Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Flappers Comedy Club sign on the backdrop of the main stage

Flappers Comedy Club on East Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank is putting the word out that it wants to be party central this holiday season. The Flappers’ staff dished out samples from its delicious food menu and passed around tiny versions of its speciality martinis at a promotional event, held at that club, earlier this month. The tasty Oreo-mint martinis were my favorites – I’d go back for one of those any day.

Also comic, Michael Rayner, took over the main stage to deliver a quickie version of  brand of humor.  Rayner does more than tell jokes. He spins a McDonald’s cheeseburger on an umbrella, turns a towel into a chicken, or balances a chair while juggling a tennis racket in his comedy routine.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Comedian Michael Rayner performs a stunt at Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank, November 9, 2010

Flappers owners, Barbara Holliday and Dave Reinitz, joined the crowd to spread some holiday cheer about the club’s party plans — for any size office– from less than 10 to whatever.  

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Flappers co-owner, Barbara Holliday and Santa Hollywood share a laugh on November 9, 2010

Also working the crowd, Santa Hollywood aka Timothy Connaghan. A Vietnam War Vet, Connaghan took on the role of Santa Claus for the first time in December of 1969 — with a shaving cream beard — and fell in love with the character.  Now, several decades later, the beard is real and Connaghan has turned his hip Santa gig into a real career.

He’s appeared in commercials, television programs, on “Dr. Phil,” “The Tonight Show,” and “The Today Show.” He makes public appearances and is a holiday consultant and Santa trainer as well. Right now, Santa Hollywood is getting ready for his starring role in the Hollywood Christmas Parade 2010, Sunday November 28 at 6 p.m.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A festive display drew crowds to a National Night Out block party on Chandler Boulevard in Burbank, August 3, 2010

Burbank celebrated National Night Out with around 20 block parties throughout the city earlier this month  on August 3. The nationwide event encourages neighborhood spirit and a strong partnership between the community and police in the fight against crime.

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank Police Chief Scott LaChasse and Burbank Police Commissioner Jim Etter show off a $2,500 donation from Target to the BPD, at the NNO Chandler Boulevard block party , August 3, 2010

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- A group of children have a friendly exchange with some public servants at the NNO Chandler Boulevard block party in Burbank, August 3, 2010

A block party on Verdugo Avenue

Photo: FLLewis/Media City G -- Burbank firefighters join the chow line at a huge neighborhood party/BBQ on National Night Out, August 3, 2010

Major block party on East Verdugo Avenue in the hillside area of Burbank attracted more than a hundred folks. Long-time Burbank residents/BPD volunteers, Jesse Fox and Judy Andrews, told me this ”let’s get together and party” has been going on for several years on National Night Out. This was my first time attending and I had a terrific time. Along with the personal chatter, I heard quite bit of discussion about the local neighborhood watch and what residents can do to help make their communities safer.

Also dropping by this block party, some Burbank firefighters, Burbank City Councilman, David Gordon, several Burbank Police Commissioners as well as Police Chief LaChasse and his entourage.   

Oh, I gotta give a shout out to Captain BBQ, Franko McGonagle, who not only grilled up some great BBQ, but also dished out some of the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever tasted. No wonder the organizers are thrilled that McGonagle has become a regular at their annual NNO block party.

More photos later.