HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 03/07/2024SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
March 7, 2024
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER —Chairperson Nilo Salazar called the meeting to order at 4:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE —Chairperson Salazar
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Robert Bolster, Donna Salter, Nilo Salazar, Steve Sherman, and Joyce
Platt, Margaret Swope
EXCUSED: Kathryn Penny
ABSENT: Charlene Martinez
A motion was made by Commissioner Salter seconded by Commissioner Sherman and
unanimously carried to excuse Commissioner Penny.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Sherman reported the Men's Club currently has six members. Commissioner
Sherman reported the Club's oldest member, Harold Shellum, will be turning 105 years. The
President of the Club, Mel Doerning, is 97 years old. Club members are looking for new people
to join and play pinochle on Monday's at the Community Center.
Commissioner Bolster reported he has attended Council Meetings in support of Wilderness Park.
Commissioner Bolster would like to see Wilderness Park open to the public as soon as it can.
Vice -Chairperson Swope reported the Friendship Club will be celebrating St. Patrick's Day on
March 13, and Easter the first week in April. The Friendship Club meets every Wednesday at
1lam. Club members enjoy food on special occasions, guest speakers, Bingo and much more.
The Friendship Club is always looking for new members.
Commissioner Platt reported the Arcadia Travelers Club visited the Christ Cathedral in Orange
County led by a docent then followed by lunch at Saddle Ranch Restaurant on March 7.
Commissioner Platt reported on the upcoming day trips: Members of the group are looking
forward to the upcoming Cirque de Soleil show in July. Commissioner Platt reported the next fun
trip will be at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Los Angeles on June 6, where a special show
will be performed for the group. After the show everyone will have access to behind the scenes,
followed by lunch at the Smoke House. Commissioner Platt reported Peter Siberell will be the
guest speaker on March 22, at the Arcadia Travelers general meeting.
Chairperson Salazar reported the Golden Senior Club members are doing well and look forward
to the St. Patrick's celebration on March 14. There will be a special 98-year-old guest who will
play the accordion for everyone. The Golden Senior Club meets at the Assistance League on
Thursdays at 1lam. The Club offers Bingo, and chair yoga, a fun exercise time for members to
enjoy. Chairperson Salazar reported he attended the free health education series seminar in
January and said it was very informational and looking forward to attending future seminars.
Commissioner Salter reported on behalf of the Assistance League who are having the next Day
of Service on Sunday, March 10. The Assistance Leage is always looking for volunteers to assist.
On March 10, if anyone is interested, they may volunteer to organize books from their previous
book drive event.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of February 1, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Commissioner Platt, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Bolster, Martinez, Platt, Salter, Salazar, Sherman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Penny
ABSTAIN: Swope
1. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Senior of the Year Selection
Senior Citizen Commissioners received four community nominations for the 2023 Senior of the
Year. After a group discussion and careful consideration, a vote was made. Deputy Director of
Recreation and Community Services (DDRCS) Candice Cheung announced the honoree for the
2023 Senior of the year, Joanna Liang. The City Council will present Joanna Liang with a plaque
at a City Council meeting on May 21. Chairperson Salazar and Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina
Hernandez will also honor Joanna Liang and her guest to a special lunch. Additionally, Joanna
Liang's name will be added to the Senior of the Year City Plaque located at the Arcadia
Community Center.
b. Report of Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez
Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina Hernandez reported 94 seniors have had their taxes prepared
and electronically filed by AARP Tax Aide volunteers. The program is free to seniors with low
income. RS Hernandez reported there were 216 participants registered for the Lunar New Year
event which took place at the Community Center on February 16. The event included lunch,
entertainment, and the lucky red envelopes. RS Hernandez reported the sold -out March Madness
Bingo will be held at the Community Center with 94 registered participants on Friday, March 8.
RS Hernandez reported the next Coffee with the Mayor will be held at the Community Center on
Tuesday, March 19. RS Hernandez reported spring programs and events are now open for
registration including the Spring Fling Disco Party on April 12, Bunco Tea Party on April 19, Cinco
de Mayo celebration on May 3, and All -Star Bingo on May 17.
c. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services (DDRCS) Candice Cheung reported the
Spring Peacock Buzz post card was mailed to Arcadia residents and classes are available to view
online. Summer camps are advertised early in order for parents to plan accordingly for summer.
DDRCS Cheung reported spring baskets will be available for purchase this year and can be
picked up on Saturday, March 23. DDRCS Cheung reported spring camp and summer camp is
also available for parents to plan.
DDRCS Cheung provided copies of flyers for the next Citywide Heath Education Series which will
be held on Wednesday, March 27, at 6pm at the Arcadia Public Library. The guest speaker will
be Dr. Kenneth Wogensen from USC Arcadia Hospital. Dr. Wogensen will present on headaches
and migraines. DDRCS Cheung reported the Arcadia Hot Sheet was mailed to residents with
information on a community survey from the City.
DDRCS Cheung reported the Arcadia Parks Foundation is a non-profit organization that
supplements funding for the renovation of Arcadia parks. Newcastle Park will be under renovation
soon and the Arcadia Parks Foundation is supporting the renovation by hosting a fundraiser for
engraved bricks. A brick can be purchased through the Arcadia Parks website at
www.arcadiai)arks.org/donate. The bricks will be permanently placed into the renovated park.
DDRCS Cheung reported that the City held a regional Homelessness Symposium on February
29, to discuss the challenges of addressing homelessness. Panelists throughout Southern
California attended the symposium which took place at the Arcadia Community Center, from 8am
to 4pm with 180 guests in attendance.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Salazar adjourned the meeting at 4:35pm to April 4, 2024, at 4:OOpm in the
Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
By:r� . ,
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Chairp rson Secretary
Nilo Salazar Gina Hernandez