The Valley Line: Kiwanis Club welcomes guests for summer social
Hard to believe that July 4 has come and gone. It seems that we were just throwing confetti and blowing whistles to ring in the new year. I become more and more aware each year that time does indeed fly by quickly. I often wonder if it just seems that way because I’m not a kid any more, or at least not most of the time. However, I do know that my favorite holiday, Christmas, is just around the corner. We’d all better start shopping now!
The Kiwanis Club of La Cañada held a social on June 23 at the home of Bob and Bev Wallace. More than 30 people attended — Kiwanians, guests, spouses and friends. Each brought an appetizer to share over mingling and relaxing throughout the evening.
Some of the guests there were Larry Dumas, Melinda Thompson, Bill Scherkey, Stewart Lee, Bobbie and Clyde Hemphill, Mary and Daryal Gant, Don Voss, Barbara Marshall, Ellie Wildermuth, Emelita Bituin, Maureen Bond, Carl and Irene Christensen, Harriet Hammons, Bill and Susan Koury, Linda Magarian and Bob Martin.
“This was a great party and a time to relax, catch up with one another and get to know others better in such a beautiful setting,” said Ellie Wildermuth, a Kiwanis member. “We have such a diverse group and there is something for everyone.”
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The 95th season of the Hollywood Bowl officially opened with much fanfare, spectacular music and colorful fireworks.
This is the traditional summer place to be for all kinds of music — from classical to rock and everything in between.
Thomas Wilkins, principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, started the evening off with Peter Boyer’s “Silver Fanfare.”
We learned more about L.A. Philharmonic Music Education and Composer Fellowship Program via a video streamed on the huge screens.
The audience was then introduced to two young composers who have been part of the program and their compositions were played by the orchestra. It must have been a thrill for them and it certainly was for me as they walked on stage to take a bow. Anderson Alden’s composition “Lift” was played as well as Katya Richardson’s “Fanfare for Orchestra.”
This was also an evening to shine for the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts Vocal Ensemble who sang “Children Will Listen” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”
After intermission tribute was paid to Steely Dan and his band with two hours of their music. The sold-out crowd, of course, went wild for the eclectic sounds of this band that first began in 1967.
Appearing with the band that night were Walter Becker and Donald Fagen (the originals). They were joined by Jon Herrington, guitar; Freddie Washington, bass; Keith Carlock, drums; Jim Beard, keyboards; Michael Leonhart, trumpet; Jim Pugh, trombone; Roger Rosenberg, baritone sax and Walt Weiskoph, sax. Singing the vocals were La Tanya Hall, Cindy Mizelle and Carolyn Leonhart.
The evening concluded with an exciting fireworks display.
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Mary Pinola and Charlie Kenny hosted a truly fun neighborhood event at their hilltop La Cañada Flintridge home to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Folks bring all sorts of edibles to share and Mary whips up a main dish and meats to put on the barbecue.
This has been an annual event for them for some time. All who attend love watching the firework displays of several cities in the San Gabriel Valley — and beyond — in a colorful extravaganza.
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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.