Artists hard at work to make The Linden House a special place.

Burbank is home to many studios and companies connected with the movie and television industries, but one in particular has the biggest heart. Viacom employees and those at Nickelodeon get together once a year choosing a project to benefit those in need. They are The Via Community Group headed by Carson Smith, a Manager at Nickelodeon Studios. This year, along with VH1 and others, their chosen project was put together by several wonderful agencies, including Judy Arandes, the Burbank Housing and Development’s representative, and Laurie Bleick from the Family Service Agency of Burbank.

They needed to create homes for young adults ages 14-24 who were challenged in life through homelessness, poor education, broken families, and more. A four unit house called The Linden House needed upgrading and repairs to achieve their goal, so everyone rolled up their sleeves and got to work!

Amazingly, in one day they painted, built, repaired, and planted turning the housing project into a dream house. One of the achievements was to turn the garage into a gym and craft room with the walls painted in striking murals by several extremely talented artists in the group. It won’t be long before the chosen ones will arrive and spend up to two years under guidance and education through volunteers and teachers to be ready to face life’s challenges with a brighter outlook for their future. Good work and “Hats off” to all involved in making a better life for the new residents. God bless! What a group! Send your comments to barbeedee@yahoo.com.

Waffle cone and Barbara the winner!

After more than twenty years at this location, the Baskin-Robbins Store, located at 10563 Riverside Dr. in Toluca Lake (Wow – time flies!), the owners decided it was time to do necessary upgrades and renovations, so they had to close the doors to their many loyal customers to complete these changes.

On Saturday, April 14, promptly at noon, the doors were opened to the waiting crowd, and what a party! They entered the store under a welcoming rainbow archway of colorful balloons to admire the fresh new look of the store and the smiling faces of the staff waiting to greet them.

Outside, a talented lady began face-painting the many children waiting as their parents watched her fancy creations appear on their smiling faces while upbeat music played. Even a Baskin-Robbins person disguised as a Waffle Cone was at the curb encouraging those in passing cars to stop and share in this happy day.

There was a spinning wheel to offer many different free delights to each customer, and when it was my turn I was shocked to see I won the Bunny Cake! This celebration was repeated on Sunday as well to the delight of all attending, so stop by often to enjoy the many ways this Baskin-Robbins location can satisfy your love of ice cream! Share your comments with me at barbeedee@yahoo.com. Yum!

Linda Evans signed books.

How many of you have been with thousands of women in one place? Well, I attended the recent event held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, “The Ultimate Women’s Expo,” and was impressed by the crowds of excited women of all ages taking advantage of free massages, manicures, and make-up artists! It was held over the weekend of Oct. 1 and 2, and featured well-known guest speakers such as Dyan Cannon, Barbara Eden, Jackie Collins, and Linda Evans. They all shared highlights of their lives and careers with a captive audience, as well as book–signing at booths afterward.

Barbara Eden, l, performs a Q&A at “The Ultimate Women’s Expo.”

The days were filled with cooking classes with Sur La Table, Bloomingdale’s Beauty Lounge featuring complimentary makeovers, rows and rows of impressive booths with everything from vintage clothing to evening bags and purses, arts and crafts, and even legal advice! One unusual area was the wine and Tequila Tasting Lounge, which even featured samples of “Adult” chocolate milk and champagne cocktails enjoyed by all. If you missed it this year, watch for this exceptional event next year, which was only $10 per person for a fun-filled day!

A packed house enjoyed the poetry and coffee at Priscilla’s.

Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee House in Toluca Lake was host to an extremely talented group of individuals on Sunday evening, August 14. It was led by James Levin, a writer himself. The group has been meeting every three months since February, 2007, always at Priscilla’s.

The evening started with the first reading by Beverly Collins, sharing parts of her published book, Quiet Observations, with the appreciative audience. All attending were kept spellbound as writer after writer shared their thoughts and written words with friends and customers sipping on their lattes.

One writer, William Lewis, with his soothing, rich voice, even sang one of his poems! Loud applause followed each participant, as the evening continued to the delight of all attending. The poets were such a variety of people, from beginning writers, to the well seasoned published ones, from young to mature, and one, Lorraine Upton, is even an elder in her church.

A young man, Damien Stednitz, held everyone’s attention as he rapidly read and recited his rendition of his warm and humorous writings. What a fun, delightful evening being able to share the written thoughts of all these talented individuals. I know they plan on returning to Priscilla’s in three months, and those of you that are writers or just enjoy poetry should watch for the next time they get together.

James Levin promises to keep us posted. What an enjoyable time I spent meeting with all these fascinating, talented people and I’m looking forward to the next time. Hope you can join them —you’ll be glad you did!

Did you know that Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael, Klee and LeRoy Neiman were all lefties?

In the music world, most of you know that Paul McCartney is left-handed, but here‘s more musicians: Glen Campbell, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, Jimi Hendrix, Isaac Hayes, Lou Rawls and Judy Garland! You can add Ringo Starr, Seal, Paul Williams, Kurt Cobain, Melissa Manchester — and how about Cole Porter? Even the Everly Brothers are both left-handed!

Then there are our presidents: Herbert Hoover, Harry S. Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, and his son, Ron, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. We can go way back in politics beginning with Benjamin Franklin, Ross Perot, Nelson Rockefeller, John McCain, Steve Forbes, Ruth Ginsburg, Oliver North and more.

Let’s go back in history and you’ll find Joan of Arc, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, Napoleon and Charlemagne. Across the ocean in England, there are kings and queens: I can name Queen Victoria, King George II, King George VI, Prince Charles and Prince William. The movie The King’s Speech was about a king who was born left-handed and made to change, causing severe stuttering.

Some outstanding individuals are Buzz Aldrin, astronaut, Helen Keller, Albert Schweitzer and Henry Ford. Also on the list are John F. Kennedy, Jr., and his sister Caroline Kennedy.

Jay Leno and David Letterman, our evening hosts, are in the group. Did you know that both Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were left-handed? Also Cary Grant, Charlie Chaplin, W.C. Fields, Betty Grable, Olivia de Havilland, Rock Hudson, Kim Novak, Rex Harrison and Marilyn Monroe!

Here are some couples: both Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, now exes, are lefties, as well as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. On screen we see Goldie Hawn and her daughter, Kate Hudson, both left-handed.

Then there’s Carol Burnett, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Diane Keaton, Robert Redford, Shirley MacLaine, George Burns, Robert De Niro, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lisa Kudrow, Julia Roberts, Richard Dreyfuss, Woody Allen, Dick van Dyke, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg!

And how about two newest music sensations, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber! There’s so many more that I could fill a dozen more pages, but all of you out there who are “southpaws” or have friends and family that are left-handed, should have spent the day appreciating the very talented, generally upbeat and fun, special people you know that are part of this fast growing group — they’ll never be left out!

[Editor’s Note: Barbara Elliott is a lefty herself, as am I.]

E-mail me at barbeedee@yahoo.com.

Come by and say hello to Jerry Obsepyan at Burbank Barber Shop – you’ll be glad you did!

Sometimes, just by chance, it’s possible to find a great new place that you like, and that’s what happened to a friend of mine when he discovered the Burbank Barber Shop. The Shop is owned by Jerry Obsepyan, and even though he opened less than a year ago, he has developed a very pleased clientele with his extremely good talent of cutting and styling to each customer’s satisfaction. The shop is located in a very nice shopping area located near Pass Avenue in Burbank at 4020 Magnolia Blvd. Ste. H. The entrance is off of Pass Avenue and the shop has an inviting, neat and clean appearance. The great news is most haircuts are only $10! Walk-ins are welcome, but you can call (818) 260-0482 to make an appointment. The Burbank Barber Shop is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Give this a try — you’ll be happy that you did!

Not just humans enjoyed “The Party of the Century.”

“The Party of the Century” was all that and more! It was scheduled to begin in downtown on Olive Avenue by the City Hall at 5 p.m., but the crowds started arriving from noon on. San Fernando Boulevard was closed early, as booths and tents were being set up for vendors and exhibits. I arrived around 5 p.m., and I was astounded to see a crowd of over a thousand people already there!

I could see in the distance a stage set up for the delightful program planned for the evening and all seats were already taken! I couldn’t get closer, but there were nearby booths and vendors with lines already formed with anticipation felt everywhere for this once in a lifetime event. Burbank had attractive tote bags given to everyone, and the graphic artist Larry Hansen, who designed the event posters, was autographing them for spectators.

Everything was over the top! There was a ten foot tall birthday cake, and Mickey and Minnie Mouse were next to a display of hundreds of cupcakes baked by our local bakeries, Porto’s, Yummy Cupcakes and Martino’s Bakery, which were given to those lucky enough to be close by. Music was blaring from the stage where the program chairman, Fritz Coleman, was introducing speakers and welcoming guests, while our local NBC Channel 4 was filming this outstanding event. It wasn’t long before the Bob Hope Airport was involved in the most amazing fly-over of numerous historic aircraft to the delight of the crowds. Also on display was a statue of Bob Hope. Then a parade began on the ground involving our schools, Disney characters and much more. Exhibits included an 18 ft T-Rex from the movie Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg’s 1997 classic that was filmed partly in Burbank. All around both sides of Olive Avenue were many vintage cars to see, as well as displays from Bob Hope Airport, Gordon Howard Museum and much more. All evening the swing bands were rockin’ through the ages while spectators danced their hearts out. The finale of this special evening was spectacular fireworks overhead. The city went out of its way and beyond expectations in giving “The Party of the Century.” Congratulations to the city of Burbank and to the many individuals involved in making this a night to remember. It was the best party ever! Share your comments with me at barbeedee@yahoo.com.

Contact www.burbankchamber.org for more information. The actual date of the founding of Burbank is July 8, and what a day they have planned! The Party of the Century will begin in the heart of downtown with a parade, dignitaries, former mayors and even a time capsule. Imagine 100 years ago, Burbank began as farmland with a railroad, horse and buggies and Model T cars! There’s so much to tell, and lots to celebrate. Think of the founding of our studios — Disney, Warner Bros., NBC, CBS, as well as Lockheed — what wonderful stories to tell, all decades ago! Since it’s difficult to just touch on each one, over the next few months I’ll feature stories of the founding and histories of these companies to cover the growth of the City of Burbank to where it is today! I wish all of you a bright sunny exciting summer ahead. If you have any historical stories to share, you may contact me at barbeedee@yahoo.com.

From l, owner Pam MacDonald and Gluten intolerant Barbara Elliott inside Pam Mac D’s.

Most of you by now have heard the terms “Gluten-free,” “Gluten intolerant” and possibly also “Celiac Disease.” What does all this mean? To condense as much as I can, it means that many people — at least one in 100 — could be carrying the inherent gene that means eating food containing Gluten can cause an immune reaction that results in damage to the small intestine where nutrients cannot be absorbed properly. I have to tell you that I had digestive problems for over five years and was finally diagnosed with Celiac Disease in 2000. After my diagnosis, I began to eat Gluten-free through cooking and shopping via the very few stores available then. So for myself and numerous others, we were delighted and thrilled that a new Gluten-free Market has opened in Magnolia Park in Burbank, with a vast stock of products from all over the world for those in need of them. The multi-talented individual behind this is Pam MacDonald, who spent several years researching to bring her dream to reality of offering a specialty Market where you don’t have to spend time reading labels — she’s done it for you!

Stop by today! The official Grand Opening of Pam Mac D’s Gluten-Free Market is Friday, May 20.

From cereals to breads, take-out dishes to desserts — it’s all there! For those with over-active or autistic children, try these products and you will be amazed how much calmer they become. The store is now open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and there will be an official Grand Opening on Friday, May 20, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Mayor, along with samples and special events during the day. Come by and meet AJ, the charming store manager who will be delighted to meet you and answer all your questions. Pam will be there, as well as myself to help with your shopping needs. Now I won’t have to shop at many different stores — everything is in one place!

The store is called Pam Mac D’s Gluten-Free Market located at 3516 W. Magnolia Blvd. near Hollywood Way in Burbank. Check out her website at www.pammacds.com or give her a call at (888) 664-5886.

For further information or questions about Celiac Disease, you can reach me at barbeedee@yahoo.com. I look forward to seeing you at Pam Mac D’s Market!

Gordon Sherwood celebrated his 100th birthday this past weekend at the Griffith Park Steamer Museum. Tom LaBonge, far l, presents Sherwood, far r, with an award signifying his participating in WWII as Sherwood’s son, middle, looks on proudly.

Gordon Sherwood, of Burbank, just celebrated his 100th birthday this week and what a party it was! How many of you have had the opportunity to have a friend or family member reach this milestone? Probably never! But if so, you would either go to a hospital or a retirement home for such an event — not for Gordon! Not even a wheelchair or cane in sight! Everyone met at the Griffith Park Steamer Museum, where you can view old train cars and wonderful exhibits. Gordon greeted everyone in his faded jeans and cowboy boots (two inch heels yet!) and even an official engineers cap! Gordon was a much honored veteran of World War II, and that was noted by encouraging guests to come in uniform or 1940s attire, while music was played in the background of hits from that era. Gordon loves trains, and was the founder of the “LA Live Steamers Club” in 1956, which today has more than 400 members worldwide. Even Walt Disney got involved and there is a barn set aside for Disney train memorabilia. The area is located near Travel Town and was for years just a riverbed. The members are involved in building small scale steamer trains as a very talented hobby and small train tracks surround the area, and early in the celebration, Gordon took a ride on the one he built — several times around! A delicious barbecue luncheon was served and enjoyed by all, followed by the arriving City Councilman Tom LaBonge, who greeted Gordon Sherwood warmly.

Following an official flag ceremony, Tom LaBonge presented him with an award signifying his participation in the war, and that was followed by a huge Birthday card! All sang “Happy Birthday” as a giant Birthday cake appeared to the delight of all. This was a one-of-a-kind party enjoyed by everyone attending. Happy Birthday, Gordon, and many more!