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This page last updated 01/06/2009

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SMRFA 2010 Call for Float Designs

Everyone,

Though we just completed the parade last Thursday, it is time to begin the process to select our 2010 Tournament of Roses parade float design. In order to give designers a few more days, we are starting our contest before the Tournament President formally announces the parade theme.

Simply, one of the key’s to a trophy-winning float begins with an outstanding design. Therefore, everyone is encouraged to submit design(s). Please help us “spread the word” to relatives, friends, co-workers and students.

Submission Dates: Monday, January 5^th to Saturday, February 7^th, 2008 6PM. The contest is open to all designers or would-be designers.

Click a link below for the necessary designer instructions including:

Float Design Instructions

Float Design Theme Draft form (Design Form)

Float Design Release form.

I have also included a Sample Design Form from a previous award winning float.

Don Mills

SierraMadreSue's "Music News" (updated 1/6/09 - a very special, sad Music News)

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Glenn Lambdin's "On My Mind These Days" (updated 1/3/09)

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Random Observations by Pat Ostrye

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Sierra Madre Playhouse Profile/Review by Fran Syverson

From the Library

On My Mind These Days

By Glenn Lambdin

(1/3/09) Saving a Part of Our Forgotten History: Part 2 (Read Part 1)

As I mentioned last week, I nominated the old City-owned Christian Science Church to the California Register of Historical Places since the City Council rejected my nomination to our local registry. Over the next few weeks, I will be sharing some of the history of the property and how Sierra Madre’s contributions to the Christian Science and New Thought movements contributed to the overall cultural heritage at local, state and national levels. As far back as 1894, Sierra Madre had direct links with the Christian Science Movement and persons generally recognized and credited as pioneers in the Christian Science Movement and in the New Thought Era.

Local Historical Significance

The City of Sierra Madre, California was founded by Nathanial Coburn Carter, a Christian Science member. Prior to Carter’s move out west in 1870, he and his wife Annetta lived in Lowell, Massachusetts, a suburb of Boston, and the birthplace of Mary Baker Eddy’s Christ Science. It was because of failing health that Carter moved to California. While there is no known public record that confirms that Sierra Madre’s founding father was a Christian Science member prior to his move to California in 1870, it is well documented that Mary Baker Eddy was teaching, openly practicing, and publishing her new “prayer based” healing religion throughout the greater Boston area as early as 1866 when she discovered the religion. She formally established the Christ Science Church in 1879. It is very probable that due to Carter’s geographic proximity to Eddy, and Carter’s failing health, he may have very well embraced her prayer based healing doctrine while still in Massachusetts. Nonetheless, Carter and his wife Annetta were instrumental in the Christ Science movement in Sierra Madre. In 1904, a publication of “Southern California Quarterly,” printed Carter’s death memoriam naming him a “devout believer in Christian Science” and stating that his burial service was performed by the Christian Science Society. READ THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE...

Letters to the E-ditor

Send us your Letter to the E-ditor

Fire Safe Council to Feature Guest Speaker

The January 5, 2009 Fire Safe Council meeting in the City Council chambers, 232 W. Sierra Madre Blvd. will have a special guest speaker from the Silverado-Modjeska Canyon of Orange County (Fire Safe Council representatives) to speak to the residents of Sierra Madre canyons and foothills about this area's long-term activity protecting their homes from the brush fires of October 2007 and the subsequent mud and debris flows in the winter months of 2007 and 2008.

We have had both natural disaster events to contend with as well: Fire--April, 2007. Mud--May, 2008, October, November and December 2008.

It is very difficult to predict the exact time of arrival of the Pacific storms that bring a concentration of rain to our fire denuded hillsides and to prepare the neighborhoods for evacuation and property protection. Some neighborhoods will be hit more heavily than others with the inconvenience of having to move cars, pets, people, etc. to stay out of harms way.

Please attend this very important meeting and learn of how the neighborhoods have to work together and volunteer to help their neighbors through these very difficult years. The dangers cannot be ignored. The fire is over, the mud keeps coming.

For further information, call Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council: 355-0741.

Caroline Brown, Public Relations

Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council

(12/30/08 - City Press Release) CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING The holiday season is here and residents will soon face the annual task of Christmas tree disposal. The City of Sierra Madre in conjunction with Athens Services and the LA County Sanitation Districts is pleased to implement the Christmas Tree Recycling Program as part of our green waste recovery efforts.

From Monday, December 29, 2008 through Friday, January 16, 2009 Athens Services will be collecting all uncontaminated Christmas trees during regularly scheduled pickup hours at the curbside. In order for trees to qualify for this free service, please remove stands, nails, ornaments, lights, and tinsel, and place the trees next to your regular trash containers. Trees with flocking or fire retardant ARE acceptable. Trees over 6 feet in length must be cut in half. If you miss the date for recycling, please cut up your tree and place it in your yard waste container (s.)

Please remember that normal residential trash collection is delayed by ONE DAY for the New Year’s Holiday. Please call James Carlson, Management Analyst at 626-355-7135 with any questions.

Spotlight on Sierra Madre Volunteers Spotlight on Sierra Madre Volunteers is a new weekly column that will spotlight the people who donate their time to help keep their city ticking. Check back each week to see which of the folks you work side by side with is being recognized in the latest edition. Here's an archive of those recognized.

(1/3/09) Marlene Enmark -- Spirit of Sierra Madre

Marlene Enmark at the rotunda at City Hall that she helps the Civic Club to maintain.

It's not easy to catch Marlene Enmark for a few minutes between volunteering jobs. She's off to making life easier on many levels of Sierra Madre on most days.

Marlene was raised by a loving father, who, among other civic activities, was a city councilman in Orange, Calif. He would settle his two children (Marlene and her brother), ages 8 and 6, in the back of the council chambers while he helped to do city business.

When left with two young children to raise, her father stressed to them the importance of working as a team in order to stay together. Marlene states: "My father was an admirable and noble man."

Her paternal grandmother owned a small cafe, and Marlene lauds the experience there to her natural background in public relations and the enjoyment of cooking.

Marlene was business manager of Long Beach Community Hospital, a job she held for twenty years. She raised her three children there for ten years before taking a job with JPL, where she met and married Harry Enmark, a long-time resident in Sierra Madre. They will soon celebrate thirty years of marriage.

She and Harry both lost adult children in the early '90s, and Marlene's father passed away in 1990. Marlene has a daughter and son, and Harry has two daughters, one of whom, Catherine Adde, lives in Sierra Madre.

The Sierra Madrean has been an active participant in Civic Club for twenty-six years; currently, she and Joan Crow have been in charge of amenities for three years. Marlene is past president of Civic Club and has often run the kitchen for the Club's annual salad luncheon.

This year, to name a few, Marlene helped plant the rotunda at City Hall, and worked on the Friends of the Library Cuisine and Wine Tasting. She was Friends' Art Fair hostess and also worked on the Wine and Jazz Walk. Marlene is also active in the Red Hat Society, drives for Meals-on-Wheels when needed, and is chauffeur for those who don't drive. She is also known for her impromptu luncheons honoring friends' birthdays.

Marlene was Grand Marshal of the Fourth of July Parade in the '90s, honoring her volunteerism.

Shirley McGillicuddy, a friend of Marlene's, said, "Random acts of kindness describe the heart, soul and volunteer spirit of Marlene Enmark."

Salute Marlene Enmark -- one of the real "Spirits of Sierra Madre."

Volunteers are needed to help in a wide range of activities in Sierra Madre. Please contact De Alcorn at 626-355-4793 or dalcorn@cityofsierramadre.com for more information.

City Stuff

Official City Website

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(12/17/08) Overnight Parking Allowed in City During Holiday Season During the holiday season starting December 17, 2008 through Monday, January 5, 2009 there will be NO overnight parking enforcement in Sierra Madre. If you have questions please contact the Sierra Madre Police Department at 626-355-1414.

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The Mt. Wilson Trail will now be closed on weekdays until further notice, due to trail maintenance provided by the California Conservation Corp. The trail will be open on the weekends and holidays.

E. Mira Monte St. will be reduced to one lane traffic through Friday, January 16, 2009. Thank you for your understanding.

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City's Presentation on Preparation for Debris Flow, updated Nov. 6, 2008 (Internet Explorer Only, does not work in Netscape or Firefox)

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City's Emergency Blog

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Volunteers Sought for General Plan Committee

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Volunteers Sought for Canyon Zone Committee

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The Wistaria Vine Online (Fall/Winter2008)

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Farmer's Market Every Wednesday Behind the Bottle Shop, 3 - 7pm

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Police Blotter

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Fund Established to Help Pay for Firefighting Efforts

A Santa Anita Fire Fund has been set up with the Sierra Madre Community Foundation to help the City pay for the cost of fighting the Santa Anita Fire. If you would like to donate, you can download the attached form and mail it with your donation to:

SIERRA MADRE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

PO Box 716, Sierra Madre, CA 91025

Checks should be made out to SMCF/CCF with "Santa Anita Fire Fund" in the memo.

From the Library

“Barks & Books” is coming to the Sierra Madre Library starting on Thursday, January 8, 2009 at 3:00 p.m., and returning at 3:00 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month. Children are invited to read to gentle and friendly dog visitors, which will be accompanied by Pasadena Humane Society volunteer Dorothy Raymond. Books selected for the program will feature animals, especially dogs. Ms. Raymond brings several of her specially trained dogs to area libraries for this popular program. For more information contact The Sierra Madre Public Library, 355-07186, or call Youth Librarian Meegan Tosh at (626) 355-4672.

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The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library will have a Bargain Book Table Sale inside the Library, Monday, January 12 through Saturday, January 17, during the Library’s public open hours. Featured subjects will include Biographies, Fiction, Art, Historical Fiction, Children’s and Specialty books, all in good condition. All books will be sold at the bargain price of $1.00 each. These every-other-month book sales provide funding for Library resources and programs.

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Come to the Sierra Madre Public Library on Saturday, January 17, from 2:00-4:30 p.m., and celebrate the enchantment of Bollywood—the movie phenomenon from India that has swept the country in recent years. A film montage and discussion with David Chute, the LA Weekly and Village Voice Bollywood correspondent, will take place from 2:00-3:00 p.m., followed by a performance of traditional and fusion Indian dance by the Aashiyaana Dance Co. Mendhi, a henna “tattooing” beauty ritual, will be provided for children and adults by professional artists. Spiced chai and other customary Indian treats will be available throughout the afternoon. This free event is sponsored by The Friends of the Sierra Madre Library.

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The Sierra Madre Public Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre Boulevard in Sierra Madre. For further information, please visit the Library’s web site at www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us, or call (626) 355-7186

Joke of the Day

This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, and Nobody. There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was asked to do it. Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Quote(s) of the Day

"Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man." -- Benjamin Franklin

California Lottery

Winners - Includes the most recent winning results / numbers for all games

Games - Includes links to each game individually, as well as current estimated jackpot amounts

A Look Back at 2008

(I'll be adding more events over the next few days, there's lots that I covered that still need to be added) New stuff or new links to old stuff will be in yellow

Sierra Madre Rains, 12/14 to 12/17/08

Chamber of Commerce December Mixer at Rose Float Barn, hosted by SMRFA, 12/11/08

SMVFA Firefighters' Ball, 12/6/08

Dickens Village - 2008, 11/29/08

Sierra Madre Rain and Mudflow, 11/24 - 11/26/08

SMWC Holds Annual Pre-Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast, 11/19/08

SMVFD Receives $30,000 Grant, 11/18/08

Gordon Caldwell Remembers USS Saratoga, 11/9/08

VFW Memorial Service for Veteran's Day, 11/9/08

Chief Diaz Responds to SM POA Vote of No Confidence, 11/8/08

Announcement of 2009 SMRFA Rose Float Princesses, 11/2/08

Sierra Madre Halloween Fun on Alegria Ave., Page B, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre Halloween Fun on Alegria Ave., Page A, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre Halloween Fun at Switzer's on Alegria Ave., 10/31/08

Sierra Madre/Kiwanis Costume Contest, Page B, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre/Kiwanis Costume Contest, Page A, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre City Costume Parade, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre Downtown Trick or Treating, 10/31/08

Sierra Madre School Costume Parade, 10/31/08

Wine and Jazz Walk to benefit City of Hope, 10/25/08

False Alarm Leads to Rifles Drawn in Downtown, 10/24/08

Sierra Madre Halloween Window Painting Contest, 10/24/08

Announcement of 2009 Rose Queen, 10/21/08

Molly Novell Named to 2009 Tournament of Roses Court, 10/15/08

Dickson-Podley Ribbon Cutting at Webb-Martin Realtors, 10/10/08

Kiwanis Installs 2009 Officers, Board of Directors, 10/7/08

City Manager Updates Rotary on Mudslide Preparations, 9/30/08

Changes Under Way at Farmer's Market, 9/28/08

Sierra Madre Honors Dinner, 9/15/08

Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, 9/13/08

SMVFA and SMPD Remember Victims of 9/11, 9/11/08

Assemblyman Anthony Adams Speaks to Local Business Owners, 9/4/08

SMRFA Announces SMVFA Parade Participation at Rotary Meeting, 9/2/08

Bear Visits Camillo Residence, 8/23/08

Author Nat Read Discusses Book About Don Benito Wilson at Rotary, 8/19/08

Rotary Club Presents Check to SMVFD for Radios, 7/29/08

Sierra Madre Police in Standoff on Windsor Lane, 7/24/08

Alverno Service Project Provides, Shows 7/22/08

Rotary Club Sponsors Return of Harry Shahoian as Elvis, 7/20/08

Fire on the Mountain (above Michillinda) 7/18/08

Sierra Madrean Plays T-Ball at White House, 7/16/08

Bob Mitchell Honored at Dodger Stadium, 7/11/08

Post-parade in the Park, Egg Toss and Night Blooming Jazzmen, 7/4/08

4th of July Parade, 7/4/08

4th of July Pre-Parade and Woman's Club Open House, 7/4/08

4th of July Concert in the Park, Aluminum Marshmallow, 7/3/08

Sierra Madre Wine and Jazz Walk Committee Tours City of Hope, 6/23/08

Sierra Madre Police Officer's Second Annual Car Show, 6/21/08

Webb-Martin Announces Sale to Dickson-Podley, 6/18/08

Fire Safe Council Receives Grant, 6/12/08

Mt. Wilson Trail Race, 6/7/08

Sierra Madre Fire Safe Council Meeting, 6/2/08

VFW Post 3208 Memorial Day Ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery, 5/26/08

Santa Anita Incident / Sierra Madre Mudslides 5/22/08 - 5/23/08

St. Rita Centennial Mass Celebrated by Cardinal Roger Mahoney, 5/17/08

SMVFA Flapjack Breakfast, 5/17/08

SMPD Pedestrian Decoy Operation, 5/14/08

Post Fire Mt. Wilson Trail Repair, 5/6/08 and 5/10/08

Older American Reception for Eph Konigsberg, 5/9/08

Civic Club Awards Grants to High School Seniors, 5/8/08

Alverno Softball Goes to CIF for 17th Straight Year, 5/8/08

Mary's Market Re-opens, 5/6/08

Local Businesses, Schools, Non-Profits Honored for "Green"-ness, 5/6/08

Santa Anita Fire / Sierra Madre Fire, 4/26/08 - 4/29/08

Dedication of Goldberg Park, 4/26/08

Council Transition 4/22/08

Earth Day Planting at Goldberg Park, 4/20/08

SMEAC Bailey Canyon Cleanup, 4/19/08

SM School Excels at Math Field Day, 3/29/08

Sierra Madre School Auction, 3/29/08

Pi Day at Bethany Christian School 3/14/08

Chamber of Commerce Measure U Forum, 3/12/08

Sierra Madre Gets New Shift Firefighters, 3/9/08

Otto, Garr, Alcazar Among Honorees at BSA Awards, 3/7/08

Eph Konigsberg Named Older American of the Year, 3/6/08

Mt. Wilson Vista Council Constructs World Record Cookie Tower, 2/29/08

Sierra Madrean Among Inaugural Program Grads at ASU, 2/29/08

Opening Day Ceremonies for Sierra Madre Little League's 50th Season, 2/23/08

Chamber Holds Ribbon Cutting at B.la, 2/21/08

Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Mixer, 2/21/08

SMRFA 2009 Design Accepted, 2/19/08

Fire Chief Roger Lowe Retirement Ceremony, 2/11/08

Rotary Club's Dan Stover Music Competition, 2/4/08

Colleen McKernan Named to SM Community Foundation Board, 1/26/08

Pete Siberell Honored as Citizen of the Year, Chamber Board Installed, 1/25/08

New Development Services Director Named, 1/19/08

Cumquat Publisher Jim Snider Found Dead, 1/17/08

Chamber Hires Management Company to Oversee Wistaria, 1/15/08

Chamber Announces New Board, 1/15/08

Sierra Madre Rose Float Thank You Pot Luck Dinner1/12/08

Catching Up With...Charles Meier, Float Designer, 1/7/08

Rose Float in Kersting Court, Post Parade, 1/3/08

Sierra Madre Rose Float in Tournament of Roses Parade, 1/1/08

A Look Back at 2008

Award Winning Sierra Madre Rose Float in Tournament of Roses Parade, January

Pete Siberell was honored as Citizen of the Year, January

Fire Chief Roger Lowe is joined by wife Scarlett and daughter Kristine upon his retirement in February - Video

Sierra Madre Little League Opening Day of its Fiftieth Season, February

$80,000 Raised at Auction to Benefit Sierra Madre School

Santa Anita Fire Threatens City in April

Eph Konigsberg Honored as Older American of the Year

Cardinal Roger Mahoney Celebrated St. Rita's 100-Year Anniversary Mass in May

May Mudslides in the Canyon Following the Fire in April

Members of VFW Post 3208 put on Memorial Day Ceremony at Pioneer Cemetery in May

The fire and mud delayed Mt. Wilson Trail Race was held June 7th this year (photo by Katie Coburn) Video of race start

SMPOA Car Show was also in June

The Fire Department, fresh off of saving the town in April, was the 4th of July Grand Marshal

Rotary gave SMVFD Money to Upgrade Radios in July

SMVFD and SMPD Remember 9/11 in September

Ribbon cutting as Webb-Martin merges with Dickson/Podley in October

Sierra Madre Wine and Jazz Walk in October raised $55,000 for City of Hope

Alegria was the place to be on Halloween

Battle of the Bulge vet Bill Newbery addresses the crowd at Veteran's Day ceremony at Memorial Photo Wall

SMRFA Hosts December Chamber of Commerce Mixer

I'll be adding more photos over the next few days, there's lots of pics and videos still to be posted from 2008...

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