Registration is now available for the 2016 Summer Program at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. The nineweek Summer Program is offered from June 6 through August 5. Each week has a different exciting theme such as pirates, space, superheroes, jungle, and more. The Club is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and provides fun activities for children ages six years old and up.
Space fills up quickly, so families are encouraged to register early to ensure that their child has a spot.  The weekly summer program is available for just $100 per week. A $10 per week discount is offered for those who pay early. A one-time $65 registration fee is required to join the Club. Contributions from community members help the Club provide free services for active military families. Additional scholarships are available for families who qualify.
A wide variety of fun-filled activities are provided for all ages. Each week features sports activities, arts and crafts, science experiments, game tournaments, weekly theme-based Club challenges, and much more. The Club’s games room includes ping pong, foosball, carpet bowling, pool tables, and a variety of video and electronic games. Special interest classes and clubs are offered at no additional charge and include internet safety, health and nutrition, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) clubs, leadership opportunities, dance, cooking, and much more. Optional field trips are offered for an additional fee each week and include outings to exciting locations such as Thrill It, Knott’s Berry Farm, and the Discovery Science Center.
The Club’s summer program includes a free morning and afternoon snack for all members. Through a partnership with the Cypress School District, the Club also offers a daily lunch program for a nominal weekly fee. Families who qualify for free and reduced lunch receive further discounts.
For more information, stop by the Club at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit the website at www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com.

Raised medians will be the scene for residents driving down Los Alamitos Blvd. as early as next year.
Preliminary designs, a budget and schedule for an improvement project on the boulevard were presented during a special city council meeting on May 2.
Off the bat, the improvement project looks to be a way for the city to increase safety for both motorists and pedestrians on the boulevard as well as increasing the visual appeal of one the most traffic-ridden streets in Los Al.
The visual appeal is something that Councilmember Troy Edgar said as being important for the overall theme of the project.
“Economic development has always been the theme for this project,” said Edgar at the meeting. “We are starting to look dated.”
Mayor Richard Murphy agreed with Edgar that the project would help attract customers to local businesses on the boulevard as well as attract new businesses.
The current “scramble,” as Los Al’s Development Services Director Steven Mendoza put it, on the boulevard currently makes it difficult, and at times dangerous, to visit businesses.
Fourteen different turning movements were found through a study by city engineers to be currently possible on the boulevard. That number includes both turning on and off the boulevard between Catalina St. and Serpentine Dr.
“Raised medians can significantly reduce the complexity of Los Alamitos Blvd. by assuring that traffic moves in a direction that is predictable,” reads the May 2 city staff report.
The project’s design attempts to reduce the chaos of cars turning on the boulevard by including the construction of left turn lanes into the medians at various intersections.
Pedestrian safety was also kept in mind as the project includes the development of offset crosswalks, which forces pedestrians to cross the street one direction of traffic at a time due to its design.
Also, signage inviting visitors to local businesses and dining establishments is planned to be on display on the new medians according to the plan.
“It will bring more pride to the city,” said Councilmember Dean Grose at the meeting.
In total the plan is expected to cost about $2.5 million.
The project is currently split up into three segments.
Segment 1 spans from Katella Ave. to Cerritos Ave. Segment 2 spans from Cerritos Ave. to Los Al’s northern boundary. Segment 3 spans from Farquhar to Katella Ave.
At the meeting, the city council provided direction to move forward with the first segment of the project.
Los Al’s next step for the improvement plan is preparing public outreach materials for segment one and then presenting it to the public in an open house format. The open house was planned for June 6.
A timeline provided with the project says Los Al is planning on finishing its public outreach materials and presentation by July. Then for the next four months would be a public review period until November.
Given that everything is approved and stays on the same timeline, residents can expect outreach about construction on the boulevard to begin by the end of this year.
According to the timeline, construction of the new raised medians in segment one could begin as early as February 2017.

Los Al High School’s Dance program will present its “Stop the Music” show from May 19-21 at the school’s Performing Arts Center. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. each day except Saturday May 21, which will have a 1 p.m. show as well as the 7 p.m. show. For tickets visit lahs-dance.ticketleap.com. Pictured from left to right are Sophia Gasciogne, Juliana Legrand, Faith Ficklin, Jenna Leibl, Kylie Moy, Kimberly Orlando, Sara Lafata, Camryn Sparrevohn, Emma Bandach, Mikayla Hammers, Madison Putnam, Tatiana Tarrio, Teodora Lancaster, Kayla Johnson, Katie Sween, Summer Jennings, Corrina Hofer, Kale Rivera, Lexy Tyler, Katie Wallance, Jasmine Hollomon, Avery Tinsley, Linden Hausman, Ashley Yuen, Emma Leach,  Abby Chernila, Nicole Zuniga.

Summer is fast approaching and outdoor concerts are a summer tradition music fans of all ages enjoy. McAuliffe Middle School is kicking off the summer concert season early with a very special outdoor concert event. The McAuliffe Instrumental Music Program is celebrating the success of their 2015-16 performance season by capping it off with the first “Concert in the Park at the McAuliffe Bowl.” This special concert is a final performance opportunity for the 2015-16 school year and a fundraiser to provide support for the continued success of this amazing instrumental music program.
This event is more than a concert – in addition to a fun evening of instrumental music, students, parents, and music fans in the community will also enjoy dinner – picnic style – at the newly renovated McAuliffe amphitheater. The event will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 5:30 p.m. and all proceeds will go directly to McAuliffe Instrumental Music Program, which benefits the Jazz Band, Orchestra, Cadet Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Philharmonic Orchestra. Proceeds will support the music program with the purchase of new music, repair or purchase of needed instruments, and many other music program needs. This benefit concert will feature McAuliffe instrumental music students performing the music of many popular movies. Attendees will enjoy a Mexican dinner from Borracho Tacos and dessert along with movie themed treats and snacks. Tickets are available now. All students received order forms at school and interested fans may contact event coordinators Cari Ledgard and Suzanne Watts through the McAuliffe Instrumental music program booster club at mc*******************@***il.com for ticket order forms or with any questions.
The McAuliffe Middle School instrumental program serves nearly 200 students with instruction and performance opportunity through it’s band, orchestra, and jazz band programs. Students perform at numerous festivals and competitions each year and have the opportunity to work with dedicated staff and professional musicians to further their appreciation of and development in music.
During the 2015-16 performance season, students in the band and orchestra programs have consistently achieved the highest levels of feedback at music festivals – ratings of “excellent” and superior.”
Additionally, the McAuliffe Jazz Band has won nearly every jazz competition entered during the 2015-16 performance season, even securing a win in a novice high school division at the Fullerton College Jazz Festival. The talent among our student musicians is truly impressive and the Concert in the Park at the McAuliffe Bowl will be an opportunity for students to show what they have learned and achieved this past year.
Come celebrate the success of the McAuliffe Instrumental Music Program, support student musicians, and get ready for the summer outdoor concert season.

The Cypress School District celebrated the pending construction of new state-of-the-art educational facilities during a groundbreaking ceremony at A.E. Arnold Elementary School with city leaders and community members on May 3.
The District said its excited to provide students and teachers with dedicated classroom space to support instruction in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and the arts.
“It is not uncommon to find these types of facilities in high schools, but waiting until then is too late. Research confirms the importance of exposing children to STEM-related experiences at a young age. With early exposure to a broad course of study, children are open to a wider range of interests and possibilities.” said Anne Silavs, Superintendent.
These new classrooms will support the following District efforts:
• Deliver cutting edge instruction for success in college and career,
• Inspire student innovation and creativity,
• Prepare students for jobs of the future, and
• Provide students with a competitive advantage – at the university level and in the job market.
The construction project includes the addition of two new modular classrooms on each of the District’s six elementary campuses. One classroom will be furnished as a state-of-the-art STEM lab to support hands-on, project-based learning experiences for students. The second classroom will be acoustically designed for music and performing arts instruction.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Brian Nakamura, Vice President of the Cypress School District Board of Trustees said, “We are so excited about what these new programs will mean for our students. Our kids are at a time in their lives when they dream about what they will be when they grow up. We are pleased to provide them with educational experiences that will inspire innovation and creativity, and prepare them for the jobs of the future.”
Cypress City Council Member Rob Johnson said, “STEM-related careers are a growing sector in our economy. Providing these opportunities for the children of our community will give them a competitive advantage. I commend the Cypress School District for their wonderful vision for STEM and arts education.”
Cypress School District extends its sincere appreciation to the city and local community for their ongoing partnership in making a positive difference for students. The District plans to begin construction later this month so that these classrooms will be ready for students by the beginning of the 2016-17 school year.
Additional information about these new facilities can be found in the District’s Facilities Master Plan at http://www.cypsd.k12.ca.us/FacilitiesUpdate.

Washington DC was an amazing experience for the 14 Los Alamitos Unified School District middle school students who found themselves performing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 30. Participating in the America Sings Festival, they performed with hundreds of students from around the country during this once in a lifetime experience.

Youth philanthropic volunteers shined at the fourth annual “A Night Among the Stars” awards ceremony held at the Youth Center in Los Alamitos on April 30. All the nominees were recognized at the red carpet event for their outstanding volunteerism with a letter from President Obama and certificates from senators, congressmen and city dignitaries, with the top three being awarded $500 scholarships.
“It’s an incredible feeling to see The Youth Center bring so many outstanding young leaders of our society,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “It brings joy and pride to all of us to see how much these youth nominees have accomplished already.  One person can truly make a difference.”
One $500 scholarship winner was Josie Pearce, 18, of Los Alamitos who overcame personal challenges all the while giving back. Pearce was nominated for the scholarship by Los Alamitos High School’s Principal Brandon Martinez for her more than 1,200 hours service to the Lupus Foundation of America, the Assistance League of Long Beach and a Costa Rica summer project all while overcoming Lupus herself.  “She is a shining example of all that is right with the youth of today,” said Martinez in Josie’s nominating letter.
Another $500 scholarships award winner was Brielle Johnson, 18, of Westminster who eagerly volunteered for Grateful Hearts in Los Alamitos as soon as she turned 14 years old. “Every time she walks in with her million dollar smile, we know she is going to leave us in a wake of ‘getting the job done,’ said Grateful Hearts Executive Director Blair Pietrini in Brielle’s nominating letter.  “Brielle’s zest for life, her willingness to connect, and desire to help other wherever she is … we are trained to recognize as priceless.”
Max Russell, 14, of Seal Beach was awarded the third $500 scholarship for his more than 100 hours work with special needs children in the Friendship Circle. He said he does it mainly for the smiles he gets from the other children, who have taught him a great deal.  “He always has a smile on and is ready for what the day brings,” said his nominating letter from Jocelyn Koff.  “It isn’t always easy to volunteer with kids with special needs, but Max makes the most of it.”
The remainder of the nominees not mentioned already are Cassidy Hornung, 11, of Los Alamitos for her work at the Youth Center, Cassy Lumme, 12, for her work at the Youth Center, Dominic Cashiola, 16, of Long Beach for his work at Urban Community Outreach, Lindsey Torgerson, 17, of Seal Beach for her work with the Seal Beach Lions International Club, Mario Lara, 11, of Huntington Beach for his work with Summer Harvest, Nicole Johnson, 17, of Long Beach for her work with the Youth Center, Pauline Foster, 16, of Seal Beach nominated by Miss Seal Beach, Rylie Long, 17, of Rossmoor for her work with Precious Life Shelter, Sarah Bancroft, 17, nominated by the Girl Scouts, Shira Frank, 17, of Seal Beach for her work with the Los Alamitos Education Foundation (LAEF), and Sophia Gascoigne, 18, of Los Alamitos for her work with Special Olympics,
Nominees outside of the three awarded the $500 scholarships were each given $200 scholarships, and all the funds were provided by the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Rotary Club.  “I want to specially thank Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach for giving scholarships to every single nominee this year,” said Lumme.
“I just really love helping out and making a difference,” said 16-year-old Madison Berry of Long Beach who was nominated by Village Bible Academy’s Leo Club and recently nominated to be District Leo of the Year.  She served in various activities including homeless ministries, visiting nursing homes, and “BeepBall” (baseball for the blind).  Her parents, Mike and Rena Berry, said their daughter is self-motivated and is all the good parts of both of them.
Twins Andy and Kyle Farmer, 17, of Cypress were honored nominees for working more than 5 years at a memory care facility as singers bringing cheer to seniors after becoming involved when their grandmother was suffering from lung cancer and subsequently passed away. “We started then and continued it in memory of our grandmother,” said the young men.  Their mother, Cindy Farmer, said the young men didn’t have any grandparents after their grandmother died, were approached at a facility to sing by one man and woman who sang regularly there, and were asked to join in. “The kids just wanted to give back,” she said. They sang songs like Amazing Grace, which would bring back fond memories for the residents at Valley View Gardens.
Los Alamitos Superintendent Sherry Kropp said, “I think it’s up to all of us to give where we can and when we can to make this world a better place.”

Owen Pearce of Eagle Scout Troop 658 is beginning the preparations of his upcoming Eagle Scout project at Kempton Park in Rossmoor. Owen will be turning an old sandbox into a drought tolerant succulent garden that will serve as a demonstration garden for the community of Rossmoor.
Owen had to raise $3000 for his project and he scheduled three fundraisers. He had a yard sale at his home and a booth at the Rossmoor Community Festival where he sold some of the succulents that will be in the upcoming succulent garden.
On the April 23, Owen put on a spaghetti fundraiser at his home. The spaghetti fundraiser was made possible by the support of local restaurants and businesses. The following restaurants: Griffins Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Franco’s Italian Continental Café and Bakery, Aroma Italiano Café, and Macaroni Grill. Vons, Ralphs, Sprouts, and Spaghettini donated gift cards that also helped with the fundraiser.