The Valley Line: Flintridge Guild members tour Children’s Hospital
Longtime “Mainers” told me that this year’s crop of autumn leaves were the best that they can remember. I got to see them for myself during a recent 10-day adventure in that beautiful state. I was amazed by the bright red maple trees, golden birches, and orange hardwoods — it was stunning!
I visited several friends, including La Cañadans Roz and David Hilton who have a seafront home in the beautiful York area that borders New Hampshire. York is the home of the often-photographed Cape Neddick Lighthouse, also referred to as the “Nubble Light.”
There were many highlights of my trip to Maine and its many dramatic seaside vistas and enchanting coves and harbors where I dined on sweet, succulent lobster.
As many readers know, I love visiting art museums and my visit to the Farnsworth Art Museum and its Wyeth Center in Rockland was superb. Any chance I can see the art of three generations of Wyeths — N.C., Andrew, and Jamie — is a bonanza.
The Farnsworth Art Museum also has a unique and impressive exhibit called “The Shakers: From Mount Lebanon to the World.” It presents a comprehensive look at the religious, social and economic foundations of the celibate Shaker life, seen through Shaker-made objects. The exhibit also includes a section the Shakers at Sabbathday Lake, Maine, the last active Shaker community of only three people. Check the museum website for hours — farnsworthmuseum.org.
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For nearly 25 members of the Flintridge Guild Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) it was a dramatic and educational day as they took a special tour of Children’s Hospital.
Lisa Simone, president of the Guild said, “The tour is one that we make each year and this year’s journey was especially memorable. We came away feeling more committed to our mission of volunteering and raising funds to support CHLA as it continues to take care of tens of thousands of children worldwide, as well as many from our own nearby foothill communities.”
The group met first in a conference room where Dr. Mark Urata, a La Cañada Flintridge resident and head of the division of plastic surgery at CHLA, spoke to them about the specialized work that the division does here and globally helping children of all ages live a fuller life through corrective surgery.
Dr. Urata’s wife, Michelle, is a member of the Flintridge Guild. After Dr. Urata’s presentation, the Guild members toured the new wing of the hospital.
The hospital, now known worldwide, was founded in 1901 in a small house at the southwest corner of Alpine and Castelar streets in Los Angeles. It was the former home of Civil War hero Gen. Edward Bouton.
After the tour, the Guild members were served lunch and refreshments.
Bonnie McClure, chairman of the hospital’s Associate and Affiliate department and Suzanne Lapis, director of the Affiliate Groups, greeted the Guild members.
Simone says that she hopes the community will come out and join the fun at its next event, “Moonlight and Moonshine” to be held on Saturday, Nov. 1, at the La Cañada Thursday Club. It’s a casual evening of fun, a barbecue dinner, gaming and dancing. Funds generated by the event will benefit the Associates Center Caregiver Wing and the Associates Endowed Chair in Sarcoma. For more information about the event, go to their website https://www.fgch.la.
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Sherill Carbonetti was the hostess at last Friday eve’s La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. Happy Hour. Of course Bill Pounders, president of the group, was on hand to give guests an update about the progress of the float building.
It was a lovely autumn evening as float supporters gathered in friendly camaraderie to chat and taste the wide assortment of culinary delights that is a hallmark of this gathering.
Barbie Eland, public relations director for the group, said, “The serenity of a wild canyon just beyond the garden walls combined with a starry autumn sky, made this poolside get together a night to remember.”
Just a reminder, meet the new Rose Court at the LCF TofR major fund-raising event, “An Evening of Wine and Roses” to be held at the La Cañada Country Club on Sunday, Nov. 2, at 5:30 p.m.
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The “Big Top” has come to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood with the touring company of the Tony Award-winning revival musical, “Pippin.”
I saw “Pippin” in its first incarnation in the ‘70s and it was a mild production to this dynamite over-the-top staging that is absolutely breathtaking in every way — lighting, costumes, dancing, amazing acrobatics, and trapeze swinging — not to mention the singing. It is a blend of Cirque du Soleil and a Broadway musical on steroids.
The opening night crowd last Wednesday was immediately on its feet in a standing ovation when the 67-year-old actress, Andrea Martin, who plays Pippin’s spunky grandmother, sheds her granny clothes and rocks a form-fitting costume while she swings from a trapeze high above the stage.
This is one production that you should not miss. It runs through Nov. 9.
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I heard that there was a political fundraiser held earlier this month in the lovely backyard of Steve and Elysa Del Guercio for Anthony Portantino, who has served us all not only as a mayor of our city, but in the California Assembly. He’s throwing his hat into the ring for a state Senate seat and gathering backers.
More than 100 La Cañadans — including elected city and school officials — turned out for the event, catered by Dish restaurant and also featuring some tasty homemade pizzas baked by Jordan Del Guercio in the family’s outdoor pizza oven. According to the account I heard, a great time was had by everyone during this afternoon affair.
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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@yahoo.com with news of your special event.