The Crowd -- B.W. Cook

The Balboa Yacht Club held its annual Swabbies Ball Friday night, a

prelude to opening ceremonies today. Dick Lawrence, longtime Costa Mesa

man about town and avid yachtsman, reports that the club is celebrating

80 years today, the second-oldest club in Newport Beach, and one of the

largest running in Southern California.

Club Commodore Josh Walker and his wife, Carrie, welcomed the crowd

Friday night at the Swabbies Ball, and the festivities continue today

with traditional opening ceremonies, yacht tours and more.

* * *

Last week, the venerable Lido Isle Yacht Club held its 75th annual

opening day on the tony island paradise. A community parade kicked off

the celebration with club commodores, neighbors and distinguished guests

circling the island in everything from a Rolls Royce Corniche Cabriolet

driven by John Wortmann to kids on motorized skateboards.

Club officials, including Steve Sutherlin and his wife, Jan; Kimo and

Alison McCormick; Andrew and Karen Littlefair; Nancy and Buddy Richley;

and Sharon and Gary Grimes participated in the opening day hoopla.

* * *

A silver celebration of a different significance will unfold next

Saturday at the Four Seasons Hotel as Newport Beach’s Temple Bat Yahm

honors community leader Rabbi Mark S. Miller and his wife, Wendy, on the

occasion of their 25th wedding anniversary. The occasion coincides with

Rabbi Miller’s 25th anniversary at the temple.

The spiritual leader has served the community in myriad capacities,

working with religious, civic, educational and charitable concerns inside

and outside the realm of Jewish life.

For more information, call Karen Green at (949) 854-6560.

* * *

The Philharmonic Society is gearing up for two major events. On May

19, the Pacific Club in Newport Beach will host the annual Golden Baton

Dinner honoring the elegant Eva and Fred Schneider. The most prestigious

of all philharmonic honors, the Golden Baton is awarded to dedicated

local volunteers who make a difference in the region.

“The Schneiders’ generosity has helped the [Philharmonic] Society to

bring some of the world’s finest musicians to Orange County, most notably

the Vienna Philharmonic,” reports Craddock Stropes, working with the

Philharmonic Society.

The handsome couple has been devoted to the group for more than 30

years, with Eva serving as board president for two terms during an

18-year stint on the executive board.

To participate in the dinner honors, call Stropes at (949) 553-2422,

Ext. 231.

* * *

On June 2, the Philharmonic House of Design 2002 will premiere with an

opening night extravaganza followed by a patrons dinner at Big Canyon

County Club.

This year, Shady Canyon will be the site of a gorgeous new Spanish

Colonial Revival estate created in the style reminiscent of 1920s Santa

Barbara. Created by Pacific Design Estates Construction of Newport Beach,

led by talented David Close, the residence will be a feast for the eyes

given the support of local designers.

For tickets and information, call (714) 840-7542 or visit the

Philharmonic Society online at www.PhilharmonicSociety.org.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.