IS HAPPINESS A CHOICE?
Family Outreach Counseling Services is offering affordable seminars as an outreach to the community on Thursdays from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Bixby Business Center, 4401 Atlantic Ave, Ste 200. Tonight, join Dr. Mary Simms as she helps participants understand if the circumstances in their lives really determine their joy or if they simply need to “re-frame” their thinking. Dr. Simms will help participants identify the symptoms, causes and struggles of sadness and depression when life has not fulfilled once desired dreams. The cost is $20 per person. Visit www.seminarsforgrowth.org for more info or RSVP at registration@seminarsforgrwoth.org.
A CLEAN SWEEP
Join Councilmember Dee Andrews and Wrigley Area Neighborhood Alliance (WANA) at the 6th District alley and street clean-up Saturday, February 14 from 9am to noon. Meet at the southeast corner of 20th Street and Pacific Avenue. Refreshments, tools and supplies will be provided. Tires and electronic waste (anything with a cord) will be accepted for proper disposal. High school community service hours available. Visit www.litterfreeLB.org or contact Jill at (562) 599-1822.
TO NOT SAY “BYE-BYE, BIRDIE”
Come join friends and neighbors to count for fun— count for the future and help contribute to conservation efforts in Long Beach. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine El Dorado Nature Center presents the Great Backyard Bird Count on Saturday, February 14 from 10am to 2pm at the Nature Center, 7550 E. Spring Street. Bird and nature fans of all levels of expertise are invited. A bird walk led by an Audubon expert will begin at 10am. Bring the whole family for fun activities, crafts and educational information. For information about the bird count, or to sign up, contact a naturalist at (562) 570-4876.
THE NAACP IS A CENTURY OLD
The Long Beach Branch NAACP will present A Centennial Celebration Gospel Festival to celebrate the NAACP’s 100th anniversary. The Festival will take place Friday, Feb. 20 at 6:30pm at California State Long Beach’s University Theater, 1250 Bellflower Blvd., located off 7th Street. Featured musicians will be Lori Grace, E’mon E. White, Auvrell Christophe, Morningland Choir, Victory Institutional Baptist Church, Shalana Baugus, Long Beach City College Choir, Alvin Hayes, Erma Vernardo, Ebrie, Zoe Christian Fellowship Dancers, Mary Butler Middle School Gospel Choir, Jefferson Middle School Gospel Choir, Gospel Radio Personality Edna Tatum, Zenity Dance Co., and John Edwards. Admission is $15 and tickets may be purchased at the door. Email hrnaacp@gmail.com for more info.
ON THE VERGE OF VOLUNTEERING?
Faith In Action /Volunteer Action for Aging will host a training to educate the public about the needs of frail, older and disabled adults in the community on Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 12:30pm. The organization is non-profit program committed to helping seniors and disabled adults maintain their independence and remain in their own homes for as long as possible. Volunteers visit or call a disabled adult or homebound senior who lives in the Los Angeles County area. Contact Blanca Martinez at (562) 637-7103 or email bmartinez@scanhealthplan.com.
OUR TOWN
Sixth District Councilman Dee Andrews will host a Town Hall meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 24 from 6pm to 7pm at the MacArthur Park Social Hall, 1321 East Anaheim Street. This month’s topics include the MacArthur Park proposed enhancement project, public safety, and infrastructure. Sixth District residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to discuss issues that affect them and their neighborhoods. Each gathering offers individuals a chance to connect with City Staff in order to communicate concerns and to work together to improve our community. Free parking is available and refreshments will be served. Call the Office of Councilman Dee Andrews at (562) 570-6816.
CALLING MUSICAL THEATRE FANS
The Friends of Music at California Heights United Methodist Church will present the program “Celebrating Music of the Theater” on Saturday, February 28. This dinner theatre fundraiser for the choir, Fire Within Us, will include selections from Porgy and Bess, Gypsy, Company, and other shows. Dinner is at 6pm with the program at 7pm. Suggested donation for the dinner is $20. Tickets available pre-sale or at the door. The church is located at 3759 Orange Avenue. Go to www.calheightsumc.org or call (562) 595-1996.
TO YOUR HEALTH
Community Hospital of Long Beach will host a free health lecture— “There is More to Diabetes than you can Imagine!” — with Linda Basile, RN, certified diabetes educator, on Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30pm to 8pm. There are 23.6 million children and adults in the United States who have diabetes. While an estimated 17.9 million have been diagnosed, 5.7 million people (or nearly one quarter) are unaware they have the disease. In addition, there are 57 million Americans who have pre-diabetes. Learn more about how to live with diabetes and help those you love who are diagnosed. Call (562) 494-0532 to make reservations. The event will take place in the hospital’s auditorium at 1720 Termino Avenue.
