Congratulations to all the volunteers recognized in the Woman of the
Year program.
Julia Larsen received the Woman of the Year designation as well as two
categorical awards in Cultural Awareness and Social Service. Other
categorical awards were presented to Leonora "Lee" Bellis for Civic
Achievement, Beverly Arakawa for efforts toward Educational Advancement
and Kathy Sanks for her Spiritual Contribution.
The other nominees were Jere Doherty, Susan Eshelman, Rose Pichay and
Michelle Williams.
Because of your enormous contributions, you all are winners.
However, the real winners are those fortunate to live in a community
where people care so much, they give their time happily to make Burbank a
great place to live.
This year, these dedicated volunteers organized fund-raisers at local
schools, churches and for YMCA programs. Others coordinated efforts to
fill Christmas baskets and collect toys for the needy. Many of them
donate hours and hours to their church in various endeavors.
One of the candidates has been instrumental in obtaining curb cuts in
Burbank to help the disabled population and offering assistance to senior
citizens, including helping them fill out their renter's assistance
forms.
For your outstanding demonstrations of selfless contribution, all
eight women nominated for the award should be applauded for getting the
tough jobs done. Vital jobs that touch every person in the community.
Also to be thanked is the Zonta Club of Burbank Area, for continuing
this prestigious program. The club assumed the awards project five years
ago when the Women's Council of Burbank dissolved. The Women's Council
had given the award since 1948.
The Woman of the Year program is one of many worthwhile projects Zonta
perpetuates in the community. In addition to promoting awareness and
education of domestic violence and health, it also supports scholarships
to high school students, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Haven Hills
shelter for battered women and the Burbank Public Library Literacy
Program.
We salute those working on the Woman of the Year committee led by
President Julie Modglin. Thank you for a job well done.
