By Julia RABAGO

Thank you to those people of the Crescenta Valley wholighten the load of others by donating their time, their energy and their money, making the Crescenta Valley such a special place. We had two great events this past week where many people convened to raise money for great charities and foundations. The Day at the Races was a great success in raising money for the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Support Group. And the Smart-a-Thon held Wednesday gathered people to contribute to the educational institutions of the Crescenta Valley. Thanks to all those who participated and contributed; you really help to lighten the burdens of others.
Here is another way you can lighten the burden of others: Get involved in the safety of your own neighborhood. Officer Matt Zakarian of the Glendale Police Department is hosting a Neighborhood Watch Program meeting to find leaders and captains to help protect your individual neighborhoods. Please attend on March 31 from 6-9:30 p.m. at the Sparr Heights Community Center to learn about this important program. They will give training and valuable safety tips. If you have questions, please call (818) 249-8173.
Another important upcoming program you might want to get involved in is the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition. They will have a Community Forum on Tuesday, April 13 from 7-9pm at Verdugo Hills Hospital. Topics will include the hosting of social events with underage drinking, the dangers of binge drinking and a panel discussion of experts and local youth in the community.
Did you know the average age when a child will use drugs for the first time is 12 years old? Attend this forum to find out how you can help prevent this from happening in your family.
April 14 is our Chamber mixer being held at Modella Uniforms at 3115 Foothill Blvd., in La Crescenta. Join us to welcome new members, net-mingle with professionals and to see how you can get involved in helping this community.
Saturday, April 17 brings our fifth annual Hometown Country Fair, a great day of family fun and entertainment at Crescenta Valley Park on the corner of Dunsmore and Honolulu. The Fair includes a full day of entertainment provided by dance troops, singers, bands, martial arts, dog parade and much more. There will be so much to do, so come early and stay all day as the fair continues from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information and to view our flyer please visit: www.LaCrescenta.org or call our office.
Important Chamber dates: April 14: Business mixer at Modella Uniforms April 17: Hometown Country Fair. Please call our office for more details on any event. How to reach us: (818) 248-4957 / crescentachamber@aol.com / www.LaCrescenta.org / 3131 Foothill Blvd Ste D .

Julia Rabago is the executive director of Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce.