They gave back, and people noticed.
The Los Alamitos Museum Association recently recognized four Rossmoor and Los Alamitos residents for their years of volunteering.
At a museum celebration Sept. 23, Diana Hill, Randy Hill and Arnie Fines were named Honored Citizens, and Anita Schommer was named the association's Special Person.
“We try to recognize the behind the scenes person,” said museum President Marilynn Poe. “(The) people in the community that don’t have their picture in the paper … people that are more worker-bee volunteers, day in and day out, no matter what.”
Congrats to all four winners.
Winner biographies
Please note: Biographies are courtesy the Los Alamitos Musuem Association. Biographies have not been changed except for minor edits.
Arnie Fine
The Fine family has lived in the Rossmoor/Los Alamitos community for 29 years. My wife Lynda taught foreign language at Los Alamitos H.S. for 18 years and retired this year. We have two boys who grew up in the community and attended schools in the Los Alamitos school district.
I have been on the Board of Directors of the Youth Center for over 20 years. I strongly believe that our youth needs a safe and fun environment in their formative years. As far as I am concerned the Youth Center successfully serves this purpose. It has proven to be an invaluable safe environment for our children and will continue with its diverse program offerings.
In my tenure on the Board I have served as President on two occasions; chaired the Marketing and Fundraising Committees on multiple occasions; participated in various other Committees during this tenure.
I coached each of my boys in YOUTH SOCCER for their 10 years of play and was Assistant Coach for their Little League teams throughout their playing through the program.
My professional career has been in the Industrial Pipe, Valve and Fitting Industry. I had my own company in Paramount, Ca for nine years, and now I am happily employed by the company to which I sold my company.
As far as I am concerned the Rossmoor/Los Alamitos community is a wonderful community in which to live and raise a family.
We have such dedicated and concerned citizens in our community who want to make a difference, and I like to consider myself one of them.
I am honored to be chosen as a recipient of this award especially for the fact that Marilynn Poe suggested me as a candidate.
I sincerely thank you for considering me.
Sincerely,
Arnie Fine
Diana D. Hill
− Los Alamitos Unified School District –Governing Board Member
− Los Alamitos Educational Foundation – Former President – Facilitated fundraising events totaling $250,000/year, implemented a summer enrichment program that serviced 600 students and raised $70,000, contributing $35,000 to the district.
− Committee for Measure K – Chair - Passed $126M General Obligation Bond by vote of 63%.
− Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee – Former Chair - Oversee and hold the school board and district responsible and accountable for the expenditure of $126M in funds for the repair and modernization of all the district sites.
− Pathways to Independence – Director/Board Member/Mentor – Handle general Board Member responsibilities, coordinate mentors/mentees, doctors and therapists.
− “Taste 4” – Director - Raised over $1.3M for programs at Los Alamitos High School.
− UCLA Football “The Special Team II” – Director – Oversee parent fund drive and coordinate home tailgate events.
− Griffin Football Foundation – Board Member – Raise funds for Los Alamitos High School Griffin football scholarships.
− Griffin Football Booster President – 2005 Season
− LAYB Golf Tournament Chair and Founder – 1995-2004
Awards: PTA: HAS 2001, Golden Oak 2009, HAS PTA Council 2012, Heroes of the Heart: District 2008, LAHS 2008, District 2009
Randy W. Hill
Randy has been a resident of Los Alamitos for over 20 years. He and his wife Diana raised their two sons in the community; both went to Rossmoor then on to Oak and then graduated from Los Al High.
While raising his family in Los Al Randy supported the community in many different ways: President of LAYB, Los Al Football Booster President, Griffin Football Foundation, Board Member CSMP, Heroes of the Heart Award Recipient twice and current President of LAEF (Los Alamitos Education Foundation).
Randy is a Professional real estate broker that enjoys bringing new families into this wonderful community and school district.
As President of LAEF Randy is dedicated to making sure every student has enriching opportunities.
Anita Schommer
(She) been a Board Member at the Los Alamitos Museum for 12 years and during that time has held many positions, President, Vice President, Docent Chairperson, Publicity and researcher for information on the historical homes and sites in Los Alamitos. She is a very hard worker at the Museum. She has recently joined the Board of Directors and is working with St. Isidore Historical Plaza on the Publicity Committee.
