By Brandon HENSLEY

The Crescenta Valley Town Council recognized outgoing Glendale Unified School District board of education president Mary Boger during its July 17 meeting. Boger announced her resignation from the board on July 8, citing health issues as a main reason. She and her husband will move to Massachusetts when her term ends Aug. 13.

Town council president Robbyn Battles brought up Boger and gave her the floor so she could take questions or address the audience and council on any subject. Boger was emotional, and said leaving GUSD was a tough decision and that she will miss all aspects of her job.

“But I have to tell you that after I announced my resignation, as difficult as it was to come to that decision, I felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted off my shoulders,” she said.

The day after her announcement, she said she spoke with GUSD superintendent Dr. Richard Sheehan at a district function.

“Why do you look so happy? You look like you’re levitating,” he told her.

“You know, I kind of feel like I’m levitating,” she replied.

Boger was appointed to the board in 2002. She won election three times during her tenure. Battles presented her with a certificate of appreciation and a bouquet of flowers.

“It’s your ability and knowledge and understanding, and ability to wade through [tough situations] that we’re going to miss,” Battles told her.

“We’re really going to miss you,” said Steve Pierce, community activist. “You have been a delight and a breath of fresh air for us, so best of luck to back east. You’ll drive ’em crazy, but that’s good. That’s great, so thank you, Mary.”

Boger said she cared about the Crescenta Valley area and tried her best to make the area feel like it was being heard and represented on the board. She joked she was going to start reading non-educational material, such as novels, in retirement, but she’ll always be passionate about education and helping kids learn.

“I’m a huge believer that every child can learn, and I am absolutely appalled when I hear someone say, ‘Oh, they’ll never get it,’” she said. “I know and most parents know that it’s the expectation of learning that creates a learning environment. If you expect a kid to do it, they will do it … If you speak down to them, you will crush them. They will never recover from that.”

In council business, Battles said council member Robert Thomas resigned earlier in the week, creating an open seat. That spot was promptly filled by Mariam Barnes, who was in attendance and accepted council’s approval for her to join the dais.

Barnes said she was “super excited and honored” to join the town council. She had been working closely with fellow councilmember Harry Leon on the CV Youth Town Council during the last year.

“Harry kind of mentored me and took me under his wing and taught me what it took be a part of the town council and I think within the last year you’ve been seeing more of me,” Barnes said.

Barnes, who lost her run for a seat on the council in the election last year, said she is prepared to put in the work.

“It’s a lot of community service hours, listening to the people,” she said. “It’s a lot of putting your own opinion to the side and doing what the people want.”

Barnes had praise for the newly elected CV Youth Town Council members, who were sworn in and introduced at the meeting. The new council will consist of Elektra Mirzakhanian, Jessy Shelton, Jennie Bazan, Lauren Harvey, Lisa Chick, Sena Lim and Abbey Sheklow.

Youth Town Council applicants had to submit applications and then be interviewed by CV councilmember Leslie Dickson, a La Cañada resident and a former GUSD employee. Barnes said there were 15 applicants.

“We put them through a difficult process to make it, so only the strong survive,” she said.

The community is holding its annual National Night Out on Aug. 5 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Ralph’s parking lot, 2675 Foothill Blvd. Hosted by the CV Sheriff’s Station, NNO is America’s night to stand together against drugs, crime and disorder.

The American Legion and VFW will hold its third annual community Bingo Night on Aug. 8 at 6 p.m. in Healy Hall at Holy Redeemer Church, 2361 Del Mar Ave., Montrose.

The next CVTC meeting is scheduled for Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. in the La Crescenta Library’s Community Room, 2809 Foothill Blvd.

For more information on the council and community news, visit thecvcouncil.com.

  Brandon Hensley