The Arcadia Bulletin
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF ARCADIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Volume II, Edition 3
Winter 2022
The Arcadia Bulletin was
Arcadia’s first newspaper
Board of Directors Looks to the Future!
Brighter days are ahead! We, as your Board of Directors have been preparing to recapture the momentum we had prior to the onset of the Coronavirus epidemic.
The Gala Celebration and Awards Dinner, originally scheduled for October 17, 2020, had to be rescheduled for October 2021. That didn’t work out either. Nevertheless, we were confident the pandemic would be over when we set March 26, 2022 as the new date. It added to our disappointment when the Community Center staff advised us that we would have to postpone the Gala once again. After three postponements and a lot of anticipation, we are ready to celebrate in a big way! How about you?
Arcadia Historical Society’s Gala Celebration is now set for Saturday, September 24th at the Community Center, 365 Campus Drive in Arcadia. Please mark your calendars and look for further details in the next Arcadia Bulletin.
Jim Considine, Jr.
A.H.S. PRESIDENT
Per our bylaws, A.H.S. board members are elected to serve three-year terms. Members of your current board were unanimously voted in at the last board meeting on February 28, 2022.
Presently, we are looking to fill a vacant board position to manage our membership database, which takes about 2-3 hours monthly. If interested, please email Jim.Considine@theconsidinegroup.com
Board of Directors 2022-24
PRESIDENT
R.J. (Jim) Considine, Jr.
TREASURER
Rick Seeker
SECRETARY
Yvonne Ng
FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT
Jolene J. Cadenbach
RECORDING SECRETARY
Lee Shimmin
COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Ed Andersen
AMBASSADOR
Bev Street
AT LARGE
Francine Chiu
Gil Stromsoe
Tom Tomkins
Mike Vercillo
A.H.S. Speakers Corner
Arcadia Historical Society has a tradition of providing quality guest speakers to civic organizations, schools and clubs around the San Gabriel Valley. On March 12th at Arcadia Public Library, to honor Women’s History Month, board member Ed Andersen presented “Pioneers in Petticoats, the Early Settler Women of Yosemite.” During the lively video presentation, Ed told fascinating stories of women— several of whom were from the local area—who played a vital role in establishing America’s National Parks.
Ed Andersen with his Yosemite History exhibit at the Library. Sixty people attended the presentation
As part of our continuing efforts to forge mutually beneficial partnerships with local government, civic organizations and neighboring communities, Arcadia Historical Society has created a logo signifying our rich relationship with Arcadia Chinese Association. We feel honored to participate with this fine organization in helping to create a diverse city that we all can be proud of.
A WORD ABOUT OUR PRESIDENT
Robert J. “Jim” Considine, President of Arcadia Historical Society, was born and raised in Arcadia. The son of former Arcadia mayor Bob Considine (1967–68), Jim inherited his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership acumen. For thirty-six years he was employed by Ryder, Stillwell, Incorporated, where he ultimately served as President, CEO, Vice-Chairman and then Chairman. In 1991 he was appointed to the California State University System Board of Trustees, where he held a number of chairs. Jim became a leader in founding three new state universities. He is currently the Managing Director of The Considine Group, LLC, providing a broad spectrum of financial services to high net worth clients.
Jim Considine with “The Gipper”
With all that said, Jim will tell you that the best thing he ever did was to marry his wife Sally. They have been married for almost 66 years and raised three daughters, Katey, Molly, and Meg, all of whom also attended Arcadia schools.
Jim is a graduate of California Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Science degree; and he holds an MBA from the University of Southern California. He also holds an Honorary Doctorate degree from California Polytechnic University.
When you first meet him, you are taken with Jim’s friendliness and unassuming manner. A Google search turned up a photo of Jim with President Ronald Reagan. Turns out Jim established a friendship with Mr. Reagan. If you get the chance, ask him about his private meetings with President Bill Clinton. Jim Considine has been a real asset to the community throughout his life, and we are privileged to serve with him on Arcadia Historical Society’s governing body.
Article by: Ed Andersen
ON THE CALENDAR:
- Coming in 2022: The Spring Garden Party is coming in May, CLICK here for the details. The A.H.S. Annual Meeting and Gala Celebration has been scheduled for Saturday, September 24, 2022 at the Arcadia Community Center. Please mark that date on your calendar.
- “THANK YOU” TO OUR MEMBERS: We are working on other special members-only events to say “thank you” for renewing your membership, or for joining us for the first time.
Here comes Spring . . .
One of the great traditions begun by Arcadia Historical Society has been the wonderful Spring Garden parties held in recent years at the home of Carol Libby. Carol and her hospitality team were there to greet guests with a smile, great food and a time to remember. Although Carol’s passing left a big void on our board of directors, we hope to continue in the tradition of a garden party for our members and friends. Details about this year’s festive gathering in the garden should be arriving in your mail or email soon.
Good News!
Mike Vercillo, A.H.S. board member extraordinaire, is on the mend after some medical problems sidelined him from his usual activities. He is on a temporary leave of absence. Join us in wishing Mike a speedy recovery, so we can put him back to work.
Past board members Char Wong, Carol Libby and Karen Hou pose with A.H.S. Ambassador Bev Street and other smiling guests during one of Carol’s lovely garden parties.
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Founded in 1952, Arcadia Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of Arcadia, California through education, collaboration and community involvement.
Become a member today! For more information, visit us at: arcadiahistoricalsociety.org
