Lcn final june2013

Lakewood

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Volume 29 Number 5

www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood Civic Center Block Party has something for everybody

June 2013

SAVE THE DATE!

Call/email for vendor & sponsor information, or to register a car: 562.531.9733 / info@lakewoodchamber.com

Help F&M Bank fill Project Shepherd’s pantry Family Fun Zone activities kick things off. Live music and Taste of Lakewood are followed by a fireworks extravaganza.

Family fun, a rockin’ good time and a professional fireworks show return to Clark Avenue and the Lakewood Civic Center on Saturday, June 29. The Lakewood Civic Center Block Party begins at 4pm with the Family Fun Zone fun activity area for kids and families and the always-popular “Taste of Lakewood.” Live

entertainment from pop band Haute Chile starts at 5pm.

Family Fun Zone – 4pm to 9pm.

Located in the parking lot south of the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library, the Family Fun Zone will feature carnival games and amusements for kids and families, including a mechanical bull, giant slide, adrenaline obstacle

course, bouncers, joust war game, rock climbing wall, pirate ship, mechanical cars and trackless train. No tickets for the Family Fun Zone will be sold after 8pm, and all activities will stop at 9pm.

Taste of Lakewood 4pm to 8pm.

Twenty Lakewood restaurants and specialty food purveyors will

New playground shows why Lakewood is 4-for-4 as Playful City USA

award commends Lakewood’s high quality playgrounds, parks and recreation services.

Playful City USA recognitions are provided by KaBoom!, a national non-profit organization that promotes children’s recreation and the creation of more places for children to play.

The new tot lot playground at Bloomfield Park for children ages 2-5 years does just that through its new swings, slides, interactive play panels, jumping pods and spring riders. All are designed to be fun, promote communication and social interaction, and engage the senses.

Parents will enjoy their time at the playground too, with a nice seating area.

A new picnic shelter and barbeques are expected to open by mid-June 2013, along with improved landscaping and irrigation. Bloomfield Park is a 15acre site located at 21420 Pioneer Boulevard, near 215th Street.

KaBoom! gave Playful City USA designations to 217 communities across the country. Lakewood was one of only 26 cities in California to win the honor.

Bloomfield Park’s new Tot Lot gets inspection from Lakewood City Council.

Renovations at Bloomfield Park and the opening of a new playground there came on the eve of Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

the city winning a prestigious 2013 “Playful City USA” designation-for the fourth year in a row. The PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

(Cont’d. on Pg. 4)

Volunteers ready donations for deliver to Project Shepherd emergency pantry.

Over the last month the Farmers The F & M effort will complete & Merchants Bank Lakewood the drive with a luncheon on office has been working to fill Saturday, June 8 from 10am to the shelves of Lakewood Project 2pm. Residents are welcome to Shepherd. As they enter the drive’s bring goods to the event. Donors final week, they’re asking the who contribute a bag of groceries community to help them meet their will receive a free reusable tote bag. goal of giving 175 boxes of food Donations of toilet paper, in direct support of the Project laundry detergent and toothpaste Shepherd emergency food pantry. are always welcomed. Food items “This is our fourth year helping needed include canned meat and Project Shepherd. It’s so important fish, canned fruit and soup, or for people to know Project staples like pasta, rice, cereal and Shepherd is a year-round program peanut butter. that provides emergency food Contributions are also always assistance throughout the year accepted at the Burns Community to residents who qualify,” said F Center, Lakewood City Hall or & M’s drive coordinator Marla any city park facility when open.

Harold.

Click on www.lakewoodcity.org/ F & M encourages community parkfinder to locate a park in your members to bring non-perishable neighborhood. food donations to their office For additional information call at 5101 Lakewood Boulevard the Lakewood branch at 562-602anytime between 9am and 5pm on 8378. business days. All 21 branches of See pg. 15 for F&M Bank - Project F & M Bank have a collection box Shepherd advertisement. available as well.

LakewoodToday

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Summertime, and the ‘Lakewood Living’ is...fun!

By Mayor Steve Croft

Summer is traditionally one of the best times to enjoy all the good things that Lakewood has to offer.

And this year, there is even more to enjoy.

I encourage you to take advantage of the summer months ahead and get out of the house for a bit and enjoy some of the best parts of “Lakewood Living.”

• Public Safety Expo. This is one of the kick-offs to the summer.

Kids can enjoy a wide range of fun, including carnival games, bouncers, and an amazing rock climbing wall.

And there’s the always exciting BMX stunt bike team. I never get enough of seeing those flips! How do they do it? The fun runs from 10:30am to 1:30pm on Saturday, June 22 at Mayfair Park. The BMX demonstrations are at 11:15am and 1pm. It’s also a chance to meet your Sheriff’s and Fire personnel, get crime prevention and safety tips, and even spend a little time in the Sky Knight helicopter.

• Pool time! One of our budget priorities on the Lakewood City Council recently has been getting Mayfair Pool renovated. It was built in 1951, and even though it’s always been well-cared for, it was time for some repairs and upgrades. Over the winter and spring, Mayfair got a new fiberglass liner, new concrete deck, new lighting and plumbing, and new diving boards. This summer, have some fun at Mayfair or McCormick pools. And if you get to Mayfair, do a nice dive off one of the new boards for me!

• Parks and playgrounds everywhere! One of the unique aspects of Lakewood is the presence of parks in every neighborhood.

Lakewood was well planned from its inception that way. On the city council, we do our best to keep those parks looking good and updated with new play equipment.

In the past couple of years, new play areas have been added to Biscailuz, Mayfair and Palms parks. In time for this summer, we’ve just added a colorful, new tot-lot playground to Bloomfield Park for kids aged 2 to 5. It has some neat, new features like a “crawler,” which is a slide children are supposed to climb up.

Take a visit to Bloomfield (or any of Lakewood’s parks) and let your kids give the play areas a try! I bet you’ll see a lot of smiles and hear a lot of laughs.

• Concerts in the Park. This is one of my personal favorites. It’s a time to see friends, relax while listening to good music, and watch the late afternoon turn into night under the trees at Del Valle Park.

Concerts are every Thursday evening starting at 6:30pm from June 20 to August 8. For details, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/concerts.

For more ideas on fun in Lakewood, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation or call your city recreation staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408. Whatever your plans turn out to be, have a great summertime and enjoy your own piece of “Lakewood Living.”

C i t y Spotlight Professor Fun is your guide to an entertaining summer The new summer recreation catalog is available and registration is going on now.

“Professor Fun” is now available for “photo ops” citywide celebrating the new summer recreation season.

Cut him out of this season’s recreation catalog or download him and take him with you.

Shoot a snapshot of Professor Fun with friends and family at their favorite park, recreation activity, class or anywhere in Lakewood and share it with us for possible inclusion in Professor Fun’s “Summer in Lakewood” blog.

Submit the shots by email for possible inclusion in a Lakewood Summer Recreation Photo Gallery. Send photos to: service1@lakewoodcity.org and we’ll consider it for the gallery at www.lakewoodcity. org/ProfessorFun and use in the Professor Fun blog.

Finally It’s Friday returns with a series of special family programs planned on multiple Fridays throughout the summer.

Details about these free and affordable programs can be found at www.lakewoodcity. org/finallyitsfridays.

Kids have no reason to be bored this summer with ten supervised excursion offerings from June through August. Sign up for the Knotts Berry Farm

2013 Concert Schedule Date Band Name 6/20 6/27 7/11 7/18 7/25 8/01 8/08

June 2013

www.lakewoodnews.org

Stone Soul (R&B) The Answer (Classic Rock) Doo Wah Riders (Country) Hot August Nights (Neil Diamond) Rodeo Drive (Country) The Whooligans (Irish) Knyght Rider (80’s)

trip on Wednesday, June 26 from 9am to 4pm. Only $44 for all ages.

Don’t delay registering for a summer of fun! Many popular courses fill early. Online and mail-in registration are going on now. Phone-in and walk-in registration begins Monday, June 10.

Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to have a copy mailed or e-mailed to you or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/Catalog.

Camps for sports Boys and girls looking for sports activities have several day camp options. Traditional and special topic camps – skate boarding, scooter camp, soccer, tennis, volleyball, and basketball – are offered throughout the summer.

Sports Camp, for ages 8 through 13, offers 10 weekly sessions Monday through Friday from 9am to 2pm starting June 24. Each week is highlighted by swim sessions on two camp days and a fun excursion. Sports Camp instructors offer skill building in baseball, basketball, soccer, ultimate Frisbee and flag football at Mayfair Park.

Basketball Camp for youngsters 8 though 13 years of age provides in-depth training from experienced coaches.

Basketball Camp is offered at the Mayfair High School gym.

Call 562-866-9771 extension 2408 for dates and details.

Gym nights for adults and teens The gym at Mayfair High School will be busy throughout the summer with a variety of classes and activities.

Adult Indoor Soccer offers fast-paced play when lighted fields are otherwise unavailable.

Free indoor soccer nights are Mondays from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Adult Volleyball free play arranges matches at all skill levels on Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Teen Night volleyball or dodgeball is on Thursday evenings from 6:30pm to 9pm.

Summer concerts at Del Valle Park Summer Concerts in the Park begins with the sounds of rhythm and blues from “Stone Soul” when they kick off seven weeks of free concerts beginning Thursday, June 20.

The following week, June 27, concert favorite “The Answer” will perform classic rock and roll music.

Concerts continue each Thursday through August 8 under the canopy of trees at Del Valle Park. Be sure to bring your picnic for an evening of entertainment from 6:30pm to 8pm. (Note: there will be no concert on July 4.)

For a complete concert schedule call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/concerts.

Volunteer Day Thank You The City of Lakewood would like to thank all the many volunteers who worked during Lakewood Volunteer Day in April. More than 450 people came together – residents, members of local community organizations, church groups, school groups, Scout troops, service clubs, as well as businesspeople, youth group members, city hall and city yard employees, groups of neighbors and whole families, with volunteers ranging in age from six to 66.

See the Volunteer Day Gallery at www.lakewoodcity.org/ VolunteerDay. They contributed time and energy to improving 26 homes and three schools, as well as six city facilities during the 17th Annual Lakewood Volunteer Day. These industrious volunteers mixed and poured cement, planted, weeded, cleaned, and painted. They removed overgrown vegetation at one project site, and cleared and organized emergency storage bins at a local elementary school. They replanted flower beds, painted porches and patios, installed new screen doors and generally assisted 26 Lakewood homeowners whose home clean-up and maintenance projects had grown too big to handle. Thanks to everyone for a job well done!

Your

Minding

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2013

20 years of Glory Days in Lakewood

By Robin Vanderwerff

As the saying goes: success is when preparation meets opportunity. That seems to be the perfect recipe for Glory Days in Lakewood. Owners Dick Brown and his wife Nancy have enjoyed 20 years of success, and their doing it Glory Days style.

Lakewood

News

Community

...Since 1984

Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure 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 This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20/yr in Orange & L.A. Counties; $25/yr in all other counties. Payable in advance.

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: The LCN encourages submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be no more than 200 words, typed and double spaced, or sent electronically. Letters must be signed by the author and must include the author’s address and telephone number.

Opinions expressed in the letter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, members, staff or the LCN. The LCN reserves the right to refuse or edit editorial content, without notice, for the reasons of, but not limited to, length, grammar, clarity or for the potentially libelous statements.

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.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.

Their catch phrase is, “Where everybody knows your fame.”

They encourage customers to bring in pictures of good times in their lives and memories of their “Glory Days,” and those images line the walls of the restaurant.

If you’re a Lakewood resident

and you haven’t relaxed, had a burger, and enjoyed some friends at Lakewood’s Glory Days, then you’re missing out.

What makes this hip, happenin’ hamburger place so cool? I think it comes down to the people that own it.

Dick Brown has lived in Lakewood all his life. He went to Lakewood schools, played at Lakewood parks, graduated from Lakewood High School, and has remained rooted in the community.

Dick made the decision 20 years ago to change his profession from Financial Planner to restaurant entrepreneur, and that’s when Glory Days was born.

It wasn’t all sunshine and roses for the Browns. Starting a business is hard work, and they needed help from some special people along the way. Local resident, Art Ballou, deserves thanks for contributing to the scrumptious hamburger that Glory Days currently serves. At 95 years old, Lakewood resident Vernon Olsen stops by the restaurant every chance he gets to make sure Dick is still making the pickled eggs just the way he taught him years ago.

The Browns are all about community and Dicks says, “I’m so blessed to have spent the last 20 years surrounded by the greatest people.” Even with a pacemaker, at 77 years old, waitress Lily Goss is one of

those people; she works at Glory Days as a server 4 days a week.

Lily enjoys coming into work and staying in touch with the community.

Although Dick doesn’t see his friends as much as he would like, he can count on seeing their dads. Most of them have retired and enjoy hanging out, sipping on a root beer or cup of coffee, and just shooting the breeze.

Glory Days originated on Woodruff and Del Amo, where at the time, they were called “Bavarian Room.” A lot has changed since then…and they’ve moved a few times.

Dick said, “Every move was scary, but always turned out for the better.” The restaurant has grown and changed over the years. But one thing has always remained a constant and that’s Dick’s love for the city of Lakewood. Dick gets very

Business Page 3

sentimental when talking about Lakewood. He says, “Lakewood is the best city in the U.S.A!” Glory Days isn’t flashy, it’s a casual place to hang out, have some tasty food, and a few laughs. It’s also a place dedicated to giving back to the community, as Dick goes out of his way to help with various fundraising events for local charities. He says, “I am so blessed, we do care, and we do try.”

Stop by 4132 Woodruff Avenue, and don’t forget to bring a picture of your Glory days!

&

Business Financial Page 4

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

www.lakewoodnews.org

Lakewood Regional Medical Center proudly accepts ‘Circle of Excellence’ Award

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

As only one of nine Tenet hospitals recognized, Lakewood Regional Medical Center has demonstrated superior achievement in the areas of quality care, service excellence and operational performance.

“I am extremely pleased and proud to announce that Lakewood Regional Medical Center has been awarded Tenet’s Circle of Excellence award for its outstanding 2012 Balanced Scorecard performance. This is our hospital’s first Circle of Excellence award and a clear reflection of the hard work so many have contributed in making our organization a success”, said President & CEO, Joseph B. Badalian.

June 2013 Civic Center “Block Party” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

be offering great food at affordable prices. The Taste of Lakewood is sponsored by the Friends of Lakewood Libraries and helps support the purchase of books and materials for the Iacoboni and Nye libraries.

Taste of Lakewood presale tickets—always a good idea for avoiding lines—are available at city hall and the Lakewood libraries in packs of 4 for $5 or 10 for $10.

Single tickets are not available for presale. Payment can be made with cash or checks made payable to the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries.

Sorry, credit cards are not accepted.

On the day of the event from 4pm to 8pm, the same multi-ticket packs as well as single tickets for $1.50 each will be available. No tickets will be sold after 8pm and no food will be served after 9pm.

For event participants age 21 and over, beer, wine and specialty drinks will be sold at the Beverage Garden located on the Maple Room patio of The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. An array of finger foods will also be sold. A live video feed of the main concert stage will be viewable on screens throughout the Beverage Garden.

Live entertainment – 5pm to 9pm.

The pop band Haute Chile (can you say Hot Chile?), will give an up-tempo performance that will rock Clark Avenue and the Civic Center starting at 5pm. Concert seating will be on Clark Avenue in front of city hall. Pre-show activities begin at 4pm. It’s festival seating, so bring your low-back chair or blanket.

Fireworks show – 9:15pm.

See a really spectacular, safe and legal display of professional fireworks capping off a wonderful day and evening at the Block Party.

Driving & Parking The Block Party will stretch from the Civic Center parking lot (at Hardwick Street) southbound along Clark Avenue to Del Amo Boulevard. Clark Avenue will be closed from Candlewood Street to Del Amo Boulevard before the start of the Block Party. Use Civic Center Way to access free parking behind city hall and The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. Plan ahead as parking for RVs and recreational trailers will not be available at Lakewood City Hall or Lakewood Centre.

Nominate a neighbor

The Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards program kicks off its 33rd year by asking Lakewood residents to nominate their neighbors or themselves for accomplishments in landscaping and maintenance.

Nominations can be made by calling the Community Relations Office message line at City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2160. The deadline for nominations is Friday, June 28.

News

Community June 2013

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Page 5

Safety Expo helps kick off ‘Shear the Mayor’ at Relay For Life the summer about home and auto security, disaster preparedness and volunteer opportunities in crime prevention.

Safety officers and civilian volunteers will show off the city’s resources for disaster preparedness and fire protection.

Lakewood Deputy City Manager Carol Jacoby notes that “we expect as many as 3,000 residents, bike riding youngsters and Neighborhood Watch block captains to attend this annual showcase of the city’s crime prevention and public safety programs.”

Mayor Steve Croft got his hair sheared to a buzz cut to show support for Lakewood participants in the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event on May 18-19 at Stephen Foster Elementary School. Lakewood participants were on track to raise over $40,000 as donations were tallied.

Tell us what you would like to read in the Lakewood Community News. Email your ideas to news@lakewoodchamber.com or send it by mail to: P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714

10’ X 14’ $2,175

Family fun at Mayfair Park is set for Saturday, June 22.

Summer fun and safety are the focus of two free events on Saturday, June 22 at Mayfair Park. Opening day ceremonies for Lakewood Youth Sports and the annual Lakewood Public Safety and Bike Safety Expo will be held together. They include fun activities for the whole family.

LYS opening day ceremonies start at 10am at Mayfair Park’s Lisa Fernandez Field. At 10:30am, players are free to enjoy a range of carnival games and activities including bouncers, a DJ and a rock climbing wall.

The annual Lakewood Public Safety and Bike Expo also starts at 10:30am with the return of the famous BMX stunt bike team who will demonstrate trick stunt bike moves and high-flying maneuvers with a show at 11:15am and again at 1pm.

Sheriff’s units, the Sky Knight helicopter and units from the Los Angeles County Fire Department will return with displays and hands-on exhibits.

Parents can talk with representatives from Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention teams to learn

10’ X 12’ $6,995

ChamberNews Page 6

Member Renewals With their renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

26 Years LBS Credit Union

WELCOME New Member!

22 Years Good Earth Recycling 13 Years Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli 10 Years Coast Water Coast Healthcare 9 Years Lakewood Primary Care 3 Years Bethany Lutheran School

All American Bail Bonds

Inessa Chavez 5517 Del Amo Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 867-7900

Congratulations & Thank You!

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June 2013

Lakewood Chamber’s softball season ends with Foggia’s bringing home the trophy!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce hosted another softball season that has come to an end, with Foggia’s Italian Market and Deli taking home the championship trophy! The Lakewood Chamber’s softball league is a great way for businesses to network in a healthy, competitive game of softball. If anyone is interested in the upcoming summer season by putting a team together (June 19th – August 28th), or by becoming a Field Sponsor, call Frank Cardiel at (562) 547-4161. Congratulations Foggia’s!!

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is now offering a 9-Day trip to Austria & Germany!

Departure Date is October 1, 2013

$2,899 pp/double ($500 single supplement)

ORIENTATION DATE:

Monday, June 17th at 5PM

Call the Chamber for more information: (562) 531-9733

Become a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Call or email for more information: 562.531.9733 or info@lakewoodchamber.com.

2012-2013 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors

John Kelsall President/CEO Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 John@lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodnews.org

Mark Perumean ~ Chairman EDCO Waste & Recycling Services P.O. Box 398 Buena Park, CA 90621 714-522-3577 mperumean@edcodisposal.com

Patrick Houston Lakewood Regional Medical Center P.O. Box 6070 Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-0083 Patrick.Houston@tenethealth.com

Doug Roscoe Lakewood Center 500 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 562-633-0437 Fax 562-633-1452 Doug.Roscoe@macerich.com

Mike Segura Farmers Insurance 2725 Candlewood Street Lakewood, CA 90712 562-531-4980 msegura@farmersagent.com

Joy Janes Behavior Safety Associates 5710 Harvey Way Lakewood, CA 90713 562-531-9733 Fax 562-531-9737 Joyjanes@yahoo.com

Glen Patrick Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Glen.Patrick@lbymca.org

Larry Kirk F&M Bank 5101 Lakewood Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-8378 Fax 562-633-3012 larry.kirk@fmb.com

Green

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June 2013

Living

Page 7

Dear EarthTalk: What is the “Monsanto Protection Act” and why are environmentalists so upset about it? ~ Rita Redstone

The so-called Monsanto Protection Act is actually a provision (officially known as Section 735) within a recently passed Congressional spending bill, H.R. 933, which exempts biotech companies from litigation in regard to the making, selling and distribution of genetically

engineered (GE) seeds and plants.

President Obama signed the bill and its controversial rider into law in March 2013 much to the dismay of environmentalists.

It means that Monsanto and other companies that supply the majority of the nation’s crop seeds can continue to produce

GE products regardless of any potential court orders stating otherwise. Opponents of GE foods believe that giving such companies a free reign over the production of such potentially dangerous organisms, regardless of judicial challenge, is a bad idea—especially given how little we still know about the biological and ecological implications of widespread use of GE crops.

Today more than 90 percent of the corn, soybeans, cotton, sugar beets and canola planted in the U.S. is derived from seeds genetically engineered by Monsanto and other companies to resist pests and thus increase yields. Aviva Shen of the ThinkProgress blog reports that, instead of reducing farmers’ use of toxic pesticides and

herbicides, GE seeds are having the opposite effect in what has become a race to keep faster and faster developing “superweeds” and “superbugs” at bay. With Congress and the White House refusing to regulate GE crops, the court system has remained a last line of defense for those fighting the widespread adoption of

genetic engineering—until now, that is, thanks to H.R. 933.

Monsanto isn’t the only seed company heavy into genetic engineering, but it is the biggest and most well-known and spends millions of dollars each year on lobbyists to keep it that way. Critics point out that the company has spent decades stacking government agencies with its executives and directors.

“Monsanto’s board members have worked for the EPA, advised the U.S. Department of Agriculture and served on President Obama’s Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations,” reports the group Food & Water Watch.

“The prevalence of Monsanto’s directors in these highly influential positions begs a closer look at how they’re able to push the pro-GE agenda within the government and influence public opinion.”

“The judicial review process is an essential element of U.S law and serves as a vital check on any Federal Agency decision that may negatively impact human health, the environment or livelihoods,” reports Food Democracy Now! “Yet this provision seeks an end-run around such judicial review by preemptively deciding that industry can set its own conditions to continue to sell biotech seeds, even if a court may find them to have been wrongfully approved.”

Another concern of safe food advocates now is getting the government to require food makers to list GE ingredients clearly on product labels so consumers can make informed choices accordingly. “Not only is [GE] labeling a reasonable and common sense solution to the continued controversy that corporations like Monsanto, DuPont and Dow Chemical have created by subverting our basic democratic rights,” adds Food Democracy Now!, “but it is a basic right that citizens in 62 other countries around the world already enjoy, including Europe, Russia, China, India, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.”

FLY

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Flag Day - June 14th

Corner

Cuddly Page 8

Keep your dog healthy through the “golden years”

It’s no secret that people love their pets. Furry family members bring a lot of joy and excitement to a household, and providing the best care possible helps ensure pets have a long, healthy life. It’s never too early to take steps to make life easier for your pet for when he or

she hits the golden years. Just as with people, proper diet, exercise and smart lifestyle decisions can delay some of the aging process and help your pet live a healthy senior life.

Here are some steps you can take before your pet becomes a senior to help reduce the risk or lessen the severity of arthritis and other diseases: Evaluate your pet’s body condition—Too much weight on your pet puts him or her at risk for diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Excess weight puts too much strain on your pet’s joints, causing cartilage to degenerate. If you can’t feel your pet’s ribs, your pet needs to go on a diet. Also, watch how your pet moves and plays for any

www.lakewoodnews.org issues that may be developing.

Read the label—Dogs and cats are carnivores and need a healthy dose of protein in their diet. Read the labels of their food and look for actual protein sources—chicken, beef and fish—instead of by-products.

Rice and other grains can also help your pet pack on extra pounds. Beware of too many preservatives as well.

Get active—It’s very important to work on activities that keep your dog and cat moving. Walks, games of fetch and other activities keep your dog’s muscles toned and cut down on the risk of arthritis. It’s important to work play into your cat’s day as well to keep him or her moving, too.

An ounce of prevention— Running, agility and other active games are a great way to keep your pet in shape.

June 2013

Bow Wow and Meow Days are back!

A Lakewood family—including four-legged member—at Bow Wow and Meow Day. Two convenient pet licensing and care days are coming up. Bow Wow and Meow Days return this year on Wednesday, June 5 from 6pm to 8pm, and Saturday, July 20 from 9am to noon. The events will be held at their traditional location at the northeast corner lot of Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard near the Lakewood Civic Center.

These are easy one-stop events for pet licensing, vaccinations at a discount, and micro chipping. Flea control products and information regarding low-cost spaying/neutering and health care for dogs and cats will be available.

Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted for vaccination services and products--cash and check only for dog licensing. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in secure carriers. Pet owners get savings on required rabies vaccinations, priced at $6 each. (Additional vaccinations are available for a fee.) Residents may purchase a dog license from License Inspectors at the clinic. Click www.lakewoodcity.org/pets for more information about pet services and pet adoption.

Advertise your “Pet-related” business or services on the new “Cuddly Corner” page in the Lakewood Community News. Call or email for special pricing: 562.531.9733 / news@lakewoodchamber.com

June 2013

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Shop Lakewood

New Men’s Wearhouse store ‘Into the Summer Fun Run’ coming to Lakewood in June coming soon!

The ABCUSD Education Foundation invites the community to join them in their first inaugural Into the Summer Fun Run on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The Into the Summer Fun Run features a

Men’s Wearhouse will expand the shopping opportunities at Lakewood Center as part of the “Candlewood Shops” along Candlewood Street. Locating in the midst of Lakewood’s “Restaurant Row,” the new store is nearly 7,000 square feet and occupies the former Hollywood Video location at 4447 Candlewood Street.

The store specializes in menswear. The Lakewood location will also feature tailoring services and tuxedo rentals. Their phone number is 562-408-4657 and online at www.menswearhouse.com.

Don’t miss Lakewood’s Senior Health Fair

Lakewood’s Senior Health Fair will be held Friday, June 21, from 10am to noon at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue (just south of Candlewood Street and west of Lakewood Boulevard).

Health-related information and free screenings will be available throughout the morning. The event is free and open to the public. Call the senior center at 562-630-6141 for additional information.

Lunch is available for those 60+ by the Human Services Association at the usual donation of $2.25.

Those under the age of 60 are welcome to eat at a cost of $4.50.

For a lunch reservation, call 562630-6210 after June 17.

A variety of health screenings are typically offered: • Hearing tests • Balance testing • Spinal and scoliosis screenings • Glucose and blood pressure testing • Cholesterol screening • Massage therapy • Body fat analysis • Trigger point and muscular health

5K run/walk and 2K run/walk in addition to a wellness fair from 7am to noon. All proceeds from the event support the ABCUSD Education Foundation ensuring that all ABC students and all

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schools succeed.

Volunteers on the day of the event are also needed. Contact Terri Villa McDowell at (562) 926-5566, ext. 21150 for more information. To register a team or individual to participate in the 5K or 2K run/walks, visit the website at www.abcsummerfunrun.com and register online.

Shop Lakewood Page 10

Lakewood pools are READY for the summer!

Lakewood’s city council celebrates the renovations at Mayfair Pool…and Mayor Steve Croft gives the new diving board a surprise try-out!

OPEN FOR CLASSES! Bellflower Beauty College of Lakewood Cosmetology Esthetician & Barbering

Now enrolling weekly Please call for information 4170 Woodruff Avenue Lakewood, 90713 (562) 421-1700

June 2013

www.lakewoodnews.org

The month of May definitely had its share of hot days, making Lakewood residents--of all ages-think about ways to cool off.

With summer approaching, your Lakewood city pools are ready for you!

The newly-refurbished Mayfair Pool opened for weekend public swimming over the Memorial Day weekend and will stay open the weekends of June 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16. Open recreational swims include 90-minute sessions each day from 1pm to 2:30pm and 2:45pm to 4:15pm.

Starting the weekend of June 2223, Lakewood aquatics programs shift into high gear. Mayfair and McCormick Pools will open for recreational swimming seven days a week through Monday, September 2, with the same open swim sessions of 1pm to 2:30pm, and 2:45pm to 4:15pm.

The cost for residents for each 90-minute swim session is $1 for ages 17 and under, and $1.50 for 18 and over. Only cash can be accepted, and a Lakewood swim card is required. (To get a card, bring proof of Lakewood residency to the pool your first

time or bring your old card to renew it.)

Lakewood’s city council recently celebrated the $855,000 renovation project at Mayfair with a pool-side inspection of the work that included new diving boards, fiberglass pool liner, concrete deck, lifeguard towers/chairs, patio with furniture, plumbing and underwater lighting.

Get information about swim sessions, lessons and other aquatic programs at www. lakewoodcity.org/aquatics or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Find classes and sign up online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ eCatalog.

Green giveaways and free paper shredding

Go green and do some gnarly shredding at the Lakewood Civic Center when “Lakewood Shreds” returns on Saturday, June 8. Green giveaways include used oil recycling

kits, used battery boxes, and reusable Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal grocery bags.

They will be given to visitors to the drive-through event while supplies last.

Along with free shredding services and recycling related items, the event offers a mulch giveaway and e-waste drop off. The drive-through dropoff location will be behind the Iacoboni Library from 9am to 12 noon. (Enter from Civic Center Way off of Del Amo Boulevard or Candlewood Street. The exit for the event will be the driveway to Clark Avenue.)

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

Residents interested in mulch can get up to two 30-lb. bags free, while supplies last. As a courtesy, Lakewood employees will shovel the mulch, but residents must bring their own bags or cans.

This event is for Lakewood residents only. Be prepared to show proof of residency, either with a driver’s license or utility bill. For more information, please call EDCO at 562-5313054 or Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

Ayanna Cares In Home Care Service

Ayanna & Dwayne Armstead Owners

Office: (562) 633-2195 * Cell: (562) 576-3893

• Alzheimers Care • Elderly Care

• Prep of Meals • Post Hospital Care

News

Community

June 2013

www.lakewoodnews.org

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Local Schools honored at 2013 Getting ready to graduate?

California School Recognition It’s time to think about your Awards Ceremony career path

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson honored three schools in ABC Unified School District as part of the recent California School Recognition Awards Ceremony. Tetzlaff Middle School in Cerritos and Artesia High School in Lakewood were given the 2013 California Distinguished School Award. The California Distinguished Schools Program recognizes schools for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement.

In addition, they were recognized for making progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.

Lakewood student named 2013 Outstanding Graduate

Jessica Louise Garcia When the College of the Arts at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB) named Jessica Louise Garcia as its 2013 Outstanding Graduate, they surprised a Renaissance woman.

“I am still in shock to be honest,” said the Lakewood resident, who will receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre arts from the university. “I’ve worked incredibly hard during my time here at CSULB but I just did it because I saw a difference that I wanted to make. I didn’t do it for an award, let alone even know that this kind of an award existed.

A graduate of Lakewood High School, Garcia will be recognized during the College of the Arts’ commencement ceremony.

“The experiences I’ve had here have change my life,” Garcia said.

“I discovered my true passion and I have never felt more ready to move on to my next step in life. I am so thankful and so blessed to have met the people I have and to have been given the opportunities that made me a better person.”

High school seniors are preparing to graduate, receiving college acceptance letters and possibly enrolling in a college or university.

The challenging economy has made many of these young adults acutely aware of the important role their degree can play when they face commencement once again, this time entering the job market.

Some schools offer degree programs that address the skills required to enter fast-growing fields, such as cyber security, cloud computing, health care and accounting.

Careers in technology are growing up to three times faster than other fields. For students interested in pursuing employment in this thriving industry, ComputerWorld recently outlined the “10 hot IT skills for 2013.” Cloud computing

was among the most coveted skills.

Though relatively unfamiliar to the average consumer, this data management knowledge drives the services that support many of today’s businesses.

Similarly, cyber security professionals will play an integral role in keeping information safe as the majority of companies’ assets move online. According to Today’s Engineer, the monthly Web publication of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the cyber security field is growing “in leaps and bounds.”

Employment in health care fields is also on the rise. An aging population of baby boomers and expanded access to health care has placed growing pressure on the health care industry to add workers in fields ranging from

health information systems and biomedical engineering technology to nursing and ambulatory care.

The workforce is rapidly evolving; some of the most desired professional roles of yesterday are shrinking today and will become obsolete tomorrow. The class of 2013 will enter emerging career fields, managing the technologies that drive advanced hospital settings, leading development of the next cloud-based application and protecting companies and consumers from cyber and financial fraud alike.

News

Community Page 12

June 2013

www.lakewoodnews.org

The first male harbor seal This summer protect yourself from is born backyard pests The public has the chance to help name the pup!

The Aquarium of the Pacific staff is celebrating the birth of the first male harbor seal at the institution, which was born on May 1, 2013. The public has the chance to help name the pup through the Aquarium’s Adopt an Animal program by adopting a seal at the $25 level or higher before June 30, 2013.

The pup will remain behind the scenes with his mother until he is ready to be moved to his home in the Seal & Sea Lion Habitat.

For more information visit www.aquariumofpacific.org/adopt . The person whose suggested name is selected will have the opportunity to go behind the scenes to see the pup.

Warm weather is here for the next few months, and that means you’ll be spending more time outdoors with family and friends and more time with summer pests.

Mosquitoes, fire ants, bees, wasps and yellow jackets are some of summer’s worst bugs. And those pests can be more than a mere nuisance.

In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported more than 5,300 cases of West Nile Virus throughout the United States. West Nile Virus can be a serious disease for a few people (about one in 150), according to the CDC. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infected have milder symptoms, while most people who get the disease (about four out of five) will not show any symptoms at all.

Fire ants prefer warm, sunny conditions, and are most common throughout the southern United States, but have been found as far

west as California. Their mounds can grow up to 2 feet around and stand more than a foot tall. These colonies can contain several hundred thousand ants, including at least one queen. By attaching themselves to their victims and injecting venom through their stingers, they can sting animals and humans repeatedly when

threatened or searching for prey.

These ants are reddish-black and range in size from 1/16 to almost half an inch long.

Many bees, wasps and yellow jackets are social insects and live in colonies. Unlike bees, however, wasps and yellow jackets are capable of stinging multiple times.

Many can exist where humans live, and can be dangerous if disturbed.

All three insects can wreak havoc on outdoor fun, especially since they are attracted to food, garbage cans and sugary soft drinks.

Bee, wasp and yellow jacket stings can cause significant and life-threatening allergic reactions in about 3 percent of people who are stung, according to the Mayo Clinic. While stings are usually not life-threatening to most people, they can be painful, become infected and aggravate skin disorders or allergies.

Prevent these backyard pests from being summertime bothers by remembering the following tips: • Clean up spilled food and drinks immediately, and keep food stored tightly, especially during outdoor picnics.

• Rinse out cans before recycling, and empty garbage cans and recycling bins often.

• Seal cracks around doors and windows.

• Keep gutters and downspouts clean and keep plants away from your home’s foundation.

Graduation is only a concept. In real life, every day you graduate.

Graduation is a process that goes on until the last day of your life. If you can grasp that, you’ll make a difference. ~ Arie Pencovici

News

Community www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2013

Page 13

Play the Kris Kringle Golf Tournament and help Project Shepherd

Study up on college savings vehicles

By Edward Jones Financial, Lakewood

Another school year is drawing to a close — so if you have young children, they’re one year closer to the day when they head off to college. And both you and your children need to prepare for that day. Your kids can do so by developing good study habits.

As for you, it’s never too soon to start preparing for the high costs of higher education.

Just how costly is college?

According to the College Board’s figures for the 2012-13 academic year, the average cost for one year at an in-state four-year public school is $22,261; for a private school, the comparable expense is $43,289. And if college costs continue rising faster than the general inflation rate, these figures will increase substantially in the years ahead.

Of course, it’s entirely possible that your kids will receive some scholarships or grants, which can significantly lower your out-of-pocket price tag. Nonetheless, it’s probably a good idea not to count on your offspring getting a “full ride” to school — which means that you may want to start exploring college-savings vehicles.

Fortunately, you have some attractive options, one of which is a 529 plan.

When you contribute to a 529 plan, your earnings accumulate tax free, provided they are used for qualified higher education expenses.

(Keep in mind, though, that 529 plan distributions not used for qualified expenses may be subject to federal and state income tax and a 10% IRS penalty.) Furthermore, your 529 plan contributions may be deductible from your state taxes. However, 529 plans vary, so be sure to check with your tax advisor regarding deductibility.

A 529 plan offers other benefits, too.

For one thing, the lifetime contribution limits for 529 plans are quite generous; while these limits vary by state, some plans allow contributions well in excess of $200,000. Plus, a 529 plan is flexible: if your child, grandchild or other beneficiary decides against college or vocational school, you can transfer the unused funds to another family member, tax and penalty free.

While a 529 plan may be a good choice for building resources for college, it’s certainly not the only choice. For example, a Coverdell

Education Savings Account, like a 529 plan, can generate tax-free earnings if the money is used for higher education expenses. However, you can typically only put in a maximum of $2,000 per year to a Coverdell account.

Another college-savings possibility is a custodial account, known as an UGMA or UTMA, which offers some tax benefits, no contribution limits, and may have an impact on financial aid.

Whichever college-savings vehicles you choose, try to put them to work as early as you can. Before you know it, today’s first-graders will be tomorrow’s college freshmen.

Kris Kringle Golf Tourney moves to July!

It’s the holiday season in July… as the annual Kris Kringle Golf Tournament supporting Project Shepherd tees off at the Lakewood Country Club on Friday, July 19, with a 1pm shotgun start. A buffet lunch precedes the event from 11:30am to 12:45pm.

The annual Lakewood classic benefiting Project Shepherd is moving from its previous time in December to a new home in the heart of the summer. Last year’s tourney in December was rained out. The new time should allow for consistently better golfing conditions.

The tournament fee is $100 and includes green fees, specialty holes, contests, prizes, range balls, golf cart, foursome photo

and a 19th hole reception. Teams will play a four-player scramble format. Sponsor opportunities are available for $1,000 - $2,500. Tee signs are $100.

Tournament entry forms are available at Lakewood City Hall or by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2408. You can also go to

www.lakewoodcity.org/sports for a tournament entry form.

Project Shepherd is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization serving Lakewood residents in need for the 40th year this holiday season.

The Kris Kringle Golf Tournament honors the late Moe Chavez who originated the fundraising golf event. Program efforts continue year-round through an emergency food pantry. The program annually assists nearly 550 families, including 2,000 youth and adults.

Community support comes from residents, students, business owners and community organizations contributing food, toys, clothing and cash. Each Project Shepherd family receives enough basic food items to make family meals for four or five days and holiday gifts, including children’s toys for the family members.

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

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Around Town in JUNE

Lakewood

• Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Church of Lakewood located at 5336 Arbor Rd. June 24-28 / 9am-12pm FREE (with extended care available for a fee).

Ages 4 years thru 5th grade. Call (562) 420-1471 x150, or sign up online at www.1BL.org/vbs.

• The Hearing Loss Association of America will host “What You Need to Know About Emergency Preparedness.”

Emergency preparedness kits, the county’s disaster registry, and what to expect during a disaster for people with hearing loss will be discussed by Sandy Wedgeworth, MPA, Coordinator, Public Health Emergency Management, City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services at on

Thursday, June 13, 7pm, at the Weingart Senior Center. For more information, please call 562-4380597.

Long Beach California Writers Club Proudly Presents: Héctor Tobar Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author of Barbarian Nurseries -- California Book Award and Gold Medal for Fiction 2012 on Saturday, June 8, 3-5pm at Los Altos Branch Library. The topic will be “Writing Across Two Worlds: From newspaper journalist to literary novelist” All writers and readers are welcome to this free event. For information: info@ californiawriterslongbeach.org

Kick start your day

How do you usually start your day? Do you snooze after the alarm goes off? Do you wake up feeling tired and skip breakfast?

Research has found that when you start your mornings out right, especially with good quality sleep, you’re on your way to leading a healthy balanced life.

Don’t underestimate the importance of good morning routines. You can implement a better plan to jump start your day any time so why not start today?

Use these tips to make sure you are primed to have a good day.

Stick to a bedtime pattern.

For some people sticking to a bedtime pattern is easier said than done. They get involved watching TV or doing things around the house.

Everyone has distractions that can interrupt a bedtime routine, but studies have shown that if you go to bed and get up around the same time each day, you’ll wake up feeling more refreshed and less stressed.

Do morning exercises Wake up your body with exercise that you want to do on a continual basis. It might be walking, stretching or riding your bike the list is endless.

If you like morning strolls, mornings are a great time to get outdoors and feel the world around you. You don’t need to walk far to breathe in fresh air and feel energized. Breathe deeply for a short time and you’re bound to feel energized.

Don’t skip breakfast.

Many people skip breakfast because they aren’t hungry or they’re in a hurry to get out the

door. But studies have found that a well balanced breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it can help you function more efficiently during the day.

Practice positive thinking.

If you’re starting your day with thoughts like, “here’s another boring day sitting at home or going to work,” or “I’m already feeling overwhelmed,” you’re not off to a good start.

Instead of gloomy thoughts, replace them with thoughts like, “I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful family,” or the weather is great, so I’ll definitely go for a walk.”

When you practice positive thinking you’ll be much happier and less stressful, and that’s what jump starting a new day is all about.

www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2013

Thank You to our may Sudoku Sponsors!

Congratulations to Hazel Torres and Henry Heidbreder! They are the lucky winners of the May Sudoku contest.

Out of 105 entries, they won a meal.

What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8 ½ x 11) piece of paper, tape the puzzle cut out from the newspaper with all the answer boxes completed 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 Sees Candies.) The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, June 19, 2013. The winners will be drawn; Thursday, June 20 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 (business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the July issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Soroptimist International distributes gift bags for moms

Pictured left to right: Linda Quarto (SI member), Debbie Cuadros (SI member), Rosemarie Shepperson) from Meals on Wheels, Debra Larsen from Meals on Wheels, Joy Janes (SI President) and Annette Norwood (SI member).

As one of the hands-on service projects this year, the ladies of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach prepared Mother’s Day gift bags to be distributed by Lakewood Meals on Wheels for all the mothers on their route.

News

Community June 2013

Trim your wedding costs

By Jason Alderman

Weddings have always been big business, but I was shocked to see how expensive they’ve become in the 17 years since my wife and I got married. According to the annual Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the U.S. now costs $28,427, and that doesn’t even count the honeymoon.

Wait, it gets worse.

Among the more than 17,500 surveyed brides who got married in 2012, the average amount paid for a wedding dress was $1,211.

On average they also spent $204 per wedding guest and dropped $12,905 for the reception venue.

There are many ways to rein in wedding-related costs while still having a memorable event. Here are a few suggestions: Create a budget. Unless you’re a professional wedding planner, you’ll probably be floored by how many expenses weddings can amass, including: wedding and engagement rings, invitations, postage, marriage license, clergy and location fees, flowers, bridal gown and groom’s tuxedo, rehearsal dinner and reception, photography, catering, DJ or band, limousine, parking attendants, tips, gifts for wedding participants and honeymoon expenses.

Shop around. Bridal expos are a good way to meet a lot of vendors and gather ideas. Just don’t get caught up in the excitement and commit to anything before you’ve done follow-up research. Some tips: Bring along someone from the wedding party as well as a trustworthy friend who isn’t emotionally and financially connected to the wedding.

You may feel pressured by vendors to sign contracts or put down deposits, but it’s probably wiser to take their contact information and research them first.

Create a separate email account for wedding vendor communications. Once you sign up for one offer or contest, believe me, your inbox will be swamped.

Here are a few suggestions for trimming costs: Date flexibility. You’ll get more bang for your buck offseason – a June wedding might cost 20 to 30 percent more than one in April or October.

Have your florist use in-season flowers.

Daytime weddings are often cheaper than evening events.

Instead of a hotel, consider less-costly alternative reception

venues like community centers, museums, city park clubhouses or other public facilities looking to earn extra income. Ask whether they have their own tables, chairs, sound and lighting systems; if not, add equipment rental costs into the equation.

A buffet dinner reception could save you $15 or more per guest compared to a plated dinner, because you’re not paying for table service. Save even more by hosting an afternoon reception and serving lunch or hors d’oeuvres.

Hiring a disc jockey instead of a live band will save hundreds of dollars; plus you get a broader selection of music and a built-in emcee to move things along.

One last budgeting tip: Limit the number of guests to ensure you can have a meaningful interaction with each. Remember, spending just one minute a piece with 300 guests would take five hours.

www.lakewoodnews.org

Local teacher recognized

Bethany Lutheran School in Long Beach is celebrating the naming of their school administrator, Dr. Mary Fink, as Principal of the Year for the Pacific Southwest District of Lutheran Schools. In selecting Dr. Fink for this honor, she was cited as being hands on leader who inspires students, families and faculty with her commitment to the school, education and the community.

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www.lakewoodnews.org

June 2013