Lakewood
News
Community Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 30,000 Circulation
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Volume 33 Number 12
Spread the holiday cheer to your neighbors in need this year!
Teen volunteers help to pack and sort canned goods. 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.
A small army of volunteers and city staff makes lists and checks them twice to help an expected 300+ Lakewood families in economic need have a brighter holiday season. Everyone involved will be continuing Project Shepherd’s 43-year commitment
of helping residents in need during the holiday season, along with a year-round mission of maintaining an emergency food pantry. New volunteers are welcome to join in the work starting December 8. If you are interested in volunteering please go to the
December 2016
websites below to sign up for a shift, or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512. Adult Volunteers – http://signup.com/ go/2016PS_adultvolunteer Teen Volunteers – http://signup. com/go/2016PS_teenvolunteer For more information on Project Shepherd, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/projectshepherd. 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. Project Shepherd also needs $15 grocery gift cards from any local grocery store. These gift cards are given to families so they can purchase a ham or turkey to complete their holiday meal. With your help, Project Shepherd will ensure there’s enough joy for everyone in Lakewood during this holiday season. Financial contributions can be made by check to: Lakewood Project Shepherd, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, 90712. Donations can also be made online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ GiveProjectShepherd. Donations of non-perishable food and grocery staples can (Cont’d. on Pg. 6)
Christmas tree recycling and special holiday trash
Starting Monday, December 26 Lakewood residents can recycle their Christmas trees and get extra 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 6), EDCO will pick up discarded Christmas trees on your trash collection day. Flocked trees are OK, but decorations, tinsel, 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 six feet tall must be cut in half. Holiday-related trash For the week immediately following Christmas, from December 26-30, EDCO will run an extra truck each trash day to help residents with added holiday-related trash. 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 pick-up. Holiday and appliance boxes may be left there as well. u
Lakewood organ donor receives Rose Tree lighting to sparkle with Lakewood ‘snow’ Bowl Parade honor By Robin Vanderwerff, Editor
Adrian Jimenez pictured in San Francisco. “It just came out of no where!” were the words spoken by Lakewood resident Maria Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
Jimenez when speaking about her son Adrian. Adrian was a vibrant, young PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29
22 year-old who spent his entire life in Lakewood. He attended Monroe Elementary School, and graduated from Lakewood High School. His favorite sport was baseball and loved playing every chance he got. He also hung out with his friends playing basketball at Lakewood’s YMCA. Adrian took a break from school for a few years after high school graduation, but in 2013 he enrolled at Long Beach City College. He was going to take a full class load, with the goal of transferring to UC Berkeley to major in Chemical Engineering. Adrian’s dream would be cut short after finishing just one semester. Maria can still remember the small details of that time as if it happened yesterday. Adrian wasn’t at high risk for meningitis, but learned just how quickly it could take the life of an otherwise healthy young man. Prior to his illness, Maria remembered a conversation she had with Adrian when he was going to renew his driver’s license. Adrian said, “Hey mom, if anything ever happens to me, I want to donate my organs.” Maria told him to make sure he marked (Cont’d. on Pg. 5)
Yes, it will “snow” in Lakewood at least one time this year! On Friday, December 2 snow machines in front of Lakewood City Hall will send snow falling from the sky on to residents who gather for the city’s 3rd annual tree lighting ceremony and community gathering. Everyone is cordially invited. Games and food trucks will open at 5:30pm, with the official tree lighting happening at 6:30pm. Adding to the seasonal festiveness will be Dickens carolers and carnival games. More food trucks will be on hand this year too. The event also offers wonderful and free family holiday photo opportunities. Costumed characters will help with several holiday photo scenes, including one with Santa Claus. No reservations are required. Just come on down. Parking will be available in the rear Centre-City Hall parking lots. The parking lot in front
of city hall will be closed as it will be used for the event. There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can’t make the tree lighting on December 2. From December 3 through December 31, the tree will be on display in the plaza, providing an animated light show that changes colors to music continuously from 5pm until 10pm each night. Stop by and enjoy the splendor of the winter holidays! If it is raining in the late afternoon and early evening of December 2, the event will be cancelled, but the tree will still be lit for the first time at 6:30pm that evening. If any rain stops by 3pm the event will go on, although some activities may be limited. For more information, including weatherrelated updates on December 2, visit www.lakewoodcity.org/treelighting or call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. Call extension 3123 on December 2. u
LakewoodToday
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More reasons to be thankful in Lakewood By Mayor Ron Piazza
I hope that everyone in Lakewood had a wonderful Thanksgiving. As I mentioned in this column last month, we’re entering that special season of the year when we should each take some extra time to reflect on our blessings and on all that we should be thankful for. As a long-time resident of Lakewood, I’ve always been very thankful and very proud to be living in a city where so many people contribute to a strong sense of community. Lakewood has hundreds of parents who volunteer in youth sports, scouting and education programs that enhance the experience our children receive in their formative years. Likewise,
we have hundreds of residents who are members of service organizations or who volunteer for efforts like Project Shepherd and Meals on Wheels that make life better for those in need in Lakewood. We also have lots of residents who aren’t part of a particular organization, but just make a positive difference for the people around them, either at work, school or in their neighborhood. Maybe there’s something in the water here in Lakewood that makes so many people want to be good neighbors and good community members. Well, whatever the reason, there are some things in life that you just don’t want to take for granted. And so, as Lakewood’s mayor I looked for a way to show my gratitude. I decided to get some lapel pins printed up with the Lakewood logo and the words “I Made A Difference” to give out as a small token of appreciation to those Lakewood residents and community members who are making a difference in all sorts of ways. My city council colleagues and I have given the pins to nearly 1,000 people now, and we know there are many more deserving people out there. If you know
of someone making a difference in Lakewood, let us know. We’d like to recognize them. Tell us a few things about the person at www.lakewoodcity.org/ IMadeADifference or call 562866-9771, extension 3123. At the website above, you can see a list of everyone who has received a pin, along with videos about some of the people. For example, there’s a video about the members of The Lions Club of Lakewood, which just celebrated its 75th year, and a video about a teacher, Sid Shapiro, at Cleveland Elementary School, who recently was honored by the “Helpful Honda Dealers” for the wonderful work that she and her instructional aide, Jene Newman, do for deaf and hard of hearing students. There’s also a video about the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF), headed up by Todd and Sally Rogers and Steve and Tess Croft…and supported by hundreds of Lakewood residents and businesses. LEF recently celebrated its 14th year of donating grants of about $500 each to over 100 Lakewood teachers a year for classroom improvement projects like books, science supplies and academic field trips. As we enter even more into
December 2016 the “thankful season” here at the end of the year, we want to invite every Lakewood resident to take part in the annual lighting of the Lakewood holiday tree on December 2 at 6:30 p.m. in front of city hall. There will be gourmet food trucks, games for children, Dickens Carolers, Santa Claus…and even falling snow. The evening is guaranteed to get everyone in the festive mood of the season. And when it comes time to getting holiday gifts to share with the special people in your life, please consider shopping at stores in Lakewood Center or any of the shopping centers in Lakewood. Lakewood merchants are great supporters of our community, and if we want them to continue to thrive in Lakewood, then we should give them a shot at our business. They will appreciate it. Last but definitely not least, please accept the best wishes from the Piazza family to your family for a wonderful and thankful holiday season. Happy holidays! u
C i t y Spotlight Lakewood Hall of Fame seeks nominations The Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame is seeking nominations for the 36th annual sports awards program. The 2016 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 and Community Services Department at city hall by December 5. Athletes must live in or attend school in Lakewood to be eligible. The awards banquet will take place on February 27, 2017. Call 562866-9771, extension 2408 for details. Volunteer youth sports coaches needed Lakewood Youth Sports basketball teams need coaches. Teams practice and play league games on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. Practices begin December 5 and games begin January 14. The season concludes March 11. 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 may request a one-on-one training session at their park. 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 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Winter vacation programs December 26 to January 6 Holiday activities at Lakewood parks will be featured throughout the two weeks of school vacation from Monday, December 26, through Friday, January 6. Special activity flyers are available at Lakewood City Hall and Lakewood parks. Santa will make an early appearance on Saturday, December 17 at each of the parks, followed by a candy cane hunt. For more information, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Super Saturday Night tournament at the TRC Head out to the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, on Saturday, December 17 for some holiday fun for middle and high school teens. Strap on your high tops for the “Holiday Hoops” One-on- One Basketball Tournament! It’s winter hoops on our basketball courts, under the lights, from 5pm to 8pm. Participants can sign up beforehand or the day of the event. For more information call Bloomfield Park at 562-8651717. Bloomfield Park is located at 21420 Pioneer Blvd. March Field Air Museum Trip On January 14, travel to the March Field Air Museum in Riverside. There are no eateries on site, so bring a picnic lunch and dine in the museum courtyard. The bus leaves from Burns Community Center promptly at 8:30am, so guests should plan to arrive by 8am for check-in. An adult must accompany children of all ages. Register at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog using class #44202. For further information, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ travelprograms or contact the Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-8669771, extension 2408. u
Your
Minding December 2016
Health insurance enrollment opened
While most people get health insurance through their employer or a family member’s workplace, 20 million people now buy coverage through the health insurance marketplaces or exchanges created by the Affordable Care Act, such as Covered California. November 1st marked the first day of open enrollment for individual health insurance, Commissioner Dave Jones encourages Californians to explore health insurance sold through Covered California to find health care coverage that meets their needs. If you purchased health insurance through Covered California last year, you will be auto-enrolled in the same or similar plan unless you select a different plan by December 15, 2016. If your health insurer for 2016 is no longer offering coverage through the health insurance marketplace, an alternative health plan will be selected for you unless you opt out of the exchange or select a new plan. Consumers should shop for health insurance in Covered California notwithstanding rate increases -- federal subsidies will reduce premiums for 84 percent of health insurance marketplace enrollees. California consumers have a number of options to choose from when shopping for health insurance. It is important to shop around and compare offerings. The department urges consumers to contact an insurance agent or Covered California to find their best options and ensure proper health care coverage. Individuals should also check out health insurance sold outside of Covered California. If you are a small employer, you should talk to an insurance broker. u
Lakewood
News
Community
...Since 1984
Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice. The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised. SUBMISSION POLICY: Editorial must be no more than 200 words, and be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month you want the editorial published. SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser.
Soroptimist recognized for their service
Business Page 3
“Emergency Operations Plan” whole community workshop The City of Lakewood has been at work for several months updating its Emergency Operations Plan (EOP). As part of this process, the city will host a “whole community workshop” on Wednesday, December 7th from 4pm to 6pm. Residents, business owners and other stakeholders are cordially invited to the workshop to offer input and ask any questions regarding the emergency plan. If interested, please RSVP to Lakewood’s Recreation and Community Services Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2409 or email dbotros@lakewoodcity.org. Attendees will be notified of the location of the meeting upon reservation. u
At a recent meeting of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach, members were recognized for their service to the community by Mayor Ron Piazza with the “I Made A Difference” pin. The City Council has designed and personally financed the creation of the pins to give to those in Lakewood who help make our City so special. Mayor Piazza expressed how impressed he was at the club’s recent Live Your Dream Awards dinner, where the club showcased their fundraising success and service to the community. “We are honored to have the Mayor come personally to present our members with the “I Made A Difference” pin,” declared Club President Anne Rodriguez. u
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December 2016
Lakewood Center’s “Santa HQ” is high-tech fun! Lakewood Center’s “Santa HQ” turns the tradition of visiting Santa into a high-tech, family-fun activity. Now through December 8, there’s a special online earlybird offer for a photo package and a reserved place in line. Created through a partnership between the HGTV Network and Macerich (Lakewood Center’s parent company), the special holiday addition to the mall turns getting a photo with Santa into a
creative and innovative activity where families can take “ELFIE selfies,” star in their own holiday videos and explore Santa’s Observatory using “ELF-RAY Vision.” There’s even a “Naughty O’ Nice Meter” to try out. “Visits and photos with Santa at the mall are a holiday tradition. We are excited to return with Santa HQ again this year with all the digital and social experiences it offers. It brings cutting-edge
technology to the traditional holiday experience,” said Ken Volk, senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Macerich. Visitors will wind their way to Santa’s workshop through interactive activity stations featuring tablets and apps that let the fun be shared with grandparents and friends via social media. Apps can be used to take the experience home. The re-imagined version of
Santa’s workshop is open through December 24.
Lakewood Center is offering a special early-bird package through December 8. For details, and to make a reservation, visit www.shoplakewoodcenter.com/ Events and choose “Santa Photos and Offers.” Santa’s regular photo hours through December 15 are: • Monday-Thursday: 11am to 8pm (closed Thanksgiving) • Friday-Saturday: 10am to 9pm Santa’s Sunday hours are: • December 4: 11am to 7pm. • December 11: 10am to 8pm. From December 16-24, Santa’s hours will be: • Monday-Sunday: 9am to 9pm • Saturday, December 24: 8am to 6pm. Visit www. shopLakewoodCenter.com/ Events for more information, or call 562-633-0290. u
December 2016
Lakewood Organ Donor/Rose Parade (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
Floragraph of Adrian Jimenez that will be placed on the Rose Parade Float. that on the DMV form when renewing his license. Adrian’s family made the heart wrenching decision to honor his wishes and donate his organs. On January 19, 2014, Adrian was able to save three lives. His lungs, liver and both kidneys were given to three recipients. Maria felt a sense of comfort and peace that others were given a chance to live on because of Adrian’s gift. Last October, The Jimenez’s met Lynda, the woman who received both of Adrian’s lungs. She was suffering from cystic fibrosis, with only a 10% lung capacity. She was near the end of her life, as she was on oxygen 24 hours a day. Adrian’s gift has allowed her the opportunity to make a full recovery. Maria says, “She’s doing great now!” “She was able to dance at her daughter’s wedding.” Lynda lives in Kansas but wanted to meet with the Jimenez’s so they met half way in Colorado and spent time getting to know each other and talking about Adrian. The option is left open for the donors and the recipients to communicate if they both make that choice. Maria stays in contact with two of the recipients. Through OneLegacy, the Jimenez family participates in a yearly Donate Life Run/Walk, which takes place in April. Next year will be their 3rd time attending the event and it helps with their journey towards healing. Adrian will be honored this year with a floragraph, which is his portrait, at the 2017 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. The parade will begin at 8:00 am on January 2nd in Pasadena. Maria adds, “Become an organ donor. There’s not enough words to say what an amazing feeling that you helped someone, which helps in the healing process.” Maria devotes all her time and energy bringing meningitis awareness to the community, as well as the importance of being a registered organ donor. Maria weeps as she recalls the details of that time, “It’s so hard, and we miss him everyday. There’s a ‘before Adrian’ and ‘after Adrian’ life.” The Donate Life float, which resembles a large sailing ship, will feature an image of Adrian that was made by the Jimenez family out of nutmeg, cinnamon, ground coffee, ground rice, ground cloves and sesame seeds. It will be on the float surrounded by flowers, which will be placed among other donors from across the country on the Donate Life Rose Parade Float. u
News
Community
Assume an attitude of gratitude! With the holidays approaching, everyone starts to get really busy. Travel plans are made, extravagant meals prepared, and a lot of time is spent with family and friends—all a wonderful part of the season. It’s easy to maintain the focus on all the activities— the parties, the shopping, and the school and company functions. Apart from the fun, the holidays can also be quite stressful. When the stress does come and you start to feel overwhelmed, just Stop. Before you start
thinking that everything is going wrong, that your expectations aren’t being met, and that you can’t wait for the hoopla to be over, Pause. This is the time for reflection; the time to think about all the things in your life that are blessings—the things that bring you daily joy, but are so subtle you barely notice them. The ability to do simple things like walk, talk, watch a movie, sleep on a bed, etc. If feelings of being
Page 5
overwhelmed interrupt the holiday cheer, remember to PAUSE. Reflect. Focus on the good stuff in your life. Everything is temporary, good or bad. Now go enjoy yourself and enjoy the treasures in your life! u Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @ askjoshsmom, Periscope.com, and https://www.facebook.com/ askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements.
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“Spread the Holiday Cheer... (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
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 Community Center
at 12305 207th Street near Del Amo Boulevard and Norwalk Boulevard. Last year 396 families were served, helping 1,503 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children. They were able to enjoy the holidays when they otherwise lacked the food, gifts and toys that many of us take for granted. u
The Next Sixty Years: Living in the Sandwich Generation
December 2016
By Amy Weisman Berger
I simply wanted to have my bicycle repaired. Whenever I ride my bike, I always feel like a new person: a healthy person. The other day, when I sat on my twenty year-old, mint-green twowheeler, I heard something funny
coming from the front. The front brakes rubbed against the front tire; the harder I pedaled, the more I encountered an obstruction, and I didn’t like it one bit. So, off to my local bike shop I drove. The young hipster behind
the counter was pleasant and helped lift my bulky mountain bike out of the back of my minivan. I showed him the problem; he replied that it would be a simple fix. Better yet, I left the shop with smashing new citrine green ‘grips’ (the salesperson recommended them since my current ones had all but deteriorated), and a pre-paid order for repair services---all for under 40 bucks! As I scooted out the door, the young man called out “Should be only a day or two!” Tuesday came around and I had received no notice that my bike was ready for pickup. I let it go for about a week. And then another week, still no communication from the bike shop. My small order had simply fallen off their radar. My bike was collecting dust in the repair section of the store, and I was putting on pounds from all the fancy iced coffee drinks enjoyed during our super-hot summer days. By week number three, I hustled myself back to the store, feeling rather hurt and neglected. This time, the young man behind the counter was rather frosty toward me when I mentioned my bike, and the lack of communication from their establishment. “We usually send a text and email to let customers know when their order is complete,” he explained in a clipped manner. I was about to make a BIG DEAL of the matter, ask for the manager, etc. when the same sweet-natured employee I had originally done business with, popped out of nowhere and caught my eye. Jason (not his real name) found my bike, returned it to my big white van, and thanked me in his usual endearing manner. “You never heard from us because I entered your phone number wrong when I texted you--Sorry!” He casually called out as he returned to the store. Oh well, I guess I am living in a new hi-tech world. But human error still rears its head every now and again. Good old-fashioned conversation can even save the day. Thank goodness some things never change. Bicycle Information for Folks Over 50:
• www.bicycle-riding-for-boomers. com • Veloallegro.org • Socalcycling.com/clubs-teams/ • www.active.com/cycling/articles u
Advertise in the Lakewood Community News. Call or email us at: (562) 531-9733 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com.
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December 2016
Eye spy Bolivar Park construction Kids love to watch construction equipment at work. Well, in the coming weeks, Lakewood kids can see excavators and lots of dump trucks at work digging out an area the size of a football field 20 feet deep at Bolivar Park. The work to excavate the large hole for the concrete reservoir is scheduled to take place from November 28 through December 16, between the hours of 7am and 3:30pm, Monday through Friday. Knowing that some residents would enjoy seeing the construction work underway, the City of Lakewood has moved two park bleachers into a viewing area just outside the construction fencing on the north side of McCormick Pool at Bolivar Park. Come by any time during the construction hours to take a look. But for safety reasons, do not enter
Living
as will the two picnic shelters in that area. However, the rest of the park will remain open during construction, including the two new playgrounds and athletic fields. The swimming pool will also operate normally during the summer. When completed, Bolivar Park
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will receive three new picnic shelters with BBQ grills and tables, a new irrigation system for a large portion of the park, and new turf in the area disturbed by the construction. The project will be housed underground when finished, and the park will be returned to full recreational use. u
It’s easy to take the first step in learning something new Bleachers at Bolivar Park allow the young-at-heart to watch construction underway.
the construction site itself. During the excavation work from November 28 to December 16, weekday commuters along Downey Avenue near Bolivar Park may experience some delays when dump trucks are entering or leaving the park. Drivers may
want to consider alternate routes during that time. Lakewood is the first city in California to be awarded full state funding to construct the new kind of “stormwater capture system” at Bolivar Park. The project will bring in water from a nearby flood control channel, clean it, store it in a reservoir being constructed under the park, and then use the water to safely irrigate the park. The project will enable Bolivar to transition away almost completely from using drinking water for irrigation. During construction, which will run until late 2017, the park area immediately north of the swimming pool will be closed
Lakewood’s online recreation class registration system is getting an upgrade, thanks to a new system called ActiveNet. Beginning with the Spring 2017 Recreation Catalog, this new system will give participants a more userfriendly and intuitive experience when registering for classes online. Resident mail-in registration and online registration starts when catalogs go out in the mail in late December. General registration for the public, including phone-in and walk-in registration, begins Monday, January 9 at 7:30am at city hall. Call Lakewood Recreation and Community Services staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information. u
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December 2016
Journey II Fit opens Shop Lakewood and fulfill in Lakewood the wish of a child in need
Journey II Fit located at 4812 Paramount Blvd. in Lakewood recently celebrated their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Give them a call at (562) 264-9898, welcome them to the neighborhood, and get started on your fitness journey. u
The opportunity to make a difference returns to Lakewood Center the weekend of December 3 and 4. While shopping for their own families, residents can fulfill the holiday wish of a child in need. 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 to accept the unwrapped gift items returned to the booth with their bear ornament. Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Tuesday, December 6. Caring Lakewood shoppers filled the Christmas wishes of 720 local kids in need last year. They did it by choosing a little
paper bear ornament off a “Teddy Bear Tree” and purchasing the affordable gift written on it. The Teddy Bear Tree program has helped countless youngsters
since 1995. Gifts go to individual children registered through Project Shepherd. Without help, the children will probably go without gifts this holiday season. Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, and helped 400 families and 1,500 individuals last year through the organization’s holiday season efforts and year-round emergency food pantry. For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd. u
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December 2016
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Local businesses reach out and give back
Lakewood Walmart manager, Tony Amirkhaas (center) pictured with a few of his employees. This is the season of giving… when most people will reach down deep to share with those less fortunate. Our own WalMart located at 2770 Carson St. in Lakewood doesn’t need a particular season; they give back all year long. Tony Amirikhass, WalMart store manager shows his generosity with a heart for Lakewood schools. Recognizing the tight budgets for local schools, WalMart took action, and sent several boxes of school supplies to the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce to be dispersed as needed. The buck doesn’t stop with schools either; Tony has also donated $2500.00 to Project Shepherd this year. Project Shepherd provides food and gifts during the holiday
season and throughout the year to Lakewood residents in need. WalMart believes it’s critical to build relationships between the local businesses and the community. Tony’s catch phrase is, “Consistency plus discipline equals success!” and that doesn’t mean making a big business bigger, it means sharing the wealth with their very dedicated employees. WalMart puts their money where their mouth is and shows their appreciation to their employees with quarterly bonuses. As we turn the corner in the season for gratitude WalMart wants to show the community that they’re proud to be apart of Lakewood, and will be remodeling the store with a complete facelift early next year. u
F&M Bank located at 5101 Lakewood Boulevard in Lakewood is all about giving back to the community. They get involved with non-profit organizations and schools all over Lakewood, such as, Lakewood YMCA, Project Shepherd, Mayfair High School, and The Ronald McDonald House to name a few. The bank recently presented a $1,000.00 dollar check to the Rotary Club in Lakewood for Project Shepherd. F&M Bank has proven to be a huge supporter of Project Shepherd. They sponsor an annual can food drive in the summer months to bridge the gap between the winter months. Project Shepherd helps in need Lakewood residents year round. Juan Arreola, F&M Regional Manager says, “The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Rotary Club’s joint efforts for Project Shepherd is the least we can do to give back, to say “thank you,” to the community we serve.” u
F&M Bank regional manager, Juan Arreola (right), presenting Rotary Club’s Valarie Frost with a check for Project Shepherd.
Thank You!
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December 2016
Town
Around December 2016
City service changes for the holidays
Lakewood City Hall will be closed the week of December 26-30 and on Monday, January 2. Trash pickup will continue as usual. Special street sweeping and parking rules will be in effect. DASH Transit service will not be available December 26 and January 2.
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562-739-3947
2017 Lakewood Run Registration Now accepting registrations for the 2017 Lakewood Run set for March 4, 2017. You can register online now at RaceWire at www. lakewoodrun.com/registration or download the PDF sign-up form at www.lakewoodrun.com/registrationform for paying with a check or to sign up a team.
• For service when city hall is closed the week of December 2630 and on January 2: Residents can make a non-emergency service request by calling 562-866-9771 and listening to the recorded instructions, or by clicking to the online service request form at www.lakewoodcity.org/services. • For emergency city service requests, like downed tree limbs or water main leaks, please phone 562-866-9771 and follow the instructions to page a city emergency staff member. • For emergency Sheriff’s, Fire or medical service, always call 9-1-1. For non-emergency Sheriff’s matters, you can call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station 24 hours a day at 562-623-3500. u
www.lakewoodnews.org
November
Sudoku Winners Congratulations to Felicia Yang and Carlos Reyes! They are the lucky winners of the November Sudoku contest. To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, December 21, 2016. The winners will be drawn on Thursday, December 22, 2016, 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. u
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Sudoku is taking a break this month, and will return with a new puzzle in January!
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www.lakewoodnews.org
December 2016