|
The La Cawañian La Cañada, CA – April 26, 2000 Eileen Ferber, Editor OPENING Inez Pickering entertained over 200 guests with her marvelous musical talent at the piano. Before the festivities got under way, Ed Moulton reminded everyone of the Soap Box Derby we are having Memorial Day weekend and that we all need to participate. President Jim Reynolds told us we were celebrating a 49-year-old tradition, as the Kiwanis Club honored La Cañadan of the Year, Wes Seastrom. La Cañada Flintridge Mayor Dave Spence was Master of Ceremonies and did an outstanding job. Ed Moulton led us in our patriotic song. Jim Edwards led in the salute to the flag and Jerry Fulwood led us in prayer. Dave said since he is no Roger Barkley, he was deferring the story telling to Frosty Boyd, who told one of his infamous stories (can’t he be fined for that?) GUESTS We had lots! The room was filled to capacity and Dick DeGrey had to turn folks away who got their reservations in too late. Those who were introduced were some of the former La Cañadan of the Year Awardees and included Nila Barkley, Warren Hillgren, Ellen Ellis, Kent Frewing, Dave Herrman, Ken and Sue Schechter, Jeanne Maus, Claire Slaughter, Alice and Dave Spence, Mary Hastings, Jean McVicker, Joy Gifford, Joan Feehan, Bill Pickering and Dick and Shirley DeGrey. Ten members of the AM Kiwanis attended, but since we know them so well, they were not introduced individually. Councilmembers Anthony Portantino, Jerry Martin and Carol Liu represented the City of LCF. We had several former mayors attending, including Joan Feehan, Jim Edwards, Warren Hillgren, Carol Liu and Dave Spence. Will Moffitt, Jeanne broberg, Barbara Racklin and Jinny Dalbeck represented the LCUSD. Our special law enforcement top officer, Capt. Ralph Martin, was recognized. PROGRAM The Dick and Jerry (as in DeGrey and Healey) vaudeville act followed. They could have been a bit more polished, but admitted they were rehearsing their act for the first time. "You may wonder why the two of us are doing this," DeGrey said. "It’s because Wes Seastrom has done so much in this community since he was born, it took the two of us to get it all together." The duo presented a litany of why Wes was chosen La Cañadan of the Year. Speeches followed from some of Wes’ best friends. Andy Gilmour grew up with Wes. They have led parallel lives since then and now live in LCF where they both are raising their families. He noted Wes’ great ability as a communicator and attributed it to the successful fund raising efforts of the Boosters Club. "He’s a regular guy who goes the extra mile for kids and his community," said Gilmour. Dave Spence talked about Wes’ service to the community. "This city is better because of ‘home town’ boys like you and I’m proud to say you’re my good friend." Brother Craig said he was told this was not a roast, so all he came up with was a blank page. He did say Wes was very humble growing up. "You were always looking forward to what you could do. He saluted his brother, "Look at what you’ve done in the past 10 years. I don’t know if you see it, but others do." Rick Mueller, Wes’ business partner, said we should have "a lot more average guys like Wes." He talked about their 40-year friendship, their nicknames and their pranks. He talked about trust and forgiveness and how the city is enriched by Wes’ efforts. "For you my friend, the glass is never half empty. You are proof that one person can and does make a difference," he said. Special recognition followed from Supervisor Mike Antonovich, Congressman James Rogan, Senator Adam Schiff, Assemblyman Jack Scott, the LCUSD, the City of LCF and a special Kiwanis Award, presented by past-president Bill Scherkey. Then we heard from our La Cañadan of the Year. He thanked his family, Booster members and co-workers from Keilholtz Realtors for attending. He introduced his family: Wife Jennifer, Sons Robert and Bryan, his mother Jo, aunt Marea Seastrom, cousin Carolyn, brother-in-law John Roberts and Jennifer’s parents Hal and Jan Roberts and brother Craig and his wife Wendy. He said LCF is unique because of the shade trees planted over 50 years by unselfish residents, "common people with common vision." He said he is humbled to be among the distinguished list of former La Cañadans of the Year and he is grateful for their service to LCF. He talked about the inspiration he received from his family. He talked about two people who he admired and respected most, and who he has tried to emulate – his father W. Don Seastrom and uncle Wesley C. Seastrom and referred to their passing as due to a need for their unique partnership being required at a higher level. It was their encouragement that gave him his love of sports and dedication to community. He closed with a moving poem that ended with a thought-provoking line, "You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today." Since that emulates the Kiwanis motto "We Build," it was a fitting way to end the festivities honoring our La Cañadan of the Year, Wes Seastrom. Following a standing ovation, we sang a birthday salute to Wes, who just happened to be celebrating his birthday, and presented him with a birthday cake graciously supplied by Cakery Bakery as a gift to our guest. Our talented Shirley DeGrey composed the birthday medley. Following the USC Fight song, we adjourned. NEXT WEEK: Invocation: Jim Barrett Sgt. At Arms: Mike Stokes Flag Salute: Eileen Ferber Raffle: Dick DeGrey
|
