The Chamber thanks the board of the Mary Pinola/CV Chamber Education Fund, especially Mary Pinola herself, for another successful Smart-a-Thon Wednesday. First, second and third place went to Team USC Verdugo Hills Hospital, Team Schiff and Team Strong respectively. The following non-profit organizations won drawings for $500: Glendale Educational Foundation, Glendale Community College and the VHH Foundation.  And the Pot o’ Gold worth $440.83 was won by Catherine Grillo, who then donated it to the non-profit Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Based on the money they raised at last year’s Smart-a-Thon, the Fund was able to donate $24,000 to local educational programs earlier this year. Look for grant applications on our website in the fall.

The winning isn’t over yet. This Sunday is our annual Day at the Races at Santa Anita Park. Proceeds go to the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber, the CV Chamber and the CV Sheriff’s Support Group. Watch the races in style from your shaded seat in The Top o’ the Stretch. Barbecue lunch will be provided and free parking. Purchase your tickets by Friday, March 18 in the Chamber office. Tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for teens and children 6 and under are free.

On Friday, March 18 we’ll pull out the oversized scissors and cut the red ribbon for two businesses. New Chamber member Ohanian and Associates, Inc. will commemorate the opening of their offices and longtime Chamber member Caspian Services will welcome attendees to their new location. The two business owners happen to be brothers-in-law and share the same building. Come for lunch Friday, March 18 at noon to 3959 Foothill Blvd., Suites 204 and 210.

Last week’s mixer at the Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization was a lovely event. Organizers told us about an amazing trip to a wildlife preserve in South Africa. The exchange rate has never been more reasonable and Chamber members are offered a discount of $150 on the excursion. Call the office for details. Next month’s mixer will be hosted by Jeero Habeshian and the GlenCrest Team at Gio’s Cafe and Bakery in Montrose. Join us on Wednesday, April 13 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Last month’s bingo night was a smashing success. Every seat in the house was filled. The Chamber is now assisting the CVHS Jr. ROTC with its bingo night on Saturday, April 2, again at the American Legion Hall. Swing by the Chamber office to buy your tickets in advance. Tickets are $10 for 10 games, each game has a prize of at least $100.

The deadline approaches to reserve a booth at the Hometown Country Fair. The much-anticipated, free event takes place Saturday, April 16 in Crescenta Valley Park. Sell your handmade crafts, artwork or other items or inform the public about your organization. Visit our website for vendor applications by March 26.

Finally, save the date for the Chamber Scholarship Golf Tournament on Friday, June 24. This year’s proceeds benefit the students of the Crescenta Valley and the Desi Geestman Foundation. Zeke’s famous steak and salmon is once again on the menu. Picture that heavenly barbecue smoke wafting past your business’ banner hung prominently at Scholl Canyon Golf Course. Become a sponsor today! Then sign up your foursome on our website – you don’t need to know the names of all the players yet.

  Lisa DUPUY