Lakewood Community News September 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

September 2011

Lakewood honors those that will It’s time to get back to the “back-to-school” basics never be forgotten Getting 15,000 Lakewood students back to school safely each fall is a big job that the city has assisted since the 1950s. Lakewood’s back-toschool 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. Suggested Route to School 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 inter-sections they’ll encounter on the way to school. Even better, parents should walk the route with their children.

Bryan Lynn Jones and the Misfit Cowboys will lead the musical tribute at Patriot Day.

Lakewood’s Patriot Day concert returns this year on the tenth anniversary of 9/11. The commemoration takes place Sunday, September 11 starting at 6pm in the concert grove at Del Valle Park, at Woodruff Avenue at Arbor Road.

The evening opens with a concert of patriotic tunes by

Bryan Lynn Jones and the Misfit Cowboys. Featured speakers will include Lakewood Mayor Larry Van Nostran and Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl L. Osby.

The program also includes a performance by the International Peace Choir and a violin solo of Amazing Grace played by Christine Ho. The Reverend

Dr. John C. Bonner will lead a memorial candle-lighting along with a moment of silence, which have become Patriot Day traditions.

Lakewood has commemorated Patriot Day every year since the tragic events of 9/11/2001. City residents stop to remember and (Cont’d. on Page 7)

Lakewood Center sports a new Sports Authority superstore

The ribbon is cut at Lakewood’s newest business by Vice Mayor Diane Dubois, with Council Member Jeff Wood (left), Laura Sanchez-Ramirez-Board Member of BUSD looking on. Miss Greater Lakewood Teen Princess Raquel Ramirez assists.

Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733

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Sports Authority opened six new stores across the nation on August 13. One was a large 42,263 square foot superstore at Lakewood Center. It opened early on a Saturday to the roll of drums, crash of cymbals and shouts of cheerleaders from the Mayfair High School marching band and the Lakewood High cheer squad. A highlight of the early-morning ribbon cutting was Sports Authority donating $5,000 to the Lakewood Youth Sports (LYS) program.

Flanked by band members and athletes, Vice Mayor Diane DuBois and Council Member Jeff Wood accepted the donation for LYS. In its 55th year, LYS serves over 1,000 local children every sports season and relies exclusively on volunteer coaches.

Vice Mayor DuBois spoke on behalf of the city and welcomed Sports Authority to Lakewood.

Over 100 Lakewood and area residents were in line at the opening for special offers and discounts as early-bird shoppers.

Sports Authority is a leading sporting goods retailer based (Cont’d. on Page 5)

Lakewood crossing guards and “Suggested Safe Routes to School” maps from www. lakewoodcity.org/backtoschool helps kids get to school safely.

Safety tips for children: • Always stop, look all four ways and listen before crossing the street.

• Cross the street only at corners and crosswalks, not between parked cars.

• Walk or ride with a group of people; there is safety in numbers.

• When walking on sidewalks, look out for cars pulling out of driveways.

• Always wait for a crossing guard to control traffic before starting to cross the street.

• Bicycles must be ridden on the right side of the road, in the direction of traffic.

• Wear a secure-fitting, safetyapproved helmet when riding a bicycle, skateboard, scooter, or skates. It’s for your safety…and it’s the law!

Safety tips for drivers: Reduce vehicle speed to 25 mph or slower when driving in school zones.

Double parking for a quick dropoff 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.

SAVE THE DATE!

FALL BUSINESS EXPO Saturday, October 22nd Lakewood Center (Centre Court)

For more info, call 562.531.9733

LakewoodToday

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Lakewood believes in America

By Larry Van Nostran

Ten years ago, on a Tuesday morning in early September, America was shaken to its core by terrorist attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people. Horrific images from that day will remain in our memories forever: billowing smoke and flames from the Twin Towers and Pentagon; people jumping in desperation hundreds of feet to their death from the burning, upper floors of the Twin Towers; ash-covered survivors stumbling in a daze from the dust clouds around Ground Zero.

Those are some of the most painful and disturbing images in our nation’s history.

But from that Tuesday also came some of the most inspirational images we have as Americans.

We saw first responders in New York and Washington rushing into burning, unstable buildings to try to save lives, knowing they might not make it out alive. And we saw the civilian passengers of United Flight 93 over Pennsylvania make the courageous decision to fight back against the terrorists to try to regain control of the plane. Their actions likely saved hundreds of additional lives in Washington, DC, where it’s thought the hijackers intended to crash the jetliner.

The first responders and passengers of Flight 93 showed Americans that we could be strong and heroic in the face of terrorism, work together, and stand tall in defense of our nation.

In the days immediately after September 11, 2001, Lakewood city leaders decided to organize a community rally to bring Lakewood residents together, to share our common pain, and to share our common determination to stand up for our country and for our democratic values. We called the September 25, 2001 rally “Lakewood Believes In America.”

September 11th has come to be known across our nation as Patriot Day. And every year since 2001, Lakewood organizes a similar community gathering to commemorate the victims of the September 11th attacks and to honor the ongoing heroism of

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org America’s first responders and military service members.

Our 2011 Patriot Day concert and commemoration will be held at Del Valle Park starting at 6pm on Sunday, September 11.

This year, the heroism of our service members is felt especially strong and close to home here in Lakewood. On Saturday, August 6, a helicopter carrying 30 American service members on a dangerous mission in Afghanistan was shot down by Taliban insurgents, with all aboard killed. The mission commander was Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Jonas Kelsall, son of Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President John Kelsall. When the full list of service members became known, it was learned that another victim was Air Force Special Operations Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell, a graduate of Millikan High School in Long Beach. Andrew’s brother Sean is a Lakewood High School graduate who has also served in Afghanistan.

The deaths of Lt. Cmdr. Kelsall and Staff Sgt. Harvell have cast a somber mood over our community in recent days. We continue to have them and their families in our thoughts and prayers. On September 11, we will come together to pay tribute to these two brave Americans and the thousands of others who have put themselves in harm’s way to protect us and try to make the world a safer place.

They are true American heroes.

And they remind us once again of all the reasons why Lakewood believes in America.

C i t y Spotlight Fall/Winter Recreation Registration Begins Watch for the new Fall/ Winter catalog of recreation and community services that will be arriving in early September in Lakewood homes. The slogan of “Parks Make Life Better!” will ring true this fall as the new catalog is packed full of fun programs to make life better for all ages. This catalog will feature the After School Activity Zone activities that take place at eight Lakewood parks.

You can register for classes and programs online starting September 3 using eCatalog at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation, or by calling city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408, starting September 19.

Over 500 classes are being offered this season, with many old favorites and lots of new classes.

After School Activity Zone = Positive Spaces Lakewood’s After-School Activity Zone is a FREE drop-in program for school-age children and preteens. City parks offer after-school activities Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm beginning September 6.

Activities include playground games, arts and crafts, and homework help. Students will have a variety of fun activities to participate in while parents

can be assured that their children are properly supervised in a safe and creative environment.

Each Lakewood Park has its own schedule of programs and activities. Program schedules can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall, at all Lakewood parks, and at www.lakewoodcity.org/ recreation.

The After-School Activity Zone closes at 5pm weekdays.

But there is supervision at all city parks, beginning on September 6, on weekdays from 3pm to 6pm, on Saturdays from 9am to 6pm., and on Sundays and school holidays from 12noon to 6pm.

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 Boyar, 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(Cont’d. on page 11)

September 2011

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What to do if you’ve been laid off

As the economy struggles to recover, many workers continue to fear being laid off. And with good reason - with millions of people still out of work from one of the worst recessions in history, the competition to find jobs is fierce.

Regardless of your age, gender or the work you do, it pays to prepare yourself in the event that you are laid off. It’s critical to understand what you should do in the minutes, days and weeks after being told that your job has been eliminated.

Here are some tips on what you should do to increase your odds of getting back to work in the event of a layoff.

Don’t wait. If layoff rumors are running rampant throughout your organization, don’t wait to find out if you’re part of the headcount or not. Instead, be proactive. Get your resume updated and in shape.

Identify three to five people who might be good job references and invite them out for coffee to

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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.

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reignite your relationships. Start looking at various online job boards, attend local professional society meetings - do anything you can think of to kick-start your networking into high gear.

Negotiate your layoff package.

Depending upon your position, you may have the opportunity to negotiate your layoff or early retirement package, including compensation, bonus, healthcare benefits, stock options and other benefits. It’s important to make sure you receive everything you are entitled to, including compensation for unused vacation. It may be useful to employ an attorney specializing in employment law to help you negotiate your package.

Leave on good terms. You may be angry that you’ve been laid off, but make sure to leave on good terms with your coworkers and even the manager who had to let you go. Any of these people could potentially steer you to a new employment opportunity, and could serve as a job reference.

Know your unemployment benefits. Don’t feel ashamed about being laid off. File for unemployment immediately. In order to receive unemployment compensation, workers must meet the unemployment eligibility requirements for wages earned or time worked during an established period.

Track job search costs.

If you are currently seeking employment, it’s crucial to keep track of your job search

expenses. Some of these costs may be tax deductible. If you’ve been unemployed recently, you also will need to report your unemployment compensation as income. According to the IRS, you can deduct expenses such as employment and outplacement agency fees, resume fees, travel and transportation expenses, as well as phone calls.

Don’t get scammed. People desperate to find work can be easy targets for scammers. Steer clear of websites and job interviews that come with a fee. Pay attention to where your emails are coming from, and whether or not the businesses sound legitimate.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Take contract and freelance work. In these tough times, consider contract or freelance employment for a set period of time. Depending on the job, these positions typically last anywhere from one month to a full year.

Most contract employees are paid by the hour, instead of receiving a salary. You may or may not receive other benefits, such as health insurance, that are typically offered to salaried employees.

Step up and volunteer. It’s important to stay positive when you’ve just been laid off. You need a positive attitude to project to a prospective employer. One of the best ways to re-build a positive attitude after being laid off is to volunteer your time or creativity to a non-profit cause.

Letter to the Editor - In response to

the article in the August issue titled “The U.S. floodgates have been opened and south of the border truckers will be pouring through.”

To whom it may concern: It is beyond my comprehension that the U.S. would allow Mexican trucks to drive freely on American highways. Why don’t we open the floodgates for more illegal aliens, and drug dealers? This will probably undoubtedly affect our already ridiculous car insurance premiums as well. How will our government possibly regulate all of the trucks that will be invading our highways if this agreement goes through? How much will they raise our taxes to regulate and test the Mexican drivers for drugs and English proficiency? Nothing Obama does surprises me anymore! I am alarmed and disgusted!!

Carlotta Brown, Lakewood

Our memories of the ocean will linger on... long after our footprints in the sand are gone.

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Back-to-school budgeting tips

By Jason Alderman

The days when you could send your kids off to the first day of school with a lunchbox and a hug are long gone. Today’s back-toschool preparations likely include filling out piles of pre-enrollment paperwork, lining up carpools and, of course, the dreaded shopping excursions for clothes and school supplies.

If you’re new to this game or simply need a refresher course,

here are a few suggestions that can help you save time, money and sanity: • Get organized. Keep a file with letters, emails and notes sent home from your kid’s school for registration requirements, report cards, permission slips, required vaccinations, school policies, teacher and parent contact information, etc. See if the school has a website, online calendar or email list you can sign up for. Also,

www.lakewoodnews.org create a family master calendar.

• Back-to-school shopping. By the time they’ve bought new clothes, classroom supplies and paid for extracurricular activities, many parents will end up spending several hundred dollars per child.

Unless you’ve been setting money aside all year, you’ll need to determine what you can afford to spend on school-related expenses without blowing your overall budget. Scoring bargains won’t help your bottom line if you end up paying interest on unpaid balances.

Here are a few budgeting tips: • Before you shop, make a comprehensive list for each child.

Use previous years’ expenses as a guide and compare notes with other parents.

• Be transparent with your kids about the budgeting process, including how much money is available to spend. Get them involved in prioritizing expenses between “must-haves” and “niceto-haves.”

• Although shopping online can save money, time and gas, don’t forget shipping and return costs, which could undo any net savings.

• Review the school’s dress code so you don’t waste money on inappropriate clothing.

• Ask which school supplies you’re expected to buy. Go in with other families to take advantage of volume discounts and sales.

• Find out how much extracurricular

September 2011 activities (athletics, music, art) cost.

Account for uniforms, membership dues, private lessons, field trips, snacks, etc.

• Rent or buy used sporting equipment or musical instruments until you’re sure they’ll stick with an activity.

• Find out your school’s policy on immunizations and see what’s covered by your insurance – or which ones you can access free at health fairs or community clinics.

• Before buying new clothing or accessories, look for “gently used” items in the closets of your older kids, friends and neighbors, at garage sales, thrift and consignment stores.

• Clip newspaper and online coupons. Many stores will match competitors’ prices even if their own items aren’t on sale.

• Mobile shopping applications take online shopping to a whole new level by allowing in-store smartphone and mobile browser users to scan product barcodes and make on-the-spot price comparisons, read reviews, download coupons, buy products and more.

Bottom line: Plan ahead for back-to-school season and you’ll save money, time and aggravation.

We’re all different, we’re all told, Some have pennies, some have gold.

Our country was changed by the crash of a plane, And one man’s evil plot to cause damage and pain.

The effect on us was the loss of life, And the many heroes who were sacrificed.

But this has helped us to unite, And kept the light of liberty shining bright.

Sharing the road is key for drivers and bicyclists

Back-to-school means making room for more bikes on the road.

Back-to-school season serves as a reminder that over 100 people are killed and thousands are injured in bicycle collisions with cars each year in California. Many victims are children. Some accidents are due to motorists’ lack of attention; others to bicyclists’ actions.

Drivers can help share the road by remembering to: • Pass a bicyclist as you would a slow-moving vehicle. Pass with caution, and only when safe.

• Do not squeeze bicyclists off the road. If road conditions and space permit, allow clearance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist.

• Look carefully for bicyclists before opening doors next to moving traffic.

• Do not drive in the bike lane except when entering or leaving a roadway or when preparing for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from an intersection.

• Do not overtake a bicyclist just before making a turn. Merge first behind the bicyclist, then turn.

Bicyclists can help by remembering to: • Wear reflective clothing to be seen by drivers when riding at night.

• Ride in the same direction as the traffic.

• Drivers at intersections and elsewhere may not look for you coming the wrong way. Many accidents happen that way.

• Keep your eyes on the road ahead. Avoid running over potholes, gravel, broken glass, drainage grates, puddles you can’t see through, or other unsafe road conditions.

• Always look over your shoulder to make sure the lane is clear before turning or changing lanes and always signal before changing lanes.

• Obey STOP signs and signals.

It’s a good idea to stop for yellow lights—rushing through a yellow light may not leave you enough time to make it across the intersection before the light changes.

• Wear a helmet to reduce the risk of head injury. It’s the law for children under the age of 18 when riding a bicycle, scooter, skateboard or skates.

September 2011

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Teaching compassion is important this back-to-school season

There’s an increasing sense that the current generation of kids is growing up selfish…maybe too selfish. It’s not unusual to hear, “When can I get the next video game?” or, “I want to eat here, not there,” or worse, “I’m not going to eat this,” (when you’ve just finished cooking a lovely meal for your family) coming from a pint-sized mouth. Many kids also seem to lack gratitude, are reluctant to help out, or don’t demonstrate thought for others.

Helping children become compassionate citizens is of top priority for most parents and teachers. One way to inspire young people to be charitable this back-to-school season is to encourage donating.

Giving back is not always about a charity organization, a monetary donation, or volunteering. Kids need to understand that having a heart for others is a way of life.

Parents need to teach that helping someone else and not expecting anything in return can happen anytime, anywhere. In fact, it’s often the small everyday acts that give us the biggest returns in terms of fulfillment and happiness, and

Why English is so hard to learn - The bandage was wound around the wound.

- The farm was used to produce produce.

- The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.

- We must polish the Polish furniture.

- He could lead if he would get the lead out.

- The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.

- Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.

- A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.

- When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.

- I did not object to the object.

- The insurance was invalid for the invalid.

- There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.

- They were too close to the door to close it.

- A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.

- Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.

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Community

they are things that are easy for kids to recognize and take action on.

The time before school begins offers a unique opportunity for parents to help their children go through their dresser drawers and closet to decide what they no longer need and donate those items.

Goodwill sells donations of gently used clothing, housewares and other items in its stores, and the revenues fund job training programs, and career and community-based services for people with disabilities, those who lack education or work experience, and others facing challenges in finding employment.

Use the Goodwill locator at www.goodwill.org and type in a zip code to find the nearest

donation centers and stores.

Everyone likes to feel good, and kids are certainly no exception! When they feel good about something, they—like you—will want to do it again.

Help them to focus on how fulfilled they are when they are doing something to help others.

Education would be much more effective if its purpose was to ensure that by the time they leave school, every boy & girl should know how much they do not know, and be imbued with a lifelong desire to know it.

Cont’d from page 1 - “Sports Authority Grand Opening”

in Englewood, Colorado. The company operates over 450 stores in 45 states, with 60 stores in California. They feature major brands like Nike, Under Armour, Adidas, The North Face and TaylorMade.

The Lakewood store is primed to keep up with back-to-school buying for football and soccer -- including a cleat shop for adults and kids.

It will also cater to the interests of area shoppers participating in outdoor sports, golf, cycling, soccer and including items for team and individual sports. The facility has dedicated sections for footwear, apparel, outdoor, golf and fitness.

The golf department features a golf simulator for customers to be able to test clubs.

The new addition to the mall also offers bike repair services, CO2 refills, delivery and assembly services, a golf trade-in program, ski and snowboard services, tennis racquet stringing and includes a surf shop and a paddle and water

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sports area.

Near the southeast side of Lakewood Center along Del Amo Boulevard, the store’s general number is 562-259-9807. It is open Monday through Saturday from 9am to 10pm and Sundays from 9am to 9pm.

The sports theme at that location continues with the building of a new two-story, 45,000 square-foot 24 Hour Fitness super center where the old Pacific Theaters South facility was located. That opening is expected in mid-2012.

Another new opportunity to “Shop Lakewood…Stay Lakewood Loyal” will be WinCo Foods’ opening of its new supermarket at South Street and Downey Avenue.

The 94,450 square foot market is expected to open in mid-October.

Based in Idaho, employee-owned WinCo Foods operates 71 stores in Washington, Idaho, California, Nevada, Oregon and Utah. WinCo describes itself as having a 40-year tradition of success focusing on large stores with a wide selection of national brands at prices below the

ChamberNews Page 6

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September 2011

Thanks to the community for another successful Summer Stampede Car Show!

The Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently held their 14th Annual Summer Stampede Car Show and it was a huge success! Hundreds of people came from miles around to Mayfair Park to view all the classic cars, as well as eat some great food, listen to cool music

by DJ Ken and meet and greet friends and neighbors.

Every year Summer Stampede brings thousands of community members, car show aficionados and business to the City of Lakewood, and while presented by the Chamber, this event would not be possible without

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

the involvement of our Chamber Members.

The Lakewood Chamber would like to thank event sponsors George Chevrolet, Gateway Business Bank, City of Lakewood, Lakewood Center, Lakewood Rent-All, Central Basin Municipal Water District, Golden State Water Company, Harbor Freight Tools and Orozco’s Auto Service.

We would also like to thank all the local merchants who participated by having a vendor booth. Also special thanks goes to the Lakewood High School NJROTC Drill Team and Lakewood High School Lancerette Drill Team, both performed before an appreciative crowd. The LA County Fire Department brought their jaws of life and dismantled a car before our eyes. Thanks to DJ Ken for the wonderful music, Joy Janes for her M.C. magic, and of course, thanks to all the drivers who woke up early on a Sunday to put their cars on display for the community to enjoy.

HOPE TO SEE EVERYONE AGAIN NEXT YEAR!

End of Summer Mixer!

In Gratitude to Lakewood The Kelsall family would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people of Lakewood. When our son was one of the Navy Seals killed in action in Afghanistan recently we thought we were alone in our grief. Not so. The cards, emails, flowers, and hugs were overwhelming and made us feel a sense of support we had never experienced before. The level of pride and love we felt from the community has helped us deal with our loss. We are so proud of our son and knowing that Lakewood and our country share in our pride renews our spirits. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the wonderful and caring people of Lakewood.

Welcome New Members!

Lakewood Manor Apartments 4907 1/4 Hayter Avenue Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 634-3642 Beth Bettger Insurance 6408 E. Del Amo Blvd.

Lakewood, CA 90713 (562) 496-1000

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

$5.00 AT THE DOOR The perfect opportunity to net work with other businesses.

Bring your business cards!

56 Years The Gas Company 12 Years East Side Mario’s 10 Years Cal Bowl Law Offices of Tania Whiteleather

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

OD O

A ER L KEW AT

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2009

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Officers and Board of Directors

Outback Steakhouse 5305 Clark Ave.

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

M

BE YEARS R OF COM

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2011-2012 Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce

Thursday, September 1st 5:30 - 7:00 PM

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

Member Renewals

10 Years (Cont’d.)

First City Credit Union 7 Years Community Hospital of Long Beach 1 Year SA Recycling Center

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

Green

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September 2011

Three chances to drop off household hazardous waste this fall Next event is September 17 in Carson

The next household hazardous waste/e-waste collection event near Lakewood will be in Carson on Saturday, September 17 from 9am to 3pm at the Joint Water Pollution Control Plant, West Maintenance Building Parking Lot, 24501 South Figueroa Street, in Carson.

Other events close to Lakewood later in the fall will be on November 5 from 9am to 3pm at Simms Park, Clark Avenue & Oak Street, in Bellflower, and on November 12 from 9am to 3pm at the Los Angeles County Sheriff`s Department STAR Training Center, 11515 South Colima Road, in Whittier.

These convenient drive-through events take only a few minutes, and often participants don’t even have to leave their car.

They are a safe way to get rid of many common household products that pose a hazard to the environment if disposed of improperly. Materials such as used motor oil, paint, turpentine, acid or lye-based cleaners, household and car batteries, pesticides and garden herbicides can damage the environment if tossed in the trash or poured down a sink or storm drain.

Household e-waste can also be brought to these events and includes things like consumer electronic equipment, computer monitors and televisions, VCRs, stereos, fax machines, copiers, computer keyboards, and cellular telephones.

Any and all electronic waste collected at these events is sent to a facility within California that certifies it is 100 percent demanufactured and recycled in a stringent and environmentallyacceptable manner. None of the electronic waste collected at these

events is sent overseas.

It’s easy to participate. Leave the products in their original container then place them in a cardboard box and drive to the roundup site.

The entire process only takes a few minutes and you never have to leave your car. No explosive or radioactive materials, tires, or waste from businesses will be accepted.

Please do not mix products together.

“Patriot Day”

(Cont’d. from Page 1) 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.

Prominent in the thoughts and prayers of many Lakewood residents this Patriot Day will be the 30 American service members lost on August 6 when their helicopter was shot down in Afghanistan.

Included among the dead were Navy SEAL Lieutenant Commander Jonas Kelsall, son of Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce President John Kelsall, and Air Force Special Operations Staff Sergeant Andrew W. Harvell, a graduate of Millikan High School.

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 (enter from Centralia Street) and at St. Timothy LutheranChurch (enter from Arbor Road on the

Living

west side of Woodruff Avenue).

• Light dinner items and snacks will be sold by Lakewood community groups, including the Disabled American Veterans, Mayfair Tot Lot parents, and the Mayfair High School Marching Band.

• 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 562- 866-9771, extension 2408.

Heating & Air Conditioning (562) 533-7933

Alex Geverkian CA License # 882704 Owned & Operated by a Veteran

Page 7

News

Community

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

E. South St.

Lakewood Center Mall

Clark Ave.

Lakweood Blvd.

Candlewood St.

Downey Ave.

Page 8

Del Amo Blvd.

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Shop Lakewood Page 9

Shop Lakewood Page 10

Remodeled Lakewood Car Wash opens, with new services

Remodeled Lakewood Car Wash running again at South St. and Lakewood Blvd.

New ownership has completely remodeled and reopened the Lakewood Car Wash at the corner of Lakewood Boulevard and South Street. Proprietor Alex Shakouri has added state of the art equipment in the “wash tunnel” and is committed to introducing a professional and vastly improved level of service.

Included now is the option of a “5 Minute Express Exterior Wash.” The Express Exterior Wash costs only $5.99.

Customers stay in their car while it goes through the wash. (Kids of all ages love doing that). The customer can use free vacuums along with the Express Exterior Wash or purchase additional services. Customers can also opt for full-service washes and detailing.

The car wash uses some of the latest washing/water systems, including reverse osmosis water for spot-free cleaning. Shakouri has revamped the exterior with water-wise landscaping, stylized

building accents, new paint and signage, and a new gift store.

“We plan to become a part of the community and join other businesses and community leaders that play such an important part in making Lakewood a better place to call home,” said Shakouri.

He adds that any customer not fully satisfied with the wash service will get a rewash from the “Lakewood Speed Team.”

The facility also offers a “48 Hour Clean Car Guarantee” for a number of its wash and details deals. If it rains, or a flock of uncaring birds passes overhead, or you just feel like getting another wash, the Lakewood Car Wash will provide you with an “Express Exterior Rewash” at no additional charge.

The 5,000-square-foot facility is expected to employ 40 workers.

Lakewood Car Wash is located at 5730 Lakewood Boulevard.

Business hours are 7:00am to 7:30pm - 7 days a week.

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Remodeled Red Lobster gives the feel of seaside dining

Check out the new Fantastic Sam’s in Lakewood

When was the last time you visited a Red Lobster? If your answer is, “it’s been awhile,” then you may not know about some of the big changes they’ve made both inside and outside their restaurant in Lakewood.

The restaurant has recently been remodeled in a style inspired by the New England coast.

New exterior features include a stone tower, ship lanterns and Adirondack-style chairs. Inviting interiors welcome guests with cozy booths, softer lighting and nautical décor. These changes are just some of the improvements Red Lobster has made in recent years to enhance the guest experience; other updates include: Today’s Fresh Fish Menu: Five to eight selections of fresh fish like salmon, tilapia and mahi-mahi are offered daily at every restaurant.

Quick Catches: Starting at $6.99, these options were created with guests’ busy schedules in mind.

Lighthouse Selections: Choices with fewer than 500 calories, 15g of fat and 750mg of sodium.

In addition, Red Lobster has donated furnishings from its remodeled Lakewood restaurant to the region’s Habitat for Humanity ReStore resale outlets in an effort to give back to the community.

The next time you’re driving by Lakewood Red Lobster, stop in to see (and taste) the changes!

If you’re looking for a fullservice family friendly salon with budget conscious prices, then look no further than Fantastic Sams. They offer many services, such as haircuts and styles, updos, straightening, coloring, highlights, and texturizing. They also offer beard and mustache trims, as well as rejuvenating hair treatments for stressed or damaged hair. Their stylists are professionals who are always upto-date on the latest styles and trends.

GRAND OPENING LAKEWOOD CAR WASH! Sept. 19th-22nd

FREE 5-Min Express Exterior Wash! (w/ vacuum)

Look for their current specials: Adult Haircut $14 (Always includes free shampoo.)

Kids cut (Age 12 and under) for $10. $10 off any color or perm service.

No appointments necessary and open 7 days.

Stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood at 5137 Candlewood Street (corner of Clark Ave, in the Rubios Fish Tacos and Corner Bakery Cafe shopping center).

Kids were excited to receive bike helmets at the Bike Safety Expo

Assisting with the bike helmet give-away are Soroptimists (L-R) Sandi Ruyle, Carole Burke-President, Joy Janes and Celia Rodriquez

The Lakewood/Long Beach Soroptimist Club partnered with the Lakewood Chapter of Knights of Pythias to distribute 100 bicycle safety helmets to children at the city’s Youth Sports Opening Day and Bike Safety Expo. To qualify for a free helmet, children completed a bicycle safety quiz.

Soroptimist International is a service club for business and professional women whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and throughout the world. The Lakewood/Long Beach club raises funds through the Lakewood Community Run held annually in March with the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station. For more information about Soroptimist, contact Carol Burke at (562) 866-1777.

Founded in 1864, the Fraternal Order of the Knights of Pythias is the country’s oldest service club. Locally, the Knights raise funds to send inner city children to their camp in Sequoia National Park. For information on the Lakewood Knights of Pythias, contact Mel Pinkham, (562) 431-5376.

News

Community

www.lakewoodnews.org

September 2011

Make time to pack the perfect lunch

Each school year the ritual of packing lunches continues. Even those “supermoms” out there can find packing a fun and nutritious lunch a daunting challenge. It’s not uncommon for parents to put a great deal of time and thought into packing lunch for their kids only to find out later that some or all of it ended up in the trash. Adding a bit of excitement and variety to a child’s lunch box makes it more fun for them to eat the nutritious foods you pack. Here are some tips to make those bland bagged lunches more fun: • Create a theme for the week.

Each week before you grocery shop, discuss with your children what they would like their “lunch theme” to be for the week. Themes could include various ethnic or regional foods such as Italian or Hawaiian.

Themes could also be as simple as a color (all red foods) or correspond to your children’s current classroom subject matter. No matter what the theme, always make sure to include fruits and vegetables.

• Think outside the lunchbox.

Add a little variety to your child’s lunch. A sandwich doesn’t always have to be the main course. Instead, include soup in a thermos or a fresh garden salad. Fruit, vegetable and cheese kabobs, along with dressing or yogurt dip are another healthful option.

• Personalize your child’s lunch.

Include a handwritten note, a funny cartoon or a joke. Get your child involved in the lunch packing process. Let them jazz up their lunch by decorating their lunch box and baggies with their favorite stickers.

Putting a little extra thought into your child’s lunch increases the chances of them eating all the great foods that you pack and getting the nutrition they need.

Tell us what you would like to read in the Lakewood Community News. E-Mail: news@ lakewoodchamber.com or mail to P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714.

City Spotlight (Cont’d. from page 2)

9771, extension 2408.

September Swim 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.

Shallow Water Aerobics – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm., and Saturdays from 10am to 11am.

Deep Water Aerobics – Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Recreational Swimming – weekends through September 25.

For complete details call 562866-9771, extension 2408.

College Fair - October 11 The annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 11, from 6– 9pm., at a new location at Mayfair Park (corner of Clark and South). Participants (ages 15-22) will have the opportunity to speak to representatives from colleges and universities, and get the information needed on admission, testing, transcripts, transfers, enrollment registration, fees and deadlines. For more information, call the Lakewood Youth Center at 562-429-7472.

Fall Craft Festival Attention all shoppers!

Lakewood’s 30th Annual Senior Fall Craft Festival will be on Saturday, September 24 from 10am to 3pm at its new location 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.

Youth Basketball Organized Instruction – Youth, ages 8 and older, can learn to play basketball like the pros in this fall class that meets for eight consecutive Saturdays from 9:30am to 11am beginning September 24. The fee is $90 for eight classes.

Volleyball Free Play – Participants can enjoy a FREE evening of friendly volleyball competition. Recreation staff will monitor play and organize games based on skill levels. There are multiple courts available. Adult free play takes place on Tuesdays from 6:30 – 9pm beginning September 20 until January 23 (no classes 12/19 and 12/26); Teen free play is on Thursdays from 6:30pm to 9pm beginning September 22. Registration is not required.

Teen Dodgeball Free Play – This free weekly dodgeball play for teens begins Thursday, September 22 until December 15 from 6:30 – 9pm.

Adult Indoor Soccer Free Play – This free indoor soccer program allows participants to enjoy safe, lighted environment for play. Monday, 6:30pm to 9pm from September 19 until January 23 (no class meeting 12/19 and 12/26.)

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News

Community Page 12

www.lakewoodnews.org

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

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

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

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

Looking back at past recessions, studies have shown that companies

that maintained or increased their advertising dollars obtained an eventual sales advantage over companies that cut their marketing spending.

If your target market is the community of Lakewood, then the Lakewood Community News is the perfect medium for your business.

The distribution is 30,000 with bulk drops to area business and doorto-door delivery to all Lakewood Homes and parts of Long Beach.

If you’re a first time advertiser, we want to support your business please call Jodee at (562) 531-9733 and ask about a 20% discount on your first month’s ad.

Advertise Now!

September 2011

Pathways golf tourney was a huge success!

The tournament’s winning team included (L-R) Randy Evans, Tom Hare, Paul Velasco and Edward Hare.

The Pathways Volunteer Hospice 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament was recently held at El Dorado golf course in Long Beach. Major sponsors included Toyota Financial Services; Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe; Paramount Petroleum;

Lakewood Regional Medical Center and Paramount Unified School District.

Headed by golf committee chair Vince Torres, Pathways celebrated another sold out event. Throughout the course, golfers were treated to ribs, tacos, sandwiches, burgers and many other delicious snacks.

At the post-tournament dinner, silent and live auction items included vacation getaways, golf foursomes, wine tastings and more. The exciting draw of the evening was a trip for two aboard the Goodyear blimp. The lucky winner was golf chair, Vince Torres.

Over $47,000 was raised, which will help fund the many services Pathways provides, free of cost.

Pathways Volunteer Hospice offers compassionate care to families dealing with illness and loss.

Time to sign up for Lakewood golf tourney Coming Monday, October 10th Signups are underway for the Lakewood Education Foundation (LEF) fundraising golf tournament set for Monday, October 10. Improve Lakewood schools and classrooms as you play.

Lakewood Country Club plays host with a 1pm shotgun start. Dinner will follow at 5:30pm. The event uses a four-member “shamble” format.

Tourney fees are $100 per player and include golf fees, cart, dinner, awards and prizes.

Since 2003, LEF has given grants to hundreds of local classroom projects and touched the lives of thousands of Lakewood students.

Last year, 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.

Tourney sponsorship opportunities are available and range from $100 to $2,500. There are many 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.

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

West Nile reports surge: Take extra care to avoid mosquitoes The Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) urges area residents to take extra care in avoiding exposure to mosquitoes as they report an increase in West Nile-infected birds and insects. “The level of West Nile virus detected in mosquito samples and dead birds in Los Angeles County this July is the highest it’s been since the last epidemic year in 2008,” said Susanne Kluh, Director of Scientific-Technical Services for the GLACVCD “We are urging residents to take notice of the elevated level of virus activity this summer and protect themselves.”

GLACVD encourages residents to follow these “Three D’s” of prevention: • “Dump/Drain” standing water where mosquitoes breed.

• “Dusk to dawn” is when mosquitoes are most active.

Limit outdoor activities when the bugs are around.

• “Defend against mosquito bites” by using properly-fitted screens free from tears on windows and doors around your home. When possible, apply EPA-registered insect repellent and wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when outdoors between dusk and dawn.

Eliminate stagnant water West Nile precautions also include being mindful how you water. Stagnant water accumulating in ditches, drains, gutters and backyard containers and pools is ideal for mosquito breeding.

Sources of stagnant water created on private property are the property owner’s responsibility. Just one cup of water left standing for more than seven days can bear 300 to 500 mosquitoes.

Some breeding areas for mosquitoes come from overwatered lawns that send runoff into storm drains. The vector control district dispatches its

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News

Community crews to mitigate the problem with spraying, but homeowners must manage their garden irrigation for the spraying to be effective.

Untreated swimming pools can be reported to Lakewood City Hall by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2140 or e-mailing service1@lakewoodcity.org.

West Nile notes West Nile disease isn’t severe in healthy individuals, often passing unnoticed. Those at highest risk for severe cases of West Nile virus are children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

West Nile virus is transmitted to people and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

There is no cure for West Nile virus. One in five persons infected with West Nile virus will exhibit symptoms.

GLACVCD recommends that

individuals exhibiting these symptoms following a mosquito bite consult a physician as soon as possible. Symptoms usually occur between 5 and 15 days and can include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms can last for several weeks to months. One in 150 people infected with the virus will require hospitalization.

Severe symptoms include high fever, muscle weakness, neck stiffness, coma, paralysis, and possibly death.

For more information about West Nile virus and local vector control services, please contact Public Information Officer Crystal Brown at the GLCVCD at 562-944-9656, extension 511 or visit www.glacvcd. org. For statewide information and statistics about West Nile virus, or to report a dead bird or squirrel, visit www.westnile. ca.gov or call 1-877-WNV

Page 13

CityTV Channel 31 in Lakewood wants YOUR opinion!

CityTV wants to hear from viewers. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/CityTVSurvey and tell them what you think about their programming.

CityTV broadcasts Lakewood information 24/7 on TV channel 31 on Time Warner Cable and Verizon FiOS. Viewers can also go online to www.lakewoodcity.org/CityTV to see a live CityTV web stream, review the schedule, or get on their future schedule mailing list.

Past video segments produced by CityTV can be viewed at Lakewood Online at www. lakewoodcity.org/Webcasts or at YouTube at www.youtube.com/CityTVLakewoodCa. Special-topic video collections are also online: • Lakewood’s most popular services and service tips at: www.lakewoodcity.org/ ServiceTips • Lakewood history: www.lakewoodcity.org/HistoryVideo • Living green in Lakewood tips: www.lakewoodcity.org/GreenVideos

Around

Town

with Robin Vanderwerff

Page 14

Around Town in September Lakewood

• Spanish for kids and more!

Fun/Interactive language classes for kids, Mandarin and others.

Weekdays 5:30pm to 6:30pm; Saturday mornings; Lakewood, Long Beach, Los Alamitos. Adult classes available too. For more information call (562) 833-3115.

• St. Pancratus Church located at 3519 St. Pancratius Place in Lakewood will be celebrating their 57th Annual Festival on September 9-10-11, this years theme is “Movie Madness.”

The carnival begins on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6pm – 10pm and continues Saturday opening at noon and closing at 10pm and Sunday 12noon to 9pm. For more information call Tim Carver at (562) 253-1317.

• The Weingart-Lakewood Family YMCA invites kids and parents to join them for National Family & Health Fitness Day on Saturday, September 24 from 10am to 2pm. The Y holds this event to bring families together to engage in fun, active play, and learn healthier habits that help them grow and thrive. For more information call (562) 425-7431.

• Visit Your Elegant Pet located at 4332 South St. on Wednesday, September 21 at 7pm for a

FREE class on Introduction to Cooking for Your Pet. For more information call (562) 529-8414.

• Lakewood Women’s Club will meet at their new location, Sycamore Plaza at 11am on September 20. For reservations call Arlene at (562) 863-4933.

• Lakewood Car Wash will be celebrating their Grand Opening from September 19-22. Come by for a free express car wash.

Lakewood Car Wash is located at 5730 Lakewood Boulevard.

Business hours are 7am to 7:30pm 7 days a week.

Long Beach • Questing Heirs Genealogical Society is holding its free public meeting on September 18 at 1:15pm in the Church Parish Hall of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

For more information call Liz Myers at (562) 598-3027.

October “Save the Date”

Lakewood Sheriff’s Station “Ride Against Cancer & Car Show” October 15th Holiday Inn - Long Beach Proceeds Benefit Two Lakewood Sheriff Deputies Contact: Dave Harrison Phone: 562.505.0979 Email: daveharrison@benefitride.net

September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

It’s never too late to go back to school Please join the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at CSULB (OLLI) to learn about their exciting fall session. The OLLI Fall Registration & General Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011, at 9am in the CSULB Human Services and Design Building [HS&D], Room 101, near the corner of Palo Verde Avenue and East University Drive. Free parking is available in Lot 9 for this day only. Come discover the classes offered, meet the instructors, and enjoy some delicious refreshments. Once you decide which classes you can’t live without you can register on the spot.

Now is the perfect time to join! OLLI at CSULB’s annual membership fee of $40 covers the winter; spring; summer and fall sessions and is pro-rated for the spring and summer sessions at $20.00. Tuition is $10 per lecture class and $35 per computer class.

Parking permits are available for a fee.

For more information, please call the OLLI at CSULB Office at 562-985-8237, send an email to olli@csulb.edu or visit our web site at www.csulb.edu/centers/ olli.

Play Sudoku and you could be the next winner!

Congratulations to Robert Delp, Linda Bott and Pam Lewin!

They are the lucky winners of the August Sudoku Puzzle contest, out of the 139 correct entries.

Robert Delp will enjoy Outback Steakhouse, Linda Bott, Foggia Italian Market & Deli and Pam Lewin 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 (8½ 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 See’s 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 Monday, September 19th. The winners will be drawn Tuesday the 20th; 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 September issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.

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

Market & Deli - Souplantation

News

Community September 2011

www.lakewoodnews.org

Page 15

New recreation season End of summer brings new beginnings kicks off

New Lakewood recreation catalogs for the fall season are arriving in homes. Online and mail-in registration starts Saturday, September 3.

There are over 500 classes being offered this season with many old favorites and lots of new classes. Look through the printed catalog for activities and programs and get them scheduled on your calendar so you don’t miss out Programs can be reviewed in searchable PDF format at www. lakewoodcity.org/catalog.

The online registration system opens

Attention all athletes: sleep more!

By Dr. Larry Omo, D.C.

If you are an athlete – no matter what level – you are going to want to check out this important information. Here is why…

Everyone knows quality sleep is important. Every year more information surfaces that shows it is even more important than many experts first thought. There are many research studies about amounts of sleep and how sleeping too much or too little affects your health. Now, there is another study showing just how important sleep may be for peak athletic performance.

Research published in the journal “Sleep” suggests that sleeping longer can dramatically improve physical performance.

Members of Stanford University’s male basketball team increased their sleep to 10 hours a night for around 6 weeks. Results? Their shooting accuracy improved by 9%, sprinting times improved, and fatigue levels decreased. When it comes to athletes and high level sports, 9% can be enormous Top athletes are often separated by minute fractions of a percentage.

For example, the difference between winners and losers in Olympic sprinting is often measured in thousandths of a second. The study at Stanford University found that getting enough sleep and rest was as important as training and diet for elite athletes. It should be noted that in the study, the players also stopped drinking coffee and alcohol.

Obviously, altering all three factors (sleep, coffee and alcohol) seems to have had a major impact. One has to wonder how much of an impact just changing sleep would have.

Dr. Larry Omo, D.C. is located at 5220 Clark Ave. #210 and he can be reached at 562-867-0993.

with new programs on Saturday, September 3. Go to www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog.

The eCatalog is for more than just signing up. It has helpful search tools that let you sort by types of classes, by class location and more. It makes it easy to find a program you want at a park close to home.

Classes begin throughout the season. If you miss a series, there’s a good chance another one will be available at a later date.

Many programs begin the week of Monday, October 3.

2011 Fall Season Milestones • 09/03/2011 Resident mail-in and online registration starts at 7:30 a.m.

• 09/19/2011 Fall/winter contract class phone in and walk-in registration begins at 7:30 a.m.

• 10/03/2011 Fall/winter contract classes begin.

By Breanna Vanderwerff

Everyone dreads the end of summer, from the last few weeks of August to the first weeks in September. It marks the end of sleeping in and staying up late and starts the beginning of another year spent studying and doing homework. But for those of

us from the class of 2011 it marks the end and beginning of so much more.

It means saying goodbye to friends and hello to new ones, and getting the chance to start over somewhere new.

The thought of leaving behind the days of high school and dealing with the responsibilities of college are scary. Now being eighteen doesn’t sound as fun, I would way rather go back to being a kid in high school. I took high school for granted, not understanding the importance of it until now. Sure, I got good grades, but I know I could’ve done better, and now that I’m starting college I wish I would’ve taken it more seriously. I was lucky enough to get into Cal State Long Beach with over 30,000 applying and only 7,000 freshman applicants being accepted.

With some of my friends going to colleges farther away, and some going to community colleges, I realize now how important it actually is, and how seriously I need to take it in comparison to high school. It’s not just time to say goodbye to summer and to friends, it’s time to say hello to responsibility and real life. It’s scary to start over, but it can also be exciting, getting the chance to have a do over and to learn from mistakes you made along the way, and hopefully, for me, I’ll do it right this time.

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August 2011