‘The Winner’s Circle’

Celebrating the Birthdays of Pacific Palisades Residents Age 90 and Above With PPWC

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

A treasured tradition in Pacific Palisades, community members age 90 and above gathered for the return of the in-person Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club 90th Birthday Club Celebration—“The Winner’s Circle”—on Saturday, May 4.

“We are thrilled to be back meeting in person, as we did food drop-offs for a few years due to protecting against the spread of Covid,” PPWC shared in a statement. “We have had this tradition since 1996.”

The luncheon, attended by dozens of Palisadians and friends, was themed Derby Day and took place at PPWC’s Clubhouse.

Upon arrival, guests checked in and headed over to a photobooth, operated by 1Heart Caregiver Services of Beverly Hills. Then they were seated to socialize before a lunch of asparagus soup, chicken salad and croissants was served—provided by the chef of Seven Arrows Elementary School.

PPWC Vice President Maureen Roth and area real estate agent/event sponsor Margaux Glaser began the program with opening remarks.

“We are so happy to recognize the ‘young’ 90-year-olds, as they have influenced this community and are being honored because of the contributions they have made,” Glaser said after the event. “You have made Pacific Palisades what it is today.”

As lunch service came to an end, Palisadian Diane Elder took the stage with pianist David Silverman to perform hit songs, including “(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66” and “Summertime.”

PPWC members and event organizers then gathered at the front of the room to sing “Happy Birthday” to those celebrating—complete with cake.

Former Palisadian-Post editor and town historian Bill Bruns was the featured speaker for the event, sharing facts about the history of the event since its start as a backyard party on Via De La Paz and life in the Palisades 90 years ago.

Toward the end of his talk, Bruns called out several Palisadians who have spent decades advocating for the town, including Jack Allen (who fought the Reseda-to-Sea highway, which would have connected the San Fernando Valley to the beach through Temescal Canyon), Bob and Marge Gold (“stalwarts of the Village Green for many years”), and Lee Calvert (who said she wants to celebrate her 100th birthday in August by doing pushups).

Julia Winter and Robin Weitz read trivia questions about the year 1934, including about the first golf Masters Tournament and the premiere of “Bright Eyes,” starring Shirley Temple.

Bruns returned to announce the King and Queen of the event—the attendees celebrating the highest birthday. Former Senior Pastor of Palisades Lutheran Church and twice President of Rotary Club of Pacific Palisades Richard “Dick” Meyer was honored as the King at 96 years old. Grace Gonzalez, who has attended the lunch for 20 years, since her late husband Angel turned 90, was named Queen at the age of 100.

Honorable mentions included Ruth Foy, who will turn 100 in July, Bruns reported, and Calvert. Bruns also called out the longest marriage in the room: Jerry and Emily Meyer, celebrating 71 years. Jerry described the longtime union as “beginner’s luck” and “a miracle marriage.”

Raffle prizes were awarded, with gifts and certificates from Ciela, The Palisades Dentists, Atria Park, blueview ATELIER, Pearl Dragon, K Bakery Eatery + Bakeshop and more.

The event ended with thank yous to some of its sponsors, including Platinum Patrons American Legion Ronald Reagan-Palisades Post 283, Fay Vahdani of Luxe Homecare and Hospice, and Michael Edlen of Coldwell Banker.