Fiesta!
By Beverly J. Clark, Publicity Director
The RLACEI’s end-of-summer Fiesta on Sept. 12, was a delightful event for all attendees. Despite some of us who woke up to shaking and rattling from an earthquake centered in Malibu, the weather was cooler, setting the stage for a fantastic day at the Friendship Auditorium, with approximately 160 Retirees joining in the fun. As always, attendees enjoyed mingling with friends, meeting new friends and socializing with other Retirees.
The RLACEI Board, especially Entertainment Chair Vicki Keoseian, beautifully decorated the venue to enhance the festive atmosphere. Retirees enjoyed taking photos with a “fiesta” backdrop and dancing to the lively music provided by the mariachi band, Mariachi Fina Estampa.
The event featured a delicious, boxed meal catered by Mr. Ardi’s Catering, offering a choice of beef tacos, chicken tacos, or cheese quesadillas, accompanied by beans and rice, and churros for dessert.
Guest speakers included Robert Aguirre, Social Media Coordinator for the Los Angeles Federal Credit Union (LAFCU), who expressed gratitude for the members’ continued support, and Noelle Kauffman, Director of Sales for the Employees Club. Noelle updated members on the new relationship between the Club and RLACEI. The previous five-year contract between RLACEI and the Club, which provided RLACEI members with Club Membership at no additional cost, ended in December 2023. But rising costs have necessitated changes. RLACEI’s membership dues remain at $3 per month, while the Club now charges $4 per month (a significant discount for Retirees) for Club membership, which includes the Alive! newspaper, benefits like the Retirees Plaque (for longtime members) and numerous discounts.
RLACEI Membership Director Ann Seales clarified the new relationship with the Club and emphasized that RLACEI is the only organization dedicated to monitoring and protecting Retirees’ pensions. She highlighted the substantial benefits of RLACEI membership.
Over the past year, RLACEI has actively advocated for retirees, addressing the Los Angeles City Council to support the 2.6 percent discretionary COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) and the IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjusted Amount), both of which significantly impact Retirees financially.
After lunch, Retired board director Tom Moutes took over as the master of ceremonies. Attendees had the chance to win prizes provided by RLACEI, the Club, and the Los Angeles Federal Credit Union.
Also enjoying the festivities was Carrie Gabriel, our 102-year-old Retiree who has been featured in Alive! and occasionally writes for the “Carrie’s Corner” section. Carrie is an inspiration to all Retirees.
Special thanks go to each Board Director and the special assistance team, including honorary member Anna Osborne, Nancy Hammoudian’s sisters Barbara and Cathy, Alive! Editor in Chief John Burnes, and American Sign Language Interpreter Natalie Westfall, who assists Retirees needing sign language support.
As always, everyone had a wonderful time.
