The City of Sierra Madre Community Services Department and the Senior Community Commission are happy to announce that Joan Crow has been selected as the Older American of the Year for Sierra Madre.

The 2013 Mount Wilson Trail Race marks the 105th anniversary and 47th running of the 2nd oldest trail race in California! The sold-out race will take off Saturday, May 25 at 7:30 am. If you are not running the race there is still plenty to enjoy in Kersting Court including vendor booths, the Beer Garden, MWTR souvenirs and the Kids’ Fun Run.

The Fishing Frenzy is about to begin in Sierra Madre!
The annual Huck Finn Fishing Derby and Campout will be here before you know it: Friday, April 5 – Sunday, April 7. The weekend long event is held at the Sierra Madre Settling Ponds next to Dapper Field and behind the Public Works Yard. The event is sponsored by the City of Sierra Madre Community Services Department, Sierra Madre Civic Club and the Sierra Madre Kiwanis Club.

On Saturday, October 20, 2012 the City of Sierra Madre hosted the Oktoberfest Golf and Tennis Tournament which benefited Sierra Madre Community Service programs. Although the wet weather made playing conditions less than ideal for tennis and golf players, everyone still had a fun time!

The 2012 Halloween Window Painting Contest took place this past weekend on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27. 30 teams competed in 4 different age groups with 90 youth participating this year! Awards were given to the top three finishers in each age category.

At the Senior Center, city residents can receive fellowship, services, and activities which enhance their involvement in and with the community. Daily lunches are served at the center. Recreational opportunities include arts, computer education, gardening, physical fitness activities, health screenings, and educational opportunities. Special luncheons, and entertainment are part of the program, and day trips, tours, are also coordinated for senior citizen participation. The center offers workshops and meetings to discuss a number of issues pertinent to seniors in our community. The Social Services component addresses senior benefits, insurance, housing, financial and legal matters, employment, health care, to name a few. Transportation to the center can be arranged for a senior who needs assistance. Call the Senior Center, at 626-355-7394 if you have questions.

Prepare for a Medical Emergency - File of Life Packets Available

Medical emergencies are almost always stressful for the patient and everyone in the patient’s household. The time to assemble important medical information is before the medical emergency occurs rather than during the actual medical crisis. Medical information assembled in a period of calm is likely to be more accurate and more thorough than information assembled in a moment of crisis.

The File of Life program enables Sierra Madre residents to compile important medical information into one complete packet and make it available to the local paramedics in case of a medical emergency. The information is stored in a plastic envelope in the resident’s refrigerator, and a decal on the resident’s front window alerts EMS personnel that the information is available on the premises.

File of Life Packets, made possible by the Senior Community Commission, can be obtained free of charge at the Hart Park House Senior Center or Sierra Madre Fire Department. Instructions for completing the packet will be provided upon pick up. For more information, please call the Hart Park House Senior Center at 626.355.7394.

Senior Moments Newsletters available for viewing online:

The Community Services Department offers recreation programs for families and patrons of all ages. Annual programs include: Healthy Family Fun, Excursions, Family Movie Fridays, Summer Fun in the Park, and Concerts in the Park.

Healthy Family Fun
The Community Services Department and Community Services Commission host activities that promote our “Get Out and Get Active” program.  Many of these activities are held in conjunction with a special event such as Huck Finn Fishing Derby and Campout, Mount Wilson Trail Race and Kids Fun Run, Oktoberfest.  In addition, Walk with the Mayor will take place the first Saturday of each month and a Historic Bike Ride is to be scheduled in November.

Family Movie Fridays
Occurring each spring, movies are shown in Kersting Court on Friday evening beginning in May. Movies are displayed on a large outdoor screen. Families are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets and food is available from local restaurant and merchants. Movies begin at 7:45pm or when darkness permits.

Summer Fun in the Park
Summer Fun in the Park offers craft based activities and a fitness program on Tuesdays and Thursdays in July and August. Tuesday activities are craft based and may include education presentation. Thursday activities are fitness based programming provided by Competitive Athletic Training Zone (CATZ). Youth of all ages are welcome and the Summer Fun in the Park program is always free.
Location: Memorial Park, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Times: 9:30am-10:30am, Tuesday and Thursday

Concerts in the Park
Concerts are held at Memorial Park on eight consecutive Sundays starting in July. Each concert is sponsored by a local community group and is presented at no cost. Seating is on the green on the lawn in front of the Memorial Park Bandshell. Food and beverages may be provided by the sponsor of each concert. Please note that alcohol is prohibited.
Location: Memorial Park Bandshell, 222 W. Sierra Madre Blvd.
Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

Join the Community Services Department for its annual Whale Watching excursion on Saturday, March 2, 2013. Enjoy a two and a half hour narrated tour by Aquarium of the Pacific staff, charter boat with a two level viewing deck, and transportation to and from Long Beach. Snacks are available for purchase on the boat, or lunches can be brought aboard. For more information call 626-355-5278.

PASADENA YMCA SUMMER PROGRAMS IN SIERRA MADRE

SUMMER DAY CAMP

Pasadena Unified School District Calendar

Kindergarten – 10 years

During the winter, spring and summer breaks the Sierra Madre and Norma Coombs YMCA Child Care programs transform into a full day program for your child. Activities vary throughout the day and week based on themes and weekly field trips.

Times: Monday through Friday, 7:00 am - 6:00 pm

SUMMER TEEN CAMP - AGES 11 – 17

Teen Camp runs the gamut from rambunctious fun to reflective conversations lead by an energetic, caring team of staff, providing teens with the building blocks to thrive and be successful while having incredible experiences.

Times: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday

For more information on YMCA programs, call 626-355-5261 or visit www.ymcala.org/pasadena

All YMCA Programs meet at the Community Recreation Center located at: 611 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre, CA 91024.