Optimism for the future prevailed at the graduation celebration for the Youth Center’s 3rd Annual Leadership Academy on July 23 in Los Alamitos. The non-profit center awarded certificates of completion to students after three weeks of intensive workshops designed to give a real world education of adult life beyond high school.

Partnering with educators, local business professionals and residents, the academy provided free training in seven workshops which included self and social efficacy, goal setting, auto maintenance and knowledge, financial skills, home economics, and career skills.

Carrying them beyond their time at the academy, the graduates were matched with mentors from the Youth Center Board of Directors and the community for guidance.

A representative from 72nd District State Assemblyman Travis Allen’s office was on hand and awarded certificates on the assemblyman’s behalf to the students, which will benefit them in building their resumes for future employment and applications to college.

“Looking at the website of the Youth Center’s Leadership Academy, I was very impressed seeing what these kids get to learn,” said Representative Elliser Silla. “They get to learn valuable skills that will help them well after high school.”

Upon completion of the academy, the graduates also walked away with a 2015 Leadership Academy Certificate of Completion, letter of recommendation, written goals, resume, professional photo, bank account (upon parental approval), a notebook on each of the workshops, and peer-to-peer friendships.

Of the bond they formed with fellow students, Liam Reece, 16, of Long Beach and a Los Alamitos High School student said, “I learned how to work well with others, which benefits my future with leadership skills. I just liked being with my peers and how we helped each other – how we benefited each other in skills for job interviews.”

Aside from graduates finding peer relationships valuable, Garrett Crosbie, 16, of Anaheim and a Liberty Christian High School student said he learned a lot from the financial workshop, a sentiment echoed by several of the graduates. He said it helped him get an idea of what he would face in the future, and taught him not to go in debt.

Lauren Cammiso, 18, of Los Alamitos who is going into her first year at California State University, Long Beach said, “One thing that stood out was where I learned how to write a check, record deposits and withdrawals, and recordkeeping.” About the career skills workshops she said, “I was surprised to learn the secrets to applying to jobs online. I didn’t know there was so many nuances that effect whether your resume gets viewed or not. Thanks to the Leadership Academy, I’ll definitely be able to apply what I learned when I begin searching for employment during my college years.”

San Francisco State University student Derrick Cabrel, 19, of Seal Beach also found the financial aspect as well as all the workshops valuable. “I learned different things that weren’t taught in high school like balancing finances, investing money, car maintenance and setting future goals,” he said. “High school is all about getting grades and they don’t teach you adult responsibilities. I learned that at the Leadership Academy.”

Learning about adult responsibilities was also on the mind of Los Alamitos High School student Julian Torres, 17, of Cypress. He said, “It really opened my eyes on how life will be like in the future. It shows me how different it is from being a kid, and transitioning into adulthood.”  He said he learned everything from how to use a debit card and building credit to cooking and doing laundry to interview skills. He also liked the peer relationships he formed while in the academy and said, “It’s nice to be with other participants who have the same values and want to learn what I wanted to learn.”

Youth Center Program Manager Julie Rubin lined up educators and local business professionals along with a creating a complete workshop manual the students get to keep. “Our instructors were outstanding,” she said. “We are very grateful to each of them for being a part of this year’s Leadership Academy. Dedicating their time to our academy was simply amazing!”

Instructors included psychologist Shirley Wu, M.A., M.Div. for self and social efficacy, Anita Rani for goal setting with Dreamboard, Ben Brooks of Coastline Auto for automotive maintenance including how to change a tire and check oil, Staci Hornung of AAA for automotive knowledge including car insurance, and roadside assistance options.  Financial advisors Jennifer Fontanilla of Oak Tree Wealth taught topics including budgeting and types of savings plans while licensed banker Josh Wilson of Southland Credit Union provided instruction on checking account and credit card management.  Employment specialist Saria Salazar with Women Helping Woman/Men 2 Work discussed how to create a resume and the importance of social media while Orange Coast College Professor Emeritus Ann Harmer from Women Helping Women focused on interviewing skills. Co-owners Amy Loe and Teri Appleton of ChefTech Cooking School taught home economics and helped the teens make a full dinner with dessert.

Graduates will continue to work with mentors from the community. Mentors include members from the Youth Center Board of Directors Alice Melamed, Arnie Fine, Laura Herzog, Catherine Showalter, Eric Frankenberg, and supporters of the Youth Center including Scott Newton, Justine Kim with the Los Alamitos Police Department and Youth Center Band Director Tom Mitter.

Members of the La Palma-Cerritos Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) gathered at Shenandoah at the Arbor in Los Alamitos to say “Aloha” to their past president and friend, Judy Figal, on Thursday, July 23. After living in Cerritos for 39 years, Judy will be moving to Boise, Idaho in August.

Judy joined the La Palma-Cerritos AAUW about 10 years ago after the death of her husband Gary. She was a very active member and participated in and supported many of the AAUW’s activities. She showed her leadership qualities when she was elected and served as president a few years ago. Judy made many friends in the AAUW by her positive attitude and kind demeanor. Many members told Judy they will miss her at meetings.

AAUW members Barbara Dunstan, Gail Wendland and Linda Hernandez planned a wonderful “Aloha Party” for Judy. Gail sent out invitations to all members for the party and prepared a candy lei and a money lei with donations from members. Linda prepared a book of memories for Judy, and Barbara Dunstan purchased a hat, dark glasses, and an apron decorated like a hula dancer. Barbara even danced the hula to the song “Hukilau” wearing the apron. Everyone joined in singing a farewell song for Judy, which was created by Linda and sung to the melody of “Red River Valley.”  Ellen Heymann and Edna Ethington accompanied the singing playing their ukuleles.

Judy and her husband Gary were married for 44 years and raised five children together while they lived in the city of Cerritos for 39 years. They also were active members of Holy Family church in Artesia during those years. They enjoyed having 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild. Judy continues to focus on her family, especially her children and grandchildren.

Judy is a consummate mother and grandmother who is dedicated to helping her children and grandchildren. After the death of her husband, Judy moved to Corona for two years to help her daughter with her young children. She is moving to Boise in August to be close to two sons who are living there. She hopes that her daughters and their families will join her in Idaho some day. Judy said that she will come to AAUW meetings when she comes to California to visit her daughters and their families.

If Judy Figal chooses to join Idaho’s AAUW, they will be fortunate to have her as a member.

Awarding their first “Thumbs Up” Award, the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach recently presented The Eagle’s Nest Catering Manager Pamela Konneker with the award from Club President Dr. Milt Houghton. It is presented to organizations for their contribution to the Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach and the community.

“The Eagle’s Nest has hosted our club’s meetings for many months now. They are a great community partner and host many local events,” said Houghton.

The Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/Seal Beach meets at The Eagle’s Nest on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month at noon, varying locations on the fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month. Visitors are welcome. For more information, please visit online at www.losalrotary.org.

Rotary International is an international service organization working to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 34,282 clubs and more than 1.2 million members worldwide.

When Jaelyn Sagen was 6 years old she discovered that not everyone had homes. This devastated her and she made her mom a promise that she was going to do something about it, thus JJ’s Lemonade Stand was born.

Jaelyn is now 11 years old and every year in August she holds her annual lemonade stand, selling lemonade and cookies to family, friends, neighbors and strangers out of her driveway. She then donates 100 percent of the proceeds to a homelessness prevention program called WE CARE of Los Alamitos. To date she has raised more than $6,000.

WE CARE offers many types of assistance to clients, all of which are designed to keep them safely in their homes during difficult times. Jaelyn has been instrumental in keeping WE CARE ‘s pantry fully stocked and has also helped WE CARE families keep their electricity on in the winter months.

JJ’s Lemonade Stand 2015 will be held on Aug. 15 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 4902 Howard Ave. in Los Alamitos. You can make direct donations to JJ’s Lemonade Stand to help the homeless problem at www.gofundme.com/jjslemonadestand, or visit JJ’s Lemonade Stand on Facebook. You can also find out more information at www.jjslemonadestand.come. For more information on WE CARE, please visit www.wecarelosalamitos.org.

The City of Los Alamitos celebrated a long-term project that won’t be easily noticeable, but is certainly an obvious improvement.

The official opening of Coyote Creek Park took place on Thursday, with local and area dignitaries on hand to cut the ribbon and stroll the city’s new passive park. Coyote Creek Park was funded with grant money from the Rivers and Mountains Conservatory and is in place of a former dead strip of land along the river, behind Oak Middle School.

The cost was near $1.8 million.

The approximate 4-acre park offers a walking trail, benches and informational signage, but maintains the natural ecosystem and uses native plants to help beautify the river corridor.

The project broke ground in October of 2012. Installation of the park was complicated by the fact that the strip of land included usage by Southern California Edison and other county agencies.

It rained cats and dogs in most of Southern California on Saturday, but at Los Alamitos Race Course it poured dogs and more dogs at the 20th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals. Eighty-six dachshunds competed in the annual races to raise funds for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center. In the end, Josh and Brittany Snook’s Finn sank his competition in the championship race to win the title of Fastest Wiener In the West in front of an estimated crowd of 7,000.

Representing the city of Lawndale, located in the South Bay region of the Greater Los Angeles Area, Finn finished powerfully in the 50-yard final, rallying from way back to catch early leaders Katniss and Molly before holding off the fast closing Camilla Blu to win the final and the $1,000 cash prize that goes with first place. Finn also won a doghouse in the shape of a classic A-Frame Wienerschnitzel restaurant, championship trophy and blanket along with a berth in the national championship race at the Holiday Bowl in San Diego.

Only 2 years old, Finn’s reason for running is his love for a multicolored beach-ball that awaits him at the finish line. The longhaired strawberry cream doxie was dominant in the third of 10 trials, running like a rocket after his beach ball.

“The moment he sees that beach ball he goes crazy and wants to get it,” said Josh Snook. “We used to have a smaller ball that he would go crazy over. He loves to run and he loves balls. He is a slow starter when he runs, but he is a strong finisher. That’s why his name is Finn, as in finisher. We just enjoy supporting the Seal Beach Animal Care Center and we plan to donate some of our winnings to the Seal Beach Center. We’ll use some of the money to decorate Finn’s new doghouse.”

Over the years, the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course has raised nearly $250,000 for the Seal Beach Animal Care Center, a non-killed shelter dedicated to finding new forever homes for lost and abandoned animals in the Orange County area.

Owned by Sonia Reynoso of Baldwin Park, the female doxie Camilla Blu earned $500 for rallying to finish second. Camilla Blu also started slowly before her valiant late run. The rest of the field in the championship race featured Dana and Steve Knitz’s Katniss of Mission Viejo, Lori Ortiz’s Maximus of La Mirada, Denise Meisner’s Ezri of San Diego, Julia Janov’s Molly of Redondo Beach, Marc Govenor’s Nikita of Redondo Beach, Leanne McCaslin’s Sadie of Garden Grove, Rachel Schmid’s Jimmy of La Mirada, and Trina Taylor’s Mia of Buena Park.

The event also features a Big vs. Tiny dachshund race and for the second straight year the smaller of the two doxies won the race. Linda Camisaca’s 7-pound dynamo Wilma of Bellflower outwitted Kelly Lopez’s Beefy of Walnut. In a race featured three wiener dog racing legends, 2009 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals champion Presley defeated a pair of Long Beach doxies, last year’s Big vs. Tiny winner and former Wiener Nationals finalist Tootsie and 2013 champion Buddy Black.

The Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/ Seal Beach recently held its annual Demotion Dinner.

Outgoing Club President Todd Mattern, Los Alamitos Police Chief, recognized his board of directors for the year and received a gift from the club.

The Rotary Club enjoyed another successful year- adding several new members, conducting the annual youth fishing derby, and contributing to the community by recognizing the high school students of the month and donating to local non-profit organizations.

Dr. Milt Houghton was introduced as the incoming Club President for the 2015-16 year.

Houghton introduced his board of directors.

“I am excited to lead the club this year and look forward to continuing our community involvement,” said Houghton.

The Rotary Club of Los Alamitos/ Seal Beach meets at The Eagle’s Nest in Long Beach on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at noon, varies locations on the fourth and fifth Tuesdays of the month.

Visitors are welcome to meetings.

For more information, visit losalrotary.org.

Rotary International is an international service organization working to bring together business and professional leaders in order to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.

There are 34,282 clubs and over 1.2 million members worldwide.

Army Reserve Maj. Gen. Megan Tatu, commanding general of the 79th Sustainment Support Command honored four Army Reserve Officers for their decades of military service during a retirement ceremony at the 79th SSC headquarters, Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, on Saturday.

The honored retirees include Col. Roy Jewell, Lt. Col. Kelly Thies, Lt. Col. Adrian Hoadrea, and Maj. Willie Triplett.

The ceremony recognized their honorable Army Reserve service and the service and lifetime support of family and friends. The event hosted more than 100 attendees including Army Reserve Ambassador Ltc. (Ret.) Mike Teilmann, local governmental officials, soldiers, spouses, children, family and friends.

Los Alamitos City Council members Dean Grose and Shelley Hasselbrink honored the retirees with a special presentation of Certificates of Commendation to the retirees’ on behalf of the mayor, the city council, and the citizens of Los Alamitos.

The Calif. Army National Guard, 40th Inf. Div. Band played the National Anthem and ceremonial music during the ceremony.

Headquartered at the JFTB, Los Alamitos, the 79th SSC is a two-star command, which provides mission command to 221 units located in 19 states west of the Mississippi river. The 79th SSC currently has troops conducting logistical support operations in Afghanistan, Kuwait and other locations around the world.

The ceremony was conducted in coordination with the 63rd Regional Support Command.

Smile for a Lifetime scholarship recipient Bree Smentkowski saw her new smile for the first time after two years of wearing braces at Boulton Orthodontics on Tuesday.

The Smile for a Lifetime Foundation is a non-profit organization that provides free orthodontic treatment to individuals aged 11-18 who demonstrate financial need.

“I was nervous that it would be a lot of work to take care of the braces and it would be difficult and unusual, but everything’s been better than I actually thought it would be,” said Bree Smentkowski, 15.