ON THE TOWN:
Glendale Adventist Medical Center hosted a talk titled “My Stroke of Insight” at the Alex Theatre just as the clouds parted Monday evening.
The speaker was stroke survivor Jill Bolte Taylor, who was a neuroscientist working at Harvard University’s brain research center when she experienced a stroke. Taylor, a New York Times best-selling author, was recently chosen one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” for 2008.
The event is a precursor to Sunday’s Downtown Dash. Glendale residents on hand included a healthy contingent of Glendale Adventist employees including Chief Operating Officer Warren Tetz with wife, Luz Tetz, Chaplain Al Garcilazo, Neuro Registered Nurse J.P. Belmonte, Human Resources specialist Jodi Parrish and husband Tony Parrish.
Also present were President of Glendale Noon Rotary Makiko Nakasoni and husband Steven Nakasoni, on the board of Glendale’s Path Achieve. Making an appearance were Glendale Adventist volunteer Carol Hounsell and husband Ken Hounsell.
The 2008 Downtown Dash, a 5K run/walk down Brand Boulevard, is expected to attract 750 participants and 100 volunteers.
Glendale Healthy Kids hosted the Losing it for the Kids Rally on Feb. 23 at Gourmet A Go Go in Montrose to cheer on board President Brian Bergh and board member-Glendale City Clerk Ardy Kassakhian on their progress toward losing 12% body fat by April 18.
Owner-chef Gail Connell presented several dozen supporters a healthy cuisine menu and offered tips on how to put together delicious and nutritious foods and still lose weight. A gift of 10% of the evening’s purchases were donated to the Glendale Healthy Kids’ Orthodontic Program.
Verdugo Mental Health President/Chief Executive Lynn Brandstater ordered to-go from the spa menu but couldn’t resist the mac and cheese, strictly non-spa.
Glendale residents ordering in were Lois Neil Sambar, Laura Friedman, Monica and Jose Sierra, Vicki McConnell, Doris Twedt, Glendale school board President Joylene Wagner, Commission on the Status of Women’s new Vice Chairwoman Elizabeth Manasserian and Message Envy Spa’s Helen McDonagh, having just rolled out her new hot stone massages.
Also putting in an appearance were Glendale Healthy Kids past Presidents Debbie Hinckley, Jim Isenman with wife, Liz Isenman, and Gary Finer with wife, Gina Finer. Board member Edward Lafian favored the garlic chicken and brown rice from the spa menu. Glendale Memorial Hospital chaplain Larry Johnson preferred the grilled chicken ratatouille.
Kassakhian has lost 19 pounds in two months. He started his diet on the day after Armenian Christmas in January. His goal is to lose 30 pounds by April 18 for Healthy Kids Day.
Eventually, he plans to lose 100 pounds all together and donate to Glendale Healthy Kids $10 per pound for a total of $1,000.
Kassakhian’s biggest challenge is Lent, during which he will give up all animal products, restricting himself to a completely vegan diet.
“Every Lent I’ve broken down and had cheese and eggs,” he said. This year, he’s determined to be successful by losing his weight slowly, dieting and exercising. Helping him behind the scenes is Glendale Police Department’s Health and Fitness Director William Erese.
Bergh has already lost 27 pounds toward a goal of 67 pounds. He and Kassakhian are supported by 30 others losing weight at the same time and are planning to donate a set amount for every pound lost. Glendale Healthy Kids’ Healthy Kids Day on April 18 will feature fitness fun and dental screenings. For more information, contact Camille Levee at (818) 548-7931.
The Glendale Latino Assn. hosted its Awards and Installation Luncheon on Thursday at the new Embassy Suites in Glendale. Some 200 members and guests honored Woman of the Year — Anita Quinonez Gabrielian, AT&T; director of external affairs and Glendale Community College board of trustees member; Man of the Year — Patrick Campbell, managing partner of Damon’s Steakhouse; and Business of the Year — the Glendale News-Press.
The awardees were grateful for their recognition.
“I am honored to receive this award … and accept it as a reflection of and in the name of my family, the people I work with and the community,” Gabrielian said.
Glendale residents who are officers in the Glendale Latino Assn. included President Mercy Velazquez, Vice President Amy Navarrete, Secretary Nancy Guillen, Treasurer Maria Rochart and Past President Martha Rivera. The Glendale City Council was well represented by Frank Quintero and Dave Weaver.
Glendale Community College trustees out in force to support fellow trustee Gabrielian were Armine Hacopian, Tony Tartaglia and Vahe Peroomain. Supt./President Audre Levy and Supt./President Emeritus John Davitt were also present in support of Gabrielian. The Glendale Unified School District was represented by President Joylene Wagner, Vice President Mary Boger, Greg Krikorian, Chuck Sambar and Nayiri Nahabedian.
Supt. of Schools Michael Escalante was also present as an award presenter and last year’s Man of the Year. John Sadd, president of the Glendale Education Foundation, was also recognized.
Last year the Glendale Latino Assn. awarded $12,000 to Latino students with grade point averages of 3.8 and above in line with its mission statement to “[provide] scholarships to our local students who have demonstrated educational excellence and extraordinary citizenship.”
The “Heros” (Armenian, Latin and Greek spelling of “heroes”) Humanitarian Foundation had its Inaugural Gala on Saturday at Notte Luna Restaurant in Glendale. The organization is a group of Glendale young adults who help children and adults in need.
About 100 supporters were on hand to enjoy a healthy buffet of Mediterranean food, including an option for drinks and hookah.
Glendale residents on hand included busy board President Suren Hazarian, Vice President Narine Panosian, Secretary-Treasurer Sara Sousani and advisors Sam Khatchadourian and his sister Annmarie Khatchadourian.
Inquiries about volunteering with “Heros” may be made at HerosFoundation@ gmail.com.
RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthsowby@msn.com.