On The Town:

La Crescenta Woman’s Club members present included President Rita Evan from Glendale, First Vice President Sally Benson, event co-chairwomen Carol Benedetti and Becki Jones, publicity co-chairwomen Gloria Lee and Sharon Benoit with husband Steve Benoit, Jean Bates, Jonelle Bisetti, Genny Bundick, Danette Erickson, Tamata Hughes, Carol Huntwork, Julie Lendt, Dea McCrory, Kathy Miller, Pat Wichert and Marilyn Wright. Angie Perry brought nine of her Theta Chi Epsilon sorority sisters, celebrating their 50th year as sorority members.

On this beautiful evening, without a cloud in the sky, guest Jackie Genofile recalled the flood of 1980 when the dam at the top of Pine Cone Road broke and dumped 13 cars onto her front yard in La Crescenta.

Proceeds from the dinner dance will help support local charities and scholarships.

Under blue skies and gentle breezes, the Gold Shield Alumnae of UCLA visited the Los Angeles Zoo on Friday. Gold Shield also raises money for scholarships for students, some of which are transfers from Glendale Community College. Gold Shield’s “Arts Adventure” attracted members from Burbank and Glendale.

First on the docent tour was Reggie the alligator, known as the “escape artist” from the slough near the L.A. harbor. But the stars were the Western lowland gorillas in their newly constructed $19-million Gorilla Reserve.

Gold Shield members “on safari” included Jo and Leon Knophoff, Sheila and Dean Cameron, Marilyn Gatto, Penny Hutchinson, Eileen and Ed Kramer, Val Maisner, Karleen Marienthal, Joan Mills, Judy Postley, Dolly Trogman and Kristy Young.

Gold Shield is UCLA’s premiere organization for raising millions of dollars for student scholarships.

January is not too early to start planning a wedding. And organizers of the Bridal Faire at The Castaway on Sunday were more than happy to oblige. “Dreams Come True” was the theme of the show, featuring more than 40 exhibitors.

At $5 per person, it was the best bargain in town. Complimentary valet parking, hors d’oeuvres and champagne, and door prizes were provided.

Visitors with weddings on their minds included Cheyenne Haynes, mom Helene Kress, Susie Lopez, Vschi Garcia, Brittney McDiffett, Lily Flores and Dick LaMont.

Participating vendors were there representing everything from balloonists to videographers. One of the more popular exhibitors was Burbank’s Hotel Amarano, giving away Porto’s pastries.

Faire participants, determined to make their “dreams come true,” reluctantly departed several hours later as the fruit ripened, the cakes dried out and the ice sculptures melted.

 RUTH SOWBY can be reached at ruthsowby@msn.com.