Introducing a New Executive Director

“I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, Never settle for the path of least resistance, Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking.”  “I Hope You Dance,” lyrics by Lee Ann Womack

It has been an honor and privilege to be the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce executive director for the past 6½ years. As you know, the Crescenta Valley is a special place filled with special people. The special people of the CV Chamber have become like family to me. Being the executive director of the CV Chamber was not a job to me, but a part of my life, an extension of my family. So it will not be a good-bye, but just a small shift in my focus.

This is my last week of being the executive director; however, I will continue to do my part to volunteer my time in as much as I can to help the CV Chamber remain as strong as it is and always has been.

The helm of the CV Chamber is being taken over by the very capable Michelle Sierra, whom I am positive will continue the family atmosphere while supporting the chamber’s mission and activities.

As I write my last article, I can’t stop thinking about Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” lyrics. The lyrics say, “Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens, I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance, never settle for the path of least resistance. Living might mean taking chances, but they’re worth taking.” So here is to the “next door” opening.

I am not going to fear those distant mountains. I am going to take chances. Live life. Enjoy each day. Learn new things. Find my spark. Be grateful. Dream big. Listen intently. Be happy.  Stay focused. Simplify. Enjoy my daughter. Find purpose. Be ambitious. Learn lessons. Be kind. Stay flexible. Set goals. Make connections. Stay productive. Love often … and dance! Who is with me?

Those who know me know that the well being of children is a very important part of my constitution. I will continue to work with the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition and hope to instill some of the valuable life lessons above to the children of the Crescenta Valley. It is my hope that the entire Crescenta Valley embraces all our children, pre-teens and teens and let them know how important they are to the world and to the Crescenta Valley. If there are kids struggling, reach out. There are many people who care.

Let’s all become an asset rich community. For more information on how children can get help or parents can become involved, please call the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition. Please join me as we become asset rich as a community and as people as a whole.

Thank you to all my family, friends, members of the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, members of the Crescenta Valley Drug and Alcohol Prevention Coalition and everyone that has allowed me to be a part of this wonderful community!

Cheers, Julia

  julia rabago