez
Cecile Page Vargo
The narrow canyons and unusual
rock formations near Lake Elizabeth,
now called Vasquez Rocks, were like
home for Tiburcio Vasquez and his
men. They not only found safety in its
many nooks and crannies, but family
and friends lived nearby. Lieutenant
Cleovaro Chavez was stationed here
to handle operations north of the Antelope Valley. Horses were stolen from
nearby ranches and exchanged for new
ones that Vasquez had stolen further
south, to make it less apt for them to be
discovered.
The San Gabriel Mountains north
of Los Angeles also came in handy
for the banditos. Big Tujunga Canyon
was the most popular route when they
needed to travel north or east. Three
miles above the present Big Tujunga
Dam, a narrow gorge with tremendous
rock walls and various side canyons
proved to be a good spot to hole up
in. The end of the road also branched
off to trails leading to other favorite spots, such as Chilao, Little Rock
Creek, or the previous mentioned
Vasquez Rocks. Vasquez was also able
to take some time off from his life as a
highway bandit, and tried his hand at
mining in nearby Mill Creek. Near the
Monte Cristo Mine he was said to have
had an arrastra for crushing ore.
East of Big Tujunga, on the southern slope of Mount Lukens, and north
of the town of Montrose , Vasquez
found Dunsmore Canyon. Here, a mile
from the mouth, just where the canyon splits in two branches, a huge oak
tree formed a natural screen where he
could hide, yet he could easily observe
anyone else who might try to come up
the trail. There were passes in all directions except the north. All of Los Angeles County south of the San Gabriel
Mountains, was easily reachable from
here. Behind the camp and over the
ridge was the Dark Canyon-Vasquez
trail that allowed him to get to the Arroyo Seco and Big Tujunga and on to
more trails.
Long before Newcombs Ranch
became a favorite stopping spot for a
bite to eat for modern travelers going
up Angeles Crest, East Chilao provided a remote refuge for Vasquez. West
Chilao and Horse Flat, with a long nar-
row valley, and a secret trail, provided
grazing grounds for stolen San Fernando & San Gabriel Valley horses. Mount
Hillyer, overlooking Horse Flat, provided a rock fortress - protection from
any lawmen that might wander up after the bandits. Horses were often stolen from the United States government
in Yuma, Arizona, taken up to Chilao
where they were re-branded then sold
down in San Fernando Valley. One
time, a pair of extra large mules were
stolen and brought to camp, but were
too easily recognizable because of their
size, and wound up being shot instead,
so there would be no chance of the
thieves being discovered. Before horses were taken to the Valley to be sold,
Vasquez and his men picked the best
for their own private use.
U.S. family law system “barbaric” when compared to
other systems worldwide
Pat Kramer
The United States’ Family
Law system is archaic and unenlightened compared to Australia, England
and Wales’, says Family Law Attorney Mark Baer. His comments reflect
the changing attitudes in the practice
of family law as, first Australia, and
now - as of April 6, 2011 - England and
Wales, require divorcing couples to
enter into mediation to sort out most
disputes before they are allowed to use
the courts.
“It’s time for our government
to affect a reform in the family law system to shift the emphasis from litigation, as the dominant practice, to mediation and collaborative divorce,” says
Mr. Baer. “Litigation is not only more
expensive but it is also far more damaging to the family system which still
has to maintain contact and function,
to some extent, when there are children
involved.”
In 1996, the Australian government took the lead in implementing the Family Law Act 1975 as its
primary dispute resolution (PDR). It
recognized that litigation is usually a
slow, expensive and adversarial process, and that in family law matters,
this behavior may make it difficult for
the child to maintain an ongoing relationship with both parents and for
parents to maintain their ongoing responsibilities. Since then, the law has
evolved to require family dispute resolution (FDR) where all parties involved
in parenting, financial issues or both,
must make a genuine effort to resolve
the dispute through an accredited FDR
practitioner before starting a case. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences including costs penalties for
noncompliance.
Effective April 6, 2011, the British government will require divorcing couples in England and Wales to
undergo mediation [for child custody
and/or financial issues] to sort out
most disputes before they are allowed
to use the courts.
Attorney Baer points out that
while in the U.S., many states have a
mandatory divorce mediation requirement. The mandatory “mediation” is
generally limited to child custody and
visitation matters. Baer places quotes
around the term mediation because
he contends that it is not true mediation by any stretch of the imagination;
Sunland Resident to Spend Summer
Working with High Rocks Academy
in West Virginia
Haverford College Press Release
HAVERFORD, Pa. – Sunland
resident Noemi Agagianian, a rising sophomore Psychology major at
Haverford College in Haverford, Pa.,
will spend this summer working with
High Rocks Academy in Hillsboro,
West Virginia. High Rocks Academy
is an academic enrichment and leadership program for middle and high
school girls in the Appalachian mountains of West Virginia. During her internship, Agagianian will serve as the
Math Intern and teach a creative math
class to middle and high school girls.
Agagianian is working under
the auspices of Haverford College’s
Center for Peace and Global Citizenship. She is one of more than 60 students who received stipends from the
Center, allowing them to work on projects in the U.S. or abroad in areas related to peace making and peace building,
as well as to social, political, economic
and governmental challenges. A number of CPGC interns will be blogging
about their experiences throughout
the summer at www.haverford.edu/
news/blogroll.php.
One of America’s leading liberal arts colleges, Haverford is a closeknit intellectual community located
just outside Philadelphia on a serene
campus that is a nationally recognized
arboretum. Founded in 1833, Haverford is the oldest institution of higher
education in North America with
Quaker roots and is today a non-sectarian and highly diverse institution that
retains many of the guiding principles
of its founders, such as emphasis on
community and respect for individual
conscience. Haverford’s 1,200 students,
who enjoy an 8 to 1 student-faculty ratio, come from independent and public
schools across the United States and 17
countries around the world. The Center for Peace and Global Citizenship
extends Haverford’s long-standing
commitment to social justice through
research, education and action.
About Haverford College: http://www.haverford.edu/abouthaverford/ - For more information:
elotozo@haverford.edu
at least not in California where “mediation” is required before a court will
hear a child custody or visitation matter. He added, “Each county within
California enforces the mandatory mediation requirement in its own unique
way.”
The family court requirement
varies across the U.S. Two states, which
he says, have demonstrated successful
family law systems are North Carolina
and Utah.
“North Carolina is the first
state to have a comprehensive domestic relations arbitration act, a collaborative divorce statute and mandatory
medication rules,” Baer notes. “The
Utah legislature passed a mandatory
divorce mediation statute effective
May 2005, and results have proven
very positive in reducing court caseloads, fees for divorce and stress levels
of litigants and attorneys.”
However, in California, where
Mr. Baer practices family law, the legislature made major changes in 2011,
which will actually increase litigation
time, expense, and cause it to be more
adversarial.
On that note, he says, “It is fascinating that when other countries are
plagued with the same problems in
their family law systems, they embrace
mediation, PDR and FDR for consensual dispute resolution which resolve
most, if not all, of the problems with
litigation and courts in family law situations. Yet, in the U.S., litigation and
courts are the still the first choice for
the resolution of family law disputes.
Here, alternative dispute resolution
methods, such as mediation and collaborative divorce, are still not the first
choice for the resolution of family law
disputes.”
According to Baer, the legal
system in the United States is resistant
to change. Specifically, lawyers earn
less money when cases are not litigated
so they have a vested financial interest
in maintaining the existing system.
Stating that the legal system is meant
to benefit the public, not the attorneys,
Baer believes it is time the government
stepped in and completely overhauled
the system to make it more family
friendly and less costly, as they have in
Australia, England and Wales.
12
Jan Linsalato, Region 1 Rep for STNC
Pat Kramer
Jan Linsalato is a Region 1
representative for STNC and as such,
she sits on the board to serve Region’s
1 stakeholders’ wants and needs. Her
goals in doing so are to reach as many
neighbors in her area as possible,
which she does by knocking on doors
and introducing herself. On weekends,
it’s not uncommon to see Jan reaching
out to her neighbors and businesses in
the Sunland area she can stay in tune
with what they want from their neighborhood council and from the City, as
a whole.
One of the projects Jan would
like to see in her area is the formation
of a Dog Park in Sunland. She also
wants to get more volunteers helping
at the Sunland Senior Center, which
is always in need of donations to help
with the services they provide free, or
at a low cost to our residents.
Jan is an activist at heart. She
began showing up for STNC meetings
when the No Home Depot movement
was going strong and that ultimately
led to her joining the board in 2006. As
a volunteer working to keep this community independent of Big Box stores,
Jan got involved in the strategy meetings, she led the picket line through
rain and shine, and she helped raise
funds to pay for one of the buses that
transported stakeholders to the Planning Department appeal hearing. The
fundraising came from her Union, Service Employees Intl. Union, Local 721
(SEIU) that contributed several hundred dollars to the cause after Jan personally addressed its executive board,
imploring them to pay for the bus service.
Says Jan, “When I was on the No
Home Depot campaign, I grew to understand what STNC did and I felt inclined to give back to my community
after years of not being productive. I
was appointed to fill a vacancy for my
first term, and then I successfully ran
for my second and third terms to earn
my seat here.”
As a stakeholder, Jan understands what it is like to need City and
County help. She, herself, is a welfare
success story. Fourteen years ago, Jan
and her four kids were on welfare.
“I know what it feels like to
be on welfare and be homeless with
children,” says Jan. “That’s why when
L.A. Share came to the STNC meeting, I took a day off work to help as a
volunteer with Homeless Connect ser-
vices. I was able to relate to those folks
and I wanted to help.”
On that day, City and County
forces joined together to identify and
reach out to about 50 homeless people
in the community. Some of those people were placed in low-income housing in the North Hollywood area, but
many of the homeless didn’t want to
leave the area because they have ties to
this community.
Jan notes that L.A. Fair Housing has taken the reins on this project
and is working on plans to create housing for low and fixed income residents
now on Day Street in Tujunga behind
Tommy Burgers. All told, there will
be 48 apartments that will offer health
and social services for these folks. Says
Jan, “I was pretty excited about that.
That’s really good news for our neighborhood.”
Jan’s own transition from
homeless to currently Acting Coordinator for the S.E.I.U. has been a rags
to riches story that has involved lots
of hard work and hope. Jan’s first
break came while standing in a long
line filling out applications for her
family’s support at the Department
of Social Services. Through a stroke of
luck, she was hired to help others with
their paperwork. She later went on to
overcome a drug addiction through
the program of Narcotics Anonymous
(NA) and is now proud to say that she
is a recovering addict as it has helped
her recapture her self worth and self
dignity.
Jan later was hired as a Child
Support Officer with S.E.I.U., Local 721
where she worked for the County for
five years before getting put on the layoff list. After working so hard to have a
job, Jan didn’t give up easily. Instead of
joining the ranks of the unemployed,
she went to the Union to find out how
to save her job.
“They told me I could lobby
legislators to try to get them to cover
the Department’s deficit, so that’s what
I did: I testified at the Board of Supervisors and I went to Sacramento and
testified on behalf of Child Support. As
a result, of the 174 people facing layoffs, only 21 were affected and they all
got jobs somewhere else in the County.
With this success behind her, Jan was
certified as Steward of her union. On
that experience, she relates, “I was so
inspired; I could see that one person
can really make a difference.”
Jan uses that experience to
help STNC and other organizations
in the community. She also takes calls
from people in her area who have issues with their neighbors or drug dealing. She then contacts the appropriate
City departments to resolve the problems.
“It’s about being a good neighborhood now,” says Jan, “and looking
out for others who you can reach out to
to improve their lives.” Last year, the
S.E.I.U. 721 donated $1,000 for the 4th
of July Parade in Sunland. This year,
the Union donated $750.00 and Jan’s
staff at the Union donated another
$500.00.
In addition to serving as an
STNC board member and the work she
does for the Union, Jan is a State Delegate for the Democratic Party, demonstrating that hard work and patience
pay off.
For more information about the SunlandTujunga Neighborhood Council, call: (818) 951-7411
or go to: www.stnc.org.
Dance - Bailes and Fandangos From Anthony Shay to today
Marlene Hitt
The recent dances at the Elks
Club, sponsored by the Rotary sounded so romantic and such fun! Romance,
accompanied by dancing to rousing
music, has always been good fun.
Hope for a good time, and meeting
girls, was in the air for the newly established Little Landers Colony when the
Clubhouse was built. People, holding
lanterns, could be seen walking up and
down the hilly roads to the festivities.
Various dance clubs were formed over
the years and several teachers have
guided little girls and boys as they as
they posed and spun, turning their little bodies into art.
The community dance is as
old as humankind. From Anthony
Shay, Fandango and Bailes: Dancing
and Dance Events in Early California,
Southern California Quarterly, Summer, 1982: comes a report of the people’s lives in the rancho days (1830s
and on). He says that the Californian of
the 1880s loved to dance and play! The
formality of the social dance served to
provide a means for the segregation
of sexes and rigorous social customs
along with recreational enjoyment.
With passion and intensity, the needs
of the peripheral society were served
in the numerous occasions provided.
Since the Californians were
isolated geographically, economically,
culturally and socially from the greater
society they had to fall back on their
own resources for entertainment and
art.
Surprising to us living today is
that the popularity of dance and music
owes a good deal to the status of women in traditional Spanish society. There
were the wild fandangos which often
ended in brawls and killings, however, the closer-knit ranchers protected
the women from these by their own
dance customs.
A typical occasion would include infants to grandparents, children and parents dancing together. So
strong was the passion for the dance
that the rancho houses were constructed for that purpose. The large barnlike
room, the Sala, was expected to be in
use at any time of the day. It was often
that someone who could play a violin,
harp, guitar, and sometimes a flute
would gather in the evening for pure
merriment. The room would vibrate
with the Spanish folk dances, castanets, with the prescribed dance routines practiced even by the children.
“The respect in which our parents and elderly persons,” states Dr.
Platon Vallejo, “generally were held
was so great was that no young man
ventured to dance in their presence
without first receiving permission “
Dances were generally opened by an
older persons and the only couples
permitted to take part were married
couples. However, when the old folks
retired, the rules altered.
Formal dances, carefully arranged were the events in which the
unmarried couple could dance together, but the ladies and gents were segregated unless dancing.
We still see some of this
among groups of traditional families. But the contrast in our greater
society of young people is great, as
are the dances themselves, from intricate steps and artistry to jumpy body
movements and total freedom.
Think of the contrast between
the dance party of the rancho days
to those we see now at proms and
school events in that then, men and
women were segregated except when
dancing. One man, the tecolero, went
around the room keeping time with
his feet, clapping, and taking the ladies out to dance. He would pirouette
and do some steps around the girl, accompanied by the clapping of hands,
taking the ladies until all had danced.
Musicians were always playing in the
room and, of course, there was no DJ
or electronics. There was no crashing –
the party was by invitation only and a
guard was at the door. The dance was
composed of specific steps with little
body contact.
Maybe the Rotary Club could
sponsor an old fashioned barn dance
one of these days with the “Bloomin’
Squares” or “Squeezin’ Squares present. Or a fandango with senorita’s
in their beautiful clothing. Oh, ideas
come easy, don’t they?
Kevork A. Vorperian, M.D.
General Medical Practice
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818-352-2111
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6501 Foothill Blvd., #101, Tujunga, CA 91042
East of Tujunga Canyon across from McDonald's • Parking in back of the building
13
Senior Dance Night
ree
F
with Big Band Favorites
September 18, 2011
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
at Sunland Park Senior Center
8640 Fenwick St. Sunland
The Soldier
Anon.
Who in times of war and strife,
Goes off to serve his country
And offers up his life?
He was getting old and paunchy
And his hair was falling fast,
And he sat around the Legion,
Telling stories of the past.
Of a war that he once fought in
And the deeds that he had done,
In his exploits with his buddies;
They were heroes, every one.
And ‘tho sometimes to his neighbors
His tales became a joke,
All his buddies listened quietly
For they knew whereof he spoke.
But we’II hear his tales no longer,
For old Bob has passed away,
And the worId’s a little poorer
For a Soldier died today.
He won’t be mourned by many,
Just his children and his wife.
For he lived an ordinary,
Very quiet sort of life.
He held a job and raised a family,
Going quietly on his way;
And the world won’t note his passing,
‘Tho a Soldier died today.
When politicians leave this earth,
Their bodies lie in state,
While thousands note their passing,
And proclaim that they were great.
Papers tell of their life stories
From the time that they were young
But the passing of a Soldier
Goes unnoticed, and unsung.
Is the greatest contribution
To the welfare of our land,
Someone who breaks his promise
And cons his fellow man?
Sponsored by
Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce
& Sunland Parks and Recreation
The politician’s stipend
And the style in which he lives,
Are often disproportionate,
To the service that he gives.
While the ordinary Soldier, Who offered up his all,
Is paid off with a medal
And perhaps a pension, small.
It is not the politicians
With their compromise and ploys,
Who won for us the freedom
That our country now enjoys.
Should you find yourself in danger,
With your enemies at hand,
Would you really want some cop-out,
with his ever waffling stand?
Or would you want a Soldier-His home, his country, his kin,
Just a common Soldier,
Who would fight until the end?
He was just a common Soldier,
And his ranks are growing thin,
But his presence should remind us
We may need his like again.
For when countries are in conflict,
We find the Soldier’s part
Is to clean up all the troubles
That the politicians start.
If we cannot do him honor
While he’s here to hear the praise,
Then at least let’s give him homage
At the ending of his days.
Perhaps just a simple headline
In the paper that might say:
“OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING,
A SOLDIER DIED TODAY.”
Or the ordinary fellow
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Municipal Bonds
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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
Commerce
Market Place
Produce & Deli
10047 Commerce Ave.
Tujunga
14
Business
CD2/Chamber of Com- Frechicko Grill merce Kicks off Beau- Mediterranean
Food at its Best
tification Project
Sonia Tatulian
During my outing
with Paul Krekorian on March
17th , as we visited various
businesses in our area, Paul
mentioned the local beautification project that is cosponsored by the Council District Office (CD2) in Tujunga.
Shortly thereafter we received
a letter asking us if we could
identify a specific section of
Foothill Blvd. that would visibly benefit from a beautifi-
cation/clean-up and allow
volunteers to help with the
project. We got an email from
Jessica Ebner at the Chamber
asking if there was anyway
the Chamber could help bring
more attention to the Sunland Farmer’s Market located
at 8307 Foothill Blvd. every
Sunday from 9 AM to 3 PM.
Since I could look out of the
window at the Chamber and
see this building across the
street, it seemed like the perfect answer. Not only do we
beautify a local shopping area,
we help bring more attention
to the area businesses within
the complex and the Sunland
Farmer’s Market.
When we contacted
CD2 with our suggestion they
agreed with our choice and
the ball started to roll. We met
with Jessica Ebner , a project
designer who provided us
with a computer-generated
rendering of the new complex,
we then followed-up with a
meeting with Ray Mirzakhanian, the owner of the complex and met at CD2 with
Cindy Cleghorn, from STNC
and Tomi Lynn Bowling from
Land Use Committee (LUC).
On June 9th Richard Stewart,
President of the Rotary Club
and owner/operator of Richard Stewart Painting, had
some free time and started
painting the building and removing the torn Century 21
canopy. Progress continues
as you read this article. Volunteers from local businesses
are being asked to participate
with their time and if applicable any equipment or materials that may be needed. CD2
is helping with several aspects
of this project as well and we
look forward to a speedy completion. Stay tuned for more
progress updates in future issues of the Voice of the Village.
Maxine Savage
Fred and Zena Moha
opened the “Frechicko Grill”
over a year ago. They previously owned Julius Italian
Café in Pasadena for 19 years
before retiring. Later they realized they had always wanted
to do their authentic Mediterranean style cooking so they
opened “Frechicko Grill”. It is
located at 3839 Foothill Blvd.
just a few blocks past Lowell
into La Crescenta. You have
probably driven right past it
as you head to La Crescenta or
Montrose.
They serve whole,
half, or quarter roasted
chicken which is marinated
overnight in a special herbs,
spices, garlic and fruit sauce
they have created, then charbroiled over an open fire as
you order, then served with
Frechicko’s Signature Sauce.
The food is made with the finest and freshest ingredients,
no preservatives or MSG. This
place could be called “House
of Shawarmas, Falafel and Kabobs with delicious Hummus.
Their sandwiches are served
with Frechicko’s Signature
Sauce too and your choice
of Pita Bread or French Roll.
Check out their Combo Menu
@ $6.99 offered everyday at all
times.
Shortly
after
Frechicko Grill opened, it was
featured in the Glendale News
Life & Leisure Section stating
“ this chicken is less greasy
and more flavorful. They are
sworn to secrecy on the process.” Frechicko Grill is family
owned and operated, not part
of a chain. It’s a place where
you can afford to take your
family for a great meal. They
also have patio dining.
Their
hours
are
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday
through Thursday; 11 a.m. to
10 p.m. Friday; Saturday from
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; and closed on
Sunday. All menu items are
available for take-out. Catering services available.
Fred and Zena want
to support and give back to
the Community by donating
10% of Group parties to the
Non-Profit organization of
your choice. Call them at (818)
249-4163 for more details.
Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Members
Fran Loiselle
Please join me in welcoming our newest members to
the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce.
Sunland Neighborhood Church
Debbi Fullington
10632 Oro Vista Avenue
Sunland, CA 91040
818 352-3186
The Back Door Bakery
Deborah and Reno Goodale
8658 Foothill Blvd.
Sunland, CA 91040
818 353-2233
Louie Electric Repairs
Louis Buono
Sunland, CA 91040
323 660-0677
15
USDA Sports - Mixed Martial Arts and More
Maxine Savage
United Self Defense Academy
(USDA) not only teaches Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), but also offers classes
in Kick Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu /
MMA for Men and Women, Kids Karate, Black Belt (with sticks and weapons) for Adults, and Green Belt and
Up. Minimum age is 3 years old for
children, no maximum age.
They have teamed up with
other professionals in the Sunland/
Tujunga area to offer classes for dancing the Zumba, Hip-Hop or Jazz at
their facility located in the Starbucks
Mall.
Movement is the main theme
in all the classes. The spirit, liveliness,
and energy really flows whether it be
the Adults or the kids showing how
they have mastered their latest feat.
They have day and evening classes, as
well as Parent/Kid classes, Summer
Camps and Private lessons. Classes
are available for beginner level, intermediate or advance.
Steve Kirkman, Owner and
Teacher at USDA Sports, is a 7th degree
Black Belt (10 being the highest). He
has been in martial arts for 35 years
and a Teacher for 30 years with 20 of
those years including working with
kids. USDA has a saying, “Battles are
won before the battle begins”, meaning technique, not anger, prevails.
Training, focus and technique are the
skills you are taught at USDA Sports.
The children are taught self-confidence
and independence that carries over to
improvements in school.
USDA Sports is involved in
the Community offering local schools
and clubs an opportunity to do Fund-
raising Events. There are no contracts,
the prices are affordable and their current “Special is one week free”.
For details and their current class schedule, call
(818) 237-8526.
USDA SPORTS MIXED MARTIAL ARTS
No Contracts
Good Workouts
3 yrs old to Adults
Men Women Children
Lowest Prices in Town
1 Week Free
Ask about
Fundraiser Events
818-237-8526
8325 FOOTHILL BLVD., B, SUNLAND
KARATE KICKBOXING JIU JITSU MMA
Rio A New Age Clothing Boutique in Sunland
Maxine Savage
Martha Gutierrez, Owner of Rio is not new
to the area. In 1980 she opened “Color me Blue”
in Tujunga, later relocated to La Crescenta, opened
a second store in Pasadena, to return to Sunland/
Tujunga with her new shop located at 7905 Foothill
Blvd., Sunland. It has been a full circle journey. Her
store is very peaceful and tranquil; you get a feeling
of relaxation, as you browse, no pressure. She will as-
sist you in creating an ensemble complete with accessories to fit whatever occasion. She is a person
who builds relationships with her Customers and
gives them personal service.
Rio carries a line of “Natural Fibre” clothing with a large selection of beautiful scarves and
shawls, ethnic yet uniquely timeless. She recently
added gorgeous silk burnt velvet dusters each being
one of a kind plus “Coin Belts” for Zumba dancers.
There are 8 display cases filled with vintage jewelry
as well as new, whether you are looking for silver,
gemstones or crystals. She carries a complete line of
Oils and the most wonderful scented Incense. The
lay out in her store is very open and airy; enhanced
by natural light from the 10-foot high windows from
both the main and the side street of her corner location. She has done the entire interior decorating herself; a very talented and clever woman. Shopping at
Rio is definitely a metaphysical experience!
Martha invites her customers from years
past to stop by to update their information on her
mailing list as she plans to have many events and
happenings at Rio’s new location on Foothill Blvd.
in Sunland (across from Taco Bell).
Store hours are 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday, 11:00
a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, Noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, and
closed on Mondays. Rio’s telephone number is (818) 912-3499.
Jim’s Auto of Tujunga Wins Again with Custom Ford Mustang
Victor Jim Ayach with his son Chad
Maxine Savage
Jim Ayach’s custom 1967 Ford Mustang
Fastback painted grabber orange with white pearl
won the “Best Ford Motor Co.” car award at the 2011
Edelbrock Show. Only one of this coveted trophy is
awarded each year. The trophy has now joined another 31 trophies, plagues, and awards on display
at Jim’s Auto shop in Tujunga; plus the other 50 or
more he keeps at home. He was also the recipient of
the 2009 Best Business of Tujunga/Classic Hotrods
from the Small Business Commerce Association.
Jim didn’t stop there, he is attending the
L.A. Concours d’Elegance Show being held in June
at Dana Point, CA. This show is “the Best of the Best”
and it’s participants are by invitation only. This is
Jim’s 3rd invite to this exclusive show. Not only will squeezed work in on the Camaro during down
his 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback be in the show, he times and weekends. All his hard work and long
also will be showing his beautiful white1936 Auburn hours paid off BIG TIME! Jim’s dream car, a yellow
convertible which only 30 exist.
and white 1969 Camaro SS Convertible not only has
Jim has been in business in Tujunga since won him many awards and recognition in his field,
1983 and is a mechanic by trade. It was in 1987 he but was featured on the cover of Super Chevy Magchanged his path and wanted to build Custom Cars. azine for November 2008; and on Hot Rod MagaHe rapidly made his name known in the Hot Rod zine’s cover for February 2009. You can go on his
business of car customizing and restoration.
web site to view this Super Chevy and his Ford Fast Life was good until 2004, when Jim had back: www.jimsautotech.com. You’ll see photos of
a terrible accident at the shop, which put him in the step by step on restoration both these cars.
Grossman Burn Center in Thousand Oaks for over
So if you have a vision of your dream car, go
3 months. Jim came out of the hospital not wanting see Jim Ayach of “Jim’s Auto” located at 7776 Footto have anything further to do with cars. He sold his hill Blvd in Tujunga or call him to schedule an apShop and was about to sell his business when he re- pointment at (818) 259-7812. He goes above and bealized he loved customizing cars and the satisfaction yond when it comes to customizing cars and gives
he gave the owners. He always thought of each car you options within your budget, as he has been
he worked on as his own.
there. Per Jim: A car is just a car, until you customize
So he opened a new shop in Tujunga, but it with your own touches and ideas to make it your
that still wasn’t enough. He wanted to build his own Dream Car.
dream car, a Camaro. Jim and his wife Sandra decided to make it happen, so they sold their built ‘59
Cadillac Coupe Deville and amassed as much cash
as they could. The search for his dream F-body began. There were many trips in and outside California
hunting for just the right car that did not have too
much rust on it. Finally he found a ‘69 Camaro convertible that he negotiated the purchase at a price he
could afford and still have money for the build out
- he does not believe in corner cutting.
Phone 818-352-9537
It took him 14 months to complete the proj- www.jimsautotech.com
Cell 818-259-7812
ect. He worked his day job on customer’s cars and 7776 Foothill Blvd. Unit A, Tujunga, CA. 91042
16
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17
School News
VHHS Graduation - “We Made It”
Eric Owens
The 2011 Verdugo
Hills High School commencement exercises were held this
past week Monday, June 6th
in front of family and friends
who packed the bleachers of
Turner Stadium.
This commencement
included: a class processional
from Miss Victoria Lopez’s
City Champion Concert Band;
a presentation of colors from
VHHS’ JROTC; the pledge of
allegiance from Student Body
President & Varsity Basketball
Co-Captain Elizabeth Phan; a
beautiful rendition of the Star
Spangled Banner from Sarah
A. Stone; an introduction of
the Valedictorians from retiring six-year principal Diane
Klewitz – who has been in the
LAUSD for the last 41 years
and will be joining the Peace
Core in the Asian region as a
teacher.
Commencement
speeches from Valedictorians
Dylan Schmidt, Samantha Wilson and Suk Li; a senior class
song entitled “Life Is Beautiful” featuring Nicole Malmen
and Laura Toyne; a presentation of the class by sponsors
Kevin Henry and Richard
Krein; a acceptance of the
class from Diane Klewitz; the
awarding of diplomas from
Counselors Michelle Carbone,
Cynthia
Edwards-Alarcon,
Gricelda Lepe, Julie Michels
and Mark Woodhouse; and
the final thing left was the acceptance of the diplomas from
Senior Class President & twotime East Valley League Soccer
Champion Jacyln Storie.
La Yuca Editor-inChief and Commencement
Speaker Samantha Wilson
wants to take a moment to say,
“It was an honor working with
Voice of the Village and La
Yuca,” while Dylan Schmidt
added this “Best wishes to you
all and everyone should be #1
– not just me.”
Congratulations to all
442 graduates and their families and to Miss Klewitz on the
next journey of your life in the
Peace Corp.
would also like to give a special thank you to all of the
seniors who put in countless
hours of work in addition to
their school commitments to
work on the layout and design
of every issue this past year.
Seniors such as Connor Newell, Amy Hwang, Samantha
Wilson, and Travis Pierce were
among the La Yuca editorial
staff that helped make the production of Voice of the Village
possible.
What value do students get from doing homework?
Carlynn McCormick
According to Kathy Seal, co-author of Motivated Minds: Raising Children to Love Learning,
most homework does not advance the education of
elementary school children. On the contrary, stuffing
a great deal of information into their heads makes it
harder to retain the data and can even damage their
eagerness and joy of learning.
She claims, “Research has shown decisively
that when children study because they enjoy it, their
learning is deeper, richer and longer-lasting.”
Rather than giving students mounds of tedious homework, teachers would do better to formulate a common-sense approach that incorporates
Seal’s findings. If homework is to be given it should
be creative and intriguing, such as asking students
to figure out a puzzle, or giving them an assignment
to go outside and discover some science at work and
write up their findings.
As educators and parents we should search
out and use ideas that capture our children’s interests and ignite their imaginations.
Great success usually comes when we realize that children will easily learn those things they
like and have great difficulty with those things they
Continued On Page 18
Congratulations Our Lady of Lourdes Graduates 2011!
call up each graduate before the audience and list each of their many
achievements from academic, activities, sports, awards, scholarships and
more. Graduates are truly able to be
celebrated and made to feel successful.
Twenty seven of the graduates will continue on to Catholic high
schools: Bishop Alemany, Providence,
St. Frances, Holy Family, Alverno,
Notre Dame and Mayfield. Many students received Merit Scholarships
from these schools and from various
Parish and community organizations
such as Catholic Daughters, Hispanic
and Filipino Communities, Knights
of Columbus, PTO and Michael Vacca
Memorial Fund for participation in the
Boy Scouts.
Smiling graduates posed for
a barrage of photos before heading off
to dinners and parties with many excited family and friends. Our Lady of
Lourdes School is proud to send their
kids to high school confident that great
success will follow. Congratulations
Class of 2011!
For more information about Our Lady of
Lourdes School, please visit their website at www.
ourladyoflourdes.us/school.
Our Lady of Lourdes School
offers:
Sonya Marquez
There’s nothing like the sweet
smell of success. And in the eyes of 29
eighth graders, moving their 2011 blue
tassel from right to left, signifying their
graduation from Our Lady of Lourdes
Jr. High is a huge success.
The graduation ceremony
and Mass, which took place on June 3,
opened with a traditional Pomp and
Circumstance music and march into
OLL church. Students, Cassandra Decosto and Riley Miller gave a parent
tribute speech followed by a student
song and then introduction by Tanner
Costi and Isabella Morris.
Each student participated in
the ceremony with liturgy readings,
music or speeches and a final 8th grade
tribute was read by Celeste Marquez
and Javey Garcia.
With the mass and inspirational words by Father Freddie Chua
completed the award presentation began, Students Jon Paolo Centina and
Avrianne Santo gave a graduate’s address and awards and diplomas were
announced and handed out by Father
Freddie Chua, outgoing principal,
Kathleen Jones, incoming principal,
Steve Morin and eighth grade teacher
Cynthia Ellingson.
Typically, a graduation will
feature just a few excelling students.
At this small school, OLL is able to
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
challenging program in academics including Music,
Art, Sports and Media.
students consistently place in the “above average”
percentile in national testing.
Jr. High Academic Decathlon Team always places in
the top ten in various subjects.
100% of our graduates tested are accepted into
Catholic High Schools - many with honors and
placement in advanced college preparatory courses.
Interactive technology such as Smartboards and
Quizdom are available to all classes.
Jr. High Performing Arts Program
Four organic gardens for students to incorporate
Science lessons
Affordable tuition with financial assistance available
818-353-1106
7324 Apperson St. - Tujunga
18
Mt. Lukens Students – Activism at its best
Eddy Vega decided to do something
about it.
Mt. Lukens students need to
complete a Student Service requirement in order to graduate and these
five took on the project of getting those
crosswalks painted – they wrote letters to Councilman Krekorian asking
for his support to get this done. Their
campaign was successful.
On Monday, June 13th Los Angeles Councilman Paul Krekorian and
three the five Mt Lukens’ High School
Eric Owens
Has it ever bothered you that
there were no crosswalks at the corner of Summitrose and Irma – right in
front of Mt. Lukens High School at the
southwest corner of the VHHS Campus – right where our school-bound
kids need to cross? Well it bothered
five students from Mt. Lukens too so
Gerardo Rangel, Dee Dee Reyna, Michael DeSantis, Ingrid Santillan, and
What Value do Students Get
from Doing Homework?
Gerardo Rangel, Michael DeSantis and
DeeDee Reyra (Ingrid Santillan and
Eddy Vega could not attend) held a
dedication of the crosswalks at the corner of Irma and Summitrose in Tujunga. Krekorian stated “The completion
of these sidewalks is a great example
of people speaking and standing up
for their communities - that will make
a huge difference and will help to save
lives.”
Paradise
Perfumes
& more
818-352-0696
Monday–Saturday 10–7
8125 Foothill Blvd. Sunland
dislike. The graduate who truly enjoys
learning is actually better prepared
and in a far better position than one
who has memorized the whole of his
textbooks.
With this in mind, the goal of
education should always be in the direction of helping children develop a
deep love of learning. Any homework
or teaching method that contributes to
a love of learning is appropriate and
acceptable.
To determine whether a particular piece of homework is “beneficial” or “dangerous,” try running
it through this list of questions to see
how it plays out:
Is it interesting?
Will students approach it with enthusiasm?
Will it stretch their imagination?
Will it get their creativity flowing?
Is it something they will happily
do?
If it answers up “no”, it is counterproductive to give it to students. If it
answers up “yes” you have a winner!
There is no doubt that if every child went through school filled
with wide-eyed wonder for the things
he or she studies, we would have a
world of geniuses.
Articles courtesy of Applied Scholastics Online
Academy: Contact us today at: registrar@appliedscholasticsonline.com Or call us at (951) 789-0224
Happy.
Motivated.
Individuals.
This year your child could:
• Learn to love algebra.
• Develop leadership skills.
• Acquire a love for great literature.
• Sing in a musical.
• Learn how to count change.
• Prepare for college.
• Learn how to use a dictionary.
• Build a LEGO® robot.
• Receive individual attention from
caring teachers.
• Learn to be a great team
member.
• Paint a masterpiece.
• Learn to study independently.
Limited
Enrollment
Call Now
(818) 583-1070
Delphi Academy and Preschool
Preschool Ages 2-4 • K-12 Ages 4-17
www.delphila.org
© 2011 Delphi Academy.™ All Rights Reserved. Delphi is licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services.
19
History Comes Alive at Sunland Elementary School
Beverly DeLuca
Last year Susie Hoard & Fran
Del Steele, 5th grade teachers at Sunland Elementary School completed an
intense, seven-day immersion study
into early American history at the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute
and, in so doing, earned their school a
treat! Last week 4th and 5th graders at
Sunland Elementary School were treated to a special assembly put on by performers and educators who travelled
all the way from Colonial Williamsburg, VA to Southern California for the
show.
The actors and educators,
dressed in period costume and in character throughout the assembly, portrayed Patrick Henry, Thomas Jeffer-
son and Miss Broyles, a local villager.
The presentation included a question
and answer period, but the questions
went both ways. Students were engaged, extremely well prepared, and
knowledgeable. They answered all the
questions about Early American History put to them by the presenters. Fifth
grade teacher, Susie Hoard also got
into the spirit by wearing her period
costume from Williamsburg and students were selected from the audience
to put on Colonial costumes as well.
This was the perfect way to
showcase all the students had learned
throughout the year during this living
history exercise and was a perfect kick
off for the 5th grade class trip to Riley’s
Farm, approximately 2 hours east of
Sunland, the following week.
Riley’s Farm is a working
apple orchard that does reenactments
of various aspects of Colonial life and
encourages student participation. The
students on the overnight trip arrived
about 5 pm & were greeted by “Living
Historians” (people dressed in authentic period clothing & speaking as if
they are in 1775).
The students learned how to
march and take orders in a regiment,
how to load and fire a “musket.”; how
to write with quills and how to dip
candles. Dinner was held in the tavern
and consisted of four courses of authentic Colonial fare.
There were toasts, music, and
a dancing demonstration. Finally, after
dessert, Patrick Henry made a rousing speech. The students slept on cots,
girls sleeping in the “barn” and boys in
a room under the tavern. In the morning, the students participated in a hike
& mock battle with the “British.”
Afterwards, they ate a hearty
breakfast, played a Colonial game
called Keeper of the Flame, and defended the tavern from the “British” (day trip students from another
school).
Then Students were placed in
‘townships’ and rotated through 7 sessions which included observing the
blacksmith, drilling as militia, participating in a scenario to learn about the
stamp act, experiencing the Admiralty
Court to see how “fair” trial was, understanding the Quartering Act by
grinding wheat, making dough, and
churning butter to feed British soldiers, weaving on looms, and playing
18th Century children’s games.
Finally, Patrick Henry (Mr. Jim
Riley) spoke during an inspiring closing ceremony and presented students
& teachers with awards. After a visit
to the mercantile post (gift shop), the
tired students, teachers, and parents
went home.
Delphi Academy’s 2011 Commencement a
Day of Pride and Accomplishment
The Delphi Academy
Class of 2011 held its Commencement Exercises on Saturday, June 11th at the school’s
beautiful outdoor plaza. Delphi’s
program
focuses not only on a high
standard of academics but on
teaching leadership skills as
well as ethics and responsibility. The High School program
tailors each student’s individualized program toward
whatever goals the student
strives for. This in turn, gives
them a head start to accomplishing what they want to in
life. “As some of you
know, I’m an artist.” Said
Danni Fischer-Shin of Sylmar. “After going to Delphi,
I’ve been accepted to my first
choice college, Otis College of
Art and Design, which I will
be attending this fall. I’ll also
receive almost $20,000 each
year to attend that college. I
can say with confidence that
I’ve achieved this goal, as well
as many others, because of
what I’ve gained at Delphi.”
“I realized with what
I’ve learned here, I can try
new things along the path to
my goals, and be successful in
them.” Said Rebecca Benest of
Shadow Hills. “My purpose
has evolved into something
that will carry me through life.
I am a leader and an ethical
person. Live is an evolution
and my path will always be
changing, but no matter where
I end up, I will be prepared
and successful.” Rebecca was
accepted to Depaul University
in Chicago with a $15,000 a
year scholarship.
“With everything I
have gained, I am now reaching for new heights.” Said Patrick Ho of Lake View Terrace
“When I first started here at
Delphi, I was shy and unmotivated, to say the least. Now I
stand before you today deter-
mined and inspired. With the
experiences I have gained during my time here at Delphi as
my foundation, I am confident
that I’m going to excel. Today,
a phase of my life has ended,
but a new one has just begun.
The sky is no longer the limit.”
Patrick was accepted to Cal
State Long Beach, CSU Fresno
and CSU Santa Cruz.
For more information on Delphi
contact Joan Roeschke at (818) 583-1070
and visit www.DelphiLA.org
20
EXECUTIVE LIVING IN SUNLAND VILLAGE!
House For Sale
SALLY HALL
(DRE # 00921458)
(DRE #01463634)
(DRE #01463634)
818 352-8935
SallyC21@aol.com
www.SallyHallC21.com
CREST
Affordable 2 Bedroom Townhome
with Newer Roof, freshly painted interior, new carpet.
End unit. Move in Condition. Double Garage. 2 pools
and 2 tennis courts. Call Sally to View this Property at
$195,000
(818) 352-8935.
7352 Foothill Blvd.
1800 Sq Ft remodeled 3 bdrm, 3 bath house with a large 3 car
garage. Wood laminate and carpet flooring. Kitchen with granite
countertops and built-ins and a separate washer/dryer area. Master
bedroom includes an adjoining master bath with spa tub, glassed in
shower and double sink vanity area. Property is fully fenced and
includes an enclosed dog run.
Call Fran and Ray for viewing appointment.
“Good People Doing a Good Job”
THIS IS A WINNER!
Tujunga
SALLY HALL
(DRE # 00921458)
818 352-8935
SallyC21@aol.com
www.SallyHallC21.com
AVAILABLE FOR RENT OR LEASE
300 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft. – $1.25 per sq. ft.
For office or temporary storage with climate control
Walking distance to restaurants and shopping
Joselito’s, Tori Yen, Steel Pit, and New Plaza
818-415-6884
Looking to Sell or Lease
Your Home for Top Dollar?
Call Us!
818-951-7053
818-352-8731
Real Estate
Division
Property Management
Division
Full Service Real Estate Brokerage & Property Management
FREE RENTAL LIST ALWAYS AVAILABLE
Get a free market report of the local realestate trends
www SunlandTujungaRealEstate.com
Joan Slater, Broker
DRE #01219907
INC
And Property Management
www.SlaterRealty.com
www.SunlandTujungaReal Estate.com
Realtors!
Take Advantage
of Our
Real Deal!
SELL YOUR LISTINGS FAST
$35.00 for
Real Estate Classifieds
Call Sandy
10,000 Distributed
818-397-3835
in Sunland-Tujunga
or email
and surrounding areas adsales@voiceofthevillage.org
CREST
This 3 Bedroom / 2 Full Bath Home
is located in a quiet area in North Sunland. Less than a Block
from Walking Trails. Beautiful Views. "Just a Chip Shot" from
Angeles National Golf Course. Well Maintained Front and Back
Yards. Fruit Trees. Private Patio Plus Spa. Updated Heating and
Electrical. Central Air. Freshly Painted. Move-in Condition!
Call Sally to View this Property at (818) 352-8935.
$369,000
Coming Soon! Brand New Construction!
4 bedroom 4 bath custom home with views!
Prime Tujunga location.
Call me for more information!
Just Listed!!!
3 lots for sale in Shadow Hills with
breathtaking golf course and mountain views!
Build your dream home!!! Priced to SELL!!!
Kathryn Aintablian Broker/Owner
www.therealtyconnectioncalif.com
kaintablian@ca.rr.com
Lic# 01387540
Office (818) 353-5050
Cel.
(818) 653-9626
Fax
(818) 353-5151
Thinking of selling or leasing your property?
We are closing deals in our current market.
Please call me for a free market valuation
and custom marketing plan to sell or lease
your property for TOP dollar
Kathryn Aintablian Broker/Owner
www.therealtyconnectioncalif.com
kaintablian@ca.rr.com
Lic# 01387540
Office (818) 353-5050
Cel.
(818) 653-9626
Fax
(818) 353-5151
21
SHOP THE ROCK
You Can Help Too!
Many of our local businesses and organizations have
contributed to our wonderful 4th of July events.
If you would like to help support the
Fireworks at the High School you can!
just log in and pay online at:
https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cm
d=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=C272XX53G
or mail a check to:
P O BOX 4323
Sunland Ca 91041
All Proceeds go to the VHHS Programs
Love,
hope,
success,
family,
security.
Victoria Benedek Luskin, Agent
Insurance Lic. #: 0753370
8340 Foothill Blvd.
Sunland, CA 91040
Bus: 818-353-8518
1003065
Some things we all
have in common.
There’s nobody like me to
protect the things we all value.
Like a good neighbor,
State Farm® is there.
CALL ME TODAY.
State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL
Classified Ads
EMPLOYMENT WANTED
New CSUN grad with 2nd BA in journalism seeks job, temp or perm. Great
computer skills. Willing to relocate.
(818) 738-3951
$10 - 5 lines
$2 each line after
818-397-3835
adsales@voiceofthevillage.org
Experienced Bookkeeper and Certified QuickBooks advisor at your
service. 1st hour FREE. Please call
Jefferson (818) 738-8436
YARD SALE:
Fri & Sat 7/8 and 7/9 from 8 am
to 2 p.m. Clothing (kids/women/
men), furniture, kitchen stuff,and
lots of junk…Everything goes,
this is last sale. 7047 Shadygrove,
Tujunga between Pinewood and
Marcus / Tele: (818) 353-5470.
22
Service Clubs
Verdugo Hills Family YMCA Poised to Impact Community
Carig Strazzeri
People feel strongest obligation to effect
change in their Communities according to the Y Community Snapshot – a national survey conducted by
the Y to better understand how Americans feel about
their communities today – the majority of people in
the West (66 percent) say the current quality of their
community is worse than it was a year ago. Among
the chronic issues Westerners are worried about in
their communities: crime and violence (63 percent);
access to quality healthcare (42 percent); poverty (47
percent) and negative youth behaviors (42 percent).
Coming out of one of the longest and most
severe economic recessions since the Great Depression, local regions are cautiously optimistic that their
community and the issues that matter most in their
communities will improve. But with that concern
comes a feeling of obligation, and people across the
country are looking for ways to make positive personal and social change.
In a uniquely American spirit, people in local regions ranked themselves, along with family and
other community members, as having the biggest
obligation (33 percent) and greatest opportunity (29
percent) to effect change in their community – even
more so than federal, state or local governments. And
Westerners are walking the walk by getting involved
to make a difference – a full 69 percent reported having contributed goods or services in the last year and
nearly two-thirds (59 percent) have donated money
to a worthy organization.
As we continue to rebound, people in the
West want more ways to contribute to their communities – so they can play a distinct role in making
meaningful change. And they are turning to organizations like the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA, a nonprofit committed to strengthening communities, in
part, by giving people the opportunity to give back
and support their neighbors – through nurturing the
potential of kids, improving the nation’s health and
getting involved in community strengthening efforts.
The Sunland Women’s Club has been
long time supporter of the Verdugo Hills Family
YMCA. Over the years, not only have the ladies contributed their services in making a positive impact to
the youth and families in our community, they have
also contributed over $200,000 to the YMCA. In fact,
the Y’s pool enclosure is in large part a product of the
generosity of these ladies contributions. Recently, Rich Goeden, a member of the Y
Kiwanis honors Dave Hall
Bob Warren
On May 22, 2011, at the Angeles National
Golf Course in Sunland, the Western Division of
Kiwanis International (California, Nevada, and Hawaii) held its annual visit for the Lt. Governor of the
Division.
Past President and current Vice President of
the Kiwanis Club of Sunland-Tujunga, Dave Hall of
Century 21 Crest, was nominated by President Bob
Warren to receive the ”Distinguished Service Award”
plaque in appreciation for his many of community
service with Kiwanis in the Sunland-Tujunga area.
Lt. Governor, Tom Millham, made the official visit to congratulate some of Division 3 and 25
members, including Dave. Special announcements
and gifts were given to”future Kiwanians” from programs that include the K-Kids Club – for elementary
school kids, the Builders Club – for middle school
students, , Key Club – the largest high school service
club in the world, Circle K – for university/college
students and Aktion Clubs – helping adults living
with disabilities.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to changing the world one child and
one community at a time. Our members develop
youth as leaders, build playgrounds and raise funds
for pediatric research. We help shelter the homeless,
feed the hungry, mentor the disadvantaged and care
for the sick. Working together, members achieve what
one person cannot accomplish alone. And along the
way, club members share friendship and laughter.
The Sunland-Tujunga Club meets every other Tuesday evening at Joselito’s West Mexican Restaurant in
Tujunga.
If you would be interested in attending a meeting to find out what
Kiwanis is all about, please call Bob Warren at 818-262-7916 or Dave
Hall at 818-381-6123.
and retired Cal Tech Engineer, discovered that the Ys
pool roof was in disrepair and offered to volunteer
his time and talents in figuring out a way to repair
the pool roof and engineer a way to automate the
opening and closing of the panels. “Rich was a Godsend” said John Loussararian, Executive Director of
the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA. “Without Rich’s
generous offer to help with engineering a solution,
and the Sunland Womens Club generously donating
$1,000 to fund the research and development of this
project, the Y would not have the resources to make
the necessary repairs.” These are great examples of
people in our community who have taken the opportunity to give back to their community and support
their neighbors.
With 500,000 volunteers nationwide, the Y is
a nonprofit like no other. Ys across the country offer
a variety of opportunities to volunteer, give back and
take an active role in making personal and lasting
change – to improve our communities and the quality of life for kids, neighbors and individuals. We
want more people in the West to join us in this important cause – with the goal of helping themselves
and their communities thrive.
The Y would like to encourage your readers to get involved at the
Verdugo Hills Family YMCA.
LEOS Teen BlackOut Dance Saved
by Elks Lodge
Marynance Schellenbach
The July 1st LEO’s monthly Black Out Dance
was in jeopardy of being cancelled, due to repairs
needed on the Sunland Park Recreation Center’s
floor. Luckily for our local teens the Elks Lodge
stepped up and offered their location for the dance
on July 1 from 7-10 pm. The Lodge is located at 10137
Commerce Ave. in Tujunga. The admission fee is $5.
According to Earl Bourchard, director of
the Elk’s Lodge, the venue is traditionally used for
ballroom dancing and local bingo games but Earl
jumped at the chance to let the next generation use
the space for their popular Black Out Dance.
The Dance is fast becoming a must-attend
social event for our 12-17 year old youths, who can
enjoy socializing and dancing with their peers to the
latest music in a safe, clean environment. Proceeds
from the dance are used to help with local community projects and charities.
Parents get the benefit of 3 hours (7-10 pm)
of freedom to go out for dinner or take in a movie
knowing that their kids are having fun while being
supervised by the Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club volunteers. Parents are asked to make sure their teens
are picked up promptly at 10 p.m.
If you would like to volunteer to help at the dance or would like
more information, please call Lion Frank Elms at 818-640-1187.
---- Back to School Special ----
23
Little Landers Historical
Happy 4th of July, from
Society Participates in the your Foothill Optimist Club
Blue Star Museum Project
Phillip Bonk
Lynn Lowry
Monday May 30, 2011 was
the launch of the nationwide Blue
Star Museum Project. This project is
a partnership among more than 1300
museums, the National Endowment
for the Arts (NEA), and the Blue Star
Families, an organization that supports
active duty military families. This NEA
project recognizes and thanks our military families for all they are doing for
our country and begins young people
on the path to becoming lifelong museumgoers.
In 2010, the inaugural year for
the project, more than 300,000 military
family members visited the Blue Star
Project partner museums. Bolton Hall
Museum is proud to join the project
this year.
Throughout the summer, our
museum exhibit and events will pay
tribute to the long history of military
service and wartime efforts in Sunland-Tujunga.
Monday July 4, 2011 the museum will have special hours, we will be
open from 12noon until 3:00pm. Stop
by and visit with some of the “historical characters” from the 4th of July Parade.
We hope to see all of you in the
museum this summer.
Above anything else, The Club
would like to pay tribute, say thanks,
and pass along our prayers to all our
troops around the world. We believe our country was
blessed from the very start. Being able
to express our thoughts and Optimistic news in this wonderful newspaper
is truly a blessing. A million thanks to
The Voice of the Village. Our pursuit of
happiness thru service and friendship
in our community is what we are here
for!
The Optimists along with Mr.
Dean Schachtel have been able to ar-
range for the donation of 20 thousand
dollars of gym equipment to the Optimist Boys Home in Eagle Rock. This
facility is our major project. The Boys
home has given opportunity to hundreds of youths the chance to steer
their lives in the right direction.
The Foothill Optimist Club is
always excited to support many charities and help whenever called on.
Have a happy and thankful 4th of
July. If you would like to become a member or join
us in our events, call Phil Bonk at 818-353-9589 or
tvphil2@yahoo.com
Additional information is available from Lynn
Lowry at the Little Landers Historical Society, (818)
352-3420 or email: littlelanders@verizon.net.
Rotary President Predicts Future
Richard Stewart
I have a complaint - With 3
psychic readers and fortune tellers in
Sunland-Tujunga, you would think at
least one of them would have warned
us about the Station Fire. And I know
of at least 3 or 4 families that would
have liked a “heads-up” before their
house was flooded with mud.
Common courtesy would
have provoked any one of the 3 local
psychics, you would think, to tip me
off about the mortgage prices a few
years ago and I wouldn’t have had to
short sell my house on La Tuna.
What good are these guys any
way in our town? They can do some
community work, just like the rest of
us.
OK. I guess I am probably asking too much. Maybe the warnings
came to those who paid their $20.00
and I shouldn’t be so hard on them.
Not to worry, I’ve decided to
take the future into my own hands
anyway.
I have purchased my own crystal ball at our very own Dollar Store,
next to Starbucks and I have seen the
future for Sunland-Tujunga! You will
be happy to know that the future for
Sunland-Tujunga looks very bright indeed.
In case you are doubting the
accuracy of the future I have seen with
my own eyes, I have the crystal ball in
front of me next to my keyboard. I will
simply gaze again and tell you what I
see:
I see a Target store at the old
Home Depot location. Can you believe
it? Yay!
I see clean streets and freshly
painted storefronts along Foothill Blvd
with no weeds and trash; isn’t that
great?
I see the Rotary Club’s amazing Fourth of July parade with our
own Dan McManus as the Grand Marshall. And there are Hometown Heroes
Banners up and down Foothill Blvd.
I see Fireworks galore, with
music and a huge crowd celebrating
our nation’s birthday at Verdugo Hills
High School.
And Holy Mollie! There’s
Governor Jerry Brown shaking hands
with Marynance Schellenbach in Sunland Park. It looks like he is giving her
a proclamation congratulating her on
the Lions Club’s 50th year of the everexpanding Watermelon Festival!
And can it be true, I see an
AMC movie theatre on Foothill, I
think. It’s a little blurry. No, I see the
line and it looks like a blockbuster. The
marquis says “Hangover VII”.
And look! The best news yet!
I see a local newspaper with a large
headline, “Truce Declared, Harmony
in Community.” Now that is a future
we can all be proud of.
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24
Chamber of Commerce President’s Message - July 2011
Sonia Tatulian
4th of July Events -The S-T Chamber is joining several other community groups to prepare and
coordinate our 4th of July Celebration. There will be
a parade this year and if you are interested in participating in the parade, you need to contact Ellis
Robertson with the Rotary Club at 818 352-3671 to
get an application and additional information. The
Sunland-Tujunga, Shadow Hills Community Fund is
also working with the Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council to sponsor the fireworks display at Verdugo Hills High School, which promises to be as excellent as last years. Other organizations and school
groups are getting ready to provide food, games,
music and fun for the whole family. Please plan to
attend and support your community. Ticket sales
for this event go into the community fund that the
High School groups can use in the next school term
to match up to $400 with fundraising monies. In the
past, the community fund has assisted with a variety of school group needs, including sporting equipment, uniforms, transportation to offsite events, and
more. Your support of this event is appreciated and
continues to fund our high school students and their
many needs.
Honorary Mayor’s Race - Don’t miss the 4th
of July Firework Event being held at the Verdugo
Hills High School on the Football field where the
winner of the Sunland-Tujunga Honorary Mayor
Race will be announced.
Ray Moon – sponsored by American Legion
Post 377
Jim Saurer – sponsored by Sunland-Tujunga
Elks Lodge
Al Timins—sponsored by Rotary Club of
Sunland Tujunga
Chamber’s July Mixer - July 20th – Join us
as our Chamber of Commerce co-hosts our monthly
mixer from 6 to 8 PM at American Legion, Post 377,
located at 10039 Pinewood Avenue. in Tujunga. Enjoy some great food, fun and raffle gifts while you
mix and mingle with our local community business
owners and representatives.
Quarterly Roundtable Session - On July 26th
the Chamber will host their next quarterly roundtable session. We have received confirmation of attendance from the representatives from the offices of
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Buck McKeon and the LAPD. This is an excellent opportunity
for attendees to share their concerns and learn more
about the upcoming changes that may affect our
community. Please RSVP to the Chamber office by
calling 818 352-4433 to save a seat. This event will
take place at the Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge, located at 10137 Commerce Avenue, in Tujunga and lunch
will be served with a $10 donation.
Beautification Of Local Business - The Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce is joining the
Council District Office #2 in a beautification of one of
our local business areas. Read more detail in a separate article in this issue.
Chamber Board Members Resign - After
more than twenty years serving on the SunlandTujunga Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors,
Kathy Anthony of Kathy’s Kreations and Joan Slater of Slater Realty resigned from the Board. Kathy
served as President of the Chamber five times in
1995, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2001 and Joan served as
President in 1994. Several accomplishments were
made during their tenure with the Chamber Board,
such as arranging for tree planting on Foothill Blvd.
from Lowell to Sunland Park, starting Casino Night
at the Elk’s Lodge, bringing back the 4th of July fireworks, obtaining a $3 million grant for landscaping
the 210 Freeway on and off ramp, overseeing the
Easter Carnival for more than 20 years and Joan’s
personal involvement in compiling the contents for a
community cookbook as a fundraiser for the Chamber of Commerce, this cookbook included a 35 page
history of Sunland-Tujunga with several pictures.
Both Kathy and Joan are proud to have been a large
part of these and many other accomplishments while
members of the Chamber Board. On behalf of the
community of Sunland-Tujunga and the Chamber
Board of Directors, we want to sincerely thank both
Kathy and Joan for their many years of services and
accomplishments for the benefit of our Foothill area.
Office Hours - Your Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce office is open Monday through
Thursday from 8 am to 12 noon.. For further information about the events and activities going on in
the Foothill Community, please check our website at
www.STChamber.com under the community calendar tab.
As always, we encourage the Sunland Tujunga community to utilize the products and services
provided by our local businesses and organizations,
remember to
“Shop on the Rock”
American Legion Events Kick off Summer 2011
by playing taps on her trumpet. Many
thanks to Mike Lohman who bought
the wreath.
Following the ceremony, several members of our community joined
us at the Legion, where Steve Rundle
BBQ’d hamburgers and hot dogs. Marilyn Straight and Tillie Hollister did a
beautiful job of decorating the tables,
Joan Slater offered up her red cabbage
salad and Sandy Murray donated her
Potato Salad and Cole Slaw.
Katie O’Brien
Memorial Day Highlights - A
soft wind blew as over 150 members of
our community joined our Legion and
Auxiliary in commemorating com-
rades who have given their lives for
our country. Scout Troop 315 posted
the colors and Mark Freeman offered
the opening and closing prayers. Marine Sgt. Gino Ferone was there in
uniform as our flags were lowered to
half-staff.
Post Commander Pat O’Brien
officiated the ceremony and rang the
bell as he read off each war. Art Otten
delivered a moving speech on POWs
and read the names of members of
our community who had fought and
died in wars. Evie Calvin recited a
poem “Freedom isn’t Free” and Kelly
O’Brien sang and stepped in for Tally
Casino Night - The air was
filled with excitement as the night
began and the excitement increased
throughout the evening. Ed Reagan,
Art Busse, Jessica Wyckoff and Judy
Updike were downstairs preparing
the dinner of roast beef, chicken, green
bean casserole, a variety of salads and
strawberry desserts. Sandy Murray
tended bar downstairs, with Kay Klark
upstairs and Susie Mullin as our cocktail waitress.
Jana Ace Wunderlich from
Podley Properties Real Estate was our
Money Hat Lady. Brenda Stewart and
Annette Davis won the Money. Sharon Yoho from Century 21 won the flat
screen TV in the Sponsor Raffle; Tawnya Gartside accepted it for her from
Co-Casino Chairperson, Joan Slater of
Slater Realty.
Post Commander Pat O’Brien
was our Pit Boss with Mike Perry, Suzanne Paine, Sandra Poppink, Mark
Freeman, Regina DaVanzo as just a few
of our many dealers. Kathy Anthony
& Joan Slater Co-Chaired the event as
members of our Legion, Auxiliary, and
friends of the Post all pulled together
to make this the biggest, best and most
enjoyable event, surpassing all other
previous fundraisers.
25
Church News
Our Lady of Lourdes Rose Cottage Pre-School
celebrates Grand opening and Blessing
Pat Livingston
How many people does it take
to open a preschool? In the case of the
Our Lady of Lourdes Rose Cottage
Preschool, there were so many dedicated folks and families whose time,
talent, and treasure made the school a
reality that their names had to be listed
on a 42-foot banner and hung on the
outside wall.
They were all celebrated on
June 5, 2011, when Father Freddie
Chua, Pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes,
and Lois Higgins, Preschool Director,
officially opened and blessed the new
facility.
Adjacent to the parish’s hall at
10267 Tujunga Canyon Blvd., the OLL
Rose Cottage Preschool is set up in a
lovely home that has been completely
renovated to meet the State of California’s regulations for a preschool. Special thanks went to the OLL Knights
of Columbus, OLL Columbian Society,
Paul Lindsey, Steve Finney, Andre Vitti, Martin Hernandez, Harry Acosta,
Steven Boyd, John Dottore, Holly Kelly, David Lund, Jeff and Alex Persky,
Doug Rhodes and many others who
made the renovation a success.
Father Freddie, Lois Higgins,
Kathleen Jones, school principal, Steve
Morin, newly assigned school principal, welcomed over one hundred
guests to the ceremony which began
with a blessing. Before Father Freddie
blessed the entire site, he commented,
“The difference in our preschool is that
the word of Christ is proclaimed every
day through all we do.”
The program included the
Information is available from Lois Higgins at
818-352-4455 or ollrosecottage@verizon.net.
FRIDAY NIGHT BINGO
UR
OF
Y
D
LA
LOURDE’S S
CHO
O
L
O
Western Anglicans Rt. Rev.
Bishop Bill Thompson to Visit
St. Luke’s Anglican Church
dedication of the memorial garden to
Michael Vacca, late son of Tony and
Marguerite Vacca, long time parishioners of OLL, who attended with the
entire Vacca family. Kathleen Jones
said, “Michael’s goal was to help children discern their gifts and talents
while deepening their friendship with
our Blessed Mother. We want to always honor his memory here at the
preschool.”
Continuing to the back yard,
the staff and the Boy Scouts 215 raised
the flag on the new flagpole installed
by Paul Lindsey. Then the first graduating class of 5 students were called
forth to receive their diplomas. Lois
Higgins presented awards to the special helpers and finally all attendees
were invited to put their handprints on
tiles that would eventually go on the
preschool wall as “Handprints for History.”
Special guests included Sister Imelda D’Agostino, Archdiocesan
Coordinator of Preschools, Heather
O’Connor, Paul Krekorian’s representative, and Louis Alvarado, Honorary Mayor of Griffith Park who commented, “This is an example of what a
community working together can do.
It’s all about community, compassion,
and love. It’s what we all should be
doing!”
Guests are welcome to tour
the Our Lady of Lourdes Rose Cottage
Preschool anytime.
Lic. #R1013
•
•
•
•
•
•
Kay Wisdom
St. Luke’s Anglican Church
will welcome the Rt. Rev. Bishop Bill
Thompson of the Diocese of Western Anglicans to its Sunday worship
services on July 17. St. Luke’s hosts
Bishop Thompson annually and anticipates a joyous gathering as the Bishop delivers an inspiring message of
abiding faith. Bishop Thompson was
consecrated as Bishop of the Diocese
of Western Anglicans on October 31,
2009 and has been Rector of All Saints
Church in Long Beach since 1975.
During Bishop Thompson’s
visit to St. Luke’s last year, he confirmed, received and re-affirmed a
large group of youth and adult church
members. In March of this year, Bishop
Thompson led Kingdom Conference,
Diocese of Western Anglicans’ first
Anglican conference held over 1-1/2
days in Irvine. Nearly 500 clergy and
laity throughout Southern California
and from outside California attended
the event. The conference’s keynote
speaker was world-renowned evangelist Canon Dr. Michael Green, Wycliffe
Hall, Oxford Theologian and author of
more than 50 Christian books.
St. Luke’s invites the community to attend its weekly Sunday
worship services at 8:00 and 10:15 am
at the Seventh Day Adventist Church
Chapel, 300 Vallejo Dr., Glendale.
For more information, please check the website,
www.stlukesanglican.org or contact Parish Administrator Kay Wisdom, at (818) 249-5100 or kay@
stlukesanglican.org
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26
New Principle at Our Lady of Lourdes School
Sonya Marquez
Changes are coming for the
2011-2012 school year at Our Lady of
Lourdes. Mr. Steve Morin, longtime
school employee, will take the reigns
as principal as health issues have
forced Mrs. Kathleen Jones to step
down. After 8 years, Mrs. Jones is sad
to resign her position as principal but
is confident that OLL is in good hands
with local Sunland/Tujunga resident,
Steve Morin. He has held various positions at the school over the past 27
years: 7th & 8th grade teacher, Student
Council Moderator, Administrative
Assistant, Technology, Science Fair and
Decathlon Coordinators and just about
any other job that a small private school
needs. You can find Mr. Morin on campus nearly every day of the week. He
attended local schools, Apperson Elementary, Mt. Gleason Middle and
Verdugo High. Morin became a parishioner many years ago and was married
at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which
he says, has “always been my home.
That’s where my heart is.” He sent his
children to OLL School where his wife
is also an alumna.
Mr. Steve Morin is pleased and
proud to “continue Kathleen’s dream”
of making OLL the best educational ex-
perience for our kids. Steve said Mrs.
Jones set strong goals and a steady
plan for the school, teachers, students
and families. He said because of these
plans she has made it easy for him to
take over.
Mr. Morin said his focus will
be on two areas this year. The first is to
concentrate on basic academic needs.
This includes support for teacher
needs and keeping open communications between teachers and parents to
ensure each child is prepared for the
next level. He also plans on starting a
K-8th grade writing program that will
document student progress year to
year.
His second area of concentration is to continue the excellent Character Counts program; teaching students
to be more respectful and courteous to
adults. And finally, overall, Mr. Morin’s focus is to keep on “building up
our fine school”.
Students affectionately call Mr.
Morin, Grandpa Morin as he recently
became a grandfather for the first time.
Jr. High students are especially close
to Mr. Morin as he works with them
in Decathlon, Student Council and in
earning service hours. He puts those
kids to work to earn his special Morin Treats (usually an In-N-Out milkshake). He is the school’s biggest fan,
attending every sporting even, every
speech/debate tournaments, plays,
assemblies, talent shows, carnivals,
concerts and any event the children
put on. OLL families and staff seem
pleased with the assignment of their
new principal and are looking forward
to a great year for their children.
Congratulations Mr. Steve Morin, Our Lady of Lourdes School Principal!
For more information about Our Lady of
Lourdes School, Character Counts and the Learning
Expectations programs, please visit their website at
http://www.ourladyoflourdes.us/school.
Our Lady of Lourdes Food Bank now Open for
Those in Need
Eric Owens
Father Freddie and members of the Tujunga Girls’
Scout Troop #14316 (Sidney Polzin, Madeline Lopez, Erica
Dennis and Lauryn De La Lastra) joined those dozen or so
in attendance for the June 4th inauguration ceremony and
blessing for the new food pantry called ‘The Pasture’ which
was founded by Youth Leader Anthony Ortiz-Luis at the Our
Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Tujunga.
Non-perishable items include: small to large boxes
of cereal; baking goods; pancake mix; baby food; jelly and
peanut butter; canned fruit, soup, beans, veggies, meat and
dinners; dry soup, rice and beans; pasta; side dishes (sample
would be Mac-n-Cheese); snacks and beverages.
If you are in need of canned food and household
products, the pantry will be open every first and third Saturdays of every month from 9am – noon. The Pasture is located
in the main parking lot just west of the main auditorium in
a modular that use to house the youth ministry offices. And
finally, if you want to donate non-perishable items, bring it
by the parish office today.
Church of Scientology of Pasadena Recognized for Historica Presevation
Staff Reports
The City of Pasadena honored
the Church of Scientology of Pasadena
on May 18 with a 2011 Historic Preservation Award. At the awards ceremony,
held as part of the city’s observance of
National Historic Preservation Month,
Assemblyman Anthony J. Portantino
also presented the Church with a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the
California State Assembly.
The Church, which was dedicated and opened its doors in the heart
of Old Pasadena on July 19, 2010, was
acknowledged for “preserving the rich
architectural history of Pasadena” in
the rehabilitation of the four-story,
58,000-square-foot structure originally
constructed in 1906. Attention to detail included the refurbishing of the
building’s Beaux Arts exterior and
skylighted galleria and extended to the
Church’s Arts & Crafts-style furnishings and stained-glass windows.
The renovation also addressed
environmental issues and the new
Church meets LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design)
certification standards for environment-friendly building materials, energy equipment, lighting systems and
reduced water consumption.
Eden Stein, President of the
Church of Scientology of Pasadena,
accepted the award and Certificate of
Recognition on behalf of the more than
1,500 Scientology parishioners who
contributed to the purchase and renovation of the new Church.
“We are honored to be recognized with this Historic Preservation
Award,” said Stein. “Acquiring and
restoring the building was a labor
of love. Our new use for this legacy
property makes it possible for U.S. to
bring our social betterment and humanitarian programs to the community, working in close cooperation with
other community and civic groups to
address important issues in Pasadena,
and to better serve our parishioners.”
Scientology was founded by
author and philosopher L. Ron Hubbard. The first Church of Scientology
was formed in Los Angeles in 1954
and has expanded to more than 9,000
Churches, Missions and affiliated
groups, with millions of members in
165 countries.
More information about the Church of Scientology Pasadena, visit www.scientologynews.org/
press-releases/scientology-church-pasadena-opening.
html
27
Announcements
Celebrate with our Neighbors - The City of
Burbank Presents The Party of the Century!
On the 100th anniversary of its incorporation, Friday, July 8 from 5:00 to
10:00 P.M. the City of Burbank will celebrate its 100th year with the Party of the
Century in Downtown Burbank.
Featuring awesome food from Downtown Burbank restaurants, an air
parade, multiple stages, top local bands and DJs, a mascot parade, children’s
entertainers, stilt walkers, Centennial memorabilia and community booths, the
Party of the Century will be the ultimate night on the town for kids and families alike.
Encompassing six city blocks including San Fernando Boulevard,
Palm Avenue, AMC Walkway, Orange Grove and Olive Avenue, it will express
the civic pride and community spirit that have characterized Burbank’s first
100 years. Things will really heat up when the sun goes down. That’s when the
grand finale with a stunningly choreographed firework show will cap festivities in a profusion of light and sound.
For further information, the public is asked to please call 818.238.5180 or visit www.downtownburbank.org
Free Disaster Preparedness Training
Our World Wide Famous L.A. City Disaster Preparedness Unit offers this
training free of charge. This one day a week — seven week light instruction and
training program teaches how to care for your family and your neighbors in the
event of a natural disaster until professional help is available.
You will be given a introduction to Earthquake Awareness, learn Disaster Fire Suppression Techniques, Disaster Medical Operation, light Search and
Rescue, Team Organization & Disaster Psychology and Terrorism & Homeland
Defense.
Beginning Date: 7 Tuesdays, August 23
Time: 7 PM - 9 PM
Location: Sunland-Tujunga Elks Lodge
10137 Commerce Ave., Tujunga
Everyone 18 years and older will be issued a certificate at the conclusion
the training and is eligible to join the “Official” LAPD CERT Team and can sign
up for the Volunteer “CERT Call Out Team”, as well as other community CERT
organizations. Training is also available for certification at high levels, such as
Incident Commander.
For information or questions, visit: www.CERT-LA.com or call 8lS-95l-74ll
Sponsors: STNC Safety Committee, S-T Elks Lodge 2098
Free programs at the SunlandTujunga Branch Library
…for the young and the young at heart, your Library presents these special programs this summer. Join us for the fun, it’s free!
Name That Tune? Check your knowledge of songs! Give us the name of
the singer or group. Win a prize! - Tuesdays June 7, 21 & July 5, 2011, at 3:00–4:00
pm
Sun Watch: Join the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers Observe the Sun
and other heavenly objects. - Saturdays June 11, July 9 & Aug. 13, 2011, at 3:00–
5:00 pm.
Magician Lawrence Stanfield takes you to the Mysterious world of Magic - Thursday June 23, 2011, 3pm.
“We Were There” drawing contest. Draw the place of your dream! Win a
prize - Tuesday June 28, 2011, 3:00–4:00 pm.
Put Music in Your Life! - Tuesday July 12, 2011, 2:30-3:30pm
Henna Tattoos with Russell Chan - July 21, 2011 3:30-4:30pm
The “Eagle Spirit Dancers” present the North American Indian Songs
and Dances - Aug. 4, 2011 4:00pm
Grand Finale – Movie and make your own ice cream sundae - Aug. 11,
2011 3:00pm
July poetry readings at Flintridge
Bookstore and Coffeehouse:
Sunday, July 10, 3-5 P.M.: Carol Lem, reading from her books “Gathering the Pieces” and “The Shadow of the Plum”, and offering CDs of her poems
accompanied by shakuhachi (Japanese end-blown flute) musician Masakazu Yoshizawa
Sunday, July 17, 3-5 P.M.: Moonday East presents Washington state poet
Allen Braden
Vacation Bible School Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley, 818-767-4488, is offering a
free Vacation Bible School the week of July 25 - 29 from 9 AM to noon for all kids
in grades K - 8th. Enjoy new friends, amazing crafts, wild games, delicious snacks, adventurous Bible stories, and fun music! Call to register in advance or just show up.
Extended day care is also available through our on-site Community Center (fees
apply, call 818-767-1650).
First Aid & CPR Class by a Fire
Department Professionals
Don’t Miss This Opportunity! Date: Saturday, August 27; Time: 8 AM —
12 PM; Location: S-T Elks Lodge 2098, 11034 Commerce Ave. Tujunga; Fee: $25.00
total for both classes
Check it this out, this is the deal of a lifetime! It will also include training
for babies if needed. The classes will follow each other. We need 25 students in
order to hold them. If you are already certified, check the expiration date on your
for both categories to see if they will be renew.
Bring a self-addressed stamped envelope with you to the first class. The
instructor will mail your completion certificate from the Red Cross to you.
Checks should made out to “Truck N Ladder” and mailed to the STNC
at 7747 Foothill Blvd, Tujunga Ca. 91042, Ref. Safety.
Sponsors: STNC Safety Committee, S-T Elks Lodge, S-T SERVS
Sunland-Tujunga Community Open
Aire Farmers Market is Moving
Mark your calendars - Starting July 10, 2011 come shop with us at Our
Lady of Lourdes Church, 7344 Apperson St. Tujunga, 91042 every Sunday from
9am to 3pm.
Open Year-Round, we feature Farm Fresh Fruits & Veggies — Jumpers,
Hot Food, Appetizing Sweets, Arts & Crafts, Antiques, Collectables, Novelties &
Knickknacks
If you are a vendor - Sell Your New or Used Stuff Here! Open Aire Spaces
From $25.
Vendors are needed - Call Manny @ 818.447.5191
VHHS Summer Pool Schedule
We do have a public swimming pool in town – on the Verdugo Hills
High School campus at the corner of Hillhurst and Irma in Tujunga. Here is the
schedule: Enjoy!
Pool opens June 25th from 1-5
Registration June 26 10am
First and last week open 2-6
All weekends 1-5
Pool closes August 28th
Save the Golf Course Fundraiser La Cabanita Mexican Restaurant
On Thursday, July 7th from 10am - 10pm La Cabanita Mexican Restaurant 3445-47 North Verdugo Road in Glendale, (near the Montrose Shopping Park) will donate a portion of your purchase to Save the Golf Course.
Stop by, enjoy a great meal and put you receipt in the ‘Save the Golf Course’
box – That’s all there is too it; so mark July 7th on your calendar!
Thank you, La Cabanita, for your continuing support of the golf course and our communities
Tuesday Table Talk On Tuesday, July 5, Bethel Church, 10725 Penrose St., Sun Valley, 818767-4488, will offer a showing of the video “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” preceded by a potluck supper.
The potluck starts at 6:30 PM; the video starts at 7:15 followed by dessert
and discussion at about 9:15. In this film, the youngest Pevensie offspring take
an unexpected trip back to Narnia and join noble King Caspian for an epic highseas adventure. Setting sail aboard the Dawn Treader, the young heroes head for
the end of the world, determined to rescue seven once-powerful lords banished
by Caspian’s evil uncle. Free.
Sierra Club says “Come Picnic with Us”
The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club invites the community to our annual gathering and hike on July 9th at 8:00 am at the Deukmejian Wilderness Park,
located at 3429 Markridge, between Dunsmore and New York Avenues in La
Crescenta. The Party is on us -- Good Food, Good Company and a short hike to a
place of interest. Brunch will be served at 9:00 am.
Contact Wayne Fisher at 818 353-4181 for more information.
28
Town Hall Meeting - Mortgage Problems, Foreclosure or Bankruptcy?
You are cordially invited to attend this “free” event! Our panel of experts
will be there to answer your questions. Know what your options are! We’ll tell
you what the banks don’t want you to know!
This “free” event will be held at The Burbank Central Library, 110 North
Glenoaks Blvd., Burbank on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 at 6:30 P.M..
Learn about Foreclosures & Short Sales; Notices of Default; Bankruptcies; Tax Ramifications; Legal Implications and a whole lot more.
Tell your family, friends and neighbors to come and join us!
To Reserve Your Seats Please Email: burbankoutreach@yahoo.com
The Village Poets of SunlandTujunga – Open Poetry reading
The community is invited to an open poetry reading on Sunday, July 24, 2011,
4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Our featured poet for this event is Georgia Jones-Davis who wakes-up in the
morning thinking about poetry as much as breakfast. That she began, whilst a
student, to compose poetry at the same time that she started to listen to the music of Chopin is no coincidence, she insists. She spent over twenty years roughhousing it in journalism, working as a reporter, book review editor and literary
reviewer for The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, New York Newsday
and The Chicago Tribune, etc.
Georgia is squarely focused on poetry now and still listening to
Chopin. Her work has appeared in West Wind, The Bicycle Review, Brevities, Voices from the Valley, The Los Angeles Times and the California Quarterly. She is a co-director of Valley Contemporary Poets (VCP) and recently published her first book of poems, Blue Poodle (Finishing Line Press).
Come join us – Bring your own poetry - Admission is free!
Village Poet’s of Sunland-Tujunga website is: http://www.villagepoets.org.
Attention First-Time
Homebuyers
If you are a first-time homebuyer and are a low-income working family,
you may qualify for one of the latest homes in the Pacoima home development
project sponsored by Habitat for Humanity.
Attend the workshop being held on Tuesday, July 12th from 6 to 8 PM at
the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce office, located at 8250 Foothill Blvd.
in Sunland.
A representative from Habitat for Humanity will be present to explain
the requirements and completion of an application.
Learn how you can qualify for 0% interest, contribute some volunteer
sweat equity and acquire a brand new home from Habitat for Humanity.
For additional information contact Joyce Grair at 818 884-8804 or email her at jgrair@humanityca.org.
Obituary -
Theodore (Ted) C. Mertz (1915- 2011)
Our Savior Jesus Christ has destroyed death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. Let us remember with thanksgiving what God
has done through his servant Theodore C. Mertz.
Theodore «Ted» Mertz was born in St. Louis, MO on October 5, 1915. He
was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith and fed the life-giving body
and blood of Jesus. He was united in holy matrimony to Lydia and blessed with
65 years of married life together. God also blessed them with the gift of 7 children. God blessed Ted›s life with many special people as he served God at home,
church, work, and in the community. Ted was active at Faith Lutheran Church of
Sunland & Tujunga, the Rotary Club of Sunland/Tujunga, serving as President,
and District Governor (1972-1973). Ted served on the Youth Exchange program,
matching host families and students here and abroad for Rotary International.
He was active in the Griffith Park Golf Club, keeping stats for the golfers. Ted
and Lydia were owners of Mertz Furniture, for 20 years, located at 7861 Foothill
Blvd, and from there he spent many years and many hours as coordinator of the
annual Sunland/Tujunga Fourth of July Parade.
On May 20, 2011, God called Ted home to heaven. He is survived by his
wife, 7 children, 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, a brother, 2 sisters and
numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. God blessed Ted and took him home to
rest in the arms of Jesus to await the resurrection of the dead.
The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the
Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for Ted.
Friends
of the Library
Have you visited our bookstore? We have many new gently used books,
on almost any subject. All monies collected from the sale of books is used to
help support the library. Not only do we purchase books and DVD’s, but also
equipment and supplies. Recently the Friends purchased colorful chairs for the
children’s’ section of the library. And soon there will be movies in the multi-purpose room. The Friends have purchased a projector, sound system and a license
agreement to show current movies. Check with the library for the schedule. And
maybe even hot popcorn!!!!.
All of these purchases have been made possible by our generous patrons
who visit the bookstore frequently. Stop by the bookstore soon and meet our
friendly volunteers. Also, stop by the library and pick up a schedule for the summer reading club. Open for tots thru elementary starting on Wednesday, June 29th for six
exciting and interesting programs. Signups start June 17th.
Join the Friends of Library. For only $3.00 for one-year membership, you
will receive our newsletter, The Branchlet, four times per year. It contains all the
news of the bookstore and the programs at the library, plus more.
Donate your gently used books, DVD’s, etc. to the Friends. (No encyclopedias)
So you think you can cook?
Get your juices, watermelon juices that is, going and enter the SunlandTujunga 50th Annual Lions Club Watermelon Festival Recipe Contest!
Come up with something unusual that works in the following categories: salad/appetizer, entree, dessert or beverage and send your recipes to farmersmarket@lamission.edu by Monday, August 8th.
Judging will take place on Saturday, August 13th by Executive Sous Chef
Jesse Sanchez of Los Angeles Mission College’s newly opened Culinary Arts Program in Sylmar.
Four recipes maximum per person. Some recipes, along with final results, may be posted on the festival website: www.lionswatermelonfestival.com and
Facebook page: watermelon festival.
For any questions, call Liz Thompson at 323-646-4892.
Master the Art of Public Speaking
“I’d rather DIE than speak in public!”Many people feel this way but Hallelujah! There is a better way. Toastmasters can teach anyone the skills to be a
competent public speaker in a safe, friendly and fun environment. As a side benefit, members also become better communicators when speaking in a small social
group or business setting.
On Tuesday, July 12, from 6:45 to 9 PM, Open House Toastmasters is
holding its First Annual Open House! It will be held at the Carousel Restaurant at
the Holiday Inn, 150 Angeleno Ave. in Burbank. A light desert with coffee or tea
will be served. (Please RSVP to Susan@richardpaint.com or call her at 818-9511181.) At this special meeting, guests will hear how the Toastmasters program
works from our Club President Tammy Takahashi, an author of 2 books and an
accomplished public speaker, and our President-Elect, Armen Klujian.
To provide some entertainment, two active members from Open House
Toastmasters will be speaking. Richard Stewart will present one of his District
winning Humorous Speeches, and Steve Downing will present his International
Speech Competition speech which made it to District level.
Attendees will be able to see how the speeches are coached on the spot as
well as the procedure for impromptu speaking.
Open House Toastmasters Club was co-founded by Sunland resident,
Richard Stewart, several years ago. The club meets every 1st and 3rd Tuesday
at the Holiday Inn Carousel Restaurant at 150 Angeleno Ave. in Burbank from
7 to 9 PM. Many local residents have been making their way to Open House
Toastmasters meetings regularly, including past president Reggie Sellards and
her husband Grady; Vice President of Public Relations, Alithea Coleman; Maggie
Seitz; Sue Zenger, Ransom White, and Bo Suzow.
So, please don’t die – come see how it is done and join in on the fun!
In loving Memory
- Rita La Fountaine
- June 4, 1933
-October 19,2010
Dear Rita, I miss you every
day and see you everywhere I look.
You are always with me.
Love, George
We love and miss you Mom...
Richard, Georgie, Gabie and Chris
29
Arts
Local Filmmaker Tackles the True Grit of Life
Kresse Armour
Independent films have knack
for sharply focusing on subjects that
might otherwise join the background
blur of our lives and get lost among
things we don’t necessarily want to
think about - things we push aside until they’re not merely out of sight, but
out of mind. Such films tackle gritty
human dilemmas by seating you in a
dark room to show you the light.
Jennifer Clary, an independent
filmmaker whose work has received
critical acclaim in film festivals around
the world, does not shy away from grit.
Her first short film, “Dirty Girl,” shot
nearly a decade ago, chronicles her
own stunning breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 21. Enduring invasive
treatment that found her ultimately
beating the disease, she found healing,
catharsis, and purpose in a film project
that spotlighted her battle for survival.
She put a face to cancer and
fought back.
“My medical experience affected my imagination in a certain way
and I wanted to share that very personal, very specific experience with the
film’s audiences,” Clary said. “I think
that an offbeat approach worked for
this particular film because of the personal nature of the material.”
The film’s central character - a
woman, another among the millions
of faceless victims who have fallen
prey to the ravages of breast cancer
–– is portrayed as “unexpectedly
touching,” Clary said. “I found myself
breathing a sigh of relief along with her
every time a piece of the cursed disease
was ripped from her body.”
An innovative blend of live
action and clay animation, the compelling story of “Dirty Girl” is told from
the perspective of a frightened patient facing the prospect of a deadly
outcome. In due course, the intensity
of her condition surpasses the physical realm and enters the psychological. Here she finds herself in the grip
of consuming anxiety, her restless
mind roaming through daydreams
and nightmares, with visions of grotesquely featured cancer cells uniting
as a merciless enemy. Her own body
sets the stage for combat, becoming the
field upon which a war is waged between dirty cancer cells and the doctor
who saves her life –– a surgeon forced
to trespass through flesh and muscle,
slashing the malignant masses from
her body.
Premiering at Finland’s Tampere International Film Festival in
2008, “Dirty Girl” went on to screen
at more than 30 festivals worldwide,
winning multiple awards including
the Jury Prize for Best Direction of an
animated film at KAFI, the Jury Prize
for Best Direction by the George Stickel
Festival of Moving Images, and a Remi
from Worldfest. “Dirty Girl” has also
been installed at the Femina Potens Art
Gallery in San Francisco.
Clary’s next short film, “The
Christmas Conspiracy,” featured “Leverage’s” Christian Kane and “Eight is
Enough’s” Dick Van Patten. This charming holiday tale of hope and miracles
triumphing over sadness and despair
opened the 2009 Pacific Palisades Film
Festival before going on to screen at
numerous international festivals including the Rome, Santa Fe and Delray
Beach film festivals.
A graduate of Vassar with a
degree in Drama, Clary’s film company, jenkev productions (jenkev.com),
is a collaborative, creative effort with
husband and fellow actor, editor, and
producer Kevin Haberer, a graduate of
the Stella Adler Conservatory in New
York City.
In addition to an impressive
list of filmmaking credits, which includes Indie horror favorite “See Jane
Run,” jenkev has an equally impressive roster of film services clients that
includes MTV, Xtreme Sports and E!
Entertainment.
The next project in the works
for jenkev is “The Silent Thief,” a psychological thriller set in the backdrop
of an isolated beach community that
will mark Clary’s directorial debut for
a feature-length film.
“This project was four years in
development,” Clary said. “We’ve assembled a really good team. We’ve got
a great cast and crew.”
With casting by Emily Schweber (Bordertown, Secondhand Lions),
the film stars Toby Hemingway (Black
Swan), Scout Taylor Compton (HalContinued On Page 30
McGroarty Arts Center Welcomes Artists for New Exhibiting Opportunity
Monica Hicks
McGroarty Arts Center has
been the hub for arts education, inspiration, and experimentation in
Sunland-Tujunga for thousands of
families. The Center is also one of the
few venues in town where artists can
present their work to the public. But
while ceramic artists and musicians
have found ample opportunities to
present their work at McGroarty, artists who work in two dimensions have
not. “If you’re looking for consistency,
we just haven’t done very well.” says
Claire Knowlton, Executive Director
when asked about the Center’s record
in welcoming two-dimensional visual
artists to present.
Groups like the SunlandTujunga Art Association, the Angeles
Crest Art Guild, and McGroarty’s own
faculty have shown at the Center in
the past few years, but individual artists hoping to show their work usually
hit a dead-end. Knowlton adds, “We’re
trying to change that.”
March 2012 will mark the first
annual Art Fair and Gallery. A key feature of the Center’s strategic plan, the
Art Fair and Gallery will invite visual
artists to exhibit and sell their work in
two juried gallery spaces and at booths
in the outdoor art fair. This split presentation format allows artists to present to the community, even if they do
not want to enter work in the curated
gallery. Visual artists working in all
mediums are encouraged to enter the
event, though the gallery portion will
favor two-dimensional works such as
paintings, photographs and fiber art
over three-dimensional entries.
“We have an amazing level
of talent and workmanship in the students who take our Oil Painting, Watercolor and Acrylic Painting classes,”
says Monica Hicks, artist and instructor at McGroarty Arts Center. “These
artists will thrive with opportunities
to showcase and sell their work. In addition, this event will align McGroarty
Arts Center with the working artist
community that is in Sunland-Tujunga.”
McGroarty Arts Center is excited to produce the Art Fair and Gallery as a recurring annual opportunity
for artists to present professionally
made work for the community.
McGroarty Arts Center will
begin accepting entries for the Art Fair
and Gallery in January 2012. More information will be available as the Art
Fair approaches and updates can be
obtained by joining the Center’s mailing list, visiting www.mcgroartyartscenter.org and keeping in touch on Facebook.
“The Art Fair and Gallery is
just one way we’re working to amplify
the arts locally.” Knowlton says. “As
we expand our programs, we hope to
add film and more live theater to our
line-up. We’re the only arts center our
community has, so we think it’s important to represent as many forms of creative expression as we can.”
Programs at McGroarty Arts
Center are funded by the California
Community Foundation, Ahmanson
Foundation, Annenberg Foundation,
Green Foundation, Weingart Foundation, Ralph M. Parsons Foundation,
James Irvine Foundation, Los Angeles
County Arts Commission and Experience LA, California Arts Council and
National Endowment for the Arts, and
the Department of Cultural Affairs,
City of Los Angeles. McGroarty Arts
Center is located at 7570 McGroarty
Terrace, Tujunga, CA 91042.
Theresa Malm of LVT sings and plays guitar.
Natalie O’Malley of Sylmar singing.
For more information, call 818.352.5285 or
visit www.mcgroartyartscenter.org.
30
Noteworthy - Artistic Endeavor and the economy…
Yvonne Flahive
Throughout the ages the arts have prospered
during times of economic crisis. Just look back – there
are many examples of this in history. For instance,
the depression fueled the motion picture industry, as
people demanded an escape from the harshness of
their lives.
For the sake of this column when we speak
of the arts, we are talking of the whole broad spectrum of creativity and any artistic endeavor. It is
common for people to recognize singing, playing
an instrument, all music, painting, drawing, cuisine,
pottery, movies, sculpture, clothes design and making as artistic but what about home decorating, gardens, architecture and even the artistic endeavor of
starting, building and administering a business.
Again, in current times we find that the arts
are thriving and prospering. Many local performing
musicians find themselves more in demand now and
busier with performances, recordings and shows,
than during earlier times of economic prosperity.
Artists of all kinds are enjoying the increase in interest in their works. For instance art shows and markets are very well attended. More movies are being
produced and many independent, and foreign movies are available. Local music and art schools report
higher enrollment and continued enrollment for lessons.
In the 80’s and 90’s when credit was abun-
Self-Centered Seeker
Raphik Ovasapians
dant and money was seemingly plentiful many individuals were began businesses by putting up their
own money to establish the business. Later, many of
those businesses ceased to exist, their capital lost to
the hunger of a collapsing economy and overvalued
companies had to face the reality that in order to survive a product needed to be produced.
As a corollary, many local people now have
taken to artistically creating a product or an idea and
then expanding it into a business that now makes
them money.
It may be that no matter what your creative
endeavor the relief felt from actively being creative
causes such happiness and satisfaction as to overcome negativity and complacency. Or it may be that
the communication through art is so pure that it defies all negativity…
No matter what the cause of this anomaly
people will continue to seek out pleasant experiences, aesthetic visuals, and pleasant sensory perceptions and in doing so artists and those people will be
rewarded.
If you know of someone who is involved in
a creative endeavor or you yourself would like to be
featured in this column please send your information to Yvonne at noteworthyvoice@ymail.com.
True Grit of Life
Yvonne Flahive is the Founder and Director of A Sharp Music
Method Inc. with a subsidiary school in Tujunga (Tujunga Music
School – 9915 Commerce Ave, Tujunga, CA 91042 – 818-951-5077.)
With whom do I share my emotions?
To whom do I pour out my heart?
Who will rub my hurting shoulders,
Hear my unburdening, my plight?
Where do I seek solace,
Feel the warmth of soft embrace?
Where do I seek love,
Nourishing bond to quench my thirst?
How do I rise to the plane
Where absent are lies
Of deception there’s no strain
And fallen have wiles?
“Perseverate and I will hear you,”
Came the voice of the Almighty true.
“Meditate on my word day and night
And heard you will have your unburdening, your
plight.
“To me it is that you pour out your heart.
Solace comes from me. So does love.
To receive, you must first give,
Live to love and love to live.
“Seek truth with all your heart
Patiently, till this life you depart.
For truth deception subdues
And guile and wiles fall apart.”
Solitary Evening
Bill Collette
Drenching silver shining glisten off
water bathed in moonlight
with the cooling splendor of fog’s ca-
ress upon this mountains floor.
Creatures break this silent night and
tear the peaceful blanket.
The softness of a tranquil flame encased in stone so near
it almost seems a part of me
as sleep overtakes the quiet moment
that day’s end only sees.
Avet’s
A Division of Avet’s Auto Body & Sales, Inc.
Sales • Mechanical • Paint & Body • Parts
loween), Josh Pence (The Dark Knight
Rises), and Cody Longo (High School).
Veteran filmmaker Andrew
Wheeler, who received his BFA in film
production from Philadelphia’s University of the Arts and MFA in cinematography from the American Film
Institute Conservatory in Los Angeles,
has been tapped as the director of photography.
Award-winning publicist Karla Rodriguez, who received her BFA
in Film Studies from the University of
Colorado, Boulder and is a fixture on
the film festival circuit, is the publicist
for the production.
The original screenplay, written by Clary, Haberer, and Chris Sapp,
is a chilling tale of seduction that finds
the Henderson family succumbing to
the charms of Brennan Marley, a charismatic drifter who, by fabricating a
heartbreaking past, is able to rent the
bedroom of their son, Mike, now away
at college. A social misfit and life-long
outsider, Brennan yearns for a place to
belong –– permanently.
Seeing an opportunity in
Mike’s extended absence from the
Henderson household, Brennan insidiously ingratiates himself to each
family member, earning their affection
and trust. They come to adore him, his
presence in the happy home becoming
so warm and comfortable that he feels
like family. And when Brennan discovers a dark secret that Mike has kept
from those he loves, something that
will threaten to tear the family apart,
he makes a desperate move to expose
the secret and take Mike’s place in the
family –– permanently.
The gritty question Clary poses to her film audience is this: What are
the outer limits of parental love? Can
a parent only love “to a point” before
abandoning a child whose actions are
deemed so indefensible that acceptance becomes impossible?
The question for Mike and
Brennan then becomes one and the
same: Do you have to lie to be loved?
The question of which “son”
the Hendersons choose is answered
as they struggle with the endpoint of
love.
“The Silent Thief” is scheduled
to shoot this summer in Los Angeles.
“I feel so lucky to have such
a dedicated cast and crew attached
to this project,” Clary said. “As a first
time feature director, I simply couldn’t
have asked for a more amazing team
of professionals. Because of everyone’s
exceptional efforts and ongoing support, I am confident that ‘The Silent
Thief’ will ultimately be a very special
experience for those in the project as
well as for audiences.”
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31
The Golden Rule of Compassion
Compassion - co-suffering, shared feeling.
This concept of Latin roots in two words, meaning
“with” and “suffer” is the key to major religious
traditions of the modern world. It may be found in
Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. The Buddha said “Compassion is that which
makes the heart of the good move at the pain of others. It crushes and destroys the pain of others; thus,
it is called compassion. It is called compassion because it shelters and embraces the distressed.” Dalai
Lama explained: “If you want others to be happy,
practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” Compassion is more active and
engaged than mere empathy; it implies action based
on altruistic, charitable motives. It means living connected to others: to their emotions, their distress,
their pain. There is no human society that is truly
and fully human without compassion. In the Western ethical tradition, the beginnings of compassion
are summarized in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...” Ancient
Chinese knew it as “”Never impose on others what
you would not choose for yourself.” (Confucius).
Buddhist teachings phrase it as “Hurt not others in
ways that you yourself would find hurtful.” (Udanavarga 5:18).
Who has heard of Buddha’s swans? The story is as follows: When the Swan King was caught in
a hunter’s trap and his leg started bleeding, all the
other swans flew away. All but one, his closest friend
who refused to abandon the injured King. When
the hunter came back for his prey, the faithful swan
begged him to free the Swan King so they could both
fly away. Moved by the altruistic behavior of the second bird, risking his own life for that of his friend,
the hunter let both birds free. The King of Swans was
Buddha himself, teaching a lesson of self-sacrifice
and friendship. The core virtue of this story is compassion. In my poem, describing a sculpture found
in the permanent collection of the Pacific Asia Museum, “Usha” is a Vedic/Hindu goddess of dawn and
“Ushnisha” means a three dimensional topknot or
crown on Buddha’s head - a sign of enlightenment.
Both words are used more for the sound effect than
meaning, though ascent and illumination at dawn
is an old spiritual theme. “Numinous” refers to the
power or presence of divinity - I do look at the Buddha through my Christian eyes, seeking divine signs
and lessons everywhere.
In the second poem, called “Illuminata” (the
enlightened one), I refer to another core Buddhist
principle: the renunciation of all desire, the foundation for wisdom and compassion. Except, in my
Western zeal for self-betterment, I really, really, really
“want that crown” - thus, paradoxically, giving in to
the desire that makes it impossible to attain enlightenment. “Avalokiteshvara” - a strange, eight-armed
figure, is a name of a Buddhist saint, an embodiment
of infinite compassion, an enlightened one who refused to enter the blissful state of Nirvana in order to
stay among people and help them ascend spiritually.
Illuminata
with the blue of wisdom,
with the gold of compassion.
I want that crown.
I want my eyes to sparkle
with the jewel hues
of enlightenment.
That one. In the middle,
right above the eight-armed
Avalokiteshvara of gilded
bronze with blue paint.
I want that crown.
I want the divine light
to paint my thoughts
I want to soar in the song
of the mountain peaks,
breathe their rarefied air.
I want that crown.
(C) 2009 by Maja Trochimczyk
Cooking With Mary
Mary Russo, Corsica’s Deli
Poor man’s Pudding Cake
(Pouding Chomeur) - Mom has made
this French Canadian Cake recipe a
little easier. She uses a cake mix instead of making a cake from scratch.
Her Mom used to make a few batches
from scratch (she had 12 children!) I
know that it has the word PUDDING
in it and not cake, but it is a cake with
wonderful sticky, gooey syrup on the
bottom. It is very sweet, we even eat
it a little warm. Cold is great too! You
can serve it as is (that is how we eat
ours) or you can add a dollop of fresh
wiped cream (I would suggest light on
the sugar in the wiped cream). I know
some folks who add sliced apples on
the bottom of the dish. You can make
your own version!
Makes 8 to 10 Servings
Poor man’s Pudding Cake
(Pouding Chomeur) Ingredients for
syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cups shredded coconut (Optional)
Ingredients for batter
1 box yellow cake mix - Follow directions on cake box
Directions:
Preheat oven 350 degrees
In a saucepan melt butter
Stir in brown sugar.
Add water and vanilla.
Add shredded coconut (Optional)
Bring to a boil.
Meanwhile, make cake batter according to package.
Butter a 9 X 13 clear glass baking dish.
Pour cake batter into a buttered 9 X
13 baking dish.
Carefully spoon hot syrup mixture
over cake batter, using a large serving
spoon. As the cake bakes, it rises and
syrup sinks to bottom!
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35
minutes, let COOL and enjoy!!.
Bona Fortuna! (Good Luck)
*NOTE: If you have any questions Call Mary
or Mom (818) 352-7213
Swans embrace
on Buddha’s breastplate,
below his heavy-lidded
eyes and a half-smile
overshadowed
by the massive crown.
Usha towers above
Ushnisha. Dawn rises
over spiky bronze prongs,
wings on the shoulders.
He is covered in glory,
his mind ascends already
into the lucid distance of yes.
The left hand gathers love
from the world as a gift
to the other universe,
where all is always well.
The right hand sternly points
down to the earth.
Straight fingers, simple laws –
stand upright, patiently wait
for the rain of blessings
to fall upon you with the weight
of Buddha’s crown.
On his chest, the swans
embrace, faintly shining
in the numinous wreath
of the present.
(C) 2009 by Maja Trochimczyk
Life is a Dream
Susanna Khachatounian
It seems only like yesterday,
When like a doe I climbed the hills,
My eyes fixed to the faraway,
I scaled the heights, treaded the
fields.
But my life passed in a second,
life`s magic was not meant for me.
Round me autumn winds were
humming
And life perished like a bad dream.
Corsica’s Deli
Maja Trochimczyk
Buddha with Swans
NEW
B - Bacon
L - Lettuce
A - Avocado
S - Swiss
T - Tomato
Sandwich
Life is like a roaring river,
If a swimmer, you will not sink,
Violent currents may yet hit you
But you`ll endure and not submit.
I had dreamed of spring`s flowers,
But swamp`s foul smell overtook me.
I was a pure and simple girl,
But I met vile executioners.
Silently I cried my miseries,
No one heeded my tears and sores,
I walked through dim and dark alleys
And I felt that I was no more.
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32
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July 2011 Voice of the Village

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