Valentine’s Day ideas

February 9th, 2016

It’s almost Valentine’s Day and we found some creative and resourceful links to help you show and share the love. There’s nothing like making a homemade card for Valentine’s Day! Martha Stewart and HGTV have a ton of ideas to get you inspired.  Cook your loved ones something extra special. Here are great recipes from realsimple.com and footnetwork.com. If you are a history buff, you can find out the history of this popular holiday here.

First Fridays at the Natural History Museum

February 2nd, 2016

The Natural History Museum launches its discussion-and-music series First Fridays for 2016 with the theme Big Screen, Bigger Science, looking at the intersection of science and film. The evening kicks off with “Stranger Than Fiction,” a guided tour on the subject led by the museum’s assistant collections manager of entomology, Lisa Gonzalez. Then there’s the conversation “With Great Powers Come Great Close-Ups.” featuring Caltech’s Spiros Michalakis, University of Texas at Austin entomologist Alex Wild and moderator Patt Morrison of the L.A. Times. CLICK HERE for more information.

A little bit about the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County:

They protect over 35 million specimens, dating back 4.5 billion years.

They’re a resource for Southern California teachers.

They are an authority on the “big picture” of the planet, the natural and the cultural world.

And they track the Earth’s biodiversity, because knowing what is out there is the first step to conservation.

Los Angeles is full of museums! CLICK HERE to discover the best according to YELP.

Isn’t it time you got EngAGEd? Special Programs at NoHo Seniors Arts Colony

January 21st, 2016

EngAGE is a nonprofit that takes a whole-person approach to creative and healthy aging by providing arts, wellness, lifelong learning, community building and intergenerational programs to thousands of seniors. EngAGE programs are provided onsite at NOHO Senior Arts Colony and other senior apartment communities at no cost to the participants. Programs are taught by college-level professionals across seven strands – wellness, creativity, the Experience Talks radio show, lifelong learning, community, intergenerational and culminating events.

SEMESTER SYSTEM – our programs are designed like college courses, operating on a semester basis allowing classes and teachers to change and students to advance through different levels of programs, creating and achieving goals for lifelong learning.

CULMINATING EVENTS – our classes culminate with events, providing students with the opportunity to utilize their newfound skills in real-world applications such as art shows, poetry readings, staged performances, and the Experience Talks radio show.

CLICK HERE for more information

dineL.A. Restaurant Week: JAN 18-31

January 12th, 2016

What a delicious way to start off the new year with yummy restaurants all over Los Angeles!  dineL.A. Restaurant Week is a 14-day dining event that takes place in over 300 restaurants throughout L.A. county, offering specially priced lunch and dinner menus. This season, dineL.A. is partnering with OpenTable to donate $1 of every seated reservation that’s booked through their website to The Midnight Mission, a vital nonprofit organization that provides food, shelter and essential aid to those experiencing homelessness throughout the city. Make your reservation today and help support this worthy cause. Food aficionados can experience the restaurants of Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as a new generation of culinary stars like Kogi BBQ Truck founder Roy Choi and Top Chef champion Michael Voltaggio. Global kitchens can be found in culinary neighborhoods across the city, while L.A.’s beach cities offer some of the best oceanfront dining in Southern California.

CLICK HERE to see participating restaurants.

Go ahead & splurge! We’ve got you.

December 31st, 2015

The holidays are a popular time to indulge and enjoy sweets and big dinners together. If you’re feeling a bit guilty, no worries! We’ve got healthy amenities to help you augment the delicious temptations of this season. Enjoy some easy cardio at our onsite fitness studio. Swim laps or do water aerobics in our gorgeous and heated resort-inspired pool. Participate in any number of health and wellness programs provided by EngAGE®. We’re pet-friendly so taking your dog for a walk in North Hollywood is an easy way for you both to stay healthy. CLICK HERE to read more about our thoughtful amenities.

Why 62+ living at NoHo Senior Arts Colony is amazing

December 23rd, 2015

There are so many incredible aspects to living at NoHo Senior Art Colony. We’re a 62+ community. That means you’ll be with like-minded people who respect each other’s environment. It’s a relaxing and easygoing vibe here. You’ll have lots of freedom and more time than ever because you don’t have to maintain an entire house/backyard. This means you can make the most of every day YOUR way. You’ll feel inspired at NoHo Senior Arts Colony. You don’t have to be an artist to live here. It’s fun just to be around prolific arts in every form. We’ve even got our very own stadium-style working production theatre managed by the acclaimed Road Theatre Company. Amazing productions are just steps from your front door. Our resort-inspired amenities including a convenient fitness studio and ongoing variety of mind/body/social programs will enhance your life. Be as active as you like. Our apartments have the latest designer finishes and modern appliances. Our residences are luxurious and welcoming. Plus, you’ll be close to incredible dining and entertainment in North Hollywood. If you’re thinking about downsizing, now’s the time to make to the move to NoHo Senior Arts Colony. Let’s talk 855-399-5381.

HOLIDAY ICE RINK AT PERSHING SQUARE: Now until JAN 18

December 17th, 2015

Get in the holiday spirit in the coolest way possible at the Holiday Ice Rink in Pershing Square in downtown Los Angeles. This is the 18th year of this fun holiday happening. Skate and enjoy dazzling views of downown L.A.’s signature skyscrapers. Sunday, December 20 at 1PM is a special holiday concert at Pershing with chamber music brought to life by champion figure skating. CLICK HERE for more prices, times, and information.

ABOUT PERSHING SQUARE
Pershing Square is in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at 532 S. Olive St. The facility is operated by the Department of Recreation and Parks. Dedicated in 1866 and originally named La Plaza Abaja (the Lower Plaza), the “Square” underwent its first renovation in 1911 to reflect the social and economic growth of the city. During World War I the park was used for receptions for the militia and provided a public forum much like London’s Hyde Park Corner. In 1918 the park’s name was formally changed to Pershing Square in honor of the World War I general. The Department of Recreation and Parks, the Pershing Square Property Association and the Community Redevelopment Agency joined to renovate the park once again in 1989.

Pershing Square features an open and elevated ayan-style amphitheater, a grove of orange trees that pays tribute to Los Angeles’ agricultural roots, and at the south end a large river rock-lined circular fountain with a time-released water flow creating a tidal action. Artists Ricardo Legorreta, Laurie Olin and Barbara McCarren helped design Pershing Square. Pershing Square hosts a variety of community events.

The Pershing Square Downtown Stage is a six-week summer concert series with free music, films and events four days a week. An outdoor ice skating rink is hosted by Pershing Square November through January including a snow laden Winter Holiday Festival.

Free Zumba and Yoga classes are held in the new Community Room. A new chess are is available for chess clubs, tournaments and casual players. In the spring game nights are held on Tuesdays offering board games and lawn activities. Also new are the Pet Area and Hanging Wall Garden.

Pershing Square also runs a Mobile Youth Program that provides free arts and crafts, sports, games and summer and winter day camps for hundreds of children. A new children’s play area will built on the campus in early 2015.

A Farmers Market and Food Truck Friday lunch events are run weekly. Annual events include art shows by the Art Squared Gallery a city scape outdoor gallery; the St. Patrick’s Day free lunchtime concert celebration and the Spring Eggstravaganza. The venue also serves as a major location for television shows, films and private parties.

NoHo Senior Arts Colony Floor Plan Spotlight: PLAN B1

December 15th, 2015

Looking for a spacious and contemporary new apartment in the Hollywood area? Look no further because Plan B1 is the one for you! This inspired 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence has it all. The open plan design is great for larger furniture as well as a light and airy feel. Enjoy fresh breezes from you very own private balcony. The modern kitchen has shiny new appliances and designer finishes. Relax in the oval soaking tub after a long day. In addition, you’ll love the creative and artistic atmosphere, a variety of onsite stimulating activities, and resort-inspired amenities. Did we mention that we have our very own performance theatre? No other community has it. CLICK HERE to explore our floor plans right now or give us a call at 855-399-5381.

Best Hanukkah Recipes

December 6th, 2015

Make the Festival of Lights even brighter with these wonderful recipes from foodnetwork! Enjoy latkes, brisket, rugelach and more classic Hanukkah dishes.
CLICK HERE for the recipes and more information. To find out the history of this cherished holiday, CLICK HERE. To shop for Hanukkah gifts, CLICK HERE.

Burbank Community YMCA Turkey Trot 2015

November 17th, 2015

Run, jog, walk or push a stroller…but don’t miss the annual Burbank Community YMCA Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K/10K on November 26. Join casual joggers, elite athletes, families and costumed revelers on the streets of beautiful downtown Burbank to enjoy a healthy and family-friendly holiday tradition and raise funds to help make the Y’s programs available to all.

_Fun for everyone: experienced & casual runners, walkers, families, and even pets.

_Commemorative t-shirt and medal for all participants

_Medal and youth size t-shirt for Kiddie Run participants

_Free finish line photo

_Chip timing included

_Pre-race expo

_Plenty of free parking steps from the start/finish line

_Free Kids Fun Zone

_Course measured to USA Track & Field standards

CLICK HERE to register and get more information.

People love NoHo Senior Arts Colony: Hear what our residents have to say

November 12th, 2015

People love NoHo Senior Arts Colony: Hear what our residents have to say

We could brag all day about our beautiful and inspired senior living community in North Hollywood all day long but we thought you would love to hear what some real residents think.

“The idea of being among people like myself, to have a shared community, to continue to reside in the North Hollywood/Studio City area is ideal”
— Simon: resident director, producer, playwright since 1993

“Your project, NOHO Senior Arts Colony is a great concept and sounds Heaven sent. To live among other senior citizens to share ideas with them…to discuss projects with creative people would be most desirable and inspiring.”
— Tony: writer

“I would like to live once again in North Hollywood/NOHO where my creative juices flowed so freely and brought me such joy. I need an artistic environment to continue my own personal work and look forward to further honing skills that have been left dormant for quite a while.”
— Caroline : poet, collage artist, teacher

“Now that I am on my own, I want more than anything else to keep the feeling of belonging to a creative family and community alive. In a wonderful place such as NOHO Senior Arts Colony I know I will find a home where I can receive that gift and contribute to others who thrive around the energy of performing and creating. Just as my career has been, performing is more than something I do; it is a passion I live.”
— Sheila: actor for 50+ years

We’ve also got spacious floor plans and a variety of modern amenities, and incredible North Hollywood location that today’s 62+ want. CLICK HERE to explore our beautiful floor plans. Take the first step and APPLY NOW today!

Artist spotlight: Norman Rockwell

November 10th, 2015

No one could paint the humanity in America like the one and only Norman Rockwell. His touching portraits of American life included Presidents of the United States, working class America, childhood innocence, family relationships, American culture, social issues, and wartime era scenes. Rockwell is most famous for the cover illustrations of everyday life he created for The Saturday Evening Post magazine over nearly five decades. Among the best-known of Rockwell’s works are the Willie Gillis series, Rosie the Riveter, The Problem We All Live With, Saying Grace, and theFour Freedoms series. He also is noted for his 64-year relationship with the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), during which he produced covers for their publication Boys’ Life, calendars, and other illustrations. His combination of fine art and illustration is American genius. He was a genuine storyteller in his work.

CLICK HERE for more information about him.

AFI Fest: Now through NOV 12

November 5th, 2015

AFI FEST presented by Audi is the American Film Institute’s annual celebration of international cinema from modern masters and emerging filmmakers. It takes place each fall in Hollywood, California and features nightly red-carpet galas, special screenings, conversations and tributes. AFI FEST presents a program of new international cinema from filmmakers from across the globe. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Films categories of the annual Academy Awards®. AFI FEST is Los Angeles’ longest running international film festival and has been bringing the best in world cinema to the film capital of the world since its launch as FILMEX in 1971.

For ticket information, CLICK HERE.

Local venue spotlight: Archway Studio/Theatre

November 3rd, 2015

A place of endless creation, the Archway’s mission is to create and maintain a thriving environment that fosters creative expression, educational opportunities, artistic growth, physical health, and cultural development through presenting a selection of courses in the various forms and practices of yoga and theatrical arts, while also providing regular performances of theatrical works and special events.

The Archway Theatre presents regular performances of classical and contemporary plays, musical theatre, performance artists, comedy shows, and variety acts. Classes are also available to strengthen theatrical skills and techniques, and stage performance. It offers a full complement of available classes in a variety of yoga practices and styles. CLICK HERE for more information.

LACMA’s Boone Children’s Gallery

October 28th, 2015

Here’s a great idea for you and the grandkids! Located next to the Korean and Chinese galleries, the Boone Children’s Gallery is a free creative space where visitors of all ages are invited to learn the art of East Asian brush painting. No prior art-making experience is necessary. Friendly and helpful staff introduce painting techniques, offer tips, and even provide high chairs for very young artists. Visitors sit at communal tables in this fun, family-friendly, and resourceful place to relax, create, and make new friends.To ensure a safe and pleasant visitor experience to the Boone Children’s Gallery on all Target Free Holiday Mondays, tickets will be timed and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Pick up your free timed ticket in the Boone Children’s Gallery on the day of the event. Timed tickets allow for entry for 30 minutes. For all other days, stop by the Ticket Office to pick up your free Boone Children’s Gallery ticket; good for anytime during the day.

LACMA, Hammer Building
Free and open to the public until 5 pm
Note: The Boone Children’s Gallery is closed on Wednesdays

CLICK HERE for more information.

Santa Monica Pier Front Porch Cinema

October 22nd, 2015

Back by popular demand, the iconic Santa Monica Pier presents Front Porch Cinema, a FREE community movie experience under the stars every Friday night until October 30. Presented by Fandango, the Pier will be transformed into a cozy front porch environment for four consecutive weeks, providing the perfect setting for a night of movies, food and drinks with a variety of films for all ages. The Front Porch Cinema Lounge will welcome guests before the films for drinks and small bites. This season’s movie lineup includes:

October 23 – “Guardians of the Galaxy” (PG-13)
October 30 – “Ghostbusters” (PG)

Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A
Santa Monica, CA 90401

CLICK HERE for more information.

Book it: North Hollywood Library

October 20th, 2015

It’s always great to get a change of scene to get you in a creative mood. The North Hollywood Library is a cool place to get inspired and get things done. You’ll have access to computer workstations, wireless printing, free wi-fi besides tons of books, periodicals, and historical archives. They have meeting rooms you can reserve that would be perfect for a book club or writer’s workshops. Over the years, the branch has been a cultural gathering center for the community seeking information and enrichment. Currently, the North Hollywood Amelia M. Earhart Regional Branch specializes in an extensive Russian language collection, as well as a Spanish language collection, in addition to the overall comprehensive programming, technology, and fiction and non-fiction collection in the adult, teen, and children’s areas. On November 12th 1980, a motion was passed by the Library Board of Commissioners to change the name of the library from the North Hollywood Sidney Lanier Regional Branch to the North Hollywood Amelia M Earhart Regional Branch. This request came from library patrons and local civic organizations interested in Amelia Earhart. The name change was particularly apropos because of the Amelia Earhart monument erected on the adjacent North Hollywood Recreation Center, years earlier.

 CLICK HERE for more information.

Make the move today: features designed to impress

October 15th, 2015

We’ve created a very special and inspired apartment community for independent seniors. Whether you are downsizing or just want a fresh and modern place to live, we’ve got the spacious residences you’ll love. Have your choice of beautifully appointed 1- and 2-bedroom apartment homes. Each has a gourmet kitchen and modern appliance package. Having an in–home washer and dryer is such a convenience. The designer finishes in the residences include wood-style plank flooring and granite counters. Enjoy fresh breezes on your private balcony or patio. Day to night, you’ll love our contemporary approach to 62+ living. CLICK HERE to read more about our amenities.

Hammer Museum: Njideka Akunyili Crosby

October 13th, 2015

Njideka Akunyili Crosby’s (b. 1983) large scale works on paper combine collage, drawing, painting, and printmaking, fusing African and American influences and creative traditions. Reflecting on contemporary, postcolonial African cosmopolitanism and her experiences as an expatriate living in America, her intimate paintings provide an important counter-narrative to the often troubled representation of Africa’s complex political and social conditions. This exhibition, comprising a selection of earlier works, marks the artist’s Los Angeles institutional debut, and is presented in conjunction with an exhibition of new works at Art + Practice. Now through Jan 10, 2016. CLICK HERE for more information.

ABOUT THE HAMMER MUSEUM
The Hammer Museum champions the art and artists who challenge us to see the world in a new light, to experience the unexpected, to ignite our imaginations, and inspire change.

The Hammer understands that art not only has the power to transport us through aesthetic experience but can also provide significant insight into some of the most pressing cultural, political, and social questions of our time. We share the unique and invaluable perspectives that artists have on the world around us.

A vibrant intellectual and creative nexus, the Hammer is fueled by dynamic exhibitions and programs—including lectures, symposia, film series, readings, and musical performances—that spark meaningful encounters with art and ideas.

And through our unwavering commitment to free admission and free public programs, the Hammer is open for all and FREE FOR GOOD.

What’s new at MOCA Los Angeles: The Art of Our Time

October 8th, 2015

Chief Curator Helen Molesworth has installed an exhibition highlighting the affinities between artists and artworks in an attempt to rethink the now conventional chronological installation of art. By exploring connections that emerge through artist friendships, the history of art schools, and artists’s own stated interest in other artists’s work, this presentation of MOCA’s esteemed collection of post-1945 art highlights iconic works alongside lesser known material drawn from the nearly 7000 objects in MOCA’s collection. Recently acquired work is on view, gesturing towards MOCA’s newly invigorated collecting. MOCA’s collection is considered to be among the most important collections of post-war art in the world, this installation aims to reintroduce its richness and depth as well as signal a new era of scholarship and a renewed commitment to collecting at the institution. CLICK HERE for more info.