Generally Speaking, Powell Was in Top Form at the Pond

Colin Powell was impressed. Not only with the warm reception he got in Orange County last week, but with the efforts that went into the event at which he was keynote speaker.

“Remarkable, what they can do with an ice hockey rink,” said a smiling Powell during the benefit for Cal State Fullerton at the Pond of Anaheim.

The arena had become a ballroom, of sorts. The ice floor was laid with wood and topped with black Astroturf for the event that netted more than $200,000 for scholarships.

Dining tables, draped in black, were set with vases of white roses, lilies and tulips. On a central stage, a rousing musical tribute to Powell was performed by theater arts students.

Taking a stretch after the sit-down dinner, the retired Army general signed copies of his book, “My American Journey,” for a few guests before addressing the 4,000-strong crowd.

“I’m having a great time,” he said. “The crowd is wonderful and warm. The food was excellent. It’s good to be back in Orange County. I’ve always enjoyed myself here, whether during a speech event or a book signing.”

During his keynote remarks--which ranged from the fall of communism to how to keep the United States the leader of the free world--Powell talked about that day in November when he announced he would not run for president.

“When Alma and I appeared before the press corps and we made an announcement of a decision not to enter politics, it was a very emotional time for us,” he said. “We went back to our home and our children gathered around us.

“But after a while, they went off, and Alma and I were home alone, reflecting on the events of the day.

“And I said, ‘Alma, are you going to cook dinner?’ ” The crowd laughs. “She said, ‘No, why don’t you order Domino’s?’

“So, we called Domino’s Pizza, and nine minutes later there was the guy at our door, a pizza in one hand, a book for me to sign in the other. Life goes on. . . .”

Festivities began with a reception in the Pond’s marble-paved foyer, where guests sipped champagne and sampled appetizers before descending the stadium steps to their seats on the rink.

Before dinner, Powell--who came by town car from the Fullerton Marriott for the Thursday affair (and would board a private plane that night for the Palm Springs area, where he was to speak the next day at a $3,000-per-person breakfast)--posed for pictures with Cal State Fullerton President Milton Gordon and Rockwell CEO Donald Beall in an arena dressing room.

Beall, with his wife, Joan, was awarded the university’s first Front & Center Award at the event for his business and philanthropic investments in the community.

At Powell’s side was his sister, Marilyn Berns, who attended with her husband, Norm, and their daughter, Lisa.

“We’re always excited to see him,” said Marilyn, who lives in South Orange County. (“Please don’t say where,” she said.) “We love the chance to spend a few minutes with him.”

The childhood she shared with her brother yielded no clue that he would one day serve as President Ronald Reagan’s chairman of the joint chiefs of staff and President George Bush’s national security advisor. “When he was little, no way,” Marilyn said with a gentle laugh. “But look what happened. He is a wonderful human being.”

Privately, Powell gave his formula for success: “Work hard. Believe in yourself. Believe in your country. And avoid those temptations out there.”

In his concluding remarks to the crowd, Powell made a plea for solidarity: “As we struggle with a world that is changing in ways we never expected, we must continue to think as a family, believe in each other, love each other,” he said.

“And we must continue to remember that this land was not put here by historic accident. It was put here by divine providence. We were made stewards of this place. It was blessed by God and we were told to call it America.”

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Anniversary cabinet: As members of the Center Cabinet--arts leaders who are coordinating the Performing Arts Center’s 10th anniversary activities--Catherine Thyen, Dee Higby and Sue Feldman attend regular meetings to plan.

Last week, they finalized one of their most exciting get-togethers: the “Firebird Dinner” on Feb. 21 that will honor donors who have given $200,000 or more. The black-tie gala will be held on the center terrace, under the Firebird sculpture. Four hundred guests are expected to attend.

The goal of the anniversary year, says Higby, chairwoman of special events, is to “reach as many people in the community as we can.”

Special events include recognition dinners for business and arts leaders, such as the Opera Pacific gala being held Jan. 30 onstage in Segerstrom Hall.

Thyen is chairwoman of the 10th anniversary gala, which will be held in the fall. The event for 3,500 people will feature a concert and formal dinner.

Hopes were high that Luciano Pavarotti would be the concert headliner, but he is unavailable. “The center is currently investigating other artists of international stature,” a spokesman said.

Feldman is planning the events that will honor the center’s support groups. “And that includes docents and ushers,” she said.

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IMAX to open: The Edwards family--of Edwards Theater fame--has finalized the date for the benefit grand opening of the IMAX Theater at the Irvine Spectrum Entertainment Center. On March 12, 500 guests will watch the first movie--Sony’s “Wings of Courage”--to be shown in the six-story theater. The $100-per-person event will benefit Orangewood and Childhelp U.S.A. Patti Edwards is chairwoman. For ticket information, call (714) 741-9383.