Verdugo High Band Just Keeps Getting Better

Voice of the Village 1

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Volume 2, Issue 3 online at voiceofthevillage.org January 1 2011 Features: Business Arts A New Years Wish for you Beware of Ransomware Keep your Artistic Purpose Alive Flourish and Prosper – page 4 New Computer Threat – page 12 Play with your audience – page 27 Verdugo High Band just keeps getting better The leader of the band Kresse Armour Editors Note: As an alumnus of high school marching bands, I have wondered how, in an era of shrinking and now no budget, the Verdugo High Band just keeps getting better – so I asked Kresse to find out. She found a treasure… She may be a petite 4-foot, 11-inches, but in the eyes of her students, she is 10 feet tall and in this community, in this time, Victoria Lopez is a giant. A fixture on the athletic field at Verdugo Hills High, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving found the director of the school’s award winning marching band standing bundled on a podium under a brooding November sky. A winter rainstorm had chilled the air and soaked the ground, but heedless of the 55-degree temperatures, some fifty energetic students, all members of the band and the color guard, were out

continued on page 2 Sunland angler Mike Livingston breaks world record tuna catch David Romley When Sunland resident and lifelong fisherman sonally made with a Penn International 30SW reel Mike Livingston set sail out of Pt. Loma Sportfishing wound with 800 yards of either 80 or 100-pound test in San Diego aboard the Vagabond in late Novem- line – he doesn’t recall which. He baited a 9/0 Owner ber for a 10-day ocean fishing trip, he had no idea Ringed Super Mutu hook with a live sardine, and he would soon become world famous. Livingston, then what happened is one for the record books. a retired public school administrator, had been on As Livingston tells the story, his bait was hit pret- many long-range fishing trips over the years and had ty close to the boat. The giant tuna took him back caught his share of nice fish. But, little did he realize and forth off the stern for about 30 minutes and then he was destined to hook into and land a world record started to run, ripping off hundreds of yards of line. 405.2-pound yellow fin tuna. In these days of the 24- He fought the fish in the harness for 2 hours and 40 hour news cycle, Livingston became an instant inter- minutes, all the while realizing he had to keep the national celebrity. drag set exactly right and had to keep the behemoth It was around 11:30 a.m. on November 30. The fish away from the anchor rope. T he tuna finally sur- Vagabond was anchored at the Lower Bank, also faced off the port corner. It took 6 deckhands with known as “Cow Town,” about 700 miles south of gaffs to pull the fish through the gate and onto the the Mexican border and about 50 miles out from deck. Magdalena Bay. Few fish had been caught in several Livingston’s impressive catch is not only said to days. Livingston rigged up a custom rod that he per- be the largest yellowfin tuna ever caught on a rod continued on page 4 Index: Staff Acknowledgements: News...... page 2 Editor in Chief Liaison/Journalism Advisor Section Editors Web Address Features...... page 7 Bob Georgius David W. Riemer Isabella Carpio www.voiceofthevillage.org Business...... page 11 818-523-5494 Layout Advisor Josh Esquivel Service Clubs...... page 13 Jeannine Crowley Lina Hwang P.O. Box 4323 Ad Sales – Sonia Tatulian Christy Kim Sunland, CA 91041 School News...... page 17 818-397-3835 Supervising Co-Editors Connor Newell Who We Are...... page 19 [email protected] Samantha Willson Irene Penn The Arts...... page 24 Travis Pierce Amy Hwang Announcements...... page 28 Church News...... page 31 2 Voice of the Village

Leader of the Band continued from page 1 so that they have a better chance to win things happen.” competitions, but I’d rather challenge Many of Lopez’s students have the students. They can do it. Every been “at-risk” kids, getting into trouble time, they rise to the challenge.” and contemplating gang membership. A music teacher for twenty years, Standing at a critical crossroad in their the past 12 at Verdugo, Lopez main- lives, she has offered them direction tains high expectations for her stu- and guidance. Time and again, they dents and acknowledges that band is have proved deserving of her efforts. a serious commitment. She said, “A lot Students must maintain minimum of students who try out don’t last the grade point averages to stay in the first week, but those who stick it out band. And many of its members are get ‘hooked on music’.” Many go on to ESL (English as a second language) stu- play multiple instruments and there is dents, who bear the additional respon- a large crossover - band members also sibility of learning a new language. But playing in the orchestra or jazz band. the camaraderie they find in the band, Having found their niche, most of the along with the chance to perform both students stay with the marching band at competitions and halftime at foot- all four years of high school. ball games provides a lot of incentive The students’ enthusiasm is im- to master English. pressive, Lopez said, and by way “Music is universal,” Lopez said. of example recalled one young man “When these students join the band who’d wound up in the hospital for they’re with English speakers and find- on the field with her rehearsing and is a very special group. There are no an appendectomy, and even he didn’t ing that it’s not as hard as they think. perfecting a complex choreography of complainers, just students with a lot miss band. With fresh stitches in place They’re excited to learn.” synchronized steps. They were prepar- of drive. I’m really enjoying the group he not only showed up to rehearsal, he It’s not all rigor and no return. ing for a regional competition at East this year.” made it to the performance. Lopez gets results. The rewards for her Los Angeles College that would pit Rehearsing nights and weekends, Under her tutelage, students from students’ hard work are great. With them against marching bands from 35 the band is always last in line for use of all walks of life have internalized a many stops in between, she has taken other Southern California schools. the field, having to wait for the athletic solid work ethic and a “show must go the marching band to competitions Following a full morning’s prac- programs to finish practice before the on” attitude that also serves as a meta- as far north as Vancouver, Canada; as tice, Lopez had to insist the students field is finally theirs. Then its hours of phor for life. “My goal for my students far south as San Diego; as far east as break for lunch – they wanted to con- rigorous drill. is not just a trophy,” she said. “They Las Vegas and as far west as Hawaii. tinue. But afternoon, she promised, “There’s a lot of technicality in- all have challenges, but they’re learn- Together just four months, but improv- would find them right back on the volved,” Lopez said. “And they’re ab- ing that whatever situation they find ing with each contest, this year’s band field – likely rehearsing until sundown. solutely determined. If we don’t have themselves in, maybe one that they has gone from 10th place, to third, to “And they’re here on their vacation,” it together, we’ll crash and burn. Other think is impossible, they can still make second – with the drum line bringing she said. That’s dedication. This year directors do much easier choreography continued on page 2

Christmas lighting winners announced Fran Loiselle On the evening of December 23rd, prizewinner last year, has once again under clear skies, Doug Kopf with outdone himself and the decorations Fran and Ray drove the designat- this year were spectacular including ed area to judge the Christmas lights. a Santa with sleigh, reindeer and Ru- The Figueroa Family on Plateau added dolph the red-nosed reindeer leading several more lights to their decorations the flight. Chris remains our first place from last year, including the cactus in winner again this year and received front of the house, garnering them the $200 (which will probably help pay the third place prize of $50. Robert Pen- electric bill.) man on Hillrose, our 3rd place winner We want to thank everyone who last year, also added some extra light- participated in our lighting contest this ing and sound to his display this year, year and who continue to add to the earning him the 2nd place prize of Holiday spirit each year. Special thanks $100. Chris Shaw on Franlie, our first continued on page 3 Fine Dining in Sunland-Tujunga

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Leader of the Band continued from page 2 home a first-place prize from the recent go, many of these ‘feeder’ students are Join the fun, help the cause – Granada Hills competition. already enrolled in music and dance At present, the band is planning classes to help sharpen their perform- The American Cancer Society’s another trip to Hawaii. “It will be our ing skills. third competition there,” Lopez said, Lopez notes that music not only adding that on the road the students offers a rewarding high school experi- 2011 Relay for Life ence, but is also a tremendous advan- are on their best behavior. “I’ve had Sandy Shaffer-Broms to drop kids who couldn’t follow the tage for graduating seniors. “Colleges rules,” she said. “I don’t bluff.” see band membership as very desir- The Kick-Off for the 2011 Relay for Life was For family members who can’t at- able. The students really have to bud- held on December 7, 2010. The Angeles National tend games or faraway competitions, get their time. They have work, school, Golf Club provided a wonderful spread for all Lopez holds a “Friends and Family band, and sometimes other extracur- the volunteers. We thank them for their hospi- Night” at the high school and invites ricular activities. But they go beyond tality, generosity and support. Carrie Contreres the community to come out and see their limits, beyond their comfort zone handled all the arrangements and all volunteers the students perform. “The stands are and get it all done. It builds a lot of felt special. full of grandparents, cousins, uncles confidence in the students to achieve Good news - Our 2011 Relay for Life now has 14 teams, which is half of – all people who are supporting us. at this level.” our 2011 goal. Now we need you to volunteer for this great wholesome Fam- We usually have a music ‘play-off’ be- Her students tend to be high ily event. Please mark your calendar for April 9 to 10, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to tween seniors and rookies and it’s just achievers. She knows this because they 9:00 a.m. at Verdugo Hills High School. so much fun for everybody.” stay in touch, “coming home” to share No, that is not a misprint – the Relay is 24 hours of fun and camaraderie That Lopez is able to take the stu- their successes with her. “I’m like their in a great cause. You will be asked to form a team of up to 25 people and have dents to competition, or even to have a second mom,” she said. “They always someone on the track either walking, running, or dancing for each of those 24 band at all, is something of a miracle in come back to me and tell me how hours. Just like Cancer, which never sleeps, the Relay won’t either. light of the current economic times. In they’re doing.” Contact us today to volunteer, we need Team Captains, Committee Chair- addition to long hours of practice, the Many come back to help with the persons, Sponsors, Cancer Survivors, and we need you. A free T-Shirt for band now has the additional burden of next generation of students. Lopez every Volunteer who raises $100 or more and you can start today. For more bearing all its own costs. District fund- has a large contingency of instructors information, contact any of the following: ing for the marching band was cut to who are also Verdugo marching band Ann-Marie Dodge, Event Chair (818) 926-2262 zero two years ago. “We raise all our alumni. [email protected] Music has always played a key role own money,” Lopez said. Competition Sonia Lopez, ACS Staff 818-447-7778 - [email protected] expenses run $200 per student, which in Lopez’s life. Born in Guatemala to a covers the cost of bus rental and in- musical family, everyone played an in- Marcy Bucy, Team Retention 818-929-3924 - [email protected] structors. Lopez has come to rely on a strument or two, or sang in the church Erin Kadera, Team Coordinator (818) 669-3150 group of dedicated parents who show choir. She grew up listening to John [email protected] their support by helping to chaperone Phillip Sousa. “I’ve got marching band Web Site: www.relayforlife.org/sunlandca the students or hauling instruments in my blood,” she laughed. The fam- Our next meeting is January 17, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. at the YWCA, and equipment so that she does not ily moved to the US when Lopez was 6840 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga. Please join us. have to hire additional vehicles and seven. “When I was a kid I dreamed drivers. of coming here, I’ve been an American She is also reaching out to the girl forever.” community. Members of the public A violinist, her professional career have donated instruments to students includes performing at the Los Ange- who needed them. “And we’ve gotten les Music Center. “And I was in a Barry a couple of grants,” she said. “One for White video,” she said. “That was re- $500 came from the city council for our ally fun.” last trip to Hawaii, and that was great. At the end of their hour lunch We really appreciated it.” And she’s break, the band members return for looking to do even more for her stu- more practice. They’re all on time, of dents. In the same way that local busi- course. nesses sponsor athletic teams, Lopez Lopez smiles as the students gath- is hoping that she will find the same er up their instruments and get into community support for the marching formation. “They are so sweet,” she band. said, gazing out over the field. “And Knowing the positive impact that they have good hearts. Just given the music has had on her students, Lopez chance, they can be really, really great is dedicated to keeping the program kids.” New Heaven on Earth Ranch alive. The kids are counting on her. Having taught hundreds of “We have younger students already students over the years, the joy of receives tax-exempt status playing in the band who are coming teaching music has never waned Michael Carpenter from feeder schools like Apperson and for Lopez. “To see them blossom is the board are Lee Diebold President, Mt. Gleason,” she said. In preparation amazing to me,” she said. “It’s a job Lake View Terrace, CA: The “New Randy Horton Vice President, Phyllis for their upcoming transfers to Verdu- that never gets old.” Heaven on Earth” Ranch has received Hines Treasurer & Katherine Carpen- their full tax-exempt status from the ter Secretary. Other board members IRS and is now a fully independent include Joel Druckman, Skeeter Mann, Councilmember Krekorian and recognized California based 501 Shayna Labeouf, and Brian Song (Rep- (c) (3), “public charity.” The Officers of resenting All Nations Church). receives award continued on page 7 Sandy Shaffer-Broms Ann Dodge, Event Chair for the Free agent American Cancer Society / Relay for Life Sunland/Tujunga presented Councilmember Krekorian with an with every Award for participating in our 1st An- nual Sunland/Tujunga Relay for Life for 2010. policy. He generously sponsored the Din- ner for our Volunteers at the Relay, which was provided by Sunland/ Tujunga Elks Lodge #2098. Our 2011 th th Relay for Life will be on April 9 -10 Free ™ at Verdugo Hills High School. Discount Double Check too. Please join us for our next meeting on 1/17/11 at YMCA @ 6:00 P.M. Victoria Benedek Luskin, Agent I’ll make sure your aut o Insurance Lic. #: 0753370 coverage is the best ﬁt, the n For information contact: Anndodge13@yahoo. 8340 Foothill Blvd. show you all the State Fa®rm com or www.relayforlife.org/sunlandca Sunland, CA 91040 discounts you could be getting. Bus: 818-353-8518 Like a good neighbor, Lighting winners continued from page 2 State Farm is ther®e . to Doug and Paula Kopf who generously provide the cash prizes to our winners. CALL ME TODAY. From all of us, we wish you a very Happy Holiday and Prosperous New Year. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL 1003065 4 Voice of the Village Art Moore Delivers Santa Flourish and prosper

Richard Stewart L. Ron Hubbard© Long-term resident, Art Moore, thrilled The Way to Happiness the Foothill community by convincing none Sometimes others seek to crush one be classed as an almost certain way for other than Santa Claus himself to visit Sun- down, to make nothing out of one’s such madmen to get into trouble. Some land-Tujunga. Our own Bandito Artist caught hopes and dreams, one’s future and do it just from prejudice or because up with Art and, in an exclusive interview, oneself. they “don’t like someone.” Art reveals his connection to the Big Man in By ridicule and many other means, But however it is attempted, the the Red Suit. another who is evil-intentioned toward real object of such is to make their tar- Bandito: The big question, Art, is how? one can try to bring about one’s de- get grow less and fail in life. How did you convince Santa Claus to visit cline. the real handling of such a the small community of Sunland-Tujunga? For whatever reason, efforts to situation and such people, the real way Art: Well, this may sound strange, but the improve oneself, to become happier in to defeat them is to flourish and pros- answer to that question is the Easter Bunny. life, can become the subject of attacks. per. Bandito: You know the Easter Bunny, It is sometimes necessary to handle Oh yes, it is true that such people, too? such directly. But there is a long-range seeing one on improve his lot, can be- Art: Yes, my wife, Terry, and I work with handling that seldom fails. come frantic and attack all the harder. the bunny every year at the Easter Carnival. What, exactly, are such people try- The thing to do is to handle them if That rabbit told Santa all about Sunland- ing to do to one? They are trying to one must but don’t give up flourishing Tujunga. reduce one downward. and prospering, for that is what such Bandito: Everything? They must conceive that one is people want you to do. Art: Yes, that’s why Santa friended me on dangerous to them in some way: that If you flourish and prosper more FaceBook. if one got up in the world one could be and more, such people go into apathy Bandito: Santa is your FaceBook friend? a menace to them. So, in various ways, about it: they can give it up complete- Art: Yes, when I read his post where he was all set to visit La Canada, I such seek to depress one’s talents and ly. simply asked him to consider Sunland-Tujunga Rotary Club’s Tree Lighting capabilities. If one’s aims in life are worthwhile, for a visit. He took my advice and changed his mind. He said that La Canada Such madmen even have a general if one carries them out with some atten- has bigger homes and bigger Christmas trees, but Sunland-Tujunga has a big- plan that goes like this: “If ‘A’ becomes tion to the precepts in this book, [The ger heart. He looked at all the Christmas trees in Southern California and more successful then ‘A’ could men- Way to Happiness] if one flourishes liked ours the best. ace me; therefore I must do all I can and prospers, one will certainly wind Bandito: But our community tree at Bolton Hall was only 10 ft tall! to make ‘A’ less successful.” It never up the victor. And, hopefully, without Art: Yes, but Santa told me he doesn’t look at the height of the tree or how seems to occur to such that their actions harming a single hair on their heads. many lights it has. He looks at the love put into the tree. He saw that our tree might make an enemy out of ‘A’ even And that is my wish for you: flourish and prosper! was put up and decorated by the community, and to him, our tree outshined though he was no enemy before. It can them all. Bandito: Wow, was there anything else Santa had to say about Sunland- Tujunga, Art? Art: Yes, he was happy to meet our City Councilman Paul Krekorian. He wanted us to know he was impressed that Paul took the time to officially light our tree and help to spread the Christmas Spirit at Bolton Hall. Bandito: Didn’t Santa and his wife also visit Paul’s office for the CD2 Christmas Party? Art: Yes, and Santa doesn’t normally cross the boundary into politics, but he made an exception in this case. Bandito: Wow, what a story. So now Santa Claus is getting into politics? Sunland angler continued from page 1 Art: No, but he did tell me that any Politician that would and reel, it is the first known yellow- 394-pounder in 1993, but the IGFA take the time to contribute to a fin tuna to exceed 400 pounds. He is ruled it out as a world record because community tree lighting, how- now waiting for official authentication a deckhand gave the angler some help. ever small and unpretentious, from the International Game Fish As- The IGFA has some pretty strict rules, is a man worthy of support. sociation. The existing rod and reel but it seems Livingston did everything Bandito: Thank you, Art, yellowfin tuna record is held by Curt just right. and I know I speak for all of Wiesenhutter of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Congratulations to Sunland’s Mike Sunland-Tujunga by saying who caught a 388-pounder in 1977 at Livingston. If you notice that he always “Thank You” for helping to bring San Benedicto Island south of Baja. It has a big smile, you know why. the Christmas Spirit to our town. You brought smiles and joy to our children is reported that another angler caught and cheer to us all.

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Case Study by Sally York and Myles Mellor

123 4 5 6 789 10 11 12 13 Across 1. Anita Baker, for one 42. U.N. workers' grp. 14 15 16 5. Dandruff 43. Merlin, e.g. 17 18 19 10. Latte locale 44. Actor Wesley

20 21 14. High-five, e.g. 45. Call to attention 15. Hollywood agent "Swifty" 47. Atlanta-based station 22 23 24 25 16. City on the Yamuna River 48. Scale notes 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 17. CASE 49. Good-for-nothing

33 34 35 36 37 38 20. Punishes legally 52. Kind of battery 21. Sneak 56. Catalog 39 40 41 22. Microwave, e.g. 59. Knotting technique 42 43 44 23. Tree adornment 61. CASE

45 46 47 48 26. Lookout point 64. Nanking nanny 28. "Welcome" site 65. Woven fabric 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 29. Q-Tip 66. Canal of song 56 57 58 59 60 33. Retro car 67. British Conservative 36. Decorous 68. Garden tool 61 62 63 38. Clod chopper 69. Bluster 64 65 66 39. CASE

67 68 69

Down 1. Indian state 19. ___ simple 46. Grin modifier 2. Andean animal 24. Pier 1 merchandise 50. Encouraging word 3. Accounts 25. Bust maker 51. "South Pacific" hero 4. The Mikado, e.g. 27. Recurrent 53. Mrs. Bush 5. Pivot 30. Congressional enforcer 54. At full speed 6. Art able to 31. Bang-up 55. Found a new tenant for 7. Action film staple 56. Doctor's abbreviation 32. Panhandles continued on page 11 8. Backstabber 33. Radar image 57. Clash of heavyweights 9. Most musty 34. Congers 58. Antares, for one 10. Intrigues 35. Freudian topics 60. Assert 11. Long, long time 37. Cartilage disks 62. Affirmative action 12. At liberty 40. City near Sparks 63. Archaeological site 13. Benjamin Disraeli, e.g. 41. Ailment answers on page 30 18. Moves screen text

New Haven continued from page 4

NHOER was created to honor the legacy of the late Johny Carpenter, Actor, Stuntman & cowboy, who’s original Heaven on Earth Ranch stood on Foothill Place in Lake View Terrace for almost 25 years. Johny created an authentic western town and taught physically & mentally challenged children, young adults how to ride horses. All Nations Church eventually acquired the property where the ranch once stood and has agreed to donate (Through a lease) an area off Foothill Place for NHOER to build, maintain & operate the “Johny Carpenter” Arena & riding programs. The NHOER was created through the efforts of the “Johny Carpenter” Working Group in 2004 whose recommendation was to create this independent organization. With its complete nonprofit status secured, the NHOER will now be able to Retirement Planning Associates complete the dream and build the “Johny Carpenter” Arena, making it available Stocks Tel (818) 781-7721 Ext. 25 to the community and local equestrian groups and to operate the riding program Municipal Bonds Fax (818) 787-2232 for those in need. The NHOER will begin a fund raising & outreach program to Efax (847) 628-0426 match the $25,000 it has raised to date. Closed-End Funds [email protected] NHOER meets the last Thursday of every month at 7pm, at Cocos Restau- Mutual Funds rant on Foothill Blvd. in Sunland. If you are interested in participating or sup- James A. Ellis Retirement 7145 Woodley Avenue porting NHOER, please feel free to attend the meetings/events, or for any other Sunland-Tujunga Employer Plans Van Nuys, CA 91406-3932 questions, please call 818 470-5235. Lions Club Registered Representative of, and securities offered through, J.K.R. & Co. Inc. You can email us at [email protected], or visit our website: www.NHOER.org. Member NASD, SIPC Voice of the Village 7 Features Veganism - An alternative cure for prostate cancer

Jennifer Clary & Kevin Haberer Gobble Green Prostate cancer is a debilitating disease that af- flicts millions of men worldwide. Characterized by difficulty urinating, painful ejaculation, and chronic lower body stiffness, prostate cancer oftentimes in- terferes with men’s daily routines and limits their ability to enjoy the activities in which they once de- lighted. In the United States, 192,280 men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and 27,360 men have died from this insidious illness since January 2009. For patients with late stage prostate cancer, traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and vaccine therapy are generally necessary. However, for men with early stage prostate cancer, some doctors are now recom- mending a less invasive, alternative treatment: veganism. According to a study led by renowned Dr. Dean Ornish at the Univeristy of California’s Department of Urology, men with early stage prostate cancer who adopt a vegan diet and participate in moderate exercise routines are often able to halt further spreading of their cancer and, in many cases, are able to cure their cancer entirely. Indeed, after participants in Dr. Dean Ornish’s trial had been on a vegan diet for While traditional treatments are still highly ad- the best cure for any illness. Diets high in animal just one year, the levels of prostate specific antigen visable for men with advanced stage prostate cancer, fat have been linked to an increased risk of prostate (PSA) in their blood significantly decreased. Healthy changing to a vegan diet can certainly assist these cancer development while, conversely, diets high in men have low amounts of PSA in their blood, so this patients’ healing process. By combining a vegan diet fruits and vegetables have been linked to a decreased trend supports Dr. Dean Ornish’s theory that vegan- and regular exercise with chemotherapy, radiation risk of prostate cancer development. In other words, ism is one likely key to curing prostate cancer. Fur- therapy, or surgery, advanced stage prostate cancer by disciplining themselves to consistently follow a ther, none of the participants in Dr. Dean Ornish’s patients are more likely to realize an expedited and vegan diet, men who have not yet been diagnosed clinical study underwent any traditional treatments effective recovery. with prostate cancer may be able to avoid this all too such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy in addi- Perhaps the most interesting point derived from common prognosis altogether. tion to their diet change. This indicates that a vegan Dr. Dean Ornish’s groundbreaking study is that a Unfortunately, for many men at high risk of diet and moderate exercise alone may be powerful vegan diet may prevent against the onset of pros- developing prostate cancer, veganism seems like enough to cure early stage prostate cancer. tate cancer. After all, prevention is unquestionably an extreme step to take for better health. Raised on continued on page 10 Dental Bits and Bites Beware of the Holiday Season! Dr. James Metzler, DDS Happy. All of us are more prone to initiate the beginning of dental cavities during the holiday season when all of the goodies are right at our fingertips ready to consume. This is just a reminder of Motivated. what you can do to help your children prevent cavities during the holiday season and throughout the year. Some of the causes of tooth decay in young Learner. children are: Bottle syndrome: The guests are ar- riving and the little one is crying. Mom does not want the baby to cry so what Call for more info to do. Young mothers, in an attempt to (818) 583-1070 keep the infant from crying when they or visit our website at www.delphila.org put the child down to bed, will put a This year your child could: bottle of milk, with a nipple attached, • Hit a home run in the child’s mouth. The constant and • Master the art of public speaking prolonged dripping of milk on the teeth • Prepare for college causes excessive decay on infants and very young children’s teeth. It is not un- • Acquire a love for great literature • Build a LEGO® robot usual to see multiple cavities on children less than 2 years of age due to this • Learn how to count change practice. • Learn to study independently continued on page 19 • Develop leadership skills • Receive individual attention • Sing in a musical from caring teachers Delivering Organic Local Farm Fresh Produce • Learn how to use a dictionary No Commitment • Paint a masterpiece Order Online! Required!

Choose weekly from Love your body, love our list of delicious the earth and nurture in-season fruits and your family while Limited Enrollment. Call Now. vegetables. supporting our local (818) 583-1070 LOCAL DELIVERY ™ farmers! Delphi Academy. This Fall. www.californiaharvestlocaldelivery.com Pre K–12 and summer program www.delphila.org © 2010 Delphi Academy™ All Rights Reserved. Delphi is licensed to use Applied Scholastics™ educational services. 8 Voice of the Village Greg’s Getaways - Chasing volcanoes and luxury on the big island of Hawaii

Greg Aragon It was one of the most exotic and gettable view of palm trees and ocean. Kilauea is the earth’s most active vol- bedroom, two-bath “Deck House.” Lo- unique hotel rooms that I ever stayed When not in the hale, I wondered cano and has been erupting practically cated on an acre, the residence includes in. Built upon an ancient field of black around the resort, lingering between non-stop for the past 20 years. And a master bedroom with private bath, a lava rock, it looked like a hut on the the water and the beachfront Ship- at more than 33,000 feet, Mauna Loa queen bedroom and a room with two surface of mars. But with secluded wreck Bar. But my favorite attraction is the world’s tallest mountain when twin beds. The house also features a beaches only steps away, it was a true was the Polynesia Luau, held Wednes- measured from the ocean floor. kitchen, living room with woodstove, Polynesian paradise. day and Friday nights. Before entering the park, I ac- TV and books. Out front is a humun- The room, and the rest of the Kona Staged on the banks of ancient Ha- climated myself at My Island Bed gous lawn and wooden porch, and Village Resort, also proved a great start waiian fish ponds, the luau celebrates & Breakfast Inn (www.myislandin- out the back, is another wooden deck, to my recent tour of Hawaii’s Big Is- the culture and heritage of Hawaii. nhawaii.com) located a mile from the leading into thick nature trials. land. And in the process, it serves up incred- park’s entrance. After a night at the inn, I embarked Located at the site of an ancient ible authentic food. The picturesque inn is a collection on a biking adventure into Volcanoes fishing village, Kona Village Resort The feast begins when traditional- of historic rooms and cottages on seven National Park. Led by BikeVolcano. covers 82 acres on Kahuwai Bay, along ly-dressed islanders unveil a bunch of lush acres of gardens and semi-tropical com, Inc. (www.bikevolcano.com), the the Big Island’s Kohala Coast. The re- food cooked underground in an Ha- rain forest. The vegetation in Volcano journey began at nearby Volcano Win- sort features 125 thatched-roof bunga- waiian earthen oven or imu. The high- Village stays happy thanks to more ery, where I met the bike guide and lows called hale (ha-lay). The hale are light is when they lift out the large, than 150 inches of rain per year. some fellow guests. grouped into tiny villages surrounding succulent kalua pig, followed by fresh The inn’s main building is a three- We then pedaled into the park, lush lagoons, pristine white and black fish, chicken and veggies. story Connecticut-styled wooden farm- following giant white plumes toward sand beaches, and lava fields. After this, guests are seated near a house constructed in 1886. It features Kilauea Volcano. Our first stop was My hale sat on a sea of black lava, lagoon, for an incredible Hawaiian buf- guest quarters on upper floors and a Kilauea Overlook, where we encoun- dating back thousands of years. Some fet. While eating they are treated to the meeting/dining area on the bottom, tered volcanic steam vents rising of the rocks are engraved with ancient sights and sounds of beating drums, where visitors gather for breakfast, so- through fissures. We then watched gi- petroglyphs, the picture-like writings strumming guitars, spinning fire, and cializing and wireless Internet. ant clouds of gas erupt from Kilauea’s of early Hawaiians. The resort features beautiful dancers with grass skirts and This is a great spot to meet own- Summit Caldera. more than 400 of the carvings, repre- melodic voices. er Gordon Morse. In the mornings he The adventure continued through senting one largest petroglyph sites on After two days usually serves a luxuriant native Hawaiian rainfor- the island. at the resort, I drove up extra break- est and down Chain of Craters Road. The bungalow looked out to a san- to the southern tip fast portions and Along the way, we studied pit craters, dy beach and the blue ocean peeking of the island, where lots of fascinat- native plants and trees petrified in hot through swaying palm trees about 30 I explored Volcano ing information lava. yards away. I could reach the water by Village, one of the on volcanoes and Pushing on, we biked through a walking 10 seconds over warm sand. most unique places Hawaiian life and vast, ancient desert of lava formations When I did this I found a hidden cove, on earth. Located at history. before being picked up by our support with an empty hammock and a couple 4,000 feet, Volcano About 100 van. We then drove to the ocean, where of large sea turtles basking in the sun. Village sits at the yards from the we our guide served a delicious catered The thatched-roof hale came with- entrance to Hawaii main building, lunch. The adventure concluded with out island nuisances such as TV, radio Volcanoes National through a fern local wine tasting at Volcano Winery or telephone. Instead it offered wooden Park, home of the jungle, was my (www.volcanowinery.com). wind chimes, song birds, the enchant- Kilauea and Mau- room, which was For more info on visiting Hawaii’s ing aroma of plumeria, and an unfor- na Loa volcanoes. actually a three- Big Island, visit www.bigisland.org.

Call me for a FREE highest price evaluation of your home Voice of the Village 9 Is a do-it-yourself divorce a good idea?

Gerald McNally, Esq Do it yourself sounds like a good free.) together, no joint assets of any value idea where the spouses are agreeable, Filling them out correctly can be and no significant joint debts. Maybe doesn’t it? No expensive lawyers. challenging – These are legal docu- that’s your trial marriage. Quick and easy; fill out some forms ments and are written in ‘Legalize’ – if Or you could hire a paralegal. Now and you’re done but there are some po- you don’t speak Legalize it’s easy to a paralegal is someone who knows how tentially costly pitfalls and experience misunderstand exactly what the form to fill out forms and costs less than a has shown that that it usually winds is asking you for and you can make lawyer, right? Well, almost. Like the up being less expensive to use a good some very expensive mistakes. Listing online service, they put on the forms family law attorney than to try to do it an asset as belong to the wrong person, what you tell them to. If they’re giving yourself. Here’s why: for example can put you in a position you advice on what to put on the forms, Getting an uncontested divorce is that could take months of legal (not to that’s the practice of law, technically il- simply a matter of getting a copy of the mention expensive) maneuvering to legal but our State Bar closes its eye to right forms, filling them out correctly, correct. the practice on the theory that “the poor paying a filing fee and filing them with You can get some relatively inex- need legal services, too.” What they’re the right court. Sounds simple – but is pensive help course; you could use an missing is how poor the advice often husband, rejected and the husband ig- it? Let’s take a look. on-line service like LegalZoom.com is and how it ultimately costs society nored them. Both parties thought they Getting the right forms - You have but, by law, these operation perform in the long run for botched divorces, were divorced, and both proceeded to options. First, you can get a book at their services “At you direction” mean- broken families and unpaid support. remarry and acquire property. They your local bookstore, rip the forms out, ing that they can only do what you tell Using a paralegal can be danger- brought the case to me eleven years complete them and file them. Oops, them to do; they can’t advise you. So ous in other ways too. There was a after the forms had been rejected. Only big problem. Many of the forms are if you are uncertain about what to do case handled by this firm some years an extraordinary effort by this firm was changed as often as every six months. they can’t legally help you. ago. The couple had hired a paralegal able to unwind the mess How do you know which are the cor- If you’re contemplating a “sum- to prepare their divorce forms, all of Filing forms at the correct court- rect forms? It’s best to get forms from mary dissolution,” that might work. which had the husband’s address on house can be problematic too - One the internet, if you know where to “Summary” means there are no issues them. The paralegal did not ensure client came to us in tears because a find them. (What you’re looking for for a judge to decide. “Dissolution” is that the parties both signed and dated local courthouse kept rejecting her is “California Judicial Council Forms.” legal-speak for divorce. Summary dis- the forms (which are confusingly de- do-it-yourself forms. We generally do They’re on an official web site and you solution is when you’ve been married signed, so that it’s easy to miss). The not use that courthouse unless there can download them in PDF format for less than 5 years, you have no children court clerk sent the forms back to the continued on page 21 Understanding dementia SoCal Chimney, Inc. We are local and Alzheimer’s Family owned & operated Chimney Sweep 13 years in the Mary Mulally - Mericare chimney business Winter Special Dementia is an umbrella term We guarantee to be that includes memory loss, confusion, $99.00 declining problem solving and judg- on time and no mess mental skills, and language deficits. Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s dis- www.SoCalChimney.com 818-273-4804 ease, strokes, head injuries, depression, infections, adverse medication interac- tions, depression and more can cause dementia. Alzheimer’s disease may be a cause of the dementia. • You can explain the disease using a department store analogy: Ma- cy’s is one type, Sears in another, Wal-Mart is another, but they’re all department stores. With dementias, there’s Alzheimer dis- increased passivity, irritability and sus- ease, vascular dementia (stroke), picion. Over-learned behaviors (things alcoholic dementia, and others. you do without thinking) are usually fine. Here are some other signs to look Now Offering In-Home Landscape Design and Consultation They’re all dementias, but all dif- Call to make your appointment now! ferent. Some are reversible (drug for if a loved one appears to be losing or alcohol-induced), some, such the ability to remember, reason and Fruit Trees • Ornamental Trees • Shrubs • Roses as Alzheimer’s, are not. function normally: Vegetable Plants • Quality Soils • Containers • Ornaments

• The big 3 (most common) are Memory Loss — Those with de- Lowell Ave Alzheimer Disease, vascular dementia will forget recently learned Open to the Public Tujunga Cyn Blvd SOUTHLAND NURSERY mentia, and frontal lobe demen- information, indicating a loss of short- Mon–Sat: 8 am thru 5 pm ✪ tia. term memory. 210 FWY Difficulty Performing Familiar Sun: 10 am thru 4 pm La Tuna Cyn Rd • The most common cause of de- La Tuna Cyn and the 210 FWY mentia is Alzheimer’s disease, a Tasks — A person with dementia may disorder that results in the loss not know the steps for simple tasks that 818.353.3502 7415 La Tuna Canyon Rd, Sun Valley of brain cells. are so familiar we normally do them • But a loved one who has demen- without thinking, such as preparing tia may not have Alzheimer’s. a meal, operating a household appli- The symptoms of Alzheimer’s dis- ance, or practicing a lifelong hobby. ease include increasingly bad memory Problems With Language — Some- without any other brain disorders such one with dementia often forgets simple as brain damage, disease, or substance words or substitutes unusual words, abuse; difficulty with speaking and making his or her speech or writing understanding language; and poor difficult to understand. sensory function. When the disease Disorientation To Time and Place is fully developed the person cannot — People with dementia may become remember who they are, what to do, lost on their own street or while per- what they have done and what needs forming a familiar errand, forgetting to be done. They do not perform the how they got there and how to get tasks that keep our body alive and home. functioning. In the final stages, lack Poor Or Decreased Judgment — of feeding and swallowing problems Those with dementia may dress with- also set in. Before diagnosis begins, all out regard to the weather, wearing other causes are ruled out. New meth- too much or too little clothing. They ods of diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease may also show poor judgment about are developed everyday. money, giving away large amounts to Early signs of dementia - The solicitors or paying for home repairs or most common behavioral changes are products they don’t need. continued on page 29 10 Voice of the Village Equestrian rules of the road

Originally published by the Shadow Hills Property Owners Association On December 4, there was a vehicle/horse ac- riding or in charge of the animal or livestock in cident on Wheatland Ave. in Shadow Hills, which order to avoid frightening and to safeguard the resulted in the horse having to be euthanized due to animal or livestock and to insure the safety of any its injuries. person driving or riding the animal or in charge Horses have been a part of life in Shadow Hills of the livestock.” from the beginning. It is a part of the charm of the Pass Horses From Behind With Care - Allow neighborhood. Horses are the reason we enjoy living the rider extra room and drive slowly to give the on large lots. And its horse keeping that has pro- horse a chance to see you. If there’s not enough tected our neighborhood from over-development, room in your lane to pass, wait until there is room construction of multiple-family units and increased in the other lane or when the road widens before congestion. We should all be thankful for our neigh- you slowly pass bors who own horses. If A Horse Is Acting Up - Stop to allow the Driving in a neighborhood where neighbors own rider to get the horse under control, then proceed horses requires caution and responsibility on the part slowly and be prepared to stop if the horse starts of both drivers and riders. Here is a list of some com- to act up again. mon sense rules for newcomers and neighbors who If People Are Loading A Horse – Give them do not own horses and for those neighbors who do plenty of room in case an inexperienced horse and ride on the neighborhood streets, a reminder for suddenly backs out of the trailer – or better yet, staying safe. wait until the horse is loaded. Equestrian Rules Of The Road - For Drivers Do Not “Send A Message” by driving close to Give Equestrians the Right-of-Way - Horses can a horse because you feel the rider is hogging the be unpredictable, they are living animals with minds road or being rude. Be the better person and have of their own. Decide to help keep the horse and rider patience. safe. Equestrian Rules Of The Road - For Riders Nobody Owns the Road - Try a little courtesy Nobody Owns the Road - Be courteous and and patience, and lower your blood pressure at the keep to the right when vehicles are present. same time. Ride Defensively - Assume that not all driv- Use Caution When Approaching Horses on ers know what to do and that not all drivers will do You are Responsible for Your Own Safety- Ride streets or trails - It takes but a moment for a horse to the right thing. with traffic, be visible, alert and communicate your spook, bolt and for a terrible accident to happen Share the Road - When you see or hear a vehicle intentions, and always wear a helmet Don’t Honk Your Horn - Horses have an instinc- approaching, be polite and move to the right to give When Loading or Unloading a Horses do so on tual drive to escape frightening situations and our the driver room to pass. a side street and out of traffic, if possible - If your children and neighbors can get hurt in the process. When Riding Two or More Abreast you may be horse has trouble, signal any approaching car to go Respect the Right-of-Way of Others - Don’t vio- as wide as a vehicle - Return to single file as quickly around or stop, or wait until the vehicle passes. Do late traffic laws such as failing to stop at a stop sign as possible to allow drivers to pass. Remember, a not assume that the driver knows what to do. or traffic light, speeding, making unsafe lane changes little courtesy goes a long way. When Crossing the Street or Using an Equestrian or illegal turns. At Intersections, let the faster, heavier vehicle go Crossing - You have the duty of using due care for Use Caution When Passing Horses – It’s the law. first even if you do have the right-of-way - After all, your own safety. VC Section 21805 Equestrian Cross- Specifically VC 21759 which states, “The driver of what’s your hurry? ings states, “No horseback rider shall leave a curb or any vehicle approaching any horse drawn vehicle, Do Not Be a Traffic Controller - Do not ride in the other place of safety and proceed suddenly into the any ridden animal or any livestock shall exercise middle of the road or lane just to slow down traffic. path of a vehicle which is close enough to constitute proper control of his vehicle and shall reduce speed Its Your Job to Protect Your Horse - When being an immediate hazard. “ or stop as may appear necessary or as may be sig- passed, if necessary, stop your horse until the vehicle Use the Trails When Possible - Remember that naled or otherwise requested by any person driving, goes by. Horse vs. Vehicle = Horse Loses. it’s all about being safe and enjoying the ride Veganism continued from page 7 meat heavy menus, most men cannot convincing faux meat products on the of gourmet restaurant food, Gobble taken seriously. If you or someone you comprehend a life devoid of steaks, market that may make veganism plau- Green is a 100% vegan food delivery know has prostate cancer or is at high hamburgers, and hot dogs even though sible, and even desirable, for some of company that provides a delicious and risk for developing this disease, vegan- deleting these animal products from these men. Morningstar and Boca faux healthy alternative to animal derived ism is a possible solution that should their diet will decrease their chance of meat products are sold in most super- meals. be explored. getting prostate cancer by 80%. For- markets. For men who dislike cooking Prostate cancer is a serious disease tunately, there are a number of very and relish the convenience and taste that should be prevented against and

TUJUNGA REGISTRATION SERVICES

C A 11 C 4653521 818-951-5113 All Motor Vehicle Registrations & Renewals Out of State • Lost Registration Card • Titles • Stickers License Plates • Disable Plates • Vehicle Verifications Licensed & Bonded 7529 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga Voice of the Village 11 Business

Full Circle Senator Bob Huff In 2009, the California Energy tation of the CEC’s labeling require- the television’s estimated annual en- Commission (CEC), an unelected ment by six months to give the Fed- ergy cost and a comparison with the body, went through the process of eral Trade Commission (FTC) time annual energy cost of similar mod- creating energy efficiency standards, to develop and adopt its own energy els. FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz which would effectively ban the sale efficiency labeling rule. said, “By comparing information on of certain televisions in the State. Following passage of SB 1198, the EnergyGuide labels, consumers These regulations included pro- which was signed into law in Sep- will be able to make better-informed visions for television energy use tember, the FTC did in fact vote to decisions about which model they labeling that were not only unnec- approve proposed rules amending choose to buy, based on how much it essary, but also problematic in their the Appliance Labeling Rule. This is costs to operate per year.” proposed implementation, specified an encouraging tangible result of this Without SB 1198, California’s timeline and ambiguity. Long before successful piece of legislation. TV manufacturers would have had the CEC proposed its own approach The FTC’s Appliance Labeling to create two labels; one for Califor- to energy use labeling, the federal Rule will require the familiar, remov- nia and a different one for the FTC, labeling requirement. government enacted legislation man- able yellow and black EnergyGuide as quickly as six months later. This Examples of the new labels can dating energy use disclosure require- labels to be affixed to the front of would have been confusing for con- be found at http://www.ftc.gov/ ments for televisions, computers and televisions manufactured after May sumers and burdensome for manu- os/2010/10/tvlabels.pdf. other electronics. 10, 2011. facturers. Thankfully, the Governor Senator Bob Huff serves as the Sen- In response, I authored Senate These labels will provide useful agreed and signed SB 1198 into law, ate Republican Caucus Chair and Bill 1198, to simply delay implemen- information for consumers, such as thus abolishing the need for a state represents portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. Experience the Workout Everyone is Talking About CROSSFIT

How Al Read’s celebrates Christmas

Fran Loiselle For the last 26 years, Della, owner This year the winner’s name was 3 FREE CLASSES Knowledge of Al Read’s Steak House (located at drawn on December 20, (name with- 10504 Mt. Gleason in Tujunga) has held held for obvious reasons) and walked Accountability a drawing for a great holiday treat for away with quite a haul. the kids. Diners’ are invited to donate a Leave it to Dells to create a won- 818-726-5214 Nutrition gift and enter their child’s name in the derful tradition like this. The next time www.crossfitsurvival.com Community drawing for the big Christmas stocking you are looking for a good steak stop Offer expires 1/7/11 filled with all of the donated toys. in to Al Reed’s; and remember to thank Shadow Hills, Sunland, Tujunga The winner receives the whole Della for her Christmas spirit. Serious Fun! stocking’s and its contents. 12 Voice of the Village Ransomware – One more reason to make sure your computer is secure

Carlos – The Remote Help Expert Ransomware - Such funny coined encryption strength have been bogus word for our times. Ransomware is a but not this one. As of this writing, type of malware, which holds either there is no known way to decrypt the a computer or its data hostage and data to recover it. asks the user for a ransom. This type What can you do about it? There of malware (malicious software) has are three actions to take. existed for some time but its newest First is the usual preventive one. variant is proving to be a bit of a chal- Have a good security setup so you lenge in terms of recovering the lost aren’t infected in the first place, and information and it’s been detected as have a frequently updated data backup circulating in the wild since late No- to be ready for the worst. vember. Its name is Trojan-Ransom. The second action is under the Left to right Richard Stewart Rotary President, Tawnya Gartside Honorary Sherriff, Sonia Tatulian ST Win32.GpCode.ax. category of damage control. If you see Chamber President, Sally Hall Century 21 Realty, Hayk Gegezyan Owner, Rima Mehrabian Dry Clean- ers Plus, Luther Bedoyan Owner of Classy Jewelers, Ron Cech Owner of the Insurance Store, Lori How can you recognize it? Users any message on your desktop like the Herbert Sunland-Tujunga Directory, Kathy Ohanians Owner of East Valley ADHC Center, Fran Loiselle who become victims of this new vari- one above, turn off your computer as Executive Director of the ST Chamber and Ray Loiselle 2nd VP of the ST Chamber, Daphne Loiselle ant will often see a pop-up window fast as you can. And I don’t mean go Chamber guard dog and Aram Tatulian Resident. in their screen, or have their desktop through the usual shutdown proce- background replaced by this message: dure. I mean press and hold the power “ATTENTION!!!!!! YOUR PER- button of your computer until it turns Ribbon Cutting at SONAL FILES WERE ENCRYPTED off (usually takes about 5 seconds of WITH A STRONG aLGORYTHM holding the power button to force a RSA-1024 AND YOU CAN’T GET AN sudden shutdown) or just yank the NGWireless ACCESS TO THEM WITHOUT MAK- power cable (If your computer is a ING OF WHAT WE NEED!” laptop obviously yanking the power On November 18 Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of Commerce held its Ribbon Cutting The ransom message ends with, cable is not an option). If you act fast at NGWireless at 8337-C Foothill Blvd in Sunland. “REMEMBER: DON’T TRY TO enough, you might be able to abort the TELL SOMEONE ABOUT THIS MES- encryption process that is destroying SAGE IF YOU WANT TO GET YOUR your information. Don’t turn the com- FILES BACK! JUST DO ALL WE puter back on. TOLD.” The third action is a corrective one. Welcome to What does Ransomware do? It Contact an expert so the necessary encrypts the files in your computer’s steps can be taken to remove the threat hard disk drive, making it impossible before it can resume its destructive to access them. Past threats about the work. the Rock! YOUR DEALERSHIP ALTERNATIVE • GENUINE HONDA & ACURA PARTS Commerce

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Marynance Schellenbach

Looking for lion cubs - The Sun- The Lions Pride time and effort to provide assistance land-Tujunga Lions will be display- and resources to the blind and visu- ing their Pride all during January as ally impaired. In 1925, Helen Keller they launch their annual membership inspired the Lions to support the blind drive. Two events have been planned when she challenged them to become especially for people who are interest- “Knights of the Blind in the crusade ed in serving our community through against darkness.” membership in a vital, welcoming and Years of determined devotion active local organization. have allowed Lions to establish the The regular dinner meeting on majority of the eye banks in the world; Thursday, Jan. 13 will be held at Joseli- fund groundbreaking research on to’s West, 7308 Foothill Blvd., Tujunga, leading causes of blindness; support at 6:30 p.m. “Accentuate the Positive,” the expansion of eye treatment facili- an interactive program, will explore the ties; and offer hundreds of thousands many reasons why the Sunland-Tujun- of visually impaired people the skills ga Lions Club is the group to belong Are you a Lion? to live productive lives. Through the to if you want to be part of the action, Lions eyeglasses recycling programs, give back to your community, make a people of all ages in developing na- difference, expand your horizons and • People who have decided countries throughout the tions are given the opportunity to - see make new friends. Israel Vargas and to give something back to world their family for the first time - complete Jose Castellon will lead the discussion. their communities, who are • Dedicated to maintaining their education - remain gainfully em- On Thursday, Jan. 27, Lions and dedicated to finding people in the highest ethical and moral ployed. guests will gather at the Wine Cave in need and meeting those needs standards in their club and in the Lions SightFirst program Montrose for dinner, wine tasting and in an efficient and caring way their personal lives strives to rid the world of preventable fellowship. New members of the Club • Men and women who believe • Are serious about their com- and reversible blindness by closing the will be inducted and Old Monarchs that by working with other mitment of humanitarian ser- gap between existing health care ser- honored. dedicated Lions, they will ac- vice, but don’t mind having vices and those that remain desperately If you are interested in learning complish far more for their fun along the way needed. The unprecedented program, more, contact Membership Chairman communities than would be Lions are...or could be...someone the largest initiative of its kind, joins Lion Frank Elms at 818-640-1187. possible alone just like you. leading blindness prevention experts, Lions are... • People who cherish the friend- The lion’s vision - The Lions vision blindness prevention organizations, • Members of the world’s larg- ship and fellowship of their is of a world where no one loses theirs. governments and Lion volunteers in est and most active service own club members, but also Lions are committed to preventing establishing long-term solutions to the club feel a close kinship with fel- blindness and visual impairment. For world’s vision problems. SightFirst low Lions in more than 185 over 80 years, Lions have devoted projects to fight cataract, train ophthal- continued on page 14 14 Voice of the Village Chamber of Commerce President’s Message – January 2011

Sonia Tatulian

Happy New Year! - As success- Councilmember Krekorian, or Con- Craft vendor / and performer ful as we were last year, more than gressman Sherman, or Assemblymem- opportunities - This year at our An- doubling our Chamber membership, ber Smythe and/or Senator Runner’s nual 3 day Easter Carnival, we have increasing the size of our Board of Di- office. These meetings will allow the opportunity to provide space to rectors and all the added exposure we Chamber members the opportunity to various craft vendors and a stage for received through Voice of the Village, share their concerns and issues directly selected performers. Please contact the there is still much I want to do. Starting with our elected officials who can use Chamber office for more details on the this month on January 18th and on the this information to plan and implement event. third Tuesday of each month follow- positive changes for the benefit of our Board of directors - I would like to ing, we will be holding lunch meetings communities. Seating will be limited as again extend an invitation to any cham- at our Chamber office with a few select we wish to keep these meetings small ber member who would like to actively Chamber members to meet and discuss for better personal interaction. If you participate on our Board of Directors. didn’t have a chance to get a copy of how we can work together to improve wish to be included at one of these Stay involved with what’s happening our newest Community Cookbook put and enhance our business relations meetings, please contact the Chamber within the community and be an active together by the Little Lander’s Histori- within the community. Also attending office and let us know. partner in our community’s success. cal Society, copies are available for pur- these meetings will be various elected Coming events - February 9th – Thank you from the Sunland- chase at the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber representatives from the offices of Los From 10 AM to 2 PM our Chamber of Tujunga Chamber of Commerce - Last office during regular business hours. Angeles Supervisor Antonovich, or Commerce office will be holding their month in our effort to assist the Ameri- The cost is only $15 and contains much annual Open House. This year we are can Legion Post 377 with their holiday more than just recipes. It’s a must have inviting our Chamber members to program providing gifts and much for all our area residents. provide some of their product for sale needed items to our Troops in Iraq and Office hours - YourS unland-Tujun- as would be appropriate for Valentine Afghanistan, our chamber members ga Chamber of Commerce office is open Day gifts. Everyone is invited to attend and the community generously con- Monday through Thursday from 8 am this event, see our facilities, learn more tributed a total of $500 for this cause. to 12 noon. Note: the chamber office about what we are doing and browse Post Commander, Pat O’Brien was will be closed December 24th through through the gift selections. very pleased and promised the funds December 31st for the holidays. February 26th – From 6 PM to 11 would be put to good use. As always, we encourage the Sun- PM the Sunland-Tujunga Chamber of We were also very successful with land Tujunga community to utilize the Commerce with the Sunland-Tujunga our toy and food drive for our lo- products and services provided by our Elks Lodge will be hosting their annual cal Sheriff’s Department serving the local businesses and organizations, re- Monte Carlo Night. Due to last year’s Sunland-Tujunga area. The thoughtful- member to success we are adding more gaming ness and generosity of our community tables and more games to play. Your definitely reached out and made a dif- “Shop on the Rock.” $20 admission offers great food, prizes ference in many peoples lives last year. For further information about the events and and gaming script. Watch for more de- Thank you for helping us help others. activities going on in the Foothill Community, please check our website at www.STChamber. Community Cookbooks - If you tails in next month’s issue. com under the community calendar tab.

Lions Pride continued from page 13 mic personnel, develop infrastructure allows youngsters aged 11-13 to ex- and combat river blindness are under- press their hope-filled visions of peace way in 68 countries on five continents. through art. More than 300,000 entries sightFirst is supported by the are submitted each year. Lions Clubs International Foundation, LEO (Leadership, Experience, the number one non-governmental or- Opportunity) Clubs are the “junior” ganization (NGO) in the world. One Lions clubs, introducing youth to hundred percent of money raised by lives of service through volunteerism. LCIF is used to fund humanitarian Open to young people aged 12-18, the projects and support Lions clubs’ ef- opportunity is provided to learn lead- forts to improve the quality of life ership skills and network with other in communities locally and globally LEOs around the area and the world. through grants administered by local The Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club is clubs and districts. Emergency grants presently organizing a community- are immediately granted when there based LEO club that meets on the first is a natural or man-made catastrophe. Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the The Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club was Verdugo Hills Family YMCA. Inter- given a $10,000 grant from LCIF to ested parents or teens can learn more provide emergency aid to victims of by contacting LEO advisor Frank Elms the Station Fire in 2009. at 818-640-1187. Knights of the Blind are...or LEOs are...or could be...some- could be...someone just like you. one just like you, your kids, or your Lions and youth - Assisting grandkids! youth has always been a Lions priority. sunland-Tujunga Lions and For young people whose circumstances the Watermelon Festival - The Lions do not offer opportunity or direction, 50th Annual Watermelon Festival is Lions youth programs offer more than happening August 12-14, 2011. Plans fond memories - they offer inspiration have begun to make it the biggest and for the future. Lions Youth Outreach in- best ever! Look for ways you can be- cludes Lions Quest, a program that has come involved in the Festival that has provided millions of kids worldwide become a Southern California Destina- with the skills necessary to acquire the tion Event, bringing folks from all over self-esteem and drive needed to live the area to our lovely community. productive, happy and drug-free lives. Needed – businesses willing to Lions sponsors an International Youth provide parking and possibly shuttle Exchange program each year. More service. Sponsors for a variety of con- than 5,000 young people travel yearly tests - do you have any suggestions to a foreign country to live with a host for a contest featuring watermelon that family, learning to appreciate and un- you would like to organize and spon- derstand cultures different from their sor? We’d love to hear about it! own. Thousands of disabled youth We are looking for former attend Lions summer camps each year, queens of the Festival and historical including the two week-long camp for material, especially photos. deaf children at our own Lions Camp You can drop the Lions Club a note Teresita Pines in Wrightwood. The Li- - P.O. Box 590, Sunland, CA 91041 ons International Peace Poster Contest or e-mail [email protected] Voice of the Village 15

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Jackie Houchin Mr. Gary Ireland is sometimes called "Renaissance Man" at Mount Gleason Middle School. And after an hour with the charismatic science teacher who inhabits Room 80 – a building set by itself inside a fenced area known as "The Garden" – I have to agree. His enthusiasm for teaching makes learning exciting. "I'm a rebel teacher," Ireland states with a grin after admitting he allows his students to use their cell phones in class for calculations (not calls or texts). "I want the kids to get educated about science. They learn through having fun, so I make it as exciting as possible. I want to keep them interested; I want to keep them in school." Ireland teaches 8th grade Physical Science as part of the school's regular curriculum. There are a few chapters on the solar system in the study book, but he wanted to teach an entire class on astronomy. As an amateur astrono- mer for 30 years, with a bookcase of Mr. Ireland and the Smart Board over 1,500 books to prove it, Ireland thought he could make it happen. "I designed and created the curriculum, and LAUSD approved it." Ireland is a Solar System Ambas- His Introduction to Astronomy class is sador with the Jet Propulsion Labora- now a one-semester elective for kids in tory – one of just 60 in California – and grades 6-8. "Other schools may teach has fascinating up-to-date information astronomy, but I'm the only one that that he shares with his students. He en- does a lab." (Referring to his popular courages students in both the Fall and "Astronomy Nights" on Thursdays Spring semesters to attend JPL's Open when he sets up a battery of telescopes House in May. in the Quad area, and students. as well The versatile Mr. Ireland is also a as the public, come to peer at the moon, member of the Academy of Magical stars, nebulas, and planets.) Arts (Magic Castle) and sponsors a Inside Room 80 and dominating Lunchtime Magic Club at Mount Glea- one wall is a large Smart Board with son. As 7or 8 students file in, he begins Projector. This interactive, touch-en- shuffling a deck of cards. "Remember abled, whiteboard – which can be con- it's 5% trick and 95% how you do it." nected to the Internet via a computer He performs the "Do as I Do" trick, – is full of educational software and and then shows them how it's done. Students attending Mr. Ireland’s lunch time Magic Club tools for teaching. It can be operated He tells the kids to practice the tricks either up close with the flick of a finger on their friends and family, and then or a pen, or anywhere in the room with demonstrate to each other. The kids are a hand-held wireless device called a quick to memorize and even quicker Smart Slate. with their hands. Ireland was one of the pioneers Coming in January/February: - in bringing Smart Boards into Mount Gary Ireland invites Voice of the Village Gleason. (There are about 16 in use in readers to join him and his students for other classrooms, and if you've never Astronomy Night any clear Thursday seen one, you should visit Room 80 evening in the central Quad area, start- during a conference time and get a ing as soon as it gets dark and lasting quick demo.) Next on his wish list is a till 9:00 or 10:00 pm. The winter con- camera and microphone, so he can re- stellations (Orion, Gemini, and Taurus) cord each class and upload it to the In- will be up in January, and I promise ternet. Students absent that day could you’ll have a fascinating time stargaz- watch it, even key in questions via cell ing, listening to interesting facts and phone, and not miss the lesson. folklore, and sipping cups of yummy, When he is not using the Smart sweet hot apple cider. Board to teach, Ireland streams in live Thursday, February 3rd – The footage from the International Space Music & Drama classes will conclude Station, where weightless, slow-mov- the semester with a Concert and a pro- ing astronauts can be seen going about duction of “The Lion, The Witch, and their daily schedules. At other times, the Wardrobe.” The performance for students watch actual rocket and space parents and the community will begin Mr. Ireland’s Astronomy Nite shares a rare view of the night skys shuttle launches. at 6:30 pm. 18 Voice of the Village Lunchtime Poets and Authors at Mount Gleason Jackie Houchin

At the end of school last year, are no tongue-tied blushers here. Mount Gleason Magnet School Number one snuggles deep into the teacher, Ms Harpreet Hans, asked beanbag and the others cluster in a her 7th grade English students if they half circle around her. Surprisingly would be interested in a Lunchtime the students listen intently and of- Creative Writing Club. Many said fer applause or comments after each they would, so she contacted the of- reading. Ms Hans tells me that on fice and scheduled it for September. days when there aren't so many read- When school began again, only ers, they will discuss each piece. a few of those students (now in 8th Rotating to the beanbag, the kids grade) followed through, but an read chapters in on-going stories, overwhelming number of her new personal essay pieces, poetry, and 7th graders responded. Today her even songs. One girl offers a strong, lunch club, which meets Wednes- controversial piece that Ms Hans days and Fridays, has 15-20 eager says they will talk about next time. A creative writers. boy reads three witty Haiku poems. On club meeting days, Ms Hans Another girl begins a mystery and asks that the students bring their ends on a cliffhanger. lunch from home. The lunch break is Ms Hans' Creative Writing club Too soon, the 25 minutes are up, only 25 minutes long, so there's not and they gather backpacks and lunch enough time to go to the cafeteria to remains; roll up rugs and stow them buy something. along with the pillows and beanbag. The first club members to ar- Ms Hans is proud of their efforts rive spread out a couple rolled up and their writing and would like to rugs and half dozen pillows in the see them published. She also hopes open center of her classroom. These to extend the club to an occasional items, along with a comfy beanbag after school session when a profes- chair have been donated to the club sional author she knows will come and provide a more informal atmo- and teach a creative writing work- sphere than their classroom desks. shop. The beanbag seat is reserved for the Look for poetry (and perhaps an person reading his/her work. occasional short story) by these Cre- As they munch on sandwiches, ative Writers in the Voice of the Village bags of chips, and sodas, they decide each month. who will read first, second, and so forth. All are eager to share; there Students reading their work to one another Shop the Rock Voice of the Village 19 Who We Are The Character and Characters of Rancho Tujunga Youth for Human Rights International Holds Forum on 21st Century Slavery

Trissie Badger and Timothy Bowles, Esq tors and community activists as a team to inform the Honoring United Nations Human Rights Day, public of the various forms of modern-day slavery Youth for Human Rights International sponsored a and of the institutions and procedures established to well-attended December 11 forum on human traf- care for the victims as well as deal effectively with ficking in the chapel at the Church of Scientology in the perpetrators.” Pasadena. Human trafficking means, literally, slav- Attorney and author Robin Sax, previewed the ery and there is more general public ignorance about documentary titled Project Playground on the U.S. sex trade. Executive producers of the film include this practice, than of any other of human rights abuse. HR Day Logan Clarke speaking There are more people in bondage today, an esti- George Clooney and Steve Soderbergh. “There is a mated 27,000,000 worldwide, than at any time when vast operation of teenage ‘prostitution’ in the U.S.,” ous means necessary to rescue such children from slavery was actually legal. Those who attended the Ms. Sax pointed out. However, she explained that the such bondage. Pasadena forum learned that this growing menace is public commonly views “prostitution” as implying According to Mr. Clarke, there are as many as not limited to the far-away killing fields ofA frica or some degree of consent by the persons selling their 100,000 underage teens brought into the sex trade the sweatshops of Southeast Asia. According to the bodies. Ms. Sax observed that the entire sex trade for each year in the U.S. alone. “The only way we will forum’s speakers, there are likely thousands of in- underage teens is slavery/trafficking by definition see a change in this horror is for the public to de- dividuals currently in brutal slavery in the Southern since it is legally impossible for such girls and boys mand that change,” Mr. Clarke concluded. “Emails California communities and neighborhoods. to give consent for such activity. Ms. Sax called for are for all intents useless as our legislators can too Speakers included Rohida Kahn, Victims As- wider, more effective training of law enforcement of- easily find such communications too overwhelming sistance Coordinator for the U.S. Department of ficers in spotting such sex trafficking. to support actual receipt. It is the volumes of old- Homeland Security, Brad Dacus, Esq., President Constitutional litigator Mr. Dacus covered the school letters and faxes that cannot be overlooked by of Pacific Justice Institute, Robin Sax, Esq., author, “supply-and-demand” realities of human trafficking their very bulk.” Clarke urged the audience to strive media commentator and anti-slavery advocate and and cautioned against offering monetary “incentives” to educate and motivate the public for such effort. Logan Clarke, Clarke Investigations International, a for traffickers to give up those they hold in bondage, Youth for Human Rights International (YHRI) is veteran rescuer of youth from the international sex pointing out that this only leads to more kids being a non-profit educational organization dedicated to trade. Phil Ludwig, President of Teen Rescue, also taken so that they can be ‘sold’ for more rewards. worldwide human rights education using the United briefed the assembly on his group’s efforts to care for Instead, he called for harsher criminal consequences Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It teens lucky enough to escape from U.S.-based sex- for engaging in the trade that will motivate even the inspires and equips young people as advocates for trafficking rings. “bad guys” to get out of the business. tolerance and peace. YHRI works with educators, Attending the event were various city and com- From his decades of experience as an investiga- civil servants, religious leaders, youth, and any per- munity leaders, activists, educators, clergy and stu- tor combating the international and domestic slav- son or organization of good will. The organization dents interested in raising public awareness of the ery trade, Logan Clarke labeled human trafficking distributes audiovisual and printed human rights problem and in eradicating the daily injustices and as the most despicable human rights abuse of our educational materials that may be ordered from its violations of human rights in this arena. time. Mr. Clarke provided a detailed “on the streets” website. www.youthforhumanrights.org. “The United States is the number one destina- view of teen sex exploitation, including trafficker methods to imprison and subjugate young girls into For more information on YHRI and its local campaigns and tion for human trafficking in the world,” reported projects, please contact Tim Bowles, Director for International DHS representative Ms. Khan. “National, state and the most dehumanizing conditions imaginable. He Development, One South Fair Oaks Avenue, Suite 301, Pasade- local government must work together with educa- also described the methodical, sometimes danger- na, California 91105, (626) 583-6600, [email protected].

Life lessons learned from horses Dental Bits continued from page 7 Soda pop: Soda is the number one cause of Celie Weston. dental decay. Carbonated drinks, even so called “diet drinks”, are equally to blame. Some parents Trust is a rare and valuable commodity in this thing completely different than the words we say. We who have migrated from other countries where the world. Throughout life, we continue to try and trust are actually out-of-sync with our selves. drinking water may be tainted can get into the habit one another with information, physical and emotion- Horses and other animals communicate almost of providing substitute liquids, other than water, al needs, responsibilities, dependencies, morals, eth- entirely through body language for survival. This to drink. Other parents, able to afford the luxury ics, dreams; ...and sometimes we even encounter the language has kept them in existence for millions of providing soda for their children, want to show wish or direct necessity to trust someone else with of years - A Life Lesson that we could learn. When their love by giving the children something that our lives or the lives of someone dear to us. But what communicating through body language, there are no they desire and will like. is trust, and why is it so often broken? grey zones. There is only black and white. Sugar in all forms: Our society is addicted to In my opinion, trust consists of several different Trust is broken when communication fails, then sweets. We want to win the approval of our children things. Trust, is the ability to Totally Respect and Un- confusion and lack of understanding sets in. How- so we provide them with sugar coated breakfast derstand Someone else’s Truth. ever, if there are no grey zones, there are no masks, cereals, candy, gum, donuts, etc. Some hard candy Although humans have a spoken language that, no players, no falsities, and therefore no confusion. and chewing gum contains Xylitol. Xylitol has been in certain ways, makes it easier for us to communi- When there is no confusion, then everyone is “on the proven to harden teeth and to help prevent cavities. cate clearly, we very often fail to do so. same page” so to speak, seeing things from the same Read the label! Carefully chosen words mask our real feelings point of view... The importance of regular visits to the dentist and our body language seems to communicate some- Now, this doesn’t mean that everyone agrees, must be emphasized. Early detection of minimal but the communication is crystal clear and therefore decay can prevent severe infection, pain, and loss of the parties involved exist in the same reality. teeth. Premature loss of baby teeth can cause health When realities are the same or similar, people problem due to the inability of the child to chew have the chance to connect, respect and truly un- properly. One of the major causes of absenteeism derstand the actions, thoughts or words of another from school is dental pain. person. The result is successful communication. The beauty of it is when the shadows are gone; Dr. Mertzel is a member of the American Dental As- trust can begin to grow... sociation, the California Dental Association and serves Be sure to follow Celie Weston’s next article, on as the Legislative Chairman of the San Fernando Val- ley Dental Society. He also serves on the Board of the how to implement these communication techniques CDA Government Affairs Council. He was awarded a in your personal or professional lives with specific Fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. examples from her life and experience with horses. Learn about Powerful communication, Integrity and Leadership. Whether you’re a horse person or non- horse person... Stay tuned! Celie Weston is now taking Q&A from all Village Voice readers! To contact her please write to [email protected] 20 Voice of the Village Old and New – history lessons for our time Marlene Hitt

Happy new day to us all. sion lands). Every day offers a new experience. Sometimes, when there are two The formula for daily life involves old clearly defined sides to an issue, there - new, past- present, conflict - solution, can be negotiation and compromise. needs - wants, giving - taking away. In 1932, though, there didn’t seem to This results in all kinds of responses. be any middle ground. Mabel Hatch The list can go back in history to summed up the facts of a Tujunga Indian culture versus Spanish culture, feud, that of the question of whether or ranchos versus settlers, Glendale ver- not the City of Tujunga (incorporated sus Tujunga, Sunland versus Tujunga, 1925) would annex to the City of Los Sunland versus Los Angeles, Tujunga Angeles. and Los Angeles, Bolton Hall and “The question of annexation to Los Angeles, gravel mining and local the City of Los Angeles was one of the citizens, open space versus develop- most controversial which ever plagued ments, marihuana versus citizens and and divided the people of the Verdugo government, adherence to law versus Valley. The residents were deeply immediate gratification, citizen against conscious of its importance, and they citizen. fought with all they had, some on one the agitation continued. In a fourth try One resident, then a young girl of The right lies in the mind of the side and some on the other, for what on January 5, 1932 annexation won, the Forster family said recently that, observer, whichever side they are they thought were the best interests of 719 to 657. after the results were known that an- on. Many years ago, one family from their town. They knew the long shad- “One of the first effects of annexa- nexation was established, the family Tujunga, being good citizens gave up ow of that decision would lay across tion was on real estate taxes. On January rushed home, turned off all the lights land for County flood control. From the valley for many a year. 1, 1930, the tax rate for the City of Tu- and hid. They were on the side of anti- a newspaper article comes the report “The heart of the discussion was junga was $3.57; of Los Angeles $4.25. annexation and they were afraid. Ac- that the Zachaus gave up their beloved water. Annexationists felt all services The Tujunga rate was naturally raised cording to postmaster Tom Theobald acres to County flood control. The would be improved under the pro- at once to the Los Angeles rate as soon Street names were changed right away price of progress was hard to pay for tecting wing of a big city with its vast as it became a part of the city. In joining and the anti - annexation groups, the owners, pioneer homesteaders on resources...” which included the pro- Los Angeles, Tujunga automatically as- whose streets were named for their whose beautiful hillside acres the Los tection of a consistent water supply. sumed its share of the millions of dol- family, had those names changed by Angeles Flood Control District gouged Unless Tujunga annexed to the city, lars of bonded indebtedness of the city. the City. out a vast debris basin in their canyon. some said, the town would be left high (The city refused to assume any part of It is so difficult at any time to know The flood control was necessary to and dry with no water at all. the debt of $700 on Tujunga City Hall what is right for the future and accept- control the periodic great amounts of The anti - annexationists, on the and the residents had to pay that off by able to all parties. Other tussles began waters from destroying everything in other hand, were sure the town had ad- a $.10 increase in the tax rate). over the need to annex the eastern por- their path. But such progress is costly equate supplies of water and electricity. A peculiar thing happened about tion of Glendale to Tujunga. in money and emotions, and some- The town would, if operating under its the time between the third and fourth Adding controversies to the list is body usually gets hurt. own power, have better fire and police elections. Suddenly, after election num- too long for this article. I suppose we In the very early part of 1880 a con- protection than they would if they ber 3, every house, shack, and building just have to realize that conflict and troversy arose between the ranch lands were part of the city. Being small, they in Tujunga became occupied. The new- controversy are a part of life and rather of the Verdugos and that of the Lopez argued, gave them better and more comers registered and became voters. than get out the big guns we speak brothers. The boundary between the personalized services. In June of 1926, Then, the morning after the annexa- rationally, consider the greater good, two properties was said to be at the site Sunland had voted to annex to the City tion was established, there was a great negotiate until we all agree (oh-yeah) of the Verdugo Hills High School. Be- of Los Angeles with a vote of 328 to 211 exodus, and there were again plenty of and give it our best, person to person, cause the boundaries of the Verdugos with a 90% voter turnout. empty houses. The election was pro- neighborhood to neighborhood, town were said to be marked by such mark- After voting in 1927 about the Tu- tested in the courts, but nothing was to town, and all around the world. ers as “pine tree with steer skull beside junga annexation issue, (354 for and accomplished and Tujunga became for it” (the Franciscans had once moved 594 against annexation) and again in Happy old, happy new. all time a part of Los Angeles. the steer skull and claimed more mis- 1930 (585 to 430), and once more 1931,

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Ariyana Gibbon

“Healing from the Ashes is an example of humanity The Synergy Art foundation, which helped art- at its best. It is an outgrowth of the human drive to ists from the Carlsbad fire, was the first non-profit that offered encouragement, counsel, and support come together, forming and reforming communities Ariyana Gibon (with Mic) presents awards, checks, to survivors in response to the needs of those impacted by of the vision and became the fiscal umbrella for re- and volunteers catastrophe. It demonstrates how strangers can be ceiving funds. Claire Knowlton of the McGroarty Arts Center wrote letters of support and gave great touched by the needs of a few, and how they respond advice. Musicians, Jane Fontana , Dorothy Skiles, Maja Tro- with empathy, care and helping hands. It is a beautiful A heartfelt thank you to everyone who gave sup- chimczyck, Joe De Cenz, Barry Ira Geller, Mari Libbe thing.” - Bronwyn Akers, HFTA Volunteer port, especially our local Rotary Club which helped Halevy, Marlene Hitt, Chris Tousaint , Corina Rob- At the December 8 meeting of the Sunland- in so many ways, sparking interest and support from erts, Mighty Bo Young, Anne Hamilton, Rocky Rose, Tujunga Neighborhood Council Ariyana Gibbon the other service clubs in town; the Lions, the Interact and Bill Lenaburg for writing that wonderful song presented checks for $860 and a piece of art created (junior Rotary) clubs for Verdugo High and Delphi about Healing from the Ashes. from their remnants to each of seven residents who Academy, the Leos (Junior Lions) from Mt. Gleason Last but not least; the artists whose creative vi- lost their homes in the Station Fire – and certificates Middle School and the Key Club (junior Kiwanis) sions and skills made the show. Thank you for your of appreciation to the nearly 100 clubs, businesses, from Verdugo High. The energy and creativity of our generosity and benefiting the community, Sanna friends and neighbors whose contributions labor, kids was amazing. The project became a true com- Baksni, Laurra Brodsky, Mary Clarke Camargo, Sofia materials, promotion and public relations, discounts munity effort with the involvement of Councilman Clarke, Cyndi Chamberlain, Robin Garner, Robin Co- on products and services, etc. made the event pos- Krekorian and his staff, the Chamber of Commerce hen, Ruth Dutoit, Mariel Eplboim, Karen Eshel, John sible. and Sunland-Tujunga Neighborhood Council. Gibbon, Ariyana Gibbon, Clare Graham, Edward The fire art exhibition, which became an inspira- Our local media, The Foothills Paper, North Val- Goldstein, Lark, Arianna Locatell, Naomi Locatell, tional gathering place for the community, welcomed ley reporter and Voice of the Village all supported Richard Madeira, John Matthews, Sherry Miljoner, over 800 guests; hosted private and public events, and promoted the project and local business were Geralyn Motto, Lix Mario Ramirez, Dante Rizzo, Jan featured a poetry reading about fires, a documen- most generous in their donations and help. Pacursa, Scott Schwam, Jorge Sicre, Ann Marie So- tary about the Station fire, a Chamber of Commerce At the top of the list would have to be Century cash, Linda Stewart, Richard Stewart, Lauren Volk, mixer, an open mic night with a community potluck, 21 Real Estate which donated the venue in which the Ashley Webb, Dianna Wong, Luisa Dunn, Margaret and a slideshow talk on the recovery of the forest. show was held and whose independent agents do- David, Amber Sanchez and Mark Fitzsimmons. The exhibition itself featured a variety of art created nated their time and efforts to help make the project Each one of you brought something meaningful and by both local and out of town artists. Mosaic sculp- a success followed by C&M Printing which donated unique to the exhibition and left a lasting impression tures, fountains, photographic assemblage, metal postcards and posters. in the hearts and minds of the many people who saw and glass sculpture, mixed media, jewelry and wood The Lions Club provided hospitality at the open- your art. You transformed pain into beauty. all made from rescued remnants from the Station Fire ing reception, which welcomed over 450 people. D o …and from all of this came a continuing project. and provided art collectors with a rare opportunity It Center provided in-kind donations and discounts Ten more families have come forward and offered to to acquire an artistic piece of history. for needed supplies. Corsica Deli, and Sunland donate their remnants to create more works of art. A project of this scope and ambition took a lot of Printer provided discounted services. Frey Vineyards If you would like to get involved in Healing from work and a lot of backing to pull off. The success of donated organic wine for two events. Yoga Grounds, the Ashes 2, as an artist, volunteer, organizer, spon- the exhibition was the result of art sales and spon- The Sign Studio-Burbank, Western Studio Service- sor or whatever we can promise you a welcome and sorships as well the support of several non-profits Burbank donated equipment and supplies and Brian rewarding time of it. organizations and a many generous volunteers. Rodriquez set up the website. Poets, Speakers & For more information contact [email protected] To take a risk

Nikki Di Virgilio and take a deep breath, grateful. What I do know from moving forward, there is no going back. Do-it-yourself continued from page 9 Two roads diverged in a wood, and I, A month ago, I accepted a job doing what I did in I took the one less traveled by, Minnesota, working as a teacher’s assistant with spe- will be a judge reviewing the forms (clerks can be cial needs children. Within minutes I knew I was in And that has made all the difference. idiots too, it helps to know them and where they the wrong place. But I couldn’t give it up right away. work.) ~Robert Frost We needed the money, even if it was only $10 an hour. The bottom line is that an experienced fam- In August I moved with my family to Tujunga from But after five days, I surrendered to the voice inside ily law attorney is needed, even where the do- St. Paul. We weren’t heading to Tujunga. We hadn’t that said, Nikki, you don’t have to do this anymore. There it-yourselfer is capable of completing all of the even heard of Tujunga. We were headed anywhere in is another way of living for you, and I quit. documentation that’s required. Los Angeles. A house brought us to Tujunga. When I loaded up a pod with all the belongings Choosing a family law attorney is another We had criteria in our search for a home. We need I could fit, got in my car, packed full, and drove over matter. There are some attorneys who are very a space for the washer and dryer we hauled in the Pod. 2,000 miles away from everything I have ever known, dynamic and successful in the courtroom but may We had a rent requirement. We needed at least two something inside of me changed. I am no longer who I lack skills in the areas of settlement or drafting bedrooms and it had to accept dogs. For fun, I told was; the girl who arranged her life for reasons of secu- final papers, like court orders and judgments. my family, the house would be yellow. We looked at rity and conformity, and in the name of doing “right;” The best way to find a well-rounded attorney many homes, but it was the first one that met all our no longer the girl who hides from who she really is is from friends, relatives, fellow church members requirements and it was yellow. and what she really wants. Somewhere between Iowa or others whom you trust that have been through The reason we relocated seemed simple, and the and Nevada, I left that girl behind. this process. What brought me to the top of my climb in La Tuna challenge captivating. Our oldest daughter has a tal- Contact us at McNally & Associates for a free consultation today ent for acting, which brought an opportunity to attend Canyon was the deep desire to know what awaited me and we will advise you of your best options. Call 818-507-5100. an acting academy in Hollywood. Not a traditional when I got there. What new view would I see? How college, we thought it best if we travel with her for sup- would I feel? When I reached the top I sat down and port, and when my husband lost his job we thought it felt relieved and serene. I looked around and saw if was a good opportunity to begin our life anew. But I wanted to get back to my car without rolling down we’ve moved to a state, which is high in unemploy- what I just climbed up, there were more mountains I can feel guilty about ment and finding work to pay the higher cost of living, to climb. There were also little flies buzzing around, which everyone warned us about, has not been easy. landing on my arms and legs. My dad shares this say- the past, apprehensive Recently, I took a climb in La Tuna Canyon. As ing; everywhere we go there is the Buddha and flies. I turned off the main road and approached the steep So much of my old life was about controlling and about the future, but path, it looked doable and the opportunity to be chal- planning and conforming. The new way is about al- only in the present can lenged excited me. But as I continued to climb and lowing and guiding and trusting. How exactly I will my heart beat faster I wondered if this climb was a be guided I do not know. But what I do know is when I act. The ability to be good idea. Maybe I wasn’t ready. Or worse, maybe we take a risk and follow the road less traveled, we I wouldn’t reach the top. But I kept climbing, taking open to greater possibilities; possibilities where we in the present moment breaks to catch my breath and I did. find the Buddha, the flies and more ground to cover, This climb continues to be a metaphor for my new all inviting us to grow and expand our wings so we is a major component life in California. Every day I climb, doing the best I can soar. can with what my husband says, my best foot forward. Nikki Di Virgilio is a writer. She writes frequently for her of mental wellness. Some days I lose my balance and fall. Other days I am blog, The Soul Reporter and is working on several books - Abraham Maslow too discouraged to climb. There are days when I have and articles to be published. To follow Nikki’s Soul Reports energy and cover several miles. And others, I sit back visit: http://www.nikkisacredspace.com/ If you would like to contact her, email [email protected] 22 Voice of the Village Three new Eagle Scouts in Tujunga’s Troop 394

Three members of Sunland Boy For his Eagle Project, Ethan Moser, Scout Troop 394 recently received their son of Brett and Alicia Moser of Tu- Eagle Scout Awards – Spencer Johnson, junga, organized and provided a spe- Ethan Moser, and Travis Kaler. cial dinner for 50 foster and adoptive Spencer Johnson, son of Ed and parents and their children. The dinner Monica Johnson of Tujunga, did a ma- had a Boy Scout theme and presenta- jor refurbishing of the Vista Hermosa tion. Moser spoke to the parents about Natural Park for his Eagle project. The the benefits of the Scouting program Vista Hermosa Natural Park is an eco- and how the parents could be involved friendly park and has gardens on the with their boys in Scouting. Foster par- rooftops of all of its buildings to help ents and adoptive parents face special control the temperature inside. The challenges and Moser was able to help Park also has walking trails, streams, them meet some of these challenges meadows, picnic grounds, and a na- through the resources found in the L-R Ethan Moser, Spencer Johnson, Travis Kaler - Photo by Ed Johnson ture-themed playground. All of these Scouting Program. areas were cleaned, weeded, mulched, Moser, through the Options For and landscaped by Johnson and his Youth Program, was able to finish his mental health and welfare agencies in Kaler is a junior at Verdugo High team of volunteers. Due to budget senior year in high school and simul- Los Angeles County. The Kalers are School in Tujunga. He plans to attend cuts in the Mountains Recreation and taneously attend his first freshman foster parents to four foster children, Glendale Community College, serve Conservation Authority, the park has semester at Glendale Community Col- and Travis knew first-hand the extra a two-year volunteer mission for The only a few workers to oversee its care, lege. He plans to get his Associates De- needs that foster families have during Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day and the help given by Johnson’s project gree from GCC and serve a two-year the holidays. Saints when he turns 19, and then was significant. volunteer mission for The Church of Kaler solicited gifts from local complete his studies at Brigham Young Johnson is a junior at Van Nuys Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He churches, post offices, schools, and pri- University-Idaho. High School Performing Arts Magnet then hopes to attend UCLA and study vate companies, and was able to collect These boys were led in their Scout- Program, and is active in his school’s Oral Surgery. over 100 toys for 70 local children. One ing endeavors by Troop Leader Ed choral department. He wants to attend Travis Kaler, son of Bruce and Lori prominent organization, The Razor Johnson of Tujunga. Brigham Young University and has Kaler of Tujunga, organized a special Company, donated Rip Sticks and an interest in anesthesiology. He also Christmas event for foster parents and Scooters to Kaler’s project. Kaler did plans to serve a two-year volunteer children with the Hathaway Sycamore all of the wrapping of these various mission for The Church of Jesus Christ Foster Agency. This Agency is one of gifts and delivered them to the Hatha- of Latter-day Saints when he turns 19. the largest, nonprofit, private children’s way Agency.

Thanks for supporting the Say No To Drugs Holiday Classic Ryan Kugler On behalf of the entire Say No To one made their way to the starting line, some of the celebrity guests. Records artist MANN performing his Drugs Team, I would like to sincerely and with the sound of the blow horn, Prizes were awarded to the top hit song “Buzzin” off his debut album, thank you to all that participated, do- the racers were off! three male and female finishers of MANN’s World. Special thanks to our nated, or volunteered their help at the Runners and walkers wound their the 5K and 10K run. The 10K overall corporate sponsors who participated 2010 Say No To Drugs Holiday Clas- way through famous movie sets in- first place winners were Sergio Reyes and lent incredible support, including sic, held on December 5th, 2010, and cluding War of the Worlds, the Bates and Rosario Castaneda, while Tonny Ralph’s, Coca Cola, Sketchers, Cliff Bar, benefitting The Boys & Girls Club of Motel (with Norman Bates there to Okello and Karla Alburez won the 5K Jack FM, Wells Fargo, Don Francisco’s East Valley, D.A.R.E., The Drug Free scare them into a faster racing time), race. At the raffle, free for all race reg- Coffee, 20th Century Fox, Larabar, and World, and Narconon. We celebrated Whoville, the set of Desperate House- istrants, spectacular prizes were given Wheaties. the 10th Anniversary of the Say No To wives and more. UFC Champion Fight- away, including tickets to Sea World, This year we reached more people Drugs Holiday Classic by making it er Tito Ortiz participated in the 5K run, Universal Studios, Clippers courtside with our “just say no to drugs” message our most successful race to date, with alongside Julian Sands (Smallville) and tickets, a complimentary night’s stay at this year than ever before. With the Cre- highest-ever attendance, bigger and Donelle Turner (Days of Our Lives), the Westin, and Hilton Hotels, DVDs, ating a Drug-Free World documentary better runner awards and raffle prizes, while Edin Gali (Mad Men) led the race Video Games, and gift cards to local showing on flat panelsT Vs throughout even more appearances by celebrities in the pace car sponsored by Toyota. restaurants. The Mayor of Burbank, the race expo area, and with booths for and government officials, and much, Brandon Taylor Russell (Smitty) was Anja Reinke, the Burbank Chief of the DEA, FBI, Narconon Drug Rehabili- much more! joined by Scooby-Doo, Shaggy and Police, Scott LaChasse, were on hand tation and other drug-prevention pro- More than 3,000 runners, walkers Daphne started off the Kiddie Fun Run to honor my team and me with a Cer- grams, we had more parents, teachers and spectators came out at 7:30 am later that morning. Runners were also tificate of Recognition from the City of and students reaching to have drug-free on Sunday, December 5th for the 10th joined by special guest running teams Burbank for our commitment to drug programs implemented in their schools Annual Say No To Drugs Race Holi- from NBC Universal, Nike, Runners education and prevention. My team and groups than ever before. What’s day Classic 5K run/walk, 10K run, Circle, Girls on the Run, Elite Runners, and I also proudly received special more, on that morning alone several and Kiddie Fun Run at the Universal the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), commendations from the FBI and DEA thousand The Truth About Drugs book- Studios Back lot. The Grand Marshal, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and as well that morning. lets were handed out to young people, Councilman Tom LaBonge (Fourth the Walt Disney Group. Other celebrities who attended to many pints of blood were donated at Council District), along with Los An- All runners and walkers kept hy- volunteer and bring support included the Cedar Sinai Mobile Blood Drive geles Sheriff Lee Baca, both participat- drated with Dasani water provided by Frank Mottek (KNX), Rossi Morreale (in the expo area) and more money ed in the race, welcomed the runners Coca Cola and received a goodie-bag (Dating in The Dark), Joe Estevez (Star was raised to donate to our beneficia- before the race and presented my team packed full of items donated by Clif of Doonby), Dr. Jon Perlman (Extreme ries -- all of which we could not have and me with a special Certificate of Bar, FritoLay, Wheaties, Sketchers, Makeover), Dave Vescio (Gemini Ris- done without your donation. Thus, I’d Recognition from Los Angeles Mayor Dole, Cramp 911, Larabar and more! ing), Coldwater Canyon (Country Re- like to gratefully acknowledge you for Antonio Villaraigosa. After a beautiful They enjoyed a delicious compli- cording Artists), Lorielle New (Grind- all you’ve done to support the Say No rendition of the National Anthem by mentary post-race pancake breakfast house), Jennessa Rose (Yogi Bear), To Drugs Race this year, and we look singer/songwriter Victoria Summer (sponsored by Batter Blaster); cooked Zach Callison (Hannah Montana), forward to having your support again and a warm-up by LA Fitness, every- and served up by volunteers and even Alex Angarita (Survivor) and Island next year. Voice of the Village 23 2010 Korean BBQ & “Spirit”awards draws record crowd

Michael Carpenter Lake View Terrace, CA: The 8th Annual Thanksgiving Dinner/Korean BBQ & “Spirit of Johny Carpenter” Awards, held Friday November 19th attracted its largest gathering of community guests & church members ever. The crowd was estimated to be over 500, first time this milestone was reached. The event was held entirely in the cafeteria and the community participated by bringing desserts, helping create a true Thanksgiving atmosphere. Held annually at All Nations Church, the event was created in 2003 to honor the memory of the late Johny Carpenter, stuntman, actor & cowboy, whose original Heaven on Earth Ranch stood for almost 25 years on what is now church land. Johny built an authentic Wild West town and held an annual Thanksgiving dinner & stunt show for the physically & mentally ticipating were the LA Horse Council, are: Lee Diebold, President. Randy challenged children & young adults he Foothill Division Cadets, Community Horton, Vice President. Phyllis Hines, taught to ride horses. The church has Christian College, LVT Improvement Treasurer. Katherine Carpenter, Sec- brought back the event and created the Association, & PUC Charter Early Lo- retary. Joel Druckman, Skeeter Mann, “Spirit” award to honor those who ac- cal High School. Brian Song & Shayna Lebeouf. A silent tions best represent what Johny did at Forty organizations and local auction was held to benefit the ranch. the ranch. This year saw Richard Troy, stables were represented. Councilman To begin the program, Lake View Andrea & James Guttman and Eva Paul Krekorian participated in the Terrace’s own, Cile Borman sang the Lund honored. awards ceremony. Also represented National Anthem. The evening con- Also recognized were five students were Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, cluded with a concert performance from the community who received Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, School by Cile Borman, Ben Rombouts & $500 scholarships from the church. Board Member Nury Martinez Super- Rodney Allen Ripley. For the first They were Elisa “Mitch” Blancardi, visor Michael Antonovich sent certifi- time, the “New Heaven on Earth Andres & James Guttman with Paul Krekorian. Jose Berrios, Gilbert Figueroa, Jannine cates and a letter was read from Gov- Ranch” Board of Directors selected Rojo & Gabriela Chavez. As was done ernor Schwarzenegger. The 2010 “New the “Spirit” recipients. last year, the church asked commu- Heaven on Earth Ranch” Board of nity groups to choose honoree’s. Par- Directors was recognized as well. They Happy Holidays SM PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES

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Frank de Lucia Founded in 1946, the Verdugo Hills Art Asso- Cibere’s paintings have appeared in “Water- ciation is the largest and one of the most active art color Magazine” and in the International Artists communities in the Foothills. Exhibitions, juried book “The Watercolor Sky and Cloud Techniques shows, workshops and monthly meetings provide of 23 International Artists.” His work can also be members from beginners to professionals the op- found in many private and corporate collections. portunity to develop their skills and meet fellow Cibere began his commercial art career in the artists. Midwest and then moved to California as a free- Joe Cibere’s self photograph with a watercolor in progress As part of its monthly workshop series, this lance illustrator/designer. Today he is a partner past November the association presented, back by in Westlake Marketing Works and is a resident of Joe is one of our favorites and his presentation popular demand, Joe Cibere who demonstrated Thousand Oaks. He works in several mediums but was both educational and enjoyable. his style of abstract realism with typical nature watercolor is his first choice, “As it paints itself” ac- For more information on Joe Cibere, please visit his website: scenes; oceans, waves and floral. He focused on cording to Joe. In addition, Cibere is an avid hiker www.joecibere.com. For information on the Verdugo Hills integrating strong design balanced with illusion. and rock climber and loves to paint on location. Art Association, please visit www.verdugoarts.com. Happy Come Celebrate the Savings 818.352.4800 New Year 8337-C Foothill Blvd. Sunland CA 91040 Grand Opening Polanti • Citizen Bulov • Accutron Grand Savings 35% OFF FREE 25% OFF 50% Off ALL WATCHES Jewelry Cleaner Any Jewelry Come in and visit our store and Purchase or Repair Accessories Expires Feb 1, 2010 receive a Jewelry Cleaner FREE Loose DiamoEnxcdslu ded While Supplies last Mon.–Sat. 9 am–6 pm SWITCH TO AMERICA’S LARGETS AND MOST RELIABLE WIRELESS NETWORK Sunland Oaks Plaza Grand opening sales price on all devices are available with a 2-year service agreement. near Starbucks & Kragen Accessory discounts are limited to travel/car chargers, cases, holsters and screen protectors. All 8325-D Foothill Blvd. 3G smart-phones require a data package $29.99 or higher. All 3G Multimedia devices require a Sunland www.classyjewelers.com data package $9.99 or higher. Activation fee per line $35. Early termination fee applies to 1-year and 2-year contracts. Sales tax (9.75%) applies to all purchases available while supplies last! Voice of the Village 25 Cooking with Mary

Dad’s Baked Lima Beans with Lamb & Turkey!

Mary Russo Anyone in the mood for some fantastic comfort food? Almost everyone that I have made this recipe for has been coming back for more. Why don’t you give it a try for those cold winter nights? I promise you’ll love it! Baked Lima Beans with Lamb & Turkey - Makes 8 servings Ingredients • 1 lb dry lima beans • 1.25 lb Ground turkey • Small package of lamb neck or lamb stew meat (around 1 to ½ lb) • 1 large onion • ¾ lb carrots sliced • 3 ribs celery chopped • 1 – 28oz can crushed tomatoes • 6 pieces garlic minced • 1 Tablespoon Dry Basil • Salt & pepper to taste • 2 Knorr Chicken bouillon • 6 Dry California Chilies seeded • Oil Preparation - Check and rinse the dry lima beans, place in a pot add water to cover the beans by 3 inches. Bring to a boil, boil beans for 2 minutes, and let rest covered for one hour. Place seeded California chilies in a small pot add 2 cups of water bring to a boil simmer 2 minutes. Cover and set aside. • In a Dutch Oven fry onions in oil until golden brown, • ADD carrots & celery simmer 2 minutes, remove set aside • Fry lamb in oil until seared, remove & set aside with onions, carrots, & celery • Fry ground Turkey until cooked • ADD garlic, lamb, with onions, carrots, & celery • ADD salt, pepper, and basil, stir & simmer 2 minutes • Meanwhile, take California chili peppers with liquid place in a blender and liquefy. Make sure that it is well liquefied. • To Dutch Oven • ADD Liquefied Chili peppers • ADD Crushed tomatoes, Stir • ADD ½ cup water, stir, bring to a boil simmer 30 minutes with cover slightly off, make sure to stir occasionally • Drain Lima Beans • ADD Lima Beans to sauce, stir Bake covered 45 minutes, stir & enjoy with some nice crusty French bread and a glass of your SPECIAL favorite red wine! ELI LATTER Now some might not enjoy the flavor of Lamb. If not I suggest using D P pork instead, it still gives the dish a great flavor. $ 95 39SERVES 10 Bona Fortuna! (Good Luck) Not valid with any other offer LIMIT 2 Great for all Occasions Regularly $59.90 Party Platters continued from page 24 McGroarty Shadow Theater Includes: Roast Beef, Turkey, Ham, Add Homemade McGroarty Arts Center is located in Sunland-Tujunga, near the intersection Salami, Cheese, and Pickles Potato Salad, Rolls, of Foothill Blvd and Plainview Ave. McGroarty Arts Center is run by a 501(c)3 nonprofit in partnership with the City of LosA ngeles, Department of Cultural Loaf Sandwiches, Affairs. Programs at McGroarty Arts Center are funded in part by the City of Corsica’s and 8 Layer Dip! Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, the California Community Foun- Catering dation, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, the Irvine Foundation, the Deli & Catering Weingart Foundation, the Ahmanson Foundation, the Green Foundation, and 818.352.7213 the Parsons Foundation. The Art & Craft of Shadow Theater performances and 8111 Foothill Blvd. workshops are free and open to the public. Sunland Es 0 For further information, contact McGroarty Arts Center at (818) 352-5285 tablished in 197 Mon – Sat or visit www.mcgroartyartscenter.org. 10am – 6pm www.corsicadeli.com Closed Sun 26 Voice of the Village Interactive art exhibition at McGroarty Arts Center

Denise Statland Come to McGroarty Arts Center Groarty Arts Center in Tujunga from for “What is in Your Heart,” an in- Tuesday, January 4, 2011 through spirational, interactive public art ex- Friday, February 18, 2011, Monday- hibition. This unique installation is Friday, 10am-6pm, and Saturday part of The-Green-Heart project, the 9am-4pm. The exhibition is free and brainchild of internationally recog- open to the public. Visitors are en- nized artist and author Petra Eiko. couraged to participate by penning Eiko launched The-Green-Heart their thoughts and posting them project to inspire peace by encourag- within the exhibition. ing people to see their full potential The public is also invited to a free and to improve the world in which meet-the-artist reception on January we live. As part of the Green-Heart 29, 2011 from 5pm-7pm. Ms. Eiko project, “What is in Your Heart” in- will discuss the Green-Heart-Project stallations spread the message that and “What is in Your Heart,” and we are not alone, and help us dis- she will read excerpts from her book cover how to let more love into our “Seeds of Truth,” a philosophical McGroarty Arts Center offers af- hearts, thus enriching our lives and treatise intended to inspire those fordable art instruction for children the lives of others. pursuing the secret of happiness. and adults in visual and perform- Early last year, Eiko installed Eiko’s project is a wonderful ing arts, music, and ceramics. The “What is in Your Heart” at Fred addition to the programs that Mc- Center is run by a 501(c)3 nonprofit Segal’s Zero Minus Plus in Santa Groarty Arts Center already offers in partnership with the City of Los Monica, California. Shoppers were to the Sunland-Tujunga community, Angeles, Department of Cultural invited to answer the question, as it brings to focus the importance Affairs. Programs at McGroarty “What is in Your Heart,” and list and impact of creativity and access Arts Center are funded in part by these thoughts on pages that were the arts. “What is in your heart” the City of Los Angeles Department Petra Eiko solo exibition Germany then taped to a wall as part of the brings interactive public art by an of Cultural Affairs, the California installation. The results were inspi- internationally recognized artist to Community Foundation, the Los rational. Page after heartfelt page the Foothill communities, where ac- Angeles County Arts Commission, served as a reminder of all that we cess to the arts is often limited, but the Irvine Foundation, the Weingart universally share: the distance be- available through McGroarty Arts Foundation, and the Parsons Foun- tween where we are and where we Center. dation. This exhibition is free and want to be, our social nature and our McGroarty Arts Center is lo- open to the public. dependence upon those close to us, cated in Sunland-Tujunga, near the our memories, worries, and joys. intersection of Foothill Blvd and For further information, contact McGroarty “What is in Your Heart” will be Plainview Ave. In addition to exhib- Arts Center at (818) 352-5285 or visit www. mcgroartyartscenter.org. on display in the Main Hall at Mc- its, events, festivals, and concerts, La Crescenta Library to host local Mystery Writers PAINTING 818-951-1181 www.richardstewartpainting.com Residential / Commercial / Interior / Exterior LIC# 510600

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CLEANERS Jackie Houchin Mystery authors G. B. Pool (Tu- businesses identifying fraud and theft. & Alteration junga) and Alice Zogg (La Crescenta) For a decade she learned about stocks (818) 352-2519 • Same Day Service will discuss their writing life, books, and bonds in the banking industry, an (Drop off before noon) 10068 Commerce Ave. Tujunga and fictional Private Eye characters at experience that led to her write Hedge • Plant on Premises Bet, the upcoming book in her “Gin Corner of Commerce & Valmont the La Crescenta Community Library • Leather & Suede on Saturday, January 15, 2011, begin- Caulfield Mystery Series.” Across from Bolton Hall • Wedding Gowns ning at 2:00 pm. Anyone interested in Pool wrote Media Justice (first in Mon – Fri. 7am–7pm - Sat 9am–3pm • Evening Gowns mysteries (either reading or writing) is the series) after serving on jury duty in www.HiTekCleaners.net • Rugs & Draperies welcome. A Q&A time will follow the Los Angeles. In the book, Gin Caulfield discussion. is selected as a juror on a “murder-of- FREE FREE $5 OFF Gayle Bartos-Pool's resume reveals the-century” celebrity trial. She soon uncovers a conspiracy involving the $5 DRY CLEANING DRY CLEANING ANY COMFORTER why she writes such engaging crime (Minimum $25 Order) Bring in 3 pieces and get the (Any Size) fiction. Mid-way through college she media that blows the case wide open. Must present coupon. Not 4th of equal or lesser value dry Must present coupon. Not worked as a reporter for a small weekly It’s a candid look at how broadcast and valid on Leather & Suede or cleaned for FREE valid on Leather & Suede or with other discounts. Must present coupon. Not print journalism can manipulate public valid on Leather & Suede or with with other discounts. newspaper. Later as a private detec- Exp 2/28/11 other discounts. Exp 2/28/11 Exp 2/28/11 tive, she worked undercover in several continued on page 29 Voice of the Village 27 The Poetry Corner A New Year – A new generation A Joyous New Year Married Christmas

Poems by Students a Mt. Gleason Joe DeCenzo, Sunland-Tujunga May your path be smooth, By Sienna Wescott, Age12 Did the sun look any different and your sunlight mellow ~ an old blessing Elves, Elves running round, When you rose to turn the page Running round in Christmas town, Of the callous book of time He said Elves, Elves having fun, That tends to promise a new age? “You are the apple of my eye” Playing when the day is done. Did the tolling of one midnight She said They’re having fun all through the year, Pardon any prior sin “Let us have tea for two” Spreading joy and spreading cheer. That the spirit could attest to Steam rises from bronze liquid Making lots of lovely toys, When the dawn was ushered in? freshly-baked szarlotka waits its turn For all the good girls and boys, Did the glass reflect an image scent of cinnamon sweetens the air They are doing all they can, Not unlike the day before the music box plays an ancient carol To serve the big fat jolly man! Or refine the soul’s complexion Elves, Elves running round, Not considering the core? For the coming of the solstice Lulajże, Jezuniu, moja perełko, Running round in Christmas town! Lulaj ulubione me pieścidełko Elves, Elves. Alters nothing from within, And with only introspection She does not have to finish – Can new countenance begin. Haikus one glance and he knows While a dropping crystal ball after thirty-five years together By Peter Matsumoto, Age 12 May prove an elegant display faithful like cranes on a Chinese etching Can it equal any moment -- Two words never heard Any hour of the day, Their looking glass is hidden away In polite conversation We both welcome and avail in a box of treasures they don’t need Microsoft Vista Ourselves to summon love’s increase to find blessings That each morn will spring anew among daily crumbs of affection A gentle breeze blows So New Year’s growth will never cease. It refreshes a man’s mind “Hush, hush, Baby Jesus, my little pearl, my lovely It opens his soul….. Vignettes on Poetry and Life - Holi- little darling…” – This ancient Polish carol, a favorite Haiku’s are not hard! of composers like Fryderyk Chopin, who cited it in Why would you even think that!? days and the Apple Pie his Scherzo in B-minor, Op. 20, is a simple lullaby, See, was that so hard? filled with tender love for the infant, held in the arms Maja Trochimczyk of his gentle mother. There are many lullabies among Ding, Dong, Hear me ring americans throw out their Christmas trees on the Polish carols; the focus of Polish Christmas is on the What is it that I could be? day after the holiday, only occasionally keeping them baby and his mother, on the familial love that binds I am a church bell! until the New Year’s Day. Poles hold on to theirs for as them. The Lulajże Jezuniu carol is sung throughout long as they sing their carols, until Candlemas, February the Christmas holiday season, from Christmas Eve to Hope 2, known in America as the Groundhog Day. For the February 2. Christmas Party of the Little Landers Historical Society It is interesting to observe, after spending 20 By Patrick Ramos, Age 13 back in the middle of December, I chose two poems years in America, that Polish culture with roots in agrarian traditions of farmers, peaceful folk tilling What is Hope? about the true spirit of this holiday, the spirit of deep, the land, is notably “maternal” in its veneration of the Hope is like a present unconditional love. I wrote “Married Christmas” for my th “Polish Mother” inspired and protected by Mother Under a tree. friends who celebrated their 35 wedding anniversary Mary. A contemporary embodiment of such feminine It is the warm summer days in the fall. At a loss for a good gift (a bottle of wine, virtue is able to hold a full-time job, keep the house, Or the jolly winter nights. chocolate, or a book just would not do it, I decided), make sure the children are doing well, entertain, Hope is the hearts I was browsing through a store, picking up one item decorate, and bake an occasional szarlotka, as good Of all you love, after another, and the poem wrote itself along the way. as an apple pie. I love making them. I also love the Or a puppy giving a snug. I wanted to capture the essence of a good marriage, and this is what came out of a music box with a set of “twinkling” sound of a music box and have a nice What is hope, miniature decorations inside: collection of those. The idea of the box is appealing, But the light in your eyes. too: an enclosed space, a mystery hiding under the Hope is lid, a secret... YOU! (c) 2010 by Maja Trochimczyk, Sunland-Tujunga Poet Laureate How to keep your purpose alive as an artist

Lawrence Lynn Performance art whether its music, theater, com- So when I start to feel sorry for myself, I simply edy, or whatever, is as much about the audience as it change gears and give the audience everything I can. is about the performer. Art is a form of communica- I try to make them feel something spiritual and reach tion (some say it’s the highest form) and that makes out to them with a smile - not for money but for the it a two way street. To succeed you need the ‘chops’ pure joy of bringing some joy to their lives. to attract audience attention and get your part of Whenever I do this, inevitably, the tips start the communication across, but more than that, you coming because people know in their guts what art need the willingness to engage and play with your is worth and those that have any sense of exchange audience – to allow them to interact with you, that’s reach out to you as an artist to express their appre- where the joy is. ciation. Some do it with money; some do it with a A guy once asked me, “How do you keep going smile, some come up and tell you how they love your as an artist in the midst of all the distractions that music. come your way?” I thought about it and I remem- Once on a particularly bleak day tip-wise, I be- bered what happens to me when I’m out performing gan to play with people, smile and wink at them, on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica (for just have some fun - not to get money, just to create as I played a song, from seeing people dancing to the anyone not familiar with this, it’s a famous walking some good will. After about 4 hours of very few tips, music or from children staring raptly at me as I sang street in Santa Monica where many artists perform - a woman suddenly appeared out of nowhere, gave and played. musicians, dancers, tumblers, etc). me an appreciative smile and put a folded bill in my How much is it worth for a person to feel better I told him that when I play 3rd Street my pur- guitar case. I thanked her warmly but wasn’t really and have his spirits lifted after a dismal day? How pose is to brighten the day of everyone I see. If I play concerned about how much she had tipped me; I much for a person to get the rhythm and start danc- for an hour without getting any tips or selling a CD, assumed it only a dollar. When I finished playing, ing joyfully when just earlier they were very solidly things can get depressing; you begin to doubt your- and started packing up my things for the night, I serious? These things are of different values to dif- self and your performance. But I have learned that discovered that the folded bill she had left me was ferent people, but I keep going as an artist because I giving your art form to the people is to give them a Twenty! Of course I was elated; but more impor- realize that what I give isn’t tangible but it is worth some lift to their day, to give them a lighter feeling tantly - I realized that I hadn’t been concerned about more than gold to those who need and want it. about a day which otherwise might be depressing, the money. I had experienced joy of visibly brighten- …and you should keep going too. to make them smile and to connect with them in any ing up people’s day - from the smiles, from seeing a way you can. man and a woman hugging each other on the corner 28 Voice of the Village Announcements Village Poets holds open reading Sierra Club presents The Leath- The Village Poets of Sunland -Tujunga invite you to their open reading event on Sunday, January 23, 2011, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., at the Bolton Hall erback Turtle Expeditions Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. Bring your own poetry – admission The Crescenta Valley Sierra Club will feature, Murel Horacek’s The is free! Leatherback Turtle Expeditions, Tuesday evening, January 11, 2011 at 7:30 The featured poet will be Kathleen Travers, a local resident. She has read pm at The Los Angeles Public Library, 2809 Foothill Boulevard, La Cres- her poetry at venues as diverse as Maddingley Hall, Cambridge, England, and centa, California. (Drive up the hill on La Crescenta Avenue to the parking Gasoline Alley, the L.A. Times Festival of Books and the Iguana Café. lot and the meeting room.) She served on the board of the Los Angeles Poetry Festival in its glory Murel Horacek is a Volunteer Field Representative for the Earthwatch years, and was a founding director of the Poetry Society of America in Los Institute. She participated in the Leatherback Turtle expeditions to Cost Angeles in the time of “The Act of the Poet” at Chateau Marmont. Rica, the Virgin Islands and Trinidad. For over 20 years, Earthwatch volun- She has been the recipient of fellowships to the Prague Writers’ Festival teers have been uncovering vital knowledge for marine biologists. One sci- and for post-graduate study at Cambridge University. Formerly a high school entist cannot cover 5 miles of beach alone, but 2 volunteers, and university educator, she is a historic restoration expert, specializing in assigned to each half-mile stretch, can; gathering architectural ceramic. Kathleen has also sung with a baker’s dozen of Los An- information on all the turtles nesting each night. geles choral ensembles. She is an active member of the Little Landers Historical An expedition in Australia tracking Hon- Society. ey Possums, Echidnas and Koalas will be briefly described, including an archeo- logical dig in Peru. Our program begins following news of Conservation and Outings. Verdugo Hills Art Association Refreshments will be served. The community is welcome and this hosts guest artist, Osamu Saito event is free. Please contact Wayne Fisher, Program Chair at 818 353- On Friday January 7, 2011 at 7 pm, at (new location) La Canada community 4181, for further information. center, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive. Watercolor artist, Osamu Saito, will demonstrate his expression of art through watercolor. The Event is open to all. Originally from Hokkaido, Japan, Saito moved to the U.S. in 1975 to broad- en his creativity, skills and technique. He has won numerous awards and his paintings have appeared in three watercolor books. Osamu Saito has studied Watercolor, Acrylic, Oil, Calligraphy and Sumie (Japanese Ink Painting), though Watercolor is his favorite. Early on he worked as a Sign Painter and worked for the film industry as production designer (Ka- rate Kid 2). Little Landers presents - The Story He has won numerous awards from Art Competitions throughout of the St. Francis Dam Disaster California and was a member of the On Saturday, January 8, 2010 at 1:00pm Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Com- Rental and Sale Gallery at LACMA. merce Ave. in Tujunga you are invited to hear the story of St. Francis Dam from Saito teaches watercolor at Yosem- local expert Frank Rock. ite National Park Art Center on the On March 12, 1928, the St. Francis Dam in San Francisquito Canyon, near first week of September each year Santa Clarita, broke effectively ending the famed career of William Mulhol- and can be found at the Ken Nakao- land, chief engineer and general manager of the Los Angeles Department of ka Center in Gardena, California. Water and Power. A wall of water and debris over 150 feet high flowed down For more information on Osamu Saito and the canyon obliterating everything in its path. The official death count stands the Verdugo Hills Art Association, please visit www.verdugoarts.com. at 450, but many more died, making this the second greatest disaster in Califor- nia history. Why was this dam erected? Were there warning signs prior to the disaster? Why did the dam break? What happened in its aftermath? All these questions and more will be answered by our speaker, Frank Rock, Spring pilgrimage a member of the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society who grew up in the area. Over the years, Rock has given many presentations about this disaster, separating the truth from the myths, and has taken hundreds of people on to the holy land tours of the current dam site. Please join us for this So many Christians dream of the interesting (and a little opportunity to walk in the “steps of Je- macabre) story of a civil sus”. This Spring, members and friends engineering nightmare. of Shadow Hills Church will take a ten- Everyone is welcome. day pilgrimage to Israel and the tradi- Parking is available at tional sites of Jesus ministry, including the Elks Lodge-uphill at Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Naza- 10137 Commerce Ave. reth. We will spend time in the Garden of Gethsemane and at Calvary. This is Additional information is available from Lynn Lowry at a customized, small-group tour, which the Little Landers Historical may include communion in an upper room, a sunrise service at the empty Society, (818) 352-3420 or tomb, and baptism renewal in the Jordan River. [email protected] The group will depart from Los Angeles on Wednesday, May 4, and return from Tel Aviv on Friday, May 13, 2011. Lodging will be in quality air-condi- tioned hotels. While in Israel, a tour manager and van will provide transporta- tion. Membership at Shadow Hills Church is not required to join the pilgrimage. All who would like a first-hand experience of the sites of the Gospels are Friends of the Library welcome. The Friends of the Library volunteers wish you a happy and healthy 2011. For additional information or to request a brochure, please call 818- Start the New Year with a gently used book. We have many, many books on 353-2500 or check www.shadowhillschurch.com. almost any subject available at our bookstore located inside the library. Our bookstore is staffed with friendly and helpful volunteers. So come by for a visit. The money raised by the Friends’ helps support our local library, with the purchase of books, DVDs, equipment and supplies as well as supporting Donate a computer to many programs offered by the library. We also accept donations of books (in Station Fire victim saleable condition), magazines, DVDs, Two fire victims need computers. If you have one that you would like to and videos. Arrangements can be made donate, please contact [email protected] to pick up large donations. The Friends’ thank you. Warmly, Ariyana Gibbon Voice of the Village 29 Full Moon Open House at Bolton Hall Museum Christianity and world religions Mark your calendars; bring the family Thursday, January 20, 2010 from 7:00pm-9:00pm at Bolton Hall Wrestling with questions people ask Museum 10110 Commerce Ave. Tujunga, help us celebrate the first full moon of the New Year Tujunga Why are there so many religions? Is Christianity the only way to God? style. Can I practice my faith and appreciate a friend who practices a different faith? We know you’re busy and may not be able to get What do I really know about other faiths? These questions and more will be to Bolton Hall during regular hours. So bundle up the explored at Shadow Hills Presbyterian Church beginning Sunday, January 16. kids after dinner and come and have dessert and a cup of coffee or hot choco- The church is beginning a six-week program called “Christianity and World late with us. Take a tour of the museum. Learn about the history of Sunland- Religions: Wrestling with Questions People Ask.” Tujunga. According to Rev. Dr. Janet Winslow, Pastor at Shadow Hills Church, “These are questions that grip our attention, and yet are not often discussed in 10110 Commerce Ave. Tujunga, Ca. 91042 church. We want to explore what God might be saying to us, and we hope to do it in a setting of sensitivity and respect.” This special six-week program will be the focus of Sunday worship mes- sages as well as group studies that feature videos, Bible study, and discussion. Everyone is welcome to come and explore the essential beliefs and practices of Monthly Family Fun Nights five major religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. Sunday morning services include a praise celebration at 9:00 and a wor- coming to the Y ship service at 10:30. The study group will meet on Sunday evenings at 7:00 beginning January 16. Shadow Hills Church is located at the corner of Sunland The Verdugo Hills Family YMCA will be hosting ” Family Fun Nights” on Blvd. and Johanna, about a mile south of the 210 freeway. the 3rd Friday of every month beginning in January. The upcoming Family Fun For more information, please call 818-353-2500 or check www.shadowhillschurch.com. Nights will feature the following activities: board games, pot lucks, movies, slumber parties, parent’s night out, and much more. These nights will be a great way to get families together and involved at the Y. “During a time in our society when families are struggling with the stresses related with employment and household finances, the monthly YMCA Family Fun Nights give parents an opportunity to spend good quality time with their children, while engaging in enriching activities to build a strong family,” said Executive Director of the Verdugo Hills Family YMCA John Loussararian. For additional information, contact Kim Beattie, Director of Communications and Local council member takes Public Relations at (818) 790-0123 ext. 266 or at [email protected]. measures to build business The Best of Sunland-Tujunga Awards will be presented at 7PM Wednes- day, January 12 at the North Valley Council Headquarters, 7747 Foothill Blvd, Reward offered for robber’s Tujunga. You are all invited to come and celebrate our best. Winners are selected for their quality of product or service, the speed and capture care in delivery, prices, the satisfaction of the shopping experience, and how the merchant cares for their store window, the cleanliness of the sidewalk in $1000 reward for any information that leads to arrest and conviction of front of it, the gutter, any floral arrangements or planters.– how you would like thieves who broke into and robbed Roger and Maria’s Gifts, at 7906 Foothill to see all merchants care for their storefronts Boulevard in Sunland on Friday night December 17th. Winners will be awarded a plaque to display in their shop, noted in the According to the owner, the robbers broke in thorough the backdoor some STNC annual newsletter on the STNC website (www.stnc.org) for the entire time during the night and stole large amount of merchandise. year, and featured in the local papers February issue. For information, contact Roger at 818-352-5101

Understanding dementia continued from page 9 Mystery Writers continued from page 26

Problems With Abstract Thinking — Balancing a checkbook is sometimes opinion and “convict or acquit” the accused before the jury begins to deliberate. challenging for any of us, but someone with dementia could forget completely Can a high-profile case be tried by a truly impartial jury? That question, as well what the numbers mean and what needs to be done with them. as Pool’s snappy court room dialogue and authentic media-speak makes this Misplacing Things — Of course, we all lose things from time to time, but a book a fascinating read. (Available on Amazon.com) person with dementia may put things in unreasonable places: a sandwich under Gayle also writes entertaining and often humorous short stories featuring the sofa or a wristwatch in the freezer, for instance. Johnny Casino, an ex-mobster turned private investigator who has a “thing” for Changes in Mood or Behavior — People with dementia often exhibit rapid old Hollywood movies. mood swings, from calm to tears to anger, for no apparent reason. Alice Zogg, after reading all the mystery novels ever written by her favorite Changes In Personality — It is not unusual for a person with dementia to authors, went into a bookstore eight years ago hoping to find an exciting new become extremely confused, suspicious, fearful, or dependent on a family mem- mystery series to read. None appealed to her that day (although many have since ber. then) and she went home empty-handed. Her husband assessed the situation Loss of Initiative — Those with dementia may become very passive, sitting and said, “Since you’re so picky, why don’t you write your own stories?” in front of the television for hours, sleeping more than usual, or not wanting to A month later Zogg thought, “Well, why not?” and created R. A. Huber, a do usual activities. retired woman “of a certain age” who decides to open her own business as a If you recognize several of these signs in yourself or a loved one, consult a private investigator. The first book, Reaching Checkmate involves a homicide in physician. Early diagnosis of dementia, and the underlying cause, is a crucial Pasadena, but soon the spry P.I.’s cases are taking her to Catalina Island, Lake step in getting the right treatment, care and support services. Tahoe, Mexico, and even Switzerland. It is important that those with dementia not be left alone, as they may wan- Zogg’s seventh “whodunit” mystery, Revamp Camp, takes place near the Dan- der away from home and become lost or hurt themselves or others with careless ish village of Solvang. R. A. Huber is asked by friends to investigate a “tough practices, such as leaving the gas on after cooking something on the stove. love” rehab facility for juvenile delinquents. After enrolling their daughter, no one has been able to contact her, and they fear something terrible has happened. Huber sends her young assistant undercover as an alcohol addict admitted for “treatment.” In her dormitory, Andi overhears a whispered “It’s getting worse... we have to kill the beast,” but before she can discover who said it, a camper turns up dead...and then another. Is Andi also in danger, and can Huber keep her from becoming the next victim? Zogg’s stories are old-fashioned mysteries. Readers will never be “grossed- out” by gory details or appalled by foul language or intimate scenes; they will simply be entertained. (All seven books are available on Amazon.com) Thanks to Library Manager, Marta Wiggins and Event Coordinator, Chase McMunn, you can meet these mystery-writing dynamos, pick their devious brains, and perhaps borrow or buy one of their books to read. The La Crescenta Library is located at 2809 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta, CA 91214. Phone (818) 248-5313. 30 Voice of the Village

Coming Soon [email protected] for more information.

A L T O S C U R F C A F E S L A P L A Z A R A G R A S A L E S U N I TO F B E E R A M E R C E S W E A S E L M A S E R T I N S E L That pair of eyeglasses you no longer need can be deposited T O R M A T S W A B in many places around town in special blue and white Lions In Sight boxes. Your pair of glasses will be one of about B E E T L E P R I M H O E 20,000 pairs taken by that team to a vision clinic in L E G A L P R O C E E D I N G Mexico, Africa, South America, India or possibly Haiti. I L O SE E R S N I P E S Sunland-Tujunga Lions Club PS S T T N T T I S EYEGLASS COLLECTION BOXES O T I O S E S O L A R Sunland A S S O R T M A C R A M E Image West Salon and Day Spa N U T T Y I N D I V I D U A L 8824 Foothill Blvd., lower level of Ralph’s Shopping Center AM A H V O I L E E R I E Starbucks 8399 Foothill Blvd. T O R Y E D G E R RA N T Chamber of Commerce 8250 Foothill Blvd. 7352 Foothill Blvd. Sunland Family Optometry Tujunga 8043 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga Jason’s Automotive Specialty Shop 7517 Foothill Blvd. Big Tujunga Veterinary Hospital 6934 Foothill Blvd. Tujunga Methodist Church 9901 Tujunga Canyon Blvd. AVAILABLE FOR RENT OR LEASE Verdugo Hills YMCA 6840 Foothill Blvd. 300 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft. – $1.25 per sq. ft. Patchwork Penguin For office or temporary storage with climate control 6477 Foothill Blvd. Walking distance to restaurants and shopping C & M Printing 10034 Commerce Ave. Joselito’s, Tori Yen, Steel Pit, and New Plaza Bolton Hall Museum 818-415-6884 10110 Commerce Ave. Voice of the Village 31 Church News Our Lady of Lourdes students learned a lesson in giving this Christmas

Soñya Marquez

It’s not always easy to teach our Each grade was asked to donate of America. “Every bit helps”, Mrs. children the true meaning of Christ- specific items for the baskets, such as Lopez said. mas amidst the extreme commercial- stuffing, coffee, pasta or canned goods. O.L.L. students learned how blessed ism found all around us. Children ask At the same time, the parish confir- they are when delivering baskets and for every gadget and toy imaginable. mation teenagers were collecting and seeing how much a mere box of goods Do they remember there is more to donating gift cards of all kinds. The can mean to a needy family. The home Christmas? teens along with Confirmation Direc- may be without holiday decorations; At Our Lady of Lourdes School, tor, Susan Valdez, matched the cards or a senior citizen without family, or a students try to do their part in giving. according to the needs of each family. disabled person may answer the door. Each year they assemble Christmas Families were chosen based on an OLL school families have been deliver- baskets to be delivered to local seniors application that the school received. ing baskets for decades. Activities like and families who have come upon Food Basket Chairperson, Helen Lo- this remind children that Christmas hard times and may not be able to af- pez, said the applicants came from a is not just about presents; supporting ford their Christmas meal let alone very diverse community; all races and their community is a valuable lesson small gifts for their children. The bas- ages. This year O.L.L. children deliv- they learn and will remember. kets were filled with basic food items, a ered 50 baskets. “The recession has hit If you would like to support the Christmas turkey for the holiday meal, and a gift so many of us.” She added. Goods also Basket Giveaway, please contact card so the family can shop for what came from other Our Lady of Lourdes Our Lady of Lourdes School at they might need; blankets, clothing or parishioners and organizations like the (818) 353-1106. even children’s toys. bingo players and Catholic Daughters

St. Luke’s Anglican Church - New early service begins in January

Kay Wisdom Holy Redeemer Middle School St. Luke’s Anglican Church will St. Luke’s welcomes newcomers begin offering a Holy Eucharist to attend its weekly Sunday worship marches for Christmas (Rite II) service at 8:00 am beginning services at 8:00 am and 10:15 am at January 9, 2011. This service is being the Seventh Day Adventist Church The Cheer Squad at Holy Redeem- The girls were lead by their coach added for those preferring an early Chapel, 300 Vallejo Dr., Glendale. er Middle School took time out of their Christine Pappas. They are working morning worship experience with busy schedule to give back to their toward their competition season in more traditional hymns. The con- For more information, please check the community and march in the Mon- March right now, and practices will website, www.stlukesanglican.org temporary family service will be held trose Christmas Parade. The girls were begin to get harder. or contact Kay Wisdom thrilled and excited, as they smiled and The Cheer Squad is filled with a at 10:15 am with both traditional and (818) 249-5100 or contemporary music. Childcare and [email protected]. cheered all the way down Honolulu. great group of girls and parents who Sunday School is offered during the They waved and wished everyone a love and support them. second service. Merry Christmas.

Sweet Cherrie’s Diner Breakfast Served All Day • Lunch & Dinner Specials DINE IN • TAKE OUT• CATERING FOR ANY OCCASION The Best Omelettes in Town 15 % OFF Waffles Monday-Friday All Day with this coupon Charbroiled Burgers Not to be combined Deli Sandwiches with any other offer. Excludes kid's menu. Grilled Halibut • Shrimp OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 818-353-0465 Mon–Fri 7am–9pm 8236 Foothill Blvd. Sunland Sat 7am–6pm • Sun 7am–3pm 32 Voice of the Village Hundreds of Gift Ideas FREE Gift Wrapping All at Dicount Prices with a purchase of ❤ Mugs ❤ Lenox $25 or More ❤ Cards ❤ Jim Shore ❤ Gift Wrap ❤ Snow Globes ❤ Balloons ❤ Collectables

Disney Gift Baskets Off the Shelf or Gifts Made to Order for All 15% OFF Ages Roger & Maria’s Gifts, Inc. Any Purchase Your Complete Gift Shop $30 or More See store for details Offers may not 818.352.5101 be combined 7906 Foothill Blvd. Sunland www.RogersandMariasGifts.com