St. Philip Brownie troop cuts hair to support 'Locks of Love'
There were few tears and more giggles when members of Brownie Troop #148 donated their ponytails and pigtails recently to needy children. Based at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Pasadena, the third-grade Brownie Troop were sending their hair to Locks of Love, a not-for-profit organization that creates hair pieces for children who have lost their hair because of illness or injury.
"When I was little my hair was like this," said Julia Amestoy looking at her new hairdo. "I think it's really important to help out others, especially kids who are sick."
Indeed, Amestoy's father, Tom, spoke with the girls after the haircutting about his recently diagnosed cancer. "You are helping other kids feel better about themselves," he said. "But don't forget that they also need your prayers. Cancer is a very scary thing for an adult. Imagine how it might be for a little child."
Started in 1998, Locks of Love has to date supplied more than 2,000 children with hair pieces. Children comprise more than 80 percent of the donors making it a charity where children have the opportunity to directly help other children.
Brownies, their siblings and even a few moms participated at the event which took place at the San Marino Sculpt Salon. Stylists and a manicurist forgo clients for the afternoon to give the girls their beauty makeovers.
The event was in the planning stages before the summer break, but some Brownies, like Alejandra Almada and Sophia Rocca, couldn't wait to donate their hair and had it cut earlier in the year.
Rocca brought her ponytail in a baggie to the event in support of her fellow troopers. She said she cut her hair for children because, "I just didn't want other people to laugh at [the kids] if they were bald. They have feelings, too."
Golden year at Bishop Amat
Bishop Amat High School recently launched its 50th anniversary year with a Sept. 17 eucharistic celebration, with Cardinal Roger Mahony presiding and 30 priests --- among them, Msgr. Aidan Carroll, Bishop Amat High School president --- concelebrating. Three of the priests were alumni of the La Puente school.
In attendance as well were members of the original Amat faculty as well as graduates of the first class, a choir comprised of alumni, students and faculty, and an 11-piece orchestra. Presenting gifts were Carmelite Mother Regina Marie Gorman, an alumnus of Bishop Amat's class of 1971, and Sister of St. Louie Julie Conole, on the staff for many years, currently as a counselor.
Other anniversary celebrations planned include a homecoming week for which organizers are trying to contact Homecoming kings and queens from the past 50 years; reunions for the classes of '77, '87 and '97; and an Amat family picnic with volleyball clinics, games, demonstrations, food and fellowship. La Salle honors supporter
Long-time La Salle High School supporter Corene Pindroh recently received the Lasallian Award at an appreciation dinner from the Pasadena school.
Pindroh has also served as a board member of various community foundations in addition to being on the Board of Trustees at La Salle. Serving on the Finance Committee, she has used her community contacts for various fundraising efforts; she was able to securing well in excess of $200,000 in support of the San Miguel Scholarship Program and Science education.
A senior partner with Pasadena-based accounting firm Lucas, Horsfall, Murphy & Pindroh, LLP, Corene and her husband Bob, life-long volunteers in the community, served as co-presidents of the Parent Board when son Matt (class of 1990) was in his senior year. She is also the school's chief "Friendraiser," successfully encouraging clients, colleagues and friends to send their children to La Salle. Father Menezes at St. Joseph Center
"The Light in the Darkness" is a two-day discussion/celebration series on Oct. 30-31 at St. Joseph's Center in Alhambra which features Mercy Father Wade Menezes who has lectured internationally on topics of faith and everyday life.
From 7:30-9 p.m. on Oct. 30, Father Menezes will explore theological issues; on Oct. 31 he will celebrate a Mass of Intercession and Reparation.
St. Joseph's Center is located at 507 N. Granada Ave. in Alhambra. For more information, call (626) 289-0223. |