During a recent city council meeting in West Covina, community members gathered to celebrate the remarkable milestone of Eloise Bienvenue's 100th birthday. Eloise, who was born on October 7, 1924, in Campbellsport, Wisconsin, has been a cherished resident of West Covina since 1960. Her family, including her four children and grandchildren, were present to honor her legacy, which includes decades of community service, such as her 48-year involvement with the Saint Christopher's choir and 20 years volunteering at Queen of the Valley Hospital.
Eloise shared her reflections on the growth of West Covina, recalling when the city had a population of just 40,000. The celebration culminated in a heartfelt rendition of \"Happy Birthday,\" led by the city council, followed by the presentation of a certificate of recognition.
The meeting also highlighted November as National Diabetes Month, with a proclamation presented to Tony Song, founder of Diabetes Care Partners. Song emphasized the importance of awareness and prevention of diabetes, a condition affecting approximately 38 million Americans. He urged residents to get tested regularly, especially those with a family history of the disease, and shared resources for assessing diabetes risk.
The dual focus on celebrating a centenarian and raising awareness about diabetes underscored the community's commitment to honoring its history while addressing pressing health issues.