The Blacks mark another 10 years of marriage

During my first year on the job as society editor some 10 years ago,

I ran a piece on a Costa Mesa couple celebrating its 50th wedding

anniversary. It was my intent then, and now, to celebrate the

personal and positive side of humanity in print.

This week, Corinne and Dave Black celebrated their 60th

anniversary. Married in Tacoma, Wash., in 1943, the couple has

resided in Costa Mesa since 1959.

A luncheon at Santa Ana Country Club, hosted by their three

children, David Black of Aptos, Calif.; Steven Black of Lake Oswego,

Ore.; and Kristin Black of Huntington Beach, brought together family

and friends to toast 60 years of love. Jazz artist Page Cavanaugh and

his trio entertained as family history and community bonds were

recounted in tributes. I will happily look forward to printing the

Blacks’ 70th anniversary celebration.

REAL ESTATE WOMEN RAISE FUNDS

Real estate has long been a vital business in this community. Last

week, some of the leading women in commercial real estate --

Commercial Real Estate Women, or CREW -- joined forces at the Balboa

Yacht Club in Corona del Mar to enjoy a little summer socializing and

raise funds for a good cause.

The event tally was $5,000, to be donated to Wise Place, a shelter

for abused women and children. On hand to accept the donation and

thank the women was Kathy Bowman, executive director of the charity.

Nancy and Mark Buchanan, Balboa Yacht Club members, sponsored the

evening at the yacht club, with support from co-chairs Cheryl Byrne,

Berri Cannon, and Eileen Schuler.

“This summer event is so popular that we have guests drive in from

as far away as L.A., San Diego, and Riverside,” Schuler said.

Local gals attending included: Barbara lao-Thorson, Stefanie

Patrick, Cheryl Dow, Marcia Forsyth, Beth Kiley, Jerri Klein, Debi

Stanley, Gary Maxwell, Lori Kramer, Cathy Voreyer, Diane Bartko,

Karen Hardy, Doris Bolton, Mary Monday, Maxxy Farzine and Catherine

Fredinburg.

CHRISTMAS COMES EARLY FOR THE CENTER

Neiman Marcus has already created its holiday boutique. It’s

brimming with fabulous Christmas ornaments and gifts worthy of

collecting. It’s no wonder that the fall and winter social season is

getting a push when August temps are climbing into the 100-degree

range.

So, if you are lounging poolside in your bikini and dreaming of

being Cinderella at the holiday ball, switch mental gears, put down

the margarita and mark your calendar for September (my birthday is

that month) and plan to attend the fabulous Nordstrom 2003

Candlelight Concert gown presentation at South Coast Plaza.

This will be the fifth annual spotlight on gowns produced by the

dynamic ladies of the Orange County Performing Arts Center

Candlelight Concert Committee. The fashion show and cocktail

reception honors the underwriters of Candlelight Concert, the most

important Center fund-raiser of the year.

For more information on supporting the Center and Candlelight,

call (714) 556-2122, ext. 702.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.