On the Town: Assistance League rings in the holidays early
Jean Peacock is a kid again. Well, just at heart.
The Glendale Assistance League member has been busy coordinating the room of dolls that will be featured in the “Christmas in August Sale” from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 to 20.
All items have been donated to the league’s Thrift Alley second-hand shop, but they will be displayed in the main room of the Chapter House next door, at 314 E. Harvard St.
Peacock was the perfect choice to organize the doll area. A collector herself, she still has the Victorian doll house given to her when she was a child.
Dolls available during the sale span collectibles from the 1950s to contemporary.
A Madame Alexander slated to be displayed was one of the first vinyl-jointed dolls that allowed a little girl to reposition the arms and legs, she said.
There will also be accessories, such as shoes and sweaters, for another popular collectible — the Ginny doll — manufactured by the Vogue Doll Co. Inc. Shoppers will also delight in knowing that another holiday favorite — the Byers’ Choice caroling figurines — will be another highlight of the sale.
“There is a wonderful variety of dolls,” Peacock said, adding that prices will range from $2 to $30.
There will also be holiday items galore, said publicity chair Danette Erickson, including everything from decorations and craft supplies to gift suggestions such as jewelry, toys, holiday clothing and books.
“The main meeting room will resemble a Christmas wonderland,” Erickson said.
Holiday trees will be decked out in various themes replete with sparkling lights, garland and ornaments.
It’s also an opportunity to purchase a splurge item — such as silver tea sets and fur coats, Erickson said.
The Chapter House is wheelchair accessible. Parking is free. And, if you haven’t gotten your fill of shopping, the Thrift Alley will also be open.
People start lining up an hour before the sale to get the best items, Erickson said.
Proceeds help support the league’s many community projects. Through Operation School Bell, the members purchase clothing and shoes and invite more than 500 students from the Glendale Unified School District to pick up the items at the league’s Chapter House.
Another project is to provide weekly training for adults to learn vocational skills.
Members also coordinate an “Authors and Illustrators Day” at three elementary schools each year that allow schoolchildren to meet with professionals and ask them about their vocations. To promote literacy, the group provides a $1,500 donation to each of the three schools’ libraries.
For more information about Assistance League Glendale, visit alglendale.org.
Ardis Bazyn was installed for a second term as president of the Verdugo Glen chapter of the American Business Women’s Assn. during its 53rd anniversary celebration at the Glendale Elks Club.
Joining her on the board are Anne Marie Johnson, vice president; Kathy Preshaw, recording secretary; Lisa Swain, corresponding secretary; and Teri Chandler, treasurer. Past president Lynn White Shelby conducted the installation of officers.
Mistress of ceremonies, Marty Preciado, introduced the past presidents attending. They were Bazyn, Shelby, Donna Hempel, Kathryn Van Houten, Maria Tapang, Lori Hartwell, Sharon Jaeger, Nancy Johnson, Rhea Rader and Evelyn Reichgelt.
Preciado then presented the Woman of the Year pin to all members who have been received that distinction since the league was formed.
Jaeger announced the four young women receiving scholarships. They were Adrianna Ochoa, attending West Coast University; Christina Leon and Daniela Ruvalcaba, both attending Cal State Northridge; and Elizabeth Leon, attending Los Angeles Valley College. Funds are raised primarily through the organization’s annual spring fashion show.
The purpose of the American Business Women’s Assn. is to bring together business women of diverse occupations and provide opportunities for them to grow personally and professionally through leadership, education, networking support and national recognition.
For membership information or to learn more about the organization, contact Johnson, the group’s vice president, at (626) 354-6478.
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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.