SCOUTS LANDSCAPE YMCA PARKING LOT
Boy Scout Troop 209, sponsored by the First United Methodist Church of Burbank, completed the landscaping on the Burbank Community YMCA’s new parking lot in October.
YMCA Chief Executive JC Holt, former board President Vic Georgino and contractor Mark Bethanis were all on site as the project got underway.
“It’s terrific to see Matthew Kaufman, his fellow Boy Scouts and his family out here volunteering their time,” Holt said. “It’s a wonderful project. The Kaufman family has a long history with the YMCA. I’m not surprised at all that they would find a way to give back to their YMCA and their community.”
The YMCA’s new parking lot solves a longtime and critical parking need for the YMCA, Georgino added.
“And the demonstration garden illustrates an environmentally friendly landscaping that’s attractive and sustainable,” he said.
Using drought-friendly plants donated by John Low of Semper Virens Nursery of Torrance, El Nativo Growers in Azusa, Magic Growers in Pasadena and ABC Nursery of Gardena, more than 20 members of the troop, along with advisors and parents, grabbed shovels and spades and got to work planting 300 plants.
The YMCA received a grant from Burbank Water and Power. The purpose was to provide the community with one of eight demonstration gardens, officials said. These gardens are all on public display around Burbank. They address the need for water conservation because most of the water in Burbank is used for landscaping.
The YMCA’s garden, like all the others, will demonstrate practical water-efficient landscape methods anyone can use at their home or business, officials said. The YMCA in collaboration with Burbank Water and Power worked to ensure that the garden would offer a unique experience and plant selection.
Matthew Kaufman, son of Mark Kaufman, a former YMCA board president, decided to work on the demonstration garden as part of his Eagle Scout project. Matthew organized the workforce of fellow Boy Scouts, secured the plants, and then did the planting, alongside his fellow troop members.
CHARITY LEAGUE CELEBRATES 50TH BAL DE NOEL
The National Charity League, Burbank Chapter celebrates 50 years of community service at the Bal de Noel on Dec. 5. The event will be at the Los Angeles Athletic Club and the public is invited. Reception and Silent Auction begins at 6 p.m. followed by dinner, live auction, dancing and more surprises.
