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Lindsay Barnett On Activating Kindness And
Then Passing It On
By Gillian Tarrant, Volunteer Spotlight Writer
South Bay native Lindsay Barnett has lived in many places—New York, Hong Kong, Chile, Australia—but she finds that “there’s just a different quality of life” in the Beach Cities. Here, people greet you on the street and know their neighbors. “It just feels like a real community,” Lindsay says.
Lindsay volunteers as lead of the Kindness Moai, a social group that help community members participate in healthy activities. The group meets twice a month to discuss all things kindness—sharing personal stories, discussing the science of kindness, or meditating on a kinder future.
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RSVP for our Annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch!
Join us for Beach Cities Health District's (BCHD) Annual Volunteer Recognition Brunch on Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 10 a.m. - 12:30p.m. at the Sonesta Redondo Beach & Marina!
We can't wait to come together to celebrate and recognize the incredible contributions of our BCHD volunteers. Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP by Sunday, November 1.
| | FEATURED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES | | |
Holiday Gift Bag Project
Are you looking to give back this holiday season? Get involved with BCHD’s Holiday Gift Bag project—an annual initiative since 1998 that brings connection, comfort, and essential household items to older adults and adults with disabilities across the Beach Cities. Volunteers play a key role in spreading holiday cheer, including assembling gift bags and making home deliveries to residents in BCHD’s Care Management program.
Last year, The Holiday Gift Bag Project served more than 220 older adults and adults with disabilities. We are looking to grow that number this upcoming season and want you to join us! If you would like to participate, please see the links below that provide information on how you can get involved!
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1. Delivery
Volunteer to deliver Holiday Gift Bags to older adults in the Beach Cities this December. Delivering isn’t just about dropping off a gift; it’s about making a connection that brightens someone’s season.
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2. Donate
Your gift of any amount helps fill each Holiday Gift Bag with care and cheer. Give $100 or more by November 29 and your generosity may be recognized on BCHD’s website, in a local newspaper, and in a letter to all gift bag recipients.
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3. Decorate a Holiday Card
Help bring joy to one of our senior clients by decorating a holiday card that will be included in our holiday gift bags
Please see below:
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Select one or multiple of the cards here. Print on 8.5” x 11” paper and fold in half.
- Decorate the outside of the card. Use colored pencils, markers, glitter, etc. (get creative)!
- Write a nice, warm message on the inside of the card. Please refrain from writing about politics and religion. Below are examples that can be used:
- “May your Holidays be filled with sweet and valuable things.”
- “Wishing you a happy and lovable Holiday season!”
- “Have a cheerful Holiday!”
- Remember to sign the card! You can use just a first name, and if you have children assisting it may be nice to include their age as well (e.g., From Christine, Age 5)
- Include an envelope (if available). You may enclose each card in a greeting card envelope which can also be decorated, however, please do not seal the envelope as all cards will be reviewed prior to being placed in the holiday bags. BCHD will provide envelopes to cards that aren’t enclosed in an envelope.
- Return cards to Volunteer Services by Friday, November 27, 2026. This can be done via mail or at our drop off location:
Mail to: Beach Cities Health District
Attn: Alejandra Sierra
1200 Del Amo Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
If mailing, please mail a few days prior to Friday, November 27 to ensure we receive the cards in time.
Drop Off: Beach Cities Health District
1200 Del Amo Street
Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
Please drop off at our front desk, Attn: Alejandra Sierra (Mon-Fri 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)
If you have any additional questions or comments, please contact Alejandra Sierra, Volunteer Engagement Supervisor, at (310) 374 – 3426, ext. 8160 or at alejandra.sierra@bchd.org.
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Additional 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.
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Errand Volunteer: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities – HIGH NEED!
Errand Volunteers (18+) are matched with one of our Community Services Care Management clients and do weekly shopping for basic needs like groceries and prescriptions. Weekly 1-1.5 hour shift commitment for at least 3 months required.
LiveWell Kids Garden Angel
Volunteers (18+) maintain school gardens in Redondo and Hermosa Beach by weeding, watering, planting, and doing other projects on a rotating basis to support programming that promotes healthy eating through hands-on nutrition lessons. This is a physically active role that involves bending, kneeling, light lifting, gardening activities and working outside. Minimum one year commitment and at least two shifts per month on Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday between 9:00am – 12noon.
| | 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.
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A Word from Our Community Partners
Please note that BCHD will not be participating onsite. Should you have any questions, please contact the listed organizations' representatives.
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Volunteer Hours
Our BCHD volunteers continue to make an incredible impact across our programs and community. From supporting older adults and keeping our gardens thriving to assisting at events, programs and behind the scenes, every hour makes a difference. Thank you for continuing to share your time and talents with BCHD!
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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
August: 1,920.17
September: 2,178.17
Total: 20,791.98
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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!
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October
Claudia Lindwall 24
Andrea Hughes 17
Don Luke 11
April Diedrich 6
Heidi Barnett 4
Mark Korsmo 4
Patricia Bellas 4
Paula Steinhoff 4
Tricia Lee 3
Elizabeth Ennis 2
Travis Miller 2
Mauryajit Walia 1
*Official years of service in BCHD system
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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
Alan Janson*
Alex Barkopoulos
Andrea Hughes
Amy Quan
Benhan Tafla
Cheryl Tarango
Claudia Lindwall
Debbie Fitch*
Ellen Gilman
Jackie Jedynak
Jean Lucio
Joan Stolba
Joyce Costa*
Karen Yost-Heck
Larry Moreau
Laurie Bell*
Linda Badenoch-Abbiss
Lindley Montoya
Margaret Maxwell
Marilyn Washington
Marlis Saunders
Michael Hikido
Sonia Georgy*
Steve Wakisaka
Toshi Takehara
*Denotes newly added members.
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING THIS MONTH | | |
Blue Zones Project
Celebrate Blue Zones Project Week, November 1–7, with a variety of activities and opportunities to connect with your community! Join a moai event, participate in an allcove purpose workshop and enjoy special discounts and offers at participating Blue Zones Project Approved restaurants and grocery stores. Together, we're creating healthier, happier communities!
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Join us at a CHF for a Sound Bath!
This guided meditative journey surrounds you with soothing tones from instruments handcrafted in the Himalayan region, each made from a blend of seven sacred metals. The layered vibrations gently “bathe” you in sound, encouraging your nervous system to shift into a state of deep relaxation. As the resonance flows through you, it can help quiet mental chatter, ease stress, and create a spacious sense of calm.
Fridays - October 30
12:30 – 1:25 p.m.
Center for Health & Fitness, Jade Room
514 N. Prospect Ave., 2nd Floor
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
$40 per session
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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!
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1st and 3rd Tuesdays (Virtual)
(November 3 & 17)
10 – 11 a.m.
Zoom Link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014
In-Person - second Monday of the month
(Monday, November 9)
2 - 3 p.m.
Joslyn Center, Sunset Room, 1601 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach
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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
(November 4)
4 – 4:30 p.m.
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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
(November 7)
9 – 9:30 a.m.
Redondo Beach Center for Spiritual Living
907 Knob Hill Ave.,
Redondo Beach, CA. 90277
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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.
REDONDO BEACH - Please join us Mondays, November 9 & 16 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.
MANHATTAN BEACH - please join us Tuesdays, November 10 & 24 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.
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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.
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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
(November 10)
12:30 – 1 p.m.
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The South Bay Dementia Education Consortium Presents - HARD TALKS: The conversations caregiving families avoid —and how to finally have them.
This workshop helps caregiving families recognize their own conflict patterns — from freezing up to shutting down — and build real skills to work through hard conversations instead of avoiding them. Topics include nonviolent communication, active listening, and understanding the neuroscience of fear versus intentional response.
Designed for spouses, adult children, family caregivers, care partners, and aging services professionals, this workshop will help families communicate through conflict with more clarity, confidence, and less avoidance.
Thursday, November 12
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
ZOOM
https://bchd.org/events/
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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, November 18
6:30 p.m. - Regular Board meeting
Beach Cities Health District
514 N. Prospect Ave.
Redondo Beach, CA
Lower Level, Beach Cities Room
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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, December 5
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.
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