Letter: An appreciation of Joyce Rudolph

Our community is filled with people who care, and who give not only during the holiday season, but throughout the year. We know this because Burbank Leader columnist Joyce Rudolph covers this area in her weekly column. A writer for the Burbank Leader for 40 years, Rudolph is a community treasure. Born and raised in Burbank, she has covered every nonprofit and many individuals in her inimitable style.

We’ve learned from Rudolph in recent weeks about many local activities. Preparations for next year’s “Burbank on Parade” are in full swing. Joanne Lento Miller has been involved in the parade for decades. Her energy has attracted some of the brightest folks in Burbank to the committee. She serves as a board member for the Burroughs-Burbank High Schools Alumni Assn. She owns a store on Magnolia Boulevard. Her full involvement in all things Burbank, makes her one of Burbank’s most popular women.

Things are frantic in the home of Connie Barron Trimble. Taking a holiday break from her duties of hiring teachers for the Burbank Unified, she’s been trying to address Christmas cards and get ready for the Christmas party and choral performance at First United Methodist Church. She assists the choral programs for both high schools, and is also a board member of the Burroughs-Burbank Alumni Assn.

Many know her best as the former matriarch of one of the best local restaurants, Barrons. Her warmth and personality make her loved by everyone who knows her.

At the YMCA’s Turkey-Trot run on Thanksgiving Day, Mickey DePalo again served as race official. The Parks and Recreation board member is busy. A Vietnam veteran, DePalo heads up the city’s Veterans Committee.

Each year, his group leads the way on honoring our vets. He is also member of the Family Services Agency board. His involvement started 20 years ago when he assisted then Mayor Michael Hastings in his yearly Run for the Hungry. As many say, “We’re lucky to have Mickey.”

Let’s thank Joyce Rudolph for her 40 years of reporting on some of Burbank’s most interesting people. She has been totally involved in so many good things in Burbank. Each week I look forward to her column. In this holiday season, we recognize the spirit of those people who give. What could be better?

Joe Hooven

Burbank