Newport couple celebrates 56th

B.W. COOK

Lido Isle’s lovely Marion Pickens said “yes” to a proposal of

marriage from her handsome beau Dennis Pickens 56 years ago this

week.

World War II had ended, and the world was safe for a moment.

Dennis and Marion were students at Southern Methodist University in

Dallas, where they fell in love on a first date at a fraternity

party. Married two years later on Jan. 7, 1948, the Pickens would

move to California, start a family, and build their lives together.

Today, they are cherished members of the greater Newport family,

generously giving their time, talent and resources to numerous

community endeavors. Happy anniversary, Marion and Dennis. We expect

to cover your 75th in the Daily Pilot. Space is being held.

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The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Orange County held a holiday

bash at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort, Newport Beach. It was a

“first annual” event sponsored by a group of dedicated local

residents who rallied to support the efforts of college student

Alexandra Robinson of Newport Beach.

Robinson, a graduate of Newport Harbor High School and

granddaughter of legendary Balboa Island restaurateur Amelia Seton,

planned the fundraiser in honor of a friend diagnosed with leukemia

only a year ago who is now thankfully in remission.

“The experience of my friend opened my eyes to the need for help

to assist their suffering and to ultimately find a cure,” Robinson

said. “We had 40 guests attend, and we raised $3,000. Next year, we

have set a goal to raise $10,000, and we’ve already set a date of

Dec. 14, 2004.”

All proceeds are earmarked to fund research for curing leukemia,

lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma. To support Robinson, call

her at (949) 244-2277.

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The Philharmonic Society of Orange County celebrates 50 years of

music and service to the community in 2004. Organizers are planning a

full year of events to commemorate this golden anniversary season.

Founded in 1954, the society has presented symphony orchestras,

chamber ensembles, soloists, and artists of all kinds to Orange

County audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

At Pinot Provence, Costa Mesa, society patrons dined at their

annual “Esterhazy Dinner” chaired by Elaine Delman, to commence the

annual activities. The upcoming 50th anniversary gala, “Music &

Romance,” is set for Feb. 13 at the Montage, Laguna Beach. TV host Ed

McMahon will emcee the evening, which will be organized by Annie

Foster Freedland, Mary Kay Vandermolen, Sabra Bordas, Sharon McNalley

and Bobbitt Williams.

For information and reservations on the gala, or on future events,

call the Philharmonic Society at (949) 553-2422.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.