Hi Eveyone,
   
Known as prominent community leader, you are cordially invited to participate by way of bringing foursomes of players and acting as
hole-sponsors to the 2008 Kiwanis Club Charity Golf Tournament under the auspices of Mercedes-Benz/Penske Championship Golf Program, to be held on July 8, 2008  at the Pacific Palm Conference Resort, Ike Course; #1 Industry Hills Parkway, City of Industry, CA 91748. 
   
Kiwanis International is a community service organization that has over 800,000 members worldwide with local clubs scattered in 49
countries, promoting the cause of 'Serving the Children of the World'. Kiwanis Club of Monterey Park has earned herself, in its 51-year
history, distinguished service records among clubs in California-Nevada-Hawaii District, the largest in the Kiwanis International Family.  
  
Funds proceeding from the charity event will be put in use to benefit and augment stand-alone youth programs of Kiwanis Club or those coordinated  with non-profit organizations in the West San Gabriel Valley Region, adhering vigorously to the Kiwanis motto: "Serving the Children of the World".
Our Theme Project this year is " Project Green-how to Protect Mother Earth" for selected schools in the community we serve.  We will also donate $5,000.00 immediately to M.E.R.C.I. group from our net proceed immediately during the award banquet.
   
We are fortunate to secure the sponsorship of Mercedes-Benz/Penske under its Championship Golf Program that will provide premium prizes
like Callaway golf wedge, ML350 SUV, etc. and unique award: free trip of 5-night at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa to winner-participants of the event. For details of registration fees, format, rules and restrictions of the tournament, please refer to the attached brochure.
  
Your favorable consideration in accepting our invitation and supporting the good cause of Kiwanis Club will be highly appreciated. 
  
Should you have any questions, please contact 

 Isabel Wu

626 840 5240

Isabel@IsabelWuRealtor.org

Our Kiwanis Club- Monterey Park,met at Starbucks, Each of us donated $10 instead of eating at our regular meeting at the regular Chinese Restaurant. It was a fun event,we brought in our own cake,bought some latte,coffee.

The 2008 Cherry Blossom Festival Committee and the City of Monterey Park are pleased to present the 11th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival on April 19 & 20, 2008 at Barnes Park, located at 350 S. McPherrin Avenue; Monterey Park, CA.  Entry to the Festival is FREE.

Planned and coordinated by community volunteers, the Cherry Blossom Festival strives to provide a cultural arts event that offers a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and support of community. 

So take the time to see, hear, and taste a bit of the Japanese and Japanese American culture through a first-hand experience of watching traditional Japanese dancing, hearing the resounding beats of the taiko drums, observing the mastery and various skills of martial arts, participating in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, or buying hand-made crafts or food with an Asian flair. Other highlights of the Festival include games & crafts for children, and numerous cultural displays.

Ms Princess Ramey gave us a great presentation about the Childrens Outreach Program at the Childrens Law Center, our group donated some money and toys

 Princess V.F. Ramey, Community Outreach Coordinator
Ms. Ramey joined CLC in 1993, after working briefly in family law and mediation. Ms. Ramey has served on a number of committees and boards, been featured on the Discovery Channel, and was honored as a "Foster Care Hero" by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors in 2003. In addition to supervising other trial attorneys, Ms. Ramey serves as the CLC Community Outreach Coordinator. In that capacity she manages donor-related programs and oversees the CLC intern program and recruitment of interns.

  Children's Court

Almost 30,000 children who are victims of abuse and neglect are entrusted to the care of the Los Angeles County Juvenile Dependency Court system.

The court's primary mission is to ensure that these youth are safe, healthy, and secure. Whenever possible, the court strives to preserve and strengthen families so children can be raised in their own homes. When this is not possible, the court orders provision of temporary foster homes and supervises the children’s care.

 The court works to ensure that all youth receive permanent homes in a timely fashion, either through reunification with their rehabilitated parents or through adoption, legal guardianship, or long-term foster care.  In Los Angeles County Dependency Court proceedings, children are appointed their own attorney, usually a lawyer from the Children’s Law Center.

In an effort to be sensitive to children’s feelings and make the court proceedings less intimidating, Los Angeles established the country’s first courthouse especially designed for children and families.  The Edmund D. Edelman Children’s Court in Monterey Park features twenty-five courtrooms designed to be more accessible to children.  Well-appointed waiting areas reduce stress and trauma. Special areas accommodate family visits, and other areas provide activities to help occupy children awaiting court appearance.  An auxiliary Dependency Court located in the Lancaster Courthouse serves children and families living in the Antelope Valley.

For more information about the Los Angeles County Juvenile Court, see www.lasuperiorcourt.org

I had the opportunity to read a story to the first-graders at the Ynez Elementary School Last Friday

We had the pleasure of meeting Ellen Tou who is the Instructional Specialist at the Ynez Elementary School in Monterey Park,CA. She came to our Wednesday meeting for a very informative meeting.

"Ynez School is know for its tradition of academic excellence as evidenced by the recognition it has received as a California Distinquished School in 2002 and 2005, as well as being recognized as a California Title I  Achieving School in 2005,2006 and 2007. The academic success of our students is atrributed, in part, to the spirit of collaboration and cooperation among the students, staff and community"

Please open this link

http://www.alhambra.k12.ca.us/schools/documents/YnezElementary2006-07SARC.pdf

uploads/isabelblog_kiwanisynez_007.jpg

 We had the honor of having Oliver C. Chin at our weekly Wednesday Luncheon

He inspired all of us by showing his children books all written by him

Here is something about him

Oliver Chin

Oliver is the author of children's books The Adventures of WonderBaby, Timmy and Tammy's Train of Thought, and Julie Black Belt. He is the creator of the Tales of the Chinese Zodiac series: The Year of the Dog, The Year of the Pig and The Year of the Rat .

Previously in 2002 he wrote The Tao of Yao: Insights from Basketball's Brightest Big Man, which Publishers Weekly called a "clever twist on the traditional sports biography" and The Honolulu Advertiser praised as "meticulously researched and will interest the phenom's thousands of fans." In the same year he wrote and illustrated the graphic novel 9 of 1: A Window to the World which received 2003 Honorable Mention for the Gustavus Myers Award that "commends works that extend our understanding of the root causes of bigotry and the range of options we as humans have in constructing alternative ways to share power."

Oliver had spoken on NPR, FoxSports and Pacifica Radio, and at colleges such as Yale, MIT, Columbia, Stanford, UC Berkeley, USC, USF Center for the Pacific Rim, University of Michigan, De Anza, San Francisco State University, and City College of San Francisco. He has read at diverse community venues nationwide such as the US Census Bureau, Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, De Young Museum, Oakland Museum, Bay Area Discovery Museum, Bowers Museum, Kidspace Children's Museum, Huntington Library, and Chinese American Museum of Los Angeles.

Called a "comics expert" by the San Jose Mercury News, he has conducted comics workshops at dozens of public libraries and schools, and is an entertainment columnist for Comics and Games Retailer magazine and reviewer for Comics Buyer's Guide. Having graduated magna cum laude in Social Studies from Harvard, where he was the cartoonist for the Harvard Crimson, he lives in San Francisco, CA with his wife and two sons.

General  Festival Information

The City’s Business Improvement District Advisory Committee (“BIDAC”) organizes and hosts the event each year.   This year the Business Improvement District wishes to offer an even greater diversity of traditional entertainment bringing forth to our community the beauty and charm of an authentic Chinese cultural experience.  There will be over 120 booths with many focused on local cultural and community activities at the Festival.    Performances anticipated at the Festival include Lion Dances, Dragon Dance, Chinese musical performance, Chinese Dance, Firecrackers, and Martial Arts Demonstrations, Live Music and more. 

The Business Improvement District Advisory Committee is committed to letting people know about the many excellent businesses and restaurants in the Monterey Park Downtown and educating people about the beauty and depth of the Asian culture and the diversity of our local communities through the Monterey Park Chinese New Year Festival.

Volunteers will be needed from different community and cultural organizations to make this event successful. Please contact the Special Events Manager at (626) 307-2541 or by e-mail .

The Chinese New Year Festival is held in the heart of Monterey Park, on Garvey Avenue, between Garfield and Alhambra.

SPECIAL SHUTTLE SERVICE - Visitors to this year’s Festival will find it  easy to enjoy the festivities without having to worry about finding parking or walking long distances.  Monterey Park Business Improvement District is offering special Shuttle Service  for the convenience of visitors

Buses will be making continual loops between the parking sites and downtown Monterey Park the location for the Chinese New Year Festival.  The purpose is to provide parking that is easy to access and at the same time not force visitors to walk so far.  Signs will be posted in the parking lot , showing the exact pick-up and drop-off locations.  The shuttles will be running throughout the hours the  Festival is open  Gung Hay Fat Choy!

The Kiwanis Club joined together to build a beautiful float

Here I am carrying the sandwiches!

Serving Children Worldwide

Float Designer's name: Michelle Lofthouse

                                    Happy New Year!

I made this up.. I hope you like it!
 
28 Secrets to Happiness

• Live beneath your means and within your seams
• Return everything you borrow
• Donate blood
• Stop blaming other people
• Admit it when you make a mistake
• Give all of the clothes you haven't worn in the last 3 years to charity
• Do something nice everyday and try not to get caught
• Listen more and talk less
• Everyday take a 30 min walk in your neighborhood
• Skip 2 meals a week and give the money to the homeless
• Strive for excellence,not perfection
• Be on time
• Don't make excuses
• Don't argue
• Get organized
• Be kind to kind people
• Be even kinder to to unkind people
• Let someone cut ahead of you in line
• Take time to be alone
• Re read a favorite book
• Cultivate good manners
• Be humble
• Understand and accept that life isn't always fair
• Know when to keep your mouth shut
• Don't criticize anyone for 24 hours
• Learn from the past,plan for the future,and live in the present
• Don't sweat the small stuff

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving To All

Too many things we need to do for this holiday,having friends and relatives is a happy occation.We must plan. So to get started you need to have these essential things:

Roaster

Need a roaster? Porcelain-on-steel or "Graniteware" roasters are easy to find, generally inexpensive and conduct heat evenly. Tests have shown these dark roasters help evenly brown your bird. As an added benefit, the roaster can be used again and again for many other meats. Check the measurement of your oven cavity so you can be sure the roaster will fit.

Cooking Thermometer

This is an inexpensive necessity to ensure everyone enjoys the meal and stays healthy. Most experts recommend serving the turkey after it reaches an internal temperature of 170 degrees F.

Baster

Basters can be found just about anywhere, though you'll need to look for one with a large bulb that will hold a large amount of fluids. A large, heavy-duty baster will help you save time, retain moisture and lock in the best flavors.

Serving Platter

There's no right choice for a serving platter other than personal choice. Platters come in many shapes, sizes and designs. Your platter, whether square, oval or round should be large enough to hold the turkey with some wiggle room and a sloped edge to hold already-sliced servings. Consider an oven-safe platter so that leftovers can be reheated easily.

Carving Knife

While knives are common in the kitchen, you'll need one that will work best with turkey. Serrated knives tear the meat, for example. An 8- to 10-inch carving knife with a thin, flexible blade will result in the most evenly cut slices.

Carving Board

Whether the cutting board is wood, plastic or other surface, make sure it has a deep gully around the board to catch juices. A textured cutting surface will keep meats from slipping as you cut.

Sauce Pan

"What, no gravy?" You'll need a sauce pan to take full advantage of all the tasty drippings from your fancy fowl. Make sure the lid fits properly to prevent too much pressure from forming inside a too-tight seal.

Gravy Boat

All aboard! You'll show your attention to detail by placing a gravy boat and saucer on your finely set table. It doesn't even need to look like a boat. You can improvise, too, with a small or medium pitcher that has an easy-pour spout.

Even if you're not planning a big holiday meal, these kitchen tools make great gifts for those who do the cooking! Ask your hosts if they need any of these items and you'll likely be on next year's guest list, too! Be sure to check www.cookware.org for more information on cookware, bakeware and other kitchen basics.

And here is a turkey recepe

Turkey Herb Soup with Corn Stuffing Fritters
Courtesy FoodNetwork.com

Canola oil, for shallow frying
1 large minced onion
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon fresh minced thyme
1 tablespoon fresh minced sage
2 tablespoons fresh minced flat leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
1 quart turkey stock (mire poix, thyme, garlic, Turkey carcass and wings, cold water, black peppercorns, bay leaf: simmered for at least 3 hours), strained
1 cup shredded white meat
1 cup shredded dark meat
2 cups leftover stuffing
1 cup blanched corn
4 eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup shredded Parmigiano-Reggiano
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a small stock pot coated lightly with oil, saute the onions and ginger until soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season. Add thyme, sage, parsley, cilantro and stock. Bring to a simmer and reduce by only 10 percent. Add the meat and check for seasoning. Keep very hot in a soup tureen. For the fritters, mix the stuffing (If large pieces, chop up a bit.), corn, eggs and cheese. Heat a cast iron pan or other heavy bottomed pan with 1-inch of oil to about 350 degrees. Gently drop a heaping tablespoon of the mixture into the oil. When brown, about 2 to 3 minutes, flip over. Drain on paper towels and season with a little salt. PLATING Place fritters in individual warm soup plates. At the table, ladle the broth in the bowl. Enjoy.

Monterey Park is known for it's name "Little Taipei" ,where you will find all assortments of Asian eatery,and some Hispanic Tacos

I found this real interesting pizzeria right here in Monterey Park, here is write up about it

Bollini's Pizzeria

The new pie in town

By Jonathan Gold

Wednesday, September 12, 2007 - 11:00 am

La Canada/Flintridge

The Descanso Chrysanthenum Society is hosting it 75th annual show in conjunction with the spectacular National Chrysanthenum Show at Descanso Gardens.

The Judging of the entries will take place on Friday, Nov. 2, and is not open to the public.

The public,like me will be able to visit the Garden on Sunday. . If you are a photographer and wish to take great pictures then come from 8 to 9 a.m.

The public will be able to visist from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

My friends at The Daily Blossom florist in Alhambra are nominated as Number One Florist,Their flower arrangement has got to be the best of the best! Go Dino Go!! Pleae visit http://www.TheDailyBlossom.net for more ...

Here is what Lien Lenh has to say!

Overstuffed Pumpkin with Cornbread, Apples and Turkey Sausage with Sauvignon Blanc
Courtesy FoodNetwork.com

1 (4 to 5 pound) pumpkin
1/4 cup melted butter
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 Granny Smith apples, peeled and cubed
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon fennel seed
2 oranges, zested
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, divided
1/4 cup chopped fresh sage, divided
2 pounds ground turkey sausage
1 cup Sauvignon Blanc wine
1 cup heavy cream
1 (16-ounce) package cornbread stuffing
3 cups chicken broth
2 eggs, beaten

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cut off the lid of the pumpkin and set it aside. Pull out the seeds and strings from inside the pumpkin. Brush the inside flesh with melted butter, season with salt and pepper. Place pumpkin on a roasting rack set inside a pan; bake for 15 minutes.
In a large skillet, heat oil over moderate heat. Add onion, celery, garlic, apples, celery seed, and fennel seed. Sprinkle in orange zest and 2 tablespoons each parsley and sage. Cook, stirring often, until fragrant, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the ground sausage, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, and brown until no longer pink, about 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan with wine, cook down 2 minutes to evaporate the alcohol. Stir in the cream, check seasoning.
Scrape the sausage mixture into a large bowl and fold in the cornbread. Gradually blend in the eggs and chicken broth, until the stuffing is evenly moistened. Add remaining parsley and sage. Fill the pumpkin with stuffing, return to the oven, and bake 20 minutes until the eggs are cooked and the stuffing has a little lift. Serve stuffing in the pumpkin bowl topped with lid.

The real estate business may be facing a softening in sales,but according to Forbes magazine which examed current home sales pattern and sales project in the country's 40 largest real estae markets to identify these attractive markets.

Here are Forbes' and Moody's 10 most attractive markets, along with the median homes sales price changes from 2006.

1. Fort Worth,Texas: 156,500, 1.7 percent
2. Kansas City, Mo. $157,700, -0.7 percent
3. Houston: $154,900, 1.4 percent
4. Cleveland: $128,700, -7.1 percent
5. Denver: $255,200, none
6. Long Island, N.Y. : $482,300. 1.7 percent
7. Washington D.C. : $455,300, 0.3 percent
8. Orlando,Fla. : $265,100 -2.7 percent
9. Phoenix: $264,800, -2.7 percent
10. las Vegas: $307,900, -3.6 percent

Monrovia was established in 1887,it is the fourth oldest general law city in Los Angeles County.In 1841, California Governor Juan Alvarad gave Rancho Azusa de Duarte to Andres Duarte, a Mexican soldier, and he gave Rancho Santa Anita to Hugo Reid, a naturalized Mexican citizen of American birth. Monrovia is made of parts of these two ranchos

Historical Homes

A Victorian known as the Monroe Cottage, 225 Monroe Place, was built in 1884 for William N. Monroe as a temporary home until his permanent home, "The Oaks," was completed in 1885.

The home later became the residence for William's brother, Campbell O. Monroe and his family. C.O. Monroe served as a City Trustee (now called City Council members) from 1892-1897. The house is a 2,599 square foot residence with a second story that was added in 1887.

There are three bedrooms, two baths and the house still has the original outhouse attached. This Queen Anne style residence is capped by a hipped roof with several gabled dormers. The exterior has wide clapboard siding with corner boards. Roof elements include shallow boxed eaves, carved brackets and a plain entablature. A front porch roof also forms a second story balcony featuring a balustrade of turned rails.

A tour of the Monterey Park Museum has been scheduled for Wednesday October 24, at 10:00 a.m. This tour is open to the public and admission is free. Free bus transportation will be available departing from Brightwood School, 1701 Brightwood Street, Monterey Park.

For reseruvation or more information, please contact Pauline Lemire, Museum Tour Chairman at 626 282-6414