By Ruth SOWBY

With close to 200 guild members and guests, the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club ballroom was wall to wall book lovers. At 69 years old, the Orthopaedic Guild has supported the Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children to the tune of ¾ million dollars.  

At the luncheon, first introduced by Mary Beth Perrin, LuskinOIC Foundation senior advisor, was 10-year old Victoria Francisco from Mexico. Victoria was born with stenosis and operated on by doctors at the LuskinOIC several years after her birth. She is now able to standup straight without pain and walk normally. Victoria is the LuskinOIC Foundation patient ambassador. 

The audience welcomed the entrance of the authors and their books. First up was Susan Frazee and her book Marin Snell and his Worm Hotel. In it, she teaches children how composting works with a worm bin.    

Deanna Nese with her “cozy mystery” book Checked Out at the Snowy Plover Inn.  Nese teaches English and history to middle school students and is a member of Sisters in Crime and West Coast Christian Writers.   

Diane Wheaton’s memoir is Finding Loretta: An Adopted Daughter’s Search to Define Family.  The book recounts her search, and the struggle to balance her feelings for her adoptive parents and a shocking disclosure.   

All three authors were available to sign and sell their books.  A silent auction was also held in conjunction with the luncheon.

La Canada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild members have supported Luskin Orthopaedic Institute for Children formerly Orthopaedic Hospital since 1956. The institute provides care to children with orthpaedic disorders regardless of their family’s ability to pay.