Good Kids

A case manager with We Care, left is pictured with Anthony Mejia II, center, and Holden Maney, right, two blessed 12-year-old friends who live in the Rossmoor/Seal Beach area. Anthony and Holden celebrated their 12th birthday with 25 of their closest friends at Deft Touch Soccer in Los Alamitos. The boys were overwhelmed with the generosity of their friends. Their parents thought it would be the perfect time to remind them that there are others less fortunate. The boys decided to take a generous portion of their gift certificates and shop for children sponsored by We Care in Los Alamitos. Mrs. Maney and Mrs. Mejia-Espinosa took the boys shopping and were touched by how excited the boys were to buy gifts for children they did not know. The boys look forward to helping those less fortunate in the near future by volunteering their time and giving to organizations like We Care.

I had the privilege of hearing our daughter, Claire Wood, and 75 others perform Thursday night at the Bellflower Civic Auditorium. The show was amazing. She sings with a group known as the Bellflower Elementary Ensemble under the direction of Mr. Brian Dennis. The Elementary Ensemble is a gem within the Bellflower Unified School District. It is an ensemble group comprised of 5th and 6th graders selected from the 11 elementary schools of the Bellflower district. The group includes 64 singers as well as 11 dancers. In the last two weeks, the Ensemble has performed for various shows including the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, the Bellflower Women's Club, their annual Christmas Concert and at Knott's Berry Farm. Many more concerts are scheduled for the new year including Disneyland and their annual Spring concert. These children work hard and practice long for Ensemble while still required to maintain their schoolwork and grades. The result is a group of talented children that have found their place to flourish. It is a breath of fresh air to find a district, program and director that are dedicated to supporting the arts in a serious and meaningful way. To the Bellflower Elementary Ensemble, we are so proud of you! Keep up the good work.