Newsletter – March 2020
To All COA Members, Performers, Family Members and Friends of COA Activities!
We understand how the challenges of the last few weeks have affected the lives of our families. We are responding to the COVID-19 virus outbreak by acting in accordance with Federal, State and Local Government Health authorities. We are following their guidelines to protect you and the general health of our community. We have suspended all of our scheduled group activities and will resume as soon as possible. (Food Connection update below)
When the spread of this Virus has been contained and it is safe to gather in social activities again we will begin rescheduling all of our group activities for the fun and pleasure we enjoy together.
On behalf of our Board of Directors we ask for your faith, support, understanding and co-operation during these difficult times in making these adjustments in our lifestyles for the betterment of our Community.
Sincerely,
Steve Bartock,
President – COA Board of Directors
FOOD CONNECTION UPDATE
The Food Connection has settled into our new home thanks to the Baha’i Center of San Clemente. We greatly appreciate the help from everyone who stepped up to make sure the program continued over the past year.
Our Food Connection Leaders Molly and Sylvia are in communication with Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County to follow protocol for safe food distribution relative to updated safety guidelines due to COVID-19. We promise to do our best to keep the program serving seniors at Cottons Point and families we serve every other Monday at the Bahá’ís of San Clemente.
“The need for food is going to go up,” said Jerry Creekpaum, COO of Second Harvest. “And we plan to meet that.”Please email communityoutreachalliancesc@gmail.com to be added to a list for updates and pantry schedule or if you would like to help raise much needed funds for the program.
THRIVE ALIVE BY TERI STEEL
THRIVE ALIVE BY TERI STEEL
“The rise in anxiety over the COVID-19 virus and the repercussions of program cancellations, service disruptions and just the inability to obtain “basic supplies” at the local grocery store has become a secondary concern for many of us in the helping professions.” Leslie Rea-McDonald, MPA Community Services Supervisor, City of Mission Viejo
Here are a few helplines and mental health referral numbers which can be of direct support at this time:
- OC Links – County Information & Referral Services
(855) 625-4657
http://www.ochealthinfo.com/bhs/about/nit/oclinks/
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI)
OC Warm line: (714) 991-6412
- Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
24-hr (800) 662-4357
- 211OC- Information and Referral Line
(888) 600-4357 – 24/7
FREE LUNCH DURING SCHOOL CLOSURE: PLEASE SHARE
Dear CUSD Families,
The Capistrano Unified School District Food & Nutrition Services program will provide an opportunity for families to drive through and pick up free lunch meals for any child 18 and under at four CUSD school sites. Meals will be provided for free regardless of what school they attend or if they receive free, reduced or paid status lunch. Children must be present in the car in order for meals to be provided. Meals will be served between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Monday through Friday starting March 16. This drive through service will take place in the parking lot or bus lane at each participating school. Please stay in your car and meals will be passed through based on the number of children in the car.
Meals will be available at the following schools:
San Juan Elementary: 31642 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
Las Palmas Elementary: 1101 Calle Puente, San Clemente
Hidden Hills Elementary: 25142 Hidden Hills Rd, Laguna Niguel
Marco Forster Middle School: 25601 Camino Del Avion, San Juan Capistrano
This program will be solely for the pickup of meals and meals will not be consumed on site. We encourage families to continue to be proactive in reducing the risk of COVID-19 by not congregating at the school site once meals have been distributed, continue to wash your hands often, sneeze or cough into a tissue and stay at home if you are sick.
Meals will include an entree, fruit, vegetables and milk. Items will be cold foods such as yogurt with granola or frozen entrees with heating instructions on how to heat at home. For special dietary requests, please call 949-234-9503.
Thank you,
Ryan Burris
Chief Communications Officer
Activities at Home by Denise Ferrier, Board Secretary and mom of 3 shared a few activities while kids are out of school.
Bake/Cook as a family. Find a recipe that you have been wanting to try and give everyone a task in the preparation.
Turn on some soothing music that will relax the mind.
Movie Night – Something that is lighthearted.Card Games, Board Games and Puzzles.It is almost Spring.
Plant some flowers. Planting seeds using egg cartons.Take a walk.
There are so many trails throughout South Orange County that would be a fun adventure.
Get outside, but keep distance from others.
Free Online Learning Resources https://www.cato.org/blog/free-online-learning-resources-when-coronavirus-closes-schools
Free Online Virtual Tours to Zoos, Museums and Animal Cameras https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SvIdgTx9djKO6SjyvPDsoGlkgE3iExmi3qh2KRRku_w/preview
Let Us Help You Get Fired UP at Home. Quarantined? Need an Activity while You Stay Home?? We will Put Together a Paint Kit for You and Yours, Curbside Pick Up and Drop Off Available. No Extra Charges or Fees. Let Us Help You Get Fired UP at Home. OPEN Everyday!!! Call the Studio to Make Arrangements: 949-498-3929
Charter and Comcast offer 60 days of free internet service to homes with students
Do you know a student who needs internet access during these school closures? https://abc7.com/6011165/ has more details.
Please Like & Share this information to help our students!
ENTERTAINMENT BY JOANIE ANGELI
“This is a good time to learn a new song to sing or with an instrument.” Joanie
UPCOMING EVENTS
May 1 Open Mic Baha’i Center 7:00-9:00
May 8 Carnival Vista Del Mar 4:00-8:00 (COA Performers/Band 5:30-7:30)
SC Surf Soccer Club Charity Golf Tournament 10:00-8:30 (COA Performer 4:45-6:15)
May 15 A Benefit Performance for COA @ OC Tavern 6:00-9:30 (COA Performer & Band 8:00-9:30)
(flier here) To purchase $10 ticket www.octavern.com
May 29 MV Teen open mic/band Series Mission Viejo Potocki Center for the Arts 5:30-8:30
OUR MUSIC OUTREACH PERFORMERS HAVE BEEN SHOWING UP ALL OVER ORANGE COUNTY.
We truly appreciate the dedication and opportunities COA teens have been given. We understand the need to postpone group gatherings and look forward to the events scheduled for later this year.
COA CLUB ART CONTEST
How do you Stay Above The Influence?
Email coa.teristeel@gmail.com for details
