Killer Community

I’m a really fortunate dude.

Everyday, I discover another way that I have been completely blessed. Last weekend, I was reminded what an amazing community I’m a part of. My son’s school is close by and is home to the only Dad’s Club I’ve ever heard of. In the 50’s, the Dads of the school got together and began to sow the seeds of a community that served the school, loved the kids and created space for Fathers to find something that, honestly, is really rare: a community.

For 65 years, the Dads have worked alongside the PTA to do a unique kind of fundraiser called The Fathers’ Follies. I’m not going to be shy about it: it’s burlesque, it’s barbershop, it’s barbarian. It’s awesome. For two months, the Dads gather once a week so that the dancers can dance, the singers can sing and the actors can do their thing. The script is penned by a gifted (and somewhat tripping) writer. The sets are astounding. The legacy is legendary. Generations of Dads have been a part of this and now I’m a part of it, too.

It could easily written off as silly and eccentric, and it is those things, but as strange as it sounds…The Fathers’ Follies are Dads at their very best.

OK, so the balloon boobs and dresses are a bit over the top, but these are busy guys, professionals who carve minutes and hours out of their schedules because they love their kids. These guys love their families. They love one another. It’s difficult to tell where the best time is had: on stage or back stage, in rehearsal or performance. It doesn’t matter what stage, we have a great time together. Whether we’re learning lines, melodies dances, painting sets or hot gluing costumes, the sweat equity builds friendships. I am privileged to share a bow with these guys.

As for me, I got to pretend to be a singer for a while. As a local pastor, I don’t get to be that “artistic” too often. And as a 25+ year performer, it’s a challenge. This year, though, I got to do the best Freddie Mercury I could muster. A sextet of singers doo-wopped “Killer Queen” and I got my 15 seconds with a mic. I had a BLAST. Big thanks to Steve-O, Mark B, Tom the Martian and the whole killer crew for sharing their time so I could play at tenor.

If you live in Glendale, I can tell you when the next Follies are: Mother’s Day weekend 2013. Barring Mayan disaster, the curtain will rise Friday at 7pm. You will see a fun show, for sure, but you will also see strong relationships, close families, significant sacrifice and hidden courage. You will see the result of conversation, teamwork, partnership and camaraderie.

You will see community…a killer community!

Chris is pastor of @glenpres church in Downtown G-Town. He twitters at @prophets facebooks @chrisdharrison and blogs at prophetsandpopstars.com.

What’s happening this week.

 

 

 

The Americana at Brand has a full week of activities and events. Events listed are from the Americana at Brand Website.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS

Yoga with Lululemon Athletica

Lululemon Athletica hosts a complimentary yoga class every Sunday, 9:30-10:30am

Barnes & Noble Storytime

Join Barnes & Noble as they read a delightful variety of children’s books. (4+ years old) Thursdays, 7pm

Gigi’s Farmers Market

A Farmers Market with a New Approach

Come discover an inspired collection of fresh offerings from many of the area’s best farmers and merchants. Saturdays, 10am-2pm.

Kids Yoga with Lululemon Athletica

Please join Lululemon Athletica for a fun filled Kids Yoga class on The Green. Recommended for 3-6 year olds, but parents are always welcome to join in on the fun! Wednesdays, 11-11:45am.

Barnes & Noble Storytime

Join Barnes & Noble as they read a delightful variety of children’s books. (2+ years old) Wednesdays, 12 pm

Stroller Strides

Getting in shape has never been so fun! Join Stroller Strides for a total fitness program that moms can enjoy with their babies! Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10am

Monday Morning Mommy Movies

Moms, Dads, Caregivers – come see a first-run movie…with your baby! No one will mind if your baby cries, so pick up your diaper bag and stroller! Mondays, 11am

Kids Club on The Green

Enjoy a terrific selection of enriching activities for kids, parents and caregivers. Join us for a weekly dose of fun, including music, entertainment and so much more! Tuesdays, 11am – 1pm

 

Americana photo image from Kendyl Young on Flickr Creative Commons

MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTING

This just came in from the  Verdugo Woodlands West Homeowners Association. We encourage everyone in the Verdugo Woodlands area of Glendale to take this very seriously and to be safe.

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Actually, it’s much more than that. Very early Friday morning, a resident on Bonita heard scuffling outside in the back yard. Upon looking out her window, she saw large mountain and began screaming, realizing that her small dog was sleeping in its dog house outside. The lion took the dog from its dog house, jumped the 6-ft-high wall and took it away. The woman’s husband who also saw the mountain lion, reports it is a large one, approximately 200 pounds.

Upon hearing of this, your homeowners association advised the police that we would send an e-blast to our membership and requested that a mobile trailer with a reader board be positioned on Opechee so that everyone, members who do not regularly open their e-mails, and non-members alike, will be aware of the current situation. Informational flyers will soon be distributed throughout the neighborhood.

We all appreciate the pro ific wildlife in the Woodlands and from time to time we’ve all heard reports of mountain lion sightings. For many reasons, it is disturbing to hear of one as far down as Bonita.

Please be extra vigilant. We’ll keep you apprised of any further information that comes our way.

Verdugo Woodlands West Homeowners Association

 

A MOUNTAIN LION IS VISITING THE NEIGHBORHOOD

Please do your part to prevent repeat visits. The animal will remain in the area if it finds food.

Don’t leave small children or pets outside unattended.

Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.

Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.

Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.

Trim overgrown landscaping.

Never water your lawn at night.

If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

If attacked, fight back.

If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

For more information, contact Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA 626/792-7151 – wildlife@phsspca.org

The Dad Beats!

Did you know that the Verdugo Woodlands has it’s very own Rock Band? Yup it’s true! The Dad Beats are the world famous, Fathers’ Follies Rock Band. It’s a rock band made up completely of Dads from the Verdugo Woodlands community. These brave Dads will be performing this Saturday Night, October 8th, 2011 at Leo’s All Star Sports Bar at 2941 Honolulu Avenue, La Crescenta, CA 91214.

(The image on the home page states October 15th.  This is incorrect.  The scheduled performance is for Saturday, October 8, 2011)

Here is a video of the Dad Beats practicing a while back.

Like being outdoors? Like biking? Like to hang out with the Mayor?

Here’s your chance to multitask and do all three at once.  Mayor Laura Friedman will be exploring Glendale, California on a casual 10 mile bike ride and would like you to join her.  Meet at Parcher Plaza on Sunday, September 25th at 8:00 am.  You can find more information about the event here.

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