Lakewood Community News

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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 28 Number 7

New community photo gallery highlights Volunteer Day and Memorial Day

Lakewood’s new community gallery features photos from Memorial Day, Volunteer Day and more.

Part of what makes Lakewood special is the hundreds of residents who come to city events and help on projects that improve the fabric of our community. Two recent events, Volunteer Day and Memorial Day, exemplify these wonderful aspects of living in Lakewood.

If you attended or participated

in those events—or would just like to see what the events were like—go to www.lakewoodcity. org/CommunityGallery. That web address will link you to the city’s “Smug Mug” photo gallery where you can email photos to friends and family for free, or download them to your computer by right-clicking

over the photo you want.

Included in the gallery are photos from this year’s Lakewood Volunteer Day. Volunteers improved 17 homes, 4 schools and 4 city sites in Lakewood. They filled 18 dumpsters with trash and debris, and applied 51 gallons of paint with 82 paintbrushes and 32 paint rollers.

Also included in the gallery are photos from Lakewood’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Del Valle Park, held on May 28 and attended by over 500 area residents. The ceremony featured a laying of wreaths by Lakewood City Council Members and local veterans’ organizations. The event was highlighted by remarks from Rear Admiral Garry J. Bonelli, who commands 9,000 Navy SEALs and special operations forces, and a reading by John and Teri Kelsall, parents of Lieutenant Commander Jonas Kelsall, U.S. Navy SEAL, who was killed in Afghanistan last summer.

The new photo gallery is another way that the City of Lakewood helps you stay connected and be part of your community.

Back to school backpacks needed for Project Shepherd

Help a child start the school year off right.

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As summer warms up, Lakewood’s Project Shepherd program is breaking a sweat to help local students in need be ready for the fall term.

They are collecting backpacks and school supplies for kids to have when they return to classrooms.

The program is asking for donations of new book bags and school supplies for all school-age children. They can be dropped off at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, (just north of Candlewood Street) from 7am to 7pm Monday through Friday, and from 7am to 12noon on Saturdays.

Lakewood retailers will soon be featuring back-to-school sales. Shoppers are encouraged to use the sales to purchase “just a little more” and donate the needed supplies as part of a tax deductible donation.

Lakewood children will be sure to wear big smiles while carrying their new backpacks to school. For more information call Project Shepherd at 562925-7512.

July 2012

Join the Lakewood Chamber for their Installation Luncheon The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commercec will host their 63rd Annual Installation and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, July 19th honoring outgoing Chairman of the Board, Glen Patrick, Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA and welcoming incoming Chairman Mark Perumean EDCO Waste & Recycling Services.

Other awards will be given as well, and are listed as follows:

The Woodrow W. Smith Business of the Year Award For excellence in business ethics, adherence to good business practices and generous contributions to the community.

Chamber members are the best candidates for this award.

Award of Excellence ~ Large Presented to a large business or institution* for their outstanding contribution to the business community. *Defined as: Any business or institution of 100 people (not a branch of a corporation) for their outstanding contribution to the business community. The recipient must be a Chamber member.

Award of Excellence ~ Small

Presented to a business or institution of 100 people (not a branch of a corporation) for their outstanding contribution to the business community. The recipient must be a Chamber member.

Outstanding Community Service Award Presented to an individual or business for their outstanding service to the Lakewood community. The recipient does not have to be a Chamber member.

The luncheon will be held on Thursday, July 19th at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. Tickets are $30 per person. For more information, please call (562) 531-9733.

LakewoodToday

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“Stay connected” to your community

By Mayor Diane DuBois

People say to me, “Lakewood has so many nice community events. What’s the best way to stay connected and hear about them and other news in our town?”

Well, reading the Lakewood Community News every month is one good way, either in print or the online edition at www.

lakewoodnews.org.

Subscribing to the City of Lakewood’s colorful, free eMagazine, which gets delivered to your email inbox once a week on Wednesdays, is also a great idea. Over 13,000 Lakewood residents already subscribe—one of the largest subscription rates of any city in our region.

The eMagazine will alert you to fun and helpful events around town, new city services, holiday schedules, traffic updates for the week ahead to ease your commuting, and nextday summaries of city council meetings.

You can read the current edition at www.lakewoodcity. org/emagazines.

Click the “Subscribe” button to give it a try.

If you later decide it’s not for you, you can always “unsubscribe” and our city staff will remove you from the distribution list quickly.

The city’s website at www. lakewoodcity.org is another

July 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org

great tool to stay connected and access city services and news about Lakewood. Find out about recreation programs (and sign up online) and learn about the rules and schedules for trash and recycling, street sweeping and parking (and get a short-term RV parking pass online). The “Contact Us” button lets you fill out an online form that goes straight to Lakewood’s customer service staff during business hours or on the next business day.

Prefer to speak to a city staff member? Lakewood prides itself on having a dedicated team of customer service staff ready to listen to your comments and act on your requests for service.

Give them a call at 562-8669771, extension 2140. Lakewood City Hall customer service staff are available on the phone or in person for extended hours from 7:30am to 5:30pm, Monday through Thursday, and 7:30am to 5pm on alternate Fridays. City

hall is closed every other Friday.

If you can’t reach city hall by phone or in person during the day, that’s OK. E-mail our customer service team at service1@ lakewoodcity.org. You can also leave a phone message at 562-8669771, extension 2140 that will be acted on the next business day.

If you have a service emergency like a street signal outage or water main break, you can select a special feature that will forward your message to our 24-hour, on-call staff. Remember, if it’s a police or fire emergency, always call 911. If it’s a non-emergency law enforcement matter, you can call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station business line 24 hours a day at 562-623-3500.

One of Lakewood’s newest customer service features is the ability to pay your city water and trash bill online if you want, saving you time and postage. Almost 3,000 Lakewood residents have signed up at www. lakewoodcity.org/onlinebillpay since the service started in

January.

There are lots of ways to stay connected to your community and take full advantage of the customer-friendly service for residents that is an enduring value and tradition here in Lakewood.

C i t y Spotlight July is Parks Make Life Better Month At their May 22, 2012 meeting, the Lakewood City Council proclaimed July 2012 as Parks Make Life Better!

Month and in doing so, urged all citizens to use and enjoy Lakewood’s parks and recreational opportunities.

They recognized that parks and recreation enrich the lives of residents and add value to the community’s homes and neighborhoods. Below is a partial listing of activities this month.

Finally It’s Friday Lakewood’s long-standing commitment to fun and affordable events for families expands this summer with an expanded “Finally it’s Friday” event series. There are six free or affordably priced programs on Fridays in July, and four more events in August.

Registration is required for most events. Many are free.

Sign up at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog.

For complete event information and details about each program go to w w w. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o r g / FinallyItsFriday or see the brochure/flyer at any city facility. Or, call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Keep cool at the pool and wading pools Online swim registration is easy at www. lakewoodcity. org/recreation. Swim session 2 lesson dates are July 9 – 20 and registration is going on now. Online registration begins Tuesday, July 3 at 7pm for session 3 (lesson dates are July 23 to August 3), or sign up on Tuesday, July 17 at 7 p.m. for session 4 (lesson dates are August 6 - 17).

Mayfair Pool and McCormick Pool have busy summer schedules, including instruction programs for all ages and daily public swim sessions. Splashin’ Summer Fun swim nights at Mayfair Pool are for Lakewood residents only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 6:30pm to 8pm through August 31. Or, participate in the special family Olympic Splash event on Friday, July 13 from 7pm to 9pm at McCormick Pool.

Lakewood residents receive a special discounted price for summer recreation swim. They’ll need proof of residency or a Lakewood Swim Card to receive the special fee of $1 for ages 17 and under and $1.50 for adults.

(Cont’d. on page 12)

Your

Minding

July 2012

The sticker shock of California’s consumer healthcare costs in 2020

By Steve Jacob, a veteran journalist and trend-tracker on state and national healthcare policy.

insurance to their employees in 2010, slightly more than the national average.

The U.S. Supreme Court is If the state’s current healthcare expected to rule soon (possibly cost and household income trends before this issue hits the streets) on continue at their current rates, here healthcare reform’s constitutionality. is what 2020 would look like for If it survives the court challenge, it California workers with a family will at least face a political gauntlet­ policy from their employer: if not its demise if the Republicans capture the White House, Congress • The average premium would be or both in the 2012 presidential $23,704 compared with $14,053 in 2010, according to a recent Commonwealth election.

If health reform survives, the U.S. Fund analysis. healthcare landscape will change • The average employee’s share of more in the next decade than it has that premium would be about $8,000, in the last 50 years. However, health compared to $3,845 in 2010. reform is mostly health-insurance • The average deductible would be about $4,800, compared to $1,942 in reform. Its overarching goal was to 2010. attempt to ensure affordable access • The average employee share of the to health insurance and medical care premium and deductible combined for most Americans. The landscape would comprise more than 15 percent for employees with health insurance of California’s projected median benefits largely remained unaffected. household income. A common rule of For California households with thumb is that healthcare costs become employer-sponsored insurance, a financial burden when out-of-pocket the larger issue is how expensive costs reach 10 percent of household healthcare costs will be by 2020. income.

Nationally, about 20 cents out of The state’s per-capita healthcare every U.S. dollar will be spent expenditure in 2020 would be on health care in 2020. National $11,719, compared to $6,238 in medical inflation consistently has 2009. That is based on California’s risen two percentage points higher annual medical inflation rate of 4.8 than the consumer price index since percent since 1991. the 1960s and there is no indication The household financial burden that will change.

In California, more than 54 percent of businesses offered health

Lakewood

News

Community

...Since 1984

Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000.

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

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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.

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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

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is already significant. About 40 percent of Americans had trouble paying medical bills in 2010, up from 34 percent in 2005. More than one-quarter of insured households reported problems with medical debt and nearly 6 out of 10 adults say they have delayed care because of cost.

The trend is clear for employer health insurance costs. A significant percentage of businesses annually increase the employee share of deductibles, co-payments and premium costs or cut benefits to minimize the impact on their bottom lines.

Who can blame them? Nearly 60 percent of an average company¹s after-tax profits are spent on corporate health benefits. Starbucks, for example, spends more on health benefits for its workers than it does for wholesale coffee beans.

Most people have only a vague notion of how valuable employer health insurance can be. The median household income for a four-person U.S. family in 2009 was about $70,300. However, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the true figure to be $94,900. A footnote on page 65 of a CBO budget forecast said this: “All income is assumed to be from compensation, which includes employment-based health insurance and the employer’s share of payroll taxes.”

Even with employer support, expect healthcare costs in 2020 will be an even larger household budgetary albatross.

Business Page 3

&

Business Financial Page 4

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July 2012

“I’ll be late to work because...” Repaving slated for this summer Source HRCalifornia Extra

Some people seem to run perpetually late. They’re late for dinner. They’re late for social engagements. Of course, they’re also late for work.

In a 2012 survey from CareerBuilder, 16 percent of workers reported they arrive late to work once or more per week, and 27 percent of workers reported arriving late to work at least once per month.

When an employee calls in to work to say that he/she is running late, it’s typically with a fairly straightforward reason: “My car wouldn’t start” or “I’m stuck in this ugly traffic jam” or “I overslept!” or something similar.

Traffic, sleep schedules and weather conditions are the top three causes for running late, according to the employees

surveyed.

But every now and then, somebody calls in with something a little more creative. The survey asked hiring managers for examples of the most outrageous excuses they heard from employees who were running late: • Employee’s cat had the hiccups.

• Employee thought she had won the lottery (she didn’t).

• Employee got distracted watching the TODAY Show.

• Employee’s angry roommate cut the cord to his phone charger, so it didn’t charge and his alarm didn’t go off.

• Employee believed his commute time should count toward his work hours.

• Employee claimed a fox stole her car keys.

Employee said he wasn’t late

because he had no intention of getting to work before 9 a.m. (his start time was 8 a.m.).

• Employee was late because of a job interview with another firm.

Two other seemingly impossible excuses turned out to be true: • Employee’s leg was trapped between the subway car and the platform.

• Employee had to take a personal call from the state governor.

For employers, tardiness is one of the most frequent and difficult employee behaviors to manage.

Often, supervisors are forced to make judgment calls about the employee’s justification for the tardiness. These judgment calls can be influenced by the employee’s reliability, longevity and general performance.

Employers often handle tardiness through disciplinary actions. More than 34 percent of employers reported that they terminated an employee for being late, according to the survey.

However, employers should keep in mind several issues before making the decision to discipline an employee for tardiness or absenteeism.

For instance, an employee may have a need for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Or perhaps the employee needs intermittent leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Employers should be mindful of these issues when enforcing tardy and attendance policies.

R.J. Noble Co. workers (shown) return this summer for paving in Lakewood.

Lakewood’s ongoing commitment to keeping city roads well maintained continues with a project near Lakewood High School scheduled to begin in July and be completed in August before school starts again. Thee new project covers 2.5 miles.

Once complete, Lakewood’s percentage of residential streets paved since the year 2000 will be 97.5 percent. The project includes residential streets bounded by Bellflower Boulevard on the west, Woodruff Avenue on the east, Centralia Street on the south and Arbor Road on the north.

Damaged sidewalks, curbs and gutters will be replaced.

Rubberized asphalt will be used to take advantage of its resistance to cracking. Since rubberized

asphalt requires only one-half the thickness of conventional asphalt, the expense of grinding off the existing pavement to maintain an acceptable crown is avoided and there will be less disruption to the neighborhoods.

As a convenience to residents, efforts will be made to keep the roads open to traffic throughout the project and to avoid work during heavy commute hours.

Signs will be posted in areas where upcoming work would require parked cars to be moved.

For questions on the project, call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2500.

City staff will provide construction management for the project.

The project is being paid for using Measure “R” sales tax funding approved by L.A. County voters. Eight companies bid on the project. It was awarded to low bidder R. J. Noble Company of Orange whose bid amount was $669,940. Lakewood staff verified State Contractors License Board that R. J. Noble is properly licensed and bonded for the work. The company recently did the Centralia Street paving project with excellent results.

Auto Facts

1901: The first Grand Prix race was won with an average speed of 46 mph.

1923: Powered windshield wipers became standard equipment.

1946: The first power windows were introduced.

1954: Padded dashboard introduced for safety.

1956: Electric door locks introduced on several luxury models.

1958: Ford introduces the first electric trunk release.

1959: Chrysler introduces the day-night rearview mirror.

July 2012

Prepare your kids for summer job expenses

By Jason Alderman

High school and college students hoping to find temporary jobs may be in for a tough time this summer – once again – as they compete with older, more experienced workers in a still-struggling economy. But if your kid is fortunate enough to find work, there are a few things he or she – and you – should know about the economic and tax ramifications of temporary employment: Payroll deductions. If this is their first job, warn your kids about common payroll deductions that can take a big bite out of take-home pay. Common culprits include state and federal income taxes, Social Security and Medicare (FICA), health and unemployment insurance, uniforms and union dues.

When starting a new job your child will be asked to fill out IRS Form W-4, the Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate. Employers use this form to determine how much income tax should be withheld from your paycheck. The form’s instructions help determine how many personal allowances can be claimed.

Note: If you claim your children as dependents and they earn less than $5,950 during 2012, they probably won’t owe any income tax for the year. If so, they can request that employers not withhold income taxes by claiming an “exemption from withholding” on Line 7 of the W-4. However, if you notice on their year-end W-2 form that the employer did indeed withhold federal and state income taxes, your child must file a tax return in order to get a refund.

Self-employed status. Many teens start their working careers by being self-employed, doing part-time jobs like babysitting, yard work or housekeeping. It’s important to know that this income is also subject to income tax.

If their self-employment net earnings exceed $400 in 2012, your kids also must pay selfemployment tax, even if they owe no income tax. This tax is similar to the Social Security and Medicare taxes that get withheld from regular wages. Self-employment tax is

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Community

assessed at 13.3 percent of net selfemployment income reported.

The IRS provides a handy guide called “Taxable Income for Students” guide that explains what types of income are and are not taxable (www.irs.gov).

For example, tips, bank account interest and certain scholarshippaid expenses (such as room and board) must be reported as taxable income.

www.lakewoodnews.org

Bellflower Unified School District makes changes in leadership Bellflower Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Brian Jacobs recently announced that Mr. Joseph Perry would be appointed to the vacant position, Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services. Mr. Perry has been with BUSD for over 30 years.

He began his tenure as a teacher at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School and has since served as the principal at Albert Baxter, Intensive Learning Center and most recently Bellflower Middle/ High School.

Mr. Michael Lundgren who currently serves as assistant principal will be appointed to succeed Mr. Perry as the principal of Bellflower Middle/High School.

Mr. Lundgren has a long tenure with the District and has received superior mentoring from Mr. Perry in preparing him for this assignment.

Dr. Jacobs is also proud to announce the appointment of Mrs. Colleen McKinley as Director, Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. McKinley is currently the principal of Mayfair Middle/High School and began her career as a Math teacher at Mayfair High School.

While teaching at Mayfair, Mrs. McKinley was named BUSD Teacher of the Year in 1999. With her experience as a BTSA Coordinator, Support Provider, and now as a Middle/ High School principal, she is ready to take on the critical role as the District leader with instructional programs.

Mr. Matt Eeles, who is currently an Assistant Principal at Mayfair High School, will take over as principal at Mayfair Middle/ High School. Mr. Eeles has been at Mayfair for the past 12 years and has been prepared admirably by Mrs. McKinley for this very challenging

Page 5

assignment.

Some other leadership changes being instituted for the 2012-13 school year includes the movement of several elementary principals. Next years leadership changes in principal assignments for the District will be: Ms. Susan Curtiss, moving to Albert Baxter Elementary; Mrs. Isel Taylor, shifting to the Intensive Learning Center; Mrs. Debbie Apple, taking the lead at Esther Lindstrom Elementary; Ms. Lisa Paioni, taking over at Ernie Pyle Elementary; Beverly Swanson moving over to Frank E. Woodruff; and Mrs. Sulema Holguin, will be taking over at Washington Elementary.

All of the assignment changes will be ratified by the Governing Board and will take effect on July 1, 2012.

ChamberNews Page 6

www.lakewoodnews.org

Mosquitoes are happy to join you for summer fun The July 4 holiday is good milestone for remembering that the summer’s longer days and warmer nights mean more outdoor activities for you and your family…and more exposure to mosquitoes potentially carrying the West Nile virus.

Although the West Nile disease isn’t severe in healthy individuals, often passing unnoticed, those with weakened immune systems and the chronically sick can be hit with a devastating illness.

The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District, www.glacvcd.org, urges residents to follow normal precautions to protect against West Nile virus: • Install or repair window and door screens so that mosquitoes cannot get indoors.

• Clear the yard of containers (even the smallest) that might hold water where mosquitoes can breed.

• Drain kids’ pools, and check

Women in Business Council

Wednesday July 11th Location:

SELACO WIB 10900 E. 183rd St. Cerritos, CA 90703 (Bring your lunch!)

Call Marjean for more information: (562) 402-9336 x1252

Welcome New Members!

SeaHawk Cocktail Lounge 4103 Candlewood St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 630-2649

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. pool and vehicle covers that might hold water for excessive periods of time.

The statewide website following the topic is www. westnile.ca.gov. Published by California Department of Public Health, the site notes this year’s

Chairman’s

Circle

Platinum

City of Lakewood Lakewood Center Lakewood Regional Medical Center Piazza McDonald’s Willow Urgent Care/Memorial Healthcare IPA

gold

Gateway Business Bank

silver

Candlewood Smiles Dentistry First City Credit Union Lakewood Dental Arts Lakewood Self Storage

bronze A+ Hearing Aid Center The Boeing Company EDCO Waste & Recycling George Chevrolet Hawaiian Gardens Casino HealthCare Partners

July 2012

K.E.Y. Design Nguyen Dental NuVision Federal Credit Union Outback Steakhouse Rotary Club of Lakewood Southern California Edison

incidence of West Nile. Residents finding any dead birds or squirrels can report them on their website or call the West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline at 877-968-2473.

Sources of stagnant water created on private property are the property owner’s responsibility.

Just one cup of water left standing for more than seven days can bear 300 to 500 mosquitoes. Untreated swimming pools can be reported to the city by calling 562-8669771, extension 2140 or e-mailing service1@lakewoodcity.org.

For more information on mosquito abatement, contact GLACVCD at 562-944-9656 or go to www.glacvcd.org.

Wasabi Japanese Grill 4079 Hardwick St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 633-1022

Member Renewals

46 Years Farmers & Merchants Bank 13 Years Gotz Insurance Agency, Inc. 12 Years Wal-Mart #2609 11 Years Law Office of Tania Whiteleather 9 Years National Pacific Islander Educator Network

5 Years AppleCare Medical Group, Inc. 4 Years Nifty After Fifty 2 Years Healthcare Partners, LLC Bethany Lutheran School A+ Hearing Aids 1 Year O.B. Phillips, Jr. Bloomfield Animal Hospital

Thank You!

Ireland Trip Orientation Meeting Monday, July 9th/5:30pm LOCATION: Chamber Office: #24 Lakewood Center

(Next to See’s Candies) FOR MORE INFO, CALL (562) 531-9733

Mission Statement: The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce creates a healthy business environment for the community.

Advertise in the award winning Lakewood Community News Call Jodee at (562) 5319733 or email: advertise@lakewoodc hamber.com

Green

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July 2012

Living

Dear EarthTalk: How do I learn Hazardous waste/e-waste about what pesticides may be on collection at Cerritos College the food I eat? - Beatrice Olson

Page 7

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.

Laughing lowers levels of stress hormones and strengthens the immune system. Six year-olds laugh an average of 300 times a day, whereas adults only laugh 15 to 100 times a day.

Along with the rise in the popularity of organic food has come an increased awareness about the dangers lurking on so-called “conventionally produced” (that is, with chemical pesticides and fertilizers) foods.

“There is a growing consensus in the scientific community that small doses of pesticides and other chemicals can have adverse effects on health, especially during vulnerable periods such as fetal development and childhood,” reports author and physician Andrew Weil, a leading voice for so-called integrative medicine combining conventional and alternative medical practices. He adds that keeping one’s family healthy isn’t the only reason to avoid foods produced using chemical inputs: “Pesticide and herbicide use contaminates groundwater, ruins soil structures and promotes erosion, and may be a contributor to ‘colony collapse disorder’, the sudden and mysterious die-off of pollinating honeybees that threatens the American food supply.”

In general, fruits and vegetables with an outer layer of skin or rind that can be peeled and discarded are the safest in terms of pesticide residues. Most pesticides are sprayed on the outside of produce. So if you are going to toss the rind of that cantaloupe, you might as well save money and buy a conventional version.

But a red pepper would be a different story: For those items consider it money well spent to go organic.

The non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists a “dirty dozen” of fruits and vegetables with the highest pesticide load so that consumers know to look for organic varieties of them when possible.

The dirty dozen are: apples, celery, strawberries, peaches, spinach, nectarines, grapes, sweet bell peppers, potatoes, blueberries, lettuce and kale/ collard greens.

Another non-profit working hard to raise awareness about pesticide residues on foods is the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). The group’s recently launched website and accompanying iPhone app called “What’s On My Food” helps consumers know specifically which pesticide residues are

likely ending up on their foods (and in their bloodstreams).

In creating the database, PAN linked pesticide food residue data with the toxicology for each chemical and made the combined information easily searchable. “Pesticides are a public health problem requiring public engagement to solve,” the group reports, adding that “What’s On My Food” can be an important tool in raising awareness.

While the website version of “What’s On My Food” is helpful for advance planning, the iPhone app is handy while plying the supermarket produce aisles to help decide whether to go for organic vegetables or stick with the cheaper conventional ones. For instance, the database shows that conventionally grown collard greens likely contains residues of some 46 different chemicals including nine known/ probable carcinogens, 25 suspected hormone disruptors, 10 neurotoxins and eight developmental/reproductive toxins—not to mention 25 different compounds known to be harmful to honeybees.

Spending a little quality time on the website or app is enough to drive anyone to more organic food purchasing.

Lakewood residents can get rid of their household hazardous waste and e-waste at Cerritos College on Saturday, July 21 between 9am and 3pm. The drivethrough event takes only a few minutes. Participants often don’t even have to get out of their car.

Cerritos College is located at 11110 Alondra Boulevard, and the event is in Stadium Parking Lot C-1 on the south side of Alondra.

Leave the chemicals in their original container, place them in a cardboard box, and drive to the 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

News

Community Page 8

Lakewood Regional Medical Center celebrates 40 years

Founding Fathers (left to right) Dr. Howard Seifer, Dr. Paul Hartstein, Dr. Ronald Hartman, and (back row) President and CEO, B. Joseph Badalian.

Over forty years ago, a group of men who had taken an oath decided to take their solemn vow to heal the sick one giant step forward.

Led by physicians Paul Hartstein, Ronald H. Hartman and Abraham Golum, 20 doctors entered into a collaboration with the leaders of a fledgling company called National Medical Enterprise (NME) to establish a brand new hospital, Doctors Hospital of Lakewood.

Gina Tootill shares a special bond with the hospital: she was the first baby born at the brand new facility. “They took a photo of me with my parents when they first brought me home,” Gina says.

“It ran in the local newspaper.

My parents still live in that same house to this day! “ Gina had other occasions to use the hospital when she was growing up in Lakewood. She was hospitalized

July 2012

www.lakewoodnews.org after an accident, and at ten years old, Gina was diagnosed with diabetes. “They had a great team for diabetes treatment and management. The doctors and nutritionists taught us a lot about how to live with diabetes. It was cool having a hospital so close.”

Over the years, the hospital has periodically expanded and updated its scope of services and physical plant. The hospital changed ownership 25 years after it opened and today, is owned by Tenet Healthcare and known as Lakewood Regional Medical Center. It may be sheer coincidence that the hospital’s current President & Chief Executive Officer, B. Joseph Badalian, was born just two weeks after the hospital opened. But that fact motivates Mr. Badalian to see his role as more than just the hospital’s CEO. He also sees his role as guardian of a legacy that he intends to carry far beyond the vision of the hospital’s founders.

Only three of the original 20 medical staff members are still

practicing medicine. Many have passed on. Even though he retired 25 years ago, Dr. Hartstein has kept a memory book that reflects key hospital milestones over the years. In fact, he still has the notes he used to speak at the hospital’s dedication on May 22, 1972.

They read in part: “It is fitting that this very special hospital have in attendance, at its inception, people who care. We have set the standards of practice at our hospital on the highest possible plane in order to provide the best medical care possible. We promise the community a hospital in which they may well take pride.”

Founded in 1972, Lakewood Regional Medical Center is part of Tenet California. Located off the 91 Freeway, at 3700 E. South Street in Lakewood. They are a 172-bed medical center offering a wide range of services, including the cardiovascular surgery, orthopedic services, rehabilitation services, transfusion-free medicine and surgery, and outpatient diagnostic services center.

Observations on growing older

• Your kids are becoming you… and you don’t like them…but your grandchildren are perfect!

• Going out is good… coming home is better!

• You realize you’re never going to be really good at anything… especially golf.

• The things you used to care to do, you no longer care to do, but you really do care that you don’t care to do them anymore.

• You sleep better on a lounge chair with the TV blaring than in bed. It’s called “pre-sleep.”

• You tend to use more four- letter words … “what?”…”when?”

• Now that you can afford expensive jewelry, it’s not safe to wear it anywhere.

• You notice everything they sell in stores is “sleeveless!”

• What used to be freckles are now liver spots.

• Everybody Whispers.

• You have three sizes of clothes in your closet… two of which you will never wear.

• But old is good in some things: old songs, old movies, and best of all, old friends!

July 2012

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Shop Lakewood Page 9

Shop Lakewood Page 10

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Give Lakewood auto dealers a shot at your business

Lakewood’s Auto Row on Cherry Avenue is home to Harbor Chevrolet, Harbor Hyundai, Pacific Ford Lincoln and an accompanying Mazda store. “Lakewood residents are known as prudent shoppers, which is good,” says Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President John Kelsall, who helps

lead the “Shop Lakewood, Stay Lakewood Loyal” campaign.

“We want Lakewood residents to consider looking for their bargains locally and giving merchants in our community a chance at their business, and Lakewood’s auto retailers on Cherry Avenue are known to be very price competitive.”

When you buy a vehicle in Lakewood, you help your community. A portion of your sales tax, usually about $200 per vehicle, stays right here in Lakewood to help pay for city services like roads, parks and law enforcement.

Fortunately, it’s easy to give new and used vehicle shopping in Lakewood a try. Cherry Avenue’s auto row is just south of Carson Street and two blocks north of the 405 Freeway. A large portion of the auto row is located in Lakewood.

And by featuring Chevrolets, Fords, Hyundais, Lincolns and Mazdas, Lakewood dealers offer a great variety of popular models for consumers.

Kelsall points out there are many online consumer tools available to help buyers explore market pricing for a vehicle they may be considering. “Once you get a sense of what things are selling for, you can walk into a local dealership as an ‘informed buyer’ and negotiate a better deal,” says the chamber president. He suggests web resources include consumerreports. org, Edmunds.com, Kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book Online), Kiplinger. com and the Automobile Club of Southern California at www.calif. aaa.com. They feature a range of car-buying tips, pricing and loan tools.

Lakewood Cherry Avenue Auto Row Dealers www.harborchevrolet.com (866) 973-0316 www.harbor-hyundai.com (866) 967-2242 www.longbeachmazda.com (800) 710-8956 www.pacificford.com (800) 711-6041

July 2012

Lakewood Center raises money for local schools

Pictured from L to R: Nora Levy from Shopping Partnership, Lakewood Mayor Diane DuBois, and Annette Norwood CMD, Senior Manager of Marketing at the Lakewood Center.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the School Cents Program, local legislators, city officials and unified school districts presented the shopping cents and School Cents with proclamations or certificates.

School Cents is a fundraising program designed to partner with shopping centers to donate monetary rewards for local schools.

St. Pancratious Elementary in Lakewood took the top prize at $3,117. The private school with a student body of only 170+ students gave its complete heart and soul to the program. The new coordinator was in tears when she received the award on behalf of the school.

Erin Stibal, field deputy for LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, presented proclamations to all three centers. Erin is a mom of a student at Stephen Foster Elementary, so she is keenly aware of collecting and logging her receipts!

For the 2011-2012 program year, the Schools Program yielded $5,957,790 in combined sales for Lakewood, Los Cerritos and Stonewood Centers. The program has averaged between $4.5 – $5 million in sales the past five years. The $50,000 annual award is less than 1% of the gross sales for centers.

Pathways looking for volunteers

Pathways Volunteer Hospice is coordinating a ‘Teen Volunteer’ program at Lakewood Regional Medical Center. If you are 16 years old or older and enjoy being around people, this may be the perfect opportunity for you. If you are interested, please call our office at 562531-3031. All applicants must be interviewed prior to being accepted into the program.

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Community

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July 2012

The truth about weight loss

Currently three in four Americans are overweight, with over 32% being obese.

Over 20% of children are obese. Consequently, diabetes for both children and adults is rising at epidemic proportions. According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), healthcare costs for obesity has doubled in less than a decade and may be as high as 147 billion dollars a year. Yet dieting has become an American pastime with over 45 million Americans dieting every year. Clearly what we’re doing is not working.

The truth is: Dieting does not work! Lifestyle changes are the only proven path to permanently achieving a healthy weight. Almost any severe change in dietary habits will reduce weight - for a while.

Lifestyle changes are the only safe, effective and permanent weight control method.

How do you start? First stop looking exclusively at the scale or your body mass index (BMI). BMI is simply a calculation based on your height and weight and it can be very deceptive.

For example, a 5’10” body builder with substantial muscle will have the same BMI as a 5’10” fatty couch potato of the same weight.

Additionally, as muscle weights more than fat, your BMI will go down as your weight does regardless of whether you are losing muscle or fat.

Secondly, track your actual progress.

Take and track measurements of your chest, waist, hips, arms, and thighs.

Have your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels checked and re-checked

to monitor progress. Know your numbers such as body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, resting metabolic rate, and most importantly your visceral fat levels.

What’s so important about visceral fat levels? Visceral fat is the fat that actually surrounds your organs. Picture your heart beating while surrounded by a thick fat layer.

The extra strain this puts on your heart explains why heart disease is strongly correlated with high visceral fat. Visceral fat is so dangerous, because we don’t see it. Thin looking people can actually have high visceral fat levels and not even be aware.

Thirdly, control your blood glucose. As greater levels of glucose (or sugar) circulates in the blood, the cells become less able to absorb and utilize the glucose for energy.

Consequently, the body will convert the excess glucose to fat. In Type II diabetes this becomes a vicious cycle.

Recommendations:

• Avoid processed foods. Stay away from breads, pastas, crackers, cereals, sodas, prepackaged and frozen meals.

• Look for natural nutrient density in all foods consumed.

Choose dark, colorful greens and fruits and vegetables.

• Eat healthy fats.

Use olive oil, avocados and real butter in moderation. Avoid margarines, vegetable oils, and all hydrogenated oils.

• Exercise 20-30 minutes per day.

Knowledge is power.

Learn your true numbers through many healthcare practitioners.

Studio Cie and Tobin Acupuncture have collaborated to offer free health analysis and weight loss strategies Thursday July 19th at 7pm. Call 562-924-9524 for more information.

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water,

or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.

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China’s ancient low impact workout now available in Lakewood

By Richard Mieir

Pictured is Richard Mieir practicing “Snake Creeps Down” Tai Chi position.

Tai Chi is a gentle, very low impact, safe, yet thorough exercise which can be performed several times a day. Unlike some alternative systems of exercise, Tai Chi involves continuous movement, and puts minimal stress on joints and muscles.

This artistic and graceful art has its origins in ancient Chinese systems of highly effective combat.

There exists a popular axiom that states, “When a Tai Chi man throws his hand out, it will always return with blood.” This statement attests to its martial origins and the pragmatic environment in which its techniques were acid tested. Today,

Tai Chi is practiced primarily as a highly effective form of health and wellness. Tai Chi is revitalizing, energizing, improves muscle tone, immune system, mental clarity and focus. It also teaches efficient and proper body mechanics. Tai Chi teaches the practitioner how to lower their center of gravity that greatly improves balance, coordination, alignment and posture, which leads to the graceful movements performed by practitioners of this art.

Learning a Tai Chi routine can take 6 or more months. Refining and perfecting the technique is a lifetime endeavor. One short-term benefit is a reduction in stress, or more specifically, a greater ability to handle the stresses life throws at you, and that is no small benefit.

You might be asking, how do I get started? It is easier than you think.

The City of Lakewood offers Tai Chi classes. There are both morning classes and evening classes to fit most schedules and you can sign up at anytime by calling (562) 8669771 for more information.

You can also visit the website www.kingstaichi.com for more information and class schedule.

There is no time like the present to start enjoying all the tremendous benefits that Tai Chi has to offer.

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Community Page 12

Celebrate July 4th safely!

Don’t use illegal fireworks

Summer evenings, hot dogs and July 4 celebrations are Lakewood staples. The evening of July 4 is also a time of stepped-

Ants * Fleas * Bees Rats * Termites * Bed Bugs ...and more!

up law enforcement presence to protect residents from the dangers of illegal fireworks.

Illegal fireworks are unsafe and hazardous to users, crowds that gather and nearby residents.

This July 4, the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station will put additional deputies in patrol cars with emergency lights flashing and a mandate that illegal fireworks and their users get “zero tolerance.”

Residents are encouraged to do their part to keep Lakewood safe from dangerous, illegal

July 2012

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fireworks. Property owners should remember that they can be held responsible if illegal fireworks are used on their property or if illegal fireworks are in the possession of others on their property.

Lakewood has some of the strictest fireworks regulations in California, limiting the use of legal, Safe and Sane fireworks to one day only – the 4th of July – and only between 10am and 11pm. Legal fireworks can be possessed in Lakewood only between July 1 and July 4. All fireworks are illegal to use or possess on all other days.

The only legal fireworks in Lakewood are those sold at a community organization stand.

(State and federal laws prohibit individuals from importing fireworks or selling them doorto-door.) If you know where illegal fireworks are being sold or used in your neighborhood (or anywhere in Lakewood), call the tip hotline at 562-8669771 extension SAFE (7233) to make a confidential report to the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station.

If you observe criminal activity on July 4, including the sale or use of illegal fireworks, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500.

Local student receives Award

Congratulations to Cody Crljen of Lakewood Christian Schools, who received the 2011 Digital Promise Award at the International Student Film Festival.

The Digital Promise Award recognizes K-12 students who demonstrate exceptional potential for media production over the course of their education. This award highlights individuals who have proven themselves to be leaders in their areas of expertise, generously mentoring and sharing their talents with others.

Cody’s legacy at LCS is not the record number of hours that he has spent on projects, or the awards in the trophy case. It is the countless times that he has mentored a struggling student, or volunteered to help. Leadership, commitment, work ethic and compassion make the creative vision a reality. Cody has all of those components. It is easy to see why Cody was selected among hundreds of students from all over the world to be a recipient of the Digital Promise Award!

(Cont’d from Pg. 2)

C i t y Spotlight Swim Cards are free and can be obtained by presenting proof of residency at either Mayfair or McCormick pool during operating hours.

Wading Pools can be found at six parks and are open for youngsters ages 3 - 7 on a rotating schedule.

Additionally, the wading pools at Mae Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair and San Martin parks will be open on Wednesday evenings from 5pm to 7:30pm through August 29.

The pool schedule and other aquatic program information is available at www. lakewoodcity.org/aquatics or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Teen happenings in Lakewood Teens looking for a volunteer opportunity this summer should contact the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

Free teen programs are offered in July at two locations.

• Lakewood Youth Center (in Del Valle Park, 562-4297472.)

• The Teen Resource Center (at Bloomfield Park, 562-8651717.)

Many camps for kids this summer A sampling is listed below and details can be found in the Summer Recreation Catalog at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation. For more information, call 562-8669771, extension 2408 or register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.

• Summer Day Camp at Monte Verde Park (ages 6-12) – weekly through August 31 • Sports Camp at Mayfair Park (ages 8-13) – weekly through August 31 Free summer splash event at San Martin Park Kids ages 8 through 13 can beat the heat and join the fun at San Martin Park for the Summer Splash special event on Friday, July 27, from11am to 2pm.

Kids compete in waterbased games and activities designed to challenge them mentally and physically. Both the event and swimming at the pool are free.

Sign-ups are at Lakewood local parks, and bus transportation to San Martin Park will be provided.

Lakewood Equestrian Center The 19-acre Lakewood Equestrian Center offers yearround riding lessons, horse boarding, pony rides, a petting farm and summer activities for kids. Located on Carson Street just west of Studebaker, the rustic atmosphere is an escape from the city. Open seven days a week. 562-425-1905.

July 2012

Gardening for mind and body

It’s long been known that gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and connect with nature in a tranquil environment.

Just taking a walk in a garden can help improve your mood.

This is why gardens are often an integral part of retirement living communities–so older adults can easily interact with the ever-

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Community

evolving landscape as the seasons change.

Gardens can keep you grounded, quite literally by forcing you to slow down and smell the roses. When you are doing repetitive garden tasks like weeding, digging, pruning, and pushing wheelbarrows around, you also benefit from low impact

www.lakewoodnews.org exercise.

It’s been found that gardening has a positive influence on the mind. In studying two gardening groups, the first in their 60s, the second group in their 70s, it was concluded that both groups experienced cognitive benefits from gardening. These studies found that 36 percent of 60-yearolds and 47 percent of 70-yearolds had lower risk for dementia than those who didn’t garden on a regular basis.

Gardening has also been shown to improve your mood and alleviate stress. No matter how big or small your garden may be, the sights, smells, and sounds of being outside simply watching your garden grow, can give you needed relief from stress.

Stress reduction has been studied in the Netherlands by comparing reading indoors with 30 minutes of outdoor gardening.

The gardeners reported they felt less stress than the people who took time out to read during the same time frame. The sensory experience of gardening can also help improve depressive symptoms.

Keep in mind that gardening for pleasure is good for downgrading stress, but only if you’re not too invested in the outcome.

Gardening is only as stress-free as you make it. If you’re constantly worrying about whether your new plants will thrive or produce the best looking flowers and best produce in the neighborhood, you won’t gain healthy benefits that many people experience when they “play outdoors.”

If you plant a garden, you’ll also likely gain nutritional benefits from the fresh food you’ll glean from your own endeavors. But even if your garden plat is focused on flowers instead of veggies, it’s been shown that people who garden tend to eat healthy.

Research has shown that whether you are caring for flower gardens or fruit or vegetable gardens, you may be doing more than keeping your plants healthy and productive. You may be improving your brain health.

Page 13

Mark Underwood is a neuroscience researcher, president and co-founder of Quincy Bioscience, a biotech company located in Madison, Wisconsin focused on the discovery and development of medicines to treat age related memory loss and the diseases of aging.

Today is the oldest you’ve ever been; yet the youngest you will ever be...

...so enjoy this day while it lasts!

Air conditioned facilities provide heat relief

High humidity and tripledigit temperatures typically blanket Southern California each summer and into the fall. Older residents can feel more distress from heat and humidity and often have fewer options for beating the heat.

The City of Lakewood wants to remind seniors that the airconditioned Weingart Senior Center is a comfortable oasis, especially during the hottest time of the day--from noon to 4pm.

Seniors can use the free DASH Transit service as transportation to Weingart if they can’t drive or don’t have a ride. For more information on DASH call 562-924-0149.

Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue and can be reached at 562-6306141. Its hours are Monday through Thursday, 9am to 5:30pm, Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturday, 9am to 1:30pm.

The facility is closed on Sundays.

Additional information and a list of other air-conditioned centers is available at www. lakewoodcity.org/cooling.

Souplantation

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

Page 14

Around Town in July Lakewood

Date: 6/21 6/28 7/05 7/12 7/19 7/26 8/02 8/09

Thanks to our JUNE Sudoku Sponsors

Thursday night and we finish our meetings at 7:30pm.

• You are invited to visit your local chapter of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly). Where the first meeting is always free.

We are a non-profit weight loss organization and our dues are very low. For more information contact Fayon (562) 484-8975.

We meet at Mae Boyer Park just off of Del Amo Blvd and Palo Verde. Our weigh-in time is usually around 6pm every

Band:

Outback Steakhouse

Long Beach • Questing Heirs Genealogical Society is holding it’s monthly meeting on Sunday July 15 at the Resurrection Lutheran Church.

The beginning research class is from 4pm to 5pm. For more information call Liz Myers at (562) 598-3027.

The Answer The Elm Street Band The Rockit Scientists The Doo Wah Riders Neon Nation Electric Mayhem Stone Soul Brian Lynn Jones & Misfit Cowboys

Music Style: Classic Rock Surf Rock Boomer Rock Country 80’s 70’s/Disco R&B Country

Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli Souplantation Congratulations to Annie Hurley, John Vuorenmaa, and Scott Clydesdale! They are the lucky winners of the June Sudoku. Out of 101 entries, they won a meal. Annie Hurley, will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, John Vuorenmaa, Foggia Italian Market and Deli and Scott Clydesdale will enjoy The 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.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies) The winners are drawn by random, 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 Friday, July 20, 2012. The winners will be drawn Monday 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 July issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

GOOD LUCK!

Save the Date!

Lakewood Chamber’s

15th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show NAVY JETS FLY-OVER Sunday, August 19th 9am-2pm Mayfair Park

This is a show you won’t want to miss!

Interested Car Owners & Vendors call/ email us at: (562) 531-9733

info@lakewoodchamber.com

July 2012

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Take your pet for a ride to Bow Wow and Meow Day

A Lakewood Boxer surveys the Civic Center.

Convenient pet licensing and care for Lakewood pets returns with the next Bow Wow and Meow Day event on Saturday, July 21, from 2pm to 5pm. It’s an easy, one-stop event for pet licensing, discounted vaccinations and micro chipping. Flea control products and information regarding low-cost spaying/neutering and health care for dogs and cats will also be available. Go to www. lakewoodcity.org/pets for more information.

Cash, checks, and credit cards are accepted for vaccination services

and products--cash and check only for dog licensing. Dogs must be on leashes and cats in secure carriers. The event will be held at the northeast corner lot at Clark Avenue and Del Amo Boulevard, near the Lakewood Civic Center.

The event is a convenient opportunity to receive maximum health care protection for animal companions at affordable prices.

Pet owners get savings on required rabies vaccinations, priced at $8 each ($6 rabies vaccination cost and $2 medical waste fee).

Dogs that have current licenses may purchase a dog license from License Inspectors at the clinic.

Reader’s response to “Veterinarian proposes law,” article in June Issue...

I agree with his concept. For many of us, our pets go far beyond “just a dog” or “just a cat”. I have 3 old dogs that have been with me through a painful divorce, dissipation of my children all across the U.S. (due to military service), an AA Degree, a BA Degree and recently, a Masters Degree. I had never spent a night alone in my entire life and when I finally had to, my dogs were there right by me. I am probably more connected to them than I am to any human. With pets, there are no issues. That is why we are able to have a more intimate relationship with them than we can with humans (there are always issues of some kind there!). There is nothing more valuable to me (other than my grandchildren) than my dogs. Losing them to a negligent accident or to someone’s maltreatment of them would be devastating. Yes, there should be a fine/punishment of some kind! I support this Vet in his quest.

Norma Taylor - Lakewood

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Community July 2012

There are angels in Lakewood

Norma Brown enjoying her new scooter.

For many communities, the smallest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference, and for one Lakewood resident in particular, the smallest act of kindness was life changing.

Norma Brown is a Lakewood senior who depends upon the use of a scooter to help in her mobility.

She answered a local ad regarding the sale of a scooter. When told the price she realized this was not going to be an option for her, she told the sellers about her health and financial

situation, and they offered to reduce the price, but it still was not a viable option.

Days later the sellers of the scooter called Norma back; they had decided to give the scooter to her. They realized she was in need and wanted to help her. The “Angels in Lakewood,” as Norma calls them, personally delivered the scooter to her home. She was so overcome with joy that she could not stop the tears. Norma told her angels that when the time came that she would not need the scooter any longer, she would pay the kindness forward.

That was all the thanks they needed.

Norma said, “Paula and Bob Christensen were indeed angels in my time of need.”

Lakewood is such a tight knit community and its citizens truly care for one another.

Deadline close for Lakewood Beautiful nominations

Do you have a neighbor who has taken extra steps to beautify their home and yard? Wouldn’t it be nice to say thanks or good job by nominating them for a Lakewood Beautiful Home Award?

It can be done quickly online at www. lakewoodcity.org/beautifulhome (where you can also view last year’s awardees) or by leaving a message 24 hours a day at the Community Relations Office message line at Lakewood City Hall at 562-8669771, extension 2160. If you don’t know the name of the neighbor, that’s OK. Just give us the address and we’ll take care of the rest. You can even nominate your own home. The submission deadline has been extended to July 13.

For 31 years, the Lakewood

Tell us what you would like to read in the Lakewood Community News.

Email your ideas to: news@lakewoodchamber.com, or mail to P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

Beautiful Home Awards Program has been honoring Lakewood homes that reflect a special “pride of ownership” in landscaping, exterior design and overall general appearance. We all benefit from neighbors maintaining their homes and yards in nice condition. Honorees will be recognized by the city council at a special reception in the fall.

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Science takes on star role at Bethany Lutheran School

Page 15

Can avocados prevent skin wrinkling?

By Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

Bethany Lutheran School represented at California state competition of “You Be The Chemist” - Ellis, Alyssa Caiti and Caroline (alternate).

Reading, writing and arithmetic are still integral parts of the student curriculum at Bethany Lutheran School, but the school is also turning out budding scientists and engineers! The Kindergarten through 8th grade school provides a rich and rigorous science program for all students that are enhanced by extensive lab experiments and competitive opportunities at the middle school level.

The students eagerly embraced the opportunity to compete in science related competitions this year. Long Beach Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske sponsors the annual Solar Grand Prix each April, a competition for middle and high school students to creatively harness the power of the sun.

Of the 57 middle school teams in this years’ competition, five were from Bethany Lutheran, and the students won 1st and 3rd place for the fastest cars in this division!

In addition, three 8th graders were among 18 students who competed in the state “You Be the Chemist” competition for the opportunity to represent California in the national science challenge. The goal of the competition is to educate and encourage young

minds to further explore the sciences and to increase public understanding of science.

The entire campus serves as a laboratory for science exploration throughout the year. The ‘Garden of Eatin’ is a student garden with each class determining what to plant, the harvesting and composting.

Recycling and gardening activities are conducted year round, and the quads, kitchens and science labs are used for hands - on experimentation.

Bethany Lutheran School is proud of its 64-year legacy of providing exceptional academic programs in an affordable, faith-based environment. For additional information about the school, please visit our website: www. bethanylutheran.org, 562-4207783.

Local club looks forward to another year of community activism At the recent meeting of the Lakewood Women’s Club, the following new officers were installed for the 2012 - 13 year: President Charlotte Weigel, 1st Vice President Elaine Steen, 2nd Vice President Diane Deliz,

“Just rub this wonder cream on your face and all your wrinkles will instantly disappear!” We’ve all seen the commercials, and the results they show are pretty sensational. Isn’t it funny how that “wonder cream” is usually from some accidental discovery or from some magical plant in the rainforest?

What happens when you buy that wonder cream? Yeah, that’s right... Nothing! So, instead of all that fantasy stuff, let’s talk about the real world and something you can eat that is good for you and might help slow the aging process.

Avocados contain antioxidants that may reduce age spots, decrease inflammation and help scars to heal. Both Florida (the big avocados) and Hass avocados are also good for your digestive tract because they contain soluble and insoluble fiber but Hass avocados have higher concentrations of lutein, zeaxanthin and some other nutrients. So, eating avocados in your salad or with other vegetables is a very good thing to promote youth and vitality. More guacamole please!

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in neck and back pain relief care for 30 years in Lakewood.

His office is located at 5220 Clark Ave. #210 and he can be reached at 562-8670993.

3rd Vice President Ruby Cure, 4th Vice President Evelyn Martins, Treasurer Fran Itkoff, Recording Secretary Carolyn West and Corresponding Secretary Emily Martin.

If you are interested in more information regarding the Lakewood Women’s Club, please call Ruby Cure, Public Relations Chairman at (562) 421-8416.

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July 2012