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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
JUNE NEWSLETTER
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 36 / JUNE - 2026
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
The Earth Revolves To Summer
welcomING summer WITH OPEN ARMS !
IN FOCUS
Jennifer L. has experienced remarkable personal growth, development, and social interaction through the Light of Hope program. The staff and her peers have become her friends, and she looks forward to connecting with everyone daily. Jennifer genuinely enjoys participating in all the activities, which brings her great happiness! It's wonderful to witness her progress!
SUNFLOWER PHASES
So many of us love to look at or decorate with sunflowers, but we also enjoy eating a handful of sunflower seeds as a snack. Let us take a look at the "life of the sunflower."
Germination Phase: The best time to plant sunflowers is in the late spring when the ground is warm. The germination phase begins immediately after you plant your seedlings. The entire germination phase lasts for eight days and is where the roots of your sunflowers develop in the soil.
Vegetative Phase: After germination comes the vegetative phase. During this phase, the sunflower seedling starts to sprout tiny leaves that are known as the "vegetative emergence."
Reproductive Phase: JUNE isnormally when the reproductive phase starts. This phase starts when your sunflower starts to form a bud between the leaves that has a srar-like appearance. The end of this phase is when the bud transforms into the typical sunflower look you know and finally enters the blooming phase.
Blooming Phase: Immediately at the end of the reproductive phase starts the blooming phase where you're able to enjoy your sunflower in all its glory for about 20 days.
Harvesting Phase: The last phase of the sunflower blooming process is harvesting the seeds to eat. This phase occurs between 110 to 125 days after planting your flowers when the leaves have turned brown and the flower is drooping.
Info from: https://www.thespruce.com/when-do-sunflowers-bloom-8643199
POSITIVE CHANGES
Life presents us with countless opportunities to create positive and impactful changes, not just for ourselves but also for those around us. Embracing these moments enables us to grow, inspire, and uplift others. Together, we can make a difference that resonates far beyond our individual lives. Let's seize these opportunities and transform our world for the better.
Brynn, Melissa/staff, Michelle/staff, and Katie.
LOH staff always take the time to make sure participants are knowledgeable about the exhibits they attend.
AVILA ADOBE MUSEUM
SUMMER SOLSTICE
RIVER SYMBOLISM
"Rivers symbolize resilience as they carve their paths through rugged landscapes, shaping the earth with their persistent flow. Poems about rivers become more than geographical features; they embody the ebb and flow of human experience."
poetryispretentious.com
RIVERS AS SYMBOLS OF CHANGE
"Rivers are constantly changing, and they are often used as symbols of change and transformation. They represent the flow of life and the inevitability of change. Rivers can also represent the journey of life, with its ups and downs, twists and turns."
RIVERS AS SYMBOLS OF TIME
"Rivers are also associated with the passage of time. They are often used as symbols of the cyclical nature of life and the eternal flow of time. Rivers can represent the past, present, and future, and they are often used to symbolize the continuity of life."
symbolismguide.com
FUN FACTS
ALL ABOUT THE PUMPKIN!
1. Scientists believe that pumpkins originated in North America about 9000 years ago. The oldest pumpkin seeds have been bound in Mexico and date back to somewhere between 7000 -5550 B.C..
2. Every single part of the pumpkin is edible: the skin, leaves, flowers, pulp, seeds, and stems.
3. The word "pumpkin" originates from "peopon," which means "large melon" in Greek. It then evolved to "pompon" in French and "pumpion" in Britain. The americans later changed it to "pumpkin," the name we still use today.
4. Every year, the US produces 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin.
5. The practice of craving Jack-O'-Laterns was brought to America by Irish immigrants. In their homeland, the Irish used to carve Jack-O'-Lanterns out of potatoes or turnips, but upon arrival in America, they began to use pumpkins instead because they were far easier to carve. The tradition of the "Jack-O'-Lantern" stems from an Irish legend about a man named Stingy Jack who was a somewhat unpleasant character famous for playing tricks on people.
Rosane Oliveira
UC Davis
November's Chill
"""November's chill is in the air,
A time of change, a season rare.
As leaves fall gently to the ground,
New growth waits to soon be found.
With each day comes new opportunity,
And gratitude fills our hearts with unity.
Let's cherish this month and all it brings,
For November truly is a time of beautiful things."
Catherine Pulsifer
THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Cady T. appreciating the sound of the xylophone.
Music appreciation is a part of Light of Hope's Creative and Performing Arts Program. Music stimulates the mind, enhances creativity, improves your mood, and is also stress reducing. These are just a few benefits of music.
Music is medicine for the soul!
Wyatt J., LOH participant, is proving to have a good understanding when it comes to playing the piano! Keep going, Wyatt!
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH!
AMELIA B. CADY T.
HILLARY S. JOSEPHINE R. OWEN O. ERIC M.
WE LISTEN
At Light of Hope, we believe that bonding with peers is essential for personal growth. We encourage an environment where one can elevate their social skills while building lasting friendships. With the support of our dedicated staff, individuals experience a nurturing atmosphere that enhances their self-confidence, self-worth, and sense of freedom. Join us in creating meaningful connections that empower everyone to thrive!
"If he who listens listens fully, then he who listens becomes he who understands."
Ptahhotep
COMING SOON!
Universal City Walk
Christmas Program - December 13th
THE THINGS WE DO!
Join us each month as we carefully curate meaningful experiences designed to connect, inspire, and support our community. From local outings to exciting trips, every adventure embodies our mission to foster joy, learning, and a genuine sense of belonging. We invite you to be a part of these enriching moments that bring us closer together.
LA DODGERS / BASEBALL!
Take me out to the ball game! Thanks to Sharhonda and Shawn Stockman, (Boyz II Men artist), some Light of Hope participants were surprised with tickets to attend a LA Dodgers baseball game! Thank you also to "Micah's Voice."
Accompanied by his brother, Scott, Bobby K. (Dogers' cap), LOH participant, is a die hard Dodgers' fan! It was a thrilling event watching his team play a victorious game!
VARIOUS ACTIVITIES
Micah S. searching for the perfect pumpkim at Underwood Farms.
BEACH DAY!
Participants and staff from Light of Hope enjoyed a sunny day at Sycamore Cove Beach, filled with yoga on the sand, playing ball, and savoring a delicious barbecue. The highlight of the day was a surprise performance featuring Brazilian music by Baila Baila (Isabel and Victor).
Michael S. was fascinated by the jellyfish at The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.
LIFE IS SO AMAZING!
DAYS OF JUNE
The day was June 6, 1944 when Allied forces, (American, British, and Canadian troops), landed on the beaches of Normandy, France to fight Nazi Germany. This landing have been called the beginning of the end of war in Europe.
NATIONAL FLAG DAY
This month on June 14th, Americans honor and celebrate the adoption of the U.S. flag, The Stars and Stripes.
The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, establishing that all enslaved people shall be free. Two and a half years later, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were ensured their freedom on June Nineteenth.
Honor Our Dads
Poet: Catherine Pulsifer
Third Sunday in June, it's finally here!
A day to celebrate and cheer.
To honor our Dads, we gather around,
With love and support that knows no bounds.
Thank you for being there through thick and thin,
For teaching us right from wrong, again and again.
We cherish the memories we've made for you,
And hope this Father's Day is extra special too!
A GREAT TIME TO READ
Savor the serenity of a cool autumn day, where the crisp air invites you to sit outside with a steaming cup of coffee or tea in hand. There’s nothing quite like the joy of getting lost in a good book as the leaves rustle gently around you. Embrace the moment and let your cares drift away, if only for a little while.
CAROLINE'S BIG ADVENTURE
Caroline B. enjoyed the serenity of the boat ride at Ventura Harbor. With her radiant smile lighting up the scene, she stepped aboard and gazed out at the shimmering water, inhaling deeply. The beauty around her was captivating. Though the sky was slightly overcast, the temperature was just right for a day on the water. Wearing her life vest, she settled in and embraced the tranquility of the moment.
Sailing can be a beautiful experience!
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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
LIGHT OF HOPE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAM
28030 DOROTHY DRIVE, SUITE 206, AGOURA HILLS, CA 91301
(818) 879-4673