Alexandrea Lindsey, 16, Junior at Los Al High School, is one of only 17 semifinalists in the ballet category for The Music Center’s Spotlight program, a free nationally-acclaimed scholarship and arts training program for teens.
Lindsey is also headed to New York in April as a semi finalist for Youth America Grand Prix, which is one of the biggest, most prestigious ballet competition in the world. This will be Lindsey’s second time traveling to New York as a semifinalist for YAGP.
Spotlight provides opportunities for Southern California high school students to acquire skills to pursue their artistic dreams in the performing arts along with valuable workforce readiness skills.
In total 111 Southern California students were named semifinalists in seven categories: acting, ballet, non-classical dance, classical voice, non-classical voice, classical instrumental and jazz instrumental.
Spotlight semifinalists attend special master classes with highly regarded artists, who share their expertise on performance technique, training and professional life.
Students are offered feedback on their performances giving them a rich learning experience. Each semifinalist will audition again before a new panel of judges, who will then select the top two finalist performers in each category for a total of 14 Grand Prize Finalists. Judges will also name an Honorable Mention in each category.
Both Grand Prize Finalists in each category receive $5,000 scholarships, with one Honorable Mention in each category receiving $1,000. Semifinalists each receive $300. The students will perform at Walt Disney Concert Hall at The Music Center in the Spotlight Grand Finale Performance on June 11, 2016.
“With Spotlight, young people have the opportunity to see what it is like to take risks and learn how to prepare for the important transitions in life,” said Jeri Gaile, director of The Music Center’s Spotlight program.
“While students compete in this program, they are mostly competing with themselves as they build self-esteem and learn how to persevere to achieve their goals,” she said.
“We are not only helping students advance their journey as they explore their professional goals, but also offering them experiences, coaching and feedback to develop the critically important life skills that help them achieve success,” said Rachel Moore, president and CEO of The Music Center.
The Music Center is located at 135 N Grand Avenue in Los Angeles. For more information visit musiccenter.org and follow The Music Center on Facebook and Twitter (@MusicCenterLA).
Local dancer lands semifinal spots
A Night among the Stars nominees
Youth philanthropic stars will shine at the 2016 A Night Among the Stars awards ceremony at the Youth Center in Los Alamitos on April 30. Seventeen nominees will be formally recognized at this year’s event for their selfless volunteer efforts. Three will be awarded $500 scholarships and all nominees will receive certificates of recognition and letters of recommendation.
“These stellar volunteers are what make our community thrive,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “This is their night to shine.” This year the Los Alamitos/Seal Beach Rotary Club is helping the Youth Center to offer the scholarships. “We felt that A Night Among the Stars would be consistent with our Rotary philanthropy goals of support for local charities,” said Rotary Club President Dr. Milt Houghton. “Our choice of this event came from a desire to make the greatest impact on our community with the money we had available.”
Milt said that their support for the event came about as a result of a Rotary District 5320 matching grant where each year members of the club make donations to the Rotary International Foundation. After three years, 25 percent of this money is made available to the club in the form of a matching grant from which they decided to help offer the scholarships.
The 2016 A Night Among the Stars nominees and their nominating organizations include:
• Andy Farmer of Cypress – Memory Care Assisted Living Home
• Kyle Farmer of Cypress – Memory Care Assisted Living Home
• Brielle Johnson of Westminster – Grateful Hearts
• Cassidy Hornung of Los Alamitos – The Youth Center
• Cassy Lumme of Lakewood – The Youth Center
• Dominic Cashiola of Long Beach – Urban Community Outreach
• Lindsey Torgerson of Seal Beach – Seal Beach Lions International
• Madison Berry of Long Beach – Village Bible Academy Leo Club
• Mario Lara of Huntington Beach – Summer Harvest
• Max Russell of Seal Beach – The Friendship Circle
• Nicole Johnson of Long Beach – The Youth Center
• Pauline Foster of Seal Beach – Miss Seal Beach
• Rylie Long of Rossmoor – Precious Life Shelter
• Sarah Bancroft of Los Alamitos – Girl Scouts
• Shira Frank of Seal Beach – Los Alamitos Education Foundation
• Sophia Gascoigne of Los Alamitos – Special Olympics
• Josie Pearce of Los Alamitos – Los Alamitos Unified School District
Ballet studio is given nonprofit status
Strong Ballet Academy, the subsidiary of Strong Dance Studios, has applied for and been granted non-profit status. With this designation, they are committed to ensuring that dancers from all backgrounds achieve exposure to the Performing Arts through a merit-based scholarship program. The Academy produces two ballets every year: a summer production and the Christmastime favorite, The Nutcracker. This summer’s production is Coppélia, and will be held on July 17 at Servite High School Theatre. For details visit www.strongdancestudios.com.
Veterans Voices: A wounded pilot’s determination
Desmond Xavier Sengele, Jr. was born in Victoria, Texas in 1921.
In his early childhood, Des was a mischievous boy. He’d ride his bicycle fifteen miles to go fishing and/or hunting, never telling his parents. They rarely disciplined him.
One day, as a teenager, he rode his bike down a steep street standing on the bike seat. People who saw him were scared he’d fall and hurt himself. They told his parents, “Get him to stop.“ But his parents came with a camera. They told Des, “Do it again. We want to snap your photo.”
Desmond dropped out of high school. He managed to get enough money to open a filling station and operated it for a year. He was very mechanically minded and could build or fix almost anything. He loved motorcycles and boats, and built them from anywhere he found “scraps.”
He sold that business, and graduated in 1940, at age 19.
Meanwhile, he learned to play the drums, guitar and the xylophone. He loved Glenn Miller music, and really liked Bob Wills, Chet Atkins, and Hank Williams. Des was also a great jitterbug dancer.
Desmond Sengele enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Corps in February 1941. He was stationed at Eagle Field in Dos Palos, a small town in central California. There he learned much needed discipline from non-commissioned officers, and conformed to rules and regulations. Gradually, he learned to fly numerous types of airplanes including Bell P-39 Air-cobra’s and P-63’s.
With all his training and experience in flying, he became a Fighter Pilot Instructor (FPI.)
He trained hundreds of new pilots starting them in small planes, then taught them various combat maneuvers such as how to strafe and dive-bomb, and also how to fly high enough to protect the large bombers from enemy aircraft. Different maneuvers were dangerous and required more hours in the air. Des worked very hard in training his squadrons.
Serious problems arose from time to time. Numerous planes had engine cut outs, but Des was able to start them. He got into those planes and corrected the faults and stalls. He fixed many planes and gave details to the mechanics so they could fix those defective problems.
The worst of all his Air Force experiences was that he also witnessed the death of several of his trainees due to some planes being faulty.
He loved serving in the Air Force. He became First Lieutenant Desmond X. Sengele, Jr. and was within six weeks of being promoted to the rank of Captain.
On May 28, 1944, while training other pilots, his plane engine stalled. He couldn’t restart it. The gliding plane lost all altitude and crashed into a row of treetops.
Due to the severe impact, Des became unconscious. Some minutes later when he came to, he realized he was alive and felt his face had been badly scratched by all the tree branches and heavy brush. He also smelled gasoline fumes. He knew he had to get away from the burning plane in case it would blow up.
Despite all his body pains, he struggled to pull himself out on the wing and painstakingly allowed himself to fall to the ground and crawl away as far as he could manage.
Two pilots flew above the crash site, trying to determine their commander’s plight.
Des managed to wave his white scarf to show them he was alive.
They dipped their plane wings to show they saw him. They reported his crash site, but were so new in their training, that they did not take proper bearings of his location.
As Des lay on the ground, suffering not only from his facial injuries, he also felt sure his right leg was broken and surmised he also had a spinal injury. He felt cold. He wondered when he would be rescued.
Time passed. He looked at his wristwatch many times, hoping he would be found before dark. Approximately six hours later, Jack Mullins, a forest ranger who saw the smoke from the crash, found Des. Jack aided in trying to make Des as comfortable as possible by putting his own jacket over Des’ arms and back. Jack’s presence comforted Des while they chatted.
Other rescuers arrived about an hour later. They explained they had to use machetes to cut a path through the bushy terrain. Working together, they managed to get Des into an area where he was lifted into an ambulance.
He was flown to Brook General Hospital in San Antonio and stayed there a little over a year as he recovered from his spinal-cord injuries. He lost the use of both legs at age 22.
Whenever family members went to the VA Hospital, they always found the nurses and doctors were highly respectful and kind to Des.
After his accident and gradual recovery, Des went back to Victoria and lived a relatively normal life, except not being able to ever walk again. If his legs didn’t work his mind did.
No one ever heard him complain about being in a wheelchair. He just kept rolling on doing the best he could.
He never stopped living a determined full life. As a hobby, he drew house plans for friends. He also supervised the construction of small, modest homes. He was a great builder, and he made sure everything was done right the first time,
In 1966, he built his dream home so his family could live in a nice, 5000 square-foot, single story custom-built home.
No one ever heard him complain about being in a wheelchair. He just kept rolling on doing the best he could despite his inability to walk. He always did things for his family and many friends. He worked very intensely, especially, to provide for his family.
Des retrofitted a tractor so he and his family could cultivate the rows of cotton on their farm.
In his spare time he built boats.
Des and Ruth Ann stayed married for fifty-five years and she always stayed close with him. They had seven children.
Near the end of his life, as he lay in a hospital bed, surrounded by his loving family, each child spoke to him of what a wonderful father he is, and how much he provided for them. Ruth Ann told Des how happy and proud she is to be married to such a wonderful man.
Each child held his hand, as they comforted their father.
One sibling said, “Dad, you are so strong.”
Des squeezed her hand and whispered, ”They don’t make’em any stronger.”
He died an hour later.
Local team wins sectional tourney
The 6th Grade NJB Los Alamitos All Star team won the Sectional Tournament this weekend in Orange County as they outscored their three opponents by an average of 35 points per game. From left to right: Carson McKeown, Zachary Lent, Head Coach Chris Leveque, Andrew Leveque, Ty McDowell, Dustin Montrone, Daniel Benson, Coach Mark Price, Kian Price, Nicholas Hwang. Seated: Nick Domke, Eric Bonales
LATV interviews Pearl Harbor survivor
At a special luncheon for Pearl Harbor Survivors and families, John Underwood of LATV-3 interviewed John Hughes, who’s a Pearl Harbor Survivor. On February 25 at Griffins Grill, Pearl Harbor Survivors had a special luncheon and reunion since their charter was closed over a year ago. Viewing of the luncheon and interviews of this event can be seen on local cable TV. The Pearl Harbor Survivors meet monthly at the American Legion Post 716 for many years. Last year they disbanded when their membership dwindled down to three members. The members are in their 90’s and going strong with their stories and memorabilia collected. See LATV-3 schedule on page 20.
St. Hedwig’s Decathalon students
Pictured are St. Hedwig Catholic School students at the Academic Decathlon on March 5 at Santa Margarita Catholic High School. St. Hedwig commends the academic decathletes for their participation in the Academic Decathlon for the Diocese of Orange: Lauren To, Maya Patel, Fiorella Barreto, Santiago Barreto, Gabrielle Gacer, Joshua Kim, Henry Peacock, Tomas Hertzog, Amelia Scalas, Sara Balanta. The Academic Junior High Decathlon is a competition for students in grades 6-8. There are ten events. Two are collaborative team efforts – a logic quiz with 20 rigorous thinking problems, and a super quiz with 50 multiple choice questions on five broad academic themes. The remaining eight events test individual knowledge of the Roman Catholic doctrine, English, Literature, Science, Mathematics, Current Events, Social Studies, and Fine Arts (Art and Music). Awards are given for individual and team performance, and the winning school team from each geographic diocese competes in a state championship the first Saturday of May each year.
Cypress club recognizes members at ‘Youth of the Year’
The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress honored their three Youth of the Year recipients, Kiah Netherly and Juliet Cox of the Moody Branch and David Obregon of Club King, at the Orange County Youth of the Year Banquet on Friday, Feb. 26. The three winners were honored alongside youth and teen representatives from the other 15 Clubs in Orange County. The theme of the event was “Lead. Succeed. Inspire.” and was held at the Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel. A total of 34 Orange County youth were recognized at the banquet. All three Cypress members were selected as the representatives for their Club due to their leadership skills, involvement in Club programs, and overall attitude.
Juliet Cox is a 7th grader at Lexington Junior High. She has been a member of the Club for over two years. She is the president of the Torch Club and the vice president of the Triple Play Leadership Club, the two service organizations at the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. Juliet is very compassionate, dedicated, and a great role model for younger members. She enjoys coming to the Club to hang out with her friends, lead activities for the younger grades, and to finish her homework so she doesn’t procrastinate.
David Obregon is a 6th grader at Clara King Elementary. He participates on the Club King Council and completes in-Club service projects such as making blankets for the homeless and serving snacks to the younger members. David enjoys playing on the Club’s soccer and basketball teams, as well as constantly learning new things. His plan for the future is to continually be a better person, help those in need, and be like his dad.
This year, the Moody Branch also selected a teen Youth of the Year delegate to participate on a competitive level against teen members in 11 other Clubs in Orange County to select the 2016 Orange County Youth of the Year. The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress chose Kiah Netherly, a senior at Western High School in the Anaheim School District because of her commitment to academic success and Club service. Kiah has been a member of the Club for over ten years and is known for always having a positive attitude and a great work ethic. “Kiah has grown up with the Club and we are extremely proud of her. She is a great leader, an excellent role model, and is committed to not only her Club, but her community as well. We are so proud of Kiah’s accomplishments and know that she is on the path to a successful future,” said Samantha Johnson, Site Director. As part of Kiah’s Youth of the Year judging process, she had to submit multiple essays to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America as well as interview with a panel of judges and recite a speech about her commitment to the Club and her community. At the Youth of the Year banquet on February 26th, Kiah received a $1,000 scholarship from Disney for her achievements.
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys & Girls Club member can receive. Since 1947, Youth of the Year has been Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s premiere recognition program, celebrationg the extraordinary achievements of Club members. Youth of the Year recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys & Girls Club, as well as overcoming personal challenges and obstacles. Youth of the Year encourages Club members to reach their full potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and contributing to their communities. Youth of the Year honorees such as Kiah, Juliet, and David are shining examples and living proof that great futures start at Boys & Girls Clubs.
Cypress is named Tree City USA
Cypress has been named a 2015 Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation in honor of its commitment to effective urban forest management. This is the 27th year that Cypress has earned this national designation.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service and the National Association of State Foresters.
Cypress achieved Tree City USA recognition by meeting the program’s four requirements: a tree board or department, a tree-care ordinance, an annual community forestry budget of at least $2 per capita and an Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
“Tree City USA communities see the impact an urban forest has in a community first hand,” said Dan Lambe, President of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Additionally, recognition brings residents together and creates a sense of community pride, whether it’s through volunteer engagement or public education.”
“Cypress is honored to receive this recognition,” said Mayor Mariellen Yarc. “The City Council is dedicated to maintaining our urban forest, adapting to our drought climate, and continuously improving our infrastructure,” she added.
Trees provide multiple benefits to a community when properly planted and maintained. They help to improve the visual appeal of a neighborhood, increase property values, reduce home cooling costs, remove air pollutants and provide wildlife habitat, among many other benefits.
More information on the program is available at www.arborday.org/TreeCityUSA.
For more information about City programs and services, please visit www.ci.cypress.ca.us. Cypress can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcypress or Twitter at www.twitter.com/City_of_Cypress.
Cypress shares 60 years with Hyatt Die Cast
This year the city of Cypress will celebrate 60 years of incorporation and the Cypress Community Festival Association has a sponsors kick-off campaign starting the year off. The campaign started with a newly created sponsorship brochure that was mailed to many. The first business to become a Festival sponsor was Hyatt Die Cast and Engineering Corporation. Along with the city of Cypress, Hyatt Die Cast & Engineering Corporation jointly share an interesting fact – they share a common birthday of being in business for the same amount of years – 60.
Hyatt Die Cast and Engineering is a leading manufacturer that has a diverse customer base that includes aerospace, commercial, gaming, medical, electric and defense industries. Taking their clients concepts and ideas, Hyatt designers and engineers transform and create market-leading products for global distribution.
With rigorous standards and quality systems in place, Hyatt Die Cast provides an environment that prevents defect prevention instead of defect inspection. As a result, each client enjoys the highest product quality at reduced costs.
Members of the Cypress Community Festival Association would like to offer our sincere “Congratulations to our first sponsor – Hyatt Die Cast and Engineering Corporation”.
Hyatt Die Cast and Engineering Corporation is located at 4656 Lincoln Avenue in Cypress. Call 714-826-7550 for more information.
Local children get gift of music
More than 100 guests, students and instructors united in their common passion for music and attended the 6th annual Keyboard and Guitar Concert at The Youth Center in Los Alamitos on Wednesday, Feb. 24.
“Brady looks forward to the concerts every year,” said Furr of her son, who is in his third year with the Youth Center Music Program. “It really has built his self-confidence, focus and has allowed him to come out of his shell creatively giving him a sense of pride and accomplishment. She said of the Youth Center guitar instructor, Nikola Chekardzhikov that he’s great at allowing each student to shine by playing a solo in group songs.
“We think the Youth Center’s Music Program is wonderful!,” she continued. “Nikola is a great teacher, is very kind and patient. Brady looks forward to his lesson
every week!” Guitar instructor Chekardzhikov said that Brady is the veteran of the group, and at the concert he played the more advanced techniques of hammer ons and pull-offs.
“Music is really good for them in that they are learning to understand a different language,” said Stephanie Gaspar of her three children Daisy,5, Maxim, 7, and Isabella, 8, who attend McGaugh Elementary School. She continued to say that she is very pleased and said, “I think it is important to give young children the opportunity to learn music and the Youth Center does this — BRAVO!,” said Gaspar.
Another young and notable guitarist is first year musician 9-year-old McGaugh student Adrian Parra, who enjoys playing the electric guitar saying, “I really wanted to learn,” he said. “I’d like to play it next year, as I feel it’s my special talent.” Chekardzhikov said Adrian is really good with rhythms although he was only introduced to note reading and fingerpicking this year.
“Since taking classes at with the Youth Center, Adrian has discovered a talent that he didn’t realized he had,” said mother Sarah Parra. “He was reluctant to take guitar classes and first, but now that he has discovered that he is good at it, he is always excited to go to class.”
She continued to say, “The Youth Center provides a comfortable and supportive atmosphere in which a child can find those hidden talents. It’s important that kids have the opportunity to discover these talents inside of themselves that they would never had found on their own.”
Of his all his guitar students, Chekardzhikov said, “They have become better guitarists and musicians through the Youth Center’s Music Program. I have seen a big leap this year in note reading and musicianship.” Chekardzhikov has been an instructor with the Youth Center for the last four years.
Likewise, Valerie Zahn, the keyboard and piano instructor with the Youth Center Music Program for the last seven years shared she has seen a tremendous amount of growth this year. “They are maintaining a continued desire for learning music, showing much enthusiasm in their accomplishments in my classes and the recent concert performance.”
“For all my students, I have always wanted them to enjoy their music at whatever age they may be, and have a wonderful experience in their life to fall back on,” she continued. “I am grateful the Youth Center has this opportunity to reach out and touch so many young children’s lives with a musical education, and appreciate all the parents who are allowing their children to study music through the program.”
Since starting its Music Program over 25 years ago, The Youth Center has provided high-quality and affordable instruction to over 6,300 elementary students.
Ladies Auxiliary Unit 716 holds fundraiser
The Ladies Auxiliary Unit 716 rallied around Stephanie Janji and Nancy Young to help support both VA&R Chairman on Saturday Feb. 27. They worked in the kitchen, at the door, selling raffle tickets, taking pictures and anything else needed to make it a magical night for the 150 guests attending to celebrate “On The Red Carpet Casino Night.” The proceeds from the event go towards supporting veterans at the VA in Long Beach, some of which are homeless. The Auxiliary unit received an abundance of support from fellow Legion Family members, the Legionnaires, Sons of the American Legion and the Legion Riders as well as other Posts.
Cypress hosts Americana Awards
On Saturday, Feb. 27, the Cypress City Council attended the 41st Annual Cypress College Americana Awards sponsored by Union Bank.
The event featured a live auction that included the opportunity to win a donut breakfast and ride to school in a police car with Cypress Chief of Police Rod Cox.
The Americana Awards is organized by the Cypress College Foundation and is the largest fundraiser for Cypress College. Proceeds from the event support scholarships, emergency assistance, book loans, the “mini grants” program, and other college initiatives that wouldn’t otherwise be funded. Since 2001, the Americana Awards has generated more than $1 million for Cypress College.
For more information about Cypress College and the Americana Awards, visit www.cypresscollege.edu.
For more information about City programs and services, please visit www.ci.cypress.ca.us. Cypress can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcypress or Twitter at www.twitter.com/City_of_Cypress.
La Palma student in Nat Geo spelling bee semis
Ebba Adinew was recently notified by the National Geographic Society that he is one of the semifinalists eligible to compete in the 2016 California National Geographic State Bee. Ebba is a sixth grade student at Luther School located at 4631 La Palma Ave. in La Palma.
The contest will be held at Fresno State University on Friday, April 1, 2016.
This is the second level of the National Geographic Bee competition, which is now in its 28th year. School Bees were held in schools with fourth- through eighth-grade students throughout the state to determine each school champion. School champions then took an online qualifying test. The National Geographic Society has invited up to 100 of the top-scoring students in each of the 50 states, District of Columbia, Department of Defense Dependents Schools and U.S. territories to compete in the State Bees.
Each state champion will receive $100, the National Geographic book “The National Parks: An Illustrated History” and a medal, and will journey to Washington, D.C., to represent their state in the National Geographic Bee Championship at National Geographic Society headquarters on May 22-25. The national champion will receive a $50,000 college scholarship and lifetime membership in the National Geographic Society. The national champion will also travel (along with one parent or guardian), all expenses paid, on a Lindblad expedition to Southeast Alaska aboard National Geographic Sea Lion, including Glacier Bay National Park, in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service. Travel for the trip is provided by Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. Visit www.natgeobee.org for more information on the National Geographic Bee.
The 2016 National Geographic Bee Championship final round, moderated for the first time by journalist and humorist Mo Rocca, will air on the National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo WILD on Friday, May 27, at 8 p.m. ET, and later on public television stations. Check local television listings for air date and time in your area.
Local team wins NJB playoff tournament
Los Alamitos Division 1 National Junior Basketball league’s Celtics won the playoff championship beating all other teams recently.
The Celtics were 4-4 for the season, but at the end of the season they entered a playoff situation where it was a one game elimination. The Celtics defined the odds and won every game in the playoffs to become the Los Al NJB champions. The Celtics big “Cole Morales” got hurt with three minutes left with only one basket ahead of the Nuggets. The Celtics had to control the game and not allow a turn over. Race Kaiser “point guard” burned the clock with the help of his teammates to win the game.
Pictured from left to right are Race Kaiser, Ethan Jenkins, Cole Morales not pictured, Brett Dowgiecz, Declan O’Leary, Brenden Bilson
Game was at Los Al High School on Feb. 21 at 6:30 p.m.
Los Al Track & Field athletes display potential
The Los Alamitos HS Track & Field Team kicked off its season on Saturday, Feb. 27 at Trabuco Hills High with several athletes hitting marks that place them on the school’s Top 10 All-Time List.
Top 10 All-Time additions include:
· Sophomore Faimalie Sale placed first in the girls shot put with a mark of 35-5’, which places her fourth on the Varsity and second on the Frosh/Soph All-Time Lists. She also placed second in the discus with a throw of 106-10’ to achieve fifth on the Frosh/Soph All-Time List.
· Senior Andrew Fowler placed first in the boys pole vault with a personal best of 14-6’, which moves him up to fifth on the Varsity All-Time List.
· Sophomore Bronsyn Ledgard placed fourth in the girls 800m with a time of 2:21.27, which is fifth on the Varsity and second on the Frosh/Soph All-Time Lists.
· Junior Brooke Anger cleared 9-0’ in the girls pole vault to reach to land the number 10 spot on the Varsity All-Time List.
· Sophomore Christian Virga cleared 11-6’ in the boys pole vault to land number 10 on the Frosh/Soph All-Time List.
The Los Alamitos High School Track & Field Team will host its first meet of the season on Friday, March 4 at the Twilight Invitational to be held at Los Alamitos High School. Events begin at 2:45 p.m.
About The Los Alamitos High School Track & Field Team
Additional information about the Los Alamitos High School Track and Field program, including 2016 schedule, news and school performance lists can be found at www.losaltrack.com.
Lacrosse team wins tourney at UCSB
CSU Long Beach Women’s Lacrosse team played in a two game tournament at UC Santa Barbara over the Presidents Day weekend. Winning their first game 15-3 against Hombolt State and winning the second hard fought game against San Jose State by the score of 14-12. Their next game is Saturday March 5 away against UC San Diego
Over 64 years of service for after-school program
Parents experience peace of mind with The Youth Center’s After School Program (ASP) in Los Alamitos, which has been making a difference in the local community for school children for the last 64 years.
Children ages 5 to 17 years old have a home away from home once school is out for homework help and activities including indoor/outdoor basketball, arts & crafts, pool, air hockey, foosball, games and Snack Shack all while under the watchful eyes of The Youth Center staff.
“It makes me happy that Ryan has a safe and secure place to go to after school and I have complete peace of mind knowing that he is in very good hands for the time he is there,” said Lidia Ziedins, of her 7-year-old son, who attends the Youth Center After School Program.
She continued to say that Ryan has made a lot of friends and likes spending time with them playing games, doing crafts or other various projects under the supervision of attentive and friendly staff members.
“The Youth Center provides a safe place for kids to come and enjoy themselves, hang out with their friends and have homework assistance,” said Youth Center After School Program Director Judy Nunez. “It’s a safe environment where parents don’t have to worry about the well-being of their kids and can instead focus on their own daily tasks. Parents share they are very happy with our program.”
“The Youth Center is able to keep the cost as low as $25 per month for this program because of the generosity of our community. Their strong belief in investing in youth and in The Youth Center’s ability to create positive and life-changing results for kids and their families is why we can keep costs low for all of our programs,” shared Lina Lumme, Executive Director.
To register your child in the program, please contact The Youth Center at 562-493-4043 or go online at theyouthcenter.org. The Youth Center is located at 10909 Oak St., in Los Alamitos and is open Monday through Friday after school until 6 p.m.
Los Alamitos Students of the Month
Rossmoor Woman’s Club presented scholarships to Los Alamitos Seniors Lindsay Gill (January scholarship) and Heidi Ansorge (February scholarship). Lindsay has not only excelled academically, but is a proficient swimmer and accomplished musician. She was a member of the Lakewood Aquatics swim team and also swam on the varsity swim team at Los Alamitos. She has also played a French Horn for eight years. She is also part of the Los Alamitos marching band an a member of the Wind Symphony. She plans on majoring in English at California Baptist University and then teaching English after she graduates.
Although Heidi Ansorge was born legally blind, this has not stopped her from achieving many accomplishments. She was a cheerleader for ten years until a back injury prevented her from this physical activity. During that time, she won many national and state awards. In high school, she directed her efforts to academics and community joining the Assistance League of Long Beach. After taking college courses in neurobiology, microbiology, and international relations, she has decided to study neuroscience and pursue a career in medical research.
Please join the Rossmoor Woman’s Club in congratulating these two remarkable students on their outstanding achievements and being recognized as Senior of the Month. The Rossmoor Woman’s Club is dedicated to serving the community and is open to all women in the Orange County and Los Angeles County areas. They can be contacted at www.rossmoorwomansclub.com.
Cypress City Hall accepts credit cards
Cypress recently announced that the convenience of credit card payments at the counter is now available at Cypress City Hall. There is no longer a need to bring a checkbook for transactions such as building permits, business license fees, temporary use permits, etc.
“We are excited to now offer a more convenient way to do business with the City to our residents and businesses,” said Mayor Mariellen Yarc. The acceptance of credit card payments is intended to improve customer service at City Hall and help achieve the City Council’s goal of strengthening organizational effectiveness and efficiency.
For more information about City services and the ways we are working to improve customer service, please visit www.ci.cypress.ca.us. Cypress can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcypress or Twitter at www.twitter.com/City_of_Cypress.