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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 02/06/2025SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 6, 2025 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: Robert Bolster, Shirley Curley, Ethel Laczko, Joyce Platt, Cynthia Salazar, and Steve Sherman EXCUSED: Cris Arzate ABSENT: Margaret Swope SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS Vice -Chairperson Joyce Platt reported the next general meeting will be held on Friday, February 28, which includes special treats, and the guest speaker is Mayor Dr. Michael Cao who will talk about City updates. Vice -Chairperson Platt reported extended trips are doing well, and many people look forward to travelling out of state. Vice -Chairperson Platt reported on the following extended trips: The Best of Eastern Canada trip in May is sold out. Falling for Cambria trip will take place in October for three days with Curt Tucker Tours. Cuba Discovery is also a trip in October and will be for six days. Christmas in Victoria and Vancouver will take place in December 2025 for seven days. Vice -Chairperson Platt reported on the following day trips: On May 7, participants will tour the Yakult Probiotic drink factory where they make over 400,000 bottles per day. On May 22, participants will visit the San Diego Zoo where participants will get to see giant pandas, visit the Panda Ridge, and be transported around the park. Vice -Chairperson Platt reported that on March 5, 2025, the Women's Club will be presenting a quilt of valor to each WWII Veteran, Jim Helms and former City Clerk Gene Glasco. Commissioner Ethel Laczko reported she visited the country of Peru where she is involved in educational programs for those in need. Commissioner Laczko asked if there was any information on free classes through Pasadena City College (PCC). Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services, Candice Cheung (DDRCS) reported there was a meeting scheduled with PCC, however, they cancelled, and their meeting will be rescheduled. Recreation Supervisor, Annie Sumioka (RS) added that a free sewing class will be provided by PCC closer to the end of the year as PCC will have to raise money to be able to provide materials and sewing machines. DDRCS Cheung added that in the past there was a sewing class, and knitting was very popular at the Community Center before the pandemic. DDRCS Cheung concluded by saying that the Department of Recreation and Community Services as well as the City of Arcadia Library offer many free educational seminars, classes, and programs throughout the year. DDRCS Cheung said that part of the goal of the Recreation and Community Services Department is to provide affordable and revenue generated classes. Chairperson Robert Bolster asked if there was an update on Wilderness Park. DDRCS Cheung reported that there has not been an update. Chairperson Bolster said he will contact Public Works directly for updates on Wilderness Park. DDRCS Cheung added that during Coffee with the Mayor, there are guest speakers from City Departments for the public to ask questions of interest or concerns. In January, the Deputy Director of Public Works Services Department was the guest speaker. Commissioner Steve Sherman reported that the Men's Club members meet every week from 9am to 2:30pm at the Arcadia Community Center to play pinochle. Commissioner Sherman reported a new person stopped by to play cards with them and they are currently at six members who show up to play each week. Commissioner Shirely Curley asked if the Senior Citizens Commissioner for the two senior clubs be mentioned in the monthly newsletter Connection. DDRCS Cheung said it was a good idea, and it will be added to each month's newsletter starting in March. Commissioner Cynthia Salazar sadly reported that a long-time Golden Senior Club member Estelle Sykes passed away in January. Estelle never missed a meeting and was a regular attendee at many of the Arcadia senior services programs and events. Commissioner Salazar reported that the Golden Senior Club is doing well, many members are in their 80s and she encourages everyone to participate in light balance exercises for a few minutes each week before their programs begin. The Golden Senior Club meets every Thursday at the Assistance League at 1 lam. There are plenty of activities available and Bingo is one of their popular weekly games to play. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON — None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Regular meeting minutes of January 2, 2025. Recommended Action: Approve It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Platt, seconded by Commissioner Sherman, and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a. AYES: Bolster, Curley, Platt, Salazar, Sherman NOES: None ABSENT: Arzate and Swope ABSTAIN: Laczko 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 January 2025. New Year's Bingo was held on January 17, with 50 participants. Senior Social Hour was held on January 24, with 14 participants. The Senior Social Hour is a new program held in order for seniors to meet new people, socialize, and have a fun afternoon getting to know each other. RS Sumioka reported on upcoming programs and events. The popular game of Bunco will be back on February 7, registration can be made online or in person at the Community Center. The weekly senior cinema now takes place each Tuesday in February, during Black History Month the following movies will be shown: Selma, Fatherhood, Hair Love, the new version of The Color Purple, and One Night in Miami. RS Sumioka reported that the senior Tax Assistance Program is available by appointment every Thursday and Friday at the Arcadia Community Center through April 11. The months of February and March are currently booked with a waiting list. b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) DDRCS Cheung handed out flyers for February and March of the Health Education Series seminars. DDRCS Cheung reported the Arcadia Community Center was a staging area during the wildfires that began on January 7, 2025. The Community Center served as a location where residents were able to charge their devices and connect to Wi-Fi before figuring out their next step. DDRCS Cheung handed out a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resource flyer that provides information for individuals affected by wildfires. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Bolster adjourned the meeting at 4:54pm to Thursday, March 6, 2025, at 4:OOpm in the Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia. ( � �-- lam/ Chairperson Robert Bolster .t Secre Annie Sumioka