Studio A's Networking Page (what you hear on the floor at Studio A during sit-ups. See, it's not ALL gossip)

AKA The Best of Silver Lake, Echo Park and vicinities

  Since there is so much casual networking and local recommendations going on before, after and sometimes during (ugh!) class, we have decided to set up this page where one can electronically be privy to studio A's on-the-floor exchanges.

Precision Paint mixer: Get "slow" Joe to mix your paint at Baller Hardware at 2505 Hyperion Avenue (at Tracy). He may be in perpetual molasses-movement mode, but he gets the color you desire spot on. Worth the wait. While he is mixing, you might want to ask him about the celebrity whom he once dated.

Awesome Electrician: Not only reasonably priced, but Devin Ward is kind, clean and calls if he is unavoidably running late. Oh, and Nancy S. (from the BodyWorks class) says he is easy on the eyes. It seems that she gets a small "charge." Yes, he is licensed. One more item on Devin: It is not likely that you will reach him by phone on a Monday as he is a weekend surfer dude and that is the day he recoups. Devin Ward at Ward Electric: 818 391 8591

Tree Guy Extraordinary: Jose Lima – 323.377.3598. Aside from tree removal, Jose can turn a sloppy yard into a manicured paradise. Ask for monthly discounts on weekly visits.

Handy Men: Yes, you read it right, handymen. Jack at Ambience Interiors who has collected a cadre of superb handymen to work on his projects is willing to share his culled craftsmen with others. Jack figures that if they are employed all the time, they won't stray. Be it electircal, plumbing, woodwork or whatever, these guys get it done right the first time. Call Jack and he will happily hook you up. Ambience Interiors: 323 661-8400

Proud Plumber: Don't let the name Robby's Rooter fool you. Cleaning out stopped lines is just the tip of the iceberg. New copper piping, dishwasher installation, sinks, etc. 323 255 2346

At the helm of Atwater Farmer's Market is Studio A's Joyce Chan. She has hand-picked the vendors who sell their goods every Sunday beginning at 10 AM at the Well's Fargo Bank parking lot on Glendale Blvd in Atwater (just over the bridge). We like the cranberry-walnut bread that the baker brings each week. Joyce also stages free entertainment varying from kid's dance recitals to rock bands to apple pie baking contests.

Zen House Painter: Expect no tension when Bryan Larose paints your house. Bryan's calm demeanor and patience helps keep you drama-free during your home's makeover. Along with painting, Bryan provides decorative finishing (faux) as well as staining, and minor drywall and stucco repairs. For the green-minded folks, he can provide eco friendly paints with zero ocv in them which means they are "green certified" thru Jill's paints in Atwater. Bryan considers himself a perfectionist with excellent references (many Studio A folks) and is reasonably priced. Contact Bryan at: 323-351-4797, email: ZenPainter

Iron Work: Pedro Diaz of Diaz Ornamental takes pride in his iron railings, and of the such. He has a contract at several schools where he keeps the public places for our kids safe (oh, and the teachers too!) with proper hand railings. On installation day, watch for brother Enrique and son Edwin pulling up to your home in their 60s vintage primer-rust Chevy truck. Pedro :323 268 0686

Intense Tiling: Gabriel Danko will tile your bathroom or kitchen from floor to ceiling in grid-form with expert precision and any custom design that strikes your fancy. The bonus is that he doubles as a plumber and will install, sinks, tubs and all fixtures that water passes through. 818 438 9853

Crafty Cabinets: Try Jose Herrera. He built the new cabinets at the studio with the hideaway doors. He built and installed an entire kitchen of cabinets for someone at Studio A for $2,200. But here's the best part. He completed the job in three weeks ! You can reach Jose at J & R Cabinets at 213 927 1769 or 626 617 9609

Wood Guru: If you need a custom made gate, bookshelves, or ??? Gary Silk, Tai Chi instructor at Studio A moonlights as a master of the wood where all his work on on the "level." Call Gary and he can tell you where to drive by to get unhinged by viewing one of his masterful front gate creations. 323 664 9639

Wedding Planner Extroidinaire: Gina Black of Wedding Day Events has been affliated with Studio A Dance for more than a decade now, and we can confirm that she takes her dancing seriously, as well as her occupation as a wedding planner with attention to detail, and we mean every detail! Proof is at Gina's website: Wedding Day Events

Party Hardy by hiring Steven Petrarca Events. Studio A patron Nancy threw a rooftop wedding brunch (city view looking south & west) for her son and his new wife. That week, Nancy took her usual classes at Studio A while Steven buzzed around taking care of the details.. He delivered rentals and eco-friendly plates utensils and cups! By the way, Nancy says the servers, bartender and caterers were all easy on the eyes. Nancy what rooftop view were you enjoying the most? Steven: 323 662-8100

Life Streamlining: Why not? Bonnie Freeman, organizer extraordinaire helps you pull it together, and in just the perfect order. Studio A's Jazz dancer Patty P says "Bonnie is easy to work with, hard-working and really helpful. She not only helps you organize and set up systems, but she has taken film in for me to be processed, faxed things, done some paperwork and scheduling - it's like having your own assistant. She is nonjudgemental and generally a treasure. All for $20 an hour!" Now that sounds like a life-changing experience. So Patty, are you a changed woman? Bonnie Freeman 323 719 8797, or thebonster224@gmail.com

iRepair: Well, I really don't repair, but Joe Kempe does. Be it your iPod, iPhone or iPad, most repairs can be done on the spot. Mine was (this is Bill), and I can say that I am 100% satisfied. Quick, economical, and Mr. Kempe, the "iPod Surgeon" is a true mensch. The only issue may be the schlep to Joe's fix-it shop Beverlywood/Culver City area, but so worth it because he gets the job done right. Or, you could mail in your repair. Contact Joe at 310 785 0566, or email at iPodSurgeon@gmail.com