Diamond Jubilee Scout Awards Given

Scouting’s Best Friends know how to have fun. Celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of the Boy Scouts of America this week at the new Century Plaza Tower, the hierarchy presented Diamond Jubilee Tribute awards to former President Gerald R. Ford and Margaret Martin Brock and honored the Hon. Leonard K. Firestone, former ambassador to Belgium, in absentia.

But it was a carefully constructed night, as one would expect from the organization that does its “best to do its duty.” Was it totally a freakish coincidence that Gloria Loring chose “Up Where We Belong,” the Academy Award-winning song from “An Officer and a Gentleman,” to open the post-dinner show? The lyrics, we noted, “Where the eagles cry on a mountain high,” must have brought back happy childhood memories to the at-least 25 business executives who had stood when emcee Johnny Grant asked for an Eagle count in the audience. An Eagle, you know, is a Boy Scout who earns--what--21 merit badges, all while mentally awake and morally straight.

Former President Ford--who drove down from Rancho Mirage for the accolades, then was staying at his nearby condo with son Steve, the handsome blond who’s a detective on the daytime “The Young and the Restless”--paid highest tributes to scoutmasters everywhere and to parents who direct their youngsters into scouting:

“I can say without hesitation, because of scouting principles, I know I was a better athlete, I was a better naval officer, I was a better Congressman, and I was better prepared to be President.” The audience applauded, including former scouts such as Supervisor Mike Antonovich (who has declared for the Senate race and who once was a member of the Goodyear scout troop), and one-time Eagles including lawyer Charles Manatt, Community Bank president Randolph Stockwell, actor David Nelson and Del Lorimer of San Mateo.

After Gloria Loring’s stunning performance (she has two Tiger Cubs) and songs like “I Believe the Children Are Our Future” and “Facts of Life,” Johnny Grant said in humorous appreciation, “As a little Cub Scout, that was always the den mother I dreamed of.”

Producer Jerold Franks seemed pleased with the results. So was chairman Glen Holden, there with pretty wife Gloria. It sent everyone away happy at the 10 o’clock hour. Among the happiest were the Edward C. Jacobs (he’s the new scout executive) and Judge Dickran Tevrizian, who had just returned from Senate confirmation hearings in Washington on his nomination to be a U.S. district court judge. He was receiving congratulations from a coterie including Bill Hawkins and Karin Miranda, Xavier and Shirley Hermosillo, Lucille Weiscarver and Ansel and Mary Berglund, while admitting that when he got the call that the President was on the line, “I didn’t know whether to sit or stand.” He stood.

Ambassador Firestone was honored in absentia. He had chosen to stay in Rancho Mirage to be with his wife Nicky, who is undergoing chemotherapy.

Paying tribute was a crowd including Sheriff Sherman Block, James Rosser (president of Cal State L.A., who heads the Los Angeles Area Council), William Daegling (senior vice president of Crocker, who’ll be president next year), John Welborne (Margaret Brock’s cousin), escorting Christian Brant; the Frank Cahouets, Bob Campion, Kenneth Leventhal, Lyn McMillion and so many more.

You don’t know what to give for Christmas? Consider the “Hollywood Bowl Cookbook.” It’s stuffed with 600 recipes from the repertoires of Bowl music lovers famous for their gourmet feasts (with a few omissions). You’ll recognize the names of some of the donors--restaurateurs, stage and screen types.

Through Monday, the books are $12 if picked up at the Hollywood Bowl Cottage. Alas, it’s too late for Christmas delivery ($14). That had a Dec. 7 postmark, but what about a Twelfth Night surprise?

Recently at the White House, Herman Rush of Bel-Air, representing the Entertainment Industry Council, was presented an award. Now the president of the newly formed Columbia Pictures Television Group (CPT), he receives an honorary fellowship Monday evening at the Century Plaza from Bar-Ilan University.

The accolade celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Israeli university and coincides nicely with Rush’s 30th year in the television industry, according to Henry G. Plitt, chairman of Plitt Theaters and president of West Coast Friends of Bar-Ilan.

Pierre Cossette is jazzing up the night. Les Brown’s Orchestra will play, and Lew Erlicht, B. Donald Grant and Brandon Tartikoff head the evening.

Dennis Weaver, Valerie Harper and all the others involved with feeding the hungry in Los Angeles with LIFE (Love Is Feeding Everyone) have methods in their zeal. Saturday they celebrate the second anniversary at the historic Villa Raphael, 2123 Parkside Ave. in Lincoln Heights, with a $25 fund-raiser.

LIFE has managed to feed 21,000 local people by saving some of the 20% of food that is thrown away from local markets because the distribution date has expired. Also, supermarkets have been donating high-quality dairy, deli, bakery and produce that, while still edible, is no longer salable.

The food is being collected in conjunction with parishes, temples and community organizations that can identify the hungry and get food to them.

Weaver, LIFE president, and Lt. Gov. Leo McCarthy will speak at the event.

Christmas fun.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Pasadena Alumnae are welcoming Kappa alums, actives and pledges at the popular traditional Christmas coffee that Mrs. John Darrell Kerckhoff hosts at her San Marino home with her daughter Natalie, a Kappa at UC Berkeley. . . .

The Bel-Air Council Navy League honors Susan Sergel Monet and Darrylin Zanuck de Pineda at its annual Christmas luncheon Thursday at the Westwood Marquis.

Past perfect:

Consul Claes Jernaeus, Swedish press attache, and his attractive wife Agneta hosted a reception at their Beverly Hills home. . . .

Dr. Arthur Bernard spoke on dreams interpretation and analysis for the Diabetes Unit of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center at its 11th annual membership luncheon and holiday boutique at the Century Plaza Tower Century Room. . . .

After three years of non-stop running and working to enhance the California Museum of Science and Industry, museum executive director Don M. Muchmore took a breather to have a “Renew Our Friendship” party with museum friends, California Federal Savings chums and pals from the California State College system. It also was a chance to tour the “India: A Festival of Science” exhibit. . . .

Lighted baskets with big red bows and teddy bears were flowing at each table for the Pennypinchers’ annual Christmas luncheon of the National Charity League Los Angeles chapter in the Crystal Room of the Beverly Hills. Nan Ealy and Millie Hyatt were the creative co-chairmen. . . .

Friends of ACT (the American Children’s Theater) are off to an inaugural season, according to Dr. George H. Semel. Connie Stevens, Tim Conway, Tim Matheson and Susan Anspach starred in the gala at the Miramar Sheraton, and this week The Friends hosted a reception in Westwood at La Bruschetta. . . .

Ever linking leadership and service to meet community and national needs, the Los Angeles Chapter, Links Inc., hosted its 34th annual cotillion in the Century Plaza Ballroom and presented 26 young women.

General chairman Mrs. Christopher C. Cotson and Chapter President Mrs. Edward E. Tillmon have announced that results are directed to services to youth, the arts and international projects. . . .

American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Western Area-Woman’s Division) hosted tea and fashions at Trumps this week. Planning it all: Doreen Dozar and Ziva Rodan Meade. . . .

By the way, it was Neil Seidel Music that was the cohesive musical element behind that California Special Olympics extravaganza produced by Joe Di Sante and Fred Fichman of ABC Television. We should have told you.