Those Who Make Oktoberfest Happen

Yesterday, Oct. 3, was the official kickoff mixer hosted by S.I.G. Property Management. Owner Mike Sharr is a valued partner to the Oktoberfest event and the MVCC. He held two terms as past president of MVCC, was the recipient of last year’s Frank Roberts Award, and has been a booth sponsor to both the German Beer #2 through S.I.G. and #3 through Re/Max Tri-City over the years.

The evening started with our volunteer meeting prior to the mixer, allowing for those who could stay to do so. The focus of this year’s kickoff mixer was to acknowledge and thank the many booth sponsors and volunteers.

Community Event Sponsors & Volunteers:

J’s Maintenance has been cleaning the Oktoberfest site since 1995. Owner Chris Waldheim, another past president of MVCC, was on the cleanup crew in 1995.

“Judy Kendall talked me into joining the Oktoberfest committee, which then led to [being on] the board, and Ken Grayson talking me into joining the executive board to become president,” Chris said.

He personally has worked Oktoberfest since 1998, focused on food and drink. And, he stated, “I gained so much from those experiences and still do today.”

Jenkins Property (ID booth #1) continues to not only staff but also to contribute to Oktoberfest as a platinum sponsor. This year the Jenkins Oktoberfest bags will be distributed for the Tent Experience attendees.

Glendale Sunrise Rotary ¬(ID booth #2) joins together with VFW. They jumped in to offer their support as they do for so many things in our community.

La Crescenta Woman’s Club (ID booth #3) is headed up by Danette Erickson and supported by Jean Maluccio and the ladies of the Woman’s Club.

Elmcroft and Kiwanis of Glendale & VFW (ID booth #4) are all working together to staff this booth in front of Allure Travel.

Wells Fargo-Montrose and CV Town Council (ID booth #5): Wells Fargo manager Moises and CV Town Council President Harry Leon again stepped in to lead their staff in the event.

NextHome Luxe Group (Dinner Area A) are new to the event and willing to take on the large task of a dinner area. NextHome Luxe Group is a gold sponsor. Art Hovsepian of NH also serves on the MVCC board this year; he has been instrumental in sharing our chamber with new businesses and networks tremendous support.

Knights of Columbus (Dinner Area/Beer A), has been loyal and committed to this event for decades.

Dilbeck La Crescenta/La Cañada (Dinner Area B/Beer B) has staffed this entire set-up. Dilbeck La Crescenta/La Cañada makes a great impact on the event with numerous volunteers and the fun they provide.

State Farm-Chris Aristo (German Beer #1): A sponsor and staffing the event, and always bringing event attendees.

Coldwell Banker Hallmark Realty (German Beer #2 and Combo #3): Another staffing team that shows up in numbers as well as enthusiasm.

Podley Properties (German Beer #4): Even ACE Beverage knows and has commented that “Podley is committed to their booth.”

Arbitrage Real Estate (Beer Trailer #2) will be pouring the entire day in front of Avignone’s.

Montrose Search & Rescue (Beer Trailer #3): Participating and supporting for four decades!

Allure Travel (Beer Booth #4) is a staple in the community and this event.

Rossmoyone, Inc (Combo #1): Owner George Pondella also doubles as the MVCC president. A friend and great help to the chamber!

Berkshire Hathaway Crest Real Estate (Combo #2): Led by Ray and Carmen, this team comes in full force.

CV Weekly (Wine #2) not only volunteers, CV Weekly is a sponsor that teamed up to take on some of the tasks to complete for the event. The ladies have been great guides in assisting our new chamber staff as we stepped into our first year of putting on this event.

Heart of Lending (Snack A & VIP Beer Mug Sponsor): This is Susan’s first year in and she took on several aspects to contribute to the event and the chamber.

Boy Scouts (Snack B & C) is led by Harriet Hammons. There is no organization that Harriet does not support and help. We are glad to be part of her commitment.

GCC Scholars (Pretzel A): Under the leadership of our intern, Kayla, this is the first year that GCC Scholars has participated in Oktoberfest.

Prom Plus (Pretzel Booth A & B): This fantastic group of people not only ensures a safe environment for senior prom, but contribute to the community at large.

In Oktoberfest fashion, the food includes brats, sauerkraut and German potato salad from Schreiner’s Fine Sausages. Event sponsors, ACE Beverage, donated the beer and, as always, our dedicated merchants: Framed In Montrose and Uptown with more providing raffle prizes.

And with that we say, “Prost!”

Victoria Marie Malone, Exec. Director
Montrose/Verdugo City
Chamber of Commerce
1815 Sunview Dr,
Glendale, CA 91208
Office: 818-249-7171
FAX: 818-249-8919
www.montrosechamber.org