Lakewood
Community
30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
News y ! pp ys Ha ida l Ho
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
Volume 29 Number 12
www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com
Lookin’ to score a deal? Let Lakewood guide you to the hot spots!
Tracking bargains for Lakewood shoppers is what ShopLakewood. org is all about. During the holiday season the Facebook site is updated several times a day by veteran bargain hunter Paolo Beltran and his staff. “I’ve used websites like
‘Fat Wallet’ and ‘Slick Deals’ for years and really appreciate a good buy,” said Beltran. “It’s important that our local site feature discounts for residents. ‘Shop Lakewood . . . Stay Lakewood Loyal’ means savings.”
Beltran grew up in Lakewood, and now as a father of three he’s finding he’s particularly motivated to unearth good buys. Recent ShopLakewood.org postings have highlighted 2-for-1 deals at local eateries like the new Pieology
I wish I may, I wish I might...have this wish, I wish tonight
Over 930 toys reached Lakewood children through Teddy Bear Trees last year. Caring Lakewood shoppers filled the Christmas wishes of 934 local kids in need last year. They did it by picking a little paper bear ornament Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
off a “Teddy Bear Tree” and purchasing the affordable gift written on it. The opportunity to make a difference returns to Lakewood PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29
Center the weekend of December 7 and 8. The wishes of dozens of local kids will adorn a Teddy Bear Tree in the mall’s center court. Rotary Club of Lakewood volunteers, many of them Lakewood business and civic leaders, will help guests choose a paper bear from the tree. Rotarians will be on hand later to accept the unwrapped gift items returned to the booth. Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Tuesday, December 10. Project Shepherd helped 517 families and nearly 2000 individuals last year. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd.
along with coupons and giveaways at grand opening events held by ULTA Beauty and Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies. “Facebook is mobile-friendly and PC-friendly. Postings are a quick scan away and easily shared. Gathering all these Lakewoodspecific offerings will help build relationships between Lakewood shoppers and Lakewood businesses so when people make a choice they will choose to shop locally,” said Beltran. Shop Lakewood reminds the community that purchases made locally means sales tax dollars stay in Lakewood for park programs, law enforcement services, beautiful trees, well-maintained streets and more. Run by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the City of Lakewood, the program highlights both large chains and local mom-and-pop shops and professional services.
December 2013
VA medical bus coming to Lakewood
The City of Lakewood has been able to arrange for the Long Beach VA Hospital to bring its Mobile Medical Bus to Lakewood to provide free health screenings and benefits assistance to local veterans. The bus will be staffed by a VA doctor and other health care and benefits personnel. The medical bus will be at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue on Saturday, December 7 from 11am to 3pm. “The day of the VA medical (Cont’d. on Pg. 2)
Lakewood students are honored to perform at the Rose Parade
Pasadena City College’s (PCC) Tournament of Roses Honor Band has proudly accepted Lakewood High School students Victor Ochoa, Valerie Lobato, and John Justice to perform in the Pasadena’s Annual New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade. These students are all heavily involved in the LHS Music Department. The PCC Marching Band welcomes all high school students in the Southern California area to apply and audition for the Tournament of Roses Honor Band, an extension of the Pasadena City College Marching Band, to perform as the premier marching band of the traditional event. They will proudly exhibit Lancer Pride through song, and march their way to success this New Year’s Day!
Lakewood group gives $43,165 to local school projects The Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) marked its 11th year of service on November 12 with a reception at Monte Verde Park where 95 grants were distributed to local schoolteachers for classroom improvements and other educational
enhancements. Recipients included teachers from each of the four public school districts serving Lakewood, including ABC Unified, Bellflower Unified, Long Beach Unified and Paramount Unified.
Grants, usually for $500 each, will fund art supplies, unique field trips, and iPads and Apple TVs that teachers can use in the classroom for the improved display of educational material. (Cont’d. on Pg. 4)
LakewoodToday
Page 2
Take some time to be thankful this season By Mayor Steve Croft
We’re entering the holiday season now, where lots of time and money gets spent on gifts and meals and travel to be with our family and friends. Those reunions and exchanges can be very warm and meaningful. They can also make for a hectic few months. Hopefully, we can all also carve out some time where we stop and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for and on
all that we want to work on to make our lives and our world better in the future. Living in Lakewood, we have a lot to be thankful for. We live in a city that has beautiful parks; smooth, tree-lined streets; good law enforcement and public safety; and a well-run local government. We also live in a town that is full of residents who care about their neighbors and their community. I was reminded of that just recently at the annual Award of Valor Luncheon, where many Lakewood residents were honored for calling the Sheriff’s Department to report unusual or suspicious behavior in their neighborhood. It wasn’t necessarily something happening to their homes; they could have ignored the unusual behavior down the block. But
they called in, and deputies quickly went out to investigate and made arrests for what turned out to be burglaries in progress. Their neighbors were thrilled to get their stolen property returned. We honored those attentive residents with a new recognition called the BOLO Award, which is police slang for “Be On The Lookout.” Thank you to our BOLO honorees and to all our residents who are looking out for their neighbors and their community at large. I’m also reminded of the many great residents we have in Lakewood during the Project Shepherd assistance effort, which is gearing up right now. Hundreds of residents are donating food, money or their time to help their fellow Lakewood neighbors in economic need. I know from seeing the grateful faces and smiles of recipient families over the years just how nice it feels to realize that your neighbors care about you during tough times. To learn how you can get involved in Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512. I’m thankful for all the great volunteer work that takes place year-round in Lakewood. It happens through churches, youth groups and lots of organizations. For ideas on how you can volunteer on a Lakewood project or cause,
Watch channel 31 on Time Warner and Verizon FiOS TV
Serving Lakewood since 1984
December 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ volunteer or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. In a world that unfortunately is full of a lot of chaos and trouble, it’s nice to live in a community where there is stability, comfort and many, many caring residents. On behalf of my city council colleagues, I wish everyone in Lakewood the very best for the holiday season ahead.
C i t y Spotlight Winter vacation programsDecember 21 to January 3 Holiday activities at Lakewood parks will be featured throughout the two weeks of school vacation from Saturday, December 21, through Friday, January 3. Special activity flyers are available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks. Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 21 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt. Highlights will include winter holiday craft projects and a special winter vacation movie day at Boyar Park on Saturday, December 28. Enjoy cocoa, popcorn and other treats as you watch “Disney’s Planes,” showing at 11:30am and 2:30pm. For more information, call 562866-9771, extension 2408. Lakewood Hall of Fame seeks nominations The Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 33rd annual sports awards program. The 2013 Athlete of the Year, Performers of the Year and Special Achievement awards will be selected based on data supplied in nominations. Nominations are due to the Recreation Office at Lakewood City Hall by December 2. Athletes must
live in or attend a school in Lakewood to be eligible. The awards banquet will take place on February 24, 2014. Volunteer youth sports coaches needed Adult volunteers are needed to coach Lakewood Youth Sports basketball teams this season. Teams will practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning December 9. The season concludes March 8. Coaches volunteer an average of 3-4 hours per week. There are 1-2 practices and 1-2 games per week. No experience is needed. Coaches will receive training, and an optional coaching clinic will be held on December 18. Coaches are required to go through a mandatory background screening using Livescan. Check with your local park for details on how to get involved, or call 562-8669771, extension 2408.
VA medical bus (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
medical bus visit—Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day—is a fitting one on which to honor our veterans and provide them with a useful set of services,” said Mayor Steve Croft. “If you are a veteran or know one who might benefit from these services, please come out on December 7,” said Croft. “My city council colleagues and I would love the chance to meet you and say hello. And if you have any questions about the bus’s visit, please give Lakewood city staff a call at 562866-9771, extension 3123.”
December 2013
Your
Minding
www.lakewoodnews.org
Business Page 3
Show your loyalty by shopping Lakewood this holiday season!
This holiday season, you can save time and avoid chaos by doing all your shopping in the City of Lakewood. The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce wants to help making finding a local business a little easier. Whether you’re looking for a particular restaurant or hotel to house your guests for the holidays, Lakewood Chamber urges you to keep your dollars local. Below is a list of Chamber Members ready to help out this holiday season. of Latter-Day Saints The Rinks – Lakewood Ice (562) 423-8161 Accommodations-Hotel Mail/Shipping Services (562) 496-2319 (562) 429-1805 Good Earth Recycling Center Holiday Inn-Long Beach Airport Lakewood Mail n’ More Lakewood 1st United (562) 490-0072 (562) 597-4401 (562) 866-4239 Equipment Rental Methodist Church SA Recycling, LLC Long Beach Marriott Lakewood Rent-All Oil/Gas Industry (562) 425-1219 (213) 222-2811 (562) 425-5210 (562) 421-4714 Kuster Company Lakewood Christ Restaurants Animal Care (562) 595-0661 Escrow Services Presbyterian Church Buffalo Wild Wings Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies Appraisal Pacific Inc. Organizations & Clubs (562) 633-0749 (562) 220-2760 (562) 212-1000 (562) 377-1000 Bellflower Soroptomist Life Center Assembly of God Chick Fil A Found Animals Foundation Castlehead, Inc. Escrows (562) 866-8899 (562) 866-9078 (562) 924-9408 (310) 574-5794 (562) 809-7772 Bible Believers Contractors East Side Mario’s Your Lucky Pet Sitter Team Escrow (562) 921-1980 Harding Construction (562) 630-7600 (562) 682-8954 (562) 920-9611 Boy Scouts of America (562) 333-6392 Foggia Italian Market & Deli Attorneys (562) 427-0911 Financial Advisor K.E.Y. Design (562) 627-0987 Newell, Curtis, Nelson Lakewood Artist Guild Edward Jones Investments (562) 292-1217 Fuddrucker’s & Burnight (562) 421-8212 (562) 804-7994 (562) 408-1555 Dentistry-Orthodontics (562) 435-7471 Lakewood Women’s Club Florists George’s Greek Café Brodsky Orthodontics (562) 925-4405 Automobile - General Melinda McCoy’s Flowers (562) 529-5800 (562) 496-2000 Lakewood/Long Beach Greg’s Collision Center (562) 424-0901 Honeybaked Ham Candlewood Smiles Soroptimist Inter. (562) 531-6600 White House Florist (562) 634-9711 (562) 634-5042 (562) 866-9771 Lakewood Car Wash (562) 925-1238 Outback Steakhouse Lakewood Modern Dentistry Lakewood Knights of Columbus (562) 634-9020 Grocery/Market (562) 634-0353 (562) 920-9050 (562) 431-7703 Orozco’s Auto Service Milk Barn Piazza McDonald’s Nguyen Dental Lakewood Lions Club (562) 427-4256 (562) 425-3745 (562) 497-0055 (562) 634-2500 (562) 421-9640 Automobile-Dealer Health & Fitness Pieology Raymond Manigigian D.D.S. Lakewood Meals on Wheels George Chevrolet Vital Fitness (562) 634-2625 (562) 429-2459 (562) 925-8747 (562) 925-2500 (562) 716-7064 Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes Seth S. Shimono, D.D.S Lakewood Pan Automobile-Parts & Supplies (562) 531-6778 (562) 867-4155 Healthcare American Association Hap’s Auto Parts Wienerschnitzel AppleCare Medical Group (562) 421-0676 Department Stores (562) 422-1201 (562) 425-2535 (714) 443-4532 Long Beach State Athletics Costco Wholesale Transamerican Wholesale Bel Tooren Villa Convalescent Retail (562) 985-7441 (562) 630-2391 (310) 900-5567 (562) 867-1761 Balloons by Victoria National Pacific Islander Lakewood Center Mall Automobile-Tires CareMore Medical Group (562) 533-8154 Education Network (562) 633-0437 Allen Tire Company (866) 622-2820 BookOff (562) 496-2319 Sam’s Club (562) 420-2269 Conrad Cox M.D. Inc. (562) 531-6707 Pathways Volunteer Hospice (562) 425-0662 (562) 461-8584 Thirty One Gifts Banking Institutions (562) 531-3031 Wal-Mart 2609 Healthcare Partners (562) 706-3447 AmericanWest Bank Rotary Club of Lakewood (562) 429-6239 (562) 361-5650 (562) 627-9804 (562) 421-1213 Road Services Education Immediate Medical Center Chase Bank-Lakewood Blvd. Su Casa-Ending R.F. Dickson Company, Inc. ABC Unified School District (562) 802-0208 (562) 408-1506 Domestic Violence (562) 923-5441 (562) 926-5566 Lakewood Primary Care F&M Bank (562) 303-1030 Bellflower Unified Self Storage (562) 630-3105 (562) 602-8378 Picture Framing School District Lakewood Self Storage The Joint…The First Bank Andazola’s Gallery (562) 866-9011 (562) 627-1888 Chiropractic Place (562) 663-6500 (562) 427-3100 Bethany Lutheran School Street Lighting (562) 925-2114 LBS Financial Credit Union (562) 420-7783 Plumbing/Heating Services City Light & Power The Oncology Institute of (562) 598-9007 Cerritos College Downey Plumbing, Heating Lakewood, Inc. Hope & Innovation NuVision Federal Credit Union (562) 860-2451 & Air Conditioning (562) 983-2000 (562) 869-1201 (562) 375-8327 Irvine University College (866) 204-4068 Tax Services Hearing Aids Beauty Salons & Spa Of Law, Inc. G&A Heating & Miller Tax Services HearUSA Bellflower Beauty College (562) 865-7111 Air Conditioning (562) 424-2411 (562) 303-1436 (562) 421-1700 Kumon Math & Reading (562) 533-7933 Telecommunications (562) 412-6802 Hospitals Carpet Pete’s Plumbing Transcom Telecommunications Long Beach Unified Community Hospital B&B Carpets (562) 425-2373 (562) 633-2034 School District of Long Beach (562) 428-7589 West Coast Electric Utilities (562) 997-8242 (562) 498-1000 (310) 612-9449 Catering/Banquet Hall SCE/Southern California Edison Saint Joseph High School Lakewood Regional Lakewood Country Club Printing Services (800) 655-4555 (562) 925-5073 Medical Center (562) 421-0550 Norwalk Printing Southern California Gas Co. (562) 531-2550 TGIS (Thank Goodness its Sofia) Employment Development (562) 864-3216 (562) 803-7575 Ardan Staffing Solutions Insurance Services (562) 804-4434 Real Estate / Rentals Vacation Planners (562) 461-3711 Beth Bettger Insurance Check Cashing Cogburn Miller Realty Cruise Planners Employers Group Agency, Inc. Cash America Payday Advance (562) 397-7481 (562) 452-6555 (800) 748-8484 (562) 496-1000 (562) 630-8500 Coldwell Banker/Star Realty SELACO WIB Farmers Insurance-Mike Segura Water Services (562) 804-1385 Child Development-Day Care (562) 402-9336 (562) 531-9199 Central Basin MWD Kathy Apples Prudential ChildNet Youth & Farmers Insurance Group (323) 201-5527 Entertainment California Realty Family Services (562) 989-8700 Coast Water Technologies Cal Bowl (562) 809-1331 (562) 498-5000 Gotz Insurance Agency, Inc. (562) 420-8157 (562) 421-8448 Nick Andromidas-Realtor Long Beach Day Nursery (562) 424-0726 Golden State Water Co. Hawaiian Gardens Casino (562) 788-3403 (562) 591-0509 Insurance Solutions (562) 907-9200 (562) 860-5887 Towne Center Weingart-Lakewood for Healthcare Water Replenishment District of Round One Bowling Condominium Rentals Family YMCA (562) 400-0433 Southern California & Amusement (562) 762-5498 (562) 425-7431 (562) 921-5521 (562) 408-2937 Libraries Recycling Churches Seahawk Cocktail Lounge Friends of Lakewood Libraries EDCO/BZ Waste & Recycling Church of Jesus Christ (562) 630-2649 (562) 866-1777
&
Business Financial Page 4
www.lakewoodnews.org
Lakewood Group Donates to School (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
LEF is led by Lakewood Vice Mayor Todd Rogers and Mayor Steve Croft with the support of Lakewood residents and volunteers. Grant funds are raised through donations from local individuals and businesses, as well as an annual fireworks stand and Columbus Day golf tournament. LEF’s low overhead costs mean that nearly 100% of donations reach kids in the classroom through the teacher grants. Local teachers are invited to submit grant applications for up to $500. In their applications, teachers must demonstrate that the desired classroom improvement project will have a direct benefit to Lakewood students. The grant-awarding event is the highlight of the year for LEF,” said Rogers. “It’s something we are happy to do because it’s an extension of our commitment here in Lakewood to quality education.” “It’s uplifting,” said Croft, “to see
December 2013 the enthusiasm of our local teachers when they get these grants and hear how they’ll be able to implement plans for enhancing the education of our local children.” Principal Robert Castillo from Melbourne Elementary School in the ABC Unified School District spoke to those gathered about how 13 of his teachers will use the new iPads provided by LEF to control slide presentations while they walk around their classrooms and interact with students. The students will also be able to use the iPads for individualized enrichment activities. Several of the teachers also commented on how the new physical education equipment, learning materials, teacher resource books, and many other items provided by LEF will greatly enhance the overall educational experience for Lakewood students. Anyone interested in donating directly to the Lakewood Education Foundation is encouraged to call 562-496-3559 or visit www. lakewoodeducation.org.
Lakewood High School teachers with grant checks from Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF). LEF is headed up by Vice Mayor, Todd Rogers (far left), and Mayor Steve Croft (far right). Joining them at the event is Long Beach Unified School District board member Diana Craighead (second from left).
Serving Lakewood
& Surrounding Areas for over 27 years
Sam’s Roofing Co.
“A family-owned business you can depend on!”
(562) 429-3174
Residential/Commercial All Types Roofing/Repairs Quality Guaranteed!
Lic# 512271
A new kind of ride share By John Diatalevi Lakewood Insurance Services
The other day I saw a news story on TV about this company that matches people with cars, to people that need a ride somewhere. There are actually several companies that do this, such as, Lyft, Relayrides, Uber, and Sidecar. The way it works is, you sign up with one of these companies, and using an app on your smart phone you get requests for rides. Once you accept a ride request, you pick up the rider, and proceed to their destination. The rider then gives you a donation for the ride. Sounds like a great idea. You’re going that way anyway right? What you need to understand is, your personal auto insurance policy will probably not cover you in the event of an accident if you’re transporting someone in exchange for money, even if it’s called a donation. Changing the name of the compensation does not change what it really is. It’s really a fee. A donation is what you give to a charity organization, your church, or a school. Some of these ride share companies offer excess liability insurance. Excess insurance kicks in after your policy limits are exhausted. If your policy does not cover the loss, the excess policy will not cover it either. So, if you’re considering making a little extra money by joining one of these services, your first order of business should be to check your policy. There should be wording like this: Exclusions We do not provide medical payments coverage for any insured for bodily injury sustained while occupying your covered auto when it is being used as a public or livery conveyance. Call your insurance agent. Make sure you have the right kind of insurance BEFORE you start picking people up. The time to find out your insurance won’t cover a loss, is before you have the loss.
Celebrate the joy of the Christmas season with the Bellflower Civic Chorus as they present their annual holiday concert, “Christmas Joy.” Concert dates are set for Friday, December 13, at 7:00pm, Saturday, December 14, at 2:30pm and Sunday, December 15 at 2:30pm at the Wm. Bristol Theater, 16660 Civic Center Drive in Bellflower. General Admission ticket price is $5.00. For further information, please call (562) 866-4664 or (323) 569-5930.
News
Community December 2013
www.lakewoodnews.org
Award of Valor honors those who keep Lakewood safe
Erin and Matt Ryan and their son, Charlie, join with Lakewood Mayor Steve Croft, at left, in commending the firefighter paramedics who responded to the Ryan home for an emergency delivery of little Charlie. (Firefighter Paramedic Antonio Felipe is at far right, Firefighter Paramedic Christopher Barth is second from right). The recent annual Award of Valor Luncheon, brought together over 300 Lakewood residents and civic leaders, including L.A. County Sheriff Lee Baca and L.A. County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby, to recognize 27 deputies, firefighters and civilians for acts of heroism, devotion to duty and volunteer service. Among those honored were Firefighter Paramedic Christopher Barth and Firefighter Paramedic Antonio Felipe who responded to an emergency call at 2:36am on April 8, 2012. A mother was in labor and needed assistance at a Lakewood home. As they rushed to the scene, the rescuers learned that the baby was presenting feet first--a breech delivery. Upon arrival, the firefighter paramedics found the terrified mother on the floor of the bathroom. Firefighter Paramedic Felipe discovered immediately that the baby’s right leg was already protruding and was blue. Without hesitation, the firefighter helped deliver the other leg. Turning the baby onto its side, Felipe was able to guide the baby’s shoulders out, one at a time, and then the head. Once the baby was born, the firefighter paramedics found the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. Firefighter Paramedic Barth slipped his fingers under the cord, guided it over the baby’s head and quickly suctioned the child’s nose and mouth. Little Charlie opened his eyes and took his first breath, moving his arms and legs and squirming. The firefighter paramedics wrapped the baby tightly for warmth, then cut the umbilical cord. Birth time was 2:47am; just 11 minutes after the call came in to the fire station. The mother and baby were loaded into an ambulance and transported to the hospital for what turned out to be routine post-delivery care…after a very non-routine delivery. Thanks to the courageous and professional response of these two firefighter paramedics, the City of Lakewood presented the Award of Valor to Firefighter Paramedic Christopher Barth and Firefighter
Paramedic Antonio Felipe. Grateful and indebted, Erin and Matt Ryan and their son Charlie were at the Award of Valor luncheon to help present the deserving heroes with their awards. Earlier in the year, Lakewood Fire Station 45, where Barth and Felipe work, hosted a first birthday party for Charlie. Last year’s Award of Valor Luncheon revealed a growing trend in Lakewood. At that time, four residents were recognized for their willingness to get involved when they spotted unusual activity in their neighborhood. A quick call to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, a description of the questionable activity and the individuals involved and, in several cases, the result was the apprehension of burglars and the return of stolen property. This year, a new award
Page 5
category was created to recognize conscientious Lakewood residents who are looking out for their neighbors and are taking responsibility for ensuring the safety of their community. In its first year of existence, the Be on the Lookout Award, or BOLO Award, was presented to 10 Lakewood residents. Each used their gut instincts and firm sense of right and wrong to muster the courage and conviction to make the crucial call to the Sheriff’s Department. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ aov to see this year’s illustrated event program for more stories and details about this year’s distinguished honorees and heroes. You can help too. If you see something unusual in your neighborhood that could potentially signal trouble, say something…even if you’re unsure whether it’s something serious. Call 9-1-1 if you see a crime in progress, and for something unusual that deputies should know about or come check out, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station business line, 24 hours a day, at 562-623-3500.
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
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.
ChamberNews Page 6
www.lakewoodnews.org
December 2013
More travel opportunities with the Lakewood Chamber! $50 on-board credit if you register EARLY!
Best of Italy
Cruise Aboard the Norwegian Star!
featuring Florence, Tuscany & Rome
Depart March 25, 2014 9 Days
$3,149 per person/double ($500 single supplement) Some Highlights:
• 4 nights in Florence • 3 nights in Rome • Florence City Tour • Leaning Tower of Pisa • Siena Tour • Lucca’s Old Town • St. Peter’s Basilica • Roman Farewell Dinner
Inclusions:
• Roundtrip Airfare (LAX) • Int’l Air surcharges/fees • 10 Meals: 7 Breakfasts 3 Dinners • Professional Tour Guide • Motorcoach Transp. • Itinerary Admissions • Sightseeing & Baggage
Accommodations: 7 Nights in First Class Hotels
• 1 Night - Hotel Palazzo Carpegna, Rome • 4 Nights - Starhotel Tuscany, Florence • 2 Nights - Hotel Palazzo Carpegna, Rome
on a freestyle 7-Night Cruise to the
MEXICAN RIVIERA
Depart April 13, 2014 • Return April 20, 2014
STATEROOM PRICE OPTIONS:
Oceanview w/ Balcony - Oceanview - Inside -
ITINERARY:
4/13 4/14 4/15 4/16 4/17 4/16 4/17 4/20
Depart Port of LA At Sea Cabo San Lucas Mazatlan Puerto Vallarta At Sea At Sea Return to
$1,413.10/pp $1,193.10/pp $1,093.10/pp
Orientations
will commence at the Chamber office:
#24 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood 90712
(next to See’s Candies) Wed., Dec. 11th @ 5:30pm Wed., Jan. 8th @ 5:30pm
Alaska Cruise Tour
featuring seven nights aboard the
Norwegian Sun
“Alaska by Land & Sea” Depart July 24, 2014 (12 days)
Cruisetour Rates*:
Oceanview w/ Balcony - $4,799 pp/double Oceanview - $4,099 pp/double Inside - $3,799 pp/double
*Single person supplement: Oceanview w/ Balcony - $2,800, Oceanview - $2,100, Inside - $1,900
Some Highlights:
• Fairbanks • Riverboat Discovery • Iditarod Sled Dog Visit • Hubbard Glacier • Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour • Anchorage • Alaska Oil Pipeline
Inclusions:
• Roundtrip Airfare • 4 nights Hotel Accom. • 7 Night Cruise • All Meals Aboard Ship 20 Meals: 7-B,6-L,7-D • Nightly Onboard Entertain. • Baggage Handling • All Port, Air & Gov’t. Fees
WELCOME New Member! Fuddrucker’s
Holden Maggs 5229 Clark Avenue Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 408-1555 www.fuddruckers.com
Member Renewals
With their renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
Lakewood First United Methodist Church Sunday School at 9am Youth Group at 9am & 4pm Children’s Church 10:15am Infant care provided Sunday Worship Service 10:15 am Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:30pm Thursday Devotional Study 10am Broken Loaf Food Pantry Saturday 9am - 11am
Rev. Dr. Lui Tran Senior Pastor
4300 Bellflower Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713 www.lakewoodfirstumchurch.com (562) 425-1219
Hair Salon
ADULT CUT
$14
95
w/ FREE Shampoo
Long & thicker hair extra Limit One (1) Per Coupon
OPEN 7 DAYS! M-F 9am - 7pm Sat 9am - 6pm Sun 10am - 5pm
5137 Candlewood St, Lakewood 562.925.7267 Expires 12/31/13
58 Years - The Gas Company - Lakewood Center Mall 28 Years - Raymond Mangigian, D.D.S. - Su Casa ~ Ending Domestic Violence - Knights of Columbus No. 3629 21 Years - LB Boy Scouts of America 6 Years - George Chevrolet - Chick-Fil-A 1 Year - Technical Writing/Craig Anna
Green
December 2013
Getting a cold? Stay under the covers!
The alarm clock rings and it’s time to rise and shine, but your feeling stuffy, sneezy, feverish, and downright yucky! Should you add the terrible feeling of guilt to your list of symptoms and call in sick? Or would it just be easier to get dressed and drag yourself to work? Believe it or not going to work when sick is as contagious as the common cold. Millions of people do it, and sure they may be keeping their chair warm, but they’re certainly not focusing on the tasks that need completed. Between the lost productivity, and the potential for other employees to catch the virus, it would have been better to take a sick day. We are in the midst of the flu season, and even if you’ve received a flu shot, you’re still not immune. Take it seriously when the sniffles start and get some good oldfashioned rest. Add some chicken noodle soup and plenty of fluids and you’ll be back behind the desk in no time! Keep in mind there is no antibiotic that will get rid of the common cold or stomach virus. Antibiotics only work with a bacterial infection such as pneumonia, strep throat, earache or pink eye. Bottom line, if you wake up feeling like you have a cold or flu (if you have a fever you’re definitely contagious) stay home. Get some extra rest, take care of yourself, and stay away from work until you feel better. You’ll actually be doing your boss as well as your co-workers a favor.
H e l p! LOST CAT
Missing Female Snowshoe Siamese Cat. No collar on, however she has a chip. There is a REWARD for her safe return. Please call with any information:
(562) 619-3225
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Living
Christmas tree recycling and extra holiday trash pickup Lakewood residents can recycle their Christmas tree and get extra post-holiday trash hauled away with assistance from the city’s waste hauler, EDCO Waste and Recycling Services. For two weeks after Christmas--from December 26 through January 10--the green waste recycling truck will pick up discarded Christmas trees on each of the city’s regular trash collection days. Over 10,000 trees are collected annually from Lakewood residents, creating more than 100 tons of useful, recycled mulch. As in past years, trees should be left curbside, not put into blue recycling or gray trash carts. Flocked trees are OK, but decorations and metal or plastic stands must be removed. Wooden tree stands can be left on the tree. The tree must not be in a bag. Trees over eight feet tall must be cut in half. The collection of trees for recycling is free. For the week immediately following Christmas, EDCO will run an extra truck each trash day to help residents with the added refuse that is typical during the holidays. Residents should continue to use their existing carts as much as possible, but you can also leave up to 10
standard-size trash bags about two feet from your cart for pickup. Holiday and appliance boxes may be left there as well. There is no charge for this extra service and no need to call EDCO in advance. The city’s Bulk Item Pickup Program will be suspended during the tree recycling program. It returns Monday, January 13. The free program can be used up to six times a year. Residents can request for EDCO to come by their home to pick up large items that can’t fit in their trash cart. Examples are mattresses, water heaters, large empty boxes, sofas and chairs, TVs, computers and other electronic waste. Just call EDCO at 562-5313054 by 3:30pm the day before your normal pick-up. Also, consider donating such items for reuse. Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/donatingitems for a list of local charities that accept such items. Household hazardous waste, like paint and household chemicals, cannot be left for bulky item pick-up--for those items see www.lakewoodcity. org/specialtrash. For more information, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/bulkystuff or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140.
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Tell us what you would like to read in the Lakewood Community News. Email your ideas to: news@lakewoodchamber. com, or mail to P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.
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Cuddly Page 8
‘Pets 4 Troops’ program The Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) is implementing a special initiative, made possible through the Annenberg Foundation, to
support military personnel. The initiative, called “Pets for Troops,” gives active duty or retired service men and women 50% off of pet adoption fees. It is valid in all
Dr. Jose E. Arambulo, DVM
14 cities served by SEAACA. As with all adoptions at SEAACA, all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, receive initial vaccines and have 30
Dr. Jeanne Rickey, DVM
FULL SERVICE VETERINARY HOSPITAL EcoFriendly
December 2013
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days of follow-up care from SEAACA’s vet department for any preexisting health concerns. For information about pet adoption or services, call 562-8033301, extension 240 or visit SEAACA’s website at www. seaaca.org.
Give the gift of a pet this holiday season
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Since September, 2011, we have donated over 2,000 lbs. of pet food to the Lakewood Meals on Wheels for the “Pets of the Homeless,” a non-profit group that helps with vet care & pet food for their furry friends. Any help would be appreciated. We accept both dry & canned food for cats & dogs. Thank You!
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Ranger came from LA Country Animal Care & Control: Downey Shelter about a month ago. Ranger was super shy when he first got here to Adopt & Shop, but he’s coming out of his shell. He’s almost the perfect dog! He lived with about three or four other dogs before they were taken to the shelter, and they were mostly females, so he might like female dogs better.
Adopt Me!
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• Breed: Domestic Short Hair • Gender: Female • Age: 3 months old • Color: Tortoise-shell
Sue came into Adopt & Shop a month ago from the Cat Adoption Center, located at SEAACA. She was super skittish but we’ve been working with her and she is now coming out of that little shell. She is still scared of fast movements but she can be held now!
Adopt & Shop, located in Lakewood Center, is an innovative retail pet adoption center that showcases shelter animals in a bright, fun, one-stop-shop for potential pet owners. Adopt & Shop features cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals available for adoption along with basic pet supplies and specialty items. All of the pets come from one of Found Animals’ shelter partners, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey, and are sterilized, vaccinated and microchipped before adoption. If you’re interested in adopting either RANGER or SUE, please contact Phillip Robb, Store Manager of Adopt & Shop at (562) 531-2871.
Holiday surprises can be wonderful! Lakewood’s pet experts say the best way to bring a furry companion into the family is through a pet adoption that involves the recipient. Helping someone pick a pet that’s the perfect fit is the best way to start a relationship that lasts for years—and it gives a good home to an animal in need. “Instead of surprising someone with a ‘sentient being,’ surprise him or her with the ‘idea’ of adopting an animal companion,” said Denise Woodside of the South East Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). “Do it by giving the person an item that their new pet will need and a card about your intentions. Then, bring them to SEAACA or Adopt & Shop at Lakewood Center and let THEM make their personal pick.” Both agencies allow adopters spend time with available animals and have highly-trained adoption counselors to help find the right match of preferences like lifestyle, age, size and pet personality. Seniors may find a mature, trained dog more to their liking while a family with children may enjoy raising a puppy or kitten. SEAACA experts warn that many gifted pets sadly wind up on animal shelter doorsteps following the holidays. Involving the recipient gets the right pet in the right home. Fees for dogs and cats typically include spaying and neutering, vaccination and permanent-ID microchip. Rabbits are also spayed or neutered for their well-being and best behavior. Adopt & Shop, 562-531-2871 and info@foundanimals.org, is at Lakewood Center and includes lots of retail space to help pet owners outfit their new pal. They’re easy to find on the Costco side of the mall near the Round1 bowling pin. SEAACA, 562-803-3301 and info@seaaca.org, is located at 9777 SEAACA Street in nearby Downey.
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December 2013
‘Tis the season for giving and receiving
Project Shepherd warehouse toys gathered by recreation leaders Steven and Kylie Batovsky in 2012. The Lakewood community’s commitment to caring is obvious when the Youth Center at Del Valle Park transforms into the “Project Shepherd Warehouse.” Teddy Bear Tree toys are gathered and the makings for family holiday meals are assembled. Canned goods and staples are sorted for a midDecember citywide distribution. A small army of volunteers and city staff makes lists and checks them twice to help an expected 500+ Lakewood families in economic need have a brighter holiday season. New volunteers are welcome to join in the work starting December 10. They should call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512 soon. They’ll be continuing Project Shepherd’s 41-year commitment of helping residents in need during the holiday season and a yearround mission of maintaining an emergency food pantry. Monetary help is still needed as are toys and simple food staples like canned meat and fish, canned fruit, pasta, rice and cereal, peanut butter and canned soup. Basics like toilet paper, laundry detergent and toothpaste are also welcome. Financial contributions can be made by check to: Lakewood Project Shepherd, c/o Rotary Club of Lakewood, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, 90712. With your help, Project Shepherd will ensure there’s enough joy for everyone in Lakewood during this holiday season.
Donation of non-perishable food and grocery staples can be made at most city parks and facilities. Suggested drop-off locations are:
• Burns Community Center at 5510 Clark Avenue • Lakewood City Hall at 5050 Clark Avenue • Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue • Palms Park and Community Center at 12305 207th Street, near Del Amo and Norwalk Boulevards. Holiday efforts in 2012 helped 1,980 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children. Since 1972, Project Shepherd has been a locally organized way for Lakewood residents to help their neighbors in need. Project Shepherd is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, and combines the efforts of individuals, businesses, churches, schools and civic organizations throughout the community who volunteer their time and make donations.
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Piazza Family Restaurants named Business of the Year
At a recent Awards Ceremony, Piazza Family restaurants were named Lakewood’s Business of the Year for the 33rd Senate district. Senator Lara presented the award to Ron and Nancy Piazza for all the contributions to the Lakewood Community the McDonalds restaurants they own are involved with. Among the many activities and programs the Piazza’s are involved with inlude; Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame, numerous Mcteachers nights, raising funds for area schools, Project Shepherd, and many other programs and sponsorships.
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Don’t be caught unaware...know your holiday city service schedule
City Hall will be closed on Tuesday, 12/24, Wednesday, 12/25 and Wednesday, 1/1. During the weeks of December 23 and December 30, trash pick-up will occur as normal on Mondays and Tuesdays (December 23, 24, 30 and 31). NO trash pick-up will occur on Wednesdays (12/25 and 1/1). Trash pick-up for Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays will be delayed by one day. That means pick-ups normally scheduled for Friday will occur on Saturday. There will be NO residential
street sweeping during the weeks of December 23 and 30. Therefore, there will be NO residential street sweeping parking tickets issued during those two weeks. Parking restrictions will continue as normal on non-residential streets, and street sweeping will occur in business areas of the city. Trash, street sweeping, and rules on no parking during street sweeping will return to normal on Monday, January 6, 2014. DASH Transit service closes at 3pm on 12/24 and is closed on 12/25. It closes at 3pm on 12/31 and is closed New Year’s Day 1/1. Service when city hall is closed…. Residents can make a nonemergency service request by calling 562-866-9771 and listening to the recorded instructions, or by clicking to the online service request form on Lakewood Online at www. lakewoodcity.org/services. If your request is a life-
threatening emergency, please phone 9-1-1. For other emergency service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the recorded instructions to page a city emergency staff member. If you would like to obtain an RV/Trailer permit, you can also contact the Lakewood Sheriff’s Safety Center at 562-623-3583. For questions or requests regarding trash and disposal services, you may contact EDCO Disposal at 562-5313054.
December 2013
“Light Up A Life” this holiday season
The holiday season is upon us once again—a joyous time of the year for most. For some, however, it can be a particularly difficult time of year when they find themselves spending the holidays without one of their loved ones who has passed on. Keeping that in mind, Pathways Volunteer Hospice offers a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays. “Light Up A Life” is a signature
program traditionally promoted by hospices across the United States, and is a beautiful and sentimental ceremony that allows people a special opportunity to remember and honor their loved ones. A gift of $20 provides a shining light on the “Light Up a Life” holiday tree. Additionally, the name of the person being honored or memorialized is listed on scrolls displayed by several trees during the month of December at libraries in Lakewood, Cerritos, Paramount and Long Beach. On Monday, December 9th from 7 – 8pm a momentous tree lighting ceremony will take place at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. This moving ceremony provides a heartfelt way to honor and remember those we love and those who have passed on. It’s open to anyone who would like to attend, free of charge and no reservation is required. Grief is one of those things in life that can catch us off guard and make us reevaluate our entire lives. We can oftentimes feel alone and isolated but the silver lining is that we don’t have to face grief alone. One of the many services that Pathways Volunteer Hospice provides is compassionate support to grieving families and individuals. All of their services are free. For more information on their services, or how you can participate in the “Light Up a Life” program, call 562531-3031 or contact Vickie Kaefer at Vickie@pathwayshospice.org or visit the Pathways website at www. pathwayshospice.org.
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December 2013
Oh, you better watch out... Lakewood households and Lakewood Center will be abuzz through the New Year. Shopping, school vacations, holiday preparations and festivities can drive many of us to distraction. Neighborhood Watch officials urge a dash of vigilance and offer some options to help keep Lakewood safer through the season. “Harried shopping trips offer a good example of all the things we can let slip during this busy season,” said Neighborhood Watch coordinator Maricela Montenegro. “Take a breath and that extra second needed to lock your house, close the garage and look out for distracted holidayseason drivers.” She offers triedand-true tips to help at home and away. When you’re away from home… • Make your home look “lived in” while you are away. Your home will be less vulnerable to burglary. This is a good habit even when you are just away for the day at work. • Use timers on a few lights in the house. And put a timer on a radio and set it on a talk-radio station, so it sounds like people are inside your home. • Have your mail/newspapers held (or ask a close neighbor to do that). • Consider having a friend or family member “house sit” if you are gone for more than a few days. • Ask your Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and close neighbors to be on the lookout for suspicious activity while you’re away. • Call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 for a “vacation check” at least a week before you go on vacation. When you call, give the deputy some telltale items they should look for while patrolling, such as how many cars should be in your driveway, lights that should be on, etc. When shopping… • Don’t leave shopping bags or valuable items in plain view in your car when you go shopping. Lock them in your trunk. • Lakewood shoppers can feel safe while shopping during the holiday season. Extra law enforcement is always provided during this time at Lakewood Center Mall. And if you ever need assistance to your vehicle, Community Hospital Long Beach Auxiliary is in need of special volunteers to donate time to their Gift Shop. Volunteers will be trained in customer service, sales techniques and merchandise display. Only volunteers staff the Gift Shop. All proceeds go directly to Community Hospital Long Beach to support and enhance services and programs. The Gift Shop is expanding with a new look, new merchandise and more! For more information please call Gayle Clock, Auxiliary president at 562/961-0808.
escorts are available by calling Lakewood Center security at 562637-3497. • The theft of mail packages left on doorsteps rises during the holidays. Consider requiring a signature at delivery or having packages sent to your work. When at home… • If you see unusual or suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the Sheriff’s Station at 562623-3500. And if you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1. • Remember, if you “see
something, say something.” Maybe you notice an unfamiliar person peeking into a window or down a driveway; maybe it’s someone strange carrying a package away from a doorstep right after a mail delivery; or solicitors going door to door without a valid Lakewood solicitor’s permit. • Solicitors must obtain a permit from the City of Lakewood to go door to door. They should have the permit with them at all times, and upon request, present it. If
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they do not, call the Sheriff’s Station at 562-635-3500. L.A. County licenses are not valid in Lakewood.
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Community Page 12
All I need to know about life I learned from a Snowman
It’s okay if you’re a little bottom heavy. Hold your ground, even when the heat is on. Wearing white is always appropriate. Winter is the best of the four seasons. It takes a few extra rolls to make a good midsection.
There’s nothing better than a foul weather friend. The key to life is to be a jolly, happy soul. We’re all made up of mostly water. You know you’ve made it when they write a song about you. Accessorize! Accessorize! Accessorize! Avoid yellow snow. Don’t get too much sun. It’s embarrassing when you can’t look down and see your feet. It’s fun to hang out in your front yard. Always put your best foot forward. There’s no stopping you once you’re on a roll.
December 2013
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The office holiday party is still a work event
It’s the year of the revived office holiday party. For the last few years the office party has been put on the back burner. Instead of the festive get together, businesses have opted to make a donation to a local charity or simply bowed out all together. Finances have been strained due to the economy, and employees are certainly not worried about forgoing a holiday party, they’re thankful just to have a job! The business climate seems to be turning, ever so slowly, back to the traditional office party. Some employees this year may find themselves with an invitation to their work place party. Don’t take the request for your presence lightly. This may be the most important holiday party you’ll attend all season.
This can be a pleasant evening or afternoon with co-workers, sometimes spouses or significant others may also be invited, if their not don’t bring them. Employers find the get together is a great morale booster, a way for them to say thank you for a job well done. However, it’s important for employees, as well as employers, to follow a few suggestions to ensure everyone stays out of trouble: • If alcohol is served, pass out drink tickets; two per attendee is enough for the evening. Employers can be held liable if employees are involved in auto accidents after drinking too much at a company function. Also employees need to realize alcohol may help relax you in a stressful situation, but don’t do anything
you’ll regret the next day. • The office holiday party is a must attend event. Stay for at least an hour, you may have a conflict, or something else to do, but nothing else is more important than making an appearance at the party. • Avoid talking about your job in a negative connotation. No one wants to hear about how over-worked and under-paid you are over appetizers and drinks. However, be sure to tell the boss how much you enjoy working for the company, and how you respect their accomplishments, etc. • It’s best to avoid gift exchanges. In these tough times employees may not be able to afford to bring a gift. It’s best not to put someone in an uncomfortable position. • Managers and supervisors should be on the look out for any inappropriate behavior. Subordinates should not get overly friendly with management or with each other. No one wants to return to the office on Monday with a sexual harassment lawsuit looming. • Before decorating the office with a Christmas tree and Santa motif, let employees know they are welcome to bring decorations for their winter holidays as well. Make room for a Hanukkah menorah, the red, green and black candles of the Kwanzaa kinara, and any other holiday decorations employees would like to contribute to the party décor. When decorating it’s best not to hang mistletoe. It’s just not a good idea. Remember, you’re not at the office party to have fun; it’s a work event, no matter how festive the atmosphere. Don’t get caught up in the moment and let your actions be a deciding factor in your future employment with the company.
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Community www.lakewoodnews.org
December 2013
Is the content of that video game right for your child?
If you’re like most people, you have computer and video game fans in your home. However, as a parent, it is not always easy to decide if a popular video game is right for your child. That is where ratings and parental controls can help. Understanding what a particular video game entails is especially important as the holiday gift-giving season approaches. A friend or relative might buy your child the “it” game with good intentions while not realizing it is meant for older, more mature gamers. In the end, it is the parent’s responsibility to determine if a game is appropriate or should be exchanged for another option. When selecting a game for your children, or researching one received as a gift, follow these tips to determine if the game is right for them: Check the rating printed on the package. While an “E for Everyone” rating means the game is suitable for all ages, a game rated “T for Teen” has content that is more appropriate for older children and “M for Mature” is generally meant for players ages 17 or older. Set parental controls. Whether your child owns a console, handheld device or plays on the computer, most video game systems have parental control options. These controls can be set to block games by rating category, regulate playtime and restrict access to the Internet. Check online reviews. The Internet era has provided more information than ever about different video games. Online reviews are useful and may feature screenshots, video and written opinion to help parents get insight about a game before ordering or opening the package. Be involved. Parents should be proactive and aware of what games their children are playing, including with whom they are playing online. Parental involvement is the best way to ensure your kids enjoy games and stay safe online. Talk with your children about what they like or dislike about a game, ask whom they are playing with and when,
and consider having all game play occur in a public area of the house so adults can easily monitor it. While the content of video games today may be more varied than ever before, parents also have many more options for learning about video games and controlling what their kids will experience. So take the time and do a little research before you open that “must have” video game.
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Build a solid family foundation with holiday traditions As we get older it seems that Christmas arrives earlier each year. Like a whirlwind, the holiday season flies by in a sea of chaos filled with family, friends, food, shopping and gifts. Holidays should be a magical time when families come together to share and celebrate. Holiday traditions are so important for a family because they build strong bonds that give children a strong sense of security. What does tradition mean? It’s defined as “the handing down of information, beliefs and customs by word of mouth, or by example from one generation to another without written instruction.” This is the season to do some of the things you’ve done every year, like making grandmas dressing or serving the turkey on great grandmas silver tray. Some people may fill shoeboxes with toys and clothes for needy children through their church and others may get involved
in their community programs such as Lakewood’s Project Shepherd. It doesn’t matter what the tradition, it’s just important to have them. These days, when so much around us is constantly changing, we may need traditions more then ever. It might have something
to do with our mortality and handing down traditions and memories to our children and their children is something that will outlast us. So slow down this Christmas season and don’t get too exhausted to make some new memories and enjoy the traditions of the past.
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Around Town in December Lakewood • The Lakewood Garden Club is meeting on December 12 at 11:30 at Monte Verde Park. For members this will be a Christmas potluck and bingo following the lunch. For more information call (562) 864-0516. • Toys for Tots Drop Off Location: Marjorie Handshuh DDS, 5220 Clark Ave #425…Monday thru Thursday 9:30am to 5:30pm, Saturday November 23 and Saturday December 7 from 8:30am until 1pm. • The Lakewood Women’s Club will have its luncheon meeting on Tuesday, December 17 at Sycamore Center. Social gathering is at 10:30am; meeting, 11am; luncheon 12noon; followed by the program at 1pm. There will be a speaker from Project Shepherd and gifts will be collected and presented for
the Club’s “Adopted Lakewood Family” for this year. For lunch reservations call Arlene Roos at (562) 863-4933.
Long Beach • “Christ is Born in Bethlehem” Christmas concert, under the direction of Dr. Carol R.S. McDaniel, is offered Sunday, December 8 at 1:30, 4:00, and 7:00pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4644 Clark Ave. Bethany’s 44th annual Christmas concert is presented as a gift to the community. There is no admission fee. A freewill offering will be received to benefit music ministry grants for Bethany students to further their music education. For more information visit www.bethanylutheran.org or contact the church office (562) 4214711.
December 2013
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Sudoku
Did you know?
There are approximately 80,000 deaths attributable to excessive alcohol use each year in the United States. This makes excessive alcohol use the 3rd leading lifestylerelated cause of death for the nation. Excessive alcohol use is responsible for 2.3 million years of potential life lost (YPLL) annually, or an average of about 30 years of potential life lost for each death. In 2006, there were more than 1.2 million emergency room visits and 2.7 million physician office visits due to excessive drinking. The economic costs of excessive alcohol consumption in 2006 were estimated at $223.5 billion.
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Ride to Newport for a float through the holiday boat parade
Celebrate the holiday season in style with a trip to attend the Newport Harbor Christmas
Boat Parade. On December 19, Lakewood travelers will ride to Newport to board a chartered boat
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2 1 for a 90-minute cruise of the harbor in full holiday regalia. The cost of the trip is $33 and includes bus travel and boat ride. Register at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog using class #33537. Parade information is online at www.christmasboatparade.com. Space is limited, so please register early. Coming in 2014 are trips to the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Library on Saturday 2/15, whale watching on Saturday 3/22 and the California Strawberry Festival on Saturday, May 17. Register for these in January. Additional information will be in the next recreation catalog. For further information, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ travelprograms or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-8669771, extension 2408.
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Congratulations to Chris Winger and Barbara Winslow! They are the lucky winners of the November Sudoku contest. Out of 48 entries submitted, they were chosen to receive gift cards. 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 Tuesday, December 17th 2013. The winners will be drawn on Wednesday, December 18th 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 January issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
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Community December 2013
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A marvelous and memorable trip to Austria By Ione Street
Pictured from L to R: Janice Lavin, Ida House, Sherry Plant, Gary Plant, Bob Lavin, and holding the Lakewood Community News is Ione Street. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce-hosted trip to Austria was a fun adventure for all!
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently sponsored a trip to Innsbruck, Austria, Merino, Italy, and Munich, Germany. A
small group from the community was ready for the adventure and looked forward to the sights and sounds of a new land.
The group landed in Germany and a tour guide and bus driver who would remain with them for the duration of the trip met them. The trip officially began in Innsbruck, Austria. Innsbruck is a lovely, picturesque area surrounded by beautiful mountains. The city is divided into two sections by a gate… the old, original city, and they new, modern city. Walking through the gates into the old city gives a sense of stepping back in time. Being a part of an enchanting, oldfashioned picture from a storybook. It is breathtaking and beautiful! The modern city, on the other hand, has hip shops and fast food. Both sections, however, have traditional cuisine, old country cooking and, of course, beer. Beer is everywhere even in the countryside. It was refreshing, flavorful and very good. One of the many highlights of the trip to Innsbruck was a tour of the Neuschwanstwin Castle, which is located on a hilltop outside the city. What a beautiful, unique, massive, sight to behold! One of the optional side trips on the adventure was to Merino, Italy, in the Italian Alps. The scenery was tranquil; cute little houses, rolling green fields and some roaming farm animals. After lunch and wine tasting it was off to the next scheduled journey. The world famous Munich Oktoberfest was the next excursion. The Oktoberfest was festive, brimming with people, and immense. There were a variety of beers, lots of music, and many friendly joyous people. It was a fun experience! This was an excellent, incredible trip! The flight and connections were wonderful, the hotel and accommodations were very nice. The side trips and the “free time” were fabulous! The immense enjoyment of the sights, the music, food, beer, and most of all the people, brought to a close this wonderfully successful adventure. I would highly recommend this trip to the community!
See Page 6 for current trips being offered through the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.
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VOTED BEST SENIOR CARE THREE YEARS IN A ROW!
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December 2013