3 Over 30

“In order for there to be any kind of longevity there’s got to be some history.” Edwin Starr

Avid local history buffs and those familiar with the Crescenta Valley Historical Society’s vast knowledge of our valley know of the foundation of La Crescenta and our foothills.  This community carved into the San Gabriel Mountains is filled with many third generation families and many new families who were attracted to our pleasant, safe, secluded little suburb of Los Angeles. All of us have relied upon local business to help us build our homes, care for our families, and enhance our quality of life. I feel like this is a town “where everybody knows your name.”

As I mentioned last week, 2014 is going to be about celebrating businesses that are not only members of our chamber but are an integral part of our lives. We have three businesses that have been members for over 30 years!

Andy’s Transfer & Storage opened in 1921 and has been in the Kroening family since the mid-’40s. For over 90 years, Andy’s has been providing quality, dependable moving services not only to our local community but also throughout the greater Los Angeles area. They pride themselves as being the finest, giving a personalized touch to moving and storage services and are known for their commitment and involvement in the community that they call home. Andy’s has been a member of our chamber for 34 years and, knowing Joe Kroening and his son-in-law Pat Longo who is at the helm of Andy’s, they will be around for many, many years to come!

Verdugo Hills Hospital was built back in 1972 on the hilltop where it resides today. Last year it partnered with Keck Medicine of USC, one of the world’s leading private research universities, and is now known as USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. What can you say about the service that this institution provides to our community, and how lucky we are to have such a top-notch health facility right here in our backyard? It holds a special place in my heart as both my children were born there and many other families have walked through the doors of their Beginnings Family Birth Center or received valuable information from their Family Education Program. The hospital generously opens its doors to our community serving as the premiere venue for events, expos and continuing education. USC Verdugo Hills Hospital has also been a member of the chamber for 34 years and continues to strive to meet the needs of the foothill community.

Crescenta Valley Tow’s office is off the beaten path, just below Foothill on Cloud Avenue, but their vehicles are very recognizable, and when you need them, they are there…and quickly! Owned by the Present family, they have been serving our community since 1961. If you are in need, call CV Tow! Their response time and reliable service is part of what has established them as one of the rocks of our community. Not only are they the local representative for AAA, they are the official police tow in the valley. They meet the high quality standards required by the California Highway Patrol, the Los Angeles Country Sheriff’s Dept., and the Glendale Police Dept. They were honored as the chamber’s Business of the Year 2013 and have been a member for 32 years.

Thank you Andy’s Transfer & Storage, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, and Crescenta Valley Tow for 30 plus years of membership, friendship and for serving our community!

I hope you have Feb. 12 on your calendars for our next business mixer.  Crescenta Valley Insurance is hosting and along with networking, great food and friends, we will be celebrating CVI’s 45th anniversary! Join us from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 3156 Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta.

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.

Our 9th Annual Hometown Country Fair is on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Crescenta Valley Park.

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

  Leila BELL