Bringing a Smile to Your Face

As most of you know, I don’t do much on Thursday mornings. I don’t set the alarm on the clock, I don’t hurry into the office. This dates back eight years ago when I started the paper and we sometimes didn’t get out of here until nearly 2 a.m. Consequently, I was wrung out on Thursday mornings. However, I always made sure to attend the (early) morning annual State of the Schools Breakfasts held on the first Thursday in October at the Pacific Community Center in Glendale.

Hosted by the Glendale Educational Foundation, the breakfast is an elaborate affair that is catered by one of the Glendale high schools’ bistro programs. In addition, one of the marching bands from the district’s high schools typically performs, usually bringing everyone to their feet at the end of the breakfast. You can read my story in this week’s edition to learn what Superintendent Winfred Roberson had to tell supporters of the state of Glendale Unified schools, but I wanted to share a couple of my thoughts.

I remember sitting at some of these breakfasts when former Superintendent Dick Sheehan had the unpleasant task of telling attendees how dire the situation was for the district. This was during the Great Recession and there wasn’t much hope held out. But, in true Glendale fashion, the district gritted its teeth (metaphorically) and buckled down, relying on its values to carry it – and its thousands of students – through to better times. At last Thursday’s breakfast, a much more positive message was delivered.

I also want to congratulate those recognized by the GEF for their outstanding contributions to the district and its students. I had the chance to sit with one recipient, Dr. David Platt, at a previous GEF function and learned firsthand what an asset he is. This impression was reinforced when I was talking to former students of his. They had high praise for him and his teaching methods, and credited him the success they now enjoy.

And there was a dazzling smile on my face when the Hoover High School marching band filled the auditorium to play at the end of the breakfast.

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On Sunday evening, my best friend Amy and I put on our “Sunday best” and headed to the Langham Hotel (formerly the Ritz Carlton and before that the venerable Huntington) in Pasadena for the Wine & Roses gala benefitting Glendale Memorial Hospital. In addition to catching up with Mike and Mercy Velazquez (who looked pretty dapper themselves), we enjoyed a silent auction via our cellphones(!) and excellent food and entertainment. For me, a highlight was an overview that was given regarding those whom the hospital has helped over the years. It was very inspiring and I was honored to have been there to celebrate these achievements.

These times can be emotionally draining and, maybe because of that, I was especially grateful to have attended events that left me with feelings of optimism and appreciation. Thank you for letting me share with you.

  robin goldsworthy