Lakewood Community News November Issue

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 27 Number 11

November 2011

Vera Enquist, a bright spot in Lakewood at 102!

For 30 years the Weingart Senior Center has been all about active living. But, the center is just a kid when compared to Vera Enquist. She just celebrated birthday number 102 at Weingart with her lunch buddies and staff.

Vera’s still going strong with a steady, but cane-assisted gait.

Her ready chuckle is just below the surface in any conversation.

Laughing, she says the “Golden Years” have been “good to her,” adding she hasn’t had a lick of trouble since “when I was younger.” She beat cancer at age 70 and got through a pair of hip replacements. To stay fit and mobile, she still does the rehab exercises she learned during recovery.

She’s not one to sit around lamenting “aging.” Vera’s as able as a sportscaster to discuss the state of the NBA’s looming lockout. For the NFL, she has an avid retort about the highs of the Green Bay Packers (6-0) and lows of the Indianapolis Colts (0-6), “Oh gosh, they’re terrible.

They’re last! I was surprised about that, I really was. I used to like them. But, they’re sure far down the line right now,” again with a bit of a laugh.

Vera’s a Laker fan and still follows the former L.A. Raiders

Weingart Senior Center is turning 30

Vera Enquist celebrated her 102nd birthday with friends and staff at Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center on September 30. She is a 15-year regular at the facility.

and hockey’s Anaheim Ducks.

Along with doing a daily crossword puzzle, reading the sports page every day is one of Vera’s self-prescribed ways to keep her mind sharp.

With a smile she makes a gesture toward her forehead, “That’s the important part, keeping your mind working. As long as you don’t have Alzheimer’s you’re O.K. (Laughs). As long as I have

this,” she knocks on her temple, “I can drive. I can do everything.”

Her chuckle returns when describing how she got to be a 15-year regular at Weingart, “Somebody talked me into coming over here, and I’ve been coming ever since. I don’t like to cook, so this keeps me from cooking.”

On most days, her 1993 Buick Regal pulls into Weingart for

lunch and a session of cards with friends. She’s proud to possess a driver’s license through 2013 when she says she may finally hang up her car keys. But, she has no plans to be housebound and quips, “A lot of the girls still drive or take DASH” (the city’s free senior transit shuttle). She’ll grab a ride from a friend or hop on a DASH van.

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It’s the season to Shop Lakewood...

So Click, Print & Save!

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with the City of Lakewood, is proud to announce the launch of the “ Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal” Program. The Program is an ongoing effort to help you stretch your dollars by shopping in Lakewood first, and supporting your community services at the same time.

When you spend a dollar in Lakewood, a portion of that dollar comes back to the City in the form of sales tax dollars that the City uses to provide all the benefits and services that you enjoy all year long, i.e., parks, senior centers, youth centers, and recreational programs, just to name a few.

When you spend your dollars in other communities you are providing services for that community, and you are contributing $0 to everything you love about Lakewood! So when you are thinking of buying a product online or outside Lakewood ask: Could I buy it in

The Weingart Senior Center is celebrating 30 years of providing quality senior programming in Lakewood. The public is invited on Saturday, November 5 from 10am to 1pm for an open house and anniversary celebration which will include a short program and cake cutting ceremony at 11am.

Lakewood Recreation and Community Services Director, Lisa Litzinger, says the anniversary event is a great opportunity for senior adults to check out the center’s free activities.

The event will feature tours, giveaways, prizes, refreshments and live entertainment.

Participants will have the opportunity to talk with staff members, receive senior program information and class schedules. Dancing will also be available to anyone who would

Lakewood? Keep your dollars working where you home is… think twice…Shop Lakewood.

How can you do that? Two simple steps: 1. Go online to www. shoplakewood.org to find the latest coupons and offerings from local businesses. The list of participating merchants is growing daily. So be sure to come back and visit the www. shoplakewood.org web site often.

2. Print the coupons you like, and go enjoy your savings! Be sure to bring the coupons to the businesses to get those savings.

Look for more details about the Shop Lakewood program and its advantages in future editions of the Lakewood Community News and in our online edition at www. lakewoodnews.org. If you have any questions or suggestions, call the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce at 562531-9733. What are you waiting for? Click, Print, and Save!

Play the Kris Kringle Charity Golf Tournament To help benefit Project Shepherd

The Kris Kringle Golf Tournament supporting Project Shepherd will tee off at the Lakewood Country Club on Friday, December 2 with a 12 noon shotgun start. A tournament banquet immediately follows at 4:30pm. This year’s tournament is honoring Lakewood Mayor Larry Van Nostran, who is a longtime supporter of Project Shepherd.

The tournament fee is $100 and includes green fees, range balls, golf cart, box lunch and dinner.

Players will be in two-player teams playing an alternate shot format.

Tournament entry forms are available at Lakewood City Hall or by calling 562-866-9771, (Cont’d. on Page 13)

LakewoodToday

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Thanksgiving time in Lakewood C i t y Spotlight

By Mayor Larry Van Nostran

As we approach November and the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving, it’s a time for looking back on the past year, looking ahead to the future, and reflecting on how thankful we should be for all that we’re fortunate to have.

As Lakewood community members, we have much to be thankful for.

We live in a very nice city with beautiful parks, good streets and lots of well cared for homes and yards. Our city has a stable budget and is well managed, which is not something to take for granted these days.

We also live in one of the safest communities in our region.

We benefit from a more than 55-year relationship with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, which provides top-

notch law enforcement services to our city.

New businesses keep coming to Lakewood, and we should be thankful for that. August saw the opening of a Sports Authority superstore at Lakewood Center mall. October saw the opening of a large WinCo Supermarket at South Street and Downey Avenue. These new businesses provide much needed local jobs. They also provide more opportunities for all of us to Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. Every time we do, we keep more sales tax dollars in Lakewood that allow our city to provide the services we all appreciate.

We’re also very fortunate to live among neighbors who care a lot about each other and their community. I’ve been proud to call Lakewood my home since 1958. Lakewood was a young city then, but one thing that distinguished it back then and still does today is the high degree of volunteerism and community spirit.

One of our community’s enduring traditions is people volunteering and donating to those in need and to Lakewood as a whole. You see it in programs like Project Shepherd, Meals On Wheels and Volunteer Day. That caring spirit creates a strong Lakewood that benefits everyone. To learn more about these and other opportunities

to help your community and your neighbors in need, contact your city staff at 562-866-9771 extension 2408 or visit www. lakewoodcity.org/volunteer.

Another volunteer activity that has made Lakewood a strong community over the years is the coaching in Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS). If you’re a parent of a youngster, you know that for sure. And if you don’t have school-aged children, walk or drive by a Lakewood park in the evening or a weekend morning and see all the LYS programs in action. And know that behind all of those kids having a great time and learning life-long skills about hard work and fair competition are lots of dedicated parent and adult volunteers, along with your city staff helping to manage the program.

November and the Thanksgiving season is a special time of the year. I hope you enjoy the weeks ahead and find much to be thankful for in your lives and in your community of Lakewood.

FUN-Tastic Family Nights on November 4 Heading the November 4 show at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza will be Obediah Thomas of the Razzle Bam Boom entertainment group, who is performing his solo musical juggling show. It promises to be a night of laughs, surprises, music and entertainment.

Cheese pizza, salad, lemonade and dessert will be served prior to the show. Seating is on a first come basis. Doors open at 5:45pm. Registration is limited and must be received by November 1. The fee is $7 per person. To register, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or register online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation.

LYS Basketball Sign-ups Sign-ups for Lakewood Youth Sports Basketball will take place November 26 to December 3 at all Lakewood parks. The co-ed 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 card. There is no registration fee for Lakewood residents, but proof of residency is required.

Non-resident registration is

November 2011 $20 and takes place at Palms, Del Valle, Mayfair and Bolivar parks on Saturday, November 26 from 9am to 1pm, Wednesday, November 30 from 5pm to 8pm, and Saturday, December 3 from 9am to 1pm.

Teams practice weekday evenings and Saturday mornings, beginning December 10. League play begins January 7 and concludes March 3. For more information, please call Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

Couples Night Out Under the Stars Couples can have a fun, affordable evening in Lakewood complete with dinner, a movie, and babysitting for only $30 per couple on Friday, November 18 at beautiful Monte Verde Park.

The evening begins with a romantic dinner, catered by Eastside Mario’s and is followed by the showing of “Sleepless in Seattle” on the big screen outdoors, under the stars.

This lovely night also includes babysitting, games and dinner for your kids (ages 4 and older).

Pre-registration is required and the last day to register is Monday, November 14, or until filled. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets so you can snuggle up and keep warm. Dinner will begin at 6pm and the movie will begin promptly at 6:45pm.

For more information call 562866-9771 ext. 2408 or register online using eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation.

November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Don’t blame the economy Reprinted with permission from Best Jobs Magazine

One of the major changes affecting job seekers today is that they are no longer present in person to discuss the content of their resume. The employer receives your resume first and determines from it’s content if you are someone they want to meet. You no longer have “you” on your side present in person to defend the content of your resume. Your resume has to do the speaking for you.

Employers today first see the resume and then see you. But if the resume is not composed correctly, or worse yet, contains the wrong information, they will not see you.

It is your resume today that draws attention to you. Your resume is an invitation to the phone call that leads to the interview. Your resume must represent you as effectively as you would in person.

Therefore, stop playing the blame game and take full responsibility for your resume.

You are still looking not because of the economy, reduced jobs, age, ethnicity, city you reside in, employer prejudice, or the alignment of the stars, but because of your resume.

The moment you have acquired the skills that employers want and effectively communicate those skills to the employers hiring for those skills, you will be back to work.

Lakewood

Your

Minding

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Community ...Since 1984

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

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

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.

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PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.

Most unusual hiring experiences

Excerpt from Best Jobs Magazine

Hiring managers from a hundred of the largest corporations were asked to describe their most unusual experience interviewing prospective employees.

• A job applicant challenged the interviewer to arm wrestle.

• Candidate explained her longterm goal was to replace the interviewer.

• Candidate said he never finished high school because he was

kidnapped and kept in a closet in Mexico.

• Balding candidate excused himself and returned to the office a few minutes later wearing a hairpiece.

• Applicant said if he were hired he would show his loyalty by having the corporate logo tattooed on his forearm.

• Applicant refused to sit down and insisted on being interviewed standing up.

Lakewood Center points you in the right direction

The Macerich Company, the mall’s owner, has been installing new signs at 14 locations around Lakewood Center. The modern landmark-like signage runs as high as 25 feet. Many are in the 14-foot range. The signs are intended to beautify the mall and make it easier for shoppers to navigate the shopping center.

Contemporary “Pylon-styled” signs will be seen on Candlewood Street, identifying the city’s popular “Restaurant Row.” (Artist rendering shows 14’ sign.)

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www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2011

Lakewood Car Wash Brown ends bill-signing frenzy ... appeasing a few, dissapointing many opens with a splash!

Lakewood Car Wash located at 5730 Lakewood Blvd. recently celebrated their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. City Council Member Jeff Wood, Lakewood Chamber Chairman Glen Patrick, Marla Burillo F&M Bank, Lakewood Chamber President/CEO John Kelsall and Mayor Larry Van Nostran (holding the scissors), joined Lakewood Car Wash Owner Alex Shakouri and staff in welcoming the business to the Lakewood community. The next time your car needs a wash, drive thru Lakewood Car Wash! Shop Lakewood… Stay Lakewood Loyal!

Jerry Brown has finished the daunting task of working his way through 563 bills that piled up on his desk at the end of this year’s state legislative session.

The most controversial of all the bills, Brown signed state Assemblyman Gil Cedillo’s California Dream Act, which allows for financial assistance for illegal immigrant students attending California universities.

In his statement about his signing of the California Dream Act, Brown noted: “Going to college is a dream that promises intellectual excitement and creative thinking. The Dream Act benefits us all by giving top students a chance to improve their lives and the lives of all of us.”

Under already existing law, illegal immigrant students pay state resident tuition rates to attend state universities if they affirm that they are applying to legalize their immigration status.

The new AB 131 will make this group of students eligible to apply for Cal Grants and other forms of state aid.

Brown also delivered big time to his Democratic base by signing a bill to move all ballot measures to November elections when more Democrats vote, a big win for labor. Republicans have threatened referendum campaigns to undo both measures.

He vetoed legislation to restore affirmative action based on race and gender in admissions to the University of California and California State University systems. Brown said in his veto message that, while he agrees with affirmative action personally, it is up to the courts to decide whether the long established Proposition 209 initiative restrictions on affirmative action should be allowed to stand.

Brown vetoed a bill by state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg that would have added yet more metrics to school performance, called in his veto message instead for the establishment of local panels to visit schools and observe teachers in action.

Brown vetoed legislation unionizing baby sitters and vetoed new restrictions on megastores like Walmart (two big losses for labor), extended

tax credits for Hollywood productions, stopped the practice of local government impounding of unlicensed drivers’ cars, and handed major victories to guncontrol advocates while sticking it to Second Amendment activists - by banning most residents from openly carrying unloaded handguns in public and requiring that all rifles be registered.

Brown shot down dozens of bills that would have expanded the scope of government, and others that would have placed burdens on businesses, winning praise from the California Chamber of Commerce and other business groups.

He rejected a measure requiring helmets for young skiers and snowboarders, citing concerns about the “continuing and seemingly inexorable transfer of authority from parents to the state.”

But on the other hand, signed into law bills requiring that health care insurers cover behavioral treatment of children with autism, prohibiting those younger than 18 from using tanning beds.

Then he frustrated family-rights advocates by signing legislation allowing children 12 and older to receive vaccinations without their parents’ consent against the human papilloma virus and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Brown had predicted that lawmakers would be “singing the veto blues,” but wound up vetoing only 97 bills, a 17 percent veto rate for the recently ended summer session. Overall this year, Brown vetoed only 14 percent of 889 bills.

A quick glance at some bills signed: AB 144 (Assemblyman Anthony Portantino, D-La CanadaFlintridge) - Criminalizes openly carrying an unloaded handgun in public, targeting “open carry” movement, in which people display firearms in public places to protest gun-control laws.

AB 809 (Assemblyman Mike Feuer, D-Los Angeles) - Requires the state to keep records of rifle sales, as it does now for handguns.

AB 353 (Assemblyman Gil Cedillo, D-Los Angeles) California will no longer be able to freely impound cars from

sober but unlicensed drivers who are stopped at drunk-driving checkpoints, law enforcement officers must release the car to a qualified driver representing the registered owner.

AB 604 (Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley) - Allows the state Department of Public Health to authorize a needleexchange program in any city or county where it determines that conditions exist for rapid spread of HIV or viral hepatitis.

AB 183 (Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, D-San Francisco) - Prohibits grocery stores from selling beer, wine or liquor using electronic self-checkout lanes.

AB 1069 (Assemblyman Felipe Fuentes, D-Sylmar) Makers of film and television shows in California will continue to receive tax breaks through June 2015 for keeping their productions in California.

A quick glance at some bills vetoed: SB 508 (Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis) - Would have required all corporate and individual tax breaks enacted after Jan. 1 to automatically end in 10 years.

SB 14 (Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Davis) - Would have required the state to begin “performance-based budgeting,” in which each state department provides lawmakers its goals, performance measures, target outcomes and performance data from previous years.

AB 931 (Sen. Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa) - Would have restricted employers from using debit cards to pay employees.

SB 469 (Sen. Juan Vargas, D-San Diego) - Would have required local governments to study the economic impact of proposed Wal-Mart and other superstores before approving them.

For a listing of all bills visit www.leginfo.ca.gov.

November 6th!

F all Bac k 1 Hou r!

News

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E. South St.

Lakewood Center Mall

Clark Ave.

Lakweood Blvd.

Candlewood St.

Downey Ave.

November 2011

Community

Del Amo Blvd.

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ChamberNews Page 6

Chamber Calendar Chamber Board Meeting

Women in Business Council

Gov’t. Affairs Council

OFFICE CLOSED

Wednesday, Nov. 9th-11:30am For details, please call Marjean Clements at (562) 402-9336, x 1252

Wednesday, Nov. 2nd-8:00am Denny’s Restaurant 5520 South St. Lakewood, 90713 Wednesday, Nov. 2nd-11:30am George’s Greek Cafe 5252 Faculty Ave. Lakewood, 90712

Business@Breakfast

Friday, Nov. 11th-Veteran’s Day

OFFICE CLOSED

Thursday, Nov. 24th & Friday, Nov. 25th-Thanksgiving December Distribution of Lakewood Community News Wednesday, Nov. 30th

Tuesday, Nov. 8th-7:30am Denny’s Restaurant 5520 South St. Lakewood, 90713

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2011

Welcome New Members!

Chase Bank Dwight Beasley 5560 Woodruff Ave. Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 619-2874

Long Beach State Athletics Dedan Brozino 1250 Bellflower Blvd.

Long Beach, CA 90840 (562) 985-7441

Member Renewals With their renewal, the following businesses have celebrated another year as members of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce.

30 Years 2 Years Lakewood Country Club Capizzi Insurance 5 Years 1 Year Newell, Curtis, Nelson & Transamerican Burnight Wholesale

Life Insurance: Plan today for the unexpected tomorrow

By Beth Bettger, State Farm Agent

Chairman’s

Circle

Platinum

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

gold

Gateway Business Bank

Life insurance is a practical way to protect your family’s financial hopes and dreams, yet millions of Americans have no life insurance coverage!

In fact, only 53 percent of adult Americans have life insurance protection. Less than half of those are individual policies, while others depend upon group insurance, leaving them underinsured as well as vulnerable to being uninsured if they lose their job.

When you purchase a life insurance policy, your primary thought is usually security for

your family and beneficiaries.

Knowing that there will be funds available for your final expenses, the mortgage and income replacement after you are gone can be a great comfort to your spouse or loved ones.

The death of a family member can be devastating to survivors both emotionally and financially.

Life insurance can provide cash to help with: • Immediate needs, including funeral expenses, unpaid medical bills and taxes.

• Income replacement – to allow your family the chance to continue living the life to which they are accustomed.

• Long-term needs, including the costs associated with maintaining your home, including childcare, home maintenance, and extended care for a disabled child or elderly parent.

• Life insurance is not for people who die, it’s for people who live.

According to a study, 45 percent of widows and 37 percent of widowers said their spouse has been inadequately insured. Most households hit by a premature death saw a minimum 15 percent income drop.

• When you buy life insurance, you buy a promise of protection in the event of an untimely death.

By planning for the inevitable, your loved ones can be cared for in the future.

“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by Dogma ~ which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

Steve Jobs, 1955 ~ 2011

silver

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

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

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

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

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

Doug Roscoe Lakewood Center 500 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 562-633-0437 Fax 562-633-1452 Doug.Roscoe@macerich.com

Larry Kirk F&M Bank 5101 Lakewood Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90712 562-602-8378 Fax 562-633-3012 larry.kirk@fmb.com

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

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

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

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

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

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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 www.lakewoodnews.org

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

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BE 0 YEARS R OF COM

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Officers and Board of Directors

Glen Patrick ~ Chairman Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA 5835 Carson Street Lakewood, CA 90713 562-425-7431 Fax 562-425-5451

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2011-2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

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

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November 2011

What’s Off the Table in 2012?

By Victor davis Hanson, Tribune Media Services

What should we not expect during next summer’s presidential campaign, given what was put offlimits in 2008 and later?

There is much talk about what some are perceiving as the fringe religiosity of possible Republican primary candidates such as Michele Bachman and Rick Perry.

But the media established the precedent four years ago that no candidate can be held responsible for his church. Barack Obama’s pastor of more than 20 years, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, was an unapologetic racist and antiSemite, and a raving conspiracy theorist whose parishioners gave him standing ovations for his hatefilled “G-d damn America” rants.

Prior education and college preparation should not be 2012 issues either. Recent articles have referred to a leaked Texas A&M undergraduate transcript of Texas Gov. Rick Perry, showing some dismal grades and thus apparent proof that Perry was not much of a past student - or current thinker.

But in this regard, Obama has never released either his Occidental or Columbia transcripts. In response, the media in 2008 shrugged and chose not to pursue the matter the way it had with the C-grade records of George W. Bush, Al Gore and John Kerry. Apparently Obama has established another wise precedent that long-ago college transcripts, like churchgoing, are irrelevant.

Civility is off the table, too. Candidate Obama once called sitting president Bush “unpatriotic” for borrowing $4 trillion in eight years - a sum he matched in less than three. He advised Latinos to “punish our enemies” and mocked opponents for wanting to put “alligators and moats” on the border. Obama’s advisors reportedly promised to “Kill Romney.” So civility is out the window, and 2012 will once again be a typically American noholds-barred slugfest of anything goes from both sides.

Public campaign financing won’t come up either. Both sides will raise obscene amounts of money. You see, in 2008, Obama set another election precedent: He was the first president in the history of public campaign financing laws to shun federal money and oversight in the general election, largely because he wanted -- and got -- a record level of private cash, much of it from Wall Street.

The old bogeyman George W. Bush won’t matter much either by 2012. Since 2008, Obama has blamed Bush for chronic high unemployment, record annual deficits, massive national debt, the erratic stock market, credit downgrading, a continuing housing slump and near nonexistent growth. But even the president’s supporters confess that Obama finally now “owns” the economy, especially given the newly elected president’s boast in early 2009 that if he didn’t fix things in three years, he would not deserve re-election.

News

Community

In the 2008 campaign, Obama derided the war on terror as either ineffective or unconstitutional.

That issue in 2012 will be ancient history, too, since President Obama has simply embraced all the major Bush-Cheney antiterrorism protocols and wars, and expanded many of them, from renditions to Predator drone targeted assassinations to a third war in Libya. Obama’s campaign commercials will highlight the commander in chief who ordered the successful hit on bin Laden, not the civil libertarian who closed Guantanamo Bay as promised.

A supposedly do-nothing Congress that thwarted Obama -like an earlier Republican one that had blocked “Give ‘em Hell” Harry Truman -- won’t come up much either. Remember, Obama had large majorities in both the House and Senate until January 2011.

That’s how he rammed through everything from Obamacare to trillion-dollar subsidies along strictly partisan majority votes.

The “do-nothing” Congress of Obama’s first two years that failed to pass alien amnesty and capand-trade legislation and failed to grow the economy was controlled by his fellow Democrats. Even now, the loud but largely still impotent Republicans only control one-half of one-third of the U.S. government.

So if we know what won’t be campaign issues, what exactly will be?

The economy. If the current bleak picture stays the same or gets worse, Obama will be forced to

argue, as did incumbent Herbert Hoover in 1932, that after four years his borrow/print/spend remedies still have not kicked in. And so he will claim that he needs eight years, not four, for Keynesian economics to finally work. Good luck with that silly argument.

But should things improve somewhat over the next year, then Obama will insist that his spending tonic is at last working, and he deserves another term to further nurse the recovering economy.

It is that simple: Almost every campaign issue other than the economy either will be off the table or irrelevant -- thanks largely to the past protocols of Barack Obama himself.

(Victor Davis Hanson is a classicist and historian at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and the author, most recently, of “The Father of Us All: War and History, Ancient and Modern” You can reach him by e-mailing author@victorhanson.com.)

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From the annals of history: • “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.”

– Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943

• “There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.” – Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977

• “This ‘telephone’ has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication. The device is inherently of no value to us.” – Western Union internal memo, 1876

• “Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?” – H.M. Warner, WarnerBrothers, 1927

• “We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” – Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962

• “Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible.”

– Lord Kelvin, president, Royal Society, 1895

• “So we went to Atari and said,

Mark Your Calendars!

Women in Business Council Wednesday, Nov. 9th 11:30am-1:00pm Call Marjean Clements for more information: (562) 402-9336, x1252

11/30/11

‘Hey, we’ve got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us? Or we’ll give it to you. We just want to do it. Pay our salary, we’ll come work for you.’

And they said, ‘No.’ So then we went to Hewlett-Packard, and they said, ‘Hey, we don’t need you. You haven’t got through college yet.’” – Apple Computer Inc. founder Steve Jobs on attempts to get Atari and HP interested in his and Steve Wozniak’s personal computer • “Stocks have reached what

looks like a permanently high plateau.” – Irving Fisher,

Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929 • “Everything that can be

invented has been invented.”

– Charles H. Duell, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899

• “640K ought to be enough for anybody.” – Bill Gates, 1981

News

Community Page 8

www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2011

November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Shop Lakewood Page 9

Shop Lakewood Page 10

How to donate to Project Shepherd

All year long, Project Shepherd offers emergency assistance for a limited number of families in very tough circumstances. And during the holiday season, Project Shepherd provides simple toys and gifts and a box of staple food items with all the makings for a traditional holiday dinner for Lakewood families in need.

Are you able to help Project Shepherd this year? As part of your annual holiday gift giving, you may want to think about how you can assist your fellow Lakewood residents who are facing tough economic times by donating to Project Shepherd. Your contribution is tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

You can send a check made payable to “Project Shepherd” to the Rotary Club of Lakewood, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712. You can also donate online through the city’s website at www. lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog.

Project Shepherd also needs non-perishable food items and canned goods. New gifts appropriate for all ages, such as toys for youngsters, store gift cards for teenagers, and practical items or store gift cards for seniors are also needed.

If you would like to purchase a specific gift requested by a child, stop by Lakewood City Hall or the Burns Community Center between November 22 and December 9. Gift requests from individual children are displayed on Project Shepherd’s Teddy Bear Trees.

After December 3, general gifts and toy donations can still be made and brought to the Burns Center or city hall.

For more information call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org Weingart 30 year Anniv.

(Cont’d. Page 1)

like to “kick up their heels.”

Tours include the updated exercise equipment in the Fitness Room and introduce the many free fitness classes for balance, stamina, building muscle strength, coordination, energy level and overall health. “I have seen many older adults who are dependent on canes and walkers be able to give them up completely after reaching some of their fitness goals here at Weingart” claims Senior Center Coordinator, Sabrina Junkin.

Recreation staff keeps up with the latest trends and take suggestions from participants to make the activities fun and affordable. Today seniors can enjoy “Cardio Salsa aerobics,” dance, Wii games, crafts, bingo, cards, knitting and crochet, billiards or lunch with friends six days a week.

The facility, opened in 1981, was named after one of Lakewood’s original developers, Ben Weingart.

Through a generous gift from the Weingart Foundation, the Weingart Senior Center has offered a wide range of recreation and social programs for older adults in Lakewood for 30 years.

The Weingart Senior Center is located at 5220 Oliva Avenue, near the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Candlewood Street. Free parking is available. Participants interested in attending should RSVP to the Senior Center staff at 562-630-6141.

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Lakewood welcomes new WinCo Supermarket

At South and Downey, the 100,000 sq. ft. superstore is open 24 hours a day and closes only on Thanksgiving and Christmas.

With the company’s CEO and top staff in Lakewood for opening day, WinCo Supermarket opened its doors an hour early on Sunday, October 16 to accommodate eager shoppers lined up around the facility. The market’s 18 checkout lanes stayed busy and the parking lot remained full throughout the day. Shoppers came from miles around to take advantage of WinCo’s discount prices and reputation for a large, well-stocked and clean store.

At nearly 100,000 square feet, the new WinCo is twice the size of an average supermarket.

The Lakewood store will be open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (closed only on Thanksgiving and Christmas).

The store will be staffed by 200 employees, which is good job news for Lakewood.

No membership is needed at WinCo. Stores are known for extensive “bulk food” offerings (over 600 per store), which the company says provides greater customer savings, is environmentally conscious, and

gives shoppers the freedom to choose just the amounts they need.

Located at South Street and Downey Avenue, WinCo is the newest opportunity to “Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal.”

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, employee-owned WinCo Foods operates 80 stores in Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah. WinCo, which stands for Winning Company, takes the view that being employee owned and having staff living in the communities they serve, is one of their keys to success.

WinCo Foods describes itself as having a 40-year tradition of success focusing on large stores with a wide selection of national brands at prices below its competition. WinCo features dozens of coupons on their website www.wincofoods.com.

Visitors to the Lakewood store will find a special first aisle when entering called “The Wall of Values.” It is stocked only with items on special.

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Living

Green www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2011

Dear EarthTalk: Some drycleaners I’ve seen offer “wet cleaning” as opposed to dry cleaning. What’s the difference? Is it better for the environment?

Energy-efficiency tax credits expire soon

By Jason Alderman

~ Elizabeth Connelly

The dry-cleaning industry has come under attack in recent years for its use of perchloroethylene (“perc”), a noxious chemical solvent that does a good job cleaning and not damaging sensitive fabrics, but which is also considered a hazardous air contaminant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and a probable human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

Also, exposure to perc can irritate the skin and has been associated with central nervous system disorders. Drycleaners are required to reuse what perc they can and dispose of the rest as hazardous waste, but there are still concerns about contamination at and around sites that don’t follow best practices. California has banned the use of perc by drycleaners beginning in 2023, and several other states may follow suit.

Given the issues with perc—and the fact that most of the nation’s 34,000 commercial drycleaners still use it—many consumers are demanding greener ways to get their fine clothes and fabrics clean. So-called wet cleaning— whereby cleaning professionals use small amounts of water, non-toxic

detergents and conditioners (instead of perc and other harsh detergents) inside specially designed machines to get fine garments and other fabrics clean—is one of the most promising alternatives.

The EPA is encouraging drycleaners to make the switch to greener solvents through a cooperative partnership with the professional garment and textile care industry. The agency’s Design for the Environment Garment and Textile Care Partnership recognizes the wet cleaning process as “an environmentally preferable technology that is effective at cleaning garments.”

Another green alternative to perc is also starting to catch on: using pressurized carbon dioxide (CO2) to get fabrics clean. CO2 exists as a gas at low pressure but turns to liquid at higher pressure and can serve as a solvent in tandem with non-toxic soap to get materials clean.

There are other greener processes out there as well. If a new cleaner opens up in your neighborhood, chances are they are using something cleaner than perc.

Or they should be. So make sure to go in and ask

‘ECO Gardner’ workshops teach easy ways to go ‘drought-resistant’ Saving water is good for the environment and saves money. Free classes on converting yards into drought-resistant landscapes are available on two Saturdays this November. “Drip & Sprinkler System Care” is Saturday, November 5, and “Sustainable Garden Care” will be held Saturday, November 19. Both run from 9am to 12 noon.

All workshops will be held at the Water Replenishment District offices at 4040 Paramount Boulevard in Lakewood. Sign up today by calling 562275-4234 or e-mailing Marisol Carlos at mcarlos@wrd.org.

The Lakewood classes are part of the larger “ECO Gardener” series that introduces concepts of water-efficient gardening and landscaping.

Students will become familiar with irrigation basics, best horticultural practices, drought tolerant native plants, and garden design concepts.

The classroom-style programs include PowerPoint presentations and demonstrations. Attendees will receive instructive handouts free of charge.

Page 11

If you haven’t already jumped on the home energy-efficiency bandwagon, the good news is that several federal energy tax credits originally slated to end in 2010 were extended through December 31, 2011; but the not-so-good news is that these credits are worth significantly less and are more restrictive than before. All is not lost, however, since several additional credits (outlined below) remain in effect through 2016.

Here’s how the soon-to-expire energy tax credits work: You may claim a credit for 10 percent of the total cost of various home energy-efficiency products

Saturday, November 5

9:00am - Hazardous & e-waste drop off coming to nearby Bellflower

The next household hazardous waste/e-waste collection event near Lakewood will be on November 5 from 9am to 3pm at Simms Park, Clark Avenue and Oak Street, in nearby Bellflower.

A second event is on November 12 from 9am to 3pm at the Los Angeles County Sheriff`s Department STAR Training Center, 11515 South Colima Road, in Whittier.

for your existing primary residence, including: insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; metal and asphalt roofs; energy-efficient windows, doors and skylights; biomass stoves and non-solar water heaters. There are a few restrictions, however: • The maximum combined credit is $500 (10 percent of $5,000 in total cost) for all allowable products purchased between 2006 and 2011. Thus, if you’ve already claimed credits over $500 in previous years when limits were higher, you cannot file.

• Certain items have lower allowable tax credit maximums.

For example: windows are capped at $200 in total credits; furnaces and boilers – $150 maximum (must have an annual fuel utilization rate of 95 or greater); central air conditioner – $300 maximum; water heater – $300 (within certain efficiency limits); and biomass stoves – $300.

• You cannot claim a credit for labor costs.

• Energy tax credits are nonrefundable, which means you can only claim a credit to offset taxes you owe for the year.

• Tax credits may only be claimed once and are limited to the year in which you purchased the item.

If you’re a low-income household and can’t afford to

weatherproof your home, you may be eligible for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP). If you’re accepted, a professional weatherization crew will conduct a home energy audit where they’ll analyze your utility bills, test for infiltration of outside air, inspect your home and equipment for safety and determine the most cost-effective energy conservation measures for your home. To learn how WAP works, visit www.eere.energy. gov/wip/wap.html. Also, you may qualify for short-term utility bill assistance through the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (www.acf.hhs.gov/ programs/ocs/liheap).

For full details on available tax credits, visit www. energystar.gov.

Bottom line: Take advantage of financial incentives available to make your home more energy efficient – just in time for winter’s chill.

News

Community Page 12

Lakewood Magnet School attracts students through fitness

Aloha student, Ronnie Rocha, enjoys his first day of “Fitness Friday.”

Ronnie Rocha, recently attended the Fitness Friday event at Aloha Medical and Science Academy, an elementary school in Lakewood. It was clear that he was enjoying himself. He danced

as close as possible to the hip-hop instructor and added many of his own moves to the program.

“I want to dance with my friends,” said Ronnie, a first grader in his second year at

November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org Aloha. “I like to do homework, and play, and dance,” he added, when listing what he likes best about the school.

Michael Sweeting, a 6th grader, is new to Aloha this year. He is excited to participate in what he sees as “recess” in the morning and is looking forward to attending both computer lab and library that same day.

“I’ve made a lot of friends here,” Michael adds, “and I came here this morning because I like to dance.”

Michael is an example of the new students that are being drawn to Aloha from the surrounding areas. The school is a national magnet school and still has openings available in most grade levels this year. With a unique curriculum and a strong academic theme running through all of the California academic standards, it is not surprising that students are enthusiastic about arriving at school early, even on a Friday.

Aloha’s Magnet School Coordinator, Danielle Saldavia,

says that many families are excited about a school that focuses on medicine and science for a number of reasons.

“Children love science and while many schools are unable to find time to give science the instruction time it needs, we are making it the focus of much of what our students learn. Even the President has spoken about the need to increase science education in our country. Well, we are doing that here. Not only do we emphasize the California standards, we take them a step further.”

Educators with the Network for a Healthy California, provided nutrition information for parents and students in attendance, but could not resist the fun of the morning exercise program.

Looking across the auditorium, one could see a good mix of students, parents, teachers, and administrators dancing to the beat and getting a good morning workout.

How to avoid the holiday bulge

Research from the National Institutes of Health indicates that most people gain one to two pounds over the holidays, and that the vast majority does not lose the extra weight once the season ends. The positive news is there are steps you can take to stay out of such statistics.

One to two pounds may not seem like much, however, the problem is weight creeps on gradually throughout the years.

Before you know it you’re overweight with an increased risk of heart disease, some cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Thus, avoiding that initial holiday weight gain can help you keep your weight in check for good. Here are some simple ways to maintain your weight throughout all the Thanksgiving festivities: • Enjoy food in moderation.

There’s no need to deprive yourself of your favorite foods over the holidays. The key is to make sure you don’t go overboard with portion sizes. In other words, instead of having two servings of mashed potatoes, limit yourself to one.

• Don’t try to lose weight.

Instead of trying to drop pounds over the holiday season, aim to maintain your current weight.

Rather than dieting, just try to live a healthy lifestyle. Often, following a restrictive diet can backfire, causing you to give up and overeat.

• Get moving. One of the reasons people gain weight over the holidays is due to inactivity.

Many people tell themselves that they’re just too busy to exercise.

Make a point to schedule your workout times in advance. Think outside the box and plan activities that you actually enjoy, such as an after-dinner walk or a ski trip with your family.

By taking action to avoid weight gain, you’ll be well on your way to a happy—and healthy—holiday season.

November 2011

November is National Hospice Month Last year, President Obama made a proclamation that started with: “During National Hospice Month, we recognize the dignity hospice care can provide to patients who need it most, and the professionals, volunteers, and family members who bring peace to individuals in their final days.”

Here at Pathways Volunteer Hospice, we also like to recognize and honor all our hospice clients, as well as, the loved ones and Volunteers who support Hospice each day. Pathways Volunteer Hospice not only serves families dealing with end of life issues, but also the frail and elderly, and people who have suffered the loss of a loved one. One way we like to honor our clients is through our annual “Thanksgiving Basket” giveaway.

Once a year, volunteers come together to organize wonderful baskets of goodies and treats. The baskets are beautifully wrapped and hand delivered to all our clients and their families. It is proof that a little kindness can go a long way.

If you know of anyone who may benefit from our services and/or is interested in becoming a volunteer, please call (562) 531-3031.

News

Community www.lakewoodnews.org Vera Enquist - 102 years (Cont’d. from Page 1)

Vera Enquist became a military nurse in 1941 and is shown here in 1944 at Camp Haan. (Vera pictured front row, third from left.)

Her regular attendance at the Weingart Center is all about seeing people and talking with people. “A lot of us live alone and its nice being with people, you know. When we get through eating a lot of us go over and play cards, stuff like that. You just keep going, you know. That way you’re not lonesome,” she says.

“In a way, Weingart helps me stay independent. It’s nice coming here and meeting with people.

We have fun getting together.

Everybody here is happy. It’s what keeps you going.”

Vera’s had an active, well-traveled life. Born in Omaha, Nebraska she’d been in nursing nearly 10 years when she joined the military in 1941.

Starting in 1948, she spent four years in post-war Germany, witnessed the Nuremberg trials and recalls the Berlin Airlift. Her next posting was to Japan and then to Okinawa during

the years of the Korean conflict.

She came to Lakewood in the early 1960s following a 20-year career retiring as a Major.

She still enjoys living in Lakewood. After the military she found living in San Francisco too expensive. “So, I started way down in Dana Point and came this way.

I wanted to be near the ocean and found my apartment in Lakewood and I liked it. It fit my furniture and I’ve been here ever since.”

Her advice to other seniors is to keep active and busy. She suggests the Weingart Senior Center can help.

“They ought to know there are nice people here and the food’s good.

And everybody is very congenial.

It isn’t just the people, but staff too, everybody.”

The Weingart Senior Center is at 5220 Oliva Avenue in Lakewood.

For more information, call 562-6306141.

Page 13

How to register for Project Shepherd assistance

With the economy still in difficult straits, the 2011 holiday season will be tough for some Lakewood households, including those who have been unemployed or underemployed 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 16 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.

Since 1973, Project Shepherd has been a locally organized way for Lakewood residents to help their neighbors in need. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakewood and the City of Lakewood, Project Shepherd is a combined effort of many Lakewood civic organizations and hundreds of volunteers providing a helping

hand to Lakewood residents in need, especially during the holiday season.

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 a government award letter.

• Identification for each person in the household.

Registration hours at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, will be: Monday through Friday 10am to 6:30pm, and Saturday 8am to 11am, and closed Sunday.

Registration hours at the Palms Park Community Center, 12350 E. 207th Street, will be Monday through Friday 2pm to 5pm, Saturday 1pm to 5pm, and Sunday 1pm to 5pm. For more information, call the Burns Community Center at 562-9257512 or Palms Park Community.

N IN NOVE R O B MBE U O Y R? ?

W E RE when you purchase a pizza of equivalent value at regular price. Offer expires 11/30/11 $79.99

Kris Kringle Tournament (Cont’d. from Page 1)

extension 2408. You can also go to www.lakewoodcity.org/sports for a tournament entry form.

Proceeds from the event will support the Lakewood Project Shepherd Holiday Assistance Program, which provides food and gifts to over 500 Lakewood families in need.

Project Shepherd is 501(c) 3 non-profit organization serving Lakewood residents in need for the 39th year this holiday season.

The Kris Kringle Golf Tournament honors the late Moe Chavez who originated the fundraising golf event. Program efforts continue year-round through an emergency food pantry. The program assists nearly 550 families including 2,000 youth and adults annually.

Community support comes from residents, students, business owners and community organizations contributing food, toys, clothing and cash. Each Project Shepherd family receives enough basic food items to make family meals for four or five days and holiday gifts including children’s toys for the family members.

?

News

Community Page 14

November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Insurance Commissioner aggressively In these tough economic times, advertising is a no brainer goes after insurance predators Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones warned seniors and their advocates to be on guard against unreasonable sales practices during the annual enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7.

Commissioner Jones said he’s made it his Department’s mission to protect seniors from these scam artists by vigorously going after them and halting their activities. He offers the following tips to help California seniors and their advocates protect against predatory insurance sales practices during the open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans and the Medicare Prescription Drug Program: • Remember that Medicare has no

official sales representatives so the program doesn’t send people to solicit your business.

• Federal regulations prohibit unsolicited sales call, and marketing in educational or care settings.

• Guard your personal information. Never give out your Social Security number, bank account numbers, or credit card information over the telephone.

• Verify that the person you are dealing with has a proper authority to act on behalf of the plan.

• Federal regulations also prohibit offers of free meals for listening to a sales presentation or for signing up in a particular plan.

The public is urged to bring deceptive practices to the Department’s attention. “If we know about questionable conduct we can do something about it,” he

said. “We are here to help.”

Even if someone isn’t certain about whether he/she has experienced a deceptive sales practice, or if you have any questions or concerns, contact the Department at 1-800-927-HELP (4357).

Adver tise i

n the

Lakewood Community N ews

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

E-Mail: news@lakewoodchamber.com or mail to P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

!

How do you continue to grow your business in an increasingly uncertain economy? It’s a question many entrepreneurs are asking themselves and the answer may lie in re-evaluating your marketing dollars.

Unfortunately a company’s marketing budget is usually discretionary income, meaning if times are tough, money can be allocated to other budgetary items.

This is the big misconception that businesses make. Advertising in our current economic climate is critical to any business success.

This is actually a great time to gain market share and stand out as a leader. Although for some businesses, barely squeaking by from month to month could seem like a risky venture.

Looking back at past recessions, studies have shown that companies who have maintained or increased their advertising dollars obtained an eventual sales advantage over companies that cut their marketing spending.

If your target market is the community of Lakewood and surrounding areas, then the Lakewood Community News would be perfect for your business. The Lakewood Community News is distributed to 30,000 homes and businesses monthly.

Give us a call to learn more. If you’re a first time advertiser we want to support your business.

Please call Jodee at (562) 5319733 and ask about a 20% discount on your first month’s ad.

Texting codes for seniors

11/30/11

Since all the ‘kids” have their little codes that they use when texting… like BFF (best friends forever), LOL (laughing out loud), TTYL (talk to you later), OMG (Oh my gosh), BRB (Be right back), etc. Below are some codes for seniors: ATD – At the doctor’s BTW – Bring the Wheelchair BYOT – Bring your own teeth CBM – Covered by Medicare CUATSC – See you at the Senior Center FWIW – Forgot where I was GHA – Got heartburn again LMDO – Laughing my dentures out ROFL…CGU – Rolling on the floor laughing…Can’t get up!

WTP – Where’s the prunes GGLKI – Gotta go, Laxative kicking in!

News

Community November 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Page 15

104 homeowners honored in 2011 Lakewood Beautiful Program 8 new water-wise winners also acknowledged The Lakewood Beautiful Home Awards program marked its 30th year on September 15, as Lakewood residents and civic leaders gathered at Monte Verde Park’s S. Mark Taper Vista Lodge to recognize the program’s 2011 winners for their accomplishments in landscaping and maintenance.

The 104 winning homes were chosen from more than 260 residences nominated from throughout Lakewood.

The team of judges that evaluated the nominated homes assessed property maintenance, landscaping and overall general appearance. Judges included a professional architect, a landscape architect, and an expert in city building and maintenance codes (observance of city property maintenance codes is a requirement for award-winning homes). Twenty-four homes received the highest honor of Distinguished Recognition and 80 homes received the distinction of Honorable Mention.

The Lakewood Beautiful program was founded in 1981 by the late Jacqueline Rynerson, a former Lakewood mayor and council member, who sought to encourage residents to improve their homes and gardens and to thank those who did. Three decades later, the program’s goals remain the same.

A beneficial outcome of the program has been enhanced

Local college student accepts scholarship

More than 260 Lakewood Beautiful homes were nominated for recognition.

property values throughout Lakewood.

When caring, committed residents invest in their homes and properties, values remain strong and the result is a stronger, safer community for all residents.

This year, Lakewood established a new category of recognition – the Water Wise Award – that congratulated homeowners who showed significant reduction in water use while maintaining the high ideals of Lakewood Beautiful by creating an attractive, welldesigned garden.

Criteria for the new Water Wise Award included installing new irrigation and/or landscaping with drought-tolerant plants and shrubs. Judges noted how plants were grouped within the garden, giving high marks to gardens where plants with similar water needs are together. The use of water permeable ground covering

and hardscape was also a factor for judges. Fifty-six homes applied for Water Wise consideration and eight were honored for their commitment to reducing water usage, their interest in developing a smart eco-friendly landscaping plan, and their success in creating a garden that was both attractive and conservation-minded.

Photographs of the Distinguished Recognition and Water Wise homes can be viewed at www.lakewoodcity.org/ beautifulhome.

Lakewood’s best-kept and bestlooking homes for next year won’t be recognized unless a neighbor (or the homeowner) calls the Community Relations Office at city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2160. Nominations for 2012 begin in March and close on July 15.

Congratulations!

LPL Financial Robert H. Sowder, CFS Financial Consultant

CA Insurance Lic #OC31109

4123 South Street Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 408-2872 Office (562) 786-8707 Fax robert.sowder@lpl.com

Cerritos College Board President and former faculty member Tom Jackson presented Cecilia Flores, of Hawaiian Gardens, with the Tom and Marie Jackson Scholarship at the recent Cerritos College Foundation’s board meeting.

The Jacksons established the annual $2,000 Tom and Marie Jackson to assist a graduate of Turner Christian High School in Hawaiian Gardens attending Cerritos College full-time. An annual award of $500 per semester will be awarded to Flores for four semesters.

“I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to Cecilia,” said Tom Jackson, as he presented Flores with the award.

“I wish you the very best in your educational journey.”

News

Community Page 16

www.lakewoodchamber.com

Lakewood resident tragically loses life in Seal Beach shooting

By Robin Vanderwerff

Flowers sit atop Christy (Richards) Wilson’s paddleboard on the front lawn of her Lakewood home.

On October 12, 2011 a shock wave rippled through the quaint community of Seal Beach, as 8 innocent lives were brutally lost.

The ripple effect was felt all

the way to the city of Lakewood, one of our own, Christy Wilson was tragically murdered that day.

Christy had grown up in

Lakewood, and eventually purchased her childhood home with her husband Paul where they raised their 3 children. Christy and Paul had been married for 23 wonderful years. They enjoyed vacationing in Lake Havasu… it was their second home, and Christy was an avid paddleboarder. They loved spending time with family and friends; their home was always filled with love and laughter.

Christy worked part time as a specialist in nail art at the Salon Meritage in Seal Beach.

Christy and co-worker Michelle Fournier had attended Lakewood High School together, and remained friends for years. The salon was a place where all the people who worked there were

like family.

On that fateful Wednesday, Christy left her Lakewood home and headed to Salon Meritage.

According to neighbor Lisa Lentz, this particular day was a day off for Christy, however she was going in to get her hair done

by Michelle.

On that tragic morning Michelle Fournier’s ex-husband, Scott Dekraai, allegedly drove to Salon Meritage wearing a bullet proof vest and possessing multiple firearms, got out of his car, walked into the salon, and violently shot and killed 7 people, including Christy and Michelle.

He then walked up to a Land Rover in the parking lot and shot the man sitting inside “execution style.” He got back into his car

November 2011 and drove away, before being caught and arrested by Seal Beach police.

There is now a huge void in the lives of all who knew Christy; she could be described as a captivating person – with a great sense of style. Her husband Paul would like her memory to remain vivid in the minds of all who knew and loved her.

“Lakewood has lost a great humanitarian,” Lisa says, “She was an inspiration to all who knew her.”

Christy (Richards) Wilson, 47

If you would like to donate to the family, please send checks or money orders to: Wilson Family Memorial Fund 539 S. Mission Road Los Angeles, CA 90033

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

Help manage stress by taking a walk It’s a time of uncertainty, that’s for sure. Many people are experiencing lay offs or worrying about the stability of their jobs.

Their very financial security hangs in the balance. The stress of it all can bring on health problems that will only complicate matters.

Prolonged stress can cause damage to memory cells and increase the risk of heart disease, cancer and other illnesses.

It’s vital to have a “well-being routine.” Being well rounded physically and mentally can foster balance between your work and personal lives, and help reduce everyday stress or help manage the stress in a healthy way.

Did you know that walking is great for your brain, body and stress levels? Studies have shown that walking can even add years to your life. Walking doesn’t mean moving your feet at a snails pace, it means picking up the pace and exerting some energy. Try adding short 30-second bursts of power walking to help stabilize your stress levels as well as melt away any extra belly fat.

Your well-being routine should also include calm surroundings, adequate rest and remember to reenergize by focusing on things and people in your life that bring you joy. Decide to let go of the “small stuff,” don’t waste energy worrying over the things you cannot change.

There is inevitably going to be difficult times in everyone’s life; the true test of character is how we deal with life’s stressors. Take a deep breath of autumn air and head outside for a nice brisk walk.

News

Community

Page 17

November 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

A closer look at Mammography screening

Weingart Senior Center offers free flu shots

The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) - a panel of non-Federal professionals in the field of prevention and evidence-based medicine, which reviews clinical preventative health care services and provides recommendations – released recommendations and guidelines that advise biannual mammogram for women ages 50-74.

However, the MemorialCare Breast Center would strongly encourage that women get annual mammograms beginning at age 40. In fact, at Long Beach Memorial and Orange Coast Memorial, women in the 40 to 49 age range account for 20 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer.

By refraining from mammography screenings until age 50, approximately 20 percent of women with breast cancer would likely be diagnosed with more advanced stages.

Homayoon Sanati, M.D., medical director, MemorialCare Breast Center, Long Beach Memorial, Orange Coast Memorial expresses deep concern with the 2009 USPSTF breast screening guidelines.

“In one day alone, I saw three female patients in their early 40s, who were diagnosed with breast cancer. This concept of ‘one-size fits all’ just doesn’t work when it comes to somebody’s health.”

Additionally, Dr. Sanati suggests no age limit for mammography screenings.

The American Cancer Society also recommends beginning annual mammograms at age 40 and continuing as long as the woman is in good health. A study from the American Journal of Roentology shows that the greatest benefit for screening mammography is 40-84, which would save 71% more lives than screening ages 50-74. Breast awareness and screening is the key for diagnosing breast cancer at early stages and improving the outcomes.

Dr. Sanati says, “The improvement in survival from mammography is seen from registry data in most countries about five years after implementation of screening mammography. For this reason, it is recommended that any older woman who is expected to live more than five years can benefit from screening mammography.”

Dr. Sanati recommends an annual

clinical breast exam starting at age 20, every three years, and annually after age 40.

An early mammography as well as MRIs may be necessary in women with strong family histories of breast cancer or high-risk lesions proven from a biopsy. Early detection for breast cancer is critical.

To make an appointment, call 562-933-7880 or visit www. memorialcare.org/breastcare.

Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center is sponsoring a free flu shot clinic. The event is geared toward adults over age 50, but anyone age 6 months and older may receive a shot, while supplies last. The event is organized in conjunction with the Los Angeles County Health Department. Check with your physician if you have medical questions.

The walk-in program will be held on Tuesday, November 8, from 1pm to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue. For more information call the Weingart Senior Center at 562-630-6141.

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for your body to develop an immune response.

Getting vaccinated now will help you be protected as flu season continues. In the United States, influenza season usually begins in October and can last until May.

Lakewood Seniors benefit from free flu shot clinic each year.

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff www.lakewoodchamber.com

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Around Town in November Lakewood • Back by popular demand…

Pictures with Santa on December 3 & 4 from 10am to 3pm. Schedule your appointment in November by calling, Your Elegant Pets at (562) 529-8414. Receive a 5x7 same day print for only $10.

• Weingart Senior Center will have their 30 th Anniversary Open House Event on Saturday, November 5 from 11am to 1pm. For more information call (562) 8669771 ext. 2474.

• The community is invited to a meeting for TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) The first meeting is free, and the dues are very low. For more information contact Margaret at (562) 788-7919.

The meeting will be held at

Mae Boyer Park @ 6pm every Thursday.

• The Hearing Implant Company will speak at the Hearing Loss Association, on Thursday, November 10 at 6:30pm at the Weingart Senior Center on “Cochlear Implants: Qualifications, Benefits, Risks and Costs.” For more information call (562) 4380597.

Cerritos • Cerritos College semiannual Job Fair will be held Wednesday, November 9 from 9:30am to 1pm in Library/ Falcon Square sidewalk. It is recommended that attendees dress in business attire and bring copies of their resumes with them. For more information call (562) 8602451 ext. 2366

November 2011

Sudoku

Congratulations to Chris Winger, Wil Vanderburg and Kristi Versackas! They are the lucky winners of the September Sudoku Puzzle contest. Out of the 78 correct entries, they won a meal.

Chris Winger will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, Wil Vanderburg, Foggia Italian Market and Deli and Kristi Versackas will enjoy The Souplantation. What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work!

To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8 ½ x 11) piece of paper, tape the puzzle cut out from the newspaper with all the answer boxes completed onto the paper.

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies) The winners are drawn by random, so if you’ve been a previous winner, continue to play, you just might win again.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Thursday, November 17 2011. The winners will be drawn Friday the 18th; the call to the

winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the December issue, along with a new Puzzle.

Try your luck at the November Word Scramble!

Thanks to our OCTOBER

Sudoku Sponsors - Outback Steakhouse - Foggia’s Italian Market & Deli - Souplantation

Old-Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies

By LIBBY’S PUMPKIN

These cookies are a great fall treat, something different and perfect for after school with a big glass of milk.

Ingredients 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), softened 1 cup LIBBY’S® 100% Pure Pumpkin 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Glaze (recipe follows) Directions PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Grease baking sheets.

COMBINE flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt in medium bowl. Beat sugar and butter in large mixer bowl until well blended.

Beat in pumpkin, egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto prepared baking sheets.

BAKE for 15 to 18 minutes or until edges are firm. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Drizzle Glaze over cookies.

FOR GLAZE: COMBINE 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons milk, 1 tablespoon melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in small bowl until smooth.

News

Community

November 2011

www.lakewoodchamber.com

By Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

other words, don’t try to meditate, just notice your breathing and allow it to happen naturally.

Meditation may not only be a possible way to relieve pain, it can also relieve stress. And relieving stress can, in turn, relieve pain.

It’s amazing how everything works hand-in-hand.

Meditation for pain relief

Page 19

Local hotel makes grand debut after months of renovations

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in neck and back pain relief care for 29 years in Lakewood.

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

Veterans Day...A day of remembrance

Not too long ago, meditation was way out of the mainstream.

But, things have changed. For example, according to the Times of India, in April, 2011, a study by the researchers at the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center indicated that a person can attain at least 40 percent decrease in pain intensity and 57 percent in pain unpleasantness merely by practicing meditation techniques regularly. This reduction in pain was actually found to be better than morphine and other painrelieving drugs.

Magnetic resonance imaging showed increased brain wave activity (responsible for pain reduction) in study participants after meditation. Scientists could see what was happening – but they did not understand how, until now…According to recent research published at the Brain Research Bulletin, investigators

from Harvard, MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital have identified a possible answer.

They suggested the explanation probably lies in alpha wave manipulation in the brain.

Researchers said, by practicing the techniques of mindfulness meditation for a period of eightweeks or more, you can control the activity of these brain waves.

An easy way to meditate would be to sit in a comfortable chair, close your eyes and focus your attention on your breathing. In

Please take some time on November 11th to honor all the soldiers who have died on athe ground, in the air, and at sea. Show your patriotism to those who have fought, or are still fighting for our freedom today.

Sunday Morning Worship Service ~ 10:00 am Youth Sunday School ~ 9:30 am

Nursery / Child Care Provided

After months of round-the-clock construction, the Long Beach Marriott has officially debuted its new 6,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, six newly enhanced meeting salons, and a brand-new 1,800 square foot outdoor courtyard which sits adjacent to the conference facilities.

The hotel’s ideal location near Long Beach Airport, with easy freeway accessibility, in a lovely suburban neighborhood, as well as the 18-hole SkyLinks Golf Course directly across the street, make the Long Beach Marriott the only full-service, major brand hotel in such a logistically unique location with such a full array of amenities to compliment a meetings experience in this vibrant hub of Southern California.

The $6 million renovation includes: • Newly renovated 6,000 square foot Grand Ballroom • (6) Newly renovated breakout conference rooms • 1,800 square foot brand-new outdoor courtyard adjacent to meeting rooms • Newly expanded 1,500 square foot fitness center • Green, energy-efficient and environmentally-conscious design aspects Greatly enhanced technology, including high-bandwidth data cabling, high speed WiFi connectivity, programmable lighting controls, video tele-conferencing capability, and new JBL sound reinforcement • Improved airwall systems, with enhanced sound-dampening between meeting salons A Special Reception Event to showcase the renovations will be announced soon.

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www.lakewoodnews.org

November 2011