Los Angeles Zoo

THE WONDER OF READING This nonprofit organization helps renovate public elementary school libraries, restocks them and trains volunteers to read with struggling students. Volunteers are needed for one-on-one reading with elementary school children during school hours. The Wonder of Reading has more than 69 school sites. Those interested in volunteering need to provide two references to be considered. For more information, call (310) 289-1201. THE AUTRY MUSEUM -- VOLUNTEER PROGRAM The Autry Museum of Western Heritage needs volunteers who are enthusiastic about teaching children Western American history.

Robert Chacon A raucous group of chef Narciso Hernandez's customers tore through his culinary creation Tuesday, whooping loudly, grunting and grabbing food from each other's hands like a bunch of apes. The meal, prepared by the head chef at the Crocodile Cafe in Glendale and 10 others chefs, was a preview for the 32nd annual Beastly Ball at the Los Angeles Zoo, a major fundraiser that benefits the zoo's conservation projects, education programs, construction of new exhibits and other endeavors.

LONG-TERM CARE OMBUDSMAN PROGRAM The Wellness, Independence, Self-esteem and Education senior-services group is seeking volunteers to assist with investigations of complaints by nursing-home patients. Volunteers would conduct visits to facilities on a regular basis in hopes of resolving complaints made by patients. For more information, call Luis Ramirez at (818) 563-9401. TRAVEL TOWN MUSEUM FOUNDATION Docents and restoration staff are needed to work on historic passenger cars at the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park.

TRAVEL TOWN MUSEUM FOUNDATION Docents and restoration staff are needed to work on historic passenger cars at the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park. Crews work on weekends. Lunch is provided. Experience is not necessary; the association will train. Enthusiastic speakers to lead tours and caboose attendants are also needed. Call for training times and more information. For information, call Nancy at 243-5019 or (323) 668-0104; or by mail at P.O. Box 39846, Los Angeles, CA 90039.

THE AUTRY MUSEUM -- VOLUNTEER PROGRAM The Autry Museum of Western Heritage needs volunteers who are enthusiastic about teaching children Western American history. Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. (323) 667-2000, ext. 242. GLENDALE UNIFIED CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS Volunteers are needed for after-school enrichment programs that focus on tutoring activities for youngsters in first through eighth grades. Volunteers will share their skills at a variety of school sites from 2:30 to 6 p.m. weekdays.

DOCENTS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Descanso Gardens needs docents and volunteers to work in the gift shop, the Japanese Tea House and in the Children's Horticultural Therapy Center. Training positions are available for those interested in leading school tours through the Gardens. This activity is for people who enjoy both nature and children, and can share time and talents during weekday hours. For more information, call Anina Minotto at (818) 949-7978.

JERRY LANE "We're goin' to the zoo, zoo, zoo. How about you, you, you? You can go, too, too, too." You may not know that old Woody Guthrie song, but I've been hearing my wife sing it for the past week. And yes, we did go to the zoo -- or as it's more properly known, the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens -- this past weekend and it was a wonderful trip. If you haven't visited our zoo in the past few years, you are in for a lot of wonderful surprises that start right at the front gate.

TODAY GLENDALE Reservations are required by Monday for an authors' Luncheon at 10:30 a.m., Nov. 29 at La Canada Flintridge Country Club, 5500 Godbey Drive. There is a $25 fee. For more information, call 790-3079. Take Off Pounds Sensibly meets at 9:15 a.m. for a weigh-in and 10 a.m. and for a meeting at First Lutheran Church, 1300 E. Colorado St. For more information, call (800) 932-8677. The Los Angeles Zoo presents "Destination: Dinosaurs at the L.A. Zoo," featuring robotic dinosaurs, fossil-dig boxes, a puppet show and a maze, through Nov. 21 at 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles.