Panhellenic Assn. honors giver

B.W. COOK

A sentimental tribute was shared by all in attendance at the 39th

annual Athena benefit luncheon of the Central Orange County Alumnae

Panhellenic Assn.

The tribute focused on Jan Landstrom, a longtime Corona del Mar

resident and social activist quietly orchestrating massive efforts of

goodwill benefiting local citizens over decades of service. Landstrom

received the prized Athena Award at the luncheon gathering held at

Turnip Rose, Orange, presented to her by her peers in the world of

charity and social service. She was joined in the honor by another

dedicated volunteer, Maureen Holthe of Tustin.

Nominated for the Athena by the Orange County Salvation Army,

Landstrom served the Army as founder of the Women’s Auxiliary and has

been on its board since 1991.

“Jan also founded the ARC Angels, a support group for women

dependent on drugs and alcohol,” said Cathy O’Connell, representing

the Panhellenic Assn. “She was a co-founder of the Pacific Chorale

and a founding member of the Pacific Chorale Guild, serving as

president for two years. Landstrom served on the first board of the

Orange County Performing Arts Center and is currently a director

emeritus.”

Landstrom’s list of service credits also features a prominent role

in the Imagination Celebration for children and recognition as the

creator of Founders Plus, a support group of the Performing Arts

Center.

Attending the Athena event were Panhellenic Board President Katie

Parsons, Mary Kane, Carmen Namenek, Analea Kredel, Jan Collier and

Cathy O’Connell. In addition to paying tribute to Landstrom and

Holthe, the ladies presented five $1,000 college scholarships to

deserving local women entering various universities.

ALZHEIMER’S BENEFIT

The Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County cordially invites the

Newport-Mesa community to share in a very special evening, “Memories

in the Making.”

A champagne reception will accompany an art auction featuring the

work of local Alzheimer patients. Unfolding Friday at the Park Tower

Atrium in Costa Mesa, the evening will be fronted by popular mistress

of ceremonies Stephanie Edwards with support from celebrity

auctioneer Chuck Dreyer.

Chaired by Joyce Weiss, with assistance from Donna Bianchi,

Virginia Atherton, Electa Anderson, Sharon Brown, Joyce Graham, Karen

Johnson, Rosalyn Wexler and La Doris Heinly, proceeds will benefit

Alzheimer’s programs in Orange County. A donation of $75 per person

is requested.

Please call (714) 283-111 to make your reservation.

FESTIVAL OF CHILDREN

Sandy Segerstrom Daniels announced this week the formation of the

Festival of Children Foundation. Daniels produced the Festival of

Children, held at South Coast Plaza, with the purpose of fostering

education, arts, health and community involvement specially targeted

at improving the lives of community kids.

To inaugurate the efforts of the new foundation, organizers will

sponsor 100 children represented by local charities at a performance

on Nov. 11 of “The Emperors New Clothes” at South Coast Repertory

Theatre.

In a previous column, I erroneously reported that the Festival of

Children was an event to raise funds for children’s charities when it

was not a fund-raiser, but was rather about awareness of the need for

the entire community to get involved with children. The celebration

of children featured a variety of programs open to children and their

families throughout September.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.