League helps foster children, school libraries
Assistance League of Glendale members are a modest bunch. They don’t usually blow their own horns. But on Oct. 11, they certainly did. A packed crowd of some 150 women and one man had the chance to hear about the league’s philanthropy projects.
League President Alma Tycer and Membership Vice President Rae McCormick welcomed members and guests. Each chairwoman described their program. Chairman Mary Margaret Smith described the league’s monthly luncheons for seniors age 55 and older. The “Senior Neighborhood Fellowship” is regularly attended by close to 70 seniors for a $2 donation each.
The League’s “Operation School Bell” was described by Chairman Patty Schermer. Last year 750 children were clothed by the league in order to help the children “thrive in school.” Still another league program is “Author’s & Illustrators Day” in which 20 Glendale public elementary schools are visited by artists and their illustrators; $1,500 is also donated to school libraries to buy new books as part of the program. Since 1996, $95,000 has been donated by the league for books for school libraries.
Chairwoman Rosario Martin described the league’s “Foster Friends Back Pack” in which backpacks with school supplies are donated to foster children. Last year 120 backpacks were donated.
The league’s scholarship program was presented by Chairman Lu Hishmeh. Eight $1,000 scholarships are donated to eight Glendale high schools. Three scholarships are also donated to Glendale Community College students. An annual June luncheon recognizes the scholarship winners, their parents and their school counselors.
Among Glendale education VIPs in attendance were Glendale Board of Education member Mary Boger and Glendale Council PTA President Elizabeth Manasserian.
After a lunch of lasagna, salad and pumpkin pie, those looking for a bargain were taken on a tour of the league’s Thrift Alley, coordinated by league Immediate Past President Jean Peacock. A favorite was the ongoing silent auction cabinet of upscale items including fine china and silverware.
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Glendale Massage Envy Spa owner Helen McDonagh had a goal of 100 massages to be booked on Oct. 12. The national massage chain, in partnership with the Arthritis Foundation, presented “Healing Hands for Arthritis.” A donation of $10 to the Arthritis Foundation would come from every $49 massage (normally $98 per massage for non-members of the spa).
Local Massage Envy Office Manager and Glendale resident Dialle Co explained that all 700-plus locations of national Massage Envy were participating. “This is the first time we’re donating to the Arthritis Foundation,” Co said. “Massages help alleviate some of the effects of arthritis.” In fact, arthritis patients are encouraged to receive massages. Massage therapist Lacey Roberts has been trained to work with people who have arthritis. For arthritis patients in wheelchairs, Roberts works from a chair. Roberts also saves her lightest touch for her arthritis clients’ wrists, a common area of the body where arthritis strikes.
Although not an arthritis sufferer, Glendale resident Ariella Cohen had a massage this day for a recent neck injury. Massage therapist and Glendale resident Elliot Book was scheduled to put in a longer day in order to accommodate those wanting massages. His last client booked two hours, resulting in a $20 donation by Massage Envy to the Arthritis Foundation.
Hoped-for proceeds from “Healing Hands for Arthritis” at Glendale’s Massage Envy are $1,000.
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Even close to Halloween, love is in the air. Glendale resident Adam Sheffield married his bride Leona Wong on Friday with a reception held the following evening.
The bride and groom were feted at the La Cañada Flintridge location of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The bride’s parents are Glendale residents John Wong and Toshiko Kuroiwa. The groom’s parents are also Glendale residents Linda and Matthew Sheffield.The couple will make their home in Glendale.