“The Glendale Commission on the Status of Women is the most active commission in the city.” That's according to Glendale Mayor Frank Quintero. Led by Commission Chairman Paula Devine, the 8th Annual Jewels of Glendale Awards Luncheon on Thursday (May 10) was the best ever. And that's according to yours truly.
The Oakmont Country Club was a jewel of a setting. Some 275 supporters were there to honor five Women of Courage: Lori Hartwell, Christine Hovnanian, Betty Porto and her sister Margarita Navarro, and Suzonne Slaughter. Former Glendale Mayor Eileen Givens was also honored with the Special Chair's Recognition, and Aimee Yeghiayan was the Gem Scholarship Awardee.
This column doesn't have the space to laud each of these women's impressive accomplishments and their heartbreaks along the way. But two sisters and their mother (who received a standing ovation) were standouts in this reporter's opinion. Here is a little of their history: