City seeks 100-plus crew

City's centennial planners are looking for residents and businesses that have been here 100 years.GLENDALE -- Residents and businesses in the city that are 100 years old or older are among Glendale's most wanted.

The city is looking for Glendale residents 100 years or older and businesses that have operated in the community for 100 years or more to be recognized at a centennial event next month, city officials said.

"We're having our centennial his year and we're looking for some people that have been here the whole time or businesses that can give us some prospective on the background [of Glendale]," city spokeswoman Vicki Gardner said.

The city's 100th anniversary is Feb. 16 and, in honor of the centennial, the city is hosting a free street party for the community on Feb. 18 where those residents and businesses 100 years old or older will be honored.

The event -- which will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Brand Boulevard, between Wilson Avenue and Lexington Street -- will feature activities for children, entertainment from local groups, music and dance performances from the local schools, and historic movies and displays at the Alex Theatre.

The event will also acknowledge the centenarians with a special mayor's commendation.

"I tell you, if someone has made it that far, they deserved to be recognized," said Zizette Ayad, senior administrative analyst with the city, adding that the city wants to share its birthday celebration with those who have been around 100 years or more.

The residents and businesses recognized at the street party will have also have the opportunity to share their memories of Glendale with community members at the event, she said.

"I think it will bring out something unique to the [event]," Ayad said.

"Maybe there was something that used to be here in the community that no one else is aware of, or an event. If they have something to tell about Glendale, they can share that."

Business owners can talk about how their businesses have managed to stick around so long, she said.

"The centennial is a unique event in the history of the city and if there are those who have been around with the city or are celebrating their 100th anniversary it's a great way to celebrate together," Mayor Rafi Manoukian said.

The city will be hosting a second centennial event at 7 p.m. on March 25. It will be a formal gala with dinner and entertainment.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $100 per person, Ayad said.

For more information about the city's centennial events, call (818) 548-6464.

For more information about the city's search for 100-year-old or older residents and businesses, contact Ayad at (818) 548-4844. 20060110im5tl2nc(LA)Glendale centennial planners are looking for individuals or businesses over 100 years old.20060110iggddhkf(LA)This photograph, taken in 1912, shows J.C. Sherer at a desk of Glendale News.