DOI: 10.25549/hunn-ouc111197683
title: Glendoran Magazine castle completion article, 1986-07

description: Photocopy of the July-August, 1986 issue of Glendoran Magazine, page 58.Around TownMike RubelHis Home is his Castle - His Castle is his HomeHe enjoys seeing people happy and relishes in being a part of that cause. He’s generous and easily opens his unique dwelling to his friends. He’s genteel and he’s loved because of it. His friends cannot do enough for him.His friends, over the years, have given of their time and talent, helping him to construct his home, his castle in the Glendora foothills, and in return he would often host his friends.With the castle completed, for the most part, and with the realization of his dream of the installation of the bell towers, friends of Mike Rubel threw a surprise party for him. The occasion marked the completion of his home and his birthday. His friends relished the idea of honoring their friend Michael, who for many years, has had as a profession the wonderful task of “Bringing happiness to others.” As with all parties held at Rubelia, the name of the castle, events follow a most unconventional path.A very selective group of friends were sent invitations far in advance of the date. A ploy was set up by his close ‘buddy’ Nick Moffitt, who had arranged to get Mike away from the castle for a while, giving the guests time to arrive and prepare for the event.Elaborate plans were designed for the assemblage by Jerry Heinrich, Nick Moffitt, Kaia Poorbaugh, and Scott Rubel. They were determined to turn the table on their favorite prankster, Michael.When Moffitt returned to the castle with Mike, guests had convened “in the tunnel,” lining up from the reservoir entrance all the way back to the clock towers, all bearing lighted candles. The effect was awesome. The stunned Michael got out of the car, and a musical entourage, comprised of Sue Carpenter Baum and Criswell Guldberg on the guitars, Marty Baum on the dulcimer and led by his brother Chris Rubel on a brass horn, escorted Michael through the dark tunnel turned glowing by the candles, all the while playing “When the Saints Go Marching In.” In complete renaissance fashion, they led the procession of well-wishers and the honoree ‘a la pied piper’ to the center of the courtyard.Love emanated from the group. A 6-foot computerized photo of Rubel and his dog Lothario hung from the “stage area” where Rubel was seated. Various accolades were given. Four women who were influential in his life, were given the honor of unveiling the special gift. Florence Landon, Louise Lawton, Flo-Flo Peck, and Maria Stade removed the covering of a treasured gift, a bronze plaque with Michael’s likeness and the names of those in attendance, was presented and has since been attached to his “brag wall.”After the ceremony, guests and the honoree retired to the castle kitchen to enjoy a delectable potluck dinner.Special guests included Mike’s sister Dorchen Forman and her family, who piloted their own place from Texas, and his aunt and family Eleanor Riker who came from Connecticut.The evening’s events were typical of festivities at the castle: Mike hosting his friends, or this friends hosting him. Rubel’s favorite bumper sticker says it all, ‘I may be getting older, but I refuse to grow up!”On page 58 is a photograph of Michael Clarke Rubel wearing his crown, and the ladies who raised him standing in front of him after the unveiling of his bronze plaque. The caption under the photograph, “The four special women in Rubel’s life. With him are (left to right) Maria Stade, Florence Landon, Louise Lawton and Flo-Flo Peck.”Page 59 shows two photographs and is topped by the City of Glendora/Rubel Farms seal. First picture depicts the bronze plaque: “The plaque presented to Rubel was designed by C.W. Scott Rubel; it was sculptured by Raine Woelfel and Bill Grady created the wood frame.The second photograph depicts Michael and two friends displaying the plaque. “Delighted at surprising the King of Rubelia, Mike Rubel, his friends (left) Nick Moffitt and Jerry Heinrich have a good chuckle.