KCRW’s October Volunteer of the Month!

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Lucy Bruttomesso came by way of her daughter, the original volunteer.  Basically when her daughter went away to school, mom Lucy stepped in to help out. I mean, this is how wonderful Lucy and her family are.  Doesn’t this just say it all?  If all volunteers came with a back-up volunteer, organizations across the land would never be short-handed and we’d be a much more productive nation!

Where did you grow up and are you an only child?
I grew up in College Park, Maryland for the first 20 years of my life, the youngest of 3 with two older brothers, before I left home for post-college studies.

What is your current occupation?
Volunteer fanatic, retired pediatrician (for a long time) looking for a third act ‘career’

What is your fantasy occupation?
If I had the skills;0… gourmet chef…documentary film maker/producer…designer of furniture, jewelry, clothes…a pundit on some subject…being able to fantasize many others!

When did you first discover KCRW?
In 1974, KCRW appeared on my radar when I moved to LA, as a twenty-something, a product of avid radio-listening parents and no television at home until I was 14, searching for content that shouted creative, open-mindedness, ideas-driven.

How did you find your way to our station for volunteering?
My daughter, Meijin, who loves music and radio, as a high schooler began volunteering serendipitously for KCRW about 9 years ago, under Connie Alvarez’s guidance and encouragement. The positive(!) experiences motivated her to continue during vacation breaks. I would often accompany Meijin or pitch in for mom-daughter bonding time. During the school year while she was away, I began to ‘sub’.  Especially enjoyable were catching up with Connie, my first contact with KCRW,, and seeing the movies Matt Holzman curated and screened!  What can I say? I adored volunteering for Connie, her skillful flexibility, her quickness, her good humor, her friendliness, and cherished the warm trust she conveyed to my daughter. Connie’s seemingly subtle message became the subject of Meijin’s college essay on an individual who had inspired/changed her life. I can not contain my appreciation for Connie, as a leader, co-conspirator, and the KCRW staff!

What’s your current volunteer position and how long have you been at it?
Volunteer crowd wrangler who checks in attendees for Matt’s Movie for some 5 years. Also, my volunteer hat’s appeared for a variety of KCRW events/summer concert series, with any role welcomed.

Favorite volunteer moment?
Chatting with Connie, especially @the Paramount Studios while we froze our butts off and she shared some great news with me…enjoying Matt’s Movies selections and greeting the members.

If you could get on the mic and say one sentence on the air, what would it be?
KCRW’s programs and music define its excellence as a station, while the people I’ve met through volunteering, its personnel and members, define the spirit and heart of KCRW’s public service.

What song have you hit repeat on lately?
Any song by the band Outernational…but my sentimental favorite by the group is ‘Underground’ because I witnessed its creation.

Favorite book, movie?
Favorite Book is David Copperfield …the pleasure and adventure of curling up with a/that book as a nine year old has not faded. Favorite Movie, toss-up between ‘Gone with the Wind’ and ‘Some Like It Hot’…
(I should read/see those works again!)

Favorite thing to do outside the station (hobbies, recreation, etc.)?
A grab bag of personal and probono…Collecting and celebrating wonder…Cooking/exploring foods (though not as wildly adventurous as Andrew Zimmern), reading/browsing/reflective writing/storytelling, investigating new movies and music, volunteering for Oasis (tutoring program for LAUSD), Film Independent, LA Film Festival, Hilltoppers (ALSC), origami/handicrafts, museum hopping, music concerts with my daughter when she’s home, supporting emerging artists

What does KCRW mean to you?
KCRW is a stimulating resource of discovery, dialogue, growth, and a welcoming radio family. Listening to substantial programs, meeting other cordial and curious members and volunteers, working for Connie, Monika, Matt, and most recently, Jason, and participating in the station’s development illuminate and enhance my mind and soul.  Because KCRW reminds me of the exciting and joyful possibilities, the kindnesses in life and the world, I am honored to volunteer…and my heart and my volunteer schedule always have a place…for KCRW!

And KCRW will always have a place for Lucy and Meijin.  Amazing ladies in one family – we are truly lucky to be the recipients of raising done right!

Small disclaimer: Lucy was not coerced by me (Connie) into to saying such nice things about me.