Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

By Jo Ellen Krumm

The new board of directors for the Universal City North Hollywood Chamber of Commerce was sworn in and individuals and organizations were honored at a festive reception Thursday evening, March 31. Victor Viereck returned for his third term as president, succeeding Jack Witt. Viereck was president in 2008 and 2009.  

Witt, president during our Centennial Year, recognized five outstanding board members for the 2010 year: Kelly Fogarty of The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn; Edo Gabrielyan of One & Only Insurance Services; Marilynn Bradbury, real estate agent with Ramsey-Shilling Associates; Sabina Sayegh, real estate agent and our theater and arts liaison; and Nancy Sexton, fitness trainer and Jaycees president.

The Chamber also presented community awards to two schools and one business. North Hollywood High, represented by Principal Randy Delling, was honored for its student science competition achievements. Walter Reed Middle School, represented by Principal Donna Tobin, was honored for its math accomplishments and its annual hosting of the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. Union Bank of Studio City was honored for its year-round commitment to the community as evidenced by its work for the American Heart Association. The bank’s assistant vice president Alfred Ovasapyan accepted the award.

Carson Schreiber emceed, keeping the evening moving a brisk pace and going for a few laughs. Singer April Montgomery opened the event with a beautiful and moving rendition of our National Anthem. A native of Houston, April has opened for Houston Rockets and the Houston Astros. April was classically trained.

The sociable crowd enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, desserts, punch and coffee at The Beverly Garland Holiday Inn in North Hollywood.  

The wine was hosted by Edo Gabrielyan of One & Only Insurance Services and by Margie Burrows of Rodeo Realty, with floral centerpieces donated by Sky Flowers. Gary Justice and Justice Live Sound once again provided lively music for the occasion. MCS Media Marketing donated the design of the event program.

The Chamber awarded its Theater & Arts Scholarship of $1,000. Accepting for the recipient, Megan Ward was her mother, Lisa Ward. Megan, a sophomore at Harvard-Westlake School, was in Spain on her spring break, singing for charity. A multi-talented artist, Megan is involved in music, drama and improv.

Judge Arnold Gold officiated at the swearing in. Councilmember Tom LaBonge spoke to the group, giving sage advice to the political aides in attendance.

Board members for 2011 are Marilynn Bradbury, Margie Burrows, Tracy Cohen, Kelly Fogarty, Edo Gabrielyan, Gloria Gold, Kirk Jaffe, Gary Justice, Diane McCreary, Guy McCreary, Michael Murphy, Herb Pencille, Steve Rubin, Sabina Sayegh, Scott Scherer, Carson Schreiber, Vic Viereck, Wendie Wilson and Jack Witt.