Passing Through

This past Saturday we had an unexpected visit from former neighbors who lived next-door to us for a number of years. These were the early years when my kids were young and their daughter would sit for them. Seeing them brought to mind wonderful memories that made me (again) grateful for the neighborhood in which we live.

Standing outside talking, I was also struck by the number of butterflies that fluttered by. Steve reminded me that they were part of the great northern migration of painted lady butterflies. This year the migration is even larger due to the high rainfall and cooler temperatures; indeed, I don’t ever remember before seeing so many. Some experts estimate that the migration is estimated at a million of the tiny little butterflies! From upstairs in our offices here at CV Weekly we can see them make their way across Honolulu Avenue. When you go outside, take a minute to look around you – you might see some of the beauties fly by. (And check out Charly Shelton’s photo on page 23.)

On Sunday was another opportunity to see a lovely lady – though not painted. That would be my mother-in-law, Saralyn. The majority of the Goldsworthy family – minus a couple of the grandkids – met at La Cabañita to celebrate her 86th birthday. It’s not often we’re able to all gather together – scheduling is always a challenge with a big family – but when we do we make up for lost time. At one point on Sunday, I stood back and looked at the 29 or so people gathered in the back room of the restaurant, marveling at the family Saralyn and her husband brought into this world. She must have been so proud.
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The gratitude I have for the neighborhood I live in extends to the community in which I live. On Wednesday, I sat in on a meeting of the Montrose Shopping Park Association. In it, discussion was held regarding its upcoming (March 23) Wine Walk, one of my favorite events. Ticketholders will have the chance to visit 29 different “pouring stations” along Honolulu Avenue and Ocean View Boulevard, hosted by MSP restaurants and stores. Not only is it a great opportunity to taste some wonderful wine, but it also provides a chance to discover some of the restaurants and stores that you might not otherwise know of.

For those who enjoy wine, they might also consider attending the annual Craft Beer Fest taking place on April 7. This event is organized by the Montrose Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce and will feature a variety of craft beers plus local food and non-alcoholic beverages. Also held on Honolulu Avenue, the Craft Beer Fest is within a contained area that only allows those over 21 to enter. CV Weekly will again have a booth at the Fest.

April 7 is the close of the 24-hour Relay for Life event that is being held at Clark Magnet High School on New York Avenue. The American Cancer Society fundraiser kicks off on Saturday morning, April 6, launching 24 hours that includes fun, music and food while raising awareness of the ongoing fight against cancer. I’ve been involved with Relay for Life for the last several years and am sadly reminded how many people are affected by cancer, either individually or in taking care of a family member. In my family, I lost my mom to cancer in 1996 and my father-in-law in 1989. Cancer does not discriminate; it’ll take anyone. That is why the Relay lasts for 24 hours: to remind us that cancer never sleeps. To learn more, including how to participate, read this week’s cover story by Julie Butcher. As a relative newbie to our foothills, she was unaware of the Relay for Life and told me that it was “an honor” to cover the story.

  robin goldsworthy