Holiday hosting benefits those in need
During this month in which so many traditions are honored, celebrated and continued, current and former elected officials, city staffers and representatives of the local clergy, media, business and nonprofit community gathered this past Saturday evening for a tradition that for the past two decades has blended holiday cheer with the spirit of giving.
Councilman Dave Golonski and his wife Barbara Sykes once again opened their festively decorated Magnolia Park home for their annual holiday party that collects funds and toys for the children of the Kids International Foundation, the El Faro and Hacienda Orphanages of Tijuana, Mexico, the Five Acres Child and Family Services Agency, and the Burbank Coordinating Council’s Holiday Basket Program.
Assisted in their hosting duties by the couples’ daughter and son-in law, Nathan and Randi Lowery, sons Russell Tamillo and John Golonski, grandchildren Grant and JoAnn Lowery, and brother-in-law Chris Rushing, they welcomed guests bearing gifts for those in need that included U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, Mayor Jess Talamantes and his wife Sandy, Councilmember Emily Gabel-Luddy, School Board member Dave Kemp, former Mayor Mary Lou Howard, former Councilman Tim Murphy, Police Chief Scott LaChasse, Community Development Director Greg Herman and Senior Assistant City Attorney Mary Riley.
Also in attendance were Rabbi Richard Flom and his wife Lynne Kronzik, Park Board members Garen Yegparian and Barry Gussow, Water and Power Board member Bob Olson, Zita Lefebvre who serves as the director of operations and community relations for Cartoon Network Studios and Library Trustees Suzy Jacobs, Gay Maund, Mike Chapman and Lee Paysinger.
Others who enjoyed the hospitality of Golonski and Sykes included Mary Hovagimian, Mark and Marlene Vella, Maxine Andrews, Dean and Lynn Shelby, Karen Volpei, Linda Walmsley, Brett Loutensock, Ron, Candy and Briana Horwitz, Dave and Betty Seale, Sam and Eileen Asheghian, Will Rogers, Wendy James, Robert Vincent, Tony and Donna Wade, Greg and Carolyn Jackson, Linda Barnes, Lee and Marti Dunayer and Lynda Willner.
