February 2012 Archives

Kids aren't the only ones being honored for contributions to the community. A local group is looking for Long Beach and Seal Beach seniors volunteers to honor.

Here's the info:

The Home Instead Senior Care office serving seniors in Greater Long Beach and Seal Beach has announced the Salute to Senior Service program to honor senior volunteers for the tireless contributions they make to their local communities.

 The program will include a search for the most outstanding senior volunteer in each state and culminate with the selection of a national Salute to Senior Service winner during Older Americans Month in May.

 Nominees must be 65 years of age or older and volunteer at least 15 hours a month. Nominations will be accepted at www.SalutetoSeniorService.com through March 15, 2012. Nomination forms also can be requested at ckoehler@homeinsteadinc.com.

 State Senior Hero winners will receive plaques, and their stories will be posted on the SalutetoSeniorService.com website. In addition, $5,000 will be donated to the national winner's nonprofit charity of choice.

 According to research conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care network, 52 percent of seniors volunteer their time through unpaid community service. Nearly 20 percent (one in five) of seniors surveyed started volunteering when they reached the traditional age of retirement - 65 or older. Furthermore, 20 percent of seniors who volunteer say that their community service is the most important thing they do.

 "Helping others defines life for many local retired seniors," said Debbie Teofilo, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office in Greater Long Beach and Seal Beach "And what a difference we have observed in seniors' health, attitude and outlook among those who choose to stay active as they age."

 Dr. Erwin Tan, director of the Senior Corps, a national organization that links more than 400,000 Americans 55 and older to service opportunities, agrees. "The one thing that I hear constantly from the seniors in our programs is that volunteering gives them a purpose in life - they say that it's the reason they get up in the morning.

 "In addition, it's a great way for them to learn new things - whether a skill or just something about an issue in which they have an interest," Tan said. "Volunteering is just a great way to expand their horizons and feel like they're still a valuable part of their community."

 For more information about the Salute to Senior Service program or Home Instead Senior Care, please call 562.596.4884.

 

Kids aren't the only ones being honored for contributions to the community. A local group is looking for Long Beach and Seal Beach seniors volunteers to honor.

Here's the info:

The city of Long Beach has always prided itself about getting kids active in the community. Now there's a chance for youth activists to be rewarded for community service through a national competition sponsored by the Hasbro toy company. Here's the information provided by the Neighborhood Resource Center:

Do you know a young person between the ages of 5 and 18 who has done remarkable community service in the last 12 months?  The 2012 Hasbro Community Action Hero Award recognizes outstanding young volunteers who demonstrate that you are never too young to make a difference in your local or global community.

How Much is the Award?

Five young people (ages 5 to 18) will be awarded an educational scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each at a special recognition event in New York City on May 31, 2012.


What is the Deadline?

Tuesday, March 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m., PST  (Online applications only)


Who is Offering the Grant?

GenerationOn and Hasbro Children's Fund


Who are They?

GenerationOn is the global youth service movement igniting the power of all kids to make their mark on the world.  GenerationOn has brought the nation's leading youth service organizations and programs under one umbrella including New York-based Children for Children, The League, Learning to Give, Points of Light Institute's Kids Care Clubs, HandsOn Schools and HandsOn Network's youth-driven programs.  GenerationOn is supported by an extraordinary $5 million partnership with Hasbro Children's Fund.


What is the Purpose of the Award?

To recognize outstanding young people, ages 5 to 18, for their extraordinary community service and volunteer activities in the last 12 months.


To be Eligible, the Nominee must:

·        Be enrolled in school (grade K-12) and age 5-18 at time of nomination
·        Be a resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia
·        Be available to travel to New York City (with a parent/guardian) for a special, expense-paid, two day, one night trip to New York City on May 31, 2012 - June 1, 2012


Is Information about the Award and Application Guidelines Online?

·        Yes, go to:


·        To Make a Nomination, go to:  



If I have Questions about the Award Rules or Application, Whom Can I Contact?


The above information is being distributed with permission from Elizabeth Kaeser at GenerationOn. The Neighborhood Resource Center has community computers available to help apply for this and other grants.  Please call ahead to reserve time to use the computers by calling (562) 570-1010.  

Please let me know if you submit an nomination (and if you win!)  

Good luck!

Community Cinema will screen the documentary film "More Than A Month" followed by a panel discussion Tuesday, Feb. 28 at Long Beach Public Library Main Branch, 101 Pacific  Ave.
 Shukree Hassan Tilghman, a 29-year-old black documentary film maker embarked on a cross-country mock campaign to end Black History Month. During his journey, Tilghman investigated what the treatment of history tells us about race and equality in a "post-racial" America.

 The Wrigley Association will play host to a debate between candidates for the Long Beach School District Area 2 seat at its monthly meeting Monday, March 5, at 7 p.m. at Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St.
 Incumbent Felton Williams and Ricardo Linarez are contesting the spot and have agreed to attend. The election is the April 10.
 

 A free day of healthy cooking, eating and excercise information will be available Saturday, March 10, when the Junior League of Long Beach presents the 7th annual Kids in the Kitchen Fair from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at  Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.
 According to a press release, the event "will provide parents with resources for healthy choices through entertaining food and exercise related activities such as fitness challenges, veggie bowling, cereal limbo, a bicycle rodeo, kid-friendly snack recipes, games, music and opportunity drawing for prizes."
 Also available will be dental screenings, bike helmets giveaways and bike safety tips and numerous other activities and demonstrations.
Information is availabe online at www.jllb.org or by calling Councilman Dee Andrews' office at 562-570-6816.

 The conversion of the once notorious Palace Hotel in complete. On Wednesday the renovated historical building at 2640 E. Anaheim St. will have its grand opening at 3:30 p.m. The Redevelopment Agency took took control of the property, which had once been a magnet for crime and drug dealing, and transformed it into 13 apartments that will provide transitional housing and services for young adults leaving the state's foster care system.
In Los Angeles County there are more than 22,000 children in foster care and every year 1,400 emancipate. According to UFC, without meaningful intervention, many of these young people will become homeless or chronically unemployed within two-to-four years of leaving foster care.  In California, 36 percent of foster youth become homeless within 18 months of emancipation.

 The Historical Society of Long Beach will play host to a public reading from the latest edition of Long Beach literary magazine "Pearl" on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Society offices, 4260 Atlantic Ave.
 Local poet Clint Margrave, who has been published in New York Quarterly and included in "Beside the City of Angerls: An anthology of Long Beach Poetry" will be the featured reader. He will read from  "The Worst That Can Happen Is You Die," his collection in this issue.
 "Pearl," founded by Joan Jobe Smith when she was an undergraduate at Cal. State Long Beach, is the a long-time independent literary magazine in Long Beach.

 

  A new Community Watch Program will be introduced at the next regular meeting of the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance ( WANA ) Monday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Veterans Park Social Hall, 101 E. 28th Street .

  A new Community Watch Program will be introduced at the next regular meeting of the Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance ( WANA ) Monday, Feb. 27 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Veterans Park Social Hall, 101 E. 28th Street .

  Long Beach Police Department West Diviision Commander Josef Levy, Police Resource Officer Steven Vanden Bosch and Deputy Chief Luna have been invited and are to speak about how Community Watch Programs work.
 The event is free and open to the public. Prior to the formal meeting, residents are encouraged to meet and mingle, beginning at abou 6:45 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
 Information is available by calling 562-427-5021r by  email :wrigleyalliance@gmail.com

Middle Schoolers in the fifth district in Long Beach will be competing in the third annual Solar Grand Prix and volunteers and sponsors are sought. Here's the info from the council office:

.

3^rd Annual Solar Grand Prix Returns to El Dorado Park

Not Just for Students - Volunteers and Sponsors Make the Day Possible

Long Beach, CA - Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske's 3^rd Annual Solar Grand Prix shines a light on solar power once again this Aprilwhen sixty teams from Long Beach area schools compete on the "El Dorado Raceway."  The Solar Grand Prix challenges local students to use scientific know-how, creative thinking, experimentation, and teamwork to design and build high-performance model solar vehicles.

The Solar Grand Prix provides the opportunity for students to employ math, science and engineering outside of the classroom while introducing them to green energy and its applications.

With 60 teams, 240 students and two racetracks, volunteers are needed to help make the event come to life. Volunteers assist with vehicle inspection,

design judging, registration and timing the races. Those with technical expertise are asked to donate time as mentors to student teams between now and race day. Mentors will advise, critique and answer general questions to help the team achieve a mobile solar car.

Car kits from the Segue to Solar Online Store are supplied to the teams and paid for by event sponsors. In addition, teams receive t-shirts, trophies and medals. Current sponsors include Ameco Solar, P2S Engineering, Signal Hill Petroleum and Dr. Mike Walter. All contributions are tax deductible.

The 2012 Solar Grand Prix is Saturday, April 21^st at El Dorado Park (corner of Willow and Studebaker) from 9am to 3pm.

If you would like to learn more or inquire about volunteeror sponsorship opportunities, contact Rachel Powers in the Office of Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske at (562) 570-6932.

With tax season upon us, several organizations want you to know about tax credits you may not know about. Toward that end, the state board of equalization has volunteers who can help residents figure out what they may be eligible for.
 Here's their release:
  The federal government is offering $5,751 in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC) to individuals earning less than $50,000 annually. To help you learn if you qualify, Board of Equalization Chairman Jerome E. Horton is offering free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) events throughout the Los Angeles area to help qualified taxpayers recapture as much as $12,000 in federal and state tax credits.
In addition, taxpayers attending the event at California State University, Dominguez Hills on Saturday February 25 can benefit from services such as low cost or free medical assistance, job preparation, food and nutrition services, and low cost auto insurance.
 "For California to rise above economic uncertainty and succeed, so must her citizens," said Chairman Horton. "I am committed to giving Californians the tools they need to help them achieve economic success."
 In 2009, $1.2 billion in Earned Income Tax Credit went uncollected. Horton said, "As we grapple with balancing the budget, these badly needed funds could be used to stimulate the economy and keep individuals out of poverty. This money could be the difference in helping someone buy their medicines or even save their home from foreclosure."
 Saturday, February 25
CSU Dominguez Hills
1000 East Victoria St
Carson CA 90747
For an appointment call 888-434-8248
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Saturday, April 14
Long Beach City College
4901 East Carson St.
Long Beach CA 90808
For an appointment call 888-434-8248
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The Art Exchange will stage its grand opening and unveil its new Visual Arts Center space today from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the ArtX building 354 E. Third Street.
The additions brings 4,000 square feet of exhibition space and will allow the Exchange to expand its presence to downtown from the Expo Building in Bixby Knolls.
The event coincides with the monthly 6 p.m. Second Saturday Art Walk.
The inaugural exhibition and competition will feature poster art entitled "The B-Word Project: Banned-Blacklisted-Boycotted." It will examine the social and political role of censorship in the lives of local high school and college students.
The poster exhibition runs until March 1. Gallery hours are Thurs -- Fri. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat. noon to 5 p.m.
Information is available on-line at artexchangelb.org.

The North Long Beach Community Action Group is playing host to candidates for the 8th District Long Beach City Council seat for a forum on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Expo, 4321 Atlantic Ave. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidates Al Austin, Lillian Kawasak and Gustavo Riveria are expected to attend.
Laurie Angel, the former North Project Area Committee chair and a community advocate, will moderate. Candidates will give opening and closing remarks and field questions from a media panel and rebut other candidate answers.
Information is available by calling 562-428-7710

The North Long Beach Community Action Group is playing host to candidates for the 8th District Long Beach City Council seat for a forum on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the Expo, 4321 Atlantic Ave. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Candidates Al Austin, Lillian Kawasak and Gustavo Riveria are expected to attend.
Laurie Angel, the former North Project Area Committee chair and a community advocate, will moderate. Candidates will give opening and closing remarks and field questions from a media panel and rebut other candidate answers.
Information is available by calling 562-428-7710

The monthly 3rd District Neighborhood Association meeting was canceled for February due to scheduling conflicts.
According to district office "We were unable to find a Thursday in February that worked for both Councilmember DeLong and a guest speaker."
The meetings are expected to resume, Thursday, March 15, when Mayor Bob Foster is scheduled to speak.

 The former head of the notorious Tuol Sleng or S-21 detention and interrogation center will now spend life in prison after an war crimes tribunal appeals court in Phnom Penh Cambodia extended an earlier sentence to the maximum allowed under Cambodian law.
 It is decision that, although delayed by more than a year, should bring some sense of solace and justice to Cambodian refugees in Long Beach.
 When it was learned that Kaing Guek Eav, also known as Duch, could spend as little as 19 years in prison after his 2010 conviction, many Cambodian elders were outraged.
  Under Duch's supervision, an estimated 12,000 to 16,000 were detained, tortured and executed at the S-21 detention center.
  During the 1975-1979 reign of the Khmer Rouge, upwards of 2 million Cambodians died of execution, starvation, disease and deprivation.
 Sarah Pol-Lim, director of the United Cambodian Community, shared the same reaction to the verdict as several elders in her group after the first sentence.
  "(The elders) feel 35 years is not good enough and I can't blame them," Pol-Lim said. "I just want an apology. Thirty-five years can't bring my father and three brothers back."
 After the initial trial and sentencing, both sides appealed and the earlier conviction was upheld and the existing jail term extended. It's the maximum sentence that can be handed out under Cambodian law.
 The prosecution had argued in its appeal that the earlier judgement gave "insufficient weight to the gravity of Duch's crimes and his role and his willing participation in those crimes." The court dismissed Mr. Kaing's own appeal in which he argued that the ECCC had no jurisdiction over him," according to Newsroom America.
 Although it has been more than 30 years since the Khmer Rouge were driven from power, Duch is the first member of the regime to be convicted. The verdict was handed down almost eight months after closing arguments and a 72-day trial.
  Four higher ranking members of the Khmer Rouge, Nuon Chea, Khieu Samphan, Ieng Sary and Ieng Thirith are now standing trial.

Food Finders is getting into the Valentine's Day spirit with a different kind of fund-raising event that evokes some of the spirit of the holiday without the calories.

Here's the release:

February 1, 2012--Food Finders has launched its first Virtual Bake Sale fundraiser, just in time for the Valentine's Day holiday.

 

Visitors to www.foodfinders.org can choose from a variety of affordably priced baked goods, such as brownies and cheesecake, that can be purchased as a way to support the nonprofit's food rescue program. This Bakeless Bake Sale directly impacts hunger relief, and is an approach to fundraising that seems to be a sign of the online times.

 

"We're hoping people will find this a fun, easy way to donate, and the 'virtual' aspect lets them save themselves the calories! No actual baked goods change hands, but these donations will make a direct, positive impact on our community," said Patti Larson, Director.

 

Food Finders is a multiregional food bank and food rescue program headquartered in Signal Hill that serves the Los Angeles and Orange county area and serves more than 270 nonprofit agencies.

 

Our Mission, Vision, Values

Food Finders is a community-based food rescue organization that serves as a conduit for food, education, and awareness between donors, volunteers, agencies and people in need.

Our vision is to eliminate hunger and food waste, while improving nutrition in the communities we serve. We strive to serve them with integrity, resourcefulness, urgency and respect. We are grateful for all those involved in reducing food waste and for the miracles we see every day.

 Patti Larson

Executive Director

www.foodfinders.org

2301 E. 28th St., Suite 303  Signal Hill  90755

562-598-3003

 The El Dorado Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring St., is hosting a pair of Valentine's Day events on Tuesday, Feb. 14 for old and young alike.
 Here's the new release:

Love Bug Day: Ages 2 to 5
This Valentine's Day workshop is for children ages 2 to 5 and their parents/guardians. We'll make our very own nature-inspired valentines for the love bugs in our lives, and a yummy Valentine's treat. Then, we'll continue the festivities out on the trails of the Nature Center with fun, themed games and stories. This class will take place on Tuesday, February 14, from 10 to 11:30 am at the Nature Center, with a cost of $10 per parent/child.

Valentine's Night Walk: Adults Only
Enjoy your Valentine's night in a unique and romantic way at the Nature Center. Bring your sweetie for an evening of fun while exploring the darkened trails. The night walk will take place on Tuesday, February 14, from 7 to 9 pm, just $5 per person.

Preregistration is required for both events.
To register for these events or find out more about El Dorado Nature Center, call 562.570.1745. For information on other Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine programs, call 562.570.3100 or visit www.LBParks.org and sign up for E-notify.

For those want to get a jump on Valentine'd Day, and do it with a little historical flair, Rancho Los Cerritos is playing host today to an event called Crazy with Hearts.
As part of its Creation Station series, the Rancho, 4600 Virginia Rd., will be available for drop-in arts and crafts from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Here's the release:
"Stop in for an afternoon of good, old-fashioned fun at Rancho Los Cerritos on Saturday, February 4. Create unique seasonal crafts and participate in historically-themed activities during "Creation Station," a drop-in program between 1-5 p.m. for families with children ages 6-11.
"Crazy with Hearts" is themed in time for Valentines Day. Children will have an array of supplies available to make old-fashioned, 19th century Valentines and go on a Valentine's themed scavenger hunt in the historic adobe house.
Additional Creation Station programs will take place on the first Saturday of each month, March-May. Each will focus on a different theme and offer engaging, hands-on activities for youngsters, as follows:
March 3: Play with Clay
April 7: Surprise with Color
May 5: Fun with Nature

For further information contact Meighan Maguire at meighan.maguire@longbeach.gov, call 562-570-1755, or check our website at http://www.rancholoscerritos.org