VALUING VOLUNTEERS
Nonprofit volunteer organization Rebuilding Together Long Beach (RTLB) will host an informational breakfast meeting Saturday, Oct. 3 from 9:30am to 11:30am at El Dorado Neighborhood Library, 2900 Studebaker Rd. Free continental breakfast served. RTLB is seeking volunteers to join one or more committees, including volunteer coordination, public relations, fundraising, grant writing, hospitality and administration. Call (562) 490-3802.
A DOG-GONE GOOD TIME
Pet owners are encouraged to bring their animal friends to the Interfaith Blessing of the Animals on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 5225 E. Paoli Way (north side of Marine Stadium). The day will also feature the Ugly & Cute Dog contests, the Chihuahua Beauty Contest, pet adoptions and a vendor fair. Free parking, free for spectators, free pet blessings. Pet adoptions and vendor fair will be from 10am to 2:30pm. Ugly/cute contests at 11am; all breeds and sizes welcome. Interfaith Blessing of the Animals and arrival of exotic animals at noon. Chihuahua beauty contest at 1pm. Cost for entry into contests is $10 in advance or $20 at event. Visit http://HauteDogs.org/contests.html
BE A PORT AUTHORITY!
The Port of Long Beach will again host the Green Port Fest from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, Oct. 3. Attendees will learn about port operations and environmental initiatives such as shore power, which decreases pollution from docked ships, as well as water quality programs that protect local marine wildlife and much more. The free event will feature dozens of interactive exhibits and tours of the Port by boat and train. Last year about 10,000 people attended Green Port Fest, making it one of Long Beach’s largest public events. Help the cause by carpooling, riding public transportation or biking there. Visit www.polb.com/portfest.
GET STITCHING!
Long Beach Heritage is offering an affordable embroidery class for anyone who wants an introduction to embroidery or to refresh and improve their current skills. Each participant will create an embroidered Victorian bell pull with stitches used based on ability. Elena Levine, the author of two textbooks on embroidery and clothing embellishment, will teach the course. There will be six Saturday classes from 1pm to 3pm, Oct. 3—Nov. 7 at the historic Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle (at 10th Street in Drake Park). Cost is $30 for all six sessions. Class size will be limited. For reservations or information about needed supplies, call Marion Nickle at (562) 799-2405.
MOTOR ON OVER
Los Altos United Methodist Church, 5950 E. Willow Street, will host its third vintage car show on Sunday, Oct. 4. Viewing time for the public will be from 9:30am to 2pm. The public can view a range of cars in the large church parking lot at the corner of Woodruff Avenue and Willow Street. Admission is free. Gates to the parking lot will open at 8am for cars entered into the show. Vintage car owners are welcome to enter their cars. Download a registration form at www.laumc.com or call (562) 598-2451. All proceeds benefit the church’s homeless task force.
DON’T GET BURNED
National Fire Prevention Week will be observed during the second week of October 2009. For this event the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) will be joining forces with the National Fire Prevention Association to present the theme of this year’s campaign— “Stay Fire Smart! Don’t Get Burned.” The start of Fire Prevention Week will begin on Sunday, Oct. 4 when all LBFD stations will conduct “open houses” from 10am to 5pm for residents to visit, view fire engines and equipment, and meet local firefighters. On Saturday, Oct. 10 the LBFD Museum, 1445 Peterson Ave., will also host an open house from 10am to 5pm. Visit www.nfpa.org or http://firechannel.org/blog.
ECONOMIC WOES?
Community Hospital of Long Beach, 1720 Termino Ave., will host a free health lecture entitled “Coping with Depression and Anxiety in our Current Economy” on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6:30pm. Free parking in structure. Reservations are required and seating is limited. Call (562) 494-0532.
PASS THE PARMESAN PLEASE
Job’s Daughters # 161, Long Beach, a Masonic youth organization for girls aged nine to 19, will host their annual spaghetti dinner & silent auction on Saturday, Oct. 10. Dinner will be served at the Long Beach Masonic Center, 3610 Locust Ave. from 3pm to 7pm. Donation is $5. A portion of each ticket sold will be donated to Orangewood Children’s Home. Donated items for the children at the home will also be collected. Call Sherry Pawneshing at (562) 804-2465.
ALL AMERICAN!..SORT OF
Long Beach Opera will celebrate its coming 2010 season of all-American operas with a party hosted by British stage, screen and opera star Michael York. The event will take place from 5pm to 8pm on Sunday, Oct. 11, in the sculpture garden of the Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave. For ticket information, call (562) 432-5934 or visit www.longbeachopera.org.
CALLING BOOKWORMS
The October selection for the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association’s Literary Society will be Light in August by William Faulkner. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 7pm at the Richard Goad Theatre, 4250 Atlantic Ave. Parking available along Atlantic and on Burlinghall. Refreshments provided. Call (562) 997-1494.
HEALTH AND HOUSING
Capital Investment Advisers will host its first Economic Town Hall Meeting featuring John Leonard of JP Morgan Asset Management on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6pm at Long Beach Airport Marriott, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr. Panel discussion will also include representatives from the commercial/multi-family real estate industry and an expert who will be available to answer questions on the proposed healthcare reform.
