News
Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
www.lakewoodnews.org
Volume 29 Number 1
January 2013
Lakewood Chamber glances back over 2012, and gears up for 2013!
Networking… From breakfast in the morning to appetizers and cocktails in the evening, a variety of networking opportunities are available for busy Chamber Members. Business Connections… The Chamber also hosts several special events that bring together community leaders as well as business professionals. The Annual Business Forecast Luncheon addresses issues that are most likely to affect the business community. The Business Expo brings the business community together at the Lakewood Center. Businesses are given the opportunity to display and sell their products and services to the public. The Chamber also assists new local businesses with Ribbon Cutting ceremonies in order to help get the word out about the new business within the community. For the sports enthusiasts in your organization the Chamber hosts it’s own softball league.
Events… Aside from networking opportunities, in 2012, the Lakewood Chamber held many great events such as the much-anticipated Annual Summer Stampede Car Show. A new element was added to the show, a tribute to all veterans past and present. Car lovers from all over California came together to display their old cars for the community to admire. The Chamber also provides the opportunity for the community to attend a yearly trip to China and Ireland. For 2013 we are adding a trip to Austria for October Fest. The start of a New Year is the perfect opportunity to get involved, what are you waiting for? Become a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Give us a call at (562) 531-9733 to learn more about how your local Chamber of Commerce can help your business grow and prosper.
Carwood West welcomes HomeGoods to it’s growing shopping spot
Finishing touches are underway at “HomeGoods” located at Woodruff Avenue & Carson Street. Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
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The opening of the longanticipated 24,000 square foot HomeGoods store is just weeks away. Planned for Sunday, February 17, it will join its sisterstore Marshalls at the renovated Carwood West shopping center. Both stores are part of the TJX Companies family of brands that include T.J. Maxx. HomeGoods offers designer and brand name home wares and furnishings for up to 60% off department store prices. HomeGoods says it is committed to the slogan of making customers “HomeGoods Happy” by offering unique, quality merchandise at affordable prices. Merchandise changes weekly. HomeGoods will follow the opening of the center’s equally large Marshalls store last October when over 200 eager fans entered the building after a ribbon-cutting (Cont’d. on Pg. 3)
Lakewood wins “Project of the Year” award
R-to-L: Lakewood Public Works Director, Lisa Rapp with APWA National President Elizabeth Treadway; Lakewood Mayor, Diane DuBois, and Asst Public Works Director, Max Withrow.
Repaving 100% of its residential streets has earned Lakewood a “Project of the Year” award from the Southern California Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA). The 12-year, 143-mile effort was recognized as a top project in the region by the 1,350 member
professional organization that spans Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In addition, Lakewood’s Public Works Director Lisa Rapp was named a national Public Works Leadership Fellow by APWA at a national level. She (Cont’d. on Pg. 5)
LakewoodToday
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Celebrating the new year C i t y Spotlight with gratitude By Mayor Diane DuBois
As we say goodbye to 2012 and start the new year of 2013, we have a lot to appreciate and be grateful for here in Lakewood. So many people in California are living in cities where public services have been reduced and the quality of life impacted. Park hours have been cut back in some cities, potholes gone unfilled, and tree trimming and sidewalk repairs curtailed. I’m grateful that, because of a lot of care and cautiousness over the years with Lakewood’s finances, we have a city budget that has remained stable and can continue to deliver the good services that residents expect from a city government. Our parks are beautiful and
enjoyable to play in. We maintain full hours and staffing at our recreation and senior centers. We still do tree planting and trimming, sidewalk repair, code enforcement and other neighborhood qualityof-life services. We get terrific law enforcement and emergency service from the L.A. Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department. And we have wonderful residents who serve as good neighbors and good community volunteers helping to make life better for everyone. One big symbol of our positive situation will come to fruition in January when we finish repaving the last mile of Lakewood’s 143 miles of residential streets. It’s taken 12 years of focused work. Not many cities can say they’ve done that in 20 or even 30 years of effort. Once done, we’ll need to continue periodic repaving of our major boulevards, but our residential side streets now have a solid base of rubberized asphalt that will last several years (in some cases up to 25 years) without repaving. That’s a great legacy to leave for the future. As we start a new year, I’m also grateful for all the public safety personnel and residents who work hard at keeping Lakewood safe.
Our city took time recently at our 31st Award of Valor Luncheon to honor 24 sworn deputies and firefighters and private citizens for their dedication and acts of courage in catching criminal suspects, saving lives and property, and enhancing public safety. Our economy in Lakewood continues to improve, and I’m very grateful for that. This past year saw over 600 jobs come to town from new and expanded businesses. More businesses are expected to open in 2013, including a large HomeGoods store and a Buffalo Wild Wings restaurant. Let’s hope the business expansion in Lakewood is indicative of a growing trend in California and the nation. The year 2012 had its sadnesses for me. I lost my husband Bruce. I lost my friend and city council colleague Larry Van Nostran. And I lost others very close to me in my private life. Those losses are a reminder of the fragility of life--and the gift of life. They are a reminder to take time in the new year to cherish the love and the company of those around us and in our lives. My Lakewood City Council colleagues and I wish you and your family a very happy and wonderful 2013, full of love and good company here in Lakewood and wherever your travels may take you.
Afterschool Activity Zone begins in January Lakewood parks offer afterschool activities beginning the week of January 7. Fun activities include cooking, crafts, and sports instruction. Students will have a variety of activities to participate in while parents can be assured that their children are properly supervised in a safe and creative environment. Program schedules are available online and can be picked up at Lakewood city hall, all parks and city libraries. Hours of supervision at all city parks beginning on January 7: • Monday to Friday: 3-5pm. • Saturdays: 9am to 5pm. • Sundays and holidays: 12noon to 5pm. Parks are open additional hours for scheduled programs and permits. Call your local park for more information regarding supervision hours and the Activity ZONE program. Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame tickets on sale Tickets for the 32nd annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame banquet will be on sale at Lakewood City Hall starting February 1. The awards banquet is scheduled for Monday, February 25 at 6:30pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza and will honor the 2012 Athlete of the Year and more than 25 other deserving athletes and coaches. If purchased by February 12, discounted tickets are $28 for
January 2013 adults and $18 for students; if purchased between February 13 and 19, ticket prices are $34 and $24 respectively. Call 562-8669771, extension 2408 for more information or to purchase tickets. Adult sports registration Information packets and roster forms are now available at Lakewood City Hall for: • Adult Softball, Men’s Slow Pitch, Men’s Fast Pitch, Women’s Slow Pitch, Ko-Rec Slow Pitch and Senior Slow Pitch. Registration dates for the spring season are January 1427. League dates are March 3 to May 17. Summer registration begins May 6. • Women’s Volleytennis is on Monday nights. Registration dates are January 14-24 and league dates are March 4 to May 6. • Teen and Adult Volleyball free play at Mayfair High Gym is offered on Thursdays for teens at from 6:30pm to 9pm from January 10 to May 16 and on Tuesdays for adults from 6:30pm to 9pm from January 8 to May 14. • Adult Indoor Soccer Free Play at Mayfair High School Gym is on Mondays from 6:30pm to 9pm from January 7 to May 13, and Adult Basketball free play is on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm from February 2 to May 11. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information. Spring recreation catalogs are ‘in the mail’ What do you love about Lakewood? The 2013 Spring Recreation Catalog features a collage of photos of people from all over the city portraying how they love this community. In addition, the new Lakewood catalog offers over 600 programs and classes planned for February through mid-June. New offerings include: Cardio Remix, Kiele Polynesian Dance, Hula and cooking and craft classes. Registration Resident mail-in registration and online registration starts when catalogs go out in the mail. Registration for residents begins as soon as the catalog is received. General registration, including phone-in and walk-in registration, begins Monday, January 14 at 7:30am at city hall. Most classes and activities begin the week of Monday, February 4. Registration is also available at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog. Online registration is fast, easy and convenient. Participants can preview the catalog at www.lakewoodcity. org/catalog. Call Lakewood City Hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information.
Come & Celebrate
Lakewood Women’s Club
60th Anniversary! Tues., January 15th The Centre at Sycamore Plaza Social time begins at 10:30am, followed by a meeting at 11:00am. Lunch will begin at 12Noon.
RSVP: (562) 863-4933
January 2013
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Committee created to narrow down applications for council vacancy At a recent special meeting, the Lakewood City Council voted to create an Ad Hoc Committee of two council members to further review the applications of the 20 residents who have offered to fill the vacancy left by the death of Council Member Larry Van Nostran. The committee, composed of Vice Mayor Steve Croft and Council Member Jeff Wood, were tasked with bringing a narrowed-down list of five finalists, which are: William Baca, Ronald Piazza, Vicki Stuckey, Marc Titel and Ronald Wade. By state law, the council can choose to appoint a Lakewood resident to the council
SAVE THE DATE!
2013
Economic Forecast Luncheon
Wed., Feb. 27th 12Noon-1:30pm The Centre at Sycamore Plaza Lakewood
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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. EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month. (There is no guarantee for insertion.) PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs. © 2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce All rights reserved. Contents may not be reproduced or transmitted - by any means - without the publisher’s written permission
vacancy by January 8, 2013, or schedule a special election to take place on June 4, 2013. “I was impressed by the quantity and the quality of the applications we received, both from long-time civic leaders and average residents who want to serve their community,” said Mayor Diane DuBois. “The full range of applications was really heart-warming to me, and it shows that Lakewood is full of smart, caring residents who are ready to serve their city. Our council has successfully used this Ad Hoc Committee process before with unique issues, and I’m hopeful it can help us with this subject too.” The council also agreed to exercise the city’s option under state law to cancel the March 5, 2013 election and
re-appoint the three incumbent council members (Steve Croft, Diane DuBois and Todd Rogers) who were up for reelection on that date.
“HomeGoods” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
by Lakewood Mayor Diane DuBois. Carwood West is at the corner of Woodruff Avenue and Carson Street and has experienced continuous upgrades since revamps began in 2010. During that time, long-time tenants Alin Party Supply and Harbor Freight have expanded. Sprouts Farmers Market opened in July of 2011. The 27,000 square-foot market helps anchor the attractive shopping center. Sprouts is widely known for offering high-quality, all-natural meats and fresh seafood, imported cheeses, bakery items, bulk foods, and a wide selection of grocery items. They also feature a beer and wine selection and a large variety of vitamins and supplements. Their deli counter offers made-to-order sandwiches,
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party platters and ready-to-eat meals. A large Smart & Final Extra! gives the shopping spot an additional boost of variety and value. The 32,000 square-foot store is just south of Sprouts and is one of the company’s largest stores. Relocated from across Woodruff Avenue, it offers a new line of 5,000 products that Smart & Final Extra! has in “family-friendly” consumer sizes, as well as an expanded selection of produce, fresh meat, frozen foods, dairy, deli and grocery basics. There are also new sections for baby food and diapers, health and beauty care. The corner is also home to one of the nation’s busiest Wienerschnitzel fast-food restaurants. The family-owned eatery has called Carwood Shopping Plaza home for 35 years. In 2012, it moved into newly renovated digs closer to the main intersection.
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State of the City tickets available
Lakewood residents are invited to attend this year’s State of the City Luncheon to hear what city leaders are saying about the community’s 2013 opportunities and challenges. The luncheon is Wednesday, January 23, at noon, at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza located at 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. The annual event is sponsored by the City of Lakewood, the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. Luncheon tickets are $25 per person, and tables of nine can be reserved for $225. Purchase tickets online at www. lakewoodcity.org/sotc. The reservation deadline is Thursday, January 17. Attendees will hear from Lakewood officials about the accomplishments of the past year and what lies ahead for the city in 2013. The event will also include the first showing of Lakewood’s always informative and entertaining annual report video, which will be played in the weeks ahead on CityTV, Channel 31. Reservations can be made by mail, as well. Send the name of the attendee(s), as well as organization/title (if appropriate), address, phone and e-mail, along with a check made payable to the City of Lakewood. Mail your reservation to the Community Relations Office, City of Lakewood, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. For more information, call Theresa Gutierrez at 562-866-9771, extension 2127.
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January 2013
Free ‘Survive for 7’ disaster planning class
Victims of Hurricane Sandy faced earthquake-like damage and clean up. Hurricane Sandy affected 24 states and hit front pages across the country when it slammed into New Jersey and New York last October. Power was out for days. Transportation, food and water supplies were drenched leaving many to fend for themselves. Earthquake-like damage should remind Californians they will have very similar needs following the “big one.” Postquake necessities like food, water and shelter will be pressing needs. Lakewood’s “Survive for 7” program can help you be better prepared. A free “Survive for 7” disaster prep planning program is scheduled for Tuesday, February 5, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Youth Center at Del
Valle Park (Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road). The one-evening program educates residents about emergency preparedness and teaches skills to survive in the first week following a catastrophe. Learn more at www. lakewoodcity.org/7days. Experts say it just takes a little common-sense preparation for individual families to be selfreliant following a major disaster and family preparedness is the program’s main goal. “Do you know what to do? Do you have a plan? Fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding. You need to learn what to do, have a plan and be prepared to take care of yourself, your family and your community,” says instructor
Karen Plantz. The program offers common sense answers to disaster preparation questions. There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies/special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container with wheels, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Signups may be done online using the eCatalog: www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog. Call Karen Plantz at 562-866-9771, extension 2404 for additional information.
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Community January 2013
Make the New Year a new beginning
We have begun 2013 reflecting on the past year, and for a lot of people, what a time of trial it has been. So many life-changing events have taken place. From job loss, to career transitions, financial ruin, to home foreclosures, the economic downturn of the last several years has wiped away the sense of security that was once felt in the not so distant past. A new year brings with it a chance to reflect and contemplate…to take a look at where we’ve been over the past year and all the changes we’ve gone through. But don’t let those changes fill you with resentment and fear. Each change brings with it opportunity, there may be some sadness, sure, but we should also reflect on the new positive possibilities that have been created. Start this year off with a heart of thankfulness, in spite of all the set backs from the previous year. Be thankful foremost for good health, family, and friends. Change. Most people are adverse to change, we like to live in the familiar, it’s easy and comfortable. However, through circumstances beyond our control, we might find ourselves headed in a different direction. Accept your new reality; you’ll then have the power to work with it. And make the necessary choices and changes to fit your new situation. Take some time to refocus, make lasting resolutions to eat healthier, exercise, and lower stress levels. Make sure that your desire to move forward is stronger than the natural inclination to revert to old ways. Take a deep breath, and with a glass of champagne in hand, toast to 2013 with a fresh, renewed outlook on your life. Accept what has changed, adjust to it, take action, learn and keep moving forward, it can only get better from here…
“Another fresh New Year is here . . .Another year to live! To banish worry, doubt, and fear, To love and laugh and give! This bright New Year is given me To live each day with zest . . . To daily grow and try to be My highest and my best! I have the opportunity Once more to right some wrongs, To pray for peace, to plant a tree, And sing more joyful songs!”
www.lakewoodnews.org “Project of the Year Award” (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)
joins a select group of professionals tasked with mentoring the upcoming generation of public works leaders. The awards were presented at the group’s annual luncheon at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in Lakewood on December 12, 2012. “Roads are one of a city’s most visible and valuable resources,” said Mayor Diane DuBois. There’s a huge investment there. About 12 years ago, our public works team, led by Lisa Rapp, alerted Lakewood’s city council to the looming trouble we faced with our aging roadways. I’m pleased that Lakewood City
Council Members over time have consistently found the resources to keep our public works team focused on improving that key element of our city infrastructure. Now, Lakewood is admired by people throughout our region for our smooth streets. “I also want to congratulate Lisa on being named a national mentor in the public works profession. Her credentials are obvious when you drive through Lakewood and see the condition of our entire infrastructure, including our parks and public facilities. She manages our public works efforts extremely well and also enhances the public works profession to the benefit of all of Southern California.”
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January 2013
A new year brings a host of new employment laws Source: CalChamber
The California Chamber of Commerce recently released a list of new employment laws scheduled to take effect in 2013 that will impact businesses in California. Below is an overview of some of the most significant changes:
Religion and Reasonable Accommodation AB 1964 clarifies that Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) discrimination protections and reasonable accommodation requirements cover religious dress practices and religious grooming
practices. It also specifies that segregating an individual from other employees or the public is not a reasonable accommodation of religious beliefs or observances. Sex Discrimination and Breastfeeding AB 2386 changes the definition of “sex” under FEHA for purposes of discrimination protections to include breastfeeding and related medical conditions. Social Media and Personal Passwords CalChamber-supported AB1844 prohibits employers from requiring or requesting employees/job applicants to provide user names or passwords for personal social media accounts and from requesting an employee/ applicant to divulge personal social media. There are limited exceptions, including an exception relating to employer investigations. Inspection of Personnel Records AB 2674 makes significant changes to the inspection and retention of personnel records, in the following areas: (1) who has the right to inspect or request copies of personnel files; (2) any deadlines for providing access to files; (3) where and how records must be made available; (4) an employer’s obligations to retain files; and (5) penalties for failure to comply. Fixed Salaries and Overtime AB 2103 amends the Labor Code to
state that payment of a fixed salary to a nonexempt employee will be deemed to be payment only for the employee’s regular nonovertime hours, notwithstanding any private agreement or “explicit mutual wage agreement” to the contrary. Human Trafficking Posting SB 1193 requires specified businesses to post an 8.5” x 11” notice, on or before April 1, 2013, that contains information about organizations that provide services to eliminate slavery and human trafficking. The Department of Justice will develop a model notice that complies with the requirements of SB 1193 and make the model notice available. Workers’ Compensation Reform SB 863 is workers’ compensation reform legislation supported by the CalChamber. The legislation offsets necessary increases in
permanent disability benefits and potentially lowers system costs for employers. Some of the legislative reforms take effect January 1, 2013, but many of the laws require administrative/regulatory action before implementation. Unemployment Insurance: Overpayment and Penalties AB 1845 provides that the Employment Development Department (EDD) can deny reimbursement to an employer for any overpayments made to its unemployment insurance reserve accounts if the EDD determines that the overpayment resulted from an employer’s failure to respond to or provide adequate information to the EDD. This new law applies to benefit overpayments established on or after October 22, 2013.
Member Renewals
With their membership renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. 21 Years Hap’s Auto Parts 18 Years Lakewood Regional Med Ctr. 15 Years Lakewood Rent All 12 Years Soroptimist Lakewood/Long Beach 5 Years Orozco’s Auto Service
Thank You!
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January 2013
Start the New Year clean! Attend a hazardous/e-waste event!
Kick off 2013 cleaning out the house or garage with a household hazardous waste/e-waste dropoff event in nearby Paramount on Saturday, January 5. The convenient drive-through event will be open from 9am to 3pm. It should take only a few minutes to get rid of unwanted chemicals and electronic waste. Participants often don’t even have to get out of their car. The event is at the Paramount Swap Meet at 7900 All American City Way (just south of the intersection of Paramount Boulevard and Rosecrans Avenue). Participants should leave chemicals in their original container, place them in a cardboard box and drive to the
Christmas trees, styrofoam and ‘bulky items’ If the New Year finds your home awash with holiday debris, the city’s bulky item pick up program can help you start 2013 right. Bulky item pick up is a convenient way to get rid of old appliances, electronics and furniture. Also, that pesky Styrofoam that’s so much a part of holiday packaging, can now be put into your blue recycling cart. For more trash and recycling tips, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/trash or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140. Bulky item pick up kicks off each year after over 10,000 Christmas trees are collected from Lakewood residents. They create more than 100 tons of useful recycled mulch. As in past years, trees should be left curbside on your regular trash day--not put into blue recycling or gray trash carts. The collection of trees for recycling is free and continues until Friday, January 4. Bulky item collection services restart on Monday, January 7. Lakewood residents have six bulky item pickups they can take advantage of during each calendar year. This free service is designed to help dispose of certain types of bulky or awkward household items, such as large electronics, old mattresses, water heaters, sofas and chairs. If you can’t find a reuse opportunity for your items, you can call EDCO, the city’s trash contractor, prior to 3:30 p.m. at 562-531-3054, one day in advance of your regular trash collection day and ask for a bulky item pickup.
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collection site. No explosive or radioactive materials, tires or waste from businesses will be accepted. Please do not mix chemicals together in the same bottle. Technicians will empty car trunks and truck beds of chemicals like motor oil, paint or pesticides. The event also gathers old TVs, cell phones, printers and computers. Electronic waste is sent to a facility within California that certifies it is 100 percent demanufactured and recycled in a stringent and environmentallyacceptable manner. None of the electronic waste collected at these events is sent overseas.
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Making a difference for kids at Christmas Project Shepherd’s “Teddy Bear Tree” program grants the holiday gift wishes to over 1,000 Lakewood kids each year. Children write their holiday wish on small paper teddy bears that get hung on tree displays throughout the city. The generosity of strangers gets the affordable gifts purchased. The efforts of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood allows them to be delivered as part of the larger Project Shepherd holiday program. Project Shepherd recently held a special Teddy Bear Tree event at Lakewood Center. It celebrated 40 years of making a difference, and helped to
encourage mall shoppers to pick up a bear ornament and fulfill a wish. As part of the “Shop Lakewood” campaign, Lakewood Center donated a $100 gift card to be awarded to a lucky philanthropist if they purchased the gift in Lakewood. Dozens of bears were picked up and many toys were turned in.
Project Shepherd’s yearround emergency food pantry is precious to the people it serves every week of the year. During the holidays, over 2,000 individuals living in Lakewood, many of them children and seniors, are able to enjoy the holidays through the food, gifts and toys the program gathers.
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January 2013
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Volunteer Day seeks project sites in Lakewood
Project sites are needed for Volunteer Day.
One of Lakewood’s community 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 20 clean-up and fix-up event. On this day, more than 500 volunteers will fan out to locations throughout Lakewood and 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 yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard clean-up or minor painting. The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. To
qualify, residents must live in Lakewood, be unable to complete the work themselves due to age or disability, or be unable to afford to hire someone for the work. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day clean-up project and meet the selection criteria, please fill out the form below and return it in the envelope provided, or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteerday to submit an application online. For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512.
New Year Poem 10:00 am
‘Twas The Month After Christmas and all through the house – nothing would fit me, not even a blouse. The cookies I’d nibbled, the eggnog I’d taste. All the holiday parties had gone to my waist. When I got on the scales there arose such a number! When I walked to the store (less a walk than a lumber.) I’d remember the marvelous meals I’d prepared; The gravies and sauces and beef nicely rared, The wine and the rum balls, the bread and the cheese And the way I’d never said, “No thank you, please.” As I dressed myself in my husbands old shirt And prepared once again to do battle with dirt – I said to myself, as I only can “You can’t spend a winter disguised as a man!” So away with the last of the sour cream dip, Get rid of the fruitcake, every cracker and chip Every last bit of food that I like must be banished Till all the additional ounces have vanished. I won’t have a cookie – not even a lick I’ll want only to chew on a long celery stick. I won’t have hot biscuits, or corn bread, or pie, I’ll munch on a carrot and quietly cry. I’m hungry, I’m lonesome, and life is a bore – But isn’t that what January is for? Unable to giggle, no longer a riot. Happy New Year to all and to all a good diet.
January 2013
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Lakewood Scout completes Eagle Project with help from the community
January 2013
Kyle Weisenstein (pictured to the left) of Troop 134 in Lakewood recently completed his Eagle Project. Currently a senior at Lakewood High School, Kyle worked with the City of Lakewood to make this informational kiosk along the West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail. The kiosk will have information about the trail, a map of the trail, rules of the trail and some of the birds that can be seen along the trail. Anyone can access the informational kiosk, which is just a short walk from the parking lot next to Monte Verde Park. Local volunteers that included fellow Scouts, Dads and community members helped build the kiosk.
Two blood drives in January
The Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center, in cooperation with the American Red Cross, is holding two “Battle of the Badges” blood drives in January: Wednesday, January 2, 2013 and Thursday, January 10, 2013. Both are from 12noon until 6pm at the safety center, located in the Target wing of Lakewood Center. This is the Seventh Annual Battle of the Badges and an opportunity for all badge-carrying personnel, residents, friends and family to positively impact the community by competing in a friendly competition and pledging their donation in the name of the public safety agency of choice. Schedule an appointment at a Red Cross Donor Center near your, or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. (Walk-in donors are welcome too.) All participants will receive will receive a Battle of the Badge T-shirt, a coupon for a free appetizer from Mimi’s Café and two complimentary VIP tickets to the Laugh Factory. The safety center is open during extended mall hours, from 9am to 9pm on weekdays, Saturdays from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 7pm. For information and scheduling assistance, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center at 562-623-3583.
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Thanks to our DECEMBER
Sudoku Sponsors
Outback Steakhouse
Congratulations to Tammi Hartman and Debra Therrio! They are the lucky winners of the December Sudoku. Out of 86 entries, they won a meal. Tammi Hartman, will enjoy Outback Steakhouse and Debra Therrio, Souplantation. 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. M a i l entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall
Weingart-Lakewood offers healthy New Year’s Resolutions The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. When making New Year’s Resolutions, the Lakewood Y reminds families that building family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013: • Eat Together: Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the school day or their favorite part of the day. • Volunteer Together: Giving back and supporting neighbors, benefits everyone involved. It teaches kids the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. • Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home. • Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and wellbeing. • Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. For additional tips or to learn more about the WeingartLakewood Family YMCA’s family time programs, 562-4257431 or visit www.lbymca.org.
& Souplantation (right next to Sees Candies.) The winners are drawn by random, so if you’ve been a previous winner, continue to play, you just might win again.
One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, January 22, 2013. The winners will be drawn Tuesday the 23rd; 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 December issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
Town
with Robin Vanderwerff
January 2013
Page 12
www.lakewoodnews.org
January 2013