The final meeting of the 2015-16 year for Las Candelas was held at Oakmont Country Club on May 26 with President Ellyn Semler presiding. Attending the meeting as guests were Natalie Komuro of Ascencia; Janine Perron and Heather Sardella of Didi Hirsch; Carrie Espinoza of Hillsides Youth Moving On; and Andrea Williams of the YWCA of Glendale. Each representative was presented a philanthropic donation by Las Candelas.

After all financial and project reports were made, the installation of next year’s officers was performed by Las Candelas member Anna Brewer. When the group reconvenes in September 2016, it will again be led by President Ellyn Semler. Other officers installed were 1st Vice-President Joan Campbell; 2nd Vice-Presidents Nancy Stone and Rosina Maize; 3rd Vice-Presidents Ann Jones and Lynne Naeve; 4th Vice-President Monica Sierra; 5th Vice-Presidents Margaret Cline and Jeri Benton Clark and 6th Vice-Presidents JC Byer and Pattie McCormick. Also installed were Corresponding Secretary Anna Brewer; Treasurer Ginny Simpson; Philanthropy Treasurer Patti Baker; Parliamentarian Jeannie Flint.

A highlight of the day was welcoming two new provisional members to Las Candelas. Cathy Keen introduced Karen Swan to the membership. Swan is from Burbank and is a retired teacher in the Glendale Unified School District. Swan is no stranger to community service as she currently serves on the boards of Ascencia, Glendale Education Foundation, Family Promise and the Kiwanis Club of Glendale.

Nancy Stone introduced provisional Teresa Nall to the group. Nall resides in Pasadena and works as a financial advisor. She has been active in National Charity League and is an active supporter of Hillsides Home for Children and Elizabeth House. Swan and Nall will become active members at the completion of their provisional year in May 2017.

After the meeting’s adjournment, a brief reception was held to welcome the provisional members and to congratulate the incoming officers. The reception was followed by a luncheon in Oakmont’s Garden Room.

Las Candelas is a Glendale-based organization, consisting of 40 active members. Its purpose is to give volunteer service and financial support to children and youth in vulnerable situations to help improve their lives. The ladies provide programs for the children at Hillsides in Pasadena and Hathaway-Sycamores in Altadena and financial assistance to Didi Hirsch, the YWCA, Ascencia and Glendale Healthy Kids. The group was organized in 1953 and incorporated in 1955.

Funds to support the many Las Candelas service projects to help vulnerable youth are raised at the biennial luncheon/fashion show benefit in the spring. The next benefit, “Love is a Many Splendored Thing,” will be held Monday, March 6, 2017 at the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport. The event is normally attended by over 600 supporters.

Submitted by:
Cathy Keen
Las Candelas Press Chairman
cathykeen@charter.net
818 240-2442

  Cathy Keen