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PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID Desert Hot Springs, CA
Get Personal with Animals At The Living Desert, see story on page 7.
PERMIT NO 00005
November 19, 2014 Vol. 7 No. 88
PSIFF Honors J.K. Simmons The 26th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival will present J.K. Simmons with the Spotlight Award, at its annual Awards Gala By Manny The Movie Guy He has been Spidey’s boss, a mean prisoner in “Oz,” Juno’s daddy, and lately, Farmer’s Insurance spokesperson, but now, J.K. Simmons is going to be a Palm Springs International Film Festival awardee. The actor is currently making waves for his brilliant performance in “Whiplash,” just in time for
the Academy Awards season. Simmons will be joining previously announced winners, Eddie Redmayne and Julianne Moore. Palm Springs, CA – The 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) will present J.K. Simmons with the Spotlight Award, Actor at its annual Awards Gala. The Gala will also present awards to previously announced
honorees Julianne Moore and Eddie Redmayne. Presented by Cartier, and hosted by Mary Hart, the Awards Gala will be held Saturday, January 3 at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The Festival runs January 2-12. “Throughout his career J.K. Simmons had played a wide range of roles from tough guys in “Oz” and Sam Raimi’s Spider
Holiday Toy Drive Kicks Off
Donations Needed by December 18 to Help Area Foster Kids Have a Happy Holiday PALM DESER T, CA. – Family Health & Support Network (FHSN), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing safe, loving homes for foster children in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, is asking the community to get involved and contribute an unwrapped toy or gift card, make an in-kind donation or offer a financial contribution this holiday season. Gift cards for teens are particularly needed, and any level of support will make a positive impact on the lives of the children, youth, and families
served by FHSN. Toys may be dropped off at FHSN, located at 74-410 Highway 111, Suite D in Palm Desert, no later than December 18. Office hours are Monday – Thursday from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM and Friday from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM. FHSN will distribute these gifts and donations at its 11th Annual Children & Families Christmas Program on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 6 pm. This private holiday celebration is for children, youth, and families residing in the California Foster Care System that is placed
in the care of FHSN, as well as for children and families in impoverished communities in the Desert region. Volunteer Elves are needed. “Children in foster care are separated from family, and siblings may be placed in different foster homes, causing additional stress, anxiety and loneliness during the holidays,” explained Sandra Austin, Executive Director of FHSN. “We want to do whatever we can alleviate their sadness and lift their spirits by Continues on Page 7
Man films to nicer guys in Juno and Up in the Air,” said Harold Matzner, Chairman of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. “In Whiplash, Simmons’ shines with his tough guy portrayal of a music teacher, who physically and emotionally terrorizes a young drummer, and gives a captivating performance that is alternately hilarious and terrifying. We are
honored to present J.K. Simmons with the 2015 Spotlight Award, Actor.” Past recipients of the Spotlight Award include Julia Roberts, Jessica Chastain, Amy Adams and Helen Hunt. All four recipients received Academy Award® nominations in the year Continues on Page 7