La Mirada’s From Maddiâs Closet Steps Up Fight Against Cancer, Gives $50,000 to Childrenâs Hospital of Los Angeles
La Mirada~From Maddi’s Closet, a La Mirada non-profit organization helping children battling cancer, presented a $50,000 check last month to Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles on October 28th.
“The generous support we are receiving from so many in our community enabled From Maddi’s Closet to step up its efforts to fight childhood cancer,” says Donna Homes, president of the group. “These contributions are vital to our efforts to help children who are bravely battling cancer.”
“From Maddi’s Closet has been a steadfast supporter of our neuro-oncology program at our Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases for more than a decade, funding not only the ground-breaking research which makes it possible for us to search for cures and better treatments for pediatric cancer, but also the unanticipated needs of patients as they are in the throes of their battle,” says Dr. Girish Dhall, director of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’ Neuro-oncology Program. “We are grateful that they support the full spectrum of our program from the laboratory bench to the patient bedside.”
From Maddi’s Closet, a nonprofit organization started nearly a decade ago after Madison Leslie Holmes lost her battle with cancer at four years of age.
Maddi’s family and friends began the organization to carry on the extraordinary spirit of generosity and compassion the young girl had shown to other children fighting
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FIGHTING CHILDREN’S CANCER -- Representatives of From Maddi’s Closet present a $50,000 check to representatives of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Pictured (l to r) are: Tom Robinson, TR Management Services; Debbie Nye, Board Member; Karla Garcia, MSW; Donna Holmes, President of From Maddi’s Closet; Dr. Nathan Robison; Art Leslie, Treasurer; Dr. Girish Dhall, director of Childen’s Hospital’s Neuro-Oncology program; Barbara E. Britt, RN, MSN, senior nurse care manager; Rita Leslie, Secretary; Dr. Ashley Margol; and Dr. Ana Aguilar. |
cancer. Maddi frequently befriended other children undergoing treatment, giving her own toys and clothing to those in need. She even asked her family members to go and sit with other children who were more sick, frightened or lonely when they had no family members at the hospital.
Since its early days, participation in From Maddi’s Closet has grown, and the organization has broadened its efforts to support children with cancer. The group now raises funds for pediatric cancer research. The organization also offers support to ill children and their families whose special emotional and financial needs are unmet by other assistance programs. The group provides many services – from an annual toy drive to events and activities geared for patients at CHOC and Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
Children also become involved in helping children through From Maddi’s Closet. A Junior Advisory Board composed of middle school and high school students represents the organization at many public events, operates public awareness booths, hosts inpatient and outpatient projects, and assists at the annual We Can Family Camp for children with cancer.
From Maddi’s Closet raised more than $37,000 at its annual “Reach for the Stars” dinner at the Friendly Hills Country Club in Whittier. Some 155 attendees participated in the event, which was highlighted by the presentation of awards to distinguished medical personnel. The evening also included a silent auction and a live auction to raise funds for the cause.
Numerous opportunities are available throughout the year for individuals, businesses and organizations to support From Maddi’s Closet activities. A letter requesting community support in the fight against childhood cancer will be mailed to nearly 1,000 individuals and businesses in November. For further information, visit frommaddiscloset.org.
La Mirada Blog Looking for Writers
La Mirada~Plans are in the works for a major expansion and overhaul of the La Mirada Blog website.
We will keep you updated as to the development of the platform that will be La Mirada's new "community portal."
"In 2003, we pioneered the hyper-local news movement and we have made it this far," said founder and editor Tony Aiello, "It is a natural progression to take that next step. Nobody covers La Mirada like we do and I'm excited."
The La Mirada Blog will be looking to utilize freelance writers, photographers, sales associates and other positions.
If you are interested, please email us and tell us about yourself at lamiradablog@gmail.com.
Annual Alumni Game Signals Start of La Mirada High Basketball
14:04 11/24/14: Admission is $5.00 but you can get in for FREE by participating in the programs canned food drive by contributing one or more of the following: can food (vegetables, soup, yams, etc.); pumpkin pies; salad dressing; bag potatoes; bag carrots; stuffing; apples and other fruit.
La Mirada~The annual Alumni Game will launch the 2014-15 campaign for the La Mirada High School Boys Basketball program Tuesday November 25th at 6:30 p.m.
The stars of yesterday play against the stars of today in the fundraising game and the fans get a sneak peek at this year’s Matadore squad.
Bryce Jones begins his fourth year as head coach with Charlie Torres and Shea Frazee returning as assistants.
The Mats advanced to the Division 3AAA semifinals last season before bowing to Santa Margarita.
Varsity players from years past are invited to come by and participate.
The Matadores open the season December 1st in the Mission Viejo Tournament vs. Saddleback Valley Christian beginning at 6:30 p.m.
La Mirada Business to Host Turkey Giveaway
La Mirada~IQAir North America/La Mirada will host a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway at its headquarters on Friday, Nov. 21, from 8-11 a.m. (or until supplies run out).
Individuals and families are welcome to stop by the company’s headquarters during the event to receive a free turkey. The company will give away a total of 100 turkeys on a first-come, first-served basis. The limit is one per household.
“As a member of the La Mirada community, IQAir is honored to have this opportunity to give back to our neighbors,” said Glory Dolphin, CEO of IQAir North America, Inc. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what we have and to share our gifts with others.”
As a family-owned business, we view this as an opportunity to reach out to other families in our community, especially to those who may be in need, said Dolphin.
Any leftover turkeys will be donated to the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank for distribution to hungry and needy people throughout Los Angeles County.
La Mirada to Honor Veterans at Observance Event
La Mirada~The City’s 10th annual Salute to Veterans Event will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, located at 14900 La Mirada Blvd.
This free event is open to all ages and will honor the courageous men and women who have served in the armed forces throughout this nation’s history, along with special recognition of La Mirada service members.
The event reception will include a special patriotic ceremony which will pay tribute to the veterans. Representatives of the Veterans of Foreign Wars #9148 will post the nation’s colors. There will be a veteran slideshow and a presentation of retired military banners to service men and women who have returned home.
The Military Vehicle Owners of Orange County will have a military vehicle display and Jeremiah Pauley from the Wounded Warrior Project will be the guest speaker. Local veterans will also be present to share their stories, photographs and memorabilia in the Theatre lobby and Veteran attendees are encouraged to wear Service Dress, Class B or equivalent attire.
On the following day, Veterans’ Day, the VFW Post #9148 will host a Veterans observance in the La Mirada Civic Center Plaza at 11 a.m.
Associated Students of Cerritos College Hosting Veterans Event
Norwalk~The Associated Students of Cerritos College will honor and show gratitude to the men and women who sacfrifce so much for our country by hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony Monday, November 10th at 11:00 a.m.
The event will take place on the steps of the Burnight Theater on the school campus.
Speaking at the ceremony will be Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, Cerritos College Board of Trustee President Carmen Avalos, Associated Students of Cerritos College President Miles Aiello, and many student Veterans.
Additionally, there will be life performances by the Cerritos College Concert band and a silent auction by the Artist Society of Cerritos College.
Afterwards, visitors are invited to stop by the Veterans Resource Center for an open house from 12:30-1:30.
For more information contact Cynthia Chavez at cchavez@cerritos.edu.
Area Residents Invited to Participate in Free Tire Recycling Event
La Mirada~The cities of Cerritos, Downey, La Mirada, Norwalk, Pico Rivera, and Santa Fe Springs are hosting a FREE used tire collection event this Saturday November 8th from 9am-1pm at La Mirada Community Gym Parking Lot.
All residents of these cities are welcome with proof of residency required.
You can help ensure that all used tires are collected safely and recycled. Residents can transport up to 9 tires maximum per trip and multiple trips are okay. Please bring passenger and light truck tires only. NO semi-truck, construction equipment or agricultural tractor tires are accepted.
Tires from businesses and non-profits will not be accepted. ALL tires must be removed from the rims.
Help keep our cities clean and green. For more information about this event please call 562-902-2385 or 562-944-4766.
The La Mirada Community Gym is located at 15105 Alicante Road in La Mirada.
Measure G Barely Passes
Norwalk~Needing 55 percent of the vote to pass, Measure G was approved by voters with unofficially, 56.33 percent of the tally.
Totals indicate 7,043 people (56.33%) voted yes on the measure and 5,461 (43.67%) voted no according to the County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder office.
Dulles Elementary Staff Recognized for Rescuing Choking Second-Grader
La Mirada~The quick-thinking staff members at Dulles Elementary, including one teacher’s aide who performed the Heimlich maneuver, are being hailed for rescuing a second-grade boy who began choking while eating his lunch in the school cafeteria this month.
“I’m extremely proud of their quick and calm response to this life-threatening situation,” said Dulles Elementary School Principal Robin Padget. “I’ve always known of their dedication to students, but this serves as a wonderful example of how they will go above and beyond to ensure that our children are safe.”
On Oct. 2, Kevin Sandoval was eating his lunch when he began choking and hit his hands on the table. Caryn Cerda, a teacher’s assistant who works with the school’s special education students, including Kevin, noticed that Kevin was turning red. She and fellow teacher’s assistant Jimmy Perez immediately responded, with Perez calmly performing the Heimlich maneuver multiple times until the food was dislodged from his throat. The two staff members were assisted by custodian Juan Lara.
“I am very glad that Mr. Jimmy was there next to my son because he saved my son’s life,” said Kevin’s mother, Lucy Sandoval, adding that Kevin is a happy and outgoing kid who loves to ride his bike and give lots of hugs. “I love my son so much and I don’t even want to think about what might have happened if Mr. Jimmy wasn’t there.”
Norwalk-La Mirada Voters to Decide Whether or Not to Fund Schools, Again.
Norwalk~Tomorrow, voters in Norwalk and La Mirada will decide if they again want to subsidize the school system and approve a bond on the November 4th ballot.
The Board of Education of the Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District has placed a $375 million dollar bond on the ballot they say is needed to modernize the schools-just 12 years after they asked for $165 million in 2002.
Opponents say:
-We are still paying for Measure S in 2002 and residents will essentially be “double-taxed” for the next 23 years.
-Measure G upgrades and proposals were supposed to be accomplished in 2002 with Measure S bond.
-La Mirada residents paid for the construction of La Mirada Stadium why should they pay for two proposed stadiums at Norwalk and John Glenn High for $100 million?
-There is insufficient room at Norwalk and Glenn campuses for new stadiums.
-Measure G is a “blank check” with the allocation of the bond proceeds possibly altered in the future by State actions and other variables.
-Of the $375 million asked for, only $160 million is for urgent infrastructure needs-the rest are “feel-good” wish list projects.
https://www.facebook.com/VoteNoOnMeasureG
Proponents say:
-The bond will pay for the repair of deteriorating classrooms, fix leaky roofs and bathrooms and remove asbestos paint.
-Will pay for the upgrade of science and computer labs and physical education facilities.
-Will fund improvements to campus security including fencing, fire proofing, smoke alarms, and communications systems.
-Includes tough accountability provisions and safeguards, every penny is required by law to be spent locally.
-Will provide air-conditioning in all adequate spaces on campuses.
-Will provide instructional technology and wiring projects at every school.
www.facebook.com/NorwalkLaMiradaVoteYesonG.
If Measure G passes, homeowners will pay $60 per $100,000 assessed value on their homes per year for the next 52 years. The assessed value is usually 50% or lower of the market value.
Polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
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