What's Happening at the Rancho? |
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Once again, Rancho Volunteers helped us spread the holiday spirit!
While this year we have a lighter-than-usual holiday decorating scheme,
you'll find the vignettes around the Barnyard festive!
Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who helped decorate!
What does this mean for the usual holiday photo bustle?
We always welcome guests to take pictures around the grounds,
but we ask that they leave all large items,
such as tripods and camera bags, in their vehicles.
This year, due to the pandemic, we are NOT able to accommodate any Professional/Special Event photography.
This includes any large group or family photos, portraits, birthdays, graduations, engagements, wedding portraits, or formal or dance portraits.
Please politely let guests know our site etiquette and photography policies, and recommend visitors taking casual photos onsite "tag" and "like" us on social media.
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We are pleased to welcome another handful of new volunteers
at our virtual New Volunteer Welcome and Orientation Zoom
on Saturday 11/14!
We'll be connecting these Provisional Volunteers with Daily Leads
to help them get acquainted and oriented to volunteering with us.
Be sure to say hello to the new faces when you see them!
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Staying Safe During COVID-19
As rates of infection continue to increase nationally, the Rancho is keeping track of local regulations. Our utmost commitment is to the health and safety of our volunteers, staff, and community.
We have continued to stay safely open thanks to the support and diligence of our volunteers, and at this time, we expect to continue offering self-guided tours through our outdoor areas. We will continue to keep our visitor numbers below the mandated capacity and will update you if these numbers or our operations change.
We appreciate your ongoing efforts to meet the requirements for staying open, including:
- Face coverings must completely cover the nose and mouth at all times. Moving forward, face shields may be used in addition to, but not instead of masks.
- Maintain physical distance of 6 feet or more between you and anyone else onsite, including other volunteers, staff, and visitors.
- Frequent handwashing and sanitizing routines. We are continuing to frequently sanitize high-touch surfaces. You may request a refill for your personal-sized sanitizer bottle from Duane or Merinelle in the office.
- Conduct a self-check at home and cancel your shifts if you have any symptoms.
If you need to contact the Rancho to cancel a shift for any reason,
Thank you for your continued support!
(Below) The decorating volunteers did a fine job keeping their distance at
either end of long, festive garlands!
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Volunteer Shirt Order Time!
Many volunteers have asked about ordering shirts, and we're happy to help!
Turnaround is approximately 2-3 weeks.
We also have men's and women's polo shirts in stock for $26.
Please email Ambyr with your size preference.
Checks can be made to Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation.
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Virtual Holiday VSC Zoom Meeting
Saturday, December 19, 9:30 am*
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Because we couldn't enjoy an in-person volunteer appreciation event this year,
we have scheduled something very special for our December VSC meeting.
It's one small way we can say thank you.
Please join your volunteer family for a special holiday Zoom meeting, including a customized tour with the Bowers Museum. We will enjoy some quality time at the beginning of the meeting- as always- followed by a virtual tour of
California Legacies.
*Please email Ambyr or use
*RSVP is required to receive the Zoom link.
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Container Plant Caretakers
We are still seeking volunteers to help water and maintain the Rancho's many potted plants.
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(left) Volunteers working together to develop engaging virtual school tours. |
Virtual Tour Camera Volunteer
Join our school programs team as a Camera Volunteer (onsite)
and help engage local students during Footprints on the Land Virtual Visits.
You don't need Docent Training but you should be comfortable with technology
or willing to learn.
Thursday & Friday mornings weekly.
Volunteers will attend a training session before filming a live virtual field trip.
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(left) Jesse Herrera, RLA Horticulture Staff, instructs volunteer Nancy Nash on the proper way to prune the historic geraniums near the Parking Lot. |
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Looking for more ways to share your dedication to the Rancho?
Consider becoming a VSC Steering Committee Member!
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Joining the Steering Committee is a fun opportunity to learn and create new ways to support the Rancho's mission and vision, and engage our Volunteers and the public.
If you're interested in learning more about becoming a Service Area Representative, contact any of the Service Area Representatives, or Ambyr or Katie.
VSC Steering Committee Members work within a set of VSC Guidelines, and serve as leaders in our volunteer community for up to two 2-year terms. We are currently seeking several Service Area Representatives and will be seeking more volunteer leaders in 2021. Current Reps will help with the transition and "on the job" training.
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HOLIDAY UPDATE!
'Tis the season to be jolly!
Holiday Open House: postponed until 2021
Monday, November 30:
Book Club
Saturday, December 12:
Cool Crafts for the Holidays
- Volunteers needed 9:45-1 or 1-4:15 *
Saturday, December 19:
Virtual VSC Zoom Meeting
- Join your volunteer family for a special holiday Zoom meeting. *
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Join our Book Club!
Christmas Eve at RLA by Katharine Bixby Hotchkis
Monday, November 30
10:00 am on Zoom
All are welcome to join the RLA Reading Group led by docents Roberta Rogoff and Patrick Coil on Zoom. Please email Roberta at rrrogoff@yahoo.com for a copy of the book and to join the fun!
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November 26 & 27: RLA Closed For Thanksgiving. Have a safe & wonderful holiday!
November 30: Shirt Orders Due
December 21: RLA Closes for the Winter. Some staff and volunteers may continue to work during this time, but the Rancho will be closed to the public. Happy New Year!
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If you need to cancel your scheduled volunteer shift or have an urgent matter,
please contact the Rancho Office or Duane.
Please reach out to Ambyr or Katie with volunteer scheduling or activities inquiries.
If you have livestock questions or concerns, you may contact
the Ranch Office, Ambyr or Katie, or
Livestock and Grounds Manager, Karen Thompson.
Thank you for being our most valued resource!
RLA Office (Mon-Fri, 9-5): (562) 431-3541
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