Refreshments

TODAY GLENDALE The Five O'Clock High Glendale Running Club meets at 5 a.m. for early-morning cardio. All levels are welcome. For location and more information, call 335-3182. The Autry National Center is accepting applications for its 2005 docent classes for people interested in learning about Native American cultures and the Western Movement. For more information, call (323) 667-2000, ext. 242. The Foothill Service Club for the Blind will meet for lunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the club- house, 117 E. Los Feliz Road.

TODAY The Assistance League of Glendale welcomes seniors to attend a lunch with program at 10:30 a.m. on the second Wednesday of the month at 314 E. Harvard St. For more information, call (818) 247-4296. ? Barnes & Noble Storytime begins at 11 a.m. every Wednesday on the third floor of Barnes & Noble, 210 Americana Way, Glendale. For more information, call (818) 545-9146. ? An Adult Grief Support Group will meet from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday at the Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Chaplain?

Charles Rich He'll be glad to toss the rosin bag over the outfield fence in exchange for a jug of ice cold water. That way, the ice water can properly circulate through the veins of Hoover High sophomore pitcher/outfielder John La. Just make sure to leave the water behind the pitcher's mound, and things like pinpoint control might work in La's favor. La might have a say -- and a drink of water -- when Hoover (18-6) meets host Mission Viejo (18-8)

Mary Burkin The current family offering at the Falcon Theatre, "The Little Mermaid," is unique -- in many good ways. The classic fairy tale about a sweet young girl who happens to have fins has been transformed into a classy musical about a sweet young Greek girl who happens to have fins. When you have a talented and energetic writercomposer-director with a name like Dimitri Toscas, what else would you expect? But added to this out-of-the-ordinary story twist is an out-of-the-ordinary set design (Sherry Santillano)

NORTHEAST GLENDALE — The Glendale Community College football team will find out today how much last week's bye will help. Glendale college Coach John Rome said he's intrigued, as the Vaqueros continue their quest of tracking down their first win of the season. "The purpose of the bye is two-fold," said Rome, whose team will meet visiting West L.A. in a Pacific Conference American Division contest at 7 p.m. today at Sartoris Field. "We've been able to get some guys healed, plus we've been able to work on the fundamentals and development.

"There are no coincidences." I read that recently. I don't know who said it, but I don't think he knew what he was talking about. What would you call it when I get a notice from the DMV, telling me that my California Driver's License was to expire shortly and suggesting that I make an appointment to take written and vision tests -- and in the same mail receive a notice from my insurance carrier, advising that it was...

Edwina Hughes' Community Commentary ("Senator needs a refresher on what voters expect"), published in the Jan. 8 News-Press, contains inaccurate information regarding current spending for public education in California. The fact is, California's average per-child expenditure for unified school districts is presently about $6,800. Despite some gains during the past few years, California's per-capita expenditures for its public schools remains one of the lowest in the nation.

MONTROSE — Luring potential customers with warm cookies, special promotions and even herb-encrusted flank steak, more than 60 businesses from the Crescenta Valley took over a floor of Verdugo Hills Hospital on Wednesday night for the sixth annual Foothills Business Expo. A collaborative production of the Montrose-Verdugo City, Crescenta Valley and La Cañada-Flintridge Chambers of Commerce, the expo drew hundreds of area entrepreneurs, curious residents and, thanks to the promise of food, plenty of gastronomes.

In the course of our life, we undergo many seasons. There are periods of growth, change, pain and pleasure. A Scripture that refers to this is, “There is a time for everything, and a season for everything under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). We can reflect upon these moments in our life — striving for autonomy as an adolescent, finding a mate, the birth of a child, retirement, the death of a parent. Living is filled with joy and sorrow, contentment and anxiety.

JOYCE RUDOLPH Richard Greenberg's poignant "Eastern Standard" kicks off the Classic and Contemporary American Plays Series of dramatic readings making its debut Monday at The Alex Theatre. Set in 1980s Manhattan, the play follows the lives of four self-involved New Yorkers after they meet a homeless woman. "It's a lesson in how we don't take care of our own," said veteran film actress Teri Garr, who plays the homeless woman. "My character represents all the people who are homeless in New York City.