'Dena Weekend: wine, food, art, and music

One could not possibly cram more into a weekend! (Keep checking back, because we're always finding new stuff!)

Fri., June 25

• "Dive into Great Books," the 2010 summer reading program from the Altadena Library, kicks off with a donut drop-in registration starting at 10 AM on Fri., June 25, at the Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa, and at the Bob Lucas Branch Library, 2659 Lincoln Ave.  Children and teens sign up for a summer of great reading!
• Altadena Home Studio Tour kickoff at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake Ave. 6-10 PM. Tickets to this weekend's event are $8, purchased at the Gallery, includes catalog and map.

Sat., June 26

• New Water Festival, 10 AM-12 PM  at the Community Center, 730 E. Altadena Dr.: This family friendly festival includes fun activity tables plus the latest information on water recycling systems and smart irrigation for your homes. In addition to water agency speakers, presenters include representatives from the California Greywater Corps and Hydropoint Data Systems.Attendees will also have the chance to win great prizes, including rainbarrels, weather irrigation smart controllers and Patagonia clothing.For more information, please visit:  www.arroyoseco.org/newwaterfestivals.htm.
• Barks & Books: Children ages 5-12 are invited to visit the library to read to a loveable dog from the Pasadena Humane Society’s Home Companion Program. This reading enrichment program makes reading fun, boosts confidence and encourages respectful, humane treatment for all animals. The Barks & Books program runs the 4th Saturday of each month at 11:00 AM, 600 E. Mariposa.
• And, Skippyjon Jones, the cat who thinks he's a chihuahua and hero of multiple books for the young set, puts in an appearance at the Library, also at 11 AM.
• Altadena Home Studio Tour runs from 10 AM-5 PM today.  Tickets, map, and catalog available at McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake.
• Please join Assemblymember Anthony Portantino and Friends for National HIV Testing Day, 11 AM-3 PM.  The Pasadena Health Department, AIDS Service Center and Planned Parenthood will be offering FREE confidential, quick-result testing for HIV/AIDS (20 minutes). Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado, Pasadena.
• Brio Spa & Cafe, 2003 & 2009 Lake Ave., is holding a special event for all ages Sat., June 26, starting at noon:  wine tasting with food to pair, a jumper for the young and young at heart, grilled food and barbeque, and services at reduced rates.
  
• Anne Louise Bannon and Michael Holland of OddBallGrape.com will show guests how to pair wine with summer foods at Webster's Fine Stationers, 2450 Lake Avenue, 6-8 PM. RSVP required: 797-1135.
• Belinda Gail: An Evening with "America's Western Sweetheart"  in a concert at a private home: doors open at 5:30 PM, show at 7 PM. One of the most sought after singers performing Western music today, Belinda stirs the emotions and visions of the West in the heart of every audience she embraces. It is no wonder that Belinda truly is "America's Western Sweetheart". Suggested donation: $20 per person includes refreshments  Make your reservations early at: big.hat@ sbcglobal.net
• The performer HB3 will appear at the Folly Bowl, 1601 East Loma Alta Drive, in a short one hour concert, starting at 9 PM.  Requested donation $5 -- bring your own refreshments (pack in/pack out, 'cause there are bears in the neighborhood), and a blanket or sweater for cool nights.

Sun., June 27

• Altadena Home Studio Tour concludes today, 10 AM-3 PM, followed by an event at the Gallery at the End of the World, 2475 N. Lake.
• Golden Poppy Garden Awards and Fete, from Altadena Heritage, 4-6:30 PM., $15 for members, $20 for others, at a private garden.  We will honor gardens whose creators have added beauty to neighborhoods.  In keeping with Altadena Heritage's sustainability theme, we will pay special attention to gardens whose delights do not depend on excessive watering, and those making use of native and drought tolerant plantings.  Renowned cellist Diego Miralles will provide musical entertainment.  Tea, cocktails, and other refreshments will be served.  Make reservations at altadenaheritage@earthlink.net or call (626) 797-0054.
• The Cooperative Food Exchange of Altadena will hold its monthly Crop Swap starting at 6 PM at Farnsworth Park.  The public is invited to the crop swap -- you don't have to be a member of CofeA to participate -- but you do have to have something to contribute to attend the swap (i.e. fruit, veggies, seedlings, flowers, herbs, seeds, or items made from neighborhood produce, such as jam).