Weekly Update
Mayor's Fitness Council of San Antonio
Message from Full Council Chair, Mandy Tyler
Greetings Mayor's Fitness Council Members -
I hope this update finds each of you doing well and staying safe!
I want to take a moment to remind the Full Council that Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Wolff have formed the Covid-19 Community Action that is being coordinated by Gordon Hartman. The Covid-19 Community Action is geared towards community action and participation. The members of Covid-19 Community Action are all City Council Members, all County Commissioners and all Community/Industry Leaders.
The Mayor's Fitness Council will begin taking a bigger role in helping to send out important messages in order that we support the Covid-19 messages going out from Mayor Nirenberg, the City of San Antonio, Judge Wolff and the County. The Communications Committee is currently looking for Community Partners who may be interested in sharing blog content to be featured on our FitCitySA website. Please reach out to Andrea Bottiglieri at Andrea.Bottiglieri@sanantonio.gov to submit your content for consideration.
Wishing you all a Happy Passover and a wonderful Easter Weekend!
Mandy
MFC Committee Meetings This Week:
Community Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 9, 2020, 03:00 PM
Zoom
MFC Committee Meetings Next Week:
Communications Committee Meeting
Thursday, Apr 16, 2020, 02:00 PM
Zoom
Council Updates
Student Ambassador Application is LIVE!
Support the Mayor's Fitness Council Social Media
Follow FitCitySA on your favorite social media platform:
FitCitySA Facebook - FitCitySA
FitCitySA Instagram - FitCitySA
FitCitySA Twitter - FitCitySA
FitCitySA LinkedIn - Mayor's Fitness Council of San Antonio
YouTube - FitCitySA
Mayor's Fitness Council Members Only Facebook Group: Here is the link to join the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mfcsa/
In an effort to bring all Mayor's Fitness Council Committees together and stay updated with what is happening across the Council, the MFC Communications Committee launched a Facebook group for MFC internal updates and happenings to keep all members and key community partners abreast of the latest news and information from the Mayor's Fitness Council.
Student Ambassador Virtual Training
The student mentor team also had a training this past Saturday and were interviewed by our third-party evaluation team. The student mentors did a fantastic job!
At this time, we may be looking to host a virtual End of Year Event over the summer to celebrate accomplishments with the student ambassador teams for a job well done!
Honoring Mayor's Fitness Council Senior Student Mentors - Class of 2020
Skyler Williams
Maxwell Harrison
Saifa Sajjad
Shout Out to the Baptist Health Foundation! BHFSA contributes $60,000 to local COVID-19 relief efforts
No Trip to the Gym - Work Out at Home!
Click on Photos Above for Videos
The video below is from Coach Terri Pitts at Colonial Hills Elementary School from North East ISD - offering fun Minute to Win It activities to challenge her students to stay active while at home!
Mental Wellness Quarantine Tips from our Community Partner -NAMI San Antonio
1. Stay connected with friends and family.
2. Feel the feelings you’re feeling (whatever you’re feeling, it’s right).
3. Try something new. Try yoga, dancing, singing, piano, painting, running outside etc.
4. Prioritize self-care - take a bath, paint your nails, go for a drive with the windows down, learn a new recipe, read a book.
It's a challenging time, but remember you're not alone. We're all in this together!
Shout Out to East Central ISD - ECISD Night of Hope
Click Photo Above to View Video
At East Central ISD, on Tuesday night the lights at the football stadium, baseball & softball fields, and tennis courts were lit in honor of their spring sport athletes, student trainers, coaches, Golden Hornet Band & color guard, the Honeybees, Golden Stars and cheer, and of course, the *Senior Class of 2020.* A light of hope and a wonderful expression of gratitude!
Shout Out to Northside ISD - Giving Back!
Methodist Healthcare System, Christus SantaRosa Hospital, University Health System and South Texas Veterans Health Care System.
Shout Out to North East ISD Librarians and District Staff - Giving Back!
#NEISDcares --North East ISD provides life-saving equipment to front line health workers
Today, the North East ISD Health Services department donated hundreds of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) not being used by the District to the UT Health System. Currently, there is a worldwide shortage of PPE, like N95 masks and isolation gowns. NEISD has these items in case of emergencies, but right now schools are closed, so the PPE will not be used.
“We are able to get these supplies to UT Health who will, in turn, replace any supplies we send them once the shortage has improved,” said NEISD Assistant Director of Health Services Emma Kelly.
NEISD was able to provide UT Health with nearly 500 N95 masks, more than 600 isolation masks, and 160 isolation gowns to offer much-needed protection for healthcare workers on the frontlines of the COVID-19 crisis.
“If by sharing our unused PPE enables a doctor or nurse to be able to respond and care for a member of our community quickly, then we have made an easy decision to do the right thing,” said Kelly. “The work they are doing will impact the health and safety of the entire world, including the NEISD community.”
Shout Out to All Bexar County School Districts Serving Their Students & Communities!
Remember, It's Okay to Take a Break and Go Outside
Former Mayor's Fitness Council Full Council Chair and current Executive Committee Member, Mary Ullmann Japhet shares a mental wellness tip: "Get outside and breathe! I captured this image from my hike along the Salado Creek Trail. For me, nature has always been the quickest way to right a case of the blahs."
Gardening Tips with Metro Health Community Health Workers Nadia and Joaquin from the Healthy Neighborhoods Program (Click on Photo Below to Play Video)
Order Online and Take To Go: Pearl Farmers' Market
How We Cope: A Chef Downsizes as Restaurants Shift to Take-Out Only - Commentary Piece by Chef Michael Sohocki from Kimura
Local Take Out, Delivery and Groceries Guide from the Rivard Report
Shout Out to H-E-B! The Grocer is Serving Up San Antonio Restaurant Favorites To Go With All Proceeds Going Directly Back to the Restaurants
Valero Helping Out to Produce Much Needed Hand Sanitizer
Message From Valero Chairman & CEO, Joe Gorder
Covid-19 Community Action United Message Campaign
Our Communications Committee is currently working on updating the FitCitySA website over the next few weeks in order to share out important Covid-19 community public service announcements and messaging. We all can do our part within our own organizations to help spread the same Covid-19 messages. Please see the many info-graphics that you are welcome to share on your websites and social media pages.
Another great opportunity for the Mayor's Fitness Council is the Covid-19 Community Action that has been formed by Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Wolff. Moving forward we will be continuing our advocacy to help ensure that mental health, physical fitness and good nutrition is represented well within the Covid-19 Community Action Plan under the Social Services work group.
Stay tuned for more information. #wereallinthistogether
Message from Mayor Nirenberg - We're All in This Together
Commentary by Gordon Hartman, Founder and CEO of the Gordon Hartman Family Foundation and Appointed Coordinator of the Covid-19 Community Action Plan
Normally, we would be celebrating the 10th birthday of Morgan’s Wonderland, and that will happen one of these days, but right now, all of us are confronted with an invisible storm that threatens San Antonio, our state and our nation.
To reduce the storm’s damage as much as possible, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff have mobilized the COVID-19 Community Action working groups. In making the announcement, Nirenberg said these groups will act as “strike teams” focused on immediate areas of impact within the community.
“They’re charged with identifying measures to mitigate the challenge (posed by the pandemic), recommending measures for long-term recover, and identifying local, state and federal resources to assist the community,” he added.
This is a commonsense, methodical approach to pinpoint critical issues and determine the resources needed to address them. It’s my honor and privilege to lead this process and coordinate among five working groups of leaders in our community.
Federal and state government advocacy:
Every state and municipality is going to seek governmental funding, so it’s absolutely essential we specify what financial assistance our community will need and make sure we have a “seat at the table.”
Philanthropy:
This doesn’t mean the establishment of a new fund to provide community assistance. Rather, it’s a process to inform existing foundations and philanthropists as to how they can play a role for either a specific purpose or a common purpose.
Food security and shelter:
Suddenly, the San Antonio Food Bank is being called on to feed 120,000 families, twice the normal number, so securing enough food for those in need is of critical importance. Likewise, we must deal with shelter issues – thousands who will be delinquent in paying their monthly rents and thousands of homeless people living on our city’s streets.
Business and employment:
This working group is involved in helping small businesses survive the economic downturn and retain their employees, and it also concentrates on helping these businesses get re-established once the storm passes.
Social services:
It’s important the demands on so-called “safety net” are being met. This includes helping those with special needs, the elderly and children in low-income families who need care so their parents can attempt to earn a living.
We’ve just begun, but already I’m greatly encouraged with the enthusiastic response of residents from all over San Antonio and Bexar County eager to lend a hand. I’m also very impressed with the dedication and determination of our health care providers and first responders. In the midst of the health emergency, I’ve never seen a better opportunity for greater San Antonio to come together for the common good.
As we move forward, I ask that you continue to heed the guidance of health professionals, volunteer to help your neighbors in need through entities such as the San Antonio Food Bank and Haven for Hope, and keep the well-being of our community in your prayers. Working and cooperating together, we will survive the Covid-19 storm and get back to living life to the fullest in the city we love.
Mayor Nirenberg and Judge Wolff Covid-19 Daily Briefing
CLOTH FACE COVERINGS:
The CDC is recommending the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain — like grocery stores and pharmacies.
The CDC also recommends these coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
Cloth coverings are advised so that medical grade masks can be reserved for our front line emergency personnel and healthcare workers.
We are issuing an advisory that recommends anybody over the age of 5 wear a cloth mask in public if they are traveling to a place that cannot properly employ social distancing.
NEW TESTING PROCEDURES AT FREEMAN:
You no longer need a doctor’s recommendation to get tested for COVID-19 at the Freeman Coliseum drive-through facility. You will still need to call to make an appointment. Based on the influx of calls, those who present with symptoms commonly found in COVID-19 — fever, dry cough, shortness of breath — will be prioritized.
Call 210-233-5970 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to complete the registration process for a test.
Our self-screening tool can help inform your decision on whether or not to seek testing, but please note it is only for information purposes and does not provide a medical diagnosis.
Access the tool here: https://covid19test.quacito.com/
If a test is recommended, you will be provided a phone number that you can call to schedule your test.
If you're experiencing symptoms, we are still advising that you stay at home and call your primary care provider for the next best steps. Do not go to the emergency room. Your providers are equipped with the information they need to recommend COVID-19 testing.
If you do not have a primary healthcare provider or insurance, Federally Qualified Healthcare Centers (FQHC) can assist you with the next best steps.
- CommuniCare: 210.233.7000
- CentroMed: 210.922.7000
Texas MedClinic is now equipped to provide tests.
MENTAL HEALTH:
These times are rightfully taxing on all of us. While it may be difficult to open up during uncertain moments, I want you to know there are always people willing to help.
The State of Texas has opened up a 24/7 mental health hotline: 833-986-1919
If you'd prefer to text, you can chat with someone at the Crisis Text Line by texting SHARE to 741741.
How To Make a Cloth Mask Tutorial
Spotted Helping Out at the San Antonio Food Bank
Message from Tommy Calvert, Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 4
The San Antonio Food Bank is just weeks away from running out of food so on Good Friday they are asking citizens to:
1) Fast
2) Pray
3) Give Food to the hungry though the SA Food Bank
I would ask the President & Governor to use FEMA, Stimulus, and State Rainy Day funds to shore up our social service agencies right away.
Today, Wednesday April 8, 2020 is Passover and I will be having a passover seder tonight with my family and wishing all of my Jewish brothers and sisters a blessed passover.
On a funny note, you'll like some of the jams from the SA Food Bank--reminded me of some of my college nights at the Burren in Boston and some San Antonio flavor was definitely dished up.
Give, give, give what you can, while you can.
San Antonio Food Bank Needs 100 Volunteers for Mega Distribution Event Thursday
Click on the Link Below To Sign Up to Volunteer with the San Antonio Food Bank
Friendly Reminder that all San Antonio Parks are Closed this Weekend
In an effort to encourage the public to adhere to the Stay Home, Work Safe Orders, all City and County parks will be closed on Saturday and Sunday of Easter Weekend (April 11 & 12). Trails for walking, running, and biking, such as the Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails, will remain open.
En un esfuerzo por alentar al público a adherirse a la orden Stay Home, Work Safe, todos los parques de la Ciudad y el Condado estarán cerrados el sábado y domingo del fin de semana de Pascua (11 y 12 de abril).Los senderos para caminar, correr y andar en bicicleta, como los senderos Howard W. Peak Greenway, permanecerán abiertos.
Covid-19 Resource Websites
The Story Goes Podcast with SA2020's Molly Cox and Dr. Barbara Taylor, Professor of Infectious Disease at UT Health San Antonio Talking About Covid-19
From State Representative, Diego Bernal: Navigating Unemployment in Texas.
Domestic Violence Increases in Times of Stress - SAPD Can Help
SAPD: Victim Services Are Still Active
Si se puede, San Antonio! - Look for the Hearts Around Downtown
"Without people, the silence is deafening," Rodriguez added in an email. "I miss my community — all of them — who live here, work here, play here, but it's just temporary and we can't wait to see you again! We'll be back soon! Sí se puede, San Antonio!"
In This Together - Community Call To Action: San Antonio Woman Gives Local Businesses a Helping Hand with T-Shirt Sales
Great Advice from MFC Community Partner CentroMed #FlattenTheCurve
Hometown Favorite Rick Cavender Spreading the Message About Practicing Good Covid-19 Habits (Click on Photo Below for Video)
Tell Me Something Good!
Need Some Cheering Up? How About B-I-N-G-O with Matthew McConaughey and Nursing Home Residents! (Click on Photo Below to Play Video)
Need Some More Cheering Up? Animal Adoption Rates are Through the Roof During Covid-19!
Mayor's Fitness Council 2019 Annual Report
THANK YOU to our Local Heroes!
Social distancing ☑️
Masking ☑️
Taking care of patients and each other ☑️
The Children's Hospital of San Antonio Ambulatory Care Management and Cardiology Clinic teams show that there are creative ways for them to get some fresh air, as they continue to provide quality care to our community! #ThanksHealthHeroes #SocialDistancing
Mayor's Fitness Council
Email: Andrea.Bottiglieri@sanantonio.gov
Website: www.fitcitysa.com
Location: 111 Soledad Street, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: 210-857-5378
Facebook: facebook.com/FitCitySA
Twitter: @FitCitySA