The Valley Line
Autumn weather is here — I think. At least the cooler weather inspired me to decorate my home with pumpkins, brightly colored gourds, autumn leaf swags and other trappings of the season.
Even if it does get warm again, the décor of my home will still be remind me of traveling through New England resplendent with its autumn colors.
The Orchestras of Pasadena said farewell to summer and hello to autumn with their last gathering at the Boddy Mansion in Descanso Gardens where guests enjoyed an intimate setting for beautiful music, a delightful menu prepared by chef Tiana Driggs of Patina, and three delightful wines presented by Ann Rea of the Henry Wine Group.
Karen White, a gifted artist who often displays her beautiful work at Descanso Gardens, was on hand that evening with brush in hand and a waiting canvas to record this last event that will resume next year.
As the time grows near, I will let you know about the upcoming and unique music, food and wine pairings. You mix these elements with the good company of other diners and you will have a superb evening, I promise.
The new season for the Stardusters Dance Club has begun. Pam and Tim Towery were chairs of the first dance held at the historic Lanterman House in La Cañada.
The Stardusters theme for this year is “Dedicated to the Dance.” The monthly dances will each highlight a different style of dance.
This first dance was called “Afternoon Delight” and the featured dance was the fox trot. Just to get everyone up to speed on the intricacies of the steps in this dance was Francisco Martinez, a master instructor from the Dance Family studio in Pasadena.
He later judged the fox trot contest. Taking the first place trophy was the dance duo of Shirley and Jim Perkins. Their prize was a gift certificate donated by Taylor’s Steakhouse. Lynne and Joe Thompson took second place.
“Blue Soul,” a trio and singer provided the very danceable music for the afternoon dance. An extra added attraction to the event came when Melissa Patton, executive director, and docents led tours of the home.
Those enjoying the event were Shirley and Jack Stearns, Edie Askew and Jim Mramor, Peggy Touchstone and Jim Phillips, Diane and Newt Russell, Cory and Chris Stevens, Susan and Jim Holland, Lynne and Joe Thompson, Fran and Terry Buchannan, Pat and Dick Anderson, Irene and Lloyd Welch, Genevieve and John Lucas, Stefi and Kent Kuster, Lillian and Roy Olofson, Polly and Brent Allen, Gigi and Jim Schlueter, Easy and Ed Delaney, Susan and Barry Franzen, Mary and Daryal Gant, Vera and Garth Gragg, Lorry and Allan Herbert, Margie and Tony Riewe, Nance and Fielding Thompson.
JANE NAPIER NEELY has been covering the La Cañada Flintridge social scene for over 26 years. She can be reached at jnvalleysun@aol.com.