Off to a ‘Fair’ Start

“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”~ Mother Teresa

Last week you were introduced to Calvin “Kaipo” Chock of JR Hardware and TCscooterZ, who is one of the three new members to join our board of directors. Let me now introduce you to our other new directors.

Lt. Lola Abrahamian, a 13-year veteran of the Glendale Police Dept. (GPD), has had an extensive career. Starting in patrol, she is now the new north area commander. She told me she “is very excited about working with members of the community in collaboration with the Glendale Police Dept. to not only enrich our community but to ensure a safe environment for all by taking a proactive stance on emerging issues.” Lola serves on the board of Glendale Healthy Kids, as well as other boards in our community, and has taken an active role in Homenetmen, where she is working on many events between the GPD and the Armenian-based youth organization.

Ella Hambarchian of So Cal Motor Co. is another new face on our team. She has a fierce grasp of marketing, social media and educational seminars. She attended California State University Northridge, earning a degree in business law with an emphasis in marketing. After several years of automotive industry experience, Ella and her husband opened So. Cal Motor Co. in Tujunga. Their full service auto repair shop specializes in German automobiles and provides a range of services from routine oil changes to full engine replacements. Ella is, “very excited about being on the CV chamber board and adding to an already great team,” and hopes to “assist with knowledge in marketing to grow our chamber and reach out to the community.”

As soon as these new directors were installed, planning for the upcoming year began. Driven by an energetic and determined president and directors, 2014 will be a year of celebrating and promoting our members and their businesses. All of us in our community need to take an active role in supporting and patronizing our local businesses and connecting each other to resources.

One of the best events of the year that truly showcases our community and many businesses is our Hometown Country Fair. In its ninth year, it continues to grow and gain momentum, securing its place on our community’s calendar. With a very special thanks to Los Angeles County Parks and Recreation, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Crescenta Valley Park. If you have something to promote or sell, we want you to join us as we welcome profit and non-profit vendors.  We will have a terrific car show, a silent auction, a dog parade, rides, local entertainment and bands, amazing animals, a variety of food including a tasty barbecue, sweet treats, and an early morning 5K race to start it all off. The fair will have something for everyone and is the ultimate community-wide, family event around. Put it on your calendars now, invite your family and friends and join us!

Business mixers are the perfect venue to meet new people, make contacts and socialize after a day’s work. Face to face interaction is so valuable these days, especially with folks so attached to their smart phones and electronics. Rick Dinger and his crew at Crescenta Valley Insurance is hosting our next business mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. CVI is celebrating 45 years and they want you to join them for this momentous occasion!

Please mark your calendars: Crescenta Valley Day at the Races, benefiting the Crescenta Valley Sheriff Support Group, will be taking place on Sunday, March 16 at Santa Anita Race Track.

The 26th annual Smart-A-Thon will be on Wednesday, March 26 at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

For more information on any event, you are always welcome to call us at (818) 248-4957 or visit our website: crescentavalleychamber.org.