Glenwood Oaks’ neighbors, observing COVID-19 protocols, gathered on Saturday morning, Aug. 29, for a celebration and unveiling of an updated and refreshed front entrance sign to their neighborhood.

Glenwood Oaks, whose entrance is at the southern end of Boston Avenue in La Crescenta/Glendale, has a rich history in the area. It was developed by the Anderson Brothers in 1954. The City of Glendale asked that the developers preserve the oak trees when the subdivision was first developed. It later won a commendation award for the oak tree preservation. 

Longtime neighbors Donnie Ball and his son Joey removed the signs, powered-washed and sealed the bricks, painted the lights above the signs, and replaced the glass in the lights. Neighbor Ron Rendina, who organized the restoration project, repaired the signs, sanded them and prepared them for neighbor Robin Torres, a local artist and art teacher, to paint them with great care. Rendina then varnished the signs to ensure longevity. The signs were ready to be reinstalled back onto the brick entrance columns by the team. Neighbor and local real estate broker Jason Winicki of Compass Real Estate sponsored the event and provided coffee, water bottles and a generous donation to support the overall effort. The work was a collaborative event symbolic of the well-connected neighborhood. 

In Glenwood Oaks it is common to see neighbors walking, talking and gathering with each other. Children often ride bikes in the neighborhood and on Friday nights neighbors will often be seen gathering in front yards and chatting, though these days wearing masks. The special neighborhood embraces the definition of community and is a hidden gem in La Crescenta.

Submitted by
Susan RENDINA

  Susan RENDINA