Community: Art exchange fortifies sister city bond

Two city officials recently traveled to Incheon, South Korea, in the spirit of friendship.

Mayor Bob Frutos and Councilman David Gordon visited Burbank’s first sister city from Nov. 17 to 21 to participate in the unveiling of an art sculpture titled “Dancing Stones,” which is a gift from the city of Burbank.

The twin, 7-foot, carved travertine sculptures are surrounded by a walkway that has ceramic tiles inset between pavers, Frutos said.

“The twin stones were cut into an S shape and sculpted into the form of wings, flames and leaves in a gesture of friendship and collaboration of the two cities,” he said.

Artist Jose “Rudy” Calderon created the travertine stones and artist Roberto Delgado used a silkscreen technique on the tiles to apply collaged images of Lockheed, Warner Bros. and other pictures symbolizing Burbank.

The tiles are inset between the pavers on one side of the walkway, while photographs depicting the sisterhood growing over time are on the other side. Delgado used photographs from Burbank historical books, the library and Internet, he said.

Frutos told those attending the Incheon ceremony that the sisterhood between the two cities for the last 54 years is inspiring and in line with the goals of the Sister City program — to promote international peace and prosperity.

Gordon said the gift to Incheon was a reciprocal gesture for a sculpture Burbank received from Incheon in 2011 in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the two uniting as sister cities in 1961. That art piece, titled “Mutualism” and created by artist Oh Soon Mi, depicts two heads in silhouette, one in pink, one in blue, engaged in discussion. It was installed at the front entrance of the Northwest Library.

“On behalf of the city of Burbank, we are pleased to be able to return the gracious gift in the form of this stunning piece of artwork,” Gordon said. “The sculpture is truly one of a kind and an embodiment of the appreciation between our two sister cities of Incheon and Burbank. We look forward to future collaboration as our partnership strengthens and [there are] continued exchanges of thoughts and ideas.”

The art sculpture is placed outside the newly built G-tower that features a park with a lake.

“It’s open space where the community can enjoy walking their dogs, bicycling and hiking,” Frutos said. “They paid Burbank the highest honor by placing the statue that we sent to them right outside their G-tower for all to see.”

“The cost to commission the art piece and to ship it to Incheon was $50,000 and was paid for out of the Arts in Public Places Fund,” said Sharon Cohen, the city’s former library services director. The Sister City program operates under the library services department. “The project and funding source were approved by the City Council in the spring of 2012.”

Poker tournament supports parade

A mix of poker and bingo made for a fun evening when the Burbank On Parade Committee welcomed more than 50 guests to the Burbank Elks Lodge in mid-November.

The winner of the second annual Texas Hold ’Em Poker Tournament was Henry Arredondo. He said he got to the final table last year and couldn’t wait to try and win it again this year. He won the Disneyland and Park Hopper passes for four people.

Taking home the 50/50 cash-split prize was Linda Roberts.

New this year was the addition of bingo, and it turned out to be a great alternate for others to enjoy the evening, said Cynde Bost, event chair. Cindy Symons was the bingo chair for the parade committee.

The Casino Kings brought and ran the poker tables and bingo games.

Elks Lodge Trustee Fred DeLange manned the kitchen grill, cooking up delicious hamburgers, hot dogs and French fries. For the first time, the lodge offered pulled pork sandwiches. They were excellent. And a serve-yourself popcorn maker was a toasty treat with unlimited refills.

“The Elks Lodge is always a great venue because the bar is the best deal in town,” Bost said.

Volunteers from the city of Burbank’s volunteer program helped throughout the event, including Burbank High School Key Club members.

Funds raised will go to the 35th annual Burbank On Parade set for April 23. The theme is “Burbank On Parade Presents Our Heroes.” Carey Briggs is president of the committee, and Joanne Lento Miller is parade chairwoman.

Noon Lions award peace poster winners

Burbank Noon Lions recognized winners of the Lions Clubs International’s annual Peace Poster competition.

The contest was held in the Burbank Central Library’s auditorium in mid-November.

Recipients were Brian DiMascio of Muir Middle School; Sophia Almaraz of Luther Burbank Middle School; and Lovie Sutton of the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley. Winners each received $25. Their posters are on display in the Burbank Central Library until January.

Lions Clubs International established the Peace Poster contest more than 26 years ago to promote awareness of world peace among youth internationally. This is the 20th year the Burbank Noon Lions club has sponsored the project locally.

The Burbank Noon Lions contest marks the first level of the competition. Local winners have the opportunity to proceed to the next level. After all judging around the world, there will be 23 merit winners, each receiving $500, and one top winner, receiving $5,000 and a trip.

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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.