September 2023

A Perfect Match!

Written by Sue Murray, Volunteer Spotlight Writer 

Meet BCHD front desk volunteer, Marilyn Washington. Marilyn was raised in Beverly Hills and moved to the Beach Cities many years ago when she married. After a career in Accounting and Business Management, she retired during the pandemic. Unready for complete retirement, she started looking for fulfilling roles that suited her skillset and to keep her mind busy. 

“I missed the busy nature of the working day, the people, and the process of going to the office,” explains Marilyn. 

Back in 2012 when Marilyn was still working, she spent six months volunteering for Beach Cities Health District. “I loved the BCHD organization, the staff and the volunteers,” said Marilyn. So, when she retired, she reached out to the team to see if they had any roles that required support. Her timing was spot on, as the BCHD administrative office needed a part-time volunteer; it was a perfect match. 

Marilyn works four hours every Thursday morning at the Del Amo office. She can be found at the front desk, answering phones, greeting visitors, scanning documents and helping out with data entry; taking a lot of pressure away from the full-time staff. 

The administrative team at BCHD, especially Valerie Lee and Denise Luna, love having Marilyn on the administrative volunteer team.Valerie commented, “She's always willing to do whatever it takes to get tasks done and is always up for any challenge thrown her way. Marilyn is flexible when we schedule any changes, which is so helpful to the staff. She brings such a positive vibe to the office, and we love having her smile and laughter brighten our work day!” 

Despite the mornings being packed with tasks, Marilyn says, “Every day our team and the visitors make me laugh. It is so enjoyable, and I look forward to going in every week. My shift is only four hours but I would love to stay longer.” 

When not at BCHD, Marilyn enjoys spending time at home with her daughter and 11-year-old granddaughter, going on walks to the beach, reading books and going to the movies. 

Every person has a different reason for committing their time to volunteering, but for Marilyn it’s the physical and mental rewards, her connection to the community, having a stronger sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging. As Marilyn says, “Because I volunteer alongside like-minded people, I build wonderful friendships and enjoy every hour I’m there.” 

AdventurePlex is Bringing Back Kids Club Memberships! 

This fall, we're bringing back monthly memberships with unlimited play! There's so much fun inside the 16,000 square foot AdventurePlex facility that kids might not want to leave! 

Kids Club Membership* Includes:  

• Access to our 5-level indoor play structure for kids to climb, swing and explore. 
• Access to ToddlerTown--a toddlers-only imaginative play zone where kids can discover The Farm, shop for fresh fruits and vegetables in The Market and cook in The Beach House—designed to make learning healthy habits fun!  
• Kids Club events and inflatable days   
• Two Buddy Passes for Drop-In-Play at joining  

Pricing: 

$49 per month First Child  

$39 per month for each added Sibling  



*All participants must complete a waiver prior to participating. Camp days are not available for Kids Club membership. Refer to the blackout calendar for closure information. Due to AdventurePlex Camp, membership is not available in June, July, and August. Buddy passes are issued annually and valid Sept 2023 – June 2024. Adventureplex reserves the right to add, remove or modify access dates without prior notice. Other restrictions may apply.   

September is National Preparedness Month 

Preparing for a disaster is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones. Whether it's a natural disaster like a hurricane, earthquake, or flood, or a man-made emergency such as a power outage, cyber security breach, or even a pandemic, being prepared can make a significant difference during and after the emergency. 

• National Preparedness Month is a great opportunity to ensure your personal emergency plans are in place in case of a disaster. Create a Family Emergency Plan. This includes identifying meeting places both inside and outside your home, designating an out-of-area contact person who can help coordinate communication among family members and ensuring all family members know the plan and practice it through drills. 
• Build an Emergency Kit. Fill a bag that includes essentials like water, non-perishable food, medications, first aid supplies, a flashlight, batteries, a multi-tool, a radio, personal hygiene items and any of your family's specific needs (e.g., infant supplies, pet supplies). 
• Stay Informed. Find your municipality’s alert system and sign-up at the Ready LA County website.  
• Secure Your Home. Identify potential hazards in and around your home and take steps to mitigate them (e.g., securing heavy furniture, trimming trees, reinforcing windows). Learn how to turn off utilities such as gas, water, and electricity. 
• Prepare Emergency Documents and Keep Cash on Hand. Keep important documents in a waterproof and fireproof container, including identification, insurance policies, medical records, and important contact information. Store some emergency funds in cash, as ATMs and card systems may not be functioning during a disaster. 
• Charge Electronic Devices. Ensure you have fully charged mobile phones and consider having a backup charger or power bank.  
• Plan Evacuation Route. Know your evacuation routes and destinations. Have a plan for transportation, including alternate routes. 
• Practice! Regularly review and update your emergency plan and kit as needed. Even conduct emergency drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do! 

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.

allcove Peer Assistant – High Need

allcove Beach Cities is a place for young people to take a moment of pause and access a range of services. Volunteers (ages 14+) will support allcove staff at the front desk by greeting guests and tenants, providing tours of the facility as needed, and assist with administrative tasks including filing, supply inventory, data entry, pantry restocking, event preparation and more.

Weekly 3-hour shift commitment for at least 6 months is required.

Brain Buddy: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities 

Volunteers (18+) are matched with older adults and/or adults with memory loss and conduct weekly in-home visits to lead structured activities such as art, music, or games, providing socialization and engagement. Weekly 1-1.5 hour shift commitment. 

Errand Volunteer: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities  

Errand Volunteers (18+) are matched with one of our 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.  

Conversation Companion: Support Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities 

Volunteers (18+) are matched with older adults and/or adults with disabilities to visit and engage in socialization activities such as life review, watching movies at home or in the theater, playing card or board games, taking walks, going for lunch, etc. Weekly 1-1.5 hour commitment. 

Administrative Office Front Desk Volunteer 

Our Admin and Community Services departments are looking for volunteers (18+) to help with telephone coverage; front desk screening of staff and visitors; periodic disinfection of shared spaces; mail and package distribution; badge making; supplies inventory; assembling marketing packets; assisting with Help Desk Ticket tasks and projects. A weekly 4-hour shift commitment regularly is required.   

Campus Greeter  

Volunteers (14+) greet all guests who enter the 514 Prospect Avenue building while also providing general support and customer service duties for the full BCHD campus. Duties include greeting guests and tenants, providing information and referrals to the public, walking visitors to/from medical appointments or allcove Beach Cities upon request, maintaining a clean and orderly area and tracking volunteer hours worked. Must be friendly, helpful and able to push wheelchairs and walk around the campus. Weekly 2- or 3-hour shifts required for one year; scheduling available Monday – Saturday.

*Expected commitment for High School students is a semester or over the summer. 

Center for Health & Fitness Front Desk Volunteer 

Are you outgoing and friendly and want to make a difference in your community? Volunteer at the front desk of our Center for Health and Fitness. Volunteers check in and greet members as they arrive at the gym as well as provide additional assistance to front desk staff. Basic computer skills and comfort with speaking on the phone are required. Must be at least 18+ and commit to 2 hours a week. Shift available: Sunday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Event Volunteer Opportunities

It is important for Beach Cities Health District to be out in the community sharing our programs and resources with our residents.  

Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair (Multiple Dates) 

Join BCHD at the Hometown Fair in downtown Manhattan Beach on Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8. This fun family event features arts, crafts, bands, food, games and more. Volunteers will support staff at the BCHD booth handing out program materials and assisting with the Meditation Lounge. Shift times: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 2 - 6 p.m.

A Word From Our Community Partner – South Bay Parkland Conservancy 

If you are interested in volunteering directly with the Conservancy, please check out our opportunities here: https://www.southbayparks.org/volunteer-opportunities (Only Wilderness Park and Hermosa Greenbelt are active right now) 

Additionally, the Conservancy hosts guided Nature Walks in Wilderness Park every month. The sign-up is here:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4ba5a829a7facf8-wilderness15#/ (the next one is Sept 10) 

Please note that BCHD is not involved with these programs and will not be participating onsite. Should you have any questions please contact the SBPC directly at info@southbayparks.org. 

Volunteer Hours



We are grateful for the 18,239 reported hours of BCHD volunteer service in 2022. This number includes calls made, visits to older adult clients, Center for Health & Fitness front desk check-ins, committee meetings, administrative support, grocery deliveries, prescription pick-ups, intern projects, garden maintenance, and more. Thank you for your commitment to help the community! We know BCHD volunteers will continue doing remarkable things in 2023.  

Volunteer Hours to date are:

January: 2,333.42

February: 1,535.42

March: 2,169.42

April: 2,185.33

May: 2,524.53

June: 1,811.25

July: 2,166.75

August 2,284.10

Total: 17,221.97 Hours

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!  

September 

Dee Dee Klute Evans,13 

Karen Brandhorst,11 

Lindley Montoya,10 

Mary Burschinger, 7 

Barbara Skas, 6 

Christina Dier, 6 

Ellen Gilman, 6 

Jo Labor, 6 

Diane Yu, 4 

John McCarthy, 4 

Alan Janson, 3 

Jackie Jedynak, 3 

Paula Dobin, 3 

Eva Aleman, 2 

Lauren Matoska, 2 

Laurie Phan, 1 

Richard Wallace, 1 

Rose Doherty, 1 

Steve Wakisaka, 1 

*Official years of service in BCHD system.

2nd Mondays, In person  

(September 11) 

2 – 3 p.m.  

Manhattan Beach Joslyn Center, Sunset Room  

1601 N Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 

 ---- 

First & Third Tuesday of the Month, Virtual 

(September 19 & October 3) 

10 – 11 a.m. 

Zoom link: https://bchd-org.zoom.us/j/87651635014  

Virtual Families Connected Parent Chat

Second Tuesday of the Month

(September 12)

10 - 11 a.m.

Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87374623578

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. 

 Mental Health First Aid Training 



BCHD will host Mental Health First Aid trainings from the National Council for Mental Health. Similar to CPR training, individuals will learn how to provide support to people experiencing mental health challenges. It is an eight-hour training that requires two hours of pre-work and six hours of in-person instruction. At this training, you'll learn how to assess risk factors, provide initial support and connect individuals to professional resources, when needed.   

Friday, October 13 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)  

Beach Cities Health District  

514 N. Prospect Ave.  

Beach Cities Room, Lower Level  

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

QPR Suicide Prevention Training 



During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, BCHD is hosting a QPR Suicide Prevention training to help individuals recognize warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to Question, Persuade and Refer someone to help. The training is aimed at equipping people with the knowledge and skills necessary to intervene and support someone who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or behaviors.



Learn skills to engage someone in crisis to discuss their distress, provide hope and refer them to someone who can formally assess and intervene.

This will be a 1.5-hour training session (in-Person) open to the community.

Tuesday, September 12 

4 – 5:30 p.m. 

Beach Cities Health District 

514 N. Prospect Ave.  

Lower Level, Beach Cities Room 

Redondo Beach, CA 90277 

Board of Directors Meeting



BCHD holds public board meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month (except August and December). Residents are encouraged to attend board meetings either via Zoom or in BCHD’s Beach Cities Room - Lower Level, 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. You may also contact board members directly with questions or comments, or call 310-374-3426, ext. 8213.

Regular Board Meeting

Wednesday, September 27

6:30 p.m.

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

(October 4)

4 – 4:30 p.m.