by Timothy Rutt
Today is Small Business Saturday (according to Big Business American Express; we think EVERY day should be Small Business Day!) and here are some activities going on:
- Webster's Fine Stationers is holding their annual (and final) Holiday Open House, from 11 AM-7 PM today. They write: "Along with many of our local artists, joining us will be musicians Norm Abejon and Amin El; Miss Herself The Elf, painting faces and twisting up balloons for the kids; Altadena Heritage with historical pictures and membership information, and our own historical pictures of Webster's; Altadena's own Santa Jack; and local author Andrew C. Robinson, who illustrated the just-released graphic novel, The Fifth Beatle. Remember, WFS is the only retailer in the community authorized to sell Christmas Tree Lane's bespoke memorabilia year 'round - they receive 75% of all sales made!" It will be a day of celebrating WFS's six years as an independent business, and the 87 years of the Webster family businesses in the Altadena community. Webster's is at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.
- Right next door, Webster's Community Pharmacy is offering a 15% discount on gift puchases of $10 or more all day.
- Ten Thousand Villages, 567 S. Lake Avenue in Pasadena, says that today is a good time to practice "Benefit Shopping": 15 percent of every purchase made in the store will be donated to local non-profit organizations. The non-profit store, which features home accent, gourmet food, personal accessories, fashion, and holiday decoration, is Fair Trade, meanind handcrafted by artisans from developing countires all over the world. Among the local non-profits benefitting are the Arroyo Food Co-op, Firehouse School, Day One, the Peace and Justice Academy, Elizabeth House, and many more. (You can choose who your purchase will benefit by mentioning it at the counter).