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Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood
Volume 34 Number 2
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Students get an early start on medical professions Mayfair High School students are taking part in a unique and award-winning program to get an introduction to healthcare career fields. The special classes, which extend from 9th to 12th grade, are the result of a partnership between Lakewood Regional Medical Center, Bellflower Unified School District, and Lakewood Vice Mayor Diane DuBois, who helped nurture the collaboration. Students at Mayfair can start with a class called “Healthcare Career Opportunities,” and then move into hands-on laboratory courses exploring biomedical engineering, dentistry, forensics, veterinary medicine and other fields. Once in 11th and 12 grades, students can spend time at Lakewood Regional rotating through different departments, and they can also apply for several valuable openings to “job shadow” with a doctor. “I want to give a big thankyou to Dr. Ronald Fischman of Lakewood Regional Medical Center for being the creative spark
Where there’s a will, there’s always a way! Wendy Lee Welt isn’t just your average college student… she’s had to work extra hard to obtain her goals. Wendy was born without arms or legs. Her family raised her to be very independent and she approaches every challenge with a positive attitude, believing life is limitless. Wendy recalls when she was just a kid she wanted to be called Dr. Wendy one day. She wanted to show other kids that by pushing yourself you can be anything you want. She says, “It’s not what happens to you in life; it’s your attitude towards it.” Wendy recently graduated with her Bachelors Degree in Human Services and is studying for her Masters of Science degree in Psychology at the University of Phoenix. She’s hoping to complete her Masters degree in Lakewood Community News 4111 E. South St, Unit E Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
2018, and then on to achieving her Doctorate degree goal in 2020. Wendy was struggling with mounting college expenses and was looking for a little help. She was getting discouraged after filling out so many scholarship PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
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Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29
February 2017
applications, and was so excited to win the Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach Live Your Dream Scholarship Award! She exclaimed, “I won one, What a wonderful blessing!” $2,000 will be used to help achieve her personal and professional goals of being a leader of influence through continuing her education. In addition to managing her schoolwork, caring for her two children, Kaylin 11 and Jeremy, 5, she also finds time to volunteer with the Got Kids? Charity as a life coach, mentor and fundraiser. As a member of the Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities, Wendy applies her life experience to shape policy and help others. It’s a difficult job that requires hearing numerous concerns specific to the disabled community. This not only covers home and apartment living issues but also transportation and community accessibility. She played a major role in how the para-transit agency in Los Angeles addresses people with permanent disabilities, especially those that are visually noticeable. Thanks to Wendy’s efforts, some (Cont’d on Pg. 6)
Mayfair High School student Sirena Torres studying at Lakewood Regional Medical Center. behind this program,” said Vice Mayor DuBois. “And I was so pleased that Bellflower Unified School District was able to turn this concept into a hands-on learning experience that would excite and motivate lots of our local students to learn and to potentially head into a personally and socially rewarding career field.” Lakewood CityTV has
produced a feature about the medical outreach program at www.lakewoodcity.org/ MedicalOutreachVideo. Students or parents interested in learning more can go to www. calaps.org or contact Lisa Azevedo, Assistant Superintendent of the Bellflower Unified School District at 562-866-9011, ext. 2180. u
Join the Lakewood Chamber’s Spring Softball League!
Team Outback Steakhouse was crowned the 2016 Summer Champs!
Chase Bank - Lakewood
The Sweat Shop Gym
WINNERS
The Rinks - Lakewood ICE
2016 Summer Sportsmanship Award
The Lakewood Chamber is now accepting team registrations through Friday, Feb. 17th. If you’re interested, call Frank Cardiel at (562) 531-9733. This is also a great opportunity for businesses to come out and network and promote your business. Don’t miss out on a great time of sportsmanship, competition and FUN!
LakewoodToday
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The state of our city By Mayor Ron Piazza
As I write to you, I’m putting the finishing touches on the speech I’ll give at Lakewood’s State of the City luncheon on January 31. You might ask, in just a few words, what is the “state of our city?” Well, the answer in just one word is “strong.” Here’s why.
We maintain our public infrastructure very well. Lakewood is known for its wellpaved and well-maintained streets. A few years ago, we completed the 100% repaving of every street in Lakewood. Few cities anywhere have done that. Lakewood continually modernizes its city water system, with new water mains, wells and pumps. That equipment may be out of sight to the public most of the time (which is why some cities neglect it), but keeping it repaired and updated is vital for avoiding water main blowouts and other problems. We take good care of our parkways and trees, which has earned Lakewood a Tree City USA award for 31 years. And the city has beautifully renovated five parks and playgrounds in the past three years, adding many neat new
features. There’s the popular 75-foot zip line and two new playgrounds at Bolivar Park, the side-by-side adult-child exercise area at Rynerson Park, Airplane Playground at Del Valle Park, Home Run Dog Park at Rynerson Park, and the new Pumpkin Playground at San Martin Park). Other Lakewood parks have seen renovations in recent years, too. And the city has also continually upgraded our senior centers and community centers. We also stay focused on economic progress. Over the past year, Lakewood has seen the arrival of a much-desired Farmers Market, a popular BevMo and many other businesses. We’re prompt, professional and helpful to businesses who want to bring jobs and shopping opportunities to Lakewood or grow here. For that reason, this past year Lakewood was once again named as one of Los Angeles County’s Most Business Friendly Cities. Best yet, your city of Lakewood does all of this while balancing its budget year-in and year-out and maintaining ample reserves, giving us a long-standing reputation for fiscal soundness. For the leadership and vision that has created this strong state of the city, I want to thank my colleagues on the Lakewood City Council. There’s one more, extra-special ingredient that describes the state of Lakewood that I will be focusing on a lot during my State of the City remarks. And it’s really why the city exists in the first place. And that’s our residents and business community members… the people who live and work in Lakewood. From my earliest days as a youngster growing up in Lakewood all the way through today, I’ve been impressed with the number of people who live and work here who help each
February 2017 other out, serve as mentors, and give back to the community. As I’ve joked about before, maybe there’s something in the Lakewood water that inspires that. But Lakewood really is blessed with an extraordinary number of people who make a positive difference—big and small—in their community and in the lives of the people around them. A lot of great things happened in Lakewood in 2016. And the year 2017 promises more of that, as Lakewood continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. I am convinced that Lakewood will continue to advance the community values that have made generations of residents call this place home and that continue to attract new residents every year. I’m also convinced that Lakewood will take on the challenges that we face, and that we will succeed in keeping Lakewood a place where, as our city entrance signs proclaim, “Times Change, Values Don’t.” Mayor Piazza’s full State of the City remarks can be found starting February 1 at www.lakewoodcity. org/SOTC. u
C i t y Spotlight Free emergency-prep workshop Lakewood’s free “Survive for 7” workshop returns with a one-evening “jump start” for emergency preparedness efforts. The workshop educates residents about actions they can take to protect their family and teaches skills needed to survive in the first week following a catastrophe. Learn more at www. lakewoodcity.org/7days. The free program is scheduled for Tuesday, February 21 from 6pm to 7pm at the Lakewood Youth Center, 4658 Woodruff Avenue. Register at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.
The program is course #6372, “Survive for 7 Disaster Planning Program.” Call Lakewood recreation staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information. Super Saturday at TRC Super Saturday Night will be held on February 18th at The Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd., from 7pm10pm. This fun event will be an “LYC versus TRC Blowout,” where teens from the Lakewood Youth Center head over to the Teen Resource Center for an evening of food and games. The teens will enjoy pizza and drinks as they compete against each other in their favorite PlayStation 4 electronic games. There will be prizes for the winners at the end of the night for this nocost event. FUN-Tastic Family NightAnnie Banannie Welcome back balloon storyteller and children’s author, Annie Banannie, as she presents “The Superhero Lunchbox” at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave., on Friday, March 3 from 6:30pm to 8pm. Participants can enjoy the hilarious misadventures of a lunchbox that hands out super powers! This one of a kind experience features comedy, storytelling and extraordinary balloon twisting. The cost for this fun family event is $8 per person, $5 for children 3 and under, children under 1 are free. Fee includes a delicious dinner of bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, lemonade and a dessert prior to the show. Seating will be on a first-come basis, doors open at 5:45pm. Register online with e-catalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using class #5889, or call 562866-9771, extension 2408 for more information. Spring recreation classes begin The City of Lakewood’s spring recreation classes begin in February. If you have not received your copy of the popular catalog, pick one up at any Lakewood park, community center, library or city hall or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to request one by mail. Or view online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation. The new spring catalog lists over 600 classes and activities offered for area residents as well as many new programs. Customers can register online using eCatalog at w w w. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / ecatalog. As a reminder, our course registration system has been upgraded to ActiveNet and to use the new system, participants will need to take a moment and create a new user account. The process is quick and easy. Go to w w w. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / newaccount. u
Your
Minding February 2017
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Vintage ad showing three original Lakewood floor plans.
Volunteers are available at Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center to assist low-income families, individuals and seniors in preparing their basic tax returns. Appointments are required and are available Mondays and Thursdays from February 6 through April 17. Call 562-630-6141 to make an appointment. The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue. If you are filing a joint return, both husband and wife must come to the appointment. Individuals with appointments should be prepared to bring in their tax information (W-2 or 1099 forms) and last year’s tax return. The returns generally take about two hours to prepare, and
New history gallery reveals Tax help available for seniors “footprints” of early Lakewood in Lakewood
Much of Lakewood was built all at once between 1950 and 1954, although newer tracts of homes continued to be built well into the 1960s. The floor plans of many of those homes, along with some architectural renderings, recently have been digitized and posted to the Lakewood city website at www. lakewoodcity.org/FloorPlans with the help of Lakewood’s Historian Emeritus, Don Waldie. Although not a comprehensive collection, the floor plans and illustrations, taken mainly from sales brochures, show the wide variety of home designs that kept even the mass-produced neighborhoods of Lakewood from cookie-cutter sameness. Some early designs were very small – less than 700 square feet of living area. By 1954, many designs were more than double that size. You can explore the footprints of Lakewood online now … and perhaps find the floor plan of your own home when Lakewood was new. A map of Lakewood neighborhoods and when they were built is also included on the website. u
Lakewood
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Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 4111 E. South Street, Unit E 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.
every return is reviewed by a second tax preparer before they’re filed. The service is a nationwide AARP Foundation program called “Tax-Aide.” Through a cadre of trained volunteers, Tax-Aide has helped low- to moderate-income individuals for more than 40 years across the nation. The program helps taxpayers receive applicable tax credits and deductions. Tax-Aide is free to taxpayers with low and moderate
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income, with special attention to those ages 60 and older. For more information, visit www.aarp.org/ taxaide. The Internal Revenue Service website has a special section with information specifically for seniors at www.irs.gov/individuals/retirees. u
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Lakewood husband-and-wife wedding team receive prestigious award
Lakewood team Michael and Marni Farmer are pleased to announce that they have been selected as 2017 winners in The Knot Best of Weddings. Michael is owner and lead photographer of Michael Farmer Photography, and Marni is owner of So Smitten Special Events. The couple live in Lakewood, and are members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Marni says, “Lakewood is a wonderful city to raise our family and run our business. For the business, we are centrally located between Orange County and Los Angeles, meaning we can easily travel all over Southern California for weddings and events. As a family, we love our neighbors,
Pictured Michael and Marni Farmer. Photo credit goes to Weston Neuschafer. our neighborhood park, and the shopping and restaurants within
walking distance of our home.” The Knot Best of Weddings is an award representing the highest-rated wedding professionals as reviewed by real couples, their families and
wedding guests on The Knot, the leading wedding brand and marketplace. This is the second year So Smitten Special Event has been selected for the award, and fifth for Michael Farmer
February 2017 Photography. Last year, Michael was inducted into The Knot Best of Weddings Hall of Fame for winning the award so many years in a row. To determine the winners, The Knot assessed almost one million reviews across the various vendor categories— planners, venues, musicians, florists, photographers, caterers and more. These winners represent the best of the best for wedding professionals that a bride or groom would want to consider in order to inspire, plan and book their own unique wedding. “We are so honored to be chosen for this prestigious award in the wedding industry,” said Marni Farmer. “Michael and I love what we do. We have the pleasure of meeting new people, and planning and capturing the best day of their lives. We get to go to parties for a living! It doesn’t get much better than that.” For more information about The Knot Best of Weddings and a complete list of winners, please visit https://www.theknot.com/ vendors/best-of-weddings. For more information about Michael Farmer Photography and So Smitten Special events, visit www.sosmittenevents.com or call 805-748-8636. u
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February 2017
“Snarky space aliens” provide fun at State of the City Luncheon
The Lakewood State of the City luncheon every January always includes the premiere showing of the city’s informative and humorous annual report video. At this year’s event on January 31 at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, the theme of the Lakewood CityTV video is a tour bus seeing the Queen Mary and other sights of Long Beach that gets abducted by space aliens who decide the group should tour the sights of Lakewood instead. Some humorous antics ensue, along with the opportunity to talk about Lakewood’s achievements over the past year, including new playgrounds at three parks (Bolivar, Del Valle and Rynerson), new LED streetlights, and a new Sky Knight helicopter with added crime-fighting features. If you miss the State of the City in person, you can still see the CityTV video at www.lakewoodcity.org/ AnnualReportVideo starting February 2. After the showing of the video to the 200 expected event attendees, Lakewood Mayor Ron Piazza will give his State of the City address. Piazza plans to speak about the “special ingredient” that makes Lakewood such a wonderful
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Community
community--the thousands of residents who make a difference
in big and small ways in their neighborhoods and city-wide. With a slideshow featuring Lakewood residents at community events, Piazza will thank a wide range of volunteers, including Lakewood Youth Sports coaches, Neighborhood Watch members, Project Shepherd and Meals of Wheels volunteers, and members of service organizations such as the Lions Club, Rotary Club and Soroptimists.
Lakewood Sheriff’s Station Captain Allen Castellano will then deliver the annual update on public safety in the city. See a condensed version of Mayor Piazza’s State of the City remarks in the “Lakewood Today” column on page two of this Lakewood Community News. The full version of his remarks will be at www. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / S O T C starting February 1. You can see the Lakewood CityTV video of Piazza’s and Castellano’s remarks starting February 8 at that webpage. u
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The Lakewood Community News is seeking a journalism student
The Award winning Lakewood Community Newspaper is seeking a dependable, self-motivated and inquisitive intern to join our Newspaper and Social Media team. Applicants should be enrolled students, detail-oriented, with a strong interest in journalism, social media, and current events. For more information call Joshua Castellanos at (562) 531-9733 or email resume to Joshua@ lakewoodchamber.com. u
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Advertise in the award-winning Lakewood Community News. The ONLY newspaper dedicated to the city of Lakewood. (30,000 circulation) For more information, call or email us at: (562) 531-9733 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com.
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February 2017
“Where there’s a will...there’s a way” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
no longer have to undergo repeat evaluations. Wendy says, “Getting assistance with things you need is a challenge, such as adapting a van to drive, everything’s a process that takes time.” Wendy’s passion is helping others through motivational speaking and being a role model for people, to show obstacles can be overcome. Soroptomist International sponsors the Annual Lakewood 10K/5K Run. Anne Rodriguez, President of Soroptomist of Lakewood/Long Beach says, “The Run is how we raise money to fund grants to help women who have had a tough start in life rebuild their lives and nonprofits in our community, focusing on those programs that meet our mission to improve the lives of women and girls. For the first time, schools will have the chance to win $500 through student participation in the Run. So lace up your running shoes and join us!” u
Green February 2017
Caring for the earth starts with a walk in the park
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The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday February 23rd at the Youth Center in Del Valle Park, business meeting at 11am. Mike Moody will be speaking at 12:15pm on growing ferns inside and outside. There will be a display of Lakewood mascot “Woody the Tree” teaches kids about Lakewood’s different kinds of ferns. urban forest. Guests are welcome. For Lakewood’s free Earth Walk For more information on more information call event returns this spring with Earth Walk, call 562-866-9771, Gwen Travis at (562) an interactive experience for extension 2408. u 867-0516. u kids and adults on Saturday, March 11, from 10am to 1pm. The event will be held at rustic Monte Verde Park, the trailhead to over three miles of landscaped walking trails and the San Gabriel River Parkway. Monte Verde Park is located at 4626 N. Shadeway Road. Participants will pick up a “Passport to Planet Earth” and get their passport stamped at stations along the trail while learning what they can do to help keep the earth beautiful and protected. Adults and children are invited to take a nature walk, plant seeds, create nature-themed crafts, make s’mores and learn about recycling. “Woody the Tree”-Lakewood’s “Tree City, U.S.A.” mascot--will be in attendance. He will help teach visitors about Lakewood’s “urban forest.” With a completed passport, participants will receive a special Earth Walk gift. This free event is a fun and educational day for family members of all ages. Activities will move into the park’s S. Mark Taper Lodge or under canopies if there’s rain.
Women in Business Council February Meeting
“How to Drive New Business with Social Media” February 8th - 11:30am to 1:00pm Frantone’s Restaurant 10808 Alondra Blvd, Cerritos $20 Cash @ the Door (for lunch & speaker) RSVP by phone or email to: (562) 531-9733 / info@lakewoodchamber.com
Living
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‘Have a Heart’ for a new pet at SEAACA adoption event
Lakewood’s animal care and control agency, SEAACA, is holding a special “Have A Heart” pet adoption event on Saturday, February 11 from 10am to 3pm, reducing their normal adoption fees to only $14 per dog or cat. That fee includes spay/neuter, microchip, flea treatment and the first set of vaccines. The special price applies to all dogs one year and older and cats at least eight weeks old. “Have A Heart” will take place at 9777 Seaaca Street in Downey. For details go to www.seaaca.org or call 562-803-3301. u
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February 2017
Shop Lakewood...
Don’t be shy...project sites sought for Volunteer Day One of Lakewood’s enduring traditions is Volunteer Day, where residents help their neighbors in need and make their community a better place. The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 22 cleanup and fix-up event. On this day, more than 500 volunteers will fan out to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams
of volunteer workers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses, organizations and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves. Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting. The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ volunteerdaysite to submit an application online, or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512. u
EVERY VOTE COUNTS, EVERY ELECTION MATTERS Local Election coming up! Register to vote at
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Last day to register is February 21, 2017.* *Date adjusted due to holiday
Vote early at the Registrar’s office beginning on February 27, 2017. - 12400 Imperial Hwy, Norwalk CA 90650
Vote by Mail
- Apply for a Vote by Mail ballot by February 28, 2017.
Vote at the polls - Polls are open from 7am to 8pm on Election Day.
MARCH 7, 2017
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February 2017
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Lace up your running shoes...it’s time for the Lakewood Run!
Runners and walkers of all ages are part of the Lakewood Run. The Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2017 when Sheriff’s deputies, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1K “Fun Run” or a 5K walk. Lakewood’s tree-lined residential streets provide the backdrop. The flat, “runner friendly” course is “fast” for
practiced runners and comfortable for fitness fans and family members. Professional timing will be used. Registration is $35 until February 24, and $40 thereafter. On the day of the event, registration begins at 6:30am. The 5K and 10K runs start at 8am. The Fun Run begins at 9:30am. Register online 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. Participants directly support Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach and Lakewood Sheriff’s Station charity efforts in this familyfriendly event, including the Su Casa Domestic Abuse Network, Pathways Volunteer Hospice, and uncovered expenses for the families of wounded or deceased deputies. Finisher medals will be awarded to all participants for the 5k/10k. Performance tech shirts, a new highlight of the race, will be given to all runners. Ronald McDonald will entertain children and count down the start of the Fun Run. There will also be a fitness expo, displays of public safety equipment and programs, and special giveaways from local businesses. To inquire about group rate entries or get more event information, email info@ lakewoodrun.com. Major sponsors include Lakewood Center, Kenny’s Towing, Back to Life Chiropractic, Piazza Family McDonald’s Restaurants, and the City of Lakewood. u
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4111 E. South Street, Unit E (Upstairs) Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
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Some couples invest in their future Hey Ma, I in ways other than a diamond ring lost a tooth! By Nathaniel Sillin
What does an engagement ring look like? For many people, my wife included, the answer is a diamond ring. While that’s a concept that didn’t become widely accepted until the diamond industry’s marketing campaigns in the mid-1900s, it’s one that holds strong today. However, some couples are going in an alternative direction. The intention isn’t to be cheap, but rather to use the savings to make a different kind of meaningful investment in their future together. When and how a proposal happens can be a surprise, but hopefully, the answer won’t be. That is likely doubly true if the question is popped without a diamond engagement ring, or perhaps without a ring at all. As always in a relationship, communication is key. While some people may be excited by the idea, it could be a deal breaker for others. What will a meaningful investment look like to the both of you? A friend of mine recently shared with me the story of how he proposed to his now wife, and the decision to forgo an engagement ring altogether. When they first started discussing marriage and engagement rings, she said she’d rather put the money towards a down payment because starting a home together was more meaningful to her than a ring. He didn’t ask right away, but when he did take a knee, ringless, and ask her to marry him – clearly she said yes. Today they live in the home the savings helped buy, wear only wedding bands and he says neither of them regrets the decision. A down payment might not make sense for you, but there are other ways to invest in your future together. For some couples, paying down debts or saving for their wedding so that they don’t go into debt might be a better fit. Or, you might want to start a travel or honeymoon fund. Consider your options if you want to buy a ring. Understandably, the idea of proposing without an engagement ring isn’t for everyone, and there is a middle ground. A less expensive engagement ring with the savings going towards your shared goal.
You can discuss engagement ring expectations before you ask someone to marry you. If a diamond isn’t particularly important, an alternative ring or gemstone, or no ring at all, can be an equally timeless and beautiful gesture of love when you both know the money is going to an important step in your future together. u
Whenever I had a loose tooth, I remember my dad assessing its readiness to be pulled, and when it was, explaining that he had to pull it out so that the new one could grow in. Scared, I would imagine all kinds of pain. He would say, “Just let me look at it,” then pull it without me even realizing he’d done it. He’d then show me the tooth, and I would stare wideeyed at the little piece of bloodied enamel. We’re all scared to lose something. It’s human nature. But here’s the thing, the loss of something usually opens us up to receive something bigger and better. It’s not unlike losing our baby teeth—they have to fall so that the new and improved version can come in. Saying goodbye to something, means saying hello to something else, if only we are open to it. We can’t do much about our baby teeth, but we do have choices when it comes to our lives. Next time you’re about to lose something that’s important to you, regard the possibilities that loss might bring about. You never know, it could be something even bigger and better! 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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February 2017
“Online dating and romance scams” forum
L.A. County Sheriff Jim McDonnell will host “Love Hurts,” a discussion and forum on maintaining personal safety in online dating, on Thursday, February 2. The event will be held from 6pm to 8pm at Portuguese Hall, 11903 Ashworth St. in Artesia. The public is invited to this free community session featuring guest speakers from the Sheriff’s Fraud & Cyber Crime Bureau and Human Trafficking Bureau and the FBI Cyber Crime Task Force. Experts will focus on: • Online dating safety • Identifying and preventing romance scams • What is “sextortion”? The L.A. County Sheriff’s Department offers these basic tips for online dating: • Trust your intuition • Meet up safely in a public place • Set expectations • Be your own detective • If it’s too good to be true, it probably isn’t • Protect your online identity • Keep personal information private u
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February 2017
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Be aware of coyotes in It’s time urban environments to work your
Like possums and raccoons, coyotes have adapted over the years to suburban life throughout California and the nation. While Lakewood doesn’t have the level of coyote problems of many communities near foothills or large open spaces, coyotes can venture into residential areas in our city and become problematic, especially if people are feeding them (intentionally or unintentionally) by leaving pet food out overnight, tree fruit on the ground, or trash unsecured. These coyote attractants create a threat to pets, as coyotes coming into neighborhoods see them as potential prey. Coyotes will kill cats and small dogs who are left unattended or who stray off your property. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has jurisdiction over urban wildlife in our state, provides helpful tips for communities and asks for our cooperation. The City of Lakewood recommends that residents follow these guidelines to prevent attracting coyotes into our community. Tips to safeguard your pets • Feed pets inside. Don’t feed feral cats, ducks or pigeons. They attract coyotes to your neighborhood, putting pets at risk. • Never feed coyotes! (When humans have been bitten by coyotes it is often because someone nearby is feeding them and it breaks down their natural fear of humans.) • Pick up fallen fruit (another food source for coyotes and for animals and rodents that attract coyotes). • Keep trash lids securely closed. Don’t overfill trash cans so they can’t close fully. Coyotes can reach in and get food. This teaches them to come to your home. • If you compost, use enclosed bins. Do not compost meat, dairy or egg products. • The safest place for cats and small dogs is inside. Coyotes can jump over fences 6-10 feet high. While coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they have been sighted at all hours of the day. • While walking dogs, keep them on a leash 6’ or shorter. If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, remain calm, take control of your dog by picking it up if possible and back away slowly, keeping your eyes on the coyote. Look for another pedestrian to assist you. • Use negative reinforcement (”hazing”) to train coyotes to stay away. If you see a coyote, let it know it’s not welcome in your neighborhood by making loud noises to frighten it away. You’re helping the coyote by keeping it wild…and you’re helping protect your neighborhood. • Don’t ignore or run away from a coyote. You need to scare it away, but don’t injure it or it could become unpredictable. Trapping coyotes is not a longterm solution. State law prevents
the relocation of trapped coyotes because doing so upsets the wildlife ecosystem where the coyote is transported. Routine trapping and euthanizing of coyotes, even when pets have been attacked, is also not a viable option because if food and water sources remain, new coyotes will simply move in and continue the cycle. Government agencies generally limit the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes to certain narrow situations, such as when coyotes have attacked people. The best way to prevent problems in the first place is to remove coyote attractants, safeguard your pets, and haze and train any coyotes you see to stay away from humans. For more information and further guidelines, or to report a coyote sighting, go to www.lakewoodcity. org/coyotes or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. u
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Congratulations to Brenda Merola, Linda VanCouvering and Dana Thompson - they’re all the winners of the January 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 (NEW ADDRESS!) 4111 E. South Street, Unit E (Upstairs), Lakewood, 90712. The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, February 22, 2017. The winners will be drawn on Thursday, February 23, 2017, 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 March issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle. u
THANK YOU Sudoku Sponsors!
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www.lakewoodchamber.com
February 2017