On Wednesday, July 8 the CV Chamber is doing something a little different at our monthly mixer. Hosted by Chamber board member and Honorary Mayor Chris Aristo at his State Farm Insurance offices, the evening will pay tribute to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games being held here in Los Angeles from July 25 to Aug. 2.

With 7,000 athletes and 3,000 coaches representing 177 countries, along with 30,000 volunteers and an anticipated 500,000 spectators, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event anywhere in the world in 2015, and the single biggest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympic Games. The 2015 Special Olympics World Games, with the unparalleled spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork, joy and displays of courage and skill that are hallmarks of all Special Olympics events, will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in venues throughout the Los Angeles region.

For the past five years, Crescenta Valley High School has played host to the Special Olympics Regional Games. On Wednesday, our community continues that legacy of support at Chris Aristo’s State Farm Insurance Agency, 2409 Honolulu Ave., Montrose from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Proceeds from entries to the mixer will be donated to the Special Olympics.

The next evening, Thursday, July 9, the Chamber helps welcome Jennifer Drew and Elizabeth Sockbeson to their new Farmers Insurance office at 2948½ Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta. They will be hosting an open house for the entire community starting at 6:30 p.m. We will be there to cut the big red ribbon at 7 p.m.! Jenny and Liz would appreciate RSVPs at (888) 609-4424.

And on Friday, July 10 please join us at two more ribbon cuttings. At 10:15 a.m. we will welcome 20/20 Financial Services to their new address at 3810 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta. And at 11 a.m., we’ll move down the street to Edible Arrangements at 3904 Foothill. Both 20/20 and Edible Arrangements are longtime Chamber members but they have recently relocated or redecorated and want to let the community know.  It’s free to attend and refreshments will be served.

Finally, the Chamber wants to thank players, sponsors and donors for supporting our Scholarship Golf Tournament last week. The weather was spectacular and a good time was had by all. Scholarships were awarded to CVHS graduates Amanda Burch, Kathryn Davis, Rebecca Suh, Allison Zadravecz and Lauren Harvey. Eric Menjivar, a representative from Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s office, surprised the awardees by adding another $150 to each of their grants.

Fourth Of July Fireworks tickets are still on sale at the Chamber office. The festivities, including carnival rides and food trucks, begin at 4 p.m. at La Crescenta Elementary School. Fireworks start after sunset. Tickets are $7 beforehand, $10 at the door. The Chamber office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  Lisa DUPUY