On The Town:

When Glendale resident Mirna Stanley learned that La Crescenta was starting a military banner program, she thought Glendale should do the same. Evidently, the City Council thought so, too, after hearing Stanley’s request.

On order are dozens of Hometown Hero Banners to support U.S. military troops serving in combat zones. In order to defray the cost of the banners, Stanley held a fundraiser on the backyard patio of her home on Sunday. More than 50 supporters contributed more than $1,000 to the cause.

A no-host margarita bar, a make-your-own-taco station and a performance by the Harmonettes, Wendy Stackhouse, Jill Moore and Angela Akmakjian, who perform in the style of the Andrews Sisters, helped the giving go down a little easier.

Glendale parents and grandparents of troops in Iraq were the featured guests. Polly and Mac Herbert’s 23-year-old son, Tom Herbert, is serving in the Marines in Al Anbar province. Patti McDermott’s 37-year-old-son, Capt. Brian M. McDermott, has served in the Army in Baghdad since January. He’s due home for a 14-day leave in October. Jacqueline Castleman’s grandson, 22-year-old James Ballantyne, has served for 16 months in the Army in Baghdad.

Lt. Col. Rafi Najarian, brother of Mayor Ara Najarian, also showed his support of our troops. Rafi Najarian is serving in the Air Force Reserve.

More Glendale residents attending were Glendale City Councilman Frank Quintero, Marcia Hanford, Doris McKently, Sue McNerny, Annette and Ron Wacker, Cal Drake, Janet and Dennis Guyer, Diane Ferris, Bill Beckley, Natalie Mayer, Minerva and George Astengo, Cori Herbert, Brandon Cipes, Jan and Bud Klotchman, Jean and Willard Graff, their son John Graff, Marilyn Knapp, Teresa and Henry Astengo, Donna and James Jaeger, Ruby Messner, Alice and Marco Villasenor, and their daughters, Sarah, Claire and Michelle Villasenor.

Checks should be payable to City of Glendale with “Hometown Hero Banners” on the memo line, and mailed to Glendale Management Services, Attention: Zizette Ayad, 613 E. Broadway, Suite 200, Glendale, CA 91206.

A beautiful fall day in Verdugo Park was the setting for the ninth annual Armenian Independence Day Festival, also on Sunday.

Highlights of the free festival were Armenian music, dance, arts and crafts, games and tournaments.

The festival kicked off with the Glendale High School Chamber Choir.