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Arcadia Weekly Nov 26, 2014
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Good Old Gang Honors Outstanding Educators
The name of this group says it all. This “Good Old Gang” of retired Arcadia High School teachers and staff enjoy a wonderful camaraderie. One member said the group was “like family.” At their annual meeting on November 5, 2014 they honored four of their members with plaques that will hang in the lobby of the Arcadia Performing Arts Center: Diane Soldwedel, Tony Gex, Fred Nahra and Patti Kay.
Diane Soldwedel taught physical education at AHS for 34 years. She, along with Jean Voznick, established the first cross-age physical education program. Diane developed the girl’s tennis team at AHS, and Jean Voznick the AHS Dance Troupe Orchesis as well.
Tony Gex taught English and loved the theatre. In fact, he stage-managed all the drama performances during his years at AHS. One of his former students called him a “teacher’s teacher.” It was Tony’s idea to change this group’s name from “AHS Retired Teachers” to the “Good Old Gang”.
Fred Nahra taught English at AHS for 36 years. Dr. Richard Cordano, treasured AHS principal from 1963-1985, referred to him as a “born teacher” who “taught students to think.” At least two of his students have gone on to become professional writers and credit Fred with their skills. Fred accepted his award saying, “It’s a special thing to work with young people” and “I couldn’t wait to get to school every morning.” Kay Davis, from the class of 1963 said, Fred Nahra’s dedication enriched his students’ lives.
A surprise award went to Patti Kay, who was the beloved AHS secretary for many years. Dr. Cordano said, “There was not a member of staff or a student for whom she would not go above and beyond.” He declared her, “the most deserving person in the room.” Patti received a standing ovation as the accepted her honor.
Music is on The Menu at Retired Teacher’s Meeting
The professional women’s vocal group “Champagne” will sparkle up the holidays for the California Retired Teachers Association-Division #71 (CalRTA-SGV) when they perform at a luncheon meeting on Friday, December 12, at 11:30 am in the Senior Center Building in Arcadia Park (county park), 405 W. Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia, next to the Lawn Bowling Greens.
Consisting of four talented, innovative singers, the Champagne performers will present a program of music from the 1930s to the present.The cost of the luncheon for members and guests is $12. Chef’s Catering will serve a festive roast pork luncheon, topped off by a dessert of cranberry cheesecake. For luncheon information, please call John Gera at (626) 286-0714 by the December 5 deadline.
Membership in the California Retired Teachers Association is open to all retired educators, as well as to any others interested in joining this active group, which now numbers over 500 members in CalRTA #71, the San Gabriel Valley Division. CalRTA’s motto is “Your Partner in Pension Protection.”
Peter Ulrich Honored By Senator Hernandez
The Arcadia Chamber of Commerce’s own Peter Ulrich, Co-Chair of the Government Affairs Forum, was honored by State Senator Dr. Ed Hernandez, O.D. at a special Veterans Day Ceremony hosted by the Senator earlier this month.
Peter served in the United States Army and is 92 years old, or in his case, 92 years young! He volunteers his time and energy to the Breeder’s Cup, the Arcadia Chamber of Commerce, the Salvation Army, two Lions Clubs, countless boards and the Arcadia Police Department. Peter is highly respected throughout the community and is so deserving of this tribute by State Senator Hernandez. Congratulations Peter!!!
Downtown Arcadia Christmas Market Returns December 6th, 13th, 20th
Bigger holiday street market, more entertainment 5-9 p.m. on First Avenue
Blowing snow, horse-drawn carriage rides, and Dickens Christmas carolers in Arcadia? The popular Arcadia’s Best Downtown Christmas Market presented by the Arcadia Improvement Association returns for a second year every Saturday evening in December before Christmas. First Avenue will be closed between Huntington Drive and Wheeler Street to allow you to stroll around the European-style Christmas Market from 5-9 p.m. December 6th, 13th and 20th, where you’ll also find more than 50 holiday food and merchandise vendors, Santa Claus posing for photos, inflated jumpers for kids, and live bands. New to the market this year will be free rides on a decorated horse-drawn carriage and “Carcadia Christmas,” a special holiday edition of the monthly Carcadia@Route66 Sunday morning gathering of local car lovers. Carcadia Christmas will feature different local clubs each night, such as the Santa Anita A’s on December 6th, as well as the coolest cars of every era and style at each event. In addition to the professional Dickens carolers roaming the Market on December 6th, local singers from the Southern California Mormon Choir, Jeff, Cindy, Jocelyn and Emily Combe and Beth Stogner, will perform traditional Christmas Carols in Dickens-era costumes from 6-8 pm December 20th. Stogner is a familiar local singer whose day job is with the Arcadia Fire Department (which will feature its vintage fire truck at the Market each night!)
Plenty of free parking is available in several public lots off Wheeler Street east and west of First Avenue.
Thanksgiving Brunch Hosted By Methodist Hospital
Always one of the highlights of the Holiday Season is the elegant Brunch held in the lobby of the Berger Tower on November 16th.
Hosted by the Directors of the Methodist Hospital Foundation, members of the Leadership Circle and Rose Society were honored guests.
Chairman of the Hospital Board of Directors Kathleen Ellison greeted guests and spoke briefly. Mike Driebe, President of the Foundation, reported the financial and donor possibilities.
Two children on a small sled at the Snow Festival last year. This event is not to be missed…..if you have small children….. It is real SNOW!!!
Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Snow Festival Saturday, December 6th–Rain Or Shine
Breakfast with Santa is $10.00 per person and includes breakfast, photos with Santa (one photo ticket per child only) and holiday entertainment. There will be two options for breakfast: 8:30-9:30 am (#12103) or 10:30-11:30 am (#12104). Registration has begun and space is limited. You can register by walk-in, mail-in or on-line, just go to the City’s website at www.ci.arcadia.ca.us under the Recreation and Community Services Department. The breakfast fills up quickly so get your registration requests in now to assure your spot! For new registrants, please remember to include your proof of residency/child’s birth with your forms and on-line submittals, if you have not already done so. This information is required and will delay the process if not provided. For more information, please contact the Recreation Department at (626) 574-5113.
The Holiday Snow Festival is free to the public and will also take place at the Arcadia Community Center on the same day, rain or shine, from 9am-2pm.
ELKS LADIES AUXILIARY
L-R Fran Thiry, Carol Kennedy, Terry Kent and President Helen Burkhardt (standing). The members of the auxiliary to Arcadia Elks Lodge celebrated their 20th year of presenting Christmas Tree Lane to be held at the Elks Lodge Dec. 6th. Photo by Floretta Lauber.
Alice Price, a member of the Lady Elks Auxiliary, holds Christmas decorations she made for the entire membership. This darling lady is a gourmet baker among her many talents and is always doing special deeds for others. Photo by Floretta Lauber.
Police to the Rescue—The APOA, upon hearing of the Arcadia Woman’s Club emergency need for an entire new roof on their historic clubhouse, donated $1,000.00. L-R Officer Foulks, Officer Pruhsi, Roof Fund Chair: Floretta Lauber, President, Sergeant Trabbie and Officer Clark. The Woman’s Club annual appreciation in February will honor the Police and Fire Department.
Jane Chavez, Director of the Pregnancy Help Center, and Guy DeMarco, President, both Temple City Residents, at the 3rd annual Gift of Life Gala Fundraiser held at the San Gabriel Country Club.
Sharon Godfrey, Alice Godfrey and Peter Godfrey, Arcadia Residents at the Gift of Life event.
Some of the quilts on display at the Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage, the groups sponsoring the amazing exhibit are: The Wandering Foot Quilt Guild. Over 90 people attended the opening of the exhibit.
One of the members showing steps of preparation and sewing in the making of a quilt. Demonstrations were held in the Museum’s Education Center. President of the Guild is Anita Brown.
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