Ringing in the New Year – Celebrating Community

As we begin the New Year at the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce, we like to look back at the past year and remember that it takes a community to make a city great with all aspects working together and doing their part.

It is at this time of year that we reflect on those who made a special contribution to the community at our Annual Community Recognition Awards Banquet. This year our theme is “It Started in Glendale.”

When I began researching this theme, I actually was very surprised at what I found. Stay tuned; over the next coming weeks, I will highlight each of the awardees and tell you why they were chosen.

We are also awarding special people who contributed significantly to community. Here is a list of the awards: Legacy Award – Baskin Robbins; Business of the Year – Positron; Organization of the Year – Technology Department Chamlian Armenian School; Volunteer of the Year – Shawn Howard; Educator of the Year – Lyn Repath Martos Falcon Robotics; Chris Waldheim Oktoberfest Volunteer of the Year Award – CVHS Volunteers; Peace Officers of the Year – GPD DNA Crime lab and GPD detectives; Community Enhancement – Fremont Elementary; Community Endearment Award – Once Upon a Time Bookstore; Beautification Award – Glendale Air Terminal; and the Frank Roberts Award – Mike Shaar.

Many other notable businesses that started in Glendale are Walt Disney Imagineering, Bob’s Big Boy, Color Me Mine, Panda Express and, of course, Montrose is home to the first Vietnam War Memorial built in the United States. How amazing. We hope you will join us for 2018 Annual Community Recognition Awards Banquet on Thursday, Jan. 25 starting at 6 p.m. at the Oakmont Country Club. To place your reservation, please contact the Montrose Chamber office.

New Year’s Eve in Montrose? Yes, please. Here are a couple of options. If you don’t know if your favorite place is having a celebration, give them a call. John Sparr Tavern, 3427 Ocean View Blvd., is open for lunch then closes from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. to prepare for its special New Year’s Eve celebration. It is offering three seating times at 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. To see the menu, log onto www.johnsparrtavern.com. Reservations recommended. Call (818) 957-7488.

Make a New Year’s Eve wish at the Oak Circle Wishing Tunnel in Sparr Heights. Oak Circle Drive Wishing Tunnel is two blocks south of Honolulu Avenue, near Rosemont Avenue, in Sparr Heights. The 15-foot tall, 50-foot long tunnel is loaded with bright lights for people to pass through. Since 1982, people have been walking through the tunnel and making a wish. Thank you, Sparr Heights community! What will your wish be?

Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce: Your source for all things local! Our mission is to actively support and enrich the community, vitality and pride of Montrose, to help preserve the historic district and small-town atmosphere, to promote economic stability and positive, productive relationships within Montrose and the surrounding communities.

Upcoming events
2018 Annual Community Recognition Awards Banquet is on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 6 p.m. at Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive in Glendale.

  melinda clarke