Society
Joyce Rudolph
The invitation to the Woman’s Club of Burbank Poinsettia Luncheon said
it all: “The best holiday memories are often made of good friends, good
food and a little slice of time to be together.”
In that spirit, members of the group gathered for some holiday cheer
at The Castaway Lagoon Room on Dec. 7 to recognize the organization’s 90
years of community service and honor its past presidents, club President
Julia Larsen said.
Members brought gifts to donate to the Family Service Agency of
Burbank CARE program, which provides counseling services to battered
women and their children. Accepting the gifts was program counselor
Silvia Powell.
Woman’s Club members also remembered their friends at the Veterans
Hospital in Sepulveda, filling decorated one-pound coffee cans with
cookies. The vets also received gifts such as white socks and toiletries.
Ellen Tanner, children’s librarian for the Burbank Central Library,
accepted two sets of books for young adult readers from the club. The
books’ topics were women’s history and famous American women.
The Woman’s Club also donated $500 in Vons gift certificates to the
Burbank Coordinating Council’s holiday basket program and $500 to the
World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. in memory of the servicemen who
fought in that war.
The donation will be going through the Veterans Commemorative
Committee of Burbank. Larson says it was appropriate because the meeting
was held on Dec. 7, the anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
A $300 donation was made in honor of past presidents to the Police K-9
Fund.
Past presidents attending the luncheon were Arline Michaelson
1952-’54, Dorothy Oldson 1964-66, Virginia Dodge 1979-’80 1991-’93, Gerry
Karraker 1985-’87 and Julia Larson 1978-’79 and 1996-2000.
New members accepted into the club were Masami Brooks, Mary Hoffman,
Lenore Lacey, Franchon Rice and Mary Zaryika.
The Van Bloem Singers provided the entertainment with a selection of
Christmas music.
*
Friends of the Burbank Family Service Agency saw some of Burbank’s
loveliest homes decked out for the holidays on the annual home tour.
Gary and Tracy Canfield invited guests into their charming country
home with a welcoming front porch, cozy family room, hardwood floors,
newly remodeled kitchen with lovely tiles and second-floor bedroom
suites. Visitors marveled over the beautiful outdoor pool and garden
entertainment areas.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Drive opened their home, an English-style country
house with ivy-covered walls and charming garden walkways. Some of the
home’s highlights are a Steinway piano in the entryway and antique
furnishings. The bar area is a great conversation piece featuring a
beautiful stained glass window.
Chris Friedgen and Ken Koch made an overwhelming hit with guests who
were awed by an incredible atrium and fountain, spectacular leaded
windows and hardwood oak floors. The remodeled kitchen flows together
with the family room. Guests enjoyed the spectacular panoramic views from
a rear terraced garden.
The fourth home on the tour is owned by Mr. and Mrs. James Casey. It
has undergone total remodeling with a custom-built kitchen and gracious
master bedroom. This comfortable home features traditional furnishings, a
rear garden with a pool and outdoor fireplace.
*
Just a reminder that from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, volunteers are
needed to deliver holiday baskets to families through the Burbank
Coordinating Council effort. Those wanting to deliver or donate goods
should come to the Burbank Armory, 3800 Valhalla Drive, behind Fry’s
Electronics on Hollywood Way.
Donations needed are grocery store gift certificates, toys (from birth
to age 18), canned goods, nonperishable items, and toiletries (tooth
brushes, tooth paste, deodorant, hand lotion, facial and bathroom
tissue).
It’s a great way to share the holiday spirit.
* JOYCE RUDOLPH is features editor. Her society column runs every
Saturday. To have an event covered, call her at 637-3241 or fax
information to 241-1975.