HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Agenda: 10/03/24CITY OF ARCADIA
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Senior Citizen Commission regarding any item on this agenda will be made
available for public inspection at the Arcadia Recreation Department, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia, California, during normal business
hours.
Senior Citizens Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 4:00pm
Location: Arcadia Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability related modification or accommodation
in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, may request such modification or accommodation fr om the
Recreation and Community Services at (626) 574-5113. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
根据《美国残障人法案》的规定,需要提供残障相关调整或便利设施才能参加会议的残障人士(包括辅助器材或服务),可向娱乐与
社区服务部请求获得此类调整或便利设施,电话号码 (626) 574-5113。请在会前 48 小时通知娱乐与社区服务部,以便作出合理安排,
确保顺利参加会议。
Pursuant to the City of Arcadia’s Language Access Services Policy, limited-English proficient speakers who require translation
services in order to participate in a meeting may request the use of a volunteer or professional translator by contacting the City Clerk’s
Office at (626) 574-5455 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
根据阿凯迪亚市的语言便利服务政策,英语能力有限并需要翻译服务才能参加会议的人可与市书记官办公室联系(电话:626-574-
5455),请求提供志愿或专业翻译服务,请至少在会前 72 小时提出请求。
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL:
Robert Bolster, Chairperson
Joyce Platt, Vice-Chairperson
Cris Arzate, Commission Member
Ethel Laczko, Commission Member
Cynthia Salazar, Commission Member
Steve Sherman, Commission Member
Margaret Swope, Commission Member
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1.PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTE TIME LIMIT PER PERSON)
Any individual wishing to speak before the Senior Citizen Commission is limited to five (5) minutes
per person, unless waived by the Senior Citizen Commission. Under the Brown Act, the Senior
Citizen Commission is prohibited from discussing or taking action on any item not listed on the
posted agenda. The matter may automatically be referred to staff for appropriate response or
action or may be placed on the agenda of a future meeting.
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZEN COMMISSIONERS
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted on
by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the
Commission, staff, or the public request that a specific item be removed from the Consent
Calendar for separate discussion and action.
a. Approve the regular meeting minutes of September 5, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report of Recreation Supervisor
b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
ADJOURNMENT
The Senior Citizen Commission will adjourn this meeting to Thursday, November 7, 2024, at
4:00pm in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Bolster called the meeting to order at 4:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Chairperson Bolster
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Cris Arzate, Robert Bolster, Ethel Laczko, Joyce McGregor, Joyce Platt,
Cynthia Salazar,
ABSENT: None
EXCUSED: Steve Sherman
A motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Platt seconded by Commissioner Swope and
unanimously carried to excuse Commissioner Sherman.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Sheila Henke attended the meeting to inquire about free coyote whistles for seniors who would
like to go for their daily walks. Sheila reported coyotes are roaming the streets day and night and
suggested the whistles would be good for seniors to carry with them. Deputy Director of
Recreation and Community Services, Candice Cheung (DDRCS) said she would inquire about
the whistles and report back to her.
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chairperson Joyce Platt introduced herself and will be representing the Arcadia Travelers
Club. Vice-Chairperson Platt reported the Arcadia Travelers Club office is open during the week
from 9am to 12:30pm except on holidays. Each month during their general meeting there is a
guest speaker, coffee, and discussion on senior trips. Vice-Chairperson Platt reported on
upcoming December trips. On December 5, participants will be heading to the home of Johnny
Cash in Casita Springs for a tour followed by lunch. Participants will also visit the Ojai Valley
Museum with a quick stop at Bart’s Books Bookstore in Ojai. On December 12, participants will
begin their day trip with lunch at the popular Spaghetti Factory followed by a bus ride to Newport
Beach for a cruise of bayfront estates to watch the beautiful holiday lights display. On December
29, participants will visit the Equestfest in Los Angeles where they will watch beautiful horses and
riders perform drills. On January 1, 2025, participants will start the new year at a concert at the
Hilton Hotel in Orange County where they will see William Florian, a former singer with the New
Christy Minstrels perform song of the 60s.
Commissioner Cynthia Salazar introduced herself and will be representing the Golden Senior
Club where she currently serves as Secretary. Commissioner Salazar reported there are two new
members who have joined the club. Commissioner Salazar reported that one of their members
just celebrated her 100th birthday. Commissioner Salazar reported the Golden Senior Club meets
on Thursdays at the Assistance League building. The Club members enjoy many activities
including singing, music, bingo, exercise, Mahjong, and special guest speakers. Commissioner
Salazar said anyone 50 years or older is welcome to stop by and join.
Commissioner Arzate introduced himself as Member at Large and said he is happy to be part of
the Senior Citizens Commission. Commissioner Arzate reported his family has lived in Arcadia
for the past few years. Commissioner Arzate said his children have participated in some of the
recreation programs the City offers. Commissioner Arzate works for the Housing Authority of the
City of Los Angeles as a Resident Services Manager. Commissioner Arzate has experience and
training in state and local governing boards, public affairs, technology, non-profit management,
and technology.
Commissioner Swope introduced herself and is representing the Senior Friendship Club.
Commissioner Swope said she is happy to report new members have joined the Senior Friendship
Club. Commissioner Swope reported the Senior Friendship Club meets on Wednesdays at the
Assistance League building at 11am. Each week the club offers fun things to do such as music,
food, guest speakers, and everyone’s favorite game of bingo.
Commissioner Laczko introduced herself as Member at Large. Commissioner Laczko is a retired
National Board-Certified Schoolteacher. Commissioner Laczko reported she was awarded an
outstanding service award from the Harvard Club of Southern California. Commissioner Laczko
reported she served for ten years as a Commissioner on the Arcadia Beautiful Commission.
Commissioner Laczko reported she has lived in Arcadia for 35 years.
Chairperson Bolster introduced himself as Member at Large. Chairperson Bolster has lived in
Arcadia since 1981. Chairperson Bolster is passionate about the City’s Wilderness Park and is
looking forward to the opening of the park. Chairperson Bolster said he will continue to speak and
inquire about Wilderness Park.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Dr. Michael Cao introduced himself as the new City Council Member Liaison for the Senior
Citizens Commission. Mayor Cao reported he was on the Senior Citizens Commission from July
2021 through December 2022. Mayor Cao reported the Annual Moon Festival will be held on
Saturday, September 14, from 5 to 8:30pm, on the Arcadia City Hall Lawn. Mayor Cao reported
on the monthly City-Wide Health Education Series, hosted by the Arcadia City Health Committee.
The monthly health seminars are held each month and are free with medical professionals as
guest speakers. The next seminar will take place on Wednesday, September 25, at the Arcadia
Public Library with guest speakers Dr. Alexander Chen and Dr. Jeffrey Lin, both from USC
Arcadia, Keck Medicine of USC. The topic on this seminar is Managing Chronic Pain through
Alternatives to Opioids. Mayor Cao looks forward to serving the community, our senior citizens,
and Veterans. Mayor Cao reported that the City held its first successful Community Health Fair
on Saturday, August 10. Mayor Cao said he looks forward to next years Health Fair and hopes
that everyone will attend.
Mayor Cao reported the City has the Military Banner Program to honor and recognize living
military individuals. The banner application and guidelines are available on the City’s website. The
banners will be displayed along Huntington Drive and Baldwin Avenue. The banners are free on
a first come first serve basis as long as the guidelines are met.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of August 1, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Vice-Chairperson Platt, seconded by Chairperson Bolster, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a. with the following correction.
Commissioner Laczko is from Lima Peru.
AYES: Bolster, Laczko, Platt, Salazar
NOES: None
ABSENT: Sherman
ABSTAIN: Arzate and Swope
1. REGULAR ITEMS
2. Report of Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez (RS)
Recreation Supervisor, Gina Hernandez (RS) reported the Sing-Along program with James
Iranfar is increasing in attendance, from just a few people at the start of the program to now over
142 participants per month. James Iranfar plays guitar while attendees sing to popular songs. The
program is a great mood booster and seniors love it. RS Hernandez reported the annual sold-out
senior beach trip took place on August 15 with 108 participants. The program includes an all-day
excursion to and from Doheny State Beach, a morning snack and coffee, lunch, refreshments,
fruit, afternoon snacks, board games, bingo, music, raffle prizes, and s’mores. RS Hernandez
reported the City of Arcadia along with the City of West Coving and the City of Duarte collaborated
for a special pool day event at the Duarte Community Pool. The event was geared towards seniors
50 years of age and over. The event included lunch, a dessert truck, music by a live DJ, and
swimming. RS Hernandez reported the next Bingo program will be held on Friday, September 6
and Taste the Town program will be on September 19, at Café Fusion in Arcadia. RS Hernandez
reported Recreation Coordinator Jessica Mancilla will oversee many of the senior programs and
events along with Recreation Coordinator Brian DeLeon. RS Hernandez reported the Matter of
Balance class is available every year and will begin on September 17. The class is geared toward
individuals who use walkers, canes, if their balance is not good, or for a loved one who continues
to call 911 because they keep falling. Commissioner Laczko asked if there are excursions
provided by the department. RS Hernandez answered and said there are excursions such as the
Shen Yun Performance which took place in March, the Senior Doheny Beach Trip in August, and
Pageant of the Masters in August.
Lastly, RS Hernandez reported this will be her last meeting as she will be transitioning into a new
role. The new Recreation Supervisor, Annie Sumioka, will be present and attending the meetings
starting in October.
3. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD)
DDRCS Cheung reported the City of Arcadia has contracted three case managers to be available
seven days per week from the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol & Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA). The
case managers can be contacted if you see or know someone who is experiencing homelessness.
DDRCS Cheung provided their business card to everyone. The case managers will drive around
to outreach and provide people experiencing homelessness with resources, clothes, job training,
phones, food, and much more, all on a case-by-case basis. Chairperson Bolster asked how City’s
count of homeless people on the streets are managed and how to avoid duplicate counts. DDRCS
Cheung responded by saying there is a Point-in-Time (PIT) count in January where every City in
the Service Planning Area 3 (SPA 3) will count on the same day and night.
DDRCS Cheung reported that mooncakes will be made by each individual who attends the Moon
Festival on Saturday, September 14. The mooncakes will be easy to make with mochi and rice
flour on the outer part and red bean paste and lotus paste on the inside. There is no need for
baking and guests will be able to enjoy their mooncake immediately. DDRCS Cheung reported
the Fall Buzz Peacock Buzz Brochure is now available online and registration is open. DDRCS
Cheung said there are classes available for all ages.
DDRCS Cheung answered a question she was asked regarding the duties of a Senior Citizens
Commissioner. The duty of a Senior Citizens Commissioner is to act in an advisory capacity to
City Council on items pertaining to senior citizens. If a commissioner has an idea, the
Commissioner will have to contact the Director of Recreation and Community Services
Department, Sara Somogyi or the Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services,
Candice Cheung to discuss the idea further. If there is an item that needs to be talked about as a
commission in a meeting, there will have to be majority votes for the item to be added to the
agenda. Mayor Cao also added that the City Council Liaison’s role on a City Commission is to
hear what is being discussed and to report on what is going on in the City that may be important
or pertain a commission. Mayor Cao reiterated that the Council Liaisons cannot give an opinion
as they are an independent advisory body.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Bolster adjourned the meeting at 5:05pm to Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 4:00pm
in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
_________________________ _________________________
Chairperson Secretary
Robert Bolster Annie Sumioka
DATE: October 3, 2024
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Members of the Senior Citizen Commission
FROM: Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services
Submitted by: Annie Sumioka, Recreation Supervisor
SUBJECT: Senior Services, Programs and Activities for September 2024
Arcadia Senior Services play an integral part in the well being of the senior community. The multitude
of programs, services, and activities offered supports the healthy and independent lifestyle of the
participants. A brief description with program attendance is listed below.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ATTENDANCE
Billiard Room
Three pool tables are available Monday through Friday from
7:30am-4:30pm for seniors to enjoy and make friends. 299
Blood Pressure
Check
Free blood pressure checks are available the second Tuesday of
the month from 10-11am in the Community Center. 12
Bridge
Bridge is available Wednesdays from 10am-1pm. Card games
can help improve memory and cognition, it also enhances motor
skills and promotes socialization.
176
Classes
Exercise plays a vital role in a senior’s health and contributes to
bone density, increased muscle strength, flexibility, and can
reduce stress. Some of the classes offered are line dancing,
cardio plus, and Zumba.
1,634
Coffee with the
Mayor
On the third Tuesday of the month, seniors listen and chat with
the Mayor about City issues and topics of personal interest. 26
Fit & Talk
On Thursdays, Fit & Talk meets for a fun and easy workout and
once per month for a leisurely walk around different areas of
Arcadia.
60
Gift Shop
The gift shop provides a venue for senior crafters to sell their
creations and allows the community to purchase one-of-a-kind
items at a great price.
91 Visitors
Monthly Revenue
$412
Information &
Referral Intakes
The I&R program assists seniors and their families with issues
that affect their quality of life by providing information and referral
that address their daily living concerns.
23
Karaoke
On the fourth Tuesday of the month, seniors can participate in
karaoke. Seniors sing along to many different songs while making
new friends.
49
Lions Sight
The Lions Sight program is offered in conjunction with the Arcadia
Lions Club. The program offers low-income seniors free vision
care. Prospective Clients are screened to make the necessary
arrangements for their free service.
3
Legal Assistance
The Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles Organization
is available once a month at the Community Center to provide
seniors with legal insight.
4
Mahjong
Mahjong is a game of Chinese origin usually played by four
people with 144 tiles that are drawn and discarded until a player
secures a winning hand. Mahjong meets on Tuesdays from 1-
4pm for American Mahjong and Fridays at 12:30pm for traditional
Chinese Mahjong. Every second Friday of the month, the Mayor
plays Mahjong with the seniors.
136
Monday Dance
Monday Dance is held the first, third, and fifth Monday of each
month. This programs provides a good element for participants
and has a good ratio of male and female dancers.
9/16-127
9/30-110
Total- 237
Monthly Bus
Pass
Dial-A-Ride bus passes are sold at the Community Center and
can also be mailed to seniors. Bus passes are $5 per month. 20
Pinochle
Pinochle meets every Monday from 9am-2pm. Pinochle is a trick
taking ace ten card game of German origin usually played by two
to four people with a 48 card deck.
24
Senior Meals
Program
A nutritious meal is provided Monday-Friday. For many seniors,
this is the only hot meal they have daily.
1,040
Average/Day 61
Senior Seminars
Free seminars on various topics are available each month. The
following topics were presented in the month of September:
Paramedic Membership, Cooking Tutorial: Curry Soup and Apple
bread, and Estate Planning & Probate Clinic.
76
Sing along with
James
Sing along with James meets every Wednesday from 1-3pm.
James plays his guitar and sings songs from the 50s-80s with a
group of seniors for fun and socialization.
144
Table Tennis
Table Tennis is available Monday-Friday, from 8am-4pm.
Equipment is available at the front desk for seniors to play and
meet new friends.
184
Taste the Town
Each month participants meet at a different restaurant to have
lunch and socialize. In September, participants had lunch at Café
Fusion in Arcadia. Participants got to enjoy a 3 course meal of
authentic Chinese food.
17
Weekly Movie
New movie releases and classic movies are shown on a theater
size screen every Wednesday for free. The movies that were
shown this month were A Family Affair, The Blindside, Candy Jar,
and a Beautiful Life.
55
“You’ve Got a
Friend”
This program provides a weekly phone call to individuals who live
alone, feel lonely, or need someone to check on them. New
friends are made, and great conversations are enjoyed.
3
Retro Bingo
On Friday, September 6, Retro Bingo was held with 75
participants. Everyone enjoyed eight groovy games of bingo,
raffle prizes, and a delicious fried chicken lunch.
75
Moon Festival
On Friday, September 13, 135 participants enjoyed a
presentation on the history of the Moon Festival and a solo
Guzheng performance. They also enjoyed a traditional Chinese
meal from Café Fusion which included appetizers, an entrée,
dessert, and a tea tasting.
134
Senior Social
Hour
On Friday, September 27, the Senior Social Hour provided
individuals the opportunity to come together, make new friends,
play games, and enjoy refreshments and treats. There were six
participants who had a great time getting to know one another.
6
Arcadia
Travelers Club
Support services include registering members for trips, signing up
new members, and handling the club’s correspondence. A
monthly club meeting is held at the Community Center to discuss
future trips and provide a social gathering.
Meeting: 60
Passes Sold: 70
Passengers: 68
Total: 198
TOTAL Cumulative of programs, services, and special events 4,726
Connection Total number of monthly newsletters distributed this month 1,300
SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
Retro Bingo
On Friday, September 6, Retro Bingo was held with 75 participants. Everyone enjoyed eight groovy
games of bingo, raffle prizes, and a delicious fried chicken lunch.
Moon Festival
On Friday, September 13, 135 participants enjoyed a presentation on the history of the Moon Festival
and a solo Guzheng performance. They also enjoyed a traditional Chinese meal from Café Fusion
which included appetizers, an entrée, dessert, and a tea tasting.
Senior Social Hour
On Friday, September 27, the Senior Social Hour provided individuals the opportunity to come
together, make new friends, play games, and enjoy refreshments and treats. There were six
participants who had a great time getting to know one another.