Betty Harris farewell

Betty Harris, husband Dick, and son Rich are relocating to Billings, Montana, to live closer to son Jim and his family. A farewell celebration for Betty will take place on Monday evening, March 10, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., in Jordan Hall of the Church of the Good Shepherd, 400 W. Duarte Rd., (SW corner of Duarte Rd. and Holly Ave.), Arcadia. Light refreshments will be served. This special evening offers an opportunity for friends and families to express their appreciation and affection for all that Betty has done for the Arcadia community and for them personally.

Betty Harris (l) receives the national AAUW’s certificate for fifty years of membership from Alice Halberstadt.

Betty Harris has a long history of community involvement. She was coordinator of Senior Activities for the City of Arcadia for 20 years (1969-1989). Thanks to Betty, the Arcadia Community Center’s Senior Citizen Services became the reality that it still is. Because of her, residents of Arcadia and elsewhere continue to enjoy exercise classes, trips with the Arcadia Travelers, a seniors’ volunteer program, bridge and other games, and many other senior activities all publicized in “The Connection,” a monthly newsletter from the center.

Betty Harris has also touched other organizations with her wisdom and leadership. As a member of the Arcadia Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she has served as president and in other offices as well. She was honored with Arcadia AAUW’s Woman of Achievement award in 1990. A more recent contribution to the community was her service as co-coordinator of the English Conversation Class that was co-sponsored by Arcadia AAUW and the Arcadia Public Library. The students truly loved and admired Betty. Always civic-minded, Betty was active in other organizations, such as League of Women Voters and as an advocate for NAMI (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill-SGV Chapter).

There is much more to be said about this fine woman and the selfless contributions she has made to her community. That is why the Arcadia Branch of AAUW and the English Conversation Class from the Arcadia Library are hosting an evening of tributes to Betty Harris on March 10. Those wishing to attend may respond to Winnie Ng by email at: lauyunchu@yahoo.com before March 4. Those who would like to give an oral tribute to Betty at the party should mention that in their reply. A check for Party Donation ($5) and for Gift Donation (optional) should be made payable in one check to: Winnie Ng, 150 Laurel Avenue, Arcadia, CA 91007.

We shall all miss Betty Harris–the lovely silver-haired lady with the ready smile, the calm presence, and the precise word. Betty promises that she will have a contact list and will keep in touch with her California friends. Betty, Dick, and Rich will be leaving a warm state and relocating to a cold state, but they are assured of a warm welcome from their Montana family. Betty plans to stay active in AAUW, and Dick, Rich, and Jim are already planning to go fishing!