By Nicole MOORE

On Thursday, the Montrose Shopping Park Association held its last meeting of 2017. President Andre Ordubegian began the session by thanking those who have attended the monthly meetings and participated in MSPA events during the past year.

“I would like to thank all the participants … and board members. [We] have worked together seamlessly and we have accomplished great things for our little town. As long as we continue to use the ‘one for all and all for one’ principle we will be okay,” said Ordubegian.

Lt. Oscar Rodriguez and Sgt. Patrick Magtoto from the Glendale Police Dept. then addressed the MSPA’s concerns regarding a possible increase in crime relating to the holiday season. Both Lt. Rodriguez and Sgt. Magtoto assured there has not been a spike in criminal activity during the recent weeks. However, they did caution that packages delivered to residential areas might be at a higher risk for theft as the holidays draw near. Lt. Rodriguez advised those who are concerned to look into the option of using Amazon lockers as a pick up point or to leave special instructions for delivery personnel.

Ordubegian expressed his gratitude to the pair for their constant and reliable presence in the community.

“You guys have been incredible. We appreciate you and one of the reasons our community is thriving is because of you,” said Ordubegian.

Then Nicholas Schwaigerlehner, founder and CEO of Technix Academy, addressed the board regarding the expansion of his business. Technix Academy is an after school education center focused on helping children, ages 8-18, with components of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Schwaigerlehner presented his plan to move Technix Academy from its La Cañada location to the Montrose Shopping Park in the near future.

“All of our staff wants to educate and further students to do bigger and better things … [Our business] will mesh well with the already set community [of the Montrose Shopping Park]. We are bringing something unique and new … to the area,” said Schwaigerlehner, who also currently is the assistant coach of the St. Francis robotics team.

While the members of the MSPA welcomed Schwaigerlehner to the community, they expressed their hesitation regarding the property Schwaigerlehner plans to move into as it has limited parking spaces and lacks a drop-off area.

For more information regarding Technix Academy visit https://www.technixacademy.com.

Toward the end of the meeting, Steve Pierce, Montrose film liaison, announced he is stepping down as the caretaker of the Vietnam Memorial in Montrose, a position he has held for five years. In the early hours of each day, Pierce has protected and maintained the memorial.

“It has been very rewarding to be the memorial’s caretaker,” said Pierce.  

The next MSPA meeting, open to the public, will be held at 8 a.m. on Jan. 4 in Glendale Community College’s Personal Development Center, 2340 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose.

  Nicole MOORE