Sharing thoughts of Spain

B.W. COOK

Julia Argyros jetted into Newport Beach last week from her residence

at the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, where she serves as the grand American

hostess and representative, supporting her ambassador husband George

Argyros. Julia came to address the local crowd on life in Spain,

sharing both the sublime and the serious side, including the impact

of the recent terrorist bombings. The luncheon address at the Pacific

Club, Newport Beach, was sold out, with a waiting list of local

citizens wanting to contribute to the two organizations benefiting

from the Argyros’ appearance: Assessment Treatment Services Center

and Visionaries of the Orange County Museum of Art.

A triad of dynamic Newport women, Barbara Glabman, Carol Wilken

and Barbara Magness organized the event, which proved to be a

fascinating tour “behind the scenes of diplomatic life.” George

Argyros, a leading Orange County businessman and Newport resident,

was appointed as U.S. ambassador to Spain by President Bush. The

Argyros family has divided time between Europe and California for the

past four years, and their idyllic Newport Beach lifestyle has been

greatly altered by world events.

“The threat of terrorism in Madrid is constant,” Julia Argyros

said. “Not just from Al Qaeda, but from the Basque separatists in the

north.

“Gibraltar to the south is not far from North African centers of

vast political differences as well.”

The Argyros family, the U.S. Embassy and its staff are under

constant security guard, protected in part by U.S. Marines. Despite

the danger, life in Madrid is very full. Julia Argyros shared her

insights into the Spanish culture, history and vibrant lifestyle.

Local guests, including Pat Allen, Ronnie Allumbaugh, Marsha

Anderson, Cheryl Ball, Karen Betson, Olivia Chami, Nancy Daley and

Arden Flamsen, listened as Argyros detailed embassy life. A slide

presentation brought the narration to life as Argyros discussed the

protocol involved in representing the U.S. abroad.

Her most intimate thoughts revolved around the “outpouring of

grief” over the recent train bombings.

“The Spanish were devastated, expressing their great mourning

with an enormous candlelight vigil,” Argyros said. “The king and

queen attended the services, weeping, shaking the hand of every

family member attending the funeral services in Madrid’s Cathedral.”

Also attending the event were Fran and John Applegate, Carol

Campbell, E.G.Chamberlin, Janet Curci Walsh, Alison Frenzel, Dee

Higby, Heather Klein, Catherine and Jim Emmi, and Diane and Harry

Rinker. Assessment Treatment Services Center representative Sharon

Paisley said the luncheon raised $10,000. Following the reception,

Ambassador George and Julia Argyros kissed family and friends goodbye

and returned to Spain later in the day.

The Trojan League of Orange County honored the University of

Southern California Marching Band at their 34th annual benefit at the

Bower’s Museum in Santa Ana. Sue McKeever of Newport Beach and Linda

Ball of Nellie Gail Ranch coordinated the evening under the stars in

the Margaret and Cleo Key Courtyard. “An Evening of Music and

Masterpiece” began with a private museum viewing of Tibet: Treasures

from the Roof of the World and magnificent dining provided by

Tangata. More than 400 people including a large contingent of

Newport-Mesa Trojans turned out to cheer on the “Spirit of Troy”

band, while raising more than $30,000 to assist in music scholarships

and assistance. The program featured Dr. Arthur C. Bartner leading

the band through historical music that has given the band its infamy.

Newport-Mesa committee members in attendance include Phyllis

Christensen, Judy Joyner, Lori Petry, Lorna Pizzorni, Cinda Hoeven,

Diane Schweitzer, Tina Kreditor, Virgina Zenz, Maureen Mekian,

Melanie Fitch, Susan Ferrari, Mary Earl Spencer, Ginner Ochsner,

Joyce Morton, Anne Carlsen, Sue Schaar and Carol Pangburn.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.