La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce: LCF Chamber celebrates officers, awards and 2008 Miss La Cañada Flintridge

The Ninety Sixth Installation and Awards Dinner for the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce and Community Association was held the evening of Jan. 17 at the Oakmont Country Club.

The evening was a time to honor those that have donated their time and talents to making the community a better place. Active chamber member Sunder Ramani kept the audience entertained as master of ceremonies.

The event was also the platform for announcing Miss La Cañada Flintridge 2008. Since the announcement of the finalists during the Festival in Lights in December, the five girls of the royal court have bonded into a strong sisterhood.

“We really are like sisters,” confirmed Iman Khan, member of the royal court.

The girls hugged each other and shared memories early Thursday evening, trying not to think too much of the announcement that would be made later that night.

“I remember watching these girls every year,” Olivia Tucker, royal court member, said of her memories of previous courts.

“It has been a great day. We had our makeup and hair done, [and] we feel like celebrities,” said Meghan Bartine, another royal member.

After all the chamber awards were handed out, the five finalists held hands as they waited for the big announcement.

“2008 Miss La Cañada Flintridge is Taylor Segal,” declared Paige Dunbar.

The girls all hugged Segal while she tried to keep her composure.

“I was proud,” said her father, Peter Segal. “Her grandfather passed away a week ago. I felt bad that he wasn’t here.”

He added that all the girls were winners and that their friendship will endure. “All of these girls are best friends; they had a slumber party last night.”

Those honored by the chamber included: Karen Poindexter as Ambassador of the Year; La Cañada Flintridge Country Club for Business Achievement; Terry Walker as Businesswoman of the Year; Don and Maggi Graf received the Community Service Award; Dr. William F. Schubert, M.D. received the Golden Anniversary Award; LeeAnn’s Place received the Community Spirit Award; Descanso Gardens received Organization of the Year award; and Event Power Associates accepted the Community Volunteer of the Year.