Happy Birthday to SVdPLA President Claire Padama

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's staff and close to 2,000 'Vincentian' volunteers from the Council of Los Angeles join together to wish our president, Claire Padama, a very happy birthday! Yesterday, Claire was thrown a surprise birthday party at the Society's main office in Los Angeles.

Enjoy your day, Mrs. President!

Photo: Claire Padama blows out her birthday candle - shaped in a question mark (ha).

Councilmember Ed P. Reyes dedicates Society's Historical Sign

Councilmember Ed P. Reyes of the First Council District officially dedicated the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Council of Los Angeles' historical designation sign today at St. Vincent de Paul's office/store in Los Angeles.

Councilmember Reyes spoke about growing up in the neighborhood and thanked the Society for its various programs to help those in need.

Father Pedro Villarroya, C.M., Council spiritual advisor, blessed the Society's new sign. St. Vincent de Paul President Claire Padama and Executive Director David Fields also said a few words and thanked Councilmember Reyes for his support of the Society's local outreach.

The Society's Council of Los Angeles, which serves the counties of L.A., Ventura and Santa Barbara, has been a presence in Southern California since 1908.

Photos (top-bottom): Society Executive Director David Fields welcomes everyone to the sign ceremony; Councilmember Ed P. Reyes says a few words before dedicating the sign; Photo time around the Society's new historical designation sign.

TOMORROW - St. Vincent de Paul Historical Sign Ceremony

* The general public is invited to attend this ceremony. Feel free to click on the flyer to enlarge.

Society receives special award from Catholic Charities

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul's Council of Los Angeles was honored on October 7 by Most Reverend Oscar A. Solis, D.D., Auxiliary Bishop, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and Catholic Charities, San Pedro Pastoral Region, for its outstanding service to the poor and vulnerable of our community.

Society President Claire Padama and Society Executive Director David Fields accepted the award from Bishop Solis, while Padama gave a short PowerPoint presentation about St. Vincent de Paul's local outreach.

The special event - An Evening with Angels - was held at The Reef on the Water in Long Beach and included a silent auction, photos with Bishop Solis, entertainment and dinner. Anna Totta, regional director of Catholic Charities, introduced the Society.

Thank you Catholic Charities for the generous recognition. With God's grace, both St. Vincent de Paul and Catholic Charities will continue to help improve the quality of life for families and individuals in need.

Photo: Bishop Solis (r) shakes David Fields hand as Claire Padama looks on during the award presentation.

2011 Annual Meeting - Thank you Vincentians!

With more than 450 'Vincentian' volunteers in attendance - the most ever - the Council's Annual Meeting was held on Sunday at the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles. Some of the highlights include:

* Top Hat Award: Jim Weiss, past president of the Society's Council of Los Angeles, receives the Council's highest award for his outstanding work in the region.
* Medallion Awards: Presented to one individual in each of the Council's seven districts for their tremendous contributions over the past year. They include: Kim Williams, Donald Willey, Margarita Amador, Ernie Morales, Patricia Daniels, Frances Mitchell and Gloria Downer.
* New leadership: Executive Director David Fields introduces new Council President Claire Padama.
* Aggregation Certificates: Presented to Holy Name of Mary, San Dimas; Old Mission Santa Ines, Solvang; Our Lady of the Rosary of Talpa Young Adult, Los Angeles; St. Bruno, Whittier.

Thank you, Vincentians, for attending and for your tireless efforts throughout the year to help those in need!

Photos (top): Vincentian Jim Weiss (center) receives Top Hat Award from Council President Claire Padama and Executive Director David Fields; (bottom): Medallion honorees receive their recognition (from left): Honoree Kim Williams with Our Lady of the Angels District President Suzanne Mingleton; Honoree Donald Willey with North San Fernando District President Hilmar Rosenast; Honoree Margarita Amador with South San Fernando District President John De La Fontaine; Honoree Ernie Morales with Ventura District President Dan Sciacia; Honoree Patricia Daniels with Santa Barbara District President Richard Rink; Honoree Frances Mitchell with San Pedro District President Carol Pedersen; Honoree Gloria Downer with San Gabriel District President Richard Chavez.