On Dec. 5, the La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) held its last meeting of 2018. Among the activities was the installation of the 2019 board of directors and officers conducted by Mary Beth Perrine, assistant VP, Development & Outreach, with assistance from Karla Delgado, assistant director, Development & Community Outreach and Michael (Mikey) Willis, manager, Volunteer Services & Community Outreach.

Perrine likened the 20 member Guild to an “extra-powerful, double shot, mocha and caramel” coffee drink. She described Guild members as “truly amazing women whose generosity and commitment to Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) is genuinely inspirational” and thanked the Guild for its continued support to provide outstanding care for children at OIC.

Continuing her breakfast theme – coffee being the breakfast of champions – elected and appointed department chairs were introduced. Recording Secretary Ginney Pruitt will listen well and record with accuracy all necessary business at the monthly meetings. Corresponding Secretary Elinor Bunn will handle all general and official Guild correspondence be it birthday or get well cards all the way to formal correspondence. Treasurer Joanne Ploszaj will continue as treasurer. She is famous for her perfection in keeping records and meticulously balancing revenue and expenses.  The position of vice president is currently vacant; however, this allows other board members to lend a helping hand to new president Marianne Jennings. Jennings is no stranger to leadership positions having been president of several local women’s groups. She will preside over all general meetings and board meetings as needed. She is deeply committed to LCFOG and its mission.

Appointed officers were also introduced. Membership will be chaired by Jeanne Long. Marie Gilhooly, along with Chris Roper, will undertake Hospitality chores for 2019, some of which may include luncheons and tours of local sites or museums.   Publicity will be capably handled by Barbara Self and Maria Gero will be responsible for the LCFOG’s handbook. This book will include a copy of the by-laws, meeting dates and times for LCFOG members as well as OIC special functions and, of course, a roster with member contact information. Linda Labrie will again act as liaison to the Guild sustainers. Many of them are former members who continue to support LCFOG in their activities and fund raising. Caryl Pettit will repeat her duties as liaison to Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG). CCG was founded in 1911 and, at that time, members assisted Dr. Charles LeRoy Lowman in his clinic for crippled children at University of Southern California’s Graves Memorial Clinic. By 1926, fundraising switched into full gear and has continued ever since.

Ways and Means for 2019 will be co-chaired by Caryl Pettit and Arlene Massimino. They plan to continue the Snap, Krackle and Pop of the Book and Author Luncheon, a major fundraiser for LCFOG each year with a major donation to OIC to benefit children who seek help with orthopaedic conditions. No child is ever turned away for financial reasons. Wendy Nicoll and Massimino will chair the selection of authors to present their books at the Luncheon in October 2019.

Following the installation of the board and officers, a luncheon coordinated by Self and her committee was enjoyed by members and guests. Members had brought an abundance of unwrapped toys for OIC to deliver at the medical clinic in Calexico in early December. The Christmas time Calexico Clinic is a yearly event and several LCFOG members have attended in the past.

For those interested in learning more about LCFOG or who want to become a member, contact Jeanne Long as to time, date and place by calling (818) 248-7822.

Submitted by
Arlene MASSIMINO

  Arlene MASSIMINO