Community: Two groups share love for Cupid’s holiday

There was plenty of love to go around over the Valentine’s weekend.

New associate members of La Providencia Guild were given a preview about what’s on the horizon during the traditional New Member High Tea at the home of Marcia Baroda last Saturday.

It’s the love they have for patients at Los Angeles Children’s Hospital that inspires guild members to keep up the momentum. A phenomenal year is ahead as the guild is preparing many activities to celebrate its 70th anniversary. It was founded on July 24, 1947.

Members stay busy with their main fundraising venture — the thrift shop at 3301 W. Burbank Blvd. The women work tirelessly keeping the space immaculate, organizing donations and enticing patrons with creative showcases in the storefront windows.

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Welcoming all to the tea were Lynn White Shelby, the organization’s president, sporting a red chapeau with netted veil, and Glenda Jones, membership chair.

A table filled with delectable goodies — including white and dark chocolate-dipped strawberries and assorted tea sandwiches — tempted all. Many dressed in red appropriately for the romantic holiday. Tea hostesses were Doris Palmer and Gene Marie Watson.

It was an exciting introduction for the new associates, just starting their first year with the guild. They are Juana Ballenger, Nannette Callo, Nancy Eggers, Diana Garcia, Janice Krattiger, Robin McCary, Linda Viebahn and Linda Wilson.

New provisional members are Roxanne Gunther and Beth Bowles. New active members are Patricia Taylor and Shanna Warren.

Mary Jo Hjelmstrom gave an overview of the guild’s history followed by each chairwoman sharing their accomplishments over the past year. Sue Ann Gordon, last year’s fashion show chair, talked about the event, and Rosemarie Witten discussed the thrift shop. Then each member introduced herself to the group.

Aside from raising funds, members can also participate in one of the guild’s three social groups that gather to play bridge, bunco and even poker. This guild has cornered the market when it comes to having fun.

Noon Lions bring bear hugs to rehab patients

A handful of Burbank Noon Lions members made their annual stop at the Burbank Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center to share some love with patients there on Saturday afternoon.

Treasurer Bud Alleman and his wife, co-secretary Cindi Alleman, joined publicity chair Marva Murphy and two others in presenting 200 cuddly, stuffed animals to residents, their families and staff.

“We’re giving koala bears in honor of Cindi and I taking a trip to Australia and New Zealand in November,” Bud Alleman said.

The group is celebrating its 50th year. Founded in 1967, it continues to focus on preventing blindness and helping those less fortunate. To that end, the Lions offer free eye exams and glasses for low-income residents as well as free hearing aids for income-eligible Burbank residents.

The group’s latest project is KidSight, which provides a free eye screening for children 6 months to 6 years old.

The club meets at noon on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at the Holiday Inn Burbank Media Center.

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JOYCE RUDOLPH can be reached at rudolphjoyce10@gmail.com.