Celebrations

On Saturday night, members of the Crescenta Valley Weekly and CV Chamber of Commerce gathered in the parking lot of the CV Weekly to decorate a vintage truck and a convertible. The two vehicles were used to transport the CV Weekly crew and chamber board members and its executive director down Honolulu Avenue for the annual Montrose Christmas Parade.

First, let me say how much I appreciate the time these folks dedicated to making our vehicles look so good. To be honest, I’m not all that creative and these busy bees used tinsel, lights and garlands to make our vehicles look great. This, of course, made us (the passengers) look great.

Second, I want to express my appreciation to all of those who came out to the parade and waved to us as we made our way down Honolulu. Hearing the words, “We love you, CV Weekly!” brought a big smile to my face and to the faces of my fellow CV Weekly-ers.

You have to remember that I started the newspaper 14 years ago and had no idea how it would be received by the community. Over the years, though, the CV Weekly has been celebrated as one way that ties together the community – even though not all the news we print is of a “happy” nature. It’s hard when we have to report on the less-than-stellar activities of those we think we know and respect. But that’s the responsibility we have: to report the news and not offer our opinion or tell our readers how to think. After all, they’re smart and don’t need us to tell them that.

The celebrations continued yesterday when I was honored with a Women in Business Award by State Senator Anthony Portantino. What an honor! And to see the names of those with whom I was honored was truly humbling. Though the luncheon was held yesterday, Wednesday (production day for the CV Weekly), Mary O’Keefe made sure she was there to cheer me on (as were some other notable folks). Again – a very humbling experience that I was very proud to be a part of.

On Senator Portantino’s website (https://tinyurl.com/26padb67), it reads, “The event will honor local women who have contributed to the economic vitality and diversity of the 25^th Senate District. Women in Business will also celebrate women who have contributed to the greater good of our community. These honorees inspire others, stimulate our workforce, and lead some of the most impressive non-profits, healthcare organizations and businesses across with 25^th Senate District.

“The Senator’s office received several hundred nominations from the community, making our 25^th Senate District team’s decision-making the most difficult yet. Every one of the laudable women nominated by their peers, co-workers, family and friends is deserving of special recognition.”

High praise indeed. I hope I’ve earned it – and continue to do so.