By Mary O’KEEFE

At Tuesday’s Glendale City Council meeting a local couple was recognized for all that they have done for the city and the community.

Mayor Zareh Sinanyan read the commendation: “Presented to Bill and Sharon Weisman, community activists, in recognition of your immeasurable contribution and positive impact in the City of Glendale. Your hard work and dedication as active members in our community have been influential and greatly appreciated. On behalf of the City of Glendale I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.”

Bill and Sharon Weisman have been the voice of education for many years, always conveying their points of view with a positive attitude. Over the years they showed up at almost every city council meeting promoting education opportunities for local youth. Sharon would also always remind the council of the needs and opinions of “far north” Glendale.

“We are both kind of overwhelmed by this [honor]. We greatly appreciate the honor and we are proud to be part of a large group … of hundreds of volunteers who assist the City of Glendale in many different areas,” Bill said in accepting the commendation.

He and Sharon shared their recognition with others who have volunteered alongside them throughout the city.

“I like to think of Glendale as a Goldilocks City. It is not too big like Los Angeles, it’s not too small. It is big enough to have its own police department, fire department and water department and its own school district. It is a human-scale city where we can interact with the elected officials and our city staff members in an effective manner and I think we have both come to appreciate that a great deal,” he added.

Throughout the years the Weismans have brought important issues to the community by attending council meetings and through CVCA (Crescenta Valley Community Association) that meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the La Crescenta Library.

“I just want to let the Weismans know this is very well-deserved. You have been engaged in our community and in the issues we face here at the city council for many years,” said Councilmember Paula Devine. “You are the watchful eye of the far north and we appreciate that. I want to also thank you for your words of wisdom. A lot of time you don’t agree with what we are doing or what’s going on in the city but you always have a positive perspective and that is so appreciated by all of us. Thank you for all the work you do in our community.”

Councilmember Ara Najarian asked the couple to stay engaged and asked if they were going away from their activists’ roles. They are not but said they are ready to take some time to enjoy retirement.

“Please stay engaged; both of you are true anchors of our community,” Najarian said.

  Mary Okeefe, Susan BOLAN