Be sure to visit Village Television’s YouTube channel and browse the thousands of videos from Laguna Woods Village clubs, entertainment events, board meetings, the “This Day” program and important information from VMS CEO Jeff Parker. The work of Village Television’s production team is highlighted in videos such as “Tales in the Woods,” “Good Day OC” and “Español in Laguna Woods,” and the array of the communities’ interest is seen in numerous videos, from the hundreds of clubs and performances.

More videos are added each day!

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Wildfire is scary—particularly when it’s close to home, like the Airport Fire. The best way for OC residents to stay up to date on local fire events is to visit the Orange County Fire Authority at OCFA.org or follow them at x.com/OCFireAuthority. Find additional information about all California wildfires at fire.ca.gov/incidents.

Be sure to enroll in the county’s mass notification system, Alert OC, to receive updates at ocgov.com/about-county/emergency. By registering with AlertOC, time-sensitive messages may be sent to your home, mobile or business phone. Text messages may also be sent to mobile phones and email accounts.

OC Smoke-Related Health Advisory

The OC Health Care Agency (HCA) has issued a health advisory due to smoke drift from local wildfires. The health advisory follows a wildfire smoke advisory for parts of Southern California from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD), which indicates unhealthy air quality for parts of Orange County. The HCA urges individuals in smoke-impacted areas to exercise caution and avoid unnecessary outdoor activity.
“Individuals with heart and respiratory diseases, older adults, children and pregnant women are among those who can be most directly affected by smoke exposure,” said County Health Officer Dr. Regina Chinsio-Kwong. “Air pollution levels from the fire can change rapidly, depending on weather conditions, so we especially recommend that individuals in these higher-risk groups limit outdoor activity and physical exertion until the situation is over.”

Other recommendations include:

• Keep home windows and doors closed, and use your air conditioner on recirculate mode, if available, to limit the intake of outdoor air and keep your home comfortable.
• Keep your mouth and nasal passageways moist by drinking lots of water to help your body filter out potentially harmful particles in the smoke.
• Contact your health provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue. Those who have not been previously diagnosed with lung or heart disease may begin having problems in smoky conditions.  
• Those with asthma should follow an asthma management plan, making sure to have at least a five-day supply of asthma medication on hand.

For more information on the smoke advisory visit the AQMD website. 

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As part of its ongoing commitment to raising awareness and spreading hope, the OC Health Care Agency (HCA) announces the return of the “Light Up Hope OC” campaign during the month of September for Suicide Prevention Month. The campaign aligns with the statewide “Strive for Zero” initiative, an effort to prevent suicides. The County of Orange will light up county administration buildings in teal and purple, the official colors of suicide prevention.
“Light Up Hope OC shows the county’s commitment to suicide prevention for all and especially for at-risk populations hardest hit by suicide deaths, historically, like veterans, older adults, members of the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant populations,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Donald P. Wagner, Third District, who emphasized that help is available. “If you or someone you know are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 9-8-8, or visit lightuphopeoc.com for resources.”
“Even one suicide is one too many,” said Dr. Veronica Kelley, HCA Director. “Through the ‘Light Up Hope OC’ campaign, as well as the ongoing efforts of the HCA’s Office of Wellness and Suicide Prevention, we are striving for zero suicides in Orange County. We all play a role in preventing suicide. I encourage our OC community to support one another in prioritizing mental wellness and not be afraid to talk about suicide prevention with loved ones who may be struggling.” 

For More Information and Resources

Learn more about the warning signs of suicide or the “Light Up Hope OC” campaign at lightuphopeoc.com.

For immediate assistance or support, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8. For additional resources visit ocnavigator.org or call 855-OC-LINKS.

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On Thursday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m. in the Community Center board room, the United Architectural Control and Standards Committee (ACSC) will discuss potential changes to the mutual’s exterior paint color palette. This is an opportunity to help shape the look and feel of your community, and attendance, participation and feedback are encouraged. 

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This Monday, September 9, at Clubhouse 2, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., celebrate the Village at 60 with entertainment by the Woods Combo, giveaways and the many volunteers and partners who help make our community the special diamond jewel you love. In the Clubhouse 2 ballroom area, enjoy displays and meet representatives from:

• Laguna Woods History Center, Foundation of Laguna Woods, Village Community Fund, Thrive
• GRF, United Mutual, Third Mutual and Mutual No. Fifty (The Towers) boards
• VMS Recreation, Security (with the Disaster Preparedness Task Force), Social Services, Transportation, Landscaping, Media and Communications
• City of Laguna Woods, El Toro Water District, CR&R
• Moulton Museum and Saddleback Emeritus and the Age Well Florence Sylvester Senior Center

MemorialCare, celebrating its 50^th anniversary and longstanding relationship with the Village, will join as party sponsor with free swag and healthy treats, displays, free ice cream, free chair yoga (at 5:15, 5:40 and 6:05 p.m.—and free yoga mats while supplies last) a health insurance/Medicare expert to answer questions and more!

Great Food and Beverage Options

Hot dogs, burgers, chicken wraps, chips and sodas will be available for purchase from 19 Restaurant at the back patio grill, and Killer Tacos food truck will also be on site for additional food purchases (with vegetarian options). The GRF no-host bar will be on site with a signature cocktail and other beverages. No outside alcohol is permitted.

Front and back patio seating at Clubhouse 2 will be limited, so attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs.

Free Shuttle Service

Transportation will provide complimentary shuttle service to and from Clubhouse 7, the Community Center and the employee parking (off Campo Verde) to accommodate Clubhouse 2 parking overflow. Buses will run from 4:30 to 8 p.m.

Village Merch Available for Sale

Recreation will be selling Village merch at its table near the Clubhouse 2 office.

Looking forward to seeing you there!

For more information, email recreation@vmsinc.org.

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