|
A Helping Hand at AdventurePlex:
Meet Julie Stohr, Adventure Assistant
By Kami Danaei, Volunteer Spotlight Writer
For Julie Stohr, volunteering at Beach Cities Health District (BCHD)’s AdventurePlex is a chance to give back to a place that was part of her childhood, while gaining valuable experience working with children. A student at Redondo Union High School, Julie was born and raised in the Beach Cities and enjoys living in Redondo because she feels a strong sense of connection with the people
around her.
Julie chose to volunteer as an Adventure Assistant at AdventurePlex because she remembers visiting the facility when she was younger and wanted to help create that same positive experience for today’s children. As a health and fitness center designed especially for youth, AdventurePlex provides a safe, structured environment where children can challenge themselves physically, mentally and intellectually through a variety of activities.
| | |
Save the Date: Beach Cities Health District Volunteer Recognition Brunch!
Mark your calendars! Our Annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina. We can’t wait to come together to celebrate the incredible contributions of our BCHD volunteers!
A formal invitation with additional details will be coming soon.
Core Value Award nominations are also now open!
Help us recognize an outstanding volunteer who embodies BCHD’s Core Values. Nominations must be submitted by midnight on Monday, September 21.
| | EVENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | | |
It is important for Beach Cities Health District to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources to our residents. Share with friends and family and volunteer together!
Sign-up on the event form to get information about upcoming events.
| | |
A Word from Our Community Partners
Please note that BCHD is not involved with these programs and will not be participating onsite. Should you have any questions, please contact the listed organizations' representatives.
| |
Join the Fiesta Hermosa Volunteer Team!
The Hermosa Beach Chamber is hosting their annual Street Festival and is looking for friendly volunteers to help bring together thousands of community members for a day of music, food, arts, and celebration. Behind every successful festival are the amazing volunteers who make it all possible!
Volunteer with Hermosa Beach Chamber for Fiesta Hermosa
| |
South Bay Parkland Conservancy
If you are interested in volunteering directly with the Conservancy, please check out these opportunities here: South Bay Parkland Conservancy Calendar
Should you have any questions please contact the SBPC directly at info@southbayparks.org.
| | FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | | Are you interested in volunteering (getting back to it or taking the next step to volunteer) with BCHD? See below for what’s currently available and please stay tuned to our newsletters and website as new opportunities arise! If you are or have been a BCHD volunteer or if you have questions, you’re invited to email us at Volunteers@bchd.org. | | |
Volunteer Hours
We are grateful for the 29,607.53 reported hours of BCHD volunteer service in 2025. This number includes groceries shopped for, prescriptions picked up, calls made, visits to our older adult clients, Center for Health & Fitness front desk check-ins, committees met, administrative support, intern projects, gardens kept, and more. Thank you all! We know BCHD volunteers will continue doing remarkable things in 2026.
| | |
January: 2,400.22
February: 1,878.52
March: 2,287.63
April: 2,331.42
May: 2,983.77
June: 1,666.97
July: 2,196.43
Total: 16,422.65
| | |
Volunteer Anniversaries
Thank you to these fabulous volunteers for their years of service! We’re so fortunate to have volunteers who are so committed to making this a healthy beach community! Congrats on your anniversary!
| | |
Linda Donato 23
Mary Drummer 21
Amy Quan 11
Marie Puterbaugh 9
Sarah Jones 3
Amy Wakisaka 2
Leslie Oropeza 2
Debbie Fitch 1
Tamie Hopkins 1
Wendy Hasuike 1
*Official years of service in BCHD system
| | |
2026 One Hundred-Hour Club
We’re excited to introduce a new section in the newsletter recognizing volunteers who have reached (and surpassed!) the 100-hour milestone.
Beyond making a meaningful impact in our community, volunteers who complete 100+ hours of service per year also experience benefits of their own. Research shows that at this level of volunteering, individuals often report greater life satisfaction, stronger social connections and improved physical and cognitive well-being. In other words, giving your time doesn’t just support others, it gives back to you, too!
Congratulations to our 2026 One Hundred-Hour Club members!
Amy Abramson
Alex Barkopoulos
Andrea Hughes
Amy Quan
Benhan Tafla
Claudia Lindwall*
Jean Lucio*
Joan Stolba
Karen Yost-Heck*
Larry Moreau
Linda Badenoch-Abbiss*
Margaret Maxwell*
Marilyn Washington*
Marlis Saunders
Toshi Takehara
*Denotes newly added members.
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH | | |
Well-Being Services
Well-Being Services is wrapping up a successful summer at AdventurePlex and is gearing up for a busy fall! The department is preparing to kick off several programs and initiatives in September targeting our youngest population of children ages 0-11, their families and community.
September also marks the start of the 19th year of LiveWell Kids across our 13 elementary schools in the 3 Beach Cities. LiveWell Kids docent trainings will begin in September, with parent docents delivering the first lessons of the school year at the end of the month. Additionally, the WorkWell program will launch internally at BCHD and with the Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach school districts.
| | |
Well-being Services will continue offering Mindfulness Drop-In sessions and Virtual Happiness Chats and will deliver a QPR Suicide Prevention Training on Wednesday, September 16. Looking ahead to October, Walk and Roll to School Day will return to schools across the Beach Cities. Stay tuned for more information on these upcoming programs and events!
| | |
Meditate for Peace in the South Bay
Meditate for Peace in the South Bay is a free, community meditation gathering hosted by the Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living (RBCSL), taking place the first Saturday of the month. Meditate on peace, loving kindness, and the greater good of the South Bay community.
First Saturdays
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living
907 Knob Hill Ave.,
Redondo Beach, CA. 90277
| | | |
Social Hour with a Beach Cities Health District Social Worker
Are you looking to add a little connection to your week? Join our friendly Social Hour with BCHD Care Managers—an easygoing hour to talk, laugh and share with others in the community. We meet on Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month, and in person on the second Monday of the month at 2 p.m. at the Joslyn Center in Manhattan Beach.
Each session offers a relaxed space to discuss favorite pastimes, books, movies and whatever else sparks conversation. It’s a great opportunity to exchange stories, learn about others’ interests and stay socially engaged. Our team is also available to answer questions about Beach Cities Health District’s programs and services. We’d love to connect with you!
| | |
1st and 3rd Tuesdays (Virtual)
(September 1 & 15)
10 – 11 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014
In-Person - second Monday of the month
(Monday, September 14)
2 - 3 p.m.
Joslyn Center, Sunset Room, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach
| | |
Virtual Mindfulness Drop-In
Take 30 minutes to downshift and practice mindfulness techniques. The guided session will be led by a trained Beach Cities Health District instructor.
First Wednesday of the Month
(September 2)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
| | |
Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat
The Families Connected Parent Chat is a free monthly support group open to all South Bay parents and caregivers. Provided in partnership between BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and Thelma McMillen Center, the Parent Chat offers its participants a confidential and supportive space to share their parenting challenges and successes. Please note that the Parent Chat is not a therapeutic program, but rather a peer-to-peer support group with educational guidance from a mental health professional.
| | | |
Virtual Happiness Chat
This is a casual discussion group with light-hearted activities to spark conversation. Share ideas, tips, resources, jokes, quotes – anything that supports our happiness!
Second Tuesday of the Month
(September 8)
12:30 – 1 p.m.
| | |
Dementia Caregiver Support Groups
Caring for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis can be overwhelming and stressful. Our support groups offer a safe space to address the challenges that come with caring for someone, find support amongst peers who share similar experiences and openly express your feelings around being a caregiver.
MANHATTAN BEACH - please join us Tuesdays (September 8 & 22) at 1:30 p.m. at the Joslyn Community Center, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District's Social Workers in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and Manhattan Beach Older Adults Program.
REDONDO BEACH - Please join us Monday, September 21 at 2 p.m. in the cafe at 514 N. Prospect Ave, Redondo Beach, 90277. Facilitated by Beach Cities Health District’s Care Managers Joy Schmidt, LCSW and Rudy Diaz, ASW. Presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
| | |
Strategic Development Half-Day
Please join Beach Cities Health District's (BCHD) Board of Directors, Strategic Planning Committee and staff for our Strategic Planning Half-Day. The Half-Day brings together BCHD's Board, committees, staff, volunteers, community partners and members of the public to improve decision making, enhance organizational responsiveness, improve performance and strengthen the organization.
BCHD Strategic Development Half-Day
Friday, September 18
8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
AdventurePlex
1701 Marine Ave., Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
Please RSVP by Monday, September 14 to help us organize and plan for breakout groups during the session. Those that will be in attendance will receive a calendar invite.
Note: This is an in-person event that will be streamed for those unable to attend. Viewers streaming the meeting can view the breakout activities and submit their feedback via email at communications@bchd.org.
| |
Hybrid Board of Directors Meeting
Residents are encouraged to attend BCHD Board Meetings either via Zoom or at 514 N. Prospect Avenue on the fourth Wednesday of the month (except Aug. and Dec.). Details about the meeting and agenda can be found online. Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings and may also contact board members directly with questions or comments.
Wednesday, September 23
6 p.m. - Special Meeting
6:30 p.m. - Regular Board meeting
Beach Cities Health District
514 N. Prospect Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA
Lower Level, Beach Cities Room
|
Take Advantage of Free Adult & Pediatric First Aid, CPR/AED Training Sessions
Build lifesaving confidence with CERT’s free, hands‑on training classes. These sessions equip community members with essential first aid and CPR/AED skills to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies—whether at home, at work, or out in the community.
By learning how to act when seconds matter, you can make a meaningful difference for your family, your neighbors, and the greater Beach Cities community. Consider signing up and taking the first step toward becoming a more prepared and empowered resident.
Saturday, October 10
8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Joslyn Center
1601 N. Valley Drive
Manhattan Beach, 90266 Just North of Fire Station #1
There is metered parking available at the Metlox parking lot. Pre-enrollment is required. To secure your seat, please email to Jeanne: 1certtraining@gmail.com with your full name, phone, email and home address.
There is no charge to attend the class but there is a minimum age of 18 years to attend the class.
| | | | |
