Sunday May 15, 2011

Voice Coach / Artist Development / Recording Studio / Songwriting / Speaking /Beginning Piano / Bar~Bat Mitzvah Training
Tammy Dekel, of The Vocal Station, has a passion to bring out the best in others! From the first lesson, students learn techniques they can immediately apply! All ages & levels are welcome, from beginners to pros! Find your unique voice & style! Learn to sing in tune! Sing without strain! Prepare for auditions! Enhance range, power, performance & confidence! Record a demo for career aspirations or just for fun! Reach notes beyond your goals & dreams! Become a true artist! For extended services, visit www.thevocalstation.com or contact 818-822-7228 or tammydek@gmail.com. 
 
 
Today in History
Regular airmail service inaugurated (between New York, Philadelphia & Washington DC). (1918)
Nylon stockings hit the market for first time (1940)
“If I had a Hammer” by Peter, Paul, and Mary wins a Grammy (1963)
National Chocolate Chip Day
Police Officer’s Memorial Day
www.history.com/this-day-in-history
 
 
IS YOUR CHILD SITTING IN A PHIL & TED’S METOO CLIP-ON CHAIR?
The CPSC warns parents to immediately stop using the Phil & Ted’s “metoo” clip-on table top chairs as they can detach from the table creating serious fall and amputation hazards to children who are sitting in them. Phil & Ted’s refused to agree to the CPSC’s request for a national recall. The Heller Law Firm (www.seriousinjury.org) is investigating a possible class action. If you purchased one of these chairs and are interested in pursuing legal action or want more information, call 800.992.9947 or email shayne@hellerlaw.net. No cost/obligation. (Product Warning Notice provided by The Heller Law Firm). 

 
Summer Camp For Young Actors who want to work in Film/Television & New Media!
At Valley West Actors Space film acting camp, students star in a short movie shot and edited by industry pros, culminating in a Red Carpet Premiere of completed films! Full days begin with morning classes led by renowned coach Sara Wood and guest instructors then afternoons are spent shooting a digital film. Hard work, but lots of fun as well!  Limited enrollment for ages 8-18, sessions starting in July. Session 1 ages 8-13 and session 2 ages 13-18.
Call 818.222.7484 or email valleyactors@gmail.com for more info.
 
 
Montessori of Malibu Canyon – FUN, SAFE and AFFORDABLE SUMMER CAMP in Calabasas!
Space Still available for 2-6 year olds! Enrolling For Summer Camp and Fall. Large grassy playground (over an acre flat), Organic Garden and large bright classrooms stocked with brand new learning materials. They are offering a wonderful Summer Camp program designed specifically for 2-6 year old children. Combining academic skill building & fun weekly themes, On-Campus Field Trips & Safe water play activities at an affordable price.
Call (818)880-0555 or email mofmc@yahoo.com for more info.
www.MalibuMontessori.com

 
Play and Grow Smart-er Tips
Nancy Pyne-Hapke, author of “Play and Grow Smart, A Guide Supporting Brain Development, Birth through Five,” has been giving tips to aid your child’s optimum skill development through proactive neuroscience-based activities, now every Sunday.  These ideas come from scholarly sources to personal interviews, from the internet to periodicals to books.
“CREATIVITY” involves imagination, ingenuity, invention/originality, creative thinking, dramatic/visual/musical arts.
THE CRITICAL WINDOWS during which the circuits of the brain are being most heavily wired for CREATIVITY is 1 – 4 years with lifelong expression.  The more opportunity children have to experience healthy, positive and nurturing creativity experiences during this critical period, the more efficiently their brains will work over the long run.
A FEW DEVELOPMENTAL LEARNING TOOLS (toys and other objects) for CREATIVITY:  • blocks  • dolls and stuffed animals  • sandbox  • water  • costumes and props • play figures  • child-sized dishes and tools  • art materials  • construction sets  • music and instruments
Some general CREATIVITY tidbits:
•• CREATIVITY provides for intellectual growth.
•• CREATIVITY means having the power of self-expression.
•• CREATIVITY allows exploration of the world through new, fresh eyes.
•• CREATIVITY is a vehicle for children to feel good about themselves through a sense of mastery and self-worth.
•• CREATIVITY reflects our feelings, emotions and imagination.
•• CREATIVE IMAGINATIVE play is the single most important activity for a preschooler!  The single most important activity for a parent is to offer (next to love and lunch) a “blank slate” for imaginative play.
•• Forms of creativity: ART (visual), LANGUAGE (written or spoken), MUSIC/MOVEMENT (bodily movement), FANTASY (pretending).
Next week – “Creativity, Pt. 2, ART”
?s – msmarm@roadrunner.com
 
 
Team Karate Centers AMAZING Summer Camp 2011 is back again!
Come this summer for jam packed fun filled days of karate, crafts, games, gymnastics and much more. Summer Camp begins June 27th and continues through September 2nd. Camp goes from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm with aftercare if needed. $45.00 per day or $190.00 per session/week. Do not miss out call to register now as space is limited. Call Sensei Linda at (818) 719-0205 now to reserve your spot.
www.teamkaratecenters.com
 
 
DIVAS WANTED!
If you love to sing, love to perform, they invite you to join them for fun, friendship and harmony – barbershop harmony, that is! RiverOaks is the only San Fernando Valley chapter of Sweet Adelines International. They sing exciting a cappella, four-part harmony music in barbershop style. They rehearse every Tuesday night at 7:00pm in Van Nuys. Real women, real harmony, real fun! For more information, call (818) 886-SING or visit www.riveroakschorus.com.
 

Shirley’s Home Tutoring!
Shirley is an experienced teacher, K-6, who has a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and 30 years in the classroom. She is a former teacher from Oakwood Elementary, Sierra Canyon, and Castlemont. She has also taught in the Los Angeles School District and the Las Virgenes District. She would like to create an individual, academic program for your child. Her expertise is Phonics, Reading, Language Arts, and Math. She introduces new concepts to increase self-confidence, reteaches or reinforces difficult skills, and enriches the curriculum to provide a challenge. Located on Vanowen Street in West Hills. Amazing references! For more information call 818-999-4339 or email Mustari16@aol.com. 

Made for You and Me: Going West, Going Broke, Finding Home
http://www.amazon.com/Made-You-Me-Going-Finding/dp/1401341462/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1302829214&sr=8-1
 
 
Help Me Grow
Connects children and their families to developmental services to enhance the development, behavior and learning of children birth through five years. By calling the toll free number 1.866.GROW.025, (1.866.476.9025), parents, caregivers, child care providers, early educators and health care providers have a single point of access to developmental services for all young children who live in Orange County.
 
 
Summer Cooking Classes for Kids
Check out the delicious lineup of cooking and baking camps for the summer! They have an entire month of classes geared for your child’s age group and taste buds, from Sushi making to handmade Pastas and Cream Puffs at the brand-new cooking school by the sea.
http://thegourmandiseschool.com/class.php?id=454 
 
 
Gardening Moments With Your Kids
Big projects and little opportunities for gardening with kids that can fit seamlessly into your life. Avoiding pesticides, accidents, lead poisoning, allergies, illnesses, and poisonous plants.
http://www.kidsgardening.com/primer/primer1047.asp

GETTY OFFERS SUMMER SCHEDULE OF DAILY ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES
The whole family can enjoy an artistic summer at the Getty, with stepped-up schedules of free family-focused activities from mid-June to September at both the Getty Center and the Getty Villa. Best of all, admission to both sites and all the activities is free.
www.getty.edu 
 
 
Learn Flute, Clarinet, or Saxophone from UCLA Doctoral Candidate
Tanitra’s Music Studio is now accepting private flute, clarinet, and saxophone students. Tanitra Flenaugh is receiving her doctoral degree in music performance & pedagogy from UCLA. She has been performing clarinet, flute & saxophone for over 20 years & teaching private, group & chamber music groups for over 10 years. She specializes in individualized instruction with a curriculum that is unique and fun for each student. Lessons can be provided in your home or in a private studio.
www.tanitrasmusicstudio.com
 
 
Girls’ Night Out Cooking class
Friday, June 3rd at 7pm
The girls hit the chopping block tonight, retro style. It’s all fair game as we gather the goods to make our meal. Ladies, wear your sexiest heels while making your gourmet dinner. Not a heel person? Don’t fret, you can opt for flats. If you dare to take the high-heel challenge, we’ll provide the retro aprons, you get your hair and nails done, and we’ll all experience how they did it back in the 50’s!
http://www.cooklaonline.com/classes/details/girls-night-out-cooking-class/ 
 
 
Collect Vintage Pyrex?
Vintage Pyrex, vintage Longaberger, stained glass, & handmade craft gift items in my etsy shop. Vivid photos in each listing.  Prompt shipping, careful packing, delighted customers. Combined shipping for multiple items. On Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/GoldenHourGlassEtsyShop. “Like” Golden Hour Glass & Antiques on Facebook to see the newest Etsy listings in your news feed.
Http://etrets.etsy.com
 
 
Party Help: This Time You Enjoy the Party
Ever feel like you need an extra set of hands? Karen Carter can do anything from set up to preparing food to serving – as well as the dreaded clean-up. Enjoy yourself and let her do all of the running around. She is available for both small gatherings including office parties, birthday parties and lunches or larger scale events including weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and anniversary celebrations. Karen used to be in the catering business, was a teacher and is now a stay at home mom to two girls. Amazing references upon request. Email karenspartyhelp@yahoo.com or call (818) 445-1749
 
 
Half Baked Co. – Cute Cupcakes and Custom Cakes Baked with HALF the Fat, Calories and Sugar!
Looking for a healthy bakery that can cater your kids birthday party or your best friends baby shower with super cute cupcakes or a custom cake… well you have stumbled upon THE place for trendy moms looking to wow their party guests! Half Baked Co. is an online bakery that bakes with half the fat, calories and sugar, they even have vegan and gluten-free options AND they deliver straight to your door, so you don’t have to worry about finding the time to pick everything up! 
www.halfbaked.co
 
 
Kids’ tabletop chairs pose hazard, safety agency warns
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42949232/ns/health-kids_and_parenting/ 
 
 
Love your pets but don’t have time after work to take them on a walk or give them extra attention?
Excited to take a vacation but not comfortable boarding your pet or leaving their care to your neighbors or friends? At Valley Pet Sitting, they offer reliable and professional pet sitting with a personalized touch to fit your pet’s needs and strive to build an existing relationship with you and your pet so when you are away, they are a familiar friend. Services include: Dog Walking, Animal Care (wide variety of animals) & Home Care (while you are away we can retrieve your mail/newspapers, etc.).
www.valleypetsitting.com
 
 
Gifted Children’s Assn. Summer Sessions
– 2-week sessions for preschool through grade 9 held in Reseda. 
– Over 65 classes available and many fill up quickly.  2nd choices necessary.
– Class examples – preschool: Animals and Their Young, Let’s Make Puppets; grades 1-2: Improvisation Games, Reach for the Stars; grades 3-5: Lego Architect (group play), Mom, I’m Hungry!; grades 6-9: Speak Up! Be Heard!, Dungeon Masters, Photography. 
– Early signup discount and sibling discount. 
– Before care and aftercare available.  
– Recommended highly by a Jen’s List mom – courses taught by people passionate about what they teach! 
– Class brochure: http://www.giftedca.org/2011/index2011.htm

 

Give Someone Else those Things on Your To Do List!
From Jens List member: saracohenins@gmail.com
“Lauren from Pearl Personal Concierge is the utmost in her field. She is so sweet and caring and pays close attention to detail. She helped me out in a moment’s notice while I was on a hunt for a specific item for my daughter’s birthday party. She offers a full range of services and really does help you take those pesky things off of your “to do” lists and put them onto hers. She completes tasks with a sense of urgency and takes her clients and responsibilities seriously. Thank you, Lauren.“
Reach Lauren at 310.999.5139 or online at www.pearlpersonalconcierge.com.

 

No Wire Hangers
Is your home in a constant state of clutter? Are you concerned about the environment but not sure how your can make a difference? This green home organizing business emphasizes living a more ecologically minded lifestyle. They will help you declutter your home while being environmentally responsible. They work with many different charities and organizations so that all of your unwanted items won’t end up in the landfill. The benefits of being organized are limitless; from saving time to saving money. Visit  www.nowirehangersbiz.com or call 323-388-9131 or email julie@nowirehangersbiz.com for more info. 
 
 
Design Agency Business PT Assistant Wanted
Perfect for someone passionate, curious and biz-minded! What started as a one-woman entrepreneurial endeavor has quickly grown into an inspired, high spirited team. QUALITIES: Resourceful, Self-Starter, Ability to prioritize and re-prioritize, Curious, Analytical with an appreciation of the Creative, Problem-Solver, Fast Learner. EXPERIENCE: Internet/Classic Marketing, Office suite, project management, customer relations. RESPONSIBILITIES: Project Management, Business Systems, Client Coordination, Marketing management/implementation.
http://www.designkrew.com/
 
 
May Youth Naturalist Program for ages 5 – 7: Insects and Anthropoids
Saturday, May 21, 1:30 – 3:00 pm.
Kids will take a look at a variety of insects and learn about their special body parts, hiding places, food sources, and survival tricks.  Activities include a walk to carefully collect, examine and release insects. Pre-registration is required. Fee is $20.00. For more information or to pre-register, please call Susan Haugland at 818-591-1701 ext. 212. Programs held at Headwaters Corner, 23075 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 91302.
www.mountainstrust.org/education/ynp.html
 
 
FREE WORKSHOP FOR WOMEN: Prosperity & Power for Women
June 1st from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Join CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner, Brittney Castro and Certified Professional Coach, Courtney Parks, for a powerful and interactive workshop “Prosperity and Power for Women.” Topics include: Matching your professional and financial growth with your values and your personality * The importance of systematizing your money, you work and your life * How to master your fears around money and success.
Register at http://prosperitypower.eventbrite.com.
 
 
Arts Adventures 2011: Summer Arts Academy in Calabasas & Agoura Hills
June 20th to July 8th and July 11th to July 28th
3 weeks of summer fun, creativity, and arts exploration for elementary and middle school students in the West Valley area. Jazz Dance, Glee-style Musical Theater, Visual Arts, Improvisation, Cartooning, Summertime Choir, and lots more. Classes are Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. $300, plus materials fee. Proceeds to support LVUSD’s Arts Education Program. Email ArtsAdventures@CelenaTurney.com for more details.
www.ArtsAdventures.org 
 
 
THE PLUSH SHOW BRINGS TOGETHER CELEBRITIES, TOP LUXURY BRANDS, SERVICES FOR SOCAL PARENTS
Sunday, June 5th from 11:00am – 4:00pm
They invite parents to come experience today’s trendiest and most luxurious baby retailers, service providers, party planners, entertainers, and industry professionals together for this incredible one-day event. Jason Kennedy and Catt Sadler of E! News will be hosting the show and PetitNest founders, Tiffani Thiessen of “White Collar” and Lonni Paul of HGTV’s “Design Star” will be onsite to talk about their new children’s furniture and bedding collection.
www.plushshow.com
 
 
Speech Therapist
Derra Huxley, M.A., a CA state licensed speech pathologist in the S.F. Valley, is highly experienced in working with children with articulation difficulties. She is a mother of 2, loves children, and makes therapy fun. Derra teaches parents how to help work with their child at home to maximize what they learn from therapy sessions with her. Derra also has an Accent Reduction business for English speaking foreign born individuals who wish to improve their pronunciation. 818/385-1716
www.AccentReductionNow.com
 
 
B E S T  PLUMBER EVER!
Call and mention Jen’s List for discount
Contact (818) 833 5649 or email Anjplumbing@gmail.com.
http://www.anjplumbing.com/
TONS of happy Jens List members have used ANJ including myself! 
 
 
Highly rated Sherman Oaks daycare has openings
Loving & Caring Environment: Winner of the City of Los Angeles Award in recognition of professionalism and dedication to children and their families. Educational curriculum focused on preparing children for preschool through exposure to numbers and letters, shapes, and colors through crafts, games, and music. Group activities include story time, singing and dancing, arts & crafts, outdoor activities and play building social skills and friendships.
http://maps.google.com/maps/place?
 
 
Looking for something fun to do with the family? Come try Capoeira!
Capoeira (Brazilian Dance Fighting Martial Art) is a wonderful art that incorporates dancing, martial arts, acrobatics, yoga, music, singing, instruments, and make new friends. Family Class (Adult/Kids 3yrs and up do together) on Sat/Sun 10am -11am. Regular Class (ages 7yrs old and up) on Sat/Sun 11am-12pm. All levels & physical abilities are welcome. Come play with in Northridge and Woodland Hills. FIRST CLASS FREE!
www.capoeirainthevalley.com
 
 
Mothers Helping Hand – Personal chef services
Do you someone who would love a little pampering at dinner time? Someone who would love to have dinner prepared for her by a personal chef? Someone who is too busy to cook or would love to take some cooking classes to expand her repertoire? Mothers Helping Hand is offering wonderful gift certificates for the special person in your life. Email vmbathfield@earthlink.net or call (310) 779-6573 for more information.
www.mothershelpinghand.com  
 
 
Kids And Money
Improve financial literacy for children by teaching them to share, save and spend smart – blog posts.  5 Lessons Children Can Learn from Getting an Allowance. Build Good Habits Early – Why to Start Now! Take Advantage of Opportunities to Teach Your Kids about Money. More.
http://teachkidsmoney.blogspot.com/ 
 
 
DON”T MISS THE BOAT!….SHOWBOAT YOUTHEATRE SUMMER WORKSHOPS
Since 1974 Showboat Youtheatre has been teaching children the LOVE of theatre-from acting & dancing to enhancing self-esteem & teamwork. Come join ONE or ALL FOUR workshops. At the end of every 2 weeks there’s a WONDERFUL show to perform.
Session 1: June 20-July 1
Session 2: July 5-July 15
Session 3: July 18-July29
Session 4: August 1-August 12.
Workshops take place in Valley Village. Visit www.showboatyoutheatre.com or call (818) 222-7239 or email youtheatre@aol.com.