The La Cañada-Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) held its March 1 meeting at the home of Elinor Bunn. The focus was on two issues: the Annual Book and Author Luncheon coming up in October and a night out for dinner at Mijares Mexican Restaurant in March. Each year, all profits from the Annual Book and Author Luncheon are donated to Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) in Los Angeles, formerly Orthopaedic Hospital. OIC does not turn away a child in need of care because of financial status, lack of insurance or being underinsured.

The Guild continues to think of of ways to add to its yearly donation to OIC so more children can be helped. Dinner at Mijares Mexican Restaurant, 145 Palmetto Drive in Pasadena, has proved to be a fun and successful way to add to the Guild’s donation. Newly installed president Marie Baker announced Mijares Mexican Restaurant will donate a percentage of its total income on Tuesday, March 20. Patrons need only come between the hours of 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. for dinner and drinks, dine-in or takeout; no flyers or other identification needed. At the conclusion of the evening, the winner of an opportunity drawing will be announced. There is no need to be present as the winner will be notified by the Guild.

The Guild has a 60-year history of supporting orthopaedic needs of youngsters. In addition to volunteering for special projects at the OIC Downtown campus, members have worked at It’s a Bargain thrift shop on campus. It was with sadness that the thrift shop closed on Feb. 28. Throughout its 60 years, the shop served local residents, patients, families, students from local schools and employees. LCFOG member Caryl Pettit could be seen volunteering at the thrift shop more than one or two days a week for many years.

In order to accomplish the task of making orthopaedic medical care available for more children, OIC needs to expand. There is a significant increase in number of youngsters being seen in OIC’s Urgent Care Center. When the building was first constructed, patient visits would number approximately 15,000 yearly. Now, more than 35,000 children are being triaged through the Urgent Care Center. Remodeling and renovating inside the building is underway. Not visible from the outside yet, the pre-construction plans for the Urgent Care Center are being put into place. This is a multi-phase project and there will be heavy construction on the downtown campus for several months. The OIC project team is being kept busy selecting equipment for the new Urgent Care Center, new Radiology Center and new Fracture Clinic being constructed all on the first floor of the Lowman building. A little known fact is that 50% of all kids break a bone during childhood.

When this project is completed, more children will receive the medical care they need and will be ready to Grow Well. Play Well.

All are invited to dine at Mijares Mexican Restaurant on March 20 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Submitted by Arlene MASSIMINO