By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce held its annual installation luncheon on Thursday at the Oakmont Country Club. Not only was the afternoon event a time to introduce the incoming board and its directors, but it also was a networking opportunity for business owners and non-profit organizations.

Inducted by past-president, attorney and board member Aram Ordubegian, the board of directors includes President Calvin Chock, Vice President Dwight Sityar, Secretary Robin Goldsworthy, Treasurer Craig Fisher and Honorary Mayor Mike Riley. Directors for 2018 are Romina Aladadyan, Mike Baldwin, Ken Biermann, Rev. Beverly Craig, Lisa Dupuy, Leonard Ghazarian, Jeero Habeshian, Keith Hobbs, Ella Hambarchian, Dr. Cynthia Livingston, Matt Morelli, Jean Maluccio, Steve Pierce and Julia Rabago.

The highlight of the afternoon was the distribution of grant money from the 2018 Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Educational Endowment Fund.

According to its website, the Fund was established in 1990 and provides grants for educational programs or projects in the Crescenta Valley. The Education Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of the Verdugos. Eligible organizations include those that are tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Organizations must be located in or benefit the Crescenta-Canada Valley, which includes La Cañada, La Crescenta, and parts of Glendale, Montrose and Tujunga.

Exercising her creative – and humorous – side, Pinola informed the audience that this year’s proposed grant nominees would have to defend the need for their grant in a “Judge Judy” type forum.

“Unfortunately, Judge Judy was unavailable so I brought in Judge Wacker,” Pinola said.

“Judge” Eleanor Wacker strode in, wearing a flowing black jurist robe and wielding a gavel.

Those who presented their case were Mathew Schick from the CVHS Music Dept., Karen Stegman from Dunsmore Elementary School, Kim Villa from Special Olympics – Tri Valley Region, Scott Anderle of Rosemont Middle School, Susan Romero from St. James/Holy Redeemer and Keith Hobbs of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Decisions were made in their favor as well as for Glendale Clean & Beautiful, Rose Bowl Aquatics/Glendale Community College and the YMCA of the Foothills. In total, more that $20,000 was given in grants.

The Mary Pinola/Crescenta Valley Chamber Educational Endowment Fund is now looking to its next fundraiser, the annual Smart-A-Thon, planned for March 7 at 11:30 a.m. at USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. On March 10, it’s the CV Chamber bingo games at 5 p.m., also held at the hospital’s community rooms.

For more information, call the chamber office at (818) 248-4957.

To see more of photos taken by Dick Clubb of the CV Chamber of Commerce installation luncheon, visit www.clubbphotos.com.

  robin goldsworthy