The Los Alamitos Friday Night Lights Flag Football playoffs kicked off on Friday at McAuliffe Middle School with over 160 teams and 1500 local kids participating in the exciting event. At the end of the night … only 70 teams remain as the playoffs continue this coming Friday at McAuliffe. There is always tons of action and FUN with any FNL Flag Football game.
This fall, the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF) was excited to learn of two opportunities to support students at Los Alamitos High School through its Ignite Fund. Both the LAHS Show Choir and Hydrogen Endurance Racing Team submitted grant requests for unique opportunities, and the LAEF Board of Directors was excited to help enhance educational experiences for both groups of students.
With LAEF’s donation of $2640, twenty students from the LAHS Advanced Choir Student Leadership Team had a first-time opportunity to participate in the Disney Youth Education Series, Creating a Leadership Legacy on October 5, 2019 at Disney’s California Adventure park. The experience provided these choir leaders with a unique opportunity to learn how to develop their own leadership legacy, become confident in their ability to accomplish goals, and be motivated to achieve the impossible. Skills learned will be utilized to inspire and guide over 300 students at this summer’s Xcite! Camps, where the Leadership Team will serve as lead counselors.
“LAEF is thrilled that the Disney leadership program was a positive experience for the students involved. We are confident it will make them stronger leaders for Show Choir and that the skills will serve them well in life beyond high school,” said LAEF Executive Director Carrie Logue.
The LAHS Hydrogen Endurance Racing Team was looking for ways to increase participation for the 2019-20 race season and reached out to LAEF. With LAEF’s help and a $965 grant, the team purchased parts for a second car. With the additional parts, a second team will design, produce, assemble and complete in the multi-hour endurance races. Giving the team an opportunity to build a second car not only gives more students a chance to participate, but also exposes more students to the engineering department. While building the second car, the students will use the engineering department’s CAD software, 3D printers and CNC machines. They are hopeful it will take the team to the next level; with one car last year, the team advanced to the California State Finals and they are hoping for continued success this year.
LAEF is the non-profit partner of Los Alamitos Unified School District. LAEF enhances educational excellence by providing after-school and summer enrichment programs to children in grades Pre-K to 12. LAEF impacts all students by providing significant funding for STEAM teachers and instruction, as well as igniting new programs and providing valuable resources. For more information, call (562) 799-4700 Ext. 80424 or email info@LAEF4kids.org today!
Mai Tran praised for exemplary service to middle school students
McAuliffe Middle School has honored Mai Tran, a volunteer and school parent, as its 2019-20 Hero of the Heart in a presentation before the Los Alamitos Unified School Board.
Tran is “the very first person everyone calls for any job they want to be perfectly executed from beginning to end,” said McAuliffe Principal Dr. Ryan Weiss-Wright. “She is fearless in her efforts to see that everything she touches is spectacular.”
Tran, who has a daughter at McAuliffe and two other children at Weaver Elementary, has served the middle school in many capacities, among them choir booster vice president and costume coordinator, event chair for the school’s A Cappella Café, PTA organizer for both Teacher Appreciation week and the Honorary Service Award event, Copy Angel and balloon designer for school events, said Cara Vienna, Assistant Principal at McAuliffe.
She called Tran a “selfless volunteer who never wants to be dragged into the spotlight but whose light burns too bright to only keep to ourselves.”
In accepting the award, along with an armload of balloon flowers from the school’s choir, Tran told school board members that “it’s really easy to volunteer when you have a great team like we do at McAuliffe.
The October meeting of the Woman’s Club of Cypress was the annual Inspiration Breakfast. This year’s theme was based on the movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Almost fifty members and guests wore black outfits and pearls, like Audrey Hepburn did in the movie.
The club’s event, called Woman’s Club & Co. Inspiration Breakfast, was organized by member, Sherre Yurenko and her volunteer committee. The theme was carried to all parts of the meeting including a photo backdrop, Tiffany blue decorations and food inspired by the Tiffany’s restaurant.
The breakfast buffet featured snowflake waffles, decorated donuts, bagels with smoked salmon, small quiches, fruit and more. Members enjoyed eating and talking before the program began.
The guest speaker was Pastor Mike McKay of Cypress Church. McKay’s presentation called The Power of Kindness, shared how being kind can make the difference in how we connect with those around us. Kindness is not just being nice, but our actions and thoughts should be bold, courageous, and seasoned with love. Acts of kindness release serotonin and we feel happier.
At the November 6 meeting, the Woman’s Club of Cypress will feature Jesse Anderson as a guest speaker. The public is invited to this free talk regarding “Awareness” and self-defense tips for keeping safe in today’s world. Jesse is a mixed martial arts fitness coach with over twenty-five years of experience. Besides working as a personal trainer, he teaches classes locally in kickboxing, boxing, and self-defense, and has trainer’s certification from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
The Woman’s Club of Cypress holds monthly meetings from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Cypress Community Center, 5700 Orange Avenue, Cypress, CA. Members of the public wishing to hear Anderson’s talk may arrive no later than 11:00 a.m., or earlier to attend the entire meeting. Reservations are not required. For more information, contact Carole Shaw at WCCypressCA@gmail.com or (213) 369-1080. The Woman’s Club of Cypress is a nonprofit philanthropic organization that has been serving the community in various ways for more than fifty years.
By Lauren Cammiso
A partnership with the Los Alamitos Race Track that started over 60 years ago continues to be a crucial part of The Youth Center’s growth. “Not only did the Los Al Race Track help build the original facilities in the late 1950s, they still help us improve and fund more scholarships to this day,” says Lina Lumme, Executive Director of The Youth Center.
Now, thanks to a $5,000 donation from the Los Alamitos Race Track’s Racing to Help Kids Succeed program on October 30th, services at the Center will continue to expand.
This valuable funding will help expand the Center’s literacy program and provide additional tutoring services and scholarships for local families. It will also allow the Center’s after-school programs to build a much-anticipated computer center. The 200+ students that attend the Center’s programs daily will now have access to the internet for their online research and homework needs. “I am so excited! I don’t have to wait until I get home to get my online homework done,” shared Mario Cortez, a student at the Center.
“It is such an honor to continue supporting this great cause that helps develop youth into the future leaders,” says Orlando Gutierrez from the Los Alamitos Race Track.
The funds will be put to use immediately, as more scholarships will be offered and books will be ordered next week.
Since 1952, The Youth Center’s mission has been to transform the lives of one family at a time. For more information, please visit us at www.theyouthcenter.org or call (562) 493-4043.
The Woman’s Club of Cypress has donated two checks totaling $3,800 to Patriotic Service Dog Foundation. The foundation trains and provides service dogs to veterans suffering the effects of PTSD and other disabling injuries. There is no cost to the veteran.
At a club meeting, representatives from the foundation were on hand to receive the donation. Representative, Judy Lipiz, a puppy trainer, brought her current trainee, Cordelia Cook, also known as CC. Veteran, Jim Hardin, was accompanied by his dog, Howie. Both expressed their appreciation for the funds, which are needed for raising, training, and funding the continued support of program canines.
The funds for this project were raised through sales of a cookbook filled with more than 300 recipes, including a few for homemade dog treats. Recipes in the book were contributed not only by members, but also include submissions from NatGeo TV stars Dr. Jan Pol and Dianne Pol; The Honorable Richard V. Spencer, Secretary of the Navy, The Pentagon; Ellyn Dunford, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office, The Pentagon; Cypress Policy Department, and Orange County Fire Authority.
For only $27 including shipping and handling per copy, members of the public may purchase a cookbook and know that their contribution will be used to fund the training of a service dog to benefit a veteran. The book makes a wonderful holiday, wedding shower, or other gift item.
For more information, or to purchase a cookbook, contact the club by email at WCCypressCA@gmail.com, or call Cookbook Chairman, Sherre Yurenko, 714-827-5203
Come one, come all to join the staff and management of the Event-News Enterprise as we celebrate the best of Los Alamitos. The event is free and open to the public Tuesday, Nov. 5 at Wahoo’s Fish Taco on Los Alamitos Boulevard. Please join us for a night of food and food as we celebrate this year’s ‘Best of’ Los Alamitos!
As the nation observes Breast Cancer Awareness month, doctors at Los Alamitos Medical Center say they now have the latest technology to fight the disease.
According to Radiologist Dr. Ankit B. Patel, the latest 3-D technology available to prevent breast cancer is now being used at the Total Care Breast Center, located on the campus of Los Alamitos Medical Center.
He said the process is called 3-D tomosynthesis. The imaging machines that create this technology are starkly different than older generation machines, which instead use 2-D (two dimension) technology.
The technology “is just another tool to give us a better look at breast density and to find smaller areas of asymmetry or architectural distortion,” said Patel.
Once a patient has the 3-D scan, “it is no longer just a static image,” he said. The high-tech machines literally create slices of the breast for medical examination, said Patel.
While the 2-D technology has been used for decades, he said the newer 3-D tomosynthesis has only been used for the past few years. Only now, he said, is the Food and Drug Administration and insurance companies generally covering its cost in prevention.
“Every patient should be able to get it,” he said. Soon, said Patel, it should become the standard of care for breast cancer and breast cancer prevention.
He said the cure rate for breast cancer is improving mostly because of new technologies that allow detection of the earliest sign of the dis ease. He said the rate of detection is determinate upon the rate cure. “The earlier you screen, the better the chance of survival,” he added.
He urges women to perform a “self-examination.” As women, “they know their bodies better than anyone else.”
As such, women should take seriously any breast pain, discomfort, nipple discharge, discoloration, lumps and especially if they notice retraction of the nipple, which he said is, in many cases, a major indicator of disease.
Women should start having annual exams at 40, though age varies, and even younger if there is a family history or genetic predisposition, said Patel.
Statistically, he said, the Los Al area is about average when he comes to the incidence of breast cancer, he added.
He said Los Al Medical already has one 3-D tomosynthesis unit in operation and is looking to purchase another one very soon.
Photo by David N. Young
Los Al Race Track annual contest attracts 300 participants
Make no bones about it, Matt Schiavo’s Dino-Fossil costume topped the 2019 Halloween Costume Contest at Los Alamitos Race Course on Saturday night.
Schiavo’s homemade costume was Dino-mite, as the majority of the dinosaur bones were movable and controlled through strings attached to Schiavo’s body.
His costume was voted the best of the night that had approximately 300 total participants. Now in its 24th year, the annual Los Alamitos Race Course Costume Contest in one of the biggest in North Orange County. Schiavo, who won the 15 and up division, won a total of $700 in cash prizes. The Long Beach resident won $200 for winning his division and an additional $500 as the Grand Prize winner.
“The costume took me about a month to make,” Schiavo said. “A lot of it is ½ inch fencing pipe from Los Alamitos Ornamental Supply. I welded the pipes together and attached it to an old Boys Scout backpack. The rest of it is insulation foam shaped and painted to make it look nice. Making it has been a labor of love. It does take up a lot of space in garage and I pretty much can’t park my car in there, but I’ve had a great time working on it. I love to wear it and the kids love it when they see it.”
No word yet if what’s left of this T-Rex will be retired and put on display at a Natural History Museum.
The Los Alamitos Halloween Costume Contest featured seven different aged divisions. Each divisional winner advanced to the grand finale. In addition to Schiavo’s win in the 15 and up division, other winners included: Enzo Thomas as an explorer in a Yellow Submarine in the 2 and under division; Alexandra Marcos of Anaheim as a character from the movie Pan’s Labyrinth in the 3-4 year old division; Mateo and Andrew Lopez as a Bowl of Spilled Spaghettis & Meatball 5-6 division; Joseph Velazquez of Whittier as a Jack In The Box in the 7-8 division; Manoka Nasu of Tustin as Harry Porter in Uncle Dursley’s home being invited to Hogwart’s Castle in 9-11 division; and Brian Higgins as a Pirate in his Ship in the 12-14 division. The event benefited the Greater Anaheim & Cypress Boys & Girls Club and Los Alamitos Youth Center.
At the conclusion of the carnival, the Greater Anaheim & Cypress Boys & Girls Club and Los Alamitos Youth Center were each presented with a check for $5,000 from Ed Allred, owner of Los Alamitos Race Course.
Photos and videos of the event can be seen on the track’s social media pages on Twitter and Instagram @losalracing. For more information on the event call 714-820-2690.
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The Los Alamitos Unified School District has scheduled a series of community outreach meetings to solicit feedback on draft maps of school board trustee election areas. A professional demography firm hired by the District is preparing the maps, which will be posted on the District website by November 1.
Here is the schedule and location of the community outreach meetings:
In addition, the District had already scheduled two formal public hearings on the draft maps at the District Office Board Room on November 12 and December 10. The hearings will be held during the regular Board meetings which begin at 6:30 PM.
Community members can also submit comment by email at trusteeareaelection@losal.org
The Board of Education will consider public input from the outreach meetings and the formal hearings before voting on a final map of trustee-area boundaries by January 2020. The county and state must also approve the maps before they go into effect for the November 2020 election.
The Los Alamitos Unified Board of Education is moving to a trustee-area voting system because the California Voting Rights Act strongly discourages the current at-large system. Dividing the school district into trustee areas helps ensure that minority group voting rights in the community are protected and not abridged or diluted, according to the statute. Most California cities, school districts and public agencies have converted, or are in the process of converting, to area-based voting. Some school districts and public agencies have been sued for not shifting away from at-large voting. In each case, the public agency has lost and been forced to pay steep legal costs with money that, in the case of schools, would otherwise support students and instruction.
More information about the process of shifting to the trustee-area system, including frequently asked questions and a timeline for implementation, can be found at www.losal.org/Voting.
On Oct. 1, 2019, Frank Vessels Elementary School in Cypress held their 3rd annual oratorical contest. Oratorical refers to the art of public speaking.
According to Principal Mark Holman, this is Vessels Elementary 3rd Annual public speaking contest.
Students in grades first through sixth were eligible to participate. In front of the student body and a panel of judges, contestants recited their choice of a poem or famous speech. Competitors were judged on a variety of skills such as pace, accuracy, tone, volume, clarity, eye contact with audience, gestures/props, and connection to the audience. Our students did a fantastic job presenting their poems and we look forward to next year’s contest.
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By: Tim Rhatigan is with UnitedHealthcare of California located in Cypress
Earthquakes are unfortunately a common occurrence, especially in places with high seismicity, such as California. Because earthquakes occur without warning, it’s important to take steps to prepare.
The Red Cross and FEMA offer tips for a safety checklist to know what to do before, during and after an earthquake. Here are additional reminders of what to do before, during, and after an earthquake.
Before an Earthquake
Create an earthquake readiness plan with your household. Everyone in your family should know what to do and where to go as soon as they feel the vibrations of an earthquake, as well as a common place to reunite after an earthquake in case there is limited or no means of communication.
Be prepared with an earthquake kit comprised of water, food, medications, a first-aid kit, bandages for injuries, a flashlight, batteries, a radio, blankets, a pair of sturdy shoes, a change of clothes and other personal items. Because you don’t know where you will be when an earthquake occurs, prepare a kit for your home, workplace and your car.
In your emergency kit, include copies of important documents – such as insurance policies, financial records, credit card numbers, medical insurance cards, a list of medications and prescriptions, plus phone numbers and addresses for key contacts. Also include a small amount of cash, as ATMs, banks, and credit card systems may not be operating.
Be sure you know how to turn off the water, gas and electricity in your home. A multi-function tool may be needed.
Choose an “earthquake safe location” to take cover in every room of your house, office, school or any place that you go to on a regular basis. This location should be away from windows and any furniture that could fall on you.
What to Do During an Earthquake
Drop down to your knees and cover your head and neck with your arms or an object so that you are protected from any debris or furniture falling during the earthquake.
Stay away from windows and furniture that can fall on you, such as book cases and televisions.
If possible, go to your identified “safe location” or find a wall near the center of the building or house you are in, take cover in a doorway, or crawl under a heavy piece of furniture, such as a desk or table.
If you are outside, get away from anything that could fall on you, such as trees, powerlines, buildings and houses.
If you are in a car, pull over to a spot that is away from trees, powerlines and buildings. Wait in the car until the shaking stops.
After an Earthquake
Once the shaking has stopped, if you are in an unsafe area (ceiling has collapsed, exposed electrical wires, broken glass, gas or smoke odor), find the safest way to evacuate to an open space or take shelter in another area of the building.
Check your water, gas and electric lines for any damage. If they are damaged, shut off the valves. If you can smell gas, open all your doors and windows and leave your home immediately. Report a broken gas line to the authorities as soon as possible.
Do not use candles, matches or any open flames as a source of light. Earthquakes often result in broken gas lines, which should not be mixed with open flames.
Only use your phone for emergencies. You will want to save your battery for as long as possible.
Be prepared to repeat everything in the likely event of aftershocks, which usually happen within the first few days following an earthquake.
Lil Cottonwood Preschool in Rossmoor celebrated its annual Halloween family party. Mrs. Donahue and her students are pictured all dressed up in their costumes. Everyone had a great time, eating, playing games, there was even a ghost piñata! ~ Happy Halloween!
ddShelley Smith, a five-time Emmy-winning reporter for ESPN, recently spoke to the student body at Los Alamitos High School as part of their 2019 Speaker Series as she urged them to seek challenges in the years ahead.
“Don’t hide behind your phones or email,” she said, “do like you did tonight. You made a choice tonight to come out and learn.”
The award-winning ESPN reporter told the students that, despite the daily challenges, she loves every new day of her life. “Sometimes I am overwhelmed,” she said, “but not very often.”
Smith is a very courageous woman. She told the students that she has beat cancer three times. She’s faced breast cancer, melanoma and uterine cancer.
Students flocked into the Los Al Performing Arts Center to hear Smith, whose discussion came on the heels of one of her favorite sports heroes, Jake Olson.
Olson, a legendary blind athlete, has been a friend since before he became blind at age 12, she said. They have remained friends and she has often covered him throughout his career.
In fact, her most recent Emmy Award came as a result of her stories about Olsen.
“Jake Olson is my favorite story,” she said, noting that she had done “a million stories” that have included coverage of every major name in sports today.
Nevertheless, she said Olson was special. After telling a heartfelt story about the day Olsen lost his only good eye to cancer of the retina, she said “he has never felt sorry for himself. No one ever treated him differently. He always knew there was a reason he had to go blind.”
Olson inspired the nation as a deep snapper on the USC Trojan football team.
“Do you feel different,” Smith asked, telling students to be proud of what makes them different, holding out Jake Olson as an example.
A former writer-reporter at Sports Illustrated, Smith has written extensively for ESPN.com and various ESPN in-house entities. She also has written three books – “Just Give Me The Damn Ball,” with former New York Jets and current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson, “You Play to Win The Game,” with former head coach and current ESPN analyst Herm Edwards and “Games Girls Play: Lessons to Guiding and Understanding Young Female Athletes.”
There is only one way to overcome life’s hurdles, said Smith, encouraging students to “make a plan” then stay on the path, “putting one foot after the other. It’s the only way,” she said.
She has covered just about every sporting event in existence, including the Super Bowl, NBA Finals, college football and basketball.
Smith continues to help spread the importance of early detection in breast and other kinds of cancers and has consulted with numerous charities, including the V Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the National Breast Cancer Foundation. She teamed with InfiniteLimitsMedia, a production group out of Seattle, to document her first post-treatment mammogram, done on state-of-the art 3D machinery. Entitled, “Triumphant,” for the first time, doctors had proof that the cancer is gone.
She was introduced to the group by Kiva Spiratos, Asst. Principal of Activities for Los Al High School.
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Nathan Anderson of Cypress achieved the rank of Eagle Scout on July 23, 2019 and a Court of Honor ceremony was held on October 12 at Christ Community Church in Buena Park.
The ceremony was conducted by youth members of the Santee Chapter of the Order of the Arrow, of which Nathan is an active member. The Order of the Arrow is the national honor society of scouting. Cypress mayor Stacy Berry was in attendance and presented Nathan with a certificate of recognition from the city. Certificates were also presented on behalf of the city of La Palma and from the Buena Park Rotary Club.
Nathan is the son of Doug and Mya Anderson. He is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 650 in La Palma, which is chartered to the La Palma Kiwanis Club. Nathan served as the senior patrol leader of the troop.
To earn the rank of Eagle, a scout must earn at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate leadership and community service by organizing and carrying out an Eagle Project. For his project, Nathan designed, assembled, and installed plant and tree identification signs at Turtle Rock Nature Center in Irvine.
Nathan is a junior at Oxford Academy in Cypress and plans to attend college to study engineering.
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Mayor Stacy Berry was formally installed as First Vice President of the League of California Cities Orange County Division. The Board was elected earlier this month by a vote of the entire Orange County Division membership, with the installation ceremony taking place during the annual League of CA Cities Conference in Long Beach. Mayor Berry has served on the Board for three years, as Second Vice President last year and the previous two years as Second District Representative.
“I am honored to continue serving on the Board and work alongside President Gene Hernandez and the entire Board of Directors. Many topics of concern cities face warrant a collaborative approach. Our Board is committed to looking at issues from a regional perspective, keeping our members updated on the latest news from Sacramento and protecting local control,” said Berry.
The League of California Cities Orange County Division is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors under the leadership of the Division President. The Orange County Division is comprised of 33 of the 34 cities in the County and serves as an integral part of the grassroots advocacy core of the League of California Cities.
The ceremony took place Oct. 17.
For more information, please visit the League of California Cities website at www.cacities.org.
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The annual Woman’s Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) Holiday Marketplace will be held on Nov. 2, 2019 at Grace First Presbyterian Church, 3955 Studebaker Road, Long Beach, 90808, in the main hall. 9:00 am – 2:00pm.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to get a jump start on your holiday shopping of handmade fabric creations, garden greenery, jewelry, edible delights, holiday and home décor, and much more. There is even lunch and desserts available!
PEO is a philanthropic organization. 100% of the proceeds goes towards the advancement of women through educational scholarships and loans.
The Marketplace help fund over 40 different scholarships and a Loving Concern fund for those in financial crisis. PEO also offers 2% student loans.
For information about The Marketplace call Anna McFarland at 562-882-3380; for any of our philanthropies you can email peolongbeach@gmail.com.
Colonel Nick Ducich, Commander of the Joint Forces Training Base (JFTB), will be the guest speaker at the next Cypress Chamber of Commerce Networking Breakfast on Tuesday, November 12th at the Residence Inn by Marriott at 4931 Katella Avenue starting at 7:30 a.m.
At the breakfast Col. Ducich will provide attendees an update on his vision for future plans and initiatives to be implemented at the base and share an overview of their current operations and mission.
Col. Nick Ducich is currently the Asst. Division Commander – Support for the 40th Infantry Division and Installation Commander for Joint Force Training Base – Los Alamitos. Some of his previous military assignments include Commander of the 79th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Commander, Multi National Battle Group East – Kosovo and Commander of Joint Multinational Training Group – Ukraine among many other postings.
Reservations are recommended for the monthly breakfasts and can be made directly on the Cypress Chamber website at cypresschamber.org. For more information call 714-484-6015. Cost of the breakfast is $20 in advance or $25 for nonmembers or those who do not register in advance.
“Once Upon a December” rumors ran amok about a Grand Duchess’s survival against all odds. The story of Anastasia persisted for close to a century, giving birth to a 1956 movie, a 1997 Disney animated film and the hot Broadway musical “Anastasia,” playing at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts November 5 -17, 2019. Sadly, DNA testings’ of the Romanov’s bones have disproved the legend but blending historical fact with romantic fiction does make for a visually stunning musical presentation.
Today’s retelling of Anastasia’s story is more fantasy than fact but there is a tiny sliver of truth in the storyline. After Anastasia with her entire family was assassinated by the Bolsheviks in 1918, her grandmother, the Dowager Empress Maria Feodorovna, who had fled to Paris, never “Shut the Door” on the possibility of the youngest Grand Duchess’ existence. The rumors persisted for decades and numerous Anastasia aspirants claimed to be the unforgotten Royal.
The latest re-incarnation of “Anastasia” is a delightful fairytale with real human emotion. The Disney animation springs to life on stage with a multi-talented cast singing and dancing a few (6) of the film’s favorite tunes along with 30 new songs. Carrying the plot forward is Anastasia’s Nana, the Dowager Empress played by Joy Franz.
Franz, who has worked with renowned Broadway luminaries from Fosse to Sondheim, brings her vast résumé of experience to her role. Her first New York show was “Sweet Charity “and her illustrious career has included such blockbuster hits as “Pippin” and “Into the Woods,” among many. She says “I have been a successful, working actress and yes, I am grateful to have been able to support myself in the world of theater.”
Franz hadn’t seen the animated “Anastasia” prior to joining the tour. She has, however, done her homework on the Romanov’s history. She says “I did see the original film and of course, I was aware of the Romanov’s. They ruled as Russian Tsars for over 300 years. I did study the real life Dowager and it was helpful that the cast was given research material to read.”
She continues “Playwright Terrence McNally was inspired by the Romanov story and the Disney animation, writing a marvelous show filled with impressive projections, glorious staging, dazzling dancing, brilliant ballet, con men and comedy.”
When descripting the musical, Franz first comment was “It’s a magnificent score with the lyrics of Lynn Ahrens combined with the music of Stephen Flaherty, well it’s just brilliant. Add in the visuals created through projections, music, dancing and humor and you have a near perfect musical.”
“Anastasia” has a little of something for everyone. If humor is your thing then the comedy team of Countess Lily (Tary Kelly) and con man Viad (Edward Staudenmayer) provide plenty of laughs. It is, however, according to Franz “a very inspirational show. Its message is to never give up on your dreams as you work towards their fulfillment. ‘Anastasia’ is about love, hope, family and discovering yourself. It’s not just a princess show for little girls, it’s a wonderful story for boys, too and adults, grandparents, people of all ages because of the encouraging message.”
The musical is Anastasia’s story but it pivots around Franz’s character, the Dowager Empress, who never gives up on finding her granddaughter. She offers a reward for evidence of Anastasia’s existence and never let’s go of hope that she’s alive. This is what sets off the plot that takes audiences on a journey from aristocracy-free Russia to Roaring Twenties Paris. (An interesting historical side note is that while the reward is essential to the plot, in real time a monetary reward was never offered and although numerous wanna-be Anastasia’s came forward, the Dowager Empress never acknowledged them).
Franz as the Dowager has been described as both regal and intimidating. Critics have also said of her that she brings real emotion to her role with a beguiling genuineness that touches the heart, especially in the scenes where she is Nana to the young Anastasia.
The opening scenes with Nana and child are heartwarmingly lovely. It is, however, the recollection scene, in the second act, where the Dowager Empress accepts that Anya really is Anastasia, that Franz says contains “the most poignant and important line in the show.” In this scene Anya/Anastasia says “Do you remember the last time you saw me?” and I, as Nana, reply “I didn’t know it was the last time. We never do, we never know which good-by is the last.” Franz adds “that is the most important line because we can all resonant with it. We just don’t know what may happen and so we should embrace those moments we have with family and friends.”
“Anastasia is a delightful spectacle of a show that takes audiences on a virtual reality train ride through the snowy Russian landscape to the cherry blossom lined avenues of Paris, backlit by the Eiffel Tower. Aaron Rhyne’s artistic projections are the star of the show as they seamlessly shift mood and locale as the story unfolds. Topping the sensational staging is superb lightning, magnificent costumes, and dynamic dancing ranging from a spirited Charleston to a mini ‘Swan Lake.’
All of the above are key ingredients in making “Anastasia” a ‘must see’ musical at the Segerstrom Center. Franz agrees, but what she likes best about “Anastasia” is that it makes people happy. She says “They cheer, even scream, they make us feel like rock stars. It just goes the full circle; drama, comedy, music, and romance. It makes audiences stop and reflect on the things of value – home, love and family.”
“From the Last Dance of the Romanov’s” to final curtain call “Anastasia” will warm the hearts of folks big and small. There’s “Everything to Win” at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts with the musical “Anastasia” playing November 5 – 17, 2019. Or tickets and information Online, SCFTA.org; in person: The Box Office, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa; Phone, 714-556-2787. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
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La Palma-Cerritos American Association of University Women (AAUW) members, Celia Spitzer and Marilyn Forrstrom, prepared an ice cream sundae social time prior to the branch’s General Meeting on Thursday, October 17, 2019, at Cerritos Park East in Cerritos. The ice cream social was chosen especially because this was a special meeting to recognize and honor the students, who were sponsored by the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW to attend the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Tech Trek Camp at Whittier College in June this year. They were invited to come as guest speakers to share information about the classes they studied and their activities at the Whittier Tech Trek Camp.
President Harriet Moses welcomed members and guests and invited everyone to enjoy the ice cream and toppings that were prepared for them. Approximately 46 members, students, and guests came to hear the Tech Trekkers. Special guests included the parents and relatives of the girls, and seven staff members of Walker Jr. High School, including Mrs. Jennifer Brown, Principal of Walker Jr. High School.
One of Walker’s teachers who came was Mrs. Suzanne Duris. Mrs. Duris nominated two girls last year and two girls this year who were selected by the La Palma-Cerritos Branch to attend the Whittier Tech Trek Camp.
Two special certificates were presented before the girls’ Tech Trek Power Point Presentation. Tech Trek Co-Coordinator Celia Spitzer presented Certificates of Recognition to Hannah R. and Arianna P. from Fedde Middle School in ABC Unified School District, on behalf of California Senator Bob Archuleta of the 32nd Senate District in Los Angeles County. Both girls then received Certificates of Recognition from California Assembly member, 58th District, Cristina Garcia, which were presented by Viviana Gomez, Cristina Garcia’s Field Representative in Los Angeles County. The girls were honored for each receiving a $950 Camp Sponsorship from the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW branch to attend a one-week STEM Tech Trek Camp at Whitttier College in June of 2019.
Harriet introduced Program Co-VP Karen Cox, who introduced Tobi Balma, a Founding Member of the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW branch and Assistant Director of the Whittier Tech Trek Camp this past June.
Tobi served as moderator of the Whittier Tech Trek 2019 Presentation and introduced each of the eighth-grade girls on the panel. The girls were Hannah R. and Arianna P. from Fedde Middle School from ABC Unified School District, Gracen G. and Hannah H. from Walker Jr. High School in Anaheim Union High School District. A special panel member was Naima D., who was sponsored by the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch to attend Tech Trek three years ago. She is currently in the 10th grade at Cerritos High School and served as a junior counselor at the camp this June
Tobi explained that the girls were immersed in STEM all week. She showed slides of the classes that they attended in the 2019 Camp which included Biotechnology, Engineering Design, Cybersecurity, Crime Scene Investigation, and Math. The girls commented on the different classes they attended as their pictures were shown in the class that they were involved in at the time.
Tobi explained that the girls had different workshops on physics and math, and also a workshop about what is required to go to college. They also took field trips to the Downey Columbia Memorial Space Center and the Whittier Cadaver Lab. There was also one evening when the campers met Professional Women in STEM fields, including former Tech Trek Campers, one who is now a Rocket Design Engineer, and the other is now a Physical Therapist.
The girls were asked to tell what their favorite part of the Tech Trek Camp was. It was evident that they all were most impressed with the seeing the Whittier Cadaver Lab and meeting the Professional Women individually at the night meeting. Both Hannah R. and Hannah H. said that were amazed at what they learned at the Cadaver Lab and said they would not forget all that they saw at the lab.
Hannah H. participated in the Engineering Design class and learned about building bridges with different materials, but her new interest in forensics began after she visited the cadaver lab.
Gracen G. said she used math practically in creating a business plan, flyer, and logo for the Juice Bar that her Numbers Count class created. Arianna P. said she was impressed with the Crime Scene
Investigation class and thought it might be a possible future career for her. Hannah R. was part of the Biotechnology class and learned about DNA. She also did some experiments with genetic modification.
Naima D. said that going to the Whittier Tech Trek Camp three years ago helped her to prepare for studying STEM subjects in high school. She said that, as a junior counselor at the camp this year, she helped the senior counselors and teachers in their classes and workshops. She and the other junior counselors woke the girls up at 6:30 a.m. to make sure they were not late for breakfast or their classes. Naima, and all the girls on the panel, said that coming to Tech Trek Camp helped them to gain more confidence in speaking publicly before large groups of people. They said that they would remember all that they learned and the special activities that they did at the Whittier Tech Trek Camp. They also said that they hope people would continue to donate funds so that more eighth-grade girls would have the opportunity to attend a Tech Trek Camp at Whittier College in June of 20120. Those who were not present the meeting but would like to donate money for Camp Sponsorship can contact La Palma-Cerritos AAUW Branch Treasurer Marilyn Forrstrom at Mljforrstrom@verizon.net on how to donate.
President Harriet Moses thanked Tobi Balma for preparing outstanding Power-Point Presentation, and the girls for coming and sharing their experiences at the Whittier STEM Tech Trek Camp. Members and guests learned more about what the girls learned about STEM subjects at the camp and their activities. Members hope that the girls may have had life-changing experiences at the camp that will inspire them to prepare for STEM careers.
Harriet apologized that Certificates of Recognition for the girls from Walker Jr. High School were not available that night from the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW and from representatives for cities in Orange County. Tentative plans are being made to present Certificates of Recognition from Orange County representatives for California State Senator Ling Ling Chang, 29th Senate District, and California State Assemblywoman, 65th District, Sharon Quirk-Silva. Certificates will be presented to Gracen G. and Hannah Hughes on Tuesday, November 5, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the La Palma City Council Chambers, 7822 Walker Street in La Palma.
For more information about the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW, contact Harriet Moses at 714-994-1487.
Photos and I.D. by Edna Ethington (except for #6)
More photos from An Ice Cream Social for Tech Trekkers, October 17, 2019
(This picture was taken by Maria Cecilia Borja Van Zitter, not Edna Ethington.
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