Poison frogs visit La Cañada

bruce campbell col.The members of the La Cañada Flintridge Rotary Club watched as fish tank after fish tank, filled only with sand and small creatures, were brought into their meeting. At the previous meeting it was announced that the program would be all about Poison Dart Frogs. Nobody knew anything about Poison Dart Frogs, but that was to change.

Many questions were posed to the frogs’ experienced keeper Melissa Lee Watkins.

The tiny frogs are native to Columbia and South America, and not found in the United States, except in Hawaii, she said. They are rain forest frogs and very brightly colored with lots of spots. The toxic poison is released into their skin and lethal to the frog’s enemies. South American Indians discovered the devastating effects of the poison. They would wipe the tips of their arrows and blowgun darts across the frogs to use in battle and hunting.

The poison was produced by the frog’s natural diet of beetles, ants, termites and other bugs, Watkins said. Once the frog’s diet is changed, they become harmless and very colorful pets. The frogs were passed around the room and the members felt comfortable again.

Education Center adopted by Kiwanis

Starting a new school is not always easy. The new Pacific Avenue Education Center has a mission to help many challenged and disabled elementary students in Glendale. To help meet the school’s needs, the Kiwanis Club of Fil-Am Glendale will give the school library books, a climbing structure, multi-cultural musical instruments, a listening center and needed math and science equipment for the laboratories. The Kiwanis will donate more than $9,000 to purchase the equipment as their initial contribution. The members agreed to visit the school often and personally help as much as needed.

Kiwanis Club of Fil-Am Glendale meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesday at Notte Luna Restaurant, 113 N. Maryland Ave. For more information, call Marlene Cagatao at (818) 731-9424.

Kiwanis is not all work

The West Glendale Gateway Kiwanis Club was treated to the fun and excitement of a new business in Glendale at its regular meeting.

Yolanda Rossi, an Argentine-born dancer and tango teacher, demonstrated the dance for the club. Rossi was assisted by Felix Chavez, a dance coach and body double to the stars. Chavez has coached Joan Rivers, Al Pacino, and many others, including parts for the movie “The Poseidon Adventure.” He teamed up in rare style to help in the dance demonstration.

Rossi gave a history lesson of the tango from its origin in Argentina to its American version today. Club members were invited to visit her studio to learn or just observe.

Lions learn about projects for children

Rita Henderson, manager of Community Affairs at Nestlé, presented to the Northwest Glendale Lions Club an update on all the schools the company had adopted this past year. Nestlé adopted 50 schools across the country, including Cerritos Elementary School in Glendale. The major contributions the company made were library books and reading aids for the students.

The Northwest Glendale Lions Club meets at noon every Thursday at the Oakmont Country Club. For more information, call Ross Adams at (818) 243-4458.

* BRUCE CAMPBELL writes about service clubs throughout the area. He can be reached at (818) 550-0305, (626) 403-1010, or bruceequityresults.com.

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