News
Lakewood Community 30,000 delivered to Lakewood and portions of Long Beach
Volume 32 Number 9
Official publication of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
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Patriot Day...A time of remembrance
September 2015
CityTV on hand as Lakewood hosts World Games athletes Before a single one of the 6,500 Special Olympics athletes competed at the 2015 World Games, Special Olympics delegations from around the world were treated to three memorable days of recreation, entertainment, and cultural exchange at their Host Towns in Southern California, including the Lakewood Youth Center. See a photo gallery at: www.lakewoodcity.org/ CommunityGallery. Lakewood’s CityTV was on hand to cover the Olympians visit. Their video segment is part of this month’s Community Digest news magazine airing daily at 3:30, 6:00 and 10:00 a.m. and p.m. The monthly magazine regularly spotlights community
issues and upcoming events. CityTV is working on a special profile on Dustin Plunkett, a longtime member of Lakewood Special Olympics and a Special Olympics Global Messenger. The position makes him a spokesperson for individuals with developmental disabilities as well as a Board Member of Special Olympics Southern California. He played a major role in the just completed 2015 Los Angeles World Games. Watch CityTV programs on channel 31 on FiOS TV and Time Warner Cable. Or see it stream live or see on-demand videos (in either YouTube or Vimeo format) at www. lakewoodcity.org/CityTV.
This year’s Patriot Day commemoration will take place on Friday, September 11 from 6pm to 8pm at Del Valle Park. Patriotic music will be performed by the 300th Army Band and the Golden Sands Chorus. Program speakers include Mayor Jeff Wood. The event starts with a stirring presentation of American flags by hundreds of scouts and youth from the Lakewood area (pictured). A memorial candle lighting and moment of silence bring the evening to a close. Food vendors include Super Mex Catering Truck and Mr. B’s Kettle Corn. Bring a blanket or low-rise lawn chair for seating.
Stonefire Grill “banks” on Lakewood
Options to “eat local” and “Shop Lakewood” are increasing as a new Stonefire Grill opens at Lakewood Center on Tuesday, September 1. The popular Southern Californiabased eatery is establishing its 8th restaurant at the former First Bank building located at 4325 Del Amo Blvd., at the corner of Lakewood Blvd. Stonefire was careful to maintain much of the unique interior of the original bank, designed in 1966 by famed Lakewood Community News #24 Lakewood Center Mall Lakewood, CA 90712 (562) 531-9733
Los Angeles architect Maxwell Starkman. Stonefire Grill is a growing leader in the “fast-casual” restaurant field, where customers order at the counter and food is then delivered to their table. “By eliminating the need for servers to take the meal order, food reaches the table faster and the cost savings is passed down to the guest,” said Justin Lopez of Stonefire. “All items are available ‘to go’ with a special entrance PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
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dedicated to take-out orders, an especially popular feature among busy working parents.” Stonefire Grill’s large menu features BBQ favorites like Mesquite Grilled Tri Tip, Lemon Garlic Chicken Breast, and Baby Back Ribs, a wide assortment of salads, pizzas and pastas and vegetarian options like Golden State Kale Salad and Roasted Cauliflower Pita. Starkman, the original designer of the bank building, was a giant in the field of architecture. A colleague of the legendary Richard Neutra, considered the grandfather of contemporary architecture, Starkman designed Melodyland Church in Anaheim, the Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas and the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. “While this project has required significant updating,” said Lopez, “we were careful to maintain as much of Starkman’s architectural sensibilities as possible.” Architectural features in the restaurant include: 20-foot-tall ceilings, exposed brick walls, massive steel beams, custom metalwork and wood accents, colored glass designs and even the bank’s original metal vault gate. Sliding glass windows open onto the restaurant’s 1,500-square-foot patio that seats 80. Become a fan of Stonefire on facebook.com/stonefiregrill or follow them on twitter.com/ stonefiregrill.
Hand shakes and high fives greet Turkish athletes as they arrive at Lakewood’s Youth Center.
Seen a slow-moving truck spraying water on city landscaping? State drought rules say that cities can no longer use potable drinking water sprinklers to irrigate landscaping along streets. That means many city medians and service road parkways are going brown, and trees in those areas are getting stressed and are at risk of disease and death. Lakewood has come up with a solution to help our trees and landscaping make it through the drought. The city is now operating two water tankers pulled behind city pickup trucks to spray recycled water on the trees and landscaping. Recycled water is wastewater from homes and businesses that has been treated to a level safe to use for irrigation. State rules allow irrigating with recycled water, and expanding the use of recycled water for irrigation is a key component of a long-term solution to California’s water troubles. A safety note for motorists: The recycled water truck needs to drive very slowly to adequately spray irrigate each area. So when
you see the water truck up ahead with its lights flashing, please slow down and drive carefully. The water tankers are a good short-term fix, but not a feasible long-term solution for irrigating street landscaping. Lakewood is in the process of re-envisioning its street medians and parkways to use water-wise landscaping and to have curb-cuts allowing rain and runoff from the street to flow in and help irrigate the landscaping and reduce storm water runoff pollution. The new designs hold the promise over time of making Lakewood’s community landscape less vulnerable to drought and more environmentally sustainable, while still providing an attractive look to Lakewood’s streets.
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The Special Olympics have a home in Lakewood By Mayor Jeff Wood
Mayor Jeff Wood with Special Olympic athletes visiting Lakewood. I hope you got a chance to experience some of the Special Olympics World Games this past month, either in person, on TV or by reading about the activities. Over 6,500 athletes with developmental and intellectual disabilities came to Southern California from around the world to compete in 27 sports. Over 500,000 people attended, making the games the largest sporting event anywhere in the world this year. Lakewood was a Host Town for dozens of athletes from Guyana, Slovenia and Turkey. A special event at the Lakewood Youth
Center on July 22 welcomed the athletes to our city and included face painting, decorations with iconic California landmarks, and a magic show (where I was cut in half as part of the entertainment. Fortunately, the magician put me back together…eventually). My hat is off in appreciation to the Cerritos Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and their team of volunteers for all their work in organizing the Host Town activities in Cerritos and Lakewood. They did a great job with three days of fun that welcomed the athletes to Southern California, gave them a taste
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September 2015
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of our region, and made them feel at home in advance of their competitions. Lakewood has a deep connection with the Special Olympics organization and with “adaptive recreation.” For 34 years, our city has offered adaptive recreation to those with developmental and intellectual disabilities to learn important life skills and to recreate, including taking part in sports training and competitions. Our adaptive recreation program has a social aspect too, which includes dances and group activities and a mentoring element, where youth are taught how to respect a job and function well in a work setting. Thousands of local youth and young adults have taken part. The activities help the participants,
their families and our broader community. One of Lakewood’s most accomplished Special Olympians, Dustin Plunkett, is now an International Messenger for Special Olympics, recently visiting the White House and President Obama, and he was an ESPN sports analyst for the World Games. Dustin and other athletes praise the power of adaptive recreation and Special Olympics. Dustin talks about how the programs helped him overcome the bullying and ridiculing he often faced in other parts of his life. One 16-yearold athlete at this year’s games said, “Ever since I joined Special Olympics, I never want to give up on anything.” Adaptive recreation and Special Olympics have a power for the broader community, too. “When people come in contact with our athletes or see our athletes perform, their perceptions change drastically,” said Patrick McClenahan, president of the 2015 World Games. “The greatest thing we can do for those with intellectual disabilities is to change the hearts and minds of people without intellectual disabilities so that kids befriend them in school, employers realize their great value and hire them for jobs--those real life-changing things.” As a resident, I’m proud that adaptive recreation and Special Olympics are two of Lakewood’s enduring values. They help make Lakewood a strong, caring community. If you’re ever interested in volunteering with adaptive recreation or Special Olympics, feel free to call city staff at 562865-1717 for information. As is true in much of life, you may find that when you help someone else out, you benefit a lot, too.
C i t y Spotlight Fall/Winter Recreation Registration Begins
Watch for the new Fall/ Winter catalog of recreation and community services that will arrive Labor Day weekend to Lakewood homes. The new catalog is packed full of fun programs and activities to make life better for all ages. You can register for classes and programs online starting August 29 using eCatalog at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation, or by calling city hall at 562-866-9771, extension 2408. Over 500 classes are being offered this season, with many old favorites and lots of new offerings. Fall programs begin Monday, September 28 and run through January 2016.
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. • Recreational Swimming – weekends through September 27. McCormick Pool in Bolivar Park will be open for recreational swimming on the weekend of September 5-7. For details on both pools, call 562-866-9771 extension 2408 or go to www.lakewoodcity. org/aquatics.
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 Monday, August 31. Program schedules can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall, at all Lakewood parks, and at www. lakewoodcity.org/recreation.
College Fair - October 8
Lakewood’s annual College Fair will take place on Tuesday, October 13, from 6pm – 8pm, 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 562429-7472.
Your
Minding
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September 2015
Thanks for cruzin’ with us at the 18th Annual Summer Stampede!
The City of Lakewood’s Parks & Recreation staff worked all day to help ensure the show was a success.
A BIG THANK YOU to all our Sponsors! • Lakewood Center • Lakewood’s Union Bank • The Gas Company • AGA Medicare Options • Van Wig & Associates • Allison Tutoring • Carol Otters-Edward Jones Investments • Southeast LA County Work Investment Board
• Supv. Don Knabe • Sam’s Club • City of Lakewood • Farmers Insurance • Cerritos College • Budweiser • Lakewood Rent-All • George Chevrolet • Central Basin Municipal Water District
New water banner debuts at Clark and Del Amo
Water-wise plants and groundcover have been installed in the city garden at the busy corner of Clark Ave. and Del Amo Blvd., across the street from Albertson’s. And, as a fun way to promote water conservation by Lakewood residents, above the garden is a colorful banner showing everyday people who have become “Super Water Savers.” The banner plays off the popular theme of “super heroes.” In this case, the super heroes are a
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Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff 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 Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice. The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised. SUBMISSION POLICY: Editorial must be no more than 200 words, and be submitted by the 15th of the preceding month you want the editorial published. SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser.
diverse group of Lakewood adults and children calling on everyone to do their part to help Lakewood reach its community goal of reducing water use by 20%. For tips on reducing your water use by 20% or more, see www.lakewoodcity.org/water, or call 562-866-9971, extension 2140.
The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce’s Summer Stampede Car Show has established a reputation as a must attend car event of the year. Every year the Stampede brings hundreds of community members, car show aficionados and businesses to the city of Lakewood, and while presented by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, this event was a success due to the involvement of the City of Lakewood’s Parks & Recreation staff, as well as many others that volunteered their time. We can’t thank them enough for their contributions! The Chamber would also like to thank DJ Ken and “The Retros,” as well as all of our sponsors (listed to the left) And of course, a big thank you to the drivers who woke up early on a Sunday to put their cars on display for the community to enjoy!
Looking to travel?
Lakewood Chamber wants to help. We’re currently offering the following trips: • Oct. 21st / Spain & Sunny Costa del Sol • Nov. 2nd / Venice and The Italian Lakes • Feb. 1st / A Taste of the South Pacific • Mar. 14th / Timeless Amalfi Call or email us for a brochure: 562-531-9733/info@lakewoodchamber.com
Business
Thursday, Oct. 1st
4pm Shotgun Start Heartwell Park Golf Course
ee off for Tots!
A twilight golf tournament benefitting LB Day Nursery
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Call Traci for more info: (562) 591-0509
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September 2015
Coyotes in urban environments Like opossums and raccoons, coyotes have adapted over the years to suburban life throughout California and the nation. Coyotes in the wild are by nature fearful of humans. However, they are highly adaptive and can lose their fear of humans when we provide them with food, shelter or water sources. While Lakewood doesn’t have the level of coyote problems of many communities near foothills or large open spaces, coyotes can venture into residential
areas in our city and become problematic, especially if people are feeding them (intentionally or unintentionally) by leaving pet food out overnight, tree fruit on the ground, or trash unsecured. These coyote attractants create a threat to pets, as coyotes coming into neighborhoods see them as potential prey. Coyotes will kill cats and small dogs who are left unattended or who stray off your property. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which has
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jurisdiction over urban wildlife in our state, provides helpful tips for communities and asks for our cooperation. The City of Lakewood recommends that residents follow these guidelines to prevent attracting coyotes into our community. Tips to safeguard your pets • Feed pets inside. Don’t feed feral cats, ducks or pigeons. They attract coyotes to your neighborhood, putting pets at risk. • Never feed coyotes! (When
Learn the tips to safeguard your pets from coyotes. humans have been bitten by
coyotes it is often because someone nearby is feeding them and it breaks down their natural fear of humans). • Pick up fallen fruit (another food source for coyotes and for animals and rodents that attract coyotes). • Keep trash lids securely closed. Don’t overfill trash cans so they can’t close fully. Coyotes can reach in and get food. This teaches them to come to your home. • If you compost, use enclosed bins. Do not compost meat, dairy or egg products. • The safest place for cats and small dogs is inside. Coyotes can jump over fences 6-10 feet high. While coyotes generally hunt between sunset and sunrise, they have been sighted at all hours of the day. • While walking dogs, keep them on a leash 6’ or shorter. If you encounter a coyote while walking your dog, remain calm, take control of your dog by picking it up if possible and back away slowly, keeping your eyes on the coyote. Look for another pedestrian to assist you. • Use negative reinforcement (”hazing”) to train coyotes to stay away. If you see a coyote, let it know it’s not welcome in your neighborhood by making loud noises to frighten it away. You’re helping the coyote by keeping it wild…and you’re helping protect your neighborhood. • Don’t ignore or run away from a coyote. You need to scare it away, but don’t injure it or it could become unpredictable. Trapping coyotes is not a longterm solution. State law prevents the relocation of trapped coyotes because doing so upsets the wildlife ecosystem where the coyote is transported. Routine trapping and euthanizing of coyotes, even when pets have been attacked, is also not a viable option because if food and water sources remain, new coyotes will simply move in and continue the cycle. Government agencies generally limit the trapping and euthanizing of coyotes to certain narrow situations, such as when coyotes have attacked people. The best way to prevent problems in the first place is to remove coyote attractants, haze and train any coyotes you see to stay away from humans, and safeguard your pets. For more information and further guidelines, or to report a coyote sighting, go to www. lakewoodcity.org/coyotes or call 562-866-9771, extension 2140.
September 2015
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Mosquitoes with West Nile virus return to local area
is ideal for mosquito breeding. Untreated swimming pools can be reported to Lakewood City Hall by calling 562-866-9771, extension 2140, or emailing service1@ lakewoodcity.org. The statewide website following the topic is www.westnile.ca.gov. Residents finding any dead birds or squirrels can report them on that website or call the West Nile Virus Dead Bird Hotline at 877-9682473.
On August 14, Lakewood joined 33 other Los Angeles County cities that have tested positive for West Nile virus mosquito samples this year. The report is a reminder for residents to take precautions as we join neighbors Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos and Long Beach who have also had West Nile mosquito samples in 2015. A new Lakewood CityTV video interviews a Lakewood resident who contracted West Nile virus in the past. The segment also gives insight into what you can do to protect yourself. See www. lakewoodcity.org/WestNileVideo. It’s normal to see an uptick in West Nile virus reports during summer months. According to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) this year is no different. Summer’s longer days and warmer nights mean more outdoor activities for you and your family. It also means more exposure to mosquitoes potentially carrying the West Nile virus. Although the West Nile disease isn’t severe in healthy individuals, often passing unnoticed, those with weakened immune systems and the chronically sick can be hit with a devastating illness. GLACVCD, at www.glacvcd.org, urges residents to follow these precautions: • Clear your yard of containers (even the smallest) that might hold water where mosquitoes can breed. • Install or repair window and door screens so mosquitoes cannot get indoors. • Drain kids’ pools, and check pool and vehicle covers that might hold water for excessive periods of time. • Wear long-sleeve shirts and pants when engaging in outdoor activities at dawn and during sunset, which is when mosquitoes are most prevalent. • When outside at that time, consider applying approved insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. West Nile precautions also include being mindful how you water. Stagnant water accumulating in ditches, drains, gutters and backyard containers and pools
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The National Hydrocephalus Foundation will host a hydrocephalus conference on September 24th and 25th at the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort (1855 S. Harbor Blvd.). Cost for the two days is $50.00. That includes the Meet & Greet Reception on the evening of the 24th, snacks throughout,
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continental breakfast, and lunch. Go to the website: www.nhfonline. org and click onto the purple box that states 2015 Patient Power Conference. Click onto the agenda of the two days, along with the presenters, print out a registration form, or even click onto “Buy Tickets Here.” If you have questions, or need assistance, please feel free to contact our office at 562-924-6666 or e-mail: info@nhfonline.org
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September 2015
Don’t let road rage drive you over the edge!
Often it’s frightening. Sometimes it’s deadly. Road rage – where flaring tempers mix with two-ton machines – continues to be a problem on freeways, leading to accidents, assaults and occasionally even murder. It’s a perplexing problem in part because it can happen at anytime and anywhere that roads and vehicles are involved, yet specific statistics on its frequency are hard to come by. All that aside, though, there are solutions that can at least reduce the number of road-rage incidents. People who are easily angered by slower drivers, detours and other traffic disruptions can be taught to be more aware of their responses and modify them to reduce accident risks. When annoyed, there can be a tendency to throw on the brakes when someone is tailgating too closely, or use an obscene gesture at an aggressive driver, or relentlessly honking the horn. But think twice when you encounter an aggressive driver, you have no idea who’s behind the wheel of the other car, and what they may be capable of. Don’t engage them or do anything to further agitate them. Witnessing a driver texting and driving erratically can aggravate other drivers, also tailgaters, left-lane hogs, slow drivers and drivers multi-tasking can all trigger negative behavior. Of course, those examples represent situations that can raise your blood pressure after you’re behind the wheel. Often, the foundation for fury on the road was laid before you got into the car. Maybe you had an argument with someone earlier. Maybe you are stressed because you are running late for an appointment. Below are some tips for heading off your own road rage or avoiding the rage of others: Don’t turn that ignition. If you are feeling stressed and anxious before you even start your trip, then the time to calm down is now, not after you are on the freeway. Get a grip before you start the car. Take that deep breath; try counting from one to 10, inhaling on one, exhaling on two, up to 10 and back to one again. Stop right there. If you are already driving, and you feel your anger is starting to impact your judgment, pull over for a few moments. Take a deep breath and ask yourself, if your problem is important enough to risk other peoples lives? Don’t react or retaliate. You can’t control those other drivers, but you can control how you react to them. If someone is tailgating you, flipped you off or is just infuriating you with bad driving habits, ignore them. Engaging in some sort of road-rage argument will just further raise your blood pressure, and could prove dangerous in some circumstances.
Green
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September 2015
‘Tasty’ new water-wise classes The City of Lakewood is cosponsoring three more waterwise workshops this September. Classes focus on practical “howto” knowledge to make it easier for homeowners to save water, and even to grow tasty, edible plants. Lessons learned in the classes, taught by the Water Replenishment District of Southern California, can be paired with water-saving rebates the city is offering up to earn residents up to $1,315 in rebates for installing water-saving irrigation and removing grass. Even simple jobs like swapping old sprinkler heads for new water-miserly “rotor” nozzles can earn a rebate. Class topics include irrigation, best horticultural practices, design tips, and information on drought tolerant and native plants. The classroom-style programs include PowerPoint presentations and some demonstration. Attendees receive instructive handouts free of charge. For a preview of the classes, see the Lakewood CityTV video at www.lakewoodcity.org/ WaterWiseClasses. To RSVP for a class call 562-866-9771, extension 2408 or register online at www. lakewoodcity.org/eCatalog and use the course #’s below. • Edible Gardening for Beginners - Saturday, September 12, 9am to 11:30am. Weingart Senior Center, Class # 40852 • Garden Design Features Saturday, September 19, 9am to 11:30am. Weingart Senior Center, Class # 40853 • Drought Tolerant Plants Saturday, September 26, 9am to “California is in a drought, be a part of the solution and shut your tap! Visit us online for information on how to reduce your water use – www. centralbasin.org”
“The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn & Personal Branding” Speaker: Laura Gill
Wed., Sept. 9th 11:30am - 1:00pm Black Angus Steakhouse 5000 E. Candlewood St., Lkwd Cost: $15 (inc. lunch)
MUST RSVP: Lakewood Chamber: 562-531-9733 -orNorwalk Chamber 562-864-7785
11:30am. Burns Community Center, Class # 40854 The Burns Community Center is at 5510 Clark Avenue, 562925-7512. The Weingart Senior Center is at 5220 Oliva Avenue, 562-630-6141. Classes are designed to be taken as a series, but can be attended
individually. Pre-registration and RSVPs are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Learn more about the program at www. lakewoodcity.org/EcoGardening and www.ecogardener.org or contact Monica Serrano at mserrano@wrd.org or 562-2754234.
Living
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September 2015
Shop Lakewood... Fall Craft Fair
Trinity United Methodist Church will hold their annual Craft Fair on October 3rd, from 9am to 3pm. They are located at 5730 South Street in Lakewood. Call (562) 867-9892 with any questions.
Jamie Adams, Lakewood Chamber Member & Owner of Nutty to Design...
“I started a graphic design business out of my home last June. Before connecting with the Lakewood Chamber, I felt very alone. Since joining earlier this year, I now have new connections and networking opportunities throughout Lakewood, and it’s surrounding communities. I was also asked to help start up the newly formed Home Based Business Council, which was designed to help home business owners bounce off ideas, and work out problems. Thanks to John Kelsall and his team for keeping these programs afloat, and for doing all they can to help Lakewood businesses succeed!” If you operate a home-based business, consider popping into one of our monthly meetings (Every 2nd Wednesday @ Denny’s on South St.) Jamie Adams, Nutty To Design Email: jamie@nuttytodesign. com Phone: 562-400-3009 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ nuttytodesign Visit my website: www.nuttytodesign.com
Another Lakewood business celebrates a Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting
LaDeDa Salon located at 11126 Del Amo Blvd. in Lakewood has recently opened their doors for business. LaDeDa Salon is designed to offer clients comfort, convenience and privacy. They specialize in haircuts, hair color, and blowouts, along with the latest hair trends and hair treatments available for all hair textures. Give them a call at 310897-7734 and book your next appointment… while you’re there welcome them to the neighborhood!
...Stay Lakewood Loyal
September 2015
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Shop Lakewood...
The renovated Lakewood YMCA is now open
Renovated “Y” boasts a large fitness area on second floor with a great view. The new Weingart Lakewood Family YMCA at Carson St. and Woodruff Ave. has completed Phase 1 of their expansion project and has opened the doors to their new facility. Community members have been enjoying new, state-ofthe-art health equipment including
rows of ellipticals, steppers, treadmills and strength equipment. The huge upstairs fitness center is bright, with a beautiful 180-degree view facing Heartwell Park across Carson Street. The renovation nearly doubles the amount of fitness apparatus on
hand. New strength training gear includes Precor, Cybex and Life Fitness equipment to accommodate both advanced and everyday users. Additional fitness room capacity triples group fitness class capacity to roughly 50 group fitness classes each week. It is supported by new family changing rooms. The pool and hot tub areas opened over the summer. They offer a mix of swim lessons, lap swimming, water aerobics and fitness activities for members. “Our Y has opened to tons of new members who are enjoying the new facility. Our Kids Club is an exciting state of the art area for families with young kids. It’s wonderful to see the impact we are having with families” said Emilio Sosa, Senior Executive Director. Phase 2 of the Y’s expansion has begun and includes a complete
renovation of the locker rooms, new teen center, cycling studio, and Mind, Body and Yoga studio. A grand opening event is slated for mid October 2015. The Y is now offering 50% discounts on joining fees through September 11. For more information call 562-425-7431 or see www.lbymca.org/lakewood online. You can also follow them at www.facebook.com/Lakewood. YMCA to get up to date news and construction updates.
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School
School bells are ringing, loud and clear; Vacation’s over, school is here. We hunt our pencils and our books, And say goodbye to fields and brooks, To carefree days of sunny hours, To birds and butterflies and flowers. But we are glad school has begun. For work is always mixed with fun. When autumn comes and the weather is cool, Nothing can take the place of school.
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Lakewood resident Lauren Rain Williams, 16 year-old rising junior, keeps getting better and better. During the high school indoor season, Lauren ran an age group indoor 200m record of 23.39 and a National title in the 200m. In the outdoor
championship season, Lauren led her Oaks Christian High School team to a Gold medal in the 4x100 meter relay ranking US#2, she also was the Silver medal in the 100m (11.39) and 200m (23.16). These were both a personal best. This past summer, Lauren
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Lakewood Teen enjoys a “Silver Lining Season”
September 2015
competed as a member of the 2015 USA Youth World Championship Team in Cali, Colombia. Her teammates Candace Hill and Lauren Rain ran to a 1-2 finish both breaking the all-time World Youth Championship record for the 200m of 22.92. Lauren finished 2nd with an astounding time of 22.90. When asked how she felt about her “Silver Lining Season” she replied, “I couldn’t be happier, I was ready to be a serious contender again. I feel I have accomplished that. My season was great with lots of big meet wins like the Arcadia Invitational and Mt. Sac Relays. “My Silver Lining” is just the beginning, I am thankful to God for allowing me to compete healthy and happy.” Lauren currently ranks among high school competing athletes US#6 in the 100m and US#2 in the 200m World #3 200m.
Don’t forget to make a life!
Recently my husband was fixing an elevator in Laguna Beach. While there, the owner of the house, “Bob,” struck up a conversation. Bob lives in an incredible home overlooking the ocean, a seascape worthy of any artist’s canvas. He has numerous priceless works of art adorning his walls, a kitchen with all the latest gadgets, etc. To the naked eye, Bob appears to have it all. But talking to my husband, Bob expressed some regrets. He said, “You know, I’ve worked hard for this life. I have everything I want. But if I could do it all over again, I would work less and spend more time with my family. They’re grown now, and it’s too late. I can’t get that time back.” The thing is, we get this one life, this amazing life, to do something we love, to help people in need, to express ourselves in multiple ways. Yes, making a living is important, but we also have to make a life with the people we love so that, like Bob, we don’t look back with regret. Balance is the key. Work to make a living. But Live to make a Life! Submitted by Rossana Snee, MFT. Follow her on Twitter @askjoshsmom, Askjoshsmom.com, and https://www. facebook.com/askjoshsmom. She is available in a therapeutic capacity, and also for speaking engagements. Ask about An Afternoon with Josh’s Mom!
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Around Town in September Lakewood • The Lakewood Garden Club will meet on Thursday, September 24 at 11am at the Youth Center at Del Valle Park. After a light lunch, the speaker - master gardener, Monica Gross, will speak on “Get a handle on weeds.” For more information call (562) 867-0516. • The Lakewood Artist Guild will hold their Fall Art Show and Sale for adults and children on Sunday, September 27 at Mayfair Park. Registration is Friday, September 25, 5pm to 7pm, and Saturday, September 26, 9am to 11am. For more information call (562) 270-5737. • Fall Craft Festival - Attention all shoppers! Lakewood’s 34th Annual Senior Fall Craft Festival will be on Saturday, September 26 from 10am to 3pm at the Weingart Senior Center, 5220 Oliva Ave. For more information, call the Weingart Senior Center at 562630-6141. • The Lakewood Women’s Club will hold it’s first Meeting and Luncheon of the new 2015-2016 Club year on Tuesday, September 15 at Sycamore Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. Reception begins at 10:30am, meeting at 11am, Luncheon at 12 noon, followed by the program at 1pm. This special program will be on “Self Defense,” and will be presented by two officers of the U.S. Pre-trial Services. For lunch reservations, call Arlene Roos, 8634933, one week ahead, by Monday, Sept. 7. • The AARP in Lakewood is having their Open House from September 28 through October 1. Address is 3200 E. Carson St, Lakewood. Call or email Flo Henket for more information: 562-4965381 / fhenket@aarp.org.
Long Beach • The California Turtle and Tortoise Club will have their 20th Annual Turtle & Tortoise Care Expo to be held on Sunday, September 20 from 10am to 4pm at El Dorado Community Center, 2800 North Studebaker Rd. For more information visit www.tortoise.org/ttcs.
www.lakewoodnews.org
September 2015
Pick up your pencil and let’s play Sudoku! Congratulations to Carl Espinoza and Diane Seeger! They are the lucky winners of the August Sudoku contest. To be eligible, print your name, address and phone number on a letter size (8½ x 11) piece of paper, cut the finished puzzle from the newspaper and tape onto the paper. Mail entries to: Lakewood Community News P.O. Box 160, Lakewood, CA 90714. Or drop it by the Chamber office at #24 Lakewood Center Mall (right next to See’s Candies). The winners are drawn by random. One entry per household; the answers must be postmarked no later than Tuesday, September 22nd, 2015. The winners will be drawn on Wednesday, September 23rd, and the call to the winners will be made the same day. If a message is left, the prize must be claimed by return phone call within 48 hours (two business days) or a new winner will be chosen. The name of the winners will be published in the October issue, along with a new Sudoku Puzzle.
Thanks to our Sudoku Sponsors:
GOOD LUCK!
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www.lakewoodnews.org
September 2015