The Valley Line

Don’t forget to watch the televised opening ceremonies of the XXIX Olympiad tomorrow evening on KNBC, Channel 4.

Judge Charles Carter Lee, a La Cañada resident who heads up the delegation of the U.S. athletes, promised that he would be waving to all of us when he marches onto the field with our outstanding Olympic team. So, stock up on tasty edibles and flavorful sipping beverages and settle in for what promises to be quite a spectacular.

The “Really Big Show” in the stadium that is referred to as a bird’s nest, is expected to last 3-1/2 hours with a cast of 10,000. During the Games, some 10,500 athletes from all over the world will compete in 302 events in 28 sports.

I am a huge Olympics fan and will be giving my DVR a workout with many overtime hours as I record the events I don’t want to miss when I am out and about town. Stay tuned, folks, I know there will be exciting sports times until Aug. 24 when China closes up their Olympic tent.

The July cooling trend made for a beautiful evening for socializing at the LCF Tournament of Roses Happy Hour. Shirley and Don Hingst were the gracious hosts for the popular community event that 60 people attended.

Of course there was a fabulous array of hors d’oeuvres that people created in their own kitchens for nibbling and noshing. The bar tending team that night included Joel Smith, Dick Barley, Charles Plowman and Merv Johnson.

The party was held poolside and Shirley and Don enhanced the waterscape with battery powered multi-hued fish that made one think they were on an exotic tropical island.

Among the guests enjoying the party were Betty Jones, Claire Slaughter, Bev Albright, Ruth & Charlie Plowman, Joy, Jill & Joe Wilson, Gloria & Terry Beyer, Lee & Merv Johnson, Gloria Winkley, Mary & Daryal Gant, Brenda Gant, Jean & Don Spomer, Joe Peterson, Diane & John Landrum, Joyce & Bob Covey, Doris Horwith, Malak Peterman, Joey & Dave Mitchell, and Trisch & Ron Diaz.

More folks attending the gathering were Fran & Bill Evans, Craig Peters, Nancy & Dick Grippi, Donald Voss, Kathy Burns, Bobbie & Clyde Hemphill, Nancy Wyman Vera & Garth Gragg, Trudy Dunne, Dorothy & Bob Lyans, Eremita & Larry Andreason, Anne Hills, Evie & Dick Barley, Joel Smith, Bob Neilson, Alice, Dave, Steve & Andy Spence, Sue Beatty, Peggy Hotaling & Patti Newton.

The next monthly mixer is the ever-popular “Hamburger Night” at the home of Sarah and Mayfield Marshall, 4918 Vineta Ave., on Friday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. For $8 each, anyone in the community over 18 can enjoy a delicious hamburger (or cheeseburger) with all the fixin’s. Just bring an appetizer to share — the TRA Board donates potato salad, baked beans and all the condiments. As usual, beverages will be available for purchase at a nominal cost.

JANE NAPIER NEELY has been covering the La Cañada social scene for over 26 years. She can be reached at jnvalleysun@aol.com.