Community: Glendale Beautiful fetes its namesake

Glendale boasts some beautiful shopping areas, landmarks and parks, but at times we get so busy, we miss those businesses that have made a special effort to spruce up the front of their buildings with a coat of paint or a ribbon of spring flowers along a walkway.

Those who do take notice are the members of the nonprofit group Glendale Beautiful, and once a year they recognize several businesses at the annual awards luncheon.

Receiving awards this year were Adams Luxury Apartments, Avalon Glendale, Drier's Nursing Care Center, Glendale Elks Lodge, Glen Oaks Escrow Company and Griffith Manor Park.

They were honored at a luncheon on April 3 at the Joe Bridges Clubhouse.

Following a welcome by President Gladys Wymore and lunch, Awards Day Chairman Jim Reichgelt introduced the representatives of each facility who told about the upgrades made to the properties.

Griffith Manor Park has had a major upgrade with construction of a 2,800-square-foot community building, new restroom facilities, new security fencing, park lighting, an irrigation system with reclaimed water and more.

Drier's had made remarkable changes. A community fixture for 67 years, it is on its third generation of family owners. Outside, the patio was fitted with a water fountain and surrounded by fresh landscaping. Exterior painting and maintenance was also recently completed.

The Glendale Elks Lodge has added new landscaping using succulents and added cactus in front of a wall that was a constant backdrop for tagging.

“It is low maintenance and blends in with the city of Glendale Community Center across the street,” said Elks representative Hugh Scanlon.

City Council member Ara Najarian thanked Glendale Beautiful for all of its community programs including its preservation of “our great Spanish heritage.”

“We are fortunate to have an organization like Glendale Beautiful and we need to appreciate you more,” he said.

ABWA hosts third annual fundraiser

The Verdugo Glen chapter of the American Business Women's Assn. is hosting its third annual fundraiser, “Casino Royale III,” from 7 to 11 p.m. April 27 at Brookside Golf Club in Pasadena.

There will be dinner, dancing, gaming and a silent auction.