Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce:

Sometimes it is right outside the door.

Let me explain.

I opened the office on Tuesday morning and had to go back out to my car. I noticed some ladies picking up trash as they walked along. I came in and immediately went back outside to ask, “What are you doing?” A lovely lady, Lois Leek, was very friendly and explained she was from the Sparr Heights Senior Center and every week whoever wants to go for a walk also picks up trash along the way.

I could have cried thinking how wonderful, fantastic and good “old school” citizens they are. Lois said they cover about a two mile radius to and from the center. Why aren’t we all a little more like Lois and her group? I thanked her and she went on her way, picking up the tiniest bit of trash, bending down with her hands.

I’ll tell you one thing: Meeting Lois Leek made my day!

Don’t forget that if you join the chamber in the month of July, you will save $$. We will waive the one time enrollment fee of $25 and for those that bring us 500 fliers we will insert them in the September newsletter for free, a $50 value. The Chamber is supported by membership, so take us up on this special offer before July 31.

I would like to introduce two new members who saw the value in joining the Chamber this month: TileNCounters, Inc. located at 3512 N. Verdugo Rd. in Glendale. Contact Tom or Michelle Gonzales at (818) 957-7069 to help plan your kitchen remodel.

Henry and Yolanda Chavez became residential members and now are helping assist the Chamber with Oktoberfest.

Look for your information packet about The Foothills Community Business Expo set for Sept. 10. Don’t be left out; reserve your booth early. Take advantage of the membership sale as only Chamber members can exhibit their business.

Our July mixer was held on July 9 at Jenkins Properties Management Company. We honored four very deserving students with scholarships: Jaime Saavedra of Clark Magnet High School, winner of the Anita Geyer Foundation Scholarship Award. From Crescenta Valley High School, Michelle Arnett, Callie Perry and Susan Yoojin Lee all received scholarships. We wish these very committed students the very best in the continuation of their education.

We also recognized our members who have continued to support the Chamber with milestone membership from 5 years to 25 years:

Five year members: Airduct Cleaning, Claudia Arlington, Vito Cannella, Broadview Realty, Ginger Calloway, Gwen Mahjoubian, Property Masters Realty, ReMax Tri-City Realty-Glendale, Score, So. Cal Edison, Soroptimist, Two for Women, Katherine Wren.

Ten year members: Allstate Insurance Services, Attorney James Bates, Time Warner Media, Church of Scientology, La Cañada Outlook, Nebula Entertainment, Rossmoyne, Inc.

Fifteen year members: Crescenta Valley Insurance, Crescenta–Cañada Family YMCA, Flowersongs, Merle Norman Cosmetics.

Twenty year members: A.I.A Insurance, Allied Waste, Auto Club of So. Cal, Dilbeck Realtors, Glendale News Press, Mary La Rue, Landry’s Sporting Goods.

Twenty-five year member: Jeffers Law Offices.

We appreciate and thank our members for their continued support, especially during these difficult times.

Mark this Saturday and come down and look at all the beautiful art work to be displayed along Honolulu Avenue. The hours are from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Make a plan to eat lunch at one of the many restaurants along the way. There are many different choices to enjoy.

Would you like to see your business listed as a sponsor for the Oktoberfest? Call the Chamber for details on how you, too, can be recognized as a supporter.

Major sponsor: is Montrose Travel. Other sponsors include Robbin’s Nest Preschool, New Moon Restaurant, S.I.G. Property Management, Cal National Bank, Andy’s Transfer & Storage and So Cal Edison.

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.

We want to hear from you.

The Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce “It’s where you belong.”

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