by Timothy Rutt
Altadena's 125th Birthday Bash is coming up Saturday, and for something that was drummed up on short notice, it promises to be memorable!
Starting with a small group of determined women, -- Michele Zack of Altadena Heritage, Jane Brackman of the Altadena Historical Society, Monica Hubbard, and Sussy Nemer, field deputy for Supv. Michael D. Antonovich -- the bash has grown to be a full celebration of Altadena's history, artistry, people, and its own uniqueness.
And, it will be a tribute to volunteerism and self-reliance.
First, seeing that there was nothing set aside for Altadena's children, Melody Comfort took it on herself to organize a children's celebration to run from 2-4 PM at the Mt. Curve Pavilion in Farnsworth Park. There will be some Altadena-related activities, she says, and children will get a chance to sign a birthday banner and get a helium balloon. There may be some refreshments (you're not discouraged from bringing any!)
The main event will be geared for adults: the Birthday Bash itself, running from 5-8 PM at the Davies Auditorium at Farnsworth Park. Michele Zack says that "Altogether, over 60 groups, individuals, churches, and businesses have stepped up as sponsors with food, money, talent, and putting together exhibits. Another 60 have signed up as volunteers."
Zack wanted to credit several of the people and groups that particularly contributed:
- Altadena Heritage Board, who unanimously voted to turn our measly 25th anniversary into something much bigger — a celebration of Altadena's 125th Birthday — and to get ball rolling by pledging major financial support. This got the attention of the county and others, and inspired everyone to pitch in!
- Jane Brackman, President of Historical Society — all round help, and who with Holly Rundberg organized volunteers.
- Monica Hubbard, who did communications/community outreach at the beginning.
- Sussy Nemer who on behalf of the county helped us cut through bales of red tape and covered many big expenses, such as waiving fee for Davies Building and raising banner above Lake Avenue — as well as recommending a nice big cash donation.
- Hugo Arteaga, talented graphic designer who designed gorgeous Birthday keepsake booklet completely as a volunteer, and managed discounted printing job by local Manning printers. This entailed a few weeks of work for him.
- Angie Calleros of County Parks and Rec, and manager of Davies Building. She and her staff have gone beyond call of duty in supporting us in so many ways. Just one example: she is tearing down Halloween Haunted House on Thursday then painting and recovering 14 exhibit frames with upholstery fabric to hold art and historical displays, so that they are ready by Friday to set up space upstairs.
- Ben McGinty came up with idea for art show with Altadena as subject, and ran with it. I never had to spend a moment worrying that this wasn't being completely taken care of, or doubt that it would be great.
- Suzie Hsi, assistant regional recreation director for the County helped arrange for county staff to hang all the banners from various organizations from rafters of Davies, saving us aging volunteers from having to climb very tall ladders!
- Of course there are lots more who have shown great support and made wonderful donations, but can't name everyone. On the food front, The Altadena Town and Country Club deserves mention, because they are donating $800 worth of tasty appetizers. NAACP has really stepped up in that department, too, promising to deliver close to 300 servings of homemade savory treats.
Hundreds of people attended Altadena's 125th birthday party, an occasion marked by good food, music, costumes, art, and some of the Bohemian eccentricity that our town is famous for.
