Looking – and Finding – Inspiration

Tomorrow I have the chance to share words of inspiration with my fellow Glendale Kiwanians. The presentation is one part of the regular weekly meeting (we meet Fridays at the Elks Lodge in Glendale from noon to about 1:30 p.m.).

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I will say and, what I’ve discovered, is that there is a lot around us that is inspiring. For example, Relay for Life.

Relay for Life of the Foothills was held last weekend for 24 hours – from 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. on Sunday – at Clark Magnet High School. The American Cancer Society fundraiser, according to its website, “raises funds to improve cancer survival, decrease the incidence of cancer, and improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their caretakers.” Without question, seeing the survivors take their first lap, dressed in purple T-shirts with many wearing purple capes, was truly inspiring. I knew that each had a story, one that no doubt involved becoming warriors in a fight to save their own lives.

Around noon, the veterans showed up to cook up a barbecue lunch for the Relay walkers. Like everyone else who worked the Relay – Jean, her daughter Julie, granddaughter Allison and friend Tracy, oversaw the food, Barbara, who took on the entertainment, Molly, who was this year’s chairperson, Eric, who was the evening’s speaker, the Girl Scouts who prepared the dozens of luminaria bags – they volunteered their time.

Seeing the vets work the barbecue made me think of all that they do for this community – from hosting bingo fundraisers for non-profits to showing up to help clean the Y after Prom Plus. This year is the 95th anniversary of our American Legion Post 288 and they are extending an invitation to all local vets to their free monthly breakfast on Saturday morning at the Hall (4011 La Crescenta Ave.). A great group of guys who are always prepared to lend a hand.

Another group, composed of volunteers, is the boards of our local chambers of commerce. These folks work tirelessly to advocate on the behalf of local businesses – typically stakeholders in our community. In addition to this, they often host community events that benefit our residents. For example, the Hometown Country Fair that is being held on April 27 at CV Park.

Hosted by the CV Chamber of Commerce, the fair is a chance to reconnect with family and friends at an event that is full of fun. Whether it’s the pie-eating contest, car show, barbecued food or dog parade – and let’s not forget the inflatables – there’s something for everyone at the annual Hometown Country Fair. And it’s free to attend, too.

So, coming up with an inspiring thought wasn’t difficult to do – and I’m grateful for that.

________________________

And for those who are inspired to share with their family and friends those who have gone above and beyond, those who are the best, the finest, in what they do, visit page 22 and fill out this year’s ballot for The Finest 2019.

Let your voice be heard! 

  robin goldsworthy