On the Town: The Soroptimists ‘love’ a good luncheon; GCC hosts Honors and Awards banquet

“Love” was indeed “in the Air” at the Glendale Soroptimists Installation of new officers last Thursday. It is also the theme of Paula Devine‘s upcoming year as president of the Glendale Soroptimists.

Devine had already added another impressive title to her resume — Glendale City Councilwoman-elect.

Glendale’s Embassy Suites was the venue for the Soroptimist luncheon, at which 13 incoming officers were installed by Sandy Schultz. Besides Devine, the slate includes Immediate Past President Susan Hunt, President-Elect Lola Abrahamian, First Vice President Miram Finkelberg, Second Vice President Margo Bottcher and Third Vice President Gayle Craig, who was also chairperson of the Installation Committee.

Devine’s husband, Art, offered the Pledge of Allegiance. No one present could remember when a man had ever done the honors.

Following, Hunt gave a report of her presidential year. She reminded her audience of some 70 supporters that the Soroptimist members had given away $21,000 to 11 organizations representing community women and girls.

The Soroptimist annual April fundraiser, “Bras for a Cause,” netted $42,000. One half of those proceeds were presented to representatives from Glendale’s three hospitals — Glendale Adventist Medical Center, Glendale Memorial Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital.

Hunt then recognized special guests present including Glendale City Councilwoman Laura Friedman, City Manager Scott Ochoa and Assistant City Manager Yasmin Beers. In his greetings from the city, Ochoa referred to Paula Devine as “one of my new bosses.” Bantering with her, he added, “You will sit on that dais, and tell me when to shut up.”

Next on the program, Bottcher awarded two $1,000 memberships in the Soroptimist Laurel Society. Those went to Soroptimists Sandy Doughty and Janet Hamilton. The Laurel Society is a recognition program for donors who contribute to the Women’s Opportunity Awards and other Soroptimist programs.

After the fast-paced installation of officers, Paula Devine gave her acceptance speech, highlighting her theme of love.

“Everything we do in this club is out of love,” she said. “We even love raising funds.”

Save April 18, 2015. That’s the date for Soroptimists’ biggest fundraiser, “Bras for a Cause.” It’s theme for decorating bras sold at auction is “Soroptimist International of Glendale Falls in Love with Fairy Tales.” There’ll be a lot of pixie dust in the air on that night. Put it on your calendar.

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One of the highlights of this scholarships and awards season is Glendale Community College’s “Honors and Awards” Banquet. A record number of some 300 supporters turned out to give and get in a new location for the banquet, Anoush Restaurant.

Last Wednesday, college Supt./President David Viar shared introductory remarks with college Associated Student President Davit Avagyan and college Board of Trustees President Vahe Peroomian. He reminded those gathered that more than 500 scholarships totaling $300,000 will have been awarded during the academic year.

Paul Schlossman, dean of student affairs, presented the evening’s more than 350 scholarships and awards. Of special note were the John A. Davitt scholarships awarded to Bobby Chua, Haverj Termorian, Nancy Marderosian and Jonathan Stuart.

In light of the recent death of college Supt./President Emeritus Davitt, the scholarship presentations by family members, including his widow Gael Davitt, were bittersweet.

More scholarship presentations included the Gorham Family scholarships given by Patrons Club Past President Judy Gorham. The recipients were Anna Hosepyan and Danielle Echevarria. Their scholarships were $400 each. The Patrons Club is a financial-support organization for the college.

Yours truly presented the Geraldine Manus Anson Memorial reentry scholarships to a mother-daughter duo — Varduhi Gasparyan and her daughter Liana Davtyan. Each received $500.

The night drew to a close with the announcement of Davit Avagyan as recipient of this year’s J. Walter Smith Man of the Year Award. The Elsie Bishop Woman of the Year Award went to Sindura Kandasamy.

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RUTH SOWBY may be reached at ruthasowby@gmail.com.