The Los Angeles County Medical Association Alliance wrapped up its year by enjoying "Tea With Queen Victoria" and an installation ceremony for its 2006-07 officers.

On April 18, LACMA-A invited the Palos Verdes Peninsula Chapter of the American Association of University Women Readers' Theater to perform a dramatic presentation on Queen Victoria at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. And on May 11, new LACMA-A officers were appointed at a special installation luncheon. Boasting 180 members, LACMA-A is the philanthropic arm of LACMA dedicated to health outreach and community involvement.

"'Tea With Queen Victoria' was our last dramatic presentation on women leaders," says Karen O'Connell, LACMA-A president. "The performance included a monologue by Queen Victoria alongside her lady-in-waiting. Then a panel of reporters asked the queen questions about being one of the longest reigning monarchs in history." The previous presentation about women leaders was about powerful wives of U.S. presidents.

Several of this year's LACMA-A board members are serving a second term. Returning LACMA-A officers include O'Connell as president; Bonnie Borenstein, parliamentarian; Halaine Rose, first vice president of membership; and Dorothy Boyd, treasurer.

"My goal for next year is to recruit new members and retain the ones we have," O'Connell says. "I am really interested in attracting spouses of young physicians to bring new energy into the organization."

Ruth Hillecke, a former LACMA-A president, was honored with a special certificate and plaque for more than 50 years of membership. Hillecke, president of District 10, has served as second vice president, secretary and treasurer of LACMA-A and as a member of the California Medical Association Alliance's communications and membership committees. Under Hillecke's leadership, District 10 has hosted fundraisers for the AMA Foundation, recycled used cell phones for victims of domestic violence and partnered with the Meals on Wheels program.

"LACMA-A enables us to support our physician spouses and improve the health and safety of our community," Hillecke says. "I'm proud of the work we've done for LA County. Most of all, I am thankful for the friendships I have made along the way."