The Valley Line: Oakmont League presents summer event
The weather variations we’ve experienced this summer haven’t affected the music at Descanso Gardens on Tuesday and Thursday nights. I especially enjoy the Thursday evening Music on the Main jazz series. I usually meet up with a group of friends to take in the cool sounds. We all bring different food tidbits that we spread out with flair. We then add some refreshing libations and have a spectacular evening under the protective arms of the ancient oaks.
Last Saturday Pasadena Pops music lovers went back to the music of the mop-top four from Liverpool — the Beatles. It was a bonanza of this genre of music with old favorites like “Let it Be,” “Yesterday,” “Strawberry Fields Forever,” “Penny Lane,” and “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds.” Of course the crowd wanted to sing along, and they did with great gusto.
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The Oakmont League recently had a really fun summer party that was hosted by Lydia and Brook Trout in their beautiful home. Also greeting guests was their dog Steel, a sweetheart of a dog. He was very handsome with a colorful star-spangled bandanna around his neck.
It was a balmy evening when guests arrived dressed in their best Texas go to a barbecue fashions — big 10-gallon hats were the essential accessory of the night.
The biggest draw of the night were the gaming tables where the whims of Lady Luck were tested. Of course funny-money was wagered — not the real stuff.
When the dinner bell was sounded there was a rush to be the first in line to partake of barbecued tri-tip steak, chicken and other yummies including a mac-and-cheese bar — all prepared by cooks from Stonefire Grill.
Dessert, which was cake-like “Texas” brownies, were made by League members Carolyn Beaton, Nina Ratliff and Judy Menicina.
Working with them on the party committee were League members Barbara McCullough, Cathy Steel, Lynn Dittrick and Lydia Trout.
Everyone seemed to be having a great time. Among those enjoying this barbecue were Cheryl Rider and her guest visiting from New Jersey, Andrea Ferraro, RJ and Kim Beaton, Esther Bowen, Carolyn and Ron Beaton, Mary and John Broerman, Julie Budimir, Michaelynn and Jim Cashion, Patsy Dewey, Lynn and Michael Dittrick, Ian and Pam Spiszman, Stela Fejek, Herminia Gallegos, Marion Graydon-Greene and Paul Greene, Grace Gregor, Chris and Michael Halajian, Shirley Johnstone and Joe King, Sylvia Kwal and Serap Ozdil, Marguerite Marsh, Rosa Ortiz, Barbara and Les McCullough, Donna and Frank Sauer, Sharon Swinford, Katherine and Glenn Yamada, Fran and Terry Buchanan, Maria Garcia, Geraldine Andrews, Betty Kent, Jeri Benton and Rob Clark, Roberta Raffaelli, Amparo Henspetter, Judy and Joe Mendicina, Catherine and Alan Steel.
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Patti and Joe Maloof were the welcoming hosts in their lovely La Cañada Flintridge home high on a hill, for the LCF Tournament of Roses monthly Happy Hour.
More than 70 people brought along hors ‘oeuvres to share while volunteer bartenders poured beverages to complement the tasty tidbits.
It was a lovely evening and the view from the Maloofs’ home across the Los Angeles basin was absolutely stunning. The downtown skyline was especially lovely to see as the sun was setting.
Guests gathered poolside to chat about summer happenings in the community and of course our 2016 float, “Up a Creek.” And if you wanted to hone your golf putting skills, there was a small putting green next to the house that was a popular place to hang out too.
Joel and Nana Smith will be hosting the July 24 Happy Hour in their Hillard Avenue home — don’t miss it!
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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.