By TR Robertson
Arcadia Place, a Sky Active Living Community, has been a part of the Vista Senior living community for years. Earlier this year they suffered a setback with a broken fire hydrant near the residential building that flooded many of the resident’s rooms as well as the entry and recreational area. Hard work and quick response allowed the affected to return to their rooms within a four-month repair time of the damaged area. On Thursday, the management team of Arcadia Place, members of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, other dignitaries and Arcadia Place residents filled the refurbished recreational room and entry way for a Red Ribbon Celebration for the remodeled space.
Also in attendance for the celebration was Lina Arnold, member Board of Directors, Honor Flight San Diego, who sold raffle tickets for an array of prizes. Some of the businesses and organizations donating gifts for the Raffle included Best Pizza and Brew, Toastmasters, Macaroni Grill, Vista Knoll and Tracy Right at Home. Money raised went to support Honor Flight San Diego which provides Senior Veterans a trip to Washington, D.C., to visit memorials and a salute to Veteran’s service and sacrifice to the United States and its citizens. The memorials they tour include the National WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial, the U.S. Air Force Memorial, the U.S. Navy Memorial, FDR Memorial, MLK Jr. Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and for women veterans the Military Women’s Memorial. Honor Flight San Diego began in 2010 since then has flown 1,900 Veterans to Washington, D.C. Every veteran that attends also has a Guardian assigned to them to assist along the way. Visit www.HonorFlightSanDiego.org for more information or to make donations.
For the Red Ribbon Ceremony at Arcadia Place the sounds of the Native Rascals band provided entertainment for those in attendance before the Red Ribbon cutting. Those in attendance had a chance to wander the remodeled areas, enjoy snacks and drinks and visit with many of the residents. Tim Davis, Executive Director of Arcadia Place for the past 5 years, welcomed everyone to the event and introduced Laura Hankia, the new Celebrations Director. Laura also welcomed the crowd and spoke about the job the workers had done to complete the remodel efforts in a quick and orderly time. Laura then introduced Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce, who spoke about the importance of facilities like Arcadia Place and the quality of work that had been put into the remodel from the damage to the facility. Rachel introduced Jessica Ramirez, from Congressman Mike Levin’s Office, who read a proclamation from the Congressman, congratulating Arcadia Place for providing a viable and important facility for Seniors over the years. Those in attendance were encouraged to join together for a picture and to celebrate the Red Ribbon cutting. Arcadia Place longtime resident Betty Haver was brought forward to cut the Red Ribbon. Betty is 106 years young and remains an active member of the facility and she is a long-time Padres fan. A countdown, the Red Ribbon was cut and all those in attendance were invited to enjoy the food, drink and hospitality of the newly remodeled facility. Upstairs, in the large dining room, Chefs Zayn and Ramon served Roast Turkey Sliders with side of Mashed Potatoes and Brussel Sprouts. Slices of Pecan Pie along with a variety of cookies were also available.
Packets were provided listing the amenities Arcadia Place provides for residents. Some of these include Studio, One- and Two-bedroom apartments complete with Kitchenettes, most Utilities, Cable TV, Housekeeping, Air Conditioning and Pet-friendly spaces. Also provided at Arcadia is a Salon and Barber Shop, a Fitness Center, Media Room, Library, Dog Park, Laundry Room, Game and Activity Rooms, Landscape Butterfly Gardens, BBQ Area, Shuffleboard Court, and Private or Restaurant Style Dining. The staff also provides a variety of games, crafts and social activities. The rest of the management team includes Zayn Michael Culinary Services Director, Omar Mendoza Building Services Director, Lisa Dierking Business Office Director, Kirsten Amodeo Director of Sales and Marketing and Melissa Raven Lead Concierge. Sky Active Living at Arcadia Place is located at 1080 Arcadia Ave., Vista. For more information call 760-945-5555 or go to www.ArcadiaPlaceSeniorLiving.com.
