Page 4 April 20, 2017 TORRANCE TRIBUNE TerriAnn in Torrance The Legacy Continues By TerriAnn Ferren It was during the Leadership Torrance Program (a program through the Torrance Chamber of Commerce) in 2013/14, that I first met Judith Gassner, Senior Director of Development and Principal Gifts at Torrance Memorial Hospital. Judith was our tour guide the day our group visited the Torrance Memorial Medical Center, when the 256-private room Lundquist Tower was being constructed. Judith stood out from the moment she greeted us and was very hospitable, knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the hospital in which she worked. She fielded questions about how the hospital functioned, and even toured us through the emergency room area where we were privy to the staff, the equipment and the workings of a first-class emergency room. I never forgot that day and how impressed I was with Judith. After the tour, I remember thinking that I wanted to know more about this very special person who had seemingly immersed herself into the very fiber of Torrance Memorial Hospital. Last week, I finally caught up with this very busy woman. One of six children (including her twin sister, Joan), Judith grew up with her family in Rockland, Maine--a small fishing town that swells with artists during the summer. “It is where Andrew Wyeth would come in the summer, along with a lot of great artists. It was a wonderful place to grow up along the Atlantic Ocean--although I love living in Southern California,” said Judith. Growing up, Judith was surrounded by music. Her parents would take the family to Boston, and occasionally to New York where they were introduced to the ‘cultural’ world. After graduating from college with a major in Arts Management, Judith interviewed and secured a position with the Boston Symphony, which is the same orchestra as the Boston Pops. She started out in subscription and worked her way up to press, where she toured with the orchestra. Judith shared, “We had a concert series at Carnegie Hall three times a year--that was very exciting. At that time, I was dealing with working with the press and the summers we would go to the Berkshires- -Tanglewood [The Berkshires are in Western Massachusetts]…Serge Koussevitzky was the conductor of the Boston Symphony years ago and he founded Tanglewood. He wanted a teaching institute for soloists from all over the world, so that is where Leonard Bernstein, Zubin Mehta, Seiji Ozawa studied with Aaron Copland…” I learned how Judith, immersed in the music, traveled the world. And it was in Rome where her life would take a turn. She met her future husband, Dr. Conrad Gassner, M.D., in Rome when he found out the Boston Symphony Orchestra was performing a concert. Although Judith didn’t give me any details on their meeting, somehow I envision the old film Roman Holiday. Judith and Conrad married eight months after they met, with Judith joining her husband in Southern California. After a short stint working with the LA Philharmonic, Judith decided a break was in order. The Gassners had two daughters, Alexandra and Caroline, and were enjoying the benefits of the South Bay lifestyle. Then, the unthinkable happened when Dr. Conrad Gassner, M.D. became ill and passed away when their girls were only eight and 11 years old. Not long after that, Judith interviewed with Executive Vice President Laura Schenasi for a position at the hospital, and on September 11, 2001, Judith began working as the Senior Director of Development and Principal Gifts. “I liked it right away because I really liked the people,” said Judith. “Dr. Gerald Rich was in charge of the Emergency Department at that time, and I knew a lot of the doctors as well… I thought I would go back to the arts, but I didn’t, and it ended up being so wonderful. The people I have met have so enriched my life and I never would have met them without Torrance Memorial and having the position that I have. Where I work now is like a family--it really is. It is like a wonderful family. People stay for years and years. Senior management has been there 30 years.” Judith continued, “There is no one way of raising money. The foundation raises money for the Torrance Memorial Health Foundation. We are non-profit and the hospital is non-profit too.” Talking with Judith, I learned that most of the time, grateful patients donate after experiencing care from the staff and hospital. T h e r e c e n t l y - completed Lundquist Tower, gleaming high above Lomita Boulevard, was built by and for the community. Judith added, “We have a great President and CEO Craig Leach, who spearheaded the effort and it’s very rare--even when you do an extension for a bedroom--that you come under budget and under time. We did. Torrance Memorial did.” People who want to leave a legacy, or who have made their wealth in the community and want to help, have donated to Torrance Memorial. Judith told me that “a hospital is relatable to people--and although you don’t want to go, when you do visit you want to make sure you are well taken care of.” That is very true. I learned that donations pour into the hospital for all reasons and in many ways. Judith heads two annual support groups (or giving programs). One program, The Ambassadors, support four community efforts: the burn center, the rehabilitation center, the hundreds of free lectures, and the cancer institute. Frankly, this program impressed me--especially when I learned of the 250 to 300 people who freely give so generously and keep the four important areas running and functioning at the highest level. In addition to The Ambassadors, Judith also heads the YPPA (Young Physicians and Professional Alliance), which engages both physicians and professionals outside the medical field as they network and become aware of each other’s professions, thereby broadening support for the hospital. Community Briefs from page 2 touch & take off! Plus, enjoy speeds up to 45Mbps at one all-included price, with no extra monthly fees. Internet plan starts at $40.00 Internet speeds up to 45Mbps Wi-Fi Gateway router to connect your devices AT&T Internet Security Suite—powered by McAfee Bundle with another qualifying AT&T service and get internet for $30/mo. / mo School Board from page 3 Saving a life from a potential catastrophe EVERY 10 MINUTES! DIRECTV + Internet + Home Phone Bundles Starts at $89.99/ mo Over 145 of your favorite channels Internet speeds up to 45Mbps A Genie® HD DVR receiver and 3 additional TV receiver HD Included Phone - With over 25 convenient calling features Call today and pay less 855-977-6038 ©2017 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo, and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trade marks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. Subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. provide products and services under the AT&T brand. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Judith Gassner, Senior Director of Development and Principal Gifts. And the hospital hasn’t finished building. Right now, they are renovating and fundraising for the North Patient Tower. If you have ever thought about giving within a support group, or in any other way to the Torrance Memorial Medical Center, simply access www.torrancememorial.org. Also, if you are interested in volunteering, access the website and get involved. Judith told me she began her path at the hospital by volunteering in the gift shop along with Alice Young. It was at that time she was exposed to all areas of the hospital--and her two daughters Alexandra and Caroline followed their mother’s lead and volunteered as well. By the way, volunteer week begins April 23, so get involved! Judith Gassner opened my eyes to a group of very generous people who continually give, helping the hospital right here in our own backyard. Indeed, Judith is the perfect person for the job of guiding anyone who wishes to join the team of giving at the Torrance Memorial Medical Center. Listening while Judith praised the burn ward, the maternity ward, the cancer treatment center, the radiology and oncology departments, and the cardiovascular advancements and valve replacements gave me a new appreciation for the hospital. She truly has a passion for helping people and guiding those who wish to do the same. “It always mattered to me that I worked and I respected the organization--and I have--two great organizations, The Boston Symphony and Torrance Memorial. You can’t ask for more than that. I am very proud to work for the hospital, I really am,” said Judith. After speaking with Judith Gassner, I thought back to the late Dr. Rodney A. Stetson, M.D., who was one of the first physicians to serve as Chief of Staff at Torrance Memorial Hospital when it was located on Engracia Avenue, next to Nativity Catholic Church. Dr. Stetson was a deeply committed physician to countless patients in Torrance. And in addition to being a wonderful doctor, he was dedicated to his community. Several decades have passed and I wonder what he would say about the little hospital, where he delivered hundreds of babies, and how it has grown. An incredible legacy has developed and evolved since the seeds of Torrance Memorial Hospital were planted so many years ago, and Judith Gassner is an integral part of that history. • will be available in Lot H off Redondo Beach Boulevard. Check in on the first floor of the Bookstore building. Information at www.elcamino. edu/collegenight or call 310-660-3487. Mayor, City Hold Town Hall Meeting for OTNA Tonight For Old Torrance Neighborhood Association members, the City of Torrance and Mayor Patrick J. Furey are holding a town hall meeting. Attendees can get updates on the City and obtain insight on what is currently in the works. The program will be followed by a Q & A session. The event will take place this evening—Thursday, April 20-- at the Bartlett Senior Center (upstairs) at 1318 Cravens Avenue in Old Torrance starting at 7 p.m. For more information, call 310-618-2801. • The program does not involve American students visiting Japan for a similar experience. In addition, the program involves several universities from Japan, with Kenda being one of them. This year alone Kenda University has sent 10 students to Torrance— but overall there have been more than 100 students from different Japanese universities who have had the opportunity to learn within TUSD’s classrooms. “It allows college students from Japan to come here, live here and stay with host families that take them in,” Dr. Kim said. “Then they are able to work with an elementary school teacher.” The MOU between TUSD and KUIS comes at no cost to the TUSD. In addition, it enables KUIS to maintain its grant funds from the Japanese in order to continue this program. • alone aloI linve e FREE but I’’I’m m never alone. I have Life Alert.® One touch of a button sends help fast, 24/7, can’t • medical • fall • fi re • invasion • CO gas emergencies. For a FREE brochure call: Medical Alert Medical Alert Industry Leader Industry Leader Since 1987 Since 1987 No landline? No problem! SHIPPING! 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