'We don't look a day over 90'

As hundreds gathered to celebrate Montrose's 94th birthday at the town's Founders Day, Crescenta Valley Town Councilmember Steve Pierce announced the return of the annual fireworks show at Crescenta Valley High School, adding that several community groups have gathered to create an organization to raise the money needed to fund the city's only Independence Day celebration.

The Crescenta Valley Independence Day Festival Assn. was formed with the help of members from the Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce, Crescenta Valley Town Council, the Save the Mountain Oaks organization and Montrose Shopping Park Assn. President John Drayman, Pierce said Sunday.

"We have geared seed money to secure the event for this year," Pierce said. "It's my honor to announce that fireworks will be back this year and in the years to come."

The organization has raised about $20,000 and needs to continue raising more funds from individuals and community groups, he said.

Last year, the Crescenta Valley Chamber decided to cancel the show because board members felt the chamber would not be able to raise enough money to cover the $30,000 event.

"It's going to be a community event," Pierce said. "Before it was just a chamber event. Now the community is going to be involved."

The news of the fireworks show returning was received with positive response. Attendees cheered and applauded community leaders for bringing back the show.

After the speeches and announcements were made, the celebration continued with the singing of Happy Birthday to Montrose.

"We don't look a day over 90," Drayman said.

A nine-tier cake representing nine decades since the founding of Montrose was cut and served.

Skip and Marianne Jennings sat down to enjoy a piece of the cake. The couple moved to Montrose 34 years ago.

"We were looking for a house that was close to a school, shopping and a hospital," Skip Jennings said. "We found all three."

The Jennings raised four children in Montrose.

"We are here to show appreciation for all the accomplishments in this township," Marianne Jennings said. "So many people have had a hand in it."

Vahe Farhadnejad, 8, couldn't wait to try a slice of the cake after he saw its size. His parents got him a big piece to eat.

Vahe's family moved to Montrose in 1986.

"We liked the neighborhood," said Sato Farhadnejad, Vahe's mother. "Everybody is nice and it's not very crowded."

The festivities included music by the Gremoli New Orleans Jazz Band, an old-time photo exhibit, vendors and the usual Harvest Market.

The Glendale City Council, the Glendale school board and Glendale Community College board of trustees candidates also joined in on the celebration and took the time to talk to voters and listen to concerns.

"Events like these really bring the community together," Glendale City Council candidate Lenore Solis, said.

"It's a great opportunity for us candidates to meet and greet people."