Community News

AOP Virtual Events

Although the aquarium is closed to the public, its Online Academy and has new virtual events for everyone. Below is a list of the aquarium’s upcoming virtual programming. The aquarium is asking the public to lend their support to help the nonprofit institution survive and recover from the impacts of the closure. Donations and purchases are needed to help the Aquarium continue its ocean conservation and education efforts and to provide top-quality care for its 12,000 animals. The list below includes both free and fee-based virtual programs.

Classes for Kids – Children of all ages are invited to enjoy live educational programming taught by Aquarium of the Pacific educators. Geared for all grade levels, from pre-K to 12 grades, these live classes are offered weekdays at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Topics for younger children introduce basic ocean and animal concepts, while older children can explore topics in marine biology, environmental science and conservation. No sign-ups are required and participation is free. aquariumofpacific.org/education/aquariumacademy

Northern Pacific Gallery – The aquarium presents a virtual tour of the Northern Pacific Gallery allowing viewers to explore the gallery from the comfort of their own homes. Participants will get a chance to learn more about their favorite cold-water animals and even peek at the behind-the-scenes area of the Aquarium’s Sea Otter Habitat. Viewers will also meet staff members from the Aquarium’s animal care team and be able to ask these experts questions. Registration in advance is required. Cost: $10 per household

Tropical Pacific Gallery – Dive into colorful coral reefs as you take a guided virtual tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Tropical Pacific Gallery and see its newest exhibit Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities. Hear from the Aquarium’s animal experts, ask questions and see Sula, a red-footed booby (sea bird), fly through the Tropical Tunnel. Registration in advance is required. Cost: $10 per household. https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/tropical_pacific_gallery_virtual_tour/

Oceanography Merit Badge – Have you ever wondered how scientists study the ocean? Participants can learn about the field of oceanography in an interactive two-part virtual series designed for Boy Scouts working toward their Oceanography Merit Badge. This Aquarium educator-led program explores the physical, chemical, biological and geological aspects of oceanography using real-time datasets, activities, engaging media and peer discussions. Scouts will also be given at-home resources and activities to continue exploring beyond the class. Please note: The Aquarium of the Pacific does not provide merit badges. A certificate, listing requirements completed during the program, will be provided. Cost: $40 per person, $35 per Aquarium member.

Festival of Human Abilities – The Aquarium of the Pacific invites everyone to its 18th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. This year the event will be a virtual online festival, streaming live from the aquarium. This festival will celebrate the creative spirit of people with disabilities, including dancers, musicians and artists. The Aquarium will present the Glenn McIntyre Heritage Award to Infinite Flow Dance at 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time. Cost: FREE, no RSVP required. https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/festival_of_human_abilities/.

Info: (562) 590-3100

Questing Heirs

The next Zoom meeting of the Genealogical Society is organization is Sunday, Jan. 17, with Gena Philibert Ortega’s presentation: “Woman in Civil War.” It begins with a 12:30 p.m. social time. Gena’s presentation will begin at 1 p.m. For zoom access send an email to questingheirs@gmail.com

Dine & Donate

Dine at Panda Express at 5945 Spring St. on Friday, Jan. 29, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and 20% of sales will be donated to spcaLA. and help shelter pets. Offer good for pick-up or take-out orders as well.

Present digital flyer available at spcaLA.com. Online: enter 320624 in the promo code box during checkout.

New Virtual Classes

New classes offered virtually at the Lifetime Learning Center at Long Beach City College start Jan. 19:

“Amazing Americans” presented by Dr. Ginny Baxter- America is great because of her people, not necessarily her leaders, exploring individuals who have made an impact on the success of the United States.

“A Journey Through Jazz” with Dr. Robyn Frey-Monell. Discover the roots of Ragtime, Dixieland, Big Band, Blues, Be-Bop, Swing and Jazz-Rock fusion.

“State of the Union” presented by Craig Hendricks-30 days into the new administration. “Tai Chi for Better Balance” with David Hennage and

“Strength Training” with Jessi McMaster are offered again.

Classes are available to everyone and range from $20 to $60. Students from Hawaii to New York have Zoomed with us. Register on-line at www.lbcc.edu/lifetime-learning-center. For more Information contact Theresa Brunella at (562) 930-3047.

Charitable Events

The 2020 Long Beach 5K/10K Trifecta proved to be a success despite the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, JFCS of Long Beach & West Orange County, U.S. VETS and Meals on Wheels have begun planning and preparing for virtual race events in 2021. This is a partnership with a proven track record of accomplishment.

The data from the 2020 events speaks for itself. The Long Beach Trifecta raised $126,000 with 405 participants. The turnouts exceeded expectations, especially considering the COVID-19 situation. These three nonprofits will use the lessons learned from last year’s events to ensure an even bigger turnout for 2021. Demand for the services of these organizations increased greatly during the pandemic, so more fundraising is essential.

A virtual race is one in which the participant signs up and runs, walks, or rolls on their own, instead of in a large group. This will ensure the safety of participants should the pandemic still be active next year. Further, it offers flexibility to participants who have busy schedules, as they can participate when and where they please.

The invitation is being spread far and wide. Those who want to take part in the virtual events can register beginning Feb. 15 by visiting http://lbtrifecta.org/. Please visit the website and its social media accounts to stay tuned to the latest developments for the LB Trifecta.

Move Across California

Special Olympics Southern California is finding new ways to keep athletes engaged and moving with Move Across California (MAC). From Feb. 1 to March 13, teams will participate in a 1000-mile journey across California in an interactive experience to reach one-of-a-kind virtual pit stops.

The virtual journey starts in San Diego and teams will move their way up the CA coast to SF and then back down to LA. Along the way, athletes, volunteers and supporters alike will virtually move (walk, run, bike, etc.) through several Californian landmarks, such as the San Diego Zoo, Yosemite National Park, the Golden Gate Bridge and more. Although participants won’t physically visit each pit stop or move across the state, the interactive experience will sometimes make you forget that MAC is a virtual event.

All SOSC athletes participating will receive a pedometer to track their miles locally through the WalkingSpree app. Once a team completes the amount of miles to the next location, they will unlock the virtual pit stop and be awarded with incentives and activities. There will also be a live video experience that highlights the beauty and fun of CA for the teams to watch at each pit stop. To learn more about the pit stop calendar, visit https://bit.ly/38zUUoD. 

There are several ways to get involved in MAC. Coaches and local program leaders can register teams or groups of athletes, SOSC athletes can start a team or register as an individual and the general public and SOSC fans are encouraged to participate as well. To register for Move Across California, visit www.sosc.org/MAC. Teams can have a maximum of 10 people and a minimum of six.

Everyone is encouraged to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California as they move to a better future. All funds raised will help support virtual sports, wellness and leadership programming for athletes with intellectual disabilities. This includes virtual fitness, mindfulness and nutrition clubs; virtual sports leagues; online leadership training; opportunities; safety and hygiene equipment; innovative technology to connect the coaches and athletes; and more.

All SOSC programming empowers athletes to improve their health, grow their self-confidence and become more independent. It prepares them for the game of life.

For those who can’t participate, but still want to contribute, they can make a donation to an athlete, team or the event at https://bit.ly/35w8NT8.

Although the pandemic has greatly affected all parts of the California and the country, SOSC is accepting the challenge to keep moving for a healthier, better life. Join in on the fun and Move Across California by walking, swimming, running, or any other type of activity that requires movement. Let’s get moving!