A. Member Updates:

1. Patsy Harbicht is now home from surgery, recovering from appendicitis.

2. Mary Milefchik is home from going back and forth to the City of Hope.

B. Ongoing Events:

1. Daniel Yohannes announced a collection for a family in need. The family consists of a single mother with two special needs children (both boys) and an infant. The oldest suffers from cerebral palsy and is a kindergartner at one of our elementary schools. His sibling is in an AUSD preschool class. The family definitely needs clothes, some of which have already been obtained from school (Operation School Bell, and the Bargain Box). In particular, the older boy needs long socks to cover his knee braces, etc. We will learn more next week from the teachers who are in communication with the mother. Gift cards for food would also be appreciated.

2. Jim Rider announced a book drive for the Ferguson (Mo.) Public Library. Books are being collected.

C. Christmas Gifts (checks in appreciation awarded by President Michael Ojeda ):

1. Our Embassy Suites Servers (Carlos and Vicky);

2. Our piano player (David Knight);

3. Our Club Administrator (Sandra Caldero).

D. Teachers of the Year (announced by Daniel Yohannes)

1. Camino Grove Elementary: Mrs. Lynn Scarbrough (introduced by her Principal, Danae Papovich).

Lynn teaches First Grade. Her undergraduate degree was from Cal Poly, Pomona and her master’s degree in education from University of La Verne. Her previous assignments with AUSD or other districts include first grade (32 years), kindergarten (2 years), and second grade (1 year). In addition to her classroom instruction she has served on the Math Committee, as BTSA provider, Master Teacher, as Camino Grove’s first Lite Tech, as Grade School Chair, as Informal tech coach for her colleagues, as Choir Assistant and as Grade Level Music Director. Her favorite classroom assignments are Science (space), Math, Art, Music, and Computers. She has received the following recognitions and awards: AEF grants (6), JBA grant (trip to Japan), Smart Valley PC Day 2 Grant (5 computers), Foothill Federal Credit Union grants (3), Space Camp grant (Pam Baltz Foundation), Rotary Mini Grant (2), Chrome Books in the Classroom grant. Lynn chose teaching as a career because of her love for sharing information and helping others become independent learners. Nothing pleases her more than to see a child take what they have learned, apply it, and want to learn more as a result. As a result of going to Space Camp she gives lessons to first graders about such space disasters as the Apollo 1 fire, Challenger explosion, Columbia explosion. She is also an annual presenter for First Grade Community Day where she explains which subjects help students to obtain employment in the space industry. Lynn’s family includes her husband (Dan), her stepsons (Kevin and Jeff), her daughter-in-law (Michelle), and her granddaughter (Paige).

2. Longley Way Elementary School: Ms. Heidi Graham (introduced by her Principal, Travis Long).

Heidi acquired her bachelor-of-arts degree in Media and Theater Arts from Montana State University and her master-of-arts degree in Early Childhood Special Education from California State University in Dominguez Hills. In addition to classroom instruction she serves on the Social Committee. Her favorite classroom projects include “messy” art projects and learning about themes through stories, movement and art. She helps her students learn social skills through structured play opportunities. Heidi loves teaching special education. She was drawn to the field of early childhood education because of the importance of building a strong foundation for students to grow upon. Early intervention is critical for students with special needs and there is nothing more rewarding than seeing the progress in her students. Each new skill a student learns is an achievement to be celebrated. “There are no small successes.” The autism program of the Arcadia Unified School District is now in its fourth year. Currently it consists of two autism specific special day classes at Longley Way. The AUSD’s dedicated team of multidisciplinary professionals works together to provide the Arcadia students and families affected by autism with support and services they need to thrive as members of the school community. Heidi’s fiancé is Sean Morris.

E. Arcadia High School Students of the Month (announced by Aaron Rose):

1. Athletics: Alexis Resch (17).

“Lexi” has participated in volleyball for the past four years. She has been the Pacific League most valuable player (3 times), the all-CIF most valuable player (3 times), and has been on the Pasadena Star News all-area team twice. She participates in the AHS Cure for Cancer Club, the Red Cross (Monrovia), and Holy Angels Church (Arcadia). For the past seven years she has been a volleyball player and at age 13 her team won the national championships. She also likes hiking. She plans to attend U.C. Santa Barbara, majoring in nursing so that she can become a psychiatric nurse. “Lexi”’s parents are Monte and Amy Resch. Her previous schools were Holly Avenue Elementary and First Avenue Middle School.

2. Performing Arts: Sabrina Banos (17).

Sabrina is the dance captain of the AHS Orchesis Dance Company. Along with a friend, she also participates (as co-presidents) in Habitat for Humanity. Her hobbies include Dance and Art (drawing and painting). When she is in college she expects to major in biological science. Sabrina’s parents are Jennifer and Emilio Banos. Her previous schools were Camino Grove Elementary and Dana Middle School.

3. Academics: Ryan Chavez (17).

Ryan has a 4.0 GPA. He participates in Future Business Leaders of America and the Cultural Percussion Club. In the AHS Band, he is the Tuba Section Leader, and in his sophomore and junior years served as a Representative in Band Government. His school activities include the Constitution Team, the Marching Band, the Pep Band, the Jazz Band, the Symphony Orchestra, and the Concert Band. Ryan’s community activities include serving as President and as a former parliamentarian of Arcadia Assisteens. He also volunteers for the California Philharmonic and with the Amigos de Los Rios. In addition he has attended the RYLA conference. His hobbies include the bass guitar, reading and spike ball. He hopes to attend Stanford University or Pomona College majoring in history and political science. In the future, Ryan wants to become an attorney. Ryan’s parents are Leigh and Claudio Chavez. His previous schools are Highland Oaks Elementary School and Foothills Middle School.