LBindy_12.30.22 | Page 9

lagunabeachindy . com DECEMBER 30 , 2022 9

Just Gather Promotes Community Education for Wellness

By LB Indy Staff
On Dec . 8 , at the Neighborhood Congregational Church ’ s Bridge Hall , Just Gather , hosted a special holiday event . It included a Laguna Beach Chamber ribbon cutting , followed by dinner and community education on the fentanyl epidemic . As the first-of-its-kind digital detox nonprofit offering , its mission is to promote mental wellness and positive mindsets for youth and families . The team envisions future generations thriving in harmony with nature , the arts , education , entrepreneurship , and human connectedness . Services are complimentary for youth 9-19 , Native Americans and Veterans .
The sound bath was led by Just Gather ’ s Holistic Healing Lead , Evelina Pentcheva . Next was a ribbon cutting by Community Outreach Lead , Janelle Hilton and the team ’ s Academic Initiatives & Social Impact Lead , Veronique Marchal . The organization received awards from the Laguna Beach Chamber and local political dignitaries . Approximately 140 guests joined throughout the evening . Orange County Health Care Agency and the U . S . Drug Enforcement Agency were both present with educational tables and hand-outs for kids and parents .
Laguna Beach Fire Department ’ s Chief of Operations , Api Weinhart shared his personal history living and growing up in Laguna Beach . He spoke about how much of the department ’ s work includes medical responses to drug overdoses . He shared how the opioid epidemic impacts everyone regardless of socioeconomic status .
“ This is the most frightening threat that the DEA has ever faced in history , said DEA Deputy Special
Cutline : From left to right , Janelle Hilton , Michelle Highberg , Special Agent in Charge Matt Allen and Special Agent James Eastman during the Just Gather event on Dec . 8 . Submitted photo .
Agent in Charge Matt Allen , who was also in attendence . “ With 100,000 deaths this year alone , illicit fentanyl poisoning has killed more people than the Persian Gulf War , the Vietnam War and all U . S . Terrorist threats combined .”
“ We cannot arrest our way out of this crisis ,” he said . “ It is going to take education like this evening .”
Allen said most youth purchase illicit fentanyl under the guise of other drugs on Snapchat . Just Gather plans to increase awareness through media , podcasts , and website resources .
We Love Laguna Beach , Stefanos Jewelry by Miki Latimer , Laguna Herbals , Life Coaching by Hillary Black , Tankoi Organo , Eco Post Natal Care , Author Patti Fruman , Artist Terrell Washington Anansi , and Alan ’ s Candles were among the local businesses that supported the event .
During the event , Laguna Kindness Award Youth Winners Joelle Yang and Lyla Cauley received their “ Courage to Be Kind ” certificates from Community Kindness Leader Sande St . John . The philanthropic young entrepreneurs sold homemade holiday gifts , including honey , bath bombs , hot cocoa and hand-made bracelets .

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to those in attendance . The Jedidiah Coffee Roastery is located at 2177 Laguna Canyon Rd . Laguna Beach , CA 92651 .
Jedidiah Coffee will provide complimentary espresso drinks and treats from some of their favorite local bakers .
Chamber Installation Mixer to be held Jan . 4 at C ’ est La Vie
On Jan . 4 at 5:30 p . m ., all are welcome to join the mayor and the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber Installation Mixer to instate the 2023 board of directors to the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce .
“ These last four years as chairman have been a real honor for me ,” said J . J . Ballesteros . “ The relationships built with our membership and community leaders , as well as the growth we ’ ve obtained , is something
we are all very proud of . We have accomplished many things , and I have no doubt our new chairwoman Paula Hornbuckle Arnold will continue to lead us to new heights . I will remain on the board this next year and continue to advocate for our businesses and community . Thank you , Laguna Beach , for a great four years .”
Our 2023 new officers are : Chairman of the Board ( Chair ) Paula Hornbuckle-Arnold , Chair-Elect J . J . Ballesteros , Vice Chair : Mark Meisberger , Treasurer : Jeff Redeker and Secretary Doug Vogel .
The chamber will also honor Gail Duncan as our 2022 Ambassador of the Year . This award is presented annually to those who go above and beyond in supporting the Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce .
C ’ est La Vie will offer appetizers , special drinks , and a dessert menu
for those in attendance . C ’ est La Vie is located at 373 South Coast Hwy , Laguna Beach , CA 92651 . Tickets are $ 20 for members and $ 25 for guests .
Laguna Environmental Groups To Celebrate Toni Iseman Jan . 12
Toni Iseman ’ s history-making 24 years as a Laguna Beach City Councilmember is extraordinary , but it is her even longer commitment to environmental service that also deserves recognition . Her fierce dedication to the Save The Canyon efforts and the 1989 Walk in the Canyon are well known , and ever since that time , Iseman has been a constant promoter of expanding and preserving open space in and around Laguna Beach . In honor of her contributions , Laguna Canyon Conservancy , The Laguna Greenbelt , Village Laguna , Laguna Canyon Foundation and CANDO
( Canyon Alliance of Neighborhoods Defense Organization ) are co-hosting a retirement party for Toni on Thursday , Jan . 12 , 2023 .
The party will be held at Bridge Hall in the Neighborhood Congregational Church at 340 St . Ann ’ s Drive , Laguna Beach from 6 to 8 p . m . with doors opening at 5:30 p . m . It will be a luau-themed event with live music , a catered dinner , photo displays , time for tributes and special surprises . Guests are encouraged to wear Hawaiianstyle attire . The public is invited , and reservations are necessary by Friday , Jan . 6 , 2023 . The cost for dinner , which includes one glass of wine , is $ 25 per person for members of any of the sponsoring groups and $ 35 per person for non-members .
One can reserve a space via the website www . lagunacanyonconservancy . org / event .