Highlighting Community Awards Winners
and Celebrating a Grand Opening

As you know, our installation dinner is on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. On that night we also honor our Community Awards Winners. This week I want to highlight our Police Officer of the Year and our Beautification Award winner.

Our Police Officer of the Year Award is being given to GPD Officer Matt Zakarian. Zakarian has been the North Area Command Community Lead Officer for the last four-and-a-half years in Montrose. He acts as the community liaison between the police department and the local residents and business owners. During his time in Montrose, he revived the Coffee with the COPPS program and built a strong network of Neighborhood Watch groups in the area. His efforts created a strong network of community supporters that help keep a “watchful” eye on the area and communicate back to the police department. Zakarian has moved on to the Violent Crimes Bureau, Assaults detail. We will miss him.

Our Beautification Award goes to Gio’s Baguettes and More that recently opened on Ocean View Boulevard in Montrose. Owner Vasken Fernezlian created a beautiful space just north of Froyo Life. It features a quaint outdoor dining area that brings to mind thoughts of Paris and the indoor eating area is warm and inviting. This location really speaks of what Montrose is – a place to gather with friends to enjoy a meal and take in the beautiful surroundings. What makes Gio’s sandwiches unique is the baguettes are made in France and flown in. They offer homemade soups and pastries as well. If you haven’t tried Gio’s yet, you need to join us for their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, Jan. 25 at noon. They will have samples of their sandwiches and pastries for you to try. Help us support this new, local, family-owned business.

I hope you will be joining the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce for our 2013 Board Installation and Community Awards Dinner on Jan. 24 at the Oakmont Country Club. Tickets to the installation dinner can be purchased at the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce office by calling (818) 249-7171. You can also mail a check to MVCCC, 3516 N. Verdugo Road, Glendale, CA 91208. Price is $50 per person.

Upcoming Events
“Montrose: Images Of America” on Monday, Jan. 21. This pictorial history book of Montrose by local historian Robert Newcombe is available for purchase. You can buy it at the chamber or any of our local bookstores.

Installation and Community Recognition Awards dinner on Thursday, Jan. 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Oakmont Country Club, 3100 Country Club Drive, Glendale.

Grand opening and ribbon cutting on Friday Jan. 25 at noon at Gio’s Baguettes and More, 3805 Ocean View Boulevard, Montrose.

Centennial February business mixer on Wednesday, Feb. 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Al’s Deli, 2332 Honolulu Ave., Montrose. Celebrating 60 years in business.

Montrose Centennial Celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23-24 in the 2200, 2300 and 2400 blocks of Honolulu Avenue.

  melinda clarke