On the Town: Elks Lodge dresses up for summer show

While summer officially arrived on June 20, most folks don't really get into the swing of the season until today. There's just something about the Fourth of July, with its celebrations, family get-togethers and barbecues that says summer is here!

The Burbank Emblem Club did their part to welcome in the summer of 2012 as they presented their summer luncheon and fashion show this past week. Staged under the theme “Summer Fashions” at the Elks Lodge on Hollywood Way, members and guests were welcomed by the event's chairwoman, Elaine Paonessa.

Following lunch, the attendees, including Lynn White-Shelby, Marj Overstreet, Nancy Johnson, Laureen Endoso, Mary Jane Strickland and DeeDee Ruhlow were treated to a fashion show, emceed by John Rick, coordinated by My Fair Lady of Tarzana and featuring Emblem Club members as models. Escorted by Randy Garcia and Denis Pifer, the show's models included Peggy Foltz, Bobbie Garcia, Corinne Gonsales, Ramona Higgins, Connie Rush and Joanne Vallone.

The Burbank Emblem Club, chapter 86, is part of the Supreme Emblem Club of the United States of America. Chartered in 1942, to assist the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Burbank Lodge No. 1497, the organization raises funds and performs community and charitable services for numerous state, regional and local organizations including the Salvation Army Burbank Corps, Burbank Temporary Aid Center, Burbank Family Service Agency, Foothill Service for the Blind, Ronald McDonald House and the California Hearing Dog Program. The club also provides scholarships for teachers of the hearing impaired along with scholarships for Burbank high school students.

Among the businesses and individuals who assisted in making Saturday's event a success were Councilman Gary Bric, the Castaway Restaurant, the Colony Theater, the Walt Disney Company, NBC/Universal, the Elephant Bar, Trader Joe's, Sheridan Gardens, the Falcon Theater and the event committee that included Barbara Maslyk, Cookie Bentivegna, Bobbi Palmatary and Mary Hoffman.

DAVID LAURELL can be reached by email dlaurell@aol.com or (818) 563-1007.