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Community Corner

Bakeries, Household Needs, and a Good Place to Work Out!

It's all right up here in Altadena

Robert Lewis Stevenson wrote a poem called “Happy Thought”. 

My Mother used to read it to me as a child and I love it still. “The world is so full of a number of things, I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings.”  Short, simple, sweet and wise describe the sentiment expressed in this poem.  It came to mind when I was writing this week’s column. 

I reflected on the last six columns and realized how many wonderful small businesses we have up here in Altadena, and how lucky I have been to learn and write about them.  I know more about Altadena now than I did in the previous 35 years that I have lived here. 

Find out what's happening in Altadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is a wonderful adventure for me, exploring where I live.  I encourage you to do the same, get out there and meet the business owners in our town.  Also, let me know some of your favorites, especially those that are special gems that many residents might not know.  I will check them out and visit them.

This week will take us on a stroll west on Mariposa to visit Curves, Altadena Hardware and Merit Cleaners.  Then we will stop by two neighboring businesses on Lake Street, Oh Happy Day and The Dutch Oven Bakery.  Nice places, owned by really nice people, and good deals for families, whether it is for food for the family or a place for parents to get away to workout for a change!

Find out what's happening in Altadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1) Curves, Altadena – Owner Rose West was a member of the Curves that was located next to Quiznos on Lake.  When it was going to close, she was so disappointed that she decided to buy it!  She moved it up to the little shopping center on Marcheta for two years and then earlier this year to the new location on the corner of Lake and Mariposa.  Curves features 30 minute workouts for women that include warm up, cardio, strength training, cool down and stretching.  They had their grand opening 3/19/11 and had a fundraiser collecting $520 for Relay for Life.

2455 N. Lake Ave., Altadena T:  626-797-9177  

Hours:  M, W, F 6:30 am to 12:30 pm – 3 pm to 8 pm.

            Tue – Thur. 7 am to noon, 4 pm to 7 pm

            Sat – 7 am to 10 am, Closed Sundays

DEAL:  Food Drive/Sign up Special – Bring a bag of non perishable food during the month of April for ZERO sign up fee.  Food will be donated to the Altadena Food Pantry.

2) Altadena Hardware – Stop by and let Jim, Paula, Rob and Jimmy Rolandini help you with your hardware needs.  This family has owned this long time hardware store for the past 8 months and has two thirds more stock than before.  They also offer services such as screen repair, window glass replacement, lamp rewiring and repairs and a larger lawn and garden area.

849 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena T:  626-704-4383

Hours: M – Fri 8 am to 6 pm, Sat 8 am to 5 pm, Sun 10 am to 4 pm

DEAL:  Tool, knife and scissor sharpening, $.50 per inch (more if damaged or very dull).  Get those tools sharpened for spring!

3) Merit Cleaners – Seiko Richardson and Kimiko Richardson are the owners of this establishment located in Altadena for over twenty years.  They have a loyal following and specialize in dry cleaning, clothing alterations, laundry service, hems and fluff and fold.

841 E. Mariposa Street, Altadena T:  626-798-1604

Hours:  M – Fri 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, Sat 8 am to 5 pm, Closed Sundays

DEAL:  They do wedding dresses, evening wear and costumes!

4) Oh Happy Day Healthfood Grocery Café -- This local café/ store specializes in natural foods and organic produce, herbs, supplements and free nutritional guidance to its customers. It is a great find when you're looking for fresh vegetarian foods and healthy items sold by Altadena’s Guru of Health, John.  He has been serving up food for the body and soul since 1977.  The devotees of this special small space are drawn to the crisp salads, tasty soups and daily specials, as well as the funky ambiance.

2283 Lake Ave., Altadena T:  626:797-0383

Hours: Mon – Sat 11 am to 6:30 pm, Closed Sundays

DEAL:  Tuesdays, fresh organic vegetables delivered.  “Really Yummy Yams” served daily with greens and lentils or pea soup. $5.50, add $1.00 for a salad.

5) Dutch Oven Bakery – Owner David Davids opens daily at 5:00 am!  Betcha didn’t know that!!  If this is one of those places that you have driven by and not stopped in, wait no longer.  It has the best freshly baked bread in Altadena!!  Baked daily since 1989 are: wheat, white, egg, French, sourdough, rye, jalapeno cheese and cheese and onion breads.  Also known for their red velvet cakes, peach cobblers and lemon cake as well as cookies and pastries.

2281 Lake Ave., Altadena T:  626-794-3555

Hours:  Mon – Sat 5:00 am to 6:00 pm, Sunday 7:00 am to 2 pm

DEAL:  Some call them “Honey Muffins”, some call them “Honeycakes”……I say CALL ME WHEN THEY ARE READY!!  Yummy!

 

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