Lcn november2015 16pages

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 32 Number 11

Lakewood shoppers get ‘Black Friday’ deals on THURSDAY

Hard-core deal hunters should know that dozens of the mall stores are opening earlier this year on the evening of Thanksgiving Day. Typing “Black Friday Lakewood California” into Google brings up pages of local Lakewood deals and “door busters” from Best Buy to Target, and Home Depot to Forever 21.

Lakewood Center is opening

at 6pm Thanksgiving Day and closing at Midnight.

While there, don’t forget to enter Lakewood Centers’ Holiday Sweepstakes for the chance to win $10,000 from HGTV toward your holiday expenses.

The spirit of Santa Claus could be defined as kindness and generosity to others. It is that spirit that CHIPS4Kids will

be on site collecting unwrapped toys for local children in need.

Don’t feel like cooking? Some Restaurants on Restaurant Row are open on Thanksgiving Day. *All stores are opening at 6pm Thanksgiving Day: Some store’s hours may vary as they may open earlier than 6pm.

Lakewood’s special tree lighting event returns

Carolers and Santa will return to Lakewood’s expanded tree lighting event.

Lakewood’s tree lighting tradition continues this year with a special, expanded evening program outside The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on Friday, December 4. The Civic Center plaza along Clark Avenue at Hardwick Street will sparkle with Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

new features including snow, sing-a-longs, and food trucks.

Face painting and free carnival games will be sponsored in part

by Lakewood Center. Several holiday photo opportunities will also be available, including one with Santa! Games and food PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Santa Fe Spgs, CA PERMIT NO. 29

trucks will be open for guests starting at 5:30pm. Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood will welcome the crowd at 6:30pm, and the Lakewood City Council will join him in the official lighting of the decorated tree. No reservations are required. Parking will be available in the rear Centre-City Hall parking lots. The parking lot in front of city hall will be closed, as it will be used for the event.

There will be plenty of opportunities for Lakewood residents and friends to enjoy some holiday good cheer around the Lakewood tree if you can’t make the tree lighting on December 4. From December 5 through January 3, the tree will be on display in the plaza between city hall and The Centre at Sycamore Plaza at 5000 Clark Avenue, providing an animated light show on the tree that changes colors to music continuously from 5:00pm until 10:00pm each night. Stop by and enjoy the splendor of the winter holidays! It’s also a great place to take a family holiday photo.

For more information, please visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ treelighting, or call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140.

November 2015

Shop Lakewood and embrace “Small Business Saturday”

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakewood are encouraging shoppers to embrace “Small Business Saturday” on November 28. News reports say Small Business Saturday resulted in $14 billion in spending at small businesses nationwide last year, up from $1 billion in 2010, the year the campaign began.

“We want to remind Lakewood shoppers that shopping local is important to the community. Consider the hundreds of small businesses on corners throughout Lakewood and throughout Lakewood Center,” said Chamber President and CEO John Kelsall.

Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood has signed a proclamation declaring November 28 as Small Business Saturday in Lakewood and throwing the city’s support behind the effort. “There are some excellent small businesses here in Lakewood,” said Wood. “You’ll get service with a personal touch and support a small business that’s good for our community.”

Small Business Saturday was created to support small local businesses, as an alternative to Black Friday, which brought lines of shoppers out the day after Thanksgiving, and Cyber Monday, which began in 2005 offering bargains to online shoppers the Monday after Thanksgiving.

Tuesday, November 3rd!

Register for Project Shepherd assistance

The holiday season can be tough for some Lakewood households, including those who have faced unemployment or underemployment for many months.

If you are a Lakewood resident facing tough economic times, your Lakewood neighbors want to help. The registration period to receive help from Project Shepherd runs from

November 2 to November 15 at the Burns Community Center and Palms Park Community Center.

Registered families will be notified in December of the time and place to pick up assistance. Added information is at: www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherdRegistration.

Eligibility is for: • Lakewood residents only.

• Those who are low income, unemployed or on public assistance.

To register, bring the following: • A current utility bill and a valid driver’s license or government award letter.

• Identification for each person in the household, including children.

Registration hours at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, are Monday through Friday, 10am to 6:30pm, and Saturday 8am to 11am. Closed (Cont’d. on Pg. 6)

LakewoodToday

Page 2

www.lakewoodnews.org

Businesses That Give Back

By Mayor Jeff Wood

With the approach of the holidays our Lakewood neighborhood shopping areas will buzz with activity.

Lakewood is fortunate to have a vibrant business community that provides lots of local shopping opportunities, jobs and an added bonus—support for community programs and services.

As we all know, it’s hard

running a business. Owners and managers of businesses work long hours and often face a lot of stress in a very competitive business climate.

Despite those challenges, many businesses in Lakewood find the time and the money to give back to our community in ways that benefit all our residents.

The City of Lakewood takes time every year to thank the nearly two dozen businesses that sponsor or help with cityrelated programs, like Concerts in the Park, Meals on Wheels and Project Shepherd. You can see a list of these community-minded businesses at www.lakewoodcity. org/GiveBack.

(Short for “Businesses That Give Back”) In my first six months as Lakewood’s mayor, I found out that there are lots of other businesses in Lakewood helping and giving back on community-

minded projects that may not be directly city-sponsored efforts, but are just as important and valuable for creating a strong, caring community for all of us.

I’ve decided that over the remainder of my one-year mayoral term, I would like to draw some attention to those businesses that give back, especially the ones that help on non-city-sponsored projects and that may not have received much public appreciation in the past.

If you know of such a business, let us know.

Maybe it’s a business that helps a lot with school projects, youth groups, or sports leagues.

Give us the details at www. lakewoodcity.org/GiveBack or call city staff at 562-866-9771, extension 3123, and we’ll mail you a short form to fill out about the business.

Over the next few months, we’ll

November 2015 highlight these businesses here in the Lakewood Community News, in the city’s “Lakewood Connect” weekly eMagazine, and on the Shop Lakewood Facebook page.

On a related matter, the Saturday right after Thanksgiving is called “Small Business Saturday.”

It’s a day to consider focusing more of your shopping on small businesses. Show them your support. Their owners and their employees are often the backbone of a community. Between now and then, go to the website above and find some Lakewood small businesses that give back to our community. Small Business Saturday on November 28 is your chance to give them some of your business as a sign of appreciation.

C i t y Spotlight Travel Trip-The Nutcracker On December 10, the American Ballet Theater returns with the most irresistible of all holiday season entertainment, The Nutcracker,

presented at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa. Tchaikovsky’s ravishing melodies performed by the Pacific Symphony animate a charming production by acclaimed choreographer Alexi Ratmansky.

The bus will leave from Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Ave., promptly at 6pm, so please arrive by 5:30pm to check in. The bus will return to Burns at 10:30pm.

An adult must accompany children of all ages. Register online using class #40850 at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation. Last day to register is November 30 or until filled.

LYS Basketball Registration Sign-ups for Lakewood Youth Sports Basketball will take place November 14-21 at all Lakewood parks. The coed Smurf Division, for ages 6 and 7, emphasizes instruction using a smaller ball and modified rules to promote fun and minimize competition. The Competitive Division is for ages 8 to 17. Players must bring a birth certificate and submit a signed registration form.

There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents, but proof of residency is required.

Non-resident registration is $20 and takes place at Palms, Del Valle, Mayfair and Bolivar parks on Saturday, November 14 from 9am to 1pm, Wednesday, November 18 from 5pm to 8pm, and Saturday, November 21 from 9am to 1pm.

Teams practice weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, beginning December 7. League play begins January 9 and concludes March 5. For more information, please call Lakewood city staff at 562866-9771, extension 2408.

Lakewood Youth Sports volunteer coaches needed Volunteer coaches are needed for basketball teams for the upcoming season at 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 or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Your opinion matters to the City of Lakewood To help maintain high-quality service to residents, the City of Lakewood regularly conducts a survey of local households for their opinions on city services and issues. The survey is now conducted online, which enables more residents to conveniently participate. To take the survey, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/survey.

If you don’t have computer access, call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2140 and city staff will be glad to mail you a survey to fill out.

The last day to take the survey is Friday, November 13. Survey results will be made public about 4-6 weeks after the survey is completed.

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2015

Advertiser “Quick Reference” Guide Name:

Your

Minding

Page#:

Blacksmith’s Corner

16

Blinds, Shades & Shutters

14

Bloomfield Animal Hospital

8

BookOff

10

Candlewood Smiles

2

Chelou Women’s Boutique

6

Coldwell Banker

6

College Park Realty

3

DB Plumbing

7

Downey Plumbing & Heating

14

EDCO Waste & Recycling

7

Edward Jones Investments

4

Essex Mortgage

10

Fantastic Sam’s

13

First City Credit Union

8

Good Earth Recycling

10

Hap’s Auto Parts

15

Hear USA

7

Hire-Me Plumbing

5

Insurance Solutions

10

K.E.Y. Design

3

Kathy Apples-Berkshire Hathaway Home Properties

12

Lakewood Center

9

Lakewood Regional Medical Center

15

Lakewood Village Community Church

10

Life Center Church

3

Long Beach Maytag

11

Long Beach Memorial Lung Cancer Program

4

Long Beach Memorial Lung Cancer Program (2)

5

Long Beach Memorial Pelvic Health Program

12

Long Beach Memorial Pelvic Health Program (2)

13

Massage Envy Spa

4

Me & Ed’s Pizza

11

Melinda McCoy’s Flowers

13

Milk Barn

14

Nguyen Dental

10

NuVision Federal Credit Union

6

Pete’s Plumbing

6

Piazza McDonald’s

16

Prime Lending Corp.

6

Reed Family Dentistry

14

Scott Howard Termite Control & Construction

3

SeaHawk Cocktails

11

Seth Shimono, D.D.S.

8

Strong Builders

12

Suttons Barber Shop

11

The UPS Store

11

Van Wig & Assoc.

3

Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA

16

Windsong Enterprises

6

Attend the Award of Valor luncheon to honor Lakewood’s heroes

Every November at the Award of Valor Luncheon, Lakewood takes the time to recognize Sheriff’s deputies, firefighters, paramedics and residents who have demonstrated heroism and outstanding service to the community. This year will follow that tradition, with a luncheon on Wednesday, November 18, at 12noon at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza. The RSVP deadline is Thursday, November 5.

The Award of Valor annual luncheon brings together over 400 people, including Lakewood civic and business leaders, public safety professionals, block captains, Sheriff’s Station volunteers, Volunteers on Patrol and residents.

Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby and Los Angeles

County Sheriff Jim McDonnell will speak and join the Lakewood community in a show of support and appreciation for our public safety personnel and local heroes.

Retired longtime KOCE-TV news anchor Ed Arnold will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Reservations are required.

Tickets are $25 each and tables of nine are available for $225.

Checks should be made payable to the City of Lakewood and mailed to: Lakewood City Hall, c/o Community Relations Office, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California 90712. Tickets can also be purchased online at www. lakewoodcity.org/aovtickets.

Contact Lakewood’s Community Relations Office at 562-8669771, extension 3123, for more information.

Award of Valor winners from 2014 luncheon.

Business Page 3

&

Business Financial Page 4

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2015

Teen centers offer great Try the ShopLakewood.org website after-school options

Lakewood teens have options for after-school recreation at the Lakewood Youth Center and the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park. They can socialize with friends, do homework, and play video games while in the company of outgoing and responsible recreation staff.

The Lakewood Youth Center, located at Del Valle Park, is open Monday through Thursday from 3pm to 7pm and on Friday from 3pm to 8pm. The Teen Resource Center, located at Bloomfield Park, is open from 3pm to 6pm, Monday through Friday, and from 9 to 6pm on Saturdays.

Daily “Shop Lakewood” deals are featured at www.

ShopLakewood.org.

The program has grown to hundreds of participating businesses highlighting discount deals.

“The goal of Shop Lakewood is to connect Lakewood residents with local businesses,” said Lakewood Assistant to the City Manager Paolo Beltran. “Our merchants can share deals with the community, and residents can easily share shopping tips with one another.”

Go to www.shoplakewood. org and you’ll be automatically directed to the new Shop Lakewood Facebook page. There, residents can “like” shopping in Lakewood to find deals, comments and shopping tips from other residents.

When visitors “like” the page, they will be able to view special offers, coupons and discounts that are local. The page is updated multiple times per day, and there are always several coupons on the site, as well as other promotions

from local businesses.

The city and the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s combined efforts to promote the Shop Lakewood…

Stay Lakewood Loyal program is working. “According to the most recent public opinion survey in Lakewood,” said Beltran, “80% of residents know the Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal program, and 60% say the message has persuaded them to shop in Lakewood when they otherwise would have gone elsewhere. We love hearing that!”

“It’s the customer’s choice,” says the Chamber’s President and CEO, John Kelsall. “They can pick a big-box Lakewood retailer like Costco Wholesale at Lakewood Center, Sprouts Farmers Market at Carson Street and Woodruff Avenue or any number of small businesses throughout Lakewood.”

Kelsall wants Lakewood residents to remember that every purchase made at a Lakewood business, restaurant, gas station

or movie theater comes back home as sales tax dollars to pay for Sheriff’s patrols, parks, road repaving and youth programs.

Kelsall adds, “Putting your money where your house, is directly benefits your community.”

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

Email your ideas to news@ lakewoodchamber.com or send it by mail to:

P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714

November 2015

Put a smile on the face of a Lakewood kid this holiday season

Thanksgiving holiday sales offer some of the best deals of the year at Lakewood Center. They also provide an affordable way to fulfill the holiday wishes of disadvantaged children living in Lakewood.

Many of the 2,000 residents that Lakewood Project Shepherd serves during the holidays are kids—kids who could really use a toy for the holidays. Since 1995, children from families enrolled in Project Shepherd have hung their holiday gift wishes in the form of paper bear ornaments on “Teddy Bear Trees” in the hopes of having them filled by an anonymous “Santa.”

Visitors can select a wish ornament and grant a child’s wish for a reasonably priced toy or clothing.

Bear ornaments, along with their accompanying gifts, can be returned to the Rotary Club booth in the

News

Community

Center Court at Lakewood Center on the weekend of December 5. Rotary volunteers, many of them Lakewood business and civic leaders, will help mall visitors new to the program choose a paper bear from the tree and accept the affordable gift items returned to the booth.

Gifts can also be dropped off at most City of Lakewood facilities during business hours prior to Monday, December 7.

The unwrapped presents go to children registered through Project Shepherd, which is Lakewood’s homegrown charity to assist local families in need. Project Shepherd is operated by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood.

For more information about Project Shepherd, call 562-925-7512, or visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ProjectShepherd.

www.lakewoodnews.org

Page 5

Be Thankful Lakewood kids are in for a treat...Airplane playground approved for Del Valle Park Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire, If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something, For it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times, During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations, Because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge, Because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes, They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, Because it means you’ve made a difference.

It is easy to be thankful for the good things.

A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.

Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

At its October 13 meeting, the Lakewood City Council approved the purchase of an airplane-themed playground for Del Valle Park. The new school-aged play area will replace an older one that needed to be removed to make room for the recently renovated and expanded Veterans Memorial Plaza.

Council members expressed delight at the design of the new playground, which will include custom features like a replica of an airplane, control tower and landing strip. Funds for the new $425,000 playground were previously included in the city’s FY14-16 budget. The new play area is expected to open in the spring of 2016.

ChamberNews Page 6

Project Shepherd Registration (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

Sunday.

Registration hours at the Palms Park Community Center, 12350 E. 207th Street, are Monday through Friday, 2pm to 5pm with extended hours on Tuesday until 8pm.

Weekend hours are Saturday, 1pm to 5pm and Sunday 2pm to 5pm.

For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512, or Palms Park Community Center at 562-865-6414.

Project Shepherd would like to thank Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe and the Lakewood Carwash for their generous support this holiday season!

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2015

Lakewood business celebrates Lakewood council member Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from 1976-1984 passes away

Shop Chelou Women’s Boutique located at 5930 Del Amo Blvd. in Lakewood, recently celebrated their Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Lakewood Mayor Jeff Wood (front center) was in attendance to wish owner Cecille-Lou (holding scissors), her staff, family and friends the best in their new business venture. Stop by or call them at (562) 316-5683, and welcome them to the neighborhood!

Former Lakewood City Council Member G.C. “Dee” DeBaun passed away September 2 at Lakewood Regional Medical Center. He was 94 years old.

DeBaun served eight years on the Lakewood City Council from 1976 to 1984. He also served on the city’s planning commission from 19661972.

He was a decorated World War II veteran.

During his time on the city council DeBaun was a proponent of securing federal funding for sidewalk construction and tree planting. He was also proud of being a part of the planning and building of the Palms Park Community Center. He supported senior programs including the opening of the Weingart Senior Center, DASH Transit and Meals on Wheels.

Before coming to Lakewood he was a teacher-coach in South Bend, Indiana. He moved to California in 1959 and taught at Wilson High School in Long Beach.

DeBaun moved from Lakewood back to his hometown of Sullivan, Indiana in 1984 and became active in several community organizations there.

The family honored DeBaun with a recent memorial ceremony and interred his ashes at the Riverside National Cemetery.

Green

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2015

Learn creative ways to keep your home looking beautiful

We all want to keep our homes and gardens looking as good as we possibly can while fitting within our budget and our busy lives. That can be a challenge for any of us.

To help, the City of Lakewood is launching a new community education program called Lakewood Home & Garden (or

Take a moment to thank a soldier this holiday

For the second year in a row, the City of Lakewood is collecting postcards and letters of appreciation from Lakewood residents to send to U.S. troops serving overseas during the holidays.

Last year, over 3,000 holiday greetings were collected. This year, the city hopes to send even more.

Members of the public can go to 20 businesses and organizations in Lakewood from now until November 14 to drop off a letter or a card or to fill out a Lakewood holiday greeting card available there. Drop-off locations are listed at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ThankASoldier. Or call 562-8669771, extension 3123.

“New this year,” said Mayor Jeff Wood, “we are organizing ‘Thank a Soldier Saturday’ on November 14 to make a big final push to collect as many cards and letters as possible. We thought the Saturday right after Veterans Day was an appropriate time to ask our residents to take just a few minutes to stop and say thanks to our fellow Americans who are working hard to protect us and our freedoms.

Let our soldiers know that you appreciate the sacrifices and the risks they are enduring while they are spending the holidays away from their own families.”

In addition to the public dropoff locations, several dozen Lakewood schools, churches and organizations are gathering holiday greetings from their members that will be sent to the city to be part of the final collection.

LHG). In the months ahead, LHG will focus on subjects like creative ways to use planting areas, exterior painting ideas, and how getting permits and inspections can save homeowners from terrible problems down the road.

First, the program will share ideas on how Lakewood residents have preserved the beauty of their yards and landscaping, even while they became “Super Water

Stoppages

Savers” and reduced their water usage by 20% or more during the drought.

Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ LHG to send some photos of your yard, and tell the city how you saved 20% or more from your 2013 usage of water in your household or business while still keeping your yard looking good.

If the city publicizes what you send and shares your ideas in the educational effort, they’ll send you a $25 gift card as a thank-you.

Go online or call (562) 866-9771, extension 2140 to learn more or get a submission form.

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Living

Page 7

Flu vaccinations at Weingart Center The flu season is here and a walk-in flu shot clinic is set for Tuesday, November 3 from 1pm to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center. The clinic is free, and is sponsored by the Los Angeles County Health Department and the City of Lakewood.

It is geared toward adults over age 50, but anyone age six months and older may receive a shot, while supplies last. For additional information call the Weingart Senior Center at 562630-6141. The address is 5220 Oliva Avenue, near Lakewood Boulevard and Candlewood Street.

News

Community Page 8

Capture the moment with your heart instead of your phone!

November 2015

www.lakewoodnews.org My husband and I were vacationing in Rockport, MA when we stumbled upon a hidden lake scattered with swans. It felt like we had stepped into a fairy tale.

Suddenly, several of the swans took off, flying in a circle above us. The flapping of their wings, the only sound. Immediately, I thought, “OMG, I have to video this.” I fumbled around for my phone, and Joe said, “Stop! You can’t capture this on video.” How right he was.

The swans continued for a few more seconds, and then disappeared.

That moment is etched in my mind as one of the most thrilling moments I’ve ever experienced.

Had I taken out my phone and began videoing; the moment would have been lost, captured only through a lens, but not really experienced in the heart.

We are so ready to capture any moment on film, that we miss the actual moment.

Not everything should be videoed. Some things just have to be watched, experienced, and felt with the heart.

Next time you’re tempted to take out your smart phone, be smart and just watch and feel what’s going on right then.

Facts • At one time, the turkey and the bald eagle were each considered as the national symbol of America. Benjamin Franklin was one of those who argued passionately on behalf of the turkey. Franklin felt the turkey, although “vain and silly”, was a better choice than the bald eagle, which he felt was “a coward”.

• Domesticated turkeys cannot fly. Wild turkeys, however, can fly for short distances at speeds of up to 55 miles per hour. They can also reach speeds of 25 miles per hour on the ground.

• Male Turkeys are called “toms” and female turkeys are “hens”.

• Turkeys have great hearing, a poor sense of smell, but an excellent sense of taste. They can also see in color, and have excellent visual acuity and a wide field of vision, which makes sneaking up on them difficult.

• The ballroom dance known as the Turkey Trot was named for the short, jerky steps a turkey makes.

• Turkeys have heart attacks. When the Air Force was conducting test runs and breaking the sound barrier, fields of turkeys would drop dead.

• Turkeys can drown if they look up when it is raining.

• Turkeys’ heads change colors when they become excited.

• The fleshy growth under a turkey’s throat is called a wattle.

• Turkeys also have a long, red, fleshy area that grows from the forehead over the bill called a snood.

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

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Looking to travel? The Lakewood Chamber can help! Go to www. lakewoodchamber.com, and scroll down to see all of the trips (10) that we’re currently offering. You can also call or email us to have a trip brochure mailed to you: (562) 531-9733 or info@lakewoodchamber.com

November 2015

News

Community

www.lakewoodnews.org

Page 9

ShopLakewood Page 10

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2015

Shop Lakewood...

Holiday Boutique

Hosted by Lakewood & Norwalk Chamber’s

Lakewood Elite takes sports training to a whole new level!

Women In Business Council Wednesday, December 2nd 10AM - 2PM The aim of the Holiday Boutique is to provide a venue to promote your business, as well as display & sell your products.

Lakewood Country Club 3101 E. Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90712

Reserve your table NOW! • $15 Registration Fee for Lakewood & Norwalk Chamber Members • $35 Registration Fee for NON Chamber Members For more information, or to request a registration form, call or email Marjean Clements: (714) 737-8750 / marjeanc@selaco.com, or Vivian Hansen: (562) 864-7785 / ceo@norwalkchamber.com.

Lakewood Elite Sports Center & Batting Cage located at 5925 Carson Street in Lakewood.

To place an ad in the award-winning Lakewood Community News, call or email:

(562) 531-9733 / advertise@lakewoodchamber.com

Insurance Solutions for Healthcare

* Family & Individual Health Plans * Medicare Advantage & Supplement Plans Monica Segura * Dental & Vision Plans for all ages CA Lic #0C97294

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As parents, you want the best for your kids. Keeping them active and healthy is sometimes a difficult chore, as video games and T.V usually take center stage in the “free time” arena. But, parents must play a vital role in children’s health by making sure kids get enough daily physical activity.

Lakewood residents Craig and Holly Lundberg, along with Lisa and Jeremy Dixon, have a heart for sports. They all graduated from Lakewood schools, and are now raising their families in Lakewood. Between them they have five children that are all sports enthusiasts. As their children’s needs for high level sports training increased, they got together and opened Lakewood Elite Sports Center & Batting Cage. They have combined experience in youth coaching and player development for over 15 years. Lakewood Elite Sports Center is about being able to bring this experience and opportunities to the community of Lakewood.

The recently opened 14,000 square foot facility (located at 5925 Carson Street in Lakewood) provides a unique training opportunity, with the goal of building elite athletes. The facility also hosts brand new indoor batting cages and sports specific training to enhance speed, agility, and strength.

Stop by and welcome Lakewood Elite Sports Center & Batting Cage to the neighborhood, or contact them by phone at (562) 429-2201or by email at info@ lakewoodelite.com, and ask how you can get your kids started in a high level of sports training that promotes fitness skills, in a health - conscious environment.

November 2015

www.lakewoodnews.org

ShopLakewood Page 11

Shop Lakewood...

The Little Gym cite research that finds nice kids finish first

be better predictors of future success than academic skills.

This study emphasizes how important it is for parents to provide opportunities for their children to develop their interpersonal skills, as well as their academic skills, says Mainvielle. Strong social skills help a child develop friendships with peers and positive relationships with adults, including teachers. This type of social success helps bolster a child’s self-esteem and motivates a child to achieve in school and beyond.

The Little Gym of Lakewood offers specialized, age- appropriate programs to help children develop both physical and social skills in a fun environment that provides a different context for learning.

Games are purposefully designed

The Little Gym of Lakewood located at 4042 Hardwick Street is now enrolling students for the 2015-2016 season/ The results of a recently published study conducted by researchers at Pennsylvania State University adds to a growing body of evidence, that the social and emotional skills of kindergartners may be better predictors of future success than their academic skills, according to Jamie Mainvielle of The Little Gym of Lakewood.

The 20-year national study tracked the academic and social progress of more than 750 children from kindergarten through age 25. Researchers asked the children’s teachers to assign each kindergartener a score on a Social Competence Scale for qualities like cooperates with peers without prompting, is helpful to others, is very good at understanding feelings,

and resolves problems on their own.

The study found that the young children who scored highest in kindergarten in social competence skills, such as sharing, taking turns,

and listening, were four times more likely to have graduated from college than those who did not. The study also found that, in some cases, these types of social skills seemed to

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...Stay Lakewood Loyal

to enhance social development and the non-competitive environment encourages children to play with each other rather than against each other. Children learn to become more considerate of one another, more aware of the feelings of others, and more willing to work together for mutual benefit. These essential life skills help children learn how to interact in positive and socially acceptable ways.

The Little Gym of Lakewood located at 4042 Hardwick Street is now enrolling students for the 20152016 Season. For more information, please contact owner, Jamie Mainvielle at 562-239-4416 or tlglakewoodca@thelittlegym.com, visit them at www.thelittlegym. com/LakewoodCA, or go to www.

TheLittleGym.com.

News

Community Page 12

November 2015

www.lakewoodnews.org

Miss Greater Lakewood Pageants crown new titleholders

The new Miss Greater Lakewood & Miss Lakewood Teen and Princesses were recently crowned.

The Miss Greater Lakewood & Miss Greater Lakewood Teen Pageants were held on Sunday, October 4th, 2015 at the Lakewood High School Auditorium.

Contestants competed for the top positions through Judge’s Interviews, Beach Wear, Evening Gown and On Stage Question categories.

Each young woman was scored based on their poise, confidence and ability to speak in public. At the end of the evening the new queen’s were crowned along with their courts. Our new Miss Greater Lakewood is Jalesia Duran who currently attends Cal State University Long Beach.

Miss Greater Lakewood Teen is Jasmine Ben, who is a student at St. Joseph’s High School. The Princesses are Cristal Meza, Stephanie Huerta, Brooke Sasse and Henna Noor.

The new courts will be participating in City of Lakewood events, Greater Lakewood Chamber

Events, community service projects and will serve as Good Will Ambassadors representing the Lakewood Jaycees & Alumni.

Also recognized at the event were the outgoing Titleholders: Miss Greater Lakewood Yary Flores, Miss Greater Lakewood Teen, Alicia Diaz, Princesses Lorraine De La Rosa, Leah Cramer and Korie Anderson. They each received Certificates of Recognition from the City of Lakewood, Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, California Assembly Member Anthony Rendon and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.

Collectively these young women spent over 500 hours volunteering in the community over the last two years.

If you have a volunteer opportunity or event that you would like our Greater Lakewood Courts to participate in, please contact Director Caren Spilsbury at csglines@aol.com.

November 2015

Play softball to help Project Shepherd

Residents are being asked to get on base with Project Shepherd by playing in or sponsoring a softball team. The 2nd annual “Turkey Tournament” is hosted by the City of Lakewood. The co-ed games will be played Saturday, November 21 at San Martin Park beginning at 9am and running throughout the day.

Registrations are due by November 18. Call the city Recreation Department for more information or to inquire about signing up as a team or sponsor at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Teams • Team fee is $350 • 3-game guarantee • ASA Bats • Custom jerseys will be given to the 1st place team Sponsors • Sponsors get a field sign for $100, highlighting your business in front

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Community

of 120 ball players and fans.

In its 43rd year, Project Shepherd provides food and gifts during the holiday season and throughout the year to Lakewood residents in need. The City of Lakewood and the Rotary Club of Lakewood organize the efforts of volunteers and the donations of food, toys, clothing and cash to make Project Shepherd a success. Over 400 families, including 1,500 youth and adults, were helped in 2014.

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Page 13

Innovative “Santa HQ” at Lakewood Center Starting Saturday, November 7, Lakewood Center will become one of just 10 locations nationwide to offer a multimedia Santa’s village experience. “Santa HQ” at Lakewood Center will turn the tradition of visiting Santa into a high-tech, family-fun activity.

Created through a partnership between the HGTV Network and Macerich (Lakewood Center’s parent company), the special holiday addition to the mall turns getting a photo with Santa into a creative and innovative activity where families can take “ELFIE selfies,” star in their own holiday videos, and explore Santa’s Observatory using “ELF-RAY Vision.” New this year, the Elf-Ray vision has expanded with more viewing locations inside as well as outside of Santa’s Observatory.

There’s even a “Naughty O’ Nice Meter” to try out.

Visitors will wind their way to Santa’s workshop through interactive activity stations featuring tablets and apps that let the fun be shared with grandparents and friends via social

media and apps can be used to take the experience home.

Workshop guests will be surrounded by the scent of freshlybaked cookies and seasonal greetings from HGTV talent in a snowy land, dotted with brightlylit trees which come to life each

hour of operation with a magical light show programmed to music. The re-imagined version of Santa’s workshop is open through December 24. Visit www.shopLakewoodCenter.com/ SantaHQ for more information or call 562-633-0290.

Town

Around

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Page 14

Around Town in November Lakewood • The Lakewood Women’s Club will hold its November monthly meeting and luncheon on Tuesday, November 17 at Sycamore Centre, 5500 Clark Ave. Reception is at 10:30am, meeting at 11am, Lunch at 12noon, followed by a program at 1pm. Members will be supporting their “Adopted Family” by bringing food items for Thanksgiving to help a Lakewood family enjoy a nice Thanksgiving. For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos at (562) 863-4933 one week ahead, by Nov 9.

• The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday, November 19 at the Youth Center at Del Valle Park at 11am. After a light lunch, the topic will be on butterflies. For more information call Gwen Travis at (562) 867-0516.

• La De Da Salon is offering their November Promotions: $39.00 haircut / $89.00 partial highlights (includes a haircut) / $119.00 full highlights (includes a haircut). Add $25.00 for root touch-up. To schedule an appointment, give Natasha a call at (310) 897-7734.

NEW PATIENT SPECIALS

• Cleaning, x-rays and exam $75 (reg. $203, over 60% off) • Teeth Whitening $25 (reg. $195) with Cleaning, X-Rays & Exam • Now using Digital X-Rays!

November 2015

Local DMV has closed for renovations If you have business with the DMV, take note that the Long Beach Department of Motor Vehicles field office was closed on October 30th for renovations and upgrades.

The office at 3700 E. Willow St. is scheduled to reopen sometime in mid-February 2016.

Community members may use alternate offices in the interim. Those include: 2111 S. Santa Fe Ave., Compton; 9520 E. Artesia Blvd., Bellflower; 1785 W. 220th St., Torrance; 1511 N. Gaffey St., San Pedro; and 13700 Hoover St., Westminster.

Pick up your pencil and lets play Sudoku! Congratulations to Casi Chidley and Valerie Ferran!

They are the lucky winners of the October Sudoku contest.

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

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, November 19, 2015. The winners will be drawn on Monday, November 23, 2015, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the December issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Calling all animal lovers!

The 9th Annual Nationwide K9 Awareness Walk will take place on Sunday, November 8th to raise funds for the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), a non-profit organization that strives to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer in pets and people.

The staff at Bloomfield Animal Hospital will be participating again this year. It is a fun event and ALL proceeds go towards cancer research to hopefully one day find a cure.

Our first 30 clients to enroll, will receive a great goody bag from us and a Bloomfield Animal Hospital t-shirt that you should wear at the event.

Sign up today online at www. petinsurance.com/cancer or we can also help you sign up, just email us at bloomfieldpet@ yahoo.com or give us a call (562) 402-9717.

News

Community November 2015

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Reviving the lost art of holiday etiquette

You’ve spent the entire day cooking the perfect holiday feast.

But it’s an hour before your guests arrive, and you find yourself standing in front of the table, listening to a little nagging voice in your head. Does the knife go on the left, fork on the right, or is it the other way around? Is that centerpiece too tall? Should I go ahead and put food on the table before the guests arrive, or should I wait until everyone gets here?

If you can’t answer these questions, don’t feel alone proper table manners have become a lost art. Think back 20 or 30 years ago, families gathered regularly for a proper meal. But these days people are stretched so thin juggling work, school and home, most families don’t have time to sit down together, so when the holidays roll around no one’s sure how to act at a formal meal.

How to set the perfect table Forks to the left, knives and spoons to the right. Only set out utensils that will be used for various courses. If you’re not serving soup or salad, you don’t want an extra spoon or fork in your place setting.

Not only will those get in the way, the extra utensils may confuse your guests. The bread plate goes on the left of the dinner plate, glasses on the right.

Water glasses should be the only glasses filled before your guests arrive. Iced tea, wine and other beverages should be poured once everyone is seated. Wine should be filled halfway, not to the rim.

Salad and bread should be the only food on the table when your guests arrive.

Courses are generally served in the following order: appetizer, soup, salad, main course, dessert.

Be a gracious guest Wait for the signal. Your host will let you know when it’s okay to dig in. They may say a prayer, make a toast or start by passing a dish.

If you’re not sure which utensil to use with each course, start on the outside and work in toward the plate.

Don’t cut more than one or two bites of food at a time, and never butter an entire roll or piece of bread. Instead, pinch off pieces small enough for one or two bites and butter those first.

Neatly push leftover food, fat trimmings, etc. to one side of your

plate.

If you need to excuse yourself temporarily, gently place your napkin in your chair. Signify you’re finished with the meal by placing the napkin to the left of the dinner

plate.

Most people aren’t sure what to do with their utensils once they have finished eating, the common way to show that you’ve finished your meal is to lay your fork and knife diagonally across your plate at ten and four o’clock. Place your knife and fork side by side, with the knife blade facing inward and the fork, tines down, to the left of the knife.

Be a great hostess Remember, the hostess is always last seated.

Unscented candles are a great part of holiday décor, but should only be lit during the evening.

Another thing to keep in mind, flickering candles are more than a distraction, those can cause headaches. That’s why you never want to place burning candles directly in front of your guests.

Make sure when arranging any centerpiece that they are not to tall, you wouldn’t want your guests straining their necks to look at each

other.

Lastly, always pass food around the table clockwise to the right and refrain from serving yourself first.

Always pass the salt and pepper as a set, even if you’re only asked for one.

With these tips in mind, enjoy all the wonderful meals with family and friends that the holidays have to offer.

Page 15

Fall Back on Sunday, Nov. 1st!

SKIPTHE ER WAITING ROOM GO to LakewoodER.com select a designated time Complete online forms Arrive at the ER at your designated time.

Be seen by a Triage Nurse within 15 minutes of your projected treatment time**

D WNLOAD OUR FREE APP Go to

www.LakewoodER.com To Hold Your Place in Line

For a Medical Emergency Dial 911

SCAN THIS QR CODE WITH YOUR SMART PHONE BARCODE READER

(562) 531-2550 3700 E South Street, Lakewood Located on the corner of South Street and Downey Avenue in the city of Lakewood ** If conditions allow - meaning there are not emergent or critical patients requiring care first.

Page 16

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November 2015