No dogging this cause

B.W. COOK

Guide Dogs of The Desert is planting its paws at the Balboa Bay Club

and Resort tomorrow for a very special Fourth of July celebration in

Newport Beach. The public is invited to meet some very special

animals, including puppies in training and working seeing-eye dogs

that are lifelines for their closest companions, people in need.

Founded in 1972 by Lafayette “Bud” Maynard, the dogs have been

serving for more than 30 years. Presently, there are 200 guide dogs

in service that have graduated from the program. Locally, a very

dedicated Balboa Island resident, Shirlee White, works with the dogs

and their masters in Orange County. White and a group of volunteers

will be on hand July 4 on the waterfront patio of the BBC hotel to

show off the dogs, along with showing guide-dog exhibits for the

entire family. White can be contacted at (949) 625-0747 or at

https://www.guidedogsofthe desert.com.

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A very special evening is in the final planning stages for the

Newport Beach Public Library’s 10th anniversary celebration. The July

10 event will feature Los Angeles Times Columnist Patt Morrison, as

the local crowd converges on the Newport Beach Marriott for a

decidedly literary affair. The respected Elizabeth Stahr will chair

the evening, honoring local support and thanking a host of generous

sponsors, including Helen Bing, Frank Lynch, Kim and John Turner, the

Noelle Corporate Communications Co., the Salter family and Clarence

Turner, to name only a few. The special evening will begin a full

week of activities, including lectures, performances and panels for

readers of all ages. For more information on the 10th anniversary library events, please call (949) 644-3296.

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It’s the season for golfing fundraisers. The Alzheimer’s/Crean

Classic teed off at Strawberry Farms under the sponsor chairmanship

of Jim Grant of Newport Beach. The local Alzheimer’s group raised

more than $100,000 from the golf tournament, exceeding expectations.

Underwritten by the generosity of John and Donna Crean since 1992,

the day on the greens attracted 125 golfers. Included in the

tournament were local players and sports celebs Rich Saul, Guy

Hebert, Bobby Grich and Jim Abbott. Doug De Cinces served as emcee

for the post-golf dinner and auction.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.