In summary let us say that we see our older American employees as creative, productive and doing an immeasurable job for our City. We see our Brea Senior Citizens Forever Young Club as the "Swingers of Brea” which they have often been called. Our TLC program is rated the best out of eleven sites in our County as the leader of programs and service to its consumers. Our Meals on Wheels program has been the model of several in our County to help get others started. Let us assure you, our Senior Citizens in the City of Brea have not been shelved nor discarded as they best describe it in the following manner, “We have something to live for." BREA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL, Re: Ida Hillman and Dale Bidwell. Mr. JOE BOWLEY, City of Brea, Brea, Calif. DEAR JOE: I would like to say at this stage of the game that your program concerning the senior citizens in the Brea community has been of great benefit to our school. Both Dale and Ida are competent and warm, understanding people who have aided our program tremendously. I would like to congratulate you on your fine efforts. Thank you very much. Sincerely, JAMES A. SETTERLUND, Principal. [From the Daily News Tribune, Feb. 14, 1975] OLD CHRONOLOGICALLY, BUT YOUNG IN SPIRIT BREA.-Old in years but young in spirit. That's probably the best way to describe the TLC King and Queen who were chosen recently and will reign over the Brea 58th Birthday Party next Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Center, 500 S. Sievers Ave. They are John La Roche, 94, (who looks about 65), and Mrs. Ann Simonsen, 87, who also seems much younger. The pair was chosen at the daily Transportation-Luncheon-Counseling program at Brea Congregational Church, which includes luncheons and special classes for those 65 and older. La Roche said he'll be 95 the day after the Brea Birthday party, on Feb. 21. He's lived here seven years, and in California 20 years. Born in Chicago Heights, Ill., "30 miles south of Chicago," he said, "I've been a barber all my life." Married twice, both times to widows, he said, "I've lost track" of the number of his grandchildren. His first wife had two children and this second three. "I hate to tell my age because people don't realize how old I am," he said. “I was born in 1880, so you can figure it out." Mrs. Simonsen is a widow, who has lived in Brea at various times since 1924. She comes from central Iowa. Her husband died several years ago and had worked for Union Oil Co., for 18 years. She has three children, six grandchildren, and a great-granddaughter who is 22 years old so she is anxiously wondering if she will have a great-great-granddaughter, one of these days. [From the Daily Star-Progress, Nov. 8, 1974] SOCIAL SERVICES OPEN HOUSE MARKS OFFICIAL DEDICATION (By Katie Dean) BREA.—The city's social services division opened last June, but Thursday night marked its official opening, and on hand to celebrate, were city officials, members of the community and the complete social services staff including 13 recently hired senior citizens. Mayor Leonard MacKain briefly explained that the social services program comes under a two year county revenue sharing interest shared by the cities of Brea and La Habra. The $750,000 grant was received last March, with Brea's share amounting to $250,000 to be used for hiring a staff employment of senior citizens and implementation of programs. He pointed out that the "responsibility in the area of social services can be best made at the local level." The social services staff, which acts as a liaison between citizens of all ages, the poor and disadvantaged, community leaders and private agencies, has several specific purposes. The staff act as consultants, promote the general well being of citizens and provide counseling, information and referral services. Persons may call for information on low income housing, baby sitting, social security, transportation, illness or accident, crisis situations, mental health and emergencies. The division also maintains a central file of community resources through the social services office, stimulates community action in the areas of health, education and welfare, leisure time activities in the service of recreation, social and cultural events for older Americans, provides a school resources officer to deal with bicycle safety and achieve good relations with students and a community crime prevention officer. Officer Tom Christian of the Brea Police Dept., who serves as the crime prevention officer explained the purpose of the program is to help prevent crimes such as burglary, check forgings, shoplifting and robberies in local businesses and present home security seminars at various homeowner's associations and community organizations. Christian pointed out a major goal is that "in every program presented and every citizen we contact, we want to leave an impression." He added he is not yet satisfied and “won't be satisfied until we have every major crime problem in the community covered. There is a range of opportunities for expansion," he continued, "but we want results not just a lot of action." Christian said he has contacted every merchant in the city on crime prevention in their places of business and has made several presentations of the film "Lady Beware" on women's self-defense. The school resources program, under Police Officer Joe Morris, is an attempt to familiarize students with a uniformed police officer, implement bicycles safety programs, and give class lectures on the criminal justice system, search and seizure, case decisions, etc. Dora Herrick, social service specialist who works with senior citizens explained some of the activities that are sponsored, including arts and crafts, cards, pool, bowling, potlucks and a Senior Citizen Kitchen Band. Mrs. Herrick, who works with Human Services Coordinator Joe Bowley in the social services office, pointed out "we are learning the needs of Brea's citizens." Bowley explained another important part of the social services division is working with public and private agencies that already exist such as ACT (Active Christians Today), the Meals on Wheels Program which provides meals to elderly shut-ins through Brea Community Hospital, the Brea Welfare Council and Brea Neuropsychiatric Hospital. The division also works with county offices in the areas of welfare, mental health and probation. Bowley explained eventually 17 senior citizens will be on board. The Youth Employment Service program (YES) is also getting underway and will provide employment for persons age 14-21 in local businesses and industries. Senior citizens now employed include: Dale Bedwell, Brea Junior High School; Mildred Bernard, Brea Branch Library; Nora Calderwood, Brea Community Center-Arts and Crafts; Tiny Tots, Veronica Carlson and Mavel Priest; ACT office. Thelma Caudill, Social Service Office, Ruth Egbert; Mary Estrada, TLC; Alys Haddox, probation; James Hawley, city business license inspector; Frances Sicard, Mariposa School; Ted Ledbetter, social services centers-YES; Catherine Tsheppe, police department. Two more seniors will come on board next week; Mary Staffan, transportation, and Madeline Gregson, newsletter. [Senior Peoples Press, November 1974] BREA HOSTS SPECIAL MEETING On Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. we are having a special meeting with a speaker from Orange County Transit District to explain our bus routes and free passenger service for people over 65. We hope you will come, ask questions and find out where and when this bus system will help your transportation problems. Refreshments will be served by OCTD and the meeting will be held at the Community Center at the request of the Social Service Division. Be aware of what is available and feel free to express your opinions as to what is needed. Flu clinic will be held on Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Brea Community Center. The first hour will be for persons who are ill or handicapped and need transportation. Please call the Social Services office to make arrangements for transportation. The number is 529-4951, ext. 63, and we will need to make your appointment in advance. From 10 a.m. to noon, the clinic will be open to all over 65 years of age. No appointment is necessary and a donation, not to exceed $1 per person, can offset the cost of Health Department supplies used in this clinic. All older persons should have flu shots unless they are allergic to eggs or feathers. If you are in doubt, contact your doctor for his opinion. We will have a special craft class demonstration from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 22. Mrs. Shirley Coyle will teach us to make a lovely peacock from white styrofoam meat trays and egg cartons. Start saving your supplies now so you will be ready to participate. The peacock can be mounted on velvet background to make a lovely picture for your home or to be used as a gift. Board meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Nov. 20 and all officers and committee chairmen are urged to attend. Note the date change. This is the time and place to review your plans and share the responsibilities of your office in planning and carrying out a worthwhile club program to meet the needs of members. Since you received a complete list of officers and chairmen in last month's Activity Letter, it will not be repeated this month. If you did not receive a letter last month, please contact Doris Herrick for this information. The Social Services office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each weekday at the south side of the Community Center. We are there to help you live a fuller, more meaningful, life. We are hiring both men and women who are 60 or older and on a low income. The positions are in the field of service to others and if you want to see for yourself what seniors can do, attend our open house on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center. This is open to the public. Trips to come: We leave for Las Vegas at 9 a.m. on Nov. 5 for a three day trip by chartered Greyhound. We will stay at the Mint and return on Nov. 7 about 5 p.m. Emma Gramberg, 529-2828, will escort this group. [Senior Peoples Press, August 1974] RICHARD WOLFE, EXCEPTIONAL MEMBER Richard Wolfe was a victim of polio and rheumatic fever at an early age. He was left with a crippled arm and foot as well as severe speech and hearing damage. He attended public school in Pennsylvania for three years before his parents and the family doctor confined him to a home for the mentally retarded. Richard remained there for 30 years. One of the institution's doctors realized that Richard's problems were physical rather than mental and he was released. Since his parents were no longer living, the doctor helped him get a job as a night custodian. He became ill and was taken to a local hospital where tests showed he not only had pneumonia but had severe heart damage. He was not expected to live. His sister, who lives in Brea, invited him to live with her family and helped get the best possible medical care for him. Since his condition made it impossible for him to take part in any activities designed for his own age group, an understanding friend inquired about Senior Citizen activities. He was only 40 at that time but he had a real need of companionship while he was gaining strength to face open heart surgery. His body retained so much fluid that it was an effort to move about. His surgery, performed at St. Vincents Hospital in 1970, was so successful that he was able to go to Hawaii with the Seniors a few months later. His only concern was becoming separated from the group and perhaps not understood by a stranger if he needed to ask questions. When we explained that he could always carry a pencil and paper and write his question, he was ready for his first group trip. Since he had seen so little of the beauty of this world, he was really thrilled. Richard attends most of our Senior Citizens functions and is always ready to help in any way. His years of confinement did not leave him bitter or rob him of his sense of humor. He leads the Pledge of Allegiance at each meeting with pride and dignity. His hearing aid helps him understand us and we know that we can ask him to repeat what we don't understand without embarrassment. He is an avid Pinochle player, using a card shuffler and dealing quickly with one hand. When playing pool, he supports the cue with a bended elbow. His bowling approach is not standard but his ball finds the pins. He sets up folding card tables and chairs each week with his good arm using his leg as ballast. He appeared in our Mock Wedding cast as a bridesmaid wearing a blonde wig and a long dress. He is an asset to our club and a constant reminder to all of us that problems are as big as you allow them to be. OUR PRESIDENT, NELLA DICARIO Margaret DiCario, better known to all of us as "Nella" was born in Steubenville, Ohio but was taken to Italy to live at the age of four months. While there, she had a serious childhood accident which resulted in facial scars and the loss of vision in one eye. Fortunately, she was able to overcome this with her outgoing personality. Nella returned to the United States at the age of eight and entered grammar school where she received excellent grades in spite of a language barrier. Life was not easy for her as her mother preferred to live in Italy and her father lived in Ohio. She spent some time with each parent. She felt that she wasn't pretty but she could do her very best to make others happy. She is the mother of two sons and a daughter and she was determined to give them personal attention as well as financial security. Nella managed a cafe in Steubenville during the night and returned home in time to prepare breakfast and get her family off to school. Her unmarried sister cared for the children during their sleeping hours. This left Nella free to attend special school activities when children could invite their parents. She has been active since joining our club in March 1972. She plays "The Tub" in our Kitchen Band with gusto She acted as hostess for our monthly Bingo games and our weekly card parties. Her favorite expression, "Is everybody happy?" can be heard frequently. Nella is now the proud grandmother of five and getting younger every day. She has a great desire to learn our American Heritage since she feels that she missed much that others take for granted in this country's history. Nella is now doing an excellent job as our new Forever Young Club president. She has nearly 400 members to keep happy. [Daily News Tribune, Aug. 8, 1974] BREA TO HIRE SENIORS BREA. The City of Brea is ready to hire senior citizens from Brea to work part-time in community offices, according to the Social Services Division. On Aug. 14 at 10 a.m. in the Brea Community Center, 500 S. Sievers Ave., the Social Services Division will review criteria for employment of people above the age of 60, with top priority for persons who otherwise would be forced to live below the poverty level. Some of the Brea jobs opening up are with the Youth Employment Service (YES), the Police Department, the Social Services Division, a senior citizens' newsletter and various other jobs. Those persons hired will be permitted to work 20 hours a week at $2 an hour, according to the Social Services Division. This employment program is a result of Brea's Revenue Sharing Grant designed to start and expand programs to help older Americans, the poor and the disadvantaged, SENIOR CITIZEN JOBS OPEN BREA.-At least two positions for senior citizens or older Americans are available in the City of Brea Social Services Division, Community Services Department, Joe Bowley, human services coordinator, said at the recent social services open house. Information can be obtained by phoning 529-4951. Ext. 61. Bowley said presently 15 persons are now working in the program, with two positions have been filled while two others have been approved through a county grant, added to the Brea-La Habra two-year-revenue sharing grant of $757,000. Those already working in the City of Brea are: Dale Bedwell, Brea Junior High; Mildred Bernard, Brea Library; Nora Calderwood, Brea Community Center-arts and crafts; Thelma Caudill, Active Christians Today (ACT) office; Veronica Carlson, and Mabel Priest Tiny Tots; Ruth Egbert, social services office; Mary Estrada TLC-Transportation, Luncheon Counseling; Alys Haddox, probation; James Hawley, city business license inspector, Francis Sicard, Mariposa Elementary School; Ted Ledbetter, social services center Youth Employment Service and Catherine Tsheppe, police department. New workers are Mary Steffen, transportation and Madeline Gregson, newsletter. [October 1974] ACT STAYS FOR SENIOR CITIZENS BREA.-Active Christians Today (ACT) is continuing to offer free services to senior citizens in the community who need or want assistance. Under the direction of Fred Von Voight, ACT set up an office several months ago, at 770 N. Brea Blvd. No. 111. The office is open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 529-6776. Evenings persons may call 529-5653 or 525-8489 anytime. Services offered include transportation to the doctor's office or shopping; home repair work; housecleaning and window washing and lawn and garden care. In addition, ACT helps senior citizens get involved in the Meals on Wheels program or the TLC program at Brea Congregational Church. Both are offered daily, Monday through Friday. Anyone needing assistance or wanting someone to talk with or knowing of someone who does, should contact the ACT office. [Daily Star-Progress, Oct. 2, 1974] CITY SERVICES GROUP PLANS SAFARI TRIP BREA. A trip to Lion Country Safari is being sponsored by the department of community services Oct. 26, at a cost of $2. A bus will leave the community center, 500 S. Sievers, at 1 p.m. and arrive back at approximately 7 p.m. The cost will include transportation, entrance fee and four rides. Registrations are being taken at the Community Center social services office between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Deadline for registration is Oct. 17. For further information contact the department of community services, 529– 4951. [Senior Peoples Press, December 1974] SENIOR CITIZENS OF BREA Christmas is the time for sharing and renewing old friendships. Our December calendar shows many activities planned for you but we need your participation to make the program a success. Our annual New Year's Eve party will be held at 8 p.m. at the Community Center with The Syncopators from Anaheim providing music for your dancing and listening pleasure. The City of Brea will furnish cheese and ham for our late evening buffet dinner. Please bring salads, relish plates or dessert with an appropriate serving utensil. The club will furnish bread and beverages. No alcohol on the premises, please, since we have a wonderful time without it and many of our members are on medication and special diets. You should rest in the afternoon since we plan to see the New Year in and may not leave until 1 a.m. Besides these special holiday events, we will have other regular activities as noted on your calendar. Don't miss out on the fun. The monthly letter will not be routinely mailed to you any more. The City of Brea is trying to curtail expenses and we can all help by picking up our letter |