About 45 attendees at the Arcadia Chamber’s monthly Networking Breakfast on June 19, 2014, saw a presentation to the City’s oldest business, heard about a new historical Chinese monument from Breakfast sponsor Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary, a fundraising effort for a new $3 million facility at Methodist Hospital, an update on Arcadia being Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games, and the great ongoing efforts of Foothill Unity Center.
And that was in addition to the usual monthly elements that include a great breakfast buffet in the Sunset Room of the Santa Anita Golf Course, terrific raffle prizes, testimonials, and fabulous networking, especially with more than a dozen first-time attendees this month.
<Story continues below the following photo gallery…>[flagallery gid=201]
Raina Martinez of Foothill Unity Center spoke about the many special services provided, including a main source of food, temporary shelter, case management, transportation, referrals and a variety of health services for low-income and homeless people in the eleven San Gabriel Valley communities in Los Angeles County. To find out more on how you can help with food drives and the annual Back-to-School day where about 2,000 children are provided supplies, contact 626.358.3486.
Taste of Arcadia committee volunteer chairman Bruce McCallum advised the group of the honor of Arcadia being chosen as a Host Town for the Special Olympics World Games in July/August 2015. Arcadia, under a committee headed by McCallum, will host 100 athletes for three days prior to the Games July 21-24.
Bruce Lazenby of Rose Hills Memorial Park & Mortuary shared the announcement the company made the day before in downtown L.A. of a permanent monument in partnership with Chinese American Museum where visitors can learn about the Chinese Exclusion Act that prevented the immigration of Chinese in the late 19th century until midway through World War II. Lazenby said that the purpose of this project is to remember how the rights of one ethnic group were taken unjustly, and to recognize the necessity to stand firm against any other acts of injustice.
Lazenby then introduced special guest, Mike Driebe, President of Methodist Hospital Foundation, the fundraising arm of the hospital. Driebe spoke about the planned in-patient rehabilitation unit at the Methodist Hospital and all the services they provide for patients who have experienced a stroke, orthopedic disabilities, amputation, neurological impairments, arthritis and multiple trauma. The rehabilitation unit, which will add 20-30 rooms with larger bathrooms and showers to the Berger Tower in 15-16 months, will cost $3 million. To make a donation and for more information, call 626.898.8000.
Arcadia Historical Society President Gene Glasco introduced Nick Pickle of Arcadia’s Body Shop as this month’s Arcadia Business Icon, a joint tribute of the Society and the Chamber. In business for more than 73 years, Glasco said he believes Arcadia Body Shop is the oldest continuously operating business in Arcadia. He also noted that Nick offered to repair the 1959 Ford Police car at no charge, which the Society cares for and promotes at community events. Nick brought up many fun stories since he’s been in business and said he “fixes not just your car but your driver.”
As always, each attendee gave a 30-second introduction of themselves at the beginning of the program, and more than a half-dozen attendees sons nice raffle prizes provided by other attendees:
- Business Icon – Nick Pickle of Arcadia Body Shop won a bottle of wine and a candle from Vicki Knight of Century Rooter Service & Plumbing
- Jason Keating of Choicess won a Health Basket from Richard Zook of Douglas and Zook
- Stella Wat of East West Bank won a gift basket from Annette Ousterhout of Jan’s Towing.
- Romy S. Rahmanian from The Law Office of Romy S. Rahmanian won Nerium “Night Cream” from Arolyn Burns of Nerium International.
In the testimonial portion of the program, Mark Shadey of Arroyo Insurance expressed his great gratitude to Dr. Nina Getz of Phillips Eye Center for going above and beyond to take great care of him. Laura Wilcox from Achieve SMART Goals thanked Rod Salazar of STUBBIES Promotions for getting her name tag to her so quickly. Raina Martinez from Foothill Unity Center shared her mother’s amazing experience at the rehab center at the Methodist Hospital to President Mike Driebe and continued to say that her mom didn’t want to leave.
Tickets to the breakfast, which runs from 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. are $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and discounted to $15 for Chamber members who pay a week ahead by the previous Friday ($20 at the door for Chamber members). Free admission for those holding a Chamber All Access Pass.
