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Mustang All-Stars Play for Championship

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PONY BASEBALL DISTRICT PLAYOFFS

For four innings, it looked like the Pacific Palisades Mustang all-stars were on their way to clinching a berth in the Pony Baseball Sectional tournament. They enjoyed a 3-0 lead over Torrance in the championship game of Tuesday evening’s District playoffs and left-hander Jackson Bantle was pitching a gem. Suddenly, the Torrance bats came alive and when the dust settled after the top of the fifth inning, the host team trailed, 6-3. Torrance held on for a 7-4 victory at the Field of Dreams and secured the automatic bid to the Sectionals, the second stage of the Pony National tournament. Palisades, hosting the District playoffs for the first time ever, played Paramount for second place Wednesday (result unavailable at press time), with the winner joining Torrance at the Sectionals, beginning Friday at Mira Costa High in Manhattan Beach. Palisades came from behind to beat Paramount, 8-6, in the first round last Friday, but Paramount rebounded to reach the final of the loser’s bracket with a 12-3 win over Pico Rivera Tuesday. Torrance defeated Cheviot Hills, 8-2, and Pico Rivera, 10-0, to reach the championship game. ‘I told the kids beforehand that we had these guys right where we wanted them,’ said Palisades head coach Bill Elder, whose team had lost to Torrance, 16-3, in a practice game several weeks before, when Palisades was without several of its players. ‘Torrance beat us pretty convincingly last time so I figured they might come into this game overconfident. I really felt that if we played our best we could beat them.’ Keeping opposing batters guessing with a variety of pitches, Bantle did not give up a hit through the first four innings, allowing just two walks and striking out six. By rule he was not available to throw Wednesday because he went more than three innings on Tuesday, but Elder said it was a chance he had to take. ‘Jackson was pitching great and we were ahead, so why not let him keep going? Sure, it was a gamble but you have to give the other team credit. Our strategy was to make them hit the ball and they found some gaps. They won, but at least we made them earn it.’ Palisades wasted little time getting on the scoreboard. Wylie Beetley reached on an error, promptly stole second, then scored when teammate Brett Elder hit a come-backer to the pitcher, whose errant throw to first rolled into right field. The home team tacked on two more runs in the third when Paul Kirkpatrick and Matt McGeagh each scored on a fielder’s choice with the bases loaded. ‘I was proud of the way everyone played,’ Bill Elder said. ‘Our defense was awesome and we capitalized on a few mistakes they made. I really think these were the two best teams playing for the championship.’ In its first game against Paramount on Saturday, Palisades fell behind 5-0 in the first inning and trailed 6-1 after two innings, at which point Bill Elder huddled his players up and reminded them that there were still four innings left. ‘The first thing I said was, ‘So what, there goes our shutout,” Elder joked. ‘I think that sort of relaxed them. They could easily have just packed it in and given up but they didn’t. They showed a lot of character and poise by coming back.’ In danger of dropping to the loser’s bracket, where it would be one more loss from elimination, Palisades rallied behind clutch relief pitching by Brett Elder and Beetley. Palisades chipped away at Paramount’s lead and pulled to within 6-3 by the fourth inning. In the top of the third, McGeagh made a diving catch at second base, then third baseman Cade Hulce threw to catcher Kirkpatrick, who blocked home plate and tagged out a Paramount runner to prevent Palisades from falling further behind. Palisades erupted for five runs in the bottom of the fifth, the key hit being a two-out, two-strike double by Joe Rosenbaum that scored two runs and broke a 6-6 tie. Bantle fielded a sharply hit grounder down the first base line and stepped on the bag to end the game. On Sunday, Palisades’ offense was clicking on all cylinders in a 12-2 rout of Wilmington that was stopped after four innings because of the mercy rule. McGeagh had three hits as Pali scored seven times in the first inning and two in both the second and third to build a commanding 11-1 lead. Beetley, Elder, McGeagh and Justin Ruder each had multiple hits. Chris Duval’s sacrifice fly to center scored Ruder to give Pali a 10-run lead and end the game. Bill Elder, who led the Cubs to the PPBA Mustang Division championship in June, added that Drew Pion, Alex Flutie, Jackson Kogan and Dawson Rosenberg were also key contributors in Palisades’ first three games. ‘We were up against eight of the best 10-and-under teams in the area and we made it to the championship game on our home field,’ he said. ‘You can’t ask for much more than that.”

Breathing in a New Life

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Stenzel Sisters Survived Cystic Fibrosis to Compete in Transplant Games

Anabel Stenzel (right) gets a kiss from her twin sister, Isabel, after her gold-medal effort in the 200 Individual Medley at the 2006 Transplant Games in Louisville, Kentucky.
Anabel Stenzel (right) gets a kiss from her twin sister, Isabel, after her gold-medal effort in the 200 Individual Medley at the 2006 Transplant Games in Louisville, Kentucky.

By MICHAEL KAPLAN Special to the Palisadian-Post It’s your 10th birthday. You’re giddy at the sight of the frosting-covered cake, the familiar verses of the “Happy Birthday” song tickling your ear. Yet you can’t blow out your candles. No, they aren’t trick candles, you just can’t blow hard enough to extinguish the 10 tiny flames. Now you know what native Palisadians Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel-Byrnes felt like in 1982. Both were born with Cystic Fibrosis, a serious lung disease that inhibits breathing and hinders the development of the lungs. Rather than succumb to their condition, however, the identical twins learned to cope with it and, eventually, to triumph over it. A testament to their resiliency was their participation in this year’s USA Transplant Games June 16-21 in Louisville, Kentucky. Consisting of about 1,800 athletes who are organ recipients, the Transplant Games are a bi-annual meet sponsored by the National Kidney Foundation. Individuals compete for an area team in athletic events ranging from swimming to cycling to court sports and track and field. Competing for the Northern California squad, the Stenzel sisters made up half of the 200-meter Medley Relay team that took the gold medal, with Ana swimming the butterfly and Isa the backstroke. Ana also won a gold in the Individual Medley and the siblings were part of the foursome that took silver in the 400 Meter Relay during the track and field segment of the competition. With the average life expectancy for someone suffering from Cystic Fibrosis being between 35 and 42 years old, Ana and Isa, both 34, are beating the odds. Although they grew up in the Palisades, they now live within four miles of each other in Redwood City, a suburb of San Francisco, where they work at the Lucile-Packard Children’s Hospital. Until the age of 10, their disease did not faze the twins. “We were pretty normal,” Isa recalls. “We’d walk down the bluffs around Temescal and swim in the ocean and we’d go boogie boarding. That was one of our favorite activities.” While attending Marquez Elementary, the girls participated in gymnastics and joined the swim team at the Palisades-Malibu YMCA. However, their disease still lingered and they had to perform respiratory treatment on each other three to four times a day and make occasional visits to the hospital. “It really helped having someone around who was going through the same thing,” Ana says. “Not only did we physically share the disease, we shared it emotionally. It was a symbiotic relationship, especially when we would have to help each other with the respiratory treatment. We grew together and learned to handle it.” When they were 10, Ana and Isa’s condition worsened. They had to be hospitalized frequently and could not muster the energy to be as active as they had been in the past. “We tried to play sports, but with our illness it was hard to be competitive,” Isa says. “For this reason, we kind of fell back on our studies and sort of became nerds.” “We tried to be normal teenagers,” Ana adds. “We hung out with friends at Santa Monica Place and in the village. The great thing about growing up in the Palisades was that everyone was very kind and understanding of our illness. We never got teased or mistreated because of it.” After graduating from Palisades High in 1990, they both decided to attend Stanford University. It was that summer before their first semester in college that Ana’s condition got progressively worse. “I needed oxygen to walk, and everyday I would come home directly after class exhausted and had to take a nap,” Ana remembers. At age 25, she listed herself for a bilateral lung transplant. “Leading up to the surgery I was scared because there were times I couldn’t breathe and I was constantly having panic attacks,” Ana says. “I was scared that I would be too sick too get a transplant or that they would not find a lung for me while I was alive.” After a nine-hour surgery in June 2000 at Stanford, Ana’s battle with Cystic Fibrosis finally ended and she drew in her first pure breath of air. In one way, however, it was bittersweet because her twin still fought the disease everyday of her life. The same surgery became a serious consideration for Isa just before her 30th birthday when she began to suffer hemorrhaging in her lungs. “I got progressively sicker and I knew my lungs were getting old and weak,” she says. “I couldn’t breathe.” In February 2004, Isa went on a ventilator. With her life on the verge of ending, a lung arrived in the nick of time from an 18-year old man who had been killed in a car crash. As was her sister’s, Isa’s surgery was successful and she, at last, was given a new lease on life. After their surgeries, Ana and Isa looked to the outdoors and the world of exercise to increase their strength and enjoy the experiences they had been robbed of during their battle with Cystic Fibrosis. “I had always known the benefit of exercise,” Ana says. “It expanded my lungs, helped me grow stronger and feel better. I started setting goals for myself. ” Eight months after her surgery, Ana began biking 10 miles every day and in 2002, a friend told her about the Transplant Games, which she participated in for the first time later that year. “At first I didn’t know what to expect,” she admits. “I trained for three to four months but I didn’t win any medals.” After the Games in 2002, Ana joined the Redwood City women’s swim team in preparation for the 2004 Games. In the meantime, she climbed Half Dome in Yosemite and backpacked 20 miles on the weekends. She currently lives with their older brother, Ryuta, a 1988 PaliHi alum. Inspired by her sister and understanding the privilege of exercise, Isa decided to compete in the 2004 Games in Minneapolis alongside her sister. “I could only participate in a few events, but it was a great opportunity to meet recipients and donors from all across the country and celebrate life with so many people who were on the brink of losing it,” says Isa, who met her husband, Andrew, while attending Stanford and married him in 1998. Ana took home two medals in track and field in 2004 and competed in swimming competitions for the first time. Both sisters hope to compete in future Transplant Games. They believe they owe it to their donors who have blessed them with not only new lungs, but a new passion for living, and a chance to compete–something they never experienced growing up in the Palisades. “Although there is the natural stress that comes with competition at the Games, there is also a great community feeling of all these people who have experienced so much,” Isa reflects. “It really is a celebration.” Ana and Isa return to the Palisades at least twice a year to visit their parents and do a little boogie boarding. Of course, it is easier now that they can breathe in the fresh ocean air. “The Palisades is our home, the place where we grew up,” Ana reminisces. “The people there are family, and they helped us get through our fight.”

George Tauxe, 92; 42-Year Resident

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George John Tauxe, a Pacific Palisades resident since 1954, died July 9 at the age of 92. George met his wife of nearly 70 years, Wilma, in an English literature class at Glendale Junior College in 1933. When he asked her to be his date at a Science Club party at Bob (Bob’s Big Boy) Wein’s house, Wilma said “Yes,” because George was a friend of Wilma’s best friend’s boyfriend. The couple were married in a little Episcopal church in Glendale on August 29, 1936. After receiving his advanced degree, teaching civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin and serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, George was offered a teaching position at UCLA. The offer was accepted and the couple moved to the Palisades in 1954. George taught at UCLA for 32 years while Wilma taught preschool at the Methodist Church Preschool for 16 years. Still active in retirement, George served on the Palisades AARP board and on the Methodist adult fellowship group. When his health was good, he and Wilma enjoyed hitting the open road in their RV, with the High Sierras as their favorite destination. George was predeceased by his two sons, George and John. He is survived by Wilma, granddaughter Lianne and grandson John.

Roland Jaderberg, 81

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Roland Jaderberg passed away from lung cancer on March 13 at his home in Pacific Palisades. He was 81. Born in 1924, Roland was the second-youngest of eight children and grew up on the south side of Chicago during the Great Depression. A veteran of World War II, he spent two and a half years in the U.S. Army, 10 and a half months of which were spent as a prisoner of war in Germany. Upon returning to the United States, Roland worked for 27 years as an electrician at Ford Motor Company in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He took an early retirement and together with his wife Lillian, traveled the country buying older homes in beautiful locations, renovating them, living in them for a while, then moving on to another location. Roland enjoyed golf, bowling and playing guitar. A kind, unassuming and well-liked man, he was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by his loving family: Lillian, his wife of 50 years; daughters Linda St-Cyr, a rocket scientist at Boeing, and Barbara Schaffer, a molecular biologist at UCLA; grandchildren Anne-Elisa Yeager, David Schaffer and Gaetah St-Cyr, Jr.; sons-in-law Gaetan St-Cyr and Mark Schaffer; and his sister Doris Papesh of Chicago. A memorial service with military honors was held at Los Angeles Veteran’s Cemetery in April. Any donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Janie Lardner Wiley, 93

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Janie Lardner Wiley, a longtime resident of Pacific Palisades, passed away peacefully on June 29 at the age of 93. She was predeceased by her husband of 50 years, Ernest E. Wiley, Jr. Her warmth and good humor will be missed by friends and family. Janie Wiley was very active in the Palisades community. She was a member of a number of local organizations, including both the Pacific Palisades and Brentwood Garden Clubs. She was honored five times for winning the Fourth of July Theme contest. She is survived by three sons, Ernest E. Wiley III of Sherman Oaks, Lynford L. Wiley of Sarasota, Florida, and Spencer L. Wiley of Sea Island, Georgia, as well as her grandchildren, Lynford L. Wiley, Jr., Anne W. Alphonso, and Dr. Henrietta L. Wiley. Private services are planned. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

CLASSIFIED ADS FROM THE JULY 6, 2006 ISSUE OF THE PALISADIAN-POST

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HOMES FOR SALE 1

MALIBU 4 BDRM WITH POOL & JACUZZI. Off Las Flores (Seaview Estates). To be sold to highest bidder by July 31st. No realtor involved. Call (310) 924-4354 or email bis@baldingerins.com

HOMES WANTED 1b

WE BUY HOUSES, APTS & LAND! ALL CASH, AS-IS, FAST CLOSE. David, (310) 308-7887

HOME EVALUATION 1d

COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION OF YOUR HOME. It’s fast, easy and it’s free! Visit www.WhatsmyHomeWorth.com

FURNISHED HOMES 2

MAUI HOUSE WITH VIEW. 2 br, 2 ba non-smoking house in South Kihei w/ view of ocean, Lanai’i and Haleakala. Vintage Hawaiian furnishings, Lanai, BBQ, easy access to best beach on the gold coast. Available August 2006. Rent: $1,150/wk+deposits. Call (808) 879-9295. Local reference: (310) 459-7580 CABO SAN LUCAS: 1 week at beautiful Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort. Large presidential suite sleeps 6-8, ocean view, pool, spa, restaurants. Aug. 18-25. Call Hugh, (310) 459-7371, or email hughhmh0939@aol.com

UNFURNISHED HOMES 2a

PACIFIC PALISADES WONDERFULLY UPDATED ’60s style house on the Castellammare bluffs. 3 bdrms, 2 ba, newly refinished hdwd floors, all white modern kitchen w/ all appliances, central heating and a/c. 2 car garage, pvt yd with lap pool and bonus rooftop jacuzzi with sunset views of the Pacific. $7,500/mo. 17929 Castellammare Pacific Palisades, 90272. Call Gary C. at the Beaumont Co., (323) 466-9761 (M-F, 8:30-5), (323) 314-7143 (evenings and weekends) EL MEDIO BLUFFS AREA 3 bdrm, 2 ba plus bonus rm, lrg mstr bdrm. All appliances. Corner home w/ mtn view. Priv bkyrd. Gardener incl. Avail 8/1/06-4/30/07. $4,300/mo. Call (310) 454-1669 2 BDRM, 2 BA TOWNHOUSE, 2-car garage, new carpet, paint, A/C, fireplace, patio, pool, tennis, laundry room. $2,650/mo. (909) 861-4493 PACIFIC PALISADES HOME 3 bdrm, 3 ba, large studio w/ deck and canyon view, living room with fireplace, 2 car garage, very clean. $4,200/mo. Call (661) 270-9231 TREE HOUSE OASIS above Mandeville Canyon. 3 bd, 2.5 ba w/ vus. $7,500/mo. Broker Ellen McCormick, (310) 230-3707

UNFURNISHED APARTMENTS 2c

EDGEWATER TOWERS 1 BDRM, large patio, ocean view. Pools, gated security, covered parking, tennis gym and more. Available July. $2,300/mo. Telephone and fax: (310) 454-5652 NEAR OCEAN: 1 BDRM, 1 BA, Like new, patio, 2 parking, st. level. Walk to shops & rest. $1,300/mo. MUST BE OVER 62. Tel: (310) 454-0846

RENTALS TO SHARE 3a

QUALITY LIFE, HEART OF PAC PAL village, mtn view, Sunday market, restaurants, shops, activities. Beautiful 3 bdrm, 2 ba condo w/ vaulted ceilings, hdwd flr, balcony, W/D, parking space. Seek considerate, responsible, active, professional like myself. Female preferred. No drugs, smokers, pets, negative thinkers. Ideal for someone on a project here and goes home weekends. $900 + 1/2 util. Call (310) 890-6687 SEEKING ELDERLY WOMAN roommate to share expenses. Beautiful ocean view apartment in the Palisades. Call Martha, (310) 459-8072

OFFICE/STORE RENTALS 3c

$950/mo. 15115 1/2 Sunset Blvd. #B. LITE & BRITE 2 room office suite. 2nd floor. Call agent, (310) 459-3493 MEDICAL SPACE: UPSCALE BUSY medical bldg. 300 sq. ft. Three office suite. Available 9/1/06. Call (310) 273-8700 OCEAN VIEW OFFICES in Palisades suite. Corner of Sunset & PCH, 4 furnished offices, minutes from Santa Monica and Malibu. DSL, Fax & phone lines. Shared conference & kitchen area. Receptionist available. $950 to $1,500/mo. Call John, (310) 566-1701

VACATION RENTALS 3e

PRIVATE FURN APARTMENT IN PARIS. Services available. 24-hour hotline. Starting at $75 a night for 2 persons (studios to 4 bedrooms). Privacy, economy, convenience as you live like a Parisian. 5 day minimum. Established in 1985. PSR 90, Ave Champs-Elysees. PSR, Inc. (312) 587-7707. Fax (800) 582-7274. Web address: www.psrparis.com. Email: Reservations@psrparis.com

LOST & FOUND 6a

LOST: WHITE & SILVER CAT. Blue eyes, male. Lost on 6/22, Upper Chautaugua, name Fluffer. Please call (310) 573-0357

BOOKKEEPING/ACCOUNTING 7b

BOOKKEEPER/EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT. QuickBooks, Ouicken, Word processing, Excel spreadsheets, Business Management. Professional, detail-oriented Palisades resident. Exlnt refs upon request. Victoria, (310) 454-2705

COMPUTER SERVICES 7c

PUT YOUR COMPUTER TO WORK – PC BASED CAMERA SURVEILLANCE-Featuring: Live Viewing via Internet & Record to Hard Drive. Easy to Use Low Cost Solutions-4 to 16 Cameras – FRANKEL CONSULTING – 310.454.3886 MARIE’S MAC & PC OUTCALL. I CAN HELP YOU IN YOUR HOME OR OFFICE WITH: Consultation on best hard/software for your needs – Setting up & configuring your system & applications – Teaching you how to use your Mac or PC – Upgrades: Mac OS & Windows – Internet: DSL, Wireless, E-mail, Remote Access – Key Applications: MS Office, Filemaker, Quicken – Contact Managers, Networking, File Sharing, Data backup – Palm, Visor, Digital Camera, Scanner, CD Burning – FRIENDLY & PROFESSIONAL – BEST RATES – (310) 262-5652 YOUR OWN TECH GURU – Set-up, Tutoring, Repair, Internet. End Run-around. Pop-up Expert! Satisfying Clients since 1992. If I Can’t Help, NO CHARGE! COMPUTER WORKS! Alan Perla, (310) 455-2000 COMPUTER CONSULTANT, MAC SPECIALIST. Very Patient, Friendly and Affordable. Tutoring Beginners to Advanced Users. Wireless DSL internet. MAC/PC SET UP – Repair – Upgrade – OS X. Senior discounts! Home/Office. William Moorefield, (310) 838-2254. macitwork.com COMPUTER PROBLEMS? Discount prices. Call now for immediate service. Local Palisadian. Taylor, (310) 382-0735

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 7f

PLANNING A GARAGE SALE? a moving sale? a yard sale? a rummage sale? an estate sale? Call it what you like. But call us to do it for you. We do the work. Start to finish. – BARBARA DAWSON – Garage Sale Specialist – (310) 454-0359 – bmdawson@verizon.net – Furniture – Antiques – Collectibles – Junque – Reliable professionals Local References

ORGANIZING SERVICES 7h

HOME & HOME OFFICE MANAGEMENT. Do you need regular assistance, but not full time help? 15 yrs exper, exclnt refs. Website: www.paulapopins.com. (310) 455-4281

MISCELLANEOUS 7j

PALI ALUM STEVEN WINTERS produces, edits, customizes & musically digitizes documentaries, parties, regular videos, DVDs. Also Mac computer expert. Cell: (323) 394-9007, or sj_winters@hotmail.com

DAYCARE CENTERS 8

PALISADES LEARN AND PLAY creative & nurturing Pre-K program. Crafts, music and educational curriculum. All staff CPR certified. Openings for summer/fall. Full or P/T. (310) 459-0920

NANNIES/BABYSITTERS 8a

NANNY/BABYSITTER available Monday-Friday. Excellent Palisades references, experience with newborns. Call Rosie, (323) 962-8486 LVN NURSE. A 53 yr widow RN student. Energetic, reliable. Available evenings/wkends for preemies, newborns to teens. In N/S homes, offices and sets. Local references. Miss R, (310) 621-7781

HOUSEKEEPERS 9a

“PROFESSIONAL SERVICES.” We make your home our business. Star sparkling cleaning services. In the community over 15 years. The best in housekeeping for the best price. Good references. Call Bertha, (323) 754-6873 & cell (213) 393-1419 HOUSECLEANING/OR BABYSITTING Available Mon. thru Fri., 7 a.m.-4 p.m. L/O. References, experienced with children. Own transportation. Please call Imelda, (323) 752-5244 HOUSEKEEPER/EXCELLENT references, own transportation. Available Monday-Friday. Please call Virginia, (310) 287-0186, (310) 384-3418 HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY: Local family looking for work for our housekeeper. Our children have flown the nest. Wonderful, excellent cleaner, great with kids. Call Bonnie, (310) 454-4004 HOUSEKEEPER/BABYSITTER avail immediately. Own transp, reliable, bilingual English/Spanish, CPR, First Aid, CDL, exper w/ handicapped, patient & love kids. Excellent references. Call (818) 723-9646 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE Monday-Friday, Live-out, excellent references, English. Please call Reyna (323) 217-6019 HOUSEKEEPER AVAILABLE 2 days only, every other Monday and Saturday. Very good references. Please call Laura, (213) 977-1029 HOUSECLEANING: Excellent references, own transportation. Available Monday-Friday. Please call Margarita, (323) 934-7151

ELDER CARE/COMPANIONS 10a

CAREGIVERS/COMPANIONS Live in/out. Minimum 2 years experience. 3 work related references required. CNA’S/CHH’S welcomed. Bondable. Call (323) 692-3692

GARDENING, LANDSCAPING 11

PALISADES GARDENING – Full Gardening Service – Sprinkler Install – Tree Trim – Sodding/Seeding – Sprays, non-toxic – FREE 10″ Flats, Pansies, Snap, Impatiens. (310) 568-0989 TREE AND LANDSCAPE EXPERT. Horticulturist, arborist, landscape manager/designer. Tree diagnosis, trimming, removal, appraisal/donation for tax deduction. Lawn diagnosis, repair. Sprinklers, drip systems. Expert maintenance. Greenhouse/veggie/herb gardens Comprehensive plant & landscape consulting. Darren Butler, (818) 271-0963 POND CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN: Water gardening. Japanese Koi fish. Filtration pond service, repair & maintence. Free estimates. Cell, (310) 498-5380, (310) 390-1276. Visit us at www.TheKingKoi.com GARCIA GARDENING SERVICE – Maintenance – Sprinkler Systems – Planting – Clean-up – Landscape – (310) 733-7414

MOVING & HAULING 11b

HONEST MAN SERVICES. 14″ van & dollies. Small jobs to 2 bedrooms. Hauls it all. California/Nevada. Over 12 years. Westside experience. (310) 285-8688

WINDOW WASHING 13h

HAVING A PARTY? SELLING some real estate or just want to do some spring cleaning? Get those WINDOWS SHINING by calling No Streak Window Cleaning, where we offer fast friendly quality service you can count on! For a free estimate call Marcus, (323) 632-7207. Lic. #122194-49. Bonded EXPERT WINDOW CLEANER 20 years Westside. Clean and detailed. Free estimates, sills and screens included. Up to two stories only. Brian, (310) 289-5279

MISCELLANEOUS 13i

PRESSURE WASHING. Superior cleaning, driveways, walkways, patios. Craig, (310) 459-9000

HOUSESITTING 14b

HOUSE/PETSITTER AVAILABLE: Currently sitting for Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. Looking for next job. Has house/pet sat $2M home in BH. References: well known actor, exec producer. (917) 754-6735

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT 14e

LA’S PREMIER EXOTIC PARTY & event staffing firm. Theme parties available. Bartenders, servers, etc. domesticdesires.com. (323) 969-0840

PET SERVICES/PET SITTING 14g

BE HAPPY TO COME HOME! Trusted house/pet care in & around Palisades since 1986. Educated, responsible. (310) 454-8081 PET HEAVEN – TOTAL PET CARE. Training. Walking. Playgroups and hikes. 30 yrs Pali resident. References. Call (310) 454-0058 for a happy dog. HAPPY PET – Dog Walking – Park Outings – Socialization. Connie, (310) 230-3829

MISCELLANEOUS 14j

CERTIFIED LIFEGUARD available for private pool parties. 4 years experience. Local references. Call Taylor, (310) 562-1736 I WILL BODYGUARD your children. 13 years martial arts & boxing experience. UCLA graduate. Fluent in English, French, Spanish. Excellent with kids. 9 years childcare. (310) 740-1150

SCHOOLS, INSTRUCTION 15d

PIANO INSTRUCTION. Give the life-long gift of music! Very patient, creative teacher. Music degree, USC. Qualified, experienced, local. Lisa Lukas, (310) 454-0859. www.palisadesmusicstudio.com PRIVATE PIANO INSTRUCTION IN YOUR HOME: Customized learning made FUN! Classical – Modern – Jazz – See results. KIDS & ADULTS. Palisades Chamber member. Sandra, (310) 666-4149

TUTORS 15e

INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. EXPERIENCED TUTOR 20+ YEARS. Children & adults, 20+ yrs teaching/tutoring exper. MATH, GRAMMAR, WRITING & STUDY SKILLS. Formerly special ed teacher. Call (310) 313-2530. SCIENCE & MATH TUTOR, All levels (elementary to college). Ph.D., MIT graduate, 30 years experience. Ed Kanegsberg, (310) 459-3614 MS. SCIENCE TUTOR. Ph.D., Experienced, Palisades resident. Tutor All Ages In Your Home. Marie, (310) 888-7145 EXPERIENCED SPANISH TUTOR. All grade levels, conversational & all ages. Local refs, flexible hours. Please call Noelle at (310) 273-3593 READING SPECIALIST – Master of Education-Reading and Learning Disabilities – Special Education Teaching Certificate: K-12 – Regular Education Teaching Certificate: K-9 – Elementary Education Teaching experience: 12 yrs – Services provided for special & regular education students of all levels – Academic areas taught include reading (phonics and reading comprehension) writing and spelling – Private tutoring includes accessing the student’s needs, developing an individualized education program and implementation of that program. Palisades resident. Call Brandi, (310) 230-9890 PROFESSIONAL TUTOR. Stanford graduate (BA and MA, Class of 2000). Available for all subjects and test prep (SAT & AP). In-home tutoring at great rates. Call Jonathan, (310) 560-9134 PIANO TEACHER IN PACIFIC PALISADES! 20 years experience. I teach in your home. Great with children and adults returning to the piano. Call Karen Rae, (310) 383-0200 CLEARLY MATH TUTORING. Specializing in math! Elementary thru college level. Test prep, algebra, trig, geom, calculus. Fun, caring, creative, indivdualized tutoring. Math anxiety. Call Jamie, (310) 459-4722 LANGUAGE ARTS TUTORING. Secondary credentialed teacher in English from USC, ten years experience. Specializing in grammar, writing and test preparation. Call Louise, (310) 459-2433 INSPIRATION & ORIGINALITY. Articulate your ideas with dramatic writing. Realizing one’s imagination with words is a formidable tool for improving confidence. The same process used in verbal communication is an essential skill in social interaction. 8-15 years. Taught by screen and short story writer who has worked with LA’s Young Storytellers Program and the Writers Guild foundation’s High School Screenwriting Workshops. (310) 993-3037 or mayleparis@hotmail.com

SUMMER CAMPS 15f

CAMP HIGHLANDS SUMMER DAY CAMP. 6/26-8/25 Flexible Use, sports, games, swimming, different activities weekly, 17005 Palisades Circle. Call (310) 459-4083

CABINET MAKING 16

CUSTOM WOODWORK AND CABINETS. Craftsmanship quality, 20 years experience, local resident. Local references available. General Contractor Calif. License #402923. Ron Dillaway, (310) 455-4462. rondillaway@yahoo.com

CARPENTRY 16a

QUALITY CRAFTMANSHIP. Skylights, windows, doors, fencing, decks, kitchens, bath, etc. Non-lic. (310) 428-3822

CONCRETE, MASONRY, POOLS 16c

MASONRY, CONCRETE & POOL CONTRACTOR. 36 YEARS IN PACIFIC PALISADES. Custom masonry & concrete, stamped, driveways, pools, decks, patios, foundations, fireplace, drainage control, custom stone, block & brick, tile. Excellent local references. Lic. #309844. Bonded/insured/ workmen’s comp. Family owned & operated. MIKE HORUSICKY CONSTRUCTION, INC. (310) 454-4385 – www.horusicky.com

CONSTRUCTION 16d

CASTLE CONSTRUCTION. New homes, remodeling, additions, fine finish carpentry. Serving the Westside for 20 yrs. Lic. #649995. Call James, (310) 450-6237

ELECTRICAL 16h

PALISADES ELECTRIC, ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR. All phases of electrical, new construction to service work. (310) 454-6994. Lic. #468437. Insured. Professional Service ELECTRICIAN HANDYMAN. Local Service Only (Not lic.). Please Call (310) 454-6849 or (818) 317-8286

FENCES 16j

THE FENCE MAN. 14 years quality workmanship. Wood fences – Decks – Gates – Chainlink & overhang. Lic. #663238, bonded. (818) 706-1996 INDEPENDENT SERVICE CARLOS FENCE: Wood & Picket Fences – Chain Link – Iron & Gates – Deck & Patio Covers. Ask for Carlos, (310) 677-2737 or fax (310) 677-8650. Non-lic.

FLOOR CARE 16l

GREG GARBER’S HARDWOOD FLOORS SINCE 1979. Install, refinish. Fully insured. Local references. (310) 230-4597. Lic. #455608 CENTURY HARDWOOD FLOOR. Refinishing, Installation, Repairs. Lic. #813778. www.centurycustomhardwoodfloorinc.com. centuryfloor@sbcglobal.net – (800) 608-6007 – (310) 276-6407 HART HARDWOOD FLOORING. Best pricing. Senior discounts, quality workmanship. Bamboo, maple, oak and laminate. Installation & refinishing. Call for free quote. Lic. #763767. Ron, (310) 308-4988 GOLDEN HARDWOOD FLOORS. Professional installation & refinishing. National Wood Flooring Association member. Lic. #732286 Plenty of local references. (877) 622-2200. www.goldenhardwoodfloors.com

HANDYMAN 16n

HANDYMAN, Since 1975. Call for your free est. Local ref. Lic. #560299. Member, Chamber of Commerce. HOOSHMAN (310) 459-8009, 24 Hr. LABOR OF LOVE carpentry, plumbing, tile, plaster, doors, windows, fencing & those special challenges. Work guaranteed. License #B767950. Ken at (310) 455-0803 LOCAL RESIDENT, LOCAL CLIENTELE. Make a list, call me. I specialize in repairing, replacing all those little nuisances. Not licensed; fully insured; always on time. 1 Call, 1 Guy Marty, (310) 459-2692 THE HANDY GUY. Any job, big or small. Over 16 years experience. Lic #B-858574. We’re proud to donate our services to Habitat for Humanity. (310) 216-9034 PETERPAN – Quality home repair. Serving entire Westside. (Not lic.) Ask for Peter, (310) 663-3633 AVALON ESTATE MAINTENANCE. Specializing in all aspects of home repair. Reasonable rates. Refs available. Prompt service. Non-lic. Call Dustin, (310) 924-2711

HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING 16o

SANTA MONICA HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING. INSTALLATION: New and old service and repairs. Lic. #324942 (310) 393-5686

PAINTING, PAPERHANGING 16q

PAUL HORST – Interior & Exterior – PAINTING – 52 YEARS OF SERVICE – Our reputation is your safeguard. License No. 186825 – (310) 454-4630 – Bonded & Insured TILO MARTIN PAINTING. For A Professional Job Call (310) 230-0202. Ref’s. Lic. #715099 SQUIRE PAINTING CO. Interior and Exterior. License #405049. 25 years. Local Service. (310) 454-8266. www.squirepainting.com SPIROS PAINTING, INTERIOR/EXTERIOR. Painting on the Westside since 1980. Lic. #821009. Fax and phone: (310) 826-6097. NO JOB is too small or too big for Spiro the Greek ZARKO PRTINA PAINTING. Interior/Exterior. 35 years in service. License #637882. Call (310) 454-6604

PLUMBING 16s

BOTHAM PLUMBING AND HEATING. Lic. #839118. (310) 827-4040 JLK PLUMBING. Re-pipe and sewer specialist & all plumbing repairs. Mention this ad & receive 10% off. Lic. #722414. Call (310) 678-6634

REMODELING 16u

KANAN CONSTRUCTION – References. BONDED – INSURED – St. Lic. #554451 – DANIEL J. KANAN, CONTRACTOR, (310) 451-3540 / (800) 585-4-DAN LABOR OF LOVE HOME REPAIR & REMODEL. Kitchens, bathrooms, cabinetry, tile, doors, windows, decks, etc. Work guar. Ken Bass, General Contractor. Lic. #B767950. (310) 455-0803 BASIX DESIGNS & REMODELING, INC. WE DO IT ALL – Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling Specialist – Room Additions – Interior/Exterior Paint – Windows/Doors – Custom Carpentry – Plumbing – Electrical – Call For Free Estimate – Toll Free: (877) 422-2749 – Lic. #769443 COMPLETE CUSTOM CONSTRUCTION. New homes – Kitchen – Bath – Remodeling – Additions – Quality work at reasonable rates guaranteed. Large and small projects welcomed. Lic. #751137. Call Michael Hoff Construction today, (310) 230-2930

HELP WANTED 17

DRIVERS: EARN MORE AT WERNER ENTERPRISES. Western region runs. Also seeking inexperienced and seasonal drivers. (800) 346-2818 ext 123 ADMIN/PR. Fast-paced, upscale office in Pacific Palisades. Will train & reward. PT/FT. Call (310) 454-0317 RECEPTIONIST/OFFICE assistant full time for Pacific Palisades travel agency. Excellent phone skills required and general office experience. Call Pat or Geri at (310) 459-9891 PRE-SCHOOL TEACHER NEEDED who loves children, art, music. Team player, must have experience, and 12 ECE units. Begins September 2006. Fax resume to: (310) 454-7203 PACIFIC PALISADES PROFESSIONAL FIRM seeks receptionist/admin ass’t who can multi-task; is detail oriented; and has professional telephone manner. Accounts receivable detail experience helpful; seasonal overtime. Excellent salary; 401k Plan; health insurance; and flex-time. Please fax resume to (310) 313-0242. HOUSEKEEPER/NANNY NEEDED Tues.-Sat., 12 p.m.-8 p.m. Excellent English & refs req’d. Must drive. Please call (310) 581-8891 and lv message. DRIVERS: BE A DRIVING SENSATION at J&S Transportation! Health, 401K! Great home time! CA DL-A, 2 years experience, double endorsement required. (800) 985-1044 WANTED: INSTRUCTIONAL AIDES, Palisades Elementary. Hrs: 15/wk. Time: 8:30-11:30. Days: Mon.-Fri. Making a difference in a child’s life: Priceless! Call (310) 454-3700 or fax resume, (310) 459-5627 LADY WANTED FOR LIVE-IN position. Light housekeeping. Help with handicapped daughter. (310) 457-3393 DRIVERS: What makes us different? EVERYTHING! New start at a new southwest division! CDL-A, 2 yrs, OTR EXP. Welcome home! VOYAGER EXPRESS, Cody, (866) 528-6885 WANTED: GARDENER, FULL SERVICE. Cultivates, fertilizes, spray P/T. (310) 459 4746

AUTOS 18b

1973 DODGE DART SWINGER 2-door coupe. 318 V8. 78K original miles. Very clean. Transmission done. New top. $5,000 obo. Call Rich @ (310) 393-3295

GARAGE, ESTATE SALES 18d

ESTATE SALE. JULY 8TH. Saturday. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. 572 Radcliffe Ave. Antiques, books, clothes, furniture. Everything must go! MULTIPLE FAMILY! Designer & Antique clothes, technical equipment, kids toys & clothes and MORE! Sunday, July 9th, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 507 Via de la Paz, Pacific Palisades. No Earlybirds. MOVING SALE! Antiques, books, clothes, furniture. GREAT STUFF! 773 Almar Ave. Sunday, July 9th, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

MISCELLANEOUS 18g

DODGER TICKETS: 4 Field seats behind home plate plus parking. August 9th, 11th, 14th, 29th. GREAT SEATS. (310) 459-3458

WANTED TO BUY 19

WANTED: Old tube guitar amplifiers, ’50s, ’60s, etc. Tommy, (310) 306-7746 – profeti2001@yahoo.com

Reflections on ‘Citizen’ Braun

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In her 46 years in the Palisades, Vivian Braun involved herself in issues of the town, schools, and the leisure activities offered by the light and warmth of Southern California. For her effort and determination in conceiving and operating the Pacific Palisades-Brentwood Hotline for high school kids in trouble, she was honored as Citizen of the Year in 1970. Braun passed away on June 9 at the age of 87. Born on July 16, 1918, Braun grew up on the north shore of Chicago and graduated from the University of Chicago with a business degree. She met her future husband, Ernest, at the university, where he was studying for his law degree. The couple moved to Pacific Palisades in 1958, concluding that it was “the best neighborhood to make their home.” In her early years as a young mother of two daughters, Carol and Joy, Braun was active in their schools’ PTA groups, but as one of her fellow members found out “she wasn’t in it just for something to do.” When her children were ready for high school, she was too, and became a member of the Palisades High PTA from the time the school opened. During those years, the mid-1960s, she became PTA president. It was her association with the high school and inspiration from principal Dr. Herbert Aigner that gave her the idea to make the Hotline the first project of the Pacific Palisades Coordinating Council (precursor to the Community Council), when she took over as president for 1968-69. She gathered support for the project, not only in terms of services provided without charge’such as free answering service’but in terms of top-caliber personnel. When the Hotline went into action in May 1969, it had professional people with experience in medical, legal, social and moral counseling’two dozen of them. Although Braun was immersed in efforts to help teenagers, she had a difficult time turning down other assignments. She came to the aid of the United Crusade, agreeing to organize the local fundraising campaign. Success begot success, and she also worked diligently for the Heart Fund and the Cancer Society drives as well. With constant demands on her time, Braun realized that her personal time was limited, so she signed up for a ceramics class at Rustic Canyon Recreation Park. As the years went on, she enjoyed ceramics, photography, Japanese flower arrangement and gardening. An inveterate traveler, Braun took one of her first trips, to Mexico, with her parents and brother in 1938. She and Ernest traveled all over the world, often with World Peace through Law and the International Bar Association. She and Ernest celebrated 61 years of marriage before he passed away in 2003. They cared deeply about the Palisades, enjoying Theatre Palisades productions, the local Baskin-Robbins, and never missing a Fourth of July parade. A year after Ernest’s death, Vivian moved to Santa Barbara to be close to her younger daughter Carol Pasternack. She made new friends at the Maravilla Seniors community and Congregation B’nai B’rith. She remained a member of the League of Women Voters for a total of 59 years, continued to contribute to many charitable organizations and took up a new interest in promoting solar energy. She is survived by her daughters, Joy Braun of Massachusetts and Carol Braun Pasternack; son-in-law Kenneth Pasternack; and granddaughter Sofia Pasternack, as well as her longtime companion caregiver Liliana Gomez, and many dear friends.

Breast Cancer Study Seeks Participants

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The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation has received three grants in recent months totaling more than $500,000, which will allow it to expand its research program to eradicate breast cancer. The Avon Foundation, The S. Mark Taper Foundation, and the American Breast Cancer Foundation have all contributed to a study to determine the anatomy of the normal breast and the function of the breast ducts when a woman is not actively lactating. “Our initial study of 50 women suggested that each duct was different in cells, protein and hormones,” said the study’s principal investigator, Dr. Susan Love, a Palisades resident. “With the additional funding we have been able to purchase an ultrasound machine which will enable us to correlate the findings in the ductal fluid with the anatomy of the duct.” This research is based on the theory that all breast cancer starts in the lining of the milk ducts. Many Palisadian women have already participated in the study, but the Foundation is looking for more volunteers to complete their goal of 100 women. The study involves attending an information meeting in the Palisades, and an hour-long procedure under local anesthetic. Women over 18 who do not take hormones and have at least one normal breast are eligible. “The little inconvenience and discomfort is really worth it,” says Alison Gensler (a Palisadian with four daughters). “I’m thrilled to be involved in a study which is expanding our knowledge of women’s bodies.” Anyone who is interested can call Connie Long at 230-1712, ext. 21 for more information.

Young Writers Illuminate Pages

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Paul Revere sixth grader Gabriel Connolly started his poem “Ode to Bellerophon” in the classroom, when they were studying the Ancient Greeks, and finished it in the kitchen at his parents’ home in Pacific Palisades. Photo: Jack Rosner

But words are things, and a small drop of ink Falling, like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousand, perhaps millions think. ‘Lord Byron Students at Paul Revere Middle School were invited to submit poems, fiction and non-fiction for inclusion in the school’s second annual Literary Anthology. Selection was based on 1) fresh, original thinking with relevant age-appropriate topics, 2) an enticing lead, thoughtful transitions, logical sequencing and a satisfying conclusion, 3) a clear writer’s voice and 4) correct spelling and punctuation. Of the 500 pieces submitted, 123 were selected. A sampling follows. In addition, students submitted possible cover designs that needed to include a reference to literature. The cover by eighth grader James Ellis was chosen for its warmth and originality. The Lovely, Calloused Hands By CAROLINE HO (8th grade) Non-fiction essay It seemed as if she balanced the world in her hands’ My mom evoked a sense of peace, love and comfort’ My mom always worked hard; she never took a break or relaxed’ After years of working, my mom was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. At that time, I didn’t really understand the complexities of arthritis, just that it inflicted much pain in those who were affected. Even after being informed, my mother still worked like an animal. There was no stopping her calloused hands. Slowly, the excruciating pain of arthritis made its presence known in my mom’s body; it had spread to many of her joints. She was prescribed different types of medications. Her pill intake was six or seven a day. I was overcome with feelings of despair and helplessness; there was nothing I could do for her. Her hands were swollen, and her joints ached with every movement, as if avenging their abuse over the years. Her case had gotten worse with passing time. Sometimes she would be lying in bed, unable to do work, because her body hurt. She was a stone statue at times. She would always pretend she wasn’t emotionally affected by the pain in her body, but I knew inside of her it hurt. Every morning, I watched as she awoke early to make breakfast for us, and then head off to a grueling day of work. There was never a word of complaint. Occasionally, I’d cry in my room, fighting the wound in my heart caused by my mom’s pain. Her pain was my pain. I felt as if I had to appreciate and cherish more the ones I loved. That was the epiphany that I had reached during those years of early adolescence. It wasn’t until years after the countless pills that were prescribed that my mom found a miracle medication that significantly eased her pain, allowing her to enjoy the quality of her life again. Because of this huge impact on my life, I’ve learned that anything can happen to anyone, and obstacles in life are common. I just have to cope with them and stay away from their negative aspects and focus on the positive ones. I’ve found that “all that glitters is not gold.” Life is so important, more than any superficial qualities like being wealthy or beautiful; I need to appreciate and enjoy the quality of my life for what it is, to appreciate the details in life, not just the big picture. The Recital By MATTHEW SIMON (7th grade) Non-fiction essay My heart was pounding against my chest as I waited. I felt like I was at ground zero, waiting, bracing myself for when the bomb hits. Then it happened; they read my name off of the program. As I walked up to the stage with my cello, it grew eerily quiet. Deathly quiet. I took my bow. My audience, which seemed ten times bigger than it really was, quietly applauded. I sat down in my chair, my palms sweating. Taking a deep breath, I played my first note, my beautiful instrument resonating throughout the concert hall. I played amazingly well, until around measure six, the single most difficult shift in Arioso. I was a little off when I reached the very high B. A mixture of fear and despair exploded within me, though I did not show it. If I did, it would have been harder to recover. Please, no one notice it, I thought desperately. After the repeat, I had a second chance at it. I nailed the same shift. Yes, I thought, I did it! Throughout the rest of the piece, I played wonderfully, even during the most difficult section. When I finished holding out the measure-long G, the last note of the piece, I barely lifted my bow off of the string, not playing, but letting the sound of my cello resonate until the sound died away, like leaves blowing away in a gentle wind. I waited, and the audience still remained completely quiet. Then, I realized and got up from my seat. The room erupted with applause. I took a long, deep bow; I felt extremely proud of myself. Because I was the last performer, the concert was over. After everyone put their instruments in their cases, we all went outside to have a small party. I was pleased to give and receive many compliments to and from the other performers. “Performing is a great experience,” I thought, “I can’t wait until next time.” Loss By NICOLE SAVAGE (7th grade) This short story, which also garnered a state prize in the PTA Reflections contest, begins: I put my cheek against the cold window, sparkling with raindrops. A loud thundering noise gives me goose-bumps. It’s pouring rain, freezing cold, gusting wind outside. I see a pink blur slowly moving up the crowded street, and I realize it’s a woman. I know this woman. On my way to school every morning, I see her. An elderly woman, perhaps in her mid-eighties, maybe younger, maybe older . . .we’ll never know. I see her every single day on my way to school, riding her bicycle. Her old-fashioned bicycle. . .one of those bikes that looks like it’s about to fall apart. No gears, just a regular bike. My mom calls it an original Schwinn. Not only is she riding her bike on a street with no sidewalk, but this street just happens to be Sunset Boulevard, one of the curviest, most dangerous streets in town, at one of the busiest hours. Any day could be this woman’s last. She is always biking so nonchalantly up the hill, traffic zooming inches away from her. She wears the most bizarre outfits: dresses of all colors, sometimes neon green, sometimes bright pink, with a matching bonnet. My family nicknamed this woman “Death Wish Lady,” after her daily routine that seems to be a cry for death. The Lost Year By TYLER COHEN (6th grade) Some think I’m really lucky some think I don’t know what it’s like to feel that endless pain but I do look deep into my eyes can you not see this troubled heart? broken in two and torn apart? the very day it happened, I cried out all my tears for that whole entire year and a half, all I could do was fear A whole year later, they changed their minds the divorce was gone for good or so they said they tried to sew it back together, like trying to stop the rain “But you don’t see, what’s done is done! You can’t take back the pain!” oh sure they’re back together now, but the pain continues to grow that year was the worst year of my life but that I never showed I lost an entire year of my life to my parents’ selfish hearts and to this day I remember that year But I can’t cry not even tears of joy for the day it happened, I cried myself dry CD Player By JAMIE HUBBS (7th grade) I love my CD player Yellow, gray and black It’s so much better than the iPod I lack More than an inch think It heals me when I’m sick My sunshine in the rain It does more than entertain Covered in scrapes Indestructible in its shape And though its batteries may die My love for it is no lie I’ll be with it ’til the end ‘Cause it’s my best friend I love my CD player. Ode to Bellerophon By GABRIEL CONNOLLY (6th grade) Oh Bellerophon, great tamer of horses, With the golden bridle that Athena gave you, Pegasus did you tame and swiftly mount. Over land and over sea as one you galloped. Oh Bellerophon, cunning slayer of the invincible Chimera. You bravely descended over the feared beast And your leaded spear in her mouth melted. The king’s daughter and kingdom of Lycia you inherited. Oh Bellerophon, beloved king of Lycia. Vain you are and to the gods you dared compare. At the gates of Olympus, Zeus cast you out. Down you fell, torn and lame to live as a beggar. Oh Bellerophon, hero of the Greeks. On the back of Pegasus you showed your courage. A king of great power you were But hubris threw you to shame and killed your glory.

Palisades Kids Build Eco-Float

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BY DIVYA SUBRAHMANYAM Palisadian-Post Intern Somewhere in the snaking line of floats that made up the Palisades Americanism Parade, there was an aqua blue truck, decorated with paper animals, palm trees and a sun, trailed by a group of children dressed in blue. This unique float was called “Palisades Kids Protect the Earth,” built by a small group of local families with no affiliation to a particular organization. Having watched the Palisades Fourth of July parade from the sidelines for years, residents Melissa Standish and Kelly Williams decided this year that they wanted to make their own float and involve other families and young children. They invited friends, neighbors, and families from Palisades Elementary and Palisades Presbyterian Nursery School, to the Williams’ house on Saturday, June 3, to begin creating the float. “I noticed that there were more official floats, but not a whole lot of families,” Standish explained at that first meeting. “Even as ragtag as we’re going to be’I enjoy having the kids here, although the logistics on parade day may be harder.” Fortunately, everything went smoothly on the day of the parade. The parents spent Monday assembling the elements, then on Tuesday, they took the float to the line-up, and families began arriving and setting up at about 1:30 p.m. During the parade, Standish was surprised to note the quick pace of the parade from a participant’s point of view. “When I’ve watched the parade in the past, it seems like they stop all the time. But when you’re actually in it, it feels like you’re running to keep up!” she laughed. It was, however, a fulfilling and positive experience for Standish, the realization of a dream to both be in the parade and build a community network. “It was so great just seeing everyone sitting on the side, looking so happy,” she said later. The theme of their float was the environment, with paper animals–painted and decorated by the children–attached by wire or string to a PVC frame erected on a flatbed truck. Some children rode on the truck, and the smallest were pulled in wagons by their parents. The rest followed behind the truck, on scooters, bikes, and on foot. The ones who walked were carrying poles topped with paper animals and wooden boards emblazoned with messages like “Conserve,” “Protect,” and “Recycle.” One young girl even suggested they write “Feed the elephants,” but this was not used. Standish’s vision also included a tissue-paper rainbow and an environmental banner. “I think of the rainbow as a sort of unifying symbol of the Earth,” she said. Unity in general, along with care for the environment, seemed to be the goal of the entire effort. “Everyone [working on the float] has become friends with one another,” Williams said. “They can go to the park and see new acquaintances, and play or talk. [This network] is what being in the Palisades is all about.” The young marchers, aged 2 to 9, wore matching blue T-shirts and sang the Woody Guthrie classic “This Land is Your Land,” which Standish described as a patriotic tune that encourages “an understanding that’we are all stewards of this land.” After the parade, some families attended the awards ceremony, where this float won the honor of “Best Youth Float.” The children were awed and proud as they passed the trophy around reverently, saying “Can I touch it?” At their first meeting, the families gathered at Williams’ house to eat pizza and paint paper animals. Previously, a few of the parents had met and constructed the blank figures. Williams drew pictures of butterflies, birds, sea creatures and other animals, while others cut them out, stuffed them with paper, and stapled the edges shut. They hung the figures from the railing of the wooden porch and placed throughout the backyard. The children set to work decorating the animals with washable tempera paint. Unrestrained by the confines of adult art, they mixed colors, painting designs on both the paper and themselves. Some used shimmer paint, others used glitter, and still others used solid colors. “This [float] is the culmination of a lot of people’s hard work: PAPA, the Santa Monica Conservancy, parents, others who help keep open spaces open,” Standish said. “That’s why we’re here today.” But she also believes that the larger aim of the project was to educate the participating children on preservation of nature. “They’re not old enough to articulate conservation yet,” she said. “So we build in layers, introducing the idea of the environment early and repeating it again and again. This is one small piece of teaching our children to be aware of everything around them. By building this float, we are beginning to give them a consciousness of the world and of their community.”

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