Voices from Maryvale
July 2020
Karolina Arredondo
As a preschool teacher, I remember being so excited for spring break and a much-needed vacation. Around that time, we were first hearing about COVID-19. I remember the day that they told us the kids weren’t coming back to school until further notice, and we had to call the parents to let them know, ask them basic questions like are their families ok? Do they need food? Do they need any assistance?
The Heart of Isaac Community Center continued sending information that we could send to the families about Food Banks, free COVID testing centers and many more resources for families. Feeling the need to help, I also worked for about a month at the school’s cafeteria making free lunches for children all the way to the age 18; all parents had to do was come to the school and ask for the food bags for each child. Also, as a lead preschool teacher, I had to start making packets with activities that children could do at home. I started doing circle time and art activities over Zoom calls. It was sad to not see all my children join my Zoom call, but I would always text all the parents to make sure everyone was safe and always offer help if they need it.
It was my first year as a lead preschool teacher, and I was so excited to make them their little graduation! Unfortunately, COVID-19 didn’t let us have a graduation, but we did have a little graduation parade where I got to see all my kids one last time. I was happy to see them all but also sad because I wish I could give them one last big hug. Now that the school year is over my contract has come to an end and COVID has made it hard for me to find summer work. I have been trying not to be out and about — only for essential items. Now I’m just patiently waiting to see what is going to happen for the next school year but stressing a little because we haven’t heard anything, and I wish I knew the game plan by now. But I keep on trying to pass the word on testing centers and making sure everyone is safe and wearing their masks.
Rosario Espinoza
Never did I imagine that Spring Break would be the last time I stepped in my office, conversed with my co-workers face-to-face, and broke a sweat with Zumba or shared a meal during Chef in the Garden classes with my wonderful community. Like everyone else fear, stress and uncertainty started to take over, and all I could think about is how can I help? What are some things that I could do to help anyone feeling the same way I do?
As we all know COVID-19 quarantine and social distancing rules left us all with limited options, and the virtual world was the easiest, safest and fastest way to stay connected. So, during these times I decided I would do my best in sharing health and wellness tips online by sharing resources, recipes and even making videos! For example, each week I strived to share a family activity, healthy recipe and at home workout. See below for an example that you can try at home with your family and friends!
Fun family obstacle course with sidewalk chalk:
Lemon Basil pasta salad with fresh lemon basil picked from the Cartwright Community Garden:
- 1 lb of pasta (your choice!)
- ¼ cup of white wine vinegar (or plain vinegar, that is what I had on hand and I did not taste a difference)
- ¼ c of olive oil
- 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
- 8 cracks of pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup of pine nuts (I found them in the baking section, but found that they could be pretty expensive, and you can use any nut or no nuts at all!)
- ½ c of parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup of sliced thin fresh basil
Instructions:
- Boil pasta and prepare to al dente, drain and rinse!
- For the dressing, combine white wine vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice and shake well.
- In a large bowl toss pasta with dressing and pine nuts and add in the pepper, basil and parmesan cheese.
- Enjoy nice and warm or refrigerate for 2+ hours for a nice refreshing cool pasta salad!
