The Valley Line: LCF Orthopaedic Guild hosts another successful Book and Author Luncheon
Marie Jennings, president of the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) welcomed members and their guests to the 2019 Book and Author Luncheon that was held in October at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club.
Caryl Petit chaired the event, which has become a highly anticipated event each year. The local guild is celebrating its 62nd year of dedication and caring of the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) in downtown Los Angeles.
It was a spectacularly clear day as more than 150 guests came to enjoy the view from the country club’s perch on top of a hill, enjoyed a lovely luncheon, were introduced to two authors, and bid on silent and live auction items.
Active members helping to make this such a successful event were Marie Baker, Wendy Nicoll, Elinor Bunn, DeeDee Nuanes, Marilyn Center, Joan Cleven, Joanne Ploszaj, Danette Erickson, Ginney Pruitt, Marie Gilhooly, Patty Rademacher, Jeanne Long, Barbara Self, Arlene Massimino, Alice Thompson, Judith McClure, Chris Wright Roper and provisional member Tamara Hughes.
“Ozzie,” a giant red dinosaur with a yellow belly who serves as the Orthopaedic Institute’s mascot, gleefully greeted guests. He was guided by Mary Beth Perrine, a former LCF resident and assistant vice president of the hospital’s foundation who was a program speaker. Also speaking was Tarra’ King Parker, an OIC grateful patient ambassador, a gymnast who received care at the hospital after tearing her ACL.
Another former patient at OIC and featured at the luncheon was 15-year-old La Cañada High School student Chloe Olivia Barber, who played the guitar and sang an original song that she wrote. Chloe is the granddaughter of LCFOG member Barbara Self. Chloe was being treated at the hospital for a curvature of the spine.
Speaking at the event were two of the three featured authors who also signed their books. Featured was Naomi Hirahara, author of a mystery-thriller “Iced in Paradise” and Lydia Fitzpatrick who introduced her first novel, “Lights All Night Long.” Brigit Binns, author of the cookbook “Eating Up the West,” was unable to attend, however signed copies of her book were available for sale.
A special announcement was made to the guests telling them of a $100,000 donation made to the Institute via the efforts of marathon runner Shirley Parry.
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La Cañada Presbyterian Church and its Parent Education program invite members of the community to join program participants in filling shoe boxes with school supplies, baby dolls, balls, crayons, toothbrushes (but not toothpaste) and other toiletries to be delivered to children worldwide this holiday season through Operation Christmas Child.
The deadline for the drop off to La Cañada Presbyterian Church, 626 Foothill Blvd., is Sunday, Nov. 24 at noon and is coordinated by LCPC volunteer Lauren Diehl with assistance from Parent Ed volunteer Barbara Stratte. For more information on drop off, call the Parent Ed office at (818) 790-6708, Ext. 205.
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I just heard from Analily Park, a member of the La Cañada Flintridge Sister Cities Assn., who told me about the organization’s fundraising event “A Night in Spain,” held at the home of Vanessa and Todd Greco on Oct. 5.
Guests were served authentic Spanish fare and toasted our Sister City, Villanueva de la Cañada, Spain. Co-chairs for the event were Elysa Del Guerio, Vanessa Greco, and McNally Sagal. The event raised more than $3,500 for the program.
Exchange student Ana Cristina Bailey thanked guests for sponsoring her experience this past summer in Spain. JPL Space Academy co-directors Amy Nespor and Nate Fulmer also thanked guests for their support of this innovative, real-life experience.
Sister Cities welcomes community participation in all their activities. If you’d like to support this mission of making friends around the world, go to their website at lcfsistercities.org for more information.