Shout Out to All Community Partners by Lori Ramirez
Food Bank Banter by Nicole Ramirez, Director of Programs
San Geronimo Valley Community Center‘s Hybrid Food Bank
We had the most amazing Summer here at our Camps at the Community Center!
The San Geronimo Valley Community Center has always been on the cutting edge of piloting new programs, creating innovative events, hosting blossoming art- ists and now having the only “hybrid” food bank in the county. During the pandemic all food banks in Marin were transformed to a drive through no contact food bank. This meant patrons would not be choosing their own gro- ceries but be handed a pre-packed bag of groceries when they drive up. This style of food bank insured the safety of both volunteers and patrons. As the county came out of the shutdown, food banks resumed to in person farmers market style except for San Geronimo. Based on our volume of patrons we could not see it being feasible to return to our Center, so we have remained a drive through. After a visit from the SF/Marin Food bank this summer we were granted the title of having a hybrid foodbank. In our continued effort to fight food insecurity with dignity and flexibility we feel committed to offering our services for all, those who want to drive up or those who wish to shop for themselves. Our food bank now operates as a dual-distribution model that allows individuals and families to choose how they receive assistance—without compromising convenience or personal choice.
We appreciate all of the staff, campers, and families who participated as well as supported us with carpooling. For this issue of Stone Soup I wanted to take an opportunity to shout out and extend our deepest gratitude to all of our AMAZ- ING community partners who helped us make this Summer unforgettable for our campers. Over and over again we heard from campers and parents alike that our camps are a favorite in the community and offer such varied opportunities for learning, connections, and above all FUN! To start, I want to send a A BIG shout out to all of the staff at the Archie Williams Pool, the campers absolutely loved loading up in the cars each week to head to the pool and we feel so fortunate to be able to give them this opportunity. Watching kids jump off the diving board for the first time and strengthen their swimming skills in a beautiful and safe environment added a lot to our campers’ summers! We would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to the Woodacre Improve- ment Club as well as Coach Trevor for leading our Summer Bridge campers in swim lessons. This year with a grant from the West Marin Fund we were able to include swim lessons in the Summer Bridge curriculum, creating more equitable access to this vital skill. Swim lessons were definitely a highlight for all of our Sum- mer Bridgers! Thank you to Blue Water Kayaks for an amazing adventure at Heart’s Desire! It was some of our campers’ first time being on a kayak and there were nothing but smiles that day. We are so fortunate to have the incredible Tomales Bay practically in our backyard and to have Blue Water Kayaks as a dedicated partner. We would also like to thank the Insect Discovery Lab for their visit with the Sum- mer Bridge campers. A lot of them overcame their fears and held the insects and they were amazed. When I asked them what their favorite insect was, most of them replied, “ALL OF THEM!” This was a new addition this year and created such a unique experience for them. And our last but not least shout out goes to North Bay Astro Jump for bringing the wonderful water slide to us on the last day of camp. All of the campers cel- ebrated our last day together for this summer in style and the day was filled with laughter and pure joy. The Community Center is deeply appreciative of every person and partner who helped make this a summer to remember! Get Ready by Lori Ramirez & Nicole Ramirez
Our hybrid food bank model is as follows:
• Drive-Through Service Perfect for those with limited time, mobility concerns, or health risks, the drive-through service operates every Thursday from 11am -2pm at the San Geronimo Commons. Clients simply pull up in their vehicles, provide their zip code and family size, and receive a pre-packed bag of fresh produce, dairy, shelf-stable goods, and protein—all loaded directly into their trunks.
• Walk Up Table For those who prefer a more personal experience and may not drive our food bank also offers a “walk up table”. Clients walk up to a table that is a grocery- store-style setup, choosing items based on their household size and dietary needs. The experience aims to restore dignity and empower choice. We pro- vide ready to eat to meals for who are unhoused or have no refrigeration.
Basketball Season is Almost Here!
The Community Center and St. Cecilia’s are teaming up once again to bring the energy, competition, and camaraderie of the 2025–2026 CYO Basketball Season to local youth. This is a fantastic opportunity for players to build skills, learn teamwork, and experience the excitement of game day. We’re forming teams for players in 3rd through 8th grade. Practices begin in November and will be held one to two afternoons per week, depending on coach availability. Games tip off the first week of January. The program fee is $300 per player , with a $50 discount for each additional sibling. Scholarships are available upon request. Please note: registration is for the basketball program as a whole, not a specific team. Final team placement will depend on registration numbers and the needs of the program.
Registration deadline: Friday, October 17 — no exceptions.
We Need Volunteer Coaches!
We are committed to offering choice and variety for our all programs and services. Our food bank is a safe place for individuals and families to access food and we will continue to ensure that. We turn no one away and serve all that are in need of food. Volunteers are welcome every Thursday to help support our efforts in ending food insecurity.
Our players can’t take the court without dedicated adults to guide and inspire them. Whether you’ve coached before or are brand-new, your enthusiasm and leadership can make a huge difference. CYO offers a pre-season coaching clinic to give both new and returning coaches the tools and confidence they need. If you’ve ever considered coaching — or lending a hand as a team helper — now is the perfect time to step up and be part of the season.
For questions, registration, or to express interest in coaching, contact Lori Ramirez at lramirez@sgvcc.org.
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