The sun came out for the first time in a long while on Jan. 11. It was fitting for the book launch of Harry Saltzgaver’s novel, “No Walk in the Park: Newspapers, Booze and God.”
The novel is about Harry’s battle over the years, fighting his demons with alcohol. The sun came out for him with his “finding God and appreciating God’s help.”
Saltzgaver is the former longtime editor of the Grunion Gazette, who recently went into the private sector but still writes a column, “Pinch of Salt,” that runs weekly in the Grunion and the Press-Telegram. He spent 40 years as a journalist — 31 of those years at the Grunion.
Held at the Rancho Los Alamitos, the book signing event drew a crowd of nearly 50 people to support him, his book and his life. His courage in sharing his personal demons over hislifetime was moving and was appreciated by his many friends attending.
“A rigorously honest insider’s recollection of life with a daily deadline, creativity on the run, alcoholism, a spiritual awakening and ultimately, a beautiful example of the recovered life,” a recent review by Paul Williams says. “Told with searing honesty and self-deprecating humor, the book is a compelling page-turner.”
The funds that were raised from the sale of books, which were signed by Saltzgaver, went to the Rancho, which received $5 for every book. There were hors d’oeuvres and a great deal of chatter among those attending. A warm feeling of friendship and support prevailed.
Seen at the scene: Harry and Maria Saltzgaver, Long Beach Fire Fighters Capt. Jackawa Jackson, Jake Heflin, and Warner Chaney Sr., Rich Archbold, Terrence McNally and TeresaO’Neill, Councilmember Kristina Duggan, Howard Freshman, Stephanie Davis, Rick DuRee, Vickie Barilla, City Auditor Laura Doud, Judie Johnsen, Judy and David Ross, Gerry and Kathy Fiskin, Ashleigh Ruhl, Jesse Lopez, Kent Wallace Meggs, Nathalie Wilson, Colleen Bentley, Tim Cullen, Leslie Smith.
Front row: Maria and Harry Saltzgaver. Back row: Long Beach fire fighters Capt. Jackawa Jackson, Jake Heflin, and Warner Chaney Sr., along with Press-Telegram columnist Rich Archbold (second from right). (Photo by Howard Freshman)
Terrence McNally with his wife Teresa O’Neill, daughter of former Long Beach Mayor Beverly O’Neill, District 3 Councilmember Kristina Duggan and Harry Saltzgaver. (Photo by Howard Freshman)
Long Beach Yacht Club’s Ladies Day excursion to the Queen Mary. (Courtesy photo)
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Front row: Maria and Harry Saltzgaver. Back row: Long Beach fire fighters Capt. Jackawa Jackson, Jake Heflin, and Warner Chaney Sr., along with Press-Telegram columnist Rich Archbold (second from right). (Photo by Howard Freshman)
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Long Beach Yacht Club Ladies Day
Long Beach Yacht Club’s Ladies Day, on Jan. 8, drew a crowd of 50 excited members on a sojourn to the Queen Mary. They were told that visiting ladies always wore pearls aboard the Queen Mary. In keeping with that tradition, many of the attendees also wore pearls.
This was the first outing under the hospices of LBYC first lady Paula Piercy. She couldn’t have been more pleased with the camaraderie. Champagne toasts were made, with Third District Councilmember Kristina Duggan sending the annual Ladies Day field trip off for an adventure exploring a local landmark, the Queen Mary.
“From the minute we got on the bus, we could just feel how happy we all were to be together again.,” Patti Martin said, summing up the excursion. “It was absolutely wonderful. The day continued to have that same joy as they were warmly greeted by the new Queen Mary curator, who led them on a fabulous tour.”
It was noted that the Queen Mary flew the Long Beach Yacht Club burge, as it entered Long Beach on its final voyage in 1967. The ship was also the location for the Congressional Cup’s 50th anniversary celebration. The restored artwork was especially admired and tales were told of famous people who had cruised aboard the Queen.
“The guide was divine and the best tour guide anywhere,” said Rita Valentine. “The tour reminded one of being on the ‘Love Boat.’ The Queen Mary history was awesome. It was simply a memorable day.”
Mary Rohrer, the executive director of QMI — a nonprofit whose mission is to preserve, restor, and protect the Queen Mary, and to promote the ship’s history, legacy and technology — researched and created a pamphlet highlighting first ladies on board the Queen Mary over the years, in honor of Piercy. Steve Caloca, managing director of the Queen Mary, shared particulars on some of the future activities on board, and explained details about Long Beach’s new outdoor amphitheater — the Long Beach Bowl – planned to be adjacent to the Queen Mary and designed to hold 10,000 to 12,000 people.
“The celebration honored the final approval from the Long Beach City Council for the club’s lease extension and remodel,” said event chair Jo Murray, who is also the “On the Water” and “Business Beat” columnist for the Grunion Gazette.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn hosted the coach in conjunction with QMI. F&M Bank also supported the celebratory field trip.
Seen at the scene: Councilmember Kristina Duggan, Paula Piercy, Joan Knight, Carolyn Powers, Kay Berg, Patti Martin, Rita Valentine, Donna Gurr, Nada Szafaryn, Ladies Daychairman Jo Murray, Steve Caloca Managing Director Queen Mary, Lisa Westerfield, Betty Morgan, Dana Whitehead, Lanette Graves.
News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.