Lc issue woa 08 14 100 by Larchmont Chronicle

Women of Larchmont 2014

Frances Hoge

Diane Gilmore

Susan Kneafsey Wendy Clifford

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Her skills pay off for local school, sports programs By Jane Gilman Frances Hoge met us at the door of her Windsor Square home with her newly adopted dog, “Sugar.” Caring for a dog is one more role this busy corporate executive, wife and mother is taking on. Multi-tasking is nothing new for the marketing and strategy professional who works from home for entertainment studios and webbased companies. She and her husband David moved into their home in 2002, when daughter Annabella was one. The Hoges also have a son Charlie, 9. Her children’s activities are what propelled Frances into volunteer work. Currently an AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) commissioner and board member, she has coached both her daughter’s and son’s teams. She also recruits soccer players from disadvantaged areas. “We charge them less for registration and provide rides to the games.” Diversity is very important to the trim, brunette mom who wants her children to mix with a variety of young people with different backgrounds. That is why she is so pleased

FRANCES HOGE

with Larchmont Charter School’s policy of enrolling 40 percent of its students who qualify for the Free/Reduced Lunch program. Frances chairs the Parent Advisory Council and has been a member of the fundraising, pledge drive and welcome committees. And she is one of the school’s biggest boosters, and is particularly of the fundraising on behalf of children in Hollywood who otherwise would not be able to attend. Her concern is with the children of our community that are often voiceless, says her husband. “She really loves this community and has a knack for bringing people together

to accomplish big things; and she seems to have boundless energy to do it!” Frances and David met while going to UCLA, and she went on to get her MBA at Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Dave is an executive producer/writer. A native of Pleasanton, Calif, where she went to public school, she is adamant that children should have the option of a public school education. This also enables families to afford to live in the city without sending their kids to private schools, she points out. Since soccer activities are in the fall, she has time to volunteer for baseball in the spring. Frances has taken on the role of division commissioner and board member for the Wilshire Warriors. And, she is going to run their AllStar program. Jeff Rake, president, Wilshire Warriors Pony Baseball, says “Frances is the miracle volunteer. No one is more capable, no one works harder or more diligently, and no one brings such joy and enthusiasm on a daily basis. “Wilshire Warriors wouldn’t be the same B:10.25” without her. Who agrees to actT:10.25” as commissioner

for an entire division of rec league, then agrees on top of that to serve as commissioner of all-stars? The world needs more Frances Hoges.” Somehow, she has found free time to renovate a home on Irving Blvd., after completing another renovation on Arden Blvd. “I think renovat-

ing homes has become a passion of mine. It allows me to combine my love of architecture, interior design and this neighborhood into a part-time job,” she says. One role she doesn’t assume is chef. “No, I don’t cook. We have food from just about every restaurant on Larchmont.”

Climate change on menu with CARB’s Mary Nichols Meet Mary Nichols, chairman of the California Air Resources Board, at the American Institute of Architects L.A. Chapter City Breakfast Series Fri., Aug. 15 at 8 a.m. The round-table event will take place at CO Architects, 5055 Wilshire Blvd., ninth floor. Nichols, Windsor Square, is working on the state’s climate change program (AB 32), steering the Board through efforts to curb diesel pollution at ports and to pass regulations aimed at providing cleaner air for Southern California and the San Joaquin Valley. The Board is supported by a staff of scientists, engineers, economists and lawyers with

an annual operating budget of more than $860 million. Nichols formerly served as assistant administrator for the U.S. E n v i ronmental Protection Agency’s Air and Radiation program u n d e r President Clinton, secretary for California’s Resources Agency from 1999 to 2003 and director of the Institute of the Environment at UCLA. Tickets are $10 for members; $25 non-members. Visit aiala.org, events.

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Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

‘Super woman’ Clifford rocks at Rotary, Pumpkin Patch By Suzan Filipek Even before Wendy Clifford was inducted into the Wilshire Rotary Club she was asked to be fundraising chair. “Sure,” she said, not knowing what she was getting herself into. “It’s how I ended up with the Pumpkin Patch,” she smiles. Each fall she travels to a farm in Ventura to select tons of pumpkins to be sold to families on Larchmont Blvd. “We see people from all over the neighborhood. The kids love that there’s a Pumpkin Patch on Larchmont,” says the S. Norton Ave. resident. She juggles another area crowd pleaser—the holiday tree lot—and was ordering frasers and silvertips on a humid morning last month from a tree farm in Oregon. Last year, the Rotary sold some 2,000 trees on Larchmont, and, with the proceeds from 25,000 pounds of pumpkins, netted $30,000. Half the money supported local community groups, such as Hope

E-book tells of infant, mother's medical odyssey “Hope for a Sea Change,” recently released by Shebooks, is an excerpt from author Elizabeth Aquino’s larger manuscript covering the first year of her daughter Sophie’s life. Aquino, Hancock Park, writes of the odyssey that began when her then threemonth-old daughter was diagnosed with a rare seizure disorder. The news thrust Elizabeth and her husband Michael into a nightmarish world of impossible decisions, toxic drug cocktails and talk of brain surgery on their tiny child. “Elizabeth Aquino’s medical odyssey with her baby daughter, Sophie, just reached inside and wrapped my heart in a fist,” writes Shebook editor Rosemarie Robotham. “I feel both broken and illuminated by the grit, pain and grace of this family’s harrowing search for healing. This is parenting at its most extreme."

Women of Larchmont

is published annually by the Larchmont Chronicle 542 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd. L.A. 90004 323-462-2241 Larchmont Chronicle is published monthly and read by 77,000 residents in Hancock Park, Windsor Square, Fremont Place, Park LaBrea Miracle Mile and Larchmont Village. Cover photos by Bill Devlin.

Net food pantries and Heart of LA youth programs. The rest is sent to the international arm of Rotary. Her four-year stint as fundraising chair ended in June, but she and her husband Robert “Scot” Clifford will continue their holiday gig. “It’s very specific, it’s like running a business. It takes a lot of time and commitment, and we love it,” Wendy says. “Wendy is a super woman,” says Wilshire Rotary past president and District Governor Elsa Gillham. “I never knew anyone who can multi-task as effectively as she does and make it look so easy. Anything she takes on, without a doubt, will always be successful. She’s a very dear friend, a great Rotarian and so much fun to hang around with.” Wendy is also chairing two Rotary District picnics… “with her creativity, superb

Wendy Clifford

organizational skills and fundraising abilities these picnics will rock,” Gillham added. The first picnic is set for Sept. 14 in Redondo Beach. Drawn to the Rotary’s worldwide outreach programs. Wendy and Scot have hosted exchange students from Brazil and Paraguay and dozens of Rotarians from around the

world. One of 10 children, she met her husband when still in high school, and he was studying law at UCLA. After he passed the bar, they married and moved to the area; Scot had grown up on Irving. In their early years Wendy worked as a radio operator for the L.A.P.D. They bought their spacious home, Mediterranean-style and, after they raised a son and twin daughters she followed her husband—a 20year member at the time—to Wilshire Rotary to work on projects that interested her. “I had the advantage of knowing a lot about it before going in… and we ended up being involved by seeing what Rotary is doing worldwide.” Rotary International conventions have taken the couple to Bangkok, Lisbon and Sydney. She’s joined in on humani-

tarian trips bringing eyeglasses and wheelchairs to Costa Rica and El Salvador. Giving was something she learned at a very young age. “We were very poor,” she recalls, yet one holiday season her mother asked her to distribute donated toys to other poor people. Her family couldn’t afford the toy—a Chatty Cathy doll—for her. Even so she remembers it made her feel good to give the toys away. These days she enjoys visits from her granddaughter, gardening and reading, and her longtime day job at Occidental College. “I love being around college students. They inspire you and challenge you.” Retirement is in her future, sort of, if you don’t number her many hats at the Rotary. “I wouldn’t do it if I didn’t love it. It keeps me motivated, and we’re always learning something new. It’s just my passion.”

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Local nurse marks 20 years with mobile care unit By Sondi Sepenek During her first trip to a public housing development, Michele Rigsby Pauley discovered five-year-old children there had never been immunized because the clinic down the road sat in rival gang territory.

Suddenly, the need for a mobile health unit became crystal clear. “I am very proud that I can be a part of something that’s making a difference in the lives of people,” says Rigsby Pauley, a Wilshire Park resident. “I am always thinking,

‘What more can I do? How can we fix this problem rather than be sad about it?’” April marked the 20th anniversary of “COACH for Kids and Their Families,” two mobile health units established through Cedars-Sinai that go into underserved Los Ange-

ILSHIRE ESCRO C O M P A N Y

Over 70 Years of Experience

Salutes

2014 Women OF Larchmont THE

F RO M T H E WO M E N O F

Wilshire Escrow Natalie Jane Anis

Sharon Melancon

Toni Beymer

Marcy Molina

Joanna Shewfelt Girard

Sheiba Rajadas

Beverly Harper

Kirstin Shewfelt

Anita Kim

Martha Trejo

Leslie Lim

Pamela Wood

les communities to deliver muchneeded healthcare, including vaccinations, wellness checkups, vision tests, hearing tests and more. April also marks Rigsby Pauley’s own anniversary with the unit; she started as a nurse PROGRAM director Michele Rigsby Pauley. practitioner and later moved into the role of Smiles” program that teaches program director. dental care to children and “I feel so fortunate to have their parents in public schools a dedicated team and Cedars- and Head Start centers across Sinai quality care that I can L.A. COACH units refer clients bring to neighborhoods that to low-cost dental clinics, ofdesperately need it,” she says. ten paying for transportation. Many families know COACH now has a “Be COACH’s schedule and use Healthy, Be Strong!” afterthe mobile units as their first school program and staff hasline of medical care, and the been trained as outreach and COACH nurses see to it that educational counselors for the families receive the medi- Covered California, although cal and social services that Rigsby Pauley says the need they need, knowing that their for the mobile units will not patients face varied obstacles, go away anytime soon. including lack of funds and “Over time the neighbortransportation, language bar- hoods may have changed, but riers and trust issues. the need remains great, and One of Rigsby Pauley’s early the Cedars-Sinai program success stories involves a pa- is committed to filling that tient, Olga, who was homeless need.” with an infant when she came upon the medical mobile unit. Through the ongoing services League expands of COACH, she was able to get volunteer jobs her life back on track. Today, Olga has a home and a career, Assistance League of Los and speaks publicly about the Angeles will join forces with importance of mobile medical L.A. Works, a nonprofit volunteer action agency that units for the poor. It’s not just regular medi- implements service projects throughout Los Angeles. cal care that the poor com ALLA will continue to manmunity lacks, either. Rigsby age and build its successful Pauley is also distressed by Court Referred Volunteer the absence of dental health Center (CRVC) which provides among poor children. She a viable option for community often sees four-year-olds with service as an alternative to missing teeth because of defines and incarcerations. cay, and whose parents don’t “We are proud of the work have toothbrushes or mistak- we have done to increase volenly believe they don’t need unteerism in Los Angeles,” to care for baby teeth because said League board chairman they will fall out. Flo Fowkes. “Our mission is To respond to this need, to fill unmet needs in the LA COACH set up a “Healthy community..”

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Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

The Women of Coldwell Banker Salute the

Women of Larchmont JUNE AHN

June Ahn is a top producing agent and an estate director with Coldwell Banker Hancock Park South. A member of the International President’s P r e m i e r, J u n e h a s b e e n recognized as one of the top 100 agents of Coldwell Banker in all of Southern California. She has earned many awards for her outstanding achievements. Please call (323) 855-5558.

BARBARA ALLEN

Barbara specializes in residential home & residential income properties. A Massachusetts native & a graduate of Boston University’s School of Communications, she is a member of Coldwell Banker’s International Diamond Society. In this changing real estate market, her tenacity, knowledge, understanding & determination benefits her real estate clients. Call (323) 610-1781 www.BarbaraAllenla.com

ANNE AUSTIN

A Tradition Of Excellence, Integrity, Hard Work And Innovation. Among The To p R e a l E s t a t e A g e n t s From Hancock Park To The Coastline. Specializing In All Aspects Of Residential And Income Properties. Distinctive, Personalized And Attentive Service. Call Anne at (213) 718-1527

PEGGY BARTENETTI

Peggy graduated from UCLA with a BA in English; studied design at Otis Parson’s Art Institute for 3 years and completed a summer course in the Architecture of English Country Homes at Oxford University in England. Peggy has been selling real estate for 17 years with Coldwell Banker South on Larchmont & has been a resident of Hancock Park for 44 years. Peggy is involved in many community activities. (323)860-4250

VICKIE BASCOY

Victoria is a Los Angeles native and a long-time resident of Hancock Park/Windsor Square. Her real estate career spans 20 + years with such achievements as Rookie of the Year, Assistant Manager, Top Producer and Woman of the Year. She has sold from Santa Monica to Palm Springs & is a member of numerous charitable & religious organizations. (323) 823-6869.

SANDY BOECK

Sandy is dedicated to bridging the needs of buyers and sellers with personalized, one-on-one service from the starting line to the dotted line. She has the comprehensive knowledge, negotiating experience and marketing skills helping her clients since 1988 to achieve their goals. Sandy grew up in Hancock Park and has lived in Brookside for 40 years. (323) 860-4240.

LEAH BRENNER

Leah has three loves: family, real estate and community. A proud grandmother to 15, resident of HP, supporter of local charities and a top producing CB, Leah has achieved many accolades over her 31-year career. Leah and her partner Naomi are members of prestigious Society of Excellence and earned a position on The Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends 2013 list of the nation’s top 1,000 REALTORS®. (323) 860-4245 www.naomiandleah.com

MARY LOUISE BURRELL Mary Louise is a consistent top producer who has been in real estate for the past twenty eight years. A native Californian and an alumnus of USC, she especially enjoys working with first time home buyers, investors for income properties & finding the ultimate dream home! She can be reached at (323) 314-5718.

Hancock Park South 119 Larchmont Blvd. 323.462.0867

SUE CARR

After 30 years, Sue is a virtual computer: if you want to know the history of a property, she likely has the answer. Her credibility with industry colleagues often results in referrals & is given preview on exclusive properties before coming on the market. Her patience, humor & attention to detail are unparalleled. Call (323) 864-7406 www.LovelandCarr.com

JENNY CHOW

JANET LOVELAND LISA HUTCHINS Celebrating 20 consecutive years as the #1 agent in Hancock Park! Graduate of local 3rd St & Marlborough schools and Stanford University. For the inside edge, call Lisa 323-216-6938

BELLA KAY

Bella Kay, with over 22 years of experience in the local real estate industry, speaks five languages fluently: English, Arabic, French, Italian, and Spanish. Known for her patience, persistence, and enthusiasm, she has a loyal following of satisfied clients throughout Hancock Park, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and the Westside. (323) 972-3408.

CECILLE COHEN

GRACE KIM

CINDY DEFATTA

I am a neighbor. I love our neighborhood! I am passionate, ethical and smart. I actually end up invited to my client’s family weddings, bar mitzvahs, and even vacation with them! I do not take lightly the responsibilty that I am given. I do try to make every sale as stress free and yes..even fun and exciting. Call Cindy at (760) 703-3877

KATHY GLESS

Kathy’s successful representation of sellers & buyers in Hancock Park and Windsor Square has spanned 37 yrs. Considered one of the most respected, experienced & successful agents at Coldwell Banker, she holds the title of Executive Sales Director & Previews Property Specialist. Her integrity & commitment to clients is exceeded by none. Charitable activities include Good Shepherd Center for Homeless Women, Meals onWheels& HopeNet.(323)460-7622

MARIA GOMEZ

Buying or selling a home on your own can be a challenge fraught with potential pitfalls. As an experienced real estate professional, I can manage the details and make your purchase or sale as smooth as possible. You can relaxknowingIwilltakecareofyourreal estate needs every step of the way. Call me! Let’s talk! (213) 700-6833

NAIDA KIM

“Nadia Kim looks forward to working with you now and in the future, handling all of your real Estate needs. She is fluent in English and Korean. In her first year with Coldwell Banker, she was honored to be recognized as “Rookie of the Year” and she has consistently built on that success each year. Her one goal is to insure that all of her clients achieve their Real Estate goals. Call Nadia at 213-700-3709.

BELINDA LAVIOLETTE

“Buying real estate is not only the best way, the quickest way, the safest way but the only way to become wealthy”Marshall Field. Call me and let me help you! Ginger 323-252-6612

ANNE LOVELAND Armed with an MBA from USC, Anne brings business discipline to the team, its staff & her clients. She has a spread sheet or a flow chart with details most buyers or sellers want to know. Anne loves negotiation & practical ways to apply technology. Call (323) 864-3004 www.LovelandCarr.com

more listings and inFormation visit us online at

TERRI MCCORTNEY

Terri has lived in the Hancock Park area since 1971. She has been with the Coldwell Banker Hancock Park North office since 1995 where she has been a multi-million-dollar producer. She specializes in Westside residential real estate to include Hancock Park, Miracle Mile, Hollywood Hills, Los Feliz and Silver Lake. Please call Terri at (323) 460-7612.

MOLLIE MCGINTY

LINDA MORROW HADLEY

GINGER LINCOLN

F or

BETSY MALLOY

Betsy is the Martha Stewart of Los Angeles. Her expertise in preparing a house for sale is incredible. She takes a marginal house and with minimal expense, turns it into a home where people put multiple offers to live in. She is a fullservice agent whose warmth and genuine caring has made her loved by all who know her. She is deeply committed to her clients getting them top dollar for their homes. 323-806-0203.

JUNE LEE

MICHELLE HANNA

NAOMI HARTMAN

A real estate professional since 1974, Barbara holds the titles of Executive Sales Director, Previews Property Specialist and Assistant Manager of the North office. She has been awarded some of Coldwell Banker’s highest achievements including I n te r n a t i o n a l Pre s i d e n t ’s Circle for 2013. A Hancock Park resident since 1968. Call (323) 460-7633.

A four ty year resident of Hancock Park, Mollie has been in real estate in the area for 38 years and 26 years with the Coldwell Banker Hancock Park North office which is recognized as being in the top 1% of its agencies. She is also an assistant branch manager. Call Mollie at (323) 460-7636

June has been a long-time resident and prominent realtor in Hancock Park meeting the individual needs of each client with her expertise and knowledge of the area. In each of her year’s affiliation with Coldwell Banker, June has been named to the International President’s Circle / Elite and is a certified Previews Property Specialist. (323) 860-4262.

Buying or selling in Hancock Park or Miracle Mile? Look no further. Respected by clients and colleagues, Naomi has 35 years of real estate experience. She and her partner Leah have a history of setting records and garnering accolades, including their membership in the Society of ExcellenceandTheWallStreetJournal/ REAL Trends list of the nation’s top 1,000 REALTORS® Naomi is the proud grandmother of six. (323) 860-4259 www.naomiandleah.com

BARBARA MACDONALD

Belinda has lived in Hancock Pa r k fo r m a ny ye a r s a n d raised her five children here. Her real estate goals are to make the buying and selling process run as smoothly as p o s s i b l e a n d t o d e ve l o p long term relationships with her clients. Belinda can be reached at (213) 435-1775.

Maria, a 34 year resident & a Top Real Estate Sales producer, representing Buyers and Sellers in their Residential Single Family, Multi Family, Short Sale, Probate, Trust, Conservatorship & Bank Owned Sales for 19 Years. As a result of being so Passionate about her Profession, Maria has been awarded Some of the Coldwell Banker Achievements. For a free consultation call Maria @ 213705-1603

“Each transaction is like a puzzle and it excites me to make sure all the pieces fit as easily as possible! I love helping people achieve the American Dream!” I was born & raised in Los Angeles with over 21 years of experience in real estate & graduate of Pepperdine University. When she is not selling real estate she is serving @ St. Brendan’s School or Plymouth School where her children attend. Call (213) 9238086

Call (323) 864-7407 www.LovelandCarr.com

A long-time resident of the area Jenny specializes in residential and commercial real estate. She has more than 20 years experience and is a consistent top producer. Jenny is a native of Taiwan & speaks three dialects of Chinese. She is a member of the International Council of Shopping Centers & Altrusa International. She is married with two sons. (323) 460-7624.

Cecille is a member of the President’s Circle and has won many top awards. She and her husband are active in the Orthodox community & are past parents in Yahneh Hebrew Academy, Toras Emes, YULA, Bais Yakov & Yeshiva Gedolah. For the past 28 years with Coldwell Banker, her mission has been to help her clients achieve their real estate goals. Call Cecille at (213) 810-9949.

After 33 years i n the business, Janet still loves a challenge. Working with Sellers to fix up their homes prior to listing, cooking for the launch party, & complex negotiations remain her greatest joys.

Equal Housing Opportunity. Owned and Operated by NRT, LLC.

Linda has been a multi-milliondollar producer since 1972 and is a member of the prestigious International President’s Elite. She is also an Executive Sales Director, a title awarded for o u t s t a n d i n g p ro d u c t i o n , dedication & ser vice. A dynamo, Linda is active in many community organizations & loves to sing, play tennis & ski. (323) 460-7601.

SHAR PENFOLD

Shar is a proud resident of historic Fremont Place. She takes pride in delivering truly remarkable service with any eye to discretion. Having relocated with her family to Los Angeles, London & France, Shar’s experience is unprecedented when it comes to buying a house and settling into LA from anywhere in the world. Your referrals are always welcome. Call (323) 860-4258.

JACKIE VALENZUELA

Jackie is a Realtor servicing the greater Los Angeles area. The transition into Real Estate was seamless to her because education and counsel are two elements she enjoys. As a real estate agent, she takes pride in assisting clients in making informed decisions about their real estate transactions. Jackie is a Bank-Owned/Short Sale Specialist. She can be reached at (323) 460-7663.

Hancock Park North 251 Larchmont Blvd. 323.464.9272

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Diane Gilmore invests in scout leaders of tomorrow By Jane Gilman Diane Gilmore and her husband Timothy volunteered to be den leaders for Cub Pack 10 when their son Sean was enrolled. That was 34 years ago, and she is still volunteering for Cub Pack 10.

Diane gives the impression of being a doting grandmother who likes to visit museums. But the truth is, she is incredibly organized, handling several volunteer jobs with time left over to be with her grandkids. School children get the ben-

efit of Dianeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s docent work at George C. Page Museum. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I am a fossil detective. It's one of the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs that I lead," she explains. But her real comittment is with scouting. The redhaired Wilshire Park resident recently returned

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from taking 20 visiting Egyptian scouts to Lake Arrowhead where the Boy Scout Council of Los Angeles has a camp. In addition to being an escort, she has an additional assignmentâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;helping the foreign visitors get over their homesickness. Her trips to international scout jamborees were particularly exciting for Diane. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been to Chile, Thailand, Sweden and England where she has helped with supervision. While in England, she joined in the celebration of the 100th anniversary of scouting. She also met the King of Sweden who is the volunteer head of international scouting organization. A native Angeleno and local resident for the past 33 years, she is planning to attend the 2015 jamboree in Japan. Another role Diane takes on is chairman of the Councilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international program. She interviews potential scouts who want to be part of the international visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program. She also has trained adult leaders, taught merit badges and has taken on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jamboree on the Air,â&#x20AC;? an annual Scouting event that uses amateur radio to link Scouts around the world. She also holds the Silver Beaver Award, scoutâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest honor. And, she says proudly, her three sons are all Eagle Scouts. You can find this dedicated volunteer at den meetings at St. James Church (the troop and packâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sponsor) where she leads the second and third graders. Thomas Fenady, scoutmas-

Diane Gilmore

ter of Troop 10, says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Diane has been a committed member of the scouting community for many years.Â She regularly hosts scouts from all over the world.Â Her actions and involvement provide a unique experience for Pack 10 by giving them exposure to international cub and boy scout programs.Â â&#x20AC;&#x153;She has kept Pack 10 active and alive at St. James. Without her time and efforts, Pack 10 would not exist today,â&#x20AC;? he added.

Interviews on new Gearyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website Learn about Laliqueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collaboration with architect Zaha Hadid on Gearys.com. The Beverly Hills storeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s redesigned webpages â&#x20AC;&#x153;provide a beautiful showcase,â&#x20AC;? said Tom Blumenthal, Gearyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Editorial features allow visitors to see the hottest collections while providing articles that build on more than 80 years of Gearyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expertise.â&#x20AC;?

Women of larchmont 2014

Marjorie Fierstadt aims to increase Ebell membership Membership expansion and

ELSA GILLHAM

Governor’s goal is vibrancy for Rotary Clubs she leads By Laura Eversz A Wilshire Rotarian since 1997, Elsa Gillham began serving a one-year term as Governor of Rotary District 5280 on July 1. As leader of the district, “my goal is that each of the 63 clubs is a vibrant club that is doing good and having fun,” said Gillham, Windsor Village. Past president of the Wilshire Rotary, Gillham served as the team leader of the Group Study Exchange to the Philippines in 2006-2007. She also served on the Special Projects Committee, and helped charter the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown. She has also served as assistant governor, senior assistant governor for International Service, Dominican Republic District Humanitarian Trip chair, District Conference chair and District Breakfast chair, and was named Rotarian of the Year in 2006-2007. Gillham is retired president of Larchmont Data, Inc., which she and her husband, Larry, also a member of the Wilshire Rotary Club, founded in 1979. Affiliations include the Larchmont Boulevard Association, Zonta Club of Los Angeles, Ebell Club and Dorland Mountain Arts Colony. Passionate travelers, Elsa and Larry attended last year’s Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal— their 12th—and have registered for the 2015 convention in Sydney, Australia. They have two children and two grandchildren.

Jewish Council to host open house The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) will host a volunteer open house on Wed., Aug. 6 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the NCJW/LA Council House, 543 N. Fairfax Ave. Guests will meet NCJW/LA volunteers and staff to learn about opportunities to serve the organization that supports programs and services for women, children and families. Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by Aug. 1 to 323-852-8515 or volunteer@ ncjwla.org.

name recognition are two of the goals Marjorie Fierstadt has as the new president of The Ebell of Los Angeles. “I am surprised at how many people only know the theater and not the club,” she said. The former administrator at IBM is keen to let the world know about the club’s philanthropic and social activities. Ebell gives out 100 scholarships to college students yearly and schedules art talks, music programs and civic leaders at both lunchtimes and evenings. A member since 2006, her recent volunteer post has been as chairman of the by-laws revision committee. Marjorie is also head of Easy Go travel agency. She’s been to 73 countries, both as part of

Congratulations to the Women of Larchmont 2014

NEW PRESIDENT oversees Ebell Club’s versatile agenda

her job and for pleasure. She’s had volunteer posts with the Natural History Museum, LA Opera and the Richstone Family Center. She and her husband Edward, a lawyer, live in Baldwin Hills. They have a son Gary and two teenage grandchildren.

our name has changed, our legacy hasn’t

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LARCHMONT CHRONICLE August 01, 2014 20

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

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By Laura Eversz With three sons in three different schools—each of which she lends a hand to—you’d think Susan Kneafsey would have her hands full. Yet the vivacious, down-to-earth stayat-home mom seems to revel in the mayhem. “I volunteer like crazy,” said the Knoxville, Tenn. native who married local boy, Sean, 19 years ago after the two met while working as congressional staff members on Capital Hill. When, as parents of young boys, they settled into Larchmont Village—the community Sean, a lawyer, grew up in—”everyone knew him and his family,” said Susan. It wasn’t long before she was invited to a meeting of the local chapter of the Needlework Guild of America (NGA), an organization that collects and distributes clothing, linens and personal care items for the disadvantaged. “I joined in because I wanted to be part of the community, I wanted to contribute, and I also wanted my kids to learn that there are those who are less fortunate,” she said. At NGA, she discovered a group of “lovely women,” and a passion for their mission. “It was doable, then, too,

Susan Kneafsey

because I had little kids, and I could take them with me to shop for the NGA,” she added. Among the eight groups the organization supports is Alexandria House, Hollygrove, Imagine L.A. and Operation School Bell, who “call when they need something,” said Susan. Take, for instance, the 11 families who are preparing to move out of Alexandria House, a transitional residence for single women and their children. “We bought all new bedding, curtains, rugs, linens and toiletries for their new

homes,” said Susan, as well as backpacks for kids going to summer camp. Susan serves as a project manager who oversees other buyers. “When I started, we had nine members. Now there are nearly 100—all from the neighborhood,” she said. “We’re a range of ages from the 20s to the 80s and all different personalities. “We work well together. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We just have a really good team,” she added. “I love working with Susan,” said NGA board member Marion Plato. “She is very articulate and works well with everyone. “When she first joined, our membership was low,” Plato added. “But Susan reached out to her friends and fellow St. James’ moms and was able to get a large number of women to join our organization. She is a great leader, and fun to hang out with, too.” At son Colin’s school, St. James’, Susan acts as an advisor to the parent association, where, among other things, she puts together family weekends to Yosemite’s El Capitan. She also helps coordinate the annual Christmas Bou(Please turn to page 21)

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Poet finds sanctuary on Arden

POODLES PARTIED at the Hancock Park home of Kathleen Losey in July. It was the third annual event to raise funds for the Meals On Wheels Pet Program. Left to right, Wilson Winnek, Julie Klein, Beate Kessler, Chris Augustine, Mark Meadows, Losey, Pat Goldberg, Rick Negron, Leslie Sachs, Michele Sanchez.

Sholeh Wolpé was among 40 writers picked from a pool of 1,600 to stay at Hedgebrook, a residency for women writers in Washington state. “I felt very privileged to be invited there… We each are given a cabin in the woods. This place is heaven, a place women writers can reconnect with nature and write in a peaceful, loving environment.” Closer to home she lives and writes on N. Arden. “I love this neighborhood. My home is my sanctuary in the city.” Her third collection of po-

ems, “Keeping Time with Blue Hyacinths,” and an anthology, “Breaking the Jaws of Silence—Sixty American Poets Speak to the World,” were both released last year. Another anthology, “The Forbidden—Poems from Iran and Its Exiles” won the 2013 Midwest Book Award. She recently co-translated Walt Whitman’s “Song Of Myself” into Persian for the

(Continued from page 20) tique for St. Brendan, where middle son Dillon is in eighth grade, and is on the committee for the upcoming centennial celebration at the school and parish. In addition, she helps out with the two sports teams eldest son Conor plays on for Harvard-Westlake. She points to her motherin-law, Michele Kneafsey, a Woman of Larchmont in 2002, as inspiration. “She’s everything to me… she was a role model from the start. She just has the best attitude and is a remarkable lady. She’s always had such a smart approach to volunteering.” Sometimes, Susan’s work in the community overlaps and creates even more inspiration. “I was over at Alexandria House, and I saw a photo there of one of the kids in a Wilshire Warrior uniform,” she recalls. “I was proud to say ‘my son’s a Warrior, too.’ It just really adds another dimension to their

program, and I realized the fundraising I do for the Warriors, who offer scholarships, will benefit those kids, too.” In her spare time, Susan plays a lot of tennis… “it’s good therapy,” works in her garden, paints and does needlework. She recalls her mother-inlaw once saying that when you say no to something, you say yes to something else. “I’m just really glad I’ve said yes to all these things,” said Susan. Particularly the NGA. “I was thinking about all the joy we all receive from giving, but I realized that what I’ve been impacted by the most are the amazing friendships I have gained. NGA is a group made up of truly wonderful women, and I am sure that I have become a better person over the years by virtue of the company of these ladies. These are friendships that will last a lifetime.”

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International Program at the University of Iowa. The process took a “very intense” year, as many of the mystic poet’s words have no Iranian counterpart. She has also translated Forough Farrokhzad, arguably the most known of Iranian poets of the 20th century, says Sholeh, who was born in Iran and also lived in Trinidad and England. She finds inspiration from a “higher power…” an “energy rampant in the universe,” and from which she connects to for a book of essays and new poems she is working on. Visit www.sholehwolpe.com.

THERE ARE NO S UR E D I R E CT IO N S TO W E A LT H , O N LY SURE GUIDES

Lifelong friends, gratification

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Directory of Who's

Gaby akana Assistant Head of School/ Middle School Division Head Turning Point School Gaby Akana is the Assistant Head of School and Middle School Division Head at Turning Point School, a Preschool-Level 8 independent school in Culver City. Before working at Turning Point, Gaby taught preschool in Orange County and had the unique experience of teaching Kindergarten on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands. Gaby received her B.A. in Social Sciences/Cultural Anthropology from UC Irvine and her M.Ed from Pepperdine University. Gaby feels fortunate to work at a school whose mission so closely aligns with her personal educational philosophy, and has worn many hats over the years. She is especially passionate about S.T.E.A.M. integration, authentic service learning programs, and global citizenship initiatives. A native of South Africa, Gaby enjoys yoga, traveling, and playing at the beach with her husband and their two sons. 310-841-2505 • 8780 National Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232

Dr. Neville ANDersoN Larchmont Pediatrics Dr. Anderson grew up in the Windsor Square area. She attended St. James’ School and Marlborough School. After graduating from Stanford University, she was an assistant teacher at Bing Nursery School. She went to the University of Rochester for medical school and then did her internship and residency at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. There she received the Victor E. Stork Award for Continued Excellence and Future Promise in the Care of Children. For 7 years, she practiced in La Cañada at Descanso Pediatrics. She then decided to open her own practice on Larchmont Boulevard. She was named a Top Doctor in Pasadena magazine and a Top Rising Super Doctor in Los Angeles magazine for multiple years. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Los Angeles Pediatric Society. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, going to the beach, reading, and playing tennis. 321 N. Larchmont Blvd., Suite 1020 • 323-960-8500

Angelique S. CAMPen, MD Esthetic Medicine Specialist and ER Doctor Angelique S. Campen, MD is a mother of three, an Emergency Medicine Physician, and an expert in the field of esthetic medicine. As a graduate of Marlborough, Georgetown University, and UCLA School of Medicine, Angelique is the Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Providence St Joseph Medical Center in Burbank and practices as faculty in emergency medicine at UCLA. She also owns an esthetic medicine practice called “The Best Kept Secret in Larchmont.” She offers in-home confidential botox and fillers (Restylane, Perlane, Juvederm, and Radiesse) as well as Latisse eyelash enhancement. You have likely seen many of her clients either on the big screen, TV, or along the streets of Larchmont, but you would never know it (with her talent for achieving the natural look). In her “free” time she volunteers her medical services at the LA free clinic, travels on humanitarian trips with the Wilshire Rotary, is a board officer of The Ebell Club as well as the Mannequins of the Assistance League, and serves on the Foundation for Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. She resides in Windsor Square together with her husband Chase, a realtor with Keller Williams on Larchmont, 10 year old twins Hunter and Paris, as well as 8 year old Scarlett.

323-788-3409

Patricia carroll

President Hollywoodland Realty Patricia Carroll grew up in the real estate business as the daughter of Hollywoodland owner Ed Carroll. She is now president of the firm her late father operated in two offices, since the 1940’s on Larchmont Blvd. and Beachwood Dr. Patti actively works for preservation, and serves on the Land Use committee of the Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council. She is a member of the Art Deco Society, SASNA, Friends of Hope-Net and on the board of the YMCA. She also commutes to Paris and Majorca with her husband Mark where they served for many years as directors of international marketing for French Vogue and French Architectural Digest magazines. Her new address is in the orginal Hollywoodland Realty Office on Larchmont Blvd.....584 N. Larchmont Blvd. 584 N. Larchmont Blvd 323 469-3171 2700 N. Beachwood Dr.

The following is a list of organizations that include Larchmont women in their memberships. If your club is not listed here, please send the information to “Who’s Who Directory,” c/o Larchmont Chronicle, 542 1/2 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, 90004 or reception@larchmontchronicle.com.

Philanthropic

ALTRUSA INTERNATIONAL 213-810-8791. Jenny Chow, president. 9 members. Meets 3rd of the month. Purpose: Chartered in 1938, serves and provides support to School on Wheels, Good Shepherd Shelter for Homeless Women, Braille Institute and Hope-Net. ANGELIC AUXILIARY OF THE CHILDREN’S BUREAU 213-342-0144. Carleen Riley, president, with 40 members who meet three times a year. Hosts annual Carnival at the Pier on March 1. Purpose: benefits Children’s Bureau of Los Angeles, which helps prevent child abuse and neglect as well as protect, nurture and treat abused children. www.all4kids.org. ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES 323-469-1973. Floran Fowkes, president. Ana LaDou, chief executive director. 600+ members. Mission: Established in 1919 to improve the quality of the lives of at-risk children, and their families by providing vital social services in the Los Angeles community. Local auxiliaries and their chairs include: Anne Banning Auxiliary, Floran Fowkes; Bookworms Auxiliary, Audrey Fimpler; College Alumnae Auxiliary, Mary Toolen-Roskam; Hilltoppers Auxiliary, Sheryl Lautenschlager; Mannequins Auxiliary, Leah Houska and Donna Econn; Nine O’Clock Players Auxiliary, Heather Ho; Pre-School Auxiliary, Yvonne Cazier; Founder Assisteens Auxiliary, Lisa Wierwille, Gail Elconin and Bubs Eicher. AVIVA CENTER STERLING ASSOCIATES 323-876-0550, ext. 1107. Jasmine Rara, contact. 14 members. Volunteer-based fundraising group that benefits Aviva Treatment Center for Abused Children, which provides care and treatment to abandoned, neglected, abused, commercially sexually exploited and at-risk teenage girls from ages 12 to 19 years old. Fundraising efforts go toward annual awards banquet and activities for the girls such as cultural outings and college tours. BLIND CHILDREN’S CENTER 323-664-2153. Karen Swift, community relations manager. Purpose: Provide family-centered early intervention and adaptive education services for children birth through 2nd grade who are blind or visually impaired. Volunteer opportunities available year round. CALIFORNIA WOMEN’S LAW CENTER 323-951-1041. Betsy Butler, interim executive director, Vicky Barker, legal director. Purpose: work in collaboration with other organizations to protect, secure and advance the compre-

hensive civil rights of women and girls. www.cwlc.org. CHILDHELP USA 323-465-4016, x 2004, Colleen Knerr, president. 100 members. Meets every 2nd Thurs. except July & August. Purpose: meet physical, emotional, educational and spiritual needs of abused and neglected children’s group. Hosts Wonderland event every December, as well as other fun events. www.childhelp.org. THE COLLEAGUES 213-260-7621. Travis Barton Kranz, president. 65 members. Nine meetings a year. Purpose: Supports Children’s Institute, Inc. to help children affected by violence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraising activities include annual spring luncheon and fashion show, and operation of The Colleagues Boutique, a designer resale and vintage clothing store in Santa Monica, 3312 Pico Blvd. www.thecolleagues.com. THE COLLEAGUE HELPERS 213-260-7621. Jill Olofson, president. Purpose: support Children’s Institute, Inc. with their work to help children affected by violence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraising and volunteer efforts include an annual fashion show, boutique fashion events, hosting

special children’s activities, and donating and distributing toys. CUISINE Á ROULETTES 213-484-7112. Gina Riberi, president. 120 members. Two general membership meetings yearly at St. Vincent Meals on Wheels, open board meetings monthly. Purpose: Fundraising and support for St. Vincent Meals on Wheels. www.stvincentmow.org. EBELL OF LOS ANGELES 323-931-1277. Marjorie Fierstadt, president. 400+ members. Luncheons on most Mondays, Oct.-June. Spring and Fall benefits. Purpose: educational, philanthropic and cultural. ebelloflosangeles.com. EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN’S FOUNDATION 310-845-8050. Debbi Winter, vice president of development, dwinter@ecf.net. Provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities at 15 service sites throughout LA County. Purpose: Board committee oversees fundraising and marketing activities and meets throughout the year. Annual fundraisers include golf tournament, young leaders events, and business partners luncheon. www.ECF.net. FREEDOMS FOUNDATION AT VALLEY FORGE

Rebecca Fitzgerald, M.D. Dermatologist

Once again the annual Women of Larchmont issue kindly nudges me to take stock of the past year. And when I reflect on the whirlwind that it’s been, training other physicians stands out as one of the most gratifying experiences of the past twelve months. In May I headed to Australia and in one week trained groups of dermatologists in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne in Sculptra injection techniques. I wrapped up the busy, productive visit as one of the keynote speakers for the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Soon after my return I traveled to Toronto for training and speaking engagements, and will head to France in September. This year I was honored to be appointed to two new leadership positions for the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) - the Development and Industry Advisory Council and the ASDS Meeting Planning Committee. In addition, Allergan asked me to contribute my expertise and images of my work to their brochure for their remarkably popular product, Voluma. Valeant has called upon me to do the same for their new brochure for Sculptra. Being recognized by these renowned companies for my artistic approach is also an incredible honor. Contributing to professional publications remains important to me and I co-authored a supplement to the April 2014 Journal of Drugs in Dermatology on Sculptra and its use in facial volumization. The element of my work closest to my heart is offering my patients the very best care and selecting cutting edge technology to best meets their needs. Our office is excited about our newest addition, the Clear + Brilliant laser that achieves smoother, clearer skin with minimal downtime. Thank you again to the Larchmont Chronicle for this opportunity to reflect on the past year. Here’s to my incredible patients and staff and to all of the women of our cherished community. We make Larchmont a special little spot in LA. Visit www.RebeccaFitzgeraldMD.com or call (323) 464-8046. 321 N Larchmont Blvd. Ste. 906

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

WHO IN Our Community

310-472-8306. Diane Deshong, president. 85 members. Purpose: raise funds to provide scholarships to students and accredited teachers to participate in Foundation’s educational programs. FRIENDLY HOUSE 213-389-9964. Peggy Albrecht, executive director. Founded in 1951 as the first home for women recovering from alcohol and drug addiction in the USA. Purpose: provide an opportunity for women to recover physically, spiritually and emotionally from drugs and alcohol in an atmosphere of love, compassion and support. GOOD SHEPHERD CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN AUXILIARY 213-482-1834. Louise Phipps, president, contact Adriana Sandoval, director of development. Meets five times yearly in members’ homes. Purpose: assist at four centers for the homeless and raise funds. www.gschomeless. org. HOLLYGROVE 323-463-2119. Shawn Caracoza, executive director. Purpose: a family-centered community organization serving abused and neglected children to age 18, and those at risk of abuse, neglect or in poverty. www.hollygrove.org. HOLLYWOOD WILSHIRE YMCA 213-762-8742. David Almaraz, chairman. Purpose: Strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. HOPE-NET 213-389-9949. Tom Patterson, president, 200 volunteers. Board meets bi-monthly. Purpose: help eliminate hunger through area food pantries and to provide lowincome housing to families and individuals in the Wilshire Center and Los Angeles metro area. www.hopenetla.org. JEFFREY FOUNDATION 323-965-7536. Alyce Morris Winston, founder and CEO. Hosts annual fundraiser each May. Celebrity tennis match in Sept. Purpose: provide services for special needs children and their families,

Healing Hands Larchmont 414 N. Larchmont Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90004 323-461-7876

typically developing children from 12 months, through age 18 with early education programs accredited through CAEYC and regional centers. thejeffreyfoundation.com. JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL, AL JOLSON CHAPTER 323-936-0388. Arlene Epstein, president. 100 members. Meets 3rd Thurs. Purpose: support children’s home in Israel, Operation Stork, Battered Women’s Shelters and Anti-Defamation League. JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LOS ANGELES 323-957-4280. Courtney Hunkele Garvin, president. 1,200 members. Six general meetings Sept.–May. Purpose: promote volunteerism, develop women’s potential and improve the community through effective action and the leadership of trained volunteers. www.jlla.org. JUNIORS OF SOCIAL SERVICE Jill O'Callahan, president. Purpose: assist the Sisters of Social Service in their works and Regis House. Annual fundraiser is the Candlelight Ball in Jan. Meets 4 times a year. Regishousecommunitycenter.com. LAS FLORISTAS lasfloristasinc@gmail.com. Linda Cappello, president. 50 members. Meets 2nd Wed. of each month, Sept.–June at members’ homes. Purpose: support children’s charities at Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Center (including sports wheelchair program). lasfloristas.org. LEARNING ALLY 323-210-1454. Sherry Weekes, production director. 100 volunteers. Purpose: Virtual/remote studio where volunteers record and produce audio textbooks for students who are blind, dyslexic or physically disabled. www. learningally.org. LES AMIES CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE, INC. 213-260-7621. Daryn Horton, president. Purpose: support Children’s Institute, Inc. with its

work to help children affected by violence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraisers include theater receptions, an annual holiday dinner and other activities. LIBRARY FOUNDATION OF LOS ANGELES 213-228-7499. Ellen Lipson, president, Mary Beth Thomas, chairman. 360 members. Hosts special literary events throughout the year. Purpose: fundraising and to increase public awareness of LA Public Library’s Central Library and 72 branch libraries. Invitation only. www.lfla.org. NGA, INC. 323-931-4885. Beverly Brown, president. 100 members. The Needlework Guild meets monthly. Purpose: provide new clothing, shoes and linens to the homeless and needy. NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE FOUNDER CHAPTER 323-665-5981. Mrs. James Bailey (Madelyn), president. 365 members. Purpose: mother-daughter philanthropy organization. Runs Ticktocker Thrift Shop at 9441 Culver Blvd. to support Learning Ally and Head Start. NA’AMAT, USA LOS ANGELES & WESTERN AREA COUNCIL 818-981-1298. Stephanie Nygard, western area director. Approx. 1,100 members. Purpose: provide education and social services (including scholarships, childcare and battered women shelters) for immigrants and the poor in Israel. www.naamat.org NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE CORONET DEBUTANTE BALL BOARD 323-665-5981. Janet Walther (Janet), ball director. Mary , ball president. Purpose: National Charity League supports the Coronet Debutante Ball in Nov. at the Beverly Hilton; fundraising supports philanthropic projects of the National Charity League, L.A. Founder Chapter. ORPHANAGE GUILD Patricia A. McVerry, president. 300 members. Holds general meetings five times yearly. Pur-

(Please turn to page 24)

Healing Hands Third Street 303 S. Crescent Heights Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90048 323-782-3900

SUSAN CHADNEY Realtor, Keller Williams Hollywood Hills

Susan Chadney has been a top producing Real Estate agent since 1987. She is currently the Associate Manager of Keller Williams Hollywood Hills. Keller Williams is the #1 Real Estate Agency in the United States, and in its office with more than 300 agents, Susan’s listings have excellent exposure. Susan knows that the most important part of her job as a Real Estate Professional is to take the Stress and Mystery out of transactions, making them as worry free as possible. “Moving and purchasing a home is already such an arduous experience, one that often has all kinds of emotional implications, I am here to make this process easier for my Buyers and Sellers and to protect their interests.” Susan’s great grandfather was an Architect who moved here from Canada with his family to build some of LA’s Iconic Buildings. Susan has lived in Los Angeles all her life and started her career in Hancock Park where she lived for over 30 years. Hancock Park is her specialty. Susan knows all the workings and subtleties of Real Estate; she also knows her Los Angeles!

susanchadney.com • Keller Williams Hollywood Hills • 323-422-9449

Carelyn Clifford Controller I am a Hancock Park native! My first jobs were on Larchmont Blvd. at My Favorite Place, Landis & Mail Boxes Etc. I am a blessed Mother of 2. Noah, my son, attends 3rd St. School & plays baseball for Hollywood Recreation Center. Natalee Carey, my daughter, is enjoying Wilshire Preschool and shows musical talent. Several years ago I earned my contractor’s license, MBE, SBA8(a) and took over my Dad’s company, Shawnee Pacific Construction. I currently am Assistant Coach at Hollywood Recreation Center and serve as Park Advisory Board Secretary. I have worked with Doug Ratliff, owner of Supreme Roofing on Gower, since 2004 and we are still enjoying working together. I have developed a new respect and admiration for roofers! While at Supreme Roofing, I implemented a new Safety, Injury and Illness program with a 100% success rate. I am most grateful for my children and the joy they have brought to my life. The person whom I most admire is Doug Ratliff at Supreme Roofing.

1015 N. Gower St. • 323-469-2981

Denise Cohen Owner

Denise was born and raised in Indiana on a working farm. An active lifestyle, along with nutrition and fitness, was and is a top priority. Spending most of her time in Colorado enjoying the great outdoors learning to ski and hike, she started spending time in Los Angeles where she was introduced to Cardio Barre, and was “hooked.” She purchased the franchise for Hollywood, and opened in October of 2010. This one hour class is everything a fitness class should be! It includes high intensity, no impact, strengthening exercises and core work, while elongating every muscle. Cardio Barre offers a beautiful blend of all of these elements while increasing flexibility, and it’s FUN! Denise is excited and grateful to be part of the community and contribute to healthy living in Hollywood. Just 5 minutes from Larchmont Village at 6464 Sunset Blvd. #150, Hollywood, CA 90028. 323-462-6464 www • cardiobarre.com

MAURA DALY Park La Brea Leasing and Marketing Director

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Maura Daly has been in the property management industry since graduating from St. Mary’s College in Moraga, CA. During her career, she has taken time off to travel extensively and live in Scotland and other European countries. After returning from Europe, she supervised a portfolio of 21 properties for a private developer in Northern California. She moved to Southern California to work for the Sares-Regis Group in Irvine as a property manager specializing in new construction. Los Angeles was her next destination where she was general manager for Douglas Emmett before being hired by Park La Brea. As PLB’s Director of Leasing and Marketing, she supervises 11 leasing agents and 5 staff members on the support team. She is responsible for 4245 units and says the property is enjoying its lowest availability ever. “While embracing Park La Brea’s rich history, we have taken our gorgeous interiors into the 21st century. With our Signature apartments, mid-century modern meets contemporary LA.” In addition to travel, she is dedicated to health and fitness and loves to run or walk several miles a day.

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Directory of Who's

(Contnued from page 23)

213.819.1289 • HeidiDavis5@gmail.com • www.simplyheididavis.com

SuSan E. DownEy, MD Plastic Surgeon Dr. Susan Downey is Board Certified in Plastic Surgery and has been in practice for 24 years. Dr. Downey’s practice includes all aspects of cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery including Breast Reconstruction, Breast Reduction, Breast Augmentation, Abdominoplasty and Body Contouring. Dr. Downey is nationally recognized for her expertise in Post Massive Weight Loss procedures and has been listed on the Best Doctors in Los Angeles since 1996. Dr. Downey has volunteered her time on over 17 international medical missions to repair cleft lips and palates as well as train foreign medical doctors in those procedures. Her latest trip was in March of 2013 when she traveled to Porto Viejo, Ecuador as a Visiting Educator. Dr. Downey has been a resident of the Larchmont community since 1988 and is an active member of the Los Angeles Tennis Club. 321 N. Larchmont Blvd., Suite 800 • 323-468-0127 www.DrDowney.com

Liz Gottainer Douglas Elliman Real Estate Realtor

Liz@DwellinLA.com • 213 393 2209 9440 Santa Monica Blvd., #710 Beverly Hills 90210

Rebecca HutcHinson + HeatHeR boylston Marketing Communications + Public Relations

H+R PR

Congratulations to the Women of Larchmont! H+R PR is a Larchmont-based public relations firm specializing in marketing communications and community relations. Principals Heather Boylston (she’s the H) and Rebecca Hutchinson (she’s the R) formed their business partnership while co-founding Larchmont Charter School. Each brings a career’s worth of experience in public relations and marketing communications to H+R PR. Heather@H-RPR.com • Rebecca@H-RPR.com 323-389-7900 200 N. Larchmont Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90004

Civic

ARCS FOUNDATION, LOS ANGELES FOUNDER CHAPTER 310-375-1936. Dr. Cheryl Craft, president. 87 members. Meets monthly year-round. Purpose: ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) advances science in America by raising funds for outstanding collegiate scholars in the fields of science, engineering and medical research. www.arcsfoundation.org/los_angeles BANNING RESIDENCE MUSEUM VOLUNTEERS 310-548-7777. Janet Akman, president. 500 members. Meets quarterly. Purpose: to support the Banning Residence Museum. FRIENDS OF THE FAIRFAX LIBRARY 323-936-6191. Shirley Thompson, president. 15 members. Book sales are on Wednesdays and one Saturday a month. Meets 2nd Tues., Sept.–June. Purpose: to support the library acquisition fund and various programs, including the children’s summer programs. FRIENDS OF THE JOHN C. FREMONT LIBRARY 323-962-3521. Thom Garbrecht,

interim president; Ruth Roberts, treasurer. Six members. Purpose: to support all functions of the library. Holds book sales on the first Friday and Saturday of the month to support the library. HOLLYWOOD BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN 562-699-6288. Marjory Hopper, president. 20 members. Purpose: Achieve equity for individuals in the workplace through advocacy and education. Meets 2nd Sat. monthly. Hosts luncheon every autumn at the Preston in the Loews Hollywood Hotel. www.bpwhollywood.org. LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS, LOS ANGELES CHAPTER 213-368-1616. Elizabeth Ralston, president. 500 members. Meets monthly Sept.-May. Purpose: non-partisan organization to inform citizens about government. www.lwvlosangeles.org. LOS ANGELES GARDEN CLUB 310-471-8512. Joyce Parrott, president. 70 members. Meets 2nd Mon. of the month at Visitors’ Auditorium, Griffith Park at 9:30 a.m. Sept.–June. Purpose: to increase knowledge and love of gardening and support philanthropic causes. A different speaker every month. Silent auction in Dec. for Homeless Health Care Los Angeles. Spring and winter fundraisers. losangelesgardenclub.org. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN BUSINESS OWNERS, LOS ANGELES 213-622-3200. Carmen Rad, president. 300 members. Purpose: propel women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power through advocacy, innovation and community. www.nawbola.org NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN, LOS ANGELES SECTION 323-852-8501. Shelli Dodell, president. Hillary Selvin, executive director. Purpose: to improve the quality of life for women, children and families and to en-

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Liz Gottainer is a real estate agent and a member of the team that just launched the first West Coast office for the prestigious New York firm of Douglas Elliman. Liz has more than 20 years of real estate experience. Prior to joining Douglas Elliman, Liz was the Director of Sales and Marketing for Toy Factory Lofts and Biscuit Company Lofts, two of the first and most acclaimed residential loft developments in the downtown Los Angeles Arts District. She began her real estate career in real estate development sales and marketing in Chicago. She is respected by her peers and clients alike for her hard work and dedication. In fact, she has many repeat clients and client referrals, which she considers the highest form of compliment. Liz has also developed luxury homes in Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Hancock Park. Liz lives in Larchmont with her husband and 2 young children.

chicken •• Llemon EMON C H I C K E N ••

Realtor For me, real estate is like no other job, because it’s simply my passion and the best way I know to be of service. Over the past eight years I have been so fortunate to help many people buy and sell homes. I’ve lived and sold real estate all over Los Angeles and have resided in Brookside for the past 11 years. I love living here and am so proud to have become known as a Specialist in Brookside, Hancock Park & the surrounding communities. The neighborhood reflects my core values and what I offer to clients is its diversity, community values, friendliness & beautiful architecture. I am a wife and mother of 2 children and that priority in my life enables me to bring the same family values to my real estate business. I am humbled & empowered at my own success, led first and foremost by my service to those around me. It’s compassion and simplicity in the big city, just like me!

eral meetings per year. Hosts two major events annually: a food and wine even and a holiday shopping boutique. Purpose: to raise funds for Planned Parenthood Los Angeles. WOMEN’S CANADIAN CLUB OF LOS ANGELES 818-763-6623. Joan Liebowitz, president. Rita Gilbert, membership contact. Meets for lunch 1st Thurs. almost every month. Purpose: Contributes to several charities. Hosts a holiday luncheon and an annual tea at the home of the Consul General. WOMEN’S OVERSEAS SERVICE LEAGUE, LOS ANGELES 626-447-1462. Helen Finke, president. 20 members. Meets 2nd Sat., Sept.–June. Purpose: fundraising and to build awareness concerning the needs of women veterans overseas.

Heidi davis

pose: raise funds for Maryvale, LA’s oldest residential treatment agency for abused and neglected girls ages 11 to 18 placed there by the courts. Hosts Bring-a-Friend luncheon Nov. 18, and dinner and dance March 6. laorphanageguild.com. ORPHANAGE GUILD JUNIORS Bette Baer and Susan Frazier, CoPresidents. Meets 12 times a year. Purpose: mentorship through activities and outings for residents at Maryvale, LA’s oldest residential treatment agency for girls age 6-17 who are placed by the court. laorphanageguild.com. PATRIARCH ATHENAGORAS ORTHODOX INSTITUTE, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AUXILIARY 310-541-0833. Christine Haidos and Melanie O’Regan, co-presidents. 34 members. Meets six times a year. Purpose: affiliate of the graduate theological program at U.C. Berkeley. Provides scholarships for and promotes Eastern Orthodox religion. PEO, GU CHAPTER 213-245-4844. Elizabeth Schwalm, president. 18 members. Meets Sept.–June on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month at the Wilshire Country Club. PEO is an educational, philanthropic organization that provides scholarships for women and owns and maintains a women’s liberal arts college in Nevada, MO. easchwalm@aol.com. PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETY CHILDREN’S INSTITUTE, INC. 213-260-7621. Rochelle Gores Fredston, founder. Purpose: Supports Children’s Institute, Inc. with their work to help children affected by violence, abuse and other trauma. Fundraisers include the annual Autumn Party, annual Back-to-School event and other activities. PLANNED PARENTHOOD LOS ANGELES GUILD 213-284-3300. Mai Nguyen, director of development, special events. 170 members. Four gen-

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

WHO IN Our Community

sure individual rights for all. Operates several thrift stores and a counseling talkline. ncjwla.org. DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION, LOS ANGELES-ESCHSCHOLTZIA CHAPTER Margaret Hess, regent. 133 members. Meets 2nd Wed. Sept.-May for lunch. Purpose: historic preservation; non-political and nonreligious lineage society. laedar. org. TOWN AND GOWN OF USC 818-321-3413. Jane Benussen, president. 850 members. Established in 1904. Purpose: provide academic scholarships to students at USC. See townandgownofusc.org or president@ townandgownofusc.org. WILSHIRE ROTARY CLUB Greg Gill, president. 80 members. Meets Wednesdays at noon at The Ebell of Los Angeles, 743 S. Lucerne Blvd. Purpose: encourage and foster the ideal of service and high ethical standards in business and the community. Contact through website: wilshirerotary. org. WINDSOR SQUARE-HANCOCK PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY Jane Gilman, president. 200 members. Board of trustees meets quarterly at members’ homes. Researches and preserves historical information of Windsor Square, Hancock Park and Greater Rancho La Brea. www. wshphs.org. WOMEN AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE 310-204-2348. Margot Bennett, executive director. Ann Reiss Lane, founder. Purpose: prevent gun violence by educating the public, policymakers and the media about the human, financial and public health consequences and dangers of firearms. www. wagv.org. WOMEN LAWYERS ASSOCIATION OF LOS ANGELES 213-892-8982. Kay Burt, executive administrator. 1,200 members. Board meets monthly. Purpose: promote full participation

of women lawyers and judges in the legal profession, maintain integrity of legal system by advocating principles of fairness and equality, improve status of women in society, including exercise of equal rights and reproductive choice. Does not give referrals or do pro bono work. www.wlala. org.

Hospital-Medical

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 310-348-0356, x 3. Claudia Ruano, senior coordinator. 15 members. Multiple committees, breast health and special events. 5731 W. Slauson Ave., #200. Purpose: educate about cancer and prevention. Cancer information center number is 800-227-2345 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, or go to cancer.org. BEIT T’SHUVAH 310-204-5200. Annette Shapiro, president. 300 members. Meets weekly for Shabbat. Purpose: fundraising and other support for program that integrates faith, A.A. and traditional psychotherapy. www.beittshuvah.org. CARES AUXILIARY 323-226-6941. Mindy Halls, president. 200 members. Board meets monthly Sept.-June, except Dec. Purpose: support LAC+USC Medical Center by volunteer work and donations. lacusc.org. CEDARS-SINAI WOMEN’S GUILD 310-423-3667. Hella Hershson, president. 2,000 members. Board meets at hospital or in members’ homes six times a year. Purpose: support Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, primarily through fundraising, support programs, research and education. See www. womensguildcs.org or womensguild@cshs.org. CHEERFUL HELPERS FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS 213-387-7252. Jackie Sloan, president. 12 members. Board meets the 4th Wed. of each month at 3300 Wilshire. Purpose: Provide hope to families and their children experiencing significant development, social and emotional

challenges. info@cheerfulhelpers.org. CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL LOS ANGELES ASSOCIATES & AFFILIATES 323-361-2367. Bonnie McClure, chairman. 38 Guilds and Auxiliaries. Purpose: raise money for Children’s Hospital. chla.org. CHARITABLE CHILDREN’S GUILD (CCG) Purpose: support Orthopaedic Institute for Children’s charitable care program with financial resources and volunteering. Main fundraiser is the “It’s a Bargain Thrift Shop” on the OIC campus, (213-742-1478 or thriftshop@ mednet.ucla.edu). mperrine@ mednet.ucla.edu. GOOD SAMARITAN HOSPITAL AUXILIARY 213-977-2939. Hillary Crahan, president. Andrea Morseburg, director of principal and planned gifts. 150 members. General meetings Oct., Feb. and May. Purpose: Philanthropy, staffing of the Good Samaritan Gift Shop and public relations. www.goodsam. org; auxiliary@goodsam.org. LAS MADRINAS 626-457-1441. Sarah Cox, president. 179 members. Katie Hult, public relations chair. Meets three times yearly. Purpose: honors families who have demonstrated a commitment to the civic, cultural, and philanthropic life of Southern California by presenting their daughters at the annual Las Madrinas Ball. LUMINAIRES JUNIORS 323-442-7100. Mary Lischke, president. 115 members. General meetings three times a year. Purpose: Luminaires Juniors is a support group dedicated to augmenting the Doheny Eye Institute in their mission to conserve, restore and improve human eyesight. SEARCHLIGHTERS Purpose: provide funds to support medical research and education for OIC. Main fundraiser is an “Annual Luncheon and Silent Auction” event in the autumn.

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Become a Member Nearly 120 years ago, a courageous group of women established an uncommon women’s club to pursue the enrichment of the lives of women. Since then, The Ebell of Los Angeles has continued to pursue its founders’ goals: The Ebell provides scholarship opportunities to countless students through its Scholarship Department, enriching the lives of well over 50 students every year. The Ebell also practices philanthropy through its Rest Cottage Association which supports non-profit agencies helping women;

suzy lewis Healing Hands Suzy started at Healing Hands Wellness Center in 2004, as a massage therapist. Shortly thereafter she assumed administrative duties as well. In 2008, Suzy took on the job of Larchmont Manager, and became General Manager of both locations in 2012. Since taking the reins as GM, Suzy has fostered a warm and welcoming environment for practitioners and customers alike. In 2013, Healing Hands was named “Best of LA” by Los Angeles Magazine, as testament to her nurturing spirit at the helm. Suzy was born and raised in Southern California and obtained her bachelor’s degree in Family and Consumer Resources from the University of Arizona. She received her massage certification from the New Mexico Academy of Healing Arts in 2003. Suzy is an avid LA sports fan and loves the Dodgers, Lakers and Kings. She loves music, concert going, and taking in everything that LA - and specifically Larchmont - has to offer; the Sunday Farmer’s Market and Larchmont Wine & Cheese are favorites! This year, she’s proud to celebrate 10 years as a member of the Larchmont community, which she loves like family.

323-461-7876 • 414 N. Larchmont Blvd.• www.healinghandswc.com

Meredith Scott Lynn Founder & CEO of WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS FROM LEGALLY BLONDE to LARCHMONT BLVD. When she was 19, Meredith moved from “New Yawk” to Hollywood to become a working actress. An extensive acting resume of roles in films, as well as countless television credits, gets her in the door almost anywhere, where she is given either personal or parking validation, but rarely both. For the last two years, she plays the conniving and comical Anne Milbauer on the long-running soap opera, Days Of Our Lives. With success producing, directing and selling creative content, she learned a bit about business. Meredith’s new company, WRiTE BRAiN BOOKS, offers richly-illustrated, text-less children’s books with lines on the pages so kids can become published authors. Meredith’s mission is to elevate self-esteem in young people by providing tools that help them discover their voices and tell their stories. WRiTE BRAiN will be holding fantastic classes and seminars for the community!

www.WriteBrainWorld.com 554 N. Larchmont Blvd. • 1.855.WB.WORLD

Trudi Callon Mesa Pilgrim school Parent Volunteer Trudi is a Larchmont Village mom to a rising 6th grader, Cecilia, and 2nd grader, Dominic, at Pilgrim School. Cece has been the Pilgrim School correspondent for the Larchmont Chronicle for the last year. This year, Trudi co-chaired the Pilgrim Parents Association musical committee for The Sound of Music and also served as Elementary Ambassador to new families for the school. In her previous life as a production executive and later as an independent film producer, Trudi cultivated skills of organization and communication, which come in very handy with her busy family and as co-Vice President of the PPA for the upcoming school year. She is a much-valued member of the Pilgrim community! 540 S. Commonwealth Ave., • 213-385-7351

Sandy naSSeri Founder and CEO

THE EBELL OF LOS ANGELES

MelroseMAC started out as a small storefront in the Hancock Park neighborhood in 2003, founded by local resident Sandy Nasseri as a full-service Apple sales and service operation. Today, the company is more than just Macs, finding its niche market in the nearby media and entertainment industry and developing an expertise in creative, broadcast, and technical business and enterprise solutions. With the support of the Larchmont community and beyond, MelroseMAC has expanded to two additional locations in Burbank and Culver City while also steadily growing its MelroseTEC division, which provides service and integration expertise in IT, networks, cloud, and facility design. In 2012, MelroseMAC was certified as a woman-owned business by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC). Sandy remains active within the WBENC organization and participates in many of its programs aimed at progressing businesses owned by women.

For membership information, programs and special events, please call 323-931-1277 or visit our website at www.ebellla.org

info@melrosemac.com • 6614 Melrose Avenue • 323-937-4600

The Ebell enriches the lives of its members through cultural and educational programs Located at 4400 Wilshire Boulevard in Windsor Square, the Italian Renaissance building contains over 75,000 square feet of meeting rooms, dining rooms, an art salon and theaters.

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

Directory of Who's

(Continued from page 25)

Caroline niChols Store Manager My name is Caroline Nichols and I’m the manager of Orchard Supply Hardware’s La Brea store. I am delighted to be a part of the community and look forward to working with my neighbors and local businesses. It’s a great opportunity to meet extraordinary people in this community that I hope to make strong business partnerships with. My retail career started 24 years ago with a part-time summer job. After many years at a big box fashion retailer and a big box home improvement store, I was recruited by Orchard Supply Hardware. I joined Orchard Supply Hardware in July 2012 as the store manager of the Hollywood location. When I learned about company plans to open 4th and La Brea, I had to be a part of the new store. It was like coming home to the place I loved. I am passionate about my career, my team of managers, my store associates and customers I serve in the community. Our La Brea store is the first of its kind for Orchard. It showcases the company’s urban store format and offers free rooftop parking. We strive to be neighbors helping neighbors in how we serve customers as well as how we operate. I enjoy writing, cooking and travelling throughout our great country. I have two beautiful nieces, ages six and three. Whatever your repair or maintenance needs are, stop by and say “Hi.” We are here for YOU and I look forward to providing you with legendary customer service.

415 S. La Brea Ave.•323-954-4733•www.orchardsupplyhardware.com

Linda and Olivia Noh Realtors We own and actively manage a successful RE/MAX office in Hancock Park. The RE/ MAX motto of “outstanding agents, outstanding results” truly defines our office. We listen carefully to the needs of our clients and skillfully guide them through the selling or buying process. We are our clients’ most loyal advocates and aggressively champion their interests in every transaction, whether it be a conventional sale or a complex short sale negotiation. Our vast combined experience and expertise in our local market as well as our ability to anticipate and adapt to ever-changing market demands sets us apart and has enabled us to deliver client service of the highest caliber year after year. Whether it is positioning our sellers to achieve a maximum sale price or helping our buyers find their dream home, we can make it happen.

4465 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 201 • 323-692-9900 info@remaxmegagroup.com

Lindsay Ratkovich Deasy/Penner Born and raised in Hancock Park, Lindsay Ratkovich attended St. James Elementary, Marlborough High School and graduated Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 2003. Lindsay’s spent 5 years as an investment analyst for residential developers specializing in historical preservation in Philadelphia. In 2008, she transitioned into residential sales, and upon her return to Los Angeles, found another permanent home as a Partner with the residential brokerage specialty Deasy/Penner. Her passion for real estate, architecture and history has evolved from her urban studies background, along with her 40+ year family ties within the community – creating a platform of superior knowledge within the Hancock Park real estate market. Lindsay is partnered with Michele Sanchez, another resident of Hancock Park, with an additional 17 years of real estate experience. As a team, they are Deasy/Penner’s local experts—with a fresh approach to valuation and marketing your “home as art.”

ST. JAMES’

EPISCOPAL SCHOOL ENGAGING HEART, MIND, AND SPIRIT

Carol A. Swainson

Assistant Head of School

Throughout her over-twenty-year career as an educator and administrator, Carol Swainson has been an advocate for experiential, international, and arts education; has championed sustainability, diversity, equity, and social justice; and has been a trailblazer in curriculum development, leading the way for technology integration and twenty-first century teaching and learning initiatives. Ms. Swainson is also highly respected as a diversity trainer, and her work has earned several accolades, including the National Association of Independent Schools Leading Edge Award for Equity and Justice. She is also an amateur oboist and composer, having produced original works for theater, performance art, and visual art installations. Together with her husband, Stevens Jay Carter, a dynamic visual artist, the two advocate for the arts as a way to cultivate social change and to promote peace, harmony, and wellbeing. St. James’ is proud to have Ms. Swainson join their senior administration and to recognize her as a Woman of Accomplishment!

625 S. ST. ANDREWS PLACE • 213-382-2315 • WWW.SJSLA.ORG

www.searchlighters.com. Contact mperrine@mednet.ucla.edu. SISTER SERVANTS OF MARY GUILD 818-763-0970. Denise Nighman, president. 165 members. Meets five times a year. Purpose: fundraising to assist sisters in carrying out their mission. The sisters are RNs, LVNs, CNAs who provide care to patients in their own homes regardless of illness, race or religion, free of charge. Yearly benefit is a luncheon at the Wilshire Country Club in Oct. dnighman@gmail.com. ST. ANNE’S GUILD 213-381-2931 x212. Agnes Sanzone, president. General membership meets two times a year. Purpose: serve at-risk, pregnant and parenting teens, young women and their children. Fundraising events include the thrift shop fashion show and golf tournament in Sept. and the holiday bazaar in Nov. www.stannes.org. ST. JOHN OF GOD WOMEN’S LEAGUE 323-731-7141. Marion Plato, president. 100 members. Purpose: volunteering and fundraising to assist patients in St. John of God Retirement and Care Center. info@hospitallerfoundation. org. ST. VINCENT MEDICAL CENTER AUXILIARY 213-484-7328. Margie Rovarino, president. 100 members. Meets five times yearly. Purpose: support the mission of the daughters of charity of St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles. SPECIAL CHILDREN’S LEAGUE 818-790-6167. Ruth Lyle, secretary. 40 members. Meets 4th Wed.

Purpose: Raise money to support the United Cerebral Palsy Foundation.

Art-Music

THE BLUE RIBBON 213-972-3348. Carla Sands, president. 466 members. Meets on a special events basis by invitation only at different sites in the city. Purpose: fundraising to support resident companies in arts education program of the Music Center of Los Angeles County. CONTEMPORARY CRAFT COUNCIL OF CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM 323-937-0708. Adrienne Luce, chairman. 15 members. Meets quarterly. Supports museum programs. COSTUME COUNCIL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART 323-857-6013. Heather Sturdy, chair. 350 members. Board meets monthly Sept.-June. Purpose: support the costume and textile department of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Contact costumecouncil@lacma.org. DOCENT COUNCIL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART 323-857-6109. Elizabeth Reeves, chair. 521 members. Purpose: volunteer educational services for students and adults in the form of tours, lectures, and informal conversations. A new class of docents is recruited and trained every other year. www.lacma.org or admissions@lacmadocent.org. FOLK ART COUNCIL OF CRAFT AND FOLK ART MUSEUM 323-931-0497. Letha Greenberg, contact person. 75 members. Board meets 1st Tues. of the

month. Monthly programs, except July and Aug., feature tours of private and museum collections. Purpose: to support the museum and foster interest in folk art. BARNSDALL ARTS /FOJAC 323-363-4629. Shelah LeherGraiwer, executive director. 18 board members. Purpose: educational arts programs at the Barnsdall Arts Center for all ages; outreach art program at Freda Mohr, Park La Brea and in schools; coordinates with CAFAM; international child art collection; art workshops at Griffith Park on Saturdays (April–Sept). Art studio for kids on Sundays at Barnsdall Art Park. barnsdallarts.org. HOLLYWOOD BOWL SOCIETY 323-850-2165. Lori Mawhinney, president. 180 members. Meets monthly. Purpose: support the Hollywood Bowl, L.A. Philharmonic and volunteer, child and family programming. INTERNATIONAL COMMITEE L.A. PHILHARMONIC 323-850-2165. Rabab Ashley, president. 100 members. Meets once a month, Oct.-May. Purpose: encourage attendance at Philharmonic performances; fundraising, build bridges between cultures and countries through international ball once a year; provide sponsorship to children and their families to attend concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall. THE LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC AFFILIATES 323-850-2165. Sheri Gill, chair. 1,000 members. Meets 10 times yearly. Purpose: support the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association. LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC COMMITTEE

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Women of larchmont 2014

WHO IN Our Community

323-850-2165. Lorraine Stark, president. 65 members. General membership meets six times yearly in members’ homes. Purpose: raise funds to support Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra/ Music Center Endowment for Educational Initiative. Invitation only. MUSES OF THE CALIFORNIA SCIENCE CENTER FOUNDATION 310-259-7288. Patricia McGovern, president. 105 members. Meets 2nd Mon. of the month Sept– June. Purpose: supports and promotes the California Science Center and its education programs for youth. Provides fundraising and volunteer activities for the Community Youth Programs, the California State Science Fair and the Hands-On Science Camp. Membership open to men and women. MUSEUM SERVICE COUNCIL OF LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART 323-857-6228. 275 members. Annual meeting at museum. Purpose: Guest services. Contact tdeegan@lacma.org. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 323-656-9271. Janet Barnet and Marilyn Levin, co-presidents. 75 members. For membership contact Margaret Black. Meets 8 to 10 times a year. Purpose: to support the National Museum of Women in the Arts and to increase public awareness of the work of California women artists locally and nationally. Sponsor exhibits, support educational programs, visit women artists studios and galleries and tour private collections. RUSKIN ART CLUB 310-876-4954. Gabriel Meyer, president, Elena Karina Byrne, literary programs director. 150 members. Has four venues throughout the city where it holds readings, workshops, lectures, concerts, and occasionally film and cross-over arts programs. Hosts fundraising events for other arts organizations, publish-

ers and artists. www.facebook. com/RuskinArtClub or ekduende@gmail.com. WOMEN’S COMMITTEE OF LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC ASSOCIATION 323-850-2165. Purpose: raise funds for the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

Education

BUCKLEY SCHOOL PARENTS ASSOCIATION 818-461-6770. Purpose: volunteer in classrooms and library, hold fundraising events to support school. CATHEDRAL CHAPEL SCHOOL PTO BOARD 323-938-9976. Liz Brady, president. 30 families. Purpose: fundraising events for Cathedral Chapel School and general support of school. FRIENDS OF THIRD STREET 323-939-8337. Mandy Tankenson and Claudia Rips, co-presidents. 350 members. Five general meetings held each year in the school auditorium; please see calendar on website for dates and times. Purpose: raise money for enrichment programs. For information, go to friendsofthird.org or email info@friendsofthird.org. HANCOCK PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOOSTER CLUB 323-935-5272. Reyna Hadar copresidents. 19 officers plus parents. Meets four times throughout the year; schedule is posted on website. Purpose: fundraising and implementing projects. See hancockparkschool.com/boosterclub. HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION 818-487-6611. Bea Torrado-Ridgley, president. 1,400 members. Meets six times yearly. Purpose: Support school and build school community. IMMACULATE HEART PARENTS’ COUNCIL 323-461-3651. Miss Mary-Jo Uniack, president. Board meets

monthly Sept.-May. Purpose: raise funds for the school and a forum for communication. LOYOLA HIGH MOTHERS’ GUILD 213-381-5121, ext. 1301. Diane Pack, president, 900 members. Board meets quarterly. MARLBOROUGH PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION 323-935-1147. Amy Cohen and Nancy Corshen, co-presidents. 1,000 members. Provides leadership and involvement opportunities. ST. BRENDAN’S SCHOOL PARENT BOARD 213-382-7401. Amanda Mansour, president. 226 families. Board meets 2nd Thurs. of each month. Purpose: fundraising, communication forum, support co-curricular activities and welcome new families. ST. JAMES’ SCHOOL PARENT SUPPORT FELLOWSHIP 213-233-0133. Jill Gillett, Anita Hayden-Smith, Malisa Kaewmanaprasert, Jennifer Kim, Clara Martin, Lois Park, Kimberly Rolfe, Valerie Seitz. Meets monthly, year-round. Purpose: community building, fundraising and hospitality. sjsla.org. THIRD STREET PTA 323-939-8337. Heather Kampf, president. Meetings held the third Friday in Aug., Oct., Jan., March and May. Purpose: to promote and build parent/family engagement and work with Friends of Third to raise funds for enrichment and curricular programs for Third Street Elementary students. www.thirdstreetpta.org WILSHIRE CREST PTA 323-938-5291. Jocelyn Duarte, president. Purpose: Fundraising and support for school and student needs. WILSHIRE PRIVATE SCHOOL PTA 323-939-3800. Natasha Kaupanger-Swacker, Cindy Cho, co-chairs. 120 families. Meets monthly Sept.–May. WILTON PLACE SCHOOL PTA 213-389-1181. Board meets at the school every 3rd Thurs.

Kathy Whooley PT, OCS, CSCS, CPI, MBA

Owner

Larchmont PhysicaL theraPy Kathy established Larchmont Physical Therapy in 1985 and has been serving the community for over 29 years. She has worked hard to build a quality outpatient physical therapy practice serving the orthopedic and sports medicine needs of the community. A Boston University Magna Cum Laude alumna with an MBA from Pepperdine, she also has advanced credentials as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist and a USGFA golf-specific fitness trainer. An avid golfer and photographer, Kathy attained her Pilates certification in 2007. Kathy mentors a team of dedicated physical therapists with evidence-based techniques to produce positive functional results. 321 North Larchmont Blvd, Suite 825 • 323-464-4458 larchmontpt.com

Leisha WiLLis, CPCU, aU, aPi Owner & Agent Leisha opened her State Farm Agency in Larchmont Village in 2013 following a 22-year career in management with the organization. Prior to becoming a State Farm Agent, she directed human resources operations in California and led recruiting efforts in the southeast states for State Farm. A Michigan native, Leisha graduated Magna Cum Laude from Spelman College with undergraduate studies at Oxford University as a Luard Foundation Scholar. Her professional accreditations include Chartered Property-Casualty Underwriter (CPCU), Associate in Underwriting (AU), and Associate in Personal Insurance (API). She is a Leadership America alumna and former board member for the United Way. Leisha holds her Life/ Health and Property/Casualty licenses and is a Registered Representative for State Farm VP Management Corp. In her spare time, Leisha enjoys running, traveling and spending time with family. She is active in community outreach organizations and is honored to have mentored many young people in their careers.

500 North Larchmont Blvd • 323-785-4080 • leisha@leishawillis.com

Alyce Morris Winston

CEO and Founder Alyce Morris Winston, CEO and Founder of The Jeffrey Foundation, has dedicated her life to specialneeds and low income children and their families for over 42 years. “Helping children learn, and cope with their disability and counseling their parents is truly my passion and makes me feel happy and fulfilled.” “I have been so blessed to have the support of the community in proving Infant, toddler, afterschool, camping and recreation programs through The Jeffrey Foundation, named after my son Jeffrey who had Muscular Dystrophy. My dream has come true!” Alyce believes in working for the community, specially with children, keeps us young, happy and fulfilled. She was honored in 2003 as a Woman of Larchmont. For more information or to volunteer, please call 323-965-7536.

5470 W. Washington Blvd. • www.thejeffreyfoundation.com

LAUREN WOLKE Head of School/Director of Admissions

Lauren Wolke, Head of School, began at Laurence 26 years ago. Those years of experience, coupled with her post-graduate training in education, time as an attorney, and her extensive communications background make for a passionate and visionary leader. Lauren is instrumental in enhancing Laurence’s balance of outstanding academics and 21st century innovation. Her influence is significant in developing cutting-edge programs, envisioning and orchestrating campus expansions, and helping students develop and expand leadership and public speaking skills. She created Kids’ Court, the first nationally-recognized elementary school mock trial program, as well as a school-wide sustainable gardening program. Under Lauren’s leadership, schools matriculating students to Laurence continue to grow in number and geographic area, and sixth grade graduates consistently receive multiple acceptances to the finest independent secondary schools in Los Angeles. “I am inspired by this exceptional educational community that works together with passion and purpose, and by the bright, exuberant, loving children whose joy motivates me.”

(818) 782-4001 ~ www.laurenceschool.com

Larchmont Chronicle

Women of larchmont 2014

TEAM LEADER JOEY SACAVITCH PROUDLY CONGRATULATES THE INCREDIBLE WOMEN AT

ANGELA BOND

www.HancockParkProperties.com “Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference” - Winston Churchill

JEN STEIN

Jen@JenSteinRealty.com

“Jen Stein Realty: The difference is in the details.”

ALEJANDRA PLASCENCIA frontdesk@kwlarchmont.com

SHERI BIENSTOCK sbienstock@kw.com

“It’s always a great day at Keller Williams!”

“I love what I do!”

NINA CHEA

MARY WOODWARD

Nina@RedXRealEstate.com

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

Mary@TheWoodwardTeam.com “5 Generations in Hancock Park!”

ANN NGUYEN

SABINE DEMAIN

“Being part of helping someone achieve their American Dream of purchasing a home is what makes my day, everyday.”

“Community is about people and families, and I love being a part of KW Larchmont!”

DIANNE ALONTE

BATES/HENNINGTON

anguyen@larchmontescrow.com

Dianne.Alonte@MovementMortgage.com “Proverbs 24:3-4 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge it’s rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.”

Sabine@CoreGroupLA.com

Experts@BatesHennington.com

“Traci Bates & Lorna Hennington are dedicated real estate professionals who are experts in historic neighborhoods”

“Our office is proud to have served over 250 collective volunteer hours at the Good Shepherd Shelter for Women and Children.” LAURA ANDERSON Laura@LauraAndersonProduces.com “Define success on your terms, achieve it by your rules, and build a life you’re proud to live” - Anne Sweeney

ANNA LEE

AnnaLee@kw.com

“All Your Real Estate Needs for Life!”

CYNTHIA SAU

MCA@KWLarchmont.com “The starting point of all achievement is desire” - Napoleon Hill

118 N. LARCHMONT BLVD. LOS ANGELES, CA 90004