The annual dinner meeting of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association was held on Jan. 31 at the La Cañada Thursday Club. Proudly on display was the 2014 Bob Hope Humor Award banner. In his invocation before the 80 members and guests, Tim Rahtz gave thanks for the people of diverse interests and talents who united as community volunteers to create this year’s whimsical and award-winning Dog Gone! float.

Mayor Laura Olhasso was the master of ceremonies for the evening. President Ann Neilson, VP of Administration Peggy Hotaling, VP Float Development Pam Wiedenbeck, Construction Chair Janis Peterson, Decoration Chair Jennifer O’Connor and Site Chair Chuck Terhune recognized some of the individuals involved in all aspects of the creation of Dog Gone!

President Neilson presided over the meeting and recognized the retiring directors. New directors elected for a three-year term are Caroline Craven, Nymia Cucueco, Jim Geoghegan, Bob Neilson, Tyler Wright and Dena Hardin, who just completed a one-year term. They will join continuing directors Julia Cameron, Barbie Eland, Mike Leininger, Janis Peterson, Bill Pounders, Sarah Yegiazaryan, Clyde Hemphill, Corkie MacPherson, Jennifer O’Connor, Tim Rahtz, Chuck Terhune and Pam Wiedenbeck. Mayor Olhasso installed the new board members as well as the officers: Bill Pounders, president; Pam Wiedenbeck, VP Administration; Jim Geoghegan, VP Float Development; Sue Beatty, secretary; Betty Jones, treasurer;  Pam Wiedenbeck, assistant treasurer. The committee chairs are Dena Hardin, Fundraising; Julia Cameron, Membership; Barbie Eland, Public Relations; Bob Neilson, Construction; Jennifer O’Connor, Decoration; Chuck Terhune, Site Support.

In closing, President Pounders congratulated Neilson for leading the association for three consecutive years, expressed appreciation for the hundreds of hours of effort that went into building the floats, and called on a renewed effort to match the success of Dog Gone! in 2015.

The next LCFTRA function is a happy hour from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the home of Rob and Barbara McLinn, 4917 Oakwood Ave. in La Cañada Flintridge. Anyone over 18 is invited to attend; no reservations necessary. Bring an appetizer to share and be prepared to have fun.