(CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA.) - On Feb. 11, the city council for Citrus Heights met to discuss a variety of topics ranging from adding a National Day of Play to a Veterans Picnic, with a deeper purpose of combatting the mental health challenges that veterans may suffer with and the loneliness they may feel.
As a Field Representative for Congressman Ami Bera, Josh Gumacal informed the council that Congressman Bera introduced a resolution to designate the first Saturday after the Spring Equinox (Mar. 21) as the National Day of Play.
“We’re excited to see the counties and cities, including Citrus Heights tonight, taking up their own day of play resolutions,” Gumacal said. “It can be practicing your faith. It can be going to a park. It can be playing a sport, or volunteering at a local organization.”
Gumacal emphasized how people are in a time in which social isolation and loneliness is prevalent, and society is increasingly more connected to their devices instead of their family and friends.
He called for how the resolution encourages people to develop in-person connections and battle the loneliness epidemic that continues to plague communities all over the world, not just in cities like Citrus Heights.
Photo Credit: Metro Cable 14 on Youtube / Josh Gumacal
“Every community is gonna have different priorities, different amenities, different things that they like to do around the community,” Gumacal said. “We hope to see every community have their own events and enjoy the day wherever and however that might be.”
The meeting then progressed to Commander for American Legion Post 637 Charles Stone announcing a Veterans Picnic on Apr. 18.
The picnic will be held at Rusch Park, Citrus Heights from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will include food, games, face painting, and music.
“We’ve done this every year to help veterans in our area, and make sure that they have the resources that are available,” Stone said.
Photo Credit: Metro Cable 14 on Youtube / (left to right) Richard Teacatch, Charles Stone & Mike Karom
The veterans organization will partner with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Citrus Heights Women’s Club to host the picnic.
The picnic will honor veteran sacrifices and bring the community together as a way to extend gratitude towards the unsung heroes who have fought for and protected the nation.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please email me at yashi.s@lead4earth.org or leave a comment below.
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