Community News

Holiday Faire

The 2019 Holiday Faire at St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church, 6201 E. Willow St., on Saturday, Oct. 26, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Featured are Artisan-made hand-crafted items including: jewelry, candles, holiday decorations, cards, toys etc.

Refreshments will be available.

Raise the Roof

Support Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles’ work in Long Beach and enjoy a premium wine tasting. Purchase a ticket to the 2nd Annual Raise the Roof Wine Tasting event on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2-5 p.m., the Wine Crush in Long Beach and raise awareness and funding for the next 40+ Habitat for Humanity homes planned for Long Beach.

Admission is $50 per person. All donations are welcome and directly support Habitat LA’s Washington Neighborhood revitalization work in Long Beach. The first four homes were completed and construction of the next 40 homes begins in 2020. Wine Crush Proprietor Adam Crawshaw is selecting six premium wines for attendees to enjoy as they relax in the beautiful, garden patio. Guests can support this multi-year building project, learn volunteer opportunities, enjoy premium wine and food and have a chance to win themed opportunity baskets.

The Wine Crush is located at 3131 E. Broadway (just west of Redondo Ave.) The event is presented by the Long Beach Area Faith Coalition, an interfaith group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers representing Long Beach area churches and synagogues.

Tickets may be purchased online at https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/RTR. Contact Barbara Roberts at (714) 699-4140 for more information.

Pemberley at Playhouse

The holidays are upon us filled with good cheer and family traditions. What better family to spend some time with than the Bennets from Pride and Prejudice at the Long Beach Playhouse Nov. 2-30? Lamenting a shortage of new plays for the holiday season, playwrights Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon decided to take on the challenge.

The story begins two years after the conclusion of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice as the Bennet family gathers at Pemberley, the home of Elizabeth and her husband, Mr. Darcy. Mary, the quiet, bookish sister, has grown tired of watching her sisters’ romantic escapades and has yet to find a beau of her own. Into this family gathering walks Mr. Darcy’s cousin Arthur, a bumbling bookworm, who could be the perfect match for Mary.

Gunderson and Melcon came up with the idea for Christmas at Pemberley on a road trip. They mapped out the plot as they drove. Melcon said they felt American theater needed a new, and different, holiday play. When they pondered the reason that theaters rely on well-known holiday was the familiarity of the characters. They decided the way around that problem was to write a new play using familiar and beloved characters. Both of them were fans of Jane Austen and wanted to infuse their new play with Austen’s wit, sly insults and take-downs.

The result is this charming play that weaves romance with the amusing dynamics and inevitable bickering of any family gathering. In a nod to the controversies of 1815, they introduce the newest holiday accouterments of the time, the Christmas tree.

“The playwrights perfectly capture the wit of Jane Austen,” said Madison Mooney, Playhouse Executive Director. “In the two years since Elizabeth’s marriage to Mr. Darcy, Mary has grown from a shy girl to more confident – and sassy – woman. Despite her livelier outlook, her family sees her as the forever spinster. She gets to prove them wrong.”

“This play is a perfect beginning to the holidays,” said Sean Gray, Artistic Director for the Playhouse. “It’s charming, filled with wonderful costumes and a beautiful set. But it’s more than just charming – it also touches on issues like gender equality and balancing duty with personal satisfaction. The script gives the director and actors plenty to work with as they decide how best to tell the story. It’s perfect for families and a lovely way to welcome the holidays.”

The director is Phyllis Gitlin and this play is her 37th production for the Playhouse. She recently directed the Playhouse production of Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky and last year’s production of My Fair Lady. During her 40 year career, Ms. Gitlin has directed more than 300 plays and taught in numerous venues.

The eight-member cast is a mix of returning favorites and debut performances. Making their debuts are: Gabi Jones, Briana Christine, Timothy Voytek, and Alicia Samuel. Returning actors are: Michael Kaye, Nori T. Schmidt, Micah Lee, and Sabrina Sonner.

Tickets – $24-$14 – are available at www.lbplayhouse.org or by calling (562) 494-1014, option 1.

Turtle Trek

Participants will look for wildlife, including turtles, learn about the ecosystems of the wetlands and visit a native plant nursery. Bring binoculars. The walk is on Nov. 2, 8-10 a.m. This walk is appropriate for ages 7 and up. Closed toes shoes are required. Meet at the intersection of PCH and 1st St., just at the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach. For more information or to RSVP for the walk, contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lcwlandtrust.org.

Sierra Club

The study of bird eggs, bird conservation and the way we experience the outdoors will be explored on Wednesday, Nov. 6, starting at 7:15 p.m. at 2929 E. Willow St.

Speaker Tracy Drake has spent decades teaching and working as a naturalist in SoCal. She will show photos and bring objects to teach about bird eggs and conservation.

Highlights in Tracy’s career include being an instructor and later a Principal at one of Orange County’s seven outdoor science schools located in the San Bernardino Mountains and working as a nature interpreter for California State Parks Mojave Desert Sector.

Monthly meetings and hikes are free and open to the public. Children are welcome. This meeting is the first Wednesday monthly. The building and bathrooms are accessible to the handicapped.

The Sierra Club Long Beach Group is part of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. The group has more than 2,500 members and serves Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos, Signal Hill and Seal Beach.

Treasure Trove

St. Bartholomew’s Church at Broadway and Granada will be having their annual Upscale/Resale Event on Saturday, Nov. 9 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It is a treasure trove of household goods, decorations and exciting gift items. All are welcome and it is a great event for those seeking unique items at a really good price.