Summer 2026 Classes Catalogue
Activites for All Ages: Pages C 2-4 Go to www.sgvcc.org to learn more!
San Geronimo Valley Community Center’s Wellness and Recreation Programs
Estimados lectores de español. Si está interesado en recibir alguno de estos artículos de Stone Soup en español, comuníquese con nosotros por correo electrónico a info@sgvcc.org o llame al 415-488-8888 ext 0.
Public Health Update Marin County Public Health protects our community by promoting health, preventing disease, and preparing for public health emergencies. Summer Safety: Ticks, Bites, and Staying Ahead of COVID-19 As we head into summer, longer days and warmer weather invite us outdoors—whether for hiking, picnicking, or simply enjoying local parks. While spending time outside is great for our health, it’s also important to stay aware of seasonal risks.
A Message from Supervisor Dennis Rodoni When people in West Marin can work, start businesses, and grow where they live, the community becomes stronger. West Marin is going through a time of change. Some families are facing uncertainty as ranches and other local businesses close, leading to job losses and economic stress. At the same time, there is also something powerful happening. New businesses are opening, new partnerships are forming, and new opportuni- ties are being created close to home. My office, together with strong local partners, has been focused on making sure West Marin residents have access to economic opportunity in our local communities. One of the most exciting milestones this year is the gradua- tion of 25 Latino entrepreneurs from Start Up West Marin. This program was created to support residents who have the skills and ideas to start businesses, but needed resources for training, mentorship, and start-up support. Today, these graduates are launching businesses that reflect the needs of the community. They include food and catering services, bakeries, cleaning and housekeeping, childcare, pho- tography, beauty services, landscaping, car detailing, transla- tion services, retail, and more. These businesses are not only creating income for families, but they are also filling service gaps and strengthening the local economy. Thank you to the San Geronimo Valley Community Center for hiring some of the food and catering services at your spring events! At the same time, many residents are actively looking for work in West Marin. That is why on April 11, we hosted West Marin Connect in Point Reyes Station. This event created a space where more than 50 job seekers connected directly with 17 em- ployers, learned about job opportunities, and applied for jobs that day. At the event, the West Marin Fund launched the West Marin Jobs Hub , a free online platform where local employers can post job openings, and residents can find opportunities in the area. I invite employers in West Marin to use this tool and for job seekers to explore available jobs. Learn more at www.west- marinjobshub.org This work is supported by the Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, which is helping employers and employees navigate avail- able resources. Through their programs, residents can access job training, career pathways, resume support, and employ- ment services. They also operate a CareerPoint site at Health and Human Services in Point Reyes Station every Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, where job seekers can receive one-on-one support, help with applications, and guidance on training op- portunities. None of this work happens alone. It is the result of strong col- laboration between the West Marin Fund, Workforce Alliance of the North Bay, Marin Small Business Development Center (Marin SBDC), and the County of Marin. Each partner brings a piece of the solution, and together, we are building something that is rooted in community. I know there is still work to do. But my office is committed to continuing this effort, supporting local businesses, connecting residents to jobs, and making sure that West Marin remains a place where people can live, work, and thrive.
Tick Awareness: What to Know Before You Go
To reduce your risk of tick bites:
• Wear long sleeves and pants when hiking; tuck pants into socks if possible • Use EPA-registered insect repellents • Stay on trails and avoid brushing against tall grass or shrubs • Perform a full-body tick check after being outdoors (don’t forget scalp, behind ears, and under arms) • Shower soon after returning home Remember: Pets can also bring ticks indoors, so check them regularly as well.
What to Do If You’re Bitten
If you find a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Prompt removal reduces the risk of disease transmission. Use fine- tipped tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as pos- sible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure (don’t twist or jerk). Clean the bite area and your hands with soap and water or alcohol. Avoid folklore remedies like burning the tick or ap- plying petroleum jelly as these can actually increase risk. After removing a tick, keep an eye on the bite site and watch for possible symptoms of Lyme disease, such as a rash (often bullseye-shaped), fever or chills, fatigue, or muscle aches. If symptoms develop, reach out to your healthcare provider. When identified early, Lyme disease is typically treated suc- cessfully with antibiotics. The good news is that Lyme disease transmission typically requires a tick to be attached for at least 24 hours , so the risk is low if it’s removed sooner. Also, even though it is of local concern, the risk of getting Lyme is relatively low in Marin County. Surveillance of ticks is provided through the Marin Sonoma Mosquito Control District Vector District, msmos- quito.org. Over the last 18 years, only 4.08% of the ticks tested at various public lands in Marin carried Lyme. In areas of the Northeast within the United States, that number that number could be up to 50%. Marin only has a few laborato- ries confirmed cases of Lyme per year in humans (but these could have been acquired through travel).
Tick Testing in Marin
In Marin County, residents have access to tick testing through the regional Public Health Laboratory that serves Napa, Solano, Yolo, and Marin County. Testing can help deter- mine whether a tick carries certain pathogens, but Lyme in humans only can be confirmed through medical testing and evaluation. To submit a tick for testing: Carefully place the tick into a clean capped container or zip-lock plastic bag with a piece of
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