Community: Society brings back barbecue tradition to thank members
The Burbank Historical Society recently revived a tradition of having barbecues on the museum’s patio and, at the same time, made the event a thank-you celebration for its members.
Docents who give tours of the Gordon R. Howard Museum were rewarded with snacks, lunch and opportunity prizes during the Volunteer Appreciation Day.
Thirty years ago, when the final addition was just a gleam in the eyes of founders, the late Mary Jane and Harry Strickland, there was a lot more room for the outdoor party. So, space was limited this time, which wasn’t a problem because the lingering heat called for bringing volunteers inside the museum complex anyway.
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The patio was the perfect size for people to pick up their hot dogs served by employees out of the Wienerschnitzel’s food truck. To add to the nostalgia, board member Gary Sutliff brought his old-fashioned popcorn cart, snow cone machine and cotton candy maker.
Reviving the tradition was a priority that Dave Filson, the organization’s president, talked about after he was installed, and he said it’s a practice he wants to continue.
“I think we used to do it once a year, and everybody liked it, and even though this is on a smaller scale, I think this is something we should do for the members and also see if we can attract new people at the same time,” he said. “It’s kind of a small gesture, but it’s something to show the members that the board of directors appreciates them being there.”
Dancers from Ballet Folklorico Mexico Azteca were dressed in colorful costumes and entertained in the Cunningham Auditorium.
It was the first time Esperanza Whitehead had ever been to the museum. She came to watch her daughter Patricia dance with the ballet.
“I’ve been in Burbank for 30 years and have never been here,” she said. “I have two more children, and I’ll be bringing them here. It’s awesome.”
Stephanie Llewelyn of Burbank brought her friend Deborah Richman of Northridge.
Llewelyn’s favorite exhibit is the Lockheed Aircraft memorabilia, she said, because her father worked there.
Volunteer JoAnn Franklin said she enjoys giving tours and meeting the people who take the tours — especially the children.
“They ask me how old I am and how much the items cost in the museum,” she said.
Charles Zembillas, who has been a volunteer since 1998, said it’s nice to see the public’s appreciation for the history of Burbank.
His favorite exhibit is the World War II American flag display, he said. The flag was presented to the Burbank Junior Chamber of Commerce from the Burbank servicemen they sponsored.
“The flag was placed on the beach of Iwo Jima when the American servicemen landed,” he said.
The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It is located next door to the Creative Arts Center, 1100 W. Clark Ave.
Salvation Army accepting holiday intake applications
The Burbank Corps of the Salvation Army will be accepting Christmas intake applications from 3 to 6 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 2 at the corps office, 300 E. Angeleno Ave.
Applicants need to bring a photo Identification card for everyone in the household. Children up to 12 years old need a birth certificate. Adults need to provide proof of income, such as a paycheck stub, or if they are paid in cash, a letter from their employer showing gross income.
In addition, adults need to show proof of address, such as a utility bill, with the applicant’s name and address from Burbank, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, Sunland or Tujunga only.
Applicants are advised not to bring children. For more information, call (818) 845-7214.
Three groups put on Family Fun Day
The Burbank Police Foundation, Burbank Kiwanis for Fun and Burbank Noon Kiwanis will join forces on Saturday to host a Family Fun Day, featuring a pancake breakfast and car show at the newly renovated Johnny Carson Park.
The Noon Kiwanis Club breakfast will begin at 8 a.m. and will be a fundraiser for any nonprofit group that wants to make money. For each breakfast ticket sold for $6, the group gets $3 back. At 11 a.m., there will be a drawing of the breakfast tickets, and the winner will get $1,000 (no need to be there to win).
This will be the first car show at the renovated park. Several fun awards will be given out, such as Most Likely to Receive a Speeding Ticket, in addition to honors for the top 15 cars.
Other activities will include a K-9 demonstration and tactical vehicle display, vendors, photo booth, costume contest, music, raffle prizes, 50/50 drawing, event T-shirts and games for children.
After the breakfast, members of the Kiwanis for Fun Club will serve a grilled lunch with hamburgers, hot dogs and the group’s signature French fries.
The Burbank Police Foundation is a nonprofit, community-based organization whose mission is to cultivate a solid partnership between the Burbank Police Department and the residents, businesses and institutions it serves.
Both Kiwanis clubs support the youth in the community. Noon Kiwanis sponsors the high school Key Clubs, and Kiwanis For Fun Foundation sponsors an Aktion Club, a service club for developmentally disabled adults.
To show a car, truck or motorcycle or be a vendor, contact Tony or Donna Wade at (818) 846-8487 or email panette@pacbell.net.
Alumni gathers for tailgate party
The Burbank Burroughs Alumni Assn. will hold its third annual tailgate event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 4 in the Burbank Unified School District parking lot at Olive Avenue and Parish Place. The event will be held just before the Burbank-Burroughs homecoming varsity football game at Memorial Field.
There will be a taco bar, soft drinks (no alcohol is permitted) and music performed by Burroughs students. All proceeds benefit college scholarships for Burbank and Burroughs seniors.
The price for dinner and game is $25; dinner only $15; game only $10 and a $10 charge for dinner for children 10 and younger. Fees can be prepaid by phone, credit card or PayPal by calling (818) 846-8910. Checks can also be dropped off at Once Upon a Page, 2527 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.
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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.