Lakewood
News
Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Volume 29 Number 4
www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com
Lakewood reaches 100% street repaving goal!!!
Lakewood City Council Members on one of the final streets that was repaved as the city reached its street improvement milestone.
Construction crews have now completed a project to repave three and a half miles of Lakewood residential streets, largely near Lakewood High School and the Ponderosa Tract of homes (near Clark Avenue and Allington Street). On its own, it
was a modest-sized project, but it completed a major goal for the city of repaving all 143 miles of Lakewood’s residential streets over the past 12 years. Repaving an entire community is very expensive if done all at once, but in 2000, the Lakewood
City Council decided to move ahead on a long-term plan to make steady progress every year and make creative use of a variety of funding sources. The city was strategic about using federal and state transportation funds for its major
thoroughfares and then saving its general fund dollars and its share of Measure R sales tax funds just for residential streets. Another strategic move was sticking with the use of ‘rubberized’ asphalt. It’s a bit more expensive up front, but it’s quieter for drivers and neighborhoods and lasts much longer than regular asphalt. Lakewood’s newly paved roads should now last close to 25 years on average. Rubberized asphalt is also environmentally friendly, utilizing old tires that would otherwise have to go to landfills. Over the 12 years of Lakewood’s repaving program, the city has spent $28 million, paved 143 miles of residential streets with 227,000 tons of asphalt, and used 615,000 recycled, old tires. The city has also replaced 50 miles of sidewalk and 55 miles of curbs and gutters. What’s the future hold for repaving in Lakewood? The city will still need to periodically repave its major boulevards and do localized spot repairs. But Lakewood’s residential streets now have a solid base of rubberized asphalt that will last up to 25 years without repaving.
April 2013
Spring After Hours Mixer!
Buffalo Wild Wings Thursday, April 11th 5:30-7:00pm 4678 Daneland St. Lakewood Center (Next to Target)
COST AT THE DOOR:
Members - $5 NonMembers - $10 This is a great opportunity to mix ‘n mingle with other business owners and city officials. Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards! For more info, call 562.531.9733
Trashing your toxic debris the RIGHT WAY just got a lot easier
EDCO’s large, new complex in Signal Hill takes hazardous waste & e-waste once a month. Keeping toxics out of the trash and from oozing into storm drains and the ocean is everyone’s responsibility. Doing it just got Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
lots easier. Lakewood residents can now drop off their toxic debris once a month at the EDCO Recycling PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29
& Transfer Station in nearby Signal Hill, at 2755 California Avenue. Just 10-15 minutes from the Lakewood Civic Center, it is open every second Saturday of the month to accept household hazardous waste, sharps and e-waste. “This is a huge convenience for residents. Instead of waiting for a regional hazardous waste roundup, they can now plan to make an environmentally friendly drop-off near home,” says Lakewood Public Works Director, Lisa Rapp. Along with being an option for hazardous waste, the new 68,000 square foot facility is a traditional dump transfer station and takes large and oversized amounts of brick, used lumber and other material that can’t be put in residential trash carts, recycling carts or green waste cans. Dump fees are charged at the facility. “This is a good local resource for anyone doing home projects, yard makeovers or garage clean ups who has an extra amount of waste to get rid of,” says Rapp. “Now we have a convenient facility (Cont’d on Page 5)
One of the most valuable tools the Sheriff’s Department has to keep Lakewood safe is the eyes and ears of Lakewood residents looking out for their neighborhood. If you see unusual activity in your neighborhood, call the Sheriff’s Station. Their business line, which is perfect for reporting unusual activity, is staffed 24 hours a day at 562-623-3500. And, if it’s a crime in progress, always call 9-1-1. Maybe it’s a business solicitor going door to door. (Sometimes those turn out to be knock-knock burglars who find unoccupied homes and then go around back to try to break in.) Maybe it’s people who appear to be utility workers with vests or hard hats, but without official vehicles or ID. (They, too, may end up going around the back of a house, or sneaking past the front door while the owner walks into the back yard with another “worker.”) Maybe it’s just something in your neighborhood that is unusual and has you worried. Lakewood Sheriff’s Captain Merrill Ladenheim urges residents to give the Sheriff’s Department a call and they’ll send a Deputy to see what’s happening. If you see something, say something. Keep Lakewood and your neighborhood safe!
LakewoodToday
Page 2
Lakewood Chamber is all about building relationships
John Kelsall, President & CEO of Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Relationships are important in the family unit between parents, parents and children, between siblings, and the extended family, to provide harmony and support for each other and the group to survive,
be happy, and be productive. The same is true in business. If you have any part of the company that is in discord with the rest, it slows down the entire unit. Thus adding credence to the importance of the adage that the organization is only as strong as it’s weakest link. That link can either support or destroy the unit. We have lost an understanding of the importance of the kitchen table. We used to have dinner together, at the same time. We talked with each other about what is happening in our lives and even seeking advise. And sometimes learning new lessons about life and our family’s values. Then we moved to the TV dinner – but it was still around the kitchen table. Now we have dinner with the TV and never the dialogue shall be.
April 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org
My wife and I were having dinner at a nice family restaurant. Next to us was a handsome family of a father, mother, a teenage son and daughter. During that entire meal we noticed only two full sentences were exchanged among them all. The rest of the time it seemed to be a rush for all four of them to exercise their thumbs on their smart phones. We wondered if they were texting each other? My wife doesn’t allow me to use my phone when we are eating or I get a shin kick. The philosophy of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is to bring us together again and re-energize the importance of building business relationships not only on a formal business level but as human beings as well. The Chamber is a place to get connected with other business leaders, where over time lasting professional, and individual, friendships will emerge and thrive. Face-to-face business networking is one of the most effective marketing, and prospecting tools you can use in your arsenal to grow your business. What is business networking all about? It is simply… building relationships. Searching out the people that you have a commonality with, and sharing your similar interests.
Joining the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is a great way to maximize your exposure in the community and to meet new friends. However, your Chamber is only as helpful as you allow. Meaning, the Chamber will not bring prospects to your door. You must be willing to put in the time and effort necessary to build the relationships. The Chamber can only provide the opportunities. The benefits of Chamber membership: • Connect with community members through the many networking events offered through the year. • Word of mouth business referrals. • Complete access to the membership database. • Market your brand through cost effective advertising in the Lakewood Community News. And much more… If you are interested in learning more about the Lakewood Chamber give John a call at (562) 531-9733 or email john@lakewoodchamber. com. And enjoy your kitchen table, and all the wisdom it provides, again!
C i t y Spotlight Lakewood Youth Job Fair seeks employers The Lakewood Youth Job Fair is planned for Thursday, April 25 from 3pm to 5:30pm at the Lakewood Youth Center. The fair brings the resources of the city, local high schools, and local employers together to help young people between the ages of 16 and 20 years looking for fulltime or part-time employment. The Youth Job Fair offers young job seekers the opportunity to speak to a number of different local employers. And the business community can screen a large number of enthusiastic teens and young adults in a short period of time. For additional information or to reserve a free booth for your business, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472 daily after 3pm. Spring vacation programs planned All eight major parks in Lakewood have special holiday hours and programmed activities planned for Saturday, March 30 through Friday, April 5 for elementary school aged children. Arts and crafts activities and a special “play” activity are scheduled each day. Additionally, Carom boards, tetherball, board games and outdoor balls are available for checkout. Family Fun in April--Mother/ Son Mayhem at Monte Verde Park Mothers, grandmothers and aunts can invite their son(s) or special young men, ages five and older, to a fun night of mayhem at Monte Verde Park on Saturday, April 20 from 5pm to 8pm. This year’s event will be a teamoriented boot camp theme where participants will test their mental and physical skills. Put on your camouflage and participate in an array of obstacle courses and puzzle challenges. Participants will receive a keepsake mother/ son photo. Registration is $15 per person and must be received by April 11. Daddy/Daughter Date Night The annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is Saturday, April 13 from 6pm to 9pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. This year’s theme is a Mardi Gras-style Masquerade Ball. Dads and daughters age five and above will enjoy dinner, dancing and fun contests. Registration is $18 per person. Registration open until Friday, April 5, or until filled. For more information or to sign up for these events, call 562-8669771, extension 2408 or sign up through the eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation.
Your
Minding
www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013
Communication skills are key to career success!
If you’re looking to start a new career or move forward in your existing one, experts agree that communication is key to success, no matter what
LB Turtle and Tortoise Care Socie t y
will be having their 18th Annual Turtle & Tortoise Care Expo, Sunday, May 19th, at the El Dorado Community Center (2800 N. Studebaker Rd., LB). Show is from 10am-4pm. Donations accepted at the door. Live animals on display and Q&A on turtles & tortoises. Bring your family for a day of fun & education. Go to tortoise.org/ttcs for more info.
Lakewood
News
Community
...Since 1984
Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20/yr in Orange & L.A. Counties; $25/yr in all other counties. Payable in advance. Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice. The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised. SUBMISSION POLICY: The LCN encourages submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be no more than 200 words, typed and double spaced, or sent electronically. Letters must be signed by the author and must include the author’s address and telephone number. Opinions expressed in the letter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, members, staff or the LCN. The LCN reserves the right to refuse or edit editorial content, without notice, for the reasons of, but not limited to, length, grammar, clarity or for the potentially libelous statements. SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser. EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month. (There is no guarantee for insertion.) PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs. © 2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced or transmitted - by any means - without the publisher’s written permission
your line of work. One of the first steps to becoming a better communicator is being more self-aware so that you can better understand the situation, your audience and your role in the conversation. In order to become more conscious of what you are trying to communicate and how you are going about it, people should consider the following questions: What is my communication goal? Consider your shortand long-term goals as well as what action, information or commitment you want as a result of your communication-both now and in the future. Am I deliberate and conscious in how I communicate? Be conscious of both your oral and written communication. Remember, when speaking, it’s estimated that the total impact
of a message is about 7 percent verbal (words only), 38 percent vocal (including tone of voice, inflection and other sounds) and 55 percent nonverbal. Do I know who my audience is? Try to be aware of various factors, such as cultural differences, that may exist within your audience and can play a role in how the message is received. Am I aware of my emotions when I communicate? Think about your emotions and how appropriate they are for the situation to determine if you’re prepared. In situations such as asking for a raise from your supervisor, it’s important to be clear and unemotional and focus on communicating what you’ve been doing well. What nonverbal message am I communicating? Consider how you sit or stand, your facial
expressions and how you’re dressed. Most of the messages we send other people when communicating are nonverbal. Am I an honest communicator? Do you state your needs and desires clearly? Do you communicate with integrity? The answer to all of these should be “yes.” Am I listener focused? Do you often use slang, idioms, acronyms or technical jargon? Such language can exclude some or all of your audience. Be clear and concise in your communication and consider how the listener is following and understanding your message. Whether you’re just beginning your journey as a working adult or because you’re ready for a change in life – you should realize the value of being a good communicator.
Business Page 3
‘Tis like the birthday of the world, When earth was born in bloom; The light is made of many dyes, The air is all perfume: There’s crimson buds, and white and blue, The very rainbow showers Have turned to blossoms where they fell, And sown the earth with flowers. ~ Thomas Hood
&
Business Financial Page 4
www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013
Lakewood Post Office adjusts retail hours In an effort to reduce costs while maintaining customer service, the Lakewood Post Office will adjust public retail hours effective April 1, 2013. The changes, which will shorten hours of operation an hour on Monday through Friday and 90 minutes on Saturday, were approved after careful analysis of customer traffic patterns and transaction history. The new retail hours effective April 1 are: Monday through
Friday from 8:30am to 5:30pm, and Saturday from 9:30am to 2pm. The Lakewood Post Office has an Automated Postal Center kiosk available 24 hours a day to purchase stamps, weigh mail and ship packages when the retail lobby is not available. A generation ago customers had no choice but to visit a Post Office to buy stamps or ship a package. But today it’s not just about
brick-and-mortar Post Offices as the Postal Service moves online and into retail outlets, grocery stores, office supply chains and pharmacies. Anyone with Internet access also has a Post Office always open on their computer. At usps.com customers can buy stamps, print shipping labels and download postage, schedule a free package pickup, change their address when they move, look up a ZIP
Code or hold their mail when they are away. Almost any transaction
that can be done at a Post Office can be done at usps.com!
‘Smart gardening’ saves water
Consider that 70% of the water used by Lakewood households is used outdoors. Simple changes of habits and equipment like using hose timers, installing watersaving “rotor-style” sprinkler heads or doing some creative yard remodeling can provide a well of savings for your wallet and for the environment. Two free educational programs help would-be “green thumbs” make water-wise plans that help the environment, improve landscaping and save money on water bills. Both programs are ideal ways for homeowners to learn how to improve their yards or learn waterwise basics. The techniques can be applied directly to your yard. Los Angeles County offers dozens of free “Smart Gardening” workshops covering ways to get a great looking yard while using less water and energy. See www. lakewoodcity.org/SmartGardener. The next beginning workshop close to Lakewood will be held in Long Beach on Saturday, April 6, from 9:30am to 11am at Birney Elementary School at 710 W Spring Street. The Water Replenishment District (WRD) offers several free water-wise “Eco-gardener” classes to help residents save water and improve their gardens. See www. ecogardener.org, or call 562-2754234, or e-mail Pam Wareham at mpwareham@wrd.org.
Upcoming programs include:
Saturday, April 27: Vegetable & Fruit Gardening Saturday, May 11: Garden Design Applications Saturday, June 22: Drought Tolerant Plants Saturday, July 20: Drip & Sprinkler Care Saturday, August 3: Sustainable Garden Care
News
Community www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013
Lakewood hits the trail
In recent years, Lakewood has improved both sides of the San Gabriel River, providing great walking and jogging opportunities. Shown: Aerial view of Rynerson Park. Hitting the fitness trail just got a little easier. New interactive maps and updated printable PDF’s make it a breeze to take advantage of Lakewood’s nearly 200 acres of city parks and miles of fitness routes. Updated “Park Finder” and “Trail Finder” pages at Lakewood Online have expanded facility descriptions and now use Google maps. Getting directions to neighborhood parks close to home is just a click away at www. lakewoodcity.org/ParkFinder. Longer, scenic routes are available on either side of the San
Gabriel River. At Rynerson Park there is a 1-mile walking trail and cycling trailhead for the San Gabriel River Bike Trail. Across the river is the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, where a round trip from Del Amo Avenue to Carson Street is a 2-mile trek. The Trail Finder page at www. lakewoodcity.org/TrailFinder features a profile of the San Gabriel River Bike Trail along with eight easily-printed PDFs of fitness routes at most of Lakewood’s neighborhood parks offering distances of 1/4, 1/3 and 1/2-mile looping jaunts.
“Trashing Your Toxic Debris”
e-waste) Open the 2nd Saturday of each month from 9am to 2pm. EDCO Public Waste Disposal Open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm, and Sunday from 9am to 1:30pm. EDCO Buyback CRV Recycling Center Open Tuesday through Saturday from 8am to 4pm. Closed on Sunday and Monday and closed for lunch from 12pm to 12:30pm.
(Cont’d. from Page 1)
that’s open seven days a week for dump material and 12 times a year for toxics.” EDCO reminds Lakewood residents they are also entitled to six free bulky item pickups a year at their home. To schedule pickup, call EDCO at 562-531-3054, by 3:30pm the day before your normal trash pickup. The city’s Bulky Item Pickup program is intended for things like used furniture, appliances, mattresses, e-waste and broken-down boxes tied in twine, but not for building materials. Donating items to worthy causes is strongly encouraged. A list of potential charities is online at www.lakewoodcity.org/bulkystuff. The new EDCO facility can be phoned at 562-997-1122. The EDCO complex is also a CRV redemption value buy-back facility for aluminum cans, CRV glass beverage containers and CRV plastic beverage containers. Donation-value items are accepted and include paper, cardboard and non-CRV household containers. Residents can drop off large amounts of greenwaste at the EDCO site. Plant and tree material should not be contaminated with other materials. If clean, it can be recycled and turned into reusable mulch. Dumping fees apply for the greenwaste. The site regularly accepts “Fat, Oil, and Grease” (FOG) items and is a drop-off location for motor oil filters and polystyrene (Styrofoam). EDCO Environmental Collection Center (For hazardous waste and
Detailed information on Lakewood’s parks and facility rentals is at www.lakewoodcity. org/Facilities, and the ongoing season of recreation programs and fitness classes for youth, adults and seniors is always online at www.lakewoodcity.org/catalog. Classes are often offered multiple times a season so getting started midseason is easy.
Page 5
ChamberNews Page 6
WELCOME New Members!
Balloons by Victoria Victoria Davis 4505 South Street Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 533-8154
ChildNetYouth & Family Services
Eileen Factor 4155 Outer Traffic Circle Long Beach, CA 90804 (562) 498-5000
Zonfra Trading
Shing Chi Lai 11615 Walcroft Street Lakewood, CA 90715 (562) 402-2768
Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill Paul St. Bernard 4678 Daneland Street Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-6707
The Joint...the chiropractic place 5109 Candlewood Street Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 925-2114
Become a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Call or email for more information: 562.531.9733 or info@lakewoodchamber.com.
Congratulations & Thank You!
www.lakewoodnews.org
Member Renewals
With their renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. 27 Years - Pathways Volunteer Hospice 21 Years - Friends of the Lakewood Libraries 12 Years - Greg’s Collision Center - Castlehead Escrow Inc. 8 Years - Central Basin Municipal Water District 6 Years - Transcom Telecommunications 3 Years - G&A Heating and Air Conditioning
April 2013
Buffalo Wild Wings opens to big crowd
Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill officially opened their doors and celebrated their Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on March 18. Field Deputy from Don Knabe’s Office, Erin Stibal, was on hand to present Buffalo Wild Wings Manager, Paul St. Bernard with a County scroll.
Save the date for Pan American Fiesta!
Lakewood Council Members, Diane DuBois and Ron Piazza, as well as County Officials were among the many people who joined in the celebration with Buffalo Wild Wings staff and managers. Buffalo Wild Wings Bar & Grill is located at 4678 Daneland Street (next to Target in the Lakewood Center Mall.)
Lakewood’s fiesta is the nation’s only community-wide celebration of Pan American culture outside of Washington, D.C.--and it’s coming back in May! It’s a great way for Lakewood residents to take part in one of the city’s longest-running traditions. The Pan American Fiesta begins its threeday, family-friendly celebration at Mayfair Park on Friday, May 10 at 5pm. For a complete schedule of fiesta events call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408.
2012-2013 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors
John Kelsall President/CEO Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 John@lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodnews.org
Eager to take Buffalo Wild Wings up on their offer of “free wings for a year” to its first 100 guests, Lakewood resident Ben Elliott was first in line at 10am the day before the restaurant’s March 18 opening. He was soon joined by dozens of additional area residents, and nearly 150 people by the time the eatery opened its doors. Loaded with big-screen TVs, Lakewood newest sports-themed restaurant is on the scene just in time for basketball’s “March Madness!” Located on the north side of Lakewood Center, (on the site of the old 24-Hour Fitness, Buffalo Wild Wings also features salads, burgers, children’s meals...and fun wait staff who dance in unison to special songs! Mark Perumean ~ Chairman EDCO Waste & Recycling Services P.O. Box 398 Buena Park, CA 90621 714-522-3577 mperumean@edcodisposal.com
Patrick Houston Lakewood Regional Medical Center P.O. Box 6070 Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-0083 Patrick.Houston@tenethealth.com
Doug Roscoe Lakewood Center 500 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 562-633-0437 Fax 562-633-1452 Doug.Roscoe@macerich.com
Mike Segura Farmers Insurance 2725 Candlewood Street Lakewood, CA 90712 562-531-4980 msegura@farmersagent.com
Joy Janes Behavior Safety Associates 5710 Harvey Way Lakewood, CA 90713 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 Joyjanes@yahoo.com
Glen Patrick Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Glen.Patrick@lbymca.org
Larry Kirk F&M Bank 5101 Lakewood Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-8378 Fax 562-633-3012 larry.kirk@fmb.com
Green
www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013
Spring has sprung; the seasonal samba has begun
Daylight Saving Time’s extra hours give Lakewood residents time to enjoy their patios, talk a bit more with the neighbors, and get those home and yard improvement projects under way. Enterprising homeowners can find a wealth of ideas by reviewing photos of the 2012 Lakewood Beautiful Home Award winners on the city’s website at www.lakewoodcity. org/LakewoodHomes. The slides show dozens of Lakewood homes and landscapes. You can also nominate a neighbor (or yourself) for a Lakewood Beautiful award for a property that shows special “pride of ownership” through upkeep, landscaping and overall general appearance. Nominations are open through June 28 at www.lakewoodcity. org/BeautifulHome. Inspired yard-project planners will be happy to know the city continues to offer Lakewood water customers up to $915 in credit on their water bill if they take voluntary action to reduce outdoor water use. The program offers two types of rebates— one for devices and the other for turf removal. Homeowners can earn $5 to $50 toward the cost of watersaving items like rotor sprinkler heads, hose end timers, moisture sensors, drip irrigation kits, irrigation timers and drip-line emitters. Turf removal rebates are based on rebating $1 per square foot of turf removed, up to a maximum of $800. See www.lakewoodcity.org/ waterrebates or call 562-866771, extension 2700. Rebate shoppers who “Shop Lakewood” can receive additional savings when they purchase approved water saving devices in town! Just visit the Shop Lakewood website at www.lakewoodcity.org/ waterrebatecoupon, print the official coupon and include it with the device rebate application and original receipt. The Water Replenishment District (WRD) also offers several free water-wise “Ecogardener” classes to help residents save water and improve their grounds. Topics range from design tips to plant choices and irrigation methods. See http://www.wrd. org/ecogardener, call 562-2754234, or e-mail Pam Wareham at pwareham@wrd.org.
Living
Page 7
Dear EarthTalk: I’d like to have a garden that encourages bees and butterflies. What’s the best approach? ~ Robert Miller
Attracting bees and butterflies to a garden is a noble pursuit indeed, given that we all depend on these species and others (beetles, wasps, flies, hummingbirds, etc.) to pollinate the plants that provide us with so much of our food, shelter and other necessities of life. In fact, increased awareness of the essential role pollinators play in ecosystem maintenance—along with news about rapid declines in bee populations—have led to a proliferation of backyard “pollinator gardens” across the U.S. and beyond. Pollinators require two essential components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen. Native plants are undoubtedly the best source of food for pollinators, because plants and their pollinators have coevolved. But, many varieties of garden plants can also attract pollinators. Any garden, whether a window box on a balcony or a multi-acre backyard, can be made friendlier to pollinators. Provide a range of native flowering plants that bloom throughout the growing season to provide food and nesting for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Clustering flowering plants together in patches is preferable to spacing individual plants apart. Along these lines, gardeners should plant a variety of colors in a pollinator garden, as color is one of the plant kingdom’s chief clues that pollen or nectar is available. Blue, purple, violet, white and yellow flowers are particularly attractive to bees. Different shapes also attract different types of pollinators, and that getting as much floral diversity of any kind going is a sure way to maximize pollination. Another way to attract pollinators is to provide nest sites for bees, and cut out pesticides, as these harsh chemicals reduce the available nectar and pollen sources in gardens while poisoning the very insects that make growing
plants possible. Creating a foraging habitat not only helps the bees, butterflies and flies that pollinate these plants, but also results in beautiful, appealing landscapes!
One Day No Sanding™ refinishing can be Better, Faster Easier -- at half the Cost of Sanding Sanding and refinishing is no longer the only – or even the best – way to restore beauty and luster to ailing hardwood floors. Homeowners who do their due diligence are happily surprised to learn that the One Day No Sanding™ refinishing provided exclusively by OC DustFree, using the same ultra-tough protective urethane that national bowling giant Brunswick uses in its bowling lanes, can usually be done in one day, involves zero fumes or dust, and costs about 1/2 as much as sanding This is especially good news in Orange County, where distressed, hand-scraped and engineered wood floors are particularly popular. According to Gus DeFalco, whose second-generation family-owned Costa Mesa business has been installing, repairing, and refinishing wood flooring since 1951, neither type are able to be sanded in the first place: the veneer of engineered floors is too thin, and hand-scraped floors too intentionally irregular, to allow sanding. Until One Day No Sanding™ came along, such floors required replacing. Our exclusive refinishing process was originally developed for those floors and is the only way they can be easily refinished. “People with wax-finish wood floors know the good thing about them is that you can wax and shine them.They also know that the bad thing about them is that you have to wax and shine them,” DeFalco joked. “Many customers are extremely relieved to learn that One Day No Sanding™ can "convert" your wax floors to the Brunswick urethane. One Day No Sanding™ can even be used to change or alter the floor’s color." While true solid hardwood floors, typically found in vintage homes, are thick enough to be sanded, One Day No Sanding™ is a smart refinishing option for them, too, especially when there are localized stains, wood damage, or time and cost restraints – sanding usually takes four to five days and costs twice as much. One Day No Sanding™ utilizes the industry's only environmentally friendly Child-And School Safe Certified Greenguard Indoor Air Quality process.
One Day No Sanding™ involves a fast, hasslefree five -phase process. It only takes one day, on a typical floor, to remove the loose urethane, clean dirt and grime from the wood, prime the surface with a bonding agent, and refinish it with odorless, quick-drying, non¬flammable water-based urethane that will protect the hardwood for years. This is the toughest urethane on the market, period,” DeFalco said. “It’s durable enough for bowling alleys, the most punishing environment for wood floors you can imagine. We’re the only wood floor refinishing company in Southern California that has this One Day No Sanding™ system ” The satin, semi-gloss and gloss finish urethane is water-based, so it has no VOCs (volatile organic compounds) or toxic off-gasses. DeFalco said it’s better than the old oil-based urethanes in several ways. It never yellows, and with One Day No Sanding™ chemical process, the Brunswick urethane cures faster and stronger. You can walk on it same day. We've been using it for years in schools. auditoriums, restaurants and museums. It lasts four to eight years in those environments, so you can imagine how it does in residential applications with far less use and traffic. One Day No Sanding™ is revolutionizing the wood floor industry. Normally, about half the cost of sanding with a lot less aggravation. Over 100,000 satisfied customers and over one million feet of One Day No Sanding™ refinished. Call 949-554-4920 for a free estimate or questions. Visit our website for all the details at www.ocdustfree.com
Corner
Cuddly Page 8
www.lakewoodnews.org
Affordable family fun: Mark Twain and the ‘Animal Guys’ As spring arrives, family fun is at the forefront. The first of two impressive live family programs arranged by the City of Lakewood is set for Friday, April 5. Actors will bring the classic American tale of Tom Sawyer and his friends to the intimate small venue of The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. The Family Fun event offers Lakewood families an affordable meal and the timeless stories of Mark Twain as performed by “Will and Company.” The highly interactive program looks at the wonder and challenges of youth in a country on the brink of change as told in the classic story. Some lucky
audience members will even get to participate as actors. Dinner is served prior to the program and includes BBQ chicken, corn, rolls, lemonade and dessert. Seating is on a firstcome, first-served basis. Doors open at 5:45pm. The last day to register is April 2, or until filled. Sign up online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog, use class number 31186. Cost is $8 per person and $5 for children 3 and under. The hugely popular “Animal Guys” are returning to The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on Friday, May 31 with their menagerie of rainforest animal friends. Special animal visitors include a squirrel monkey, twotoed sloth, macaw, coatimundi, kinkajou, Burmese python, alligator, red-footed tortoise, tree frog, prehensile-tailed skink, rainbow boa constrictor, Madagascar hissing cockroach and an emperor scorpion! Dinner is served prior to the program and includes hamburgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, lemonade and dessert. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 5:45pm. The last day to register is May 28, or until filled. Sign up online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog, use class number 31187. Cost is $8 per person and $5 for children 3 and under.
April 2013
Bringing home a new puppy takes a lot of love! Millions of people bring home new pets each year, and a lot of those pets are adorable little puppies. It’s important to realize that puppies may be cute and cuddly, but they are also a big responsibility. So to be sure your puppy is off to a good start, you’ll want to make sure you, and your home are prepared for the new family member. Below are some helpful puppy tips to consider: Puppy proofing your home: Take a moment to crawl on the ground to see the world through your puppy’s eyes. Make a list of all the potential dangers you notice and remove them from your puppy’s curious reach. Be sure to remove poisons like laundry detergent or chemical cleaners. Food and Nutrition: A healthy feeding routine starts with premium puppy food and also includes; finding a food and water bowl that are the right size, feeding the right amount, sticking to a schedule, and avoiding people food. Potty Training: Puppy accidents come with the territory. To minimize those accidents, be consistent with potty training. Grooming: At-home grooming begins with nail trimmings, brushing and baths. Don’t forget to schedule a vet appointment for your new puppy. It will need the proper vaccinations and preventative healthcare discussions.
April 2013
The Joint Corp. announces clinic opening
The Joint Corp., a leading franchisor of chiropractic clinics, recently announced the opening of their newest clinic in Lakewood. The clinic is owned by Dr. Stephen Harkins of Harkins Chiropractic Corp. and is managed by The Joint franchisees, Mr. Chad Meisinger and Mr. Raymond Espinoza. This is the 9th clinic of an anticipated 60 clinics in the region. Meisinger was Co-Founder, CEO and Chairman of First internet Franchise Corp, and later was instrumental in starting up dMarc, a high tech communication firm that was sold to Google, where he subsequently stayed on to lead their sales and marketing efforts. Espinoza founded Bradford Financial Corporation in 1991, and is currently the CEO of Statewide Labor Corporation, overseeing the health and welfare of 500+ employees. ”As an entrepreneur, I’ve always looked for distinctive business models that offer favorable pricing, branding advantages, recurring revenue and industries with high growth rates,” said Meisinger. “The Joint met these criteria very well. I liked the model so much I considered franchising it myself until I saw that John Leonesio (CEO of The Joint and Founder and former CEO of Massage Envy) was behind this project. If John was associated with it, I knew it would be a hit.” The licensed chiropractor servicing patients at the Lakewood Galleria clinic is Jeffrey Millan. Dr. Millan received his Doctor of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic. “As a Chiropractor, my mission has always been to ensure every patient I see has the opportunity to live a healthy, pain free life. With that goal in mind, The Joint’s unique approach allows people to experience routine chiropractic care with little to no wait times, convenient hours and affordable prices regardless of their income or insurance policies. The Joint not only allows people to get well, but stay well,” says Dr. Millan. Come visit Dr. Millan at 5109 Candlewood Street in The Lakewood Galleria Center. Clinic hours are Monday thru Friday 10-7 and weekends from 10 to 5. For additional information please call (562) 925-2114 or go to thejoint.com.
www.lakewoodnews.org
Chase Bank celebrates Grand Opening in Lakewood
Chase Bank located at 5560 Woodruff Avenue in Lakewood recently celebrated their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!
Shop Lakewood! ...Stay Lakewood Loyal!
Shop Lakewood Page 9
Shop Lakewood Page 10
Advertise in the AWARD-WINNING Lakewood Community News. Call (562) 531-9733 or email advertise@lakewoodchamber.com
www.lakewoodnews.org
Brodsky Orthodontics announces car giveaway
Father and son team, Orthodontist, Joel F, Brodsky DDS MS has been practicing in Lakewood Since 1976. His son Orthodontist Charles D. Brodsky DDS MSD joined the practice in 2005, and is licensed by the State of California and Members of the American Association of Orthodontists. To celebrate their 20,000th patient, Brodsky Orthodontics will be giving away a fantastic 2012 Fiat “Pop” 500. The “Giveaway” began on February 1, 2013 and ends on January 15, 2014. This “Giveaway” is open to all patients (past and present) and their families and friends who have a valid Brodsky Rewards Card. For more details about the drawing please go to www.drbrodskysmile.com or call
April 2013
Sell your books and buy used ones at BOOK•OFF
BOOKOFF is happy to announce that it has opened a brand new “Used Superstore” in the heart of the city of Lakewood, inside the Lakewood Center Mall. The Lakewood Center M a l l store has a floor area of 8,504 square ft, and carries 200,000 items including books, video games, music CDs, DVDs, iPads, iPods, Kindles and other electronic goods. The store will be the largest used bookstore chain in the west coast.
BOOKOFF also buys books, video games, music CDs, DVDs, iPads, iPods, Kindles and more at the store, in cash, whether it is just one item or hundreds. BOOKOFF sells these goods starting at $1.00. For more information contact George (Hideyuki) Komuro, General Administration Dept. 310-328-8875 or visit laofc@ bookoff.us.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is now offering a 9-Day trip to Austria & Germany!
Departure Date is October 1, 2013
$2,899 pp/double ($500 single supplement)
ORIENTATION DATE:
Tuesday, May 28th/5PM
News
Community
www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013
Become a winning armchair athlete
For many people, finding time to work out after a long day at the office can be challenging. Running errands, preparing dinner, coordinating afterschool activities for the kids, and more – all take up precious free time. But being even moderately active is a great way to live an overall healthier lifestyle, with increased energy and reduced stress. The “Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans,” issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, recommends 30 minutes of physical activity a day for adults at least five days a week. Yet, some studies reveal that many adults watch an average of five or more hours of TV a day. Incorporate activity into your downtime with simple exercises that you can do in the comfort of your living room. Skip the trips to the kitchen at commercial breaks. Instead, approach the 15-plus minutes of ad time per hour as great opportunities to burn calories. Get Moving Turn your regular TV shows into active workout routines and make a game out of watching them. Start by preplanning. For each workout, choose to focus on one part of the body – like your abdominal muscles – or incorporate a combination of exercises, as a sort of a TVcircuit workout. Or, create several routines and switch them around for fun. Keep workout equipment on hand by stashing small weights, resistance bands, and a yoga
mat near the TV. If you have a stationary bike or other fitness machines at home, set the equipment up so you can watch while you exercise. Break for Commercials The following cardio and strength-building exercises require no special equipment – just floor space in front of a TV. Variations on this low-
impact but effective routine can be adapted to fit almost any TV program that includes frequent breaks for messages “…from our sponsors,” like sporting events. Encourage family and friends to join in too, and get fit as a group. • 30 seconds of marching in place (or in a chair) • 10 chair-dips (from the waist) • 30 seconds of jumping rope • 10 wall push-ups • 10 crunches • 30 seconds of jumping jacks • 10 lunges • 10 front leg lifts • 10 side leg lifts • 10 water bottle curls TOPS Club Inc. (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) is the original weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is affordable at just $28 per year, plus nominal chapter fees. To find a local chapter, view www. tops.org or call (800) 932-8677.
Page 11
News
Community Page 12
Saint Joseph High grad named New Face of Civil Engineering
Sabrina Rivera The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently announced the selection of Sabrina Rivera, a fourth-year student at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), as a finalist for its 2013 New Faces of Civil Engineering – College Edition.
Rivera was chosen from a field of talented college students nationwide whose academic and extracurricular achievements demonstrate their promise as future engineers and leaders in their profession. “I was very excited to find out that I had been selected for this national award,” said Rivera, 23, who will complete her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a minor in environmental science and policy this May. “I have put a lot of time into the ASCE CSULB chapter, and it is great to see the outcome now through this award and the success of the club.” As an ASCE New Face,
April 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org
Rivera is eligible for selection as it’s representative for the national New Faces of Engineering – College Edition recognition program, sponsored by the National Engineers Week Foundation. If chosen, she will be recognized along with top students from other engineering disciplines in a national media campaign, and receive a $500 cash scholarship from ASCE. The announcement will be made April 1. A 2007 graduate of St. Joseph High School in Lakewood, Rivera began her studies at CSULB as a biology major. While she found the subject interesting, she said it just wasn’t something she felt passionate about, so she spent time searching through different campus departments. “I eventually wound up in the Civil Engineering/Construction Engineering Management Department talking to a graduate advisor,” she recalled. “He told me about the many ways civil engineers were improving water and waste-water treatment, about building bridges and improving the relationship of our built environment with the natural one. I changed my major the next day, and I can honestly say that it has been one
of the best decisions I have ever made.” As she prepares to graduate, Rivera said she is looking for a position in the field of water resources where she will be able to continue to grow and develop as an engineer. She has enjoyed the areas of hydraulics, hydrology and groundwater transport in her studies and is also interested in project management. She would like to work for a firm where she will be able to gain experience with a variety of projects.
I love Spring anywhere...but if I could choose, I would always greet it in a garden. ~ Ruth Stout
Did you know?... You have two brains By Dr. Larry Omo You have neurons in your brain, but did you know you also have neurons in your gut, including neurons that produce neurotransmitters like serotonin (also found in your brain) that can affect your mood? Your gut literally serves as your second brain, and even produces more serotonin than your brain does. In other words, you have two nervous systems: the central nervous system (composed of your brain and spinal cord) and the enteric nervous system (the intrinsic nervous system of your gastrointestinal tract). Both are actually created out of the same type of embryonic tissue. During fetal development, one part turns into your central nervous system while the other develops into your enteric nervous system. To put this into more concrete terms, you’ve probably experienced the visceral sensation of butterflies in your stomach when you’re nervous, or had an upset stomach when you were very angry or stressed. The flip side is also true, in that problems in your gut can directly impact your mental health, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and perhaps even more serious neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic, specializing in neck and back pain relief care for 31 years in Lakewood. His office is located at 5220 Clark Ave. #210, and he can be reached at 562-8670993.
News
Community April 2013
Help yourself reduce investment stress Submitted by Marjorie Anderson, Edward Jones Investments
You probably aren’t too worried about it, but April is Stress Awareness Month. Each year, the Health Resource Network sponsors this “month” to inform people about the dangers of stress and to share successful coping strategies. Obviously, it’s important to reduce stress in all walks of life — including your investment activities. How can you cut down on the various stresses associated with investing? Here are a few possible “stress-busters”: Know your risk tolerance. If you’re constantly worrying about the value of your investments, your portfolio may simply be too volatile for your individual risk tolerance. Conversely, if you’re always feeling that your investments will never provide you with the growth you need to achieve your long-term goals, you might be investing too conservatively. Know what to expect from your investments. Uncertainty is often a leading cause of stress. So when you purchase investments that are mysterious to you, you
shouldn’t be surprised if they perform in ways that raise your stress levels. Never invest in something unless you fully understand its characteristics and risk potential. Be prepared for market volatility. Over the long term, the financial markets have trended upward, though their past performance can’t guarantee future results. Yet for periods of months, and even years, these same markets can sputter and decline. So when you invest, be aware of this volatility; if you’re prepared for it, you won’t be shocked when it happens, and you should be able to better keep stress at bay. Maintain realistic
10’ X 14’ $2,175
www.lakewoodnews.org expectations. If you think your investments are going to earn a very high rate of return, year after year, you are more than likely going to be disappointed — and you could easily get “stressed out.” You’re much better off, from a stress standpoint, not to expect eyepopping results. Think long term. If you only measure your investment success by short-term results, you can feel frustrated and stressed. But when you stop to consider your objectives, you may find that the most important ones, such as a comfortable retirement, are all long-term in nature. Stress Awareness Month will come and go. But by making the right moves, you can help take some of the stress out of investing for a long time to come.
10’ X 12’ $6,995
Spring Business Expo
Page 13
Saturday, May 18th, from 10am-2pm at Lakewood Center Mall, in the Centre Court. For add’l. information or to be a vendor, call or email the Chamber: (562) 531-9733 or info@lakewoodchamber.com
Around
Town
with Robin Vanderwerff
Page 14
Help your child learn to love reading
When children realize that reading is an adventure, a whole universe of possibilities blossoms for them. These ideas may help you inspire your children to develop a lifelong friendship with books. Read the news. Children need to know there’s more to the news than a 30-second sound bite. Newspapers, magazines and online articles can give kids in-depth details to satisfy their curiosity. Read an article together and help your children with difficult words or abstract concepts. Read aloud with your children. In young children, it nurtures an interest in language, words and communication. For older kids, reading together can be a fun way to develop reading skills and create a
basis for discussions. Collect books and digital news. Encourage your children to create their own treasure trove of books and online resources. Look for books at yard sales, in the book section at bargain stores, at the grocery store—wherever you can find them. Create a list of websites and online resources that spark your child’s imagination. Turn vocabulary from a grind to a giggle by creating word games. Compile a word list or ask your children’s teacher for one and make daily or weekly vocabulary games. It’s important to encourage children to write original stories and illustrate them with their own drawings.
There’s no place like home...there’s no place like home...there’s no place like The Rinks! With three clicks of your heels, let The Rinks transport you to the Land of Oz on Saturday, May 11th at 1:30pm & 6pm. The community is invited to The Rinks’ annual spring production of “The Wizard of Oz.” Join Dorothy and her lovable friends as they glide across the yellow brick road in search of the wonderful Wizard of Oz. Featuring an adorable cast of young skaters as well as national and international competitors, plus a soundtrack that will keep you guessing with some nontraditional favorites. Don’t miss this classic tale, as it is unforgettably re-created into a magical icetale for the entire family. The Rinks is located at 3975 Pixie Ave. in Lakewood. For more information call (562) 429-1805 x228.
April 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org
Thanks to our APRIL Sudoku Sponsors
Congratulations to Barbara Hays, Miki Potenza, and John Vuorenmaa. They are the lucky winners of the March Sudoku contest. Out of 106 entries, they won a meal. What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work! To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8 ½ x 11) piece of paper, tape the puzzle cut out from the newspaper with all the answer boxes completed onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies.) The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, April 18, 2013. The winners will
be drawn Friday the 19th; the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (business
days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the May issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
Around Town in April
Lakewood
• Friends of the Lakewood Libraries will have a book sale on Saturday, April 6, 9am to 2pm at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library. There will be a large selection of Fiction, Mystery, Romance and Non Fiction. Please bring your own bags. For more information call (562) 866-1777. • Trinity United Methodist Church is hosting Spring Craft Fair on Saturday, April 20 from 9am to 4pm at 5730 South St. • Lakewood Artist Guild invites the community to join them at their Spring Art Show, April 1921 at Mayfair Park. For more information call Mary Crowder at (562) 421-8212.
Long Beach
• Boy Scout High Adventure Troop 212 is having their Annual Huge Parking Lot Rummage Sale and Free Electronic Waste Business/Residential Drop-Off for the community on Saturday, April 20 from 8am to 2pm at Grace First Presbyterian Church located at 3955 Studebaker Rd. Have
Rummage to donate? - Rummage is welcome to be dropped off 126pm on Friday, April 19th. • Questing heirs Genealogical Society is holding its monthly meeting on Sunday, April 21 at 1pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church Parrish Hall. For more information call Glenn Haas at (562) 420-1060. • Ronald McDonald Charities will host Walk for Kids, a non competitive 5k (3.1 miles) pledge event for individuals at all fitness levels. The event will be held on Sunday, April 7 at 8am at Shoreline Park 200 Aquarium Way. For more information visit www.walkforkids.org. Buena Park • Edward Jones financial advisors in Lakewood, are hosting a free educational seminar titled “Key Life Decisions: Are You Prepared?” On April 18 at 6pm at the Buena Park Senior center. The seminar is free, but space is limited. To make a reservation, call Carol Otters at (562) 8047994.
News
Community April 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org
Page 15
Be aware of deductions that could Wells Fargo donates cut your tax bill to Soroptimist
For all the talk about taxes during the “fiscal cliff” debate at the end of 2012, many people are still left wondering what it means to them as the April 15 filing date approaches. If you’re one of those people, brush up on the following deductions before tackling your tax return. They are worth reviewing, as they could lower your tax bill. Traditional IRA contributions. You have until April 15 to contribute up to $5,000 to a traditional IRA for 2012 and, if you qualify, deduct it on your tax return. Here are some guidelines: If you were 50 or older on the last day of 2012, you can contribute up to $6,000. If you (and your spouse if you’re married) weren’t covered by an employer’s retirement plan in 2012, you can generally deduct your contribution in full. If you were covered by an employer plan, you can only take a full deduction if your modified adjusted gross income was $58,000 or less ($92,000 or less for married couples filing jointly). Your deduction is reduced if your modified adjusted gross income is higher. If your spouse was covered by a retirement plan at work but you weren’t, you’re eligible to take a full or partial deduction if your combined adjusted gross income was below $183,000. See IRS Publication 590 for more details. Mortgage interest. You’re allowed to deduct interest paid on your primary mortgage, as well as home equity loans, home improvement loans and lines of credit. In general, you may deduct interest on up to $1 million of primary mortgage debt and up to $100,000 of home equity balances. State and local taxes. The federal government generally allows taxpayers to deduct property and income taxes paid to state and local governments. Sales tax. If you didn’t pay much state income tax - you may be able to choose to deduct sales tax instead. And you typically don’t need receipts simply calculate an assumed amount using an IRS table or online calculator. Charitable gifts. Make sure you have the right documentation. Cash contributions - regardless of the amount - require a canceled check or dated receipt. Any contribution of $250 or
more requires bank or payroll deduction records or a written acknowledgement from the charity. Noncash contributions valued at more than $5,000 generally require an appraisal. Education costs. Up to $2,500 in interest on loans for qualified higher education expenses may be deductible if your adjusted gross income is less than $75,000 ($150,000 if you’re married and filing a joint return). A portion of your tuition and fees may be deductible if your adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less ($160,000 on a joint return). Medical and dental costs. You may be able to deduct these expenses if they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. Health insurance. In general, self-employed taxpayers may be
able to deduct all of their health insurance premiums. Health savings accounts. If your family was covered by a high-deductible health insurance plan in 2012, you may be able to contribute up to $6,250 to a health savings account ($3,100 if it only covered yourself). Contributions are deductible, and similar to IRAs, you have until April 15 to contribute for the 2012 tax year.
Pictured from L to R: Sheriff, Steve Moses; Wells Fargo Store Manager, Tanya Hamrick; Soroptimist President, Joy Janes; City of LakewoodDirector of Community Development, Sonia Southwell; and Wells Fargo District Manager, Dina Zaklama. Wells Fargo recently donated $5,000 to Lakewood/Long Beach Soroptimist International with proceeds from Lakewood’s Community Run.
Page 16
www.lakewoodnews.org
April 2013