By Jason KUROSU

The Montrose Shopping Park Association’s meeting on Sept. 5 addressed plans for Montrose’s Centennial Celebration, a two-day event slated for the weekend of Feb. 23, 2013.

Linda McMenamin, the MSPA’s promotional coordinator, discussed ideas that the Centennial Celebration Committee developed. These included a primarily Western-themed event, harking back to the original land auction of 1913. Tying in with the Western theme, the event may feature petting zoos, a rodeo, dancing, live music and more. The budget for the event still has yet to be determined and will be presented at the next MSPA meeting, bringing the particulars of the Centennial better into focus. However, the initial ideas were met with approval from the MSPA board.

In other MSPA news, Jake Menachian, owner of La Perla Design Gallery, resigned as MSPA treasurer. Menachian could not be reached for comment, but still retains several posts within the MSPA, including membership on various committees such as the Advertising/Events Committee, the Harvest Market Committee and the Centennial Celebration Committee. MSPA President Ken Grayson will serve as treasurer on a temporary basis.

The MSPA also welcomed the newly opened Starbucks to its fold. Manager Joe Agnone represented Starbucks at the meeting.

“We really look forward to making a positive impact on the association as a whole and hopefully giving back as much as possible in the meantime,” said Agnone, a lifelong resident of the Crescenta Valley.

Agnone also indicated that Starbucks will not be selling alcohol – a rumor that caused concern for some – saying, “We felt that it would be best and most appropriate for this location not to serve alcohol. That kind of fits the community well and that’s not really the type of business we’re looking to draw in.”

  Jason Kurosu