The Art Of Storytelling
An innovative writing program is taking Los Angeles area classrooms by storm. The Young Storytellers Foundation is teaching children to love telling stories. Not only is the program improving children's writing and literacy skills, it's boosting their self-confidence.
For more information on the Young Storytellers Foundation, to make donations or to volunteer, go to www.youngstorytellers.com.
For The Love Of Dance
"The Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation" was created nearly ten years ago to start the 'Everybody Dance' program in the Pico Union district in Los Angeles. This dance program was created in memory of Gabriella Axelrad, a 13-year-old who loved to dance. Thousands of local children receive instruction in a variety of dance styles including tap, ballet, jazz, and modern dance for $5 a month. The organization's founder Liza Bercovici says the goal is to help each child it serves acquire self-discipline, self-confidence and self-expression -- and in so doing, increase each child's potential for a fulfilled, productive future.
There is a waiting list to join 'Everybody Dance.'
For more information, to sign up or support the foundation, you can write or call:
The Gabriella Axelrad Education Foundation
631 South Commonwealth Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90005
(213) 365-2491
E-mail: info@gabri.org
- Video: Storytelling and dance
Getting Crafty
There's a resurgence in Los Angeles of all things handmade, but with a more modern twist. This definitely isn't your grandmother's needlepoint! Vista L.A. visited a couple trendsetters on the scene. Tanya Aguiniga is a local artisan who makes handmade accessories, furniture and house wares and Billie Lopez and Tootie Maldonado run the boutique, "Reform School," which specializes in selling handmade gifts and crafts from dozens of local crafters.
For more information on Tanya Aguiniga's designs and "Reform School," visit the following Web sites: Tanya Aguiniga (www.aguinigadesign.com) and Reform School (www.reformschoolrules.com).
- Video: Getting crafty
Hollywood Hats
Baron Hats, located in Burbank, is a unique hat shop run by Master Hatter Mark Mejia. Here, the intricate art of traditional hat crafting is practiced. Through antique machinery and hands-on work, every hat is customized.
To buy a custom-made hat or for more information:
Baron Hats
1619 W. Burbank Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 563-3025
Link: www.baronhats.com
- Video: Hollywood hats
Jefferson Awards
To nominate someone you know in the Los Angeles area for a Jefferson Award, click here.
- Video: Coach helps troubled teens
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