DON’T BE CLUELESS in the Coachella Valley

BYLINE: DIANE MARLIN-DIRKX

There’s nothing like gung ho Team Spirit, or for the more sophisticated desert dweller, Esprit de corps. Call the whole seasonal kumbaya get-together—partying or passing on the bucks for a good cause—an extreme sport because in this community it is played daily, nightly, weekends, rain or shine, hot or hotter, nearly 24/7. Togetherness, whether dropping coins in a waiting hand or change in a charity dish at the check-out counter, dishing out a big donation with a hand-written check, lending a helping hand as a volunteer, or offering expertise and learning to eager students of all ages, in this community is generosity personified. We’re good at giving! We give of ourselves, and our bounty, however meager or magnificent. And we don’t face the challenge alone. Go team! There are only winners in this game. Read on.

Friday, October 12, 6pm – 7:30pm. CSUSB Palm Desert Campus hosts Conversations on Diversity with a special presentation by PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) entitled “Moving Equality Forward.” A panel of heterosexual and gay couples will share their personal histories and experiences with topics that range from bullying and abuse to social pressures. John Durkin, coordinator for the PFLAG Speakers Bureau, will moderate this lively, informative discussion with David Irwin, Mike and Carol Valasa and Ron Oden, former mayor of Palm Springs. Founded in the 1970s with a global reach of 350 affiliates, PFLAG promotes the health and well-being of the PFLAG community, provides education to the general public and an opportunity for dialogue about sexual orientation, identity and diversity. Free attendance and parking. Campus location: 37-500 Cook St., Palm Desert. For more info, call Mike Singer, 760-341-2883, ext. 78107, or msinger@csusb.edu.
Saturday, October 13, 9:30am. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. To wit, the Paint El Paseo Pink Walk not only brings attention to the fact that 35,000 women die of breast cancer each year (many men, too)), but in its sixth annual year, the walk organized by the Desert Cancer Foundation gathers urgently needed funds to provide free screenings, diagnostic services and treatments locally. Last year, over 700 walkers painted El Paseo Pink, raising $50,000. This year, presenting sponsor Desert Healthcare District will match every donation up to $75,000. Hopefully, the funds raised will top $150,000. Palm Desert City Councilwoman Jan Harnik is Honorary Chairwoman. TV personality Pattie Daly Caruso, a breast cancer survivor will emcee. Bring mom, dad, grandparents, and kids of all ages and attitudes, 4-legged dogs ditto, and join the “pink” parade. Registration is $20, which includes a limited edition T-shirt that announces you care and want to make a difference. An extra $10 ties your pet with a pink bandanna. Cool! To register, or become a sponsor, call 760-773-6554, or go online to www.firstgiving.com/desertcancerfoundation/paint-el-paseo-pink-2012.

Saturday, October 13, 10am – 1pm. Neighborhood Pit Bull Day! Pit Bull Terriers get a bad rap and Animal Samaritans in conjunction with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Desert VCA Animal Hospital, and Best Friends Animal Society are helping in a national effort to battle a stereotype of aggression and violence. Makes me howl with horror but there is pending legislation that may make the breed extinct. At one time in our nation’s history, Pit bulls were called “The Nanny Dog” for their caring protection, patience, tolerance and gentle temperaments. Yet, more than any other breed, 6000 are put to death every day. Bringing together families who love their pit bull pets, a “Pittie Party” will be in DeMuth Park to include low cost vaccinations, microchipping, licensing and free spay/neuter signups for up to 44 eligible pit bulls and mixes. The “party” will be followed by a free Pit Bull Education Workshop in the Hugh E. Donaldson Community Room from 1:30 – 3 pm. Contact Tamara Hedges or Jill Vega at psas.volunteercoordinator@gmail.com.

Saturday, October 13, Noon – 6pm. What this town needs is another party, right? Well, the Oktoberfest Palm Springs, a European-style festival, showcases over 40 food, beer and wine tasting booths, live entertainment on two stages to include polka, jazz, modern, and DJ music—perhaps even the “Chicken Dance!” (Google it.) Held under Marilyn’s eyes, or thereabouts, join the fun on Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way. The VIP Lounge features Celebrity Chef demos from Food Network Star Finalist Adam Gertler, and Executive Chef Chris Mitchum, Hyatt Regency Indian Wells. Stage/screen and cabaret songstresses Darci Daniels and Bonnie Gilgallon will entertain. The inaugural event benefits CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Les Dames d’Escoffier scholarship program for future female chefs, and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Tickets, $50, include general admission, six tasting tickets, VIP Lounge privileges, entertainment, and souvenir glass. For more info, or to become a sponsor or vendor, call Jeff Hocker, 760-320-5272, or go to info@oktoberfestpalmsprings.com.

Monday, October 15, and November 5, 7-8:30pm. Hollywood Behind the Scenes: The Critics Corner is a tantalizing look at the highlights of movie history while exploring the underpinnings of the industry from guts to glory as examined by five of the most prominent, nationally respected movie critics. Held at the Rancho Mirage Public Library (RMPL), the first two of the 5-program series features (October 15) David Anson, Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Film Festival, and (November 5) Manohla Dargis, Co-Chief Film Critic for the New York Times. Interviewed on-stage, each will discuss major movies and players, movie history, show unforgettable movie clips and discuss the evolution of their own careers as critics. Presented by the Rancho Mirage Library Foundation at the RMPL, 71-100 HWY 111, Rancho Mirage. Info, call 760-341-7323, or go to www.ranchomiragelibrary.org.

Tuesday, October 16, 5 – 6:30pm. Oktoberfest! Pull on your lederhosen and lift your stein to celebrate and benefit Desert Samaritans for Seniors, the Coachella Valley’s only nonprofit organization exclusively serving age 60 and older seniors with social service programming for 14 years. Let it all rock out to the oompah-pah’s of traditional German music by the Hofbrau Band, place your bids on a handsome slew of Silent auction items, try your luck at winning one a raffle prize, enjoy the beauty of handcrafted jewelry from La Di Da Jewelry and gift treasures from Cheers. Oktoberfest is sponsored by Atria, Palm Desert, and Angel Home Care. Tickets at the door, $20 donation. Location: Atria Hacienda, 44-600 Monterey Ave., Palm Desert. For more information, call Desert Samaritans, 760-837-9066. Or go to www.desertsamaritans.org.

Wednesday, October 17, 7pm. ShortFest at the ACE is the new film love-child of The Palm Springs International Film Society and Ace Hotel & Swim Club. What a romance! On the third Wednesday of each month, themed programs from the Palm Springs International ShortFest, the largest and most prestigious in North America, will be presented to film buffs absolutely free! This month: “Shortcuts: Detours on the Rocky Road to Romance” puts the ‘F’ word to new use as “funny, frightening, and fabulous” sum up the filmic narrative of human, not-so human and perhaps even in-human characters search for love in the modern world. The 2 to 19 minute shorts selected include an Oscar® winner, a flaming flamingo, famous faces, and audience and jury award winners from recent seasons. For film titles and synopses, go to www.psfilmfest.org or www.acehotel.com/palmsprings. Location: Clubhouse at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs.

Thursday, October 18, 8pm. Giving you the longed-for opportunity to channel your inner rebel, the McCallum Theatre brings the revolutionary decade alive with This is the 60s, for one night only. It’s a multimedia mix of live music, historical film clips, TV commercials, dance (Twisting the Night Away, the Frug), fashion (Jackie’s pill box hat, Go-go boots), the hysteria of Beatlemania, the horror of the Vietnam War and the hopefulness of Woodstock. Producer/director Jim Duffy (Discovery Network) says, “This is the 60s takes the audience on a journey…to entertain, educate, and stimulate.” Seven seasoned performers recreate the music that united an entire generation: The Rolling Stones, The Monkees, The Fifth Dimension, Simon & Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Who, Jefferson Airplane, and many more. Tickets are $25 to $55 at the McCallum Theatre Box office 760-340-2787, or online at www.mccallumtheatre.com. McCallum Theatre, 73000 Fred Waring Dr., Palm Desert.
Saturday, October 20, 11:30am. Legendary child actress Margaret O’Brien speaks at the premiere speaker’s luncheon of Palm Springs Women in Film and Television. Striking a pose for a photographer at the tender age of 3, Margaret O’Brien was mesmerized by the lights and her future. She determined to be a serious actress. Her starry pathway to the firmament was assured by her film debut in Babes on Broadway. In only a one-minute scene, critics labeled the budding thespian as a “sensation,” and “America’s Favorite Sweetheart.” In the 40s she stole scenes from the biggest names above the title: Joan Fontaine (Jane Eyre), Charles Laughton (The Canterville Ghost) and Judy Garland (Meet Me in St. Louis) in the role of ‘Tootie’ which won her an Academy Award. Tickets PSWIFT Members $30, Non-members, $45. To RSVP, call 760-238-0306, or go to www.pswift.org. Location: Ironwood Country Club, 73-735 Irontree Dr., Palm Desert.