News
Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
www.lakewoodchamber.com
Volume 29 Number 10
Lakewood soldier returns home to fanfare and family By Lakewood Resident, Dominque Ortiz
Pictured left: Lakewood resident MSG Ortiz surprises his son at band practice after a year’s deployment. Pictured right: MSG Ortiz was honored as his son played the National Anthem - solo. It was a year ago September that the 311th unit of the United States Army Reserves deployed soldiers to Afghanistan. Among them was Lakewood resident, Master Sergeant Steve Ortiz Jr., who has served in the military for 26 years. During the departure ceremony, he said his “see you soon” to his family. With reluctance, the Ortiz family watched their soldier line up for duty and prepare for his mission. While in Afghanistan, MSG Ortiz trained and ran ten separate 5Ks for charity. He received the Bronze Star for serving during wartime, the NATO medal, and the Afghanistan service medal. As part of the 311th, he would go on to complete their mission in Afghanistan after one year of overseas service. Finally, on September 18th, the
311th brought home their soldiers. The Ortiz family, among hundreds of other families, celebrated their soldier’s safe return. The Ortiz sons, however, were unable to attend the arrival of their father, due to prior engagements. Taking advantage of the situation, MSG Ortiz decided a surprise was in order. Antonio Ortiz and Steve Ortiz III were at marching band practice at Lakewood High School, when the high school’s band director, Ms. Burcham, arranged for the band to play the National Anthem. On the drum roll, MSG Ortiz walked out from beneath the bleachers...his sons were surprised to see him and embraced him, as the rest of the band cheered on. A few days later, the Lakewood High School Marching Band played
for the football game’s pre-game and halftime show. Ms. Burcham wanted to further celebrate MSG Ortiz’s return and arranged for him to be honored during their pregame performance. As the National Anthem began, Antonio Ortiz walked up to his father and played a solo in his father’s honor, making him the first sophomore to play the National Anthem solo. MSG Ortiz was truly surprised and immensely proud of his son. The Ortiz family not only celebrates the return of their own soldier, but also the safe return of the entire 311th ESC. They wish everyone a joyful reunion with their soldiers, and hope for the safe return of those soldiers still overseas.
Welcome Home, MSG Ortiz
Bring your ghosts and goblins to Lakewood parks for scary good time!
Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
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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 Thursday, 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 562866-9771, extension 2408.
October 2013
Turn your business the color of success at Lakewood Chamber’s Fall Business Expo Its no secret that small businesses are essential to the success of the economy. Given the challenges facing businesses in this current economic climate, its imperative that business owners take all opportunities to market themselves. On Saturday, October 12 from 10am to 2pm, the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce will host its annual “Business Expo” in the exclusive Center Court at Lakewood Center. The 2013 Business Expo is a little different from any other Expo the Chamber has held…in the past, businesses were unable to sell their products or service in the mall. This year businesses will have the opportunity to sell. This is fantastic for both local businesses and consumers in the surrounding areas. The Expo is the only one of its kind to be supported and sponsored by Lakewood Center, and is an exclusive opportunity afforded only to the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce. • Business Opportunities: Showcase and sell your
goods and/or services and reach an audience of hundreds! Businesses are invited to also educate consumers about what their company has to offer. By providing marketing materials such as brochures, flyers, business cards, etc. vendors can collect leads and referrals, which will stimulate the growth of local commerce in the Lakewood business community. • Consumer Opportunities: Why should residents attend the 2012 Business Expo? The Expo is a great opportunity to explore 20 – 30 local businesses while experiencing what goods and/ or services they have to offer. Space includes one six-foot table with two chairs and tablecloth the investment is only $150 for Lakewood Chamber Members, $200 for Non-Chamber Members. To register or for more information, contact the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce at (562) 5319733 or email us at info@ lakewoodchamber.com.
Walking down Lollipop Lane is a seasonal wonderland!
Themed crafts will cover Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Mayfair Park’s John Sanford Todd Community Center will come alive with over 100+ crafters offering handmade, affordable holiday gifts on Saturday, October 19 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. Shoppers should come prepared to purchase a variety of unique items. Refreshments, supporting Lakewood Meals on Wheels, will also be available for purchase throughout the day. 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 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or 562-866-4776 the day of the event.