It was much too quiet for far too long.

THE SUSI Q IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS — AND OUR BUSINESS IS YOU!
The Susi Q has reopened and The Susi Q Without Walls is as busy ever! (Check out our Zoom programs!) As we navigate this next stage of “getting back to normal,” your health remains our highest priority. We urge everyone who returns to the Susi Q to be vaccinated, and we will be following all the safety protocols and guidelines set forth by the CDC and the City.  (See Nadia's note below.)

The pandemic isn't over. If you have symptoms or think you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, call your health care provider to be evaluated. Do not go to the emergency room unless you are having an emergency or are directed to do so.

Get vaccinated! And get your booster shot too. The scientific evidence is clear: vaccinations protect the vast majority of us against coronavirus.  And older persons remain at high-risk for dying from the virus. Check here for the latest information on how and where to get vaccinated.

Stay mindful of public health "best practices." The CDC recommendations are changing, but wearing a mask in crowded settings, and washing your hands before you leave home and when you return, are still good ideas.

Social isolation has side effects! So use your phone and internet to stay connected with people you know and trust. Facebook, Next Door, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media are great platforms. Just be wary of scams and bogus medical advice.

Stay in touch with us. A great place to start is with Care Manager Martha Hernandez (marthah@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8104 ). As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she can connect you to all the resources of a caring community. If you are anxious or depressed, she can refer you to one of our skilled, compassionate mental health staff supervised by Kay Wenger, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor.

Another great resource is Lifelong Laguna, which is managed by John Fay (johnfay@thesusiq.org, 949.715.8107). Its mission—to help you age safely at home in the hometown you love— has never been more timely. Lifelong Laguna  volunteers are taking the same precautions we all are. But they are ready to run errands and lend a friendly ear.

Our local partners are also working closely with Martha and John.

  • Age Well Senior Services is providing new nutrition programs: Get further details here.
  • Sally's Fund continues to transport seniors to medical appointments and help with errands like picking up prescriptions and grocery shopping. Call 949.499.4100 to make a request.
  • Laguna Food Pantry has a drive-through distribution program set up in its parking lot in the Canyon. The Pantry is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 10:30 a.m. Click here for the website of call 949.497.7121.
  • The City of Laguna Beach is working hard to keep us safe while reopening the town. Click here for the latest update.

Again: stay in touch! Everything we do is driven by your needs and concerns, and we welcome your thoughts during these challenging times! Email or call with any questions or concerns. (For a complete staff directory click here.) If you are not already receiving our "Living It Up" e-newsletter, sign up below in the footer.

See you at the Susi Q!
An Updated Note from Nadia:
In response to the highly contagious Covid-19 Delta variant, wearing masks at the Susi Q is mandated by the City.  Laguna Beach Seniors will require proof of vaccination  for anyone enrolling in our programs, classes and activities, as well as those attending club meetings and support groups at the Susi Q. We also will continue to offer  Zoom programming. It's all part of our commitment to taking care of one another and our community with the same strength and resilience we have shown throughout the pandemic.