Big Picture: ‘Smart’ Little Town

All you trivia enthusiasts out there, are you getting ready for this year’s Smart-A-Thon?  Can you answer the following questions: How many mountains are named after George Washington? What size shoe did he wear? About how many people were in the country when he was president? If you answered 7, 13 and about 3,900,000, you were right!  Congrats! Now, get your team together and join us for the 26th Annual Smart-A-Thon!

George Washington said, “Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for ‘tis better to be alone than in bad company.” Our town may be small in numbers, but the quality, character, strength and dedication of those who call this home is immeasurable and inspiring. We see the big picture, and go out of our way to ensure that the health, attractiveness and well being of our community endures, so business can thrive and children and families can feel safe and secure.

The history of the Smart-A-Thon is one of the most extraordinary examples of how our community rallies and moves mountains for each other. Years ago, a group of volunteers set their sights on a dream. Their mission was to “…enrich the lives of Crescenta Valley residents by supporting creative, innovative and exceptional education programs … that enrich the lives of citizens of all ages and abilities.” In the first years, their grants were small, but they stayed focused on their big picture dream, and now the Mary Pinola & Crescenta Valley Chamber Education Fund, which is a donor-advised fund of the Community Foundation of the Verdugos, has awarded over $137,000 to education programs in schools and throughout our community including libraries, hospitals, colleges, scouts, performing arts programs and community organizations.

One of the main fundraisers of the education fund is the Smart-A-Thon, which has grown to be such a revered, beloved community event. This year it will be held on Wednesday, March 26 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. It is guaranteed to be two very entertaining hours where you can exercise your brain answering trivia questions, enjoy a fabulous lunch, share a few laughs and continue the tradition of the fund.

On another note, allow me to introduce one of our newest chamber members: Tom Flanagan. For over 13 years, he has sold residential real estate in Los Angeles County, representing buyers and sellers in real estate transactions totaling over $85,000,000. He began his career at Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Brokerage Company where he was nominated Rookie of the Year in 2002. During his tenure he was recognized for outstanding performance in sales and was promoted to partner of The Harris Group, a Top 5 Nationwide team at Marcus & Millichap. In 2013, Tom proudly joined the John Aaroe Group. A La Crescenta resident, he is keenly aware of our foothills market, as well as Pasadena and its surrounding communities. He specializes in investment property sales, specifically multi-family investments, and he intends to be the preeminent real estate agent serving our community. Tom is active in our community, a dedicated family man and is eager to help you with your real estate needs. He may be reached at (626) 204-7180 or tom@aaroe.com.

Mark your calendars
Crescenta Valley Day at the Races is Saturday, March 16 at Santa Anita Race Track. “Pre-Smart” March business mixer is on Wednesday, March 19 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bob Smith Toyota.

The 26th Annual Smart-A-Thon is Wednesday, March 26 at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

The 9th Annual Hometown Country Fair is 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