August 16, 2007

BREA BOULEVARD

The Summer Youth Orchestra at the First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton will stage a “Pops Goes Hollywood” concert at 7 p.m. on Saturday in the chapel.

The concert is free, and open to the public.

The program will feature songs from the 1930s through the present including “As Time Goes By,” “In the Mood,” “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Grease,” “Back to the Future” and “ET.”

Luanne Olson, who has played the cello for 45 years, conducts the group that plays yearround. She was a schoolteacher with the Long Beach school system where she conducted youth choirs.

Husband Ken, who plays the saxophone, also plays in the church orchestra, as do sons Matt on the trumpet and Andy on the trombone.

“We’ve just always loved music,” Ken said.

A dessert reception will follow in the fireside room.

The church is at 2801 Brea Blvd. Information: 714-529-5544.

DOWNTOWN

Theresa Murphy is making sure children are having a creative, fun time this summer as part of her arts and crafts classes in two Fullerton locations.

The 12-year Fullerton resident offers sessions at Boogaloos at 217 N. Harbor Blvd., and at Michael’s, 201 Orangefair Mall.

Murphy started her own little business, Vintage Rags Designs, at age 13. Eventually, she expanded into clothing and home décor.

“I also worked on books at TV with Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic,” Murphy, 33, said.

So what appeals to Fullerton children?

“Kids love hand sewing,” said Murphy, who most recently taught children how to make pirate costumes and Teddy bears. “And they really like to do a project they can take home; it helps build self-confidence.”

To check on class availability, call Murphy at 714-264-3119.

HOUSTON

Longtime Fullerton resident Shirley McLemore is on board to help plan the second-annual Orange County Old School Reunion set for Aug. 18, at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim.

The event was spawned by a group of Santa Ana High and Fullerton High students from the ‘50s and ‘60s who still prefer the “old school music” of their time.

McLemore and her sister, Gwen Gardner of Fullerton, are working with Chairwoman Pearla Tabb-Wallace

to add frivolity to the gala with the Greg Rose Band featuring Las Vegas performer Bobby Rose.

“This is open to everybody,” Wallace said. “We have 700 seats available.”

Reservations for the $55 per person affair are required by calling Wallace at 1-626-453-6904.

PLACENTIA AVENUE

A recycling drive to collect unwanted and obsolete electronic waste (e-waste) from community residents and businesses will be held in the parking lot of Albertsons on the corner of Yorba Linda Boulevard and Placentia Avenue from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.

James Ignacio of Enviro-Unity said a study shows that 35 million pounds of e-waste are still sitting in California households and businesses. Only 10 percent to 15 percent of ewaste is currently properly dismantled or recycled, he said.

E-waste includes electronic products or devices such as computer monitors, televisions, PC systems, printers, home entertainment systems, copiers and facsimile machines that have reached their useful end whether in working condition or not.

Information: 714-397-1235.

PRINCETON CIRCLE

Dar Fredrickson, who with his wife, Norine, has lived in the same home for nearly 50 years, is the featured member of Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s August newsletter at Cal State Fullerton.

Editor Lorraine Gerni writes that Dar grew up in Nebraska where his aunt’s piano lessons sparked his interest in music. He learned to play the trumpet and trombone from kids in the neighborhood, and bought a second-hand clarinet for $15 in a music store window.

While attending the University of Nebraska during World War II, Dar joined the Navy, and then returned to the university to study music. He learned to play bassoon, and joined the University Band, Lincoln Symphony and Municipal Band. He met Norine at the university, and the pair married in 1947.

Dar’s music career continued in the teaching profession, eventually landing at Fullerton College. Since retiring in 1989, he and his wife have become involved in OLLI travel series.

He is now coordinator of the Oral Histories sessions for the continuing learning experience program. And on Friday, the pair will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Do you have a news tip on your neighborhood? Call Barbara Giasone at 714-704-3762.