Sierra Madre

A partnership has developed between local artists and Chevy Chase Country Club that offers artists a venue to show their work and also provides artwork for empty walls of the Glendale club. Glendale resident and oil painter Dahl Delu knew there were several local artists in his neighborhood. He also knew how hard it was to find a place to show one’s work. “I noticed the country club’s restaurant, ballroom, bar and lounge have bare walls,” he said. “I asked them about us doing a group show there, and they said yes.” He called seven of his neighbors who are artists, and in three weeks they put together their first show in October.

SIERRA MADRE - For a team featuring six seniors in the starting lineup, Holy Family softball Coach Greg Ziomek didn't like what he saw from the Gaels during a key Horizon League contest Thursday. Much to Ziomek's surprise, the Gaels committed four errors in a 9-0 loss against host Alverno. Holy Family came into the game tied for second with Alverno in league behind defending league champion San Gabriel Mission. A victory by the Gaels in the first of two head-to-head meetings with the Jaguars would have boosted the Gaels' confidence.

Charles Rich Enough waiting. Some of the elite local boys' cross-country teams are eager to run on the dusty trails situated in the local and state mountains. The six area squads appear to have been upgraded, and are ready to search for glory by way of winning league, state and CIF Southern Section division championships. Steap inclines and downward grades are the norm for the physique athletes. Among the top runners to return include seniors Rusty Whisman of Crescenta Valley and Flintridge Prep's Tom McLean.

Dining With Duvall by Lynn Duvall My best friend, Judie, used to be a jewelry designer. She no longer makes her own jewelry. These days Judie haunts gem shows for unique artisan pieces and fine gemstones. A few months ago I was tagging along behind Judie as she combed the aisles of a gem show at the Pasadena Convention Center. We usually go to Santa Monica, where it's horribly crowded and steamy hot, inside giant white tents. For once, I was not crammed in with hordes of shoppers, dying of the heat.

NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE PRESENTS SENIOR CLASS The Glendale Chapter of National Charity League recognized the senior class of 2008 at its annual Presentation on March 8 at the Universal Sheraton Hotel. Presentation marks the culmination of six years of philanthropic work, educational activities and cultural events for local high school seniors. This Ticktocker class consists of 27 seniors from the local communities, and all are preparing to attend institutions of higher learning in the fall.

Oklahoma-born Kelly McCune and her Americana string band, Border Radio, return to the Sierra Madre Playhouse for another concert in the Playhouse's Sunday evening "Second Stage" performance series. The band's last performance there was their CD release celebration for their latest recording, "Golden State." The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available during the intermission. Border Radio, a well-known favorite on the local roots scene, has played the Autry Museum, the Topanga Festival, Descanso Gardens, and Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles.

To get "in the mood" of the upcoming Hep to the USO at the Sierra Madre Playhouse, '40s period clothing and swing dancers in the audience are welcome. So says Candyce Columbus, founder of the "Totally Hep" musicians who will present Hep to the USO on April 4, at 7 p.m. "Totally Hep" will bring back memories of the swinging tunes made popular by the Andrews Sisters, along with timeless ballads and ever-popular World War II novelty tunes. Columbus appears as Aunt Evelyn Whiffle, Andrea Saldana as Wendy Whiffle, and Tania Obteshka as Sadie Whiffle.

Tongues have been buzzing on the boulevard this week about the Playhouse's new clothes. The Sierra Madre Playhouse has taken on a decidedly older "new look," with bright colors and lots of new lighting. Handsome green columns frame the faÁade, which has been repainted in shades of tan and yellow. Lighted letters atop the marquee spell out Sierra Madre, and an enormous script "Playhouse" in green neon adorns the wall above the marquee. A new art deco-style centerpiece adds dimension to the marquee, and the whole marquee is highlighted by yellow neon outlining.

Officials are cautioning residents to be alert after two mountain lions were found early Tuesday morning sitting on the front lawn of a home in Sierra Madre. A resident reported seeing the two cats about 12:32 a.m. in front of a house on the 600 block of Camillo Road, said Sgt. Ruben Enriques of the Sierra Madre Police Department. The cats were still in the yard when officers arrived, but police scared them off by turning on their sirens, he said. Wildlife encounters are common in the community, which lies in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains.