LCN January 2017

Lakewood

News

Community

Official publication of the GreaterOfficial Lakewood Chamber of Commerce | 30,000 Circulation - Delivered to every home in Lakewood publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

33 Number 19 Volume 34

www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood Chamber looks back on 2016

September January 2016 2017

ORIENTATION MEETING

Mimi’s Cafe

4404 Candlewood St. Lakewood

The start of a New Year is the perfect opportunity to become a member of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. As an active member of the chamber, you will have the opportunity to meet with people outside your normal routine. This in turn will create new relationships, and those relationships are key to business success. For more information visit www.lakewoodchamber.com, or call (562) 531-9733.u

Make a resolution this New Year to help others

“Resolution season” has many looking inward with hopes of losing weight, getting more organized or paying down debt. In Lakewood, there are also opportunities for looking outward to help others. Consider adopting resolutions like giving back to the community and volunteering.

Options in Lakewood range from spending one morning joining with hundreds of neighbors this spring Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

Tues, 2/21/17 • 5-7PM Please call to RSVP: (562) 531-9733

Cut and paste yourself over to Hobby Lobby’s grand opening!

at Volunteer Day, to spending a few evenings a month at a park coaching neighborhood kids, or getting active on your own block in Neighborhood Watch.

If you want to help but don’t know what’s the right fit for you, visit www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteer or call 562866-9771, extension 2408. City staff can help match your interests with over 35 activities and community groups. u PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

Hobby Lobby staff stocking the new store.

The long-awaited opening of the new Hobby Lobby superstore is coming on Monday, January 2 at 9am at the site of former Vons grocery store at 4001 Hardwick Street, just west of Lakewood Boulevard, across from Lakewood Center mall.

The Oklahoma-based chain of over 600 arts and crafts superstores spent over $1 million remodeling the 48,000-square-foot former Vons building.

Come on by and see the new store and check out its huge assortment of arts and crafts.

Hobby Lobby’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 8pm. The store is closed on Sundays. u

LakewoodToday

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www.lakewoodchamber.com

Plenty to celebrate in Lakewood!

By Mayor Ron Piazza

The final days of December are a good time to reflect on what we’ve accomplished in the year behind us… and what we’d like to do in the year ahead.

In Lakewood, the city council and city government had a busy 2016 with lots of accomplishments in the areas of parks, public safety and community life.

The year was especially notable for our parks.

At Rynerson Park, the city council approved the installation of an innovative play area that opened in April where adults can work out on exercise equipment right next to new playgrounds for children. This innovative, new style of playground is great for promoting family fitness.

A month later at Del Valle Park, the city built an airplane-themed playground that includes a replica of a space shuttle, control tower and landing strip.

And in the fall at Bolivar Park, two new playgrounds were installed. A new tot lot for kids under five includes an “Expression Swing” where a parent and child can swing facing each other. The playground for children five and over includes climbers, rope ladders, swings….and the longest zip-line in Lakewood! If you haven’t seen it yet, swing on by and see the kids lined up to give it a try.

The Lakewood City Council makes park improvements a top priority, and other parks got enhancements, too. Biscailuz and Boyar parks received restroom renovations. Bloomfield, Palms and San Martin parks’ game courts were resurfaced. And new furniture was installed in many areas of the Weingart Senior Center.

Coming up in 2017, the city council has approved a major project to improve the Burns Community Center, used by many Lakewood older adults. Burns will receive a new elevator added to the outside of the building, expanded interior space for building users, and renovated restrooms.

The Lakewood community has a long-standing tradition of expressing appreciation to the men and women of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, our county Fire Stations and civilian volunteers who protect us.

One way we do this is through

the Award of Valor program.

This year, my city council colleagues joined me in honoring 25 Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and volunteers who went “above and beyond” the call of duty in service to our community. There were some particularly moving stories this year. For details, I urge you to read the article about the Award of Valor in this edition of the Lakewood Community News.

The year 2016 was also notable for a number of wonderful events that brought Lakewood residents together. For the second year, our newly restored Veterans Memorial Plaza hosted our longstanding Memorial Day ceremony and for the third year, we held a Tree Lighting event in December, complete with falling snow, Dickens carolers and Santa, that attracted over 6,000 Lakewood residents. The tree lighting has already become a great new Lakewood tradition!

As a longtime Lakewood resident, I’m honored to be part of the city council working for you.

I’m proud that our city has a good reputation for balanced budgets, quality services for residents, and drama-free stability. That’s not always the case in every local government, but I’m glad it is in Lakewood.

I’ll be talking more about some of the exciting projects that lie ahead for Lakewood in 2017 in my column next month.

Until then, on behalf of all my colleagues on the Lakewood City Council, our best wishes for a healthy and happy new year! u

January 2017

C i t y Spotlight New online registration system for spring recreation programs Lakewood’s online recreation class registration system is getting an upgrade, thanks to a new system called ActiveNet. Beginning with the Spring 2017 Recreation Catalog, this new system will give participants a more user-friendly and intuitive experience when registering for classes online.

To use the new system, participants will need to take a moment and create a new user account. The process is quick and easy. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/newaccount.

Resident mail-in registration and online registration began in late December. General registration for the public, including phone-in and walk-in registration, begins Monday, January 9 at 7:30am at city hall.

Most classes and activities begin the week of Monday, February 6. Online registration using the new system is fast, easy and convenient at www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

Call Lakewood Recreation and Community Services staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information.

Afterschool Activity Zone begins in January Lakewood parks offer free after-school activities beginning the week of January 9. Activities include homework help, crafts, and sports instruction. Parents can be assured that their children are properly supervised in a safe and creative environment.

Program schedules are available online at www.lakewoodcity. org/afterschool and can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall, all parks and city libraries.

Hours of supervision at all city parks beginning on January 9 are: • Monday to Friday: 3pm to 5pm.

• Saturdays: 9am to 5pm.

• Sundays and holidays: 12pm 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. Park phone numbers are at www.lakewoodcity.org/recreation.

“Animal Tracks” for FUN-TASTIC Family Night Take a walk on the wild side on Friday, February 3 at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Ave. from 6:30pm – 8pm.

Participants will meet some incredible animals including an African bullfrog, alligator, python, kookaburra, kangaroo, kinkajou and baboon. The price of admission includes a kid-friendly dinner of chicken fingers, macaroni and cheese, lemonade and dessert.

Admission is $8/person, $5/child ages 1-3, and children under 1 are free. Seating is on a first-come basis. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

Last day to register is January 31 or until filled. Register at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog using class #5888.

Adult sports registration Adult sports information packets and roster forms will be available starting Monday, January 9 at Lakewood City Hall for upcoming adult sports programs. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information. u

Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame tickets on sale

Tickets for the 36th annual Lakewood Youth Sports Hall of Fame banquet will be on sale at Lakewood City Hall starting January 23. The awards banquet is scheduled for Monday, February 27 at 6:30pm at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza and will honor the 2016 Athlete of the Year and more than 25 other deserving athletes and coaches.

If purchased by February 9, discounted tickets are $28 for adults and $18 for students; if purchased between February 10 and 17, ticket prices are $34 and $24 respectively.

Reservation deadline is February 21. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for more information or to purchase tickets. u

Your

Minding

January 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Prepare for Medicare price changes in 2017

If you’re eligible for Medicare, or will be in the coming year, there are a few changes you should know about for 2017.

An increase in the Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) means there’ll be an increase in Social Security benefits and Medicare Part B premiums. For most recipients the increases almost offset each other, but those who aren’t covered by the “hold harmless” provision (about 30 percent of recipients) face a larger Part B premium increase.

These changes, along with several others, will go into effect soon and you should consider how they could affect your budget.

A slight increase in your Social Security benefits. Since 1975, Social Security benefits have an automatic cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The adjustment depends on the CPI and helps keep your benefits in line with the rising cost of goods.

There wasn’t a COLA for 2016 benefits, but there is a .3 percent adjustment for next year. Meaning, you’ll get an additional $3 per $1,000 you receive in benefits. The estimated average monthly benefit for all retired workers is expected to increase $5, from $1,355 to $1,360.

Medicare Part B premiums will also rise. The COLA also affects Medicare Part B premiums, the part of Medicare that covers some types of procedures and medical equipment. However, for about 70 percent of Medicare recipients, the Social Security Act’s “hold harmless” provision prohibits an increase to Medicare B premiums of more than the previous year’s COLA adjustment.

According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, held harmless recipients will pay $109 per month, an increase of $4.10.

If you aren’t held harmless, Part B premiums could increase by

about 10 percent. The remaining 30 percent of Social Security beneficiaries will have their Part B premium increase by about 10 percent. You could fall into the non-held-harmless group if you: Are a new enrollee • Enrolled in Medicare but don’t receive Social Security benefits • Get billed directly for Medicare Part B • Receive Medicare and Medicaid benefits and your state Medicaid

Stoppages

programs pay your Part B premium • Are a high-income earner subject to an income-adjusted premium For the non-held-harmless group, the premium depends on the recipient’s (or couple’s when filing a joint tax return) adjusted gross income (AGI).

• The lowest monthly premium, for individuals who have an AGI of $85,000 or less ($170,000 for couples), will increase from $121.80 to $134 a month per person.

• On the high end, for recipients with an AGI over $214,000 ($428,000 for couples), the monthly premium will increase from $389.80 to $428.60 per person.

Medicare Part A and B deductibles will also increase.

Most people don’t have to pay Medicare Part A premiums, but you could still have to pay a deductible or coinsurance for some Part A benefits.

• The deductible for inpatient

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hospital coverage, which helps cover the first 60 days of care, will increase from $1,288 to $1,316 per benefit period.

• Daily coinsurance for the 61st through 90th day of treatment will increase from $322 to $329.

• Daily coinsurance for day 91 on will rise from $644 to $658.

• Each day past day 90 counts towards your lifetime reserve. You have a maximum of 60 lifetime reserve days; after which you could be responsible for all costs.

• Skilled nursing facility care is completely covered for your first 20 days.

• Daily coinsurance for day 21 to 100 of skilled nursing care will increase to $164.50.

• You could be responsible for all costs beyond day 100.

The Part B annual deductible will also increase, from $166 to $183.

Business Page 3

Generally, after you’ve met your deductible, you’ll pay 20 percent of Medicare-approved costs for services covered by Part B. u

Lakewood Garden Club

The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday, January 26th at the youth center at Del Valle Park. Business meeting will be at 11am with programs at 12:15pm. The guest speaker will be Kim King of H and H Nursery. The topic is “ask the expert.” Questions will be addressed from the audience. At every meeting members bring food items for Project Shepherd. For more information call Gwen Travis at (562) 867-0516. u

News

Community Page 4

www.lakewoodchamber.com

January 2017

Local students are thrilled to Detrimental ways smoking affects the body

By Debbie Oates ~ NP, Nurse receive scholarships Navigator, Lung Nodule Center, MemorialCare

The Cerritos College Foundation recently awarded five students with scholarships funded through a grant provided by Kaiser Permanente.

Each $2,000 scholarship is part of a larger $20,000 grant presented by Kaiser Permanente to the Cerritos College Foundation in 2015. The purpose of the grant was to recognize students studying the health occupations areas of nursing, pharmacy technology, and mental health worker.

The Kaiser Permanente Nursing Scholarship was presented to first-year nursing student Marjorie Di Puglia of Los Angeles, and second-year nursing student Hong Vo of South El Monte. Allison Venida-Luc of Norwalk and Jeremy Castillo of Cerritos were each awarded the Kaiser Permanente Pharmacy Technology Scholarship, while Susan Garcia of Long Beach received the Kaiser Permanente Mental Health Worker Scholarship.

The Foundation will be awarding the remaining grant amount in the Spring of 2017. Eligible students enrolled at Cerritos College may apply online at www.cerritos.edu/foundationscholarships beginning January 1, 2017. u

The health risks you have accumulated from smoking never disappear. However, quitting will help decrease your risk for things like lung cancer, heart disease and diabetes. In addition to damaging the lungs, smoking can negatively impact the entire body in ways that might surprise you. Here are 10 ways smoking affects the body.

1. Lung Cancer: It has been estimated that active smoking is responsible for close to 90 percent of lung cancer cases. After being smoke free for 10 years, your risk of dying from lung cancer is cut in half.

Preventing lung cancer is better than finding it early and smoking is the most important risk factor for lung cancer that can be modified.

2. Poor Vision: Smoking significantly increases the chance of developing cataracts, which can lead to blindness or poor night vision.

3. Mood Stimulation: The surge of energy from smoking is due to a nervous system stimulant, which also can make you addicted.

4. Bronchitis: Smokers aren’t the only ones who have a higher rate of bronchitis - children of smokers do too.

5. Blood Clots: Blood clots increase risk of heart damage and stroke.

6. Constricted Blood Vessels: Nicotine causes blood vessels to tighten and restrict blood flow, which is bad for your heart and

brain.

7. Blood Cancer: Smokers are more likely than nonsmokers to develop cancers of the blood.

8. Heart Disease: Smokers and nonsmokers who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are at risk of heart attack and heart disease. Within one year of quitting, your risk of a heart attack drops significantly and after 15 years, your risk of heart attack is back to that of a nonsmoker’s.

9. Diabetes: Smokers are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes tends to progress more rapidly in smokers than in nonsmokers.

10. High Cholesterol: Tobacco smoke steals your good cholesterol and it becomes more likely that your bad cholesterol will build up.

If you have a history of smoking, you may be eligible for a lung cancer screening. Screening results in a minimal amount of radiation exposure and helps detect lung

cancer at the most curable stage.

Research has shown that an annual screening at an accredited screening center for those at high-risk prevents 1 in 5 deaths from lung cancer. u The MemorialCare Todd Cancer Institute at Long Beach Memorial offers a comprehensive Lung Cancer Screening Program. For more information about the Lung Cancer Screening Program, call 800-MEMORIAL or visit MemorialCare.org/

“Welcome to Lakewood” Flyers due February 15th

Want to know a great way you can reach “new” Lakewood residents? Supply us with 250 flyers/coupons, and we include it in our “Welcome to Lakewood” packet. (Cost is $100)

Call 562-531-9733 for more information

News

Community

January 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Page 5

Lakewood resident is honored to ride the ‘Donate Life’ Rose Parade float

By Robin Vanderwerff

The Lakewood Community News featured Adrian Jimenez’s heart-wrenching story as an organ ‘donor’ in the December, 2016 issue. This month, we will tell a story from an organ ‘recipient’s’ perspective.

Who would have imagined that in the small town of Lakewood, we would house both an organ donor and recipient? Both are being honored at the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade.

John Whalen was just one year old when his family moved to Lakewood. He was an ordinary Lakewood kid; played at all the local parks, hung out with his friends and enjoyed all that Lakewood had to offer. He graduated from St. Anthony’s in 1978, and later, married his wife Lauren. Life was good, until his health took a sudden turn.

It came on suddenly 5 years ago; John started feeling run down, confused, mentally cloudy, and very emotional. Several years and several doctors later, he was diagnosed with Alpha One Antitrypsin, an inherited genetic disorder that can cause liver disease. After John’s liver biopsy, irreversible liver disease was confirmed. In September of 2012, he was given the devastating prognosis – he would have only two years to live. It was then that he was placed on the California organ transplant waiting list.

John recalls, “Hearing that news wasn’t easy! Learning that California has the longest wait for liver and kidney donations of any other state was hard to handle.”

The sad truth is, less than 40% of Californians register to become organ donors. There’s an eight to ten year wait in California for a kidney.

How quickly John would receive a new liver would depend upon his ‘score.’ There’s a model for end-stage liver disease in order to prioritize patients waiting

up within 24 hours of the surgery and walk. He said, “I felt so wonderful, it was overwhelming!

I also realized this family just suffered a horrible loss and made a decision. There’s a lot of guilt associated with being a recipient.”

Maria Piller and John have made the choice to stay in contact.

John says, “How do you thank someone who saved your life?”

He tries to pay it forward by writing letters to the donor’s two young daughters. He explains all the things he’s doing, and tries to convey to them that a piece of their dad is still living.

John’s loving wife and family have held his hand throughout his journey. John believes, “It’s

John Whalen is pictured holding a photograph of his liver donor, Jason Gosnell, and Gosnell’s daughter, Aria. for transplants: 6 (less ill) to 40 (gravely ill). John had a score of 27. He remembered, “I just wanted to be in that ‘sweet spot,’ not too sick that I couldn’t survive the transplant, but not too well that I would have to wait.”

Turns out he was very fortunate.

In January 2013, he qualified for a liver. Anyone on the liver transplant list today would need a score of 35 to qualify.

On February 26, 2013, John got the call. He remembers every detail. It was 7:30pm and he was told to pack his bags and head to UC San Diego. They have a donor.

“I was shocked! Very blessed and very lucky!” John exclaimed.

John’s joy turned to heartache, as he understands this gift comes to him at a huge cost - the life of someone else. That life was 30 year-old Jason Gosnell of Arizona. He died suddenly, and

his mother, Maria Piller, made the agonizing decision to donate his liver.

After a ten-hour surgery, John woke up feeling better than he had felt in years. He wanted to get

the unsung heroes that should be recognized, and I’m so lucky to have them.”

John’s life was saved because another life was lost. He says, “I can’t believe it all happened, it’s like a dream.” The reality is, John was given a precious gift, and in recognition, he will be amongst those honored on the Donate Life float at the 2017 Rose Parade.

As John looks forward to another year of wonderful health, he’s so very thankful, and would like to encourage other community members to make the choice to be an organ donor.

For those interested, you can register by logging on to wwwdonatelifeca.com. u

News

Community Page 6

January 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood Chamber Members Want to to wish you a Accommodations-Hotel

Holiday Inn-Long Beach Airport (562) 597-4401

Animal Care

Found Animals Foundation (310) 574-5794 Your Lucky Pet Sitter (562) 682-8954

Automobile - General LA Auto Consulting (818) 612-5697 Lakewood Car Wash (562) 634-9020

Automobile-Parts & Supplies Hap’s Auto Parts (562) 422-1201 Transamerican Auto Parts (310) 900-5567

Automobile-Tires Allen Tire Company (562) 420-2269

Banking Institutions

Banner Bank (562) 213-1100 F&M Bank (562) 602-8378 LBS Financial Credit Union (562) 598-9007 NuVision Federal Credit Union (562) 375-8327

Catering/Banquet Hall

TGIS (Thank Goodness its Sofia) (562) 804-4434

Check Cashing

Cash America Payday Advance (562) 630-8500

Child Development/ Day Care

Long Beach Day Nursery (562) 591-0509

Churches

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (562) 496-2319 Lakewood First United Methodist Church (562) 425-1219 Lakewood Christ Presbyterian Church (562) 633-0749 Life Center Assembly of God (562) 866-9078

Computer Services Blupanthr (562) 502-7343

Contractors

K.E.Y. Design (562) 292-1217

Consulting

Technical Writing & Consulting (562) 881-6375

Dentistry-Orthodontics Bellflower Dental Group (562) 925-3765 Brodsky Orthodontics (562) 496-2000 Candlewood Smiles (562) 634-5042 Lakewood Modern Dentistry (562) 920-9050 Lakewood Smiles (562) 866-0406 Nguyen Dental (562) 634-2500 Raymond Manigigian D.D.S. (562) 429-2459

Education-Schools and Colleges

ABC Unified School District (562) 926-5566

Allison Tutoring (562) 822-6488 Bellflower Beauty College (562) 421-1700 Bellflower Unified School District (562) 866-9011 Bethany Lutheran School (562) 420-7783 Cerritos College (562) 860-2451 Long Beach Unified School District (562) 997-8242 Saint Joseph High School (562) 925-5073

Electricians

West Coast Electric (310) 612-9449

Employment Development SELACO WIB (562) 402-9336

Entertainment

Round One Bowling & Amusement (562) 408-2937 Seahawk Cocktail Lounge (562) 630-2649 The Rinks – Lakewood Ice (562) 429-1805

Happy New Year!

Healthcare

Pathways Volunteer Hospice (562) 531-3031

Foggia Italian Market & Deli (562) 627-0987

Home Care Services

Rotary Club of Lakewood (562) 421-1213 Su Casa-Ending Domestic Violence (562) 303-1030

Honeybaked Ham (562) 634-9711 Little Caesars Pizza (562) 866-9909 Mimi’s Café (562) 529-8748 Outback Steakhouse (562) 634-0353 Piazza McDonald’s (562) 497-0055 Pieology (562) 634-2625 Stonefire Grill (562) 232-2000

Immediate Medical Center (562) 802-0208 Mama Sherman’s Love & Caring (562) 452-9400

Home Improvement Floor & Decor (562) 674-2584 Lakewood Laminates (562) 355-5321

Hospitals

Lakewood Regional Medical Center (562) 531-2550

Human Resources Employers Group (800) 748-8484

Insurance Services

Farmers Insurance-Mike Segura (562) 531-9199 Monica Segura Health Insurance Agency (562) 400-0433 New York Life Insurance (562) 513-5100 Saylor Insurance Agency (562) 602-0421

Legal

Equipment Rental

California Elder Law Center (562) 377-7710

Escrow Services

Friends of Lakewood Libraries (562) 421-8497

Lakewood Rent-All (562) 421-4714 Teamwork Escrow (562) 920-9611

Event Planning

So Smitten Special Events (805) 748-8636

Financial Advisors and Services

Edward Jones Investments (562) 804-7994 Pacific Advisors (949) 438-2051 VELAH Group (213) 596-7302

Fingerprinting/Notary Lakewood Live Scan Fingerprinting (562) 531-8425

Florists

Melinda McCoy’s Flowers (562) 424-0901 White House Florist (562) 925-1238

Graphic Design Nutty to Design (562) 400-3009

Grocery/Market BevMo! (562) 297-0286 Grocery Outlet (562) 920-2900 Milk Barn (562) 425-3745 Smart & Final #598 (562) 429-0500

Health & Fitness

Journey II Fit (562) 264-9898 Lakewood Fit Body Bootcamp (562) 395-3258 The Little Gym of Lakewood (562) 239-4416 Results Nutrition (562) 786-2442 Sweat Shop Gym (562) 673-7641 Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA (562) 425-7431

Libraries

Manufacturer

The Boeing Company (562) 593-2937 Hochiki Corporation (714) 522-2246 Orion Metal & Trading Co. (562) 633-2350

Massage Therapy

Therapeutic Bodyworks (626) 675-3097

Music/Choral/Dance

Golden Sands Chorus (562) 756-5854 Toshiko Okawa (562) 804-3701 Polaris Performing Arts Academy (562) 316-5451

Non-Profit Organization American Cancer Society (562) 437-0792 Marcedes Lewis Foundation (562) 841-5455

Oil/Gas Industry Kuster Company (562) 595-0661

Organizations & Clubs

Bible Believers (562) 921-1980 Boy Scouts of America (562) 427-0911 Lakewood Jaycees (562) 822-4985 Lakewood Garden Civic Assoc.

(562) 667-7741 Lakewood Women’s Club (562) 925-4405 Lakewood Knights of Columbus (562) 431-7703 Lakewood Lions Club (562) 920-9667 Lakewood Meals on Wheels (562) 925-8747 Lakewood Pan American Association (562) 421-0676 National Pacific Islander Education Network (562) 496-2319

Payroll Services BMF Payroll (562) 444-8109

Pest Control

Dunrite Pest Control (562) 607-6488

Plumbing and A/C Services Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning (866) 204-4068 Pete’s Plumbing (562) 425-2373

Retail

Labwerkz (562) 708-0645 Norwalk Printing (562) 864-3216 Speedpro Imaging (562) 427-2150

Alin Party Supply (562) 420-2489 BookOff (562) 531-6707 Hobby Lobby (562) 602-0400 Lakewood Center Mall (562) 633-0437 Olé Image (562) 227-8926 Orchard Supply Hardware (OSH) (562) 461-3880 Sam’s Club (562) 425-0662 Wal-Mart #2609 (562) 429-6239

ACL Private Investigations (562) 400-7917

R.F. Dickson Company, Inc. (562) 923-5441

Photography

Michael Farmer Photography (562) 459-4866 Treasured Prints, LLC (714) 251-6299

Printing/Mail/ Shipping Services

Private Investigators

Professional Services

La De Da Salon (562) 865-0390 LA’s Finest Barber Shop (562) 219-5311 Phenix Salon Suites (562) 756-8374 Uniquely Enhanced Spaces (Professional Organizer) (562) 833-4577

Property Management O.B. Phillips Jr. & Co. (714) 904-8127

Real Estate/Rentals

Allison Van Wig Van Wig & Associates (562) 882-1581 Cogburn Miller Realty (562) 397-7481 Coldwell Banker/Star Realty (562) 804-1385 Security 1 Lending (562) 397-2229 VB Realty Group (562) 881-9416

Recycling

EDCO/BZ Waste & Recycling (562) 423-8161

Restaurants-Food

Applebee’s (562) 531-0980 Black Angus Steakhouse (562) 531-6921 Buffalo Wild Wings (562) 222-2760 Captain Vic’s Coffee & Ice Cream (562) 303-9915 Cassidy’s Corner Café (562) 860-1177 Chick Fil A (562) 924-9408 Chronic Tacos (562) 425-7040 Denny’s Restaurant (South St.) (562) 866-6100 Denny’s Restaurant (Carson St.) (562) 425-8448

Road Services

Safety Consulting/Training Safety Dynamics Group (562) 425-4886

Self Defense

Damsel in Defense (562) 260-9769

Self Storage

Lakewood Self Storage (562) 627-1888

Sports & Recreation AYSO Region 106 (866) 525-7440

Tax Services

Miller Tax Services (562) 424-2411

Telecommunications

Transcom Telecommunications (562) 633-2034

Title Loans

Titlemax (562) 860-2859

Trading/Export Zonfra Trading (562) 402-2768

Utilities

City Light & Power (562) 983-2000 SCE/Southern California Edison (800) 655-4555 Southern California Gas Co. (562) 803-7575

Veterinarians/Vet Care Bloomfield Animal Hospital (562) 402-9717

Water Companies

Central Basin Municipal Water District (323) 201-5527 Coast Water Technologies (323) 201-5527 Golden State Water Company (562) 907-9200 Water Replenishment District of California (562) 921-5521

Green January 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood volunteers are geared Residents ‘Thank a Servicemember’ in up to clean up so sign up! a BIG way

Over 6,000 holiday greeting cards for U.S. military servicemembers stationed overseas were collected this year from Lakewood residents, businesses and community groups.

This is the third year in a row that the City of Lakewood has organized the holiday greeting effort as a show of appreciation for U.S. servicemembers. The city designed a special holiday postcard that could be used, and people also used their own cards and letters.

Go to www.lakewoodcity. org/thankaservicemember for a list of the schools, businesses, churches and community groups that helped. u

Volunteers clean up the backyard of a neighbor in need.

One of Lakewood’s enduring traditions is Volunteer Day, where residents help their neighbors in need and make their community a better place.

The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 22 cleanup and fixup event. On this day, more than 500 volunteers will fan out to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams of volunteer workers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses, organizations and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves.

Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.

The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteerdaysite to submit an application online or call the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512. u

Lakewood resident celebrates her 100th birthday!

Lakewood resident Billie Gardiner celebrated her 100th birthday at Weingart Senior Center on Friday, December 2.

The surprise celebration was the highlight of Billie’s weekly card game with friends. Vice Mayor Diane DuBois, Council Member Steve Croft and Council Member Todd Rogers were among the well-wishers and presented Billie with a Certificate of Appreciation and warm congratulations from the city. u

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January 2017

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January 2017

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Lakewood Regional Medical Center weighs in on “Project Shepherd”

Lakewood Regional Medical Center is proud to announce the successful participation in Project Shepherd’s “Teddy Bear Tree” program. A staggering 300 pounds of food were collected during this city-sponsored drive for families in need.

With a strong show of support from Lakewood Regional Medical Center’s employees, both toys and food were collected for “Project Shepherd.” The toys were carefully selected by employees to fulfill the wishes of children who otherwise might not have been able to receive a gift this Christmas.

“The spirit of generosity among our staff really shone in this year’s Teddy Bear Tree program,” said Lakewood

Woof!

Meow!

Thank you for 45 years!

Golden State Humane Society, a 501c3 non-profit established in 1972, is proud to be heading into its 45th year of service to Southern California. Over the last four and a half decades, we have spayed and neutered over 500 thousand dogs and cats, administered over 2 million vaccines, and have seen over 700 thousand clients for basic veterinary care services.

Through every year, we have reached our core mission of providing companion animal care at the lowest cost possible, and significantly reducing the number of unwanted dogs and cats through birth control and education.

2017 promises to be a great year for Golden State Humane Society!

With the support of the communities we serve, we plan to expand our education program through school outreach, public speaking, and local event participation. We also intend to widen our partnerships with local rescues and city shelters to further drop the number of unwanted companion animals and provide financial assistance to our lower-income clientele.

All of us at Golden State Humane Society would like to thank the city of Lakewood for its unwavering support of our mission. We are funded solely by public donations and would not be able to do the work we do without your support. We look forward to another 45 years of service to all the communities we serve!

Please visit our website at www.

GoldenStateHumaneSociety. com, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! u

City of Lakewood’s Vice Mayor, Diane DuBois, and the Lakewood Regional Medical Center CEO, John Grah, accompanied by hospital staff during the holiday toy drive.

Regional Medical Center’s CEO John Grah. “As always, I was proud of our employees who really pitched in to help make a difference for families who need a helping hand to have a merry Christmas.”

Over the days that the drive was in full swing, cans and

boxes of food piled high, and toys and clothes came rolling in. The entire administration team at Lakewood Regional Medical Center and many of the staff members joined together to donate holiday gifts for children in our community.

“It was exciting to see the

teddy bear tags disappear from the tree in the lobby of the hospital,” said City of Lakewood’s Vice Mayor Diane DuBois. “Each time it happened, it meant that someone had committed to buying a gift for that particular child. And that’s what this program is all about—

bringing joy to children in need at Christmas, to make sure they have something to smile about on Christmas morning.”

Project Shepherd’s Teddy Bear program continues through the holiday season and the food drive continues year-round.

Residents can continue to make donations on the city website at www.lakewoodcity.org. “We wish the recipients of these gifts only the best this Christmas and continued blessings in the year to come,” said Grah.

Lakewood Regional Medical Center is proud to take an active part in helping those in need in our community. To find out more about our community service projects or to learn more about our full range of medical services for the Lakewood, Artesia, Cerritos, Bellflower, Downey, Long Beach and Paramount areas, visit our website at: www. lakewoodregional.com. u

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January 2017

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Shop Lakewood...

Keep your kids moving during the winter months A recent study found that, on average, children’s activity levels decline from 65.3 minutes a day in spring and summer months to 47.8 minutes a day in winter and fall months. According to Jamie Mainvielle of The Little Gym of Lakewood, these findings highlight the importance of parents and caregivers encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle for their children as days grow shorter and opportunities for outdoor play seem limited.

“Our bodies react to colder weather by conserving energy to keep warm,” says Mainvielle.

“It’s tempting for children to become less active, snack more, and sink into sedentary pursuits

like watching TV or playing video games. Ironically, this lack

of activity can make children feel lethargic and less inclined to get up and move. Beyond setting guidelines for TV and electronic gadget use, parents need to be proactive about finding opportunities for their children to stay active throughout the winter.”

Mainvielle says that parents should get creative to keep their children moving. For example: • Challenge younger children with an obstacle course created with cushions, blankets and stools.

If space permits, add activity stations for jumping jacks, hula hooping, and the like.

• Satisfy older children’s craving for screen time by focusing on interactive video games that provide a workout for more than their thumbs.

• Check out activity offerings at local parks or visit local museums and science centers.

• Visit a mall for a scavenger hunt or a game of “I Spy.” • Join a community swimming

pool or go bowling or roller skating.

“Kid-focused activities like The Little Gym can be another great option as they offer ageappropriate programs available after school, on weekends, and even when school is not in session,” says Mainvielle.

“Whatever approach works best for your family, establishing good habits in children needs to be a year-round priority to lay the foundation for an active, healthy lifestyle as they grow.”

The Little Gym gives parents a year-round solution that fits easily into hectic family schedules. In addition, many locations offer Holiday and Winter Camp programs during weeks when school is not in session. Each camp day features a different, creative lesson plan – and parents can sign their kids up for a full week or just a day at a time. Holiday and Winter Camps and Gift Certificates are available at select The Little Gym locations.

For more information, please contact Jamie Mainvielle at The Little Gym of Lakewood, located at 4042 Hardwick Street, or call 562-239-4416. u

“LIKE” the Shop Lakewood Page on Facebook for more Coupons & Great Deals!

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4-7:00PM $2 Domestic Bottles and $2 Well Drinks!

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January 2017

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Lakewood Women’s Club celebrates their 64th year A diverse group of women who give back to their community…is the answer to the question “what exactly does the Lakewood Women’s Club do?” They’ve been around for 64 years, and you might have caught a glimpse of them working hard at their fireworks booth in the summertime. Or you might be among the many local businesses that have been a recipient of the Club’s seemingly endless generosity.

The Lakewood Women’s Club works tirelessly behind the scenes. Most residents probably haven’t heard of them, but they gather donations and garner support, in order to give it all back to those in need. Their motto is “Unity in Diversity,”

Members of the Lakewood Women’s Club at their holiday meeting. and they give back to a wide range of philanthropies.

The Club gave $350.00 each to Lakewood and Mayfair High Schools this year through the HOBY Youth Leadership

Program. They also donate to the Lakewood Libraries, Meals on Wheels, Weingart Senior Center, and adopted two families from Project Shepherd for the holidays. They also donate to

abused women shelters and children’s shelters. The Veterans Hospital looks forward to their handmade Valentine cards each year that the women so lovingly make each year.

The Lakewood Women’s Club was organized in 1953, and became a member of the International Federation of Women’s Clubs. The Club was incorporated in 1960 and is recognized as a charitable nonprofit corporation.

If you would like to be a part of the Club, they meet the

Join Lakewood Chamber’s Softball League!

The Lakewood Chamber is now accepting registrations for their upcoming Spring Season. If you’re interested in putting a team together, or if you’re an individual that would like to be placed on a team, give Frank Cardiel a call at (562) 5319733. Deadline for Team Registrations is February 15th. u

...Stay Lakewood Loyal

3rd Tuesday of every month at 11:00am at The Sycamore Centre, with lunch being served for $18.00. Coming up this month they will have a special 64th birthday celebration and musical on Tuesday, January 17th, with social time beginning at 10:30am.

Congratulations Lakewood Women’s Club, and a big thank you for all your hard work and generosity!

For more information call First Vice President, Cathy Brassell, at 562-488-1588. u

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Advertise in the AWARD-WINNING Lakewood Community News.

Call (562) 531-9733 or email advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

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Volunteering…the best way to start the New Year!

The New Year is here and it’s time to think about how you want to spend your time in 2017! Pathways, a nonprofit organization in Lakewood, is currently looking for volunteers to help seniors in our area stay independent and in their own homes by providing volunteers to: ensure their safety, provide companionship, and keep them active. Volunteers are fully trained and only required to work a minimum of 2-4 hours per week.

One of their current clients, Ruby, stated, “I couldn’t imagine not having my volunteer…she takes me to the doctor, out to lunch, to the store and gets things that are too high for me to reach. She is no longer a volunteer, she has become my friend.” Many of our seniors simply don’t drive anymore so having access to their communities is difficult but with the help of our volunteers they can remain active and involved.

There are many other areas to volunteer like event planning, clerical and grief support. See their website at www.pathwayshospice.org for more details. The next Volunteer Training is scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2016. If you or someone you know is interested in helping out in this way, please give them a call at the Pathways Office at 562/531-3031.u

January 2017

Record-breaking year for giving to Lakewood schools!

Lakewood High School teachers with LEF President, Todd Rogers (left), and LBUSD Board Member, Diana Craighead and LEF Vice President, Steve Croft (right).

The Lakewood Education Foundation gave out its 2016 classroom improvement grants to Lakewood schools on November 17, and this year LEF was able to fulfill 111 requests totaling $51,830. That’s a record-breaking year for LEF. The number one request this year for Lakewood classroom improvement grants was for extra books, proving that some teaching tools never go out of fashion.

Following close behind were requests for science and lab equipment, educational field trips, and classroom technology such as Apple TVs and iPads. Only 31 classroom requests could not be fulfilled because of a shortage of funds.

“We want to extend a huge ‘thankyou’ to everyone who donated to LEF

this past year,” said LEF President Todd Rogers and Vice President Steve Croft. “Your generosity of any amount over the past year really does make it to classrooms where it provides a positive boost to our kids’ education.”

An annual fireworks stand, Columbus Day golf tournament, and hundreds of individual donations raise the annual support funding.

After very modest expenses, 100% of donations reach kids in Lakewood classrooms.

See a video and learn more about LEF at www.lakewoodcity.org/ LEFvideo.

Donating can be done year round at www.lakewoodcity.org/ donateLEF. u

Preschool Information Fair coming soon

The MOMS Club® of Lakewood (MOMS Club) will host its annual Preschool Information and Family Fair on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 9am to 12noon at the Youth Center at Del Valle park. Registration is now open for local preschools and arts, sports, and education programs looking to participate in the fair. MOMS Club also is seeking sponsors to support this community event.

Free and open to the public, the fair offers parents in Lakewood, Long Beach, Bellflower, Cerritos and surrounding areas a forum to receive information about local preschools and arts, education, and sports programs for kids. Families can ask questions of school and program representatives, and sign up for classes and tours. Kids will enjoy a variety of entertainment sponsored by local businesses, including crafts, performances and demos. The final registration deadline is January 20, 2016.

Contact us to register now!

To obtain more information about the free Preschool Information and Family Fair or to be a sponsor, please contact Sarah Sprouse at orchid82sd@yahoo. com or (714) 403-0532. u

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Community January 2017

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Local Sergeant shares his kidney as the ultimate gift of life

Written by Deputy Lillian Peck, Sheriff’s Information Bureau ~ Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department hospital stay and beginning regular dialysis treatment, Kevin returned to work in a light duty capacity. Darrin learned about Kevin’s diagnosis and checked on him regularly to see how he was feeling.

Kevin resumed his position in the field as a training officer.

Darrin also returned to the field The winter holiday season at Lakewood Station, and the two is always a time of giving, but worked together again, now both this year, two LASD deputies as training officers. Since then, took this tradition to one of the Darrin promoted to the rank of highest and most personal levels. sergeant and is now assigned to In July, 2010, Deputy Kevin Carson Sheriff’s Station.

The friends routinely met and Ay began his patrol assignment at Lakewood Station and was put discussed Kevin’s deteriorating into the charge of Field Training condition. During one of those Officer, Sergeant Darrin conversations, they discovered Offringa, then of deputy rank. they shared the same blood The two men spent the next type. Darrin felt emotionally three months together getting pulled to help his friend, and Kevin prepared to face a variety without hesitation, asked to be of service calls and situations considered as a donor. Kevin on his own. After completing was initially hesitant and did training in December, 2010, not want to place any strain on Kevin was assigned to Darrin’s Darrin and his family, but Darrin old beat, as he left the station was insistent. Even though their for another assignment. The teacher-student phase was in two men’s teacher-student years past, Darrin extended his relationship grew into a work mentorship by demonstrating partnership, and progressed into another level of human kindness, a personal friendship; despite in the offering of a precious and working at different units, they valuable gift to sustain the health and life of another. remained in close contact.

Darrin told Kevin he and In November 2013, Kevin promoted to the position of Field his wife already discussed the Training Officer. Things were possibility of donation and in line for him professionally, they were both prepared for but his personal life was it. With this, Kevin provided significantly challenged when he Darrin with the information and was diagnosed with renal failure they moved forward with the that same month. After a short process. Darrin submitted to a

Cutting the ties that bind!

Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Periscope.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. u

Here it is, right around the corner—2017! It won’t be long now.

Around this time of the year most of us decide to make promises and resolutions (most of which won’t be kept). Nevertheless, we make them.

It’s alluring to have what seems like a blank canvas before us; it feels like a new start. It’s the reason we wait for Mondays to start our diets.

More than making promises and resolutions, I believe it’s more important to cut the things, the people, the worries, etc., that have weighed us down. We don’t want to carry those into 2017. Cutting the ties allows us to smoothly glide into the next year, unencumbered, leaving us free to concentrate on what’s really important.

Take inventory of the things to which you’ve been holding on. Do you really need them? Are you able to cut some things out, and ease the weight you’ve been carrying?

Do yourself a favor and assess what you want to take with you and what you need to leave behind. Then be open to all the possibilities before you! The more room you have, the more possibilities will come your way.

medical evaluation process, and was determined to be a suitable and compatible candidate for donation.

On Tuesday, November 29, 2016, Darrin courageously underwent a four-hour surgery to provide his friend with a lifesaving gift: His left kidney. The donation was accepted and both he and Kevin are recovering.

In an interview, Kevin relayed how much he appreciated the gift which not only prolonged his life, but improved the quality of it. “I always considered Darrin as a mentor; now he’s my brother,” he said reverently.

When asked about his thoughts on the profoundness of his organ donation, Darrin modestly replied, “I’m just honored and humbled by the experience and to have helped a good friend.”

Although the two men already share a strong friendship, this act of compassion and humanitarianism solidified a deeper level of bond between them, and forever connects them.

This is an especially meaningful gift, as it was selflessly shared during the season dedicated to good will toward men. u

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Soroptimists raise awareness and fulfill dreams

Members of Soroptimist International of Lakewood/Long Beach pose with community organization grant recipients and the winners of the Live Your Dream, Dream Believer and Dream Maker awards at the “Celebrate Pink and Purple Month, Live Your Dream Awards Dinner.” The club has distributed over $20,000 from the proceeds of the 2016 Lakewood Run to groups like Lakewood Meals on Wheels, Su Casa, Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, and the Lakewood Artist Guild, programs like Award of Valor and the Lakewood Youth Hall of Fame, and to its own Soroptimist awards winners. u

Town

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By Don Waldie, Lakewood Historian Emeritus

Martín Society of the San Fernando Valley paid for a renovation of the bust in 2014.

• Rynerson Park. Formerly River Park, this 40-acre site (at Del Amo Boulevard and Studebaker Road) was renamed in 1990 to honor former Mayor Jacqueline Rynerson.

She had been a key member of the Lakewood Committee for Incorporation in 1954.

The 15-acre Lakewood Equestrian Center adjacent to Rynerson Park on South Street was originally the Spiller Stables, acquired by the city in 1980.

The new Home Run Dog Park is located at the northern end of Rynerson Park and provides fenced, secure areas for dog owners and their pets. The dog park’s name is in reference to the popular Little League ball diamond nearby.

• Weingart Senior Center.

Ben Weingart was one of the original developers of Lakewood.

The Weingart Foundation he established assisted the city in building the Burns Community Center, the Weingart Senior Center, the Palms Park Community Center and the Centre at Sycamore Plaza, among other gifts to the Lakewood community.

The senior center (on Oliva Avenue near Candlewood Street) was dedicated in his name in 1981.

Lakewood has a rich history, and remembers its heroes, honors its founding generation, and celebrates the city’s unique connection to the people and history of Latin America in the distinctive names given to many of the city’s parks and community facilities. u

What’s in a name: Happy dogs, a city builder and a Lakewood leader This is the third and final edition of our look at the origins of Lakewood parks and community buildings.

• Monte Verde Park. Vacation day camps and special events are held at this 4-acre site along the San Gabriel River (at Shadeway Road and Nixon Street). “Monte Verde” means “Green Mountain” in Spanish. The park was developed in 1961.

The S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge in the park honors the memory of S. Mark Taper, one of the three developers of Lakewood along with Louis Boyar and Ben Weingart. Funding from the Taper Foundation made the lodge’s construction possible in 2001.

The West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail can be joined at the park entrance.

• Palms Park. Palms Park was dedicated in 1978. The 20-acre park (at 207th Street and Norwalk Boulevard) is one of the city’s largest. Its name comes from the adjacent Palms Elementary School.

Rynerson Park’s namesake Jacqueline Rynerson • San Martin Park. José de San Martín was a soldier, statesman and national hero of Argentina and Chile. The 9.3-acre park (at Candlewood Street and Ocana Avenue) was dedicated in 1957 along with Del Valle and Bolivar parks as an expression of friendship with our Latin American neighbors.

A monumental bust of San Martín was placed in the park by the Argentine Association of Los Angeles in 1971, and the San

Sign up early for the Lakewood Run The Lakewood Run returns the morning of Saturday, March 4, 2017 when Sheriff’s deputies, recreational runners, families and kids will gather at the starting line in front of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station to run the event’s 5K/10K course for time, or do the 1K “Fun Run” or a 5K walk.

Register online now at www. lakewoodrun.com/registration or download the PDF sign-up form at www.lakewoodrun.com/ registrationform for paying with a check or to sign up a team.

For group rate entries or get more event information, email info@ lakewoodrun.com. u

January 2017

New Year, new chances to win a meal...put your brain to work!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, and then tape the puzzle onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News, P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, January 25, 2017. The winners will be drawn on Thursday, January 26, 2017, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the February issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

THANK YOU to our Sudoku sponsors!

News

Community January 2017

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Lakewood heroes are honored

The City of Lakewood holds an Award of Valor luncheon every year to thank the men and women of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Fire Department and the community volunteers who protect and serve Lakewood.

At this year’s event on November 16, attendees heard numerous examples of dedicated service and courageous and smart

action by Lakewood public safety professionals and volunteers.

In one case, Lakewood Sheriff’s Sergeant Sean O’Donoghue and Deputy Torre Williams responded to a distraught and armed military veteran on his front porch going through a psychotic episode.

The man had a shotgun pointed under his chin, and demanded that deputies shoot him…or else he would shoot them. The

deputies took cover, and carefully talked with the man. The man said that he was Jesus and the deputies were devils, and he shouted racial slurs at one of the deputies. Sergeant O’Donoghue and Deputy Williams continued to talk to the man and ultimately persuaded him to put his gun away and lie down on his front lawn. He was taken peacefully into custody for a psychological evaluation.

In another case, resident Evalie Napohaku was parking at a Lakewood shopping center and noticed a young man talking with an older woman, offering to rub a “magic cream” on the small dents on her car. Evalie had read about this scam where the cream disappears a day or two later, and the dents return. To make matters worse, the older woman was ready to take the young man to her ATM to get money for more “repairs” to her car. Evalie decided she had to act quickly.

She told the young man she was calling 911. He yelled at her,

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Sheriff Jim McDonnell (left) and Mayor Ron Piazza (right) present Awards of Valor to Lakewood Sheriff’s Sergeant Sean O’Donoghue and Deputy Torre Williams. then ran off to an accomplice in a waiting car and sped off. They escaped before Sheriff’s deputies arrived, but the older woman was saved from the scam--or even worse at her ATM--thanks to a helpful Lakewood resident.

The Award of Valor luncheon ended on a very emotional note with a Distinguished Service Award given to L.A. County Fire Captain Joe Woyjeck. Captain Woyjeck grew up in Lakewood,

spent many of his 36 years of fire service at Lakewood stations, and has donated hundreds of hours of volunteer service to Lakewood community efforts, such as Pathways Volunteer Hospice. Captain Woyjeck and his wife Anna are the parents of the late Kevin Woyjeck, who was one of 19 firefighters tragically killed battling a brush fire in Yarnell, AZ in 2013. In Kevin’s memory, the Woyjeck family has started a scholarship fund to help youth participate in Fire Explorer programs nationwide.

Thank you to all Lakewood’s heroes!

of

Lakewood CityTV has produced a video of the luncheon where you can see all of the Award of Valor stories at www.lakewoodcity.org/ Valor2016video. u

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January 2017