Friends of Oak Park Cemetery look ahead, and back

Friends of Oak Park Cemetery invite the public to join in the organization’s annual meeting on Sunday, November 18 at 2 p.m. at 410 Sycamore Ave.

During a ‘Something New, Something Old’ program, there will be an opportunity, after an extended planning and consulting period, to view the beginnings of construction on an expansion of the 115-year-old cemetery. New areas are being prepared for burials, with landscaping to blend with the ambience of the original cemetery, along with the addition near the cemetery office of a columbarium for cremated remains.

Ginger Elliott, retired director of Claremont Heritage, will lead a walking tour of the cemetery with stories about community founders in the college community and citrus industry, along with anecdotes of unexpected events at the cemetery.

There will be a brief business meeting and light refreshments provided by the Friends.

Instructors sought for Claremont Senior Program

The Claremont Senior Program is looking for highly talented community-orientated individuals interested in sharing their passion with the community. Instructors and group leaders are sought to provide low-cost and/or voluntary activities for the Spring Quarter, which begins March 2013. Proposals must be submitted by Friday, November 30. For more information, contact Nancy at 399-5488.

Calling all knitters to help victims of Hurricane Sandy

Stop by Phebie’s Needle Art in the Claremont Packing House and help provide warmth to victims of Superstorm Sandy. Pick up a free skane of yarn and learn to knit a scarf, shawl or other item to be donated to the victims. All knitted items dropped off at the store by Tuesday, December 1, will be donated to the relief efforts on the East Coast. Phebie’s Needle Art is located on the second floor of the Claremont Packing House, 532 W. First St., Unit 210. For more information, call 624-5250.

Who’s watching? Lt. Mike Ciszek may have the answer

Lt. Mike Ciszek from the Claremont Police Department will discuss the cameras located throughout town, what they are for and how they are utilized at the next meeting of Active Claremont on Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in the Santa Fe room at the Hughes Center.

Documentary ‘Rolled’ showcases 32 years of toilet-papered houses

A screening of the film Rolled will be held at the Laemmle Claremont 5 Theater on Monday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.

Filmmaker Whit Scott documents an ongoing, and covert, TPing society that has been busily papering homes in Claremont since 1979.The film has original music from Kevin Manwarren, Matt Jones, Kirsten Opstad and Carl Atilano, as well as an opera piece by Bellini performed by Craig Colclough, all former Claremont high alumni. 

The Laemmle is located at 450 W. Second St.

CEF kickoff to annual fundraising this Friday night

The annual Claremont Educational Foundation (CEF) fall kick-off reception “Stars in Education” will be held at the home of Beth and Ivan Misner (located at 3752 Hollins Ave., Claremont) on Friday, November 16 from 6 to 9 p.m.

This annual event will include the Misner’s challenge to the community to match their annual $10,000 contribution with gifts pledged or given that evening. 

“This event provides an opportunity to celebrate the work of CEF in our community,” according to CEF President, Ken Corhan.  The event will welcome the new Claremont Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. James Elsasser and feature the principals and teachers that are the recipients of CEF funds for educational projects that benefit students in the classroom.  Teachers will be on hand to share the results of CEF funds put to use to enhance arts and technology projects made possible by the generous contributions of the Claremont community. 

There is no charge to attend this adult-only event and it is open to the Claremont community. Guests are encouraged to RSVP by email to info@Claremont EducationalFoundation.org or by calling 399-1709.

Patrick Larkin resigns as executive director of RSABG

After more than 8 years of service to Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (RSABG), Patrick S. Larkin resigned as executive director effective November 9.

Elin R. Dowd, former president of Monrovia Growers and RSABG board of trustees member, said: “We appreciate the leadership Mr. Larkin provided the organization. Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden experienced considerable growth during Mr. Larkin’s tenure. He has left RSABG in a good position to continue to promote the conservation and appreciation of California native plants.”

Mr. Larkin joined RSABG in 2004 as interim director and was appointed executive director in 2005. During his tenure, membership and non-endowment revenue both tripled, according to a release from RSABG. The board of trustees appointed Lucinda McDade, RSABG Judith B. Friend director of research, as interim director.

Chaffey College students reach out to local nonprofit

College provides music to our ears

The Chaffey College Advertising class sponsored and organized and large fundraising event last week raising money and awareness for the Ghana Academy of Music and Art (GHAMA).

Founded by Claremont resident Opoku Acheampong, a traffic and transportation commissioner, GHAMA seeks to provide music education to needy children in Ghana. Professor Thierry Brusselle, a Claremont resident, directed his class to serve as GHAMA’s advertising firm to help the organization with fundraising, publicity and awareness while the students gain from the applied knowledge of executing their recommendations. The fundraising event included opportunity drawings for a helicopter ride, bowling packages, movie tickets and others prizes with all proceeds donated to GHAMA’s efforts.

The class will present its advertising analysis and recommendations to GHAMA in December. 

Seedling School hosts Goodwill donation drop off

The Seedling School will host a Goodwill donation drop off this Saturdy, November 17 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Foothill Country Day School parking lot at 1035 W. Harrison Ave., Claremont. 

Donations accepted include “gently used” clothes, shoes, toys, books, furniture (except mattresses), and e-waste (working or not working electronics). All are welcome to drop off their “clutter” that morning.

Proceeds benefit Goodwill and the Seedling School (a preschool for ages 2-5).