Not Slowing Down
The New Year has firmly taken hold on our calendars. Yes, the holidays are typically filled with celebrations – parties, plays and even some vacations. Many think that the fun ends with the dropping of the ball in Times Square. Not so.
On Thursday evening last week, Steve and I headed to one of my favorite entertainment spots – The Rose in Pasadena. Part of the family of venues that include The Canyon Club in Agoura Hills and Santa Clarita, The Rose features the music of bands that you grew up listening to. On Thursday, it was the music of Orleans.
Yes, the performers of “You’re Still the One” still have it. Strong vocals accompanied strong musical skill that even brought some onto the dance floor. It was fun listening to these musicians, some who have been together for nearly 47 years, tell their stories and share their songs. I’m so glad we took the time to head over there. Coming soon is another of our favorites: Gordon Lightfoot. And we already have reservations.
On Friday night, it was off to the Elks where Steve was one of several award recipients. The Elks honored him with the prestigious responder of the year award. This was a particularly poignant recognition because, along with the other members of the Montrose Search & Rescue team (which was also honored), Steve doesn’t get paid for missing holidays, getting out of bed in the middle of the night or leaving work early to respond to a call for help. And it’s not only in good weather that he and his fellow team members make themselves available; there have been many freezing cold nights when they have had to hike through the snow as well as hot days when they were searching for someone. He has been on calls concerning people who either committed suicide by driving their cars over the side of Angeles Crest or took a turn too fast and ended up over the side. There are also those who got lost or injured while hiking in our nearby mountains.
Like many on the team, Steve’s involvement in search and rescue evolved over the years. He has been a volunteer with the CV Sheriff’s Station, on arson watch and a reserve with San Fernando PD, to name a few. I’m sure I speak for all when I say how grateful our community is to have these dedicated individuals at the ready.
On Saturday, it was party time. In addition to the afternoon bridal shower for my future daughter-in-law, the evening promised good food and good friends at the home of one of our friends, Mark Miller.
Mark – a CVHS graduate – hosts an annual winter party each year toward the end of February. An assortment of barbecued delicacies greet party-goers; everything from duck sausage to his renowned Red Thunder mac n cheese is prepared for guests. Live music and a varied guest list guarantee an event that you don’t want to miss.
Looking ahead, things are not slowing down: tomorrow, Friday, night is the glitter and glamour of the Disco with Diamonds event at The Castaway Restaurant in Burbank. Hosted by the Glendale Educational Foundation, in addition to fine music (yes, I’m a disco diva) the GEF honors noteworthy graduates of the Glendale Unified School District. It’s a fabulous night (to learn more, see the In Brief section on page 3). On Monday there’s the annual career fair for CVHS students (see the cover story by Julian Mitchell) and, at the same time, the annual Las Candelas fundraiser at the Burbank Marriott. And let’s not forget the open house barbecue at Crescenta Valley High School on March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Prom Plus, this is one of the largest fundraisers for the organization. Guaranteed delicious fare provided by Gelsinger’s Meats and prepared by parents of CVHS students.
Slowing down? Not likely.