THE EAGLE ROCK ASSOCIATION

-- Invest in Your Community --


TERA

e.letter

October 6, 2005

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This week:

1.  TERA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -- MICHAEL THARP

2.  AP SCHOLARS AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL

3.  DOG'TOBERFEST AT HERMON DOG PARK -- OCTOBER 7

4.  SOLHEIM FALL FESTIVAL AND SILENT AUCTION -- OCTOBER 9

5.  CONCERT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF -- OCTOBER 16

6.  THE PLOTS THICKEN -- TERA PLANT-A-THON -- OCTOBER 22

7.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS! -- TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- NOVEMBER 6

8.  DEMONSTRATE YOUR SKILLS AT THE ANNUAL TERA ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR!

9.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

10.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- IAN CAMPBELL

1.  TERA PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE -- MICHAEL THARP

The Home Tour is THE HAPPENING EVENT on November 6, 2005, and the men and women of Eagle Rock are encouraged to buy their tickets early and take the tour together.  The Home Tour Committee is composed of both men and women, and certainly the volunteers are well represented by both sexes.  For the majority of years that TERA has been in existence, however, the strong leadership of TERA has been by strong, intelligent women.   True to stereotypes, Iıve heard some talk among those who would hardly be considered "cognoscente" that the Home Tour might be sort of a "female oriented" sort of thing.  Well, boys and girls, nothing could be further from the truth.  Men would be smart to bring their women; women would be smart to bring their men; and significant others of all types would be well advised to attend.

But, as the first male president of TERA in a number of years, I did get to thinking about what a Home Tour-type event would be like if it were put together by the typical "guys."  

At the risk of being politically incorrect, I think that frequently men and women appreciate different things about the Home Tour.  For instance, those of us who are somewhat "y chromosome impaired" would probably emphasize an "Alternative Home Tour" as part of the Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour.  It is simply a slightly different perspective.  This Alternative Home Tour would not just be a tour of homes.  It would provide an alternative appreciation for certain aspects of the home.  This alternative element could probably be called the "Hombre Tour."  Rather than focusing on the "home," it would probably focus on the den, back yard and garage.  

What would the "guys" look for in the den?  Well, probably the greatest home theatre system in Eagle Rock.  I mean, letıs talk high definition Monday night football on a screen that you could park 20 cars in front of, and speakers that rattle the windows two blocks away.  

Letıs also talk Samurai Sword collections dating from the 1600s to the present.  Lets talk a collection of K-Bar knives from the 1930s through the present.  Letıs see Randall Arkansas Toothpicks and Thorpe Bowies.  Letıs look at scale model railroads that would sell for tens of thousands of dollars on e-bay and slot car racers the likes of which we never knew in the days of Strombecker and Tyco.  

In the back yard, the "guys" would be impressed with power mowers that have a quarter mile ET in the low 10s and leaf blowers that make Katrina look like a summer breeze.  And for those of you who think gardens arenıt manly, letıs point out the tactical advantages of pyracantha and bougainvillea hedges that draw blood and plants like hemlock and nightshade that have killed off some of the best thinkers of the centuries, not to mention the common puncture weed and  poison oak, known to stop mystics from the Far East from walking barefoot in the back yard of Eagle Rock.  This could be true, you know!  When was the last time you saw a mystic from the Far East walking barefoot through puncture weeds and poison oak in Eagle Rock?

The "guys" would look into a slightly open garage for a glimpse of that almost covered Porsche 550 RSK or that Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle.  Theyıd look for an incredible collection of Craftsman or Snap-on Tools, along with an air compressor and knock-offs and authentic Campangnolo Wheels to go with that restored Ferrari.  When I walk around Eagle Rock, I see a Ferrari Mondial driving by; I walk past the gentleman building a beautiful Shelby Cobra; I get to sniff the exhaust from a Pantera GTS and a Porsche 911 S.  I see the hot rods and restored classics at Jimıs.  The "guys" would like to know where in Eagle Rock these people are and to be able to ask them questions about their beautiful machines; where they get the work on them and how long theyıve had them and how fast do they go . . . hombre-type questions of the people who live in homes near to me.  

Of course my wife points out to me that "hombre" is a little too limiting.  After all, she rides a Suzuki sport bike as well as a dirt bike, and she drives an SVT Mustang Cobra, and is at least as interested as I in Porsches, Ferraris and American Muscle Cars.  And when we go on the Home Tour together, in addition to checking out architectural styles, along with the really cool Sub-Zero installations, and the latest from Viking and Thermadore, she also looks out for room for the Buell, Ducati and Triumph, and looks for how we might do it "better."  When she says that this alternative perspective probably shouldnıt be called the "Hombre" Home Tour but rather the "Hombre y Chica Caliente" Home Tour, I couldnıt agree more.

She also points out that the "guys" might be so dense that they would just sit and watch football games on the day of the Home Tour; watching life go by rather than actively participating in it.  Iıve assured her that sheıs wrong, that the "guys" in Eagle Rock are about living life to the fullest and that they will be there for the Home Tour.  After all, we "guys" can catch the results of all the games on ESPN later that night, sipping working manıs champagne from Budweiser or a fine Pinot from the Colorado Wine Company.

I trust that all true Eagle Rockers will join us on November 6 between 10:00 a.m and 4:00 p.m. for this yearıs home tour.  You never know what you might see, what designs might inspire you, or who you might meet.  If you run across the dude or chick who has that perfectly restored Vincent Black Shadow or Black Knight, Lotus Elan or Porsche Speedster tucked away in their back yard or garage, give them my e.mail address and tell them that Iıve recently acquired a little more garage space and that Iıd like to talk to them, after doing a home tour of their den, garage and back yard.

I look forward to seeing you at the Home Tour.  I'll meet you at 5277 Mt. Royal Drive on November 6.
2.  AP SCHOLARS AT EAGLE ROCK HIGH SCHOOL

Forty-seven students at Eagle Rock High School have earned the designation of AP Scholar by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level Advanced Placement Program Exams.

The College Boardıs Advanced Placement Program offers students the opportunity to take challenging college-level courses while still in high Œschool, and to receive college credit, advanced place3ment, or both for successful performance on the AP exams.

Students took AP Exams in May 2005 after completing challenging college-level courses at Eagle Rock High School.  The College Board recognizes several levels of achievement based on studentıs performance on AP Exams.

At Eagle Rock High School, Audrey Tan qualified for the National AP Scholar Award by earning an average grade of 4 or higher on a 5-point scale on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 4 or higher on eight or more of these exams.  Audrey is currently attending Yale University.

A total of seven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.  These students are:  Brian Antezana (currently attending UC Berkeley), Randy Gonzales (at USC), Noelle Jovanelly (USC), Celeste Kelley (at Lewis & Clark), David Manciati (currently a senior at ERHS), Audrey Tan (Yale), and Ian Turner (current senior).

Seven Eagle Rock Students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and grades of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.  These students are:  Melissa Holmes (Mt. Saint Maryıs LA.) Natalie Kolodinski (current ERHS senior), Jose Loya (current ERHS senior), Micaela Manciati (current ERHS junior), Ramon Martinez (Washington University, St. Louis), Mackenzie Smith (current ERHS senior), and Sarah Traiger (current ERHS senior).

Thirty-three students qualified of the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP Examinations, with grades of 3 or higher.  The AP Scholars from ERHS are: Alma Arredondo (class of 2005), Corina Barros (current senior), Naguine Bensimon-Tree (Occidental College), Franklin Bolanos  (UCLA), Nancy Buenaventura (current senior), Melissa Chan (current senior), Mark Cibual (current senior), Jeremy De Los Santos (UC Irvine), Jessica Del Rosario (UCLA), Riddhi Desai (UC Davis), Melissa Diaz (UC Riverside), Benjamin Doroin (Cal Poly Pomona), Vanessa Escobar (Glendale Community College), Luis Guevara (current senior), Sara Hildebrandt (Pitzer College), Jason Ho (UCLA), Griselda Jarquin (San Francisco State University), Sam Li (current senior), Lancelle Lipana (current senior), Connie Lum  (current senior), Natashia Nicolas (UCI), Jessie Orozco (Grinnell), Jonas Perlas (current senior), Bryan Rodriguez (San Francisco State), Max Roessler (Oberlin), Victor Sanchez (current senior), Amber Stevens (CSULA), Dena Sutimantanapi (current senior), Simon Tan (UCI), Alyse Woodard (Mills College), Jose Zelaya (Brandeis), Kevin Zeni (University of La Verne), and Monika Zoltany (current senior).  

Students who are currently attending Eagle Rock High School have at least one more year in which to complete college-level work and possibly earn another AP Scholar Award.
3.  DOG'TOBERFEST AT HERMON DOG PARK -- OCTOBER 7

Friends of Hermon Dog Park "DOG'TOBERFEST" Yappy Hour!

Friday, October 7, 5:30 -7:30 p.m.
5568 Via Marisol, Los Angeles 90042

Celebrate the harvest with accordianist Richard Franke.
(Root) beer, S'nausages, and other goodies provided.

Join us! Share the news with friends.

http://www.HermonDogPark.com

Additional sponsorship provided by the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council
4.  SOLHEIM FALL FESTIVAL AND SILENT AUCTION -- OCTOBER 9

Solheim Lutheran Home will hold its annual Fall Festival and Silent Auction on Sunday, October 9, from 2 to 5 p.m.  Don't miss this opportunity to discover the exciting things taking place a Solheim, one of Eagle Rock's oldest community institutions.  There will be food, fun, tours of the facility, and a silent auction that will give you a chance to bid on a Palm Desert getaway, a stay at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington, a quilt by fabric artist Lee Clarke, a painting by noted landscape artist Wyllis Heaton, and more!

Please plan to join us and support Solheim, 2236 Merton Avenue in Eagle Rock.  For more information, call (323) 257-7518 or visit http://www.solheim.org.
5.  CONCERT FOR HURRICANE RELIEF -- OCTOBER 16

Concert for Hurricane Relief

Sunday, October 16, 7pm

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
555 West Temple Avenue, Los Angeles

$20 for adults
$10 for children 16 and under
General admission seating

Conducted by Music Director, Eagle Rock resident, and TERA member Grant Gershon, the Los Angeles Master Chorale will perform a concert to benefit hurricane relief efforts, featuring Morten Lauridsen's acclaimed Lux Aeterna.  Also featured will be music by William Byrd, Johannes Brahms, Duke Ellington, Mary Lou Williams, and more.

Reservations will be taken on a  first-come, first-served basis.

Call (213) 972-7282 or visit http://www.lamc.org for tickets and information.

All proceeds will benefit the AGMA Emergency Relief Fund, the American Red Cross and Catholic Charities.
6.  THE PLOTS THICKEN -- TERA PLANT-A-THON -- OCTOBER 22

The Plots Thicken....

Eagle Rock's first organic community garden is nearly done. We'll soon have 22 individual plots available.

Each plot of the Eagle Rockdale Community Garden and Art Park is 5 feet wide and 10 feet long, and will be leased on a first-come, first served basis.  The annual fee is $40 and includes free seeds, soil, irrigation, assistance and the use of basic tools.  Gardeners must sign a one-year lease agreement that includes a pledge to maintain their plot and devote time to maintaining the common areas of the property.  Leases will be pro-rated to provide a full year of gardening, once the Garden is officially open after all final infrastructure is completed (we're coordinating with the LA Conservation Corps and our own steam to finish everything soon).

Interested gardeners are invited to contact communitygarden@TERA90041.org or call (323) 344-8426.  To reserve a plot, mail $40 (write "Garden Plot" on your check/money order) and mail to: TERA, P.O. Box 41453, Eagle Rock, CA 90041.  

Plant-A-Thon: Saturday, October 22

The Eagle Rockdale Community Garden and Art Park has set its next work day for Saturday, October 22, from 9 a.m. to noon.  We'll be planting the property, completing the raised garden plots, and more.  Look for more details here and in flyers around town.  You can also contact communitygarden@TERA90041.org or call (323) 344-8426.
7.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS! -- TERA'S ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR -- NOVEMBER 6

Be sure to attend TERA's Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour on Sunday, November 6!  This year we are featuring the Mt. Royal Drive neighborhood north of Colorado.  It's about five weeks away and is guaranteed to be great!

The starting point is the southwest corner of Hill Drive and Mt. Royal, 5277 Mt. Royal Drive.

Volunteer to serve as a docent or fill another volunteer position and get a free ticket to the tour as well as an invitation to our famous and always-fun after-party.  Please contact the following:

To serve as a docent:  Kathleen Goldstein at goldleroux@aol.com
To volunteer in another capacity:  Teri Aranguren at tacpa@pacbell.net
8.  DEMONSTRATE YOUR SKILLS AT THE ANNUAL TERA ECLECTIC EAGLE ROCK HOME TOUR!

The Eclectic Eagle Rock Home Tour, sponsored by TERA, is being held this year November 6.  Do you have a home restoration or decorating skill you'd like to demonstrate that day?

We would like to have a few volunteers to do their demonstrations along the tour route. If your business is restoring items or anything related to preserving or celebrating our great character homes, you are welcome to have cards and brochures and publicize yourself.  Do you know how to restore old windows?  Refinish furniture?

Please contact Tracy King at 626-844-2256 or tracyking5@cs.com.
9.  LETTERS AND E.MAILS

"Letter to Michael Tharp, President

You have probably opened the flood gates with your latest letter.  I too am distressed to see litter and broken glass...a la 'The Broken Window Syndrome' that LA is attempting to do something about all over the city.

I visited my ER home today (it's rented out to some fine people), cleaned up the litter in the road , and called in some ugly graffiti that was on the city tree in front of the property.

I felt sad when I read about the human and dog injuries that you have encountered and hope all the citizens of ER will rise to the occasion, take pride in their community and each person help every day to make everything look nice.  Unfortunately this litter, broken glass trend is seen across our beautiful country, not just here.
Keep up the good work."

-- Nancy Shannon- Sinclair, Torrance, California, resident and TERA member

"Dear Joanne:

I spoke to Mary Tokita a few weeks ago about getting a plot in the new community garden on Rockdale Ave., and in addition to filling me in on the garden, she recommended that I contact you about being added to the email list for a newsletter, I believe, about Eagle Rock happenings, Eagle Rock Assoc. activities, etc.  My wife and I have recently moved to the area and are already devoted to it.  I'd love to be added at your convenience, assuming my personal email address won't be spread all around town.  Thanks very much.  Best --"

-- Ian Chang, Eagle Rock resident
10.  QUOTE OF THE WEEK -- IAN CAMPBELL

"If the EEOC accuses your company of sexual harassment, don't picket the EEOC with burly plant workers, as one company did.  Make sure you've fixed the harassment problem.  If something needs changing, tell the boss.  Don't expect to be loved; strive to be effective."
Got graffiti? Contact the City of LAıs Operation Clean Sweep Graffiti Removal Hotline:  3 - 1 - 1.
Distributed weekly via e.mail and as a regular feature on various Internet discussion groups, the TERA e.letter is read by well over 2,000 readers (and probably more) with an interest in Eagle Rock and Northeast Los Angeles.  Please encourage interested friends to send their full name and e.mail address to us at e.letter@TERA90041.org so we can keep them informed, too.

If you have changed your e.mail address or would like to be removed from this list, send us an e.mail to e.letter@TERA90041.org with the word(s) "remove" or "address change" in the subject box, as appropriate.

POLICY ON SUBMITTING A NOTICE:  If you have a press release, letter of comment, question or other notice that you feel might be of interest to the Eagle Rock community, send it to e.letter@TERA90041.org.  Your announcement -- in the form of an e.mail text message, (no attachments, please) -- should be in our hands by noon on Tuesday to be considered for inclusion in that week's issue.

İ2005 The Eagle Rock Association

TERA -- The Eagle Rock Association -- INVEST IN YOUR COMMUNITY  -- http://www.TERA90041.org
-- P. O. Box 41453, Eagle Rock, CA 90041 -- (323) 259-TERA -- a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public benefit corporation

The TERA e.letter
A publication of The Eagle Rock Association (TERA)
Joanne Turner, Editor
e.letter@TERA90041.org