Some weeks ago, I was reading an article in the newspaper saying that this winter promised to be a dry one. Well … so much for a dry winter. But hey, what do I know? I’m no latter-day Dr. George Fischbeck (remember him, kids?) and we’re not actually in winter yet, but it’s looking to be rainier than expected. Not that I mind – I love rainy days! A perfect day to stay home and read, listen to some dreamy Chopin Nocturnes… and stop by later in the evening for one of the Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce’s mixers – specifically our mixer coming up on Nov. 3. That was a very subtly handled segue, am I right?

On Wednesday, Nov. 3, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., stop by the MVCC office at 3516 N. Verdugo Road in Montrose for our November mixer. We’ll be hosting a potluck mixer, so if you want to meet the community and introduce yourself with one of your signature dishes, come on down. I’ll be bringing my world-famous store-bought mini corn dogs from the local supermarket freezer aisle.

Our mixers are not just great opportunities to network with members of the community and local businesses, but they’re also simply great fun. Aside from the food, you’ll also enjoy great raffle prizes, too. Of course, you’ll get to meet me – and that’s the greatest prize of all, wouldn’t you say? Don’t be a stranger – come and say hello. The door fees for the mixers are $7 for members and $9 for prospective members. For more information, see our contact information at the end of this article.

Thanks to a very dear friend of mine, I have learned to appreciate the fine art of knitting. I will even admit that I do some fair amount of knitting myself. So it is a great joy to know that Montrose enjoys the presence of one of Southern California’s very finest stores devoted to needlework, Needle in a Haystack. Through Sunday, Oct. 31, all Clover knitting needles and all Halloween needlepoint canvases are 10% off at Needle in a Haystack. Needle in a Haystack is also proud to announce its new needlepoint teacher, Sherry Bray. Her first day will be on Saturday, Nov. 6, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by Needle in a Haystack to give her a warm welcome. Make sure to get a skein or two of Noro yarns for me. Needle in a Haystack is located at 2262 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose. You can reach them at (818) 248-7686. Make sure to let them know that the MVCC sent you.

Our Artwalk is coming up soon on Saturday, Nov. 13. If you’re an artist who would love to display and sell your work at our Artwalk, it’s still not too late to sign up. Contact the MVCC office at the number displayed at the end of this article.

Be it great food, fun events, or unique shopping trips, make Montrose your destination. Follow the Montrose/Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce via our Facebook page or our website at www.montrosechamber.org.  Our offices are open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; this Friday we’ll be open from noon until 3:00 p.m. Call us at (818) 249-7171 or email me at tayala@montrosechamber.org. For all your shopping needs and more make your destination Montrose!

  MVCC, Ted Ayala