News
Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
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Volume 29 Number 9
Patriot Day in Lakewood - a time to reflect and give thanks
September 2013
Back-to-School: drivers and students need to take care
Lakewood Crossing Guard Sandra Endsley helps pedestrians near Mayfair Park.
Patriot Day flag ceremony honors 9/11 victims and first responders. Lakewood has commemorated Patriot Day every year since the tragic events of 9/11/2001. City residents stop to remember and honor those lost in the terrorist attacks on our nation and those public safety officers and military personnel who are still on the front lines in the struggle against terrorism. This year’s Patriot Day commemoration will take place on Wednesday, September 11 in the concert grove at Del Valle Park
(Woodruff Avenue at Arbor Road). The evening will open at 6pm with a concert of patriotic tunes by the Huntington Beach Concert Band. Parking will be at a premium around Del Valle Park. Those who live near the park are encouraged to leave their car at home and walk to the event. Parking will be available at MacArthur Elementary School via Centralia Street. • Light dinner items and snacks will be sold by Lakewood community
Make YOUR photos part of Lakewood’s 60th Anniversary!
In 2014, the City of Lakewood will celebrate its 60th anniversary of incorporation. Resident photos are being recruited now through November 1 for display at the community event that will start the anniversary celebration at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza in early 2014. Two displays at the event will feature photos that residents submit from their personal collections from Lakewood’s earliest days through today. The displays will be titled “What Lakewood Means To Me” and “Honoring Lakewood’s Military Members and Veterans.”
Photo submissions can be made online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ residentscollections, on CDs brought to city hall, or at special scanning days on Saturday, September 7, from 10am to 2pm at the Lakewood Youth Center or at the Weingart Senior Center on Wednesday, September 18, between 1pm and 5pm. Call 562-866-9771 extension 3123 to schedule an appointment. Complete instructions for all submissions are at www.lakewoodcity.org/ residentscollections. Reservations for the March anniversary event will be accepted in early 2014.
groups. • Bring a blanket or low-rise lawn chair for seating. • Dogs and alcohol are prohibited at all city parks. For more information, call Lakewood city staff members at 562866-9771, extension 2408.
Getting 15,000 Lakewood students back to school safely each fall is a big job that the city has assisted with since the 1950s. Lakewood’s back-to-school effort has four elements: the city’s “Suggested Route to School” maps, classroom instruction, Sheriff’s traffic enforcement and safety reminders for the public. Suggested Route to School maps show the location of traffic signals, stop signs and crossing guards. Lakewood is fortunate to have experienced crossing guards, some of whom have been working for the city for over 20 years. The maps and other safety tips for students are at www. lakewoodcity.org/backtoschool. Parents should spend time going over the route with their children, pointing out the crosswalks and intersections they’ll encounter on the way to school. Even better, parents should walk the route with their children. Safety tips for drivers: Reduce vehicle speed to 25
2013 Start Dates ABC School Dist: Tuesday, Sept. 3 LB Unified School Dist: Wednesday, Sept. 4 Bellflower Unified School Dist: Thursday, Sept. 5 mph or slower when driving in school zones. Double parking for a quick drop-off is very hazardous for small children, who are invisible behind an SUV or a van until they dart in front of oncoming traffic. Do not let your children exit a car on the traffic side of your vehicle. Be aware, drivers can be cited for unsafely loading or unloading children near schools. The only safe way to drop off your youngsters is to pull up to the curb in front of the school or at a safe location where youngsters can walk to the end of the block and cross to school through an intersection controlled by a stop sign, signal or crossing guard.
Lakewood lovebirds celebrate 72 years! Joe and Mardel will celebrate their 72nd anniversary on August 31, 2013. They moved from Albuquerque, NM to Lakewood in 1955 with their daughters Sharon, Gail and Dodie. They have five grandchildren - Jeff, Chris, Shawn, Mike and Tim. They also have four beloved great-grandchildren - Emily, Anneliese, Katlyn and Caroline. They are long time members of Christ Presbyterian Church where Mardell is a founding member. Joe served in the army in WWII. He has two purple hearts and several other medals to attest to his valor. They are both active in Lakewood working at polling booths, campaigning for friends running for council and attending many, many City Hall events, including the yearly Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast. They are surrounded and loved by friends from church and many others, including close neighbors.
Congratulations & Happy Anniversary!
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A Lakewood Value: Remembering those who protect us By Mayor Steve Croft
The Patriot Day commemoration in Lakewood is a special time for us to stop to remember and honor those lost in the 2001 terrorist attacks and those military service members and public safety personnel who protect us around the world against future attacks. As we come together this September 11th, the 2014 drawdown of U.S. troops from Afghanistan is not far away, and it follows on the heels of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq in late 2011. Over 3 million Americans have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan during the past 10 years, with tens of thousands scheduled to return in the coming year.
Military veterans can face challenges reintegrating into the civilian world, ranging from finding a job or entrepreneurial opportunity in a still-struggling economy to mental, emotional and physical impacts from military service in a dangerous combat zone. As grateful Americans, we need to ask ourselves what we can do to help our veterans and show them that we appreciate their service to us. Lakewood has a strong tradition of welcoming home veterans. Indeed, many of the earliest homebuyers in Lakewood in the early 1950s were young vets just home from World War II. Many of those GIs started families here and became the foundation for our growing community. Individuals and organizations in our local area are working to recognize and thank today’s servicemen and women and find tangible ways to make their transition to civilian life smoother. The American Legion has worked with our local colleges to ensure access to classes and services for those veterans who want to further their education. John Kelsall, president of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, has started The Jonas
September 2013
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Project. Named for his son, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Jonas Kelsall, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011, The Jonas Project identifies business people willing to share their skills with and mentor returning vets who want to start a business of their own. There are regular “Welcome Home Celebrations” at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base, where many military units return from overseas duty. At the City of Lakewood, as part of our upcoming 60th anniversary of incorporation, we are creating a special “Honoring Military Members and Veterans” photographic exhibit at a community-wide celebration planned for March 2014. We’re asking active-duty personnel and veterans from across generations in Lakewood to provide us with photos of themselves in uniform and from their military duty. We want Lakewood residents of all ages to have an opportunity to appreciate the service of our veterans, from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. To submit photos of a Lakewood family member or yourself during military service, go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ residentscollections or call 562-8669771, extension 3123. As we like to say here in Lakewood, “Times change. Values don’t.” And one of Lakewood’s enduring values is not forgetting those who help protect us. This coming Patriot Day, please be sure to remember our military service personnel and first responders and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers. And if you can, please join me and hundreds of other Lakewood residents at the Patriot Day Commemoration and Concert on September 11 at 6pm in the concert grove at Del Valle Park.
C i t y Spotlight Fall/winter recreation registration begins Watch for the new City of Lakewood recreation catalog— it’s expected to arrive in homes over the Labor Day weekend. The new catalog is packed full of fun programs and activities to make life better for all ages. Over 500 classes are being offered this season, with many old favorites and lots of new classes. They can be seen online in the eCatalog or reviewed in a printable PDF at www. lakewoodcity.org/catalog. Registration for classes and
programs can be done online starting August 31 using eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation, or by calling city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408 starting September 16. Fall recreation programs will begin on Monday, September 30 and run through January 2014. After School Activity Zone = Positive Spaces Lakewood’s After-School Activity Zone kicks off in line with the school year. It is a free drop-in program for schoolage children and preteens. City parks offer after-school activities Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm beginning September 3. Program schedules can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall, at all Lakewood parks, and at www. lakewoodcity.org/AfterSchool. Call your local park for more information regarding supervision hours and the Activity Zone programs. Tot Lot registration continues Tot Lot, a parent cooperative program for 2 to 5 year olds, is held at Del Valle and Mayfair Parks this fall. Although the exact days may vary at some parks, most Tot Lots meet Monday to Friday from 9:30am to 11:30am in the fenced preschool play area of each park. Parents are responsible for each Tot Lot’s operation, and members select activities and excursions. Tot Lot registration is accepted throughout the year (as space permits). Tot Lot is in session only during the school year. For more information, contact a city park where Tot Lot is scheduled or call 562-866-9771, extension 2408. September swim and wading pool information Did you know that there are still
great things happening at Mayfair Pool throughout September? It’s not too late to get fit at the pool. Park wading pools will be open weekends through September 29 from 11am to 4pm at Mayfair, San Martin, Del Valle, Boyar, Palms & Bloomfield parks. For complete details call 562-8669771, extension 2408. College Fair returns on October 8 The annual Lakewood College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 8, from 6pm to 8:30pm, at Mayfair Park (corner of Clark Ave. and South St.) Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities and get information on admissions, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472. Fall Craft Festival Attention all shoppers! Lakewood’s 32nd Annual Senior Fall Craft Festival will be on Saturday, September 28 from 10am to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave. A variety of handmade items will be on sale at reasonable prices. This is a great place to get a jump on your holiday shopping. Refreshments will be on sale, too. For more information, please call Lakewood’s Weingart Senior Center at 562-630-6141. Sports Opportunities at Mayfair High School Gymnasium A variety of sports activities will take place this fall for both youth and adults at the Mayfair High School Gymnasium. Call 562866-9771, extension 2408 for more information.
September 2013
Your
Minding
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Lakewood First United Methodist Church Sunday School at 9am Youth Group at 9am & 4pm Children’s Church 10:15am Infant care provided Sunday Worship Service 10:15 am Wednesday Night Bible Study 6:30pm Thursday Devotional Study 10am Broken Loaf Food Pantry Saturday 9am - 11am
Rev. Dr. Lui Tran Senior Pastor
4300 Bellflower Blvd, Lakewood, CA 90713 www.lakewoodfirstumchurch.com (562) 425-1219
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September 2013
Lakewood Education Foundation is raising funds
(Pictured: Mayfair H.S. teachers with grant checks from Lakewood Education Foundation. LEF is headed by Vice Mayor Todd Rogers and Mayor Steve Croft. 2nd row, right.) Thanks to generous donations from Lakewood residents and businesses, the Lakewood Education Foundation has been able to give grants of up to $500 for hundreds of classroom improvement projects in Lakewood schools since 2003. Last year, over 70 grant applications for Lakewood classrooms could not be funded because LEF did not have enough donations on hand to fulfill them. The non-profit Lakewood organization is working to rectify that this October 14 with its annual fundraising golf tourney. The event’s goal is raising both Even with last year’s money limitations, LEF did fulfill 88 Lakewood school project grants totaling $41,928. This shows the importance that Lakewood residents and businesses place on our local schools…and the trust they place in LEF to select worthy projects. The grants went to classroom projects in each of the public school districts in Lakewood, as well as to St. Pancratius School. The supplemental funding for Lakewood schools has played an especially valuable role during these tough economic times when many school districts are having to cut their classroom supply budgets. In 2012, several Lakewood classrooms received LEF funding for “Elmo” document camera/ projectors that are widely sought as a valuable teaching tool. Several teachers now share their Elmos and use them to project textbooks, photographs and artwork for whole classes to view. Other LEF grants paid for art materials and unique field trips that are scarce during these times of budget cuts. For information about LEF’s annual Columbus Day fundraising golf tournament, including sponsorship opportunities, call 562-496-3559 or 562-866-9771, extension 2404. Information is online at www.lakewoodcity.org/ LEF. You don’t have to play golf to help LEF. You can 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. The tax identification number is 262190892.
Women in Business Council Wednesday, Sept. 11th 11:30am - 1:00pm “Take Control of Your Health” Topic: Bone Health-No Time to Lose LOCATION: CSULB - CCPE 1000 N. Studebaker Rd. Long Beach, 90815 Call Marjean for more info: 562-402-9336, x. 1252
September 2013
Walking Club starts up at Burns Community Center
New Walking Club members at Burns Community Center. The Burns Community Center has a new Walking Club every Wednesday from 11am to 12noon that departs from Burns and walks around the nearby park and neighborhood. Come join others who wish to increase their physical fitness and meet some new people! All levels and abilities are welcome to join. The Walking Club is also offered Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 6am to 7am, however, for the morning walk you must make an appointment. Call the Burns Community Center at 562925-7512 for information or to suggest another new activity.
Covered California will be open for sign ups soon
Ready or not…California is gearing up for the opening of the new healthcare exchanges in October, all part of the Affordable Care Act that is to become law on January 1, 2014. Covered California has added twelve more health insurance companies to its offerings through California’s new exchange as part of the federal healthcare law. Some of California’s largest insurers have already signed contracts, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente and Health Net Inc. The other companies included are Alameda Alliance for Health, Chinese Community Health Plan, Contra Costa Health Plan, L.A. Care Health Plan, Molina Healthcare, Sharp Health Plan, Valley Health Plan and Western Health Advantage. Uninsured California residents may want to start their research now as to which plan would be the best for them. Individuals may sign up for the plans beginning in October.
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The best of Lakewood teams up to offer senior health and fitness series Lakewood’s Burns Community Center and the Lakewood Regional Medical Center have teamed up to offer a new senior health series. The free program runs through December on two Wednesdays each month. Events are held at the Burns Community Center from 10am to 11am on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month in September and October. November and
December dates will vary. The program kicked off in early August and continues in earnest with a series of health and fitness seminars for residents over 55 and their families. The program’s goal is to help attendees improve their long-term health. Informational programs cover topics like the “Sandwich Generation,” navigating longterm care and nutrition. Sessions
alternate between presentations on issues of specific interest to seniors and their families and introductions of light fitness activities. Call 800-813-4345 to register to attend the Head to Toe Senior Health Fair. Find related classes and activities at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.
The city offers active adult recreation, dance and fitness programs.
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Why is it so great to live in Lakewood? By D. Kjellman, Lakewood Resident
Fellow residents, do you know how lucky you are to live in Lakewood today? When was the last time you reflected on your city of residence? Why not take a moment now? Feel free to insert your own experience while you read. When I moved to Lakewood, I did not know what a great decision I had just made. The fact that I found a good value on a home in a safe neighborhood was all that mattered. In the years that followed, the value that Lakewood added to my life continued to increase. On a typical day, I would open the blinds in the living room
window, and look out across the street to a “Lakewood Beautiful” home. This and other homes in the neighborhood screamed out pride of ownership. Then, I would drop off my child at a safe and reputable before and after school program, located on the elementary school campus, before taking one of three freeways located within three miles of my home. I drove all over Southern California on a daily basis for my job, and was thrilled that Lakewood was “freeway friendly.” After work, I could pick up dinner from a variety of grocery stores, take-out or eat-in restaurants
Shop Lakewood for back-toschool needs Big 5 and Sports Authority.
Lakewood has some of the nations most popular and value-oriented back-to-school retailers…including Costco, Target, Office Max, Walmart, Marshalls, Kohl’s, Forever 21, JC Penney, Macy’s, Nordstrom Rack,
Did you know that as a Lakewood resident you benefit each time you make a purchase at a Lakewood store, restaurant or gas station? A portion of your sales tax dollar stays right here in Lakewood. That pays for parks, roads, law enforcement and all the features that make for a good quality of life here in our community. This back-to-school season, keep your hometown in mind, and Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal. And check on Facebook to use the site). out Shop Lakewood’s new home on Facebook for coupons and updates at www.shoplakewood.org. (You don’t have to be signed up on Facebook to use the site).
– all within a couple of miles from home. Not to mention the ability to pick up supplies for school projects at one of many office supply stores. No matter what store I was looking for, I could almost guarantee it was within three to five miles of my home. After dinner, we had our pick of several fantastic parks to ride bikes, play sports or walk the dog. At the time, I thought that Lakewood was a great place to raise kids – good schools, many choices for sports and recreation, not to mention easy access to the nearby beaches. The friendships that were made with the neighbors, as well as those made at little league and the like, make for happy memories. However, as our kids graduate from high school, Lakewood continues to add value with nearby options for good community college and university studies. Though I am now in between raising kids and having grandkids, Lakewood still adds value to my everyday life. I am close to everything that I could possibly need. As time goes by, I am sure that will still hold true with the many senior citizen programs Lakewood has to offer. “Times Change, Values Don’t” – I would agree.
When children come home at the end of the day, The question they’re asked as they scurry to play is, “Tell me what you did today?” And the answer they give makes you sigh with dismay. “Nothing, I did nothing today!” Perhaps nothing means that I played with blocks, Or counted to ten, or sorted some rocks. Maybe I painted a picture of red and blue, Or heard a story of a mouse that flew. Maybe I watched the gerbils eat today, Or went outside on the swings to play. Maybe today was the very first time That my scissors followed a very straight line Maybe I lead a song from beginning to end, Or played with a special brand new friend. When you’re in school and your heart has wings, “Nothing” can mean so many things!!
September 2013
Welcome New Member! HearUSA
Sheryl Maddox 4206 Woodruff Avenue Lakewood, CA 90713 (855) 270-1580 www.hearusa.com
Let us know if you’re interested in becoming a chamber member: (562) 531-9733 or info@lakewoodchamber.com.
Member Renewals 14 Years
East Side Mario’s
8 Years
Immediate Medical Center
2 Years
Found Animals (Adopt & Shop)
1 Year
Bellflower Soroptimist
Thank You!
Green
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September 2013
More road improvements for Lakewood Local road warriors should expect to see new repaving projects get underway this September. Work will include roads within Lakewood’s industrial area off Cherry Avenue near the Long Beach Airport. Additional work will be done on selected parts of Candlewood Street between Clark Avenue and Paramount Boulevard. Spot street repairs and working on the city’s major thoroughfares like Candlewood Street will continue to be needed over time. The industrial area of southwestern Lakewood is one of the final areas of the city that had not yet been recently repaved. As a convenience to drivers and businesses, project planners are expected to keep the
Trash your toxics and e-waste responsibly The EDCO facility in Signal Hill will be open from 9am to 2pm to accept household hazardous waste and e-waste. This service is free. The facility is just a few miles from the Lakewood Civic Center, and is open every second Saturday of the month for this purpose. Along with being a free option for hazardous and e-waste, the 68,000-squarefoot facility is a traditional dump transfer station and, for a fee, takes large and oversized amounts of brick, used lumber and other material that can’t be put in residential trash carts, recycling carts or green waste cans. The facility can be phoned at 562-997-1122, and is located at 2755 California Avenue between Spring Street and Willow Street and north of 27th Street in Signal Hill. EDCO reminds Lakewood residents they are also entitled to six free bulky item pickups a year at their home. To schedule pickup call EDCO at 562-531-3054, by 3:30pm, the day before your normal trash pickup.
roads open to two-way traffic throughout the project. Signs will be posted in areas where upcoming work will require
vehicles to be moved. For questions on the project, call Lakewood city staff at 562-8669771, extension 2500.
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Su Casa’s Communi-Tea Fundraiser
SAVE THE DATE! On Sunday, October 20, 2013, Su Casa will be having their 4th Annual Communi-Tea Fundraiser. It will be held from 1:30-3:30pm at the Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue in Lakewood. Tickets are $45 each, or 2 for $80. Sponsorships are also available. For more information, contact Christina Kreachbaum at (562) 421-6537, or christina@sucasadv.org. All proceeds will benefit victims of domestic violence and their children residing at Su Casa’s shelters.
September 2013
‘Shop Lakewood’ businesses and community members help Project Shepherd
Lakewood Mail n’ More
5545 Woodruff Ave. • Phone: 562.866.4239 • Mon - Sat: 9am to 6pm
Come in and enter to win a “Best Buy” Gift Card!
Sale!
• Fed-Ex Authorized Ship Center • USPS Approved Postal Provider • DHL International Shipper
Buy One Gift Bag, Office Supply and receive a second item of equal or lesser value FREE!
• Copy and Fax Service • Mail Box Rental • Internet Access
Get up to 3 add’l months FREE with a 12-month Mail Box Rental Offer ends 9/30/13
No purchase necessary. Must register by 9/20/13. Winners will be notified by Email or Phone on 9/21/13
Lakewood Macy’s employees donated 25 loaded school backpacks to Project Shepherd. Pictured left to right: Macy’s employees Daniel Walters, Maria Lopez-Kincaid and Michael. Over 150 Lakewood school kids are heading to class this year with book bags and supplies due to the volunteer efforts of “Shop
Lakewood” businesses and community members. “These are important school staples that were donated by caring individuals, employee groups, businesses and a generous grant from Lakewood Center,” said Nancy Hitt, Community Services Supervisor at Lakewood’s Burns Center. Lakewood Center staffers successfully nominated Project Shepherd for a grant from their parent company, Macerich. Then, volunteers from Lakewood Center helped stuff backpacks in anticipation of their distribution at the end of August. The result added 30 backpacks and school gear ranging from pens and pencils to calculators making it into kids’ hands. Another long-time Project Shepherd supporter is Lakewood Center’s Macy’s store. This year, they donated 25 backpacks packed full of supplies. “Working as a group for one common goal to give back to those in need feels good,” said Maria Lopez-Kincaid, Macy’s District Administrator. “Seeing the looks and expressions on the children’s faces is priceless.” Maria, a Macy’s District Administrator, has worked with Project Shepherd for over 12 years. Her involvement began as a December tradition of providing a child’s gift for the “Teddy Bear Tree” program that is part of Projects Shepherd’s holiday efforts for families and children. Since then, Maria and other Macy’s employees have continued to give gifts, monetary donations, year-round food for the emergency food pantry and backpacks with school supplies through the company’s “Give Back” program. In addition to business support, Lakewood community members at large responded in a generous way to requests for back-toschool backpacks and school supplies. “A new backpack filled with school supplies will help kids start out the school year on the right foot. Thank you to everyone who supported this worthwhile program,” said Nancy Hitt.
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September 2013
Lakewood YMCA gymnastics Lakewood Center’s flips for their medals!
‘Monthly Kid’s Club’
This summer the Lakewood YMCA gymnastics team traveled to the beautiful city of Savannah, Georgia to compete in the 2013 National Championship gymnastics meet. Over 2,000 other gymnasts also competed. It was an incredible meet, and the Lakewood YMCA gymnastics team did amazing. Over 100 teams traveled from all over the USA to compete in this yearly event. The YMCA took home over 9 National Titles, including two girls, Madison Huggins, 11, and Astrid Hoglund, 10, both level 4, took first place in all four events and first place overall. One of our level 8 girls, Amber Clark, came in the top 11 gymnasts in the nation, which is a huge accomplishment. One of our boys, Andrew Ferrer, also won first place and a perfect score for the bars. With the help of the talented coaches, the team of 20 athletes received 60 medals in all. Congratulations!
TIRED DOG!
An older, tired-looking dog wandered into my yard. I could tell from his collar and well-fed belly that he had a home and was well taken care of. He calmly came over to me; I gave him a few pats on his head; he then followed me into my house, slowly walked down the hall, curled up in the corner and fell asleep. An hour later, he went to the door, and I let him out. The next day he was back, greeted me in my yard, walked inside and resumed his spot in the hall and again slept for about an
hour. This continued off and on for several weeks. Curious, I pinned a note to his collar: “I would like to find out who the owner of this wonderful sweet dog is, and ask if you are aware that almost every afternoon your dog comes to my house for a nap.” The next day he arrived for his nap, with a different note pinned to his collar: “He lives in a home with 6 children — 2 under the age of 3 – he’s trying to catch up on his sleep! Can I come with him tomorrow?”
FREE Children’s Event at Lakewood Center on September 27th, from 11am-12pm in the Center Court, by Macy*s. Music, Games, Activities & More! The Lakewood Center Kid’s Club is powered by Nat Geo Kids and this month we’re diving ‘Under the Sea.’ We’re exploring the amazing world of sea creatures and much more. Play FREE online games, get fun facts and learn more at our interactive Kids Club website: http://www.mallkidsclub.com/shoplakewoodcenter
See you There! Send us your pet stories/tips/info: Lakewood Community News, POB 160, Lakewood, 90714. or email them to news@lakewoodchamber.com.
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A groundbreaking ceremony was recently had for the opening of El Dorado Park East Dog Park, in the southeast corner of El Dorado East Regional Park, Area II. The 1.5-acre off-leash dog park will have double gate entry, separation between large and small dog areas, a drinking fountain and waste bag dispensers. The dog park can be accessed by using the Spring Street entrance for El Dorado East Regional Park. For more information, call (562) 570-3150.
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September 2013
Huge amusement center opens at Lakewood Center Lakewood City Council Members and a large gathering of community leaders joined Round 1 executives from Japan for a celebratory ribbon-cutting in early August to mark the opening of the 42,000-square-foot Round 1 Bowling & Amusement center. Round 1 is a major presence in its home country of Japan with 110 locations there. The Lakewood Center location joins two other Southern California Round 1 centers at the Puente Hills and Moreno Valley malls. The extra-large fun center located on the mall’s second floor sports 20 bowling lanes, over
200 high-end arcade games, darts, five billiard tables, two ping-pong tables and four fully-equipped karaoke rooms. “Yelp” reviews give Round 1 a solid four-of-five star rating. Patrons like the special-feature interactive amusements and modern versions of classic “claw” arcade games, multi-player games, photo booths, and impressive laser and lighting effects for nightly “Cosmic Bowling.” Entertainment areas are complemented by a snack bar with food, wine and beer service. Round 1 welcomes
birthday parties and other family and corporate events with special party packages. They also feature a “Club Membership” offering customers regular discounts and benefits. Round 1 is located near the geographic center of Lakewood Center, just a short ride upstairs on the escalator or elevators that are near Forever 21. In the evening, access to Round 1 will only be through the south-facing entrance next to Adopt & Shop. Round 1 will be open from 10am daily. For more information see www.round1usa.com or call 562-408-2937.
Round 1: Bowling and air hockey followed the Lakewood Chamber ribboncutting event.
Shop Lakewood... Stay Lakewood Loyal!
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Thank you to our AUGUST Sudoku Sponsors: Congratulations to Anthony Lewandowski, Debra Therrio and Jonathan Zabel! They are the lucky winners of the July Sudoku contest. Out of 129 entries, they won a meal. 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. M a i l entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA
Around Town in September Lakewood
• After a summer off, the Lakewood Garden Club will resume their meetings beginning on Thursday, September 26th at Del Valle Park at 11:30am. The topic will be the art of miniature floral arranging. For more information call Gwen Travis at (562) 867-0516. • The Lakewood Women’s Club will hold its first luncheon meeting of the 2013-2014 Club year on Tuesday, September 17, at Sycamore Centre. Social gathering is at 10:30am; meeting 11am; luncheon 12pm; followed by the program at 1pm. Any women wishing to help in civic projects and improving the lives of those in the area are welcome to join. For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos, (562) 863-4933 by September 9. • Ready to use a second language for use in job-hunting, employment advancement or family get-togethers? Would your child like to learn Mandarin Chinese, French, or Spanish to stay ahead of the curve? Academic Learning and Languages would love to hear from you! New classes begin Saturday, September 14; AP test preparation, standardized tutoring, private lessons offered. For more information call Amy Berger at (562) 833-3115. • Is it Dementia… or Hearing Loss? Come hear Dr. William Parker of the Parker Hearing Institute as he talks about the two on Thursday, September 12, 6:30pm at the Hearing Loss Association of America meeting at the Weingart Center. No reservations are necessary and admission is free. For more information please call (562) 438-0597.
Long Beach
• Boys age 7 to 11 can find out about Cub Scouting at School Night for Scouting! On September 26 come to your local Long Beach Unified elementary school between 6 and 7pm to learn about the great opportunities to join Cub Scout units in your area. Scouting volunteers will be there to help you learn about the Scouting program and the local Cub Scout Packs. Help your boy learn skills to prepare him to make good choices in the future, and have lots of fun in the process!
90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to Sees Candies.) The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, September 18 2013. The winners will be drawn; Thursday, September 19th 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 October issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
Town
with Robin Vanderwerff
September 2013
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September 2013