On the Town: Connie White receives News-Press honor
For her dedication to the Women’s Athletic Club, member Connie White received the News-Press Perpetual Trophy during a tea last week at the group’s clubhouse in Glendale.
For many years, I have presented the award and it is always an exciting experience for me to read the biography of the recipient. White said she knew she had received the honor after I read the first sentence, because I said she was born in Iowa. Only one other member was born there and she had already received the award.
“This is a really big surprise!” she said. “Thank you!”
Since joining in 1997, White has been art chairwoman on the Standing Committee for nine years, handled philanthropy, press and historian responsibilities, each for two years, and was co-chairwoman of the Hiking Department from 2010 to 2012. She has also served on the executive board as director of finance for two years.
She loves gardening and has grown so many epiphyllums that she is known as the “Epi-queen.” Her flowers have graced the tables at Women’s Athletic Club events many times. But her careful and artistic attention to the photo albums as historian for the Hiking Department for 13 years really set her apart.
“I think she’s terrific — a great lady,” said outgoing President Margaret Hammond. “She is dedicated to the club. She has donated lots of things to our parking-lot sale. She is very humble and didn’t expect it.”
The award was first presented in 1938. It is bestowed on the person who goes above and beyond what is expected in service, loyalty and accomplishment to the club. It is voted on first by the assembly and then the board of directors.
Also at the meeting, it was announced that last year’s scholarship recipient, Alyssa Selve, will receive another $1,000 scholarship. She is attending Adams State University in Colorado.
Donations were also made to Glendale Healthy Kids and the YWCA’s domestic violence program.
New officers installed were President Martha Moren, First Vice President Gail Nelson, Second Vice President Kathleen Abelman, Third Vice-President Olga Rothenbecker, Treasurer Alene Shaibi and Secretary Carol Hart.
When the club resumes in September, Moren will concentrate on planning the club’s 90th birthday party and increasing membership.
Business group goes golden
The American Business Women Assn.’s Verdugo Glen chapter will celebrate its 50th anniversary on June 22 with a luncheon at the Castaway. The chapter was founded in Glendale on June 27, 1963.
The luncheon cost is $45. For reservations, call (818) 547-1422.
Special guest speaker will be the association’s National District VI Vice President Bryna Dambrowski, of Long Beach. Chapter past presidents will be honored in addition to the nine student scholarship recipients and the National Board of Directors Impact Scholarship winner, Arpa Shahijanian, of Burbank.
Special recognition will be presented to the Chapter Woman of the Year and Top Ten Business Woman candidate Lori Hartwell, of Glendale. The Chapter Business Associate of the Year will also be announced.
Las Candelas raises $90,000 for children
Las Candelas celebrated the donation of $90,000 to organizations that help emotionally disturbed children at the installation of new officers recently at the home of member Fran Buchanan.
The event culminated the two-year term of President Monica Sierra. Under her leadership, the group donated funds to Hathaway-Sycamores, Hillsides, Glendale Healthy Kids, Glendale YWCA and the Didi Hirsch Center.
Las Candelas members also volunteered nearly 400 hours to these facilities during Sierra’s term.
Cathy Keen installed President Jeannie Flint, First Vice President Monica Sierra, Second Vice President Ellyn Semler, Third Vice Presidents J.C. Byer and Ginny Simpson, Fourth Vice Presidents Patti Baker and Carolyn Beaton, and Fifth Vice Presidents Jeri Benton and Margaret Steenken.
Others installed were Recording Secretary Anna Brewer, Corresponding Secretary Cathy Keen, Treasurer of Business Ann Jones, Treasurer of Philanthropy Karen Whyte and Parliamentarian Joan Anderson.
JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.