April 18, 2007

The Playhouse District Association Hosts Spring Mixer at The Ice House

Pasadena, CA – The Playhouse District Association celebrated their twelfth anniversary at their Annual Meeting held at the Women’s City Club on March 14. The breakfast meeting featured comedian Jimmy Burns of the Ice House, Mayor Bill Bogaard and keynote speaker Stefanos Polyzoides, who spoke eloquently on the importance of Urban Design.

The Annual Culture, Commerce and Community Awards were presented to four deserving individuals who have done much to enhance the Playhouse District. The Culture Award was presented jointly to Carolyn Novotny (A. J. Longo Insurance) and Georgia Bergman (Furious Theatre Company) who co-chaired the October 2006 ArtWalk. Carolyn and Georgia each contributed countless hours to bring the cultural face of the Playhouse District to the public and established a new annual event that focuses on local visual artists and makes the Playhouse District unique. This was a major coordination effort with multiple venues, great publicity, and incredible results.

The Commerce Award was presented to James N. Stivers (Stivers Investment Co). Stivers is the owner of “the Community Bank Building” which recently went through a building facade renovation. Robert McClellan the architect for the building rehabilitation accepted the award on behalf of James Stivers who is recovering from surgery. It was no small task to do such a complete “make over” and keep the doors open during business hours! The Playhouse District is grateful to Mr. Stivers for his creative vision and significant investment in the District.

Mayor Bogaard presented the Community Award to Lyla White for her outstanding contributions to the District and the Community. Lyla has served as President of the Playhouse District Association Board for the past three years and has given generously of her time and energy. She has represented the Playhouse District at events, meetings, hearings, planning sessions--and has always maintained a thoughtful, open approach in working with others. Development trends, city concerns, and the individual needs of property owners in the District provide constant challenges--Lyla has met them, head on, with spirit and charm.

The Playhouse District Association serves to enhance and promote the Playhouse District as the historic, cultural, and thriving commercial heart of the community.

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