On the Town: Breakfast with Santa comes early, Hoover High’s ‘Tour of Homes’
The La Crescenta Woman’s Club Junior Section just held one of the earlier Breakfasts with Santa in the holiday season. On Saturday (Dec. 8), the clubhouse was jumpin’ with a holiday buffet, live music, door prizes, opportunity prizes and gifts and crafts for each child to make. All of this was available for $10 per person.
This annual event is looked forward to by moms who don’t have their Christmas card photos ready. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus were at the ready to remedy the situation. They posed for photos with children who were convinced Santa would bring their favorite gift. Scott Mangum and friend Crystal Krater, as Santa and Mrs. Claus, live in Fullerton. Dozens of community children took advantage of Mangum’s ample lap to whisper their gift lists into his ear. La Crescenta resident Giovanni Coe, 5, had a long list for Santa. Coe’s mother and Junior Section member Bre Coe checked in each child who wanted time with Santa.
Coordinating the breakfast, crafts and Santa was Junior section member Ruth Warner. Santa’s helper was Vickie Guagliardo. Also helping out from the big-girl section were President Carol Huntwork and press and publicity relations maven Gloria Lee. Mrs. Claus’ sister, Misty Krater from Tujunga, was ready to fill in for Crystal if the children became too rambunctious. Not necessary. Santa was watching and checking his list.
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Another holiday tradition that Glendalians look forward to is Hoover High School’s annual Tour of Homes. This year marks its 55th year. In 1957 the PTA created the tour as Hoover’s primary fundraiser supporting students. On Saturday (Dec. 8), this year’s inaugural Honorary Tour Chairman was Dr. Jennifer Earl, busy behind the scenes. Current Hoover High School PTA President Michael Risner was on hand front and center to welcome visitors.
Four elaborately decorated homes were visited by hundreds of community members and Hoover High supporters. One of the favorites was the 748 Glenview Road home owned by Paul and Amy Iannicelli. The 2,700-square-foot home is an example of Classic Spanish Revival architecture. It was built in 1927 and features three bedrooms, three baths and a library. The formal dining room showed off a table currently set with the owners’ Christmas Spode collection for the holidays. A new chandelier accents the Spanish architecture of the room. “House mom” Rocio Clarizio from Glendale oversaw the docents at the home.
The Iannicelli home also includes a motor court and adjacent garden with an arbor for entertaining. Taking advantage of the large motor court, PTA members set up their Christmas Boutique and Country Kitchen of homemade goodies. Free Starbucks coffee made the Kitchen that much more welcoming. Not giving in to the temptation of sweets and coffee was community volunteer Mary Rose Grim. She has been on each year’s tour except one. “That was the year my father died,” Grim said.
Boutique vendor was Glendale resident Marguerite Lincoln, owner of Encore Homes & Gifts, formerly of Kenneth Village. Happy customers were Glendale residents Laurel L. Anderson and daughter Laurie Anderson Friend. Lincoln will donate 25% of her sales to the Hoover PTA.
The three other homes on the tour are at 720 Kenneth Road, 1515 Merriman Drive and 1446 Royal Blvd.
Tour proceeds will provide thousands of dollars in scholarships to deserving youth volunteering in the community.
RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.