The Valley Line: Hronek to lead chamber board; new Miss La Cañada Flintridge crowned
A large and enthusiastic crowd turned out on Jan. 25 when the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Assn. held its 106th Installation and Awards Gala.
Drawing more than 200 guests, the dinner and ceremony was held at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club. Dave Silversparre, a talented pianist, provided the music as folks gathered to chat during the social hour.
Greeting people at the door were Pat Anderson, president and chief executive of the LCF Chamber, along with June Beemer and Starr Frazier, her assistants.
After guests were seated, the Rev. Kyle Sears, senior minister at the La Cañada Congregational Church gave an opening prayer, followed by Mayor Mike Davitt, who led the Pledge of Allegiance.
John Torrey, past business director of the chamber, served as the organization’s official photographer.
A big thank you goes to Dave Jensen of ARCO and Paul Bobzin of Bridgestone Tires, who provided the complimentary valet service for attendees.
Rion Zimmerman, past president of the chamber’s board, shared emcee duties with Ron Pearson, a La Cañada resident and professional comedian who was thoroughly entertaining as he elicited laughs throughout the lengthy program. Ron is also the obviously proud father of Reagan Meyers, who was a princess on last year’s Miss La Cañada Flintridge court.
First up on the program was recognition of business/organization members who were reaching milestones. They included Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, 70 years; Descanso Gardens Guild, Inc., 65 years; YMCA of the Foothills, 60 years; J.S.B. Motors, 40 years; La Cañada Printsmith & Graphics, 35 years; B & B Properties, 35 years; Vasquez Jewelers, 30 years; La Cañada Union 76, 30 years; Ocean View Liquor, 25 years; Lanterman Historical Museum Foundation, 25 years; and Kiwanis Club of La Cañada La Crescenta-AM, 25 years.
The theme for this year’s 45th Fiesta Days and Memorial Day events, sponsored by the LCF Chamber, were announced. The theme is “Bringing People Together.” Barbara Marshall will for the ninth year be the Fiesta Days chairman. Grand Marshal this year is Maureen Bond, executive director of the Community Center of La Cañada Flintridge.
Katherine Markgraf, who served this year as the Royal Court adviser for the Miss La Cañada Flintridge scholarship program, introduced the 2017 Miss LCF court, Queen Sarah Ann Settles and Princesses Sara Kahn, Julie Lauenstein, Reagan Meyers and Holly Stoner.
“You’ll have to forgive me if I get emotional through this … this past year I felt like I had five wonderful teenage daughters and I’m overwhelmed with tears of joy … knowing I don’t have to pay any of their college tuition,” Markgraf said.
The chamber provides a minimum scholarship of $500 for the queen and $250 for each princess. Markgraf also mentioned that over the course of last year, the court sold raffle tickets at the chamber mixers and actually doubled their scholarship money.
Jack Malian and his wife, Sylvia, owners of Cañada Jewelry & Gifts, created and donated the royal tiaras the court wore during the year. They also donated a lovely Pandora bracelet to each court member.
Settles recounted her year as queen and thanked the community for their support of the program.
It was then the 2018 Royal Court was introduced and the new Miss La Cañada Flintridge, Hazel Valentine, a La Cañada High student, crowned. Her court includes Megan Andrews, LCHS; Courtney Johnson, Flintridge Preparatory School, Rucha Kadam, LCHS and Julia Powers, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy.
Judges for the Miss La Cañada Scholarship program included Steve Hronek, Erik Ovanespour, Orlando Sanchez and Linda Taix-Paccone.
Next up on the program was the introduction of the city’s summer intern scholarship program participants and then the top intern for 2017 was announced.
Taking the top intern award was Kyle Lee of the YMCA of the Foothills. The other participating interns were Nicole Johnson for the Allen Lund Co.; Gabriella Oh, Citizens Business Bank; Miles Yun, city of La Cañada Flintridge; Kelly Steele, Community Center of LCF, and Andre Galenchik-Chan, USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Each intern received a scholarship check for $1,200. Lee received an additional check in the amount of $800.
Another program highlight came with the presentation of the Ambassador Awards. The chamber has 24 dedicated, hardworking ambassadors volunteering their time and talents to ensure the success of the chamber’s many programs throughout the year.
Receiving the Ambassador of the Year award was Harriet Hammons, who amassed an impressive 2,710 points. In second place was Joe Thompson, who accumulated 2,570 points. Third-place winner was Barbie Eland; she piled up 2,485 points.
Community Service awards were given to Jack Malian, Lynne Graves, Katherine Markgraf and Sonrisa Benitez. Mandy Redfern was named Educator of the Year. Yvonne Ramirez, owner of Nuve Therapeutics, was named as Entrepreneur of the Year; Organization of the Year was awarded to the Community Center of LCF. Special recognition was awarded to Uma Shrivastava of La Cañada Books & Toys.
Mayor Davitt administered the oath of office to the 2018 board and directors. Officers of the chamber include Steve Hronek, chairman; Lynne Graves, Nick Sarkisian, Pam Stumbaugh, Pat Liddell, Gary Stibal, Dave Silversparre, Karl Johnson and Rion Zimmerman.
Yes, it was a jam-packed evening with awards to very well deserved and dedicated people, and it is wonderful to see our community supported by them.
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.