By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
Chamber of commerce mixers have become a vibrant networking event on the mountain, featuring music, food, beverages and entertainment. The Oct. 8 tri-chamber mixer, sponsored by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce, was no exception as some 300 guests were treated to a lively atmosphere in the ballroom at the Lake Arrowhead Resort and Spa.
This year’s festive event was the brainchild of former Chamber President Cecilia Ponce de Leon, who had suggested and implemented the tri-chamber concept several years ago. Her goal was to bring together the three mountain chambers, creating a unified mountain message.
Emcee Darren Diess and Ringmaster Cecilia Ponce de Leon welcomed their guests to a spectacular evening.
This year’s circus theme was manifested in juggling clowns and guests dressed in circus-themed attire.
The entertainment opened with Wacko the Magician, who can be seen at SkyPark at Santa’s Village. He mesmerized the crowd as he put a metal rod through a mirror, juggled metal rings and floated his mysterious flying table.
A heartfelt part of the evening was when three locally involved community members, who passed away this year, were honored. Each changed the world by giving of their time, passion, knowledge and resources for their community.
Terry Ebert was actively involved in Rotary, had served as president of the Rim of the World Historical Society, delivered Meals on Wheels and did so much more over the years. Native-born Crestliner Mick Hill was a past Crestline Chamber of Commerce president, was a contractor, was elected to the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District board of directors, was a Rotarian, was voted Crestline Citizen of the Year and was supportive of most community events. Robin Bull owned two Lake Arrowhead businesses, was executive director of the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce and most recently worked as the local representative of County Supervisor Dawn Rowe; she was known by the businesses in the room for her dedication to the mountain communities and their needs. All three will be greatly missed by the residents.
Vocalist Justin Alan Walker (left) assisted Wacko the Magician with his floating table trick.
The evening’s entertainment then continued with the vocal stylings of students from the Lake Arrowhead Vocal Academy. Ten-year-old Mia Mezo performed “Orange-Colored Sky” with TJ Roger on piano. She was followed by Justin Alan Walker and then Diandra Griego, who sang “The Lady Is a Tramp.” Griego was then joined by Rachel Murray, the vocal academy owner, on “Happy Days Are Here Again.”
Guests enjoyed appetizers passed by Resort staff as well as popcorn, popped by Jileen Paterson and Virginia Lindskog.
Around the perimeter of the room were tables representing the Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs chambers of commerce as well as tables with representatives of the three Rim-area Rotary Clubs: Lake Arrowhead, Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise and Crestline-Lake Gregory.
The Rotary Clubs were the fourth ring in this four-ring circus. Each club showcased their projects that benefit the mountain communities.
Other tables featured mountain businesses and nonprofits. There were several silent auction items. Master of Ceremonies Darren Diess announced that the proceeds from the silent auction would benefit the annual free community Thanksgiving dinner, sponsored by the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club.
Scott Rindenow, chair of the Lake Arrowhead chamber board, remembered three late community members: Robin Bull, Terry Ebert and Mick Hill.
The presidents of each chamber – Scott Rindenow, Lake Arrowhead; Louis Boehle, Crestline; and Kevin Somes, Running Springs – were given the opportunity to share their upcoming events with the packed ballroom. They were followed by Jeri Simpson, president of the Lake Arrowhead Rotary Club; Mary-Justine Lanyon, president of the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club; and Michelle French, past president of the Lake Arrowhead Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club and a current assistant governor of Rotary District 5330.
As the guests left the ballroom after an evening filled with clowns, music and fond reminiscences, they expressed their gratitude for once again having been brought together to celebrate all that is great on the mountain.
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