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Random
Observations...by
Pat Ostrye
What Price Satire?
At a very early age I was overjoyed to discover that satire and sarcasm really
are the lowest type of humor. In my opinion, too many people get hurt when
self-appointed "humorists" with a 12-year-old mentality, think nothing of
unmercilessly ridiculing the helpless, maimed and undereducated, in so-called
literary compositions. (Jon Stewart is an exception, perhaps because he seems
to deal only in political satire and has the super- intelligent know-how).
Before I joined the Navy in 1943, I worked for radio station KYSM in Mankato,
Minnesota, after being graduated from Beck School for Radio in Minneapolis, and
found myself in the midst of some of the most revolting first-class jerks in the
business, who really thought they were funny, poking their sarcasm at
everything and everybody. This was my first experience at writing for a living
and meant writing mostly commercials and putting together the noon news from the
teletype machine.
When working for a small radio station, one does everything. Consequently, I
was on the air three times a day and also set up the music programs for the
DJs. Being super-naive just out of radio school, I was subject to every
possible bizarre happening those jerks could think up, even while I was on the
air. In fact, after one program, my mother called from Minneapolis to inform me
that the mike was still open when I responded to one of those "happenings",
bellowing, "Paul, you are so stupid!" He wasn't there much longer simply
because he was so stupid with his persistent off-color, offensive "humor".
What has me even thinking about those days, is a column in today's L.A. Times by
Lawrence Grobel, who, although he has become a successful writer and lecturer at
UCLA in spite of it, got his start in the '60s as editor of Satyr, the campus
humor magazine at UCLA, which satirized every possible aspect of college life,
making fun of courses, teachers, sex, you name it. He now bemoans the fact that
a compilation of three issues of that Satyr in paper-back only brought in
$348.20 on Zubal.com, plus, a first edtion of his 812-page biography, "The
Hustons", only $1.
I
am still overjoyed that at least some satire doesn't pay off, although I would
gladly change places with Mr. Grobel right now! On the other hand, what if his
lectures are on "how to" become a successful satirist?!
postrye@netscape.com
About Pat Ostrye, previous columns
 Students
at Bethany Christian School Celebrate Pi Day
By Bill Coburn
Students from Bethany Christian
School joined math enthusiasts around the world in their celebration of Pi day,
on of course, 3/14. They did not take it to the extreme, however, and celebrate
Pi second, which would have been on 3/14 at 1:59:26.
Teacher Ryan Kloostra started
the festivities by providing a little history of Pi for the students, noting
that Pi was first used at about 1,900 B.C. by the ancient Babylonians. Ancient
Egyptians used Pi at about 1600 B.C. Mathematicians in the modern era began
using the sign for Pi in the 1700s.
According to Wikipedia “The
first Pi Day
celebration was held at the San Francisco Exploratorium in 1988, with staff and
public marching around one of its circular spaces, and then consuming fruit
pies; the museum has since added pizza pies to its Pi Day menu. The founder of
Pi Day, the "Prince of Pi", is Larry Shaw, now retired from the Exploratorium,
but still helping out with the celebrations.
After Mr. Kloostra
completed his background of Pi day lesson, the students were released to the
school grounds, where they identified circular items, and determined the radius,
the circumference, and the volume of the item. Following this activity, the
students returned to
 the
classroom, where two of the students recited from memory as far into the Pi
formula as they could. The formula itself, with the help of computers, has been
calculated to more than one trillion digits past the decimal. The two students,
in a remarkable display of memorization, got to 116 and 124 digits past the
decimal. Video of the recitation by the students, and lots more pictures of the
event available at
SierraMadreNews.Net/piday.
As much as the
students seemed to be enjoying their time on the grounds working with the
formula, and cheering on their fellow students during the recitation of Pi,
there was no doubt that their favorite part of the event was the end. After
completing their exercises, the kids were all treated to some Pi(e).
Poetry Reading
at Sierra Madre Books
Sunday, April 6th, 2 -
3 p.m. Poetry Reading
with Marcielle Brandler.
Help us celebrate National Poetry Month, and come hear a local favorite
who has been described as "a poet's poet" (Robert Frimage, poet). Her
book, The Breathing House,
"run[s] the gamut through the entire realm of human experience--from
great joy and sensuality to political outrage, spiritual enlightenment,
the awe of nature's power, and life's simple moments."
Additional information
about these events can be found at
www.sierramadrebooks.com.
2008 Electric Lawn Mower Exchange to
Reduce Pollution
Once
again, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) is pleased
to offer to AQMD residents an opportunity to help clean the air by
exchanging an old, operable gasoline-powered lawn mower for a new Neuton™
cordless rechargeable electric mower for only $100 (sales tax
included). Using a typical gas mower for one year can pollute as much as
43 new cars driven for a year. You must pre-register to receive a
discounted electric mower.
A total of seven exchange events will be
held at sites in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino
counties on different Saturdays in April and May, 2008. To participate,
residents must pre-register for one of the events. When you register,
you will be allowed to select the date/location of the event to which
you would like to come, and the time that you would like to arrive. You
will be given a registration number, and a half-hour time slot during
which we would like you to arrive. This reduces traffic congestion, and
allows for a quick orderly flow through the exchange process. You can
come earlier or later, but do not come later than 12:30 pm, because the
event will already have ended. Your reservation is only good for the day
and location of the event for which you registered.
There will be staff at the event to
unload your old mower and load your new mower into your vehicle. You
will not have to get out of your car. It is a drive-thru event. The
whole process from when you arrive to when you leave typically takes
less than 15 minutes.
You must
pre-register to receive a discounted electric mower. For more
information or to make a reservation, please visit www.aqmd.gov/tao/lawnmower.html
or call (888) 425-6247.
Sierra
Madre Library
Friends Of The Sierra
Madre Library April Best Used Book Sale This Weekend
The April Best Used Book Sale is scheduled for Friday, April
4th from 3pm to 7 pm, and Sat. April 5th from 10 am to 2
pm at the Sierra Madre Public Library at 440 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra
Madre.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Sierra Madre Library, the
sale will feature a table of books on drawing, sketching and water colors for
artists and artists-to-be. A few featured books will be ‘ Artists Journal and
Sketchbooks’, ‘A to Z Creativity for Collage and Books’, and ‘Celebrate Your
Creative Self’.
Art lovers will enjoy a new selection of beautiful art books:
a set of Time-Life Library of Art; ‘Jim Dine Prints’; and ’National Museum of
American Art’. Other books of interest include ‘The New Yorker Cartoon
Collection’; ‘Illustrated History of the Civil War’; a new selection of
cookbooks, and a new selection of DVDs, and books-on-tape.
Outside tables will be restocked with new and gently used
children’s books, hardback fiction and non-fiction for $1.00. Ever-popular
paperbacks will be 25 cents or 5/$1.00. All purchases benefit our local Library
services, programs, and new acquisitions.
*************************************
The Sierra Madre Public
Library is located at 440 West Sierra Madre Boulevard, Sierra Madre 91024.
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, Noon – 9 p.m., Thursday & Friday, Noon – 6 p.m., and
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. For further information on programs and services,
visit the Library’s web site at
www.sierramadre.lib.ca.us or call (626) 355-7186.
Joke(s) of the Day:
The artist tried to concentrate on his work, but
the attraction he felt for his model finally became irresistible. He threw
down his palette, took her in his arms
and kissed her. She pushed
him away. "Maybe your other models
let you kiss them," she said.
"I've never tried to kiss a model before,"
he swore. Really," she
said, softening. "How many models have there been?" "Four," he
replied. "A jug, two apples and a vase."
Quote
of the Day
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up
and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be
self-evident, that all men are created equal. This will be the day, this will
be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with new meaning "My
country 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my
fathers died, land of the Pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom
ring!" And when this happens, when we allow freedom to ring, when we let it
ring from every tenement and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we
will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and
white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join
hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual, "Free at last, free at
last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last." - Martin Luther King,
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A few photos from Wistaria
Day 2008
(many more to come)
Police Blotter
From the Library
Bargain
Book Tables
Click title to view
SierraMadreSue's Music News
Sierra Madre Community Arts
Commission Releases Calendar of Events for Spring 2008
And now, for
something completely different...
 Author to
Speak to Sierra Madre Rotary Club
The Rotary Club of Sierra Madre will feature guest speaker and
author Bridget Fonger at their regular morning meeting on Tuesday, April
8, 2008. The meeting will take place at Café 322, 322 Sierra Madre
Blvd. in Sierra Madre
from 7 - 8:30 a.m. Cost of breakfast
is $10. The public is asked to RSVP by
April 4 to:
carmen.thibault@earthlink.net or (626) 862-0485
Bridget Fonger is the co-author of "The Lazy Woman's Guide to Just
About Everything," a book that helps individuals and businesses be more
successful, fulfilled and passionate by living the "Lazy Way." Her
practical tips apply to men, as well
 SMRFA
to Host Legendary Bingo Fundraiser – Belle Aire is Back!!
Now that Wistaria is
past, the Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn. will be hosting Legendary Bingo
on Saturday evening, April 19th at the Sierra Madre
Recreation Center, 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. This will
evening will mark the return of the Fabulous Belle Aire. Doors open at
6:30pm and Bingo starts at 7:30pm. Pizza, soft drinks, beer and wine
will be available for purchase. A $20.00 donation is requested at the
door which will be used to help build our 2009 float entry, “Bollywood
Dreams.”
Legendary Bingo
promises to be a night you will not soon forget. This is not your
grandmother’s bingo.
Sierra Madre Public Works Dept. to Hold
Open House
The Sierra Madre Public Works Dept. will have an Open
House on Saturday, April 12, 2008, from 9:00am-1:00pm. Take a “behind
the scenes” look at your City’s Public Works Department. Enjoy
activities, free giveaways, and information on water, streets,
infrastructure, and environmental topics. Visitors are asked to enter
via the gate on the west side of the City Yards, close to the Rose Float
Building and Dapper Field.
St.
Rita’s Semi-Annual Welcome Event April 13th
 New
to St. Rita’s church or school and don’t feel you know many members?
Moved to Sierra Madre recently, and looking for a new Catholic church
home? Belonged to St. Rita’s for a long time, but don’t feel you’ve
connected yet? Let us welcome you to St.
Rita’s!
Join us Sunday
afternoon, April13 at 3 p.m. for a casual wine and cheese gathering at
the home of Dick and Chris Bertrand. Please bring a bottle of wine or
your favorite beverage, a cheese and crackers plate, or an appetizer to
share.
Representatives of various St. Rita organizations will join our pastor,
Father Krekelberg, to welcome you to our wonderful parish community! At
5 p.m., following the gathering, we will tour the St. Rita’s campus and
facilities, with those who are interested. RSVP to Chris Bertrand
at 626-355-1621.
Arrest Made in 2006
Sierra Madre Murder
Chief
of Police Marilyn Diaz announced that Federico Bustos, 27, of Riverside,
has been arrested for the April 3, 2006 murder of Victor Tapia at 1
Carter Ave. On December 29th, 2007, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s
homicide detectives arrested Bustos for a no-bail warrant charging him
with murder, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping,
robbery, and discharging a firearm, causing great bodily injury or
death. Mr. Bustos was arraigned on Wednesday morning, March 19th,
in Pasadena Superior Court.
The crime occurred on
Monday, April 3, 2006 about 5:30 p.m. Bustos and two other suspects
are believed to have driven Tapia to a remote site at 1 Carter Ave.
where he was shot multiple times. The suspect was identified by
extensive physical evidence at the scene. The motive for the crime
appears to be drug-related. Sheriff’s detectives are working to
identify the two remaining suspects.
“I want to commend the excellent work
and dedication of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s detectives for their
tenacious investigation,” said Chief Diaz. “They did a superb job.”
 Otto, Garr,
Alcazar Honored at BSA Awards
Photos
Videos
I was asked by my friend Jan
Reed to please cover the awards banquet where her friend, Bill Garr was to be
honored. She's just out of surgery and was not going to be able to go.
So if the coverage seems slanted towards Mr. Garr, that's why. I mean no
disrespect to the other honorees.
Sierra Madre resident Tim
Otto and former resident Bill Garr were honored for their longtime contributions
to scouting at the recent “Silver Beaver” Awards Ceremony of the San Gabriel
Valley Council of the Boy Scouts of America, held at La Salle High School. Otto
was a member of the “2007 Class of the Silver Beavers” and Garr received the
Council Award of Merit. Among the other honorees was 11-year old Matthew
Alcazar of Troop 425, who received the Medal of Heroism Award from the National
 Court
of Honor.
Alcazar, at the time a 10-year old member of Pack 425 out of Immanuel First
Lutheran Church in West Covina, awoke on March 7th of 2007 to the
smell of smoke, and utilized the emergency procedures he had learned at Scouts
just a few weeks prior to evacuate his entire family from their burning house
before it was engulfed in flames. National Court of Honor Lifesaving and
Meritorious Action Awards are made only for outstanding and unusual acts that
demonstrate unusual heroism, skill, or bravery and reflect Scouting ideals.
According to the BSA website, recipients of the Medal of Heroism “have
demonstrated heroism and skill in averting serious injury or saving or
attempting to save life at minimum risk to self.”
Bill Garr, a long-time
Sierra Madre resident who recently re-located to Scottsdale, AZ, was one of
three recipients of the Council Award of Merit, established in 1995 to recognize
volunteers who have received awards in the past, and who continue to go above
and beyond in serving Scouts with the San Gabriel Valley Council. Mr. Garr
served as legal counsel to the SGV Board from 1995 until 2000. The venue of the
awards dinner was fitting, as Garr graduated from La Salle High School. He is
an Eagle Scout, and graduated from the USC School of Law. He and his son, Brad,
also were awarded the Heroism Award recently, for saving a woman’s life –
rescuing her from her burning, overturned car on the freeway. Garr was recently
appointed to the Executive Board of the Grand Canyon Council for the State of
Arizona and serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 869 out of Scottsdale.
Other Council Award of Merit honorees were Nick Pokrajac, who received the award
posthumously for his work at Trask Scout Reservation, and former West Covina
Mayor Forrest Tenant, an Eagle Scout who will head a new task force on Scouting
that is expected to offer direction and funding for the youth of the San Gabriel
Valley.
Sierra Madre Eagle Scout Tim
Otto is also both the son and the father of an Eagle Scout, his son T.J. having
obtained the rank in October 2007.
 Otto began his Scouting career as a Cub
Scout in Pack 511 out of Farmingdale, New York, and went on to Boy Scout Troop
511, where he earned his Eagle Scout award. As an adult, Otto has served the
younger Scouts as a Cub Scout Leader, Tiger Coach, Den Leader, Webelos Leader
and Cub Master. At the Boy Scout level, he has served as a Merit Badge
Counselor, Advancement Chair, Assistant Scoutmaster, and as Troop Committee
Chair. He is also a recipient of the District Award of Merit, sits on the
Council Risk Management Committee, and served as Scout Expo Chair. Otto
received the Silver Beaver Award at the Recognition Dinner.
Other members of the “2007
Class of Silver Beavers” include James Barger, Glenn Bennett, Martin Deveau,
Jeff Dunlap, Carolyn Goss, Bill Jameson, Allan Kershaw, Peter Lakatos and Mary
Rovarino.
The Silver Beaver Award is
given in recognition of outstanding service to youth and the community. It is
the highest honor that a local Council can give to a Scout. The Selection
Committee considers the applicant’s references, their tenure in Scouting,
service to the Community outside of Scouting, and the lasting impression the
recipients have made on the Council through their participation in character
building programs. The 2007 Selection Committee, whose members included Robert
Mendoza, Bruce Renfrew, Elizabeth Renfrew, James Scholler, Terrance Chan, Frank
Deckon, Wilson Gee, William Jacobson and Lisa Scott, was chaired by Jeanine
Cushman. The Selection Advisor was staff member Sue Newton.
Among the honored guests at
the event were John Cushman III, the immediate past president of the Boy Scouts
of America, with his wife Jeanin, a member of the SGV Council’s Board of
Directors, Art Boren, Council President with his wife Cathy, and Scout Executive
Marcus Mack.
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 Art
of the Garden
Creative Arts Group
2008 Tour
By
Donna Packer
The promise and
hopefulness of early Spring will erupt in exuberance and celebration at
Creative Arts Group’s 14th annual Art of the Garden tour Sunday,
April 13th. Four gardens will be on display to delight the senses and
inspire lovers of gardens and outdoor living as only those of us
fortunate enough to live in Southern California can enjoy.
This year’s designers
have transformed ordinary outdoor spaces into imaginative landscapes
incorporating granite boulders, Pennsylvania Bluestone, Arroyo river
rock, Flagstone and gravel in hardscape elements as varied as
waterfalls, streams, weeping walls, fountains, pools, spas and
fireplaces. Adding softness and contrast, an array of plant material
was used. Ornamental grasses, Equisetum, Sago Palms and Junipers line
streams mimicking nature, while boxwood hedges, knot gardens, dwarf
Pittosporum and Mondo grass define sweeping lawns and give structure to
formal areas in classic garden designs. Mature Oaks, Sycamores,
Brazilian Pepper Trees and a variety of Palms provide shade and focal
points for beds of roses and other flowering plants.
The landscape
surrounding a Wallace Neff-designed French Normandy farmhouse
incorporates formal garden elements such as a classic parterre garden
into a very beautiful and natural setting at the foot of a terraced
slope. Boxwood hedges add structure and symmetry while drifts of bulbs
and vines soften garden walls. Meandering bluestone steps shaded by
mature Elms lead down the hill past a large oval lawn designed to
recapitulate the oval foyer at the home’s entry.
The gardens that
encompass a three-story 1906 Arts and Craft home were redesigned and
completed in 2006. The focus of the new “East Garden” is a stately
river stone fireplace, vine arbor and an outdoor kitchen. The façade of
the new pool house extension mirrors that of the 100-year-old main house
and incorporates the original French doors recovered from an unused
sunroom. In a gradual shift from a traditional English garden, the
owners replaced many water-hungry plants with non-thirsty natives while
keeping some of the former citrus and old-rose plantings.
Enter the wrought-iron
gate of the property surrounding a residence described as French
Normandy/Victorian transitional with Craftsmanesque touches and you have
entered an entirely different world. A stream bed and waterfall were
added to the original entry walkway. A river rock wall and huge
boulders are softened by prostrate Juniper and pines pruned as bonsai.
The side and rear gardens feature a pool and spa with a weeping wall of
river rock, tumbled brick terraces for entertaining and dining, a
fireplace and cook center. Different paths within the garden lead to
hidden nooks with fountains converted from antique Asian urns. Black
Bamboo and Gingkos are complemented with junipers, pines, daylilies,
iris and ornamental grasses.
The landscape of a
classic Californian residence is a study in understated elegance. The
rear yard of this grand property is notable for its dramatic sweeping
lawn, interrupted only by a simple swimming pool. Bordered by mature
Sycamores, Ash and Brazilian Pepper trees, this is a lawn for
entertaining, able to comfortably accommodate 700+ guests. Two patios
provide more intimate areas for entertaining with an outdoor kitchen and
comfortable seating around a large fireplace. A shady patio off the
library has a simple square fountain that incorporates the element of
water adding to the quiet elegance, and a multiple-stone statue
contributes to the contemplative nature of this area.
These gardens showcase
the talent of Pasadena’s finest designers, landscape contractors and
horticulturists including Mark Berry, Rick Button, Ron Osti, Steve
Perry, Joe Gagnier and Victor Lang.
Creative Arts Group
wishes to thank this year’s homeowners Scott and Barbara Bice, Kurt and
Lauri Dillman, Ted and Dedi McCarthy, and Cindy Vail and Greg Stone for
their generous participation in the 2008 Art of the Garden tour
The Art of the
Garden tour is Sunday, April 13th, 10:30-4:30 pm. For
more information or to order tickets call Creative Arts Group at (626)
836-0306.
 CHIEF’S
CORNER
By Sierra Madre Police
Chief
Marilyn Diaz
It is my pleasure to
share with you an overview of the Sierra Madre Police Department’s
accomplishments over the past two years. This is the first of a monthly
column in which I will provide community information about crime,
traffic, Department programs, and services.
I am pleased to report
that overall crime has dropped in Sierra Madre. From 2005 through 2007,
crime dropped 20%, or by 1,659 reported crimes in 2005 to 1,332 crimes
in 2007. The most serious crimes: murder, robbery, rape, aggravated
assault, burglary, and larceny (Theft exceeding $400.) dropped by 10%
from 2006 to 2007. The greatest drop was in residential burglaries
which declined from 65 in 2005 to 33 in 2007, nearly a 50% decrease.
The only steadily increasing rise in a serious crime was in larceny.
Most incidents involved thieves stealing valuables such as laptop
computers, briefcases, purses, and jewelry left in plain view inside
unlocked vehicles. This information is contained in the Police
Department’s 2007 Annual Report which is available on the Department’s
website or at the library.
The decrease in crime
was coupled with a significant rise in officer productivity from 2006 to
2007, highlighted by a 51% increase in arrests, and a 59% increase in
criminal cases filed at the District Attorney’s Office.
In 2006 to 2007 the
Police Department developed community partnerships to enhance public
safety. These include the Police Volunteers, Neighborhood Watch, the
Postal Carrier Alert Program, the Police Chaplains, and participation in
Sierra Madre’s first “National Night Out,” a nationwide crime prevention
effort.
The Police Department
also focused on risk management to reduce city liability: Formal
training for officers increased, Departmental policies and procedures
and legal issues are regularly reviewed during daily briefings, and new
equipment such as Taser guns, digital cameras, and video cameras are
being used in the field.
Several residents have
asked why arrests take place out of the city, in Pasadena or Arcadia.
We encourage officers to investigate and enforce traffic and criminal
violations originating in Sierra Madre when they see motorists commit
them. For example, Michillinda and Baldwin Avenues are common speeding
corridors. Officers will often use radar or pace the motorists, run the
license plate before making the stop, and look for a safe place to stop
the vehicle. In the past 20 months we have investigated at least eleven
traffic collisions on Michillinda Ave. between Sierra Madre Blvd. and
Orange Grove. If an officer suspects the motorist may be driving under
the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is common practice for an officer
to observe the driving for a sufficient distance to determine if it is
indicative of an impaired driver. Arrestees are booked and housed at
the Pasadena City Jail.
Recently, an officer
booked a prisoner in Pasadena and as he was leaving the area, saw a
motorist driving erratically. The officer followed the motorist to
catch up with him and eventually stopped him at Colorado Blvd. and Hill
Ave. The driver was under the influence of an alcoholic beverage and
the officer arrested him. Though the officer was not in Sierra Madre at
the time he saw the violations, it was reasonable for him to take the
action that he did. Both this incident and the investigative stops
originating in Sierra Madre are common and acceptable policing
practices.
I welcome the
opportunity to answer questions or to hear your comments and concerns.
You may call me at (626) 355-5247, or send an email to
mdiaz@ci.sierra-madre.ca.us. Please check our website for the
weekly police blotter, the 2007 annual report, and crime statistics:
cityofsierramadre.com/index.php?mod=police
Steve Martin’s Hilarious Comedy
“The Underpants” At Sierra Madre Playhouse In Dussseldorf, Germany in
1910, during a parade where people have lined up to get a glimpse of the
King, the underpants of Louise, an attractive housewife, fall down. Her
bully of a husband, Theo, is shocked, and fears negative repercussions from
the incident. Suddenly, however, there are demands to rent the spare rooms
in her house, especially by Frank Versati, an elegant playboy; and Ben
Cohen, an asthmatic Jewish man approaching middle age. Both have their own
designs with a mind towards getting Louise’s underpants on the ground again,
and not by accident.
Louise is attracted to the
charming Versati and would be quite content to let him have his way with
her, if she can keep his focus on the task at hand. The jealous Cohen wants
to prevent it. Her friend Gertrude is living vicariously through her, and
hopes to facilitate Louise’s erotic schemes. Theo is rather an insensitive
jerk, and ripe for a comeuppance.
Louise will emerge a
changed woman, even though nothing happens as planned..
Steve Martin, the famous
comedian, actor and humorist is the playwright. Although adapted from a play
by the German playwright Carl Sternheim (1878-1942), those familiar with
Martin’s writings for The New Yorker and his books (“Cruel Shoes,” “Shopgirl”)
and other plays (“WASP,” “Picasso at the Lapin Agile”) will recognize the
prose style as distinctly Martin’s own.
Sternheim’s “The
Underpants” debuted in 1911, the first in a cycle of plays that sharply
satirized the emerging German middle class. The Nazis ultimately banned the
plays of the half-Jewish Sternheim. Indeed, Martin’s play takes note,
lightly, of the anti-Semitism of the period.
The Martin play debuted
off-Broadway in 2002. Those seeing the name Steve Martin attached to the
play and expecting big laughs will not be disappointed.
Erin Cathleen directs the
Sierra Madre Playhouse production. Her previous credits include “The
Philadelphia Story,” “No Sex, Please, We’re British,” “See How They Run,”
and “The Foreigner.” She returns to the Sierra Madre Playhouse after taking
a hiatus to bear triplets.
The cast of “The Underpants
includes, in alphabetical order: Tracy Casadio, James Jaeger, Amanda Jaros,
Colin Kramer, Eric Rummel and Barry Schwam.
Scheduled performances are
March 7- April 19, 2008. Fri. & Sat. at 8, Sun. at 2:30. No performances on
Sundays March 9, 23, and 30. The opening night performance on Friday, March
7 is preceded by a Champagne reception and light buffet at 7:15 p.m.
Cost of admission is $20,
with Seniors (65+) and students (13-17), just $17. Children 12 and under,
$12. (CONSUMER ADVISORY: Not for small children. Mild, suggestive humor.)
For reservations, call (626) 256-3809, or for online ticketing, visit
www.sierramadreplayhouse.org
The Sierra Madre Playhouse
is located at 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., in Sierra Madre. There is abundant
free parking behind the theatre.
Sierra Madre Woman’s
Club Has Full Schedule
More detailed articles will
precede the following events, but in order to help you save the date, here is a
look at what the Sierra Madre Woman’s Club will be up to in the first few months
of the new year.
Annual Fashion Show - Saturday, 26 April - 11:30
am. Tickets $25, Reservations by 22 April, 355-6225
Luncheon and Tea meeting programs are as follows:
9 April - Robin Watson, Geocaching
23 April - Santa Anita Racetrack Trumpeters
14 May - Bruce Lamarche - Sierra Madre Search & Rescue
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Community of Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre Real Estate
The Rest of the News Net
Local Business Web Pages
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Better Nanny
A+ Construction
Amperage Electric
Arnold's Frontier
Hardware & Gifts
Bank of the West
Best Buy Drugs
Bill Traxler's Pool Service
Blvd. Grill
Cafe 322
Carmen Thibault,
Sotheby's
International Realty
Casa Del Rey Restaurant
Rambo, Century 21 Village Realty
Dr. Theresa Smith, Chiropractor
E. Waldo Ward and Son
Epiphany California Realty
Gwen Gordon, Fine Art/Graphic Design Solutions
Harker Magnetics
Harlequin Art Gallery and Restoration
Harmony Skin Care and Day Spa
Hastings Animal Hospital
Highlander Jr. Market
Julia Rocks, Prof. Skin Care
Katie Bolton, Orange Coast Title
Company of California
Les Carroll, Dilbeck GMAC Realty
Luke Communications
Mailbox
& Postal
Mary's Market and Cafe
Michael Paris, Coldwell Banker Realty
Moe's Automotive Service Center
Once Upon A Time
Pacific Pantry Catering
Real Estate Photography
Reni Rose, Prudential CA Realty
Ruth Richardson, Fine/Portrait Artist
Savor the Flavor
Sierra Fitness
Sierra Madre Self Storage
The Bottle Shop
The Coburn Group
The
Destination Group
The Hair Upstairs
Tres Immune, Inc.
Village Pizzeria
Webb-Martin Realtors
 Mount
Wilson Trail Race Information
The
Mount Wilson Trail Race is celebrating its 100th anniversary this
year! The Trail Race will occur on Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 7:30am sharp.
The 8.6 mile race starts in Kersting Court on pavement, then uphill on a
dirt trail that features an elevation climb of over 2,100 feet, and then
back down to Kersting Court.
On
Friday, May 23, 2008 there is a pre-race Pasta Load Party. A pasta dinner
will be served, provided by Café 322, in Kersting Court from 6:00pm-8:00pm
for $6.75. Pre-registration will also take place at the pasta feed where
participants can pick up their race number and t-shirt.
New
for this year is a Family Award category. Participants can team with other
family members and compete for the Family Award. The combined time of the
each family team will be calculated and the lowest average time will take
home the prize!
Registration forms are now available at the Community and Personnel Services
Department at 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024 and are also
available online at
www.mountwilsontrailrace.com. The Trail Race sells out every year, so
be sure to register early!
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