Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/101952
ICI •pg_14-18__BMT_pg3-58 12/21/12 3:02 AM Page 14 M U S E U M N OT E S BY PATRICIA ANN JORDAN SURPRISES IN REDONDO BEACH, CALIFORNIA AND WHITNEY HOUSTON EXHIBITION H ello my faithful readers. I hope your summer pleasant and filled with delightful surprises. My summer was spent home based (Los Angeles) and there were a few surprises including record heat. I discovered more pleasant surprises somewhat in my own backyard, Redondo Beach, California. Read below to find out more: S.E.A. LABORATORY (SEA LAB) ••• The S.E.A. Laboratory is an education program for K-12 that employs and mentors young adults for the purpose of instilling the message of stewardship of our natural resources by increasing the public's awareness of the direct link between the urban and ocean environments through educational programs and community service projects. There are Field Trip opportunities where students receive a series of classes on marine science in their classrooms over the course of a few weeks, which culminates with a trip to SEA Lab, located within a block from the Pacific Ocean, in Redondo Beach. The students get a chance to view sea animals at and then perform lab work in an outdoor lab, otherwise known as "the beach." SEA Lab's program is designed to meet California State Science Standards, particularly in the Life Science requirements. The facility can accommodate a maximum of 60 per session. Some exciting themes include Oceans Alive; Adaptation Stations where students explore live marine animals and all their amazing adaptations. Students will practice their writing skills as they document and describe the features that help animals catch food, protect themselves from predators, find mates, and hold on in crashing waves; Web of Life, a two part activity which shows students how all animals are connected to each other through a food web; and Watershed Connection. SEA Lab also rescues sea life. For Information and to book programs or parties call: (310) 318-7438 or www.mysite.verizon.net/john.healy5/sealab/.. THE MORRELL HOUSE ••• Constructed around the turn of the century, The Morrell House is a combination of Queen Anne and Craftsman detailing originally located one house north of Diamond Street on the east side of North Catalina, in Redondo Beach. It was occupied by the Morrell family from its construction until the mid 1950s. The home was one of the first houses in Redondo Beach to have electricity and had a barn out back where the Morrell's raised chickens. Maris Sommerville, who told me about The Morrell House, says what fascinates her about the house is the light switches and toaster which she has not seen since she visited her grandmother's home years back. The switches are push-button, and each side of the toaster flips back on bottom hinges to insert toast. The Morrell House, which was originally furnished by Barker Brothers of Los Angeles, was designated a local historical landmark in February 1991. The original exterior colors were white with black, which were the colors also chosen for the restoration by volunteers in 1990, after the home faced demolition. Restoration efforts included a new foundation, new roof, rebuilt fireplaces, substantial earthquake retrofitting, exterior paint stripping by hand to the bare wood, refurbishment of all bottom story windows, and replacement of newer window panes with old wavy glass. This home from the past, with 2,346 sq. ft. of multi-purpose space is available for meetings and events. For information: www.redondob;eachhistorical.org/morrell.html or call (310) 379-6409. WHITNEY HOUSTON ••• The GRAMMY Museum is now presenting: Whitney! Celebrating the Musical Legacy of Whitney Houston. The exhibit explores the extraordinary life and career of the six-time GRAMMY Award winner. Whitney! provides an in-depth look at all aspects of Houston's creative life. Bringing together a collection of diverse artifacts, rare photographs and footage, the exhibit features dozens of items from the private collection of the Houston family including stage costumes worn by Houston; albums and career scrapbooks from Houston's early career; rare photographs of Houston both on and off stage; fan memorabilia and more. For this special exhibition, artists and musicians who have worked with or have been influenced by Houston, shared their perspectives on her performance gift that astounded and touched fans all over the world. Whitney! will be on display in The GRAMMY Museum's Special Exhibits Gallery through February, 2013. For information: www.grammymuseum.org or call 213-765-6800. 14 BM&T ••• September/October 2012 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com