Commemorating 9/11

The day could have passed like any other – just a regular Friday in September.  Instead, members of the CV Chamber of Commerce and the community volunteered their time and resources to pull together a motorcade of fire trucks, police cars and vintage autos in a miles-long route through La Crescenta, Montrose and La Cañada Flintridge, remembering the victims of Sept. 11, 2001. Students waited on curbs in anticipation of the patriotic sight, firefighters and police officers stood at attention, likely recalling the events of that day 14 years earlier. The parade of cars was energizing for some, thoughtful for others. Later that evening, a more solemn ceremony was held at Bob Smith Toyota where musicians played, children sang and Supervisor Michael Antonovich reminded us of the repercussions of the day we were attacked. It brought a tear to more than a few people’s eyes and made us feel proud to be part of a community that makes the effort to show we care.

The Chamber hosted another event last week – the Foothills Community Business Expo. More than 350 people attended the affair at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Exhibitors, businesses from the community, were thrilled with the turnout.  Attendees loved the delicious food and other freebies. Make a note to attend next year!

The annual Running the Foothills 5K is this Saturday, Sept. 19 at Two Strike Park. This run/walk is unique in its beautiful foothills location. Participants start at Two Strike Park (check in starts at 7 a.m.), run down Rosemont Avenue and across Orange Avenue. Runners then get to face their fellow racers as the route doubles back down Orange to the park again. First and second place winners in various age categories will receive medals. Run With Us Athletic Shop, one of our event sponsors, will also be raffling off a valuable prize at the event. Other major sponsors include Taix Workout Studio/Extreme Boot Camp, who will be leading our warm-up session, YMCA of the Foothills and J’s Maids.

Not only is the 5K fun for the family, it’s a fundraiser for education. Five dollars of your $20 entry fee ($25 on the day of the race) goes back to the local school of your choice. Plus, the school with the highest percentage of participants wins not only an extra $100 but a big trophy to show off at the school! So come on, show your school spirit by running in the 5K! Register online at www.crescentavalleychamber.org/5k.

Next Wednesday, Sept. 23, the CV Chamber will host its quarterly Business Speaker’s Lunch at 11:30 a.m. at the GCC Professional Development Center, 2340 Honolulu Ave. in Montrose. Yasmin Beers, assistant city manager for the City of Glendale, will speak on the topic of “Motivating Your Workforce.” Often we are too busy to consider the small things that keep our employees and co-workers motivated and enthused. Ms. Beers will touch on this in her talk. Tickets are $5 for Chamber members, $7 for non-members and include a delicious lunch from Zeke’s Smokehouse. RSVP to Lisa at (818) 248-4957.

  Lisa DUPUY