Volunteer of the Month
Archives

January 2020
Lee Lombard

Photo of Lee Lombard

This month we’d like to give thanks to Lee Lombard. Lee is one of our Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. In fact he is one of our top TAP drivers, consistently in the top three for miles driven and hours. He came to the center nearly five years ago, just looking to donate some books, when he happened to see a TAP flyer on the board. He asked the Front Desk person what TAP was, and she took him straight to the TAP coordinator. That was all it took, and he=s been driving ever since. He now drives every weekday, and even on weekends, sometimes taking 2 rides a day. He drives all over the Inland Empire which doesn’t leave him much time to explore the fun things our center has to offer, but he hopes to get involved soon. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota, his father’s travels in the Air Force eventually brought him out to March AFB in Riverside, and he=s been here ever since. He did a stint in the Air Force, where he got trained in Military Pay, which helped him after he left, to get into Money Management, which he turned into a 30 year career as a banker and financial advisor. Now single, he has a daughter and two grandsons. Thanks Lee stepping up big time into this important program.

Featured Class

Italian
Date: October 4, 2019
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Length: 8
Cost: $8 members
      $8 non-members
Instructor: Rita Sicilliano
Location: Game Room
Description: Italian is taught by Margherita Sicilliano. Margherita, who also goes by the names Margo or Rita, and is from the old country. Born in Caserta, Italy, she was actually born in the Italian Royal Palace (the Reggia di Caserta). Her mom was touring the palace when she went into labor. Not many people can say that they were born in a royal palace, much less a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Raised and educated in Italy, she was still in college when she came with her family to the United States. She continued with her education getting a Bachelor's Degree. She then went back to Italy to get her Master's Degree. Her teaching experience spans 42 years and includes teaching high school French, Spanish, and Italian in New York, as well as French and Spanish Advanced Placement classes at the local Aquinas High School. After retiring some friends told her about the center. She took a trip here and discovered a fellow Italian, Virginia Kautzman, and the two became friends. Margo also found out about our University Language classes, and decided to get back into teaching. She approached us about teaching here, and after offering a choice between Italian and German, everyone decided that Italian would be perfect. Now it is the only Italian class being offered in the area. Student’s need to bring only a pencil and paper to class. There is a work book students can purchase through Amazon for $16, but it is not necessary. The class is open to absolute beginners and those who wish to keep up their Italian. A presto! See you soon!

Featured Activity

Cross Training Equipment
Time: Dailys
Cost: members
       non-members
Location: Execise Room
Description: Our members will appreciate this: New exercise equipment! A long while back we tried to take a survey of those who use the exercise room, assessing what types of equipment they would like us to get. No surveys were turned in, although thoughts were scribbled on the poster announcing the survey. Still, not to be deterred, we were able to purchase some 'Life Fitness' equipment. We now have a new treadmill, an elliptical cross trainer, and a recumbent bike, replacing much older equipment. We hope to eventually replace all of our old equipment, getting several exercise circuits in place. Check your newsletter to see when the equipment is available for use and be prepared to break a sweat.
Center presents at the Highland Chamber Luncheon
By: Mike Sylva
In January the Highland Area Chamber of Commerce held it’s monthly luncheon. What made it special was that, on the heels of the center being honored was the Chamber’s 2010 Business of the Year, the center gave a presentation. Penny Lilburn wanted to show the members exactly why we were worthy of such an award.

One of our aerobics instructors, Julia Regan, started things off with a short, heart pumping, aerobics warm up. Once everyone was done burning off the calories from their lunch, Penny showed a short power point presentation, in which she talked about the center and all the activities and resources we provide. Next came a short video, which highlighted a year in the life of the Highland Senior Center, showcasing all of our events and activities. In the end, the audience all agreed that the Chamber made the right choice!