ON THE TOWN:He’s a credit to his town

Lauded as a man who gets things done in his community, Burbank Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Gary Olson was presented the 2006 Movers and Shapers Award during a reception Sunday at Woodbury University.

Woodbury officials established the award to honor people who have demonstrated leadership and have made significant contributions to the community, university President Ken Nielsen of La Cañada Flintridge said.

Those who have received the honor in the past are Burbank City Manager Mary Alvord, Burbank Unified School District Supt. Greg Bowman, former Burbank Mayor Larry Stamper, his wife, community volunteer Sue Stamper, and former Burbank Unified school board members Mary Alice O’Connor and Tomme Lenz.

All the awardees have made a commitment to make the community a better place because they have a love and compassion for serving the people in Burbank, Nielsen said.

“The university recognizes and rewards these kinds of good deeds in hopes of inspiring others to do their part, to not just live in a community but move it and shape it in ways that will make all of us better,” Nielsen said.

Don St. Clair, vice president for enrollment services and university marketing, served as master of ceremonies for the event, and Seta Javor, executive assistant to the president of Woodbury University, coordinated it.

Olson’s wife, Sharon, and son Kyle attended the event.

Bill Jacot, immediate past president of the chamber, and President-elect Mitchell Thomas were also there to honor Olson.

Also among the 45 well-wishers attending were Merle and Jim Woodburn, Pete McGrath, Sue Stamper, Gino Gaudio, Bryan Madden, Del and Trish Belisle, Sue and Lou Gysin, Carolyn and Phil Berlin, Sebastian and Monica Zacharia, Lilas Smith and Vickie Eadler, Sam and Eileen Asheghian, Richard King, Robert Grant and Ernest Burger of Glendale.

Suzy Jacobs of Sen. Jack Scott’s office brought a commendation. Commendations were sent ahead from Rep. Adam Schiff and Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael Antonovich.

Friends of former Burbank Unified school board member Mary Alice O’Connor gathered at her home for a tea to celebrate her 90th birthday Sunday.

A longtime community volunteer, O’Connor has devoted her time to numerous charities and activities in the community. The city recently named a family center, being built at the corner of Buena Vista Street and Verdugo Avenue, for her.

Longtime friend Janet Killian organized the tea and welcomed guests including City Councilwoman Marsha Ramos; retired judge of the Superior Court Bernard Kaufman and his wife, Evelyn; Max Laurell, director of marketing of Belmont Village of Burbank; Family Service Agency Executive Director Laurie Bleick; Roberta Smith; Katherine Richards; Chris Welker; Eli Erlandson; Paula Stapleton; and Phillipa Meaney, O’Connor’s cousin from Australia.