Spending Time with the Finest

Every year I’m privileged to not only celebrate the anniversary of Crescenta Valley Weekly but to celebrate it with 150 of my Finest friends. That’s because in September it’s the anniversary of the launch of the Crescenta Valley Weekly (our first issue hit the streets on Sept. 4, 2009) and, coincidentally, when we reveal the names of those voted as The Finest by readers of CV Weekly.

This year’s party was held (once again) at Deukmejian Wilderness Park in La Crescenta. Why Deukmejian? Because it was voted The Finest Sunset View by our readers. And it doesn’t disappoint! Our Finest guests arrived at Deukmejian on Thursday afternoon around 5 p.m. while the sun was approaching the west. They came ready to kick back and enjoy an afternoon hobnobbing with other honorees and savoring the hard-earned recognition of rising to the top in their field. Because I am a small business owner myself, I know how much hard work goes into maintaining a business. Being lauded for those efforts is precious and something that I am proud to be able to provide for those voted as The Finest.

Those who had visited Deukmejian before barely recognized the park; it was outfitted with tables, chairs, linens and vineyard lights (provided by The Finest Party Supply Store – Bonner’s Party Rentals). Live music played, performed by the CV High School jazz band, and delicious food was served by Frank’s Famous (voted Finest Caterer) and Goodie Girls Cupcakes (Finest Cupcakes). Students from Prom Plus Club, the youth arm of Prom Plus, voted the Finest Philanthropic Organization, greeted guests and made sure that tables were kept tidy. They were also the ones who stuck around until the end of the evening to help load the tables onto Bonner’s truck.

The CV Weekly staff was on hand, greeting the winners and making the most of the photo opps (thank you to Leonard Coutin and Dick Clubb for chronicling the festivities) and manning the bar. I had the chance to meet some amazing people and am so happy that everyone enjoyed the evening. Probably one of the highlights of the celebration was when we all raised our glasses to toast the finest sunset just as the sun kissed the tops of the hills to the west. Pure magic.

I invite you to visit pages 13 and 14 where we’ve published some of the pictures taken at the party. There are more online at www.cvweekly.com/NEWS.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who made Thursday the Finest evening this business owner could have ever hoped for.

  robin goldsworthy