Harry Saltzgaver, the former editor of the Grunion Gazette — the Press-Telegram’s weekly sister publication — once again put pen to paper to write the Long Beach Playhouse Radio Hour fundraiser. Keesal Young & Logan’s new offices were the beautiful site for this year’s fun event, held on Jan. 31.

Saltzgaver the bard annually writes a tongue-in-cheek parody the current milieu, utilizing prominent citizens, known for the evening as “The Not Even Close to Ready for Primetime Players.”

This year’s troupe featured the “political power crew of Long Beach.”

With tongue-in-cheek, the skit poked fun at current affairs in Long Beach, Cal State Long Beach, artificial intelligence, the 20208 Olympics and politicians.

Nearly $6,000 was raised from the 60 to 70 attendees and from raffle items that included tickets to the Long Beach Symphony and International City Theatre, a painting by Brent Dennis, and four tickets to the Historical Society of Long Beach’s Cemetery Tour in October.

Seen at the scene: Mayor Rex Richardson, CSULB Past President Jane Close and Collie Conoley, City Prosecutor Doug and Pam Haubert, Councilwomen Megan Kerr, Cindy Allen, Kristina Duggan, Assemblyman Josh Lowenthal, Playhouse Executive Director Madison Mooney, Director Brent Dennis, Artistic Director Sean Gray, Master of Ceremonies Mitchell Nunn, Playwright Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Trustee Doug and Freda Otto, Mari Hooper, Joan Van Hooten, Judie Johnsen, Marlene Temple, Jacki Stanfield.

Ability First

More than 35 members of Ability First gathered at Spaghettini on Jan. 23 to celebrate the new Board of Directors, to be led by Deloris Mayuga. They enjoyed scanning the photos from the past year displayed on the tables.

April Stover, center director of Ability First (previously known as Crippled Children’s Society), welcomed the throng. She shared that Ability First is beginning its 47th year of working with children and adults at its facilities. This past year saw the beginning of a group of young adults called the “Ambassadors,” who have recently joined the Guild. Their liaison, Linda Silver, noted their success from the start — by raising almost $15,000 in their inaugural golf tournament.

Stover also remarked on the success of the Day at the Races fundraiser. The private room at Los Alamitos Racetrack was festooned with balloons, yellow flowers and many excited people waiting to place their bets. The fun-filled event brought in more than $87,000. The funds will provide more outings in the community and beyond for the clients. Additional projects will also be provided to help clients learn how to use computers and for hands-on activities to help with motor skills.

Linda Brown installed the new Board of Directors and appointed officers. Mayuga also addressed the group.

Seen at the scene: Joan Alderson, Bea Almada, Joyce Antimarino, Cindy Austin, Lynne Clarke, Gloria Deukmejian, Kat Eans, Dorla Fair, Caroline Hansen, Mary Janssen, Roxanne Korzeniowski, Ellen Mathis, Deloris Mayuga, Patricia Meckes, Jennifer Moore, Mary Pat Sabol, Iris Schutz, Linda Silver, April Stover, Jean Stone, Julie Taboada, Linda Toomajian, Yolanda Wallin, Sharon Young.

Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach fundraiser

The Kiwanis Club of Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach raised nearly $12,000 during its fundraiser at the Long Beach Playhouse on Jan. 23.

Event coordinator and Kiwanis Club Vice President Myra Kremen noted that many of the 140 supporters who attended were from various area Kiwanis Clubs and the Long Beach Lions Club. Board member Alba Swalheim coordinated the silent auction.

The Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach Kiwanis Club has been serving the area for more than 60 years. The funds raised will sponsor three scholarships for Key Club high school seniors who are continuing with higher education. Money raised will also sponsor the Kiwanis Middle School Citizenship Awards Luncheon this June, which honors students from seven Bixby Knolls/North Long Beach middle schools.

Lydia House Women’s Shelter in Long Beach is one of the Kiwanis Club Foundation service projects, where throughout the year, the foundation provides dinner that is served monthly.

The Kiwanis Foundation supports the Adopt-a-Family Christmas Outreach Program in December. The club members purchase Christmas presents and $100 Target gift cards for needy families in Long Beach through the YMCA and also deliver the gifts.

Seen at the scene: Tony and Cyndy Diaz, David and Debby Lalonde, Myra Kremen, Stephen Donnenfield, Brad Kaiser, Leticia Leos, Marco and Carina Marano, Servando and Cindy Orozco, Scott Ostergren, Chuck and Virginia Ponti, Steve Rockenbach and Alba and Evan Swalheim.