TO YOUR HEALTH
Approximately one out of every four Americans suffers with some form of a mental health challenge in his or her lifetime. Since May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, the City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services (Health Department), in partnership with many community organizations, will conduct a “Healthy Mind, Healthy Body” community health and wellness event on Saturday, May 22 from 11am to 2pm at Recreation Park, 4900 E. 7th St. The event, which is open to the public and free of charge, will provide information and resources on maintaining mental health and wellness, as well as featuring health information booths, education, entertainment, resources, outreach, and interactive opportunities. Mental health advocacy, support and anti-stigma information will also be available at this event. 54th District Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, Long Beach First Lady Nancy Foster, and Health Department Director Ronald Arias will provide presentations. Contact Patti LaPlace at patti.laplace@longbeach.gov or (562) 216-1966.
HOW DOES A FAIRY GARDEN GROW?
Long Beach Heritage will conduct a Fairy Garden Workshop Seminar at the Bembridge House, 953 Park Circle, across from Drake Park, on Saturday, May 22 at 12:30pm. Cost is $25, which includes planting mix and sphagnum moss. Master gardener Jan Brider will demonstrate and guide participants in making a fairy garden with succulent plants. Tickets online with PayPal at lbheritage.org or call (562) 493-7019. More info at (562) 433-7771.
LIVING HISTORY
Rancho Los Cerritos, 4600 Virginia Rd., will host a Rancho Spring Festival: A Visit to Old California on Sunday, May 23, from 12:30pm to 4:30pm. Visit “Old California” and explore the legendary life of Mexican rancheros through period music, dance, costume and ranching activities. Children can practice lassoing, make rope, punch tin, fry a tortilla, or try freshly baked cornbread from the horno with hand-churned butter. Festive decorations, including cascarones and papel picado, as well as dance lessons and period music by Los Californios, will provide a taste of the fandango (ranch party). Blacksmiths and leather toolers will demonstrate their skills. Living-history performers, including Father Serra and Lotta Crabtree will entertain throughout the afternoon, and there will be historic skits on traveling west by covered wagon. Guided tours of the historic adobe ranch house will highlight 1844 architectural features. Cost is $5, $3 for children ages 4 to 12. Call (562) 570-1755 or visit rancholoscerritos.org.
ON YOUR FEET
The City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Public Works, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency and the Los Angeles County Public Health Department PLACE Program will conduct a North Long Beach Walk Audit on Tuesday, May 25 from 8am to noon at Houghton Park Community Center, 6301 Myrtle Ave. Community volunteers are needed to: walk with other residents, key leaders, local business owners and staff from City departments to evaluate the streets and physical condition of neighborhoods; identify and prioritize short-term and long-term projects that can improve streets and neighborhoods; help strengthen community, encourage healthy living, and enrich the quality of life. Space is limited. To volunteer for the Walk Audit, RSVP to Shawna Stevens at (562) 570-7901 or shawna.stevens@longbeach.gov.
HEALTH HELP
St. Mary Medical Center is currently providing free to low-cost medical services to seniors at the Long Beach Senior Center. Their care team is dedicated to treating illnesses and promoting healthy lifestyles, education, and preventive care for older adults, and these services are available to men and women over the age of 50, encompassing specialty care in the fields of dentistry, ophthalmology, geriatrics, endocrinology, pulmonary, rheumatology, and podiatry. The clinic also provides free screenings for blood pressure, glucose, cholesterol, body mass index, fall and balance evaluations, and diet. For more information on the services call (562) 570-3500 or visit them at 1150 E 4th St.
