A Nod to A Prominent Local Family

I’m very proud that this issue of CV Weekly shines a light on one of our favorite local families and businesses, the Waldheims and J’s Maintenance. I’ve known Ed and Chris Waldheim for years, probably dating back to when I was a reporter for the now-defunct CV Sun and I wrote a story on the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of the Foothills. Though I was unfamiliar with the event I was struck by the enthusiasm of the group running it, the love that they had in their hearts and the desire to share their joy and, yes, even their sorrow, for their loved ones who had fought cancer. I remember Ed on a golf cart buzzing around the Clark campus, picking up trash and delivering items to various booths. Chris typically donned a hat to protect himself from the sun as he walked the grass track, talking with other Relay supporters.

As I became more involved with Prom Plus, I saw more of Chris due to his involvement with the Mary Pinola/CV Chamber Education Fund. Prom Plus was given a grant nearly every year from the Fund and Chris was on their board. 

It was during Oktoberfest that Chris, like his dad, could be found buzzing Honolulu in a golf cart, delivering goods to the volunteers manning booths and fetching whatever was needed. And once the crowds left, it was Chris who oversaw the massive undertaking of cleaning the streets to make them ready for the Harvest Market the following day. Same thing with the annual Montrose Glendale Christmas Parade.

Chris is an avid hiker and, after the launch of the Crescenta Valley Weekly, he would send me photos of himself and his hiking buddies atop some mountain peak.

Speaking of the launch of the CV Weekly, I want to share with you that without the support of J’s Maintenance and the Waldheim family, there might not be a community newspaper. Back in 2009, when I was shopping around the idea of creating the Crescenta Valley Weekly, I approached Chris. After hearing my hopes and plans, he pulled out his checkbook and made a financial commitment to the fledgling newspaper. His commitment has continued the 10 years that we have been in business and I am forever grateful for the faith shown by him and his family and the support of his business.

Mary O’Keefe has long observed the Waldheim family and their commitment to the Crescenta Valley. She believed that, like her, many in our community would want the chance to celebrate who they are and what they mean to us. In addition to this week’s cover story on the Waldheims, you’ll find the center section of the paper dedicated to congratulatory messages from those who appreciate all they have done. These supporters have paid to have their messages in the paper and I am proud to say that a portion of all money paid by them will be donated to the American Cancer Society for Relay for Life of the Foothills.

I think it is a fitting way, albeit a small way, to thank them for all they have done for us.

  robin goldsworthy