Legends 'Lighten Up' and Do Lunch

by Frank Saldana

Members of the San Diego Press Club's "Legends," group, also known by many as the "Old Timers" are taking the annual Legend Luncheons in a new direction. Informal monthly luncheons is the new format.

Nancy Ray, who has steered the old timers for the past few years, will continue to ramrod the group and bring it together at 1 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Mission Valley Resort's tavern. Ray invites anyone who'd like to join to give her a call at 619-473-1087.

Member Hal D. Steward offered several ideas for keeping the Legends program going, included changing the annual program to the springtime of the year, possibly May; having weekend or day bus trips to attractions such at Puerto Nuevo or Tecate, visits to nearby Indian casinos and possibly a trip to the Palm Springs Follies.

The consensus of the group was that more frequent gatherings would allow everyone the chance to attend and enjoy the company of friends and former colleagues more often. Others weighing in at the meeting were Ray; Andy Mace, the founding father of the present-day Press Club; Dorothy Taylor and Frank Saldana who retired from the Union-Tribune 15 years ago; Johnny McDonald, former sportswriter, author and freelance writer; Doug Oliver, retired Channel 8 weatherman and accomplished pianist for Legend events; Carl Gilman, KFMB cameraman and in recent years on overseas assignment for CBS, and Bill Arballo, former Del Mar fair spokesman and a North County columnist.

So mark your calendar for the second Wednesday of the month starting April 11. You don't have to be retired or a "Legend" to attend - all Press Club members are welcome.

Posted April 2007