Verdugo Hills Council

The Glendale Civic Auditorium was the setting for the Centennial Boy Scout Gala, celebrating 100 years of Scouting coming to America from its birthplace in England. The Verdugo Hills Council began in 1922. On Saturday, the council went all out for its 36th annual Big Strike Auction to honor former Glendale Mayor Sheldon Baker with the first national Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. Also recognized was Genevieve Sultenfuss , who is also celebrating her 100th birthday. Sultenfuss is the mother of popular city employee Julie Shermer , also present.

City announces annual events Glendale officials today announced the weeklong program that each year commemorates atrocities suffered over the course of human history. The program culminates April 23 each year with the commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. More than 1 million Armenians were killed by Ottoman Turks in 1915, but the U.S. has not officially recognized the genocide over fears of damaging relations with modern-day Turkey, a key military ally. The series kicks off with a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 18 at K&M Glendale Youth Center, 211 W. Chestnut St. The Man?

The Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America convened for its annual board installation and awards dinner at La Cañada Country Club last week. Welcomed by council President Thomas McLurkin Thomas McLurkin , the evening saluted the achievements of Scouts, leaders and volunteers who have been dedicated to scouting in Glendale, Burbank and throughout the Verdugo Hills region. Emceed by the organization’s Council Advancement Chairman Dan Humfreville , the event included the presentation of four Silver Beaver awards that are bestowed upon adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youth and have a history of community service and dedication to scouting.

Longtime Scout volunteer Dede Mueller loves the kids she works with, and that is why she remains involved with the Boy Scouts program. Mueller is the district commissioner for the Verdugo Hills Council, and she has helped the Boy Scouts at numerous positions throughout her adulthood. A Girl Scout when she was younger, Mueller became active again with the Scouts when her son, Eric, wanted to be a Tiger Cub in first grade. The troop was in need of a leader, so she volunteered.

TODAY Glendale Adventist Medical Center will have a blood drive from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Glendale Adventist Medical Center?s main auditorium, 1509 Wilson Terrace, Glendale. All participants will be entered in a region-wide drawing for a chance to win a free $500 gas card. To make an appointment and for further information, visit www.givelife.org and type Glendale Adventist for sponsor code or call (818) 409-8050. ? Dunsmore Elementary School?s 60th anniversary Gala celebrating students, parents, teachers and staff of the past and present who have contributed to 60 years of success will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at Goold Field, 4717 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta.

The annual Gala Event, sponsored by the Glendale Noon Rotary Club to raise funds for its charitable work, was a success. All the money raised went into the Glendale Rotary Club?s Foundation. At the club meeting three weeks ago, the foundation began making significant donations of the money raised. The lead gift of $2,300 was made to the Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America. The Verdugo Hills Council provides various programs and activities to more than 10,000 boys and girls in the Glendale, Burbank and Foothills areas.

The Vista Verdugo Healthcare Center underwent a transformation March 14 as volunteers toiled away beautifying the outside patio of the building. By the end of the day, the patio looked brand new with a freshly painted gazebo, repaired planters and clean tables and chairs with flower centerpieces and cushions. Crescenta Valley High School senior Dexter Trestrail , 18, of the Verdugo Hills Council – Boy Scouts of America came up with the idea for the project. Trestrail, a La Crescenta resident, has been volunteering at the Verdugo Healthcare Center since his sophomore year in high school, finding enjoyment out of talking with the older patients.

SCOUTS SADDLE UP FOR WESTERN-THEMED AUCTION A new theme and location are planned for the 35th annual Big Strike Auction by the Verdugo Hills Council Boy Scouts of America. “Scouting for Gold” is the theme for this year’s event on April 4 at the Glendale Civic Auditorium. This annual event raises funds to support numerous year-round Learning for Life experiences and in-depth training required to attain the highest ranks in scouting, said Jon Maeda , council executive director.

I hope that you had trouble bending over the driveway this morning to collect this edition of the Crescenta Valley Sun. Perhaps your pants are a little tighter because you took full advantage of stuffing yourself with your family’s traditional Thanksgiving fare yesterday. If so, then consider yourself lucky, as am I. Our table yesterday was well set with turkey, stuffing, veggies, rolls (don’t forget the pie) — all the trimmings of a true holiday feast. And I was especially thankful, given the onslaught of bad economic news that we’re being pelted with day after day. You can’t help but ask, “Did we really do it this time?