On the Town: Aiming high and thinking big for kids

While the goal of playing the board game Monopoly is to acquire and develop as many of a community's transportation and utility companies, properties, houses and hotels as possible, the goal of the Boy & Girls Club is to acquire the needed funding to develop children and young people into...

On the Town: Guild throws fiesta with flair fundraiser

If you're going to throw a fiesta, what better day to do it then on Cinco de Mayo? And if you're going to throw it with flair, who better to do it than the officers and members of La Providencia Guild of Children's Hospital Los Angeles?

On the Town: Giving thanks for the gift of history

“Harry and Mary Jane Strickland have been a great gift to Burbank,” said Emily Gabel-Luddy, the woman who, barring any unforeseen surprise, will by this afternoon have joined the ranks of 58 other men and women who over the past century have served as the city’s mayor.

On the Town: A weekend of soaring and roaring

It was a big weekend of soaring and roaring fundraising in Burbank as the Verdugo Hills Council of the Boy Scouts of America staged their 39th Annual Big Strike Auction and the Kiwanis Club of Burbank presented its 14th Annual Car Show.

On the Town: Gathering for bookish conversation

In a gadgeted world in which folks garner the majority of their information and entertainment digitally, Liz Donatelli prefers to spend her time of learning and leisure cradling printed and bound paper.

On the Town: Fashion show pays homage to Big Apple

With a tip of their fashionable chapeaus, members of the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center guild paid homage to the city so great they had to name it twice — New York, New York, as they presented their 2013 fashion show and luncheon fundraiser at the Sheraton Universal Hotel this past...

On the Town: Zonta members chart club's future

Chartered in 1936, the Zonta Club of Burbank Area has a 77-year history of advancing the status of women. Along with its advocacy work, the organization brings together local business executives and professionals who work to raise funds and provide direct and in-kind services to women in need.

On the Town: Chamber cruises to an evening gala

While folks are accustomed to turning west off Hollywood Way into Bob Hope Airport to travel, this past Friday evening saw more than 250 members and supporters of the Burbank Chamber of Commerce make an easterly turn to the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel for a traveling experience not usually...

On the Town: An evening spent in tribute to Gene Bua

Stepping into the spotlight on the Colony Theatre’s stage, Toni Bua thanked the venue’s capacity-plus crowd for coming out to honor her late husband, Gene Bua, this past Wednesday evening.

Burbank Civitans roll out green carpet for St. Paddy's Day

Burbank Civitan Club President Elaine Paonessa was joined by her committee to roll out the green carpet to members, guests and local dignitaries as they presented their annual St. Patrick's Day Champagne Brunch at the Burbank Holiday Inn this past Sunday.

On the Town: Annual honors handed out at BTAC gala

On the threshold of its 40th year of service to the community, the Burbank Temporary Aid Center staged its 10th annual Burbank Top Award for Citizenship gala at the Castaway this past Friday.

Animal lovers have a good laugh

“As an advocate of homeless animals, it is great for all of us with the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter (VBAS) to see so many people be extremely generous and willing to help us do what we do,” said Alexis Cole who serves as the organization’s director of development.

On the Town: Cartoon Network gives the community a Valentine

On Valentine's Day, when we all exude a little more care and appreciation than we do on the 364 other 24-hour cycles of the year, Zita Lefebvre, the director of operations of Cartoon Network Studios has made it an annual tradition to show the love to representatives from the city of Burbank,...

On the Town: Red Hatters celebrate a decade of living young

Whether generated by poets, politicians, priests or plebeians, through the course of history few things have moved the human soul and spirit like the written word — an acknowledgment made by author Edward Bulwer-Lytton via his character Cardinal Richelieu, who said: "The pen is mightier than...

On the Town: Betting big on a club's continued success

While supporters of the Boys and Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley did their best to conceal the fates and fortunes they had been dealt, they did nothing to hide their enthusiasm for the youth organization that staged their annual Texas Hold'em and Bingo Tournament on the campus of...

On the Town: The band plays on at St. Robert Bellarmine

As members of the St. Robert Bellarmine (SRB) School Band raised their instruments under the direction of Music Coordinator Paul Angers, the school's principal, Dr. June Rosena, proudly pointed out from the courtyard near the stage that the band had only been playing together for four months and now...

On the Town: Masons install officers for a new year

Whether it is the quadrennial change or reaffirmation of the nation's chief executive, a personal pledge to make changes in one's personal life or the annual rite of many clubs and groups to reorganize their officers, the month of January is rife with change. That change was celebrated by members of...

On the Town: Pottery exhibit molds a hands-on approach

Longtime pottery collector Tim Meikle, who has dedicated over half of his life to amassing unique pieces that date back to the 1880s, was delighted with the offerings of the latest exhibit — ceramic artist Robert Moore's Light and Dark series — at the Burbank Creative Arts Center.

On the Town: Shriners embrace leaders

The Castaway Restaurant served as the venue for a gathering of the members of the Burbank Shrine Club as they observed their annual installation of officers this past Sunday evening. The event, which also included an official visit from Shrine Potentate, the Illustrious Sir Dave Chernik of the Al...

On the Town: Counting down to midnight at Tony's Darts Away

As the final hours of a year slip into history and a new one begins, everyone has their own personal way in which to bid adieu to the old and ring in the new. While some opt for the coziness of home, others don their finery and step out for some big-time dining, dancing and reveling.

On the Town: BCC continues its basket-giving tradition

Yesterday, thousands of families throughout Burbank joined millions upon millions around the world in celebrating Christmas by opening gifts and enjoying a special meal with those they love. For 537 Burbank families that may not have happened were it not for the care, compassion and hard work of the...

On the Town: Nativity musical blends 'classic' with 'out there'

With the holiday season upon us, the odds are good that some folks may be invited to a party, imbibe a bit too much spiked egg nog or eat a few bad mushrooms, pass out, and experience visions of surreal and bizarre events and characters dancing in their heads.

On the Town: The Cusumanos host their annual party

When it comes to names that one associates with Burbank, of course you have Dr. David Burbank for whom the city is named, Dan Rowan, Dick Martin and Gary Owens of “Laugh-In” fame who coined and perpetuated the phrase, “Beautiful Downtown Burbank, and “Tonight Show”...

On the Town: Seasonal soirees serve up tradition

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or “Festivus” (Google it non-”Seinfeld” fans), this time of year is rife with holiday traditions. Two of Burbank’s long-standing yuletide events added to their history as Mayor Dave Golonski and his wife, Barbara Sykes,...

On the Town: Nonagenarians celebrated at Temple Emanu El

No matter how well one has mastered the use of the English language, to properly communicate there are just times you have to resort to a word or phrase in Greek, Latin or Yiddish to really get your point across. A case in point would be in describing Burbank’s Temple Emanu El as a “...

On the Town: Harvest Ball has faith in honorees

“Whatever our vocation in life, we can sow the seeds of faith by how we conduct ourselves and by keeping God present in our daily lives,” said St. Finbar Parish’s pastor, Father Albert Bahhuth. “Our honorees serve as great role models for us.”

On the Town: Volunteer honored for decades of service

This past week proved to be historic for women, both at the ballot box and on the ballot.

On the Town: Zonta Club honors Woman of the Year

Shanna Warren began volunteering at the Boys & Girls Club of Burbank and Greater East Valley in 2001, while working as a marketing director. That volunteer service changed the focus and direction of Warren’s life so much that she left her marketing career to take a full-time position...

On the Town: Leadership group dresses up its fundraiser

Take over the entire top floor of the office tower known as the Pointe, fill it with 250 of the city's government and business movers and shakers dressed as witches, devils, pirates, goths, ghouls, goblins, clowns and various pop-culture icons, throw in the musical showmanship of the Spazmatics,...

On the Town: Hospital guild keeps the Razzle Dazzle going

Sixty-five years ago this month, President Truman delivered the first televised White House address, England’s then-Princess Elizabeth was preparing for her wedding to Prince Phillip, and the New York Yankees defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers in the first World Series that included an African...

On the Town: PTA and Booster Club partner for fall fun

With fall officially in full swing, members of the Parent Teachers Assn. and Booster Club of Burbank's Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School welcomed the season with their annual Fall Festival Picnic fundraiser last week. Transforming the grounds of the North Cordova Street campus into a fun zone...

On the Town: The story of the real Fairy Godmother

At the stroke of midnight on October 2, Disney released the Blu-ray Diamond Edition of the studio’s 1950’s classic, “Cinderella.” The offering includes a bonus feature, “The Real Fairy Godmother,” that tells the tale of long-time Burbank residents Ken O’...

On the Town: Car show sustains Indian football

Surrounded by his players and members of the cheerleading squad, Burroughs High School Head Football Coach Keith Knoop looked out over a sea of classic cars covering the grass of Johnny Carson Park during last week’s John Burroughs High School Annual Car Show. “This is the 25th...

On the Town: Realtors raise charity money with auction

Throughout the year, the Burbank Association of Realtors stages many fundraisers to raise money for its foundation, with its annual CSF Auction standing as the group’s premiere event. This past week, presented under the theme “Live From Burbank, It’s Thursday Night Live,” a...

On the Town: KCDC sinks its teeth into fundraiser

The physical and aesthetic condition of our teeth, gums and mouth are things we rarely give thought to — until something goes wrong. When things do go wrong, they do so in a big way. Few ailments are as debilitating as a toothache. Few untreated health issues can bring about such negative...

On the Town: Art show honors Betsy Lueke

While the creation of art — a painting, statue, song, performance or literary work — is a gratifying accomplishment for the creator, it is only by means of sharing one’s work with others that art receives the breath and life it needs to stimulate emotions, evoke questions,...

On the Town: Comedians help high school football stay ahead

If you visit your regular food market today, notice what seems to be a run on all manner of snack items and brewed beverages, and don't understand what's happening, the chances are better than good that you are not a fan or follower of one of the National Football League's 32 teams. Shortly after 5:...

On the Town: Fundraiser honors local educator

Just a decade short of being a centenarian, like its host city, the Kiwanis Club of Burbank staged its 15th annual gala fundraiser at Lakeside Golf Club this past week. Chaired by Marsha Jackson, this event, established in 1998, which honors dedicated Burbank residents along with business and...

On the Town: Dancing up a storm at the Ford

While some had no choice but to stand due to a sell-out, standing-room-only house, even those with seats at the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre took to their feet in a standing ovation following the Pacific Ballet Dance Theatre’s “Dance in the USA” performance Friday evening.

On the Town: Silent auction will benefit arts federation

During a weak economic environment, purchasing a piece of fine art is perhaps not high on most folks’ priority list. While that is understandable, it should also be acknowledged that this is, in fact, a great time to purchase, own and enjoy a beautiful artistic creation at a fraction of the...

On the Town: La Providencia Guild goes Hawaiian

While Glendale’s Oakmont Country Club is not a tropical paradise with pristine beaches, stunning sunsets, towering waterfalls and colorful reefs, you would almost have thought it was as the women of the La Providencia Guild of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles convened at the venue for...

On the Town: Local firm helps picture the Olympics

The chances are probably better than good that, beginning with last Friday’s opening ceremonies, you have been spending some time watching the 2012 London Olympics. As you continue to place your attention on the displays of athletic excellence that are playing out almost 5,000 miles from the...

On the Town: Eagles, cats and dogs at the Starlight

Wrapping up a summer weekend with a picnic and an evening of entertainment at the Starlight Bowl has become a tradition for many Burbankers and visitors from throughout the area. While the other two concert amphitheaters in the area — the Greek Theatre and the Hollywood Bowl — are...

On the Town: Masons carry on their reverent tradition

In a tradition that dates back to the early 16th century, the desire to promote a greater degree of fellowship and kinship between Free and Accepted Masons saw the organization establish what has become known as the Table Lodge.

On the Town: Christmas comes to town six months early

For most Burbankers, the first week of July includes making preparations for Fourth of July family get-togethers, finalizing summer vacation or day-trip plans and, overall, just figuring out how to stay cool through the sizzling temperatures of the coming few months.

On the Town: Elks Lodge dresses up for summer show

While summer officially arrived on June 20, most folks don't really get into the swing of the season until today. There's just something about the Fourth of July, with its celebrations, family get-togethers and barbecues that says summer is here!

On the Town: Retiring Woodbury president enjoys fond send-off

“I have had the opportunity to write several new chapters in the evolving Woodbury University history,” said the school’s retiring president, Kenneth Nielsen. “The success the school has achieved (is) a result of the hard work, action, and vision of so many of my friends...

On the Town: And a beastly time was had by all

As it has for the past 42 years, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) gave more than 800 guests a wild evening they won't soon forget as the organization staged its annual Beastly Ball fundraiser this past Saturday.