HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 08/01/2024SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 1, 2024
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – Director of Recreation and Senior Services Sara Somogyi called the meeting
to order at 4:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Vice-Chairperson Platt
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Robert Bolster, Ethel Laczko, Joyce McGregor, Joyce Platt, Cynthia
Salazar, Steve Sherman
ABSENT: Cris Arzate
EXCUSED: Margaret Swope
A motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Platt seconded by Commissioner Sherman and
unanimously carried to excuse Commissioner Swope.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Sherman made a motion to nominate Robert Bolster as Chairperson, seconded by
Commissioner Joyce Platt. Commissioner Bolster accepted the nomination, and the motion was
carried unanimously with the exception of Commissioner Ethel Laczko who abstained.
Commissioner Bolster made a motion to nominate Joyce Platt as Vice-Chairperson, seconded by
Commissioner Ethel Laczko. Joyce Platt accepted the nomination, and the motion was carried
unanimously.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None.
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Cynthia Salazar introduced herself and reported she will be representing the
Golden Senior Club where she currently serves as Secretary. Commissioner Salazar also serves
as Secretary for the 55 and Older Senior Club at Holy Angels Church. Commissioner Salazar is
happy to be part of the commission.
Commissioner Joyce McGregor introduced herself and said she is happy to represent the
Assistance League of Arcadia. Commissioner Joyce reported she has been a member of the
community for many years who retired as a schoolteacher from Arcadia Unified School District.
Commissioner Ethel Laczko introduced herself as Member at Large. Commissioner Laczko is a
retired National Board-Certified Schoolteacher from Long Beach Unified School District.
Commissioner Laczko is on the board of directors for the Harvard Club of Southern California and
was recently awarded an outstanding service award by the club. Commissioner Laczko was
recently recognized by the City of Arcadia for ten years as Commissioner on the Arcadia Beautiful
Commission (ABC). Commissioner Laczko is from Lima Peru, she has been living in Arcadia for
over 35 years and has a son who graduated from Arcadia High School.
Commissioner Steve Sherman introduced himself and represents the Senior Men’s Club in
Arcadia. Commissioner Sherman retired in 2010 as a radiologist. Commissioner Sherman is
married with three children. Commissioner Sherman enjoys traveling and spending time with
friends and family.
Vice-Chairperson Joyce Platt introduced herself and represents the Arcadia Travelers Club in
Arcadia. Vice-Chairperson Platt retired as a schoolteacher who taught for over 40 years in Arcadia
along with Commissioner McGregor. Vice-Chairperson Platt spends a lot of her time volunteering
and enjoys traveling. Vice-Chairperson Platt was a Senior Commissioner a few years back and
happy to be a part of the commission once again. Vice-Chairperson Platt reported on the following
Travelers Club upcoming trips. Thursday, October 3, participants will visit Wildlife Haven with a
guided tour of the Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary. On October 11, participants will have a
guided tour of the California Wolf Center and lunch in the city of Julian. On November 16,
participants will visit La Mirada for lunch followed by a matinee of Fiddler on the Roof. On
December 5, participants will be able to enjoy a tour of Johnny Cash’s home in Casita Springs
followed by lunch. After lunch participants will visit the Ojai Valley Museum followed by a stop at
Bart’s Books.
Chairperson Robert Bolster introduced himself as Member at Large. Chairperson Bolster has lived
in Arcadia since 1981, he is married and has three children. Chairperson Bolster retired as a
subcontractor from The Bolster Company and spends his time caring for his wife. Chairperson
Bolster said he is proud of the leadership in Arcadia and looks forward to the opening of
Wilderness Park, one of many wonderful assets of the City of Arcadia. Chairperson Bolster said
he is happy to be a part of the community.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of June 6, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Sherman, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Platt, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Bolster, Platt, and Sherman
NOES: None
ABSENT: Arzate and Swope
ABSTAIN: Laczko, McGregor, and Salazar
1. REGULAR ITEMS
2. Report of Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez (RS)
Recreation Supervisor, Gina Hernandez (RS) reported on July highlights: The last Coffee with
Mayor April Verlato was held on July 16, with 31 attendees. The next Coffee with the Mayor will
be held on August 20, with Mayor Dr. Michael Cao. Mahjong and American Mahjong are popular
at the Community Center. There were 148 people who showed up to play during the month. Sing-
a long with James Iranfar is a popular program that started with only a few people and now there
are up to 40 attendees each week to sing while James Iranfar plays guitar. RS Hernandez
reported on upcoming programs and events: Taste the Town will take place on August 15, at the
Olive Garden Restaurant. On August 16, seniors will be able to enjoy a fun and early afternoon
at the City of Duarte pool. There will be a light lunch provided, dessert, and live music from a DJ.
Transportation is provided. RS Hernandez reminded everyone that all programs and events are
highlighted in the monthly newsletter, The Connection.
3. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD)
Director of Recreation and Community Services Sara Somogyi (RCSD) reported there will be a
Health Fair at the Community Center on Saturday, August 10, from 9am to 12pm. The event is
co-hosted by the Arcadia City Health Committee. The guest keynote speaker is Lieutenant
General Mary Izaguirre, there will be many informational booths, health presentations,
consultations, giveaways, medical personnel, and more. Everyone is invited. RCSD Somogyi
reported the next citywide health education seminar will be on Wednesday, August 28 at the
Arcadia Public Library. The topic will be Diabetes and our Eyes with Linda A. Lam, MD MBA.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Bolster adjourned the meeting at 4:35pm to Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 4:00pm
in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
_________________________ _________________________
Chairperson Secretary
Robert Bolster Gina Hernandez