Having been to this fabulous and worthwhile event twice before, I recently realized that I should tell you about it in advance this time so that my fellow SoCal peeps can join us on October 15 at the Skirball Cultural Center for WeSpark’s May Contain Nuts.

Desserts! Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one above.

Before I let you know what to expect that evening, I first must laud WeSpark in general. WeSpark is a cancer support center in Sherman Oaks, and is one of the most worthwhile organizations that I know of! For the past almost quarter of a century they have
been providing programs and services to cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. And it is entirely free to everyone! It was founded by the adorable and giving actress, the late Wendie Jo Sperber. After she was diagnosed with breast cancer, she wanted to create a place where her fellow patients could go for support, and she admirably did just that. I hope that none of you ever need their services, but it’s good to know that WeSpark is there if you do.

Just a small part of the dinner buffet last year. Photo by Karen Salkin.

WeSpark’s annual event, May Contain Nuts, is an entire evening of food and fun. The dinner fare varies from year to year, but it’s always generous and delicious! (If you’d like some clues as to what we’ve dined on there in the past, here are my reviews of their two previous events I attended: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/charityevent-may-contain-nuts-wesparks-anniversary-fete and itsnotaboutme.tv/news/charityevent-may-contain-nuts-wespark-cancer-support-centers-night-of-comedy.)

WeSpark’s fabuous line-up of talent.

All that, along with an early silent auction, would be enough for a lovely evening, but after dinner comes the popular comedy show portion of the evening, hence the title May Contain Nuts! It will be hosted once again by Last Comic Standing winner Alonzo Bodden. And this year will have some of the biggest star power ever in…Jay Leno!!! Having recently seen him speak for a few minutes at the Opening Gala of the LA Jewish Film Festival, I’m looking forward to hearing him do his longer comedy routine at this event. Outside of a monologue or two when he replaced Johnny Carson, I’ve never heard a full set of his, so this one should be fun.

Comedian Kathy Griffin will be honored with the Heart of WeSpark Award. Something I’m sure Kathy would agree with me on is an amusing auxiliary reason to support her at this important event. And that is, for you gossip site lovers, you might want to see her much-discussed, (by her!,) third facelift! And just when I recently told Mr. X that I’m not dissing anyone for having plastic surgery any more! I decided that I’m going to give more power to people who are brave enough to go under the knife, because yours truly is definitely not. (Mr. X often tells me that he’ll do mine for me. And he only played a doctor on TV!)

Part of the beautiful WeSparks evening. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All in all, with its comedy, culinary delights, and caring raison d’être, WeSparks’ May Contain Nuts is the kind of event we all need right about now. It’s funny, delicious, heartwarming, celeb-filled, and so important for the soul. I hope to see you all there on the 15th. Come up and say hi; just try to catch me in-between bites and laughs!

WeSpark May Contain Nuts on October 15, 2025
Skirball Cultural Center, (in the BelAir-Brentwood are of LA)
To purchase tickets, and more info: wespark.org/events-fundraisers/may-contain-nuts-a-night-of-comedy

The just-lit Pershing Square Christmas Tree. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

I had been to a few previous opening days of the Holiday Ice Rink at downtown LA’s Pershing Square, and enjoyed them all. But this was my first time attending the event in the evening. (The event was changed to this later time last year, but I could not go then.) It was interesting in a different way because this time, since it got dark out while we were there, we also got to be privy to the Pershing Square Christmas tree lighting!

The event was full of great camaraderie among guests who love skating and holiday fun in general. Roz and I bumped into several people we know and haven’t seen in a while, including Willy Bietek, who produces the rink every year.

As we entered the rink area, we were offered chocolate chip and sugar cookies, (which my friend Roz declared “are basically a meal!”,) along with the hottest hot chocolate and hot apple cider ever! It was all perfect for the late November evening. (It was also very soothing for my klutzy self who had a bad fall on the way up to the rink from the parking lot—I fell so hard that my thumb ring flew off!)

Tiffany Ho. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Then the festivities began. There were a few brief greetings from various officials and people associated with bringing this fun activity to us. And then we were treated to several incredible performances. The first was the National Anthem sung beautifully by Tiffany Ho. She hit one astonishing note that even made people snap their heads up from their phones!!! That’s hard to achieve in this age of tech addictions!

Then came the first group of ice skaters, which was five young ladies in very sparkly skirts, from LA Ice Theater. They were followed by beautiful Yaroslav Paniot, who is my new favorite male skater. He’s actually the first *European skater to have completed a quad flip in international competition! *(He skated for Ukraine at the time, but he now lives in, and competes for, America.)

Yaroslav Paniot. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The final performance of the evening made me uber-jealous because it was comprised of the two main things in life that I wish I could do, but definitely cannot—*skate and sing! Natalia Vivino, (who has the super-interesting career of traveling between productions of Wicked to play Elphaba whenever needed,) sang a gorgeous version of one of the songs from that musical, (those Wicked songs all sound alike to me, so I don’t remember which one it was,) backed by yet another quintet of fabulous female skaters from L.A. Ice Theater. *(My favorite story about my non-skating situation is at the end of this article.)

When the pros got off the ice, that’s when the real fun began for all the kids in attendance, (and some of the grown-ups, as well,) because…they all got to skate themselves! They must have loved being the first guests on that gorgeous sparkling virgin ice!

Since as I mentioned, I can’t skate, (and also because we bon vivettes had to move on to our next event that night,) we couldn’t stay to join the happy skaters.

Natalia Vivino and LA Ice Theater. Photo by Karen Salkin.

But all of us will have plenty of opportunities to join in the fun because the Holiday Rink will be open until two days before the most important holiday of any year—my January 14th birthday! Be sure to check-out their website below for all the info, including the special nights they have planned.

Happy skating, everybody!

Holiday Ice Rink open through January 12, 2025
Pershing Square 532 South Olive Street
213-624-4289 www.holidayicerinkdowntownla.com

*Okay, here’s that story about my non-skating: Because my parents were teachers, and therefore in academia instead of athletics, my whole young life was based around being the smartest in the class, or close to it. (One of my now-grown-up friends from way back then, told her daughter, “Karen was a brain! A fat, ugly little brain!” Charming, but I’m at least proud of the “brain” part!) I never even learned to ride a bike. But when I was six, out of the whole school that went up to 14-year-olds, the Principal sent a twelve-year-old foreign student to me to teach her English! He thought I was the correct one for the assignment, which I now think was really strange, especially considering that my much smarter older sister was still in the school. But I thought that was normal back then.

The LA Ice Theater girls in sparkly skirts! Photo by Karen Salkin.

So I never went ice-skating until the one time my friends took me when I was thirteen. And then I never went again until I had lived in LA for a while, and was already twenty. And then not again until just a couple of times in my thirties. But I absolutely adored everything about watching ice-skating my whole life. Later on, I became friendly with a couple of the famous skaters and the people who ran the pro shows about a decade and a half ago. My mother knew I was friends with them, and that I went to all their shows, and how much I loved it all. Plus I had always been a dancer since I was a little girl. So one day she said, “Karen, I’m so surprised that you didn’t become a figure skater!” I was a bit shocked by that statement. So I asked her, “Ma, what would I need to figure skate, besides being a dancer and having love of watching and knowing the skaters?” She was dumbfounded, so I answered for her, “Parents who let me go ice-skating when I was a little!!!” We had a good laugh over it.

But now, I can pretend to be a skater with my next visit to the Pershing Square Holiday Ice Rink! (As long as I don’t take a fall until I’m on the ice, not on my way to it!)

But the evening was so much more than that title!

The show emcee, comedian Alonzo Bodden. I love that each performer’s name was on the big screen behind them, so we never had to wonder where we were in the program. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one above.

I had not been to one of WeSparks’ annual fundraisers in eight years, (a number several of us there could not believe,) so I was very happy to finally pay a return visit. And once again, it was a perfect event from beginning to end!

Before I laud the food and performances, let me explain the lovely purpose of this classy evening. The May Contain Nuts “Night of Comedy” benefits the WeSPARK Cancer Support Center in Sherman Oaks. WeSpark is a wonderful Los Angeles organization that provides free services to cancer patients, survivors, their families, and even their friends. I love kindness like that.

Just a tiny part of the silent auction. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The event took place at the Skirball Cultural Center on Mulholland, which catered one of the best dinners my friend Laura and I have had in a long time! Seriously. I honestly think it was the best, most healthful, well-rounded meal I’ve ever had at an event! (And remember—I’ve been a restaurant critic for decades!) The dinner buffet had something for everybody, which was very thoughtful of them. (More on the fare in a minute.)

Before we dined, everyone mingled in the warmly-lit courtyard where the silent auction was set-up. There were so many awesome items to bid on, including several trips, a couple of sweet little Disney figurines, a VIP tour and luncheon at one of LA’s major studios, and even a private chef experience right in your own home!

The buffet. (I couldn’t get any pix that are free from hands–the food was so good that it never sat there alone!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

The dinner buffet was out there, as well. For the first time possibly ever, I ate everything on offer! It began with a refreshing salad of arugula, oranges, and pomegranate seeds, with a delicious and light use-as-much-as-you-like hazelnut dressing. (I’ve been dreaming of it ever since.) Next up was a pasta salad with chopped veggies and auxiliary grapefruit slices. And the grilled vegetables, (which were way too hearty to be called “veggies,”) were gorgeous. Then came the potatoes; I’m a potato gourmet, and the small round ones were perfectly crispy outside, creamy inside, and salted just right. Vegetarians could stop right there and be totally content, but we carnivores were thrilled with the beautifully-sauced chicken breasts. (And I super-appreciated that each dish had a sign on top stating exactly what it consisted of!)

After filling our plates, (which were full-sized ones, by the way, not the tiny dishes that are used at many events to try to make guests eat less, which I appreciated,) we all took them inside to our tables in the ballroom. Each table featured a duo of platters of little desserts—pecan pies, brownies, and lemon bars. I don’t eat lemon, but the first two were delish! I was glad my table was all skinny females because there were more for me! (The pretty girl next to me told she wasn’t eating any because she “has a cupcake at home!” Oysh. I had an entire babka at my house, but that didn’t deter me from scarfing the yummy on-site treats!)

My mouthwatering plate of food. To be exact–my FIRST one! Photo by Karen Salkin.

When we were all happily satiated, the show began. Comedian Alonzo Bodden handled the hosting duties masterfully once again. Two very funny comics joined him along the way. Drew Lynch, the runner-up on America’s Got Talent some years back, had us in stitches talking about his wife, (who is adorable, by the way. I know that because, shamefully, Laura and I both looked her up!) The last guy of the presentation, Maronzio Vance, was one I had never heard of, but he was quietly hilarious. He just sat in a chair and talked, slowly and deliberately, about relationships, and it could not have been funnier. He was the very last performer of the night, when it was getting late, but no one wanted his set to end.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

Before the comedy, though, came the poignant segment of the evening. Jean Trebek, who, as the widow of the late Jeopardy host Alex Trebek who had passed away from cancer almost four years ago, was WeSpark’s honoree this year. Their daughter presented The Heart of WeSpark Heart Award to Jean, and both of them gave lovely speeches.

After that, as he did the last time I attended May Contain Nuts, Mark Walberg (the TV host, not the movie star—the latter has an “h” in his name,) took the stage to raise additional funds from the audience members before the comedy began. I’m glad that I got to say a quick hi to him afterwards because we had met on a flight to New York back in the day, when I was doing my TV show, and he was working in the biz, too. (He had recognized me as I was boarding, introduced himself, and it turned-out that we were sitting right near each other! And then Tom Bergeron came over to say hi to Mark, so we all talked about what shows we were doing. That impromptu get-together back then made me realize that I was accepted in the hosting community, so the memory has always stayed with me.) I thank WeSpark for giving me this opportunity to remember that fun time in my life.

Mark Walberg on stage, amusingly encouraging donations from the crowd. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Even at the end of this fabulous event—after the superb dinner, the warmhearted award, the fundraising, and the comedy—it seemed that most of the assemblage was in no hurry to leave! As Laura and I were rushing to get home ourselves, (she to her kids, and me because I wanted to start writing this article right away,) she asked me why everyone was still there, even though the show had already wrapped-up. I explained that the event was so good that the guests wanted to still meet and greet and discuss. She had never seen that before! It’s truly rare in this town.

So I suggest that everyone check-out this wonderful organization, either because you and yours need them or because you want to be a good person and contribute to their life-enhancing services in any way. Or you just want to be sure to not miss the 2025 May Contain Nuts event!

Here’s the WeSPARK Cancer Support Center site: www.wespark.org.

The Hollywood Museum always throws the most fabulous fetes for the opening of each new exhibit. So when I realized that I hadn’t been able to make appearances at any of them in over a year, (as Mr. X always says, I’m “overbooked,”) I was happy to finally show-up there again the other night to help them celebrate their latest one, the eleventh annual Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+s in Hollywood.

Part of the new exhibit, this one showcasing some of Bob Mackie’s designs. Photo by Sheri Determan, and courtesy of the Hollywood Museum, as is the one at the top of this page.

It was such a special evening. In addition to unveiling this latest exhibit, the Museum bestowed their inaugural Leslie Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously to…Leslie Jordan, of course. (More on that award ceremony in a minute.)

And everyone was dressed fabulously for the occasion, with sooo many different fashion looks. I thought that I was being clever to rock my rarely-worn multi-colored pants, as an ally of the community. I even searched my house for my long-lost rainbow peace-sign bracelet to go along with it. And then I noticed that just about half the assemblage was rainbow-attired! So at least I fit right in.

Now let me go in order of the festivities, which began in the…elevator. With a bar! For those of you who have never been to the Museum before, it features a gigantic elevator, with seats on one side, and a disco ball above!!!

Just a tiny fraction of the food! (I tried to take pix with none of the guests’ hands in them, but it was not to be. The food was so good that people kept grabbing alll night!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

So everyone was already in great spirits by the time we reached the floor where they were serving the appetizers. It was all delicious. Some of the treats were set-up on a table on the side of that bar, and included the most delicious hotdogs in blankets ever, along with little dishes containing cheese, crackers, salami, and grapes. No one really needed any more than that, but then they passed hors d’oeuvres, as well. They were very thoughtful to include a lot of vegetarian treats, such as tiny taco cups, mini pizza bites, and three-layered tea sandwiches.

It was all very plentiful. And it was definitely enough to fill everyone up for the rest of the night. So when they told us to go to one more floor of the museum, where the presentation would take place, I was shocked to see even more food! It was actually pretty amazing. On this buffet, there was shrimp cocktail, steak and mashed potatoes, meatballs, mini cups of mac & cheese, and Chinese chicken salad, in little take-out containers, of course.

But the best part to me was the many desserts! Also of course. There was lemon cake, peach cobbler, little chocolate and nut bites, and my absolute fave—tiny strawberry shortcakes with whipped cream. If I had known those lovelies were going to be there, I wouldn’t have eaten anything else all night. I could have inhaled that entire display.

Bruce Vilanch at the podium. Photo by Karen Salkin.

After about an hour of eating and schmoozing, the actual presentation began. There were many speeches, (most likely too many, judging by how some *rudesters in the crowd just kept on loudly partying during them.) *[Note: The organizers could have used Arnold Schwarzenegger there to quiet them. He once invited me to an event he was hosting at his gym in Venice, and when some people were still talking as he was giving his speech, he scolded, literally, in his intimidating, accented way, “You’re being very rude. And I don’t appreciate it!” The crowd shut right up.]

The late, great Leslie Jordan.

And then it was time to give the Lifetime Achievement Award to Leslie Jordan, posthumously. (This was the first of its kind, so it’s now named after him for posterity.) For those of you who aren’t familiar with Leslie, he was an adorable, funny actor, who became famous for posting comic videos during the pandemic. Just when he was finally a full-time regular on a TV series, he died on the way to work this past fall, to everyone’s shock. (He technically had crashed his car, but that was because of a medical issue that he was having at the time. What a loss.)

First up with the tributes was Founder and President of the Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, who read a few messages from people who could not be there. I was glad to hear one from my old pal Jamie Farr, of M*A*S*H fame. (Way back in the day, he and his wife Joy, and Mr. X and I, did Tattletales together. Mr. X and I are the all-time Champs of that show, having won for our audience members all five days, and whenever Jamie and I have bumped into each other since then, he’s still amazed that Mr. X and my crazy answers about each other were correct! So I would have loved to see him again. Hopefully, at the Museum’s next fete.)

Donelle also read a note from Leslie’s sister, saying that her brother had told her that he wanted to be remembered “only as kind.” I love that! But he was very funny, as well, which the rest of the speakers told us about.

Bruce Vilanch and…

…Donna Kelce!

The most hilarious, of course, was writer and actor, (and another of my old pals,) Bruce Vilanch. He made us laugh from the get-go, by stating, “Let me clear something up for you football fans—I am not Travis Kelce’s mother.”  I laughed the loudest at that one. I cannot tell how many people wrote to me when Donna Kelce became famous, (for supporting her NFL-playing sons at their games,) and jokingly asked me if that was Bruce Vilanch!!! The duo even rock the same eyeglasses from time-to-time!

Bruce told many warm and personal stories about Leslie, having worked together and been friends for many years. He used a great word to describe the funny actor—“ebullient.” Perfect!

And then another of Leslie’s longtime friends, writer and producer Del Shores, accepted the inaugural Leslie Jordan Lifetime Achievement Award on Leslie’s behalf. It was all very bittersweet, but with tons of laughs.

Karen Salkin and John Tucker. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The most special moment of the night for me, though, was spotting, and then meeting, actor John Tucker. I saw him years ago in one of my favorite local productions ever, the wonderful hip-hop musical Ride Or Die in the Hollywood Fringe festival. Mr. X and I have been quoting his best line, “You’re getting on my last nerve,” ever since. (It wasn’t the line so much as John’s spot-on delivery that we parrot.) I’m thrilled I got to meet him and tell him how much we loved him and the entire show. I thank the Hollywood Museum for bringing us together.

Now you can have your own special moment there. It’s not just this particular exhibit, (which will be there for the rest of this Pride Month and beyond,) that’s interesting—the entire place is fascinating. It’s a must not just for out-of-towners, but for all of us denizens, as well.

Real to Reel: Portrayals and Perceptions of LGBTQ+s in Hollywood 

The Hollywood Museum  1660 Highland Ave.  Hollywood
323-464-7776  www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com

There has been so much on my mind since yesterday that I feel the need to address it all right now. Some sad, some happy, some perplexing. But all of them interesting.

So here are a few of my recent thoughts:

DONALD SUTHERLAND DEATH

I was shocked when I read that Donald Sutherland had died. I had no idea that he had been unwell for a while. Even though the prolific actor was eighty-eight-years-old, my heart still sank.

Donald Sutherland.

I met Donald Sutherland only once, but he surprised me by just how sweet and intense he was. It was at the opening night after-party for a show he was starring in in L.A. The single and attractive friend I had brought along really wanted to meet him. So even though I really do not like to bother the toast of a soiree, I went over to laud him, just so she could chime in. And he did not take his eyes off mine for the next ten or fifteen minutes! He asked me everything! He was not trying to hit on me at all—he was just a nice person who seemed to be interested in others. I really appreciated my very brief time with the man.

And I have to apologize to Donald Sutherland for something. And that is thinking he was going to be the killer in my favorite TV show in years, The Undoing. But that’s how good of an actor he was—he tricked even my honed detective skills!

And now, my heart goes out to his family, fans, and friends, especially our great mutual pal, Elliott Gould, who has had a forever-bond with Donald ever since they starred in the classic movie M*A*S*H together. I’ll ask him to tell me a story or two about the Canadian legend this week.

R.I.P., Donald Sutherland.

JJ REDICK

New Lakers coach JJ Redick, speaking nicely with a ref in the past, which will most likely not be the case now!

As I predicted on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers hired former NBA player JJ Redick as their new Head Coach, despite the fact that he has never served in that capacity anywhere before. Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who just shepherded that team to the NBA championship, is perhaps the youngest coach ever at thirty-five, (he’ll be thirty-six at the end of this month,) but he had been an assistant coach in small colleges forever, and he come up through the ranks to sort-of luck into the Celtics head coach position a couple of years ago. That’s the hard coaching path that he took, and most pro coaches have similar ones.

As I stated just a few days ago in this e-zine, (in my article about Danny Hurley turning the position down, which you can still read here: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/basketballkarens-thoughts-danny-hurleys-excellent-decision,) JJ Redick has never even coached Little League, let alone anywhere else. He’s never even been an assistant coach in college! He’s never done anything more than play ball in high school and college and the NBA. And he’s been a commentator for the past couple years. But, again, never any kind of coach. (And trust me, I researched him quite a bit to make sure I was correct!)

Part of Joe Mazzulla’s coaching history.

So, I don’t really predict great things for him in the pro league. His contract is for four years, but I have a feeling that the Lakers will suck at the beginning of the season, and JJ will be gone by December. I really feel that they needed to hire a veteran coach, such as Jeff Van Gundy or Mark Jackson or Mike Brown, but oh well. As many of you know, even though I love Los Angeles, in general, more than anyone else I’ve ever met, I just have never gotten behind the Lakers. So there you have it.

BRONNY JAMES PREDICTION

Now to continue on the Laker tip, here’s what I think will happen here. I feel that LeBron James struck a backroom deal* with the Laker powers-that-be to make sure that his son, Bronny James, gets on the team with him. And if they do not choose him in the draft, (or even after the draft because he’s not really a hot commodity, and for sure not one of the sixty best players coming into the league, so in a fair world, he would still be available after the draft ends,) then LeBron and his son will go elsewhere. *[Note: I just read that their agent is declaring that they are not a “package deal,” but I beg to differ. So we’ll see.]

LeBron and Bronny James.

So, to any NBA teams who are reading this, here’s what you need to do: Unless you have first, second, or third pick in the Draft, if you’re ahead of the Lakers’ #17 choice, you should choose Bronny just to be able to trade him to the Lakers. Even though he doesn’t seem to be a great player himself, (which means that a team couldn’t get much in a trade for him,) I feel that the Lakers will do anything to get him, to keep LeBron James on the team. So if you choose Bronny before the Lakers can, you can basically write your own ticket of just whom and what you want in exchange for the kid! That would be a genius move, (even if I do have to say so myself.)

By the way, I really do want to see a father and son play together in the NBA, and this will be our best chance for that. I applaud LeBron for being such a dedicated father. Even though he’s still a great player, I don’t know if he would still be playing if it were not for the opportunity to play on the same team as his son. So I really hope that it will come to pass, and in this upcoming season, for sure. (But what’s LeBron going to do when his second son comes up in the world??? I’ll ponder that question some other time. As you can see, I have enough on my mind for one day!)

CAITLIN CLARK

I’ve honestly never seen anything like this in pro sports before—opponents being allowed to harm a fellow player with no repercussions from the league! It’s disgusting. By that I mean both the treatment of Caitlin Clark and the non-calls and no fines for the offenders.

Caitlin is not only the best player in the WNBA in quite awhile, but she’s also the only reason that any of the other players in the league are having people see them play. Just about no one has been interested in seeing women play basketball before this season, and now they finally have someone who is so good and intriguing that she’s selling out the previously empty arenas!

Just one recent incident against Caitlin Clark, (on the left,) as she’s about to get battered by a 235 pound opponent!

Plus, the teams have had to fly commercial all these years, (and I highly doubt it was even in Business Class,) but because of Caitlin, they are finally having charter flights. They need to be grateful for the girl, not evil to her!

It’s bad enough that she’s been left off the Olympics team, which, of course, she’s been more than gracious about, but she’s getting thrown around by bigger women, on purpose. And no one is doing anything to help her.

I hate to say it, but I agree with everyone else that it’s about race. (I would say that if it was the other way around, too.) And jealousy. All those other women, especially the ones Caitlin played against in college, (yes, you, Angel Reese,) are so jealous of her that it’s making them extra-crazy. And they need to stop it this very second before someone gets really hurt.

The refs need to really take charge. And, very shamefully, Caitlin needs to have a bodyguard with her.

But most importantly, the WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, needs to issue a warning. She can make it generic, such as, “If any player harms another player, they will be suspended indefinitely, effective immediately.” Dot, dash, end of story.

LOS ANGELES JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Photo by Nina Herzog.

I hope you all read my preview of this local annual film festival the other day, (here’s the link, in case you missed it: itsnotaboutme.tv/news/upcomingmovies-los-angeles-jewish-film-festival-2024-preview,) and that many of you were at the Opening Night Gala the other night. I wasn’t planning on also doing a review of it, but the event was so excellent, that I just have to tell you a little bit about it. And remind you that the festival is happening right now, and advise that, if you’re in SoCal, you should check out all their other offerings.

My friend Nina and I were overwhelmed by the number of people who turned out for the opening night. It was at the Saban Theatre in Beverly Hills, which has a massive auditorium, and it was absolutely packed! We got there a little bit before 7PM, when it was due to start, and the line of well-dressed ticket holders was already around the block.

The reception came first; I really didn’t know what to expect in the way of food, but it was all delicious! And plentiful. The buffets featured several kinds of finger foods, and Nina and I loved it all. There were mini knishes, (of course,) hotdogs in “blankets,” chicken fingers, beef “cigars,” and vegetables on one table, and on another was Chinese food, (also of course.)

In addition to cut-up fruits, the desserts were marble cake and some mini pastries, such as cheese danishes.

The snack table! Photo by Karen Salkin.

And then, we made the most incredible discovery at the other end of the spacious lobby-–a whole table full of all kinds of packaged treats! It was a snack bonanza. There were tiny chocolates, crunchy quinoa chocolates in several different flavors, and Hawaiian sea salt macadamia nuts. That was my favorite area, of course.

There were also different alcoholic beverages. I don’t drink, but I believe I saw bottles of wine and vodka.

And the movie itself, Guns and Moses, was very good. Even though I knew it was a crime drama, it had me jumping several times. There were fun surprises and even a bit of humor. I’m going to try to attend some of the other films in the Festival, and I hope to see many of you there.

I was glad to see a serious security force all over the venue. And we had to go through metal detectors, which, in this day and age, I really appreciated.

www.lajfilmfest.org

BLUE BIRDY SPORTS BAR AND CAFE

Blue Birdy in WeHo. Photo by Karen Salkin.

My glowing review of this new eatery on the Sunset Strip is coming on Monday, so please be sure to look for it then. Here’s a quick preview: The picky Mr. X loved what he ate there! And you will not believe what his favorite dish is. You can try guessing, but I doubt you will get it. So remember to check back early next week to see how you fare.

Calling all SoCal foodies—the seventh annual fabulous Masters of Taste, (which features unlimited refreshments all day!,) is back in town.  I’ve attended the past five of them, (I, sadly, missed the first,) and now I can’t wait for this 2024 version. So I’m happily sharing the lowdown on how to be there yourselves. (Just don’t cut ahead of me for any of the goodies!)

I brought my main contributing writer, Laura, to her first one last year, and she almost cried from how much she loved it. She said it’s the best event she’s ever been to!!! And as someone who works with me, you know she’s been to everything!

The Rose Bowl field, all set-up for Masters of Taste. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The 2024 Masters of Taste (MOT) is taking place this Sunday, April 7, 2024, at the iconic Rose Bowl in Pasadena once again. And—no kidding—it’s right on the field!  I had been on that field several times before my first MOT, (because of my friendship with the UCLA athletes in the late ‘90s, and also for a few professional events since then,) and let me tell you— it’s a magical experience every time. But there’s nothing as thrilling as entering the top of the steps for this event, and taking in the entire tableau at once. Trust me on just how breathtaking that view is!

But the food and beverages from all of the participating eateries are the real stars of the day! Trust me on that statement even more! I’d advise everyone to not eat much that day until you get there.

Photo by Karen Salkin.

General admission goes from 4-7PM, and there’s an additional early VIP hour from 3-4. (MOT is much less crowded for that first hour, so if your dining and recreational budget allows, I highly recommend spending the extra bit of money for it.) And that admission price covers absolutely everything! Once you’re in, you can eat and drink as much as you like, including alcoholic beverages. (But if you do plan to drink those, please either designate a teetotaling driver or take a car service.)

Before I get into the participating eateries, I have to tell you about the kindness aspect of Masters of Taste. One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to Union Station Homeless Services, a very worthy nonprofit organization that’s working to end homelessness and rebuild lives here in Los Angeles, specifically the San Gabriel Valley. (You can read more about them on the Masters of Taste site linked at the bottom of this preview.)

Gus’ Famous Fried Chicken. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Now, as to exactly what we’ll all be feasting on next Sunday, there will be over forty eateries offering savory bites, (including the perennial favorite, Gus’ Fried Chicken; Emporium Thai, a famous Westwood restaurant that I’ve been recommending to MOT for a few years now; and even the classy members-only City Club LA,) and over a dozen dessert purveyors, (for which I can’t wait to cheat on my diet!) As to the beverages, there will be about four dozen various ones. (And that’s not even counting the plethora of bottled/boxed waters that are always on offer.) None of us will be wanting for anything, (except maybe a baggier wardrobe that day!)

And the fun is not solely on the Rose Bowl field; as soon as you enter the gates, there are booths and food trucks right on that top level. Whether you begin your food and drink journey right there or save that area to peruse on the way out, (so you can relax in one of their fake-foliage-covered armchairs,) it’s all good. I guarantee that you will love it all!

The upstairs section, right when you walk through the gates. Photo by Karen Salkin.

More good news is that the parking in the Rose Bowl lot is free! And close-by. On top of that, all attendees receive a cute little set of cutlery on the way in, so they can use their own utensils for the day instead of each booth’s plastic ones, if they choose to be nice to the environment. To further help the planet, the waste bins all around the grounds are specified for either landfill, recycling, or composting, which my recycling self really appreciates.

There’s always a culinary Host of this event, and this year it’s a husband-wife team with whom I’m familiar. Lucy Thompson-Ramirez and Chef Bret Thompson own and run Pez Cantina downtown. I’m a proud user of their famous seasoning; now if only I could cook like Bret. Lucy is always kind enough to invite me in for dinner, but, with my crazy sked, I just can never find the time, so I’ll be happy to reconnect with them at Masters of Taste this coming week-end.

A very satisfied guest at the end of a previous Masters of Taste, wishing she had worn baggier pants! Photo by Karen Salkin.

As a Masters of Taste veteran, I, of course, have some excellent, (if I do say so myself,) advice for you when you go. Since there’s tons of walking, (it’s on a football field, after all,) wear comfortable footwear. And because you’re going to eat and drink more than you could have ever imagined, wear loose clothing, such as drawstring pants, or, let’s call it “faux maternity,” dresses for the ladies. It actually doesn’t matter what you look like for this one—everyone has eyes for only the food and beverages!

Most importantly, be smart and wear sunscreen! Even if it’s not a sunny day. And perhaps bring a cap with you. You can never be too careful with the sun. Take this advice from someone who’s had skin cancer twice…on my face!

Now that you have all this important info, go order your tickets right now! I hope to see all my fellow SoCal denizens there. Come say hello, but please try to do so during the few seconds in which I’m not stuffing my face!

For tickets and more information on all of it, just click right here: www.mastersoftastela.com.

It’s been sixty years since the Beatles first hit America. When they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show that early February, they changed the trajectory of music forever! And super-fan Debbie Gendler was there from the very start.

Debbie Gendler’s new book. Photo by Karen Salkin.

Debbie and I have been friends for quite awhile, (I’ll tell you the fabulous story of how we met in a minute,) so I’ve long been fascinated by her magical stories of meeting not only the Fab Four themselves, but also tons of people in their private orb! And now the world is lucky enough to be able to do the same because she’s written a book about her experiences, with the very clever title, I Saw Them Standing There.

To celebrate this major accomplishment, Debbie recently had a book launch and signing on the eve of what used to be known in America as “Beatles Day,” (which, as we lifelong fans know, was February 9th,) at the Barnes and Noble in the Grove. And, even in that *cavernous space, it was packed to the rafters. Mr. X even came willingly! And he loved the entire presentation as much as I did. *[Note: Did you historians see what I did there? The Cavern Club in Liverpool is where the legend of the Beatles began.]

The first part of the event was an interview of Debbie by music historian, and author himself, David Leaf. That lovely convo made the evening so much more special than I had expected.

And not only were her stories user-informative, but they were charming. And often hilarious! Debbie was calmly funny, which was just perfect for the occasion.

Author Debbie Gendler being interviewed by David Leaf. Photo by Karen Salkin.

I thought I knew all her Beatles stories, but I had just scratched the surface of them. I hope you all read the book because the tales are a riot. And so personal; no one else can have stories like these. [Note: I’ll be reviewing the book in the next couple of weeks, if I can calm myself down from all the extreme envy I’m feeling while reading it!]

I especially enjoyed Debbie’s message at the end of the interview, about how much her parents had done for her, not just in supporting her teen-age Beatle-mania, but always. I love a person who appreciates their ‘rents. Many people just complain about them, and never realize nor acknowledge how much the grown-ups in their lives have done for them.

The biggest revelation of the evening for me, (which is not in the book, but an audience member requested this story,) was that when she was still a teen, she was on…The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson! I’ve known Debbie Gendler for ages, and had no idea about that! I had never realized that, in addition to our love of the lads, we had appearances on The Tonight Show in common, as well! Live and learn.

Debbie Gendler signing her new book, I Saw Them Standing There. Photo by Karen Salkin.

After the amusing and interesting chat, Debbie sat down and signed the books for the eager assemblage. While Mr. X and I were catching-up with her lovely and supportive husband, Paul Supnik, a woman came over to him and suggested that he tell Debbie to “move it along,” because she was taking a long time with each person in line. Of course, he wasn’t going to do that because he knew that she cared about each and every person who was there to have their book signed by her. I watched her for awhile and instantly recognized that she wanted to make the experience as special for all the guests as it was for her! You go, girl!

Okay, so now I have to tell you how Debbie Gendler Supnik and I met. It was a long time ago and still, to this day, I get the biggest kick out of this tale. Here goes:

The early days of my television show, Karen’s Restaurant Revue, came before the internet, so I received honest-to-goodness fan letters–in the mail–all the time. And I read, and appreciated, all of them.

Just the front center section of the crowd at Debbie Gendler’s book signing. It went all the way back, and to the sides! Photo by Karen Salkin.

One day I received an envelope with “CBS” as part of the return address, so it intrigued me. It turned-out to be from Debbie, a stranger at the time, (who worked at that TV station,) inviting me to the opening of a photography exhibit by none other than Michael McCartney, Paul McCartney’s younger brother! I almost passed-out; on my show, I often told of my younger-self adoration of Paul, and how I even had referred to myself as “Mrs. McCartney” back then. (His wife, not his mum, of course, although, at this point, I’d take either!)

As I read it, I started crying, first with joy, and then with extreme pain because…I was going to be in New York on that date, so I’d have to miss meeting my imaginary former bro-in-law! As I was trying to compose myself to call Debbie to thank her, and decline the invitation in misery, Mr. X said, “Ask Michael to do your show,” to which I replied, “Yeah, right, Michael McCartney wants to do my local cable show!” And besides, at that point, I had never had guests before—the show was all just me, chatting to the studio (and television) audience for the half hour. [Note: I had even turned-down Sarah Jessica Parker, when she asked to guest on KRR! I now know what a dumb move that was on my part.]

So I pulled myself together and called Debbie to thank her, and very sadly explained that I wouldn’t be around on the date of Michael’s show opening. And then she said the magic words—I should just let her know when I’d be back in LA, and she and Michael would take me to the gallery themselves! And then she asked…if Michael could guest on my show!!!  I almost passed-out!

And that’s exactly what we did when I got back to town. We all, (Michael, Debbie, her husband Paul, Mr. X, and I,) went out to dinner first, to get to know each other a bit, and then on my show, Michael surprised me with a wonderful gift–one of his stunning shots of the *(almost) Fab Four in their younger days! (And he even pointed-out Paul as my “huhs-band,” in his charming Liverpudlian accent!) *[Note: That’s original Beatles drummer Pete Best in the photo, not Ringo!]

This is the signed print from Michael McCartney, which is framed on my wall. (The light in the center is just my flash, which I needed for it.) Note his adorbs message to me on the right side. (But please ignore all the fingerprints from my studio audience trying to get a closer look at it back then!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

And Debbie and I have stayed friends ever since. (And no—the friendship is not so that I’d stay just one degree from Paul McCartney!)

I’m often proud of my friends. But knowing how hard writing is, and imagining the humongous effort it takes to finish a book, I’m extra proud of Debbie Gendler Supnik.

Now I have to go read the book this very second. Let the jealousy commence!

I had not been to an LA Fashion Week event, which I’ve always adored, since before the pandemic. But this invitation was so compelling that my friend Diane and I just had to attend. And we had tons of fun.

Christina Rahm leading the models in the finale of the Merci Dupre Fashion Show. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this article.

The Merci Dupre Fashion Show was held at the uber-classy Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Beverly Hills, so it was a pleasure from the second we walked in the door.

On the way there, we tried to figure-out, (from the name of this new company,) what the fashions would be, with us each having a very different image in our heads. While I pictured very French designs, all angular and crazy, Diane pictured that they would be of the hip-hop variety.

The Merci Dupre Fashion Show. Photo by Karen Salkin.

But we were both wrong—the gist was sustainable, refurbished, and environmentally-protected fashions, made with textiles that provide protection from environmental toxins, (such as radiation, heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus,) by adding nanotech skin coatings to the apparel. We were told at the beginning of the show that the collection was created by a variety of designers, and it showed in the range of styles. There was everything from ripped jeans to billowy ball gowns to semi-naked lingerie styles.

The entire three-part event was fun.  irst up was the cocktail hour as we all arrived at the Waldorf’s Ballroom area. One of the most interesting parts of that portion of the evening was getting to watch the lead make-up artist, Mark Harvey, work his magic on the models’ faces. Mark is beautiful himself, so I would trust him with my visage anytime. He was also offering his wonderful little kits, (which include a toner, serum, and primer, along with a bronzing duo,) for purchase, so that the guests can achieve that flawless look at home.

The Marc Harvey Beauty Kit. Photo by Karen Salkin.

After tons of mingling time, we moved into the Ballroom for the main event. One of the perks of being a front row denizen at Fashion Week events is that we receive little goodie bags at our seats; I thought that perhaps that lovely practice had been discontinued in the past year or two. But here they were again, so we were happy from the get-go.

Diane pointed-out something that we both appreciated—there was a lot of diversity in the assemblage, especially in the audience, but also in the show.

Half the fun was checking-out the attendees, so I was thrilled to see that just about every audience member was dressed appropriately, one way or another. The invitation had suggested the attire for the evening to be “creative chic,” so it was open to interpretation. There was everything from classy pants suits with sensible flats to LBDs with funky boots to fancy gowns with sparkly stilettos heels. (Okay, one man with no fashion sense wore a tee shirt and jeans and sneakers, and unfortunately he was in the line of most of my photos! Sorry about that.)

Celia (on the left) and Karen Flloyd. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The presentation began with a trio of speeches from first Celia Evans Polhemus, who is a rep of the company that ran the event, followed by the publisher of show sponsor Elysian Magazine, Karen Floyd, and ending with remarks from Mercy Dupre founder, Christina Rahm, whose Ivy League education was concentrated in science, which explains why she’s a champion of the materials used on the fashions in this show.

Karen’s words were especially heartfelt; she had just come back from Ukraine, so she spoke about peace in the world, and you could tell that her feelings on the subject were raw.

Later, during the wrap-up speeches by the same women, we discovered that some of the models were not, in fact, models, per se, but rather soccer players! I should have guessed that of one of them because she had muscular thighs that I can only dream of rocking myself.

Merci Dupre fashion show curator, Christina Rahm, (on the left,) with the three soccer players who modeled iin the show. Photo by Karen Salkin.

On an auxiliary note, I adored the music that accompanied the strutting. I’ve been to a lot of fashion shows in my life, (including modeling in them beginning at the age of thirteen in New York City,) so believe me when I tell you that that was the perfect music. It had a perfect beat for strutting, and aided the proceedings without overpowering them.  I always admire auxiliary touches like that.

When the show was over, some people stayed upstairs to mingle and enjoy more cocktails, while the rest of us gathered downstairs on the patio of Espelette, the hotel’s restaurant, for the official after-party, where we enjoyed discussing what we had just seen.

More of the diverse fashions at the Merci Dupre show. Photo by Karen Salkin.

All in all, it was a lovely evening. I thank the Merci Dupre team for enticing me to return to LA Fashion Week. It was good to be back.

One of the best, classiest, most fun, and most worthwhile events I attended in 2021 was The Foundation for New American Musicals (FNAM) All-Star Benefit and Fundraiser. So when I noticed it would be in the same exclusive venue this year, (the lovely garden of a private residence,) I knew I not only had to attend myself, but share all the info with my SoCal readers because the public is invited to purchase tickets and support the cause. This is one that every fan of Broadway musicals should not miss.

But let me not bury the lede—the special guest of the presentation portion of the program will be none other than…Billy Crystal! Seeing him is worth the price of admission alone.

The event will take place next Sunday, October 15, 2023 at 2PM in Pacific Palisades. (Address will be provided when you order your tickets.)

What the previous event looked like in 2021. See how exclusive it is? Photo by Karen Salkin.

The first part of the proceedings will be the cocktail reception, where the mingling begins. (It continues long after the show portion of the afternoon has ended, when we all have even more to discuss with each other!) The silent auction starts right away, as well. There were some beautiful items last time, so I expect more of the same.

And then the show begins. That’s where Billy Crystal comes in. He’ll be presenting the 2023 FNAM Inspire Award to multiple Tony Award-winner Jason Robert Brown, who composed the music for Billy’s recent Broadway show, Mr. Saturday Night. Jason’s co-awardee here is his wife, Georgia Stitt, who has her own very long list of musical credits, both as a composer-lyricist and performer herself. I’m impressed by such an accomplished couple who both have their own gigs in the same field, and can also work together from time to time.

The trio of FNAM honorees at the upcoming Benefit: Jason Robert Brown, Georgia Stitt, and Marcia Seligson. Photos courtesy of FNAM.

Along with the Awards, the afternoon will feature musical performances by some very talented artists. As a fan of his voice for years, I’m most excited to see Wayne Brady perform so up-close and personal. There will also be Chris Mann, (whom I still remember as the lone opera singer from the early days of The Voice,) along with Anastasia Barzee, Therese Curatolo, and Cheeyang Ng.

On a side note, I had the pleasure of chatting on the phone the other day with FNAM Board President, (and casting person extraordinaire,) Michael Donovan, who turned out to be a kindred spirit with me. Where has he been all my life??? (Oh wait—being super-successful, that’s where!)

An actress friend of mine had recently taken his class on how to audition, and before I got to speak with him, (and find-out for myself,) she told me that Michael is “lovely, funny, and smart”; she could not have been more correct.

The fabulous Wayne Brady. Photo courtesy of FNAM.

Michael is very enthusiastic about not only this upcoming special event, but The Foundation for New American Musicals, in general. In keeping with their raison d’etre, (which is to educate, mentor, and showcase the next generations of creators of musicals for stage, screen and new media,) Michael teaches his craft at Pepperdine, and directs their Senior Showcase. He had also done the same at my beloved UCLA, which I uber-appreciate because it’s where I first  stalked fell in love with Mr. X when I saw him on stage on just my third night in Los Angeles!  (And, much to his chagrin, the rest has been history.) Michael clearly lives up to the organization’s dedication to providing opportunities for talented newcomers to create and showcase their art.

In our hour-and-a-half convo, (and yes—I did let him get in a few words!,) Michael’s admiration of everyone involved in this event was quite apparent. He was able to reel-off so many credits of all the honorees, and we both talked about “how amazing” Bob Klein is. Bob is one of the organization’s founders, and at the previous fundraiser, he received their first Founders’ Award in recognition of “his considerable support for emerging writers of musical theatre.” Michael told me that at this one, Bob will, in turn, present the 2023 Founders’ Award to FNAM co-founding member, (and Broadway producer,) Marcia Seligson. Long-time LA musical theatre fans are always grateful to her for having created the Reprise series of very famous musicals at UCLA over the years. They featured so many shows that even I, a child of New York City culture, had never seen. It was a really joyous series of shows, and I thank her for all that happiness.

Just a tiny bit of the plentiful fare at FNAM’s previous Benefit. Photo by Karen Salkin.

The best part of the upcoming Benefit is that while we guests are having all that fun, the proceeds of the event will benefit FNAM and its programs. So you’ll be thoroughly entertained while being philanthropic at the same time. It’s a major win-win.

And even if you cannot join us this time, I highly suggest that all fans of musicals, and discovering new talent, check-out the Foundation’s work. It will be eye-opening.

For tickets and more information, please go to www.FNAM.us.

As a lover of athletes, the Olympics, great food, learning something new about my city, and having a good time in general, I was so happy to be included in a recent event to celebrate that the Paris Olympics and Paralympics are just a year away!

And it was exactly the summer fun I needed! What an upbeat and interesting time it was.

Some of the mingling, while swimmer Ellie Marks gets asked for her autograph. Photo by Karen Salkin, as is the one at the top of this page.

It appeared that the entire assemblage agreed with me because, even on one of the hottest nights of the year, with the doors open and the food being served on the back patio, absolutely every single person there appeared to be having a blast! This was such a happy party! It was so easy to talk to strangers, no matter how accomplished some of them, (especially the athletes,) might be.

As to the venue, no one who’s ever seen Mr. X and me on the old TV show Tattletales back in the day, (the one where celebrity couples competed against each other to win money for the audience, and on which we’re the All-Time Champions!,) would have ever guessed that I would have had such a fabulous time at a…tattoo parlor! That’s because one of the many questions we got exactly right was about where on my body I would get a tattoo. And we both knew the answer immediately, which was “no place ever!!!”

The choice of special Olympics “made-to-fade” tattoos guests could get at the event. Photo courtesy of Team USA.

But Ephemeral LA on LaBrea, where this soiree was held, is actually beautiful and inviting. And with so many guests getting ones from their special “made-to-fade” Team USA Flash Tattoo Collection, which are so attractive and adorbs, (and begin to disappear in one-to-three years!,) I was tempted to join in the fun and get one.  (I know—who am I?—right?) But when I learned that they still required needling, I couldn’t go through with it. After several very painful injections into both knees recently, I’m done with needles for a long while. (Knock on wood.) Plus, knowing how attached to everything I get, I would have been sad when my cute design faded.

But those special tattoos and athletes weren’t the only attraction of the evening, by far. There was so much to it!

The buffet. I love when there’s a menu right up front, so we guests don’t have to guess at what the food is! Photo by Karen Salkin.

The food was delish and the personnel were very pleasant and kind, even in the heat. It was catered by Colette’s, who provided the perfect and easy Mexican buffet. We got to make our own soft tacos, (with a choice of chicken, beef, or vegetables, and even two kinds of tortillas,) with tasty rice and beans on the side. And they did the absolutely best thing I have ever seen at a fete—they provided take-out containers for us to fill-up and take home!!! That was soooo thoughtful!

The desserts were on a separate table, and very wisely, none were chocolate, which would have surely melted in the intense heat that night! Instead, there were Rice Krispies treats, lemon bars, and mini apple pies, (none of which I eat, thank goodness for my chubbette self.) My friend, Marc, said they were all great. And he doesn’t even usually like Rice Krispies treats! Perhaps he enjoyed these because they were made with limited edition red and blue Krispies, which combined with the white marshmallows, were perfect for the Team USA occasion.

Karen Salkin cheering for Team USA in the photo booth while her friend Marc is posing. (It’s blurry because it’s really a video!)

In addition to all the eating, mingling, and tattooing, there was also a video booth. We got to choose our background from a trio of Team USA designs, and then just moved around goofily (or maybe that was just me,) for about twenty seconds or so. It was amusing that Marc didn’t realize it was a video, (as opposed to a still pic, which we find at many a soiree,) so he just posed until I told him he had to move. So our video is basically of me breaking it down for him, which Mr. X got a kick out of when I sent it to him from the event.

But, of course, we were there to celebrate the athletes who are looking to compete in the Paris Olympics next summer. Marc was thrilled to meet very pretty Paralympic two-time gold medalist swimmer, Ellie Marks; he had to take a selfie with her right away. Then, as we were leaving, I spied adorable rugby player, Marcus Tupuola, lying in one of the open “rooms,” and I just had to pop in and take some pix of him getting ready to be tattooed. He told me he chose the “breakdancing” image. (They didn’t offer a rugby one, so his was a good choice because it will be the newest competition in 2024, even though I think breakdancing is a very odd choice as a “sport,” no matter how athletic you must be to do it, as is required with all forms of dance.)

Rugby player Marcus Tupuola, getting ready to be tattooed. (And look at whose pink business card he’s holding!) Photo by Karen Salkin.

I’m the first to admit that I can’t function in heat, so I wasn’t my most charming self, and therefore didn’t seek out anyone to chat with. So I feel a tad bad that I didn’t get to meet more of the talented athletes, including Paralympians Nick Mayhugh (who’s a gold medalist in track and field); high jumper Ezra Frech; swimmers Ahalya Lettenberger, Haven Shepherd, and Lizzi Smith, (who already has three medals); and Olympic hopefuls Colleen Quigley (track and field); Kyra Condie (climbing); and gymnast Donnell Whittenburg. But, of course, I wish all of them the best of luck in their Olympic trials next year.

The athletes’ poster cards, all ready to be autographed! Photo by Karen Salkin.

One thing I got a kick out of is that this was the most casual event ever! I totally messed-up my entire bedroom trying to find something casual-but-dressy-enough for the occasion, and then when we pulled-up to the fete, all I saw were jeans, tee-shirts, and shorts! On everyone! In my little very non-fancy dress, I looked like I was on the way to a ball in comparison! They all looked so comfortable that it actually made me happy for them, as opposed to being jealous for myself because I got the attire choice wrong, (which, trust me, was far from the first time!)

Photo by Karen Salkin.

As the guests exited the event, we each received a cute “Team USA” clear plastic goodie bag, (which will come in handy for anyone who still plans to go to a Taylor Swift concert at some point—the only bags you can bring in to them have to be see-thru!) In each one was a pair of hip sunglasses, a pretty Olympics-themed scarf/rally towel, and little stickers that say “Team USA.”

As if all of that was not enough, the event organizers provided Ubers for many of the guests, including yours truly. How generous was that?! As a crazy old friend of mine used to say about unusual instances, I never heard of such a thing! Marc was thrilled to not be the driver for once. (But I couldn’t help but still be the navigator.  I could not believe how wrong the Uber directions were several times.)

Now I can only hope that next summer’s Olympics will be as fun as this celebratory party was. You know I’ll be watching it all, and cheering for this event’s athletes to go all the way.