Palisades Newcomers & Friends group has changed its named to “more accurately reflect its members” and will now operate as Pacific Palisades Friends and Newcomers.
“Most of our members have lived in the Palisades or our neighboring communities of Malibu, Brentwood, Santa Monica and Topanga for many years (membership is open to residents of these communities only),” read an announcement. “Our purpose is to provide a connection and introduction for newcomers and longtime residents to the community through participation in various social activities and some charitable ones.”
The group recently hosted an Art Group, creating books, as well as an Explore LA outing, with a group visiting the Mr. Brainwash museum in Beverly Hills.
More information is available at pacificpalisadesnewcomers.com.
Palisadian-Post Contributing Writer and Pacific Palisades resident Ruth Laurent-Kocher recently started a new position as executive director of Beauty Bus Foundation, founded by fellow Palisadian Wendy Levine in 2009 in memory of her sister, Melissa Marantz Nealy, who died at the age of 28 from a degenerative neuromuscular disease.
“Melissa became homebound as her disease progressed,” read a statement about the foundation. “In an effort to lift her spirits, her family arranged for in-home haircuts, manicures and facials. Melissa said these treatments made her feel ‘human again’ … Melissa’s family founded Beauty Bus Foundation in 2009 to offer this same experience of dignity, hope and respite to other families when they need it most.”
Laurent-Kocher said she is “thrilled” to join the Beauty Bus team.
“Throughout my professional career I always found the time to fundraise and volunteer in my schools and local community, but now in this role I can dedicate myself 100% to a cause that truly makes a positive difference in people’s lives,” Laurent-Kocher said. “I believe my business experience will enable Beauty Bus to take on the challenges that face the nonprofit sector and grow its reach and impact to serve more seriously ill people and their caregivers, in hospitals, hospices and their own homes.”
Students of Calvary Christian School traveled to Tijuana in December 2023 to hand-deliver donated gifts for the children of Casa Hogar Sion.
“As part of Calvary’s Community Service Program, middle school students are paired with a child or adult living at the orphanage, to provide some basic needs and wishes on their Christmas lists,” read information about the program. “Through these personalized wish lists, they are able to provide heartfelt gifts to the children and staff of this special community. The donation drive culminates with a day trip to Tijuana, wherein students and parents are able to meet the recipients face to face, sharing a festive and memorable day together.”
Calvary has been working with Casa Hogar Sion since 2007.
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