Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Entertainment. Show all posts

Monday, November 7, 2011

Book Signing Program at the Library

“Warriors at 500 Knots” is a book written by Robert Kirk, a Phantom pilot himself, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. The book details intense stories of undaunted and valiant American pilots with their legendary fierce Phantoms. These are personal stories of intrepid courage and self-sacrifice to get the mission done - whatever the cost. Fierce, unflinching battles to save friendlies and destroy a ruthless enemy are all recorded 40 years later. True tales of war at 500 knots.

As an F-4D pilot, Mr. Kirk completed 197 combat missions in Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters.

The author discuss his experiences during these missions and following this presentation, he will have signed books available for purchase.

The program will be held at the Big Bear Lake Branch Library, 41930 Garstin Drive, Big Bear Lake on Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at 5:30 PM. Please note that the date and time were changed after the initial publication in the Friends of the Library Newsletter.

It is open to the general public at no charge. Seating is limited and early arrival is recommended. For any questions, please call the library at 909-866-5571.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Music at the Mansion MMXI.IV, Sunday, August 14, 2011, 3 P.M.

“Music at the Mansion,” continues with the third concert in the series to be held at 3:00 p.m. on August 14, 2011 in the intimate setting of the historic Knickerbocker Mansion Country Inn on Knickerbocker Road in Big Bear Lake. Arts Council board member, Barbara King, an accomplished pianist, has organized a group performers, most of whom are the talented musicians and artists from the Big Bear area, and some young talents who are “home for the summer” from their respective college campuses where they continue to pursue their degrees in Fine Arts. The eclectic mix of performances at this concert will include Caitlin Barney with selections from her new Celtic CD, Amber Carpenter, a member of the Young Americans, home from their European Tour, Elaine Fitzpatrick, Las Vegas professional vocalist offering selections by Cole Porter and Amber Parle, attending UC Davis, with selections from musical theater. Favorites Sharon Rizzo, cellist with the Redlands Symphony and Alicia and Tawny Williams, the “Violin Twins” will perform selections by Vivaldi and Dvorak for classical music fans. Also on the program is a duet featuring the vocal talent of Suzy Carpenter and her daughter. These performers and a few surprise selections will round out the afternoon of music to please everyone’s taste.

As part of the very popular “Dinner Theater” originated by the Arts Council, a delightful special dinner by Chef Thomas, assisted by Sous Chef, Robert, will be served after the concert for those who want to enjoy the ambience of the Mansion’s beautiful dining room.

The cost is $20 for the concert, which begins at 3:00 pm, and $25 for dinner, which immediately follows the performance. Selections from the Mansion’s excellent regular menu are served. Reservations are required and can be made at 909-585-5916.

Proceeds from these concerts support the arts in our community, as well as in our schools.

Friday, March 25, 2011

The Newsroom, etc Business Bits

March 22, 2011

The Big Bear Library has postponed the Book Sale due to the weather challenges. Originally scheduled for Wednesday March 23 to Saturday March 26, it has now been rescheduled to Wednesday April 6 thru Saturday April 9.

Wild Wings’ loyal customers can enjoy some terrific reduced their prices while the owners are anticipating their closing this spring. It’s time to stock up for your winged friends and take advantage of the fantastic gift opportunities.

The new Dollar Tree……. A shopping experience, galore!

Getting Healthier

Gabe & Vicki Velasquez are back home resting from Gabe’s bout in the hospital with a heart attack. Of course Vicki is always ‘just great’, just ask her!

Ron Seymour is regaining his strength daily & looking forward to doing his ‘Round Town with Ron’ shows live again very soon.

And Julie & John Grandi are returning from the nice warm desert where Julie’s been recuperating from hip surgery.

We’ve said ‘Goodbye’ to:

Dr. Robert Davies passed away Sunday morning March 20, 2011, at the age of 80 years. A memorial service will be held April 30th at The Convention Center at Big Bear Lake at 11:00 a m. The public is invited to attend. Read more about Bob Davies on Rimoftheworld.net.

Gypsey Butler passed away Sunday March 20, 2011 at the age 72 years, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles, following surgery and subsequent health complications. She is survived by her brother & sister-in-law, Ron and Elena Peavy and her four nieces and nephews, Scott Peavy, Lesli Ventimiglia, Matthew Peavy and Krista Ray.

Gypsey moved to Big Bear Lake in February of 2006 from Denver, Colorado where she had been a long-time resident. Big Bear friends will miss her warm personality, fashionable dress and meeting her at many community functions. A memorial service is pending for late April or early May.

Frank Bradley passed away Monday March 21, 2011 after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Abbott, three children and several grandchildren. Beverly would appreciate a card or call from her Big Bear friends. Contact her through E.T. Russell.

Media Muse

Did you catch Denis Thomas Monday 7:00 a m & 7:00 p m, Good Day Big Bear Channel 6 show? His guest was Museum Curator Merle, who had some fascinating photos and stories about the history of Big Bear.

The Barnstorm Restaurant, Friday & Saturday nights this week is having a Red Cross Japan Earthquake Relief Fundraiser. This is a ’must do’! See the details on Rimoftheworld.net.

“A Musical-Comedy Life” Friday, March 25 at 7:30, opening night for CATS spring show, “A Musical-Comedy Life” starring Robin Field and other local CATS actors, dancers and singers. The show runs for “3 performances only”: Fri/3-25, Sat/3-26 & Sunday Matinee @ 1:30.

Bearly Speaking Toastmasters Club will have a “Humor Open House” on Tuesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. at the Northwoods Resort. Bring your favorite joke and get ready to laugh throughout the meeting. For information, 909-866-8849. Early arrivals may take advantage of the half-price no-host bar menu available until 6 p.m. in the Stillwell’s Lounge.

Sugarloaf Property Owners Association meeting will be Saturday, March 26th at 10:00 a m at the Sugarloaf Fire Station, located at the corner of Maple & Baldwin Lanes. The guest speaker will be a Big Bear Sherriff representative.

The Big Bear Computer Club meets Thursday, April 7th at 5:30 pm. The Discovery Center is now closing on Tuesdays and Wednesdays affecting meetings schedule. We were able to obtain the 1st Thursday of the month as our regular monthly meeting at the Discovery Center. The club will be providing Pizza from the Red Baron so don’t miss out!

Big Bear Historical Society’s will have James Ramos, Chairman of the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians as the guest speaker with the topic being the history of the Serrano Indians who inhabited the Big Bear Valley. The general meeting will be Tuesday April 5th at at 7:00 p m in the BBARWA meeting room, located at 121 Palomino Drive, Big Bear City. Everyone is invited and there is no admission charge. For more information contact Doug Walton, 909 633-8314.

From E.T.’s computer……….

I’m running a bit behind getting this to you. But you know how it is when the L A Lakers are contesting the Phoenix Suns and they’re scoring toe-to-toe in three overtimes! Thank goodness for brawny Ron Artest or they still might be fighting it out. It was all worth it … Lakers – 139 YES! Suns – 137.

The news bulletins within this letter are written in brief. For more information please see ROTWnews.com or Rimoftheworld.net.
For news related information, public service announcements or photos, please send with your contact information.

Monday, February 7, 2011

NANCY MENDOZA AND THE GALLERY


Visit "The Gallery", in Big Bear Lake, from February 4h through March 2011, to view Nancy Mendoza's artwork. Ms. Mendoza has been involved with “The Gallery” since it opened in the 90's.

Her watercolors are expressive abstracts with a surprising twist of realism. Her work is fresh and full of life. Her use of colors causes the eye to dance across the page and the colors hold you in the painting. Best of all, one can look at her art and see this wonderful bold design and then see the boldest individual. Her work is enjoyable.

Nancy Mendoza has roots in the Big Bear Valley since she was born. She and husband, Joe, live in a home on property that has been owned by her family since 1912. She has visited the Big Bear Lake area every summer since childhood and she and Joe have been permanent residents for 10 years in her family home.

Nancy was one of the original artists on exhibit in The Gallery, the Arts Council’s fine art gallery on Village Drive when it was established in 2001. She has also exhibited in the Arts Council’s “Art on the Lake” fine art show since the first show in 2000. Her artwork has been on exhibit in prestigious galleries that include the Sandstone Gallery in Laguna Beach and the Ratcliff-Williams Gallery in Sedona, AZ. Her work is in private collections in the United States, Canada, Europe and Latin America.

She began taking art classes in high school and completed an art minor at Cal Berkley. Her involvement in Laguna School of the Arts began in 1976 when she rejoined the art world after raising her family. She studied with Ray Jacob, Roger Armstrong, and Sueo Serisawa, whose particular influence is evident in some of Nancy’s work on exhibit at The Gallery. The Laguna School of the Arts evolved into the Art Institute of Southern California.

Nancy has withdrawn from The Gallery as a participating artist; however several pieces of artwork will remain on exhibit and offered for sale for a period of time. A reception was held on January 28th to celebrate Nancy’s longstanding relationship with the Arts Council and the Gallery. The guest list for Nancy’s reception included fellow artists, collectors, friends and family members who visited Big Bear for the event. Arts Council President, David Leach, commented, “Nancy has been a strong supporter of The Gallery since its inception, as well as an avid supporter of the artistic community in the Big Bear Valley. She will be missed in The Gallery, but we wish her continued success.

Nancy’s work beautifully reflects her own words from her Artists Statement, “I am always excited and stimulated by the restatement of the known and the experimentation into the unknown – sometimes achieving the unexpected. The observed interpreted – improvisation based on reality.”

The Gallery is located at 40750 Village Drive and is open daily from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

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Monday, December 20, 2010

BALD EAGLES SEEN IN LOCAL MOUNTAINS

On Saturday December 18, the first bald eagle count of the winter was conducted by local Federal and State biologists and volunteers around lakes in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains. This marks the 32nd year that the San Bernardino National Forest has organized monthly winter bald eagle counts! The cloudy, wet winter weather provided challenging conditions for volunteers hoping to observe one of our magnificent national birds. The effort was successful in tallying the bald eagles spending their winter vacations at local mountain lakes.

A grand total of 5 eagles (5 adults) were observed at the lake areas during the 1- hour count. Two eagles (2 adults) were observed in the Big Bear/Baldwin Lake area; 1 eagle (1 adult) at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory; and 1 eagle (1 adult) at Silverwood Lake. While no eagles were observed at Lake Hemet, 1 adult was observed at Lake Perris. Juvenile eagles are distinguished by a brown head and tail; adults are recognized by the famous white head and tail - it takes 4-5 years to acquire full adult coloration. Juvenile eagles are the same size as the adults.

Approximately 52 volunteers participated in the 1-hour eagle census (18 at Big Bear area, 3 at Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory, 2 at Lake Hemet, 11 at Silverwood Lake, and 18 at Lake Perris). The Forest Service and State Recreation Area biologists would like to thank those volunteers for their participation!

There are three remaining Eagle counts for this winter, scheduled for the following Saturday mornings: January 8, February 12, and March 12. Mark your calendars now.
No experience needed. Volunteers should dress warmly and bring binoculars and a watch.
Big Bear Lake area volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Big Bear Discovery Center on North Shore Drive. Contact Marc Stamer at 909-382-2828 for more information.
Lake Arrowhead/Lake Gregory volunteers will meet at 8:00 a.m. at the Sky Forest Ranger Station. Contact Marc Stamer, Wildlife Biologist, at 909-382-2828 for more information.
Silverwood Lake State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information during business hours of 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at 760-389-2281, and plan to meet at the Visitor Center at 8:00 a.m.
Lake Hemet volunteers should plan on meeting at the Lake Hemet Grocery Store at 8:30 a.m. for instructions. Contact Ann Poopatanapong at 909-382-2935 for more information.
Lake Perris State Park volunteers should contact the park office for information at 951-940-5600, and plan to meet at the Lake Perris Regional Indian Museum.

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf


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Marc Stamer, Biologist
Mountaintop Ranger District
Forest BAER Coordinator
San Bernardino National Forest
P.O. Box 290
42300 North Shore Drive
Big Bear Ranger Station
Fawnskin, CA 92333-0290

Office: (909)382-2828
Cell: (909)844-6683
Fax: (909)866-2867

Friday, November 19, 2010

Moonridge Animal Park’s Winter “Hibernation” Schedule

As of Labor Day Weekend on September 6, 2010, The Moonridge Animal Park has switched to their winter schedule. Weather permitting the park will be open daily except on Christmas Day. If heavy snow or icy conditions exist the park will be closed. You may call the Moonridge Animal Park (909) 584-1299 or the Friends of the Moonridge Zoo (909) 878-4200 to check on whether or not the park is open to visitors. Otherwise, the winter park open hours are Monday-Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Saturday-Sunday open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Noon animal presentations will occur daily, and the Animal Keeper Feeding Tours will be held on just Saturdays and Sundays at 3:00 pm. The summer schedule will start again on Memorial weekend in May 2011.

The Moonridge Animal Park is Big Bear’s wildlife animal sanctuary, rehabilitation and education center founded in 1959. During the past year the Moonridge Animal Park has been celebrating 50 Years of Sanctuary, Rehabilitation and Education. The Moonridge Animal Park provides a “Home For Life” to over 180 animals representing 85 species.

Friday, November 5, 2010

Reception and Book Sign by Barbara Jordan, Wild Life Photographer

Book “The Beauty of the Moment”
Saturday, November 6, 6 P.M.
Wine and Light snacks will be served.
No RSVP needed
The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley
40750 Village Drive


The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley is pleased to host Barbara Jordan's Book signing in Big Bear Valley. Barbara has been with the Arts Council Gallery since its opening day in 2002 providing us with her unique photographs of wildlife from all of North America.

Her new book “The Beauty of the Moment” features beautiful images of landscapes, wildlife and flowers captured during her travels around North America. Barbara's adventures have brought her face to face with grizzly bears in Alaska, whales in Mexico, and taken her above the Arctic Circle to photograph the Aurora Borealis. Here in Big Bear she has photograph a cougar who stalked her as she was out working.

An excerpt from Barbara's book says it all, “I hope in some way this book will help remind you of how precious and beautiful life is. That it will make you want to help preserve this beautiful world for your children and grandchildren. That you will remember to live in the moment. It passes so quickly.”

Recently, in the Gallery, she has been experimenting successfully with photography on canvas. This style of photography allows the collectors to hang the work without frames or in a minimal frame. She has been working with photo enhancement techniques that provide new artistic approaches to her artistic skills.

Barbara’s fine art prints are in collections around the world. She is represented by Getty Images, the largest stock agency in the world. Currently two of her images can be seen on the National Geographic website in the Yosemite National Park gallery and the Zion gallery. Another of Barbara’s images can be seen on the tail of a First Air of Canada air livery.

A preview of Barbara’s book is available online at http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1117991 or on her website at www.barbarajordan.com .

Join us all at the Gallery, November 6, at 6 P.M. For wine and appetizers and congratulate her on her successful completion of “The Beauty of the Moment”. Barbara will be present to sign all copies sold.

Holiday Follies - Saturday, December 4

The Arts Council of Big Bear Valley is sponsoring a Benefit Performance for “Music and Art in the Big Bear Valley”, at the Performing Arts Center, at 7 pm. This one night performance will feature the following artists: vocalists - Elaine Fitzpatrick, Elena Peavy and Diane Sloan; Instrumentalists: Cellist: Sharon Rizzo and her “Orpheus String Ensemble”; Pianists: Glenda Beukelman, Barbara King and Ingrid Olsen and on the Flute Lisa Waner. All of these performers have been appearing throughout the summer at "Music at the Mansion" and have delighted their audiences.
Tickets available from the Arts Council – 909-585-5916 or from the Performing Arts Center 909 – 866- 4970. Prices are $20 adults; $15 seniors; $10 students.

Monday, September 6, 2010

John Grandi Winner of 2009 Community Appreciation Award



The Big Bear Lake International Film Festival, selected John Grandi as the recipient of the “Community Appreciation Award.” Ty Warren, Film Festival Board President comments, “John is always at the forefront when it comes to donating his time and talent for the betterment of the Big Bear Valley.”
The Community Appreciation Award is given to an individual who has contributed greatly to the well being of the Big Bear Community. This is the 10th Annual Film Festival held in Big Bear but only the 4th time that a community member has received recognition. In 2000 Actress Shirley Jones was the first community advocate honored with the prestigious award. For unknown reasons it did not re-surface until 2007 when Channel 6 TV Host Ron Seymour was nominated in a move that the Film Festival Board unanimously agreed was long overdue. Last year (2008) Dick Kun was the announced winner for his many philanthropic endeavors.
The 2009 honoree, John Grandi, is one of Big Bear’s living legends – sharing his life stories on stage as benefits for such worthy organizations as the Hospital Foundation and the Library, acting in CATS productions and as a Rotarian often emceeing the Eagles of Excellence evening. John uses his popular human interest column in the Grizzly Newspaper “Stay Tuned” to promote the people, projects and happening events in the Big Bear Valley.
The Community Appreciation Award is not limited to individuals who are in “show biz.” However, often “show biz” folks such as Grandi enjoy sharing their background and blessings within the community. John, who with his usual good humor, claims to have “flunked retirement” keeps busy writing, acting and in general lending a helping hand wherever needed. And in all these endeavors he continues to work to make Big Bear a better place for all because as he claims “I’ve been in the ‘people’ business my entire life.”
For John this means spending his time doing things that benefit others is important. He’s acted in small scale productions to benefit both the Hospital Foundation and the Library. A popular favorite “An Evening with John Grandi" done as a charity performance for the Library was so well received that a encore was produced at the Performing Arts Center as a Hospital Foundation fund raiser. John is a “people person” who has earned the respect of the community and has formed many enduring friendships. It is not surprising that his circle of friends come together to support John’s favorite causes – often sharing the stage with him.
Grandi is an actor, musician and humanitarian – and a columnist for the Grizzly Newspaper.

Sunday, August 29, 2010

CHAUTAUQUA - Where the Present Meets the Past

This story was written by Nina Truex and originally published in Big Bear Magazine, 1995. We’ve changed only dates, to update the story. BBM

What does the name “Chautauqua” bring to mind - a local school, a lake or county in western New York, a nineteenth century educational center? It is all these, and more. The word is an English variant of early French explorers' translation of a Seneca Indian word of many meanings. On 1804 maps it was spelled Chautaughque and in 1859 shortened to Chautauqua.
The venerable Chautauqua Institution was founded in 1874 at Chautauqua Lake, New York, by Methodist clergyman John H. Vincent, and philanthropist Lewis Miller, as a summer outdoor education center for Sunday school teachers. Its success quickly expanded into an annual educational and cultural assembly for the masses and eventually spread worldwide. “The whole of life is a school...education, once the peculiar privilege of the few, must...become the valued possession of the many,” wrote Dr. Vincent. The Institution became known for its unique and diverse programs on literature, music, fine arts, and recreation, in addition to religion.
From its origins at the lovely lakeside setting, traveling tent show “Chautauquas” of stimulating lectures, concerts, and recitals were welcomed in rural communities throughout the United States, to educate and entertain the common people. Big Bear's own Chautauqua High School, so named by former teacher, Bill Wright, honors this concept of continuing education, states current principal, Steve Schour.
In the spirit of this tradition, History Alive-Chautauqua! came to Big Bear Lake in the summer of 2000, as part of California's Sesquicentennial celebration. Former Big Bear City Mayor Rita Lack was instrumental in initiating the program due to her love of history and personal experiences attending the Institution in New York.
The Friends of the Big Bear Valley Library continue to sponsor this annual event, according to spokesperson Ellen Nichols. Past programs featured portrayals of Dame Shirley, California Gold Rush Wife; Pio Pico, Early California Governor; Jose Jesus, California Indian; John Sutter of Sutter's Mill. Last year, Wyatt Earp was portrayed by his real-life descendant, Wyatt Earp! The Sixth annual Chautauqua Program, once again features the present-day Wyatt Earp, but this time he'll portray the original Earp's friend, legendary dentist-¬turned-gunman, Doc Holliday.
Now a National Historic Landmark, the 131 year old Chautauqua Institution is a thriving summer community where visitors young and old still come to experience relaxation, intellectual growth, and spiritual renewal. President Theodore Roosevelt perhaps best summed it up when he stated “Chautauqua is typically American in that it is typical of America at its best.”
For further information on the Chautauqua Institution, log-on to www.chautauqua-inst.org/
© 2005 Big Bear Magazine