Mission, Vision and Values

Our Association's mission, vision and values....

Good Morning, Dear Members –

In an effort to report to you in a more timely fashion, you suggested that I post the blog twice a month. Therefore, I will now write to you at the beginning of the month and again in the middle of the month. The exact date will vary because I glean information for you from Board meetings, Presidents’ meetings, the Association of Auxiliaries’ meetings and from the calls and emails you give me.  So, please visit our website often and be up to date on all the “goings on”

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

·      June 12: Pillow sewing at Thora's RSVP

·      JUNE 19: General Meeting at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center in Menlo Park

·      June 25-26: RWH @ Mythos, San Carlos

·      July 11: Pillow sewing @ Thora's RSVP

·      July 24-25: RWH @ Iron Gate, Belmont

·      Aug. 14: Pillow Sewing @ Thora's RSVP

·      Aug. 27,28: RWH @ Scott's, Palo Alto

·      Sept 11: Pillow Sewing @ Thora's RSVP

·      Sept 18: General Meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto

Note that because the Lucie Stern Center is not available during the summer months our June 19th meeting will be held at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center at 700 Alma in Menlo Park in the lovely Oak Room from 1:00pm - 3:00pm.  


I will highlight in detail the remaining events for October, November and December in the summer blogs.  However, please now mark your calendar for October 16th - our annual membership tea and November 9th and 10th for our American Girl Fashion Show and Tea as well as January 15 for our Annual membership Meeting and Luncheon. 
  

 MEET OUR NEWEST MEMBER:  MARILYN ROGERS

Marilyn is not only our newest member but also the new chair of the American Girl Fashion Show and Tea.  She is very much a volunteer par excellence.  After working for twenty years in sales and marketing at Xerox and American Express in corporate services and working with many local businesses she turned to her passion - volunteerism.

She has served on the board of the Los Altos Education foundation, has been a docent for music for minors and chaired numerous fundraisers for local schools. These past 5 years she has been a member of the National Charity League which enabled her to engage in many local philanthropic organizations.

Our fashion show has a special place in her heart since the very first show when Nancy invited her and her daughter to participate. Since then they have never left and readily volunteer each year.

Welcome, Marilyn - we're thrilled to have you.  Rest assured we will all be helping you with the American Girl event.

STANDING ROOM ONLY for Dr. Gary Hartman's presentation at our May General Membership Meeting. We had put out 50 chairs and even with adding more chairs, we had standing room only. Needless to say, Dr. Hartman is an outstanding speaker.  He gave us a very interesting history of conjoined twins but also presented magnificent slides of the preparation for and the processes involved in the actual surgery of the separation of the Sabuco twins. We were so fortunate to have him as a speaker.

GENTLE REMINDERS:

• Please keep your talented fingers knitting and sewing in preparation for our Boutique table at the Allied Arts Holiday Sale on December 1.   Sharon Brugos reported that the best sellers were baby items, tote bags, tea towels, scarves, hats, quilts and holiday decorations. or questions and items to donate please call her (650) 328-1338.
• Our Teen Van Initiative - pilot project is underway under the capable guidance of Nancy Bronstein and Deborah Potash. The goal is to put together toiletry bags/kits on a monthly basis for Dr. Ammerman's Teens. The kit bag can be a commercial cosmetic bag - not unlike the ones given away with cosmetic purchases at the department stores.  It can be  a plastic baggie or a hand sewn cloth bag with a zipper.  
• Here is the suggested list for the kits - you can donate items or you can assemble a kit.  The small travel size items are requested.
• toothbrush/tooth paste
• shampoo 
• Body wash (no soap bars)
• hand sanitizer
• deodorant
• dental floss
• disposable razor
• comb 

Please bring your items to our meeting on June 19th.

• Effort is being made to have the Nominating Committee meet earlier so as to give adequate time to produce a slate of officers for next year and present it to the membership in a timely fashion. Job descriptions for the different positions opening up have been refined and clarified and you are welcome to see any of them. Please make every effort to say yes when asked to participate.
• Very important - it is imperative that anyone interested in a bringing someone or a group to tour the hospital should call Victoria Applegate at the Auxiliaries Relations office at the Foundation first.  There are strict rules in place because of infection control policies and tour guest age regulations.

NEWS FROM OUR ASSOCIATION OF AUXILIARIES for CHILDREN (AAC)


The Association's mission statement reflects who we are and why:
MISSION:  The mission of the AAC is to support our member organizations in our mutual goals of personal service and financial assistance to the children, families and staff at LPCH.
VISION: The vision of the AAC is to expand community awareness and broaden support for the family-centered programs and services at LPCH.
VALUES: 

• We embrace the vision of LPCH to improve the quality of life for children and expectant mothers and those who love and care for them.
• We are dedicated to promoting awareness and developing support in our communities for LPCH.
• We are committed to providing funds for LPCH.
• We believe that working together as a group of member organization strengthens our support for LPCH.

JUNE BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Dallas Manning

Ruth Wood

Jane Andrews

Louise Thursby

Mary Hicks

Donna Jones

JULY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Nancy Dusthimer

Joanne Rutter

Barbara Sheldon

Marzette Woods

Sirlee Stites

Marlene Bollhoffer

Maragret Robinson

As always, dear members - you know I welcome your ideas and suggestions and always want to hear from you.  If you note we have responded to your requests:  we changed the venue for the Annual Membership Luncheon;  RWH contacted all the restaurants you suggested ( I will list those in a shorter Blog so we can support those restaurants;);  we are sending postcards reminding us of dates to remember and also per your request, I will be posting a shorter blog but twice a month. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and concerns with me.

June 19th is our last meeting until September so it is a full agenda we will need to report and have your input on.  I look forward to seeing you all at the Arrillaga Center.

Until then,

Luisa

We are indeed, so needed and so appreciated......

Good morning, Dear Members,

As you all know, we did not have a general meeting in April. Nevertheless, it has been a busy time. Before I share our news since last we "talked" please take the time to mark your calendars:

• April 22-23: RWH @ Piacere, San Carlos
• May 8: Pillow sewing and blanket knitting @ Thora's RSVP
• MAY 15: General Meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto. Dr. Gary Hartman, 
• May 21-22: RWH @Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto
• June 12: Pillow sewing at Thora's RSVP
• JUNE 19: General Meeting at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center in Menlo Park
• June 25-26: RWH @ Mythos, San Carlos
• July 11: Pillow sewing @ Thora's RSVP
• July 24-25: RWH @ Iron Gate, Belmont
• Aug. 14: Pillow Sewing @ Thora's RSVP
• Aug. 27,28: RWH @ Scott's, Palo Alto
• Sept 11: Pillow Sewing @ Thora's RSVP
• Sept 18: General Meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto
• Sept 24-25: RWH @ Mandarin Gourmet, Palo Alto
• Oct 9: Pillow sewing @ Thora's RSVP
• Oct. 16: Annual Membeship Tea @ Arrillaga Family Rec Center in Menlo Park.
• Oct. 22-23:  RWH @ Kabul's, Belmont
• Nov. 9-10:  American Girl Fashion show
• Nov. 13: Pillow sewing @ Thora's RSVP
• Nov. 20: General Meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto
• Nov. ??: Parkside Grill in Portola Valley
• Dec. 11: Pillow sewing& knitting @ Thora's RSVP
• Dec.18:  General meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto
• Jan. 15:  Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon at University Club in Palo Alto

p.s. It is a good idea to go to our website and click on the "Events" This is constantly being updated as news develops.


----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

APRIL 27TH CELEBRATION AT THE CROWNE PLAZA CABANA HOTEL, PA
This was a magnificent day for all the auxiliaries.  It was not only celebrating our successes, it was much more. It was the finest "thank you" any group has ever had. So many of the staff at LPCH took the time to "speak" with us.

Seth Ammerman, MD, Clinical Professor, Medical Director of the Teen Health Van. For our new members who might not be familiar with the Teen Van - Dr. Ammerman's program is a nationally recognized model for providing mobile healthcare to underserved, hard to reach youth. And - PAA is an important part of a collaborative effort to continue his fine work. Dr. A underscored how important we are to his program.

Gary E. Hartman, MD, Professor of Surgery, - lead surgeon on the separation procedure of the conjoined twins, gave us an incredible powerpoint presentation. Dr. Hartman also spoke to how important the Auxiliaries'  work is to helping them in advancing surgery and changing lives.

David Alexander, MD, President of the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health presented an overview of our breaking new ground and gave us a glimpse of the incredibly beautiful new children's hospital. He, too - reiterated how important our support has been.

Susan Flanagan,  Executive Vice President of LPCH shared how the Auxiliary members are such important partners in everything they do at the Hospital - not only for our financial help but also for all the services we perform for patients and their families.

Missy Ryan, Chair of the Auxiliaries Endowment, did us proud with her presentation as did Toni Paterson, our President, in Welcoming us all.  The venue was lovely, the floral centerpieces, outstanding and it was a delight to see and share the day with each other. You could not walk away without knowing just how needed and appreciated we are.  I went home feeling like a celebrity!

PAA always has and always will work for LPCH.  Those children have a corner of our heart.  Our allegiance will always be there - but it is indeed nice to have so special a day.

THANK YOU'S ARE IN ORDER:

• to Thora Richardson, Karen Stevens, Stephanie Beach, Nancy Bronstein, Sharon Brugos and me! for signing up to be on the ByLaws Review Committee.
• to Shirlee Stites, B.J. Sorenson, Mary Hicks, Barbara Alelxander, Karen Stevens, Gerry Nelson, June Schiller, and Marlene Hom. Marlene Bollhoffer, Chair of RWH wants our members to know that all restaurants you suggest are contacted.  Some with great success others although they appreciate the work we do cannot participate at this time.  Please keep your suggestions coming and thank you for your interest and support in coming to those restaurants who support us.
• Sharon Brugos for sponsoring us at the Arrillaga Family Rec Center for our June 19 General Meeting and our October 16th Membership Tea.
• Catherine McGilvray for sponsoring us at the University Club for our January Annual Luncheon Meeting.

GENTLE REMINDERS:


December 1 from 1-4 we will be selling our magnificent boutique items again at the Allied Arts Holiday sale.  Sharon asks all our crafty members to make boutique items again this year.  The best sellers were baby items, tote bags, tea towels, scarfs, hats, Christmas decorations and quilts.  If you have questions or items to donate please call Sharon (650) 328-1338.

Make your reservations for the May 21 &22 RWH - the Anatolian Kitchen in PA.

MAY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:
Margaret Stafford
Kathy Squellati
Rosamond Martin
Cille Emery
JUNE BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:
Dallas Manning
Ruth Wood
Jane Andrews
Louise Thursby
Mary Hicks
Donna Jones

There is much news to report and at the risk of making this blog any longer, we will have a full agenda to share at the May meeting.

Dear members  - you know I always welcome your suggestions and want to hear from you. I hope to see you all on May 15.


Until then,


Luisa 

"to improve the quality of life for children and expectant mothers and those who love and care for them"

"....to improve the quality of life for children and expectant mothers and those who love and care for them.."*

February 22, 2012

Good morning, Dear Members

I have been without computer access for almost one month. Hence, I have been unable to communicate with all of you. I hope your holidays were filled with joy and that the new year brings you much happiness. Because of the delay this blog will double as the final one of my first year as your president and the first blog as your president for 2012.

Before we abandon the old year and embrace the new one, let’s reminisce a bit.

It has been a year of joys and sorrows with illness and the passing of dear members but we have navigated a remarkable voyage. Here are some of the highlights of 2011:

• LPCH’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

• TEEN VAN VISIT

• NEW VENUE FOR OUR GENERAL MEETINGS

• HOSPITAL TOUR

• HOLIDAY CRAFT BOUTIQUE

• AMERICAN GIRL EVENT

• THE MANY RESTAURANTS WITH HEART

• ESTABLISHMENT OF OUR ASSOCIATION OF AUXILIARIES’

VERY OWN WEBSITE

• OUR INTRODUCTION TO E SCRIP -THAT EVER SO EASY FUND RAISER

We had 7 goals for 2011. Work on these goals was interrupted by the time and energy devoted to working on the magnificent 20th birthday celebration - a delightful and rewarding experience. However, we have either completed or begun work on all of them.

1. TO FIND A VENUE FOR OUR GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS

After months as vagabonds going from place to place we now have our permanent venue – the lovely Fireside room at the Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto.

2. TO RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS: - we created a brochure for PAA distribution

3. TO SELL REMAINING COOKBOOKS: we did not sell them all . Ever since the cookbook committee resigned this will need to be an ongoing goal.

4. TO SUPPORT EXISTING PROJECTS: Tote Bags, Pillows and Blankets, Books and Bears, RwH, and American Girl Fashion Show have done very well. (Tote Bags project could use more participants as does RwH and the Cookbook.)

5. TO DEVELOP NEW FUNDRAISING PROJECTS: we had the very successful holiday boutique, the introduction of eScrip and preliminary work was begun on the theater project.

6. TO REFINE AND MAINTAIN THE DIRECTORY AND INFORMATION THEREIN: we have rewritten the job descriptions to reflect our needs now.

7. TO ENHANCE OUR WEBSITE: we updated the section “about Us” with a quote from Dr. Alexander; we created the photo gallery - which has become our archives

Our expansion of projects has come with no dilution of our expertise, our brand, our focus. These projects are more than an opportunity to enjoy working together while helping children –with these projects we showcase our strengths and our smarts. PAA has come a long way from selling flowers on street corners. Our founders would be thrilled! We are still that ageless, vibrant, undaunted, fun group whose hearts have that native intelligence that enables us to continue to grow. I think we will always be in the business of becoming.

Yes, it has been a year of joys and sorrows and we have seen a few of life’s turns but in our general meetings when I look at you all, your faces reflect women of substance who continue to give joyfully of themselves for so worthy a cause. What remains for me is an appreciation for each of you and for what we do - from which I hope I will never recover.

I hope that this year I have given you a greater understanding of how important our work is and how much more we can do. Thank you so much for this wonderful year.

AND NOW TO THE BUSINESS AT HAND FOR 2012 – PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2012

Unless otherwise noted, our GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00pm-3:00pm in the Fireside Room at the Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto.

FEBRUARY 21

MARCH 20

APRIL 17

MAY 15 this would ordinarily be our Hospital Tour. Because of the construction, no tours will be given this year. However, the Foundation has offered to send us a speaker.

The board has requested and arrangements have been made to have Dr. Gary Hartman, lead surgeon on the separation of the conjoined twins will be our speaker at this meeting.

JUNE 19

OCTOBER – Annual membership Tea – date and place to be announced

NOVEMBER 9,10 – American Girl Event –

OTHER NON- GENERAL MEETING DATES OF IMPORTANCE:

FEBRUARY 27,28: RwH - Piacere in San Carlos

MARCH 25, 26: RwH - California Cafe

APRIL 27: First Annual Meeting and Celebration of the Association of Auxiliaries: Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto. All members of all the Auxiliaries will be receiving invitations. Seating is limited so respond early.

SISTER AUXILIARIES EVENTS WE CAN HELP SUPPORT in March and April: Many from our sister auxiliaries support our Restaurants with Heart. Here are events we can return the favor:

MARCH 16, 17: Rummage Sale (CharterAuxiliary)

APRIL 19: A Day at Chicos (San-Mateo Burlingame Auxiliary)

APRIL20, 21: Rummage Sale (Charter Auxiliary)

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AT MICHAEL'S:

For those who were unable to attend - just a brief annual report:

• American Girl Fashion Shows held Nov. 11 and 12 realized a profit of $28,3334. Marilyn Rogers,Parent of a lovely participant in the shows, will join PAA and chair the event this year.
• Restaurant with Heart program netted $13,454.
• Copies of Tastes, Tales and Traditions 291 sold netted $6,492. PAAhas sold 8,727 of the 10,000 copies.
• Christmas Boutique Sales netted $1,818. Sharon will chair this event in 2012
• Tote Bags Project donated over 100 tote bags.
• Books and Bears Project donated 93 bears and 75 books
• Pillows and Blankets donated 442 cough pillows and 45 blankets
• Membership numbers at end December 116 active and 93 associate. If you have forgotten to, Please remember to send in your dues.
• Special thank you's to retirees Sarah Beetem will step down as chair of AMGF. $100 will be donated to LPCH in her name. She has requested it be used for the teen van or the school. Sharon Brugos after 8 consecutive years on the board will step down. $100 will be donated to LPCH in her name. She has not requested any special use for it.
• Behind the Scenes workers were recognized: In addition to working on other projects and events, these people are to be thanked for their "extra-curricula" endeavors: Joan Heye - emailing the President's blog and notices for all projects to the members. Stephanie Beach - mailings of blog and notices to those who do not have email. Becky Yung - Organizing cookbook table sales. Bob Stevens - our Webmaster. Karen Stevens - RwH reservations. Deborah Potash - RwH publicity. Roger Potash -Computer Assistant for RwH. Erika Crowley -Cookbook mailings. Mary Hicks -menu planning and food preparations for our Teas and Mary Koeppen for dues and directory
• Sue Hnilo, Associate Director of Auxiliaries Relations is retiring after 14 years. We presented her with a three azalea plants in a lovely arrangement for her garden. At this time she was not aware that all seven auxiliaries donated enough in her honor to purchase 6 iPads for the teen van, her special project.
• Dr. Alexander was presented with our check for $75,000.

OUR GOALS FOR 2012 were shared:

1. RECRUIT NEW MEMBERS

2. SELL REMAINING COOKBOOKS

3. SUPPORT EXISTING PROJECTS AND DEVELOP NEW FUND RAISING PROJECTS

Holiday Boutique - eScrip - Theater project

4. SUPPORT AND ENHANCE EXISTING "Hearts and Hands" PROJECTS

More help with Tote Bags, Cookbooks, Books and Bears, Pillows and Blankets and RwH

5. WORK TOGETHER WITH SISTER AUXILIARIES

6. REFINE BYLAWS AND STANDING RULES TO REFLECT NEW MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

It is with the deepest sorrow that I share with you the tragic news that Dr. Ammerman's wife of 5 years, Helen Martin was killed in a horrendous car accident. This discussed at our February general meeting and we voted to donate $100 in her name to be used for the Teen Van. As you know the Teen Van Project was begun and is run by Dr. Ammerman. It was also so important to his wife. All of us know how dear Dr. Ammerman is to us and how much he appreciate us. PAA has written offering our condolences. Should you wish to send your own personal notes please address them to him in care of Victoria Applegate at 400 Hamilton Ave, Suite 340, Palo Alto, CA 94301. Our thoughts and prayers are with him.

DID YOU KNOW:

• Pat Ogle sent word that Rusty Fulmer's husband, George passed away. Rusty was a server and wedding coordinator in the days prior to the restaurant's closing for earthquake repair.
• Pat Ogle is out of the wheelchair and boot and learning to walk again.
• Primavera has left and Allied Arts Guild plans to close the dining room and use the terrace and patio for what will be know as the Blue Garden Cafe. It's food service will be light fare, prepared by a caterer from Cupertino. Plans are to open the Cafe in early March.
• Holbrook Palmer Park is unavailable for the foreseeable future as the Atherton library is going to be relocated there. They are not taking any reservations for 2012 and 2013. We will need to find a new place.

RESTAURANTS WITH HEART asks for your help. They will send out a separate memo but have asked that I inform you of the different ways you can help:

Please: Attend the monthly dinners and invite family and friends

Help spread the word - tell friends neighbors,etc. about RwH and the purpose of it

Offer to drive members or non-members who wish to attend but need transportation

Help distribute the monthly flyers

Help with mailings

Suggest restaurants we should investigate for participation in RwH

Patronize our participating restaurants.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

JANUARY:

Thora Richardson

Marilyn Ellis

B.J. Sorensen

Deborah Potash

FEBRUARY

Marti Deacon

Joan Heye

Audrey Polster

Catharine McMahon

Carolyn Hofstetter

Stephanie Beach

Elizabeth Modena

MARCH

Erika Crowley

Ginny Lee

Lumie Steele

THEATER PROJECT:

Plans are being made for fun in the afternoon! Hillbarn Theater in Foster City is producing the broadway smash hit "The Producers" If we have enough members/spouses, friends interested we can get group rates. Matinee Dates being considered are:

SUNDAY, 2 PM, MAY 6

SUNDAY, 2 PM, MAY13

If you are interested please contact Gerry Nelson (650) 325-9692 as soon as possible

There is always so much to report that it would make an even longer Blog. (I apologize for the length of this one but I had to include two months!) Thus, much is reported and discussed at our general meetings. Please mark your calendars and make the effort to come to the general meetings.

Some of the topics on the March 17 general meeting agenda (besides the usually reports)at Lucie Stern Community Center will be:

"Spring Vintage Lunch"; Theater project; Bylaws and/or Standing Rules; 2011 Tony award winning drama "War Horse" and back stage tours; members requests and concerns and venue for the Tea. It is so important to have you there for your input.

*the above quote is from the LPCH Vision statement. How gentle and caring a phrase in the midst of so erudite a mission, vision and value statement from this internationally known giant of a medical, teaching and research center. Nice, isn't it to be such an important part of it.

As always, please tell me your thoughts and desires for PAA. The Board does act on your concerns and suggestions.

See you on March 20th at Lucie Stern Community Center..

Luisa

Enjoy again a gracious tradition

Enjoy again a gracious tradition..

December 1, 2011

Good Morning, Dear Members,

Because of time constraints, this month's blog will be brief and the "newsletter" portion will be detailed in full in the January blog.

By the time this blog is posted you will have received via email and/or regular mail the following time-sensitive information:

• An email from Toni Paterson, President of the Association of Auxiliaries,explaining eScrip, the wonderfully easy fund-raising project for all LPCH auxiliaries. Since we are still in the most important fund raising season for us this is a timely topic for you to know about - eScrip. There will be more on this in our January blog. However, Toni has clearly outlined the information you will need to take advantage of this money-making opportunity.

Do you recognize some of the names listed below? Do you shop at any of them?

Bianchini's Market Diablo Foods Draegers Market

Glen Ellen Village market Key Markets Lunardi'sMarkets

Mollie Stone's Pak 'n Save Piazza's Fine Foods

Big O Tires Main Street Automotive Portola Valley Garage

American Airlines Club Cruise American Wines

San Francisco Chronicle PigglyWiggly

Do you shop ON-LINE? Note the participating stores who are on-line eScrip merchants:

Amazon Nordstrom Expedia

Apple Store Pottery Barn Chef's Catalogue

Best Buy Gap Clinique

Ashford Bloomingdale's Macy's

Home Depot

These are a few of the merchants participating in eScrip. Please review Toni Paterson's email

• The annual membership dues notice asking that you send in your $75.00 by January 1, 2012 to Mary Koeppen at 10150 Phar Lap Drive, Cupertino, CA 95014. Please remember to include the form indicating your volunteering preferences.

• The invitation to our Annual Luncheon & Business Meeting Come and enjoy this time-honored tradition where we report results of our annual fund raising efforts; where we recognize our past presidents, our project leaders, those ever so important behind the scenes members,and where we thank our out going board and welcome our new board; where we proudly present Dr. Alexander with our annual donation to LPCH. Highlights of this past year's joys and accomplishments will be shared as well as a report on our goals for 2011 and those for 2012.

Annual Luncheon & Business meeting on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, from 9:30am-2:00pm

at Michael's Restaurant at Shoreline

2960 North Shoreline Boulevard in Mountain View, CA

Coffee/Tea 9:30am Business meeting 10:15

No Host Cocktails -12:00noon Lunch 12:30 $30.00 per person

Luncheon Entree Choices:

Breast of Chicken, Marsala; Crabmeat & Shrimp Canneloni: Spinach & Cheese Tortellini

Please indicate your choice of entree and return with $30.00 check by January 10,2012 to

Dallas Manning (650) 858-1376

836 Pine Hill Road, Stanford, CA 94305

PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2012

Unless otherwise noted, our GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS are held the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 1:00pm-3:00pm in the Fireside Room at the Lucie Stern Community Center

1305 Middlefield Road in Palo Alto

January 17 Annual Luncheon meeting at Michael's

February 21 at Lucie Stern

March 20 at Lucie Stern

April 17 at Lucie Stern

May 15 at Lucie Stern. This would ordinarily be our Hospital Tour. Because of the con- struction no tours will be given this year. However, the Foundation has offered to send us a speaker. The board has requested and arrangements have been made to have DR. GARY HARTMAN, LEAD SURGEON ON THE SEPARATION OF THE CONJOINED TWINS WILL BE OUR SPEAKER at this meeting.

June 19 at Lucie Stern

October - Annual Membership Tea

November - American Girl

JANUARY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Thora Richardson

Marilyn Ellis

B.J. Sorenson

Deborah Potash

Forgive the brevity of this blog. Noteworthy news of our successful American Girl event, our RwH, book sales and our lovely Boutique will be shared at the luncheon. They do indeed reflect our hard work this year - hard work shared by all of us. It is such a pleasure and so rewarding to see how many of you came forth to offer your time and talent for these fund raising events. Thank you all for your dedication and incredible talents.

I hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving and my wishes to each for a Happy Holiday and a Grand New Year.

Luisa

Doing what we do best...

We have so much to be thankful for - each other and the opportunity to help others -

November 9, 2011

Good morning dear members,

The holidays are upon us! Not only is it time for rejoicing with family and friends but also it is our busiest time for fund raising. This is our opportunity to do what we do best, raising money for the children at the Hospital. American Girl Fashion Show and Tea is our biggest money maker and Sarah and her committees have done an incredible job organizing it. I will be there both days and I look forward to working with you all on November 11th and 12th. Sarah asks that you please remember to come at the times you signed up for and wear black pants, white shirt and green apron.

Before I share news and photos of our delightful Tea, here are a few announcements and dates for your calendar:

We will be sending Annual Meeting information and dues notices by email. However, you can pay your 2012 dues at the November, December and Annual meetings.

The California Café is offering us brunch and dinner on Sunday, November 13^th and dinner on Monday, November 14^th. No lunch is offered on either day. Reservations are still available so please contact 650.364.2588, ext 4 or go to our website www.paloaltoauxiliary.com Walk ins are also welcome.

Nov. 15 General Meeting in Fireside Room at Lucie Stern Community Center 1-3:00pm A sampling of our Boutique items will be for sale. These are exquisite, handmade, one-of-a-kind items made by our talented members.

Dec. 3 Holiday Boutique at Allied Arts Guild.10:00am-5:00pm We will have a table in the Sunset Room selling our exquisite hand-made items and Tastes, Tales and Traditions.

Dec. 6 Holiday Luncheon will be at the University Club. We will serve ourselves from the Buffet and then be seated in the Beech Room. 11:30 Buffet luncheon. $32 per person with a No Host bar. Checks should be made out to PAA and sent to Dallas Manning 836 Pine Hill Road, Stanford, CA 94305. Dallas needs reservations by Dec. 2

Updates on our projects and Association news will be reported at the November membership meeting.

One of our loveliest times together is our Annual Membership Tea at Holbrook-Palmer Park in Atherton. The Tea is a time-honored event at which we honor our members for their years of service. Each honoree is presented a rose and a donation is made to LPCH in their name.

As you know, something as lovely and elegant as this event does not happen by accident. Many thanks to Audrey Polster, for her tireless efforts organizing this special luncheon; to Sharon Brugos, for doing the research to compose our list of honorees; to Marilyn Ellis, and her committee for the festive tables and décor; to Deborah Potash for preparing the lovely roses; to Nancy Bronstein for creating the 19 exquisite autumn table arrangements, to Shirlee Stites for being our personal photographer. Her photos are our history, our archives. And to the incredible Mary Hicks and her committee for the magnificent buffet. She has been creating the delectable menus for our events for many years. These women work hard with joy and are a pleasure to work alongside.

Toni Paterson, President of the Association of Auxiliaries and Dr. David Alexander, President and CEO of the Lucile Packard Foundation took time from their unbelievably busy schedules to visit with us. Dr. Alexander gave a brief presentation filled with news of Phase II construction and told us how wonderful we are - how important our work is (always a pleasure to hear!)

We have 16 members who have reached significant milestones in their years of active service with PAA. Amongst them - visiting all the way from Texas is Joan Heye. Joan, along with Stephanie Beach is responsible for your emails and hard copies of notices and blogs. However, it is Joan who has made PAA national. She is chief of our Texas headquarters!

One of our members reigns as queen of years of service, Margaret Robinson. Margaret has given 57 years of active service - that,indeed, is a significant milestone especially since most of those were spent cooking once a week every week of the year.

For more photos of our honorees, please go to our home page and click on Photos,then photo gallery and you will find Shirlee's lovely photo collection of the Membership Tea.

This was so special an event - may we have many more together.

ASSOCIATION NEWS:

• Charter Auxiliary will have their annual holiday boutique & rummage sale on Friday, Nov. 18 , 11am-2:00pm and Saturday, November 19, 9:00am-1:00pm at 1228 Douglas Ave. in Redwood City.
• San Mateo-Burlingame Auxiliary invited us to NOT come to their Oktoberfest. date was anytime we chose; time was any time we would like and any place we wished to have it. It apparently was a clever invitation that produced great success and generated money for them!
• San Francisco Auxiliary will have their Jewel Ball on November 12 at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. It promises to be a glorious event!

These Auxiliaries support our Restaurants with Heart almost every month. If you have time please enjoy their fund raisers as well.

DID YOU KNOW:

• The SF Auxiliary will include our cookbooks as part of their silent auction at the Jewel Ball
• Come next year, Sarah Beetem will be a first time grandmother!

Randi Dean is a potential new member.She works in Dr. Brugos' office (his claim to fame is that he is Sharon's husband)Knowing Randi will be retiring soon, Sharon invited her to our Tea to see what a delightful group we are!!

• Sue Hnilo, the Associate Director of Auxiliaries Relations, will be retiring after 14 years with the Foundation. All of our past presidents can attest to the incredible amount of work she has done for all of us. She will stay until February to help with the training of her replacement. As happy as we are for her, Sue is so special a person to each of us that she will be missed ever so much.
• Carolyn Keeley fell and broke her hip.
• Pat Ogle is out of the wheelchair but is still recuperating from her last foot surgery.

BELATED OCTOBER BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Nancy Bronstein, Jackie Clark,, Sue Ellen Naugler, Luisa Pliska

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Sarah Beetem, Jane Bradley, Ellen Latour, Gerry Nelson,Marilyn Slater, Karen Stevens, Karen Sutherland, Kay Willoughby

Dear PAA members -we do,indeed, have so much to be thankful for: the many years of sharing joys and sorrows, of working hard and joyfully for those needy children and the opportunity to continue to give of ourselves and to enjoy each other. Have a lovely Thanksgiving.

Luisa

Exciting innovations for the Association of Auxiliaries

We are, indeed, women of substance with the power to make a difference...

October 11, 2011

Good morning, Dear Members:

Before we talk about our delightful new meeting place at the Lucie Stern Community Center and Toni Paterson's presentation, please double check your calendar. There have been some additions and corrections.

October 18 - Annual Membership Tea

at Holbrook Palmer Park, 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton

Many thanks to Sarah Beetem for giving us these directions:

FROM NORTH: Take 101 south to Marsh Road exit (#406)Follow Marsh Rd a short way and

Turn left on Middlefield Rd.

Turn right at Watkins (the first street)

Park is 150 Watkins. Follow road around curve to the social hall

FROM SOUTH: Take 101 north to Marsh Road exit and follow directions above.

As is our custom, we honor those members who have reached significant milestones of active membership. This year we have 17 who will receive a rose and donations will be made to the hospital in their name. Although they do not receive roses, we also list our active associates for their continued loyalty. Many thank you's to all.

The list of honorees was published in last month's blog. This list of honorees represents almost 1000 hours, and past lists of honorees represent thousands more. They provide a striking visual image that reflects the promise and hard work of dedicated volunteers. Yes, many of us are older but with a youthful visage which I believe is the result of the good work we continue to do with joy in our hearts.

Oct. 25,26 - Restaurants with Heart at Mandarin Gourmet, Palo Alto

This replaces the initial John Bently Restaurant. Instead of participating in our RwH program, John Bently has planned to make a donation of 10% of his busiest day's earnings of October 24th and 25. So, please enjoy lunch or dinner at his regular prices, choosing from his regular menu on those days.

Nov. 1 - Pillow sewing & knitting at Thora's RSVP

Nov. 11 & 12 - American Girl Fashion Show Christ Episcopal Church in Los Altos

Sarah Beetem has three members taking major roles in helping her with AGFS: Susan Kirtley will be coordinating decorations and equipment Mary Anne York will be in charge of food to be selected and served. Kathy Squellalti is in charge of ticket sales and table assignments. Sarah asks that we sign up with Thora Richardson to help with the event.

Nov. 13 & 14 - Restaurants with Heart- California Cafe, Palo Alto

On the 13th, California Cafe will serve their Buffet. On the 14th - lunch and dinner

Nov. 15 - General Meeting at Lucie Stern Community Center, Palo Alto

Dec. 3 - Holiday Boutique at Allied Arts- Sunset Room Dec. 6.

In addition to selling our cookbook we will be selling our beautiful handmade items.

If you have any handmade items to donate please contact Sharon Brugos. Sharon is seeking a hat rack or an appropriate apparatus to display the handmade hats and scarves.

Dec. 6 - Members Christmas Luncheon location tba

Our Bears and Books lady, Shirlee Stites has the following dates for Build-a-Bear group workshops and luncheons at the Hillsdale Shopping Center in San Mateo.

Monday girls Nov. 7 Contact Ann Bennett

Tuesday girls October 25 Contact Thora Richardson

Wednesday girls Are welcome on any one of the dates or can ago on their own

Thursday girls Oct. 24 or Mon. Oct. 31 Contact Shirlee Stites

Friday girls Nov. 4 Contact Marzette Woods

Anyone who was not a volunteer on any one of the days above is very welcome to join any one of the days listed above. The more the merrier!

(Fireside room)

On September 20, we held our first meeting since the summer break at our new location at the Lucie Stern Community Center in Palo Alto. A brief description for those of you who were not there.

(B.J. Sorenson, Kathryn Esterly, Karen Stevens, Thora Richardson, Deborah Potash(writing)and Mary Hicks)

The Fireside room is bright and just the right size for us. Windows and French doors grace two sides. A working fireplace is at one end of the room and a large niche is at the opposite end. This held our individual packages of toiletries for the Teen Van. Pillows and blankets from Thora Richardson's workshops filled another corner of the room. We had tables overflowing with beautiful handwork done by our talented members. Many of the items were made by Nancy Braunstein and Sharon Brugos for the Dec. 6 boutique.

Three exquisite autumn arrangements made by Deborah Potash were poised on the fireplace mantel and one was given to Toni Paterson, President of the Association of Auxiliaries, as a thank you for coming to our meeting.

(Toni Paterson presenting)

Toni shared news of exciting innovations. We now have our very own award winning logo for the Association of Auxiliaries representing the unity of all seven auxiliaries. She would like the Association's focus to be on the auxiliaries working together as a unified group. Thus, giving us a larger presence in the community and enabling us to recruit more members for each of our auxiliaries. To this end we will have our own Association web page, a President's blog and a password-protected Association forum for the auxiliary members to use to communicate with one another.

The new Auxiliary e-newsletter will contain news of the LPCH, a list of upcoming Auxiliary events and the opportunity to register for eScrip. Our first event where all 7 Auxiliaries worked together on the same project was the 20th Birthday celebration. EScrip will be another.

Toni explained that eScrip is an effortless way for us to raise funds for LPCH. Many schools

use Scrip and several of our auxiliaries are already using it. She gave a detailed explanation on how it works and what it entails. Information was distributed and Toni elected to stay after the meeting to register anyone who is interested in participating.

(Toni and Friend)

ASSOCIATION NEWS:

• The final LPCH birthday celebration will be the Simply Giving luncheon to be held on October 27th at the Sharon Heights Country Club. Tickets are $90 ($45 of which is tax deductible. Half the proceeds will go to the Hospital. Dr. Harvey Cohen will be the featured speaker.
• San Francisco's Auxiliary's 59th Annual Jewell Ball, the Safari of Jewels, will be held on Saturday, November 12th at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
• The San Mateo-Burlingame invites us NOT to come to their Octoberfest! Date will be any day you want; Time will be any time you like; Place will be your home, restaurant or with friends; Dress formal or casual; Beverage pour a glass of your favorite beer
• RSVP: as soon as possible.
• Charter 's holiday boutique and rummage sale will be n November 18th and 19th

DID YOU KNOW:

• If you are having trouble seeing the 2011 section on American Girl on our website Sarah Beetem suggests we push the "Refresh" button on your computer. It looks like a small curved arrow and is usually located near the top of your screen next to the address you are looking for.

• Our new Association of Auxiliaries logo was honored with a Certificate of Excellence in the American Graphics Design Awards, an annual national design competition with over 8000 entries.

• The Monday girls donated $665 in memory of Betty Clancy. The money will go toward purchase of iPads for the Health Van -Adolescent Outreach Program (Teen Van)

• Joanne Rutter has the large Fostoria punch bowl that was used at wedding receptions and special events at the Restaurant. She is ore than happy to loan it to any of our members who would like to borrow it for a special event. (Her phone number is in our directory on p.22)

OCTOBER BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

My apologies to all the October ladies. In tidying up the Fireside Room after our meeting at the Lucie Stern Community Center someone inadvertently scooped up my birthday clipboard. So, I am at a loss as to who our birthday ladies are. We will have to reconstruct the Birthday clipboard. However, this does not weaken our hearty "Happy Birthday and wishes for many more" to the October ladies.

These upcoming months are packed with our fund raising events that need so many of our talents and so much of our time. The money we make enables us to make a difference in the needy children at LPCH. Thank you all for your hard work and joyful participation. It is that very hardwork ethic that has spanned generations of PAA women. We are indeed women of substance with the power to make a difference

See you all at the Tea!

Luisa

"PAA has an ala carte menu...."

Good morning, Dear Members,

We now enter our busiest fund-raising season. It is our opportunity to fulfill our membership obligations and give of our time, energy and talents to raise as much money as we can for the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Toni Paterson once said that the Palo Alto Auxiliary has an a la carte menu of projects. We do - indeed- have something for everyone. We have a very eclectic program. It is a luxury (unique to our auxiliary) that we have and that we can use to attract members who wish to give of themselves to help others. And what better cause than the needy children at the Hospital! The more members we have, the more hands we have to work at these projects. Please share our goal and activities with those you meet or with whom you work.

The blog this month will be brief and details regarding our many projects will be shared at the general meeting. For now - here are some dates to reserve on your "dance card"!

Sept. 20: 1:00pm - 3:00pm in the Fireside Room at the

Lucie Stern Community Center, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto

(There is parking on the grounds and on the street.)

• As you learned in last month's blog, our guest speaker is Toni Paterson. She is the new, young, vibrant president of the Association of Auxiliaries.
• Please bring your travel-size toiletries for the Teen Van gifts.
• Shirlee Stites asks that you bring any new children's books for the hospital library.
• Sharon Brugos would welcome any items you have made for the Holiday Boutique.

Sept. 26 &27: RwH at Iron Gate Restaurant in Belmont

Oct. 4: Pillow sewing and knitting at Thora's please RSVP

Oct. 18: Annual Membership Tea at Holbrook Palmer Park

Oct. 24 & 25: RwH at John Bently's in Redwood City NOTE THIS IS A CHANGE FROM THE ORIGINAL LISTING ON THE EVENTS PAGE)

Nov. 1: Pillow sewing and knitting at Thora's please RSVP

Nov. 13 & 14: RwH at California Cafe in Palo Alto

The California Cafe will offer us their special brunch on the 13th)

This month's blog will be brief so details of our special projects will be reported at the Sept. 20

general meeting. For now, just a few notes:

• American Girl will have the ever-so-important sign up sheets available at the meeting.
• The membership committee has listed the members to be honored at the Tea. Please check the list below. If you do not see your name on the list and feel that you have reached a milestone year , please let Sharon Brugos know.
• Becky Yung will be organizing the cookbook selling venues for the holidays. In addition to the tables set up at random locations we will again be selling at the Pumpkin Patch, the American Girl event and the Holiday Boutique at the Guild. Please contact her to offer your time.

LIST OF HONOREES FOR 2011

10 years Active

Evelyn Lashmett

Betty Ng

Kathy Squellati

20 year Active

Joan Heye Active Associate - Velma Snow, Lita Swiryn

Rita Preston

25 years Active

Sue Moore

Thora Richardson Active Associate - Nancy Dusthimer

30 years Active

Adrienne Bennett

Malkah Carothers Active Associate - Janice McMahon

35 years Active

Marty Johnson

Bobbee Nylander

Nancy Scarff

Jane Springgate Active Associate - Joy Frost

40 years Active

Marge Meagher

Gerry Nelson Active Associate - Marcella Atherton, Norma Hough, Diana Irvin

Judy Simpson

50 years Active Associate

Betty Atkins, Bonnie Behling, Carolyn Hofstetter, Alice Kominick

57 years Active - Margaret Robinson

DID YOU KNOW:

• The Primavera Restaurant at Allied Arts Guild will not be closing at the end of December. They have decided to fulfill their lease and stay until next September.
• I misspelled Marlene Bollhoffer's name in the last Blog. Also she informed me that the Restaurants with Heart logo was her design and Deborah Potash reworked the original circle into the delightful heart we now see. Forgive my errata, Marlene.

SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

Adrienne Bennett

Sally Bush

Malkah Carothers

Kay Wangelin

Dear Members - September has been an incredibly sad month for the Palo Alto Auxiliary. We have lost three of our members Mary Walt, Betty Clancy and Martha Kozloweski. Mary Walt was a member since 1967. Betty Clancy was a member since 1974 and Martha Kozloweski since 1973. These were members who truly represented the Palo Alto Auxiliary women. They were fun, loving, giving and dedicated members. They will be missed by so many of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to their families.

Please remember, dear members - that I always welcome your thoughts and ideas for PAA.

See you all at the Lucie Stern Community Center.

Luisa

*I just learned that Brenda Berman passed away this September. Brenda became a member in 2005 and was active until she moved to LA in 2008. Our condolences to her family as well.