The Crowd

B.W. Cook

Maureen Reagan has captured media attention in recent weeks because of

her public acknowledgment of the deteriorating health of her father,

Ronald Reagan.

The former president suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, a condition he

made publicly known following his retirement from office.

“I am not sure if he has any memory left of being president,” said

Maureen, Reagan’s oldest daughter, who was born of his union with his

first wife, actress Jane Wyman. Her words sent a chilling, nonpartisan

message to Americans and people all over the globe concerning the

devastation of Alzheimer’s.

The former first daughter will be the guest of honor this weekend as the

Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County hosts “An Evening of Memories” at the

Four Seasons Hotel, Newport Beach. The black-tie evening is scheduled on

the eve of Ronald Reagan’s 89th birthday, and Maureen will be honored for

her role as the national spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Assn.

“We are very proud to honor Maureen,” said Don Power, chairman of the

local Orange County Alzheimer’s board. “Maureen Reagan raises awareness

about Alzheimer’s disease and about the association’s work to provide

information and assistance to patients and families.”

Julie David and Linda Lewin are set to chair the evening, with Newport’s

Lori Warmington serving as honorary co-chair with Peter Villegas of Los

Angeles. Peggy Goldwater Clay will be on hand with her husband, Bob Clay,

along with UCI’s Carl Cotman and Jeffrey Cummings. Local television

personality Ed Arnold will serve as master of ceremonies.

For more information, call Linda Scheck at the Alzheimer’s Assn. at (714)

283-1111.

*

Families Forward is organizing a first ever “Wines of the Millennium”

evening at the Mondavi Food and Wine Center, Costa Mesa. The Feb. 10

fund-raiser will feature a cook-off between two celebrity chefs, Pascal

Olhats of Pascal Restaurant and Alan Greeley of Golden Truffle. Funds

raised will be used to assist local families facing personal financial

crises.

Since 1984, Families Forward, a nonprofit organization, has come to the

rescue of families in need of help to establish self-sufficiency.

Housing, counseling, education and other support services are offered.

For more information, contact Britton Jasper at (949) 552-2724.

*

The Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club was the setting last week for a gathering

of the Sister Cities Assn. of Newport Beach.

The internationally focused crowd dined on Italian greens and breast of

chicken as they shared goals. The annual confab was led by Karen Evarts

of Lido Isle, with able assistance from Hallie Strock.

In the crowd were Marge and Dan Luxembourg, Beryl and Richard Goward, and

Helen and Hal Japenga. Tribute was paid to the late Wolf Stern, attorney

and staunch advocate of international relations.

Also in the crowd was Wendell Fish, one of the original founders of the

organization, who shared his perspective on the future of the Sister

Cities Assn. with friends of Newport Beach around the globe.

Newport Beach shares sister cityhood with Cabo San Lucas, Mexico,

Entibees, France, and Okasaki, Japan. Members are seeking to expand the

program to include additional ports of call.

*

The super dedicated Corinne Black, representing the Assistance League of

Newport-Mesa, reports that the Virginia Castle Auxiliary of the league is

planning an afternoon with actress Shelly Fabares in celebration of the

60th anniversary of the Newport-Mesa league.

Fabares first came into our homes via the long-running “Donna Reed”

television series when she was a very young woman. Her career on camera

has spanned four decades, and her appearance at the March 31 event at the

Newport Marriott Hotel will benefit Assistance League programs including

the Children’s Dental Center, Operation School Bell, Kids on the Block,

and Scholarships for Children.

For ticket information, call Black at (949) 646-1906.

*

Save March 4 to gamble the night away for a good cause as the Junior

League of Orange County holds its sixth annual Monte Carlo Night at The

Clubhouse Restaurant, Costa Mesa.

The evening will benefit the programs of the league aimed at preventing

adolescent pregnancy and child abuse.

Tickets are $50 per person, and organizers expect a crowd of 1,000

locals. Linda Ruben, president of the league, is working with Clubhouse

officials, including Keith Rudman, to ensure a success. The Monte Carlo

night is being chaired by Michael Doyle and Patricia Kirsch. To reserve

your spot, call (949) 263-3785.* B.W. COOK’S column appears Thursdays and

Saturdays.