Golden Poppy AV - Antelope Valley, Lancaster, Palmdale News, Press and Events Magazine

William Martel Wins City of Palmdale’s VIP Amgen Tour of California Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:57:00 +0000

Palmdale resident William Martel was the grand prize winner in the City of Palmdale’s Amgen Tour of California VIP prize package for two in celebration of the race coming to Palmdale on Friday, May 18.

Martel won VIP hospitality passes at the Stage 6 Start at Marie Kerr Park, seats in an Amgen VIP Caravan Race Car that will travel the route from Palmdale to Big Bear Lake, and VIP finish line experiences in Big Bear which include hospitality passes, and green room area and press conference access.

“I’m very excited about this,” Martel said. “I was excited to see that the Amgen Tour of California was coming to Palmdale, and now this! I’m very fortunate to have won.”

The packaged is valued at over $4,000.

“Our thanks go out to everyone who entered the VIP Car Ride contest, and our congratulations to William for winning an amazing prize,” said Palmdale’s Sponsorship and Marketing Specialist Stella Knight. “He will be on top of, in the middle of, and at both ends of the action as he will have the pleasure of seeing both the start and finish of an international race filled with Olympic and World Champion athletes.”

Martel’s VIP car will follow the peloton and afford him a close-up view of the riders in a way that only few have done before. Arriving ahead of the cyclists, he will watch them race to the finish line at Big Bear from the VIP Hospitality Suite featuring complimentary hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and desserts. Martel will also have the opportunity to finish his day with a media compound tour, green room access to watch the awards presentation backstage, and press conference access.

For more information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

Antelope Valley YouthBuild Mentoring Program Kickoff, May 18

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 20:38:00 +0000

Always wanted to mentor an Antelope Valley youth, but didn’t know where to go? Here’s your chance to find out about the Antelope Valley YouthBuild Mentoring Partnership which is looking to recruit mentors for youth ages 16-24. By becoming a mentor, you will be able to offer support and guidance, through a one-on-one relationship, and assist a young person in achieving his or her own developmental goals. You don’t need prior experience—just be a caring adult who wants to make a difference in the life of a young person!

The Antelope Valley YouthBuild Mentoring Partnership recruitment event will be held on Friday, May 18, 1PM – 3PM at the Antelope Valley YouthBuild Campus located at 37230 37th Street in East Palmdale, CA. It’s free and open to community members who are looking to become a mentor. Food and drinks will be provided. You’ll have a chance to meet with representatives from Antelope Valley YouthBuild and other local youth-service organizations. Join us and be sure to bring a friend!

Supporting local mentoring efforts is a key focus of Antelope Valley YouthBuild and is collaboration among those programs that serve, support, engage and empower children and youth in the Greater Antelope Valley area. Working together, the Association of Black Correctional Officers (ABCW) partners develop, share, coordinate and leverage resources so that all youth reach their optimal potential.

A History of Making a Difference: Antelope Valley YouthBuild was started in 2006, with the goal of harnessing the power of young people to bring about community change. YouthBuild takes young people who have dropped out of traditional educational programs and provides them with a chance to “flip the script” on their life. Students spend half of their time in the classroom working toward a diploma. They spend the other half working in the community building low-income housing, learning valuable skills and earning critical construction trade certifications.

In spite of all this success over the years, the mentoring component at YouthBuild is relatively new, initially funded by a grant from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention at the U.S. Department of Justice. The idea behind the addition of mentoring was to give the students access to a supportive voice from the community, one that can connect the work students do at YouthBuild to their lives outside program hours.

To help youth make this transition, YouthBuild mentors commit to a 15-month match with a student. Most of the mentoring happens while the student is in YouthBuild, but the program provides a wealth of support and training so that the matches can continue for as long as the participants want to keep meeting.

To learn more about how to become a YouthBuild mentor, contact Olivia Altamirano at 661-266-8900 or oaltamirano@avyouthbuild.com. You can learn more about Antelope Valley YouthBuild on their website at http://avyouthbuild.com.

Posted on behalf of AV YouthBuild

Palmdale Summer Camps Provide "Journey Through Time" for Kids

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:34:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale's department of parks and recreation will hold weekly "Journey Through Time" day camps for children entering first through eight grade beginning in June and running through Sept. at Palmdale Oasis Recreation Center and Marie Kerr Park Recreation Center from 6:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.

"Campers will become 'Trekkers' through time and be 'transported' to random destinations using an 'Imaginarium Machine' to teleport into the past, present or future," said Palmdale's Program Coordinator Jennifer Tallakson. "Each week Trekkers will navigate through time to discover and explore activities, contests and projects as they build lasting friendships along the way."

Excursions are also planned for Six Flags Magic Mountain, El Capitan Theater and Ripley's Believe It Or Not!, the beach, Mountasia and DryTown Water Park for an additional fee during specific weeks.

The weekly cost begins at $95 for residents and $114 for non-residents. Excursions are an additional fee.

Advanced registration is required, and spaces are limited. Registration is available online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playpalmdale; at the parks and recreation office 38260 10th St. East, Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm, or at the Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 East Ave. S, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30 to 8 pm, and Wednesday and Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm.

For more information on fees and registration, call Palmdale's parks and recreation office at 661/267-5611.

Results from the “Tour de Palmdale” Poker Run Fun

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:31:00 +0000

With the best poker hand of the morning, Shanty Acevedo won first place in the 30 mile “Tour de Palmdale” bike ride/poker fun run held Saturday, May 5 in celebration of the Amgen Tour of California coming to Palmdale on May 18.

65 riders participated in the run ride which began at Marie Kerr Park at 10 am and made stops at Pelona Vista Park, Foothill Park in Anaverde, DryTown Water Park, Domenic Massari Park, McAdam Park, Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42, Poncitlán Square at Palmdale City Hall, Desert Sands and concluding back at Marie Kerr Park.

Acevedo took home a $110 Walmart gift certificate for having the best hand. Finishing second was Robert Gonzalez, followed by Alice White in third. Prizes included gift cards for local businesses.

In the kids’ fun ride held prior to the adult ride, nearly 20 youngsters enjoyed a mini tour around the park for some great prizes. Grand prize winners of $75 Walmart Gift Certificates for new bikes were Chloe Beck, Joseph Jimenez and Clarissa Jimenez. Several other lucky winners took home gift cards for Coldstone Creamery and Toys R Us. The Jacob Hefter Foundation also donated four packs of tickets to a Jethawks game.

The grand prize gift cards were generously donated by Antelope Valley Bekins Moving & Storage.

The next event in conjunction with the Amgen Tour of California will be a free “Bike Safety Rodeo” for children ages 5 through 12 this Saturday, May 12 from 10 am to 12 noon at the Antelope Valley Mall, 1233 Rancho Vista Blvd., in the parking lot between Sears and the south courtyard main entrance.

The “bike rodeos” will feature a bicycle safety clinic with safety inspections and safety presentation about the rules of the road. Participants will ride on a miniature "chalk street" course set up in the parking lot where young cyclists are shown where and how to apply the rules. Bike helmets, certificates and medals will be given away while supplies last.

The Amgen Tour of California is coming to Palmdale on May 18. The race, the largest in North America, will open with festivities beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Marie Kerr Park. Once the official start gun has been fired, riders will leave Marie Kerr Park and head east on Rancho Vista Blvd., a flat straightaway past the heart of Palmdale’s busy retail center and Antelope Valley Mall, under the 14 Freeway, and past iconic Joshua trees in springtime bloom. This section of the race will provide outstanding viewing opportunities for bicycling enthusiasts and residents to catch the peloton as it travels through the heart of Palmdale.

The race begins in earnest when the riders take a hard right onto historic Sierra Highway. Formerly the El Camino Sierra Trail used by prospectors and adventurers in the 19th century, Sierra Highway is part of Historic Route 6. Riders will race along this nostalgic thoroughfare, passing Palmdale’s state-of-the-art Transportation Center, beautiful desert landscape, and picturesque Lake Palmdale at 2,980 feet above sea level before turning onto Pearblossom Highway. As the riders veer left onto Angeles Forest Hwy. from Pearblossom Highway, they will begin their arduous ascent into the San Gabriel Mountains, the first of two grueling uphill climbs of the day.

For further information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. For information on the race in Palmdale, visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/ATOC.

Make Plans Now to Join in on The World’s Largest Swim Lesson

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:25:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale’s parks and recreation department’s aquatics division is pleased to join forces with the nation's top water safety and training organizations for the second consecutive year to present The World's Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL), at 8 am on Thursday, June 14, at the Marie Kerr Park pool, 2723 Rancho Vista Boulevard in Palmdale.

The event is free and open to all ages. Children aged 1 through 17 are especially encouraged to attend and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Early registration is encouraged as the event is limited to 50 children.

Participants may register online at www.cityofpalmdale.org, by visiting the parks and recreation office at 38260 10th St. East in Palmdale, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 6 pm, or by emailing aquatics@cityofpalmdale.org.

“We had a nice turnout last year for this important event that helps build awareness about vital it is to teach children how to swim to help prevent drowning,” said Aquatics Andrew Shore.

“Swimming is a life-saving skill for children and a vital tool to prevent drowning, the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for children ages 1 through 14,” said Shore. “Summer is here and water recreation will be a huge part of kids’ activities over the next few months. With research showing us that if a child doesn't learn to swim by the third grade, they likely never will, the WLSL is a great platform to help local community aquatic facilities such as ours tell this important story.”

The WLSL is being presented by a coalition of the nation's leading water safety and training organizations including: Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, International Swimming Hall of Fame, International Swim Instructors Association, Independent Pool and Spa Service Association, Jeff Ellis & Associates, National Aquatic Safety Company, National Recreation and Parks Association, Starfish Aquatics Institute, Swim For Life Foundation, United States Swim School Association and the World Waterpark Association.

For more information about the WLSL, please visit www.worldslargestswimminglesson.org. For more information about the WLSL event in Palmdale, please contact the parks and recreation office at 661/267-5611 or by email at aquatics@cityofpalmdale.org.

Extraordinary Nurses Recognized at AV Hospital During National Nurses Week

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:16:00 +0000

Every year, National Nurses Week focuses attention on the diverse ways America's 3.1 million registered nurses work to save lives and to improve the health of millions of individuals. From May 6 – 12, Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) joins the nation in celebrating “Nurses: Advocating, Leading, Caring,” as part of National Nurses Week, which is an annual event. One of the nation's largest health care events, National Nurses Week begins with National Nurses Day on May 6 and concludes May 12, the birthday of Florence Nightingale, founder of modern nursing.

As part of the weeklong celebration, a ceremony took place on Tuesday, May 8, where the nursing staff at Antelope Valley Hospital was honored with The DAISY Award For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of The DAISY Foundation's program to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day.

Antelope Valley Hospital Chief Nursing Officer Marcey Jorgenson said, “We are proud to be among the hospitals participating in The DAISY Award program. Nurses are heroes every day. It’s important that our nurses know their work is highly valued, and The DAISY Foundation provides a way for us to do that.”

“Nurses are an indispensable part of the healthcare team,” said Edward Mirzabegian, Antelope Valley Hospital Chief Executive Officer. “We are very grateful for the nurses at our hospital, and we appreciate their unwavering commitment to caring our patients’ needs. Many of our nurses are deserving of special recognition and we are thankful for their dedication to improving the lives of our patients and community.”

The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was established by family members in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died at the age of 33 in late 1999 from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP), a little known but not uncommon auto-immune disease. The care Patrick and his family received from nurses while he was ill inspired this unique means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and patient families.

Each month, a nurse will be selected by Antelope Valley Hospital’s DAISY Award Committee to receive The DAISY Award. At a presentation given in front of the nurse’s colleagues, physicians, patients, and visitors, the honoree will receive a certificate commending her or him for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.”

Said Bonnie Barnes, President and Co-Founder of The DAISY Foundation, “When Patrick was critically ill, our family experienced first-hand the remarkable skill and care nurses provide patients every day and night. Yet these unsung heroes are seldom recognized for the super-human work they do. The kind of work the nurses at Antelope Valley Hospital are called on to do every day epitomizes the purpose of The DAISY Award.”

For more information, please visit www.avhospital.org.

About The DAISY Award: This is one initiative of The DAISY Foundation whose overall goal is to help fight diseases of the immune system. Additionally, DAISY offers J. Patrick Barnes Grants for Nursing Research and Evidence-Based Practice Projects and provides assistance to ITP support groups. More information is available on their website www.DAISYfoundation.org.

About Antelope Valley Hospital: Celebrating more than 50 years of caring for the community, Antelope Valley Hospital, a facility of Antelope Valley Healthcare District, is a non-profit, 420-bed hospital that was founded in 1955. The hospital is dedicated to providing quality care and services to everyone in the Antelope Valley. AV Hospital is located at 1600 West Avenue J in Lancaster, California. For further information, please visit www.avhospital.org or call (661) 949-5000.

SAVES Reaches First 10,000 Pounds in “50,000 @ 50” Food Drive

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:12:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale’s South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) food and shelter program set a goal of raising 50,000 pounds of food this year in honor of the City’s 50th anniversary. Last week, SAVES reached its first milestone by collection its first 10,000 pounds of food in its “50,000 Pounds @50” Food Drive campaign.

"The response from the community is inspiring and could not be coming at a better time since we are still waiting to hear from one of our federal grants,” said SAVES Coordinator Patricia Morales. “The food has been coming as steadily as it has been going out. This is truly the case of the community responding to the needs of its residents."

SAVES has partnered organizations and residents in the Antelope Valley to reach the goal of 50,000 pounds of food. Organizational partners include the United States Postal Service, the Palmdale School District which is planning a food drive in the fall, Target, US Bank, Mulligan Family Fun Center, Mormon Helping Hands, Westside Union School District and Keller Williams.

Two upcoming events, in which AV residents may participate in to help the drive, include the Keller Williams Red Day event, this Thursday, May 10 from 10 am to 5 pm at Keller Williams, located at 1401 West Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale. Participants may bring non-perishable food items. Then on Saturday, May 12, the United States Postal Service will hold its annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food items at their mail box for the carriers to pick up. A portion of items collection in Palmdale will be donated to SAVES.

Residents are also encouraged to participate in the drive by bringing non-perishable food items to SAVES, located at 1002 East Ave. Q-12 in Palmdale, formerly the Palmdale Senior Center. Tax deductible donations may be made to SAVES through the Palmdale Community Foundation (Tax ID #95-4669404.)

“If you or your group is interested in hosting a food drive for SAVES, please call us at 661/267-5191 and we’ll be glad to work with you,” added Morales. The City of Palmdale’s SAVES program has been successfully providing a practical and caring approach to serving people in need since 1983. During the 2010/2011 fiscal year, SAVES was able to provide 92,547 meals to families, 17,829 meals to seniors, 2,807 units of bread and bakery, and 433 motel nights to displaced families and emancipated youths. In addition, during the 2011 Holiday season, SAVES provided 108 Thanksgiving baskets, 185 holiday baskets and 348 toys to children.

For more information please call SAVES Monday through Thursday, 7:30 - 6 pm at 661/267-5191.

1st Annual Angel Haven Ranch & Rescue Fundraising Event, May 12

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Angel Haven Ranch & Rescue is very excited to hold their 1st Annual Non-Profit Fundraising Dinner and Poker Tournament on Saturday, May 12. The evening begins at 6:00 p.m. and will consist of dinner, a poker tournament, raffles, a silent auction, an award ceremony, dancing, and more.

Major items at the silent auction will be autographed guitars from Taylor Swift and Van Halen as well as a NASCAR driving experience with a four night stay and airfare for two.

The event will be held at 20560 Holt Ave, Covina, Ca 91724 and the non-profit charity event tickets cost $55.00 when purchased on-line or $60.00 at door - dinner will be provided at the event.

To order tickets online visit www.wix.com/angelhavenranch/1st-annual-fundraiser

This information originally posted at http://www.wix.com/angelhavenranch/1st-annual-fundraiser#!where-&-when -or- http://www.eventective.com/eventsites/AngelHavenRanchRescues1stFundraiserDinner/

“Spokes of Art” Now on Display at Antelope Valley Mall

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 18:58:00 +0000

More than 20 creative entries of decorated bicycle wheels by local artists are now part of the “Spokes of Art” exhibit and will be on display at the Antelope Valley Mall from Saturday, May 5 through 13.

The “Spokes of Art” contest was held in conjunction with the Amgen Tour of California (ATOC) coming to Palmdale on Friday, May 18.

Visitors to the mall will be able to see the art work on display in Suite 899 across from the Food Court. Viewers may vote for their favorite entry at www.facebook.com/avmall.

Following the contest, winning “Spokes of Art” entries will be shown at Palmdale Regional Medical Center from May 14 to May 16. All entries will be on display in the festival area at the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 starting event on Friday, May 18 at Marie Kerr Park. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries.

The ATOC in Palmdale on May 18 will begin at 8:30 am at Marie Kerr Park. With the firing of the official start gun, riders will leave Marie Kerr Park and head east on Rancho Vista Blvd., a flat straightaway past the heart of Palmdale’s busy retail center and Antelope Valley Mall, under the 14 Freeway, and past iconic Joshua trees in springtime bloom. This section of the race will provide outstanding viewing opportunities for bicycling enthusiasts and residents to catch the peloton as it travels through the heart of Palmdale.

The race begins in earnest when the riders take a hard right onto historic Sierra Highway. Formerly the El Camino Sierra Trail used by prospectors and adventurers in the 19th century, Sierra Highway is part of Historic Route 6. Riders will race along this nostalgic thoroughfare, passing Palmdale’s state-of-the-art Transportation Center, beautiful desert landscape, and picturesque Lake Palmdale at 2,980 feet above sea level before turning onto Pearblossom Hwy. As the riders veer left onto Angeles Forest Hwy. from Pearblossom Hwy., they will begin their arduous ascent into the San Gabriel Mountains, the first of two grueling uphill climbs of the day.

For further information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

2012 Amgen Tour of California to be Broadcast Live, May 13-20

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 17:27:00 +0000

When the 2012 Amgen Tour of California kicks off on Sunday, May 13, cycling fans will have the chance to see all of the excitement and action on NBC and NBC Sports Network. NBC Sports Network will provide live HD coverage of the race from May 13-19, including an exclusive preview show on Sunday, May 6, and daily highlights that will air on the network each night during the eight-day competition. Additionally, for the first time in race history, the 2012 Amgen Tour of California will air live for two hours on NBC for the final stage of the race on Sunday, May 20 at 10 a.m. PT. The final stage will re-air on NBC Sports Network at 3:30 p.m. PT.

The 2012 Amgen Tour of California will feature 16 of the world’s best teams battling it out over more than 750 miles of picturesque California highways, roadways and coastlines from May 13-20. Playing an even greater role on the international cycling calendar this year, the Amgen Tour of California will be the last race on U.S. soil before the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London.

“Our partnership with NBC is going raise the profile of the Amgen Tour of California to an even greater level this year,” said Kristin Bachochin, Executive Director, Amgen Tour of California and Senior Vice President, AEG Sports. “The exposure and promotion that NBC and the NBC Sports Network will deliver for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California creates a national platform that will showcase America’s Greatest Race on the same level as other nationally and internationally prominent events and Olympic sports.”

In addition to the live broadcasts on NBC and NBC Sports Network, cycling fans will have the opportunity to following the race and have live updates at their fingertips via the Radio Shack Tour Tracker, the official Tour Tracker platform of the race. The Radio Shack Tour Tracker will deliver race coverage across web, mobile and tablet viewing platforms via live video, audio and real-time data streams of the event using the tested Tour Tracker technology, which has been used by more than 1 million viewers.

Radioshack Tour Tracker Upgraded for 2012: For the first time, the premier app used by cycling fans for up-to-the-minute, comprehensive information on the largest cycling competition in America can be downloaded free of charge for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices via iTunes and the Android store. Through this technology, race enthusiasts will not only be able to watch the competition unfold live throughout the eight days of the event, but will receive access to exclusive merchandise offers as well through a special barcode in the app.

• The Radio Shack Tour Tracker offers cycling fans the following features:

• Live coverage of the final two hours of the race each day

• Full start-to-finish coverage via GPS, race situation and up-to-minute text commentary throughout the race

• Video on demand clips of the race after each stage (new feature)

• Web DVR features such as stop and rewind on live coverage (new feature)

• Photo gallery of images from the race

• Maps and profiles with live location of the peloton, breaks and chase groups

• Current race situational information, including overalls standings, time gaps and what cyclists are in breaks and chases

• Stage overviews and information, including: maps, profile, distance, elevation

"Naturally, the Tour Tracker is one of the most popular features of the official race website, so we’re thrilled to be partnering once again with Radio Shack to offer an enhanced experience for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California,” said Bachochin. “Following the world’s most elite cyclists as they travel through more than 750-miles of striking California terrain will be easier than ever with the Radio Shack Tour Tracker, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to follow the race with the ease and convenience of a mobile phone or tablet app for free.”

The Amgen Tour of California continues to draw global attention as one of the most anticipated cycling events of the year – one that attracts Olympic medalists, World Champions and the top Tour de France competitors.

“The Radio Shack Tour Tracker is a fantastic app that also builds awareness of Radio Shack's core mobility business — helping customers pick the right smartphone or tablet that’s the best match for their connected lifestyles,” says Paul Okimoto, vice president of marketing and media for Radio Shack Corp. “This is a great opportunity to place the most exciting cycling event in North America in your hands, on demand, any time.”

The 14 Host Cities for the 2012 Amgen Tour of California include:

• Stage 1, Presented by Rabobank: Sunday, May 13 – Santa Rosa

• Stage 2, Presented by Visit California: Monday, May 14 – San Francisco to Santa Cruz County

• Stage 3, Presented by Nissan: Tuesday, May 15 – San Jose to Livermore

• Stage 4, Presented by Amgen’s Breakaway from Cancer®: Wednesday, May 16 – Sonora to Clovis

• Stage 5, Presented by Rabobank: Thursday, May 17 – Bakersfield (Individual Time Trial)

• Stage 6, Presented by Visit California: Friday, May 18 – Palmdale to Big Bear Lake

• Stage 7, Presented by Nissan: Saturday, May 19 – Ontario to Mt. Baldy

• Stage 8, Presented by Amgen: Sunday, May 20 – Beverly Hills to Los Angeles/L.A. LIVE

For more information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com.

To learn more about their pioneering science and vital medicines, visit http://www.amgen.com. Follow them on www.twitter.com/amgen.

City of Palmdale Honors Outstanding Public Safety Employees & Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:56:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale recognized its finest in public safety at the May 2 Palmdale City Council Meeting.

Since 1992, the City of Palmdale has honored individuals who work in the public safety area. At the May City Council meeting, public safety practitioner awards were presented to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy George Oriel, Firefighter Specialist Rudy Sanchez, and City of Palmdale Parking Enforcement Supervisor Dulce Gomez, and Parking Enforcement Officer Mathew McClanahan. CHP Officer Jonathan Yochim was recognized but unable to be in attendance.

Deputy Oriel has served in the Antelope Valley for the past 18 years, both in Lancaster and Palmdale. He has a long career in safety and law enforcement, beginning his career as a security officer for Disney and MGM Studios before joining the Sheriff’s Department. Oriel has worked patrol assignments, traffic details, schools and currently is the City Liaison with the City of Palmdale. He will retire from the Sheriff’s Department at the end of the year.

Firefighter Specialist Rudy Sanchez has been with the fire service for 15 years, 12 with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and three previous years with Cal-Fire. He worked at the city of Glendale as a paramedic prior to coming to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Currently assigned to Fire Station 93 in the City of Palmdale, Sanchez has served as Rescue Youth Coordinator and Mentor, MDA Coordinator, Department EMT skills instructor and Junior Fire Setter Intervention Specialist past year. In addition, Sanchez has been involved with the training and mentorship of 10 paramedic trainees, eight probationary fire fighters, and nine Rescue Youths.

From the City of Palmdale, Parking Enforcement Supervisor Dulce Gomez and Parking Enforcement Officer Matthew McClanahan were recognized for their efforts in creating the City’s “Good Parking Tickets” campaign which ran through the winter holiday season. Individuals were given “good parking” tickets and passes to the Palmdale Playhouse for displaying good parking habits.

“We had a great response from people,” Gomez said. “We gave away about 70 good parking tickets and got a lot of positive feedback.”

Officer Yochim entered the California Highway Patrol Academy in May 2002. Upon his graduation from the Academy, he was assigned to the West Valley Area Office. Yochim arrived to the Antelope Valley Area Office in August 2007 and was selected by management as the alternate VIN/School Bus/Tow Officer in 2009. He is a key member of the Area’s Fatal Accident Investigation Team (FAIT), was selected to attend the advanced accident investigation course and was recently accepted into the Traffic Accident Reconstruction (TAR) series.

In addition, City of Palmdale Community Service Officer Walter Andrews, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Raymundo Wilson, and Los Angeles County Sheriff Explorer Nicholas Hicks were honored with commendations for their heroic efforts in saving a man trapped underneath a car on March 21 in the 2100 block of West Avenue P-8.

For more information, please call the public safety and community relations department at 661/267-5181.

Palmdale Playhouse Presents “Budapest To Istanbul & A Cruise on the Danube” Travelogue

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:52:00 +0000

The Palmdale Playhouse 2011-2012 travelogue series will conclude with Budapest To Istanbul & A Cruise on the Danube on Sunday, May 13 at 2 pm at the Playhouse, located at 38334 10th Street East, in Palmdale. Tickets are only $5.

Armchair travelers will follow the route of emperors and kings on an exciting journey along the Danube, with Turkey on one bank and Croatia on the other, across the wide expanse of Bulgaria and Romania, and on to Istanbul.

Filmmakers Clint and Sue Denn will visit the cities of Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Istanbul as well as villages, castles, monasteries and mosques. The audience can interact with the filmmakers during a question and answer session after the film. “This is a beautiful and historic film to end our travelogue series,” said Theatre Operations Coordinator Debbie Barrientes. “We hope to bring many more interesting and exciting travelogue adventures in the 2012-2013 season.

Tickets for upcoming events may be purchased 24 hours a day on the Playhouse Web site at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse

For more information please call the Palmdale Playhouse at 661/267-5684.

Discounted DryTown Season Passes Continues Through May 21

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:48:00 +0000

DryTown Water Park season pass purchasers have until May 21 to take advantage of discounted pricing.

“With our pre-season discount, individual season passes start at $54.50,” said Dombrowski. “If you purchase 4 or more season passes, we’ll discount them even further---as low as $43.50 each. As an added bonus, for each season pass you purchase, we’ll give you a free single day admission pass free, so you can bring a friend along.” Season passes may be purchased online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/drytown, or at DryTown Water Park Town Hall, located at 3850-B East Avenue S, Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm.

The park is set to open on Saturday, May 26, 2012. A new slide will make its debut for the 2012 season – Dusty’s Mineshaft Racer. “By using specially designed mats, the 4-lane racer will launch riders headfirst into a thrilling 360 degree turn in an enclosed tube, before plunging 40 feet down open-air lanes for a downhill dash to the finish line and a serious drenching,” said Dombrowski.

A video of the slide may be viewed at www.cityofpalmdale.org/drytown. DryTown Water Park offers an exciting, family-friendly park where you can sit back, relax and enjoy the water, great food and comfortable atmosphere. The six-acre Old West mining town-themed aquatic park features a 925-foot lazy river, a 35-foot waterslide tower with four waterslides and splashdown pool, and a 6,000 square foot children’s water playground, including a 50-gallon vortex splash bucket, three water rings and two water cannons.

DryTown is also available for group activities or private rentals. Youth groups, teams, companies, family reunions, church groups, schools, fundraisers, organizations, camps and more may take advantage of special group rates.

For more information about DryTown, group rates or private rentals, please visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/drytown or call 661/ 267-6161.

“Picture Perfect” Orchestra Concerts Coming to Palmdale Playhouse

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 09 May 2012 16:44:00 +0000

The Palmdale Concert and Symphonic Orchestras present their final concerts of the season on Friday, May 11 and Saturday, May 12 at 7:30 pm. The Palmdale Playhouse is located at 38334 10th St. East in Palmdale.

Led by Patricia Graham, the orchestras present a powerful concert featuring Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Procession of the Nobles, a brilliant, festive cortege from the opera-ballet “Mlada,” and Modest Mussorgsky’s best-known work Pictures At An Exhibition, inspired by the drawings and watercolors of his friend, the painter Victor Hartmann. Graham is a professional violinist and conductor and has led the orchestra for over 10 years. She coaches private students in the Antelope Valley and in Santa Clarita and also oversees musical direction for at least six musical productions a year. “These orchestras are much more than a collection of people playing music together,” she stated. “The orchestras also provide a rewarding musical experience for amateur, intermediate and professional players.”

Tickets for “Picture Perfect” are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors, students, military and youth 12 and under.

Tickets for upcoming events may be purchased 24 hours a day on the Playhouse Web site at www.cityofpalmdale.org/playhouse. For information please call the Playhouse at 661/267-5684.

The City of Lancaster Declares Official Results of 2012 General Municipal Election

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:37:00 +0000

During the April 24th City Council Meeting, the Lancaster City Council adopted Resolution No. 12-17, declaring the official results of the 2012 General Municipal Election.

R. Rex Parris was re-elected as Mayor; Sandra Johnson was elected to the City Council; and Ken Mann was re-elected to the City Council. All will serve four-year terms.

The election was held on Tuesday, April 10th, 2012. A total of 9104 ballots were cast in the City, including provisional and vote-by-mail ballots. Parris received a total of 6795 votes, with Johnson and Mann receiving 6073 and 5496 votes, respectively.

The total voter turnout for the election was 14.5% of voters registered in Lancaster.

This article originally posted at http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/index.aspx?page=1393

City of Lancaster Presented with Prestigious California Redevelopment Association Award of Excellence for The BLVD

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 20:30:00 +0000

The City of Lancaster was presented with the prestigious California Redevelopment Association Award of Excellence for its downtown revitalization efforts, known as “The BLVD Transformation Project,” at Tuesday night’s City Council meeting. The City originally received the award at CRA’s Awards Luncheon in March. The annual award, for which Lancaster was selected from among California’s more than 400 redevelopment agencies, brings statewide recognition to projects deemed outstanding examples of the redevelopment process that have resulted in building better communities.

“The BLVD Transformation Project has truly revitalized the urban core of our community,” said Mayor R. Rex Parris. “This effort is an outstanding example of creativity, vision, and teamwork by a wide variety of City staff as well as the private sector and members of the public. The quality of our BLVD is a reflection of the community that created it, and we are honored that a statewide organization such as the California Redevelopment Association not only recognizes that quality, but chose to distinguish our project as the best in California.”

The BLVD Transformation Project received the Award of Excellence in the category of Community Revitalization, which recognizes the long-term efforts of a redevelopment agency in making positive changes to a community, business district or neighborhood. Lancaster accepted the award alongside such cities as Long Beach, San Francisco, Santa Monica and San Jose, who won in categories such as Mixed-Use Development and Residential Development.

“In the short time since completion of the streetscape construction on The BLVD, downtown has seen tremendous success,” added Parris. “I would like to thank our private partners, InSite Development and The BLVD Association, for the integral role they continue to play in this success.”

The downtown area has attracted 44 new businesses since revitalization efforts hit full swing in late 2009, with more businesses opening regularly. The Transformation Project has spurred more than $130 million in private investment, generating an estimated $273 million in overall economic output. This economic growth has created more than 1,900 jobs, according to CRA’s IMPLAN Jobs Calculator. Over 800 of these are permanent positions.

“The BLVD Transformation Project has brought about a genuine metamorphosis in our community,” said Parris. “Against the backdrop of an economic downturn, we set out to revive our ailing central business district and restore it to its former glory as the thriving commercial and social center of the Antelope Valley. Today, just over two years since the project broke ground, our downtown has already become a major regional destination for shopping, dining, entertainment and the arts. The BLVD truly is everything those involved had hoped it would be: a place where friends meet, businesses thrive, and the community comes together as one.”

2012 marks the final year in which the CRA Awards of Excellence will be presented, as CRA recently announced its disbandment on the heels of the State of California’s decision to dissolve redevelopment agencies.

This article originally posted at http://www.cityoflancasterca.org/index.aspx?page=20&recordid=2805&returnURL=%2findex.aspx

Vets Home to Hold BBQ Fundraiser for Fighter Plane, May 12

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:49:00 +0000

In honor of its namesake and the aerospace community that it serves, the William J. “Pete” Knight Veterans Home recently acquired a F-100 Super Sabre for permanent display. The Board of Director of the East Kern Airport District voted in December of last year to donate the surplus supersonic jet fighter to the home after storing it at the Mojave Air & Space Port for several decades.

To celebrate this generous gift and raise funds to offset restoration and display costs, the William J. “Pete” Knight Veterans Home is hosting a BBQ fundraiser on May 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 person, with children eating free, and can be purchased at the door.

A local volunteer group of aerospace enthusiasts, with financial assistance from the United States Air Power Museum in Fresno, CA, have already begun restoration activities on the plane. As part of the preparations, the fighter is being given a camouflage paint scheme to resemble those flown by the late Senator William J. “Pete” Knight, a United States Air Force project test pilot for the F-100 program.

“This is going to be a great addition to our home, I know the residents are excited to have such a great display,” said Norman Andrews, the Administrator of the Vet Home. “It’s going to take a lot of money, but I think the community will support us.”

In addition to the contributions raised by the BBQ and future fundraising events, the home will also be selling commemorative brick pavers to be displayed around the plane.

For more information, contact Linda Godin at (661) 810-2047.

Blood Drive, Food Drive and 5K Walk Mark Red Day Festivities, May 10

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:21:00 +0000

Keller Williams Realty of the Antelope Valley, and official partners, the City of Palmdale, the Antelope Valley Mall and the Westside Union School District, will celebrate Red Day 2012 festivities with a blood drive, food drive and a 5K walk to raise funds for local charities.

Kicking things off will be a blood drive that will be held Thursday, May 10 from 10 am to 5 pm at Keller Williams, located at 1401 West Rancho Vista Blvd., Palmdale. Blood donors will receive an opportunity ticket to be eligible to win prizes. Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford will be the featured guest speaker.

The food drive, which began April 20, will conclude at the 5K Walk, part two of the Red Day festivities, which will be held on Sunday, May 20. Donations of all canned and non-perishable boxed foods may be dropped off at Keller Williams between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. Donors will receive 1 opportunity ticket for every 5 items of food.

Highlighting Red Day will be the second annual 5K Walk at the Antelope Valley Mall that will begin at 8 am at the parking lot outside the Keller Williams office.

Registration for the walk is only $15. Onsite registration will also be accepted. Walkers may register in advance online at www.antelopevalleykw.com or by calling 661/538-2800. Sign in will begin at 7 am.

Walkers who raise $100 or more in sponsorships will be eligible for prizes. A grand prize will be awarded to the walker with the most money in pledges over $100.

All proceeds from this year’s events will benefit the South Antelope Valley Emergency Services (SAVES), the WAVE Foundation of the Westside Union School District, Grace Resources and the Painted Turtle.

In 2011, the Red Day effort raised 30,000 pounds of food which was donated to the South Valley Emergency Services (SAVES) and Grace Resource Center. In addition, thirty pints of blood were donated to Antelope Valley Hospital at its on site blood mobile and more than 60 participating vendors raffled off 60 prizes.

“Red Day is a wonderful opportunity to bring the community together to help some outstanding charities,” said Anusha Paramesvaran, Keller Williams Cares Committee Co-Chair and co-planner of the event. "For those of us at Keller Williams, it is our chance to give back to the communities that we serve."

To learn more about the 5K Walk and register call the Keller Williams Realty office at 661/ 538-2800 or visit their Web site at www.antelopevalleykw.com.

Thursday Night on the Square Applications Now Available

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:10:00 +0000

Applications for participation in the City of Palmdale’s annual Thursday Night on the Square events are now being accepted for the 2012 season.

Food and farmers market vendors, craft and commercial vendors, service providers and non-profit groups may download applications by visiting www.cityofpalmdale.org/departments/parks/tnots.

The deadline to submit applications to the City’s parks and recreation department is June 1, 2012. “The earlier vendors submit their application the better chance they have at being accepted into the event,” said Recreation Supervisor Annie Pagliaro.

Vendors are encouraged to participate in this award-winning event that brings families and businesses together. Each event will feature fun for the entire family including live entertainment for adults and children, themed children’s activities, creative arts and crafts and delicious food in an open-air market. This year, TNOTS will be celebrating the City of Palmdale’s 50th Anniversary as an incorporated city.

For additional information, call the parks and recreation department, Monday through Thursday, at 661/267-5611.

Taste of the Blvd, Arriving in June

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:02:00 +0000

Taste of the Blvd, held in Downtown Lancaster, is a fundraising event for Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH) and will take place on Tuesday, June 19th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are a limited number of tickets to be sold and they will disappear quickly. You must be 21 years old or above to participate.

The Tour of the Blvd. will run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will consist of visiting participating restaurants and bars. From 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. participants are welcome to listen to great music, enjoy dessert, and there will be an opportunity drawing for spa packages and gift certificates at the BEX-RoShamBo Lounge.

Early bird tickets are $50 each until May 31 and regular tickets are $60 each from June 1-June 18. All tickets are tax-deductible donations. To purchase tickets online use the Pay Pal account at www.avph.org. Tour cards may be picked up at AVPH from June 4-June 18.

For more information visit www.avph.org -or- http://www.avph.org/ai1ec_event/taste-of-the-boulevard?instance_id

High Desert Medical Group to Host A Tribute to Mom – Life Festival 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:36:00 +0000

High Desert Medical Group & Heritage Health Care will present their annual Life Festival on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Antelope Valley Mall. In recognition of Mother’s Day, the theme of this always highly anticipated event will be “A Tribute to Mom.”

The day will hold something for everyone, including free entertainment, free children’s activities, Riki Tiki the Clown, vendor booths and giveaways. Additionally, HDMG will offer free health screenings. Highlighting the event, the HDMG Life Award, which is awarded to a community member who has touched the lives of others through his or her humanitarian efforts, will be announced. The event will cater to all age groups, featuring five hours of entertainment at the Mall’s Center Court. New, this year, select singers from the recent AV Idol competition will join the Life Festival celebration.

High Desert Medical Group invites the community to come to “Life Festival” and celebrate this energetic and special day dedicated to all mothers.

For more information visit http://www.hdmg.net/

Free “Tour de Palmdale Poker Run Fun Bike Ride,” May 5

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:59:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale, in celebration of the Amgen Tour of California coming on May 18, will host a free “Tour de Palmdale Poker Run Fun Bike Ride” on Saturday, May 5 at 10 am at Marie Kerr Park, located at 2723 Rancho Vista in Palmdale.

The tour will take bike riders on a 30-mile course that will visit City park sites and facilities throughout Palmdale. Cyclists will draw a playing card at each location and the rider with the best poker hand at the end of the ride wins.

Riders must be 16 years of age or older to participate. A “Kid’s Fun Ride” for ages 5 through 15 will be held at Marie Kerr Park at 9 am before the Tour de Palmdale.

“We’re inviting both serious and recreational cyclists to come out and catch the spirit of the Amgen Tour of California as it makes its way to Palmdale on May 18,” said Palmdale’s Recreation Supervisor Ryan Herman. “This ride will start near the actual starting line of Stage 6 of the race and follow some of the course route in Palmdale. Of course, our riders will not be racing for time---just for fun, the best poker hand, and a chance to win a great prize.”

For more information on the “Tour de Palmdale” please call 661/267-5611, or visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/atoc.

The City of Palmdale has about 30 open spots left for volunteers to help out as the Amgen Tour of California spins into Palmdale on Friday, May 18.

“We’ve had a great response by the community so far,” Community Program Supervisor Trish Jones. “Typically, we get a rush of volunteer applications closer to the race, but this year we had a good turnout early and we’ve only got about 30 open positions left. If anyone is thinking of getting involved, I encourage them to register as soon as possible before all the spots are taken,” Jones said.

Residents may apply online at www.cityofpalmdale.org/ATOC.

“We still need course marshals who will line up along the route to provide a safe route for the riders,” said Jones. “It’s something that doesn’t require a lot of time, but will put you right on the front line of this incredible event.”

The Amgen Tour of California is coming to Palmdale on May 18. The race, the largest in North America, will open with festivities beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Marie Kerr Park. Once the official start gun has been fired, riders will leave Marie Kerr Park and head east on Rancho Vista Blvd., a flat straightaway past the heart of Palmdale’s busy retail center and Antelope Valley Mall, under the 14 Freeway, and past iconic Joshua trees in springtime bloom. This section of the race will provide outstanding viewing opportunities for bicycling enthusiasts and residents to catch the peloton as it travels through the heart of Palmdale.

The race begins in earnest when the riders take a hard right onto historic Sierra Highway. Formerly the El Camino Sierra Trail used by prospectors and adventurers in the 19th century, Sierra Highway is part of Historic Route 6. Riders will race along this nostalgic thoroughfare, passing Palmdale’s state-of-the-art Transportation Center, beautiful desert landscape, and picturesque Lake Palmdale at 2,980 feet above sea level before turning onto Pearblossom Highway. As the riders veer left onto Angeles Forest Hwy. from Pearblossom Highway, they will begin their arduous ascent into the San Gabriel Mountains, the first of two grueling uphill climbs of the day.

For further information on the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, and to view the 2012 Amgen Tour of California Host Cities video, visit www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. For information on the race in Palmdale, visit www.cityofpalmdale.org/ATOC.

3rd Annual Healthy People Celebration, May 19

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:43:00 +0000

Get your walking teams ready! In collaboration with the City of Palmdale, the Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH) is presenting its third annual “Warford Walk for Wellness and Healthy People Celebration”. This is a FREE event and open to the communities in the Antelope Valley.

The 5K (3.1 miles) registration opens at 8:00 am at the Poncitlan Square Gazebo in Palmdale. Morning stretch will be held from 8:40 am-9:00 am and the walk begins at 9:00 am. Certificates will be awarded to the top two teams with the greatest number of participants. We will award one certificate to the youth team and one to the adult team.

At 10:15 am the Master of Ceremonies and Antelope Valley Press columnist-Bill Warford will welcome us to a day of health and wellness. Local dignitaries, healthy vendors, community resource information, entertainment, children’s activities and health and wellness demonstrations will be available for all community members. Everyone is invited and encouraged to participate for the entire event.

Good health of individual residents is essential to building a strong community… so come out, have some fun and enjoy the events with us!!!! It is time to organize your walking teams.

For more information please contact: Nancy Unger at AVPH 661-942-4719 X 461, nunger@avph.org, or go to our website www.avph.org for registration forms.

Instant Guitar and Piano Classes, May 18-19

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:41:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale’s parks and recreation department is offering an “Instant Guitar for Hopelessly Busy People” class on Friday, May 18 from 6:30-9 pm at the Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 E. Ave. S in Palmdale.

The cost is $30 per session, plus a $29 materials fee payable to the instructor. Students will need to bring their own acoustic guitar.

Renowned music teacher Craig Coffman, who also teaches an “Instant Piano” class, will teach the course. “Over 20,000 students have attended my ‘Instant Piano’ class with great results and it occurred to me that the same principles apply to the guitar,” said Coffman. “With this class I am able to give them enough information and tools that students can go home right away and teach themselves what they want to learn.”

“Many students just want to learn how to play simple tunes and they can start doing this right away,” said Coffman. “Others want to go further and I am then able to point them towards the right materials to help them go down this road. In the class we also discuss some of the common mistakes people make and the hurdles that prevent them from learning the guitar. If I can help students avoid these hurdles then they are much more likely to succeed,” Coffman added.

Participants must pre-register for the course either online at www.cityofpalmdale.org; at the parks and recreation department, 38260 10th St. East in Palmdale, Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm; or at the Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 E. Avenue S, Monday through Friday from 3:30 to 6 pm.

“You don’t need to know anything at all about music or the guitar to attend the class,” stated Coffman. “This is designed for the absolute beginner. No one will be put ‘on the spot’ or embarrassed. If you have the desire and the motivation to practice you can learn this instrument. The emphasis here is on learning for your own enjoyment and having fun,” he said.

For more information please call Palmdale’s parks and recreation office at 661/267-5611.

The City of Palmdale will also host nationally renowned instructor Craig Coffman as he presents two workshops on how to play the piano in as little as three hours on Saturday, May 19, at the Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 E. Ave. S in Palmdale. The cost is $30 per session, plus a $29 materials fee payable to the instructor. A $10 discount is available if participants register for both sessions.

Session one, entitled “Instant Piano for Hopelessly Busy People,” will be held from 9 am to noon and covers the basics of playing the piano and using the chord method. Session two, called “How to Play Piano by Ear,” will be held from 1 to 4 pm, builds on the information taught in the first session and teaches the secrets of how to play without the use of any written music.

Participants must pre-register for the course either online at www.cityofpalmdale.org; at the parks and recreation department, 38260 10th St. East in Palmdale, Monday through Thursday from 10 am to 6 pm; or at the Palmdale Oasis Park Recreation Center, 3850 E. Avenue S, Monday through Friday, between 3:30 and 6 pm.

“While the classical approach stresses discipline and precision in playing, this approach stresses enjoyment and getting great sounds early on,” said instructor Coffman. “While precision is vital for classical music, this ‘pain free’ method is more suitable for pop music of all kinds, from Broadway to rhythm and blues.”

“The materials used in the class allow a person with little or no experience to start on the road to- and eventually achieve- professional playing skills,” said Coffman. “While knowing how to read the treble clef is a good foundation, many students take the workshop with no prior piano experience. Students will learn how to use chords instead of traditional note-by-note music reading,” said Coffman.

Coffman promises that after this workshop each student will know how to play any pop tune with both hands using this system.

Anyone interested in taking the workshop is welcome to send for a free pamphlet titled “How To Read Music Notation In Just 30 Minutes!” Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Innovative Keyboard Instruction, 2841 S. Southwind Dr., Gilbert, AZ 85295.

For more information, call 661/267-5611.

City of Palmdale Aquatics Division to Provide Program Scholarships

noreply@blogger.com (Golden Poppy AV) — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:30:00 +0000

The City of Palmdale’s parks and recreation department’s aquatics division in association with the LA84 Foundation is offering aquatics program scholarships to qualifying applicants.

To qualify, individuals must be residents of the City of Palmdale and no older than 17 years of age. Full and partial scholarships will be awarded based on family size and income level. Scholarships are limited to one per season, per child. Individuals must submit an application two weeks prior to the course start date.

“We’re proud to be part of an exciting program like this that gives kids the opportunity to participate in programs that would otherwise be unavailable to them,” said Recreation Supervisor Randy Autry. “These scholarships can be used for swim lessons, swim team, water polo and adaptive aquatics. The adaptive program is offered at McAdam pool and is tailored to meet the needs of individuals with learning, physical and or mental disorders,” he said.

Application forms may be downloaded from the City’s Web site at cityofpalmdale.org or picked up at the parks and recreation office at 38260 10th St. E. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 6 pm. To receive an application by mail, please call 661/267-5611.

For more information about the scholarships and available aquatics programs please contact the parks and recreation office at 661/267-5611 or by email at parksrec@cityofpalmdale.org.