Desert Health News July-August 2024

There is no better way to beat the heat then to take a dip. Whether you’re looking to cool off, workout, play hard or simply escape, the desert offers many options for adults, families and kids of all ages to relax and re-energize with crystal blue aquatics. Adult fun. For a memorable day of sun, fun and festivities, escape to the Palm Springs Surf Club. This elegant new resort features private cabanas, a beautiful beach, full service restaurant and an island bar to transport you into staycation relaxation. The lazy river, water slides and soon- to-be running wave pool add exhilaration that rekindles that “school’s out” summer feeling. www.palmspringssurfclub.com. Adult fitness. Looking for a water workout? Plenty to be found at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center and Desert Recreation District’s (DRD) five pools in La Quinta, Cathedral City, Indio, Coachella and Mecca. From laps to deep water boot camp, senior splash class to swim lessons, options are plentiful and open to all. Free swim is also offered to simply cool off and chill out. www.pdpool.com , www.myrecreationdistrict.com . Kid festivities. Much fun can be found for kids of all ages at each location. The Surf Club’s water slides, padd l eboards , i n f l a t a b l e s and water toys will wipe them out, as will the obstacle course, splash playground, rope swing and climbing wall at PD Aquatic. Day and evening activities are offered at all three locations including dive-in movies – from Jaws (PD Aquatic) to Trolls (DRD), even hot summer nights with DJs and dancing. Kids' fitness. Swim lessons to start, and even a swim meet to compete (July 26) can be found at DRD valley pools. Their Operation Splash offers free swim lessons for kids via online applications. A variety of classes and lessons are also offered at PD Aquatic where kids can come to learn and stay to play. Visit each organization’s website for schedules, activities, hours and pricing. It was late December 2021 when I first discoveredWomen Leaders Forumof Coachella Valley (WFL). The world was finally returning to normal post-Covid, and I was eager to leave the confines of my little compound. Since my husband and I made our vacation home our permanent residence, I wanted to begin making meaningful connections outside of our bubble. Seeing in-person events return was a welcome breath of fresh air. At first glance, I thought WLF was merely a women’s networking organization, however, I soon learned there was so much more. WLF attracts incredible women from throughout Coachella Valley representing a wide variety of professions, diverse backgrounds and age groups. I was excited to join and in collaborating with members I found that they have one thing in common, a dedication to making a difference in the community. I knew I had foundmy people, especially after hearing then President Jenell VanDenBos speak about the Young Women Leaders (YWL) educational scholarship program. While WLF hosts fun summer socials, exclusive member events, and their signature monthly “Let’s Interact” speaker series; there’s so much more to the organization than gathering to network. Through targeted events, business sponsorships, grants and their annual Women Who Rule Luncheon, the non-profit raises funds and provides scholarships to female high school students locally. To date, more than $850,000 has been distributed as merit and needs-based scholarships to deserving female students. Over the past two years, I have served as a volunteer, co-chair and most recently Vice President of the YWL program. It has been such an honor to witness first-hand how our scholarships have impacted students, their families and our community. The educational scholarship program accepts applications in August and awards scholarships in May at out Women Who Rule luncheon. Throughout the 8-month program, participating students gain skills in leadership, business etiquette, financial wellness, personal branding and public speaking. WLF members also provide one-on- one mentoring and informational interviews to these motivated young women. This season, as I step into the role of WLF President, I am excited to work with my board to create programs that offer members an opportunity to connect, collaborate and continue to build a thriving community. I invite you to join us and surround yourself with women who empower, inspire and support one another. I hope you will see, as I did, what is possible when women come together to have a wonderful time and to make a difference. Become a member, volunteer, secure a business sponsorship or simply make a donation. Stop by our summer socials and enjoy Happy “2” Hours with our members. Visit our website to reserve your spot, and bring a friend or two. We look forward to meeting you soon! Eleanor (Elle) Oliver-Edmonds is founder of Eleanor Oliver Coaching and President of Women Leaders Forum and can be reached at president@wlfdesert.org . www.wlfdesert.org www.wlfdesert.org www.DesertHealthNews.com July/August 2024 Desert Events The Valley ' s Leading Resource for Health and Wellness 22 JOIN WOMEN LEADERS FORUM TODAY! Connection • Collaboration • Community Happy “2” Hours Save The Date JULY 11 Kiki’s Dining & Drinks AUGUST 1 Sottovoce Café Allie Baker and Sofia Mastroberti, Owners Natalie Silva, Owner 5:30-7:30pm • $10 for members & guests Mix and mingle with entrepreneurs, executives, volunteers and women making their mark in the valley. Price includes discount on drinks and hors d’oeuvres. JOIN US FOR SUMMER FUN Season Kick-Off — September 5 WLF is a non-profit organization bringing together proven and aspiring leaders of the Coachella Valley to network, volunteer and fundraise for the advancement of the next generation of women. Joining WLF through an Individual or Business membership will enhance your wellbeing both personally and professionally while directly benefitting the women leaders of today and the young women leaders of tomorrow. *Photos by I Want to See Productions For more information and event registration, visit wlfdesert.org Women Connecting for the Greater Good By Eleanor Oliver-Edmonds Adults and kids will enjoy the new Palm Springs Surf Club. Fun and fitness are both offered at the PD Aquatic Center. DRD's five valley pools offer something for everyone. Summer Fun Has Begun! Where to water in the Desert