April 2015 LCN

News

Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 32 Number 4

The community comes out to show their giving spirit on Volunteer Day

April 2015

The Lakewood Chamber invites you to our upcoming

Spring After Hours Networking Mixer!

Thursday, April 9th 5:30 ~ 7:00 PM

Outback Steakhouse $5.00 fee at the door

5305 Clark Avenue Lakewood, 90712

Servin gT Appet asty izers!

Come and join fellow business associates and city officials for a Spring Social.

Hope to see you there!

(Bring your business cards) Volunteers of a range of ages display their brushes and scrapers.

Lakewood is holding its 19th Annual Volunteer Day on Saturday, April 18. The event highlights Lakewood’s giving community spirit as over 500 volunteers will spread across various sites city-wide to lend a hand to fellow Lakewood residents. Each year dozens of projects are completed, ranging from exterior refurbishment of homes to restoration of parks and public sites.

Call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512 if you

are interested in volunteering.

Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.

The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you or someone you know can benefit from a Volunteer Day

cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please submit an application online at www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteerday or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

Also consider volunteering a morning’s work and joining in to help neighbors in need.

Volunteers include individuals, families and teams from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses and religious congregations.

Questions? Call or email us: 562.531.9733 / info@lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood is excited to welcome OSH to the city!

Lakewood is getting ready to expand their “Canvas” on South Street

OSH will be located at Palo Verde Avenue and South Street.

Artist rendering of new townhome development in Lakewood.

A 72-unit townhome complex in Lakewood by developer William Lyon Homes is starting to show model homes. Called “Canvas,” the Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

attached-home community is at 2922 South Street, near the Lakewood Regional Medical Center.

Canvas features contemporary PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

exterior architecture and color schemes. The community is located between Lakewood Boulevard and Downey Avenue on South Street, which gives it easy access to the 91 Freeway for commuters.

The spacious row townhomes run from 1,647 to 1,801 square feet in size and offer competitive pricing for firsttime buyers. They are expected to sell in the mid-$400,000s. Three designs are offered with up to three bedrooms, bonus rooms and two-car, side-byside garages with direct access.

Information is online at www. lyonhomes.com/southern-california/ canvas or at 562-470-7404.

Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) is coming to Lakewood.

Still in its initial phases, the effort is slated to include significant remodeling and refurbishment of the partially vacant 7.5-acre shopping center at 6510 South Street at Palo Verde Avenue. The new project includes a 30,630square-foot OSH home center with hopes of opening before Thanksgiving this year.

The plaza buildings on the northwestern edge of the property along Palo Verde Avenue that were once home to a Yoshinoya restaurant and other small storefronts will be razed to help accommodate a new 12,000-square-foot OSH nursery.

Managed by the Charles Company, the shopping center gained a CVS Pharmacy in 2011.

The 15,813-square-foot store anchors the eastern end of the center and includes a drive-thru

window.

CVS will remain along with other tenants, including Uniform Advantage and Tutor Time Daycare. Combined with the coming OSH facility, these businesses will use much of the location’s 83,323 of commercial and retail floor space.

The property owner will approach the remodeling in two stages. The first stage will include site work and remodeling of the store area that will become OSH. The second will be the refurbishments of the rest of the location. The frontage of all the remaining stores except the new CVS will be renovated with a new façade.

Orchard’s website describes the company as a “thriving retail hardware company with more than 70 stores located (Cont’d on Pg. 5)

LakewoodToday

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Lakewood Chamber supports local business for over 66 years

By John Kelsall, President & CEO of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

When thinking about “Back to the Future,” Michael J. Fox’s movies may come to mind - with the special DeLorean car that propels him back in time. But for the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, “Back to the Future” takes on a whole new meaning.

As we look forward to our upcoming 18th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show, we will also be looking back to honor those, whom over the years, have helped transform Lakewood into the prosperous city it is today.

Last year, the Lakewood

Chamber of Commerce was proud to have brought the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Lakewood. It was a huge undertaking, and it took many individuals to make it happen.

We especially want to thank all the Veterans and non-veterans, as well as the City of Lakewood, who volunteered their time at the Wall, as well as thank all those who donated. Without the help from them, the Chamber would not have been able to bring the Wall to Mayfair Park.

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is all about supporting our local business community. The Chamber has started two new Councils. The first is the Home Based Business Council. We meet monthly, on the second Wednesday of the month, at Denny’s restaurant in Lakewood. The Council is open to any Home Based Business with a valid home-based business license. For more information visit the HBBC page on the Chamber website: www.lakewoodchamber. com, then click on the Home Based Business Council tab. Come join

April 2015

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us, share your successes, network with fellow home based business owners, and help us help you succeed.

The second new Council is the Veteran Owned Business Council.

Any U.S. Veteran business owner is eligible to join the Council. You do not have to be in Lakewood to join us. We will be meeting at the American Legion Post 496 on April 8th at 6:30 pm. Come join us, share your successes, network with fellow Veteran business owners, and help us help you succeed. Please spread the word by telling any Veteran Business Owners you know about the new Council. And the Chamber wants to thank all our Veterans and active duty military for their service to our country.

The Chamber’s local roots going back 66 years, (actually 5 years before the city existed) - are behind our motto of “creating a healthy business environment for the community.” The Chamber also originated the ‘Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal’ Program. We have confidence that as a community, we can strike a positive balance between the economy and the environment; that the creation of locally produced jobs and products will benefit all of us.

If you have any questions about the new councils, or any other assistance we can provide, give us a call at the Chamber office 562-531-9733. Power On… Get Connected… See You at the Chamber!

C i t y Spotlight Super Saturday Night Teen Event at the TRC On April 11 the Teen Resource Center hosts a “Dodgeball and Flashlight Egg Hunt.” The evening starts with a Dodgeball Tournament, with pizza and soft drinks to follow for dinner.

Once it gets dark it will be time to hit the basketball court with flashlights to search for candy-filled eggs. Hop on over to Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Boulevard for this fun event which will run from 5pm to 9pm. Call 562-865-1717 for more information.

Daddy/Daughter Date Night The annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is Friday, April 10 from 6pm to 9pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. This year’s theme is ‘A Night on Treasure Island.’ Dads and daughters ages five and above will enjoy dinner, dancing and fun contests.

Registration is $20 per person and fills quickly.

For more information or to sign up for these events, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or sign up through the eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation.

Flower Fields and Carlsbad Premium Outlets travel trip Travel to beautiful Carlsbad on Saturday, April 11 to spend a morning of shopping for great deals at the Carlsbad Premium Outlets. The afternoon will be spent just down the block gazing at beautiful flowers at the

Flower Fields of Carlsbad.

The visit will include a wagon tour of the beautiful fields and live Blue Grass music.

Participants may bring a lunch or purchase lunch at either the outlets or the Flower Fields.

The bus departs from Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue promptly at 8:30am so please arrive by 8am for checkin. An adult must accompany children of all ages.

Use class # 37630 to register online at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation or call 562-8669771, extension 2408 with questions.

Pan Am Fiesta adds a new night to the fun!

Lakewood’s Pan Am Fiesta returns to Mayfair Park this May for its 70th year with a new Thursday night of fun. Discounted carnival rides for just $1 will be open from 5pm to 9pm on Thursday, May 7.

Games and concessions will also be open on the new night.

Festival hours May 7-10 at Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Avenue.

• Thursday, 5pm to 9pm – New night of discounted $1 rides, games & concessions • Friday, 5pm to 10pm – Rides, games & concessions • Saturday, 11am to 10pm.

• Sunday from 11am to 9pm.

Food booths are open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The fiesta’s traditional pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Pan American Association, will be offered on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 10:30am for $5.00.

On Sunday, Mother’s Day, breakfast and a gift are free for all moms, along with live entertainment and fun shopping at the fiesta’s craft booths.

For a complete schedule of fiesta events call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or visit www. lakewoodcity.org/panam later in April.

Your

Minding

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April 2015

Jeff Wood named Mayor

Jeff Wood being sworn in to a new council term on March 24th.

Mayor Jeff Wood (center) presiding over his first Lakewood City Council meeting on March 24th.

The Lakewood City Council completed its annual reorganization on March 24, selecting Jeff Wood to serve as Lakewood’s mayor from March 24, 2015 to March 22, 2016, and naming Ron Piazza to the post of vice mayor for the same time period.

The tradition in Lakewood and many cities of its size is for mayoral duties to rotate annually among the five members of the city council.

The mayor has the same vote as any other council member in meetings, but chairs the meetings and serves as the city’s main spokesperson at public events.

This will be the first term as mayor for Jeff Wood, who was

originally elected in 2011, and the first term as vice mayor for Ron Piazza, who was appointed to the council in December 2012 following the death of longtime Council Member Larry Van Nostran.

The council’s annual reorganization night started with a community gathering where expressions of thanks and appreciation were made to Todd Rogers for his 2014-2015 mayoral term. The night also featured the swearing-in of Wood and Piazza to new four-year terms on the council. They were unopposed for re-election this past fall. Rogers continues now to serve on the city

council with Wood and Piazza, along with Council Members Steve Croft and Diane DuBois.

After being selected as mayor, Wood presented remarks to about 150 people gathered in the city council chambers.

“When my wife Mary Jane and I got married, “said Wood, “we chose Lakewood to make our home, probably for many of the same reasons as other residents. Lakewood had good schools, affordable homes in safe neighborhoods, with attractive parks nearby. And the city was full of family-friendly activities and a family-friendly attitude. Those Lakewood values motivated us 25 years ago--and they still resonate

There’s still time for low- to moderate-income families, individuals and seniors in Lakewood to get help preparing their basic tax returns, but appointments end on April 13.

Reservations are required.

Appointments are held on Mondays and Thursdays at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue. Call 562630-6141 to make an appointment.

If you are filing a joint return, both husband and wife must come to the appointment.

Individuals with appointments should be prepared to bring in their tax information (W-2 or 1099 forms) and last year’s tax return. The returns generally take about two hours to prepare, and every return is reviewed by a second tax preparer before they’re filed.

The service is part of a nationwide AARP Foundation program called “Tax-Aide.” Through a cadre of trained volunteers, Tax-Aide has

helped low- to moderate-income individuals for more than 40 years across the nation.

The program helps taxpayers receive applicable tax credits and deductions.

Tax-Aide is free to taxpayers with low and moderate income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ taxaide.

The Internal Revenue Service website has a section with information specifically for seniors at www.irs. gov/individuals/retirees. It includes tips, FAQs and Social Security-related information.

You can still get free tax prep help

with us today--as I’m sure they do with other residents. I pledge to do my very best in my year as mayor to uphold those values and to be a good steward of them.”

Wood thanked Lakewood residents for all that they do to make

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life good in the city. “One aspect of Lakewood that grows on you the more you live here,” said Wood, “is the pride that our residents have in our city and the community spirit that they show. To all the volunteers in our city--whether you volunteer one day or everyday…and for whatever organization and cause-thank you for helping to make life good in Lakewood.”

“We have a lot of exciting projects on our agenda in the year ahead, and our fair share of challenges too,” concluded Wood. He mentioned the excitement surrounding the rededication of Veterans Memorial Plaza and the Del Valle jet plane on Memorial Day. And he commented on challenges such as the need to increase water conservation and to fend off financial threats from the state government. “Through it all, I’m excited about working with my colleagues, our city staff and my fellow residents on all that we face to continue to make life good here.”

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April 2015

April 2015

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City of Lakewood Youth Track & Field Meet returns

On Thursday, April 9 the City of Lakewood Youth Track & Field Meet will be held at Lakewood High School, 4400 Briercrest Avenue. Checkin begins at 4:30pm with the first event starting promptly at 5pm.

Children born in 2000 or later may compete in up to 3 events, which includes field and running events. Field events include: softball throw, high jump, long jump and shot put. Running events include: 50M, 100M, 200M, 400M, 800M and 1600M. Ribbons will be presented for first place through fifth place finishers in each event in each division. Registration is taking place at all Lakewood parks. For more information, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

OSH Coming to Lakewood (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

throughout California and Oregon.” In September 2013, the company was acquired by home improvement retailer Lowe’s, but remains a separate business unit.

Also in 2013, OSH began systematically updating its vintage stores to a larger, modern format utilizing wider aisles, improved lighting, colorful signage and an enhanced selection of high-quality merchandise.

An innovative service area called the Workbench gives customers access to trained professionals offering tool and knife sharpening, rescreening, lock re-keying, pipe threading and conduit, chain, cable, pipe or rope cutting.

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Advertise in the AWARD-WINNING Lakewood Community News. Call (562) 531-9733 or email advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

ChamberNews Page 6

Try ‘Skating for Free Week’ at The Rinks!

The Rinks will be hosting their second annual ‘Try Skating for Free Week’ from Monday, April 13th to Sunday, April 19th with one free Public Skating session at each of its seven facilities. This event is open to both children and adults that are interested in learning to skate (ice or roller). For the first time, each session will include an optional 20-minute skating lesson instructed by The Rinks coaching staff.

‘Skating for Free Week’ will be at The Rinks - Lakewood ICE on Sunday April 19th at 3:10 p.m. For more information, and to register, visit www.anaheimducks.com/tryskatingforfree.

Stoppages

License #: 971888

Water Heaters

Garbage Disposal

Sewers & Drains

Slab Leaks

Wall Furnace

Copper Re-pipes

Floor Furnace

Gas Lines

Remodels

15 Years Serving Lakewood

Video Inspections www.DBplumber.com

Free Estimates

(562) 881-5557

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April 2015

New ‘Massage Envy’ franchise open at Lakewood Center

Lakewood residents have a new place to unwind from the stress of everyday life right in their own backyard. A new Massage Envy Spa is open at Lakewood Center.

The national chair fully remodeled the former site of the One Dollar Bookstore. They are located on the exterior of the mall across the main entrance of Costco near Nordstrom Rack and Applebee’s.

The state-of-the-art day spa spans 4,500 square feet with 15 therapy rooms. They offer unique skin care treatments and rejuvenating massage therapy--administered by professional estheticians and massage therapists. The opening created over 20 new jobs.

They are open from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Treatments can be booked at convenient times including weeknights and weekends. “Our doors are open and we are so excited to invite the community to check out our new spa,” said Johnny Causing, spa owner and Lakewood resident. “Our goal is to help our neighbors achieve health and wellness with our quality, affordable massage, and facial treatments. We open early and stay late every night to accommodate our hard working local customers.”

Massage Envy is offering a spe-

cial session for first-time guests.

Their address is 4949 Graywood Avenue. Call 562-630ENVY (3689) for added information or the schedule and appointment or visit www.massageenvy.com for more details.

cial $49.99 introductory 1-hour massage and a $59.99 introductory 1-hour Murad Healthy skin fa-

ril Ap nd 22

Insurance Solutions for Healthcare

* Family & Individual Health Plans * Medicare Advantage & Supplement Plans Monica Segura * Dental & Vision Plans for all ages CA Lic #0C97294

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No Cost Consultation by Appointment (562) 400-0433 2725 Candlewood Street • Suite A • Lakewood, CA 90712 • (562) 400-0433

Live Life Optical Celebrates One Year Anniversary in Lakewood Live Life Optical, an independent optical shop since December 8, 2013, just celebrated their one-year anniversary.

The Eye Care Professionals at Live Life Optical is professional, friendly, knowledgeable, and provides exceptional service to residents in Lakewood. Live Life Optical works with most insurance plans, to help maximize the customer’s benefits and minimize their out of pocket expenses and on lens options. Next door to the optical shop is an Independent Doctor of Optometry to provide comprehensive eye exams, for the customers to have a full customer experience in one visit.

Live Life Optical offers 1 hour service for most single vision prescriptions, fast turnaround for eyeglasses with upgraded lens options, repairs and adjustments. The optical shop carries a large inventory of the best and most sought after brands for all ages, as well as a variety of generic frames to fulfill any customer’s budget. Besides eyeglasses, Live Life Optical also provides a wide a selection of contact lens brands and types that suit the customer’s visual needs and lifestyle.

Live Life Optical’s convenient business hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday 9:30am-5:30pm, and Tuesday and Thursday 1:00pm-7:00pm. For more information on Live Life Optical, call (562)860-4590 or visit http://www.livelifeoptical. com. Follow Live Life Optical on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and find them on Yelp, Foursquare, and GoogleMaps, for special promotions and coupons. Come visit the team at Live Life Optical, and you will be treated like family!

Green

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April 2015

It’s easy to become more environmentally friendly

Whether you’re motivated by a workplace initiative, a personal goal or the opportunity to teach your children lifelong positive habits, now is a great time to become more environmentally friendly. Earth Day is April 22, but there’s still plenty of time to develop eco-friendly habits before the big day arrives.

Here are three ways your family can create positive environmental change starting today.

Recycle Research shows that less than 2 percent of waste in the United States is recycled, yet almost half of all trash can be recycled.

School lunches are one source of waste that most families don’t consider. These are packed each morning and tossed away each afternoon once lunchtime is finished.

Protect water resources Water is one of the most important resources people have, yet every year billions of gallons are needlessly wasted. You can conserve water in your home by teaching your children to take shorter showers or baths, turning off dripping faucets and avoiding letting the water run while they are brushing their teeth.

Help plant a tree Few things are as beautiful as a tall, healthy tree. But trees are more than just a beautiful backdrop, as they are also essential to the environment.

Here are four reasons why from the Arbor Day Foundation: • Trees help clean the air. They improve the quality of the air you breathe by capturing dust and pollution particles that can affect your health.

• Trees help fight climate change.

As trees grow, they remove greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide from the air, store carbon, and release pure oxygen into the

atmosphere.

• Trees planted along waterways can help filter out chemicals that might otherwise wash to water sources. They also can create stable soil and help prevent soil erosion, flooding and even landslides.

• Trees properly planted around a home can help lower air conditioning and heating costs by up to 25 percent.

Environmentally friendly habits are easy to pick up and they can be a great way to bond with your children on a shared project while developing lifelong habits.

So don’t wait another minute!

Start your family down the ecofriendly path today.

Living

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Treat mom to a champagne brunch Show mom how much you appreciate her with an unforgettable, all-you-can-eat

Mother’s Day brunch experience provided by TGIS Catering at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood on Sunday, May 10, from 10am to 2pm. The Centre’s highly acclaimed, in-house caterer is one of the premier catering and event-planning teams in Southern California.

In addition to a delightful

www.lakewoodnews.org brunch buffet, there will be live entertainment, a complimentary photo booth, and each mom in attendance will receive a special gift bag with gifts inside. Guests can also surprise their mother with a special personalized greeting that will be displayed on the big screen during the brunch.

TGIS’s Mother’s Day menu includes: French Toast bar, Mac’n’Cheese bar, International food stations, Chocolate fantasy fountain & Bottomless champagne.

The Centre at Sycamore Plaza is Lakewood’s leading location for community banquets, meetings, events, weddings and receptions for every season of the year. Bring your family to celebrate this special occasion honoring mom.

Space is limited, so reservations must be made early. Contact TGIS Catering at 562-866-9771 extension 2907 or tgiscatering@ lakewoodcity.org. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $25.95 for seniors age 60+ and $15.95 for children age 10 and younger.

April 2015

Your pick me up. . .

It’s you!

Ever had one of those days? You know . . . a day where everything seems to go wrong. You break the

coffee pot, step on a piece of glass while cleaning up; are late for work because of the huge line at the gas station; hit every red light, and miss the green one because the driver in front of you was too busy texting. We’ve all had one of those days. But the good news is, it’s just A day. You can mope; get so involved in every little detail of the “bad” day, that you miss all the great things happening in between.

Days come and go. The irritating ones can get you down.

Understandably. Days are sort of like waves . . . some are big, some small, some barely there. When the big one comes, just ride it; it will pass. They all do. The ocean is in constant motion. Sometimes you might just have to take a little beating.

When you do, pick yourself up, and carry yourself to shore. Rest, and know that the next wave may not be so big, maybe just barely there.

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Askjoshsmom.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom.

She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. Ask about An Afternoon with Josh’s Mom!

Take a spring walk in a garden

The Lakewood Garden Club will be having a plant sale and garden walk from 9am to 3pm on Saturday, April 25. Many home gardens will be on display. Tickets are $10.00 (if unable to do the full tour then $2.00 for each garden) and maps are given out with directions for all the gardens. Many plants will be for sale at reasonable prices. For more information call Gwen Travis at (562) 867-0516.

April 2015

Good time to shred those unneeded documents The City of Lakewood and EDCO Waste Services are teaming up again to help battle identity theft.

On Saturday, April 18 “Lakewood Shreds!” returns with professional shredding services to help deal with the proliferation of sensitive documents that comes with tax season.

Residents are invited to the Lakewood Civic Center to safely dispose of documents containing personal information like old bank statements and tax records. The free

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shredding event has added “green” features like a mulch giveaway and e-waste drop off.

The drive-through drop-off location will be behind the Iacoboni Library from 9am to 12noon. (Enter from Civic Center Way from off Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street. The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Avenue.)

Lakewood residents can dispose of up to three “bankers” style boxes of documents, which will be safely and securely shredded on-site by a

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professional shredding company.

No CDs, DVDs, diskettes or other media can be accepted for shredding.

A number of “green” freebies will be distributed, including a used oil container and battery box, and each vehicle that brings material to shred will, in turn, get a free, sturdy Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal bag, while supplies last.

Household batteries and electronic waste, such as TVs, computers, keyboards, printers and cell phones, will be collected for disposal. However, hazardous waste will not be accepted.

This event is for Lakewood residents only. Be prepared to show proof of residency, either with a driver’s license or utility

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Sheriff’s Community Safety Center blood drive

bill. For more information, please call EDCO at 562-531-3054 or Lakewood City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2140.

Save the Date “The Heels Have IT”... so Kick Them UP!

Women in Business Council Luncheon Wed., May 20th 10:30am-1:30pm Norwalk Arts & Sports Complex Vendor Tables, Break Out Sessions, Keynote Speaker, and of course...

LUNCH!

Call or email for more information: (562) 531-9733 or (562) 864-7785

The American Red Cross, in cooperation with the Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center, has a blood drive set for Tuesday, April 7 from 12noon to 6:15pm at Lakewood Center.

Donations take about an hour.

Participants are encouraged to drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious meal ahead of time and bring a photo ID. The Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center is located near Target at 15 Lakewood Center Mall.

Walk-in donors are welcome, but RSVPs are appreciated.

Appointments can be easily scheduled online at http://www. redcrossblood.org/volunteer, sponsor code LWSheriff, or call Debbie at 714-720-1686.

Residents unable to make the scheduled events at the mall can quickly find other blood drives using easy search tools at the Red Cross website.

Additional information on donations and volunteer opportunities at www. redcrossblood.org/volunteer are there as well.

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April 2015

Shop Lakewood...

Captain Vic’s enjoys their Grand Opening celebration!

Captain Vic’s Coffee and Ice Cream recently celebrated their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Lakewood Vice Mayor Jeff Wood attended the festivities and he reminds everyone to Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal! Located at 2700 Carson St, at the corners of Paramount Blvd. and Carson St. They’re happy to be open and are ready to serve the community the boldest, freshest coffee, tastiest ice-cream, and sweetest treats. Take the kids to Captain Vic’s…they’ll love you for it!

Lakewood Aliacci’s is more than a place for pizza

Aliacci Pizza & Pasta is located at 4336 South St. in Lakewood. Give them a call at (562) 630-9000 for delivery within a 5-mile radius.

Aliacci Pizza & Pasta opened their doors in Lakewood a little over a year ago. Owner Sam Assoum was eager to venture out on his own after being in a restaurant partnership with his brother for several years. He was looking forward to trying some new spices and recipes that he felt would catapult him into becoming a chain restaurant one day.

The big conundrum was to pick the perfect name for his long awaited Italian food venture.

Sam recalled eating at an Italian restaurant in Beirut, Lebanon with the name of Aliacci. That was it!

Add pizza and pasta to the name, and a Lakewood eatery was born.

Sam says, “I opened up in Lakewood because I lived on the border of Lakewood and Bellflower for 8 years, and I liked the city of Lakewood. It felt like a family-oriented city. But what it was missing was something like my kind of food there.”

Aliacci’s isn’t just another pizza place, it’s so much more! Not that they can’t hold their own with all the mouth-watering specialty pizza’s available. But, variety is the spice of life, and Sam’s got a lot of different choices for whatever you may be craving.

Aliacci Pizza & Pasta is in the business of helping make the Lakewood neighborhood a little brighter, and, just maybe, a little fuller.

The Lakewood Artist Guild is excited for their Spring Art Show and Sale on Sunday, May 31st, at Mayfair Park in Lakewood.

All artists, beginner through professional, adults and children (ages 5-18) are welcome to compete for cash prizes. Bring in art on Friday, May 29th, 3pm to 7pm, and Saturday, May 30th, 9am to 1pm. Reception of artists on Sunday, May 31st, from 1pm to 3pm. Awards will be presented at 3pm. There will be door prizes, courtesy of local retailers, and many art venues will be available for all attendees to win. For more information call (562) 421-8212.

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

April 2015

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Family owned Mamma’s SanSai celebrates their Grand Sushi restaurant gets ready Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to reveal their huge remodel

Mamma’s Chai and Ann Manomaiwongse with their daughter, Shannon, center.

Mamma’s Sushi, a long-time, family-owned restaurant in Lakewood, is getting a stylish new look, expanded menu, and size enough to accommodate nearly 100 diners. The remodeled 3,744-square-foot location is expected to be completed sometime in April. The restaurant is closed during remodeling at 5679 Woodruff Avenue, at the northwest corner of Woodruff Avenue and South Street.

Known for sushi, rolls and teriyaki combos, Mamma’s menu will now offer “Shabu Shabu,” a Japanese dish featuring thinly sliced beef boiled in water.

Ingredients are stirred in the cooking pot at the diner’s table.

Tables will incorporate the latest no-burn induction cook tops.

The dish is related to sukiyaki in style as both consist of thinly sliced meat and vegetables and served with dipping sauces.

However, Shabu-Shabu is considered to be more savory and less sweet than sukiyaki.

The family business is kept running by husband and wife Chai and Ann Manomaiwongse along with their daughter Shannon. They have been in operation 10 years and have about 22 employees. This number is expected to grow following the expansion.

Customer favorites include Mamma’s “Crunchy roll,” “Dragon roll” and Monday night $6 roll specials. Visitors can now try Choice and Prime Angus rib eyes, Waygu beef, chicken, pork and various types of seafood are available on the new Shabu Shabu menu that also includes vegetarian offerings.

After reopening, Mamma’s expects to return to their normal schedule of being open every day from 11:30am to 10pm, (9:30 p.m. Sundays.) They can be reached at 562-866-3616 and at www.mammassushi.com.

SanSai Fresh Japanese Grill, located at 5001 Candlewood Street, recently opened their doors in Lakewood.

Lakewood Vice Mayor Jeff Wood, City Council Members Steve Croft and Diane DuBois were excited to cut the ribbon and welcome SanSai to the neighborhood.

Chairman of the Board for the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Glen Patrick, along with local business people and SanSai staff, are also pictured at the Grand Opening Ceremony. If you’re craving some healthy, fresh and fast Japanese comfort food, give SanSai a try. You can’t beat the nice staff and clean inviting restaurant. It’s the perfect addition to Lakewood’s “Restaurant Row!”

Visit the Shop Lakewood page for more great deals & coupons:

www.shoplakewood.org

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

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Community Page 12

April 2015

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Simple ways to disconnect and enjoy 15 minutes of ‘me time’ People rarely take the time to unplug during the work day. In fact, we spend just short of half the day in front of some type of screen, according to research by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The health benefits of relaxing away from digital technology are well documented, but it still is a challenge for many to find some time for themselves. If you find yourself in this category, consider scheduling a 15-minute break every morning and afternoon.

It will be quality me-time, and before you know it, those 15 minutes will become a welcomed break each and every day.

Here are a few simple ways you can turn just 15 minutes into an actual break that will help refresh your whole day - and may just make you more productive.

Meditation: Meditation is a great way to slow the heart, calm the mind and recharge the batteries. Just 15 minutes of meditation can help you improve your focus and reduce stress, bringing your energy back so you can accomplish everything on your to-do list.

Take a walk: Get yourself out of your home or office for

15 minutes of fresh air. Pack a pair of sneakers and set a daily appointment on your calendar.

Go around the block, or pick up the pace a bit and go for the mile.

By removing yourself from your working environment, you can help your brain concentrate better when you return.

Play with a pet: Four-legged family members can quickly bring a smile to your face during a 15-minute break for playtime.

Even sitting still and scratching Fido or Fluffy behind the ears can help calm you down and lift your spirits. Plus, your pet will certainly reward you with love and affection.

Stretch out the kinks: Sitting

still for too long can leave your body achy and sapped for energy.

Do some desk exercises to get your blood moving, like rising up to your tiptoes for a fullbody stretch. Close your office door and put your phone on “do not disturb” to get the break you need. A couple of yoga moves are also an option, and can help relieve any neck or back tension that might be distracting you from your work.

If you start scheduling these 15-minute breaks, you’ll soon notice they become automatic, and you’ll start to look forward to the times of the day when you can pull the plug and enjoy some time to yourself.

Helping families find pathways through grief

Parents and other caregivers often want to “protect” children from death, and the grief it produces.

In reality, however, the best “protection” for kids is allowing them to experience their grief while adults admit the reality of its pain.

CHANGES combines a unique team of grief professionals and volunteers

to help children and adolescents realize they are not alone in their grief and that their experiences are normal.

The groups meet for 7 weeks on Tuesday evenings from 6:45pm – 8:15pm. Children 5 - 18 meet in age appropriate groups while their surviving parent or caregiver meets concurrently. The next session of CHANGES begins Tuesday April 21st.

For further information regarding the program or to register, please call the Pathways office at 562-531-3031.

Seahawk Cocktail Lounge Happy Hour Weekdays

4-7:00PM $2 Domestic Bottles and $2 Well Drinks!

Full Bar Pool & Darts Internet Juke Free Wi-Fi

OPEN DAILY 8AM - 2AM 4103 Candlewood St. Lakewood, 90712

facebook.com/seahawkcocktails

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Community

April 2015

Protect seniors from financial abuse

www.lakewoodnews.org

Save the Date!

Page 13

FUN-Tastic Family Night goes ‘Razzle Bam Boom!’

Submitted by Carol Otters ~ Edward Jones Financial, Lakewood

It’s unfortunate but true: The elderly population is targeted for financial abuse or exploitation. In fact, by some estimates, this type of targeted abuse results in billions of dollars in losses each year. If you have elderly parents, what signs should you watch for to determine their vulnerability? And what can you do to help protect your parents from being victimized?

In regard to the first question — signs of vulnerability — the most important thing to watch for is your parents’ mental state. As you know, many people go through their entire lives with their faculties intact — but even if this is the case with your parents, you still may want to be on guard against them falling prey to unscrupulous operators.

If you don’t think your parents are, as yet, victims of fraud or abuse, you can take steps to help protect them. Most importantly, maintain constant communication with them and be aware of what’s going on in their lives. Also, consider the following actions: Advise parents on precautionary measures. Suggest to your parents that they take several common-sense steps to avoid financial scams. For example, urge them to never give personal information over the phone or in response to emails. Since these types of requests are the most common methods used to perpetrate scams, encourage your parents to put all such solicitations — as well as requests for money — in the “trash” folder. Also, ask your parents to remove paper mail promptly from their mailbox — resourceful identity thieves have been known to steal mail and extract key pieces of personal information from financial statements or correspondence from Social Security. And if your parents don’t already have a paper shredder, present one to them as a gift — and show them how to use it to delete old statements, credit card offers and similar documents.

Check for legal documents. Your parents, like everyone, should have a will and a durable power of attorney. These documents will enable someone they trust implicitly to handle their finances if they can’t.

Discussing these types of issues with your parents may not be easy — but it’s certainly important.

Review parents’ situation regularly. Many parents are not comfortable sharing the specifics of their financial situation with their adult children. Yet, as much as you can, try to periodically review your parents’ insurance, banking and investment statements.

These meetings give you good opportunities to look for irregularities or suspicious activities,

such as significant changes in their spending patterns, unusual cash withdrawals or transfers from their bank accounts, or sudden transfers of assets to a relative or someone outside the family.

Your parents have done a lot for you. You can help repay them by doing your part to help protect them from threats to their financial security.

Lakewood Chamber’s 18th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show. This year, we’re going “Back to the Future!”

Sunday, August 17th 9am-2pm

“Razzle Bam Boom!” brings a mix of comedy and musical styles including Rock, Country, Jazz and Cajun to The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on April 17. The evening of family fun includes dinner and entertainment, like seeing Elvis juggle, and everyone in the audience will be a part of the fun show.

The affordable event costs $8 per person and $5 per child (3 years and under).

Chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, lemonade and a dessert will be served before the show. Doors open at 5:30pm and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. The show runs from 6:30pm to 8pm.

The Centre at Sycamore Plaza is at 5000 Clark Avenue at the Lakewood Civic Center. Register with class # 37635 at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog or call 562-8669771, extension 2408 for more information.

Town

Around

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April 2015

Around Town in April Lakewood

NEW PATIENT SPECIALS

• Cleaning, x-rays and exam $75 (reg. $203, over 60% off) • Teeth Whitening $25 (reg. $195) with Cleaning, X-Rays & Exam • Now using Digital X-Rays!

• The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on April 23 at 11am at Del Valle Park Youth Center.

After a light lunch the speaker from the House of Bonsai will present on “All you want to know about creating a bonsai bush.” A plant sale will follow. For more information call Gwen Travis at (562) 867-0516.

• Come join The Rinks for Try Skating For Free Day on Sunday, April 19 from 3:10 – 4:10pm. Ice skate for free, skate rental included, and take part in an optional learn to skate lesson. For more information call (562) 429-1805. Lakewood Ice is located at 3975 Pixie Ave. • Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. presents “Money Smart Families” – A Financial Fortitude Forum on Saturday, April 4 from 11am to 2pm at Boyar Park. The presenters will discuss: Credit Repair, Homeownership, Life Insurance and Living Trust. This is a free event. For more information call Anita Jones, at (562) 756-5973.

• Trinity United Methodist Church located at 5760 South St. will host their Spring Craft Fair on May 2 from 9am to 3pm.

Let’s play Sudoku!

Thanks to our M A RC H Sudoku Sponsors!

Congratulations to Ashley Beverley and Phillip Ory! They are the lucky winners of the March Sudoku contest.

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, cut the finished puzzle from the newspaper and tape 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 See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, April 22, 2015. The winners will be drawn on Thursday, April 23rd, and 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 (two 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.

Want to travel in 2015? Lakewood Chamber can help!

Call or email us for further information, or to have a trip brochure mailed (or emailed) to you: (562) 531-9733 / info@ lakewoodchamber.com.

Alaska Inside Passage

- 8 Days/7 Nights - Departs 7/12/15 - Roundtrip Airfare from LAX - All Port Charges & Gov’t. Taxes - Prices starting from $2299 per double

Switzerland/Austria/Bavaria - 10 Days • 12 Meals - Departs 9/16/15 - Roundtrip Airfare from LAX - $3,949 per double/$4,249 single

Spain & Sunny Costa del Sol - Departs 10/21/15 - Roundtrip Airfare/Airline Taxes - 13 meals/Tour Guide - Prices starting from $2899 per double

Venice & the Italian Lakes - 9 Days • Departs 11/2/15 - Roundtrip Airfare from LAX - 10 Meals - Prices starting from $3445 per double

A Taste of the South Pacific - 13 Days • Departs 2/1/16 - Roundtrip Airfare from LAX - Hotel Transfers - Prices starting from $4799

Sunny Portugal

- 10 Days • Departs 3/11/16 - Roundtrip Airfare from LAX - 14 Meals - Prices starting from $3249 per double

News

Community April 2015

www.lakewoodnews.org

Page 15

Involving kids in vacation planning Lakewood gets visit from

‘Guardians of the Galaxy’

By Jason Alderman

Family vacations produce memories for a lifetime, but they can also teach kids great money lessons they’ll need as adults.

Involving kids in planning family vacations not only helps them appreciate the overall benefits of travel, but offers an opportunity for even the youngest kids to learn lessons about budgeting, saving and essential money management they will encounter every day.

If you have trouble tearing your kids away from their smartphones, you might be in luck. The technology kids use can be very effective in budgeting, pricing and planning travel. Surfing travel destinations can teach kids a great deal about what travel really costs.

The first step in planning the family vacation should be creating a budget for the trip. Set a realistic dollar limit for the trip and be prepared to discuss why that limit exists. For example, if there is a home renovation project scheduled that particular year, explain how that affects the overall family budget and the resources for the trip. It’s an important lesson in balancing fun and family priorities.

After these limits are discussed, work with kids to create a detailed budget for accommodations, transportation, food, special event tickets and souvenirs, particularly souvenirs kids might buy for themselves.

Once the budget is set, point kids in the direction of certain travel websites to start and let them bring back as much information as they can on potential locations and costs.

Above all, trip planning can teach an important lesson

in spending and savings. If children want to buy souvenirs or treats on the trip, that’s an opportunity to have them set aside part of their allowance or chore money to pay for their special purchases on the trip.

Finally, once everyone is back home, parent and kids might find it useful to discuss how the vacation went overall and what improvements can be applied

next time. Encourage kids to start researching next year’s destinations immediately so the money and activity conversation can begin even earlier.

Bottom line: Involving your children in family vacation planning allows them to see the world and to practice good budgeting, saving and spending habits.

Arbor Week was celebrated in Lakewood the week of March 9, and the time period saw city recreation staff celebrating the city’s “urban forest” by putting on a fun, educational program at 16 schools and parks (pictured). Always picking a creative theme, city staff this year played superheroes from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” movie, along with Lakewood’s perennial “Woody the Talking Tree” character, all in an effort to teach children about one of the city’s most important resources—its trees.

Lakewood has been selected once again as a Tree City USA—this time for the 31st year—by the National Arbor Day Foundation in recognition of the city’s 28,000 trees and its tree care program.

Keeping Lakewood’s trees

City staff entertain and educate Lakewood kids about trees. healthy is a big job. The city has a certified arborist on staff to oversee tree care, and the city responds quickly to emergency conditions and removes limbs and trees if they’re brought down by wind and rain. A contract with West Coast Arborists gets city trees along streets, parks and parkways trimmed on a regular schedule. Street trees are trimmed about every four years (sometimes more often, depending on growing conditions and tree species).

SKIPTHE ER WAITING ROOM GO to LakewoodER.com select a designated time Complete online forms Arrive at the ER at your designated time.

Be seen by a Triage Nurse within 15 minutes of your projected treatment time**

D WNLOAD OUR FREE APP Go to

www.LakewoodER.com To Hold Your Place in Line The Long Beach Turtle & Tortoise Care Society will be having their 19th Annual Turtle & Tortoise Care Expo on Sunday, May 2, 2015, at the El Dorado Community Center. The center is located at 2800 N. Studebaker Road, Long Beach, CA 90815.

Show is from 9am to 3pm.

Donations are accepted at the door. We will have live animals on display and can help you with questions and care on turtles & tortoises. Bring your family for a day of good fun and education.

Please no outside animals. Go to www.tortoise.org/ttcs for more information.

For a Medical Emergency Dial 911

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR SMART PHONE BARCODE READER

(562) 531-2550 3700 E South Street, Lakewood Located on the corner of South Street and Downey Avenue in the city of Lakewood ** If conditions allow - meaning there are not emergent or critical patients requiring care first.

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April 2015