Elks say aloha to lodge members and guests
For decades, the Glendale Elks have held their annual luau at the local lodge. On Aug. 6 the membership went all out — even the stuffed elk heads were decorated with leis and straw hats. The sold-out event featured a Polynesian buffet heaped with spit-roasted pig, beef with broccoli, chicken chow mein, egg role and pineapple cole slaw. But the favorites by far were the juicy ribs and fried rice. Mai Tais at $2.50 hosted by the Gallivanter family contributed to the cheerful ambience. Add in a show and music by the Sua Family, and the $25 ticket was more than worth it according the more than 200 sated members and guests.
Glendale residents Lynda Burns and Henry Schoessler were hosts at a table that included Assistance League members Bea Wojtyla, Mary Lo Follett and more Glendale residents including Fran Benedict, Mary Rose Grim and Judy Gorham.
La Crescenta residents on hand included Dene and Bing Alcott.
Immediate Past President of the California-Hawaii Elks Assn. Hugh Scanlon worked the room like a pro. He counts the Glendale Lodge as home and volunteers as board chair. Scanlon was accompanied by wife Dale Scanlon and daughter Shannan Scanlon. Elks trustee Ron Dyrness with wife Patricia Dyrness put in an appearance as did President of the Glendale Float Rose Float Assn. Garry Ackerman. “I’m pleased that the community has stepped up to [financially] support the float,” said Ackerman.
Early evening music was supplied by the Tamalii Band of American Samoans. Singer Fia Sagiao, bass guitarist Goddard Paialii and Lee Tagoloa on guitar set a relaxed, island mood.
After dessert of fruit and fortune cookies, the evening took a Hawaiian turn as the Sua Family hula danced their way through a number of spirited, hip-shaking dances led off by 6-year-old Gabriela Munoz. Proud mom Lorena Barron watched from the wings.
Upcoming for the Glendale Elks is their Emblem Club #104 Birthday Dinner on Sept. 21.
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Soroptimist International of the Verdugos held their annual Champagne Brunch at the Athenea Bar and Grill in Sherman Oaks. On Aug. 7 more than 110 members and guests enjoyed their “3-in-1” event made up of the installation of officers, the induction of five new members and the presentation of Breast Cancer Grant Awards.
Glendale Soroptimist member Margo Bottcher was the installing officer. Immediate Past President Michelle Lathe passed the gavel to Incoming President Geraldine Yumping. Also installed were Vice President Arleen Penaflor, Secretary Edith Fuentes, Assistant Secretary Jackie Lazatin, Treasurer Nelly Costanios, Asst. Treasurer Elvie Suavillo, One-Year Delegate Genelou Yumping and Two-Year Delegate Stephanie Mines.
Awards were presented to breast cancer survivors Shirley Davenport and Maureen Pearson by Glendale Mayor Laura Friedman, also a breast cancer survivor. Davenport and Pearson each received $2,000. Soroptimist International of the Verdugos donated the first $2,000 and the Athenea Bar and Grill donated the second $2,000. Friedman was also a past recipient of the Soroptimists’ largesse. Her medical expenses not covered by insurance were, in part, paid for by the organization.
Soroptimist International of the Verdugos’ Board, Business or Program meetings are held every second and fourth Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Visit www.soroptimist.org.
Ruth Sowby may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.