TOWN:Councilman honored for support

Burbank city staff members and their friends and family gathered with members of the Salvation Army Burbank Corps Advisory Board Friday evening at a dinner honoring Councilman Jef Vander Borght at The Castaway.

Event chairwoman Elaine Paonessa came the closest she ever has to being tongue-tied as she read the many names of city staff members attending the gala.

Some of those were City Manager Mary Alvord, City Atty. Dennis Barlow, Director of Park, Recreation and Community Services Eric Hansen, Police Chief Tom Hoefel, Fire Chief Tracy Pansini, Director of Community Development Sue Georgino and her husband developer Vic Georgino, Councilwoman Marsha Ramos and Grants Coordinator Mas Yoshinaga.

Burbank Mayor Todd Campbell presented a commendation to Vander Borght for his years of support to the Salvation Army.

"It is with great pride and strong friendship that I offer this tiny memento to you," Campbell said.

Burbank Unified School District board President Ted Bunch also presented a commendation, and Salvation Army Capt. Moy Hernandez and Lt. Col. Paul Bollwahn, the divisional commander of the Southern California Division of the National Salvation Army, gave Vander Borght a plaque.

Vander Borght's wife, Susan, and children, Jill, Kary and Kyle, were there to support him.

During the program, Bollwahn also gave an overview of the thousands of people throughout the country who serve as leaders in the Salvation Army and explained some of the more than 140 services it provides, like child and adult day care and assistance to AIDS patient.

The Salvation Army Brass Ensemble, a regular entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, played several selections, including the "Marine's Hymn."

Band leader Kevin Larsson chose the hymn in honor of the 120th anniversary of the Marines, he said.