The La Cañada Flintridge Orthopaedic Guild (LCFOG) is having a fundraising Book and Author Luncheon on Oct. 25 benefiting the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) (which was recently renamed Luskin OIC). This has been a yearly event except when COVID came into the picture and the Guild is now excited to get back to the annual event. One of the authors who will be making a presentation is Dennis Phinney.

Dennis Phinney is a name many people already know. But many may ask which Dennis Phinney will be at the luncheon: the Dennis Phinney who grew up in La Cañada and attended La Cañada High School or the Dennis Phinney who is a member of the California Wildlife Society and grows wild California native plants on his property or the Dennis Phinney who found success as a civil engineer after the Northridge Earthquake by locating and documenting earthquake damage and presenting the engineering basis for repair claims? The Dennis Phinney that ticketholders will meet, and probably hang on to every word he says at the Oct. 25 luncheon, is all those and more.

LCFOG has invited Phinney to present one of his books, “The Society for the Complete Extermination of Ethan Frome” at the luncheon. His books will be available for sale that day, as early as 9:30 a.m. The luncheon is being held at the La Cañada Country Club, 5500 Godbey Dr. in La Cañada Flintridge.    

The LCFOG was founded in 1957 as an auxiliary of the Charitable Children’s Guild (CCG). Its goal has been to provide orthopaedic care for children who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. No child has ever been turned away for lack of funds.

To this day, the goal remains the same and LCFOG is there to help. The local Guild has always supported the Orthopaedic Institute for Children (OIC) renamed the Luskin OIC in thanks for the Luskins’ most generous donation.  

Those interested in attending the luncheon need to contact Joan Cleven at (818) 249-4603 or DeeDee Nuanes at (818) 606-5631. Tickets are $75 each.

Submitted by Arlene MASSIMINO