september 21, 2012

Good Morning, Dear Members -

Because I have been away for most of the month, I am running late in posting our September blog.  There is much to share of past and upcoming events some of it time sensitive and needing your input.
However because of the time constraints this will be an abbreviated blog but a very important one.  Further news will be shared in the October blog.

But first - Please mark your calendar:

• Sept 24-25 - RWH @ Mandarin Gourmet, Palo Alto
• Oct 8 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Oct 9 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Oct 16 - Annual Member Tea @ Arrillaga Family Rec Center, MP
• Oct 22-23 - RWH @ Kabul, San Carlos
• Nov 9 - American Girl Fashion Show
• Nov 10 - American Girl Fashion Show
• Nov 12 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Nov 13 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Nov 20 - General Mtg @ at Lucie Stern Community Ctr PA
• Nov TBD - RWH @ Parkside Grill, Portola Valley
• Dec 1 - Holiday boutique sale @ Allied Arts Guilt
• Dec 10 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Dec 11 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Dec 18 - General Mtg @ Lucie Stern Community Ctr PA
• Jan 15 - Annual Membership Mtg & Luncheon @ University Club PA

On OCTOBER 16th we will have our delightful MEMBERSHIP TEA. It will be held FROM 2-4:00pm in the lovely, spacious and covered patio at the ARRILLAGA FAMILY RECREATION CENTER, 600 ALMA STREET IN MENLO PARK. Stephanie and her membership committee have drawn directions on the back of your invitation.

Our Honorees for 2012 are: 

15 Years - Mae Skaff, Barbara Trainer,Kay Wangelin

20 Years - Samira Bahous

25 Years - Jane Andrews, Inge Crozier, Marti Deacon, Mollie Paulsen

40 Years - Susan Hull, Carolyn Lovek, June Schiller

45 Years - Marah Brehaut, Sally Bush, Carol Holmes, Rosamond Martin, Maxine McFeeters, Ginny Palmer, Marzette Woods

53 Years - Marilyn Ellis,Louise Thursby

54 Years - Shirlee Stites

58 Years - Margaret Robinson

This are all outstanding women who have given of their time and talents beginning during those years at the Restaurant when we committed to working once a week every week throughout the year and who now support our important fund raising events.

Many thank you's are in order for the fine work the Membership Committee has and is doing to make this lovely event exceptionally beautiful and enjoyable.  Special thanks to Erika Crowley who generously offered to cover the cost of the postage and did the labeling and stamping of all those invitations; to B.J. Sorenson who enclosed a personal note in the invitation encouraging and reminding those to restore their membership by bringing their dues up to date; to Nancy Bronstein who,once again, has created flower arrangements and plant holders to be filled with fresh flowers; to Mary Hicks who again created an incredible menu and her team of cooks; to Marzette Woods for doing the research to generate our list of honorees and to Deborah Potash who will do the flowers for our honorees.

 Kathy Squellati, chair of the NOMINATING COMMITTEE and her team, Erika Crowley, Marlene Bollhoffer, Malkah Carothers, Audrey Polster, Kathryn McGilvray, Barbara Sheldon and Marzette Woods have worked long hours and have selected the following slate of officers for 2013.

THE SLATE OF OFFICERS FOR 2013 is as follows:

  President:   Luisa Pliska  

  First Vice President: Kathy Squellati 

  Second Vice President:  Stephanie Beach

  Recording Secretary:  Susan Kirtley

  Corresponding Secretary:  Karole Goldie

  Treasurer:  June Schiller

  Hospitality Chair:  Dallas Manning

Our sincere thank you to all these ladies who came forward and accepted the nominations. 

October's blog will report the important news shared at the September 18th General Membership Meeting.

We had an exciting presentation by Marilyn Rodgers, chair of our American Girl Fashion Show and Tea,
If you can help please give her a call her number is 650-941-2918. All our projects have news to share as does the Bylaws committee and the Association of Auxiliaries.  We have had exciting suggestions for guest speakers at our 2013 general meetings.  All this I will share with you at our next meeting and in the October blog.

PLEASE WELCOME OUR NEWEST MEMBER, Jane Lee-Chou,  I hope to have a photo for the next Blog. We have Shirlee Stites to thank for this lovely and talented new member.  Actually, Shirlee - we have you to thank for many of our members!

BIRTHDAY WISHES:
 September ladies: Kay Wangelin, Adrienne Bennettk, Malkah Carothers, Sally Bush
 October ladies:  Nancy Bronstein, Jackie Clark and Luisa Pliska
 I know there are many more birthdays out there. Please send me yours so we can celebrate with you!

I am so looking forward to seeing you all at our Tea.  It is one of the loveliest meetings where we can see each other and have a good chat!  Until then, thanks to all who share their thoughts, suggestions and news with me so I can report them in the blogs.

Luisa

August 6, 2012

"The time has come, the Walrus said, to talk of many things: of shoes and ships and sealing-wax" and 
PAA's fund raising things!

 Good morning, Dear Members

Before I share our summer news, please take a moment to mark your calendars. Per your request, I have put our fund raising events in red.  Note the December 1st addition.  We will have a table at the Allied Arts Guild Holiday Sale event to sell our cookbook and the unique and lovely handiwork of our members.

Soon all active members will be receiving an invitation  to the LPCH groundbreaking Celebration on Wednesday September 6th from 10-11:30am.  all sustainers who would like to attend are most welcome.   How very exciting.  The ceremony will take place at the Packard Expansion Site on the corner of Welch Road and Quarry Road in Palo Alto.

• Aug 14 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Aug 27-28 - RWH @ Scott's, Palo Alto
• Sept 10 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Sept 11 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Sept 18 - General Mtg @ at Lucie Stern Community Ctr PA
• Sept 24-25 - RWH @ Mandarin Gourmet, Palo Alto
• Oct 8 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Oct 9 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Oct 16 - Annual Member Tea @ Arrillaga Family Rec Center, MP
• Oct 22-23 - RWH @ Kabul, San Carlos
• Nov 9 - American Girl Fashion Show
• Nov 10 - American Girl Fashion Show
• Nov 12 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Nov 13 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Nov 20 - General Mtg @ at Lucie Stern Community Ctr PA
• Nov TBD - RWH @ Parkside Grill, Portola Valley
• Dec 1 - Holiday Boutique Sale @ Allied Arts Guild
• Dec 10 - Board Mtg @ 400 Hamilton, PA
• Dec 11 - Pillow sewing and Knitting at Thora's. RSVP.
• Dec 18 - General Mtg @ Lucie Stern Community Ctr PA
• Jan 15 - Annual Membership Meeting and Luncheon at the University Club, PA

         
The month of August has brought very sad news.  I asked Joan Heye to send out an email regarding the passing of Audrey Polster's sister, Shirlee and BJ Sorensen's husband, Phil. 

Phil was a dedicated supporter of PAA.  Those of the restaurant days will remember how much he did for us during those years.  BJ has done (and continues to do) so much for PAA and Phil was always so supportive of her efforts.  We will miss him ever so much. 

A celebration of his life will be held August 18th from 3-5:00pm at the Sequoias, 501 Portola Road in Portola Valley.  

If you wish Memorial Gifts can be made to: 

The Sequoias-PV Tomorrow Fund Endowment

Payable to: Sr. Svcs-Nor, Cal

501 Portola Road

Box 8053

Portola Valley, CA 94028

Audrey's sister had many years of medical problems and Audrey spent hours, days and years attending to her every need.  Now, Shirlee is at peace and Audrey will have some rest.  A private family memorial service was held and Audrey said that it was a warm and loving closure for them.

Dear Audrey and BJ, we all send our sympathy. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.

On a happier note:

Many thanks to Shirlee Stites for these photos of Dr. Gary Hartman's visit in May.  How fortunate we were to have him give his power point presentation at our standing-room-only meeting.  If you recall Dr. Hartman was the lead surgeon on the separation surgery of the conjoined Sabuco twins. Not only did we learn about that incredible operation but he gave us a fascinating history of conjoined twins. 

A few notes on our upcoming events:

 I bet none of you knew that Lewis Carroll added us to his famous quote from Alice in Wonderland!  Yes, indeed, soon we need to put our talents and energies toward our largest and famous fund-raising event. As you all know, Marilyn Rogers, is the new chair of the American Girl Fashion Show and Tea on November 9th and 10th. She will be at the September 18th general meeting to report on her exciting plans and how we can help - I'm sure she has big and little jobs for us to do.

Sharon Brugos has developed our latest gentle fund raiser, our Holiday Boutique.  Our talented "crafty" members are creating unique and beautiful handmade items to sell at our table at the Allied Arts Guild Holiday Sale event on Dec. 1st.

Marlene Bolhoffer and Deborah Potash continue to find wonderful restaurants for our  delicious fundraiser.  Scott's in Palo Alto is our host for August 27th and 29th.   

Edward Katchaturian, owner of Mythos Restaurant had a banner made publicizing our RwH days which he hung outside the restaurant for all to see.   The restaurant is on one of the busiest streets in San Carlos.  How very nice of Ed. 

The best way we can say thank you is to patronize his restaurant throughout the year on regular days.

 AUGUST BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:                     SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:

 Sue Moore                                                                  Adrienne Bennett

 Sharon Brugos                                                           Kay Wangelin
 Gail Sachs                                                                  Malkah Carothers
 Marge Ford                                                                Sally Bush 

 Mildred Chen                                                             
 Inga Crozier

Please send me your birthday month we can post it in the blog and celebrate it

I have placed a Cookbook ad and a story on RwH in the new Gentry magazine called "Little Gentry."  I do subscribe and cannot find it in any stores. If anyone does receive it  could you please send me a copy or give it to me at our meeting.

Our September meeting is filled with time sensitive news that will need your help and input. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Until then, - many thanks to all who contact me with your thoughts, ideas and any news you wish to share with us. You know I always appreciate hearing from you.  

Luisa

there is a peculiar magic.....

"There is a peculiar magic that reveals rewarding aspects of ourselves...."

June 28, 2012

Good morning, dear Members -

It has only been 10 days since our last membership meeting but I have much news to share . But first -

PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

• July 10: 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 1-3:00pm
• Sept 24-25: RWH @ Mandarin Gourmet, Palo Alto
• (Because our busiest fund raising events and special membership events are approaching, the board has chosen to schedule our Tour of the incredible LPCH Simulation-Based Training Center for next year.)

Many thanks to all who attended our June membership meeting in the lovely Oak Room at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center in Menlo Park.  Sharon Brugos is our sponsor once again for our delightful Membership Tea in the spacious, sunlit Sequoia Room on October 16th.

Additional thank you's to all who brought in kits and toiletries for our Teen Van Project.  Nancy Bronstein and Deborah Potash have organized this project so well that it could become one on which all the auxiliaries could work together.  The photo below was taken on May 22, when Deborah happily delivered 24 kits to Dr. Ammerman.  Needless to say - he was thrilled to receive them.

At our last membership meeting another possible all-auxiliaries' project was discussed. The Food Pantry project is an incredibly worthwhile and needed service for the families and children while they are hospitalized for a significant length of time. This is still in the planning stages and I will share news as it develops. 

At the June meeting, 23 people signed the attendance sheet and all 23 people either told me they would help or signed up to help at least once a year with the Food Pantry project. Because we are all so busy with existing projects this unanimous response is quite significant. It shows how large the PAA hearts are.  I believe there is a peculiar magic that reveals rewarding aspects of ourselves that we encounter when volunteering our time for needy children.  The boundaries between "I am too busy, can't possibly do anything else" and "needy children need my help" dissolve and we end up helping needy children. I am so proud of PAA. As the plans unfold for this project and you all learn more about it, there will be opportunity for others to join in helping.

THIS AND THAT:

Marlene Bollhoffer and her committee thank all who continue to support RwH.  Help is still needed in publicizing this project beyond just our members.  Please call Marlene or contact Deborah Potash if you can help hostess at the restaurants, stuff envelopes, fold flyers or drop off flyers at different locations in your area (i.e. libraries.) Draeger's Market will have our ad placed on their grocery bags during the months of July, August and September.  

Sharon Brugos  asks that we continue to make boutique items for our Dec. 1 Holiday Boutique table sales at Allied Arts Guild. Give hand-made items to Sharon and jewelry items to Deborah Potash.  Marilyn Rogers has begun plans for American Girl with a meeting on May 25  at her home.  Directories were distributed at the June meeting and members took some to deliver to those who were not present.  Thus, saving the expense of mailings.
Regarding Cookbook sales, Luisa is contacting all our existing wholesale accounts letting them know that we will not be reprinting our book and that now is the time to purchase remaining books.  If any of you wish to purchase books for future use please contact the office. Special prices are being offered to our members.

NEWS OF OUR SISTER AUXILIARIES:


- Did you know that Charter Auxiliary, Roth Auxiliary and San Mateo-Burlingame Auxiliary have co-presidents?
- Roth Auxiliary's artist member will be at the Packard Gift shop on July 11, August 9 and September 12 between 10am and 3pm for complimentary gift personalization when you purchase an item of $10 or more.
- Charter's next rummage sales will be on July 20 and 21, August 17 and 18 and September 21 and 22.

More Fall "Sister" news will be posted in subsequent Blogs. Thus, we will know how we can support each other's fundraising efforts.  We have been fortunate that there are those "Sisters"who attend our Restaurants with Heart offerings.

HAVE YOU HEARD:

• Malkah Carothers is now worth her weight in gold.  She is sporting a new titanium knee and will be dancing to our next membership meeting!
• We had a tiny visiting "dignitary"who came to hear Dr. Hartman speak - Sarah Beetem's first grandchild: Natalie Elise Brush born April 11th.
• September 6, 2012 LPCH expansion project will have it's ground breaking ceremony, by invitation only to community members and auxiliaries.
• At her last dental appointment Stephanie Beach spoke with the hygienist about our Teen Van project for LPCH and asked if she might donate some toothpaste and dental floss to PAA for the kits. Stephanie came away with 24 tubes of Colgate toothpaste and 72 mint flavored dental floss containers. The hygienist offered that if we need a silent auction item they would donate an electric toothbrush.  How about that! Many thanks to the Mckenna Family Dentistry in Palo Alto. 
• Nancy Bronstein also spoke about our Teen Van Kits project to the manager of Walgreens in San Francisco and came home with thirty plus emergency kits.  Many thanks to the Clement Street Walgreens. Bravo Nancy!

JULY BIRTHDAY WISHES TO:
Nancy Dusthimer
Joanne Rutter
Barbara Sheldon
Marzette Woods
Shirlee Stites
Marlene Bollhoffer
Margaret Robinson

There is more to talk about which I will share with you in the next blog.  Please send me your news, your ideas and suggestions.  I always want to hear from you. Until then, dear Members, thank you for all that you do and continue to do.

Luisa

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.


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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