Lakewood Community News May 2011

Page 1

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Volume 27 Number 5

The thrill of the ride is waiting for you at Lakewood’s Pan Am Fiesta!

May 2011

Join F&M Bank in donating food items to Project Shepherd Family fun is the hallmark of Lakewood’s oldest community event.

Lakewood’s oldest community event, the Pan American Festival, begins its three-day weekend run at Mayfair Park on Friday evening, May 6 at 5pm. The family-friendly fiesta continues on Saturday and wraps up Sunday evening. The fiesta features carnival amusement rides throughout the weekend, and an atmosphere in tune with a fiesta spirit.

The fiesta’s traditional pancake breakfast, sponsored by the Pan American Association, will be offered on Saturday and Sunday from 7am to 10:30am for $4.00. Sunday is Mother’s Day and breakfast and a gift are free for all moms, along with live entertainment and fun shopping at numerous craft booths. Rides, music, dancing, food and art

Opening night includes an evening of carnival rides on Friday, May 6 from 5pm to 10pm, and continues on Saturday from 11am to 10pm, and on Sunday from 11am to 9pm. Free entertainment begins Saturday at 11am with Mayfair High School youth bands and choral groups. The fiesta’s opening ceremonies are scheduled for noon. Cont’d page 3

Me-n-Ed’s makes music memories for the past 25 years By Robin Vanderwerff

Big Al enjoys playing piano for the customers at Me-n-Ed’s Pizza Parlor in Lakewood. Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

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Many Lakewood residents have had the privilege of stopping by Me-n-Ed’s Pizza on a Friday night, and have listened to Big Al’s wide array of musical periods and styles. Al recalls his father urging him to play piano when he was just a child. His father told him the skill would be an asset to have. The piano did not come naturally to Al, he had to practice long and hard. He took classical piano lessons, and would listen to all the big band music and great singers of the early 1950s. He was very impressed with Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Rodger Williams, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Patty Page, Tony Bennett and Dave Brubeck. After a 20-year career at Boeing as a Senior Buyer on the C-17 program, Al retired. Playing piano became his career of choice. He also plays piano in retirement homes; his special charity is Long Beach Veterans Hospital. Al has Cont’d. page 10

Local kids help out with organizing donations for Project Shepherd.

Farmers & Merchants Bank (F&M) Lakewood office will hold a special food drive in the month of May to help support local families in need. F&M will be collecting food/household items starting May 1st to donate to Project Shepherd, a non-profit organization that is the combined effort of the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood. Providing emergency assistance to families in desperate need all year long, Project Shepherd receives tremendous support from the community during the holiday season but supplies run low during the summer months. Needed items include: tuna or other canned meats, peanut butter, rice, pasta, and cereal, and personal care items such as toilet paper, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and dish soap. Farmers & Merchants Bank invites you to be a part of its community effort to support those who are struggling to survive amidst the economic uncertainty. Project Shepherd has helped 348 families (1,159 people) this past year. F&M encourages community members to continue to look for and create opportunities to give year-round. To participate, bring all donations to the F&M Lakewood office at 5101 Lakewood Blvd. anytime between 9am and 5pm. The food drive will culminate with a special BBQ hosted by F&M on June 4th from 12 3pm. For more details, please contact Larry Kirk at (562) 602-8378.

2011 Business expo

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Working for Lakewood’s values in the years ahead

tell you from personal experience that the Sheriff’s Deputies of “Team Lakewood” put their lives on the line every day to keep crime as low as it is in our city. As mayor, I will work with my city council colleagues to continue to emphasize public safety in Lakewood. Neighborhood Preservation: Lakewood residents know how we keep our city’s streets, parks and community buildings in top shape. You’ve seen how recreation programs, sports leagues and senior programs continue to attract residents of all ages. We’ll keep those Lakewood values alive and well in the coming year. Transparency: Because of problems in some cities and government agencies, transparency has become a popular phrase. Lakewood has a long tradition of communicating regularly with our residents about city government and civic life—through detailed print newsletters, e-newsletters, cable TV programs, lots of public gatherings and online. This year we will explore how we can make it even easier for

by Mayor Larry Van Nostran

I’m Larry Van Nostran, and I’m very grateful to you—the people of Lakewood—for having re-elected me this past March to serve on our city council for the next four years. I value the trust that you have placed in me, and I look forward to doing the best possible job for you. In Lakewood, as in many small

cities, the mayor is selected from among the five city council members and serves for one year as mayor. The mayor chairs council meetings and takes a lead role in representing the city at public events. I’m honored that my fellow council members recently selected me to serve as mayor until March 2012. This won’t be the first time I’ve held this position. In my 37 years on the Lakewood City Council, I’ve had the privilege to serve as your mayor eight times before. It’s a responsibility I take very seriously. I also know from long experience that I cannot “go it alone” as your mayor. Our city council works best when it works as a team and stays focused on the core values that Lakewood residents care deeply about. Public Safety: There’s no more important value in Lakewood than keeping our community safe. I can

May 2011 you to communicate and interact with your city government. Economic Development: Lakewood has enjoyed great success in recent years as our retail base has grown. We’ve seen new investment at Lakewood Center and our neighborhood retail centers. We’ll continue working with retailers to create new jobs and new opportunities for residents to “Shop Lakewood.” Protecting Lakewood’s residential character: There are threats from state legislation that could take away local control over land use and change the character of our singlefamily home neighborhoods. Our city council will do all we can to prevent Lakewood from being harmed. But we will need your help. In the months ahead, we’ll share our concerns with you in the form of news articles, web postings and video programs. The year ahead holds challenges and opportunities for us. But our city has seen both before, and I know we can face them again confidently as we work to maintain the values and quality of life that we appreciate so much here in Lakewood.

Friday, May 6 – Sunday, May 8, 2011

Mayfair Park

Celebrating 65 Years of Pan American Friendship Pancake Breakfast Sponsored by the Pan American Association May 7 & 8 7 – 10:30 a.m. $4 per person. FREE breakfast for moms on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8, 9 – 10:30 a.m. Tickets for mom’s escorts, just $4 each! Enjoy live entertainment and a free gift for mom!

Craft, Food & Display Booths May 7 & 8 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Craft vendors, community organizations and food vendors will be featured on the Fiesta grounds and a Pan Am Historical Display will celebrate Fiesta history.

Free Shuttle

Children’s Cultural Booth May 7 & 8 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Children of all ages can have a “hands-on” cultural experience featuring activities and arts & crafts from Pan American countries.

FREE shuttle service Saturday & Sunday running every 15 minutes, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., from Lakewood City Hall (Clark/Del Amo) east parking lot to the Fiesta entrance on Clark Avenue.

Amusement Rides Provided by Guadagno & Sons Amusements Friday, May 6, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sunday, May 8, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. Admission is free into the amusement ride area. Presale Prices: Presale tickets are 10 for $20 and each presale ticket is good for one carnival ride. Purchase a promotional wrist band for the presale price of $20 and you can enjoy as many rides as you like during the hours of 12 – 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 7 only. Event Day Prices: Ride tickets will be sold inside the gate at the event during the weekend: $1 each, $19 for 20 tickets or $25 for 32 tickets. The number of tickets required will vary for each ride. Purchase a promotional wrist band for $25 and enjoy as many rides as you like on Saturday, May 7 from 12 – 6 p.m. only. Presale Tickets for rides and pancake breakfast go on sale at Lakewood City Hall beginning April 18 and at Mayfair Park beginning May 2

.

Entertainment Saturday, May 7 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 12:15 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Mayfair High School (Youth Bands & Choral Groups) Welcome and Flag Ceremony (Boy Scout Troop #65) Linaka Polynesian Dancers (Polynesian Dance) Susie Hansen Latin Band (Latin Jazz) Las Princesas De San Jose (Mariachi Music) Raging Sun (Rhythm & Blues)

Entertainment schedule subject to change

Sunday, May 8 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Ferrer Academy of Martial Arts (Demonstration) 10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Tago – Le – Pasefika (Polynesian Revue) 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Steel Parade (Steel Drums) 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Scott Martin and the Latin Soul Band (Latin Jazz) 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Country Western Line Dance Lesson (Jackie Schrubbe) 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Casual Affair (Country Western) 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Iliana Rose Band (Cuban Jazz/Salsa)

Mayfair Park, 5720 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA ● Call (562) 866-9771 ext. 2408 for more information

C i t y Spotlight Family fun with ‘Finally it’s Friday’; new recreation catalog The new Summer Recreation Catalog will be arriving in Lakewood homes in late May. It offers many fun and fitness opportunities along with chances to socialize at picnics, Concerts in the Park, the Civic Center Block Party, pools and the new Finally it’s Friday events. Finally its Friday events are a series of special family programs planned on Friday nights throughout the summer. Priority mail-in registration and online registration for Lakewood residents begins as soon as residents receive the summer catalog. Online registration is fast, easy and convenient. Over 500 programs, camps and classes are available this summer. Most classes and activities begin the week of June 20. For more information call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Register online at www.lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog Family Camp ‘under the stars’ at Monte Verde Park Families can spend a night out “under the stars” at Monte Verde Park at the Family Camp overnighter event on Saturday, May 14, 1pm to Sunday, May 15, 11am. Activities include games, crafts, nature walks, a marshmallow roast and singing around the campfire. Camp guides will help families set up ‘camp’ and help children enjoy the experience. All meals and snacks are prepared so parents can sit back, relax and enjoy nature. For parents and children ages 3 – 11. Registration fee is $17 per couple ($8 for each additional person). A materials fee of $16 per couple for meals ($8 for additional person) is payable to the instructor at camp. To register, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or go to www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog. Mayfair Pool offers presummer swim opportunities • Swim Lessons: Mayfair Pool pre-summer swim lessons will take place Monday, May 23 to June 3. Online swim lesson priority registration for residents begins May 3 at 7pm. Non-residents may register online beginning May 10 at 7pm. Participants may sign up at www.lakewoodcity.org/ eCatalog. Walk-in registration will take place from 1pm to 4pm on Saturday, May 21. Youth instruction classes are offered Monday through Friday every half hour between 3:30pm to 5:30pm. • Recreation Swim: Pre-summer Recreation Swims will take place at Mayfair Pool weekends only beginning May 28 to June 12 from 1pm to 2:30pm and 2:45pm to 4:15pm. Resident Fees are 75 cents for children and $1.25 for adults. • Water Aerobics: Both Shallow and Deep Water Aerobic classes will take place from 6pm to 7pm Cont’d. on page 14


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May 2011

Job Fair and Teen Volunteer events help participate in the hundreds-strong Lakewood’s youth Volunteer Day events each year.

Teens must be 12 years of age or older, willing to follow through on a volunteer commitment and interested in helping the community. Go online to www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteer. PanAm Fiesta

(Cont’d. from pg. 1)

Lakewood teens learn job-hunting skills at Yout Center and gain insight into local volunteering opportunities.

Helping youth develop jobseeking skills and find work is the focus of the city-organized Lakewood Youth Job Fair at the Lakewood Youth Center (Woodruff Avenue and Arbor Road) on Thursday, May 19 from 3pm to 5:30pm. Today’s tight employment market makes a second youth event valuable as well. The Teen Volunteering event on Wednesday, June 1 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Lakewood Youth Center won’t offer attendees paid positions. But, it will offer other valuable dividends. Volunteering is a great way for youth to explore career areas and build their resumes, references and connections for future jobs. “Volunteer work can be as

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Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20/yr in Orange & L.A. Counties; $25/yr in all other counties. Payable in advance. Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice. The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised. SUBMISSION POLICY: The LCN encourages submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be no more than 200 words, typed and double spaced, or sent electronically. Letters must be signed by the author and must include the author’s address and telephone number. Opinions expressed in the letter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, members, staff or the LCN. The LCN reserves the right to refuse or edit editorial content, without notice, for the reasons of, but not limited to, length, grammar, clarity or for the potentially libelous statements. SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser. EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month. (There is no guarantee for insertion.) PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.

demanding as paid employment, and it gives teens a chance to establish networking contacts, build a responsible career-like work history and develop skills that employers value,” says Lakewood’s Teen Volunteer Coordinator Chuck Martucci. “Another plus is that volunteering can open the door to future opportunities and offer training that teens may not be able to get in the fast-paced environment of some paid jobs.” Job Fair The city organizes the Lakewood Youth Job Fair to help young residents, between the ages of 16 and 20, find parttime employment. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak to a number of local employers. The event will also feature sessions to teach youth how to use online tools for seeking jobs. As a precursor to the job fair, young job seekers are also invited to “Finding That Job,” a workshop aimed at teaching job-finding skills. The workshop is scheduled for Friday, May 13 from 5pm to 6pm at the Lakewood Youth Center. For additional information, call the youth center at 562-429-7472 between 3pm and 7pm, Monday through Friday. Volunteering The Teen Volunteering event will take place on Wednesday, June 1 from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Lakewood Youth Center. The event will introduce teens to the many different opportunities to volunteer in Lakewood. Call the youth center at 562-4297472 or the city’s Recreation and Community Service Department at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 for additional information. Volunteers can get involved with City Park and human service programs, or in community and civic groups. Activities are a way to gain job experience or to help fulfill community service hours needed for school credit. The award-winning “Teens in Lakewood Care” program needs teens to help provide free home maintenance to Lakewood residents who are physically unable to do the work themselves. Among other activities, they may

Music and dance – from Latin Jazz, Country Western, Rhythm & Blues, to a Polynesian Revue – will continue on the fiesta’s main stage throughout the weekend. There will be lots of opportunities for Lakewood residents of all ages to try out their dance moves - or just listen - to a variety of music. Food booths open from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend features artist demonstrations by members of the Lakewood Artist Guild along with over 70 arts and crafts dealers who will bring their wares to the fiesta. In the Children’s Cultural Booth, kids can have a free, hands-on cultural experience featuring activities and arts and crafts from across the Americas. Organized activities will run from 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday. For a complete schedule of fiesta events and times, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/panam or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Save money with pre-sale tickets Pre-sale carnival ride and breakfast tickets are available now at city hall (and at Mayfair Park beginning May 2). Pre-sale tickets are 10 for $20. Each presale ticket is good for one ride. Advance purchase of a wrist band for $20 gives unlimited rides from noon to 6pm on Saturday only. Ride tickets will be sold at the fiesta too. Tickets will be $1 each, $19 for 20 tickets, and $25 for 32 tickets. Rides generally require three to five tickets when purchased the day of the event. A wrist band purchased on Saturday for $25 will allow you unlimited rides from noon to 6pm on that day only. Parking will be available in the east parking lot of city hall (Clark/Del Amo). A free shuttle will run from city hall to Mayfair Park every 15 minutes from 10am to 7pm on Saturday and Sunday.

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Advertise in the Lakewood Community News! Call Jodee at (562) 531-9733 or email at: advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

The Tooth Truth

Question: How do I replace a missing tooth?

Answer: Statistics show that nearly 70% of adults between 35 to 44 years old have lost at least one permanent tooth. By age 74, 26% of adults have lost all their teeth. Dental implants are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. They are so natural looking and feeling, you may forget you ever lost a tooth! Twenty years ago, patients had few good options to replace missing teeth. Removable dentures often slip and can be uncomfortable. They have to rest on the gums or use remaining teeth as anchors. Fixed bridges require drilling on neighboring teeth and are often doomed to decay and other dental problems. Dental implants can look and feel like your own. Under proper conditions, they can last a lifetime. You know that your confidence about your teeth affects how you feel about yourself, both personally and professionally. If you are missing teeth and want to smile, speak and eat again with comfort and confidence, there is good news. At Lakewood Dental Arts, our specially trained doctors and staff use the most current 3D imaging technology and materials to offer the highest quality treatment to our patients.

Sincerely, The Doctors & Staff of Lakewood Dental Arts Lakewood Dental Arts 5555 Del Amo Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90713 Ph: 562-866-1735 Fx: 562-866-8190 LakewoodDentalArts.com Creating Smiles in Lakewood Since 1985


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May 2011

Look no further than Lakewood Center for your new pet

Pictured is Aimee Gilbreath, Found Animals’ Executive Director

If you’re looking to adopt a pet without going to a shelter your in luck, a new, innovative retail pet adoption center recently opened in Lakewood, and will showcase shelter animals in a bright, fun, one-stop-shop for potential pet owners. In other retail

pet centers, animals usually cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. Instead, pets on display will be shelter animals looking for a new home. The goal is to significantly increase the number of animals adopted and improve the public’s perception of pet adoption. The store will feature cats, dogs, rabbits and other animals available for adoption, along with basic pet supplies and specialty items. All of the pets will come from one of Found Animals’ shelter partners, the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) in Downey. Highly trained adoption counselors will help customers find a new furry family member that perfectly matches with their preference

and lifestyle. All Adopt & Shop pets will be sterilized, vaccinated and microchipped, and will go home with resources and support to ensure a successful integration into the household. “Potential adopters are going to find wonderful pets and caring people at the Adopt & Shop, and we’re all excited that people will go home with the perfect new family member and the resources they need for a lifetime of happiness together,” said Aimee Gilbreath, Executive Director of Found Animals. “We always encourage people to visit shelters to meet a great pet, but the sad reality is that many shelters aren’t conveniently located and are perceived as negative places, which can often be intimidating.” In part due to the inaccurate stereotypes associated with animal shelters – which are

usually described as noisy, sad or dirty, only 18 percent of new pets are typically acquired through shelter adoption. Adopt & Shop was created in collaboration with local shelters to help increase their adoption rates and has a goal to facilitate at least 600 adoptions in 2011. Unlike a traditional pet store, Found Animals’ trained adoption counselors will spend time getting to know people, and helping to find a pet that perfectly matches their preferences and lifestyle. An iPad kiosk is on-site to showcase the free Found Animals 24/7 online pet care tools, as well as pets available for adoption through other local shelters. The pet center is located next to Costco, and will be open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 6pm. For more information call (562) 5312871.

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Childhood obesity: lifestyle or genes? by Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

A recent study found that when 1,003 Michigan 6th graders were examined, obese children were “more likely to consume school lunch instead of a packed lunch from home and spend two hours a day watching TV or playing a video game.” According to an article in Science Daily, the study suggests unhealthy habits are feeding the childhood obesity trend. “For the extremely overweight child, genetic screening may be a consideration,” says study senior author Kim A. Eagle, M.D., a Cardiologist and a Director of the U-M Cardiovascular Center. “For the rest, increasing physical activity, reducing recreational screen time and improving the nutritional value of school lunches offers great promise to begin a reversal of current childhood obesity trends.” According to the Science Daily article, “researchers found that 58 percent of obese children had watched two hours of TV in the previous day, compared to 41 percent of non-obese children. Forty-five percent of obese students always ate school lunch, but only 34 percent of non-obese students ate school lunch.” Significantly fewer obese kids exercised regularly, took physical education classes, or were a member of a sports team. One of the biggest take home messages (besides realizing that it’s habits making us overweight - not just our genes) is that almost all the students can drastically improve their diet and exercise, not just those who are obese. According to the American College of Preventative Medicine, heart disease and diabetes are two of the most common preventable chronic diseases. Both have their root causes in what we eat and how much we exercise, and both start from the habits we develop in childhood. Dr. Larry Omo, D.C., is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in spinal health care, disc rehabilitation, exercise and nutrition for over 29 years in Lakewood. HIs office is located at 5220 Clark Ave., #210, and he can be reached at 562-867-0993.

The Lakewood Garden Club is holding it’s garden tour & plant sale on Saturday, May 21, 2011, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tour will begin at 5232 Premier, Lakewood. This beautiful home is a 3-time Lakewood Beautiful “Distinguished” Award winner. The plant sale will be held at another Lakewood garden on the tour, 5427 Lorelei, Lakewood. Tour cost: $5.00


May 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

It’s time to get real about being prepared for a disaster

AQMD opens mower exchange registration

The recent earthquake in Japan underscores the need for California residents to also be prepared for a disaster. Having food, water and shelter for seven days is the official standard for personal and family disaster survival. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina taught the nation the importance of individual self-reliance and family preparedness when a major disaster strikes. A free “Survive for 7� disaster planning program is scheduled for Tuesday, May 24 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Lakewood Youth Center. The one-evening program educates residents about emergency preparedness and offers the skills they will need to survive in the first week following a catastrophe. Learn more at www.lakewoodcity. org/7days. “Do you know what to do? Do you have a plan? Fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding. You need to learn what to do, have a plan and be prepared to take care of yourself, your family and your community,� says instructor Karen Plantz. The program offers common sense answers to disaster preparation questions. There are six basics you should stock for your home: water, food, first aid supplies, clothing, bedding, tools and emergency supplies/special items. Keep the items that you would most likely need during an evacuation in an easy-to carry container. Possible containers include a large, covered trash container with wheels, a camping backpack or a duffle bag. Signups may be done online using the eCatalog: www. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o rg / e C a t a l o g . Search on course number 25830. Call Karen Plantz at 562866-9771, extension 2404 for additional information. “Survive for 7� pages on the city website feature numerous disaster guides, tip sheets and links. Recently, Los Angeles County officials have organized a disaster preparedness guide to help residents prepare for emergencies and major disasters. The Emergency Survival Guide has 100 pages of advice and information to help residents prepare for fires, floods, earthquakes, pandemic flu, terrorism, extreme weather and tsunamis. To view the guide and other helpful information, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/7days. Having a family disaster plan is vital. Emergency personnel say the most striking aspect of many recent disasters has been the lack of public preparation. Experts insist there is a dire need for every family to have the food,

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water, and personal resources to withstand a prolonged loss of basic services—all are part of a family disaster plan and a major theme of Lakewood’s “Survive for 7� campaign.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s (AQMD) popular “mower exchange� has kicked into gear on the AQMD website: www.aqmd.gov. The program runs for a limited time and offers incentives to help residents save energy, money and the environment by trading their old, working gasoline mower for an electric lawn mower.

Participants can save big. The incentive program lets them pay approximately $100 or $165 for a new electric cordless mower valued at around $400 or $500. Once registered, program participants will be allowed to go to one of several exchange events held at various sites in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Residents must pre-register for one of these events. This process helps reduce the traffic congestion at the event and allows for a quick orderly flow through the exchange process. At the event, staff will be

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available to assist with unloading your old mower and loading your new mower into your vehicle. This is a drive-thru event so you will not have to get out of your car. The whole process from when you arrive to when you leave typically takes less than 15 minutes. Events run from the spring into the summer. Quantities are limited and exchanges will be made on a firstcome, first-served basis, upon prior registration. Additional instructions and program details are available online at www.aqmd.gov, or you may call AQMD’s Lawnmower Program at 888-425-6247.

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By Robin Vanderwerff

Pictured from l to r: Marcedes Lewis, Joe Esquivel and John Kelsall

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bronze CareMore Medical Group Community Hospital of Long Beach EDCO/BZ Waste & Recycling Long Beach Marriott Rotary Club of Lakewood Toibb Enterprises Mission Statement: The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce creates a healthy business environment for the community.

2010-2011 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Officers and Board of Directors

Welcome New Members! Found Animals 353 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 (310) 574-5794

football youth camps to help raise funds for youth programs. In our communications with Marcedes, he learned about the retirement of City Councilman Joe Esquivel and wanted to help send Joe off to retirement in style. Joe served for 21 years on the city council, and 18 years before that, he served on the city’s Recreation and Community Services Commission, including 11 seasons as a coach with Lakewood Youth Sports. Lewis wanted to give Esquivel something special to commemorate all that he has done in his years with the city. Marcedes Lewis and John Kelsall President/CEO of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce presented Joe with an official NFL Jaguars autographed football and an autographed jersey with Lewis’ #89. For more information regarding the Marcedes Lewis Foundation visit www. marcedeslewisfoundation.org.

Member Renewals Congratulations & Thank you!

18 Years R. Dan Murphy, D.P.M., Inc. 13 Years Souplantation & Sweet Tomatoes Melinda McCoy’s Flowers 9 Years Press Telegram 7 Years White House Florist Inc. 6 Years Immediate Medical Center 2 Years Long Beach Spine & Rehabilitation 1 Year Behavior Safety Associates, LLC

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Women in Business Council Wednesday, 05/11/11, 11:30am “Celebrating Accomplishments! Acknowledging Breakdowns!”

Mayfair Park, Activities Room (Bring a sack lunch!)

5720 Clark Avenue Lakewood, 90712 Grand Opening/Ribbon Cutting Thursday, 05/19/11, TBA Chick-Fil-A 5520 South Street Lakewood, 90713 2011 Business Expo Saturday, 05/21/11, 10:00am Lakewood Center-Center Court (in front of Macy’s)

500 Lakewood Center Lakewood, 90712 After Hours Mixer Thursday, 05/26/11, TBA Sam’s Club 7480 Carson Street Long Beach, 90808 For further information call: (562) 531-9733 or visit www. lakewoodchamber.com

45th Annual Chamber Golf Tournament Monday, June 6, 2011 1PM Shotgun Scramble Format

Skylinks at Long Beach

4800 E. Wardlow Rd. Long Beach, CA 90808

Mike Hedges Pacific Striping Company 1820 Coronado Avenue Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-429-2562 Fax 562-938-8811 pacificstripeco@aol.com

Beverly Anderson First City Credit Union 5252 Lakewood Blvd. Lakewood, CA 90712 800-944-2200 Fax 562-630-1787 Banderson@firstcitycu.org

Glen Patrick Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Fax 562-425-5451 Glen.Patrick@lbymca.org

Chi-Chung Keung Long Beach City College 4901 E. Carson Street Long Beach, CA 90808 562-938-4723 Fax 562-938-4651 ckeung@lbcc.edu

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

Leigh Clausen Gateway Business Bank 4146 Woodruff Avenue Lakewood, CA 90713 562-627-9800 Fax 562-627-9801 Lclausen@gbbanker.com

Ben Harvey SCE/Southern CA Edison 2800 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA 90806 800-655-4555 Fax 562-981-8289 Ben.Harvey@sce.com

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

A ER L KEW AT

OD O

Marla Burillo Marketing with Marla P.O. Box 160 Lakewood, CA 90714 714-504-5076 Fax 562-531-9737 marketingwithmarla@gmail.com

Call (562) 531-9733 for more info.

1949 6

2009

BE 0 YEARS R OF COM

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

Marjorie Anderson Edward Jones Investments 5536 South Street Lakewood, CA 90712 562-804-7994 Fax 562-866-8954 Marjorie.anderson@edwardjones.com

Business@Breakfast Monday, 05/09/11, 7:30am LA BizFed – “What It Is & How Does It Benefit Me” Denny’s Restaurant 5520 South Street Lakewood, 90713

Call our Toll Free Hotline TODAY:

Frank Croes The Boeing Company 2401 E. Wardlow Road Long Beach, CA 90807 562-593-2937 Fax 562-982-6199 Frank.Croes@boeing.com

Cathy Gies-Chairman Willow Urgent Care/Memorial Healthcare IPA 1100 E. Willow Street Signal Hill, CA 90755 562-981-9500 Fax 562-981-2964 cgies@mhipa.com

May Chamber Calendar

CHA

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

What does a retiring Lakewood City Councilman and a Pro-athlete from Lakewood have in common? Both have a heart for the youth in the community. The recently retired City Councilman is Joe Esquivel, and the pro-athlete is Marcedes Lewis. Lewis is a tight end for the National Football League’s Jacksonville Jaguars. Marcedes and his mom, Yvonne Withers, are Lakewood residents. Interesting, when doing a search for Marcedes Lewis all sites refer to him as a resident of Long Beach, that is incorrect, Lakewood should be proud of the pro athlete we have in our midst. Marcedes was drafted from UCLA as the 28th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. He was UCLA’s only tight end to win the John Mackey Award for the best tight end in college football when he won in 2005. He graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School. The Lakewood Community News (LCN) was introduced to Marcedes through his mom, who owns a childcare facility in Lakewood - “Withers Family Childcare,” and also advertises in the LCN. Withers told the LCN staff about her son, and how actively involved he is with the youth in the Lakewood/Long Beach community. Marcedes created a Foundation for kids called the Marcedes Lewis Foundation, which holds fundraisers and

May 2011

ER CE

Lakewood Chamber says so long in style!

www.lakewoodchamber.com

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Page 6

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ChamberNews


Green

May 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Fresh, Local, Organic... what does it all mean?

These days, when it comes to produce, the buzzwords are “local” and “seasonal.” Local and seasonal, like fresh and organic, can mean a lot of different things, it’s important to educate yourself. Below are some definitions for the terms: • Local. Local can be defined as having been grown less than a day’s drive from where it’s purchased. In general, local is preferable, because it lasts longer, not having spent days travelling across the country or the world to get to you. Less travel also means less use of resources and less air pollution. • Seasonal. If you’ve ever picked your own strawberries,

you know there’s nothing like that fresh-picked taste. Today, you can get almost any kind of produce at just about any time of the year. Asparagus in December? It’s shipped in from Peru, where it’s in season. Apples in July? They’re pulled from cold storage just for you. But if it’s not in season, it’s not local, and that means it won’t have the great flavor you find in local fresh-picked produce. • Fresh. We tend to think we should always choose fresh. And if it’s local and seasonal, fresh is usually better. But sometimes canned or frozen is a better choice, especially when you’re cooking the vegetables or fruit, as opposed to serving them uncooked.

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For instance, if you’re making something with tomatoes, canned - especially in the winter when tomatoes are not in season - are probably best. Canned and frozen produce has typically been picked and processed at its peak. That means it’s going to taste much better than out-of-season fresh produce that has been travelling for days or in cold storage for months. • Organic. Google the word “organic” and you’ll find hundreds of websites, and as many variations of meaning. By definition, organic produce has been raised without chemical fertilizers and pesticides, using sustainable agricultural practices. “Natural” is not the same as “organic.” Neither is “additive free” or “no preservatives.” Moreover, there are different levels of United States Department of Agriculture Organic Certification (www. ams.usda.gov). That means when you shop for organic produce, you need to be aware and read the fine print. One other important influence on the flavor of modern produce, which is grown on huge farms and packaged in giant processing plants, is the trend toward hybrid varieties bred for looks, shelf life, and being tough enough to transport long distances. Flavor is not generally a top priority. The bottom line for buying produce: Educate yourself. Know what is in season, what is grown locally and where it can be purchased, and how to determine if something really is organic.

Living

Used oil collection kits available at city hall

Lakewood’s backyard mechanics can “finish the job right” when it comes to oil changes. Residents can pick up a 15-quart oil collection kit at city hall’s Public Works counter for free. It also includes a widemouth plastic funnel, a shop rag and a cardboard “creeper mat” to help deal with drips or spillage under your car. The reusable oil collection containers have a screw top and carrying handle that make the job of transporting your used oil to a recycling center easy and spill free. There are five California certified oil collection centers conveniently located for Lakewood residents. • AutoZone, 4945 Woodruff Avenue, Lakewood 562-925-

9935 • Jiffy Lube, 5533 South Street, Lakewood 562-8044941 • Mountain View Tire/ Goodyear, 5233 Clark Avenue, Lakewood 909-484-9497 • O’Reilly (formerly Kragen) Auto Parts, 5511 Woodruff Avenue, Lakewood 562-8044452 • Scher Tire/Goodyear, 3800 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach 456-426-7071 You can get a free used oil collection kit and advice on where to recycle old oil by visiting Lakewood City Hall at 5050 Clark Avenue. For more information on the location of used oil recycling centers in Lakewood, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ recyclingoil or call 562866-9771, extension 2500 to request a used oil recycling kit.

Melinda Levy Evans 611 E Carson Street Long Beach, California 90807 (562) 424-0901 • Fax (562) 424-2887

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Thursdays Bixby Knolls

Saturdays Cerritos Towne Center Sundays Alamitos Bay Marina

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(One block South of Carson St., off Cherry Ave.)

• Local Farm Fresh Produce • Food Artisans • Plants & Flowers • Baked Goods, honey & more!

Page 7

866-GOODVEG GoodVeg.org We Gladly Accept EBT Food Stamp Cards


May 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

E. South St.

Lakewood Center Mall

Clark Ave.

Candlewood St.

Lakweood Blvd.

Page 8

Downey Ave.

News

Community

Del Amo Blvd.


May 2011

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ShopLakewood Page 9


Page 10

Nominate a home for ‘Lakewood Beautiful’

The 2011 Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards Program is underway and nominations are now open. This is the program’s 30th anniversary. All residents are encouraged to nominate homes in Lakewood that reflect a special “pride of ownership” through property upkeep, landscaping and

overall general appearance. Each year, hundreds of homes are nominated, either by friends, neighbors or proud homeowners themselves. Studies show that home upkeep and beautification efforts by caring, committed residents keep crime rates low and property values healthy, thereby

www.lakewoodchamber.com benefitting everyone in a city. Last year, Lakewood residents nominated 262 homes. Lavish landscaping or architecture isn’t required to receive a Lakewood Beautiful home award. Rather, judges pay tribute to homeowners with an eye for detail, a sense of overall style and a dedication to enhancing the value of properties in their neighborhood. Award-winning homes come from every area of the city. Nominations of Lakewood’s best looking homes can be made by calling the Community Relations Office at city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2160, or by using the online form. The deadline for nominations is July 15. Nominations can be made online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ beautifulhome. This year, Lakewood Beautiful has added a new “Water-Wise” Award category for those who have made a concerted effort to update irrigation methods and plant waterwise plants and trees that require less water year-round.

May 2011

YMCA celebrates “YMCA National Senior Health & the entire year. Fitness Day” offerTo throughout learn more about YMCA Submitted by Weingart-Lakewood YMCA

On May 25th, Y’s across the country are hosting activities to recognize, celebrate, and support older adults. The Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA will join Y’s nationwide to celebrate older adults for “YMCA National Senior Health & Fitness Day,” Wednesday, May 25, 2010, 9am to 12pm. We will be holding a Health Fair with a variety of vendors and health screenings, raffles and refreshments. YMCA National Senior Health & Fitness Day gives us an opportunity to showcase our range of programming for this particular group of adults. We hope the community will stop by and see first hand the variety of YMCA older adult programs we

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News

Community

National Senior Health & Fitness Day activities at the WeingartLakewood Family YMCA, call Beth Freeman at (562) 425-7431. Me ‘n Ed’s Pizza

(Cont’d. from page. 1)

Pictured from l to r: Scotty Rickard & Big Al

was on staff as a player since 1978. He felt that there was a need for music and stepped in. Me-n-Ed’s Pizza has been a fixture in the city of Lakewood for the past 48 years and will celebrate 50 years in business on March 22, 2013. Bob and Jan Baldwin were the original owners; they opened the pizza parlor in March of 1963. Some time later their son, Steve Baldwin, joined his dad, and for the next 20 years they ran the business together. Steve has been running things on his own for the past 15 years and is so proud of the good family music that Big Al has been bringing to Me-n-Ed’s. Big Al has a lot of fond memories over the past 25 years, and has left an indelible impression on many people. One in particular was of a young boy with the nickname of “Little Texas,” Scotty Rickard. On Friday nights, Scotty and his family would come in for pizza, he would sing and Al would play “Deep In The Heart of Texas.” All the customers would give him a standing ovation. Al had the pleasure of running in to Scotty this year at a reunion, Scotty is all grown up now and a “Rock Star.” His band, named “The Lashes,” just released an album with Columbia Records. Scotty plays the guitar and wrote all the songs for the album. Big Al especially loves playing for all the children. He plays Disney songs like It’s A Small World and When you Wish Upon A Star. The kids have a great time singing along to all the songs. Al’s advice to parents is to put their children in music lessons. After 25 years Big Al still looks forward to Friday nights, so he can sit down at the piano and play for all the customers. Steve Baldwin says, “We would like to extend our appreciation to Big Al, no one could have a better ambassador. He is a consistent warm and wonderful person.” Big Al is looking forward to a very special evening taking place at Me-n-Ed’s on Friday, May 13th. Al and his wife, Nancy, will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, as well as Al’s 25th anniversary playing piano at Me-n-Ed’s. He will have a commemorative CD available for the customers. Stop by any Friday evening to say Hello and thank Al for 25 yrs. of music memories. I bet he’ll give you a smile and play your favorite tune!


News

Community

May 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

A time to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice

Lakewood student awarded first place for both Poster & Poetry Contests

On Monday, May 30, Lakewood City Council Members will once again join with members of American Legion Post 496, Veterans of Foreign Wars Memorial Post 8615, Disabled American Veterans Chapter 19, Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 756, and community members for the annual Memorial Day Ceremony. The community will pay tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives while serving in the United States armed forces, as well as members of our local veterans’ organizations who’ve died during the past year. Lakewood’s Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 11am at the Veterans Memorial at Del Valle Park. The memorial is located on Woodruff Avenue, between Henrilee Street and Arbor Road. The annual Memorial Day Ceremony includes the laying of wreaths at the Veterans Memorial, as well as greetings from Mayor Larry Van Nostran and other dignitaries. A musical tribute to those who have served in the armed forces and a stirring performance of “Taps” will be performed by talented young musicians from local schools, and the nationally recognized Lakewood High School Naval Junior ROTC will present our nation’s flag. Parking is available on Woodruff

Avenue, Arbor Road, and Henrilee Street. Neighboring residents are encouraged to walk or ride their bikes to the park. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Ruiz at 562-8669771, extension 3123. Vpl

Volunteer-work for free, no pay At church I always see it, the signs have the same thing to say! Please volunteer to help us, by the way, there isn’t any pay! Help us feed the homeless, make an old person feel special and good. Homeless, they kind of scare me. There are old people in my Lakewood neighborhood. I really was not sure about it. but I volunteered for the day. Guess what?! I began to see it, I was payed in a different way. A homeless person smiling, a belly full of food. Hugging an older person can put them in a great mood. By giving them something simple, something that they lack. The joy wasn’t in the giving, it was what I was getting back!

Page 11

Taya Clark, a fifth grade student in Ms. Perez’ class at Riley Elementary School is a First Place winner in the Lakewood Pan American Poster and Poetry Contests. The contest is open to all elementary schools in the City of Lakewood in coordination with National Poetry Month. The 2011 winners represented Riley Elementary (L.B.U.S.D.), Craig Williams, (B.U.S.D.) and St. Pancratius Parish School. Taya’s poster will be on display at the annual Pan Am Fiesta in the History Room May 6th and 7th at Mayfair Park.

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News

Community Page 12

Life Center Church Sunday Services

6022 E. Candlewood Lakewood, CA 90713

8:30AM & 11:00AM

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Residents can start saving money on their water bill by making a few changes

Visit us at: www.lifecenterchurch.com

Phone: (562) 866-9078

Lakewood First United Methodist Church

4300 Bellflower Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713

www.lakewoodfirstumchurch.com (562) 425-1219

Inexpensive and easy-to-install timers cut outdoor water use.

Starting May 1, the Lakewood Water Resources Department will accept applications for water rebates that can save residents up to $195 initially on their water bills if they take voluntary action to curb outdoor water use. After that, with reduced water usage, a typical Lakewood home might save anywhere from $40 to $65 a year on their water bills. Residents can apply for

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May 2011

rebates on projects as simple as installing more efficient sprinkler heads and hose timers, or more complex projects like a landscape makeover. Device and turf-related rebate applications are available online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ waterrebates -- along with a list of accepted devices, extensive FAQs and how-to documents. Even as the state emerges from a three-year drought, the City of Lakewood is preparing for the NEXT one. Future water shortages are inevitable given California’s history of recurring drought. Since 70 percent of residential water use is outdoors, changes made in watering yards can have major impacts. Adding watersaving tools like hose-end timers and rotor-head sprinklers may only require a trip to the home improvement store. Many do-ityourselfers can tackle putting in a sprinkler control or can do it with the help of a savvy neighbor or gardener. Device rebates are one of the two types of rebates offered. They range from $5 to $50 towards the purchase cost of water-saving irrigation devices like “rotor” sprinkler heads, drip irrigation kits and hose timers. Additional rebates are available for irrigation timers/controllers and moisture sensors. The rebates are worth approximately 20 percent of the device cost, although in some cases they cover almost the entire cost of small devices. Turf removal landscape makeovers are the second rebate option. The program offers up to $80 for the removal of thirsty grass-landscaping and the installation of new water-wise landscaping, irrigation or water

permeable surfaces. This can be done in conjunction with device rebates. Turf removal rebates require that a pre-application be submitted and approved PRIOR to work beginning. The application helps define the project’s scope and the square footage upon which the rebate will be based. The rebate program covers single-family residential customers of the Lakewood city water system. Commercial buildings, apartments and multifamily residential units are not covered by the program, but may be eligible for similar rebates through the Metropolitan Water District at www.bewaterwise. com. Lakewood residents in zip code 90715 are customers of the Golden State Water Company, which is also offering a rebate program. Those customers should consult www.bewaterwise.com for details on that program. It’s up to individual homeowners to voluntarily decide how much they want to take on. Projects can range from simply changing a sprinkler head to doing a complete turf removal project. Both categories have FAQs that can be downloaded at wwwlakewoodcity.org/water rebates or picked up at city hall. To better understand Lakewood’s need to reduce water use, check out the city’s Draft 2010 Urban Water Management Plan at www.lakewoodcity.org/ uwmp or at the Iacoboni or Nye libraries in Lakewood. The City Council will consider adoption of the plan at its May 24, 2011 meeting.

Year-round hazardous and e-waste drop off sites Six permanent household hazardous waste/e-waste collection centers are available to Lakewood residents. The year-round S.A.F.E. centers are co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works. S.A.F.E. stands for “Solvents/Automotive/ Flammables/Electronics.” The S.A.F.E. center most convenient to Lakewood is in San Pedro at 1400 N. Gaffey Street. Like most of the centers, it is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am to 3pm. A complete list of centers and links is available at www. lakewoodcity.org/hazardous. It’s always prudent to check the center webpage for current schedules.


News

Community

May 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Local residents had the 2011 Chamber Business time of their lives in China! Expo at Lakewood Center On Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 10am to 3pm, the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “Business Expo” in the exclusive Center Court at Lakewood Center. The 2011 Business Expo is a fantastic opportunity for both local businesses and consumers in the surrounding areas. The Expo is the only one of its kind to be supported and sponsored by Lakewood Center and is an exclusive opportunity afforded only to the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. • Business Opportunities: Showcase your goods and/or services and reach an audience of thousands! The Expo removes “pressure to sell” because vendor booths are designed to be informational only. And although

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce hosted China trip was a great adventure for the local residents that took the long journey there. Ida Fay House, Ione Mary-Ellen Street, Steven Millette, Erin, Matt & Tyler Stibal, Karen Ann Crummer, William Davis, Julia Milburn and Donald Gablrhouse, all had the time of their lives, seeing all the wonders of China. If you are interested in visiting China with the Chamber next year, give us a call at (562) 531-9733.

no products or services can be sold during the Expo, businesses are invited to educate consumers about what their company has to offer. By providing marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, business cards, etc. vendors can collect leads and referrals, which will stimulate the growth of local commerce in the Lakewood business community. • Consumer Opportunities: Why should residents attend the 2011 Business Expo? It’s free of charge and the Expo is a great opportunity to explore 30 - 40 local businesses while experiencing what goods and/or services they have to offer without the “pressure to purchase”. Specialty vendor booths offer a fantastic opportunity to promote your goods and/or services and

WE

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for Best sandwiches in L.B. is almost in Lakewood at 4855 Bellflower Blvd., L.B. (562) 421-7666

Page 13

reach an audience of thousands. An 8’x10’ space includes one six-foot table with two chairs and tablecloth (limited electricity available for an additional $25), the investment is only $150 for Lakewood Chamber Members, $235 for Non-Chamber Members. To register, contact the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce at (562) 531-9733 or email john@lakewoodchamber. com.

Turtle & Tortoise Show!

ONE DAY ONLY! Turtle & Tortoise Care Expo. Special Guest Star Garth Kemp of ABC-TV News will be there. Sunday, May 22nd, from 10am-4pm. Located at the El Dorado Community Center, 2800 N. Studebaker Rd., Long Beach. You can call Jerry Weir at 562-860-8145 for more information.

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SUMMER SCHOOL 2011 High School Program

Academic Course Dates: June 17 - July 15, 2011 Session I: 8:00am - 11:00am • Session II: 11:30am - 2:30pm Athletic Course Dates: June 27 - July 21, 2011 Courses Offered: Review/Enrichment/Athletic/Elective Fee: $275 per course

SUMMER DAY CAMP 2011 CAMP LITTLE JESTERS Grade Levels K - 8 Dates: June 20 - July 22 Time: 7:30am - 3:00pm Camp Little Jesters offers: academic opportunities • arts & crafts • sports activities pool time • field trips • snacks Session I

June 20 - 24

Session II

June 27 - July 1

Session IV July 11 - 15

SUMMER ACADEMY 2011 Middle School Program

Session III July 5 - 8

Session V July 18 - 22

Fee: $160 per session For more information call (562) 925-5073, ext. 882

for students entering the 7th & 8th grade

Sessions: Math 8:00-9:00am (M-Th) Language Arts 9:15-10:15am (M-Th) r Day r Summe Sign up fo ke Summer d ta Camp an Math & Academy Free! rt e A s for Languag

Dates: June 20 - July 14, 2011 Fee: $95 per session

For more information call (562) 925-5073, ext. 881

5825 North Woodruff Avenue Lakewood, CA 90713 Tel (562) 925-5073 Fax (562) 925-3315 www.sj-jester.org


Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

Page 14

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Around Town in May

City Spotlight

Lakewood

• Lakewood Center kicks off Cinco de Mayo early on Wednesday, May 4 from 5-7pm, with live music, food, and a chance for one lucky winner to have dinner with artist by DJ Kane and Ricky Rick, who will perform three songs from their upcoming album and sign autographs for fans at Lakewood Center, Center Court, near Macy’s. • Glacial Gardens Skating Arena will have their 2nd Annual Spring Show “Peter Pan” on Friday, May 6 at 7pm and Saturday May 7 at 1pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are on sale at www.showtix4u.com. • F&M Bank will be accepting food/household items through the month of May for local families in need to donate to Project Shepherd. Bring all donations to 5101 Lakewood Blvd anytime between 9am and 5pm. For more information call Larry Kirk at (562) 602-8378. • Hearing Loss Association will

fold their meeting on Thursday, May 12, 6:30pm at the Weingart Senior Center. Demonstration of the new CaptionCall phone. No reservations needed and admission is free. For more information, call (562) 438-0597. • Spanish for Kids and More! a language institute for children and their families based in Lakewood, is in full swing! Ages: 6 to 13 years. Weekdays and Saturdays. Coming up: Easy Spanish Conversation for Adults, Spanish Mastery Clubs for Teens and Sizzling Summer Spanish Camp. Reasonable cost. Call (562) 3557327 Elizabeth Velasco-Calloway or email Amyberger@ca.rr.com. • The Lakewood Women’s Club will meet at the Lakewood Country Club on Tuesday, May 17, registration and social at 10:30am, meeting at 11:00am followed by lunch. The installation of Club Officers for 2011-2012 will be conducted by immediate Past State President Vicki Holden.

Eric M. Eric Reed, M. DDS Reed, DDS UCLA '91/Lakewood HS '82

• $25 X-rays & Exam (reg. $110) • $25 Teeth Whitening with X-rays and Cleaning ( For New Patients )

FamilyDentistry Dentistry Family

2704 Del Amo Bl. @ Paramount Lakewood (562) 423-1441

(Cont’d. from page 2) beginning May 23 at Mayfair Pool. Participants may choose either Mon./Wed. or Tu./Th. classes. Sign up at www.lakewoodcity.org/ eCatalog. Mayfair Pool is located at 5720 Clark Ave. For complete information, please call 562-8669771, extension 2408. Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are needed for baseball, softball and T-ball teams for the summer season at all Lakewood parks. Although moms and dads of players make great coaches, it’s not necessary to have a child playing to enjoy the volunteer experience. No coaching experience is necessary. City staff will provide the appropriate training. Inquire at any Lakewood park for complete details. LYS softball/T-ball signups Signups for Lakewood Youth Sports baseball, T-ball and softball teams will take place at all Lakewood parks between May 14 and 21. T-ball teams are for boys and girls ages 6-7 and baseball and softball teams are for boys and girls between the ages of 8-17. There are no team fees for Lakewood residents and proof of residency is required. The nonresident registration fee is $20. Birth certificates are required. For more information call 562-8669771, extension 2408.

May 2011

Peter Pan brings kids together for a magical evening By Breanna Vanderwerff

Skaters in photo L-R: Patricia McNeil (Captain Hook), Sophie Harding (Smee), Hannah Harding (Mr. Darling), Kim Dodson (Peter Pan), Emily Lucas (Mrs. Darling), Niki Monazzam (John Darling), Sheyne Harris-Cheskes (Tiger Lily), Cassie Johnson (Lead Pirate).

Some people may believe that they can’t make a difference, but all it takes is a simple idea. For 16-year old Kimberly Dodson it was the idea to make a difference in the lives of children with special needs. Kimberly is the star of Glacial Gardens Skating Arena in Lakewood’s 2nd Annual Spring Show “Peter Pan.” She proposed that they allow children with special needs come and experience their dress rehearsal on Thursday, May 5th. The Owner of Glacial Gardens, Ron White, Kimberly’s skating Director, Jacqui Palmore, and her fellow cast members were thrilled with the

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idea. Between Kimberly and her mother Caron, they currently have 40 children from the local Autism Society, 20 from Miller Children’s Hospital, and 10 from Orangewood in the city of Orange committed to coming. Kimberly is a student at Renaissance School for the Arts in Long Beach, and has been a part of Glacial Gardens since she was 4-years old. When asked why she wanted to open the dress rehearsal to children with special needs she simply said, “I just think that every kid should have the opportunity to be a kid.” As a high school student myself, I think it’s great to see that just because you’re young doesn’t mean you can’t make an impact in the lives of others. Kimberly is a great example that all it takes is a good idea and the courage to make it happen, to help other children experience what being a kid is all about. Having fun. Don’t miss the show, directed by Necia Krueger who also manages the Knott’s Berry Farm Ice Show. Show schedule is: Friday, May 6 @ 7pm and Saturday, May 7 @ 1pm and 5:30pm. Tickets are on sale now at www.showtix4u.com. $20 on Ice Seating - $15 General Admission Grand Stand Seating. Enjoy the show!

Glacial Garden Skating Arena Proudly Presents our 2nd Annual Spring Show

Peter Pan

Facility No. 198014898

Show dates and Times:

Friday, May 6, 2011 7:00 pm Saturday, May 7, 2011 1:00 pm & 5:30 pm

Ticket sales begin April 13, 2011 at www.showtix4u.com $20 on ice reserved seating $15 balcony general admission seating

Day-of-show tickets available at the door one hour before showtime

3975 Pixie Ave Lakewood, CA 90712 562) 429-1805 ext. 228

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Sunday, August 14, 2011 MAYFAIR PARK 5720 Clark Avenue (Corner of Clark Ave/South St)

For more info, call (562) 531-9733


News

Community

www.lakewoodchamber.com

May 2011

Play Sudoku and you could Trivia Pub Quiz comes to be the next winner! Congratulations to Michael again. Lakewood! Froehlich, David Russell, Barbara One entry per household; the Welcome to Trivia Pub Quiz at Brien O’Connor’s every Tuesday evening - starting May 3rd.

Cultural anthropologists are still debating the precise origins of today’s hugely popular Trivia Pub Quiz, though most likely evolved in Britain and Ireland in the early days of television. Pubs, of course, have always been places to drink, socialize and relax but in the 1950s, many pubs had another draw, for unlike most homes at the time, the pubs had television. The friendly rivalry, lighthearted banter and increased bar business attributable to the television quiz shows inspired pub owners to offer LIVE quiz shows as a regular feature on their pub entertainment calendars. In the US, Trivia Pub Quiz shows are thriving in bars and pubs coast to coast and we wish to invite you and your friends to light hearted trivia rivalry and to show off your talents of being geniuses! By coming along to Brien O’Connor’s at 4130 Paramount Boulevard Lakewood on Tuesday evenings starting Tuesday May 3rd. All of us at Brien O’Connors and Triviology.Net look forward to welcoming you on May 3rd. For further details please go to www.triviaology.net and to the Rules and Regulations section.

Hays, David Ronda and Tess Gabriel! They are the lucky winners of the April Sudoku Puzzle contest. Out of the 102 correct entries, they won a meal. Michael Froehlich will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, David Russell, Foggia Italian Market and Deli, Barbara Hays, Chipotle, David Ronda will eat at Super Mex and Tess Gabriel 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 Sudoku winners are drawn by random, if you’ve been a previous winner continue to play you just might win

answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, May 18, 2011. The winners will be drawn Thursday the 19th; 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 June issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Thank you to our April Sudoku sponsors!

- Outback Steakhouse - Super Mex - Chipotle

Page 15

Sudoku 9 8 4

7 9 8

3 1 7

6

3 9

1 7 3 6

7 3 8

2 5 9

6 9 3 7 2 5

Mexican Grill - Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli - Souplantation

Invites You to Worship with Us

Sunday Morning Worship Service 9:30 am Youth Sunday School 9:30 am Nursery/Child Care Provided 5225 Hayter Avenue, Lakewood

(Corner of Candlewood & Hayter) • (562) 633-0749 w w w. c p c l a k e w o o d . c o m

5/31/11

Rev. Michael E. Conan

PUB QUIZ

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2/15/11 8:31 AM


www.lakewoodchamber.com

Page 16

Lakewood Rotary Club The Best Club

Come share fellowship, meet new friends, hear great speakers, make a difference, make dreams real, and have some fun… all at the Lakewood Rotary. The 4-Way Test of things we think, say, or do… First...Is it the TRUTH? Second...Is it FAIR to all concerned? Third...Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIP? Fourth...Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Join us at the Lakewood Rotary Club The Rotary of Lakewood The Rotary Club ofClub Lakewood P.O. Box 367 P.O.Box 367 Lakewood, CA 90714 Lakewood, CA 90714 (562) 964-6661 562-531-9733

May 2011


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