Volunteer of the Month
Archives
October 2021
Don Harper
This month we’d like to shine the light on Don Harper is one of our longtime Transportation Assistance Program (TAP) drivers. Don has been a member for about 7 ½ years, and has been driving for 5 ½ years. During that time he has become one of our go-to drivers driving multiple times a week, and sometimes several trips in one day. He first heard about the center from his mother-in-law, who is a Wii Bowler. She got him a membership and he came and joined the Wii Bowling league. He then remembered then Outreach Director, Holly Andrade, talking about TAP and how they needed drivers. He gave it a test drive, enjoyed it and has been doing it ever since. He loves driving, and loves the people. He thinks of this as his job, but a job he enjoys. The clients love him too and has clients who ask for him. Originally from Fort Worth, TX, his mom brought him out here when he was two. He inched his way over from Blythe, to Beaumont, to Highland. We are thankful that his travels brought him closer to us. Thanks Don for driving that extra mile for us!
Featured Class
Italian
Date: January 24, 2022
Time: 9:00 - 10:00 am
Length: 8
Cost: $8 members
$8 non-members
Instructor: Rita Sicilliano
Location: Game Room
Description: The class is on hiatus until the new year. When is comes back here are some things to know...Italian is taught by Margherita Sicilliano. Margherita, who also goes by the names Margo or Rita, and is from the old country. Born 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, Rita 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
Ballroom Dancing - ON HIATUS
Time: Tuesdays 6:30 p.m.
Cost: Free members
Free non-members
Location: Exercise Room
Description: This month we'd like the light to shine on a place that naturally deserves a spotlite...Ballroom Dancing. Our new evening Ballroom Dance instructor is Ricardo Tomboc. Ricardo takes over for his former instructor, Lucy Guss. The FREE class takes place on Tuesday, starting at 6:30 p.m., and is split into 2 halves a night. The first half is teaching, and the 2nd half is open dance, where generally, advanced dances pair up with beginners. He will also have guest instructors. Although he is an instructor, he enjoys going to other schools to keep up his skills and pick up new techniques. This is why he brings other instructors in. So the students will get a variety of techniques. When Ricardo is teaching, his classes run the entire gamut; the foxtrot, waltz, cha-cha-cha, tango, salsa, some disco, and the nightclub 2 step, to name a few. The class is open to everyone and students don't have to bring anything You can bring dancing shoes if you have them, but you don't need them to dance. Just a desire to learn and have fun.
Pastor Zinn Honored
By: Mike Sylva
The Highland Senior Center’s held it’s biggest event and fundraiser of the year on April 19th at the San Bernardino Golf Club: The annual Golf Tournament and Senior Recognition Dinner. God must have approved of the selection of Pastor Zinn as we had perfect weather for golf.
The day began with golfers hitting the greens. The shotgun start seemed appropriate as some of the golf balls were hit in the same pattern. Some to the left, some to the right, and some right one. This year’s Law Enforcement winners made it a repeat of sorts, as one of the teams from Patton Corrections: Darrin Martin, Bobby Hawkis, Carl Eversol, and C.J. Eversole wrested the Law Enforcement Trophy away from their fellow Patton mates shooting a 54. With that score, they also won the overall tournament. 1st place senior division winners: Jim Stark, Bill Mills, Rene Johnstone, and Marcos Alonzo, who shot a 59. Taking honors for “Most Honest” (aka: Highest Score) team of Yevette Ramos, Toni Callicott, Laura Tolbrit, and Ryan O’Donohue. Regardless of the score, everyone has a great time. Trading in a day of work for a day of golf made everyone a winner..
This year the center recognized Pastor Rob Zinn as our Outstanding Senior for his hard work and dedication to the community. Our many thanks to our major sponsors - San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, California Strategies, and Patricia Fischer. Also, thanks to all of our other various money and product sponsors, and raffle donors. Finally, we’d like to thank all of the volunteers, golfers, and everyone else who helped support the center and honor Pastor Rob Zinn.
