Can’t Help but Smile
This may be one of the happiest issues of The Canyon Chronicle with events popping up like popcorn in a pot, the pot being, of course, Topanga.
We gave a lot of colorful ink to the upcoming Butterfly Day (Pages 8-9) and our homage to Poetry month (Pages 10-11), that have more of David Anson Russo’s illustrations embellishing our local poets’ contributions.
This time of year, a multitude of events are vying for attention (Page 14). Photos of last weekend’s Swap Meet and Cake Walk, gladden our hearts, as do intimations of Topanga Days Festival and parade that will outshine all other events on Memorial Day weekend.
The activity just won’t be contained; we are breaking the pall of the pandemic, subdued but still present. Speaking of which, read the news item offering free medicine for those who contract COVID (Page 4). On the same page, the Town Council, that band of feisty volunteers, continues to track vexing issues of the day: internet and cell service, the status of water and drought, fire activity and brush clearing. This essential organization by and for the community is clearly an essential volunteer opportunity for all.
One other thing to be happy about is that Sen. Ben Allen is our state senator and made an appearance on Earth Day at the library as the guest speaker for the Progressive Democrats of the Santa Monica Mountains Earth Day meeting (Page 5). Among the many concerns that he handles, he is especially fluent in matters of the environment, in particular, the Santa Monica Mountains and the effects of climate warming.
As I scroll through the pages in a final proof before sending this one off to the printer, I can’t help but smile at the happiness these events bring. On the other hand, I marvel at the hard work and organizational skills behind the scenes that make them manifest, make us smile and make sweet memories.
Volunteers Rule! In the end, it’s about giving so others can receive, isn’t it.
Photo by Jenise Blanc
“Kid in Mask with Ukulele.” You wouldn’t know it from this photo but this is Dashiel Buehner on the main stage of Theatricum Botanicum in his solo performance of “The Grass is Greener” at the recent Topanga Youth Services Variety Show. Proud grandma, Jenise Blanc, couldn’t help herself and sent the photo to us. Bravo, Dashiel, and all the children who turned in amazing performances. We’re all proud of you and the TYS volunteers, who make it happen.