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Page 14 Fullerton Observer EVENTS HITS & MISSES by Joyce Mason © 2009 THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON: Two Misses Supposedly based on a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” borrows only the story’s title and its premise—a person born old lives his life backwards into infancy. Relocated from Fitzgerald’s Baltimore to New Orleans and reset in time from the nineteenth to the twentieth century, “Benjamin Button” is a long, attenuated series of improbable and random events. Screenwriter Eric Roth tells the story of Benjamin Button (Brad Pitt) by framing it with the death of his true love, Daisy, whose daughter (Julia Ormond) is reading to her from Benjamin’s diary. As she reads, stormy weather threatens outside the hospital window. They are in New Orleans and it is late August, 2005. The brewing storm hangs heavy over the events depicted in Benjamin’s diary, which is a retelling of his life’s story. Because filmmakers can now digitalize scenes, it is possible to follow the birth in 1919 of Benjamin, an infant with the face and body of an old man, through his childhood when he looks like a man of sixty or seventy, to the fully grown and recognizable Brad Pitt. But inherent in this technology is a creepiness that manifests itself in such scenes as a 10-year-old Benjamin having a romantic crush on 8-year-old Daisy (Elle Fanning), who is fascinated by the old man she thinks he is and invites him to join her in the middle of the night. Another problem with the technology is that frequently we need to remind ourselves whether we are watching the young Benjamin getting old or the old Benjamin getting young. Unlike the Fitzgerald story in which the parents keep the grotesque child born to them, the film’s Benjamin is abandoned by his father, who is distraught by the death of his young wife and frightened by the little monster she has delivered. Benjamin is found by a warm-hearted African- American woman, Queenie (Taraji P. Henson), who runs a nursing home for the elderly. Queenie declares him to be “ugly as an old pot but still a child of God” and lovingly takes care of him along with her elderly clients. At seventeen, Benjamin, looking like a sixty-year old, gets a job on a barge, working for its colorful Captain Mike (Jared Harris), who introduces Benjamin to liquor and women. We next find the ship’s crew in Murmansk, Russia, where they seem to remain for several weeks, at least long enough for Benjamin to meet and have an affair with the unhappy wife (Tilda Swinton) of a British diplomat. When World War II breaks out, captain and crew, now stranded in Europe, join heartily into the war effort, leading to adventures and catastrophes. Through the years, Benjamin has loved Daisy (Cate Blanchett), the child who regularly visited her grandmother at Queenie’s retirement home. When the war is over and they meet again, Daisy has become an accomplished dancer. Although we had no hints of her remarkable talents when she was younger, Daisy is now studying with George Balanchine and soon starring in Broadway shows. For about 45 minutes of this almost three-hour movie, Benjamin looks like the real Brad Pitt, and his affair with Daisy creates a long romantic interlude, which is eventually doomed by their disparate aging processes. The central conceit of this film— that two lives can intersect successfully for a few years—might have worked better if the main characters were more interesting. Although nominated for an Academy Award, Brad Pitt plays Benjamin in a mainly passive mode. He reacts to events more than he generates action. Also, Cate Blanchett, a gifted actress, is never convincing as a world-class dancer singled out for her virtuosity. Directed by David Fincher (“Fight Club” and “Zodiak”), “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” could have benefited from removing many unnecessary episodes, such as an early scene that tells the story of how a clock that works backwards happened to get built, and by allowing its protagonist to be more proactive as he moves through his unusual life events. TUES., MARCH 3 • 6:30pm - City Council meeting, at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton. Tentative Agenda includes Closed Session – Potential Litigation • Sewer Lining Project 08/09 • Guidelines for Outdoor Patios on Public Property in CBD and the Transportation Center Specific Plan. Go to www.cityoffullerton.com for an agenda update . WED., MARCH 4 • 3:30pm-4:30pm: CDBG Meeting Non-profit groups interested in appyling for Community Development Block Grant funding are asked to attend the meeting at the Hunt Branch Library, 201 S. Basque, Fullerton. Call Housing Supervisor Linda Morad at 714-738-6878 with questions. Applications are due by March 18. Final decisions at 6:30pm Tues., May 5 Council meeting. • 6pm-9pm: SCORE Workshop Carl Woodard presents the key tools you need to market and promote your product or service. Free at the Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth. • 7pm: Author Phil Doran “The Reluctant Tuscan” Emmy-award winning writer & producer talks about his book, a humorous true tale of how he moved to Italy with his wife and rediscovered himself, his marriage, and the importance of getting in touch with his inner Italian. Free at the Fullerton Public Library, 353 W. Commonwealth. • 7pm-9pm: Downtown Future Meeting designed for residents to share views of what’s working and what’s not in the downtown area. Fullerton City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth. Call Lt. Dan Hughes at Police Dept. for more info at 714-738-6845 or by email to DHughes@FullertonPD.org FRI. MARCH 6 • 12:30pm: “The Kite Runner” A free screening of the tale of two childhood friends torn apart by circumstances of war and strife in Afghanistan. Stars Khalid Abdalla. If you like come early for a macaroni & cheese lunch in the dining room at noon for $2.50-$3.50. Fullerton Senior Center, 340 W. Commonwealth. 714-738-6305. Free • 7am-1pm - Yard, Book & Plant Sale Friends for a Livable Fullerton Fundraiser 400 N. Malden at Chapman. For more info. or in case it rains and the sale has to be rescheduled call 714-607-0380 or go to downtownfullerton@earthlink.net. Funds raised go to FFLF so the work helping to preserve Fullerton’s uniqueness and livability can continue. If you have donations of items for the sale you can drop off at above address on Wed., March 4th. (no computers or TVs). • 6:30pm: Free Film Night “Eldorado” directed by Bouli Lanners at the Fullerton Public Library Osborne Auditorium. "Yvan and Elie are two loners who wander aimlessly through their lives. Yvan is a quick-tempered 40-year-old vintage car dealer while Elie is a young burglar and ex-junkie." Films are unrated and are not recommended for children under the age of 17. Original language, with English subtitles. SAT MARCH 7 • 7am-1pm - Yard, Book & Plant Sale Friends for a Livable Fullerton Fundraiser 400 N. Malden at Chapman. See above March 6th listing for full information. • 10-11:30am: Free Home Composting Workshop, Patrick McNelly & Dr. Bill Roley demonstrate how to start your own home composting system. Free w/proof of residency. Meet at the bleachers at the Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd. Call 714-278-3407 to save your space. www.fullertonarboretum.org • Noon to 2pm: “We Played Baseball” luncheon & panel discussion at the Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona at Wilshire, a block from downtown. The event features Jean Hastings Ardell, author of “Breaking into Baseball: Women and the National Pastime,” plus All American Girls Professional Baseball League members Shirley Berkovich and Maybelle Blair. $8 includes a box lunch and tour of the museum exhibit. RSVP 714-738-6575 • Noon-10pm: CSUF Grand Central Art Center Anniversary, day-long event features guest speakers, demos, music, dance, tours, food & drink. 125 N Broadway, Santa Ana, 92701. 714-567-7233 • 5pm-9pm: Western Hoedown & BBQ, Food, refreshments, entertainment and dancing in support of the Arboretum. Tickets are $70 each. Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd. 714-278-3407 www.fullertonarboretum.org MON., MARCH 9 • 7pm: Moody Bible Institute Symphonic Band a 50-member group will be in concert at Wilshire Ave Community Church, 212 E. Wilshire (one block east of Harbor Blvd. in Fullerton). Band & orchestral concert music as well as hymn and gospel song arrangements in both traditional and contemporary styles. Call 714-526-2265 for more info. Free TUES. MARCH 10 • 10:30am: OCTA Presentation on Bus Riding for Seniors The bus gives millions of older adults the freedom to do the things they want to do. Fullerton Senior Center, 340 W. Commonwealth. 714-738-6305. Free • 7pm: “Recession-proof Your Job Search” featuring Dr. Patty Malone, DINNER: 7 days a week! 5-10pm • Fri. & Sat. to 11pm LUNCH: Mon-Sat 11am to 3pm February, March & April • Sun., Mon. & Tues. Nights BRING YOUR OWN WINE • NO CORKAGE CHARGE! RESERVATIONS • 714.525.1056 KARAOKE Every Saturday Night 10pm 114 W. Wilshire Ave • Downtown Fullerton EARLY-MARCH 2009 Jelly Howie Stars Born and raised in Fullerton, Jelly Howie is starring in the latest Josh Schwartz (“Chuck”, “Gossip Girl”, “The OC”) project “Rockville, CA” premiering on TheWB.com on March 17th. A scripted, music-centric story, Rockville follows a group of young 20-somethings who hang out at a fictional club “Rockville”. Indie bands perform in each 4-6 minute episode, including The Kooks, The Broken West and Anya Marina. Having guest-starred in such series as “CSI Miami” and “90210”, Jelly is now a regular as the beautiful, unobtainable waitress on Rockville. -Annie Chen professor of communication studies at CSUF. Fullerton Public Library Osborne Auditorium, 353 W. Commonwealth. Free. 714-738-6326 • 7:30pm - Star Wars, directed by George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher at Hibbleton. Bring chair/blanket. Come early space is limited. 112 W. Wilshire Ave. 714-441-2857 hibbleton.com WED. MARCH 11 7pm: Planning Commission at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth. Items to discuss include: 1) Lim request for CUP to modify shared parking at 1701-1895 N. Euclid & Rosecrans; 2) Ochoa/ Bushala request for CUP to operate a restaurant and nightclub at 205 N. Harbor; 3) Safawi/Smith request to modify CUP to operate hookah café at 741 N. Placentia Ave. THURS., MARCH 12 • 10:30am: Arriving in Afghanistan Cultural Reception serves up a taste of the food and music of Afghanistan plus a documentary showing the culture and countryside. Fullerton Senior Center, 340 W. Commonwealth. 714-738-6305. Free • 7:30pm: Costa Rica at Sierra Club Meeting Vern and Verna Steger will present photos of Costa Rica, including national parks and birding areas. Meet at Banco Popular in north Fullerton on the SW corner of Euclid and Rosecrans (near CVS). Free SAT. MARCH 14 • 8am: Coyote Hills Nature Hike, Naturalists will interpret the scene. Join us as we walk in one of the last open spaces in North Orange County. Meet at the equestrian gate to Laguna Lake Park at Lakeview, just east of Euclid in Fullerton. Bring water to drink and wear comfortable shoes. Public is welcome. Cancelled if it rains. Free. • 9am: Fullerton Pony Baseball, for kids ages 3 to 14. Amerige Park, 340 W. Commonwealth, Fullerton (across from City Hall). fullertonponybaseball.com or phone 714- 773-4215 for more info. Continued on next page
EARLY-MARCH 2009 Maestro Dean Anderson Fullerton College Symphony in Concert The Fullerton College Symphony will be performing its third concert of the season on Sunday, March 29 at 4pm at the Fullerton College Campus Theater at 321 E. Champan Ave. The orchestra’s music director, Dean Anderson, will be joined by guest soloist Steve Charpie who will perform the popular Trumpet Concerto by Franz Joseph Haydn. Mr. Charpie was for four years a member of The United States Navy Band, Washington, DC, where he served as 1st trumpet and occasional soloist. He was also a member of the Louisville Orchestra in Louisville, Kentucky for several seasons. Currently, Steve is a member of the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, the Mozart Chamber Orchestra, and a freelance orchestral player in the Los Angeles area. Mr. Charpie is active as a soloist nationwide, often performing on the cornet. This is Steve’s first performance with the Fullerton College Symphony and Maestro Anderson. Also on this program will be the Overture to the Meistersingers by Richard Wagner, which will be conducted by guest conductor and bass trombonist, Jeremy DelaCuadra. The program will close with the Symphony No. 2 by Jean Sibelius. So far this season, the orchestra has achieved great success in its last two concerts, performing the Mahler Symphony No. 4 in January and the Brahms Symphony No. 2 last October. Tickets prices are $15/General; $9/Seniors; $5/Students; Children under 12 are free. Please visit www.fullertoncollegesymphony.com for more information or call (714) 992-7150 to order tickets. SAT. MARCH 14 continued • 9am-Noon: Arbor Day Tree Planting, The City and Fullerton Beautiful are sponsoring a tree planting at the West Coyote Hill Park. Volunteers are asked to bring shovels and buckets, as well as wear gloves and sturdy shoes. If it rains the event will be moved to Sat., March 21. West Coyote Hills Park is located at 2100 N. Gilbert St. Call city landscape superintendent Dennis Quinlivan at 714-738- 6897 with questions. • All Day: Audition at the Muck, for performing artists who would like to appear in upcoming shows & festivals. Zoot Velasco 714-738-3328. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern. www.themuck.org SUN. MARCH 15 • noon to 4pm: Line Drives Family Day: at the Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona at Wilshire, a block from downtown. Event includes a tour of the museum’s baseball exhibit, arts & crafts and a treasure hunt in the gallery for prizes. Free with Museum admission. $4/adults; $3/students & seniors; $1/kids 6-12; free for 5 and under. 714-738-3136. TUES. MARCH 17 • 11am: St. Patrick’s Day event features music of the Fullerton Kitchen Band and a tasty traditional Irish corned beef and cabbage meal. $3.50/under 60; $2.50 over 60. Fullerton Senior Center, 340 W. Commonwealth. 714-738-6305. Free • 5pm: City Council Study Session & 6:30pm Regular Session •Public Hearing: Increase in Parking Ticket Fees & Zone Amendment for Personal Services Definition •Urban Interface Brush Clearance •Downtown pipeline improvements •January Financials • 7:30pm - Snatch, directed by Guy Richie, starring Jason Statham, Benicio Del Toro, Brad Pitt at Hibbleton. Bring chair/blanket. Come early space is limited. 112 W. Wilshire Ave. 714-441-2857 hibbleton.com WED MARCH 18 • 3pm: Arboretum Commission Meeting, Public invited. Oak Hall classroom, Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd. 714-278-3407 www.fullertonarboretum.org THURS., MARCH 19 • 10am-4pm: Monster Tomato & Pepper Sale, thru March 22, this is the largest tomato & pepper sale in the west with over 180 varieties of tomatoes and 80 varieities of peppers. Admission is free. Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Rd. 714-278-3407 www.fullertonarboretum.org • 7pm: Native American Institute, presents Nicolas Magalousis, professor of Anthropology and Archaeology at Santiago Canyon College speaking on “A Quarter Century of Conservation Work at Mission San Juan Capistrano.” 1465 N. Batavia St, Orange. RSVP to Dr. John Collins at runningbear001@yahoo.com or 714-879-1337. Free FRI., MARCH 20 • 10am-4:30pm: Spring Book Sale, sponsored by Friends of the La Habra Library Used Book Store, located in the La Habra Library at 221 E. La Habra Blvd. All books on sale for 25¢ each on both Friday and Saturday. Select from children’s books, fiction, travel, biographies, cookbooks, reference, crafts, CDs, videos and much more. All proceeds benefit the library children’s programs. •6pm - Dancing the Decades Benefit for Crittenton Services at Angelo’s & Vinci’s Ristorante, 550 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton. Cocktails, Dinner, Auction followed by Magic of Brian Gillis, DJ Dancing & games. Best Dressed Award (represent a decade of music from Zoot suits, tie-dyed shirts or felt poodle skirts). Call 714-680-8218 for tickets. $45 EVENTS Fullerton Observer Page 15 St. Jude Medical Center Board of Trustees, Executive Management Team and family members volunteering at West Fullerton Food Distribution. Community Reaches Out In West Fullerton by Carol van Ahlers Early on Saturday mornings, once a month for the past six years, volunteers from throughout the Fullerton community have gathered in West Fullerton to distribute food to families in need. The effort is a partnership between the Orangethorpe United Methodist Church (OUMC), the West Fullerton Improvement Committee, Orangethorpe Learning Center, St. Jude Medical Center and the Second Harvest Food Bank. The tradition continues in 2009 beginning in January with a special effort by the members of the Board of Trustees and executives from St. Jude Medical Center who provided their donation as a holiday gift to the community. This event is usually held on the first Saturday of the month at 9am in the OUMC back parking lot. Over the years, the medical center staff and management have provided support to pay for the delivery of the food by Second Harvest. Retail food suppliers from throughout the Southland donate the food to Second Harvest. Over the years many groups have provided volunteers to distribute the food to the over 200 families that attend including OUMC church members, Fullerton Boy Scout Troop 1201, Girl Scout troops, other local youth organizations and other churches throughout the area. The program is administered by the OUMC Latino Ministry. As the economy worsens, the demand for these services in the community is increasing. Eastside Christian Church, located in Fullerton, has recently offered to sponsor an additional distribution on the third Saturday of the month for the next six months, doubling the service provided to those in need. This community support truly makes a difference in the lives of thousands of families each year. For more information, refer on the web to 92833.org/2h. Those interested in volunteering for the distribution may call the OUMC office at 714.526.8317.
Page 1 and 2: PUBLIC MEETINGS Fullerton City Hall
Page 3 and 4: EARLY-MARCH 2009 More Bad News Pick
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Page 9 and 10: EARLY-MARCH 2009 Fullerton High’s
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Page 13: EARLY-MARCH 2009 REVIEWED by Joyce
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