Lolita Harper
HILLSIDE DISTRICT -- Eight hard-working and dedicated women who have
given their time and talents to make Burbank a better place have been
nominated for Woman of the Year.
The winner of the award, which is given by the Zonta Club of The
Burbank Area, will be announced Saturday, awards chairwoman Julie Modglin
said.
Beverly Arakawa and Jere Doherty were nominated by St. Finbar School;
Leonora Bellis, Rose Pichay and Kathy Sanks by St. Robert Bellarmine
Church; Susan Eshelman by the Burbank Coordinating Council; Julia Larsen
by the Burbank Center for the Retarded; and Michelle Williams by Emerson
Elementary School.
All nominees were evaluated for their contributions to the Burbank
community in the areas of civic achievement, cultural awareness,
spiritual endeavors, educational advancement and social reform.
"This year, one woman shined above the rest in multiple categories,"
Modglin said. "And she will be awarded Woman of the Year."
The Woman of the Year has been given in Burbank since 1948, but only
for the last five years by the Zonta Club. It was previously awarded by
the Womens Council of Burbank.
Elaine Paonessa, Woman of the Year 1978, has seen the focus of the
award change from one of leadership in the community to a simple focus on
volunteerism.
"But I'm just happy to see it continue because it honors exceptional
women in the community," she said.
"We're trying to bring the award into the 21st century," Modglin said.
"It's very challenging for people to give up their free time when they
are balancing work, family and their personal lives."
The Zonta Club will announce the winner at a Victorian tea at 1 p.m.
Saturday in Trevor Hall at First United Methodist Church. The event is
open to the public and tickets will be available at the door, but
reservations are recommended. For information, call 848-6671 ext. 358.
