Our Laguna: Seniors get decked out in their finest for annual ball

Retired City Manager Ken Frank was honored March 25 by Laguna Beach Seniors Inc., but he had to be coerced into accepting the fifth annual Legacy Award.

"The award is presented to people who have left a lasting legacy to our town," said Seniors President Chris Quilter. "When I approached Ken, his reply was a big sigh and, 'Oh God!' So I played my trump card. 'It's for the seniors,'" I said, and he caved."

Never one to seek the limelight, Frank said he appreciated the honor but was embarrassed.

"I got paid," Frank said.

He said the honor belonged to volunteers.

"There are a lot of people here who donated their time, and they should be recognized," Frank said.

New Susi Q Executive Director Nadia Babayi made sure they were, thanking the ball committee and volunteers who worked on the event: Zac Brewer, Ganka Brown, Diane Brashier, Doris Bui-Bender, Cheryl Everhart, Karen Gaither, Beverly Holt, Jheri St. James, Christina Monerastelli, Valerie Neidig, Lynda Sharp, Wynne Tapely, Edie Tonkon, Mai Vu and Phyllis Wilson.

But the night belonged to Frank.

Ball attendees gave him a standing ovation, paying $200 each for the privilege, which included a contribution to the programs and services that benefit Laguna's seniors.

The event netted $75,000.

As usual, the ball was one of Laguna's most glamorous events.

"We don't get a chance to get this dressed up very often so when we do, we go all out," said Councilwoman Elizabeth Pearson — looking very Marilyn Monroe in a black, strapless silk gown with a demi-train.

Emily Quilter accessorized her white tiered dress with a ring and diamond watch that belonged to her mother's mother, and a diamond and platinum pin from her father's mother, the late Elizabeth Quilter, for whom the senior center was named — Susi Q was her pen name as a columnist for the Coastline Pilot.

Darrcy Loveland Bickel, who will be leaving the Seniors' board of directors this year, wore a vintage silk and lace jacket.

She was also on the event committee and with her husband, Duane, an underwriter.

Karen McBride, also an underwriter, with her husband, Jim, kept warm with a marabou jacket. Kris Thalman, who recently retired as executive director of the Orange County affiliate of the Building Industries Assn., wore a long, silky burgundy sheath that she had worn to her first association installation dinner.

Martha Lydick showed off her new amber evening bag from Just Looking in the Lumberyard Mall.