Fitness challenge with NoHo/Universal

The Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce will be holding THE FITNESS CHALLENGE at the North Hollywood Y.M.C.A. on Saturday, July 25 from noon to 4 pm. Whether or not you think you are physically fit, everyone is invited to take part in this combination exercise and charitable fund raiser. The Y.M.C.A. is at 5142 Tujunga Avenue, North Hollywood, CA 91601.

Be a participant by racking up points through exercises, or sponsor somebody who exercises. Except for some nominal expenses, all funds you and your sponsors contribute will go to 501(c)3s. While prizes for winners will be given in different age categories, exercising makes you a winner in health matters.

The charities (501(c)3s) to benefit from the event will be those that get involved by recruiting people to participate and/or sponsor others who perform exercises. The funds will be prorated to the charities based on the amounts donated by their participants.

Participants who rack up the most points in their age groups will receive prizes from local businesses. In turn, there will be great publicity for the businesses that participate in that way, the donors, and for the charities.

For information, or to RSVP, call the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce office at (818) 508-5155, or email info@noho.org.

Upcoming Events

True West — A Fundraiser for American Red Cross Haiti Fund

Written by Sam Shepard and Directed by  Toluca Lake resident and LA County High School for the Arts senior  Riley Cedar.  Friday March 19, 7:30 pm; March 20 2 pm amd 7:30 pm; March 21 2 pm. To reserve tickets or for information about making a Red Cross donation, email bearfeettheatreco@gmail.com.   The Complex East Theatre, 6476 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038 (323) 465-0383

Comedy Wednesdays @ Off Kilt Bar & Lounge

Comedy Wednesdays has featured some amazing veteran comedians, such as headliners Mike Muratore, Big Mike, Jason Hadley and many others. The show also features some fresh new comedians each week. Every Wednesday 8 pm 13625 Moorpark St., Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 789-0404

COMMUNITY MEETINGS

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Council

Meets second Mon. of each month.. 6:30pm. Sherman Oaks Elementary School auditorium. 14755 Greenleaf St. (818) 503-2399. www.shermanoaksnc.org.

Sherman Oaks Homeowners Association

Meets third Wed. of each month. No meeting in July. 6:15pm social hour. 7:15pm meeting. Sunkist Building, 14130 Riverside Drive. Info: (818) 377-4590. www.sohainfo.com. Past meetings at www.youtube.com (search “soha4ever”).

Sherman Oaks Neighborhood Watch

Meetings are held the last Thursday of each month at 7pm at the Sunkist Building, 14130 Riverside Drive..

Studio City Residents Association Community Meeting

Meets the second Tues. of each month. Beverly Garland Holiday Inn Theater, 4222 Vineland Ave., Studio City. www.studiocityresidents.org.

Studio City Neighborhood Council

Meets the third Wed. of every month at 7pm. CBS Studio Center, Annex 1 Meeting Room. 4024 Radford Ave., Studio City. Enter at Gate A to be directed to the meeting location. (818) 655-5400. www.scnc.info.

Encino Neighborhood Council

Meets the fourth Wednesday of every month, 7pm. The Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd. (818) 255-1040. www.encinocouncil.org.

Encino Property Owners Association

Public meetings twice yearly. (818) 981-0474.

Homeowners of Encino

Meets annually, or on an as-needed basis. Contact President Gerald Silver at gsilver4@earthlink.net.

Valley Village Neighborhood Council

For further information, go to www.myvalleyvillage.com

DESCANSO GARDENS

Thursdays in August: Twilight Thursdays 5 to 8 p.m.

Stroll the Gardens every Thursday night in August when Descanso is open late.
Free with Gardens admission.

Thursday Summer Concert Series: Warm Nights, Cool Sounds 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Bring blankets and picnics (normally not allowed) and settled back and enjoy the Mitchell Long Group. In addition, the Gift Shop will be open.
Free with Gardens admission.

Studio City Farmers MarketOpen air market with organic produce, food stands, garment booths and entertainment for children. Every Sunday, 8am-1pm. Ventura Place, Studio City. (818) 655-7744.

Studio City Peace Vigil Neighbors for Peace and Justice invite you to join them with your show of support for the end of the war in Iraq. Fri. evenings, 6-7:30pm at the corner of Ventura Blvd. and Laurel Canyon in Studio City.

Valley Vocalizers Toastmasters Become more confident in front of an audience. Group meets the first and third Friday of each month. 14151 Haynes Street (rear meeting room), Van Nuys. Contact Marcy or Renota, (818) 785-6934.

The Leads Club in Encino Networking organization meets every Wed. 7:30-9am at More than Waffles, 17200 Ventura Blvd. in the Encino Town Center, lower level. Contact Ava Evans: (818) 314-5905, Ava@avaevans.com.

SFV Woodworkers Club meets every third Thurs. of the month, 7pm. 17015 Burbank Blvd., Balboa Recreation Center. Open to everyone. For more info, call Bill Peplow, (818) 242-9192 or Gary Coyne, (626) 799-4196.

F/Stops Camera Club A club where photographers can meet to share ideas and a common interest in photography. Meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at the Sports Center of Balboa Park in the building north and west of the tennis courts on Balboa and Burbank Blvds. www.fstopscameraclub.com.

Workshops at Encino Community Center Classes for community members of all ages in yoga, tai chi, ceramics, piano, guitar, swing/salsa/tango dance, photography and more. Encino Community Center, 4935 Balboa Blvd. Call (818) 995-1690 for info and to register.

HEAR NOHO

Come to the NoHo Arts District the first Thursday of every month for HEAR NoHo and join the local arts community in celebrating the talents of EMERGING MUSICAL ARTISTS. Participating venues include:The NoHo Arts Center, Cella Gallery, Lofts at NoHo Commons, Howes Market, and Ink Gallery. Businesses in the NoHo Arts District will have extended business hours, many featuring their own musical events. This is your opportunity to see emerging musical artists, before they break, in intimate and unique spaces. So join us at HEAR NoHo! When you purchase entry into one event (for only $10) you are guaranteed a seat at that one show, but the wristband you receive grants you access to all of the venues and shows. *Note that all events are first come, first served. For tickets and info: www.hearnoho.com

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Tree People – Park Work Days
Coldwater Canyon Park , 12601 Mulholland Drive Come help maintain our beautiful L.A. city park headquarters with TreePeople’s Jim Hardie. Volunteers will mulch trails, remove non-native species, assist with tree care and help maintain the park trails. Contact: Lisa Sotelo Email: volunteer@treepeople.org (818) 623-4879 www.treepeople.org

Amnesty International in Sherman Oaks
Nonpartisan, nonpolitical group that works for the release of political prisoners imprisoned solely because of their beliefs. 3rd Monday of each month, 7:30pm. United Methodist Church, 14401 Dickens St. Sherman Oaks.

The Valley Citrus Project to Donate Gathered Fruit
Project volunteers bring citrus donations to food banks in the San Fernando Valley area weekly. To donate excess fruit on trees or find out more about the Valley Citrus Project, call (818) 486-1872.

Docents and volunteers needed at Japanese Garden in Van Nuys
Learn how recycled water is produced and used in the garden, guide tours of the garden, serve tea and cookies on Sunday in the teahouse or greet guests and sell Japanese items in the gift shop. 6100 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys. (818) 756-8000.

Volunteers Needed for Environmental Relief Center
Volunteers needed to assist with enjoyable programs for conservation of energy and resources, community outreach, recreational projects, and administrative assistance. Visit www.environmentalrelief.net, or call (818) 762-5852.

The Village Gardeners
Be a part of the movement to restore and beautify the Los Angeles River Walk in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks area. For info www.thevillagegardeners.org.

Family Friends Project Seeks Volunteers
The Family Friends Project of the Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles seeks volunteers to provide friendship and moral support for children with special needs and families in the Valley. Two to four hours per week. Call (818) 761-3447.

North Hollywood Kiwanis
Provides services to children and the community. Weekly luncheon meetings feature a guest speaker. Thursdays, noon-1:30pm. Vitello’s Italian Restaurant, 4349 Tujunga Ave. Studio City. Contact Marilynn at (818) 989-2430.

Bagel Brigade Seeks Volunteers and Contributions
The Bagel Brigade of Encino B’nai B’rith provides food, blankets, glasses, and much more to needy families and children. Now seeking old cell phones. Call (818) 788-4230 or send donations to 14236 Chandler Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401.

Volunteers Needed for Jewish Family Service
Provide friendship and moral support for children with special needs in the Valley. The Family Friends Project of Jewish Family Service offers training for volunteers who can commit two to four hours a week. Call Melissa Sandler or Felice Resnick at (818) 761-3447.

Roze Room Hospice Volunteer Opportunities
Free training for those 18 and over who wish to become hospice volunteers. Volunteers learn how to help patients and their families by providing active listening, caregiver relief, social interaction and more. 4717 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks. Call (818) 783-1002, email colleen@rozeroomhospice.org, or visit www.rozeroomhospice.org.

HEALTH AND SUPPORT

Health and Wellness
Free Cancer Screenings for Underinsured at Northridge Hospital
Free prostate, cervical, breast and skin cancer screenings for those who qualify. Free blood pressure, blood glucose and diabetes testing. Call (818) 700-5668 to make an appt. Northridge Hospital Medical Center, 18300 Roscoe Blvd in Northridge.

Hearing Loss Assoc.-SFV
Support and education for people experiencing hearing loss. Monthly meeting August 20, More Than Waffles Restaurant, 17200 Ventura Blvd., Encino in the Town & Country Shopping Mall lower level from 10-11:30am. Email eleanorstaretz@sbcglobal.net or Sherrymail2003@aol.com or call (866) 399-9050, then dial (818) 344-4154 or (818) 780-0188. Toll free captioned phone numbers.

Grandparents as Parents in Sherman Oaks
Weekly support group meetings for grandparents and other relative caregivers who
are raising their grandchildren because the parents cannot. Tuesday evenings, Sherman Oaks from 6:30-8:30pm. Call Sylvie at (818) 789-1177 for info.

NoHo Fit Camp
Community group exercise class. Saturday mornings, 10-11am in North Hollywood Park (southwest corner). $15 per person; $10 for members of Jaycees, Chamber, Kiwanis, Rotary, or Key Club. RSVP Required. Jack@getfitwithWitt.com or (818) 760-3891.

Sahaja Yoga
Meditation Center open to the general public. Free. 4565 Sherman Oaks Ave., next to the Valley Inn Restaurant. Open Mon.-Fri., 11am-1pm and 7:30pm-9pm. Sat., 11am-1pm and 3-5pm. (818) 986-9857.

T.O.P.S.
Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weight control support group to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle. Meets every Mon. 5:30-6:30pm at Dryer Hall, Church of the Chimes; corner Magnolia and Hazeltine, Sherman Oaks. Free. Call Marguerite: (818) 982-3820.
Encino Tarzana Medical Center Support Groups
Support groups for insulin, early loss, lupus, surgical weight loss, one-on-one carbohydrate counting classes and more. Diabetes support group meets the 4th Wed. of each month. Classes for expecting parents and parents of newborns offered. 18321 Clark St., Tarzana. Call (818) 345-8955 for schedules.

Westfield Walkers Program
Exercise program features ongoing health and fitness seminars offered on the second Thurs. of each month, 9-10am, along with a continental breakfast and physicians from co-sponsors Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center discussing various health topics.
Info: (818) 783-0550 www.westfield.com/fashionsquare/news/WestfieldWalkers.html.

Circle of Care Leeza’s Place
A community-centered resource offering programs that educate, empower and energize both caregivers and those recently diagnosed with any memory disorder. Scrapbooking, caregiver workshops, memory fitness, grief workshops and more. 5000 Van Nuys Blvd., Suite 110, Sherman Oaks. For class schedule, visit www.leezasplace.org or call (818) 817-3259.

Valley Beth Shalom Support Groups
Two counseling support groups offered: one for those newly separated or divorced, post-divorce/starting over; one for singles support ages 39 to 59. Individual counseling also. All groups meet at Valley Beth Shalom Synagogue Counseling Center. 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 784-1414.

weSPARK Cancer Support Center
Dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Free services include support groups for patients and their loved ones, yoga, guided imagery, tai chi, qi gong and more. Please call for an intake prior to participation. (818) 906-3022.

S+AGE™
S+AGE (Specialized Ambulatory Geriatric Evaluation) is a hospital-based outpatient program that provides comprehensive geriatric assessment, information, referral, and caregiver support. Free Memory Screenings are offered on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. Call (818) 341-7243 for an appointment.

Grief Recovery Support Group
The Community Counseling Center at Temple Beth Hillel has an on-going Grief Recovery Support Group on Tuesday evenings from 7pm-8:30pm. Counseling Center at (818) 762-4817 for further information.12326 Riverside Drive, Valley Village.
Diabetes Support Group and Self Management Classes
A support group for anyone with diabetes to discuss concerns and fears, and develop new coping skills. Held the last Thurs. of each month, 5-7pm. Providence St. Joseph Medical Center Wellness Room, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank. Call (818) 847-3277.

Cancer Support Group
A free support group for patients and their loved ones to help cope with the cancer in their lives. The aim of this program is to provide a safe environment where fellow patients and survivors can share and discuss their experiences in an open forum. Thurs. at 1pm. Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, 501 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank. (818) 843-5111.

SENIORS

Understanding True Health at Joslyn Adult Center
Learn how to achieve and sustain true healthfulness. Dr. Kristy Zinnes of Valley Health Care Chiropractic begins her first in a series of health seminars every first Tuesday of the month. Next meeting: Aug. 5, 2:30pm. Fee: $1. For men and women, age 55 and older. 1301 W. Olive Avenue, Burbank. Call (818) 238-5353.

Free Mobile Movie and Audiobook Program
Encino resident and founder of Reach With Your Heart Cathi Nunn provides free mobile movie and audiobook lending library program for seniors in assisted living. Call Cathi Nunn at (818) 268-0803 or email cathi@reachwithyourheart.org.

Fitness Class at Balboa Sports Center
Stay fit and limber. 9-10am, Mon., Wed., Fri. $47 for 24 sessions. L.A. City Parks new building behind tennis courts, 17015 Burbank Blvd., Encino. Call Don U’Ren, (818) 342-1758.

Free Chair Yoga for Seniors in North Hollywood
Sponsored by the L.A. Community Adult School Program, for older adults desiring gentle stretch/breath work. Taught by Karen Kadens, a licensed instructor for over 10 years. Every Tues., 10-11:30am. Valley Store Front, 12821 Victory Blvd., NoHo. RSVP: (818) 984-0276.

National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association Public Meetings
No meetings in July/Aug. Meets the first Wednesday of every month at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Senior Center. Features a guest speaker addressing topics of interest to seniors. Luncheon at noon, meeting at 1pm. $4 admission. 25040 Van Nuys Blvd. Sherman Oaks. RSVP by the prior Monday; call John at (818) 367-4789.

Senior Bridge Club
The Club welcomes intermediate players on Thursdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, at the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Park Senior Center, 5040 Van Nuys Blvd. Call Maggie at (818) 906-7545.

Van Nuys Community Adult School Literary Classes
Literature group meets weekly to discuss two short stories. Wednesdays, 10am-12:30pm at Valley Cities Jewish Community Center. Life story writing class teaches students creative ways to recall and record life experiences. Fridays, 10am-12:30pm at the Sherman Oaks Branch Library. Free. Call (818) 907-7812.

SAGE Society Classes
Affiliated with CSUN, a learning in retirement organization that offers study/discussion groups in a variety of subjects, including history, politics, science and literature for self-enrichment and the joy of learning. (818) 831-5064. exlweb.csun.edu/sage/index.html.

SunLight Senior Care
An affiliate of East Valley Multipurpose Center. Socialization, physical, art and music therapy, meals and transportation. Sliding scale fee. Also provides caregiver support groups, respite care, counseling and caregiver benefits. Mon.-Fri. 8am-4pm, (818) 763-8254 or email dawnatsunlight@sbcglobal.net

East Valley Multipurpose Senior Center Events
Internet instruction, social groups, seminars and lunches. Men’s Rap Group Tues. 10:30am-noon. Music appreciation Mon. 1-2pm. Bridge players wanted. 5000 Colfax Ave., North Hollywood. Call Yolanda at (818) 766-5165.

VNSO Senior Programs
The Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks Senior Center offers driving classes, arts and crafts, dance, nutrition and more, and shows monthly movies the third Wed. of the month. The Center is at 5040/5056 Van Nuys Blvd in Sherman Oaks. (818) 756-9146.

ANIMALS AND PETS

Pet Adoptions
The Los Angeles Department of Animal Services holds adoptions on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month at Moorpark Park, corner of Laurel Canyon and Moorpark in Studio City. 11am-4pm. (213) 485-8542 or laanimalservices.com.

The Directors of Animal Welfare: Your Neighborhood Watch for the Animals
Offering information on animal issues such as: disaster plans, no-kill solutions, leash laws, spay and neuter programs, rescue and adoption. Marlene Goodman (818) 986-3090, s-humane@pacbell.net. Hollie Dickenson (818) 907-7971, kidactivists@sbcglobal.net.

Brittany Foundation Dogs Need Your Help and Love
Open houses are held every Sunday at their Animal Sanctuary in Agua Dulce. To get directions, make a donation or meet dogs in need of foster care, call (818) 709-5706. Visit www.brittanyfoundation.com

Linda Blair World Heart Foundation
Animal rescue group founded by actress Linda Blair. To donate, volunteer or see how you can make a difference in the lives of needy animals, visit www.lindablairworldheart.com

EDUCATION

Los Angeles Valley College Community Services & Extension Program
Paralegal, Human Resource Assistant, Commercial Photography, Certified Tax Preparer, Legal Secretary, and Medical Billing and Transcription. Offering hundreds of classes in business development, recreation, arts and crafts, dance, languages, and classes for kids all year. (818) 947-2320.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Oyster House The Drinks continue the proud tradition of the Laurel Canyon Sound; a
characteristic fuse of individual vocal harmonies, smart folk lyricism and
soulful acoustic instrumentation reminiscent of the golden rock era. David
Grossman, Rich Dunne, & Tom Vicini 3 pm Saturdays at The Oyster House 12446
Moorpark 818-761-8686.

FREE MOVIES
North Hollywood Regional Library
5211 Tujunga Ave.  91601
818 766-7185