The Valley Line: League holds holiday party; float supporters name characters on ‘Panda-Monium’
The last of the jingle bells just faded away. I always hate to see Christmas go away. Yes, I will keep my decorations up until after Three King’s Day, which takes place Jan. 6. I like to make the magic of the season last as long possible.
I hope your Christmas celebration was filled with family and friends and joy. Next up, we’ll collectively be cheering on our La Cañada Flintridge float in the Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
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In the meantime, I do want to tell you about a lovely holiday party that was held at Oakmont Country for members, spouses and friends of the Oakmont League.
The club was festively decorated for the dinner. A happy crowd came to join the fun and camaraderie. The highlight of the evening came before dinner, when the Crescenta Valley High School Charismatics entertained the guests by singing traditional Christmas carols.
These talented young people were dressed in costumes, circa 18th-century England, and they sang with enthusiasm.
Among some of the people attending the event were Lydia Trout, president of the Oakmont League, and her husband, Brook. More enjoying the evening were Nina and Larry Ratliff, Cathy and Alan Steel, Jeraldine Saunders, Phil and Jackie Kubel, Kimberly and Ken Kosterman, Michaelyn and Jim Cashion, Pam and Keith Sorem, Carolyn and Ron Beaton, Patsy Dewey, Ellen and Robert Farwell, Valerie Nelson, Carol Eldred, Barbara McCullough, Shirley Johnstone, Esther Bowen and more.
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Back to our New Year’s Day float, named “Panda-monium.” I got a note from Alison Davitt telling me that the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. wants to thank the supporters who named the critters displayed on the float.
She said each year the float association encourages the community to name the characters on the float as a fundraiser and that this year’s effort was a huge success.
Nancy Pittson named the front panda “Theo,” the middle panda was named “Morgan” by Barbara Marshall, and Tony Chahine dubbed the rear panda “Carina.” Chahine also named the front butterfly “Orion.” The snake was named “Silly Snake” by board member Pam Wiedenback. Cindy Crane and Pam Gossoo named the turtle “Shelly.” Maureen Bond, director of the Community Center, bought the naming right to the monkey, who is now called “Charlie Marbles.”
Davitt went on to say in her note to me, “It’s not only great fun to personalize the float characters, it’s also a big monetary boost for LCFTRA, and we are very grateful to everyone who helped us continue the tradition!”
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.