AROUND TOWN THIS PAST WEEK

The Professional Dancers Society Awards to Leslie Caron and Deedee Wood and Mark Breaux were held at the Beverly Hilton.

It was a sold-out event and every dancer and choreographer from the last several decades was there. I loed being in that room, because it was filled with pros who are about "the work." You could feel the heartbeat of true performing and discipline in the room.

This ridiculous photo shows Mitzi Gaynor emceeing the event

Honoree Leslie Caron

Presenter Chita Rivera

Shirley Temple Tribute Host

Shirley Temple

Mitzi Gaynor

Dick Van Dyke told everyone how he wasn't wanted by Disney for "Mary Poppins," and it was Dee Dee Wood and Mark Breaux who taught him how to dance, which convinces Disney to give him the part.

Chita Rivera and Dee Dee had a running joke about how they met. Chita swore it was in a bar and Dee Dee kept denying it. I believe Chita.

To see all these legends on stage was like eavesdropping at a private party where they were all hanging out and talking about the old days. What a treat!














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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHARLENE GROMAN SARSTEDT

Charlene was feted by her family by the Beverly Hilton Pool at Sunday brunch. It was so much fun gathering with friends to celebrate Charlene. Now it can be told.........she was one of my best secret sources when I was at the Hollywood Reporter! Charlene is a very funny, energized, kind person. I adore her.

Charlene and her sister, Stefanie Powers

Charlene and her husband, Richard Sarstedt

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JOELY FISHER AND TIPPI HEDREN FOR IFAW

IFAW means International Fund for Animal Welfare. It is all about saving big cats and other exotic pets from private owners who mistreat them or sell them. It is a huge problem in the world.

Joely

 Please go to www.ifaw.org and help

Tippi

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ANOTHER CELEBRATORY MEAL AT MARINO

There is no Chasen's, Scandia, Trader Vic's........so my favorite restaurant is Marino. It's home. I'm there all the time. Their homemade pastas, their piccatas, Steak Sinatra....OMG. Dear, sweet Mario and his mother. Their family goes all the way back to Villa Capri and Martoni's.




 Beverly Piontak, Lucie Arnaz, Ellen Weston, Sandy Pressman