By Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE and Michelle SEVANA

It was a magical winter wonderland at the corner of Ocean View Boulevard and Honolulu Avenue on Friday night as the community gathered for the annual Montrose Christmas tree lighting.

People of all ages were present, greeted by carolers strolling the avenue and by students of the Hummingbird Conservatory, under the direction of Tara Wallace, singing Christmas carols. Firefighters, with their classic fire truck, were on hand to collect toys for the Spark of Love toy drive and representatives from the Glendale City Council, including Mayor Elen Asatryan. Former State Senator Anthony Portantino, as his last official act as state senator, was on hand to offer comments and congratulations to the Montrose Shopping Park for a successful event. In addition, he presented a certificate of recognition to Andre Ordubegian, president of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn.

Pushing the plunger to light the mammoth Noble fir tree were Montrose icons Ken Grayson and Steve Pierce. Then it was time for Santa to stop by to visit with guests. 

Families gathered around “snoap” machines – machines that generated imitation snow created by soap bubbles – as snoap fell to the ground while kids made snowballs and decorated their hair with the foamy concoction. 

Artist Mardy De Santo was hard at work decorating a nearby window in a Christmas theme. De Santo said it was his first time at the Montrose Christmas tree lighting and he enjoyed it. He has been drawing ever since he was 8 years old enjoys drawing colorful pictures and Christmas themes. De Santo adds his own touches to his drawings, incorporating a message or moral. For the window he decorated he incorporated the moral “The best is yet to come!”

Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger showcased the La Crescenta Christmas tree lighting on Tuesday night at the La Crescenta Library, 2809 Foothill Blvd. Before taking the mic, the audience listened to the sounds of West Wind Quartet.

“I want to thank the [Crescenta Valley] Town Council for taking this on for the 10th annual tree lighting,” said Barger, recently named the chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. 

Barger, Crescenta Valley Town Council (CVTC) and Friends of the La Crescenta Library were sponsors of the event. It was kicked off by La Crescenta Librarian Marta Wiggins, who thanked all of those involved in the decoration and celebration. She thanked Barger for her support and CVTC members Dede Mueller and Donna Libra. Wiggins also thanked the workers from LA County who provided mics and power. 

Mueller, who spearheaded the project, took the mic and also thanked everyone including all of the CVTC members who continue to work to make the event a community favorite. CVTC members who were present included President Frida Baghdassarian, Kerri Lewin Brautigam, Daniel Kim, Libra, Elizabeth Ahlers and Harry Leon. 

Members of the American Legion Post 288 presented the colors and Crescenta Valley High School Charismatics, an a cappella choral group, performed several holiday favorites. 

“La Crescenta/Montrose is truly the Mayberry of LA County and I am so proud to represent it,” Barger told the audience. 

She made a point of thanking Sussy Nemer, her “eyes and ears” for the area. Nemer is the supervisor’s representative who responds to the concerns of local residents and community members. 

It was then time to light the tree. The crowd, with Supervisor Barger, counted down the tree lighting and then the lights popped on the tree that stands proudly in front of the library. 

The tree lighting ceremony began with then-CVTC president Robbyn Battles. 

“It’s throwing a big party for the community,” she said in an earlier interview. 

In 2014 Battles wanted to create a holiday event that would be specific to the unincorporated area of LA County – La Crescenta/Montrose but could include the entire CV community. She decided on hosting it at the La Crescenta Library, which has become a touchstone in the community. 

The event has continued to be an event where community members can gather to kick off the holiday season. 

Photos by Declan FLOYD, Robin GOLDSWORTHY, Mary O’KEEFE and Michelle SEVANA