Happy Altadena Holiday Weekend!

TOO MUCH TO DO this weekend, but it's all good, as the holidays draw near.  Check them out after the jump.

Thurs., Dec. 12

Mark Twain Bellringers: Join the Altadena Library for an evening of Holiday Music with the Mark Twain Bell Ringers from Mark Twain Middle School. Ron Theile, Director.  The group has performed five tiems at the London Olympics, so you know they're good!  Light refreshments start at 6 PM, concert promptly at 6:30.  Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street.

Hughes Estate Sales Holiday Sale: Opens at 6 PM Dec. 12, with holiday treats, hot cidar, and eggnog.  Snap up one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.  A portion of the opening night proceeds will go to benefit the AIDS Service Center.  The sale goes on Friday thru Sunday from 8 AM-2 PM.

Friday, Dec. 13

Webster's Community Pharmacy will host Altadena Farmers' Market manager Joseph Shuldiner on Friday, Dec. 13, in a celebration of his cookbook, Pure Vegan. Shuldiner will sign copies of his bestselling cookbook (and will proffer tastes from some of the 70 recipes it contains) from 5-7 PM at the store.  Webster's Community Pharmacy will also have special services for holiday shoppers: personal shopping services, gift wrapping service (free wrapping if store purchase), corporate gifts and party favors, free delivery inside a five mile radius, and gift certificates.

Pasadena Waldorf School will sponsor a stage adaptation of Truman Capote's "A Christmas Memory" on December 13 and 14 in Old Town Pasadena.  The play will be performed at 8 PM Friday, Dec. 13, and 2 PM and 8 PM on Saturday, December 14.  The performance will be held at the Rudolph Steiner Community Center, 110 Martin Alley in Old Town Pasadena.  Suggested donation $25.  For tickets and more information, please visit www.pasadenawaldorf.org.   All proceeds from the performace benefits the Pasadena Waldorf School and will be matched by a grant from the Los Angeles Anthroposophical Society for a maximum of $10,000.

Sat., Dec. 14

Gift-wrap at Webster's: On Saturday, December 14 and Saturday, December 21, Trained Dogs for Adoption volunteers will be at Webster's Community Pharmacy and Webster's Fine Stationers from 11 AM-4 PM, offering gift wrapping of any purchase made at either store, and are asking people to make a donation to support the rescue.  The stores are at 2450 N. Lake Avenue.

 

Bench dedication: dedication of a public bench along the Altadena Crest Trail at the Cobb Estate, 10 AM (there will be signs).  The bench was donated by Dr. Kwang-hee Park and Jochen Strack of  Spring Acupuncture and Spiritual Direction in Pasadena, The dedication will be on Sat., Dec. 14, at 10 AM along the trail (there will be signs), and they promise that a “zorse” (zebra-horse) will be there to carry supplies.

 

"Hands Across the Dam" event at Devil's Gate Dam, 11 AM.  Details here.

St. Mark's School/Church Winterfest: Get ready for all your favorite things – games, bounce houses, confetti snowballs, yummy food, sweet treats and crafts – now all with a winter theme. Oh, and did we mention the snow? Yes, a sledding run is in the works. Plus there will be a holiday boutique so you can get out of the mall and get a jump on your shopping while supporting Saint Mark’s. Plus there will be holiday greens, used uniforms and plenty of festive cheer. The event is open to the public. Family and friends are welcome. 12-4 PM, 1050 E. Altadena Drive.

Christ the Shepherd Holiday Boutique/Rummage Sale: Christ the Shepherd Lutheran Church, 185 West Altadena Drive,  will be holding a Holiday Boutique and Rummage Sale to benefit CTS' Youth Programs on Saturday, December 14, 12-4 and Sunday December 15, 12-2.  The sale will feature handmade jewelry, clothing & home goods by local artisans, vintage dolls, a bake sale and gently used treasures.  

Arroyo Food Co-op All Member Meeting and Holiday Gathering:   2 PM at the Co-op (494 N. Wilson Ave, Pasadena). There will be a vote of the membership at the meeting so please make every effort to attend.

Christmas Tree Lane Winter Arts & Crafts Festival:  The lead-up to the Christmas Tree Lane lighting ceremony features local artists and craftspeople, good food, music, and a chance to enjoy the holidays. Parking lot at the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, 2-6 PM.

Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony:  Altadena celebrates a small-town Christmas with the annual lighting of the trees along Santa Rosa Street.  Ceremony starts next to the Altadena Main Library, 600 E. Mariposa Street, at 6 PM.

Sunday, Dec. 15

Altadena Heritage is holding its famous annual meeting/holiday celebration Sunday, Dec. 15, from 3-6 PM at 234 E.  Mendocino Street (note: address corrected!). The celebration will feature music, food, and the election of new board.  This is members-only event, but new and lapsed members may join at the door or online at altadenaheritage.com or altadenaheritage.org. More info: altadenaheritage@earthlink.net

Westminster Presbyterian Church Brass Concert.  7 PM, 1757 N. Lake Avenue, Pasadena. Admission: free.

JUST ADDED: The Briton Ensemble will perform their annual free holiday concert at the Altadena Community Church this Sunday at 6:00 PM (Doors open at 5:30).  Lead by James Briton Hendricks, this fine Renaissance ensemble performs a wide variety of winter music, ranging from Gloucester Wassail and a Ukrainian carol to Deck the Halls and Joy to the World, spreading good cheer and fun.   These fine singers are sure to delight.  You can get a taste of what they do on Youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNnkVC5OL1c.   Admission is gratis, but voluntary donations will go to the church in gratitude for the space.