The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. honored its major donors on Dec. 30 at a festive tented party held “Under the Bridge,” the Flintridge Prep parking lot that lies beneath a 210 Freeway overpass and serves as temporary home to the La Cañada float during decorating week each year.
When they arrived, guests had the opportunity to get a close look at “Backyard Rocketeer” before its historic glide down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 2. The night of the party it was being groomed and looking beautiful. This spectacular float went on to capture the Bob Hope Humor Trophy on Monday; the local float association’s 28th award winner over the past 39 years.
The annual event, featuring champagne, wine and bountiful hors d’oeuvres, was staged this year by a committee led by Peggy Hotaling that included Sue Beatty, Cindy Crane, Sharlyn French, John Landrum, Bob Wallace, Clyde Hemphill and the latter’s site crew.
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The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The City of Burbank float “Home Tweet Home” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Donate Life float “Teammates for Life,” the Theme Trophy winner in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The color guard of the Westlake High School Chaparral Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Doal Packaged Foods float “Spirit of Hawaii,” winner of the Sweepstakes Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The 24 Hour Fitness float “Do More with Your 24” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Trader Joe’s float “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best...” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The American Armenian Rose Float Association float “Field of Dreams” which won the Past Presidents Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The American Armenian Rose Float Association float “Field of Dreams” which won the Past Presidents Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Performer Ilisa Juried sings on the Union Bank and The American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate float “Keep the Beat Alive” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Audience members in the stands on the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. at the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Pride of Broken Arrow marching band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Riders with the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Riders in the Norco Cowgirls & the LIttle Miss Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Westlake High School Chaparral Band performs in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Riders in a Wells Fargo Stagecoach in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band drum major salutes the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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At 8:04 A.M., a B-2 Bomber, which has been a tradition to kick off the parade, flys over right on schedule in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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At 8:04 A.M., a B-2 Bomber, which has been a tradition to kick off the parade, flys over right on schedule in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Young women in the opening show walk together in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Team USA volleyball players play on the City of Los Angeles “Follow the Sun” float in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The National Hockey League float “A Century of NHL Greatness” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Grand Marshal Janet Evans and her family wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Grand Marshal Allyson Felix waves to the auidence in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Grand Marshal Greg Louganis and his husband Johhny Chaillot wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Tournament of Roses Royal Court in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The 2017 Rose Queen Victoria Castellanos waves to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees Bobby Bell, Ricky Ervins, Tommy Prothro, and Art Spander, and a driver, drive a 1925 Lincoln Dual Cowl Sports Phaeton, which is smoking with engine problems, make their way passed the stands at Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A cheerleader from Penn State in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Butterflies from teh Miracle-Gro “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A dancer with the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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USC cheerleaders in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A big face, surrounded by bubbles on the Northwestern Mutual float “Waves of Hope,” winner of the Animation Trophy in the in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Tournament of Roses Executive Director/CEO William B. Flinn and family wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A lariat roper twirls a rope around himself in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Arcadia High School Apache Marching Band and Color Guard in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Midway through the Rose Parade, The UPS Store, Inc. float “Books Bring Us Together,” winner of the Isabella Coleman Trophy, leads the group in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Lucy Pet float “Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wave Maker,” winner of the Extraordinaire Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Surfing dogs on the Lucy Pet float “Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wave Maker,” winner of the Extraordinaire Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Brass players in the Gifu Shogyo Hugh School Green Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Gifu Shogyo High School Green Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Shriners Hospitals for Children float “Anything is Possible” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Leopards in a tree on The Bachelor float “Echoes of Love” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Ooltewah High School Marching Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The back half of the parade, lead by a huge team of horses pulling Tournament of Roses President Brad Ratliff and company in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The back of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Red Raider Marching Band of Pulaski, Wisconsin march and play in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A mouse spins on a tea cup on the Sierra Madre Float Association float “The Cat’s Away,” winner of the Mayor’s Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A huge lion head on the Lions Clubs International float “Celebrating 100 Years of Service” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A bird on the Ragú Pasta Sauce float “Simmered in Tradition,” winner of the National Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Bands of America Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A fireman on the City of Alhambra float “No Call Too Small” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Budweiser Clydesdales in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A dragon blowing smoke out it’s nose on the Torrance Rose Float Association float “Be Your Own Knight,” winner of the Tournament Volunteers Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Birds on the China Airlines float “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan,” winner of the International Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Women witn fans on the China Airlines float “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan,” winner of the International Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A pilot on a miniture fighter jet following the United States Air Force Total Force Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Farmers Insurance float “We Came, We Saw, We Covered,” winner of the Grand Marshal’s Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A sleeping rabbit on the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association float “Never Give Up” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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A couple riders with The New Buffalo Soldiers in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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Tigers on the Western Asset Management Company float “Prosperity in the Wild,” winner of the Directors’ Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The Santa Clara Vanguard marching band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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At the back of the parade, with only the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse behind them, the Santa Clara Vanguard marching band begins their trek down Colorado Blvd. in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
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The back end of the Rose Parade in the horizon is followed by protesters and departing audience members in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer) While the weather was chilly, inside the tent guests found warmth and vibrant conversations about this year’s float and reminiscences about past endeavors.
Chuck Terhune, president of LCFTRA, said the organization is very grateful for the support of its major donors as well as all the other individuals and organizations who made the production of “Backyard Rocketeer” possible.
Some of those in attendance at the party were Wendy and Phil Wyatt, Pam Wiedenbeck, Jeanne and Jim Wallace, Nancy Thurston, Julie Thurston, Lynne and Joe Thompson, Dave Spence, Claire Slaughter, Loretta Savery, Bette Ryan, Tony Riewe, Adam Rahtz, Tim Rahtz, Bill Pounders, Anthony Portantino, Duane Paul, Lynn Park, Pete and Cathy Palermo, Mike and Kris O’Connor, Gloria and Stewart Lee, Charlotte Layland, Diane and John Landrum, Wayne and Margaret Kruse, Betty Jones, Mike Horner, Jacky Hollingsworth, Anne Hills, James Herrington, Clyde and Bobbie Hemphill, Chrissy and Jeff Helgager, Harriet Hammons, Toni and Mike Gillespie, Becky and Chuck Gelhaar, Larry Gable, Sharlyn French, Linda and Scott Deacon, Barbara and Jack Dawson, Mike and Alison Davitt, Nymia and Mike Cucueco, Liz and Bob Craven, Cindy Crane, Arlene Buchmann, Maureen Bond, Will Bixby, Larry and Nancy Bergman, Sue Beatty, Randy Bartos, Nila Barkley, Walt and Judy Bakly, Peter Bachmann and Larry Andreason.
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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.
