Alison Giglio has been tapped to serve as interim director of the Department of Recreation and Special Events following the departure of Brian Gruner last week. Village Management Services management and staff appreciate Brian’s contributions during his time with the company and wish him the best in his future endeavors. Alison began serving as interim Recreation and Special Events director on Tuesday, September 20. 

Alison holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology/gerontology from California State University, Fullerton, and has more than 20 years of progressive recreation and special event experience, including effectively communicating with elected officials, committees, volunteers, staff and the public; managing facilities; coordinating meaningful and efficient programs for all ages/abilities; and facilitating large-scale special events.

Allison served as director of parks and recreation for the City of Laguna Niguel, where she administered public recreation services and special events, and managed all community service facilities. She has also served the city as its recreation supervisor and recreation coordinator, where she planned and oversaw major special events and recreational programs, and coordinated recreation programs and services for older adults at Sea Country Senior and Community Center.

Many years ago, interest in the aging process sparked a passion in Alison to serve an exceptional and vulnerable population. An internship at the Brea Senior Center flourished into a career in recreation, providing her with the superior skills and experiences necessary to benefit Laguna Woods Village. 

As Alison acclimates to the Village, executive management will work with the boards to chart the course in selecting a permanent Recreation and Special Events director. Please welcome her to VMS.  

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Expand your range of motion, enliven your joint functionality, enhance your brain power and engage your creative spirit, all while having fun in this four-part tap dance workshop with Laura Fremont. The Clubhouse 5 fitness room is the place to be on Wednesdays, October 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. for rhythmic moves, positive feedback, fun and humor. Experience tap for a new level of empowering your life. The four-part workshop will run as follows:

• Session 1 – Drills
• Session 2 – Skills
• Session 3 – Frills
• Session 4 – Thrills

Register at the Clubhouse 5 office or Community Center recreation office. Register soon, as space is limited to 25 students. There is a $20 registration fee.

For more information, call 949-597-4273 or email recreation@vmsinc.org.

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With financial support from the Foundation of Laguna Woods Village, the Laguna Woods Village Social Services Division has begun working with the Optimal Aging Center to create an eight-week Cognitive Behavioral Therapy program to help alleviate feelings of sadness, heaviness, “the blues” and depression.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a short-term, goal-based therapy that has been proven to be effective for treating depression in older adults. This highly-structured form of therapy offers various skills for clients to learn through education, written exercises and home practice assignments in order to enact positive change in their lives. Research has shown that older adults respond well to the structure and the opportunity to learn skills that are taught in CBT. 

If you are interested in therapy services or learning more about this program, please contact Social Services at 949-597-4267.

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The United Laguna Woods Mutual Board of Directors is seeking four members from the community to serve on a temporary Ad Hoc Investment Committee.

The purpose of the ad hoc committee is to:

• Review United’s existing Investment Policy and, if necessary, make recommendations for changes to the board of directors
• Conduct an in-depth analysis of United’s current investment portfolio
• Review and recommend alternative investment options

Community members with experience as an investment advisor or a business manager with investment oversight are encouraged to participate. Those interested in serving United should submit a brief three- to four-sentence email stating their professional background to Erika.Hernandez@vmsinc.org, VMS Financial Services administrative assistant. Candidates selected by the board will be announced soon.

Email submissions are due by Monday, September 26, 2022.

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Enjoy ice cream, fun activities and learn more about the Thrive Group as well as resources available to you through MemorialCare Wednesday, September 28, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Clubhouse 7.

First come, first served, as space is limited. Please RSVP by calling Senior Advocate Jessica at 949-452-3791. Each resident is allowed to bring one Laguna Woods Village neighbor.

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On Thursday, September 29, at Clubhouse 5 at 5 p.m., enjoy all the savory Italian fare you love. Martinez will provide a buffet featuring fresh fruit, Caesar salad, chicken parmesan, beef meatballs with marinara, meat lasagna, zucchini and onions, garlic bread and plain rolls, coffee and hot tea, and tiramisu. 

Tickets, $24 per person, are on sale at the Clubhouse 5 office. 

Call 949-597-4382 or email recreation@vmsinc.org for more information.

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Ronstadt Revival, Southern California’s premier Linda Ronstadt tribute, will bring the legendary artist’s songs to the Village’s own Performing Arts Center/Clubhouse 3 tomorrow at 7 p.m. From her 1970s beginnings with the Stone Poneys to her amazing renditions of songs by beloved songwriters to her 1980s smash album “Mad Love,” Ronstadt Revival will take you on a timeless journey of your favorites, including “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Tracks of My Tears” and more.

Ticket prices range from $20, $25 to $30 and are on sale at tickets.lagunawoodsvillage.com.

Call 949-597-4288 or email recreation@vmsinc.org for more information. 

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Tonight’s Aquadettes Aqua Follies Show has been canceled due to inclement weather. 

Those who purchased tickets to tonight’s canceled show may attend the Saturday show or the newly added Sunday show. No new ticket is required; both shows will take place at Pool 1, with gates opening at 7 p.m. and the show starting at 8 p.m. 

Those who are unable to attend either the Saturday or Sunday show may request a refund. For tickets purchased from the Recreation and Special Events Department, please request a refund at the Recreation office by Friday, September 16. For tickets purchased directly from the Aquadettes, please email or call the club for a refund at theaquadettes@gmail.com or 949-632-4722.

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