Calendar This … and This

You know how you feel after the holidays are over? Sure, you might be a little sad that visiting relatives have gone back home and the decorations have been packed away for another year and the festive season is over, but there is some comfort in returning to routine, relief that the crazy schedule is behind you. After all, partying and shopping can be exhausting.

That is the attitude in which I greeted Jan. 2 – perhaps a little melancholy that the fun of the holiday season was over but realizing that it was time to go back to work.

Then I opened my calendar.

Looking over the upcoming weeks, it’s like the holiday season hasn’t ended. Let me share with you and maybe you’ll see some activities that you’d like to join in.

Today, Thursday, is the installation luncheon of the officers and board of directors for the CV Chamber of Commerce. The event is being held at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club and I will be installed as the chamber’s secretary for the second year and as a director for I don’t know how many years. Part of the afternoon will include the distribution of proceeds from the Mary Pinola Educational Endowment Fund. Mary started the fund back in the ’80s to support educational endeavors and in the years since has given thousands of dollars back to school-related organizations. For example, the fund has supported Prom Plus, the after prom event for CVHS seniors and their guests, for several years. Other non-profits that have received financial support include Holy Redeemer School, the music department at CV High School, Lincoln Elementary School and so many more.

On Saturday, members of the community, the CV Chamber of Commerce and the CV Town Council are meeting at the offramp of the 210 freeway at La Crescenta Avenue at 8:30 a.m. for the monthly offramp cleaning. I haven’t yet participated in this monthly event – maybe this Saturday will be my first.

On Jan. 19, it’s an occasion to Save the Music. Arturo Sandoval and his Big Band are performing a concert at the Alex Theatre to benefit the Glendale Educational Foundation, Glendale Arts and the Arturo Sandoval Institute. Tickets are on sale now for the 8 p.m. concert – a one night only presentation. Visit www.alextheatre.org or call (818) 243-2539. You can get a taste of Arturo’s work at http://bzz.is/Arturo_Sandoval.

The day starts early on Jan. 24. At 7 a.m., the Glendale Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Business Outlook Breakfast, an annual gathering to present economic information on Glendale. This year’s speaker is Dr. Robert Kleinhenz, chief economist of the Kyser Center for Economic Research of the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation, which conducts research on the regional, state and national economies. Contact the Glendale Chamber if you’d like to attend.

Celebrating those in the community who make a difference, the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce is holding its annual Installation and Community Recognition Awards dinner that evening at the Oakmont Country Club. The dinner celebrates the contributions of those who make the foothills the great community it is. The evening will also induct the officers and directors of the 2013 board of directors for the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce. It’s an evening that will make you proud to be a part of the community and also humble you when learning of the efforts of those who give back so much. Tickets are available through the chamber office for $50.

And if that’s not enough, check out Calendar This in the Just For Fun section of this week’s paper. There is everything from doo wop performances to camellia shows going on (and that’s just this weekend!).

Maybe the mistletoe has dried up, but there’s certainly no drought of activities and events going on to keep the celebratory spirit alive and well.

  robin goldsworthy