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Home My WebLink AboutSC Minutes: 11/07/2024SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES NOVEMBER 7, 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, Shirley Curley, Ethel Laczko, Joyce Platt, Cynthia Salazar, and Steve Sherman ABSENT: Margaret Swope 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 had a fun time celebrating Halloween on October 31. The Golden Senior Club will be celebrating the holidays in November and December as well. Commissioner Salazar reported that she looks forward to the Connection Newsletter each month and makes it a point to inform the Club members to attend the free seminars provided each week at the Arcadia Community Center. 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, which is not an easy game, however, it is great for the brain. Members of the Men's Club meet every Monday from gam to 2:30pm at the Arcadia Community Center. Commissioner Ethel Laczko reported she is taking free music appreciation classes at the Oaks Retirement Center. Commissioner Laczko reported there are many free classes offered that seniors would enjoy. Commissioner Laczko suggested it would be nice to have the Arcadia Community Center offer field trips to some of the beautiful attractions in the City, such as Santa Anita Park and the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Chairperson Robert Bolster handed everyone a copy of a letter he received from the Director of Public Works Services Department, Paul Cranmer. The letter gave Chairperson Bolster an update on the Wilderness Park project. Commissioner Cris Arzate asked about the Senior of the Year process. Director of Recreation and Community Services Sara Somogyi (RCSD) responded by explaining the process. The program is advertised by flyers, in the Connection Newsletter, on the City's website, through a news release, and through social media starting in January of each year. The nomination applications must be submitted by the end of February each year to the Arcadia Comm.unity Center front desk. At the Senior Citizens Commission meeting in the month of March, the agenda packet will include copies of every nominee. Commissioners will discuss and select the nominee at the meeting in March. Next, the Recreation Supervisor will contact and invite the nominee to accept a plaque at a City Council Meeting in the month of May. The nominee, a guest, and the Chairperson of the Senior Citizens Commission will attend a special lunch held by the County of Los Angeles, Department of Aging and Disabilities, where every Senior of the Year is recognized. A small name plaque with the name of the nominee will be placed at the Arcadia Community Center. Commissioner Shirley Curley reported the Bargain Box will be open from Wednesday through Saturday during the week of November 4, 2024. The Bargain Box will also be open from 5 to 8pm one evening per week. Drop-offs are accepted the week of November 11, from 10am to 12:30pm. They do not accept large appliances. Commissioner Curley reported the Bargain Box has a website where more information is available, and individuals can sign up for the Bargain Box newsletter on weekly updates and sales. Vice -Chairperson Joyce Platt reported the general meeting in November will be held on Friday, November 15, with guest speaker Yee -Horn who is an adventurer and photographer. Vice - Chairperson Platt was happy to report that the Travelers office will have gift cards available for purchase, for special occasions starting from $15 to $95. Commissioner Platt reported on the following trips: On January 1, 2025, participants will enjoy new year's day with a trip to the Hilton Orange County for a concert starring William Florian, a former singer with the New Christy Minstrels. On January 15, 2025, participants will visit the Gibbons Conservation Center for a visit with guide dogs. Participants will learn how these special dogs are raised and trained. On January 29, 2025, there will be a trip to Palm Springs to see over 50 celebrity homes and historic sites. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON Mayor Michael Cao reported that on Saturday, November 2, there was a Community Cleanup Day at Hugo Reid Park. Each year individuals come together to clean the City in honor of an Arcadia resident. This year, Bill Barton, who was an Arcadia Community Center regular attendee. Mr. Barton passed away in his Arcadia home of 66 years. Mayor Cao also thanked Commissioner Laczko for attending the cleanup. Mayor Cao reported the Military Banner Program will be presented at the Arcadia Community Center on Friday, November 8, at 1lam. There are over sixty banners on display on Huntington Drive. Mayor Cao reported that the Veterans Day Lunch will also be held on Friday, November 8, at the Arcadia Community Center. Mayor Cao reported the Citywide Newsletter will no longer be mailed to residents. The City Newsletter will now be available online and individuals can sign up for an electronic copy. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular meeting minutes of October 3, 2024 Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Chairperson Bolster, seconded by Commissioner Sherman, and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a. with the following revision: Commissioner Laczko inquired about having more diverse and inclusive programs. AYES: Arzate, Bolster, Curley, Laczko, Platt, Salazar, Sherman NOES: None ABSENT: Swope ABSTAIN: None 3. REGULAR ITEMS a. Report of Recreation Supervisor Annie Sumioka (RS) Recreation Supervisor, Annie Sumioka (RS) reported on programs and events during the month of October. On Saturday, October 19, the Arcadia Community Center held its Annual Craft Fair from 9am to 2pm with 32 vendors selling handmade original items. Over 350 people attended the event. On October 24, 52 individuals signed up for the Cultural Day Camp. Participants had the opportunity to enjoy a day in Little Tokyo to learn about the culture and history. They also had a tour of the Japanese American National Museum and cultural presentation followed by lunch at a ramen noodle restaurant. On October 31, seniors enjoyed the Boo Bash event where everyone came dressed in costume for a chance to win prizes. RS Sumioka reported on upcoming events. The Veterans Lunch will be held on Friday, November 8, at the Community Center and will include lunch, entertainment, and presentations in conjunction with the unveiling of the Military Banner Program. The last event of the month will be Thanksgiving lunch on November 27, at 11:30am. The program includes a traditional turkey meal served by the Arcadia Fire Department and dessert. b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) RCSD Somogyi handed out information on the Newcastle Park Brick program where one can purchase a brick to be engraved. The brick will be permanently placed into the pathways of the renovated park. RCSD reported that the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage will be providing a map where all the military banners with individual names are located once completed. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Bolster adjourned the meeting at 4:50pm to Thursday, December 4, 2024, at 4:OOpm in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia. -o Chairperson Robert Bolster