Long Beach celebrates 125th anniversary
A curtain of fireworks concluded the formal program celebrating Long Beach's 125th birthday.
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center President and CEO Steve Goodling conducted the countdown toward lighting the 18-foot birthday cake (now on display at the Terrace Theatre Plaza).
The extravaganza, held earlier this month, included 500 guests and the Cove Special Event Space at the Convention Center provided an informal setting for photo opportunities and LED game tables. Guests had fun with the interactive stations of hors d'oeuvres while the food trucks sated appetites.
Seen at the scene: Besides most of the city staff, leaders from various hotels and the rest of the business community, and convention clientele were also present. Also attending were Mayor Robert Garcia, former police Chief Robert Luna, former L.A. County Sheriff Jim and Kathleen McDonnell, former L.A. Supervisor Don and Julie Knabe, Charlie Beirne, Mari Hooper, Jo Murray, Rep. Maxine Waters and former Councilman Dee Andrews, Mike Munoz, Blaire Cohen, Chris Wacker, Pat West, Naomi Rainey-Pierson, LaVerne Duncan, with Montel Williams being surprise visitor to the party.
41st Outstanding Senior of the Year Luncheon
Sylvia Manheim and Skip Keesal were honored for a “Lifetime of Service” at the LBCC Foundation's Lifetime Learning Center's Signature Fundraiser. Held on May 17 at The Grand, the event raised more than $10,000. Around 125 people attended the luncheon, originally known as the Outstanding LBCC Senior of the Year, created to recognize seniors for their accomplishments.
Camryn Manheim introduced her mother, 96-year-old Sylvia Manheim, founder of Olli Senior Learning Center. Camryn delighted the audience with stories of her mother's rebellious nature and protestations. She related when she was a young girl, she called her mother and said, “Mom, I'm in jail!” Her mom replied, “Wonderful! Stay the course!” Just last week, Sylvia was a part of a protest for women's rights. She follows what she preaches — “a lifetime of learning” — by currently taking four classes at Olli.
Jim Gray introduced Skip Keesal on video.Skip was in Washington, D.C., on an urgent matter. Skip spoke of his lifelong passion for roping with his favorite horse, Dillon. To illustrate his point of what's possible, despite age, he told of their last competition. Dillon was 30, which is old in horse years, and Skip was 60. He was told he shouldn't compete at their advanced ages. With a devilish grin, Skip said, “No one told Dillon he was old. We won first place!” Skip's son, Steve Keesal, accepted the Lifetime of Service award in Skip's absence.
The event was sponsored by Platinum Sponsors Barbara Ellis and Keesal, Young & Logan.
Scene at the scene: Steve and Hope Keesal, Katherine Keesal, Richard Brown, Mike Munoz, Paul Kaminski, Theresa Brunella, Gail Schwandner, Naomi Blackmore, Mike and Arlene Walters, Barbara Ellis, Marlene Temple, Gloria Deukmejian, Barbara Hall, Mari Hooper, Nancy Koblensky, Sandi Rice, Ginny Baxter, Herlinda Chico, Jayne Lastusky and Craig Dougherty, Jean Bixby Smith, Roberto and Tonia Uranga, caryn desai, Theresa Marino, Frances Keyes, Virgie Barnes, Tommy Nerman, Lois Schneider, Beverly Norberg, Barry Borkin, Linda Brayton, Carmen O. Perez, Henry and Julie Toboada, Barbara White, Karin Covey (OLLI vice president), Jan Berliner, Mary Baca, Michael Marshall, Jean Marie VanDine, Barbara Spatz, John Halligan, Stefan Steinberg, Debbie Brooks, Rosemary Lewellan.
Greater Long Beach Alumnae Panhellenic
A small-but-enthusiastic crowd of 50 Greater Long Beach Alumnae Panhellenic members gathered at The Centre, at Sycamore Plaza, in Lakewood, late last month to celebrate the achievements of local college students during the scholarship awards luncheon.
President Shoshana Nakano acknowledged that 2022 feels like a transition year, but said donor support remains high and excitement has begun to build for the organization's centennial celebration in 2023.
CSULB undergraduates Andrea Boyn, Daria Zand, Jessie Louie, Madelynn Perez each received $1,000 scholarship awards for their excellence in academics, community service and extracurricular pursuits. Two $500 Legacy of Philanthropy awards for volunteer service were presented to CSULB student Neriah Cervantes and UCLA student Emily Santo.
Long Beach Alumnae Panhellenic gives scholarships to sorority women who attend CSULB or who live in the Long Beach area but go to college elsewhere in the country. The nonprofit has distributed more than $110,000 since the 1950s.
Greater Long Beach Alumnae Panhellenic is part of the National Panhellenic Conference, one of the oldest and largest organizations advocating for women, with 5.5 million members at more than 670 U.S. college campuses and 3,500 alumnae chapters around the world.
Each year, NPC-affiliated collegians and alumnae donate more than $34 million to worthy causes, provide $5.5 million in scholarships and volunteer 1 million hours in their communities.
Keynote speaker Karen Campbell of the Delta Zeta Foundation installed the 2022-23 Long Beach officers: President Mia Ellsberry, Shoshana Nakano, Diana Eastman, Brandi Tyson, Fabi Montano and Jonelle Kelner.
Seen at the scene: Delegates Dee Bertelson, Meghan Gilling and Donna Timmons, and past presidents Jan Jones, CJ Monroe, Marlene Mourtzikos, Jeanne Paige and Marie Rees. Also attending were Elaine Goodnoe, Joana Marsteller, Happy Schaffner and Linda Ramsay.
Steel Magnolias
Some 40 or so Steel Magnolia members met for a gourmet breakfast at Michael's on Naples Ristorante on May 22. Mimosas and champagne toasts preceded a breakfast choice of eggs benedict, a gourmet burger sandwich or Dutch pancake. Excitement was the order of the day.
The group was celebrating with their annual prefundraiser shindig. Their July 31st fundraising event is generating lots of enthusiasm and creativity.
Seen at the scene: President Elizabeth Borsting, Past Presidents Mari Hooper, Shirlee Bouch, Judy McNulty Black, Lorie Merrill, President-elect Bobbie Fesler and Denise Dahlhausen who organized the fun day. Also lending a hand was Stephanie Davis, Michele Dobson, Claire Guillen.
News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9468. Please include a contact phone number. Send highresolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@ verizon.net Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.