Surgery

I often find myself daydreaming. Some of my best ideas are born and evolve during these seemingly idle times. But I consider this as a positive side of my personality. After all, without thinking and theorizing we would all be chickens without heads running around with no direction. Yet, too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. There is so much one can theorize. It is much easier to look at things on a philosophical level and take no action. And sometimes, thinking about solutions is much more attractive than actually acting them out. This theoretical approach to life can also give rise to procrastination.

Darleene Barrientos A Jamaican orphan whose most fervent prayer was to be able to walk normally will begin the journey of having that wish granted today, beginning with surgery on his ankles. Mild cerebral palsy has prevented 5-year-old Christopher Bandoo from walking normally. But with the help of a few local good Samaritans, Christopher will undergo the surgery at Glendale Adventist Medical Center today to lengthen his Achilles' tendons and receive proper rehabilitation after his ankles have healed.

Proceeds of TheSpyAnts Theatre Company benefit performance of "The Reunion" on Oct. 21 at the Howard Fine Theater in Hollywood will go towards CureSearch, the world's largest childhood cancer research organization. The Reunion is a look at the Woodland Hills Warriors' Class of '84. Everything has changed since high school, yet everyone remains the same. The audience is invited to eat, drink and follow the reunited classmates around the school, from the auditorium to the patio. La Cañadan Tammy Kaitz, an actress who says she's known around town as a "PTA mom," has a featured role.

When a rookie makes news in training camp, the results aren't always favorable. Such was the case Aug. 4, when offensive lineman Zack Williams, who starred at both Pasadena High and Glendale Community College, was mentioned frequently because of a devastating injury. The Carolina Panthers' just-signed rookie ripped up his left knee during practice and will likely sit out his first year. "Unfortunately, Zack tore his ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] and is out for the season," Panthers' Director of Communications Charlie Dayton confirmed in an email.

This is directed to all the staff at Verdugo Hills Hospital. A friend who has served the Salvation Army all of her lifetime tried to receive Section 8 housing and was turned down to live in the Salvation Army Crestline Apartments on Windsor Street. Norma Watkins, who has to get by on her walker, had to settle in Montrose. She is very content, only too far from her friends who care. As time passed on, Norma needed heart surgery, and a surgeon from Verdugo Hills Hospital stepped in. Dr. Sam H. Carvajal took over as he approached Norma on her first visit.

GLENDALE — The San Francisco Giants turned to Freddy Sanchez last season to help them win the World Series. If the Giants are to repeat as champions, they'll likely have to do so without the services of the former Burbank High and Glendale Community College standout. Sanchez, a second baseman and a former National League batting champion, suffered a dislocated right shoulder while diving for a ball Friday during San Francisco's 3-2 home win against the Cincinnati Reds. The Associated Press reported the three-time All-Star might miss the remainder of the season and possibly require surgery.

Marianne Love LA CRESCENTA -- Crescenta Valley Sheriff's Deputy Rick Momet was not at fault in the motorcycle accident that left him seriously injured, investigators have concluded. Momet was on duty driving his motorcycle east on Foothill Boulevard on Jan. 12 when a car driven by La Canada Flintridge resident Reba Osterman, 70, tried to make a left turn into the driveway of the Crescenta-Canada Family YMCA, where Osterman volunteers. Momet crashed into the front side of Osterman's car. He suffered a broken back, crushed ankle, punctured lung and numerous other injuries.

Thanksgiving offers a time for reflection, yet Christmastime always makes me look back and be thankful, too. My husband and I received the greatest gifts of all when our twins, Becky and Josh, were born after we tried for years to have children. Six years ago this month we brought our son and daughter home from the hospital. They were full-term, happy and healthy, and we were thrilled. When Josh was about 6 months old, his head grew very large very quickly. He had developed hydrocephalus, which is caused by a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

GLENDALE — The following are updates on area Major League Baseball players . Gregg Zaun (St. Francis High, 1989) Milwaukee Brewers catcher: The Glendale native remains on the disabled list. However, he learned that his season might have come to an end after he was diagnosed with a torn labrum in the front of his right shoulder. Mlb.com reported that the injury might end Zaun's career. Mlb.com reported Zaun put his chances of playing this season at "50-50" and the team doctors have recommended treatment for the next two to four weeks.

Claudia Peschiutta SOUTHERN WIT State Assemblyman Jack Scott (D-La Crescenta) has been described by those who know him as a genteel Southerner. In keeping with the part, his statements often have a poetic tinge. When asked this week how he decided what funding requests to make on behalf of his district while working on the 2000-01 state budget, Scott answered: "Politics is what's called the art of the possible." Explaining how state legislators could override a governor's veto with a two-thirds vote, Scott said such things must be done carefully.