Altadena Above It All

A couple of quick notes about this new very indie movie…

I talked with Bobby Roth, the director and old friend of mine after watching a clip on the website www.berkeleythefilm.com. He was just starting to work on TV’s Without A Trace. He’s also directed about 10 episodes of Prison Break.

“That was your kitchen Henry Winkler is in, isn’t it?” “Yeah, that’s right, it is! You’re only one in a few people who would know that!”

In this autobiographical film, one of three Bobby has done, his son Nick plays the lead role, as a young Bobby at Berkeley in the 60s, embracing all the turbulent decade had to offer — including the sex.

“Did he have as much fun as you did?” I asked.

“Not with his father directing him! But he got to kiss a lot of girls.”

His favorite? not so fast…

I have more insights on this little film that’s looking to a nationwide release with Laemmle — so get out and see it this weekend. I’ll post more tidbits later. Peter Coyote and Springsteen both have good things to say about the movie. Yes, they’re friends of Bobby, but what better friends to have, eh?

See my other post below with more details.

Friday and Saturday, October 12 & 13
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lakehouse NurseryPlant sale parking is in the auxiliary lot. There is no admission fee to the sale.

www.descansogardens.org

My old wild friend Bobby Roth has a new film out, Berkeley, that opens Oct. 12 in L.A. at Laemmle’s Sunset 5 (8000 Sunset Blvd, at Cresent Heights). It’s also coming to Pasadena. He says ”Somehow we’ve managed to open the film the way we made it, without money, but with the love and support of a wonderful community of friends who believe in the pictures themes and in our struggle to make truly independent films.

This weekend our NGTV clip of Tom Morello’s Stars of Orion was the number one song on You-Tube with nearly 900,000 plays and our film has been chosen to be the featured film on MySPace for this entire week!”

Not exactly Altadena, but we all love puppets! My husband worked with the incomparable Jim Henson, as did my pal Lizzie, and friend Michael Earl, who was Mr. Snuffelupagus. If you ever wanted to learn how those muppets work, and would like to create some yourself, Michael can teach you how!

“Let me teach you, what Jim Henson taught me!” - Michael Earl

Michael Earl’s TV Puppetry Workshop – Hollywood

Emmy Award-winning puppeteer, Michael Earl (formerly Mr. Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street) will be teaching Muppet-style puppetry in Hollywood at Acme Comedy Theatre beginning Saturday October 20th. Past students include the who’s-who of TV and film puppet performers. (Who I Teach ) You will expand your acting and improv skills by learning a proven technique in a 6-week on-camera workshop that culminates in a multi-camera taped performance. The fee is $300 for 6 three hour on-camera classes. Space is limited to 12. For more information on Michael Earl or to reserve your spot, please visit: www.teachingtour.com.

Here’s Monica’s latest newsletter. I put the item about Caltech’s and USC’s presidents first…find out what it will take for your kids to succeed in college.

I’ve been a little distracted of late with family (mother in law had a heart attack, step kids having crises in school and with cars), work (conference and battle between departments), life (two leaky faucets, one stopped sink, broken screen door, clogged fish fountain pump, cat with bad immune system and trying to plan a friend’s 50th birthday bash while trying to please at least 6 people). All this is great to blog about, but where do you find the time?  I want to give a shout out to Susan Carrier who’s still waiting for word on her stem cell transplant. And to Caltech for the Day at the Races at Santa Anita this past Saturday. Not a lot of people, but it was so gorgeous we could just lay on the grass between betting and food runs, and wait for those magnificent beasts to come trotting down the way. ahhhh. Didn’t win much, but, wait, listening to Sandra Tsing Loh, can’t think. ok, back now. oh yeah, didn’t win much, but relaxed with glee. Not that we needed it, or anything. Thanks to Julia in HR.

Off to Vancouver this weekend — now there’s a long story for later! Then I’m going on a photography weekend at Mt. Whitney/Alabama Hills with Keith Skelton and partner Brian so I can take another step in mastering my Nikon D40.

Altadena Women’s Network News 10-8-2007

        “There is no greater power than a community discovering what
it cares about.”
                           ~ Margaret Wheatley

~~~    If you have middle school or high school age children, you may be
interested in a free event at Caltech on Wednesday night, October 10.
Two university presidents, Jean-Lou Chameau (Caltech) and Steven
Sample (USC), will sit on the Beckman Auditorium stage and discuss
higher learning  and what today’s young people need to do to prepare
for college, and beyond.  This is a rare opportunity to hear two
brilliant men who truly care about students and who are accomplishing
amazing things on their respective campuses.  8 p.m.

http://events.caltech.edu/events/event-4981.html

~~~    Kudos to Helen and Will Webster and their foundation for funding a
new PUSD position, the superintendent’s chief of staff.  Their
foundation has been a generous supporter of the Pasadena Educational
Foundation.  This new PUSD position frees up superintendent Diaz to
focus on the other leadership and administrative tasks.

~~~    Altadena Town Council member Tim Kelly, associate professor of
psychology and director of clinical training at Fuller Seminary, is
Altadena’s representative on the newly-constituted Altadena/Pasadena
ad hoc committee on youth development and violence prevention.  The
committee has agreed to meet on the first and third Thursdays of each
month, with occasional Saturday morning meetings.  The meeting
locations will vary from meeting to meeting.

~~~    Esteban Lizardo, president of the PUSD School Board, will give the
annual State of the Schools address this Tuesday, October 9.  Come at
5:30 p.m. for a reception and jazz prelude, and stay for the address
at 6 p.m.  John Muir High School Auditorium.

~~~    Claudia Curry sends news that free flue shots will be available at
the Altadena Senior Center on October 31 from 9:00 a.m. to -12:00 p.m.
You must be 55 or older or the caregiver of a senior.  To sign up,
call Marge at 626-798-0505.

~~~    Free fabric scraps — canvas, twill, cotton, fleece, satin,
muslin, and more. We generate bags every week, and would prefer them
not ending up in our landfill.  Free delivery in the Pasadena/Altadena
area.  If you only want particular types of scraps you can come by and
sift through the bags yourself.  Please contact Julia for more details
- Julia@garbtheworld.com.

~~~    Tarnie Fulloon writes, “The secret to healing your pain (mental,
physical, emotional, spiritual) is in your body.” Tarnie is offering
another full day retreat that helps you tap into your body’s inherent
wisdom to reduce stress, anxiety and pain build-up.  Saturday,
November 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Altadena.  $95 early bird
registration before October 29; $125 after that date. Call or e-mail
for details and prices .  626-296-2032 or tarnie (at) bodyfreedom
(dot) com.

~~~    Altadenan Deborah Thomas reports that La Sierra University in
Riverside has put together a timely and informative exhibition called
“The Art and Science of Climate Changes,” to open at Brandstater
Gallery on October 8, running through November 1. If you happen to be
in the area, feel free to stop by and see the show. Her conceptual
installation “Arroyo Seco and Surrounding Area,” a transparent shower
curtain covered with photos of the Arroyo and the Los Angeles River
during near-flood conditions, will be on display in addition to the
work of a variety of other artists. Opening: Monday, October 8, 6-8
pm. For directions and additional information visit www.lasierra.edu
or call Deborah at 626 794-3627.

~~~    Children ages 4-12 who check-out and read five library books and
record the titles on their reading log will receive a certificate for
a free hamburger or cheeseburger from In-N-Out Burger. Participants
may earn up to three burger certificates during the program.
Both the main branch and the Bob Lucas branch of our Altadena Library
are participating in this program from Saturday, October 13 through
Saturday, November 24.  Check out other upcoming special events on the
Friends of the Altadena Library’s Web page here:

http://www.altadenalibrary.org/events

~~~    Altadenan Janice Collins has made it to the top 20 performers in
the annual BET national search for the Sunday Best gospel singer.
We’re rooting for you, Janice!

http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/NEW06103102007-1.htm

~~~    Two-time GRAMMY(r)-winner Southwest Chamber Music inaugurates its
21st season of Musical Imagination and Color on Monday, October 15th
at 8 p.m. The season opening concert will feature Southwest Chamber
Music’s percussionist Lynn Vartan, the Grammy-nominated Tambuco
Percussion Ensemble and the soloists of Southwest Chamber Music in a
colossal program of the Encounters, part 1 by one of Los Angeles’ most
important composers and percussionists, Altadena resident William
Kraft. The Encounters span over a forty-year history of composition,
beginning in the 1960s. This concert, the first of a two-part series,
will present seven of the Encounters. The second part of this landmark
series will be performed on March 17th, 2008 with a world premiere of
Encounters XV, commissioned by the Fromm Foundation at Harvard
University. Supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the
Schoenberg Family Charitable Fund, the complete Encounters will be
recorded and released by Southwest Chamber Music in time for Kraft’s
85th birthday in September 2008.

~~~    Zowie!  There’s another piano for sale, and it’s a beauty!  1860
Weber square grand piano, carved rosewood, with original ivory and
ebony keys and original soundboard.  Good condition.  $1000.
626-398-4415.

~~~    Store Front Leasing Space Wanted:  Former Altadena small business
owner has moved their antique business to Sierra Madre.  But now, they
would like to move the business back to Altadena.  If you know of
1000-1500 sq ft for less than $1 per sq ft. please contact
sharonb@beckettadv.com

~~~    Architecture buffs will be interested in a review of a new book
out, _The Houses of Los Angeles_, that references the the 1910 E.M.
Taylor house in Altadena designed by Hunt and Grey. Read the review
here:

http://www.latimes.com/features/printedition/home/la-hm-lost4oct04,1,3877318.story?coll=la-home-printedition&ctrack=1&cset=true

Have a good week.    ~ Monica Hubbard

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Got the word from Eliot Gold that PUSD won’t have feedback on Nia Charter School until the third week of October. Larry Mantle had a show on charter schools Oct. 5. Anyone listen?

Monica Hubbard is a former Caltecher, and I’m a current Techer (well, I use that a bit liberally since the students probably want to own that phrase!). 

I’ll be at Wednesday’s Chamber of Commerce mixer that Monica is sponsoring — I look forward to meeting you!

Altadena Women’s Network News 10-1-2007

        “There is no greater power than a community discovering what
it cares about.”
                      ~ Margaret Wheatley

~~~     Last chance to make a reservation for this Wednesday’s October 3
Altadena Chamber of Commerce mixer.  I’m the host.  Amy’s Patio
Restaurant is providing the snacks.  No-host beverages will be
available.  This is a great opportunity for some of you SOHO
professionals like me to get out and meet other local businesswomen.
RSVP to me via e-mail or call 626-797-5912.  Operators are waiting to
take your call! Altadena Community Center, 730 E Altadena Dr., 5:30 to
7 p.m.

~~~    So glad to see that this year’s PUSD State of the Schools Address
on Tuesday, October 9 will be held in the John Muir High School
Auditorium, 1905 N Lincoln Ave. A community reception, featuring the
John Muir High School Jazz Band, will begin at 5:30 p.m. with the
presentation beginning at 6:00 p.m.  Board of Education President,
Esteban Lizardo, will deliver the annual address.  Spanish translation
will be provided. For more information, contact the Superintendent’s
Office at (626) 568-4553.
   

~~~     Two local restaurants are listed (p. 144) in the October issue of
the fancy new Pasadena magazine.  Head out to Lincoln Avenue for your
choice of Mexican restaurants: Lusy’s Place at 3029 Lincoln, or Mota’s
at 2397 Lincoln.  What’s your favorite place to eat in Altadena?

~~~     Save the date for Art on Palm. Local artists and artisans will
display their latest creations in a fabulous secluded garden. The
one-day-only show and sale features ceramics, collage, drawings,
fabric, glass, jewelry, paintings, photography and woodcarvings.
Participating artists include: Julie and Rick Ayers, Erica Batchelder,
Cathy Reichel-Clark, Catherine M. S. Cowles, Ellen Dinerman, Mary Jane
Elgin, Bill Haskell, Jim Hueston, Beverly Jones, Diane Kolde, Susan
Kromka, Celeste Lewis, John Meyer, Ron Lawrenz, Piri Mee, Dana Sue
Miller, Simeone Novello, Kathleen Swaydan, Erin Trefry, Bruce Wilson,
and Hitomi Yamamuro, Lucia Yang. Admission and parking are free; light
refreshments will be available for sale. Art on Palm, Fall 2007 will
also benefit the Fisher House Foundation.  The artists donate a
portion of their sales to this non-profit organization that provides
humanitarian support for wounded military personnel and their
families.  For more information about Fisher House Foundation, please
visit www.fisherhouse.org.

When:         Saturday, October 13, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Where:         1239 E. Palm Street, Altadena (Parking on street.)
Information:     626-827-7870

~~~    The Altadena Guild of Huntington Hospital will be sponsoring the
15th annual Lynn Smith Memorial Golf Tournament on Monday, Oct. 15 at
Brookside Golf Course. The Guild is hoping there will be more women
participating in this year’s tournament. The yearly tournament
benefits Huntington Medical Research Institutes (HMRI) and honors the
memory of Lynn A. Smith, a dedicated HMRI board of directors member
and generous benefactor. For more information, call Marguerite
Duncan-Abrams at (626) 297-5804.

~~~    Wondering where to vote in the November 6 Consolidated Election
for Altadena Library District Trustees?  Visit
http://www.lavote.net/LOCATOR/Default.htm , key in your street number
and name, and you’ll find your assigned polling place.

~~~     AWN-er Judy Post, a friend our Caltech days, just sent me her
newest venture — Bead Soup!  Check out her jewelry and other designs
at http://beadsoup.fortunecity.com/

~~~    The Altadena Library’s new Web site looks great!
http://altadenalibrary.org    They are in the midst of their Banned Books
celebration. Over on the Orange Cat Web site, Karen Klein suggests
that this would be a good time to take your children to a library and
have some discussions about First Amendment rights and freedom of
expression.  More online on this at the American Booksellers
Foundation for Free Expression. http://www.abffe.org/

~~~    Parents with children of any age will appreciate an online
newsletter with advice, tips and a calendar of family-friendly events
going on in the San Gabriel Valley.  Visit the Orange Cat
http://www.theorangecat.org/ and sign up to receive their e-mail
newsletter. Karen Klein has a great article this month on her math
phobia and a new resource for parents to use to help their children
with math.

~~~    Are you a mom struggling for balance in your life?  Kristin
Maschka would like to hear from you.  She recently got an offer for a
yet-to-be-titled book on motherhood, to be released by Berkley, an
imprint of Penguin, in April 2009. Kristin is requesting mothers
everywhere to contribute stories and insights to her work.  She’ll use
the collective voices of moms to help mothers see the hidden beliefs
about mothers, fathers, money, marriage and work that make motherhood
an often disorienting experience. These collective voices will guide
mothers to things they can do today that will immediately enable them
to break free and think differently about themselves, their families,
and OUR future.  Mothers can contribute and sign up for my monthly
newsletter at www.kristinmaschka.com and e-mail Kristin directly at
kristin@kristinmaschka.com .

~~~     Great article and photo in Thursday’s Pasadena Weekly about
Catherine Bauknight, Patricia Cunliffe, and Ellen Snortland who all
stepped outside their normal areas of expertise to make documentary
films.  Check out this great article here:

http://www.pasadenaweekly.com/article.php?id=5145&IssueNum=91

~~~    Our Youth Activities League at Elliot Middle School is going
strong.  Save November 4 for a concert to benefit this worthwhile
program for our young people.  6 p.m. (Note new date for this event.)

~~~    Flu season is almost upon us.  If your health care provider’s
office doesn’t have shots available yet, Phoenix Wellness Center on
the corner of Washington and Altadena Drive does.  10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday. $25.00. (HERE’S MY CAVEAT ON FLU SHOTS — I’LL NEVER GET ANOTHER ONE. I JUST DON’T BELIEVE IN THEM, DATA DOESN’T SUPPORT THEIR USE. AND THE THREE TIMES I GOT ONE, I GOT VERY ILL. SO I WOULD CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR, AND A WELLNESS SPECIALIST, BEFORE GETTING ONE.–Debbi–AAIA)

Have a great week!    ~ Monica Hubbard

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