Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce:

Thank you to the Glendale Teachers Association for a great March mixer. There was plenty of delicious food, great music by our own Mike Perry and a bunch of people just having fun. Whenever you get a chance, please take the opportunity to attend one of these events; you will not regret it. What a nice way to meet your community. Don’t miss this next one, it’s a combo mixer with our sister chamber, Crescenta Valley, on Wednesday, April 2. We will be at Century 21 Crest at 4005 Foothill Blvd in La Crescenta from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., so come on by to check it out.

Become an Oktoberfest sponsor now and be acknowledged all year — what great advertising…

A big “thank you” to the following who have contributed to sponsoring Oktoberfest 2008: Robbin’s Nest Preschool; New Moon Restaurant; S.I.G. Property Management.

Upcoming events not to be missed:

Come and spend the evening attending the chamber’s 3rd Annual Bowl-A-Thon on April 7. It’s only $25 per person. It includes prizes, networking and fun. Sign up as spaces are limited.

So you say, “I don’t bowl.” We have something for you: the annual Golf Classic on April 24. Sign up now.

The Chamber can be reached Monday though Thursday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. and on Friday from 9 a.m. until noon at (818) 249-7171. We can also be reached by e-mail at mvcc@montrosechamber.org for any information on what your Chamber is doing.

Words from your chamber president, Stuart Perlitsh

Next Thursday heralds the first day of spring. Daylight Savings Time has mercifully begun. We have an extra hour of glorious sunshine each day. As the days lengthen, we will have even more wonderful sunlight coming our way. This is the perfect time of year to start a compost pile. Yes, a compost pile.

This time of year inspires me to reconnect with the outdoors. Let’s celebrate the joys of spring and get in touch with Mother Earth. For me, this means preparing a vegetable garden. The pleasure gained of growing your own vegetables or flowers doesn’t require planting on a large scale. A corner of your yard or a patio that receives adequate sunlight is ideal. You also need good compost and this is where our community comes in.

The City of Glendale Integrated Waste Management Section provides free compost bins and pitchforks to all Glendale households or building owners responsible for yard maintenance who attend a composting workshop. They offer two types of bins depending on your gardening and composting situation. They even provide a pitchfork with an easy grip handle to help turn the awesome compost you will be making soon.

Upcoming workshop dates are today, Friday at 11:30 a.m. and Saturday, March 15 at 9 a.m. If you can’t make either of those, there are additional workshops on Friday, May 9 at 11:30 a.m. and Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. When I called I was told no reservations are required. Backyard composting workshops are held at the Integrated Waste Management Section Yard at 548 W. Chevy Chase Drive in Glendale just west of San Fernando Road. You can call (818) 548-3916 for further information.

Worm composting is another interesting workshop the city holds. These workshops take place on the same day an hour after the composting class. You might want to stick around and get the information regarding that as well. Worm composting sounds ideal for everyone, even people with limited space.

I have never purchased any compost, potting soil, or mulch that compares with the crumbly, rich, sweet smelling compost made from my own kitchen and yard waste. Each year my garden beds are that much richer because of my organic compost and I believe my tomatoes are tastier with each passing year.

You and I are part of an outstanding community. Utilize the many fine programs and services available. Grow some vegetables or flowers; share them with your neighbors when your bountiful harvest comes in. Be a part of this wonderful community we call home.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce businesses and your community. You make the difference.

MARIAN JOCZ is the executive director of the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.