ON THE TOWN:

The American Assn. of University Women celebrated its 86th birthday with an elegant luncheon at the Oakmont County Club on Saturday.

Featured speaker was Geraldine Knatz, executive director for the Port of Los Angeles. She is the first woman to hold the position and oversees the daily operations and internal management of the port, believed to be the busiest in the nation. Knatz is credited with cleaning up the waterfront, which now sports a promenade and Bellagio-style fountain with water jets timed to “dance” with music.

President Mary Miller welcomed the several dozen members and guests, including event chairwoman Evelyn Florio, speaker contact J.C. Chauvin-Byer and opportunity drawing ticket seller-extraordinaire Kathy Dupree.

After the luncheon, Miller saluted the 20 past presidents in attendance. The organization’s first president was Joyce Covey, who served during 1967-68. Sunny Wheeler followed Covey in 1968-69.

Wheeler’s presidency marked the end of hats at the luncheons. Her only request was that all women at the head table continue to wear hats. White gloves had been abandoned a couple of years earlier.

The program ended with the drawing of opportunity tickets. Winners at the “winning-est table” included Donna Franklin who won a turquoise vest, wine basket and Coach wallet. Rosalie Blum won a coffee pot from Mr. Coffee and new member Dorothy Powell won a cheese, crackers and mustards basket as well as the table centerpiece.

The American Assn. of University Women has more than 100,000 members working for equity and advancement of women through education. The Glendale Branch was founded in 1923 — hats and gloves requested.

The Brand Library Art Galleries had its first reception of the year for its “Natural Worlds” exhibition on Saturday. The six artists in the show are Arpine Shakhbandaryan of Glendale, Erika Lizee, Joe Merrell, Charla Puryear, Andrea Raft and Jill Sykes.

Shakhbandaryan had her own cheering section from Glendale, including husband Patrick Karapetian, mother Donara Antonyan, sister Tatavik Shakhbandaryan, brothers-in-law Gevorg Nazaryan, Paul Karapetian, sister-in-law Silvyia Karapetian and tiny nephew Gabriel Karapetian, 2 months.

Burbank artist Charla Puryear was accompanied at the reception by daughter Jordan Puryear, 18. Charla Puryear described her work at the exhibit, “Desert Floor,” a 48” by 90” oil and acrylic on canvas, as originating from Death Valley.

She created it by draping canvas on the desert floor, rubbing in washes of paint to transfer the image of the surface texture and completing it in her studio.

In so doing, “I create a partnership with nature,” said Charla Puryear.

“Desert Floor” is on sale for $1,500.

Glendale artist B.B. Kart was on hand to support her fellow artists and check out the price ranges of their work.

Silver Lake residents Linda and Frank Furlong were present as friends and “fans” of artist Jill Sykes of Hollywood. Also at the reception was artist Robin Hinchliffe of Palos Verdes, also a good friend and supporter of Sykes.

“Natural Worlds” will be on exhibit through Feb. 13.

Several young animators wanted something to do during their lunch break at a Glendale animation house Jan. 7. Within walking distance was the First Baptist Church and its Glendale Noon Concert Series, featuring the Bright Light Chamber Players. Scott Lowe, Scott Klass and Kyle Neswald joined an audience of about 35 to enjoy a free half-hour concert, “Mostly Mozart,” featuring works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Pastor Charles Updike introduced the Bright Light Chamber Players, a piano quartet and resident ensemble of the Glendale Noon Concert Series. The group is augmented with guest players and is one of several groups participating in the series.

Violinist Jacqueline Suzuki came up with the idea for the free concert series and is in charge of its programming and personnel. Her very proud parents from Glendale, Shigeto and Kewa Suzuki, were beaming in the audience, fifth row center.

Other Chamber Players were Rachel Berry on horn, Chris Baumler on piano, Catherine Del Russo on oboe, Whitney Griggs Raleigh on cello and Glendale resident Alan Busteed on viola.

Also enjoying the musicians were a contingent of Assistant League of Glendale members — Lu Hishmeh rounded up friends Nancy Frazee, Sondra Smith and Margaret Bucklin to join her at the concert.

“The oboist never took a breath. She was amazing,” said Frazee.

Suzuki’s goal is to create a fund-raising support group to fund future concerts. Those interested helping with fund-raising efforts please contact Suzuki at jacquelinesuzuki@ hotmail.com.

Nine more free concerts will continue at the church on first and third Wednesdays through the end of May. The Jan. 21 concert will feature flute duos.

 RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthsowby@msn.com.