Around Town: Laguna Toastmaster receives award

Laguna Beach Toastmaster Gwen Earle was awarded Distinguished Toastmaster honors by the international public-speaking and leadership organization.

Earle, of Dana Point, is a founding member of the Laguna Beach club, which started in May 2014. She is also a member of Coastmasters Toastmasters in Dana Point.

“Gwen is a remarkable lady and a talented leader,” said Coastmasters President CW Gruenig.

To receive the Distinguished Toastmaster, candidates must give more than 40 speeches from Toastmaster manuals, serve as a club and division officer, sponsor and mentor new clubs and organize a public service leadership project in the local community, Gruenig said.

Laguna Beach Toastmasters meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Mondays at the library, 363 Glenneyre St. Parking is free just west of the building, and guests are welcome. For more information visit https://www.lagunabeach.toastmastersclubs.org.

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Museum art auction raises $300,000

Laguna Art Museum’s raised nearly $300,000 at its art auction Feb. 7, the most successful in the event’s 33-year history.

The money will go toward the museum’s education and exhibition programs.

The 20-item live auction was led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Andrea Fiuczynski. Highlights included Laddie John Dill’s “Light Sentence,” which sold for $27,000, and Danny Heller’s “Palms and Architecture,” which was valued at $3,400 and sold for $13,000. All 20 items featured were sold.