Briefly In Education

Boys & Girls families compete for spot in national health challenge

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach has added families to the mix in the club’s Healthy Habits program now that more than 200 young people participated over the summer, according to a news release.

The club added a healthy twist to its annual talent show by getting parents and members involved in nutritional trivia and a “Cha Cha Slide” dance competition. Families participated for a chance to enter the Boys & Girls Club of America’s Family Fit Challenge.

If selected, one Laguna family will receive an eight-week kit that outlines weekly activities to increase their overall health and wellness, according to the release. The family will also receive coaching from some of America’s top health and wellness instructors.

At the end of the eight weeks, the Laguna Beach family will take an all expenses paid trip to the finale, where they will meet families from all over the country. The BGCA will pick a winner based on which family did the most to change their overall health and wellness.

The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach offers an array of enrichment programs Monday through Friday, which include a variety of engaging and educational activities for children in grades K-12. The annual membership fee is $150, monthly after school fees at the Main Branch are $55, and daily are $10, according to the release.

For more information, contact Trish Pack at (949) 494-2535 ext. 100 or trishap@bgclaguna.org. For more information regarding Healthy Lifestyles programs or the Family Fit Challenge, contact Program Director Jasa Laliberte at (949) 494-2535 or at JasaL@bgclaguna.org.

*

MOPS extends program to mothers with older children

The Laguna Beach chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) kicks off its second year Thursday at Laguna Presbyterian Church, 415 Forest Ave., according to a news release.

Registration is open for the fall semester.

Although the 38-year-old organization has supported mothers with children of kindergarten age or younger, this year, chapters like Laguna’s are inviting mother with children in the fifth grade or younger to join.

“A majority of our speakers and activities are valuable to moms with children in grade school as well as preschool or younger,” Dorit Lessard, co-coordinator for the Laguna Beach MOPS said in a statement. “We give moms support, resources and access to experts on a variety of topics related to raising children.”

The Laguna Beach chapter meets from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. most Thursdays and offers on-site child care during meeting times.

“It is a wonderful way to meet and share with other moms who either may be experiencing or have experienced the same challenges you are with raising children,” Deborah Sekerka, co-coordinator for the Laguna Beach MOPS, said in a statement.

For more information, contact Lessard at (949) 497-2436 or dorit@viperlogic.com or Sekerka at (949) 415-1501 or deborah.sekerka@gmail.com or visit lagunabeachmops.com.

*

Katsuya, SchoolPower team up for discount

Katsuya by S+ark Laguna Beach is offering locals 10% off just for showing their SchoolPower Locals Card, according to a news release.

Cardholders and up to five guests can enjoy their favorites while helping Laguna Beach schools.

To get a card, visit https://www.lbschoolpower.org/laguna-locals-card.php.

Katsuya, 858 S. Coast Hwy., is open from 5:30 to 11 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday and 5:30 p.m. to midnight Thursday through Saturday. For more information, call (949) 793-4030.

— Jamie Rowe

Twitter: @jamierowe3