At the latest Networking Breakfast on April 16 around 48 attendees learned all about the Pasadena Symphony and Pops from Resident Conductor Larry Blank. Larry entertained the crowd with tales of his career as a composer and conductor and discussed the upcoming schedule of outdoor concerts at the Arboretum led by conductor Michael Feinstein – tickets available now and complete schedule here.
Also at the monthly program held at the Sunset Room of the Santa Anita Golf Course and sponsored by Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, attorney Jim Helms received a tribute as an Arcadia Business Icon and John Sun of Budget Blinds presented the Business Spotlight talk.
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As always, attendees of the Networking Breakfast (third Thursday of each month), hosted by Rod Salazar of Stubbies Promotions, not only enjoy a great breakfast buffet and valuable networking with dozens of others but also introduce themselves one at a time with a 30-second “elevator pitch.” In addition, they have a chance to win one of multiple gifts donated by members and attendees for a business card drawing (please bring a raffle prize to next Breakfast and introduce yourself and the gift), one of which is a free three-minute Business Spotlight.
Pops
Larry Blank got his start conducting on Broadway at the age of 22. He met his wife who was a chorus girl in Sugar Babies. Larry found himself in Los Angeles and got a nice break when Marvin Hamlisch called him and asked him to get over to Warner Brothers right away. When Larry got to the studio sound stage there were 100 musicians in place ready to record the score for the movie. The next thing he knew he was holding the baton and conducting the orchestra. He finished conducting the piece and there was a lot of applause. Suddenly, there was an arm on his shoulder and it was Robert Redford, who was the directing the movie. Marvin and Robert were having a disagreement so Marvin called Larry to take his place. Larry was conducting the orchestra for the Academy Award-winning “Ordinary People.”
Larry indicates that his favorite experience was conducting for the world-renowned “Phantom of the Opera.” In addition, Larry loved working with very talented people, especially Mickey Rooney and Ann Miller. They were always having a great time back stage and were the consummate performers.
Helms
Jim Helms was very happy to accept the Business Icon tribute from the Arcadia Chamber CEO Scott Hettrick and Arcadia Historical Society President Gene Glasco for his dedicated work as an attorney since 1952. Jim, who is also a former Mayor of Arcadia (1971-72). Arcadia Chamber President and Arcadia Citizen of the Year in 1979 and again in 2004 (one of only three people who have been honored twice), has been practicing law for more than 60 years and specializes in Estate planning, Probate, Business, Bar and court admissions. His Helms & Myers firm’s office at the eight-story white Towne Centre Building at 150 North Santa Anita Avenue, Suite 685, has some of the best views in Arcadia. He has been Judge Pro Tem, Superior Court, Law and Motion Probate since 1989.
Jim started his own law firm on Baldwin Avenue with a $300 loan from Bank of America. The first few months his net income was $30 until he got established in the community. Over the years his practice thrived and he became a important part of the fabric that is Arcadia. Jim has been certified as a specialist in estate planning by the State Bar of California. He offered some words of wisdom with respect to living trusts and estate planing, specifically that we all need to visit an attorney in person rather than downloading forms on the Internet. One plan does not fit all. Congratulations Jim on the honor!
Rose Hills
Bruce Lazenby indicates that Rose Hills just sponsored a very successful resource fair for veterans. Working with various organizations including VETNET, Rose Hills collected donated clothing for unemployed individuals who cannot afford to buy clothes in order to go on job interviews. The effort brought in an overhwelming amount of clothes to help people get a fresh start in life. On a separate front Bruce also took the opportunity to remind everyone that advance funeral planning is a very important part of life and that Rose Hills is ready and able to help in every manner possible. Frank Yik attends the networking breakfasts on a monthly basis on behalf of Rose Hills and is always available to answer any questions with respect to the pre-planning of funeral arrangements.
Budget Blinds
John Sun indicates that he is here to help you with all of your window covering needs. Since its founding, Budget Blinds Serving San Gabriel Valley, Pasadena, San Marino, LaCanada, Monrovia, Arcadia and nearby cities have proudly served the local community by offering high quality and stylish window coverings for any occasion. John’s goal is simple: to provide you with the best products and services in order to enrich your home environment. His lavish selection of window treatments includes shutters, blinds, draperies, shades and even window film. Regardless of the window’s size or shape, you can rest assured that Budget Blinds will have a customized window coverings solution ready for you.
Prize Donors and Winners:
- Lani Lee of Beauty Culture donated a 90-minute facial won by Linda Padilla of the Arcadia Elks Lodge.
- Daryl Benton won two tickets to the show of his choice at the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation offered by Scott Hettrick on behalf of Sue Cook.
- Kaitlyn Adams of Massage Envy donated a $99 massage and facial gift certificate won by Joshua Thai of New York Life.
- Joseph Concialdi the new owner of Right at Home, won a copy of Carol Libby‘s book about notable people of Arcadia history called Faces & Footprints, presented on behalf of Carol by Gene Glasco.
- Laura Wilcox of Achieve Smart Goals donated a free session won by Jason King of Choicess.
- Joanne Bockian of Stars Athletics donated a pamper yourself gift pack won by John Sun of Budget Blinds.
- Vicki Knight of Century Rooter and Plumbing donated a $25 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse won by Rod Salazar of Stubbies Promotions.
- Manu Singh of Subway Arcadia donated a gift certificate good for a platter of sandwiches won by Vicki Knight of Century Rooter and Plumbing.
- Sean Sidders of Two Men and a Truck donated a model truck won by Frank Yik of Rose Hills.
The winner of the three minute business spotlight presentation for next month is Sean Sidders of Two Men and a Truck. Way to go Sean!
The next Networking Breakfast will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2015, in the Sunset Room of the Santa Anita Golf Course, and will feature a presentation by Congress Orthopaedics and Elite Motion Physical Therapy and a tribute to Arcadia Business Icon C&L Auto Body & Repair (details here).
Take note that the June Networking Breakfast will be moved to Dave & Buster’s sports lounge in the Westfield Santa Anita mall for a theme about the Arcadia Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games.
Tickets to the breakfast, which runs from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m., are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and discounted to $15 for Chamber members who pay by the previous Friday ($20 at the door for Chamber members). No charge for those holding a Chamber All Access Pass. Tickets: 626-447-2159 or in the “Shop” area at www.ArcadiaCaChamber.org, or at Chamber office, 388 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, during regular business hours.