The La Mirada Coordinating Council’s September gathering was an afternoon filled with community connections, new faces and plenty of reminders that there is always something happening in La Mirada.
A special thank you goes to Jack Miranda and the Jesse Miranda Center, who generously provided lunch for the entire Coordinating Council. Members gathered at the La Mirada Library, where a beautiful meeting space overlooking the courtyard provided the perfect setting to exchange news, learn about upcoming programs and discover new ways to work together.
We also thank Cathy Alvarez, who once again made the afternoon a little sweeter by bringing desserts for everyone to enjoy.
As always, our roundtable demonstrated just how much is happening throughout the community. The La Mirada Chamber of Commerce is preparing for its annual Golf Tournament on Oct. 19 at California Country Club, while local Scouting organizations are conducting their annual popcorn sales. The Friends of the La Mirada Library announced its Oct. 2–3 Book Sale, and the Arts Colony of La Mirada is preparing for its “Mirrors of the Mind” exhibition Nov. 16–20 at the Activity Center.
Several organizations shared programs focused on helping local families. Straight Talk Counseling announced a new six-week online Men’s Mental Health Support Group beginning Sept. 29, with parenting classes also planned. The Interfaith Food Center will begin its Holiday Gift Card Drive and Holiday Food Drive on Oct. 1, continuing through Dec. 11. Donations of $20 gift cards will help provide something special for children during the holiday season.
We were pleased to welcome L.A. CADA to its first Coordinating Council meeting, as well as Frank, PTA President at Foster Road Elementary, who shared news about the school’s upcoming Trunk or Treat and efforts to raise funds for science camp.
Our faith and service organizations also have busy months ahead. Foursquare Church and the Kiwanis Club of La Mirada are among the organizations participating in Love La Mirada’s Annual Day of Service on Oct. 17. Grace EV Free Church announced its Fall Fair on Oct. 10, along with its weekly food bank, Thanksgiving Food Bank Celebration on Nov. 20 and a community Christmas Concert on Dec. 13.
The VFW and VFW Auxiliary shared a full calendar of activities, including Boots, Bling & Line Dancing, the Commander’s Breakfast, Bingo, Trunk or Treat and a Halloween party and costume contest. Friday evenings throughout October will also feature double-feature movie nights, beginning with a family-friendly spooky movie followed by a classic horror film.
The City of La Mirada highlighted several upcoming activities, including Bark in the Park, free veterinary services, Coffee with a Cop on Oct. 1 and the city’s holiday celebration at the Plaza on Dec. 5. Little Shop of Horrors is also currently on stage at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.
Christopher Kent, representing Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco’s office, encouraged residents to submit nominations for the Third Annual Veterans Appreciation Awards.
Love La Mirada also invited local organizations to form teams for its Annual Day of Service on Saturday, Oct. 17. Several Coordinating Council members have already committed teams or volunteered to lead projects, demonstrating exactly what can happen when organizations connect their individual efforts.
Building Community, One Connection at a Time
Our guest speaker was Dominic from Famillliar, who introduced members to a men’s community built around fellowship, encouragement and service. Dominic spoke about Famillliar’s efforts to bring men together, create meaningful connections and then carry those relationships beyond the group by serving their communities. Its mission of strengthening the social fabric of communities “one meaningful moment at a time” fit naturally with the spirit of the Coordinating Council. And that is really what these monthly meetings are all about.
When nonprofits, schools, churches, service clubs, community organizations and local leaders sit together in one room, something important happens. We learn what our neighbors are doing. We discover where help is needed. We find resources we may not have known existed. And, perhaps most importantly, we find opportunities to work together.
No single organization can do everything for a community. But when we know one another, communicate and combine our strengths, we can accomplish quite a lot.
That continues to be the heart of the La Mirada Coordinating Council — connecting the people who serve La Mirada so that together, we can better serve our community.
by Michelle Lynch
