Relief members, family and friends came out in droves on Saturday, December 5th to celebrate Open House at LAFRA’s new quarters at 7470 North Figueroa Street. There would have been even more folks at the party except a few went to South Figueroa by mistake.
The theme for this year’s celebration was “Motorcycles and Mistletoe.” The former in honor of this year’s honoree, LAFRA Trustee Jim Coburn, an avid biker, and the later in tune with the holiday season.
Attendees were welcomed by an array of holiday lights strung up under the supervision of our own Trustee Steve Domanski, while a host of volunteers were on hand to greet the guests. Lydia Andrews, Valerie Lawrence, Rose Franco, Marina Torres, Virginia Newcomb and her sister Anne Munsell, Emily Pizinger and her Aunt Karen Barnhill were available as hostesses to guide anyone unfamiliar with the building. In addition, Cadet Advisor John Goshorn (FS 60) also had a few of his post members there (Roee Losycer and Chazz Godinez) to help visitors into the building.
As guests entered the lobby, they encountered a photo booth provided by Firefighter Jerrod Webster (FS 2). A few of the best results can be seen on the next page. Strolling Magician Joe Skilton entertained with new tricks and sleight-of-hand that amazed the crowd. Linda Lara and her crew set up shop on the main level and peddled LAFD fire apparel for those looking for the perfect holiday gift. And a lucky guest, Lewis Smith, won four tickets to a performance of “Peter Pan and Tinkerbell, A Pirate’s Christmas” at the historical Pasadena Playhouse.
The chefs from Cornucopia Catering created a menu that pleased every palate. The main dishes included Pulled Hog Sliders with Jicama Slaw, Grilled Angus Beef Sliders and BBQ Chicken Sliders served with Bacon Onion Jam, a chili station (homemade Steak Chili and Vegetarian Chili), Grilled Italian Sausages w/ Sautéed Onions, and a Carving Station with Tenderloin and Prime Rib. And there were Chocolate Fudge Brownies, New York Cheesecake, Lemon Drop Squares, and Tiramisu Bars for dessert.
Specialty drinks were served at the bar, the most popular being “The Coburn Coors Cocktail” whipped up on behalf of the manof- the-hour. The ingredients included: Coors Light, Ginger Liqueur and fresh lemonade, garnished with a sliced lemon.
The highlights of the event were the presentations. First the Fire Hogs presented a giant-sized check to the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund representing the giant amount they earned for the charity during the year. Next, Jim Coburn’s wife, Diane, was presented with a floral bouquet and finally LAFRA showed their gratitude for Jim’s 27 years of service to the organization by awarding him with an engraved, vintage fire officer’s speaking trumpet.
If you didn’t get a chance to attend Open House this year, don’t despair. There will be many chances to visit your LAFRA headquarters in 2016. One important event on the horizon for ALL members is the first ever Health Fair. This will be an opportunity to meet face-to-face with representatives from your LAFRA Medical Plan, Express Scripts, VSP Vision Care, Unum Long-Term Care and many others. Mark your calendars for April 20 and 21, 2016, and we’ll see you there!