CONGRATULATIONS

LA CRESCENTA WOMAN’S CLUB has BIRTHDAY

The La Crescenta Woman’s Club celebrated its 97th birthday in February and welcomed several past presidents as guests including Patricia Wichert , 1997-01; Dea McCrory, 2001-04; Deanna Alfeld, 1994-95; Freda Yager, 1990-1992; and Kathy Parenteau, 2004-05.

The club has a long and interesting history, which mirrors that of the Crescenta-Cañada Valley.

An excerpt from a newspaper article (publisher unknown), printed in 1961 under the title “Woman’s Club Celebrates 50th Jubilee” told this story: “The fascinating history of La Crescenta Woman’s Club starts like a storybook tale: On the afternoon of May 18, 1911 a group of women in the Valley gathered at the home of Mrs. E. E. Nye for the purpose of forming an organization for the development of social contact and for the improvement of community affairs. The group became identified as the Crescent Club.”

The name was later changed to the La Crescenta Woman’s Club.

“As the club’s membership grew, they moved their meetings to the old La Crescenta School Auditorium. Their first community project was the improvement of the school and its grounds. First funds were used to purchase a large hanging lamp and wood to warm by while at the meetings.”

Philanthropy remains the club’s main reason for being.

Approximately a dozen local groups receive donations during each club year, such as Boy Scouts and Ahead With Horses, along with additional giving for disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and last year’s California wild fires.

The friendships formed — desired by the founders of the club — are a natural side benefit of women working hard together to aid others.

Two new members, Jeanne Long and Carol Jones, were inducted during February’s celebration.

Musical entertainment was provided by Jon Karn, singing pastor of Light on the Corner Church in Montrose; Lynn Woolever, bassist, and Michael Hughes, pianist, in a program of smooth jazz and old standards.