GIVING MOM AND DAD A BREAK
Wrigley Association and Grace Lutheran Church are offering a “Parents’ Night Out” childcare service for parents who want an evening without the kids Friday, April 17 from 6pm to 11pm at Grace Lutheran Preschool, 245 W. Wardlow Road. Pizza, snacks and a movie will be provided for children age 3 to 10 years. The suggested donation is $20 per child. The event is a fundraiser for the nonprofit neighborhood association and for the preschool, which is building new classrooms. Contact Danny Amat at (310) 210-6829 or wrigleyvillage@att.net. Registration is not required but encouraged because “Parents’ Night Out” is expected to fill up quickly.
A TRUE COMMUNITY EFFORT
In honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Greater Long Beach/San Gabriel Valley Autism Society of America and Easter Seals are participating in Justin Rudd’s “30-Minute Beach Cleanup” in Belmont Shore and inviting adults and kids with autism to attend in an effort to show the community that those with autism are also contributing members of society. The cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, April 18 from 10am to 10:30am. Meet at corner of Granada Avenue and Ocean Boulevard. Bags, gloves, refreshments and door prizes will be provided. Shoes and sunscreen should be worn; school volunteer credits available.
UNAFFORDABLE HOUSING
The Sat., April 18 meeting of the League of Women Voters, Long Beach Area at the Los Altos Library, 13 S. San Antonio Rd., from 10am to noon will feature a panel of local experts on affordable housing. As has been emphasized at the League’s previous meetings on this topic, the needs for affordable housing are greater than the resources available to meet them. The panelists will provide an update on the efforts to provide housing in difficult economic times. This meeting is open to the public at no cost, reservations are not required, and questions from the audience will be invited. Contact Phyllis O’Connor at (562) 438-5478.
HATS OFF!
The National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) will celebrate the 25th anniversary of its Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show on Saturday, April 18. This event will take place at The Centre at Sycamore Plaza, 5000 Clark Avenue, in Lakewood. Reception at 11am; lunch and program at noon.
This year’s theme is “Hats Off To You.” Members will indeed take hats off to founding members as well as to all friends and supporters. Serving as mistress of ceremonies will be 37th Congressional District Rep. Laura Richardson. This event is the major fundraiser for NCNW, and the public is invited. Donation is $65 per person. Proceeds will be used to fund ongoing programs for the benefit of the Long Beach community. Call Kim Evans at (562) 243-5275.
TOWN TALK
Vice Mayor Val Lerch of the 9th District will host a town hall meeting from 6:30pm to 8pm on Wed., April 22 at Community Grace Brethren, 5885 Downey Avenue. Special guests will be City Manager Pat West and Budget Manager Dave Wodynski, who will discuss the city’s budget challenges. Contact Jonda Coman at (562) 570-6137.
TO WED OR NOT TO WED?
The Art Theatre, 2025 4th Street, will host a townhall meeting regarding the California Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Proposition 8. The meeting will be Thursday, April 23, 7pm—8:30pm. Learn how the Long Beach community will contribute to the statewide LGBT response to the decision. Those unable to attend may view the meeting at www.centerlb.org.
Contact Ron Sylvester at (562) 731-0599 or ron@rstvinc.com.
ALL IS “FAIRE”
Children’s Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host “Nightingale Spring Faire” Thursday, April 23 and Friday, April 24 from 8am to 5pm each day at the Houssels Forum at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue. The event will feature more than 60 booths (offering jewelry, clothes, shoes, etc), silent auction baskets, major gift certificate basket raffle and baked goods. All proceeds benefit Miller Children’s Hospital.
A CLEAN SWEEP
The Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association is organizing a spring clean-up of Bixby from 9am to noon Saturday, April 25. Interested volunteers should meet at It’s a Grind, 4245 Atlantic Avenue. Students get community service hours. Refreshments provided. Call (562) 595-0081.
FAMILY FAIR FUN
The annual St. Joseph Parish and Elementary School Fair will be Friday, April 24 through Sunday, April 26 at the school, 6200 Willow Street, at the corner of Palo Verde Avenue. Hours are Friday 4pm—11pm, Saturday 11am —11pm, and Sunday 11am —6 pm. Fair will include carnival rides, games & prizes, a cantina and lots of food. Live music Friday by The Elm Street Band and Saturday by Big Box of Men, each night from 7pm—10 pm.
MAY DAY, MAY DAY!
Long Beach Heritage and the Willmore City/Drake Park community
will celebrate the fourth annual “Spring Into May” May Day 2009 on
Saturday, April 25 from 1pm to 5pm. The event will take place at the Bembridge House and Drake Park, located at 10th Street/Park Circle and Maine Avenue. Park activities are free; tour is $2, free for children under 13. Call (562) 493-7019.
COLOR YOUR WORLD
Color specialist Shoshanah Siegel will offer guidance and inspiration on choosing the best colors for a home in a free presentation at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 25 at the Dana Branch Library, 3680 Atlantic Avenue. For more info, call (562) 427-0440.
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL
A Blessing of the Animals will take place at California Heights United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 26, from 11:30am to 1pm. Bring pets or their picture for a blessing by Pastor Amy Aitken. Pets should be properly leashed or caged. There will also be a petting zoo and other pet information. The church is located at 3759 Orange Ave. Go to www.calheightsumc.org or call (562) 595-1996.
FOR DRAMATIC EFFECT
Dramatic Results is a nonprofit educational arts agency whose purpose is to improve students’ academic confidence and performance through the power of art. Dramatic Results specializes in curriculum that integrates art into other core subjects, meeting California content standards and the needs of a diverse student population. The organization will host an open house at its headquarters at 3310 Lime Avenue on Wednesday, April 29 from 4pm to 8pm. The event will highlight the organization’s programs and there will be free family art activities, basket making, origami, painting, art exhibit, raffle and silent art auction. All ages are welcome. Visit www.dramaticresults.org.
LEARN ABOUT FALLS THIS SPRING
Community Hospital of Long Beach, 1720 Termino Avenue, is offering a free health lecture entitled “Discussing Balance and Falls” with Olfat Mohamed, PhD, PT, Department of Physical Therapy, California State University, Long Beach, from 6:30pm to 8pm on Wednesday, April 29. Falls threaten the health and quality of life of older adults and are usually caused by a number of things. By changing some of these things, we can lower the chances of falling. Learn about what works to prevent falls, as evidenced by scientific research. Call (562) 494-0532 to make reservations.
THE RESULTS ARE IN!
The results of the Hyett Palma Economic Enhancement Study for Bixby Knolls will be shared at a community meeting Thursday, April 30 from 7pm to 8:30pm at the Long Beach Petroleum Club, 3636 Linden Avenue. Call (562) 570-5232 or email Avater_Winborne@longbeach.gov.
SCORES OF FUN
Vice Mayor Val Lerch invites residents of the 9th District to enjoy a Pops Concert at a discounted rate at the Long Beach Arena— “Legends of American Film Music” on Sat., May 16 at 8pm, featuring scores from some favorite films. The performance will be at the Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Tickets are $8 each; call (562) 436-3203 ext. 220 and use the promo code “9th District” to get the discounted rate. Cost of parking is $10 per car. Call Jonda Coman (562) 570-6137.
