The Scene: On a bright San Diego day, Estancia La Jolla offered a welcoming setting for the luncheon gathering of the smart and engaged members of the Vista Hill Women’s Council (men cheerfully welcomed!). The socializing before lunch included book-signing by the special guest presenter Jim Comer, author of When Roles Reverse: the Joys and Jolts of Parenting your Parents. He signed books and gave a lively presentation after lunch.

Who Came: Board Chair Vicki Hamilton and Trustee Lauren Abrams were part of a guest list that included Connie Buffington and Angie Buffington, Pamela Carnot, Gigi Cramer, Joyce Dostart, Joanne Fox, Carol Frank, Michaelanne Gephart, Joani Gross, Dawn Grub, Pam Hanig, Leah Hurwitz, Elizabeth Klugh, Marsha Korobkin, Kathy Lencioni, and Lynn Lurie. Representing Prudential California Realty were Miguel Nunez and Tom Murphy. There was also Angela Rowe, Jackie Sheid, Judy Stephens, Linda Trousdale, and Susan Ulevitch. Vista Hill senior managers Ann Mound, Belle Nunley, Velma Netto, and Sue Schulte helped assure a fun day.

The Cause: Jim Comer's own experience providing care for his parents fueled his passion to encourage adult children to handle the challenges of care-giving. Parenting his parents was a life-changing choice for this top-level speaker and speechwriter, who returned to his family roots in Texas and later incorporated his experience into When Roles Reverse. Jim’s visit is part of a lively knowledge-building program conducted by the Vista Hill Women’s Council, which is part of the Vista Hill organization’s mission to provide services and education for mental and behavioral health.

The Good-Hearted: Heartfelt thanks to the Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation the luncheon's Presenting Sponsor, and to Event Co-Chairs Susan Straub and Linda Canada, who received creative and logistical support from a hard-working Event Committee. Kudos to Barbara Crew, Diane Hollingsworth, Heidi Dorman, Peggy Matthews, Lynne Nelles, and others for making possible the event's VIP seating. The inspiring afternoon would not have been possible without Betty Beyster and Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, generous underwriters of the luncheon.

The Creative: Estancia La Jolla offered a cheerful setting for the Vista Hill luncheon and social gathering. Bright colors on jackets and ensembles sparkled in the full sunshine of the day in an adjacent garden lounge, while the ballroom’s Mediterranean tones imbued an intimacy appropriate to the emotional topic of eldercare.

Get Involved: Join the Vista Hill Women’s Council to be part of an active networking group on all issues related to mental and behavioral health.

Consider attending an upcoming event – the April 14 Fashion Show Luncheon (now in its 20^th year!), the August 4 Women's Council Summer Luncheon on “The Pursuit of Happiness” with author Arlene Matthews, or the big October 22 Vista Hill Annual Gala. Or grant a wish – everything is needed from musical keyboards to trampolines. Check the list at http://www.vistahill.org/friends/wishlist.htm

See more photos here: