Community meetings bring people together for exchange of ideas and memorable shared experiences. Here’s a sampling of meetings in the San Fernando Valley.
Dec. 27
Wings Over Wendy’s: Veterans of all services and ages, and their supporters, meet from 8:30-11 a.m. every Monday of the month. Guest speakers scheduled for meetings. Currently, the group is also offering the meetings on Zoom. Location, 7401 Shoup Ave., West Hills. Contact Ed Reynolds for the Zoom link, ID and password and other information. 818-884-4013.
Dec. 29
Mystery and Thriller Book Club with Studio City Branch Library: Discusses “The Circular Staircase” by Mary Roberts Rinehart, 6:30 p.m. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to Emily at eaaronson@lapl.org (Put “Mystery and Thriller Book Club” in the subject line). 12511 Moorpark St. 818-755-7873. Details here: bit.ly/2Vy8tP1
Jan. 1
Star Stories at Verdugo Hills Cemetery: Friends of Verdugo Hills Cemetery present a storytelling on constellations by local historian Craig Durst, 7-7:45 p.m. Bring your own seating. No bathroom facilities at the cemetery. Donations go to construction of a Veterans Tribute and Memorial at the cemetery. 7000 Parsons Trail, Tujunga. friendsofverdugohillscemetery.com
Jan. 3
Mystery Book Club with Woodland Hills Branch Library: Join the group to discuss favorite and new mystery books – classics, cozies and thrillers – 4 p.m. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to aoliviera@lapl.org (put “Mystery Book Club” in the subject line). 22200 Ventura Blvd. 818-226-0017. Details here: bit.ly/327aqIi
Jan. 5
Book Club with Chatsworth Branch Library: The group holds an “Open Forum” to discuss favorite books that they think others would enjoy, 1:30 p.m. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to sstamm@lapl.org (put “Book Club” in the subject line). Details here: bit.ly/32f75Hj
Health Matters Book Club with Pacoima Branch Library: Discusses “Atomic Habits” by James Clear, 6:30 p.m. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to rrose@lapl.org (put “Health Matters Book Club” in the subject line). 13605 Van Nuys Blvd. 818-899-5203. Details here: bit.ly/33W6JFV
Jan. 8
Divorce Telephone Workshop: A family law attorney from the Law Collaborative in Woodland Hills discusses the divorce process and issues including state guidelines for child custody and support, financial and tax concerns, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. 609-663-5450. www.thelawcollaborative.com
Little Landers Historical Society: The society presents a screening of a documentary on the musical instrument, the theremin, “Theremin – an Electronic Odyssey,” 1 p.m. The film is followed by a question and answer talk with the filmmaker Steven M. Martin. There will be a chance to play the instrument. Admission is $3 donation. Bolton Hall Museum, 10110 Commerce Ave., Tujunga. 818-352-3420. Email: llhs@boltonhall.org. boltonhall.org
Jan. 10
Book Club with Sun Valley Branch Library: Discusses “Mexican Gothic” by Silivia Moreno-Garcia, 4:45-5:30 p.m. Request the Google Meet link in advance by email to ebarrera@lapl.org (put “Book Club” in the subject line). 7935 Vineland Ave. 818-764-1338. Details here: bit.ly/2XJ1Xoh
Jan. 11
Book Club with Northridge Branch Library: Discusses “Giver of Stars” by JoJo Moyes, 1-2:30 p.m. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to nrthrg@lapl.org (put “Book Club” in the subject line). 9051 Darby Ave. 818-886-3640. Details here: bit.ly/30XEJ3C
Jan. 12
Games Day and Potluck with Northridge Woman’s Club: The group invites potential members to their first event of the new year, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free but a reservation is required in advance. Northridge Woman’s Club, 18401 Lassen St. Contact Irene Strauss, 818-344-3333.
Mystery Book Club with West Valley Regional Branch Library: Discusses “A Gentleman’s Murder” by Christopher Huang, 10:30 a.m. The author is scheduled to take part in the discussion. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to wvalley@lapl.org (put “Mystery Book Club” in the subject line). The library is located at 19036 Vanowen St., Reseda. 818-345-9806. Details here: bit.ly/3E6CQyU
Jan. 14
Current Events Nonfiction Book Club with Studio City Branch Library: Discusses “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” by John Carreyrou, noon. Request the Zoom link in advance by email to Emily at eaaronson@lapl.org (Put “Current Events Nonfiction Book Club” in the subject line). 12511 Moorpark St. 818-755-7873. www.lapl.org/branches/studio-city
Charity
Spread the Warmth Blanket and Socks Drive: The Solid Resources Citywide Recycling Division of LA Sanitation and Environment is asking for new and gently used (washed and clean) blankets, sleeping bags and socks to be given to homeless, through Dec. 30. Donations may be dropped off, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Locations include: East Valley District Yard, 11050 Pendleton St., Sun Valley; West Valley District Yard, 8840 Vanalden Ave., Northridge; North Central District Yard, 452 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles; West LA District Yard, 2027 Stoner Ave., Los Angeles (and three other locations). 213-485-2260. Email: san.cfrp@lacity.org.
Flair Cleaners holiday clothing and shoe drive: Donate gently used or new clothing and shoes during the 19th annual event, through Dec. 31. Requested items: accessories, professional work clothing, jeans and rain gear (no delicate items, however). Drop off items at Flair Cleaners locations: 4060 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Studio City (818-761-3282); 27011 McBean Parkway, Valencia (661-753-9900); 720 Montana Ave., Santa Monica (310-395-9354). Call for store hours; drop off items inside store. Items will be donated to San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission and Helping Hands for the Blind. www.flaircleaners.com
Send information at least two weeks in advance to Holly Andres at holly.andres@dailynews.com. 818-713-3708.