Catch up on those state-wide water issues...

Catch up on those state-wide water issues

Area residents can learn more about local, regional and statewide

water issues during a free program at the Mesa Consolidated Water

District next month.

Enrollment is now open for the award-winning Water Issues Study

Group, in which participants will spend six months studying topics

such as ground water supplies, water quality, reclaimed water, import

water and Mesa’s long-range plan to provide water to the community,

district officials said.

The classes will run from January to June. For more information,

call the district at (949) 631-1205 or visit the Web site at

https://www.mesawater.org.

Holiday fundraiser tops all expectations

The Orange County Big Brothers Big Sisters organizations’ holiday

fund-raiser brought in $100,000.

Shoppers of South Coast Plaza bought “Angelitos Cards” for $50,

which entitled them to 20% discounts at more than 100 participating

plaza retailers and restaurants between Nov. 6 and 10. All proceeds of the Angelitos de Oro project went directly to the Big Brothers

program.

Volunteers needed to work with children

County officials are looking for dedicated volunteers to

participate in fun, environmental courses, designed to teach

elementary children about water and its relationship with living

creatures.

Groundwater Guardians, a division of the Orange County Water

District, will present the nation’s largest Children’s Water

Educational Festival on May 11 and 12 at Hidden Valley Park in

Irvine. There, children will learn about the interdependence of

water, soil, plants, trees, animals and humans, officials said.

Last year the event brought in almost 7,000 students, parents and

teachers from all over the county. This year more than 5,000

participants have registered and the Groundwater Guardians need help.

Volunteers are needed to staff activity booths, assist with

registration and provide general information to participants.

Festival organizers could also use donated items including, plastic

cups, straws, napkins, ice cream and squirt guns.

Other sponsorship opportunities are available. Donations are all

tax deductible through the National Water Research Institute.

For more information, call Rebecca Long at (714) 378-3362.

Tips for kids to stay fit over the holidays

The Coalition for a Healthy and Active America offers these tips

for children, and others, to fight the holiday battle of the bulge.

Exercise. Extra caloric intake is part of the holiday season, so

it becomes even more important to continue a regular walking regimen

and possibly add an extra element. Curb impulse eating. Eat a small

meal, including water, before going to a holiday celebration that

includes a bountiful spread. Celebrate with moderation. Enjoy the

holidays and all the treats that come with it, but do so in

moderation. Smaller portions, balanced with increased physical

activity, will help start the new year off on a healthy and active

path.