Floaters hold annual dinner meeting

The annual dinner meeting of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. was held on Jan. 20 at the La Cañada Thursday Club. With the recently-captured “Bob Hope Humor Trophy” banner displayed on stage, the evening was celebratory from beginning to end.

In her invocation, Pat Foltyn gave thanks that for the 34th year people of widely diverse interests and talents united in this remarkable community effort to create a fantastic and award-winning float like “If Pigs Could Fly.”

Jeff Hemphill of Cut, Carve and Pour in Sierra Madre catered the buffet dinner for the 83 attendees, and Joe Thompson served as emcee for the evening.

Vice President Administration Sue Beatty, VP Float Development Jim Geoghegan, Construction Chair James Herrington, Decoration Chairs Danelle and Brian Jacobs, Site Chair Mike O’Connor and President Ann Neilson recognized some of the many individuals involved in all aspects of the creation of this year’s float.

Neilson then presided over the meeting and recognized the retiring directors, and the following new directors were elected to the board for a three-year term: Clyde Hemphill, Corkie MacPherson, Kevin Maloney, Tim Rahtz, Chuck Terhune and Pam Wiedenbeck. They will join continuing directors Peggy Hotaling, Pat Hutchins, Jacob Maitless, Ann Neilson, Mike O’Connor, Joe Thompson, Nymia Cucueco, Jim Geoghegan, David Granish, Rosemary Hook, Sarah Marshall and Bill Pounders.

Mayor Dave Spence installed the new board members, as well as the subsequently elected officers for 2011-2012: Ann Neilson, president; Peggy Hotaling, vice president, Administration; Mike O’Connor, VP Float Development; Sharlyn French, secretary; and Betty Jones, treasurer.

The next LCFTRA get-together will be Happy Hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the home of Barbara and Rob McLinn, 4917 Oakwood Ave. Anyone over 18 is invited to attend; just bring an appetizer to share and buy your beverage of choice at a modest price. Members bringing a guest will receive a free drink ticket.