Breaking news: Catholic comedy in Hancock Park

| June 28, 2018 | 0 Comments

MASTER of Ceremonies Bill Ahmanson warmed up the crowd and kept the program on schedule.

No, the headline doesn’t describe a mixed-up real estate transaction or challenges at a local church. It’s the title (“Catholic Comedy Night”) of a late-June gathering to benefit St. Vincent Meals on Wheels and Ignatians West.

The former is the 40-year-old program that prepares and delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable residents across Los Angeles. The latter organization offers an opportunity for men and women age 50 and older to serve as volunteers who bring skills and experience to projects and programs of partner agencies that provide community service throughout Los Angeles.

At the event, on the longest day of the year and in the lovely Hancock Park garden of Yvonne Cazier, nearly 80 guests were entertained by professional stand-up comedians, as well as Archdiocese of Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop David O’Connell. The Bishop, most recently Pastor of St. Michael’s Church (located near Florence and Normandie in South Los Angeles since 1903) is from Ireland and is well known for his sense of humor. For early arrivals, Bishop O’Connell conducted Mass in the garden preceding cocktails, hors d’oeuvre, and an hour-plus of comedy.

Longtime Hancock Park resident Bill Ahmanson served as master of ceremonies, introducing each act after his own, droll monologue started the evening. John Lockhart, president and CEO of People Media, organized the event. The comedians are listed at: tinyurl.com/y98kpsn2.

COMEDY guests from the neighborhood included, from left: Peggy Bartenetti, Yvonne Cazier, Megan Gamble, Bill Ahmanson, Tom Birthistle, Daryl Twerdahl, Cathie White and Mark White.

Among the locals laughing with Mr. Ahmanson and Mrs. Cazier were Daryl Twerdahl, interim executive director of Meals on Wheels and husband Jim, Mark and Cathie White, Peggy Bartenetti and her granddaughter, Megan Gamble, and Tom Birthistle.

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Category: People

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