Valentine's Day is behind us...President's Day weekend is just ahead! Do you have big plans this weekend? Well, don't pack the car and go before you read what's going on in "NoHo Strong" this weekend!!

A Word...or Two...Or Three..

by ds stringer

CEO

JUMPING PUPS

Have you seen the video of the little white puppy that jumped from the open window of a moving car on the 101 freeway?

I had to watch the video several times...I just couldn't believe that it was a real video. But when I was convinced, then I got angry.

I see this all the time, as I'm sure you do too. Car windows rolled down and doggies of all shapes and sizes sticking their heads freely out of the window...sometimes, half of their body is hanging out of the car window. I was always sure that someday, a dog was going to jump

out ...just a matter of time.

Unbelievably...the dog is ok...but...it still didn't keep me from being angry about the whole incident.

How many of you have dogs ride in the car with you? Do you safely secure them or even secure them at all?

Here are some safety tips if you want to keep "Fido" safe when enjoying a ride in the car...

-Schedule plenty of stops.

Let your dog stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and burn off some energy.

-Start with shorter journeys.

Some dogs get motion sickness so it’s best to slowly build up to longer trips.

-Don't feed while driving.

Instead, feed your dog at least three hours before your trip.

-Don't let your dog hang out the window.

It's not safe in general, and it's not good for their eyes. It can dry them out and may also expose them to flying debris. 

- Don't give them treats on the journey.

Dogs have been known to choke while eating on the move.

- Always have the air-conditioner on.

Cars can get very hot for dogs; keep the car well-ventilated

Admittedly, some of the rules are probably not what you want to hear. but...if you want to keep your pooch...and ultimately, you safe, it's a good idea to follow these simple tips.

On behalf of the Universal City/North Hollywood

Chamber of Commerce...

Dorothy Stringer

Dorothy Stringer

CEO

Marian Croak

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) Technolog

Engineer Marian Croak has worked on advancing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technologies, converting voice data into digital signals that can be easily transmitted over the internet rather than using traditional phone lines. Her contributions to technology are beyond important!

Here are some principal facts about Marian Croak...

-Croak was born in 1955in New York City.

-She currently is a member of the Corporate Advisory Board for the Viterbi School of Engineering at her alma mater, the University of Southern California.

-Croak is also a former board member for such organizations as the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions; Catalyst; the Holocaust and Human Rights Museum(New Jersey); and the National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering.

-She has received awards for her text-to-donate technology, inspired by Hurricane Katrina in 2005.The technology raised $130,000 in relief funds.

-Text donations after the 2010Haiti earthquake totaled $43 million.

-Croak is included in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Collectible Cards series.

-She also was featured in the USPTO’s SUCCESS (Study of Underrepresented Classes Chasing Engineering and Science Success) Act Report in 2018.

-Croak is a member of the Women in Technology International Hall of Fame

-She has mentored many individuals pursuing STEM careers.

-Croak has more than 200U.S. patents

An amazing woman who is a fine black African American...well done Ms.Croak!!

February 22nd....less than a week away...

Are you ready?

And don't forget...it's the fundraiser too!!

So...all you have to do is order...the total of your order equals 15% back to our Chamber...which is soooo helpful for us! Be sure to mention our Chamber when you order!

But...the mixer is helpful to you! You can mingle with your fellow community...businesses and residents!

You can enjoy listening to a different guest speaker every month! This month, our guest speaker is a special VIP from Concorde Career College! Looking to change careers? Still looking for a good college for your children? Wondering about the cost? Want specifics on what kind of degree can be obtained from Concorde? Interested int he community service that Concorde does?

All questions answered on the 22nd!

One more thing...PIT FIRE FOOD IS AWESOME!!

I know...you can't wait!

Then check out the info on the fliers...and then we'll see you on February 22nd...

The Chamber can't wait either!!

RIGHT IN OUR OWN BACK YARD!

Have you been to "Saint and Sinner" located at 10863 Magnolia Blvd, North Hollywood ( right across the street from "Ralph's")?

You can enjoy elegance with a family friendly atmosphere! And, if you're looking for a sports bar, there are plenty of wide screen TVs positioned all over the different areas of the bar. March Madness and Basketball playoffs are just around the corner...start making your plans!!

Looking for a good deal? Chamber members enjoy a discount ...ON EVERYTHING!! That's right, food, beverage, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES...DISCOUNTS!!!

There you go...now there are no excuses to discover for yourself...why all the chatter about "Saint and Sinner?"

Live entertainment on specific nights as well!!!

Reservations are recommended but walk ins are welcome too

(818) 754-0030

Remember...mention our Chamber...and ask for owner Gary!

This weekend! Come out an support a great cause while enjoying a wonderful meal, some awesome entertainment...and our own CEO, Dorothy Stringer as as the evening's "Mistress of Ceremonies!!" i

Daughters of Zion is an organization that helps homeless single women with children transition out of shelters.

There is still time to sponsor as well!! Look at the flier for more info...

We'll see you this Saturday, February 18th!

OUR "THANKFUL THURSDAY CONTRIBUTION"

We have bragging rights! We are so proud to announce..."The Midnight Mission" has become members of our Chamber! There are some very interesting and inspiring plans that are afoot...can't wait to work with Dave Prentice and the folks at "Midnight Mission!"

If you need to get in touch with anyone at "Midnight Mission," you can call (213) 624-9258

The greens are waiting for YOU to participate in this year's Easy Valley PALS golf tournament on MARCH 20TH 2023 at Porter Valley Country Club in Northridge!

East Valley Pals is a non-profit booster organization for the North Hollywood Division of the Los Angeles Police Department. Their board raises funds and provides financial support for the men and women of the LAPD.

We know you want to participate and help raise much needed funds for this worthwhile organization! 100% of the proceeds to benefit LAPD youth programs and Officers!

Sponsorships are available and are listed above as well as your chance to make your reservation to participate and attend! Don't procrastinate...reserve and/or sponsor TODAY!!!

Got any plans for the week end?

This Monday, February 20, 2023, marks what is now widely known as Presidents' Day. Originally established as a national holiday in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington. It's now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all US presidents, both past and present.

Long weekends usually meeting getting out of town!

But...if you're staying in town, you will find LOTS of Presidents Day sales...virtually all over the place! Keep your purchases in North Hollywood and support out local community! Every dollar you spend here helps your whole community grow stronger and better!

Of course, we sort of forget why we have a holiday in the first place.

Just think...if it wasn't for Presidents like Washington and Lincoln, we wouldn't have a USA and be enjoying a "long weekend!"

Just a little food for thought!

Be safe...enjoy yourselves! Maybe fly the flag!

This Tuesday, February 21st is Mardi Gras!!

OK...what exactly is Mardi Gras?

Mardi Gras refers to events of the Carnival celebration, beginning on or after the Christian feasts of the Epiphany and culminating on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is known as Shrove Tuesday.

It also marks the beginning of "Lent" a 40 day period of fasting leading up to Easter Sunday.

A Mardi Gras celebration is always a fun filled event to attend, especially the food!!! Check out some of our restaurants in the NoHo Arts district, like the"Fish Stop" at 11046 Magnolia Blvd! They offer authentic "deep south" fare...

Two "National" days to celebrate!

It is "NATIONAL BANANA BREAD DAY" and

" NATIONAL CHILI DAY" too!

We thought it would be a great idea to share a Banana Bread and a Chili, two easy recipes with you, perfect for this chilly weather, that you can make tonight!!

CHILI

Ingredients

-2 garlic cloves

-1 teaspoon ground oregano

-1 tablespoon ground cumin

-¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

-2 tablespoons chili powder

-2 pounds ground beef

-One 8-ounce can tomato sauce

-1 teaspoon salt

-¼ cup masa (corn flour, found in Mexican food section of many supermarkets)

-Optional Ingredients:

-1 can pinto beans, drained

-1 can kidney beans, drained

-1 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced

-1 can diced tomatoes and chilies (I use the Rotel brand)

-For Serving:

-Shredded cheddar cheese

-Chopped onion

-Fritos

Instructions

-Begin by measuring the spices: chopped garlic, oregano, cumin, cayenne, and chili powder.

-Place the ground beef in a large pot and throw in the garlic. Cook the beef until brown

-And unless you want to tick off your cardiologist, drain off the excess fat.

-Pour in the tomato sauce. Followed by the spices and the salt

-Stir together well, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If the mixture becomes overly dry, add in ½ cup water at a time as needed.

-After an hour, place the masa in a small bowl. Add ½ cup water and stir together with a fork.

-Dump the masa mixture into the chili.

-Stir together well. Taste, adjust the seasonings, and add more masa paste and/or water to get the chili to your preferred consistency, or to add more corn flavor. Add the beans, jalapeño, and tomatoes if desired. Simmer for 10 minutes.

-Serve with shredded cheddar, chopped onion, and Fritos.

Yield: 6

EASY BANANA BREAD

Ingredients

-2 to 3 medium (7" to 7-7/8" long) very ripe bananas, peeled (about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 cups mashed)

-1/3 cup (76g) butter, unsalted or salted, melted

-1/2 teaspoon baking soda (not baking powder)

-1 pinch salt

-3/4 cup (150g) sugar (1/2 cup if you would like it less sweet, 1 cup if more sweet)

-1 large egg, beaten

-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

-1 1/2 cups (205g) all-purpose flour

Method

-Preheat the oven and prepare the pan:

-Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and butter an 8 x 4-inch loaf pan.

-Mash the bananas and add the butter:

-In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until completely smooth. Stir the melted butter into the mashed bananas.

-Mix in the remaining ingredients:

-Mix in the baking soda and salt. Stir in the sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla extract. Mix in the flour.

-Bake the bread:

-Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan.

-Bake for 55 to 65 minutes at 350°F (175°C), or until a toothpick or wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. A few dry crumbs are okay; streaks of wet batter are not. If the outside of the loaf is browned but the center is still wet, loosely tent the loaf with foil and continue baking until the loaf is fully baked.

-Cool and serve:

-Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for a few minutes. Then remove the banana bread from the pan and let cool completely before serving. Slice and serve. (A bread knife helps to make slices that aren't crumbly.)

-Wrapped well, the banana bread will keep at room temperature for 4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the loaf up to 5 days, or freeze it.