By Neena Strichart
In my job I have opportunities to attend many meetings, events, functions, fundraisers and the like. With time and money being scarce these days I have to refuse more invitations than I accept. Sometimes I feel that I have said yes when I should have said no and other times the opposite is true. Lucky for me, I said yes to the Diamonds of Southbay Chapter American Business Women’s Association’s (ABWA) 9th anniversary celebration that took place last Friday at the Reef Restaurant.
Thanks to an invitation from Linda Ikeda of Jumpstart Bodyfuel, I enjoyed the evening, including the music from Poly High Jazz Combo, the delicious dinner, message from keynote speaker Long Beach Councilmember Suja Lowenthal and the presentation of awards.
Honored that night were Louise Montgomery from It’s A Grind and The Long Beach Small Business Development Center as business leaders and companies that support women’s advancement in the community. Aileen Jackson was named as the Chapter Woman of the Year. What a deserving group of folks.
It was a great evening and I consider myself fortunate to have been in the audience listening to Suja Lowenthal’s speech. I don’t know Suja, we’ve never been formally introduced— nevertheless I was captivated by the messages she gave to those in attendance. Delivering her words as philosophical statements, she said “It’s about things that make your heart beat— when you take things to the top of your agenda, you transform the nation and the rest of the world listens.” She spoke from the heart and her messages were received loud and clear. The audience seemed moved by her words— I know I was.
The next morning, Saturday, I was up bright and early to participate in the Grandma Darling’s Parking Lot Sale. What a ball! Kathy sold lots of her wonderful soap and we met some very nice people. I was glad that I mentioned the event in my column because several of our readers came by to say hello. It was especially fun seeing my former neighbors, the Authiers. I went all through school with those “kids” and enjoy running into them from time to time. Heck, they even bought some of my treasures.
Speaking of treasures, Monique, formerly of Sweet Treasures (that cute shop that used to be on Atlantic Avenue), is having an estate-type parking lot sale of her own today and tomorrow from 8am to 3pm. The sale will take place off the alley at 4485 Myrtle Avenue. She tells me that she will have lots of estate-type merchandise, vintage items, collectibles and even some furniture. I’ll probably stop by and see what I just have to have— don’t tell Steve.
Happy Easter to you all— I hope you have a lovely day with friends, family or whoever makes you happy.
