Brad McDonald, senior managing partner of Reveal Studio Architects in La Crescenta, was installed as president of the San Fernando Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects – AIA – on Saturday, Jan. 21 at The Castaway Restaurant at their annual design awards banquet. The Chapter is celebrating its 25th year and McDonald took the opportunity to consider how architects with their thought processes and designs add value and participate in healing the nation’s economy. This year, 15 residential and commercial projects received design awards (www.aiasfv.org).

The Chapter invited five inventive developers to demonstrate their ideas. Maureen Clemmons discussed compelling theories that the Egyptians built the pyramids with kites and sails rather than with manual labor.

Permazyme presented its product that when sprayed on dirt, can harden it to support trucks and planes, and is green enough for the department of fish and game to use.

Angelus Block presented a newly designed concrete block that gives a fresh dimensional face to a tried and true product.

Mike Sheldrake from Sheldrake Surfboards presented his translucent surfboards that are made from corrugated cardboard and fiberglass.

Advanced Pure Water Systems presented its atmospheric water system that draws water from the air so that pipes are not required.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center Swim Team welcomed US Olympian Jason Lezak who spoke to team members preparing to depart for the Junior Olympics taking place Feb. 3 through Feb. 5 in Long Beach and Feb. 9 and Feb. 12 in Monterey Park.

The RBAC Swim Team 12 and Unders (Youngers) finished a combined second place in Long Beach. This is the first time Rose Bowl Aquatics has finished second and scored higher than Mission Viejo. Numerous RBAC individual, relay and team records were set.

RBAC swimmer Gaby Maarse placed first in the girls 11-12 in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:07.36 and Nicole Cienega placed first in the girls 5–10, 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:05.64.

In speaking to the swimmers, Lezak, who in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics anchored the gold medal winning the 4×100 Men’s Freestyle Relay, offered ways he had been able to block out distractions during meets and focus on overpowering his competitors.

“Don’t psych yourself out,” Lezak said. “Go up to the block with confidence and do your best. Go up there and think you can beat anybody.” He followed with tips to improve overall performance, personal stories about his Olympic experience and the need to provide team support.

“Encourage your teammates. Cheer for everyone and show support.”

“We have the largest number of qualified athletes competing in this year’s Junior Olympics and I know this can be nerve-racking for first-time competitors,” said Jeff Julian, head coach, swim. “The athletes really responded to Jason’s tips on staying focused and his push to support teammates. It was a great motivator for everyone.”

The RBAC Swim Team 13 and older Junior Olympic Group (Olders) is set to compete Feb. 9 through Feb. 12 in Monterey Park.

By Brandon HENSLEY

Only one word came to Susan Gendreau’s mind when she heard she had received a fellowship from the New Science and Teacher Academy.

“Wow,” she said.

Indeed, given the numbers, it is quite an accomplishment for Gendreau, a La Crescenta resident who teaches chemistry at Environmental Science and Technology school in Los Angeles.

Gendreau was one of about 600 people who applied last summer. In California, 39 teachers were chosen and 215 were selected nationwide.

“It was a long shot, I really didn’t expect to,” she said. “I know there were many applicants for these things. I feel extremely fortunate.”

The academy was created in 2007, aimed specifically at second and third-year science teachers in middle and high school and gives them professional development and support, according to program director Damaries Blondonville.

“Some of the most difficult years of their profession are usually the first couple of years,” said Blondonville.

Gendreau will receive the fellowship sponsored by DOW. Blondonville said the amount of fellowships given annually depends on the funding, and DOW is one of the greatest contributors to the academy.

This is Gendreau’s first year teaching at ESAT after spending time at Crescenta Valley High. She is the only chemistry teacher at her school, and the fellowship has given her a chance to be a part of an online community of experienced teachers. She talks with mentors who suggest new things via web seminars to try in her classroom, and they can track how well they work.

Funding is also provided for her to attend the academy’s national convention in Indianapolis in March. She’s already enrolled in a program at the convention to learn how to improve.

“It’s making me a more effective teacher,” she said.

Blondonville said the academy seriously looked at applicants who “really showed a commitment to teaching – those who had a focus on their own professional development and growth as an instructor.”

Blondonville noted the effort it takes to be a part of the NSTA.

“[Susan] is giving up a lot of her own personal time because not only is she doing the things that we require, she still has to go on be the teacher in a classroom.”

ESAT is a college preparatory school and Gendreau estimates 96% of the student body is Latino. Students come in from Lincoln Heights and Watts.

Schools like these provide the only opportunity for them to go to college, said Gendreau.

“They know if they graduate they will be able to get into a four-year college,” she said. “Our school is their shot. We take that very seriously.”

That is why Gendreau decided to apply for the fellowship, to be better for the kids.

“The fellowship has been very helpful. I’m learning things and the emotional support it provides is very good, too,” she said.

By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation and community awards dinner on Jan. 26.

Held at the Angeles National Golf Club, the event was an opportunity to introduce the chamber’s incoming officers and directors while acknowledging the work done for the community by civic leaders.

The passing of the gavel of president was a quick exchange – from the left hand of Scott Trulik to his right as he undertook the duties for a second year.

City of Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman administered the oath to the new officers and directors (for a complete listing, visit www.cvweekly.com and click on Between Friends).

Several local leaders and organizations were recognized for their work for the betterment of the community. These included Volunteer of the Year Robbyn Battles for her work with the CV Town Council and ASTER; Montrose Bakery owner Henry Baeza, honored as Business Person of the Year and whose son, Michael, accepted the award on his behalf noting his father’s attitude of, “I try my best every day, every year”; Harriet Hammons was recognized for her ongoing devotion to Oktoberfest, the Boy Scouts and other organizations.

Newcomer Giuseppe’s Pizza was celebrated as Business of the Year for its active participation in the community; the CV Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition was recognized as Organization of the Year; Dr. Michele Doll, principal of CV High School, was named Educator of the Year with presenter Nayiri Nahabedian of the GUSD noting that “good schools equal good communities,” and commending Doll on her contributions.

JR Ruiz of the CV Sheriffs was bestowed with the inaugural In the Line of Duty award; the recently opened Trader Joe’s in Montrose received the Beautification Award and the owners of the revamped Vons Center in Montrose were presented with the Community Enhancement award.

Kate Bernier presented long time volunteer Chris Waldheim with the Oktoberfest Volunteer Award, saying that Waldheim gives “selflessly” and “makes Oktoberfest the best it could be.”

Recently retired GPD Lt. Ian Grimes was recognized as Peace Officer of the Year and the President’s Award was given to Joe Allen.

The prestigious Frank Roberts Award was given to CV Weekly reporter Mary O’Keefe for her tireless efforts in donating time to the community including her work with Prom Plus, the Firehouse and the CV Drug & Alcohol Prevention Coalition.

O’Keefe received a standing ovation for her work.

On Thursday, Jan. 12, the La Crescenta Republican Women gathered for lunch at the La Cañada Country Club to hear guest speakers Tamara Colbert and Deborah Flora. They are launching the organization American Women Media.

Flora has been in the entertainment industry for 20 years as a producer with a degree in theatre. As Miss Colorado and second runner-up to Miss America, she spoke and performed extensively around the world and continues to speak across the United States. Flora and her husband Jonathan, who is an award-winning producer with The Walt Disney Company, is a movie director and a veteran of the 82nd Airborne.

Colbert has nearly 20 years of experience in public relations and production. She has worked in 70 countries around the world as a public relations executive, free-lance news and documentary producer. This international experience has provided her with a wider, global perspective in business, news, political and community relations.

Additionally, Colbert helped found and organize the Pasadena Patriots Tea Party Organization and was actively involved in her husband John’s Congressional campaign.

President Mary Owens and program Vice President Debi Devens introduced the dynamic ladies who inspired attendees with their enthusiasm.

Questions About Today’s Real Estate?

Ask Phyllis!

Selling Short – What is the first step?

Dear Phyllis,
In 2007 we bought our first home and currently owe at least $100,000 over our loan balance. My husband and I are getting divorced and neither of us can afford to keep this house. We have decided to sell via a short sale. My question is whether we should first contact the bank or a real estate agent about selling?  
- Moving On

Dear Moving On,
You indicate that neither of you can afford to keep the home, but if one of you would like to remain there, a loan modification may be a solution. Have either of you contacted your lender regarding this possibility? In some instances your lender might reduce your principal balance or lower your mortgage payment.

Short sales can be complicated and extremely time consuming. After discussing any tax implications with your accountant, you should contact a local real estate agent experienced in short sales. In addition to the listing contract, your Realtor® should have you sign an Authorization to Receive and Convey Information. This form gives your Realtor® written approval for your lender to communicate with him/her.

Your real estate agent will contact the lender on your behalf and start the short sale process. Typically most lenders will not agree to a short sale until a written offer is received. At some point after the lender reviews the offer (or offers), a Broker’s Price Opinion (BPO) will be ordered. The BPO is completed by an independent real estate agent (not affiliated with this transaction) who provides a written estimate of a value. The lender may or may not hire an appraiser.

Once the lender receives the BPO and a closing cost estimate from escrow, they are ready to move toward the short sale approval process. Expect it to be time consuming but an experienced real estate professional can help streamline the process.

Springfield College has named Chantalle Abdelkerim of La Cañada to the dean’s list for academic excellence for the fall 2011 term. Abdelkerim is studying health science/occupational therapy.

Jason Trueblood of La Cañada Flintridge was named to the fall 2011 dean’s list at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Conn. To receive this honor, a student must achieve a 3.6 grade average, based on a 4.0 scale.

Natalie Sherif of La Cañada has been placed on the Gettysburg College dean’s honor list for outstanding academic achievement in fall 2011.
Students with a quality point average of 3.60 or higher (on a 4.0 scale) for a semester’s work are placed on the college’s dean’s honor list.

The University of Hartford is pleased to announce Matthew Cannata of La Cañada has been named to its dean’s list for fall 2011.

The Allen Lund Company has been awarded Truck Load Carrier of the Year by Berry Plastics Corporation for the second consecutive year.
Berry Plastics Corp. and the Charlotte office of the Allen Lund Company have been working closely together since 2001.

By Maddy PUMILIA

The La Cañada Chamber of Commerce awarded La Cañada Union 76 Gas Station owner Charlie Kamar Business Owner of the Year at the Chamber’s installation dinner on Jan. 19.

“I was fortunate,” Kamar said. He said getting nominated was “awesome” and he was happy about it.

Chamber President and CEO Pat Anderson said it was because his “commitment to the community, schools and chamber was outstanding.”

“When they nominate someone, they look at every side,” Kamar added. “They look at what they do for schools and how you help your customers. I’m very involved in the community with the schools. I support teams.”

An example of his commitment includes donations to the Community Center of La Cañada through their casino fundraiser nights.

The Chamber also awarded Business of the Year to Wells Fargo. “[It was for] their support of the chamber for the past year and their plans and outreach for the community,” Anderson said.

The Chamber, which just celebrated its centennial, also congratulated other businesses and organizations for reaching milestones. La Cañada Thursday Club celebrated its 100-year anniversary and the University Club of Pasadena reached its 90-year anniversary.

Also reaching milestones were Schaefer Ambulance Service’s that served 80 years, Parents and Children’s Nursery School’s marked 70 years, both Archer Travel Service and Foothill Municipal Water District’s celebrated 60-year achievements and the La Cañada Country Club marked 50 years.

Bak ~ Erickson

Kerry and Danette Erickson of La Crescenta announce the marriage of their son Kraig Erickson to Agnes Bak, daughter of Jozef and Antonia Bak of

Brandon, Fla., formerly from Chicopee, Conn. and Mielec, Poland.

The couple exchanged their vows Sept. 17, 2011 at St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach followed by a reception at the Redondo Beach Historic Library.

Agnes is a graduate in chemistry from Boston College currently working on her MBA at UCLA’s Anderson School of Business. She is employed by Johnson & Johnson – Neutrogena in Los Angeles as a senior supply planner.

Kraig is a 1998 graduate of Crescenta Valley High School and has his bachelor and master degrees in Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He is a licensed civil engineer employed by RMC Water and Environment in Santa Monica where he is a consultant and project manager.

The couple lives in Redondo Beach and plan to honeymoon in Hawaii after her graduation.