Organizations: Mary Gant receives Kiwanis Club gavel
Mary Gant was installed as the 2011-2012 President of the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada (Noon) at an installation dinner held at the Oakmont Country Club last week. The installation of Gant, a former La Cañadan of the Year, and her fellow officers was made by the California-Nevada Governor of Kiwanis International Cmdr. Jack Olmstead. USN, Ret.
More than 150 Kiwanians and friends attended the dinner to celebrate Gant’s installation and to bid farewell to 2010-2011 President Bill Watts.
Women’s Council welcomes new members
The Women’s Council of Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation last month held a new member’s luncheon at New Moon restaurant in Montrose to welcome women who joined the group. The new members are Wendy Alane Smith, Freny Berkenbile, Adriana Mucic and Gloria Cotton.
They were welcomed by Esther Mauries, Eileen Akers, Marie Hansen, Jackie Genofile, Teri Rice, Pauline Hendricks, Elaine Alexander, Randy Alejo-Medina, Virginia Clegg, Yulanda Davis-Quarrie, Kate Kaneko, Betty Hurn, Jill Ann Haines and Sue Wilder.
The Women’s Council has helped raise funds for VHH for nearly 40 years. The Women’s Council will be hosting its 1st Annual Poinsettia Ball fundraiser on Dec. 3 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. For more information about attending the event or sponsorship opportunities, or to join the Women’s Council, contact the Women’s Council office at (818) 952-2228.
DAR fills library case with U.S. Constitution items
The large display case in the lobby of the La Cañada Flintridge Library on Oakwood Avenue was filled in September with artifacts and educational materials related to the U.S. Constitution, courtesy of the Don Jose Verdugo Chapter of Daughters of American Revolution.
The display was created by DAR member Connie Cianciarulo. Community Library Manager Mark Totten recently thanked Cianciarulo, along with Liz Craven, regent of the chapter, and Caroline Craven for the group’s work.
Evening of Wine and Roses ahead
The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association on Nov. 6 will hold its annual major fundraiser, “An Evening of Wine and Roses” at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m,, featuring introduction of the 2012 Rose Queen and her Royal Court.
“It’s such an honor to have the Rose Queen and her Royal Court make their premier appearance at our major fundraiser,” said Ann Neilson, president of the organization. “All of us look forward to meeting and chatting with them as they embark on their exciting schedule leading up to the ultimate appearance ‘floating’ down Colorado Avenue in the Rose Parade. We hope lots of townspeople will join us in supporting them and our float.”
Nymia Cucueco, chair of the event, said the fundraiser is in support of the 34th consecutive Rose Parade float representing this city. A rendering of his year’s float, “If pigs could fly,” will be on display, along with Floatique items for early Christmas shopping.
La Cañada resident Chris Erskine, author and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, will serve as master of ceremonies. He will introduce the Rose Queen, her Royal Court and their escorts and also conduct a live auction of such items as a getaway vacation to a vacation home in Sedona and a “Tacos and Tunes” party for 30 people courtesy of the “Misplaced Priorities” band and Los Gringos Locos restaurant.
The cost is $75 per person and includes appetizers, three-course dinner, no-host bar, and complimentary valet parking. Reservations must be received by Monday, Oct. 24. Visit LCFTRA’s website at www.lcftra.org to reserve and pay by credit card. Reservation questions may be directed to Sherrill Carbonetti, (818) 790-4192.