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Community Corner

Antonovich Celebrates Arbor Day With a Community 'Growing Together'

Over the weekend, Arbor Day festivities at Two Strike Park included a tree dedication and community appreciation.

Despite the clouds and damp weather, community members gathered Saturday morning at  to celebrate Arbor Day and honor 100 years of service by the . 

The annual celebration, held by the Crescenta Valley Town Council and Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, focused on the theme “Recycle, Replant, Regrow.” Booths representing local organizations--such as CERT, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the , Prom Plus and CV Dogs--were on hand to offer information, resources, and even free trees. Children from and choirs provided lovely music and men wore hats adorned with leaves, providing warmth and brightness to a day that lacked sunshine.  

Los Angeles District 5 Supervisor and Mayor of the Board of Supervisors Michael D. Antonovich spoke to the crowd of over 200, acknowledging the role individuals play in a strong community and encouraging the view that Arbor Day is a “reminder that we will grow together and live in a harmonious way,” and also noting that Arbor Day is a great way "to educate and improve" this already-thriving community.

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Antonovich presented a commemorative plaque to Cheryl Davis, President of Crescenta Valley Town Council, in recognition and thanks for the leadership she provides to the community.

“The town council has done an incredible job.” Antonovich said, pointing out that at the Arbor Day event students, Sheriff’s Department personnel, and neighbors had all come together to celebrate the community. “We live in a great place. You’re a great community,” he said.

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The was also honored, and a tree was planted in recognition of their service. Co-president Genny Burdick accepted a plaque while member Danette Erickson spoke of the clubs’ history and committment to philanthropy. She reminisced that, for over 40 years, club members “have passed a piggy bank named Angus at each meeting to collect change to plant trees in our National Forests.” 

Burdick thought it fitting that “a tree be planted to honor the wonderful, dedicated women who have given so generously of their time” to benefit the community. The club continues to donate time and resources to numerous local causes including CVHS Prom Plus, St. James, the Holy Redeemer School, Friends of the La Crescenta Library, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts. They also provide funding for local student scholarships.

According to Dennis Van Brennen, organizer of the event and member of the CV Town Council, the tree that will grow in their honor is a pink trumpet tree and will be planted in front of the CVHS library. The Woman’s Club and school administration embraced the idea. 

“We’ve spent $40 million on renovations to the school,” Todd Thornbury, co-host of Arbor day and member of the CV Town Council. “But there’s been no beautification of the outside"; he hoped planting the tree would prompt further efforts in landscaping the school grounds.

As part of the celebration, cake was served, t-shirts were handed out, and trees and shrubs were raffled off. David Ford of Southern California Edison, distributed Stone Pine seedlings from the company’s facility at Shaver Lake, a hydroelectric plant that provides electricity to Southern California. “I’ve been involved for the past four or five years,” Ford said regarding Arbor Day. “It’s a unique opportunity to be partners. Trees are important to us.” 

One seedling recipient, 40-year La Crescenta resident Curtis Cleven, echoed the sentiment that dominated the Arbor Day celebration. “I came out today because I like my community, “ he said.

“I’m very fortunate to live here,” Thornbury agreed.

 “The weather does not stop us from enjoying this community,” Erickson said, right after cutting the tree-themed cake that was offered up for sharing by all. “It’s great to get together and celebrate and appreciate the community.”

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