The Valley Line: Resident wins Academy Award for ‘Frozen’; Tournament of Roses happy hour; Junior Women’s Club Olympics wrap-up party
That golden guy had his big night out last Sunday when Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 86th Academy Award ceremony at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Thank goodness Friday’s and Saturday’s deluge had abated and didn’t flood the red carpet arrivals of the stars.
It was a big night with “12 Years a Slave” coming out on top as best picture. If I had been a voting member of the Academy, this film would have also gotten my vote — it is an extraordinary movie.
The red carpet parade of the elegant fashions and fabulous jewels once again captured my attention. Oscar nominees Cate Blanchett, Jennifer Lawrence, Amy Adams and Sandra Bullock were absolutely dazzling in their beautiful gowns.
Picking up an Oscar for best animated film was Disney’s “Frozen” directed by La Cañada Flintridge resident Chris Buck. In his acceptance speech he paid tribute to his late son, Ryder, by calling him “My guardian angel.” It was a very warm and personal moment.
---
Last Friday night Barbara and Rob McLinn opened up their lovely home to host the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn.’s monthly “Happy Hour.”
The heavy rain outbursts didn’t dampen the merriment as about 50 guests gathered by the dining table and nibbled on some fine tasting hors d’oeuvres and desserts that guests had brought.
Newly installed President Bill Pounders welcomed everyone. He also graciously showed Barbie Eland, the new press chairman, the ropes of recording the event and taking photos. That was Pounders’ duty last year.
Some of those attending were Eileen St. Amand, Joey Mitchell, Pat and Otis Hutchins, Mike Leininger, Julie Cameron, David Granish, David Moffett, Joe Thompson, Adene and Jim Misamore, Pamela and Bud Carney, Jeanne and Jim Wallace, Bob Wallace, Dick Barley, Chuck and Becky Gelhaar, Jenny Pass, Daryal and Mary Gant, Eremita Miranda, Larry Andreason, Pam Wiedenbeck, Clyde and Bobbie Hemphill, Nancy Wyman, Pat Foltyn, Vera and Garth Gragg, Joel and Darleen Peterson, Sue Beatty, Jason and Laura Berns, Harriet Hammons, Vicky and Derick Rotunno, and Peggy Hotaling.
---
The La Cañada Junior Women’s Club celebrated the closing of the Olympic Games by having a “wrap it up party.” Michelle and Tim Sabourin hosted the event at their beautiful La Cañada Flintridge hilltop home that overlooks the city.
Nearly 160 people dressed for the occasion by donning various winter sports-inspired gear. There were many ski hats and jackets of many hues, colorful curling pants, even a sparkling ice skating costume that might have dazzled the audience in Russia.
Games of different kinds were played. One of the most popular was the wine bottle toss where plastic rings were thrown to capture a bottle of many different vintages.
Another game gathering a crowd was a hockey puck shoot off led by Tony McIlwaine, who does play hockey.
In homage to Russia, the signature cocktails of the evening were vodka based. When not playing games, dancing or chatting, guests dined on various salads, meats and pasta.
Guests were also kept busy bidding on a large array of silent auction items ranging from spa facials to opportunities to attend sports events and dine at fine area restaurants.
Party co-chairs were Michelle Sabourin and Edita Khanlarian. Their committee members included Chizuko Peterson, Mia Hussield, Cheryl Trobridge and Erin Guttierez.
Proceeds of the event went directly to the club’s charities Ronald McDonald House and Haven House.
Paige McIlwaine, president of the organization, which is celebrating its 45th year in the community, welcomed guests and thanked them for their support of the club’s charities.
--
JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@yahoo.com with news of your special event.