PACT (Parent Alliance for Conscious Tech) by Eddy Hueso Here to improve our community’s relationship with tech. Last year, a few of us parents in the Valley found ourselves having the same conver- sation over and over again. We were grateful our kids had playmates and beautiful nature to go to, but more and more often, we were bumping into a quiet conflict: different households had very different expectations about screen use. Some kids had phones, some didn’t. Some were watching YouTube together at playdates, while oth- ers were trying to get outside. It was awkward to bring up, hard to manage, and easy to avoid—until it started affecting our kids’ wellbeing, and our confidence as parents. That’s when we began forming PACT: the Parents’ Alliance for Conscious Tech . We are a growing network of parents, neighbors, and caregivers in San Geronimo, who believe that kids need support—not just individually, but as a community—to have a healthy relationship with screens and media. PACT exists to help families create shared agreements around screen time, espe- cially in social settings like sleepovers, carpools, or group outings. Our goal isn’t to shame or judge anyone’s choices. It’s to make it easier to talk to each other, set clear expectations, and support kids who are trying to unplug in a world that rarely encourages it. We’ve heard from so many parents who are quietly struggling with the same thing: wanting to limit screen time at home, but feeling like the “odd one out” when their child is the only one not on a phone. When families coordinate, kids don’t feel singled out—and the results can be surprising. More time outside, more creativity, less drama. And best of all, more real play. PACT also provides tools for parents—how to set up filters and controls, how to navigate new devices, and how to talk with kids (and other adults) about boundar- ies. But our real work is cultural. We are trying to reweave the community safety net that once made it easier for kids to be kids without a device in hand. We know this isn’t just about phones. It’s about helping our children develop atten- tion, imagination, and self-regulation in a time when these things are under con- stant pressure. It’s about giving them space to grow without the noise of constant digital stimulation. And it’s about reclaiming our right—as families and communi- ties—to shape the environments our kids grow up in. At our monthly gatherings, we share stories, frustrations, and solutions. We host events and brainstorm ways to support tech-free fun. We talk about how to make sure kids still know how to knock on a door, ride their bike to a friend’s house, or build a fort in the woods. It may sound quaint—but more and more of us are real- izing it’s actually essential. If this resonates with you, we invite you to join us at https://pactaction.org . PACT is not just an organization—it’s a movement of parents who are willing to speak up, link arms, and say: we can do this differently. We can protect childhood. Together. Chuck Ford Lawrence Charles “Chuck” Ford, Jr. , a beloved member of the San Geronimo Val- ley community, passed away on May 20th at the age of 78. In 1973, Chuck and his wife Liz moved with their two young sons from San Francisco to Lagunitas, drawn by the Valley’s natural beauty and strong community spirit. Deeply invested in local life, Chuck served on the Lagunitas School District Board of Trustees and became passionately involved in Inner City Outings, a Sierra Club program offer- ing wilderness experiences to underserved youth. His love for the outdoors and commitment to youth development led him to the Team Program, an outdoor adventure-based program within the Tamalpais Union High School District, which he led for 21 years. Through Team, Chuck introduced hundreds of students to the wilderness, creating what he called his “true life’s work.” He was later elected to the Tamalpais High School District Board, continuing his dedication to public education. With Respect continued from page 3 Chuck’s life in San Geronimo was defined by service, adventure, and deep roots. Even after retirement, he remained a steady presence on local trails and in youth programs, mentoring students and leading hikes and backpacking trips well into his final year. A former commercial photographer, he found his greatest fulfillment not behind the camera, but on the trail, helping young people navigate both nature and the challenges of growing up. Chuck was honored with multiple Golden Bell awards and was named Teacher of the Year by the Tamalpais Union High School
Food Bank Banter by Nicole Ramirez, Director of Programs
The Baggers
At the San Geronimo Valley Community Center food bank we have many volun- teers that have found the “job” or task that speaks to them. Some like to sort the rotten food, unload the pallets of boxed food, bag bagels, carrots, or onions, orga- nize the bread, or set up the walk up table. Some volunteers have fixed jobs and others vacillate through the various tasks at hand.
Melissa Meith, Anne Hillsley and Kathleen Hasse
One of the most important jobs at the Food Bank is what we call “bagging”. Before we start any packing, sorting or organizing we get the bags ready to pack with groceries. It is a magical compilation of mind melds and mathematics. The women who take on this task gather at the helm of the assembly line early to start the discussion on what to use for the “count”. The count is sometimes rice, cab- bage, or a can of beans that is used to determine the total number of bags we will use to distribute food. The staff determines the total number of bags needed based on previous weeks distribution. The “baggers” then converse amongst themselves to calculate literally how many cases or boxes will be needed to get the bags ready. These amazing women- Melissa Meith, Kathleen Hasse, Marilyn Englander and Anne Hillsley work diligently using their math skills to get the right amount of placeholders for the bags.
Marilyn Englander
It is a joy to see the “baggers” throwing out numbers, making calculations, and multiplying mentally and on occasion using their phones to double check their mental math skills. A true collaboration of minds. Not only do they bag, they share stories, recipes, laugh, and comment on the food. When I asked Melissa what she enjoys about bagging she simply replied, “The people I get to do it with”. During the task of bagging friendships have blossomed and it has been fun to witness. Some of the women primarily stick to bagging while some have ven- tured off to other jobs like sorting food or bagging bagels. But once a “bagger” always a “bagger”, and the strays return to their beloved post. We are so grateful to these wonderful humans who give their time, energy and effort and math skills, to the greater cause of providing free accessible food for all.
District. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Liz, sons Peter and Ethan, grandsons Maximos and Nikiforos, and several nieces and nephews. His legacy was celebrated at a memorial service on May 31st at the San Geronimo Val- ley Community Center—a place he loved and served with unwavering heart. (excerpt from Marin IJ)
Thank You Ladies!!!!
Page 4 SGV Community Center Stone Soup
Read Chuck Ford’s full obituary using the QR Code here.
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