Dec 21, 2011
The community turned out for a growing local tradition as the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program hosted its 4th Open House & Holiday Food Drive on December 14.
Combining martial arts demonstrations with food collection for the Senior Meal Program, the action began with the Tiny Tigers, children ages 4 to 8, running through several exercises and activities including strength, flexibility, and coordination drills like “frog jumping” and “cheetah races.”
They also got the audience excited with paddle kicking races and a game called, “Who owns the green ball?” involving a combination of strength, wits, and will-power to hold onto a ball just about as big as they are.
“The really young children were adorable and really trying to focus on the task at hand,” shared Marie-Joseée Wells, Executive Director of the Mt. Shasta Chamber of Commerce.
The older taekwondo participants demonstrated kicks, forms, sparring, and board breaks.
The energy picked up with the yongmudo portion of the event with participants leaping headfirst over a volunteer from the audience, an exhibition of submission wrestling, and defensive hip, wrist, and sacrifice throws.
Throughout the event, spectators brought in a multitude of food items for the Senior Meal Program. In return, they were entered into a gift drawing sponsored by several local merchants including Couch Critics, the Wayside Grill, Fusions Thai & Chinese Restaurant, Sereni-Tea, Sportsmen’s Den, Scott Valley Bank, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Round Table Pizza, Ray’s Family Market, and Coming Attractions Theaters.
“With the large show of people and enthusiasm of the children, this is a great opportunity for service to the community,” said yellow belt Elina Saryon, 14. “It’s satisfying to give to those in need in our own community.”
Mike Rodriquez, administrator of the Mount Shasta Recreation and Parks District, thanked the participants and spectators for their generosity and wished everyone, “Happy holidays!”
MSRPD and MSMAP are also partnering to offer two three-day Winter Break Mini-Camps for area families from December 27 to 29 and January 3 to 5, 10am to 2pm.
“We’re looking forward to introducing participants to many of the skills they saw here tonight,” said MSMAP head instructor Chuck Buhs. “Our plan is to burn off excess holiday energy with plenty of healthy exercise and self-defense strategies while emphasizing confidence, discipline, respect, and fun.”
For more information about the mini-camps, contact MSMAP or City Park at 859-2024, 926-2494, camp [-AT-] MtShastaMA.org, Facebook, or www.MtShastaMA.org/camp/.
Mount Shasta City Park welcomes food and financial donations during this season of giving and throughout the New Year. Contact 926-2494 to learn more about how you can help make a difference in the health and well-being of a local senior.
MSMAP specializes in building a better community by offering positive activities to develop healthy bodies, minds, and spirits.
Senior Nutrition Program
The Recreation and Parks District is the official provider for the senior meal program thru a contract with the California Department of Aging and Planning and Service Area 2 - Agency on Aging. Year-round donations of food and money for the Senior Nutrition Program can be made by calling 926-2494.
“Since 1974, there has been a hot lunch program for senior citizens at the City Park Recreation Center...55+ meals are delivered to homebound seniors in the South County (Home Delivered Meals). Transportation to and from the Mt. Shasta lunch site is also available...The Senior Nutrition Program strives to not only meet the nutritional needs of its senior participants, but also recognizes the importance of socialization and life enrichment. Informational programs, special events, and other activities are a regular component of the senior lunch program schedule.”
Tell A Senior!
Great Northern Services manages two Community Cafés in Siskiyou County for seniors and non-seniors to frequent: one at the Mt. Shasta City Park and one at the Dunsmuir Community Center Building. All of the meals we offer feature complex carbohydrates, nutrient-packed vegetables, and healthy proteins. We also have options to meet common dietary restrictions, such as a diabetic or gluten-free diet.
Congregate hot meals are prepared and served at the Main Lodge in the Mount Shasta City Park at noon on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (excluding holidays) to any Senior who is 60 years or older. The suggested contribution for a meal is $3.00. Individuals under 60 can participate in this program by purchasing their meal for $10. Their support makes our Community Cafes vibrant and sustainable and their patronage helps integrate seniors into the wider community.Seniors will not be denied a meal due to the inability to contribute.
Dunsmuir
A satellite meal service is now offered at the Dunsmuir Community Center at noon (excluding holidays) on Wednesdays. Reservations are required for meals at this satellite site. Call 24 hours in advance: 926-4611.
Transportation
Transportation (with ADA accessibility) to and from the Mt. Shasta Community Café is available within the Mt Shasta City Limits **ONLY**. Seniors are encouraged to donate for daily round-trip transportation if they can. To make your reservation call (530) 926-4611.
Home Delivered Meals
This service provides safe and nutritious meals delivered to the door of seniors residing within the four South County communities of Mt. Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir, and McCloud, who meet home-delivery service criteria. The goal of this program is to reduce hunger and food insecurity while promoting the health and well-being of older individuals in an effort to delay adverse health conditions. Priority is given to frail, homebound, or isolated older adults. Volunteers or paid staff deliver meals to homebound clients. The volunteers or staff members delivering the meals have an important opportunity to provide some social contact for the homebound elder. Home Delivered Meals offer needed support for a homebound elder to remain safe in his or her own home.
Enrollment is required: call (530) 926-4611. The suggested donation is $3.50 for home-delivered meals.
Bingo
Bingo is played every Tuesday and Thursday at the Senior Dining Center in Mount Shasta beginning at 11:00am. A blackout game is played before lunch. Join the fun — bring a guest.
Social Activities
Social activities include holiday celebrations, special events, excursions, and nutritional education.
Information & Assistance
You’re not alone: you can get help with Social Security, Medi-Care, S.S.I. and Prescription Coverage, Caregivers, Housing, Assisted Living & Long-Term Care, Home Health & In-House Services, Medical Equipment, Hospice, VA Benefits, Legal & Financial Matters, Advocacy/Consumer Protection, Heating & Utility Assistance, Support Groups, etc.
Help is just a phone call away!!!
Call 1-800-510-2020
MSMAP's Open House
Each December, MSMAP hosts an Open House & Holiday Food Drive to celebrate the holidays with a unique, martial arts-based event of action, prizes, and food donations. First held in 2008, it is a chance for participants to display their growing skills and help those in need.
Newspaper Articles
We've been doing the Open House for over a decade. Learn a little more about what previous events were like.
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