Armenian committee presents its honorees
The Armenian National Committee of Glendale did itself proud as it honored individuals and organizations during its 2010 annual banquet at Renaissance Banquet Hall. On Thursday, a sumptuous silent auction, cocktails and dinner gave way to the program in which the honorees were presented.
This year’s award winners included former Glendale Mayor Larry Zarian, who received the committee’s Leadership Award. He was applauded by proud twin sons Lawrence (“The Fashion Guy”) Zarian and broadcaster Gregory Zarian. Alissa Asmarian, owner of Favorite Place Restaurant, received the Friend of ANC Glendale Award.
Honored organizations were Glendale Healthy Kids and the Glendale Youth Alliance. On hand to accept their award was Glendale Healthy Kids Executive Director Camille Levee and Immediate Past President Elizabeth Manasserian.
VIPs from Glendale included Co-Chairman of ANC Glendale Sarkis Ourfalian, Armenian American Chamber of Commerce President Zaven Kazazian and Glendale City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian. Glendale Community College Board of Trustee members present included Anita Quinonez Gabrielian and Vahe Peroomian. Generous with a silent auction donation, Peroomian gave a photograph taken with his specially designed infrared camera. His “The Rolling Hills of Sevan” was shot when Peroomian was touring Armenia in 2008 and came across a frozen Lake Sevan. His photo shows stark contrasts with white clouds against black skies.
Keynote speaker was national ANC Executive Director Aram Hamparian.
+++
The 65th birthday of the Glendale Emblem Club No. 104 was celebrated with all the trimmings at the Glendale Elks Lodge onSept. 15. The Emblem Club is a women’s club that supports the Elks.
After club organist Mary Hoisington played during the reception, President Christine Trecartin welcomed some 100 supporters, many who wore rhinestone tiaras for the party. Second Assistant Marshall Melissa Hunt ceremoniously lit candles while past president and Event Chairwoman Cheryl Moffat read the names of honored past presidents, living and deceased.
Glendale residents at the party included Exalted Ruler of the Glendale Elks Lodge Richard L. James, Leading Knight Ernie Wiley, Past Supreme President of the U.S. Supreme Emblem Club Ruby Butler and Pauline McCourtney, who attends the Antelope Valley Elks Lodge. More Glendale residents included Lynda Burns, accompanied by 18-year-old grandson Thomas Dant, on his way to begin his freshman year at the University of Washington.
A colorful birthday cake was presented by the Glendale Elks, followed by the awarding of scholarships by Emblem Past President Collette Rector and service pins by Emblem Past President Shannan Scanlon. Louise Copeland, having the most years of service, was honored for her 55 years of volunteerism.
The Glendale Emblem Club was formed in 1945 to assist the Glendale Elks Lodge #1289.
+++
Glendale’s Massage Envy spa on Brand made a literal, hands-on charitable contribution to fight breast cancer through the Susan G. Koman for the Cure Foundation. On Sept. 14, $15 was to be donated from every $49 one-hour massage. Owner Helen McDonagh estimated that some 120 massages would be performed by staff therapists. The potential $1,800 would be raised through relaxation, prenatal, Swedish and other massages. Ideally, all 12 massage rooms would be filled every hour from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. An added bonus — food and drinks were served all day.
McDonagh, whose mother is a breast cancer survivor, has hosted “Massage for the Cure” for five years. Also president of Glendale’s Downtown Merchants Assn., McDonagh said, “Our event actually got other businesses excited [with the potential of more business].”
More than 600 Massage Envy locations in 42 states participate in “Massage for the Cure.” In total, more than $1.4 million has been raised for breast cancer research and community health programs.