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October 09, 2006
Festival Weekend a Hollywood Hit
Despite the perfect storm for sports this past weekend (Dodgers, USC and UCLA Football), not to mention two downtown Los Angeles music festivals, the Firefighter Festival in Hollywood was a big hit with local residents and businesses. The Sunday event attracted people from not only Hollywood, but the farthest reaches of LA, as some people traveled from the Harbor in the south and the west valley in the north to enjoy the festivities.
The events of the past week actually began with the Fallen Firefighter Memorial service on Thursday. Then, this past Friday evening, the Greater Alarm Gala, an exclusive dinner and auction was held. The evening was hosted by Thad Hunter Smith and Brian Sayers and included honors for some of Los Angeles' most involved individuals and wonderful music. The auction and proceeds from all weekend events are designed to assist in the completion of the Fallen Firefighter Memorial. The gala was the second annual event, and an enthusiastic crowd enjoyed some fantastic food - all prepared by Los Angeles firefighters.
The Saturday festival was also a food fest, with various fire stations (and Chief Officers) competing for awards in both taste and presentation. Presentations by councilperson Tom LaBonge, Fire Chief William Bamattre, and others were well received, while musical presentations by Catch 22, The MoxieBlues Band, and the Calvillio Sisters really got the crowd going. The Calvillo sisters, nieces to LAFD Captain Carlos Calvillo (who plays in the MoxieBlues Band) performed a cappella, and these girls have a tremendous future, should they decide to pursue it.
Both the Friday night and Saturday events included a private auction - items ranging from fire helmets signed by celebrities to vacations, cruises, musical instruments, and a three-litre bottle of wine from Napa Valley. The final tally is not yet in, but the initial reaction is that this year's event was a financial success, an important component for the museum and the memorial.
Special thanks go out to all of the individuals, firefighters, LAFD officers, LAPD, Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society members and staff, not to mention key sponsors Jostens, KABC 7 Television, The Home Depot, Harley Davidson, Conseco, and Inifinity Radio.
Posted by dbarrett at October 9, 2006 03:26 AM
Comments
Hi,
I had a wonderful warm neighborly feeling at the festival. No matter how many showed up, some good cooking and drink,music warmed my heart; Especially Captain Johnson's spicy links from Venice!! It was a pleasant, peaceful, crisp afternoon. I had the pleasure of chatting and dining with LAFD staff, active and retired.
It's always a great way to be close to community members and be part of family. After a while there are familiar faces.
I had a though of you inviting some foreign firemen of some other nations to visit and paticipate in a cultural, sporting, or cooking events. What do you think?
The parade last year was nice, and this year there were some logistical reasons.
I was offered to choose a brick, and dedicate it to some special LAFD Staff!!
Posted by: Catherine T. Shores at October 12, 2006 03:21 AM
Firefighter's festival of hollywood was great fun and I came away very well fed!
Posted by: Tim at October 21, 2006 12:15 PM
Whether tragic events touch your family personally or are brought into your home via newspapers and television, you can help children cope with the anxiety that violence, death, and disasters can cause.
Listening and talking to children about their concerns can reassure them that they will be safe. Start by encouraging them to discuss how they have been affected by what is happening around them. Even young children may have specific questions about tragedies. Children react to stress at their own developmental level.
The Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign offers these pointers for parents and other caregivers:
* Encourage children to ask questions. Listen to what they say. Provide comfort and assurance that address their specific fears. It's okay to admit you can't answer all of their questions.
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If you are concerned about your child's reaction to stress or trauma, call your physician or a community mental health center.
Posted by: John Atkins at November 1, 2006 11:58 PM