Lakewood Community News - October 2011

News

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

Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

www.lakewoodnews.org

Volume 27 Number 9

Lakewood Education golf tourney only days away Golfers with a desire to help Lakewood kids can still sign up to play in the Lakewood Education Foundation Golf Tournament.

The fundraiser is set for October 10 and begins at 1pm with a shotgun start. Dinner follows at 5:30pm.

The event uses a four-member “shamble” format. Tourney fees are just $100 per player and include golf fees, cart, dinner, awards and prizes. Sign-up forms are available at www. lakewoodeducation.org.

Tourney sponsorship opportunities range from $100 to $2,500, with different sponsorship levels including signage, golf, dining and program recognition.

For details and tournament entry forms call LEF at 562-496-3559 or 562-866-9771, extension 2404.

Since 2003, LEF has given grants to hundreds of local classroom projects and touched the lives of thousands of Lakewood students. Last year, (Cont’d. on Page 11)

October 2011

Take a trip down Lollipop Lane for some unique holiday gifts

Shoppers can choose from a variety of handmade gift items at the Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique on Saturday, October 15 from 9am to 4pm.

Mayfair Park will be transformed into a winter wonderland on

WinCo supermarket opening is a win-win for Lakewood!

Saturday, October 15 from 9am to 4pm, as over 115 crafters set

up their colorful displays at the Lollipop Lane Craft Boutique.

Shoppers looking for a unique gift for a special friend may find just what they need at the popular show.

This boutique is one of the first every season and offers a wide variety of items available for purchase. Quality artists will feature Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas crafts. Jewelry, clothing, quilts, cards, hand crafted gourds, gift bags, scarves, purses, wood crafts, paintings, candles, soaps, lotions and many other beautiful handcrafted items will be for sale. Vendors will be set up outside the community center and inside the three rooms.

Each merchant will handle their own sales, so 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.

Admission is free. Mayfair Park is located at 5720 Clark Avenue, at the corner of South Street. Parking for the event will be available at the park, and a free shuttle service is available from the Lakewood City Hall east parking lot (5050 N. Clark Avenue). The shuttle will run every 15 minutes.

For more information, please call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or 562-866-4776 the day of the event.

SAVE THE DATE!

FALL BUSINESS EXPO Saturday, October 22nd Lakewood Center

Market Your Business!

REGIS

(Centre Court)

TER N

OW!

For more info, call 562.531.9733

Instead of weekly advertisements, dedicates their first store aisle to discounts they call their “Wall of Values.”

Another new opportunity to “Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal” will be WinCo Foods supermarket at South Street and Downey Avenue. WinCo is putting finishing touches on the nearly 100,000 square foot Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

supermarket that will be open 24 hours a day. The supermarket is expected to open on Monday, October 17.

Based in Idaho, employee-owned WinCo Foods operates over 79

Change Service Requested

(Cont’d. on Page 6) PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Long Beach, CA PERMIT NO. 60101

Project Shepherd Food Pantry needs the community’s help Many Lakewood residents are dreading the fact that the holidays are quickly approaching. The current economic crisis has caused job loss, home foreclosures, and subsequent financial problems.

It’s difficult to keep food in the refrigerator; much less worry about the financial toll the upcoming holidays will take. Project Shepherd Food Pantry is a place for the Lakewood community to go for food and other necessary items in desperate situations. Due to increasing demands, the Project Shepherd Food Pantry is in need of donations. Non-perishable food items of all kinds are needed.

Personal care products like toilet paper, dish soap, and laundry detergent are also needed. Items

Lakewood’s less fortunate are in need of donations through Project Shepherd.

may be dropped off at the Burns Community Center, 5510 Clark Avenue, in Lakewood or at any City of Lakewood facility… i.e., local parks. All donated items will

be given to Lakewood families in need. If you have questions, please call the Burns Community Center at (562) 925-7512.

LakewoodToday

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Enjoy the change of seasons in Lakewood

By Larry Van Nostran

In other parts of the country, people may think “it never rains in sunny Southern California” or there’s only one season here (summer). But we know otherwise.

Autumn is upon us, and it’s a great time to enjoy the change of seasons in Southern California, including right here in Lakewood.

Leaves are starting to turn and fall from Lakewood trees like the sycamore, ash, gingko biloba, crape myrtle and others. Enjoy the display of colors you’ll see in neighborhoods and at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza at the Lakewood Civic Center.

If there are a lot of leaves falling in your yard or on your street, remember a couple of tips for how to deal with autumn in

Lakewood: • Don’t put your leaves in piles in the street. Street sweepers don’t pick up large piles. Leaves can be left, as they fall, on the street for the sweepers. But keep in mind, the sweepers may not pick up every last leaf, especially if they get wet.

• If you want a leaf-free street in front of your house, your best bet is to sweep or rake up the leaves and put them in your green-waste can. Remember, you can put out an unlimited number of greenwaste cans.

• Don’t hose your leaves down the street. That wastes valuable water and sends leaves and the bacteria and pollutants in the gutter down the storm drains to the Los Alamitos Bay and the ocean. We want to keep those areas clean for swimming and sea life.

For more Lakewood street sweeping tips and rules, see the city’s informational video at www.lakewoodcity.org/ cleansweep. If you have a request or question about your street sweep or any other city service, always feel free to call your city’s top-notch customer service staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2140. If you call after business hours, you can leave a message that your Lakewood staff will act on the next business day. Or you can email them at service1@ lakewoodcity.org.

Autumn is also the start of

www.lakewoodnews.org a new Lakewood recreation season. Most classes start in early October, so it’s not too late to sign up. New this season will be: Italian Cooking, Caribbean Cuisine, and Yoga for Stress Release. For kids, we have Skateboarding and Scootering, and for teens we have excursions to Knott’s Scary Farm, Santa Monica Pier, and the K1 Speed Indoor Race Track. For details, call your city recreation staff at 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or go to www.lakewoodcity.org.

Fall also means football season for a lot of us. It could mean gathering around the TV at home, or enjoying Friday night games under the lights at Lakewood area high schools, where some of the best and most competitive high school football in the country is played.

Whatever fall has in store for you, I hope you make the most of the new season in Lakewood.

C i t y Spotlight Fall/winter recreation classes begin Lakewood’s fall/winter recreation classes begin the week of October 3. If you have not received your copy of the popular 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. You can also call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 to request a catalog by mail. The

October 2011 new catalog lists over 600 classes and activities.

Survive for 7 disaster planning program Hurricane Katrina taught the nation the importance of family preparedness for major disasters. Having food, water and shelter for seven days is the new standard for personal and family disaster survival. Lakewood’s “Survive for 7” disaster planning program educates residents about emergency preparedness and offers the skills families might need in the first week following a catastrophe. Fire, police and emergency medical services may be delayed in responding. Do you know what to do? Do you have a plan?

Come to the Survive for 7 emergency preparedness class on Tuesday, October 4 from 6pm to 7:30pm at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Community Safety Center at Lakewood Center. The program is free. To register, call 562-866-9771, extension 2408, or register through the eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/7days.

FUN-Tastic Family Nights Join your Lakewood neighbors and friends at The Centre for FUN-tastic Family Nights.

This series of family evenings is affordable and fun. Each event offers a light dinner and entertainment. On Friday, October 7, from 6:30pm to 8:00pm, enjoy “The Ocean Adventure.”

Participants can learn all about a whale shark expedition, view models and ocean specimens, and meet “Wanda” a 25-foot long inflatable whale shark. Dinner of

chicken fingers, mac and cheese, lemonade and a dessert will be served prior to the start of the show. Cost is $7 per person ($5 for ages 3 and younger). Register

by October 5 by calling 562866-9771, extension 2408, or you may register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation.

Family overnight camp in Lakewood Bring your children, ages 3 to 8, and have a fun overnight campout “under the stars” October 15-16 at Monte Verde Park. 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 (an $8 per person materials fee for meals is payable to the instructor at camp. Call to register at 562866-9771, extension 2408, or you may register through the eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity. org/eCatalog.

Save the Date - Free Flu Shot Clinic on November 8 A walk-in, flu shot clinic will be held on Tuesday, November 8, from 1pm to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center at 5220 Oliva Avenue. 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 6 months and older may receive a shot, while supplies last. For more information call 562-630-6141.

October 2011

Reinvesting dividends can pay off Submitted by Marjorie Anderson, Edwards Jones, Lakewood

When you invest in stocks, you want their price to go up. But of course, you can’t control the rise and fall of stock prices. However, there is a key element of investing that you can control — the number of shares you own. And in the long run, share ownership may be more important than rising stock prices in determining your long-term investment success.

Of course, you might think that the advice of “buy more shares” is easier said than done. After all, not everyone can easily find a lot of extra money to invest. But you don’t need access to vast wealth to increase your share ownership — you just need to consistently reinvest your stock dividends.

Just how important are reinvested dividends to wealth accumulation, as compared to capital gains (the increase in stock prices)? Over the 135-year period from 1871 through 2003, owning stocks and reinvesting the dividends produced 97% of all stock market returns, with only 3% coming from capital gains, according to a major study done

by Dr. Jeremy Siegel, one of the world’s leading researchers on stock market performance. Other studies have also pointed to the importance of dividends as a component of total returns.

What are the implications of this disparity between the effectiveness of dividend reinvestment versus

Lakewood

Your

Minding

that of capital gains? First of all, it suggests that you may not want to spend an undue amount of time and effort in chasing after “hot” stocks, hoping for big capital gains. For one thing, by the time you buy these stocks, they may already be cooling off, but even more importantly, your focus on achieving large capital gains may not be the best use of your financial resources.

Ultimately, the power of dividend reinvestment means, not surprisingly, that you may be able to help yourself if you look for quality dividend-paying stocks — and then reinvest the dividends, month after month and year after year.

With just a little research, you can find stocks that have paid — and even increased — dividends for many years in a row. (Keep in mind, though, that not all stocks will pay dividends, and even those that do can reduce or discontinue them at any time.

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Dividend reinvestment does not ensure a profit or protect against loss.) So, to help boost your share ownership, consider reinvesting the dividends back into the stock, rather than taking them as cash payments. If you do choose to reinvest your dividends, though, you will need to look to other types of investments to provide you with income, assuming you need some income from your portfolio, which may become more necessary during your retirement years.

Your financial advisor can help you determine the appropriate investments to help provide this income.

But in any case, if you can do without the current income provided by dividends, give careful consideration to reinvesting them.

Dividend reinvestment is not a glamorous investment strategy, and it won’t help you “get rich quick,” but it can help you make steady progress toward your longterm financial goals — and that’s a key dividend in itself.

College Fair coming to Mayfair Park

News

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.

EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month.

(There is no guarantee for insertion.)

PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.

Lakewood’s Annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 11, from 6pm to 9pm, at a new Mayfair Park location (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.

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www.lakewoodnews.org

Statewide campaign highlights Lakewood as well-run city The City of Lakewood was one of the first five California cities to be profiled in the “Strong Cities, Strong State” campaign highlighting local government success stories. The effort was created by the League of California Cities and California City Management Foundation.

The goal of the “Strong Cities” campaign is to promote the innovation and experience of local cities in delivering services at a time when state leaders are struggling with fundamental issues of governance. “Strong Cities, Strong State” seeks to position cities as vital and equal partners with the state in building a better California for the future.

Learn more about the effort at www.strongcitiesstrongstate.com Highlights of Lakewood’s profile on the “Strong Cities, Strong

State” website include: • Building Community Trust through Events—Lakewood puts on various special events throughout the year, like the Civic Center Block Party, Patriot Day and Earth Walk, to create a strong sense of community and allow residents and city officials to have dialog and create a bond of trust.

• Legendary Customer Service—Lakewood’s Customer Service Liaisons help residents quickly and effectively answer questions and solve issues that may arise.

• Innovative Street Repair— Since 2000, 95% of Lakewood’s roads have been improved and repaved with rubberized asphalt.

“I’m honored that Lakewood has been chosen as an example of a well-run, innovative city to be highlighted in this statewide

effort,” said Lakewood Mayor Larry Van Nostran. “Lakewood City Council Members work together with our city manager and staff to bring the best possible public services to our fellow residents. We always strive to make Lakewood a city we can all be proud of.”

The Strong Cities, Strong State campaign plans to profile new cities every day, with a goal of highlighting all California cities over the coming year-and-ahalf. Profiles include photos, video and other media detailing how cities work hard to provide essential services and elevate neighborhood quality life.

Success stories range from public safety initiatives to educational partnerships, infrastructure improvements to community engagement strategies and more.

October 2011

Improving your credit score

By Jason Alderman

Many people suffered blows to their credit scores during the unstable economy of the last few years, whether because they missed payments, exceeded credit limits or, more seriously, experienced a home foreclosure or even bankruptcy. Is this a big deal? Absolutely.

If your credit score drops significantly, you’ll likely be charged higher loan and credit card interest rates and offered lower credit limits – or perhaps be disqualified altogether. And,

lower scores can also lead to higher insurance rates and harm your ability to rent an apartment or get a cell phone.

Fortunately, taking these few steps will begin improving your credit score almost immediately: First, review your credit reports from the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and Transunion) to see which negative actions your creditors have reported and look for errors or fraudulent activity. You can order one free report per year from each at www.annualreport. com. You can also order a FICO credit score (the score most commonly used by lenders) for $19.95 from www.myfico.com to know exactly where you stand.

Never exceed individual credit limits. In fact, the lower your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of available credit you’re using), the better. Try to keep your overall utilization ratio – and ratios on individual cards and lines of credit – below 30 percent.

Even if you pay off your balance each month, showing a high utilization ratio at any time during the month could conceivably hurt your score. A few suggestions: • Spread purchases among multiple cards to keep individual balances lower.

• Make extra payments midway through billing cycles so your outstanding balances appear lower.

• Ask lenders to reinstate higher limits if your payment history has been solid.

Transferring balances to a new credit card to get a lower rate dings your credit score by a few points – although it won’t take long to recover. But, say you move a $2,000 balance from a card with a $10,000 limit to one with a $4,000 limit; you’ve immediately gone from a 20 percent utilization ratio to 50 percent on the new card.

A few other credit scoreimprovement tips: • Make sure that credit card limits reported to credit bureaus are accurate.

• Don’t automatically close older, unused accounts; 15 percent of your score is based on credit history. In fact, occasionally make small charges on existing accounts to make sure lenders don’t close them out.

• Each time you open a new account there’s a slight impact on your score, so avoid doing so in the months before a major purchase like a home or car.

• Pay off medical bills and parking, traffic or library fines.

Once old, unpaid bills go into collection, they can damage your credit.

There are many good resources for learning what you can do to repair and protect your credit scores, including the Credit Education Center at www.myfico. com/CreditEducation, the Credits and Loans page at www.ftc.gov/ bcp/menus/consumer/credit. shtm, and What’s My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a financial literacy program run by Visa Inc.

October 2011

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The changing landscape of the “American Dream”

By Robin Vanderwerff

The “America Dream” means different things to different people.

Some think owning a home or success in business and subsequent wealth is achieving the dream. To others, it could mean coming to this country with the hope of all that America has to offer.

My husband was one such immigrant; his family came to America from Holland when he was just 2 years old. His parents reached out to a church in Long Beach that sponsored his family.

That’s how it was back in the 60’s, an immigrant family would receive legal alien status, get a sponsor who would pay for their trip, help them find work, and transition the family to the American culture.

My husband, his sisters and parents were so proud to assimilate to the “American Dream.” They still had their heritage, traditions, and spoke the Dutch language.

However, English was quickly learned and Holland became a distant country that they once knew. America was their home, and becoming a citizen was their dream that eventually became a reality.

I think of this story as my daughter is in her first year of college at Cal State University Long Beach. We were so excited when she was accepted. She had a 3.6 GPA, however, she was not eligible for any financial aid. Now we are forced to pay the everincreasing tuition on our own.

Students are looking at possible annual tuition increases of 8% to 16% over the next four years.

On the state level, Assemblyman Gil Cedillo’s introduction of the California Dream Act (AB 130, 131) has caused me to pause and consider the changing landscape of this country. Millions of people are breaking our laws to sneak in illegally and steal resources and an education that is not theirs to take.

Governor Jerry Brown has already signed a portion of the California Dream Act AB 130, which gives illegal immigrants access to privately financed state scholarships and other aid. The second portion, AB 131, is sitting on the Governor’s desk waiting for his signature. That bill will provide fee waivers, Cal Grants, and other financial aid programs to illegal students, at a cost to California taxpayers of $40 million, according to an analysis by the State Senate. The Governor

News

Community

has until Oct. 9th to sign the bill.

The bill would allow illegal immigrants and out-of-state students, who have attended California high schools for three years or more, to apply for the financial aid.

This is absolutely ludicrous to me, with our state facing major budget problems, and is drastically cutting spending on higher education. UC will receive about $2.37 billion in state funding this year, $650 million less than last year. Colleges have been forced to lay off teachers, cut classes, turn away thousands of eligible American students and increase fees. Most students won’t be able to afford an education, or spend years paying off student loans after graduation.

The question is, why would we, the American people, stand quietly by as students here illegally are getting a taxpayer-funded education? Even at the detriment to the state as a whole? Then, after

the degree is earned, graduates would not be able to work in this country legally without a work visa.

Unless they’re holding out hope that the Obama administration will pass the federal Dream Act, which would give students who have graduated from college a path to citizenship.

The fact of the matter is, families came into this country illegally.

They have lived and worked here, received state-funded services, and then sent their money back to their own country. They don’t pay taxes, as they are not legal residents. Their children, who may not have had a choice to be brought to this country, have been rewarded greatly. They receive a state-funded K-12 education.

To complete the “American Dream” for the illegals, the state of California will hand them a free college education and gift-wrap it with a bow completely funded by the California taxpayer.

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Medicare recipients can make benefit changes earlier this year

Open Enrollment for Medicare will begin this year on October 15th and will last longer (seven full weeks) to give people enough time to review and making any necessary coverage changes. Also starting this year, recipients will need to make a final selection for next year’s Medicare coverage by December 7th. This change will ensure that Medicare has enough time to process your options, so that coverage can begin on January 1st.

Most people’s health needs

change annually, and as such, individuals health plans may need to change. Open Enrollment is the one time of year when all Medicare participants can check out what new benefits Medicare has to offer – whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan - and make the appropriate changes to your coverage.

For more information visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1800-633-4227) to compare your current coverage with all the options that are available, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.

Women in Business Council Wednesday, Oct. 12th “The State of Women in Business Luncheon” PRICE: $17.00 (includes lunch)

11:00am-1:00pm Water Replenishment District 4040 Paramount Blvd.

Lakewood, 90712

ChamberNews Page 6

Member Spotlight

Family Owned & Operated for 53 Years!

Plugged up? Need to cool off?

Let the experts at Downey Plumbing come clean out your drains or install the latest heating and air conditioning systems.

Family owned since 1958; they service, repair & remodel both Commercial & Residential properties in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

They can repair plumbing, clean drains & sewers, as well as copper re-piping, water softeners, furnaces, disposals, water heaters, and bathroom remodeling. In addition, they provide a 24-hour service, which in the event of a plumbing emergency, can be very useful.

Owner Don Skala emphasizes

the importance of community in his business philosophy.

Don is the owner of all three locations; in Norwalk, Brea, and the original location in Downey.

Through these 3 locations, Don is a member of 15 different Chambers of Commerce.

He has found that community involvement is key to the success of his business. Being a member of so many Chambers allows him to gain a lot of extra exposure.

For more information about the services that Downey Plumbing provides – visit their website @ www.downeyplumbing.com – you can also download discount coupons on the website that can be used towards a discounted service call. Downey Plumbing is located @ 11829 Downey Avenue Downey, and they can be reached by calling (562) 8611234.

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

www.lakewoodnews.org

WinCo Opening (Cont’d. from Page 1)

stores in Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah. The supermarket 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.

They are sortable by product type and by brand names.

Visitors to the Lakewood store will find a special “first aisle” when entering called “The Wall of Values.” It is only stocked with items on special. These items change often throughout the year, from BBQ and camping essentials in the summer; to holiday favorites during the winter. No membership is needed at WinCo. Store managers also offer “Smart Shopper Tips” to help patrons get the most out of their shopping trip.

WinCo is known for extensive “bulk food” offerings, which they say offers greater customer savings, is environmental consciousness, and gives shoppers the freedom to choose just the amounts they need. Products include organics, pet food and spices.

WinCo supermarkets typically carry over 600 bulk items including natural food products, gluten free offerings, snacks, candies (traditional, no sugar added and sugar free), baking ingredients, beans, rice, pastas, grains, nuts, dried fruit and coffee.

WinCo Foods also offers small spice bottles that are perfect for storage and organization.

October 2011

Welcome New Members!

Lakewood Medical Group 4318 South St. Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 788-7574

Delightful Crepes Cafe 1190 Studebaker Rd. Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 599-9400

Miller Tax Service 2525 Cherry Ave., Ste. 368 Signal Hill, CA 90755 (562) 424-2449

Bloomfield Animal Hospital 20927 Norwalk Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90715 (562) 402-9717

Member Renewals

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

26 Years 5 Years D&D Sporting Goods Orion Metal & Trading Company

BUSINESS@BREAKFAST Tuesday, October 11th 7:30 - 9:00AM Denny’s Restaurant 5520 South St. Lakewood, 90712 GUEST SPEAKER: Chuck Douglas - Tom Hopkins Speaker Call (562) 531-9733 to RSVP

Lakewood Chamber’s Summer Mixer was red hot!

silver

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

bronze 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.

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

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

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

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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Officers and Board of Directors

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently hosted their “End of Summer” mixer and it was a great time of networking and scrumptious food. Outback Steakhouse Proprietor, Luis Torres, served delicious appetizers that everyone enjoyed. Business cards changed hands and new contacts were made. If you didn’t attend this mixer, make some time for the next one. In the current tough business climate, you wouldn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to network with other business professionals. You never know, you might just meet your next client.

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2011-2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Pictured from L to R: Jeff Wood, City CouncilMember; Joe Esquivel, retired Lakewood Mayor; Diane DuBois, City CouncilMember; Joy Janes, Lakewood Chamber Board Member; John Kelsall, Lakewood Chamber President/CEO; Glen Patrick, WeingartLakewood Family YMCA Executive Director.

GR E

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

Wing stop in Lakewood is holding a Fundraiser event for the Olive Crest Foundation who help transform the lives of abused, neglected, and at-risk children and their families. They work tirelessly to meet the individual needs of kids in crisis by providing safe homes, counseling, and education for both youth and parents. The event will be held on Thursday, October 13th from 10:30 to Midnight. Wing stop will be donating 15 % back of the net sales to Olive crest. Wing stop will not be making any profit on this event.

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

Green

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October 2011

Drop-off waste events coming to nearby Bellflower and Whittier

Living

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.

Put some green into your workday

Regardless of the size of your workspace - be it large or small you can take a number of steps to lighten both your environmental footprint and that of your organization.

You can make a real difference by taking the time to consider how work routines influence the health of the planet. By

evaluating everyday actions and cooperating with your office manager and colleagues, you can get your office on track for a greener future.

Here are some ways you can put green into action throughout your workday.

• Commute to work. While hopping in the car may be an easy option, taking public transportation, biking or even carpooling can start off your day in an environmentally conscious way. With high gas prices, it may even help save a penny or two.

• Rethink drinking containers.

Before you grab that cup of joe, reconsider the type of drinking container you’re using each day.

Get into the habit of reusing a mug or glass for water at the office. Avoiding the use of disposable cups can make a big difference and help set a positive standard in your office.

Get some small indoor plants.

If you’re lucky enough to have an office with a window, put your green thumb to work and bring in a plant. If you work out of an interior office or cubicle, do a little research to determine which plants can survive without direct sunlight.

• Watch your printing habits.

If you have to use large quantities of paper, suggest your office buy recycled paper and make it a habit to print on both sides to cut use in half. If you’ve printed off too many copies, be sure there is a recycling bin nearby to dispose of the extra paper.

• Evaluate the restrooms.

Take a close look on your next bathroom break to see if one-ata-time paper towel dispensers are being used. These dispensers help cut down on the use of excess paper and will help your organization save money.

Remember to bring this up with your facility manager if they’re not currently using energy saving technology.

• Turn off the lights. Avoid leaving the light on in the copy room if it’s going to be unused at night. The same goes for other common areas in your office. Be sure to turn off your computer and power strip at the end of your workday and encourage others to do the same.

Take green to the next level in your organization by working with those around you. Your office manager can be a key player in executing office efforts to go green. As the decision maker for purchases and processes for your office, it is important to voice your desire for environmentally conscious practices with him or her.

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Page 7

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Community

October 2011

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E. South St.

Lakewood Center Mall

Clark Ave.

Lakweood Blvd.

Candlewood St.

Downey Ave.

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Del Amo Blvd.

October 2011

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Shop Lakewood Page 9

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Lakewood honored with “Playful City USA” for second time

Lakewood was one of only 14 California cities to win the prestigious 2011 “Playful City USA” designation.

In recognition of Lakewood’s high quality playgrounds, parks and recreation services, the city has won a prestigious 2011 “Playful City USA” designation.

The recognition is provided

by KaBoom!, a national nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC that promotes children’s recreation and the creation of more places for children to play. Lakewood also received the recognition in 2010.

“Lakewood is committed to the well-being of children and

serves as an outstanding role model for the rest of America as we continue to strive toward the KaBoom! vision of a great place to play within walking distance for every child,” said Darell Hammon, KaBoom! founder and CEO and author of the New York Times best seller “KaBoom!: How One Man Built A Movement To Save Play.”

According to KaBoom!, children today spend less time playing outside than any previous generation, in part because

October 2011

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only 20 percent of children live within walking distance of a park or playground. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that play is important to healthy brain development in children.

One of the goals of KaBoom! is to reverse this “play deficit.”

Learn more about KaBoom! at www.kaboom.org.

Lakewood was one of only 14 California cities to win the honor, and one of only five winning cities in Los Angeles County (Baldwin Park, Cerritos, Glendora and Pico Rivera were also recognized).

Lakewood’s Playful City USA strengths included the city’s dedication to play and recreation (including the Lakewood Youth Sports program), expansion of the Tot Lot program, and continual upgrading of parks. Park improvements this year include a new Tot Lot and picnic shelter at Bloomfield Park, re-roofing at Biscailuz and Del Valle parks, building repairs at Mayfair and Monte Verde parks, and sidewalk and hardscape repairs at Bolivar Park.

“We’re honored that our city has received this recognition,” said Lakewood Mayor Larry Van Nostran. “Lakewood has

always taken pride in the fact that we have great parks and play opportunities located within all our neighborhoods. It’s been a key facet of the quality of life in Lakewood since our city was founded in the 1950s. And we work just as hard today to keep our parks and recreational programs in great shape as we did when the city started.”

Ride Against Cancer and Classic Car Show

Tickets are on sale now for a multi-faceted fundraiser helping two Lakewood Station deputies fighting cancer. The Saturday, October 15 event includes both an escorted motorcycle ride and a classic car show at the Long Beach Holiday Inn. Discount pre-registration and logo t-shirts, jackets and warmups are available at www.

lakewoodbenefitride.net. This July, the Lakewood Sheriff Station family received devastating news that two deputies, Detective Steve Baze and Deputy Vanessa Chow, had been diagnosed with cancer.

Baze is a 16-year veteran, and Chow has 11 years with the Sheriff’s Department.

While helping raise money for the families, deputies organizing the event hope to raise awareness about cancer and treatment. They’re inviting staff and the public to come out. Even if you’re not a rider, this will be fun event with a car and fashion show, food and a raffle for a 2011 Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The escorted benefit ride begins at Laidlaw’s HarleyDavidson at 1919 Puente Avenue in Baldwin Park.

Registration is from 9am to 10:20am with the ride destination being the car show at Long Beach Airport Holiday Inn. The car show will be at the Holiday Inn at Lakewood Boulevard and the 405 Freeway, from 11am to 5pm and will feature food and beverage vendors, raffle prizes, live music and DJ Ozzie. There will also be a clothing line release debuted by Red Devil Clothing. Food tickets are only $15.

Through October 1, the early registration ride cost is $20 per rider/$10 per passenger. On the day of the ride the cost is $30 per rider/$15 per passenger. A meal is included for each paid ride/passenger. One ride pin will be issued per motorcycle.

Car show participant fees are the same.

For more information call Dave Harrison at 562-5050979, or e-mail daveharrison@ lakewoodbenefitride.net.

SHOP LAKEWOOD...

STAY LAKEWOOD LOYAL!

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Community

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October 2011

Lightening strikes a Lakewood runner blazes through nine races Lakewood tree

By Patti Searcy, Lakewood resident

A Lakewood tree was hit by lightening.

In the morning hours of September 10, 2011 at Harvey Way near Woodruff Ave in Lakewood, a tree was hit by lightening. The City of Lakewood sent Rick Kapella to handle the splintered mass decorating the lawn and sidewalk.

Shards of tree were found across the four-lane street in the yard opposite the stricken tree.

LEF Golf Tourney (Cont’d. from Page 1)

thanks to the generosity of local residents and businesses, LEF was able to award 95 classroom grants totaling $32,000 to 21 schools in Lakewood. However, LEF received another $30,000 in applications for worthy Lakewood classroom projects that LEF did not have the funds to fulfill.

LEF awards grants of up to $500 per Lakewood classroom for projects with a direct educational benefit to students. LEF grants are used to purchase books for accelerated reading programs, math learning kits, enrichment program materials, computers and other beneficial items. Readers can hear the stories of two Lakewood teachers who have successfully used LEF grants to help improve their classrooms at www. lakewoodcity.org/LEFvideo.

LEF is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations to LEF are accepted year-round by sending a check payable to the Lakewood Education Foundation to Lakewood City Hall, 5050 Clark Avenue, Lakewood, California

Neighbors divided by the busy roadway joined to marvel at the results of Mother Nature. Diane Blush and her husband witnessed the marvel. “Not many people get an opportunity to see this. It was awesome and scary at the same time. It was like a ball of fire hitting the tree. It scared me. I was thinking of nine eleven, like it was some kind of bomb,” Blush explained.

As I drove by at 11:09am, I notice that Kapella had the wood neatly stacked and the tree was gone.

By 11:27am, the wood was gone, picked up by Lakewood residents.

Any trace of the dynamics that happened earlier was gone. All that remains is a stump and a story.

Lakewood resident, Lauren Rain Williams, had an exciting summer of track and field this season. The high point of the qualifying meets was Lauren breaking World Records in the 100m 11.94 and then 40 minutes later breaking another unprecedented, never before run time by an 11 or 12 year old World Record in the 200m with a 24.04.

Lauren’s first national meet was early July in Myrtle Beach, SC at the USATF Youth National Outdoor Meet. She wins in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. Late July, Lauren and teammates traveled to Wichita.

The girls win the national title in the 4x100m relay. Lauren also wins the 100m in 12.21 and the 200m 24.56.

Next stop, New Orleans, Louisiana to the AAU National Junior Olympic Games. Lauren would run her final 3 races of the total nine she had hopes of winning. She won the 400m, then on “Championship Day” she didn’t disappoint. She won the final two medals, (100m 12.37 and 200m 24.94) bringing her total medal count to nine.

Congratulations Lauren, now with 22 National Championships, she is setting new goals for next year and they are big!

CONGRATS Lauren!

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Advertise in the Lakewood Community News. Call us at

www.lakewoodnews.org

Friends of Lakewood Libraries book sale

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Surprisingly low-priced used books are available at the Friends of the Lakewood Libraries sale on Saturday, October 1 from 9am to 2pm, at the Angelo M. Iacoboni Library in the Lakewood Civic Center. Proceeds from the sales support Lakewood’s two local

libraries.

Friends of the Lakewood Library memberships may be purchased at the door for nonmembers interested in attending.

Shoppers are encouraged to bring their own shopping bags.

Offerings include hardback books for $1 and up and other items as marked: • Hardback books • Paperback and bargain books • Textbooks, enclyclopedias, computer Textbooks, encyclopedias, computer, children’s, ‘Teacher’s Table’ and unusual books priced as marked Cassettes, videos, art and music.

October 2011

Back pain?

Survey says...

By Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

If you have back pain… you are probably old enough to remember Richard Dawson first yelling the phrase “Survey Says…” on the popular 70s and 80s game show, The Family Feud. According to an August 9, 2011 article on chiroeco.com, “In a new survey, chiropractic outperformed all other back pain treatments including prescription and over-thecounter medications, deep-tissue massage, yoga, and Pilates.

According to the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), this news reinforces the use of conservative care options as a first line of defense against pain.”

One serious eye-opener was that only 28% of the survey respondents said that over-thecounter medications helped a lot. It has been known for quite some time that common overthe-counter non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) can have serious side effects.

One of these side effects is that an estimated 16,500 people die every year. Natural, conservative options like Chiropractic, deep tissue massage, yoga, and Pilates are most likely better and safer choices when it comes to relieving back pain.

Neck pain is also very common and it can make your life miserable. If you also suffer from headaches… there is a very good chance you suffer from a common type of headache called “cervicogenic headache.”

This type of headache is caused by a problem in your neck.

According to an “evidence report” published by Duke University researchers, “Cervical spinal manipulation was associated with improvement in headaches in two trials involving patients with neck pain and/or neck dysfunction and headache.

Manipulation appeared to result in immediate improvement in headache severity when used to treat episodes of cervicogenic headaches when compared with an attention-placebo control.”

Chiropractors specialize in spinal manipulation receiving the most number of hours of training in this therapeutic procedure as compared with other types of doctors.

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is a doctor of chiropractic specializing in treating neck and back pain, headaches and disc problems for over 29 years in Lakewood.

He can be reached for comment at 562867-0993.

September 2011

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Dear EarthTalk: Are as many cats and dogs being euthanized these days as back in the 1970s and 1980s when indiscriminate breeding led to explosions in pet populations? - Mary H.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the leading non-profit devoted to animal welfare, reports that in the 1970s American shelters euthanized between 12 and 20 million cats and dogs every year at a time when there were 67 million pets in U.S. homes.

According to statistics gleaned from the Asilomar Accords, which tracks animal shelter care and euthanasia numbers, U.S. shelters today euthanize three to four million animals, while there are more than 135 million cats and dogs in American homes.

And what exactly are the roots of the problem? Foremost is irresponsible breeding—pet owners failing to get their animals spayed or neutered, leading to unwanted offspring. Some 35 percent of U.S. pet owners do not spay or neuter their pets, despite increasing public awareness about the pet overpopulation issue.

Another factor is low adoption rates: Only 20 percent of the 17 million Americans that get a new pet each year opt for a shelter pet; the vast majority buys from pet stores, breeders, or through other private arrangements. And six to eight million pets are given up to shelters or rescue groups every year for one reason or another, leaving these organizations with

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Community quick to relinquish their pets for any number of reasons. The majority of shelter pets are not overflowing litters of puppies and kittens, but companion animals turned in by their owners.

As to what individuals can do, HSUS recommends spaying or neutering their dogs and cats, adopting from shelters or rescue groups, and considering all the ramifications of pet ownership before deciding to take on a cat or dog in the first place.

many more animals than they can place in homes.

Beyond these factors, HSUS also cites our society’s “disposal pet” ethos, whereby owners are

Focus on your health this Autumn Autumn is here! In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), patients would be lining up around the block to boost their immune systems for the changing of seasons.

This is ancient preventative medicine, where the doctor works to keep you well.

Autumn is a time to especially pay attention to the lungs and large intestines, which are related in function. This is called the metal element. Have you ever noticed when you have respiratory problems it can cause constipation and visa versa?

For hundreds of years, simple needling and herbs have been used as preventative medicine to keep people from catching colds and help them to be stronger in fighting colds and allergies. In the autumn, it is advised to order our lives, focus our minds, and eat nourishing cooked foods… not just the fresh salads of summer. Start the day with hot cereal. Gather energy to stay balanced, grounded and focused to face life gracefully.

Getting Chiropractic adjustments can double the power. Dr Gail Kelley, D.C. of Back to Life Chiropractic, says adjustments can “help strengthen the immune system, aligning energies, releasing toxins and strengthening the lymphatics, sinuses and lungs.”

Let’s challenge ourselves to stay focused and healthy, no matter what the season, in our environment, bodies, minds or lives.

For more information, Contact Lisa Chan, L.Ac., at Back to Life Chiropractic and Acupuncture, on 4115 E. South St. Lakewood. 562-408-1140, www. backtolifeacupuncture.com, www.drlitzinger.com.

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Page 13

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

Page 14

Around Town in October Lakewood

• Lakewood Center will help National Geographic Kids Magazine set the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24 hour period. The event will be held on Tuesday October 11 from 4-6pm at Lakewood Center For more information call (562) 633-0437.

• Join Lakewood Center on Halloween, October 31st as they host Store-to-Store Trick or Treating and a FREE Spooktactular kids craft in Center Court from 4pm-6pm. Kids can pick up a complimentary Halloween tote bag courtesy of iSmile Dental at Guest Services while supplies last. For more information call (562) 633-0290.

• A Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, October 8th from 9am

October 2011

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to 3pm at Christ Presbyterian Church, located at the corner of Candlewood & Hayter, west of Lakewood Blvd. Come shop for the holidays, vendors welcome.

For more information call (562) 633-4094 or (562) 633-0749.

• Join the Women in Business Council on Wednesday, October 12 from 11am to 1pm for The State of Women in Business Luncheon at the Water Replenishment District 4040 Paramount Blvd. Cost $17.00. For more information call Marjean Clements at (562) 402-9336.

• The California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) and the Hearing Loss Association of America are sponsoring a free hearing screening on Tuesday, October 11 from 9am to 12 noon at the Weingart Senior Center. An appointment is required call (562)

630-6141. For more information only call (562) 425-5651.

• Pumpkin Patch Pictures with your pooch at Your Elegant Pet on Saturday, October 22 from 12 noon to 5pm. Pictures are a cash only event. Followed by a Halloween Party and Costume Contest from 5pm to 7pm.

Call (562) 529-8414 for more information.

• The Lakewood Artist Guild has announced their Fall Art Show and Awards program. Entries will be accepted and judged on Friday, October 7 and Saturday October 8 at the John S. Todd Community Center at Mayfair Park. The show will be open to the public on Sunday, October 9, from 1pm to 3pm. For more information call Mary Crowder at (562) 421-8212.

Long Beach • Questing Heirs Genealogical Society is having their free monthly meeting on Sunday, October 16 at 1:15. For more information call Jeanette Jones at (562) 421-5610.

• Quilters by the Sea Quilt Guild is proud to present their 2011 quilt show to be held Saturday, October 22 from 9:30am to 5pm, Sunday, October 23 from 10am to 4pm. The quilt show will be at the National Guard Armory. For more information call (714) 5943280.

Play Sudoku and you could be the next winner

Congratulations to Brian Whittlinger, Norman Fournier and Ann Webb!

They are the lucky winners of the September Sudoku Puzzle contest. Out of the 109 correct entries, they won a meal. Brian Whittlinger will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, Norman Fournier, Foggia Italian Market and Deli and Ann Webb will enjoy The Souplantation. What are you waiting for? Pick up your pencil and put your brain to work!

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

Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at 24

Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies) The Sudoku winners are drawn by random, 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, October 20, 2011. The winners will be drawn Friday the 21st; 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 November issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

Thanks to our SEPTEMBER Sudoku Sponsors - Outback Steakhouse - Foggia’s Italian

Market & Deli - Souplantation

News

Community October 2011

Dog Talk Submitted by Your Elegant Pet

There are breeds of dogs that don’t shed, such as poodles that have hair instead of fur.

The longer the hair is, the more maintenance it requires from

www.lakewoodnews.org their owners.

As the dog’s hair grows longer, it curls and mats together.

As the mats get thicker, the dog’s skin cannot breath. Moisture sits against the animals skin making it itch due to bacteria and fungus growth. As the mats get tighter, their hair starts to pull the skin up in a twist, and this is painful for the pet. It does take some time, and lack of grooming to occur, however, it can creep up fast as the dog is rolling around and playing.

In order to deal with the problem, the groomer will have to cut all the dogs hair off down to the skin. There will probably be some red patchy spots and scaly skin that will be very uncomfortable for your pet.

To avoid this painful situation, for both dog, and owner, keep your pets hair cut short and brush it often to maintain a healthy coat. Your dog will thank you for it with lots of love and kisses.

Red Ribbon Week leads up to Halloween fun at Lakewood Parks

Cute creatures abound at Lakewood’s safe-and-sane Halloween carnivals.

Red Ribbon Week promotes activities that encourage young

Get ready to hunt for the perfect costume!

Halloween is around the corner, which means it’s time to find the perfect costume. Don’t fall short on creativity this year and be like all the other ghosts, goblins and witches on the block. Highlight your unique personality, and be the hit of the night by personalizing your costume.

To get your creative juices flowing, try the tips below when you’re ready to hunt for your costume: • Don’t be “tricked” into spending tons of money. Instead, “treat” yourself to the best deals in town. To find unique costumes and accessories, check out local discount stores, The Salvation Army and thrift stores. Also, try to find new materials by going to garage sales in your neighborhood.

Not only will you protect the cash in your cauldron, you’ll be more likely to find materials and accessories that others won’t have.

Halloween is the perfect time to prove how someone else’s trash can become your terrifyingly terrific treasure.

• Think it through: While customization is important, it’s never fun to go to a party with an uncomfortable costume that you have to change out of after an hour.

Sky-high stilettos might look great with your Marilyn Monroe getup, but will leave you with aching arches that’ll scare you more than that haunted party you’re attending.

Make sure you think about how your entire costume - including shoes and makeup - will fit and feel at the events you plan to attend.

• Start planning now: If you plan on purchasing a ready-made costume to suite your personal style, start checking out stores early to make sure you are picking from a wide range of styles and sizes. To add personality to your ready-made costume, consider adding fabric glitter, fake blood or tulle. It’s a quick and easy way to make your costume go from frightful to fangtastic.

WE

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people to avoid drug and alcohol use. Lakewood elementary schools are participating in a city-sponsored “drug free” themed mural contest. They will receive recognition at the October 25 Lakewood Celebrates 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. On the Web: www.redribboncoalition.org.

Red Ribbon Week concludes

as Lakewood’s traditional Halloween Carnivals get set to offer fun and safety for youngsters on October’s scariest night. Special carnival activities are scheduled on Monday, 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.

A “haunted house” for little ghosts and goblins to venture inside is 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 the park nearest you or Lakewood City Hall at 562- 866-9771, extension 2408.

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October 2011