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Home My WebLink AboutSC Minutes: 10/03/2024SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 3, 2024 SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Bolster called the meeting to order at 4:01 pm. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Bolster ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cris Arzate, Robert Bolster, Shirley Curley, Ethel Laczko, Cynthia Salazar, Steve Sherman, Margaret Swope ABSENT: None EXCUSED: Joyce Platt A motion was made by Commissioner Arzate, seconded by Commissioner Sherman, and unanimously carried to excuse Vice -Chairperson Platt. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Cynthia Salazar reported the Golden Senior Club will be celebrating Halloween on October 31. Commissioner Salazar reported she picks up the Connection Newsletter at the Community Center and distributes the newsletter to everyone at the club and will remind everyone to try to attend the free seminars on Tuesdays at the Arcadia Community Center. Commissioner Salazar reported she informed the club members there will be improvements on the streets from Huntington Drive to Camino Real Avenue. Commissioner Salazar represents the Golden Senior Club and currently serves as Secretary. The Golden Senior Club meets on Thursdays at the Assistance League building. Club members enjoy fun activities each week including singing, music, bingo, exercise, Mahjong, and special guest speakers. Commissioner Steve Sherman reported the Men's Club members enjoy playing pinochle every Monday from 9am to 2:30pm at the Community Center. There are six members, and they are looking for more people to join the club. Commissioner Sherman said he is interested in learning to play Mahjong. Commissioner Sherman reported he visited the country of Morocco last month. Commissioner Laczko reported she is attending free music appreciation classes offered by Pasadena City College (PCC). The classes are held at the Oaks Retirement Center. Commissioner Laczko suggested having a representative attend a meeting to provide information on these classes for seniors. Commissioner Laczko inquired about recognizing Jewish holidays. Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services Candice Cheung (DDRCS) responded by reminding Commissioners that the City of Arcadia does not recognize or celebrate religious holidays. DDRCS Cheung also reminded Commissioners that the purpose of sharing comments should only be about their involvement in the community and other comments, or request can be discussed after a meeting is adjourned with either the Director of Recreation and Community Services, Sara Somogyi or the Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services, Candice Cheung. Chairperson Bolster reported the Angeles National Forest Chantry Flats is now open. Chairperson Bolster asked if there is an update on Wilderness Park. DDRCS Cheung reported that at the next Coffee with the Mayor on Tuesday, October 15, at 9am, there will be a Public Works Services Department staff present to talk about Wilderness Park. DDRCS Cheung informed the Commissioners they can attend a Recreation and Parks Commission meeting to hear the monthly report given by the Public Works Services liaison. Commissioner Swope reported the Senior Friendship Club has five new members. Commissioner Swope said the club will be celebrating Halloween and will include costume contest prizes, food, and games. The Senior Friendship Club meets on Wednesdays at the Assistance League building at 1lam. Each week the club offers fun things to do such as music, food, guest speakers, and everyone's favorite game of bingo. Commissioner Arzate reported that the Arcadia Police Foundation is hosting its Fall Fundraiser An Evening with our Blue Heroes 2024, on November 16, 2024, at the Le Meridien Hotel in Arcadia. Commissioner Arzate will provide a flyer that includes more information to DDRCS Cheung for distribution. Commissioner Curley introduced herself and will be representing the Assistance League of Arcadia. Commissioner Curley said she is happy to know the members of the Men's Club are still meeting and playing pinochle. Commissioner Curley reported that to increase revenue at the Bargain Box, they will now be open one Thursday evening each month. The Bargain Box will be open on Thursday, October 10, from 5 to 8pm. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON Mayor Cao reported that the City of Arcadia has a 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. Mayor Cao reported that the banners are free on a first come first serve basis if the guidelines are met. Mayor Cao reported the first Military Banners will be up in November. Mayor Cao reported that the Los Angeles Lantern Art Expo will be held at Santa Anita Park during the month of October to November. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular meeting minutes of September 5, 2024 Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Chairperson Bolster, seconded by Commissioner Arzate, and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a. AYES: Arzate, Bolster, Laczko, Salazar, Sherman, Swope NOES: None ABSENT: Platt ABSTAIN: Curley 3. REGULAR ITEMS a. Report of Recreation Supervisor Annie Sumioka (RS) Recreation Supervisor, Annie Sumioka (RS) introduced herself as the new Recreation Supervisor. Her office is located at the Arcadia Community Center. RS Sumioka will oversee senior events, programs, and the senior lunch program as well as other duties. RS Sumioka has been working in recreation for over ten years, including public and private sector. RS Sumioka's has experience in aquatic programs, community centers, recreation, and special events. RS Sumioka lives in Long Beach and is happy to be working for the City of Arcadia Recreation and Community Services Department. RS Sumioka reported on the following programs and events: The Moon Festival Luncheon was held on September 13, with 135 participants. The event included a traditional Chinese lunch, dessert, and tea tasting. The Taste the Town program is exceedingly popular and each month participants can enjoy lunch at a different location in Arcadia. Cafe Fusion was the restaurant in September. Karaoke is a new program offered to seniors for the first time in September. It will be held every fourth Tuesday of the month. There were 49 attendees at the first Karaoke where everyone was excited to sing. The popular Western Hoedown event will be held on Friday, October 11. The event includes lunch, line dance lessons, and music. RS Sumioka is excited about the event as she enjoys line dancing in her free time. The Cultural Day Camp event will be held on Thursday, October 24. This year participants will experience the country of Japan. The program includes transportation, a ramen lunch, a tour of the Japanese American National Museum, and a presentation. Lastly, the popular Boo Bash event is on Thursday, October 31, where participants can dress up and have a chance to win costume prizes. All programs and events are advertised each month in the Connection Newsletter, on the City's website, and at the Arcadia Community Center. b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) DDRCS Cheung reported the department is looking into free senior classes that can potentially be offered at our facility though Pasadena City College, Rio Hondo Community College, California State University Los Angeles, or University of California Los Angeles. Art History for older adults would be one option and computer classes would be a second option for seniors. DDRCS Cheung reported the department is also looking to book a free seminar on an Artificial Intelligence (Al) class for seniors through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). DDRCS Cheung reported that the City will be implementing its own homeless census during the next few months. Recreation Supervisor Gina Hernandez, along with a Police Officer, a Paramedic, and two case managers from the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol & Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) have been driving around throughout different areas in Arcadia to speak to and get to know individuals who are experiencing homelessness. Within the first few days, there was contact and communication with 43 individuals experiencing homelessness. DDRCS Cheung reported she attended the Chamber of Commerce Mixer Breakfast event and provided the L.A. CADA business cards to business owners and individuals in attendance. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Bolster adjourned the meeting at 4:44pm to Thursday, November 7, 2024, at 4:OOpm in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia. L ), e,, �/� FZ2 Chairperson Robert Bolster ecre Annie umi