Calabasas Chamber hosts Monte Carlo Night, honors resident for service

Arlene Bernholtz The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce will host a Monte Carlo Night and new officers installation gala tomorrow evening, an annual event that will also honor Arlene Bernholtz as the winner of this year's Bill Van Gieson Award.

Bernholtz is a former marketing director for the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce who directed the Chamber's membership development for 13 years. She retired in 2007 but continues philanthropic work and other community endeavors.

Bernholtz is a past president and charter member of the Calabasas Historical Society and a board member of the CanogaOwensmouth Historical Society. She is also regional vice president of the California Conference of Historical Societies.

"Arlene's greatest attributes are her respect for history, and her boundless energy and love for and appreciation of others," said Carol Washburn, Calabasas Chamber president and CEO. "She works from the heart to provide opportunities for people to succeed in all walks of life."

Bernholtz is also a pet therapy volunteer at West Hills Hospital with Love On 4 Paws.

The Bill Van Gieson Memorial Award was created to recognize initiative and contributions to the Calabasas community.

Bill Van Gieson, a community pioneer, longtime city volunteer and former owner of the Calabasas Saddlery, was known for his creative leadership in developing Chamber activities.

The award was established in 1993 and has honored such Calabasas residents as Bob Hill, Ray Phillips, the late Bob McCord, Frank and BettyJeanne Farmer, and Mac and Alice Stelle.

The award selection committee is made up of past Chamber presidents and chairs of the board.

The night will also serve as a chance for the Chamber to introduce its 2009 board of directors, including Chair Doug Ridley and First Vice Chair Kimberly Bordonaro. The Chamber will also recognize its past board, including Adam Adair and Joe Donato, who will retire from the board this year.

The gala will be from 6 p.m. to midnight Fri., Jan. 30 at the Calabasas Library in Founders Hall, 200 Civic Center Way.

Reservations can be made by calling (818) 222-5680.