Stepping Down and Finding Balance

“People are like bicycles.
They can keep their balance only as long as they keep moving.”
~ Albert Einstein

Work-life balance was a term actually used for the first time in the ’80s, and many people would probably say that the very word “balance” causes tremendous stress. Follow that stress up with a good dose of guilt, and that pretty much defines the majority of us.

I suspect you are nodding in agreement. My friends call it “mommy-guilt,” but this phenomenon is not just isolated to moms. Most of us are juggling multiple roles with home, work, family, friends and volunteer activities. We want to do it all, giving 100%, but there are only so many hours in a day. The challenge is deciding what is important to you and what makes you happy. Success to some may be the pursuit of wealth and power, and others may find that what brings them a sense of accomplishment is not just their bottom line but their relationships with loved ones and volunteering in their community.

I am in awe of the people in the Crescenta Valley who have carved out a place in their lives to invest in our community. These folks aren’t immune to the stress of work-life, but have struck their own balance – and aren’t we lucky! Today we installed the chamber’s next officers and directors. We have a stellar board made up of individuals who meet, plan, and strategize while volunteering their time, resources and ideas.

Leonard Ghazarian has been at the helm of our chamber serving as its president for the past two years. Today he stepped down, but he certainly left his mark, along with the executive board that served with him.

I asked Leonard what he enjoyed most about serving as president, and he said, “I was able to grow as a person and got to know many amazing members in our community that make it so great. I am also very happy about being able to grow our events with the help of our dedicated board.”

Leonard grew up in Glendale, attended local schools and is now raising his own family here. He is the founder and president of Caspian Services, the website and marketing gurus. With Leonard’s leadership and IT expertise, he has elevated the chamber’s information systems and website. He and his company have also improved the systems of many other business and community organizations around town.  Chamber members awarded Caspian Services as Business of the Year in 2012. Check out their website at www.caspianservices.net for more information.

Holly Heurkins, our honorary mayor, also stepped down. She, too, served for two years. Additionally, she has been involved as a parent, businesswoman and volunteer in this community for the past 15 plus years. Holly’s energy, enthusiasm and professionalism have positioned her as a strong asset on the board and in our community.

When asked, Holly told me this about being honorary mayor: “I would say my favorite part…(is) meeting the new businesses at their ribbon cuttings…the friends and families that are there to help support the new business owners…all of us wishing them well in our community and looking forward to being their customer. I also love our Wednesday night mixers, both Crescenta Valley Chamber and Montrose Chamber. I love our community nestled up in the Foothills.”

We congratulate and thank Holly and Leonard for their service and are so pleased that they will continue to serve on the board.

Please mark your calendars for our next business mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., hosted by Rick Dinger and Crescenta Valley Insurance. CVI is celebrating 45 years, and we hope you will join us and the Montrose Chamber for this momentous occasion! For more information on any event, you are always welcome to call us at (818) 248-4957 or visit our website crescentavalleychamber.org.

Until next week, may you find your balance!

  Leila BELL