National Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 19-25, 2020
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Thank you to our 1,000+ volunteers!
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This week is dedicated to all volunteers who give their time, dedication and support to tackling some of our most pressing health issues in our community. At Beach Cities Health District (BCHD), volunteers remain the backbone of what we do, and we attribute many of the successes of our programs and services to them. They are truly moving the dial forward on health and well-being for
all
who live, work and play in the Beach Cities. To those of you who serve our community through volunteerism, we THANK YOU! It is a privilege to work with each and every one of you.
Please join us in thanking a volunteer this week, and always!
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2019 BCHD Volunteer Impact
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- 61% of BCHD volunteer activity provides direct service to the community
- 1,300 lessons on nutrition, gardens and mindfulness delivered in schools by 500 nutrition and garden docents, reaching 5,000+ students
- 23,000 fruit and vegetable tastings conducted during nutrition lessons
- 17,000+ vegetables and herbs planted
- Volunteers supported and encouraged 2,700 students to walk to school, on 14 different routes around the Beach Cities
- 82 students served on the Youth Advisory Council to raise awareness around mental health and substance use issues
- 249 check-in calls made to older adult clients by Support Line and MoveWell Volunteers
- 290 volunteers helped deliver 250 holiday gift bags to older adults
- Center for Health & Ftiness volunteers greeted and checked in members 174,050 times
- AdventurePlex volunteers assisted staff with 4,258 campers
- 164 lap blankets crocheted for terminally-ill children
- 248 volunteers assisted BCHD at 33 events
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Core Value Award Winners
Congratulations to these volunteers who were nominated and selected as recipients of this year’s BCHD Core Value Awards.
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George Schmeltzer: Integrity
BCHD Livability Committee Volunteer
Former Mayor of Hermosa Beach and 17-year BCHD volunteer George Schmeltzer is a dedicated public servant. He is consistent with his values and serves his community with integrity. As part of BCHD’s Livability Committee, he’s committed to improving community health through positive policy change.
Karen Blanchard: Excellence
Volunteer Advisory Council, Admin, Front Desk & Events Volunteer
Karen Blanchard began volunteering at BCHD’s front desk, but two years and more than 600 volunteer hours later, she’s added a variety of duties to her weekly shifts! Completing administrative projects for Community Services, assisting with the Healthy Minds Initiative, cleaning the storage area, volunteering as an events ambassador and supporting the social workers are just a few of her duties.
Shirley Hutchins: Compassion
Front Desk Volunteer
94-year-old Shirley Hutchins started volunteering with BCHD when the facility was still a hospital. She’s now volunteered for 24 years and doesn’t plan on giving up her shifts at the front desk anytime soon. Her warmth and compassion continue to touch thousands of visitors.
Lydia Johnson: Teen Award
AdventurePlex Volunteer
Anytime AdventurePlex volunteer Lydia Johnson is in the building, she is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she is needed. She carries a positive energy with her, and even during hectic weekends, is a huge asset in ensuring birthday parties and other programs run smoothly.
Francoise Schmutz: Accountability
Support Line Volunteer & Campus Greeter
Francoise Schmutz greets everyone who walks through BCHD's front doors with her timeless smile and a warm hello. Her welcoming presence has become a staple of the campus as well as a blessing for the hundreds of visitors who need help navigating the facilities each year.
Victoria Ivons:
Center for Health & Fitness Volunteer Award
Center for Health & Fitness volunteer Victoria Ivons goes above and beyond to ensure the gym is kept spick and span. The water container is kept full, yoga supplies and exercise equipment are properly organized, there isn’t a speck of dust in sight, and each member is greeted with a bright and cheerful grin.
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Volunteers That Reached 100 Hours of service in 2019!
Did you know that by volunteering two hours a week you can derive the maximum
health benefits from volunteering
such as higher rates of life satisfaction, social connections and longevity? These volunteers do!
We want to recognize our volunteers that have donated more than 100 hours of time in 2019:
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Meri Baskin
Patty Bevis
Gregory Black
Karen Blanchard
Susan Brilliant
John Cable
Virginia Jane Campbell
Teri Cannon
Barbara Carlson
Robert Cashion
Howard Darvey
Marcie Dean
Linda Donato
Sally Doyle
Elizabeth Ebel
Joan Edelmann
Laurie Engelhardt
Kim Fukumoto
Candice Gill
Ellen Gilman
Faye Gipson
Jayne Glodowski
Carol Halfaker
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Dennis Heck
Kathy Herbers
Andrea Hughes
Shirley Hutchins
Victoria Ivons
Joy Jurena
Carolyn Jurk
Karen Kane
Dolores Keeling
Linda Keenan
Leslie Kolczak
Jo Labor
Jackie Leon
Claudia Lindwall
Donna Lombardi
Jean Lucio
Fred Manna
Florence Metcalfe
Teresa Noone
Pat O'Blenes
Andrew Ooms
Colleen Otash
Susan Page
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Jim Parkman
Amy Quan
Marilyn Rafkin
Betty Raulin
Gloria Rezek
Dorothea Rosen
Marlis Saunders
Francoise Schmutz
Kimberly Shaw
Lisa Sheinberg
Stella Simms
Barbara Skas
Kitty Spencer
Mary Ann Stein
Joan Stolba
Toshi Takehara
Sue Therrien
Melba Tovar
Arnette Travis
Elaine Vandermay
Katie Velvin
Barbara York
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Happy Anniversary!
We want to thank those volunteers with BIG anniversaries this past year!
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30th Anniversary: Florence Metcalfe, Campus Greeter
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A heartfelt thank you to Florence Metcalfe who has served the community for
30 years! Her more than 7,000 hours of service have warmed the hearts of thousands at BCHD's front desk.
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25 Year Anniversaries:
Shirley Hutchins
20 Year Anniversaries:
Debbie Hannon
15 Year Anniversaries:
Mary Drummer
Cheryl Tarango
10 Year Anniversaries:
John Cable
Carolyn Jurk
Antoinette Phillips
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5 Year Anniversaries:
Gregory Black
Susan Brilliant
Virginia Jane Campbell
Barbara Carlson
Mary Jo Ford
Denise Fucci
Mardie Heller
Don Luke
Susan Macwilliams
Cory O'Meara
Cathy Mendoza
Marcia Oconnor
Amy Quan
Gina Ruben
Toshi Takehara
Arnette Travis
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Interested in Volunteering?
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Although we are not actively placing new volunteers during COVID-19, we still encourage anyone interested in volunteering to complete an application. We look forward to connecting with you soon. Thank you for your understanding and please take care and be well!
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Recovery
We know residents are eager for things to get back to normal, to go back to the beach and enjoy the sunshine California is known for – but it’s not that time yet. Continue to do your part –
especially by staying home as much as possible
and practicing physical distancing if you must go out – so that we can keep our most vulnerable populations and community safe.
Let’s do it for our friends, essential workers who are staffing our grocery stores and delivering our food, our older neighbors who live down the street. Together, we will make it to the other side.
While we continue to stay the course to slow the spread of COVID-19, we begin to look ahead and start planning for recovery, as a South Bay community.
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The cities want to hear from you!
Redondo Beach Councilmember Laura Emdee's Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 What is the New Normal?
Thursday, April 23
5:30 p.m.
Hermosa Beach COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall
Thursday, April 30
6 - 7:30 p.m.
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COVID-19 Glossary
A library of new terms has entered our vocabulary since the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed earlier this year. Understanding these terms is the first step to understanding the situation and being able to explain it to others.
Brush up on these key terms here.
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- Safer at Home Health Officer Order
- Stay at Home Order
- Social Distancing
- Physical Distancing
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- Cloth Face Covering
- Face Mask
- Self-isolation
- Self-quarantine
- Close Contacts
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COVID-19 Testing at South Bay Galleria
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We have been working with Los Angeles County, the city of Redondo Beach and Providence Little Company of Mary to support COVID-19 testing efforts at the South Bay Galleria in Redondo Beach.
All tests at the South Bay Galleria are free of charge and are by appointment only.
For the general public, testing is currently available only for people with symptoms, such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms can now book a same or next day appointment.
For certain critical frontline workers, testing is available even if you are not experiencing symptoms.
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Top 5 Outdoor Activities to Do this Weekend
Walk, bike or scoot your neighborhood, wave to your neighbors and enjoy our beautiful community.
Walk Your Neighborhood:
Get some fresh air in your neighborhood. Take a walk, jog or ride your beach cruiser.
Start a Home Garden:
Even with a small backyard space or balcony, you can enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. You can also try an
indoor garden project
too.
#ChalkYourWalk!
If you’ve got kids or if you’re a kid at heart, get some sidewalk chalk and inspire neighbors with a creative or inspirational message.
Bird Watching:
Doves, finches, hummingbirds and Mitred Conures (the infamous parrots—you’ve heard them!) can all be found in our neighborhoods.
Kids Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt:
Make a list of things to try to see on your walk—plants, birds, cars, fire hydrants—change the list on every walk! You can also try
our scavenger hunt!
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#LiveWellAtHome With Our Interactive Videos
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Free Virtual Exercise Classes
Offered through BCHD's Center for Health & Fitness
Now
–
April 30
Looking to stay active and healthy from the comfort of your home? The Center for Health & Fitness is now offering FREE virtual exercise classes Monday-Friday during the month of April.
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Virtual Panel Discussion from Memory Care specialists
Free Event
Wednesday, April 29
10
–
11:30 a.m.
Join Always Best Care, OPICA, and the Mary S. Easton Center at UCLA to learn strategies to establish a routine and more.
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Families Connected Speaker Series
Free parent workshop
Thursday, April 30
6:30
–
8 p.m.
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Online Powerful Tools for Caregivers
Free Virtual Course for Family Caregivers
Starting Tuesday, May 5
1
–
2:30 p.m.
An evidence-based, self-care program for family caregivers who are currently involved with providing care to children or adults with chronic conditions.
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Online Families Connected Parent Chat
Free parent support group
Mondays
9:50
–
10:50 a.m.
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Please join BCHD, South Bay Families Connected and Fusion Academy for weekly virtual chats that provide advice and coping strategies via guest speakers as well as offer a forum where parents and caregivers can share and learn from each other.
Join us on
Wednesday, April 29 from 3
–
4 p.m.
Playing Sports with Dr. Chris Koutures, Pediatric and Sports Medicine Specialist
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Mental Health & Happiness Series
Join BCHD for the new Mental Health & Happiness Series! Learn how to boost your well-being through evidence-based practices to build resilience, feel more connected and be happier. Attend one or all four workshops. Register online at
bchd.org/series
.
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Maximize Gratitude
Express appreciation
and savor kindness
Tuesday, May 5
Workshop:
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Discussion:
1:30 - 2 p.m.
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Boost Empathy
Support connection
and shift perspective
Tuesday, May 12
Workshop:
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Discussion:
1:30 - 2 p.m.
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Cultivate Bravery
Embrace opportunities
and manage change
Tuesday, May 19
Workshop:
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Discussion:
1:30 - 2 p.m.
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Reaffirm Purpose
Navigate transitions
and focus on meaning
Tuesday, May 26
Workshop:
12:30 - 1:30 p.m.
Discussion:
1:30 - 2 p.m.
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Need Help with Health Information and Referrals?
If you or someone you know in the Beach Cities needs assistance with errands, health-related information or referrals, please call our Assistance, Information & Referral line at
310-374-3426, ext. 256
, seven days a week, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. You can also visit us online at
bchd.org/resources
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Donate to the Beach Cities COVID-19 Fund
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Donations will provide assistance to vulnerable groups (older adults and adults with underlying health conditions) who are income qualified, with essentials like groceries and household cleaning supplies.
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Add our Facebook frame to your profile picture!
Click here
to update your frame.
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Share your #SaferAtHomeSelfie!
Let us know how you are spending time physical distancing and helping slow the spread of COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Cases in the Beach Cities
As of 4/23/2020
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For more information about COVID-19, visit:
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