Mountain Views News, Pasadena Edition [Sierra Madre] Saturday, February 16, 2019

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EDUCATION & YOUTH 

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 16, 2019 

4,100 FOURTH-GRADE STUDENTS ATTEND THE 
PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE FOR THE ARTS 
YOUTH CONCERT

SCHOOL DIRECTORY

Alverno Heights Academy

200 N. Michillinda Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3463 Head of School: Julia V. Fanara

E-mail address: jfanara@alvernoheights.org

Arcadia High School

180 Campus Drive Arcadia, CA 91007

Phone: (626) 821-8370, Principal: Brent Forsee

bforsee@ausd.net

Arroyo Pacific Academy

41 W. Santa Clara St. Arcadia, Ca, 

(626) 294-0661 Principal: Phil Clarke

E-mail address: pclarke@arroyopacific.org

Barnhart School

240 W. Colorado Blvd Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 446-5588 

Head of School: Ethan Williamson

Kindergarten - 8th grade

website: www.barnhartschool.org

Bethany Christian School

93 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-3527 

Preschool-TK-8th Grade

Principal: Dr. William Walner

website: www. bcslions.org

Clairbourn School

8400 Huntington Drive

San Gabriel, CA 91775

Phone: 626-286-3108 ext. 172

FAX: 626-286-1528

E-mail: jhawes@clairbourn.org

Foothill Oaks Academy

822 E. Bradbourne Ave., Duarte, CA 91010

(626) 301-9809

Principal: Nancy Lopez

www.foothilloaksacademy.org

office@foothilloaksacademy.org

Frostig School

971 N. Altadena Drive Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 791-1255

Head of School: Jenny Janetzke

Email: jenny@frostig.org

The Gooden School

192 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-2410 

Head of School, Carl Parke 

website: www.goodenschool.org

High Point Academy

1720 Kinneloa Canyon Road 

Pasadena, Ca. 91107 

Head of School: Gary Stern 626-798-8989

website: www.highpointacademy.org

La Salle High School

3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 351-8951 website: www.lasallehs.org

Principal Mrs. Courtney Kassakhian

Monrovia High School

325 East Huntington Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016 

(626) 471-2800 Principal Darvin Jackson

Email: schools@monrovia.k12.ca.us

Odyssey Charter School

725 W. Altadena Dr. Altadena, Ca. 91001

(626) 229-0993 Head of School: Lauren O’Neill

website: www.odysseycharterschool.org

Pasadena High School

2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd. Pasadena, Ca. 

(626) 396-5880 Principal: Roberto Hernandez

website: http://phs.pusd.us

St. Rita Catholic School

322 N. Baldwin Ave. Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

Principal Joan Harabedian (626) 355-9028 

website: www.st-rita.org

Sierra Madre Elementary School

141 W. Highland Ave, Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 355-1428 Principal: Lindsay Lewis

E-mail address: lewis.lindsay@pusd.us

Sierra Madre Middle School 

160 N. Canon Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024

(626) 836-2947 Principal: Garrett Newsom

E-mail address: newsom.garrett@pusd.us

Walden School

74 S San Gabriel Blvd

Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 792-6166 

www.waldenschool.net

Weizmann Day School

1434 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 797-0204

Lisa Feldman: Head of School

Wilson Middle School

300 S. Madre St. Pasadena, Ca. 91107

(626) 449-7390 Principal: Ruth Esseln

E-mail address: resseln@pusd.us

Pasadena Unified School District

351 S. Hudson Ave., Pasadena, Ca. 91109

(626) 396-3600 Website: www.pusd@pusd.us

Arcadia Unified School District

234 Campus Dr., Arcadia, Ca. 91007

(626) 821-8300 Website: www.ausd.net

Monrovia Unified School District

325 E. Huntington Dr., Monrovia, Ca. 91016

(626) 471-2000 

Website: www.monroviaschools.net

Duarte Unified School District

1620 Huntington Dr., Duarte, Ca. 91010

(626)599-5000 

Website: www.duarte.k12.ca.us

Arcadia Christian School

1900 S. Santa Anita Avenue Arcadia, CA 91006

Preschool - and TK - 8th Grade

626-574-8229/626-574-0805

Email: inquiry@acslions.com

Principal: Cindy Harmon

website: www.acslions.com

PASADENA, CA More than 4,000 fourth-grade 
students from 50 local schools came together at 
the Walt Disney Concert Hall for the 65th annual 
Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts’ (PSHA) 
Youth Concert held on Wednesday, January 30th. 
Presented with the LA Philharmonic Association, 
the Youth Concert is a free concert geared for 
the age group and designed to weave musical 
concepts, humor and educational information 
into an engaging program for the students. Since 
its inception in 1953 more than 250,000 fourth-
graders have participated.

 This year the children were treated to an 
interactive concert experience with the Los Angeles 
Philharmonic Orchestra. A Journey Through 
Minimalism explored the vibrant patterns, shifting 
phases, and steady rhythms of iconic minimalist 
music. The program was hosted by Ed Barguiarena, 
a composer, musician, producer and educator and 
conducted by award winning conductor, Nuno 
Coelho. The music of composers, John Adams, 
Philip Glass, Arvo Part and Steve Reich were 
featured.

 For most of the students, this was the first 
opportunity to experience the remarkable art 
and architecture of Walt Disney Concert Hall 
and their first exposure to classical symphonic 
music in a world-class concert hall. “Listening to 
classical music has a wide variety of benefits so it’s 
very important that we provide our children the 
opportunity to discover it and learn more about it,” 
said PSHA President, Dana Marevich.

 Letters from the fourth-grade attendees attested 
to their excitement about the concert, the knowledge 
they gained and the joyfulness of the experience. 
Allisen, a student from Franklin Elementary 
School in Altadena said she liked learning about 
musical patterns. “Different sounds and patterns 
make awesome music,” she said. “It was also fun 
to learn how we can make music by clapping our 
hands.” Each student is given a keepsake program 
to take home with additional information disguised 
in games and puzzles. Hilda Hacobian, the Youth 
Concert chair said she was excited to be part of the 
event. “The children are our future and I was truly 
thrilled to see the smiling faces of so many school 
children.” 

 PSHA’s other musical programs include the 
Music Mobile for third graders and the Instrumental 
Competition. In addition, PSHA also awards gifts 
and grants to a diverse list of local and regional non-
profit organizations in support of their efforts in the 
community. To date, PSHA has donated over $23 
million to music programs and to the Los Angeles 
Philharmonic, including a $1 million donation to 
the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Proceeds from the 
Pasadena Showcase House of Design, PSHA’s only 
fundraiser, make this possible. 

 The 2019 Pasadena Showcase House of Design 
will be open from April 21st through May 19th. 
Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to 
purchase tickets, visit www.pasadenashowcase.org.

THE GOOD LIFE

SENIOR HAPPENINGS

DO I NEED TO FILE A TAX RETURN THIS YEAR?


Dear Savvy Senior,

What are the IRS income tax filing requirements for 
retirees this tax season? My income dropped way 
down when I had to retire last year, so I’m wondering 
if I need to file a tax return this year.

Retired Ron

Dear Ron,

Whether or not you are required to file a federal 
income tax return this year actually depends on 
several factors: how much you earned last year (in 
2018); the source of that income; your age; and your 
filing status. 

 Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s IRS tax filing 
requirement thresholds. For most people, this is 
pretty straightforward. If your 2018 gross income – 
which includes all taxable income, not counting your 
Social Security benefits, unless you are married and 
filing separately – was below the threshold for your 
filing status and age, you may not have to file. But if 
it’s over, you will. 

- Single: $12,000 ($13,600 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 
1, 2019).

- Married filing jointly: $24,000 ($25,300 if you or 
your spouse is 65 or older; or $26,600 if you’re both 
over 65). 

- Married filing separately: $5 at any age.

- Head of household: $18,000 ($19,600 if age 65 or 
older).

- Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: 
$24,000 ($25,300 if age 65 or older).

 To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing 
requirements, along with information on taxable and 
nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and 
ask them to mail you a free copy of the “Tax Guide 
for Seniors” (publication 554) or see IRS.gov/pub/irs-
pdf/p554.pdf. 

Check Here Too

 There are, however, some other financial situations 
that can require you to file a tax return, even if your 
gross income falls below the IRS filing requirements. 
For example, if you earned more than $400 from self-
employment in 2018, owe any special taxes like an 
alternative minimum tax, or get premium tax credits 
because you, your spouse or a dependent is enrolled 
in a Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare) 
plan, you’ll need to file. 

 You’ll also need to file if you’re receiving Social 
Security benefits, and one-half of your benefits plus 
your other gross income and any tax-exempt interest 
exceeds $25,000, or $32,000 if you’re married and 
filing jointly. 

 To figure all this out, the IRS offers an interactive 
tax assistant tool on their website that asks a series of 
questions that will help you determine if you’re required 
to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. 
It takes less than 15 minutes to complete.

 You can access this tool at IRS.gov/filing – click on 
“Do I Need to File?” Or, you can get assistance over 
the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-
1040. You can also get face-to-face help at a Taxpayer 
Assistance Center. See IRS.gov/localcontacts or call 
800-829-1040 to locate a center near you. 

Check Your State

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return 
this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from 
filing state income taxes. The rules for your state 
might be very different. Check with your state tax 
agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the 
clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.
org/state-tax-agencies.

Tax Preparation Help 

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this 
year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for 
the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, 
TEC provides free tax preparation and counseling 
to middle and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and 
older. Call 800-906-9887 or visit IRS.treasury.gov/
freetaxprep to locate a service near you. 

 Also check with AARP, a participant in the TCE 
program that provides free tax preparation at around 
5,000 sites nationwide. To locate an AARP Tax-Aide site 
call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhelp. You 
don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

 Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. 
Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.
org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show 
and author of “The Savvy Senior” book.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …February Birthdays*

Beatrice DaRe, Cathrine Adde, Hilda Pittman, Anne-Marie Stockdale, Susan 
Henderson, Allie Attay, Ursula El-Tawansy, Gladys Moser, Sylvia Lorhan, Ana 
Ptanski, Winifred Swanson , Marian DeMars, Vickie Vernon, Mary Beth Knox, 
Sharon Lefler. * To add your name to this distinguished list, please call the paper at 
626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required

 

HART PARK HOUSE MONTHLY PROGRAMS: 

Unless listed differently, all activities are at the Hart Park House (Senior Center) 222 W. 
Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre

Hawaiian & Polynesian Dance Class: Every Tuesday Morning from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 
Join the class with Instructor Barbara Dempsey as she leads you in the art of Hula!

Bingo Time: Every Tuesday beginning at 1:00 p.m. Cards are only $0.25 each! Everyone is 
welcome to play! Activity may be canceled if there are less than five people. 

Free Blood Pressure Testing: 2nd Tuesdays Monthly from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

Brain Games: Thursday, December 13th 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Join us for Scattergories, a creative thinking game by 
naming objects within a set of categories; or Jenga, a block-building challenge that keeps you stacking and balancing 
your tower. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is needed. A great way to strengthen your mind and make new 
friends... Games are facilitated by Senior Volunteers.

Free Legal Consultation: Wednesday, December 19th from 10:30 a.m. - Noon. Attorney Lem Makupson is available 
for legal consultation. Specializing in Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Estates and Injury. Please call the Hart Park House for 
an appointment, 626-355-5278 ext. 704. 

Senior Club: Meets Saturdays Monthly at Hart Park House… Brown Bag Lunch and great company at 11:30 a.m. 

Chair Yoga: Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00 - 11:45 a.m. with Paul Hagen. Classes include Yoga and balance exercises. 
All ability levels are encouraged and welcomed! * Voluntary Donations of $5.00 per week per participant are suggested 
but not required.

Birthday Celebration: Every 2nd Thursday Monthly at the Hart Park House. Share free birthday cake and ice cream 
kindly provided by the Senior Community Commission! 

Game Day: Every Thursday Monthly 12:00 Noon come into the Hart Park House and join a lively poker game with 
friends!

Free Strength Training Class: Fridays 12:45 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. with Lisa Brandley. This energetic class utilizes light weights, 
low impact resistance training and body conditioning. Class equipment provided.

Save the Date: Senior Excursion, Wednesday, Dec. 19th to Rogers Gardens in Corona Del Mar. 


NOW ACCEPTING OLDER AMERICAN 2019 NOMINATIONS

The Senior Community Commission and Community Services Department is 
now accepting nominations for the Older “Sierra Madre” American of the Year. 

If you know someone who lives in Sierra Madre, has demonstrated outstanding 
community service, and is 60+ years of age or older please be sure to fill out a 
nomination form due by Thursday, March 21st, 2019. 

Forms are available at the Hart Park House or by calling the Senior Services Office 
at 626-355-5278 x 704.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com