Hundreds Make the Scene at 'Think 91311'

Hundreds of Chatsworth residents of all ages turned out Tuesday evening for Think 91311, the once-in-a-lifetime event when the date coincides with the Chatsworth ZIP code.

Attendees were greeted by the booths of vendors and sponsors, as well as a children's area, a stage for performances and a buffet line at which to get a Taste of Chatsworth, all situated on the grounds of , 20121 Devonshire St.

An hour into the event, a helicopter swooped down from overhead and circled the event, snapping pictures from on high. Just before then, City Councilman Mitch Englander praised the communal spirit that made the Chatsworth event possible.

Others hailed Chatsworth, as well. In his invocation, Daniel Gilbert, St. Stephen's new pastor, requested divine assistance "to help Chatsworth to be the greatest community in the Los Angeles area."

Meanwhile, a cadre of Lawrence Middle School students, clad in red "Lawrence Leadership" T-shirts, assisted in the children's area and on the Taste of Chatsworth buffet line.

Adam "Aejaye" Jackson rounded up enough performers to keep the singing and playing going through the entire four-hour program. In addition, he directed from the ground the group that formed to be part of the aerial photograph. Meanwhile, those at the event purchased raffle tickets and bid on a variety of items in a silent auction.

On a corner of the stage sat the 50-year time capsule, which will include a copy of the aerial photo, a chamber of commerce directory and other items.

At one end of the event grounds, people donned costumes to have their pictures taken and printed on sports balls of various types. From the opposite corner, the inviting aroma of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs wafted over from grills manned by the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club.

All of the proceeds from the event are to benefit the Young Masters Performing Arts Academy, which offers free music classes to children between the ages of 7 and 19.

Sponsors were Councilmember Mitchell Englander, the Chatsworth Neighborhood Council, Oak Springs, Freedom Church, St. Stephen Presbyterian Church, Chatsworth/Porter Ranch Chamber of Commerce, the Chatsworth Kiwanis Club, the Chatsworth Business  Improvement District, Smart & Final stores, Rocky Hill Riders Corral 54, Naya Fresh Body Spa, the Chatsworth Historical Society and Les Sisters' Southern Kitchen and BBQ.

The event was chaired by Vicki Briskman, who said she got the idea by observing Beverly Hills businesses jointly celebrate on 9-12-10. That gave her almost exactly a year to get ready for Think 91311. She will have a full century to prepare for the next one.

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