In this spring edition, we are thrilled to bring you inspiring stories of community members who have made a positive impact in our town. Among them are Tim and Linda Hawkins, a local couple who have lived in Toluca Lake for 60 of its 100 years, spending much of their time volunteering in countless community organizations. Their selfless dedication to improving the lives of those around them is truly admirable, and we hope their story inspires you to find ways to give back to your own community.
Or find your inspiration in the article about Paige Peter, a local artist who had a profound spiritual experience while painting a beautiful mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Through her creative expression, Paige found a deeper connection to her faith and shared it with the community through her stunning artwork. We hope her story stirs you to find your own spiritual connection through art.
As well, we are proud to showcase Toluca Lake Elementary School, which continues to garner support from many local groups and families. This school has stayed strong since it opened in 1944 by ensuring that all families and children feel included and connected. We believe that inclusivity and community are essential to inspire the good in all of us, and we applaud the school for its efforts to create a supportive environment for all.
What would springtime be without the beauty and scents of fresh flowers on the table? It’s a scientific fact that flowers are uplifting, healing and bring joy and happiness — so says Kim Williams of The Enchanted Florist, who has a quarter-century of experience designing arrangements for TV shows and movies. This talented pro shares some of her tips and tricks for creating your own beautiful floral arrangements, so be sure to check it out and elevate your home décor.
We were thrilled to greet so many of you at the 2022 Holiday Open House last December, and we hope to bring you a smile with our heartwarming photo album of the pleasant memories we all shared as a community.
Lastly, Jenna Anderson, our managing editor, pays tribute to Patrick Curtis, who regaled our readers with many stories of growing up in Toluca Lake in the 1940s and ’50s. We remember the fond reminiscences and valuable insights Patrick shared with us and hope his legacy will continue to inspire us to appreciate the rich history and unique culture of our community. We want to express our deepest condolences to his family and friends and will very much miss Patrick’s contributions to this magazine, but we feel fortunate to be able to include our final episode of the enchanting life story of “The Crossdraw Kid.”
Thank you for your continued support of Toluca Lake Magazine and our local advertisers. We hope this issue brings you joy, inspiration and a renewed sense of appreciation for our wonderful neighborhood, and as always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future content.
