Scout’s trail markers have dual purpose
A Scout’s Eagle project could save a life.
Gordon Greer, of Burbank Boy Scout Troop 209, received the rank of Eagle Scout during his Eagle Court of Honor in February. This is the highest rank a member can receive in Scouting.
In addition to earning all the required merit badges, Gordon had to complete an Eagle project. This includes planning, developing and giving leadership to others in a project that benefits one’s community.
With the help of his fellow Boy Scouts, he constructed mileage and altitude markers, planting them every half-mile from the base of Stough Canyon Nature Center to the first radio tower.
These markers will not only be helpful to hikers, but also be beneficial to Burbank search and rescue teams when determining the location of someone who may be hurt or lost.
A big thank you to Home Depot for donating the materials and to Santoro’s Sandwich Shop for supplying the food.
Gordon’s proud parents are Michael and Mary Greer.
Parade grand marshal announced
One of the benefits of serving on the Burbank on Parade Committee is knowing everything first. At its meeting last week, the committee voted to have Tim Conway Jr. as its grand marshal.
Yes he’s the son of comedian Tim Conway, who starred on “The Carol Burnett Show.” And if the senior Conway has the morning of April 6 free, he might be joining his son in the ride down Olive Avenue from Keystone to Lomita streets.
The junior Conway lives in Burbank and isn’t shy about bragging about all our wonderful town has to offer as he hosts his nightly show on KFI AM 640.
Several other local celebs are planning to ride in the parade, but I don’t want to give all the surprises away. Parade President Carey Briggs, Parade Chairwoman Joanne Miller, Creative Director Wayne Poirier and Treasurer David Freedman have been the driving force to get this parade on the street. When you see them around town, give ‘em a pat on the back and a big thank you!
Students meet Schiff in D.C.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) recently met 25 eighth-graders and their chaperons from Muir Middle School in Washington D.C. The students were visiting the nation’s capital on spring break and Schiff took their questions and discussed his priorities in Congress.
“It was a privilege to meet these students and answer their important questions on issues ranging from gun-violence prevention to sequestration,” Schiff said. “And the best part? They taught me about the Harlem Shake. I can always count on my younger constituents to keep me on my toes.”
The group met the congressman on the East Side steps of the Capitol Building just before morning votes. Students asked a number of questions ranging from the threat facing the United States by nations like North Korea to how sequestration would affect funding for education locally and nationally, as well as the prospects for a bipartisan budget deal.
Another word on Gene Bua
Last week, society columnist David Laurell presented coverage of the memorial for Gene Bua. It was an uplifting experience to be in the audience and watch the body of work this man had created alongside his wife, Toni Bull Bua.
When the couple came to town in the 1980s, I was the first reporter to write about their Acting for Life class and their success with “Pepper Street.” But I’ve known of the romantic couple since I was in junior high school. I watched them fall in love as Tess and Bill on the daytime drama “Love of Life.” So it was very exciting to meet my favorite TV couple.
I sat in on an acting class some 10 years ago. It was just after Gene was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. I watched him and marveled at how he conducted the class in spite of the pain he was in. And I watched his students thrive under his tough but loving coaching. A few months ago I returned to the class, now taught by Toni, and was surprised to see many of the same students I met the first time I attended a class.
It says a lot about the teachers and the supportive environment they have created.