HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 12/07/2023SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
December 7, 2023
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Vice -Chairperson Margaret Swope called the meeting to order at 4:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Vice -Chairperson Swope
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Robert Bolster, Charlene Martinez, Kathrynn Penny, Joyce Platt, Donna
Salter, Steve Sherman, and Margaret Swope
EXCUSED: Nilo Salazar
A motion was made by Commissioner Penny seconded by Commissioner Salter and unanimously
carried to excuse Chairperson Salazar.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Penny reported her concern about the rise in crime in the City of Arcadia. This is
the second time The Shops at Santa Anita shopping center was targeted by a group of smash-
and-grab robbers. Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) Sara Somogyi said the
Arcadia Police Department is investigating the matter.
Commissioner Martinez reported that the Bargain Box is having its annual boutique holiday sale
on many items during the week of December 4. Many items are still available, including decorated
trees ready for a good home. The Bargain Box will be closed starting December 17 through
January 7, 2024.
Commissioner Platt reported Santa will be paying a visit at the Travelers general meeting on
December 15. The Brighter Side Singers will also be performing as their special guests.
Commissioner Platt reported Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez (RS) will be installing the
new 2024 officers at the general meeting as well. Commissioner Platt reported the Traveler's staff
will be showing pictures of themselves when they were younger and have attendees guess who
they are. Commissioner Platt reported on special trips in December and January which are
advertised in the monthly newsletter, The Connection. Commissioner Platt handed out a flyer for
the Friends of the Arcadia Museum's holiday fundraiser. You can order See's Candies online and
ship it to any address. A percentage of the purchases will go to the Gilb Museum and the Arcadia
Heritage for children's programs in Arcadia.
Commissioner Salter reported the Veteran's Day lunch was a nice program to attend.
Commissioner Salter said she attended the light show at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and
Botanical Garden, The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden will also have their
holiday Lightscape on December 15,17, 20 and 23. Tickets are on sale on their website.
Commissioner Sherman reported the Men's Club has six members in the club. Commissioner
Sherman reported he enjoys playing cards at the Arcadia Community Center with friends followed
by lunch.
Commissioner Bolster inquired about an update on Wilderness Park. RCSD Somogyi responded
by saying there is no new update.
Vice -Chairperson Swope reported the Senior Friendship Club is doing well. The Senior Friendship
Club meets on Wednesdays at 11am at the Assistance League. Club members are looking
forward to the holiday celebrations coming up. The Senior Friendship Club will be closed
December 17 through January 10, 2024
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of November 2, 2023.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Sherman seconded by Commissioner Penny and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Martinez, Penny, Platt, Salter, Sherman, and Swope
NOES: None
ABSENT: Salazar
ABSTAIN: Bolster
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez
RS Hernandez reported on the following programs and events: Walk and Talk is taking on a new
path. Each month walkers will meet at a new location in Arcadia to experience a different area.
Walk and Talk meets Thursdays at 10am. Bunco and Bingo are popular programs provided six
times per year. Seniors enjoy both programs as it includes a light lunch, a fun time, and raffle
prizes. RS Hernandez reminded everyone the City provides door to door transportation services
for Arcadia residents. Applications are available online, at the Arcadia Library, City Hall, and the
Community Center. Bus passes are also available for only $5 per month. RS Hernandez reported
the Veteran's Day event was well attended with beautiful decorations. There were 100 attendees
for the Thanksgiving Feast event, everyone enjoyed the food and entertainment.
RS Hernandez cordially invited each Commissioner to the annual volunteer breakfast. The
volunteer breakfast is provided by the City to thank volunteers who donate their valuable time at
the Community Center throughout the year.
b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
RCSD Somogyi reported the Tree Lighting Ceremony is at the Arcadia Transit Plaza at 6pm, on
December 7. RCSD Somogyi reported on the Merry and Bright program. Individuals can receive
a gift card up to $75 by making three purchases throughout the City, with one purchase to be
made at The Shops at Santa Anita. The information is included in the flyer provided and begins
December 1. RCSD Somogyi reported the Holiday Fair will be held on Saturday, December 9, on
First Avenue from 11 am to 4pm.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice -Chairperson Swope adjourned the meeting at 4:45pm to January 4, 2024, at 4:OOpm in the
Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
Chairpe son
Nilo Salazar
T
By:
Secretary
Gina Hernandez