Health Expo II Promotes a Healthy Future

On Saturday, March 31st, CLVFF was pleased to partner again with Los Robes Hospital and provide the second Health Expo for the Conejo/Las Virgenes community. Over 300 participants attended the event, which this year included, low cost full blood panel screening and other health related tests performed by Los Robles Hospital.

Los Robles Hospital V.P. of Marketing, Kris Carraway-Bowman expressed appreciation to the Foundation for putting on the event: “We thank you for including us in this very important outreach.” Board Trustee and Event Co-chair, Louis Celaya stressed the importance of the Expo to the community. “Understanding the importance of a healthy life style is crucial for all, as the long term effects benefit our future. The Foundation was pleased we could bring this to share with the Conejo/Las Virgenes Community."

This year’s focus was on weight control and it relation to chronic diseases, and attendees were treated to talks from renowned physicians on heart health and how excess weight affects the body. A nutritionist also provided an afternoon session on how to eat to stay trimmed. In addition to the speaking topics, for the second year the Rotary Club of Calabasas held blood drive which was well attended. The Rotary was able to collect 42 pints of blood. Each pint of blood can save up to 3 lives.


In addition, 124 attendees took advantage of blood panel screening tests provided on site by Los Robles Hospital. CLVFF Director Karen Malatesta described it as “Los Robles bringing the medical services to the people instead of them having to bring themselves to the services.”

The Foundation was pleased to have 37 exhibitors at the event that provided a wealth of health related products and services available for attendees. For the second year, the foundation was fortunate to host the event at the Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center, who graciously opened up their facility to the event. All event attendees had full access to the facility and classes available at no cost.

The Foundation wishes to thanks our sponsors for this years’ Expo: Los Robles Hospital, Agoura Hills Calabasas Community Center, Acorn Newspapers, Agoura Hills Senior Retreat, and Pain Management and Injury Relief Medical Center. Without these generous sponsors, this event is not possible! Thank you again for your continued support.

Agoura Animal Shelter Plays Host to Youth Congress Leadership Students

On March 21st, the Youth Congress Leadership students went to the Agoura Animal Shelter, where they learned about the various functions of the shelter and the various volunteer opportunities. First, the students went on a tour around the shelter, starting with the Spay and Neuter Center. Led by Animal Control Officer, Kelly Miller and Sergeant Chris Childs, the students were able to learn about what a daily routine in the center looked like. Furthermore, the students were able to spend time with the numerous adoption-waiting animals at the center, including dogs, cats, bunnies, two roosters, a duck, and even a horse. Finally, students were informed of the various volunteer opportunities offered at the shelter. Students who had an affinity towards animals and a desire to care for and tend for abandoned or stray animals were encouraged to apply. The student volunteers at the shelter expressed their happiness in helping out. For more information on the shelter, volunteer opportunities, or ways to adopt a pet, visit http://animalcare.lacounty.gov/.
         Brian Chang

A Big Thank You to Our Health Expo Sponsors:

Los Robles Hospital

Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center

The Acorn Newspapers

Agoura Hills Senior Retreat

Pain Management and Injury Relief Medical Center

Community Health Expo II, March 31

Youth Congress Leadership Students Visit Calabasas Parks and Recreation Program

The Youth Congress Leadership Program visited the 30,000 square foot Agoura Hills / Calabasas Community Center on Wednesday, March 7th. The only joint venture Community Center, it offers numerous recreational, cultural, and educational programs to meet the needs of local residents. We were first shown the center itself and then went on a bus tour of several parks in Calabasas. Director of Community Services, Jeff Rubin, and his staff gave us such interesting information and answered all of our questions. The first stop was Juan Bautista de Anza Park, which features a conference room, 3 playgrounds, and a lighted multi-use game court. Mr. Rubin took pride in the fact that the park is always in great condition – broken nets are constantly replaced and courts are kept clean. We then visited the Bark Park for dogs. It, too, is tailored to the needs of both owner and dog and is always maintained to perfection. Our next stop: Gates Canyon Park, also known as Brandon’s Village. This park was specifically designed to provide play opportunities for both able-bodied children and children with disabilities. 70% of the utilities are accessible to children in wheelchairs, so they can engage alongside their siblings and other children. Mr. Rubin’s intern also presented to us the many opportunities for youth, including but not limited to the Teen Activities Council and the Teen Court. We finished the tour with delicious root-beer-float refreshments at the Tennis & Swim Center. Mr. Rubin hoped to change our opinions on community services and recreation – and he did just that.
                 Jane Chen

Leadership Youth Enjoy Root Beer Floats

Photos by Aakash Jha

Regional Art Museum Fund Raiser

www.westlakejuniors.org

Los Robles Hospital Gives Youth Congress Leadership Group a "Hands-on" Experience

This week students visited Los Robles Hospital in order to learn more about the way the hospital runs, including various different areas within the hospital. The three featured departments were radiology, ER (Emergency Room), and surgery. During the radiology session, students were able to take a look at various different x-rays, CAT scans, and MRIs in order to determine various incidents that the hospital regularly encounters. During the ER session, students learned about the challenges of keeping order and efficiency in the hospital amidst the chaos and constantly increasing number of patients. Finally, during the surgery unit, students were able to use various surgical tools in a hands-on experience, where they realized the enormous challenges of operating with such miniature and intricate tools.
                      Brian Chang

Students Get First Hand Look at Surgical Tools