LCN October 2014

Lakewood

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Volume 31 Number 10

www.lakewoodnews.org / www.lakewoodchamber.com

Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA breaks ground on expansion project

Pictured from L to R: Anthony Rendon-Assembly Member District 63, Steve Croft-City of Lakewood Council Member, Dr. Phyllis Hayes Reams-Weingart-Lakewood YMCA Board of Managers Chair, Emilio Sosa-Weingart-Lakewood YMCA Senior Executive Director, Alfredo Velasco-YMCA of Greater Long Beach President & CEO, Ron Piazza-City of Lakewood Council Member, and YMCA Board of Directors member.

On Friday, September 12, the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA broke ground in front of seventy-five (75) State, County, and City officials along with YMCA members on a $6,000,000 project to expand and renovate its location at Woodruff Avenue and Carson Boulevard in Lakewood.

The anticipated 12-month project will feature a new building design and layout that will increase the visibility and accessibility of all program areas

and member gathering places.

The branch will be open during construction and will continue to serve members during the renovation.

Dr. Phyllis Hayes-Reams, Chair of the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA Board of Managers, praised the design plans that will renovate the existing 25,000 square feet and add approximately 10,000 square feet with a new Family Adventure Center, new teen center, new

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Shoppers get great deals on holiday decorations and crafts.

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family changing areas, doubled kids’ club space, three additional group exercise areas and increased space for cardio and strength training equipment.

HayesReams added, “This updated design will allow our Y to expand its impact on our families, seniors and youth in Lakewood, Long Beach, Paramount, Bellflower, Cerritos, and Hawaiian Gardens.”

Alfredo Velasco, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater (Cont’d on pg. 6) Mayfair Park will come alive with over 100 crafters offering handmade, affordable holiday gifts on Saturday, October 18 from 9am to 3pm.

One of the first boutiques of the season in our region, the Lakewood event features a wide range of quality crafters and artists displaying Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas items.

Jewelry, clothing, quilts, cards, gourds, gift bags, scarves, purses, wood crafts, paintings, candles, soaps, lotions and many other beautiful handcrafted items will be for sale.

Event admission is free, and each merchant will handle their own sales. Refreshments, supporting Lakewood Meals on Wheels, will be available for purchase.

Mayfair Park is located at 5720 Clark Avenue, at the corner of South Street. Parking for the event will be available at the park.

Additional parking and a free shuttle will service the Lakewood City Hall east parking lot (5050 Clark Avenue). The shuttle will run every 15 minutes until 3:30pm. For more information, please call 562866-9771, extension 2408, or 562866-4776 the day of the event.

October 2014

By air, land and sea...Lakewood Chamber has just the trip for you!

Lakewood residents Janice and Bob Lavin along with Shari and Gary Plant of Long Beach recently took a Lakewood Chamber of Commerce sponsored Alaskan Cruise Tour featuring seven nights aboard the Norwegian Sun. They’re pictured in Ketchikan Alaska otherwise known as the “Salmon Capital of the World” and ancestral home of the Tlingit Indians. The rustic waterfront village has the world’s largest collection of totem poles.

The vast Alaskan wilderness is two-and-a-half times the size of Texas. That being said, anyone who visits Alaska is going to come home with some thrilling stories to tell. If you run into Janice and Bob Lavin around town, ask them about their adventure.

If you’re ready to take the trip of a lifetime and missed the frontier lands of Alaska don’t worry there are a few upcoming trips still available: Treasures of Ireland featuring Dublin, Killarney & Limerick, a 9 day trip to Ireland departing November 3, 2014.

Colonial Cities of Cuba featuring Camaguey, Trinidad, Cienfuegos & Havana, departs November 29, 2014. For more information call Lakewood Chamber at (562) 531-9733, and start packing!

LakewoodToday

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Want some fun in the fall?

By Mayor Todd Rogers

The new season is full of activities for all ages in Lakewood.

A fresh batch of recreation classes and programs starts up in October. New classes include Belly Jamz core strengthening and cardio through dance; Kidz Love Soccer instruction class; Introduction to Preschool for ages 2-3; Learn To Play Bridge; and Baked Manicotti cooking class.

Peruse the recreation catalog that should have come to your house around Labor Day. Or take a look online and sign up for classes at www.lakewoodcity. org/recreation. You can also call our city staff for help at 562-8669771, extension 2408.

If you’re looking for a safe, supervised and fun place for your children after school, consider the city’s Activity Zones. They are free, drop-in programs for school-aged children, including pre-teens and teens, offered at

eight city parks, many of which are just across the street from a school. They’re open Monday through Friday from 3pm to 5pm.

Schedules expand for holidays.

They have supervised games, arts and crafts, and homework help.

Teens have the option of using the Lakewood Youth Center at Del Valle Park or the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park. Both have computers, filtered Internet access for homework, game tables and video game systems.

Call the city hall number above for details.

Popular and classic Lakewood community events in the fall include the Lollipop Lane craft boutique (great for early holiday shopping) at Mayfair Park on October 18 from 9am to 3pm.

Then, there’s the Halloween Carnivals on October 31, from 6pm to 8:30pm at Lakewood’s parks. The Carnivals are great for families with young children. I love seeing the Halloween outfits that families put together and the fun that kids and parents have with the group games that our staff organizes at each Carnival.

See details in related stories in this Lakewood Community News.

Health care also takes a spotlight in the fall. Lakewood sponsors a free flu-shot clinic on November 4, from 1pm to 3pm, at the Weingart Senior Center.

And the city organizes an Older Adults Benefits Information Fair featuring representatives

October 2014

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from different health and benefit plans. The event is timed to help with decisions you may want to make during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period. The fair is October 20, from 10am to 12noon, at the Weingart Senior Center. Call city staff at 562-6306141 for details on both events.

Many people use the change in seasons as a good motivator to jump-start their physical activity or exercise programs. One benefit of Lakewood’s many parks is the nice setting they provide for walking or running close to home.

You can chart the distance around each park by going to www. lakewoodcity.org/trailfinder.

As you can see, there are plenty of fun and fulfilling activities in Lakewood during the fall.

Whatever you decide to do, I hope you have an enjoyable new season.

C i t y Spotlight FUN-Tastic Family Nights Come to The Centre at Sycamore Plaza on Friday, October 3 from 6:30pm to 8pm, for an evening of juggling and storytelling with Izzi Tooinsky’s Little Giant Theatre. Izzi has performed worldwide combining two great arts: jugglery so bold as to amaze the mind, and stories so enchanting as to captivate

the heart. This will be one show you will not forget! Bean and cheese burritos, Spanish rice, lemonade and a dessert will be served prior to the show.

Seating will be on a first-come basis and doors open at 5:45pm.

The cost is $8 per adult and $5 for children over 3. The last day to register is September 30, or until filled.

College Fair returns to Mayfair Park Lakewood’s annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 7, from 6pm to 9pm, at Mayfair Park (corner of Clark and South). Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities, and get the information needed on admission, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines.

For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

Super Saturday at Teen Scary Movie Night It’s Halloween season and the City of Lakewood is serving up scary movies projected on the Teen Resource Center activity room wall. Free popcorn. This scary event is October 11 from 5pm to 9pm at the Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd. For information, call 562-865-

1717.

Fall/winter recreation classes begin The City of Lakewood’s fall/ winter recreation classes begin soon. If you have not received your copy of the catalog in the mail, look online at www. lakewoodcity.org/Catalog. Or, stop by any Lakewood park, community center, library or city hall to pick one up. Call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to request a catalog by mail.

The new catalog lists over 625 classes and activities offered for area residents.

Family overnight camp in Lakewood Bring your children, ages 3 to 11, and have a fun overnight campout “under the stars” October 18-19 at Monte Verde. Participate in games, crafts, nature walks, roasting marshmallows and singing around the campfire. All meals and snacks are prepared so parents can sit back, relax and enjoy nature. A “what to bring” list will be mailed before camp.

Only $17 per couple ($8 per person additional, and an $8 meal-fee per person payable to the instructor at camp). Call to register at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or you may register through the eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ eCatalog.

Home Run Dog Park opening soon!

City of Lakewood employees and contractors are fast at work preparing the city’s first-ever dog park for a grand opening on Saturday, October 25th at 10am.

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October 2014

Business relationships take more than online “connecting” It’s official: Email, texting, and social media are no longer just helpful supplemental business tools. They’ve taken over the whole game. Yes, technology has made many aspects of modern living more convenient and “connected,” but the pendulum has swung too far.

Now, people are reluctant to do something as simple as picking up the phone, preferring to shoot off an email instead. And faceto-face meetings—well, they’re almost unheard of.

This “technology takeover” is not without consequence.

Misunderstandings abound.

Relationships stagnate. Trust is at an all-time low. And all of these issues are at least partially due to the fact that genuine human connections have been replaced by mouse-clicks and keystrokes.

Young people’s dependence on virtual communication has stunted the social skills they’ll need to attract customers.

Through no fault of their own, they have inherited a world that provides a comfortable firewall insulating them from personal rejection—one in which they simply don’t have to communicate in real time.

Read on for specific advantages of real-time, in-person, face-toface relationship building: The time investment shows you really care. It’s a fairly universal truth that human beings want to be valued and appreciated.

Spending time with someone else, whether that’s in person, face-to-face on a computer screen, or, if all else fails, via a phone call, is one of the best ways to convey these things. In essence, an investment of time says, “While there are many other things I could be doing, I’m choosing to spend my time with you. That’s how important I think you are!” Minutes and hours spent with another person have the power to create a bond that money can’t buy.

You’re better able to give personalized attention. This is perhaps the biggest key to successful sales and the establishment of any long-term relationship. Think about it: It’s hard to multi-task on something unrelated when someone is physically planted in front of you, demanding your attention.

Unless you have no problem with blatant rudeness, you’re focusing on the other person, responding not only to what they say, but also to their mood, movements, and many other non-verbal signals. You will read these signs and adjust your behavior accordingly.

Facial expressions help get your message across… Did you know that the human face has at least 20 muscles that work in concert to create a myriad of telling facial expressions?

When you put it that way, the process sounds complex, but

Your

Minding

amazingly we don’t have to consciously think about forming those expressions at all. This is a powerful argument for face-toface meetings, whether they’re in person or via Skype or Facetime.

Your vulnerability shows.

In the virtual world, you can almost totally control the image you show to other people. You choose the pictures you post on your profile. You censor the information you do and don’t want to share in your messages, posts, and updates. And usually, you can think about and edit what you want to say before pressing “send.” But in a real-

money called a broker?

Why the sun lightens the hair, but darkens our skin?

Why is the time a day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why women can’t put on mascara with their mouth closed?

When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tasted it?

Why don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”?

You know that indestructible clack box that is used on airplanes? Why don’t they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

Why is it that doctors call what they do “practice”?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your

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time, face-to-face relationship, the other person can see you in 3-D and observe your dynamic, spontaneous behavior, including tone of voice, expression, dress, and body language. The other party sees your human imperfections and is aware that you are vulnerable to potential personal rejection.

Like any skill, becoming personable takes practice; a good way to start is to eliminate virtual communication when in-person communication is possible or more effective. So shake hands and come out a winner!

Ever wonder...

Why is “abbreviated” such a long word?

Business

Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they’re all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is Congress he opposite of progress?

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October 2014

“Three Feet for Safety Act” is the law now

the CHP. The deaths accounted for a 7 percent increase over the previous year, and 5 percent of collision deaths in the state.

The CHP notes that according to Safekids.org, children ages 5 to 14 “are seen in emergency rooms more for injuries related to bicycling than any other sport.”

Motorists and cyclists need to “share the road.”

A new California law requiring drivers to maintain a distance of three feet when passing bicyclists on the road went into effect in September. The law says drivers must allow three feet of distance when overtaking or passing a bicyclist. If three feet is not available, a driver must then slow to a safe speed and pass when no danger is present.

CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said while motorists should pay

attention to bicyclists on the road, bicyclists also need to reciprocate to keep roadways safe. “As important as it is for vehicles to be mindful of our bicyclists, those who ride must exercise safe practices and ride smart,” Farrow said. “With both drivers and bicyclists doing their part, we can help reduce the number of tragedies involving bicyclists.”

In 2012, 153 bicyclists were killed in California, according to

Red Ribbon Week is just around the corner

Red Ribbon Week is October 23 through 31 and involves activities that encourage young people to avoid drug and alcohol use. Lakewood elementary schools participate in a city-sponsored “drug free” themed mural contest. They will receive recognition at the October 28 Lakewood Celebrates community reception where the murals will be on display.

Wearing red during Red Ribbon Week is an ideal way for people to unite and take a visible stand against drugs.

Show your commitment to a drug-free lifestyle by decorating the front of your home with red ribbons.

The National Family Partnership, which coordinates Red Ribbon activities nationally, estimates that over 80 million Americans participate in Red Ribbon events. For details, go to www.redribboncoalition. org.

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October 2014

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Trick, don’t treat, cyber criminals Lakewood Sheriff’s Station

By Essie Landry-Social Security Public Affairs

Kids and kids at heart look forward to the end of October, when we use tricks and treats in equal measure to celebrate Halloween.

No doubt, you’ll be passing out treats to costumed hobgoblins and hooligans in your neighborhood this Halloween night. But be careful that you’re not fooled by a

different kind of trickster looking for a larger handout—such as your identity.

October also is Crime Prevention Month and National Cyber Security Awareness Month. So it is the perfect time to remind you to safeguard your personal information—whether it’s

online, on paper, or given out in person. Don’t share your personal information, such as your full name, date of birth, mother’s maiden name, and your Social Security number, with anyone unless you are certain it is safe. Shred paperwork that includes personal information before throwing it out. And never reply to emails claiming to be from Social Security and asking for such information. Finally, don’t carry your Social Security card or number with you. These tips should help reduce your risk of identity theft.

Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America.

If you think you’ve been the victim of an identity thief, you should contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/bcp/ edu/microsites/idtheft. Or you can call 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-4384338); TTY 1-866-653-4261.

becomes ‘Haunted Jail’

On Friday, October 24 from 4pm to 10pm, our local Sheriff’s station will be transformed into “The Haunted Jail.” The scary jail is built and hosted by station volunteers, Explorer Scouts and Deputies donating their time. Along with a scary jail for visitors 12 and older, there is also a less scary version for younger children.

The event includes public displays from various Sheriff’s Department units. Visitors will be treated to refreshments, treats and glow sticks for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Station Fund.

Enter the Haunted Jail on foot through the rear gate of the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station (5130 Clark Avenue) from Civic Center Drive. Parking is best on the south end of Civic Center Drive on or near the vacant lot and Angelo M. Iacoboni Library.

ChamberNews Page 6

Allison Tutoring celebrates with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

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Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA Groundbreaking Ceremony (Cont’d. from Pg. 1)

October 2014

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Allison Tutoring, located at 4102 South Street in Lakewood, recently celebrated their Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony. The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce hosted the festivities and everyone had a wonderful time. Lakewood City Officials in attendance were Mayor Todd Rogers, Council Members Jeff Wood and Steve Croft. We wish them much success in their new business! Welcome to the neighborhood!

Long Beach, added, “This project will position the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA as the premier branch of our Association following the renovation of our Los Cerritos YMCA in Bellflower. The Y is a cause driven organization dedicated to ensuring that everyone regardless of economic status has access to our values based programs. Our members and supporters have a strong passion for the Y that develops out of their experiences.

The project will be funded in part from a bequest from Julie Ibbetson Zilinskas and through a fundraising campaign led by the Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA Board of Managers. The “Building Tomorrow Today” campaign creates charitable opportunities for individuals, corporations and foundations to invest in the project with room naming opportunities, and a community campaign to raise the needed funds to complete the project.

For more information about this project or the YMCA, please contact Denise Desmond, Vice President of Mission Advancement at (562) 279-1625 or denise.desmond@ lbymca.org.

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October 2014

Fall season shifts watering limits to two days a week

east of the San Gabriel River is served by the Golden State Water Company, which is also required to implement mandatory water conservation measures. Residents in that part of Lakewood will receive information from Golden State or contact them at 800-9994033 or www.gswater.com.

Lakewood’s water conservation rules, passed this summer, call for yard watering to be limited to two days a week for 10 minutes at a time starting October 1. Those limits extend through the end of May in 2015. During the warmer summer months of June through September, watering is allowed three days a week in Lakewood.

“The logic here is that as the weather starts to cool in the fall, moisture from watering will stay in the soil longer. That means we can conserve more as a city starting in the fall,” said Jim Glancy, the director of Lakewood’s Water Resources Department.

Exceptions to those day and time limits are still allowed for the twice-a-week watering limitation for customers who have low-water-use “rotor sprinklers” that meet a 70% efficiency standard and for irrigation done with a drip system with emitters producing no more than two gallons per hour.

“Rebates are available,” said Glancy, “to help customers buy those water-wise irrigation products and also to relandscape with reduced turf and more water-wise plantings and ground covers. For full information on the rebates and the watering rules, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/water or call Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2140.

Exemptions are also allowed for hand watering of a lawn or landscaping if done with a hose utilizing an automatic shut-off nozzle.

Sprinklers (and all types of watering) must be adjusted to prevent runoff to sidewalks, gutters and other hardscape.

The rules are a product of California’s ongoing drought and a state requirement that every water department in California, including Lakewood’s, implement mandatory water conservation rules.

These particular conservation rules apply to residents of Lakewood who live west of the San Gabriel River, which is the portion of Lakewood

served by the city’s Water Resources Department. The portion of Lakewood that is

Living

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Get rid of your hazardous and bulky stuff Lakewood residents have convenient and environmentally safe ways to dispose of everything from paint and leftover bug spray to bulky items like old water heaters. The services are free through the City of Lakewood and the community’s trash hauler EDCO. On every second Saturday of the month, the facility welcomes the above materials along with e-waste. It is located at 2755 California Avenue and open between 9am to 2pm. Call 562-997-1122 for more information.

EDCO also helps Lakewood residents deal with bulky or awkward household items like old mattresses, water heaters, sofas and chairs. Pickups must be scheduled with EDCO prior to your regular trash pick-up day.

Call EDCO Disposal at 562-531-3054 before 3:30pm at least one day in advance of your regular trash collection day. They’ll make the bulky item pickup using a special truck on your trash day.

Corner

Cuddly Page 8

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October 2014

It’s a home run for Lakewood’s new dog park

City of Lakewood employees and contractors are fast at work preparing the city’s first-ever dog park for a grand opening on Saturday, October 25 at 10am.

Home Run Dog Park, named for the nearby baseball fields in Rynerson Park, will be located on a two-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Del Amo Boulevard and Studebaker Road, at the northern edge of Rynerson Park.

Parking will be available along Studebaker and in the Rynerson Park lot, which has an entrance off Studebaker about a quarter mile south of Del Amo. Opening day festivities will include a vendor fair featuring local pet supply stores and grooming shops, along with Lakewood’s animal care agency SEACCA. Just for opening morning, attendance will be limited to Lakewood residents and reservations will be required from 10am to 12noon in order to keep crowds manageable. To reserve a spot for you and your dog on opening morning and to learn about the dog park’s rules, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/dogpark or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

After 12noon on October 25, attendance will be open to all.

Normal park hours will be dawn to dusk, seven days a week. The park will be closed for maintenance every Monday from 7am to 10am.

“I am so glad that opening day is finally on the horizon,” said Lakewood Mayor Todd Rogers.

“It’s taken a long time to find a location that was right, given all the uses we have in our parks.

Thanks go to Southern California

Edison Co. for allowing us to use some of their land and to the many residents who encouraged the city to pursue a dog park.”

The park will include separate fenced areas for big and small dogs. Dogs must be kept on a leash while outside the fenced areas of the park, including while walking from cars to the park. Dogs must be at least six months old and must have a current license. For license information, please contact the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) at 562-8033301 or visit www.seaaca.org.

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October 2014

Whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on!

Students take cover during “ShakeOut” drill.

Lakewood’s CityTV television channel 31 looks at the realities of living in “earthquake country.” The video “Shake, Rattle and Survive” complements two October disaster preparedness events. All three are intended to help families better understand the risks of a major quake and be ready to deal with the aftermath. See the video at: www.lakewoodcity. org/ShakeOut. A free, one-evening “Survive for 7” family preparedness workshop is set for Wednesday, October 8 at 6pm. The workshop covers practical family disaster planning topics and needed supplies. Sign up at 562-8669771, extension 2408 or www. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o rg / e c a t a l o g .

Use course number 37015.

The statewide “Great California ShakeOut!” exercise follows a week later on Thursday, October 16 at 10:16am. The annual drill is intended to raise public awareness about earthquake dangers, made even more real by the recent Napa, CA trembler.

Many businesses and schools participate in the drill. At the assigned time, employees and students “Drop, Cover and Hold On” -- like the students in the photo shown sheltering under their desks.

Experts encourage families to use the ShakeOut drill as a reminder to check their preparedness plans, kits and supplies. Added info is online at www.ShakeOut.org.

Lakewood residents wanting advanced disasterprep training should join FEMA-certified instructors and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel for three Saturdays this coming January.

“CERT” training is the next step following basic family preparedness. It’s an in-depth 21-hour program that’s part of the county-wide Community Emergency Response Team effort. Sign up at 562-8669771, extension 2408 or www. l a k e w o o d c i t y. o rg / e C a t a l o g using course number 37430.

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Senior Benefits Information Fair coming soon In addition to congregate meals, fitness classes, travel programs and DASH Transit support, the Weingart Senior Center is inviting Lakewood’s seniors to attend the 6th Annual Older Adult Benefits Fair.

Participants will be able to pick up health insurance and benefitrelated materials and speak with company representatives.

The special program will be held Monday, October 20, from 10am to 12noon, at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue. For more information, call the Weingart Senior Center at 562-630-6141.

Shop Lakewood

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Halloween Spirit store comes to Lakewood Center

Lakewood residents can get a jump on buying Halloween costumes and “Shop Lakewood.” Our hometown Lakewood Center now features a popular “Spirit Halloween” store.

(Insider customer tip: Use the “Find A Store” search at www. spirithalloween.com and results may display a 20%-off coupon that can be used at the Lakewood location!)

The new Spirit Halloween store in Lakewood is part of that company’s 1,100 locations nationwide, specializing in Halloween costumes and makeup for adults and kids along with scary décor and party favors. They even feature costumes for pets.

The Lakewood store is located at the site of the former 24 Hour Fitness club near Buffalo Wild Wings on the Candlewood Street side of the center. For additional information, call 562-215-7355.

Shop Lakewood Page 10

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October 2014

San Martin Park renovation underway Halloween fun at eight

Rendering shows new pumpkin and Cinderella castle-themed park equipment.

The installation of a new “pumpkin playground” for San Martin Park is underway. A protective fence is up around the playground, with construction and equipment installation expected to last until November when the playground will re-open.

“It’s a bittersweet moment,” said Lakewood Mayor Todd

Rogers. “The original San Martin pumpkins were a fixture in our community for so long. Part of me wishes they could last forever.

But they were 50 years old and showing signs of deterioration, with resulting safety concerns for our children. And the safety of our kids has to be priority number one.

“I’m very pleased,” said Rogers, “that our city council and staff have crafted a new playground design that will maintain—and even enhance—the Cinderella and pumpkin theme at San Martin. The playground will now get a big, new pumpkin carriage and several small pumpkins for children to play in, along with an expanded Cinderella castle theme.

I know that Lakewood’s children will get many wonderful decades of use out of this new pumpkin playground, just as Lakewood children did in past decades from our first pumpkins. The pumpkin tradition at San Martin will live on!

“I hope everyone in Lakewood will get a chance to visit the new playground when it re-opens later this fall,” said Rogers.

In the meantime, nearby Mayfair Park has a new playground for school-aged children. And San Martin’s tot-lot playground remains open for pre-school kids.

Lakewood parks

Family-fun activities will be at most larger Lakewood parks.

Lakewood’s traditional Halloween Carnivals are getting set to offer fun and safety for youngsters on October’s scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled for Friday, October 31, from 6pm to 8:30pm, at Biscailuz, Bloomfield, Bolivar,

Boyar, Del Valle, Mayfair, Palms and San Martin parks.

Halloween Carnivals feature food and game booths, special contests and prizes for the kids.

Use the “Park Finder” at www. lakewoodcity.org/parkfinder to locate which Lakewood neighborhood park is closest to you.

“Haunted houses” for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside will be available at Bolivar, Del Valle, Palms and San Martin parks. Volunteers are needed to run carnival booths and assist with the haunted houses. For more information, call city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408.

Weingart Center to host flu shot clinic

Flu vaccines are the best way to keep from getting the flu.

The flu season is here and a walk-in, flu shot clinic is set for Tuesday, November 4 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 more information, call the Weingart Senior Center, 562-630-6141, 5220 Oliva Avenue in Lakewood near Lakewood Boulevard and Candlewood Street.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control reports that there have been anywhere between 3,000 and 49,000 deaths related to the flu each year since 1983. About 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older.

The CDC recommends an annual, seasonal flu vaccine as the best way to reduce the chances that you will get the flu or spread it to others. When more people get vaccinated against the flu, less flu can spread through a community.

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October 2014

Label yourself a healthy eater

These days’ people are very health conscious. They will go to extremes to get exercise and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

The onslaught of scary cancer and heart disease statistics are enough to make even the ardent junk food eater reach for a piece of fruit.

The question is do we really know what’s in the food we’re eating? Label reading is key for healthy eating. Be on the look out for the following ingredients that can do some real damage to the body. It may be time to find a healthier substitute for some of your favorite foods.

High-Fructose Corn Syrup High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a concentrated and inexpensive sugar substitute made from yellow dent corn. It’s used to sweeten beverages, including soft drinks, and according to the American Heart Association, these liquid calories are more likely to lead to weight gain as compared to calories from solid foods. In fact, HFCS goes right to your liver where it’s converted to fat, increasing your risk of heart disease.

Trans Fat Each day people ingest an average of 5.8 grams of trans fat–also referred to as partially hydrogenated oils. Vegetable oils are hydrogenated to transform them from a liquid to a solid fat, which is done to create a desired consistency and to increase the shelf life of foods. But trans fat raises your triglyceride and low density lipoprotein (LDL, the bad cholesterol) levels, which not only increases your risk of heart attack, but has been linked to prostate cancer, breast cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and obesity.

Indeed, it’s estimated that trans fats cause at least 30,000 deaths each year.

MSG Another bad ingredient is monosodium glutamate, or MSG, which is an artificial flavor found in thousands of processed foods, from fast food to chips to soup.

While the FDA has classified MSG as “generally recognized as safe,” there have been numerous consumer complaints related to adverse reactions to foods containing MSG, including swelling, facial numbness, heart palpitations, nausea and weakness.

Artificial Sweeteners While sugar is to be avoided, many of the artificial sweeteners on the market are about as bad for you. Aspartame, the sweetener in Equal and NutraSweet, is found

in more than 5,000 products.

The body converts aspartame to formaldehyde, a carcinogen that’s used in embalming and to treat lumber. Aspartame has been linked to numerous adverse effects, including headaches, dizziness, mood changes, convulsions and memory loss.

Saccharin, in Sweet’N Low, was the first commercial artificial

sweetener, and it’s been shown to cause cancer in animals and is a suspected human carcinogen.

Finally, Sucralose, sold under the name Splenda, is 600 times sweeter than sugar, and a study showed it reduced the healthy bacteria in the intestines of male rats by 50 percent.

Preservatives Prepared foods are packed with preservatives to prolong their shelf life. But these chemicals can have a detrimental effect on your health, and many are allergens and/or possible carcinogens. Sulfites, a type of preservative used in dried fruit, wine, flavored vinegars, sausages and other foods, are common allergens and have been linked to headaches, bowel irritability, behavioral problems and rashes. Lastly, nitrates, used to cure meats, combine with stomach acids to produce nitrosamines, which have been linked to cancer.

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Mondays are for healing To many of us Mondays seem like a drag, but to countless others Mondays can be a saving grace.

Every Monday afternoon, Erlinda Ramstead walks into the first bungalow of the Pathways Volunteer Hospice office. With her gentle demeanor and warm smile, she always greets the staff and proceeds to get ready for her Widows Group. Ramstead is a Widows Group Facilitator and has been a Pathways Volunteer since 2007.

It’s with a sense of purpose that Ramstead has given her heart to helping others. And as a widow herself she can relate to many of the ladies in her Widows Group.

For anyone who meets Erlinda Ramstead it is clear to see that being a Pathways bereavement facilitator has allowed her to use her skills and kindness to help other people by providing “a safe place where they can come and grieve. We give them tools so they can move through the grieving process.”

It can be a comforting thought for a grieving person to know that there is a safe environment for them to express themselves. Simply knowing that there are others going through a similar experience can make a profound difference to someone in grief. The Pathways Widows Group is designed specifically for that reason.

“I like to go where I’m needed” says the 61-year-old, “It’s in our heart to help other people.”

Pathways is a non-profit that provides free of charge bereavement, caregiving and hospice services to the community. The Widows Group is an on-going group that runs from 12:30pm-2pm. Mondays at Pathways Volunteer Hospice in Lakewood. For more information on the Widows Group, or any other bereavement groups or services please call (562) 531-3031.

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LEF golf tourney raises funds for Lakewood Schools

The Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) charity golf tournament is set for Monday, October 13. Organizers want the community to know whether they play in the tournament (spots are still open) or simply give to the nonprofit effort, they’ll be giving direct help to Lakewood school kids.

Last year, 95 Lakewood school projects received LEF grants totaling $43,165. But, over 70 grant applications went unfunded last year. LEF wants to narrow that gap this year through greater tournament participation or direct, tax-deductible giving.

The effort’s successful grants reflect the importance Lakewood residents and businesses place on our local schools…and the trust they place in LEF to select worthy projects. Funding last year went to

October 2014

www.lakewoodnews.org classroom projects in each of the public school districts in Lakewood, as well as St. Pancratius School.

For information about the LEF tournament to be held on Columbus Day, Monday, October 13 at the Lakewood Country Club, including sponsorship opportunities, call LEF at 562-496-3559 or 562-866-9771, extension 2408. The tournament brochure is online at www. lakewoodeducation.org.

You can also donate directly by making out a check to the Lakewood Education Foundation and mailing it to LEF, c/o Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, CA 90712. Donations are tax deductible.

Long Beach Memorial and LBUSD launch health care simulation pilot program In an effort to prepare high school students for college and their future career paths, the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) and Long Beach Memorial are working together to create a new health care simulation pilot program that creates an in-depth look at the many aspects of working in a hospital setting. This program

develops a high school course curriculum and teacher training guide that integrates academic and technical skills to be used in real-life medical scenarios at Long Beach Memorial’s simulation lab.

“This program creates the opportunity for students to be active rather than passive when it comes to thinking about their career choices,” says Susan Crockett, R.N., director, clinical workforce development, Long Beach Memorial. “What we’re trying to do here is go beyond the career day type of introduction and immerse these students into real-life scenarios where they can actually see what the career they are interested in is like and experience all of the work that goes into successfully treating a patient.”

Plans to create the program were set in motion when LBUSD was awarded a $6 million multi-purpose grant from the California Department of Education. Part of this money has been set aside to develop a deeper understanding of how simulation training can advance the curriculum and work based learning for high school students. Long Beach Memorial and LBUSD will integrate this new course as part of Linked Learning, which offers students a personally relevant and wholly engaging career-based curriculum that focuses on realworld professions.

Local church dedicates blood drive in honor of children

Children are our future… and the importance of donating blood for them, and the millions more who need your help each year, has caused Los Altos United Methodist Church to open its doors for an American Red Cross blood drive on Children’s Sunday, October 12th.

The blood drive will be held from 8am - 2:15pm in the Church Lounge, 5950 East Willow Street, Long Beach 90815 (corner of Willow and Woodruff). Sign up online at redcrossblood.org and type in sponsor code: LAUMC, or contact the church at 562-598-2451 to schedule a blood donation or request additional information.

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Community October 2014

Don’t be surprised by retiree healthcare costs

By Jason Alderman

Retirement isn’t cheap. Even though you’re no longer drawing a paycheck, you still must pay for housing, food, utilities, transportation and healthcare, to name just a few expenses. As prices continue to escalate, it’s not surprising that the ages at which people expect to retire – and when they actually do – have crept up in recent years.

Speaking of healthcare costs, here’s a number that’ll stop you in your tracks: According to an annual Fidelity Investments study of retirement costs, the average couple retiring in 2014 at age 65 is expected to need $220,000 (in today’s dollars) to cover their medical expenses in retirement.

Those planning to retire at 62 can expect another $17,000 in additional annual expenses.

Fidelity’s estimate includes Medicare premiums, deductibles, copayments and other out-ofpocket costs, but notably does not include most dental or vision services, over-the-counter medications or, most importantly, long-term care.

When Fidelity polled pre-retirees aged 55 to 64, 48 percent believed they’d only need $50,000 to cover their healthcare costs in retirement.

That’s quite a reality gap.

If you’re planning to retire in the next few years and are concerned you haven’t saved enough money to cover your healthcare expenses, here’s a sampling of what you can expect to pay: Medicare Part A helps cover inpatient hospital, skilled nursing facility and hospice services, as well as home health care. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A. However, in 2014 there’s a $1,216 deductible for each time you’re admitted as an inpatient, plus a $306 daily coinsurance after 60 days ($608/ day after 90 days).

Medicare Part B pays toward medically necessary doctor’s services, outpatient care, durable medical equipment and many preventive services. It’s optional and has a $104.90 monthly premium (although higher-income people pay more). There’s a $147 yearly deductible, after which you’re responsible for 20 percent of Medicare-approved service amounts, provided the doctor/ provider accepts Medicare. Note: There’s no annual limit for out-ofpocket expenses.

Medicare Part C (Advantage) plans are offered by private insurers as alternatives to Parts A and B. They’re usually structured like HMO or PPO plans. Most cover prescription drugs (so Part D is unnecessary) and some also provide dental and vision coverage. You must use the plan’s doctor, hospital and pharmacy provider networks, which are more restrictive than under Parts A and B. Medicare Part D helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. It’s optional and carries a monthly

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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,

premium. These privately run plans vary widely in terms of cost, copayments and deductibles and medications covered. The 2014 national average monthly premium is about $32, although plans can cost up to $175 a month.

Plus, higher-income people pay an additional surcharge. You may not find a plan that covers all your medications, but aim for one that at least covers the most expensive drugs.

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Around Town in October Lakewood

The Lakewood Women’s Club will hold their luncheon meeting on Tuesday, October 21, at Sycamore Centre. Social gathering is at 10:30am, meeting 11am, luncheon 12noon, followed by the program at 1pm. A special program presented by “Pathway to Hope’s Cell Dogs” Training Program, which pairs shelter dogs with jail inmates who help train the animals to become Service Dogs. For reservations for lunch, call Arlene Roos, (562) 863-4933, one week ahead, by Monday, October 13.

Trinity United Methodist Church is hosting their We-U Craft Fair on Saturday, October 4, from 9am to 3pm at 5730 South St. For more information contact

Trinity at (562) 867-9892.

The Lakewood Artist Guild will host an art demonstration free and open to the public featuring Long Beach master artist Alice Hernandez-Gaona on Wednesday, October 15, at 7pm., Palms Park, 12305 207th St. For more information call (562) 421-8212, Toni Barrient, Hard of Hearing Community Representative of Telecommunications Access for the Deaf and Disabled Administrative Committee will be guest speaker at the Hearing Loss Association Of America (HLAA) on Thursday, October 9 from 6:30pm at the Weingart Center, 5220 Oliva Ave. For more information call (562) 438-0597.

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October 2014

www.lakewoodnews.org LAG Resource Referral will hold a conference titled “Making Futures Brighter” at the Holiday Inn-Long Beach Airport (in the Newport Room) on October 3rd from 6:00 – 8:30pm. This will be a great conference to help sharpen resume skills, increase your marketing skills and develop personal values. Call (562) 2091552 for more information.

Bellflower St. Bernard Church will be holding their Fall Festival on Friday, October 3, 5-10pm; Saturday, October 4, 12noon10pm and October 5, 8am-8pm.

With great food, games, and live entertainment. For more information call (562) 867-2337.

Let’s play Sudoku!

Congratulations to Pamela Curry and Greg Papke! They are the lucky winners of the September 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

Thanks to our September Sudoku Sponsors!

are drawn by random.

One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, October

22, 2014. The winners will be drawn on Thursday, October 23rd, 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 November issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Bring your friends to the book sale at Lakewood Libraries

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Top Selling Associate of the Month

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From romance novels to largeformat books, visitors will find low-priced deals on used books at the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries (FOLL) sale on Saturday, October 4 from 9am to 2pm. Sale items include hardback books for $1 and up, textbooks, encyclopedias, computer materials, children’s books, a ‘Teacher’s Table,’ unusual books, cassettes and videos. Proceeds support Lakewood’s two local libraries.

FOLL “Members only” sales are scheduled for Thursday, October 2 from 5pm to 6:30pm, and Friday, October 3 from 10am to 4:30pm. Those interested in becoming members at the pre-sale can take advantage of the widest selection before the public sale.

Memberships start as low as $5 for seniors, $10 for individuals and $15 for a family membership.

Dues are tax deductible.

“Members only” times are also open to disabled patrons. FOLL memberships may be purchased at the door for non-member shoppers interested in attending.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags to the event at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library at 4990 Clark Avenue in the Lakewood Civic Center.

Anyone wanting to volunteer to help support the program or be an event volunteer should call Book Sale Chairperson Sharon Roder at 562-531-9641. Book donations are welcome. They should be brought to the Iacoboni Library at least a week prior to the event so that they can be processed for the sale. For questions, call 562-866-1777.

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Community October 2014

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Crime prevention starts with awareness Just knowing your neighbors can make a huge difference in keeping your neighborhood safe. Even if “knowing them” goes no further than a wave as they head to work or school -- the key is having a sense of who is part of your neighborhood and what might be unusual.

It’s an important step in learning how to tell when someone is casing your neighborhood, and reporting it. Detection is a big step in stopping crime.

Simple steps can make a huge difference: Get to know your neighbors. This will require introducing yourself and being proactive when you see someone you don’t know.

Pay attention to what’s going on around you. When someone is casing your neighborhood, they will often watch for people who are on a strict schedule. Change your routine once in a while to find out what is going on in your vicinity

and to see if anything is out of the ordinary.

Look for key signals. If you believe your neighborhood is being cased, look for people loitering in areas for long periods of time.

Lookouts will often wait in an area where they won’t be noticed and where they can still see what is going on around them. Look for people just sitting in vehicles or taking walks with no apparent destination. Remember that when people are walking for exercise, they will typically be moving at a fast pace and have on exercise clothing.

Last year, Lakewood’s Award

of Valor program added a new category to recognize conscientious residents who are looking out for their neighbors and taking responsibility for ensuring the safety of their neighborhoods.

The new “Be on the Lookout Award,” or BOLO Award, was presented to 10 Lakewood residents. Each used their gut instincts and firm sense of right and wrong to muster the courage and conviction to make the crucial call to the Sheriff’s Department.

If you observe unusual or suspicious behavior or activity, call the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 562-623-3500 24 hours a day.

And always, if you see a crime in progress, call 9-1-1.

There’s a goblin in my window, A monster by my door.

The pumpkin at my table Keeps on smiling more and more.

There’s a ghost who haunts my bedroom, A witch whose face is green.

They used to be my family, Till they dressed for Halloween!

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October 2014