LCN August2015

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 8

August 2015

Summer Stampede is tramplin’ Lakewood Center with hot rods and cold beer!

Thank you to all the Summer Stampede sponsors!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce the new venue for their 18th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show!

Lakewood Center will host the show this year, and it’s sure to be a cornucopia of eye candy for all classic car enthusiasts.

Responders.” We will be honoring some local Hero’s, Leaders, and Stars. As well as some Youth Hall of Famers. There will be a wide variety of vendor booths, raffle prizes and award- winning opportunities to all custom, street rods and restored classic car entries.

The Chamber’s 18th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show is being held on Sunday, August 16th from 9am to 2pm, at Lakewood Center Mall. The show will have something for everyone…besides the beautiful vintage cars, there will be Touch-aTrucks for the kiddos, a beer garden

along with the Budweiser girls, two dragsters, five Fueled by the Fallen Angel cars, classic music, food trucks, and LOTS of surprises you don’t want to miss!

As if that’s not enough to fill your day, the theme of the show is “Back to the Future, A Salute to First

Grab the kids and stop by the Lakewood YMCA... they have something for the whole family!

By Robin Vanderwerff

Weingart-Lakewood YMCA has recently reopened their renovated pool.

Weingart-Lakewood YMCA finishes the final touches of their renovation.

The city of Lakewood has been watching with eager anticipation for the renovations to be completed at the WeingartLakewood Family YMCA. Anyone who’s driven past Carson and Woodruff over the past several months has noticed a total

amenities such as the cardio and strength equipment, use of the bigger child watch area, take classes in the new group exercise studio, and access to the family locker rooms.

Associate Director of the YMCA, Joe Jimenez says, “We are anxiously awaiting the opening of our new Y. We believe

Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

revamp happening at our local YMCA. The wait is winding down and beginning in August, members will have access to the new areas of construction, along with the pool. Members will also have the opportunity to use all the “new” PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

our members and our community will be thrilled to see what we have available for them. Our goal is to serve our community through programs that strengthen families and build a healthier lifestyle for all.”

The resurfaced pool and pool deck has recently reopened and swim lessons, lap swim

Vendor booths are still available (registration on pg. 2), along with raffle or goodie bag donations.

Drivers can register by going to www. lakewoodchamber.com. Also, there are still sponsorship opportunities available. For more information call (562) 531-9733.

and family swim times are now available. The opening of the new part of the Y will be happen around August 3rd, during that time phase 2 of the construction will begin, this phase involves converting rooms to a teen center and indoor cycling studio.

Take it from someone who toured the facility during its construction, the view from the new, 10,000 square foot 2nd floor fitness facility is impressive. The treadmills and ellipticals face the full-front glass window on Carson Street, giving exercisers a beautiful view of Heartwell Park.

That in and of itself, will be worth the wait!

The grand opening is expected sometime in mid-September, with a grand opening event shortly after. In September, the after the opening of the complete YMCA, they will be offering additional group exercise classes, youth fitness classes and family activities.

Senior Executive Director, Emilio Sosa, added, “Our Y has been an integral part of the (Cont’d on Pg. 3)

End of Summer After Hours Mixer Thursday, August 27th 5:30 - 7:00PM

Cover Charge:

Black Angus Steakhouse 5000 Candlewood St, Lakewood

$10/members • $15/non-members

FINGER FOODS & RAFFLE PRIZES!

Call for more info: 562.531.9733

Come & join fellow business associates & city officials for an End-of-Summer Social.

Bring your business cards!

LakewoodToday

Page 2

www.lakewoodnews.org

Want to stay more connected to C i t y Spotlight your community?

By Mayor Jeff Wood

Lakewood is a great place to live, with good city services and lots of activities for people of all ages.

But you can’t take full advantage of all that’s good here unless you stay connected and know what’s happening around town.

Fortunately, there’s lots of ways to do that.

One of the best ways is what you’re doing right now…reading the Lakewood Community News!

You’ll always find plenty of good information here every month about events and topics relating to Lakewood.

Second, consider subscribing to the City of Lakewood’s free Lakewood Connect eMagazine, which will get delivered to your email inbox every Wednesday. Over 20,000 Lakewood residents already

subscribe—growing by about 1,000 a year—giving Lakewood one of the largest e-subscription rates of any city in our area. People clearly find it useful.

The eMagazine will alert you to fun and helpful events around town, recreation classes and programs, new city services, holiday schedules for trash and street sweeping (always important) and construction updates that will affect traffic.

Read the current edition at www. lakewoodcity.org/emagazines.

Click the “Subscribe” button to give it a try and you’ll get a weekly email from the city. If you later decide it’s not for you, just reply with “unsubscribe” and city staff will quickly remove you from the distribution list.

The city’s newly redesigned website at www.lakewoodcity.org is another great tool to stay connected and access city services and news about Lakewood. Find out about recreation programs (and sign up online) and learn about the rules for trash and recycling, street sweeping and parking.

New in recent years are smartphone apps that let you quickly report situations that need attention, ask questions and give input. Links and information about the apps for iPhones and Android phones are at www.lakewoodcity.org/apps.

Prefer to speak to a live person for

information? Even in this computer age, most residents call to ask for service…and that’s just fine with us.

Lakewood prides itself on having a dedicated team of customer service staff ready to listen to your comments and act on your requests for service. Give them a call at 562866-9771, extension 2140. If you can’t call during regular business hours, that’s OK. Leave a message anytime, and it will be acted on the next business day. Or e-mail our customer service team at service1@ lakewoodcity.org.

If you see an after-hours emergency like a street signal outage or water main break, you can select a special feature at the city hall number above that will forward your message to our 24-hour, oncall staff. Remember, if it’s a police or fire emergency, always call 911.

And if you ever need to contact my city council colleagues or me, you can do so by calling 562-8669771, extension 2103, emailing us at citycouncil@lakewoodcity.org, or sending us a letter to city hall at 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712.

A big part of what makes life good in Lakewood is all the convenient ways there are to stay connected to your community. Make sure you take advantage of them.

Kids have no reason to be bored this summer McCormick Pool (in Bolivar Park) features a “Pirate Adventure” family swim night on Friday, August 7 from 7pm to 9pm for Lakewood residents.

The cost is $3 per person which includes a hot dog dinner.

Bring the entire family to Monte Verde Park and enjoy an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment with Movie Night Under the Stars with an animated feature “Frozen SingA-Long” on August 7. Premovie festivities begin at 7pm with the feature beginning at 8:15pm.

Guests can bring chairs and a picnic dinner, or purchase dinner from The Grilled Cheese Truck (www.thegrilledcheesetruck. com) which will begin serving at 7pm. Sales will benefit the Lakewood Teen Board. In addition, the Lakewood Teen Board will be selling drinks and candy. To help us plan a memorable experience, preregistration is required at ecatalog at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation. Sorry, no pets or alcohol are allowed at the park.

On August 14, parents get a much-needed break with Parents Night Out, Kids Night In. Bring the kids to the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park from 6pm to10pm and the highly qualified staff will supervise your children while parents enjoy a night off. Kids can enjoy pizza, snacks, games and more!

Pre-registration is required and the cost is $5 per child. For ages 3 and older (children must be potty trained). Go to www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog to register.

For more activities, check out the Summer Recreation Catalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ Catalog or call recreation staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

FUN-Tastic Family Nights continue

August 2015 Bring the whole family on Friday, August 21 from 6:30pm to 8pm for “The Wizard of Oz” Puppet Show at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. This timeless tale is told with traditional rod puppets.

The fee is $8 per person ($5 for children age 3 and under) and includes a light dinner of penne pasta, meatballs, breadsticks, lemonade and dessert prior to the show. Pre-registration is required. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or register online using eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.

Swim lessons continue at both pools Mayfair and McCormick Pools will feature swim lessons throughout August. Classes are held Monday through Friday for two-week sessions of 30 minutes each day. Session 4 lessons take place August 3 to 14, and online registration for this session ends July 31.

For residents planning ahead for Session 5 lessons taking place Monday through Friday, August 17 to 28, registration may be completed online between August 8 and August 14. For complete aquatic information call Mayfair Pool at 562-804-4256 or McCormick Pool at 562-421-3343.

Tot Lot registration Friday, August 7 and 21 Tot Lot is a parent cooperative program for 2-5 year olds and takes place during the school year. Registration for the program will be held on Friday, August 7 and 21, between 9am and 12pm at Del Valle and Mayfair Parks. Tot Lots meet Monday through Friday, 9:30am to 11:30am in the fenced, preschool play area of the two parks. Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot’s operation and members select activities and excursions.

Up-to-date immunization cards, including TB tests and proof of age, are required at the time of registration. TB (Cont’d. on Pg. 14)

www.lakewoodnews.org

August 2015

LBS Financial Credit Union awards 35 student scholarships

Pictured from left to right: Jeffrey Napper, president & CEO of LBS Financial Credit Union; Lily Seitelman, scholarship winner; Heather Summers, senior vice president of marketing.

At the close of the 2015 school year, LBS Financial Credit Union awarded scholarships to 35 students in Long Beach, Lakewood, Cerritos and surrounding communities.

Each year, LBS Financial

Lakewood-Weingart YMCA (Cont’d from pg. 1)

Lakewood Community, but this renovation will allow us to do more for our community than before.

When the building is complete, we will have a teen center that will be a safe place for teens to go to after school, more fitness studios so that we can provide additional classes and programs that will help bring families together.”

The Y is showing its renewed sense of community by offering a Lakewood Family membership which includes two adults and their children (up to the age of 18), for only $69.00 per month. That includes participation in all the Y’s programs and amenities. An adult membership is still very affordable at $42.00 per month.

For the Y, it’s all about bringing the family together. For Lakewood, it’s all about finding a place to bring the family together. Come on over to the Y, it’s a sweet deal for everyone!

Your

Minding

encourages local area high schools, adult schools and community colleges to participate in their scholarship program by selecting a deserving student to

receive an award. This year, 31 high school, 2 college and 2 adult school students were awarded scholarships up to $500. The credit union works directly with each school to select the recipient and present a plaque with the check to the student.

The credit union also offers a $1,000 scholarship each year. Any LBS Financial member in their final year of high school or first three years of college is eligible to apply. One winner is selected for the $1,000 scholarship by a credit union employee committee.

Lily Seitelman of Long Beach, is the 2015 LBS Financial Credit Union Scholarship winner. She graduated from Polytechnic High School in June and will be attending University of California, Berkeley to study applied mathematics starting in fall 2015.

Business Page 3

&

Business Financial Page 4

www.lakewoodnews.org

August 2015

Patriot Day in Lakewood - a time to reflect and give thanks Lakewood has commemorated Patriot Day every year since the tragic events of 9/11/2001. City residents stop to remember and honor those lost in the terrorist attacks on our nation and those public safety officers and military personnel who are still on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism.

This year’s Patriot Day commemoration will take place on Friday, September 11, from 6pm to 8pm, in the concert grove

Stoppages

at Del Valle Park (Woodruff Avenue at Arbor Road). Patriotic music will be performed by the 300th Army Band, an orchestra ensemble from Los Angeles, CA, and the Golden Sands Chorus, Lakewood’s award-winning women’s chorus.

Remarks will be provided by Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood with keynote remarks by Los Angeles County Sheriff Jim McDonnell.

Parking will be at a premium around Del Valle Park. Those who

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Lakewood youth groups provide a spectacular flag ceremony at Patriot Day.

live near the park are encouraged to leave their car at home and

walk to the event. Parking will be available at MacArthur

Elementary School via Centralia Street.

• Bring a blanket or low-rise lawn chair for seating.

• Super Mex and Mr. B’s Kettle Corn will provide concessions throughout the program.

• Dogs and alcohol are prohibited at all city parks.

For more information, call Lakewood city staff members at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

August 2015

Rise and Shine...it’s back to school time!

Drivers and students need to take care as Lakewood’s school districts open their doors again for the new school year in late August

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Community

and early September. Helping get the community’s 15,000 students back to school safely each fall is a big job that the City of Lakewood

www.lakewoodnews.org

has assisted with since the 1950s.

Lakewood’s back-to-school effort has four elements: the city’s “Suggested Route to School” maps, classroom instruction, Sheriff’s traffic enforcement and safety reminders for the public.

Maps located at www. lakewoodcity.org/backtoschool show the location of traffic signals, stop signs and crossing guards. Lakewood is fortunate to have experienced crossing guards, some of whom have been working for the city for over 20 years.

Parents should spend time going over the route with their children, pointing out the crosswalks and intersections they’ll encounter on the way to school. Even better, parents should walk the route with their children.

Safety tips for children: • Always stop, look all four ways and listen before crossing the street.

(Cont’d. on Pg. 8)

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Common growth plate fractures can stunt growth in kids

Children’s growing bodies are different from adult bodies and that includes their bones. As children grow and develop, their bones are softer. This allows their bones to fracture in different ways than adult bones do.

Children’s bones have growth

plates, made of cartilage, that determine the final length and shape of their bones. When a child’s bones have completed growing, the growth plates harden and form one complete bone. However, before growth is complete, the growth plates are susceptible to fractures. Fifteen to 30 percent of fractures are growth plate fractures.

Growth plate fractures need immediate treatment because injured growth plates that are not treated promptly, can lead to crooked or misshapen bones, limbs that are too short or even arthritis in the long term.

Pediatric orthopedic surgeons are specifically trained to evaluate and treat children with these bone conditions or fractures.

Call 800-MEMORIAL, or go to MillerChildrens.org/ortho for more information.

ChamberNews Page 6

www.lakewoodnews.org

August 2015

Lakewood Chamber’s Softball League donates to non-profit groups

Team “CHAMBER OUTSIDERS”

Team “LAKEWOOD MALLERS”

Team “BEST BUY”

Team “HMBD PITCH SLAPPERS”

Team “EAST SIDE MARIO’S” The Lakewood Chamber’s Summer Softball League recently held their annual “Home Run Derby” tournament, with the GIRLS taking the gold! The donations from league tournaments are given to various non-profit groups. This season, the monies will be donated to Su Casa - Ending Domestic Violence.

Frank Cardiel, the Softball League Ambassador, is always looking for businesses that would like to put a team together and join in on the fun. You can call the chamber office at (562) 531-9733, and he would be happy to assist you. You can also visit w w w. l a k e w o o d c h a m ber.com for pictures and more information.

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

Green

August 2015

Making changes to help save water and money

“Jump in! The lack of water is just fine,” jokes Lakewood’s water director Jim Glancy. “The City of Lakewood is helping eliminate the biggest reasons keeping folks from doing a yard makeover: the cost and knowing how to do it.”

To help with cost, the city is offering up to $1,315 in water rebates for installing water-saving irrigation and removing grass.

Even simple jobs like swapping old sprinkler heads for new miserly “rotor” nozzles can garner a rebate.

Three free workshops offer know-how to make doing a yard makeover less intimidating.

“Understanding plant selection, irrigation and landscape care better can make moving ahead on a water-saving project easier and even fun,” said Glancy. “Seventy percent of people’s water use is yard-related. Reducing there is one of the most effective ways to save water.”

The city is cosponsoring the workshops with the Water Replenishment District. Topics include irrigation, best horticultural practices, design tips, and drought tolerant and native plants. The classroom-style programs include PowerPoint presentations and some demonstration. Attendees will receive instructive handouts free of charge.

To RSVP for a class call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog and use the course #’s below.

Classes run from 9am to 11am.

• Saturday; Aug 1 - Drought Tolerant Plants # 40250; Burns Community Center • Saturday; Aug 8 - Drip & Sprinkler Care # 40251; Burns Community Center • Saturday; Aug 15 - Eco Garden Care # 40252; Weingart Senior Center The Burns Community Center is at 5510 Clark Avenue, 562-9257512. The Weingart Senior Center is at 5220 Oliva Avenue, 562-6306141.

Classes are designed to be taken as a series, but can be attended individually.

Pre-registration and RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more about the program at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecogardening and www.ecogardener.org or contact Monica Serrano at mserrano@wrd.org or 562-2754234.

Every drop counts!

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Saving water is everyone’s responsibility

A new flyer features 20 tips to help Lakewood residents be water-wise, including the number of gallons you can save with each simple daily action. Print it out and hang it on a refrigerator. It’s online at www.lakewoodcity.org/WaterWise.

Also, Lakewood CityTV has just put its classic drought documentary “Drip by Drip” online.

See it at www.lakewoodcity.org/DripByDrip. Fashioned by senior producer Bob Sykes in drought-ridden 1990, the program is even more relevant today. “The show makes the case that all Californians need to appreciate that we live in a very arid place. It really underscores the issue that we’re again deep into drought today in 2015,” said Sykes.

Other environmental and water-saving themed programs are online at www.lakewoodcity. org/WaterWise. Or email service1@lakewoodcity.org or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140 for questions and advice.

Living

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News

Community Page 8

August 2015

www.lakewoodnews.org

Long time Lakewood resident turns 100 Roscoe Griffith celebrated his 100th birthday at his Lakewood home on Saturday, July 11 with a large gathering of friends and family. Lakewood’s city council was also on hand to honor the long-time resident, veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor.

Roscoe is an original Lakewood resident, having purchased his home in 1951 using the GI housing program. His mortgage payment at the time was an astounding $37 dollars a month for his 1,020-square-foot home.

Griffith served in the Navy

in World War II and the Korean War after having enlisted in 1936. He has the distinction of being a Pearl Harbor survivor from the USS Honolulu and a Purple Heart recipient. He retired from the Navy in 1956 as a chief machinist’s mate and went on to

Flanked by fellow council members, Mayor Jeff Wood awards Roscoe a city proclamation. work at (and retire from) North American Aviation/Rockwell in 1979.

In recent years he has participated in veteran events at the Weingart Senior Center and is a member of Elks Lodge #888, the Union Pacific RR Historical Society and is an Angels and St. Louis baseball fan. The Lakewood City Council also honored Mr. Griffith on Pearl Harbor Day (December 7) in

2013 in a commemoration at the Weingart Senior Center.

Back to School (Cont’d from pg. 5)

• Cross the street only at corners and crosswalks, not between parked cars.

• Walk or ride with a group of people; there is safety in numbers.

• When walking on sidewalks, look out for cars pulling out of driveways.

• Always wait for a crossing guard to control traffic before starting to cross the street.

Safety tips for drivers: • Reduce vehicle speed to 25 mph or slower when driving in school zone.

• Double parking for a quick drop-off is very hazardous for small children, who are invisible behind an SUV or van until they dart in front of oncoming traffic.

• Do not let your children exit a car on the traffic side of your vehicle. Be aware, drivers can be cited for unsafely loading or unloading children near schools.

The only safe way to drop off your youngsters is to pull up to the curb in front of the school or at a safe location where youngsters can walk to the end of the block and cross to school through an intersection controlled by a stop sign, signal or crossing guard.

2015 School Start Dates Paramount USD

Wednesday, August 19th

ABC USD

Monday, August 31st (Friday, August 28 for Carmenita, Haskell, Ross and Tetzlaff MS, 7th Grade only)

Bellflower USD

Monday, August 31st

Long Beach USD

Wednesday, September 2nd

August 2015

The horror parade!

How many of you sit daily in front of the TV watching the “Horror Parade?” By this I mean, The News! Then how many of you go find someone who will commiserate with you about the terrible state of affairs in our world? All that negativity flows into you, causing depression, fear and anxiety. Don’t put yourself through that constant negativity.

It doesn’t help.

Not long ago I decided not to watch or listen to the news anymore. Hearing about home invasions, shark attacks, deadly bacteria, political peacocking, torture, etc., was bringing me down.

That’s not how I wanted to start my days. Instead of horror stories, I decided to fill my life with positive and motivating ideas; with music, exercise, books, friends, family, and work.

Since I’ve stopped taking in the morning horror, I feel less stressed, overall happier. I’m not allowing in anything that will sink my spirits. I feel joyful and ready to face any challenges that may come my way, unimpeded by things I can do nothing about.

Try starting your day with positivity instead of atrocities.

See if you don’t notice a difference in mood and spirit.

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!

“Welcome to Lakewood” FLYERS DUE August 15th

Want to know a great way you can reach “new” Lakewood residents to let them know about your business? Supply us with 275 flyers/coupons for your business, and we include it in the “Welcome” packet we send out.

(Cost is $100) Call 562-531-9733 for more information

News

Community

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Affordable, fun travel excursions The Burns Community Center is the hub for Lakewood travel excursions and active senior programs. The convenient trips typically include the cost of travel AND admission in one price. Trips range from Santa Barbara to San Juan Capistrano. Recent trips have included runs to the Carlsbad Flower Fields, Newport Boat Parade, Getty Museum, the Hollywood Bowl and more than one Presidential museum.

Guests park and check in at the Burns Community Center and then leave the driving to a bus driver. It’s an affordable and convenient way to take a trip to unique activities like

visiting the California Strawberry Festival in Oxnard or the Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach without having to drive.

Upcoming trips are announced three times a year in the city’s main recreation catalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/travel.

You can also register for travel excursions online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog. Space is limited, so register early.

Page 9

Food and beverages often can be purchased at eateries in or nearby your destination or you can bring your own snacks to many destinations. The bus leaves from the Burns Community Center promptly and guests should plan to arrive on time to check in. An adult must accompany children of all ages.

To register, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for registration questions. For trip details, call 562924-0149.

ShopLakewood Page 10

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August 2015

Shop Lakewood...

“How I got into Harvard”

Lakewood resident, Derek Ponce.

Expert college admissions tips & advice at ALLISON TUTORING located at 4102 South Street in Lakewood, on Wednesday August 19, 2015 at 6:00pm.

“How I Got Into Harvard” with Derek Ponce Personal story that will include Derek’s background, previous schools, extracurricular activities, test scores, application process and a Q&A with the audience.

What You Will Need To Do To Get Into The College Of Your Dreams What a variety of colleges are looking for including: SAT/ACT scores, GPA, extracurricular activities, volunteer time, the perfect application and entrance essay.

Expert Advice That You Probably Do Not Already Know How to get in-state prices at an out-of-state university even for a Master’s degree, and insider tips on exactly what to put on that personal essay.

For more information call (562) 822-6488.

Cheers to a Lakewood business celebrating its two-year anniversary!

Timeless Pints Brewing Co., located at 3671 Industry Ave., unit C1 in Lakewood, is celebrating their two-year anniversary in mid-August. The family-owned Lakewood brewery has been a favorite among locals and beer enthusiasts who seek a variety of delicious craft beers made right on the premise. Owners, Chris and Merri Sparacio, said they are “extremely proud and happy” that the brewery has been such a success, and Timeless Pints wouldn’t be the brewery it is

today without it’s loyal following.

“We have the best customers,” Merri said, “It really feels like one big family.”

In addition to brewery favorites such as The Expeditious Guest IPA and The Bear Reader Huckleberry Oatmeal Stout, the brewery plans to unveil a special release Double IPA at their anniversary party. “We had an amazing turnout last year and we are eager to celebrate another terrific year,” Chris said.

The event will run from 12noon to 8pm on Saturday, August 15, and will feature live musical performances from local bands; Monkey Finger Duo and Filmspeed, as well as a variety of food for purchase from Brewwings, Grillfellas BBQ and Zaul Catering.

Visit www.TimelessPints.com for more details.

Stop by for a beer, and congratulate Timeless Pints on two years in Lakewood!

New clothing store opens at Lakewood Center

RSVP, Register ... say you’ll be there at purplesagecypress@yahoo.com or call 714-737-8750

Salt Tree is a newly opened retail store at Lakewood Center, and offers women contemporary clothing with competitive quality at an unbeatable price. Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood!

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

Look for continuing updates & details by going to: www.facebook.com/WomeninBusinessCouncil(GreaterLakewoo dChamberofCommerce)

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

www. shoplakewood.org

August 2015

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ShopLakewood Page 11

Shop Lakewood...

$1.5 million in Lakewood Shop Lakewood...and help Project Center improvements Shepherd get kids back to school

A combination of interior and exterior improvements to Lakewood Center are underway or in final planning stages. One project is expected to save 2 million gallons of water each year and will remove 73,000 square feet of turf and replace it with drought-tolerant plants.

Lakewood Center’s interior refurbishment includes lighting changes to brighten the shopping experience with conversions to “green” power-saving LED lighting. There will also be a full repainting of the facility’s central corridor along with contemporary designs. Other updates include stores getting new fiber optic lines and the updating of heating and air conditioning.

Lakewood Project Shepherd is collecting “Back to School” backpacks and school supplies for low-income families with school-age children in Lakewood through August 14. The start of school is only weeks away and many kids in the community could use some help.

New backpacks and school supplies appropriate for all ages will be accepted at Lakewood City Hall during regular business hours or at the Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Avenue from 7am to 6:30pm on weekdays and 8am to noon on Saturdays. For more information, call 562-9257512.

As you help Project Shepherd, consider that Lakewood has some of the nation’s most popular and value-oriented back-to-school retailers…including Costco, Marshalls, Home Goods, Target, Office Max, Walmart, Kohl’s, Forever 21, JCPenney, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack, Big 5 and Sports Authority.

Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a purchase

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood. That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community.

This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. And check out Shop Lakewood’s home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www.shoplakewood. org. (You don’t have to be signed up on Facebook to use the site.)

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!

News

Community Page 12

August 2015

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Inspirational ‘Boys of Del Valle Park’ poem also featured in new video

Lakewood CityTV offers a special in-depth look at the stirring poem, “The Boys of Del Valle Park,” as told through historic video footage and interviews with four Vietnam veterans who grew up in Lakewood, including the author of the poem, original Lakewood resident and Lakewood High School graduate Dennis Lander. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ BoyOfDelVallePark to view the video.

Lander’s iconic poem honors 43 fallen Lakewood veterans of the Vietnam War, many of whom were kids he played with on the Del Valle Park jet when it came to Lakewood in 1959.

‘Boys of Del Valle Park’ author honored as veteran of the year

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood) recently honored Lakewood resident Dennis Lander (on right in photo) as the 2015 Veteran of the Year for the 63rd Assembly District.

“Dennis not only served our country heroically in Vietnam but has been a leading advocate for remembering the sacrifices of our fallen troops,” Rendon said in Sacramento on June 24. “Dennis is a treasure of our community and I am proud to honor him as Veteran of the Year.”

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Lander is author of “The Boys of Del Valle Park,” a poem about the young Lakewood men who gave their lives in the armed forces during the Vietnam War. The poem gained popularity when it was published in the Long Beach Press-Telegram on Memorial Day 1988 and is now recited annually during Lakewood’s Memorial Day ceremony, and

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (left) with Lakewood’s Dennis Lander. is permanently inscribed on the city’s veteran’s memorial at Del Valle Park.

A lifelong resident of Lakewood, Lander enlisted in the U.S. Air Force shortly after graduation from Lakewood High School in 1966. From 1967 to 1968, he served in Vietnam as

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon (left) with Lakewood’s Dennis Lander.

a member of the 8th Aerial Port Squadron’s Mobility Team, which flew C-130s and was responsible for the resupply of military units throughout South Vietnam. After his discharge from the Air Force in 1969, Mr. Lander returned home to Lakewood and had a career in the moving and waste management industries.

Assemblyman Anthony Rendon is serving in his second term representing a district that includes the communities of Bell, Cudahy, Hawaiian Gardens, Lakewood, North Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Paramount and South Gate. He is chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Commerce.

August 2015

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Lakewood Dental Arts celebrates 30 years in Lakewood Lakewood Dental Arts, located on Del Amo near Bellflower, is celebrating their 30th anniversary this month. Drs. Robert Goodis and Nate Weiner, who met the first day of classes while attending the USC School of Dentistry, founded the practice.

Their first office, at the corner of Carson and Paramount, was opened in 1985, and consisted of the doctors and a staff of two.

The City of Lakewood, soon thereafter, informed the doctors they would have to vacate their office. The property where the office was situated was slated for redevelopment.

In 1987, they relocated their practice to South and Woodruff, the site of the old Dutch Village, which had just been redeveloped.

It was not long before the practice outgrew the office. In 1991, they moved to the current location on Del Amo Blvd., the site of the old Carl’s Junior.

Their building earned the Lakewood Business Beautiful Award in 1993, and remains a landmark in the city.

Lakewood Dental Arts has served three generations of family members from Lakewood and the surrounding communities.

Today, the practice supports a full complement of dentists, specialists and hygienists.

Everything from dental implants to braces, utilizing the latest technology, is provided in one location.

Lakewood adult sports kicks off...

Signups for Lakewood‘s adult softball, kickball and volleytennis summer leagues will take place between August 10 and 21. Softball leagues play on various weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Kickball is offered on Tuesday evenings and Saturday and Sunday afternoons.

Volleytennis plays Monday evenings. All ability levels are encouraged.

Signups are taken at city hall.

Registration packets including fees and further information are available now at www.lakewoodcity.org/ sports or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

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Community

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Summer Car Show Bethany Lutheran Church will host a ‘Cruising for Christ’ Car Show on Saturday, August 8 from 8am -1pm. Spectators welcome! Want to show your vehicle (cars, trucks, motorcycles – if it has wheels, it’s welcome!) This rain or shine event will include raffle prizes, 50/50 drawings and food available for purchase. Bethany Lutheran Church, 4644 Clark Avenue, Long Beach, at the corner of Clark Avenue and Arbor Road. For more information or to register your vehicles, ($30 before August 1st), contact Lynne at (562) 420-7783.

Cost: Free - Spectators free. $30 per vehicle to register car, truck or motorcycle before August 1st. $40 day of car show. Food available, raffle prizes and 50/50 drawing. Parking lot of Bethany Lutheran Church, Long Beach.

Town

Around

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C i t y Spotlight (Cont’d. from Pg. 2) testing is mandatory for all new Tot Lot children and working adults. The registration fee is $45 for residents and $55 for non-residents. Members may register an additional child for $25. Insurance is $5 per person and is required for each participating child and volunteer worker. For more information, call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Free Family Play Day at the Parks Bring the entire family to the park for a free Family Play Day event on Saturday, August 8 from 10am to 1pm.

Residents of all ages will enjoy the friendly competition of scheduled games and family activities at Mayfair, Bolivar, Palms and Del Valle parks.

Participants can also enjoy a free barbecue lunch of hot dogs, chips and punch followed by more games in the afternoon.

For those wanting to cool off, free recreation swim tickets will be given out during lunchtime. The passes will allow entry to Mayfair or McCormick pools on August 8 during the recreation swim hours of 1pm to 2:30pm or 2:45pm to 4:15pm. After lunch, the activities continue with outdoor games and a refreshing popsicle treat.

Youngsters ages 3-7 can also keep cool in the wading pools

at San Martin, Del Valle, Mae Boyar, Mayfair and Palms parks. After the event, children can also play at the playground and explore their neighborhood park. Bring your friends and neighbors and plan to attend one of the Family Play Day events.

It’s a great opportunity to visit your neighborhood park, meet the staff and find something fun to do. Remember, play can be enjoyed by “kids” of any age.

‘Knyght Ryder’ coming to Del Valle Park The 80’s band Knyght Ryder comes to Lakewood’s Del Valle Park as the community’s popular summer concert series comes to a close Thursday, August 6 at 6:30pm.

Dinner and refreshments will be sold at the concert to support non-profit community groups, or attendees may bring their own picnic basket.

Youth Sports sign-ups at all city parks Lakewood youth can sign up for free sports leagues at their local park. The award-winning Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program is offering Flag Football and Girls Volleytennis this fall. Sign-ups will take place August 15-22 at all Lakewood parks. Players must bring a birth certificate and signed registration form. There is no fee for Lakewood residents with proof of residency. A nonresident registration fee of $20 is payable at registration.

Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku!

Congratulations to Wil Vanderburg and Dianne Bradfield!

They are the lucky winners of the July 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 (#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 Monday, August 24,

August 2015

2015. The winners will be drawn on Tuesday, August 25th, 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 September issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

News

Community August 2015

ABC Education Foundation revs up for backpacks drive

www.lakewoodnews.org

Planning a Vacation?

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.

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Advertise in the AWARD-WINNING Lakewood Community News.

Call (562) 531-9733 or email advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

Switzerland, Austria & Bavaria 10 Days • Departs 9/16/15 • $3749 per double

Spain & Sunny Costa del Sol

8 Days • Departs 10/21/15 • $2799 per double Future scholars who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to return to school without school supplies or backpacks will be helped by the ABC Education Foundation’s annual initiative to purchase these supplies in time for the start of school.

“This time of the year we are scrambling to raise funds for backpacks for very low income, homeless, near homeless or foster youth who are attending ABC schools,” states Mark Anthony Ruiz, broker, Century 21 ASTRO, and 2015 Backpack Initiative Chair.

This year, the ABC Education Foundation has partnered with Roonga.com --https://www.roonga. com/abcbackpackdrive/, an online service for nonprofit agencies like the Foundation, who have wish lists for children. Sponsors and donors can go onto this website and donate what they would like to purchase -- Roonga then sends it to ABC. Alternatively, the Foundation is accepting school supplies, new backpacks – stuffed with school supplies or empty – and checks, at the Foundation’s offices at 16700 Norwalk Boulevard, Cerritos, weekdays from 7:30am to 4:30pm.

ABC Education Foundation board members and community volunteers will be stuffing these backpacks August 27, 2015, at the Willow Community Resource Center, 11733 E. 205th Street in Lakewood from 8:30am until all backpacks are distributed to ABC schools and preschools.

Last year, over 1,200 backpacks were distributed. The Foundation hopes to donate a minimum of 1,200 backpacks this year.

Venice & the Italian Lakes

9 Days • Departs 11/2/15 • $3445 per double

A Taste of the South Pacific

13 Days • Departs 2/1/16 • $4399 per double

Sunny Portugal Estoril Coast

10 Days • Departs 3/11/16 • $3049 per double Visit our website for even more trips and information: www.lakewoodchamber.com, then click on the menu “Trip Opportunities.”

Insurance Solutions for Healthcare

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

www.insureyourhealthy.com

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

SCHOOL LIFE: MOST IRRITATING MOMENTS - MORNING ALARM

MOST DIFFICULT TASK - FINDING SOCKS

MOST DREADFUL JOURNEY - WAY TO CLASS

MOST LOVELY TIME - MEETING FRIENDS

MOST TRAGIC MOMENTS

- SURPRISE TEST IN 1ST PERIOD

MOST WONDERFUL NEWS

- TEACHER IS ABSENT!

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August 2015