Look for the Helpers: Lockdown in India, dinosaur on the loose brings joy
As our area is faced with ongoing changes due to a growing pandemic, we are bringing stories of people doing good in the community during a time of uncertainty.
Help us look for the helpers!
Lockdown in India
A Carpinteria resident is coping with lockdown in India.
Kathy Hayden, the owner of Kindermusik, traveled to India to volunteer at an orphanage and teach music.
When the Coronavirus broke out and India shut down, Hayden found herself without a place to stay for days, dealing with police encounters and dangerous travel situations.
Luckily, she found a hotel that would take her, but has been confined to the hotel grounds for two months.
Hayden said she is well fed and safe, but longs to return home.
She is staying positive while she awaits word on when she can catch a flight back to the United States.
While in lockdown, Hayden has transitioned her music school to online courses.
Songs With Friends
A Facebook group called 'Songs with Friends,' is finding ways to spread joy during the pandemic.
It was started by Matt Moore who said it's a way to stay connected with his friends, and show the community that we can still sing and dance through this difficult time.
Every week, the group votes on the song they want to lip sync, and then lyrics are assigned.
People record themselves dancing and singing, then Moore edits the video together and posts the video on the page for everyone to enjoy.
Moore is also part of Vow4Mal, an anti-drunk driving non-profit created after local resident Mallory Dies was killed by a drunk driver in December 2013.
Jurassic Park Stroll
A dinosaur is on the loose in Goleta and Santa Barbara!
Goleta resident Samantha Bearman is making the rounds bringing joy to local Santa Barbara and Goleta neighborhoods.
Since the second week of the stay at home order, Bearman said she's been going out into the community dressed as a dinosaur every day.
Bearman said she takes walks through the park, visits the front yards of neighbors and friends, and even picks up her take out food dressed in costume.
Bearman, a comedian, said laughter is a super power, especially during this challenging time.
Bearman said she plans to visit Oxnard and Ventura soon.
Know of any other helpers making a difference during these trying times? Send Alys an email and let her know!
