TOWN:Mormons gather for Pioneer Celebration

The La Crescenta Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hosted a Pioneer Celebration for about 700 of its members at its La Cañada building on July 24. On that day, 160 years ago, 2,000 Mormon pioneers in 800 wagons arrived at Utah's Great Salt Lake Valley after a 1,000-mile trek across the plains.

Many of the celebrants were from Glendale, since the church's Glendale Stake (a "stake" is similar to a diocese) recently merged with the La Crescenta Stake, now representing more than 4,000 members. Glendale residents included: former Glendale Stake President Kent Lee and wife Kathy Lee, Doris and Marion Gubler, Robin and Rhett Bautista, John Rogers, Pat Stillman, David Jones, Scott Draper and Roger Backman.

Other La Crescenta Stake members, some dressed like their pioneer ancestors, included: Jay P. Morgan, Linda Garrett, Nita and Burnett Facer, Christie and Russ Frandsen, Matthew Van Slooten, Taylor Van Slooten, Scott Gray, Carol Bruegge and son Brian Bruegge.

Glendale Unified School District board member Chuck Sambar was honored as "representing the pioneer spirit … .and demonstrating courage and faith." Sambar was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States 56 years ago.

The potluck dinner was topped off by Dutch oven cobbler, just like the pioneers used to make.

Target's grand opening at the Glendale Galleria on July 25 brought out residents from Glendale and surrounding communities. While other shoppers indulged in some retail therapy on Target's three floors of merchandise, Glendale coffee drinkers tried out the new in-store Starbuck's at the Galleria entrance to Target.

Elise Del Rosario, Kaela Calaguian, Paula Ipina and Adriana Guintero braved the crowds to enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverage. All were in a party mood as they made their plans to do some damage to their pocketbooks in Target's 180,000-square-foot space, replacing Robinson's-May.

Friday's third annual Summer Night on the Plaza at Perkins Plaza in front of Glendale's Civic Center attracted some 400 partygoers who enjoyed food, fun and festivities, benefiting Glendale's beautification programs.