By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce threw a fabulous Christmas-time mixer for its members at the new Lake Arrowhead Lodge, formerly known as the UCLA Conference Center.
The Lodge was announcing to the community that it is now open to the public for weekend dinners and even open for rentals to groups. “We are here for you, come have a drink at the tavern or dinner in the dining room, or brunch on the weekends,” said General Manager Rona Kay.
When members arrived, most donated to the toy drive for the Mountain Communities Boys & Girls Club. By evening’s end, they had collected two huge boxes of toys as well as $1,100 for the Boys and Girls Club. Chief Executive Officer Marcy Vega thanked the chamber members for the donation and reminded them that they are an after-school homework help center for the youth of the community. “These donations mean the world for our youth,” added Vega.
As they arrived, each guest received a bingo card and most took the challenge of trying to find the nine locations around the lodge and property. After getting bingo on their card, their names were entered into a drawing for $50 dining certificates for the lodge. Exploring the historical grounds was fun and exciting.
The Blue Jay Jazz Foundation was presented recognition for their many programs for musical youth in the community. (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
During the meeting in the upstairs meeting room, the chamber presented checks to numerous groups for their assistance during the Lake Arrowhead Home Tour held last September. The Blue Jay Jazz Foundation was recognized for providing several musicians at a couple locations during the Home Tour. Gavin Bialecki and Mary Lindsay accepted the honors and check.
The Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce President Cecilia Ponce DeLeon and other chamber board members recognized Soroptimist President Virgie Witte and Rotarian Terry Ebert for their clubs’ assistance during the Lake Arrowhead Home Tour last September. (Photo by Rhea-Frances Tetley)
Also recognized was the Arrowhead Arts Association which supplied two violinists at the Tavern Bay Home during the tour. On hand to recognize these honorees with certificates were Lewis Murray from County Supervisor Dawn Rowe’s office, Corrine Mora from Congressman Jay Olbernolte’s office and Armando Martinez from state Senator Ochoa Bogh’s office.
Assemblyman Tom Lackey himself came up the mountain to present his certificates. He was especially impressed with the volunteerism of the Boy Scouts during the home tour and their programs as a whole and how positively Scouting affects the lives of those involved. He wanted to recognize how much scouting builds strong citizens. He himself was an Eagle Scout. Scoutmaster Charles Debruyn, Assistant Scoutmaster Mary Debruyn and Scouts Wyatt and Bennett Debruyn and Cru Pierce represented Boy Scout Troop 89 and Cub Pack 264.
The chamber touted the events of this past year in addition to the home tour. The Brewfest was quite successful, attracting 1000 despite it also being the first day of the Line Fire.
Jileen Pattison, chair of the chamber’s membership committee, promoted the value of membership in the chamber. One of the new chamber members, Equus Workforce Solutions, told of their program offering paid work experience for youth 16 to 24 years of age. Heather Lowe invited local businesses to participate by offering local youth work experience opportunities through county-funded internships.
The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce and visitors center is located in Lake Arrowhead Village. Call them at (909) 336-1547 or visit their website, www.lakearrowheadchamber.com, for additional information.
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