The Youth Center in Los Alamitos will host the third annual “A Night Among the Stars” Community Volunteer Event on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. at the Marina Center in Seal Beach to honorably award impressive local youth by recognizing their selfless efforts to participate and engage positively in the community.

“The Youth Center strongly believes that making a difference in the lives of youth can only be described as a worthwhile and fulfilling experience,” said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme. “This endeavor is taken to an entirely different level when such youth themselves become involved with giving back to those from which they have received. That is truly stellar!”

The Youth Center will host this formal event to honor the nominees who will all receive certificates and letters of recommendation for their efforts. At the award ceremony, two of the outstanding volunteers will receive scholarships in the amount of $500 each.

A Night Among the Stars was the final step of Elaine Wissuchek’s Gold Award Project in 2012.  She has ceaselessly worked on this distinguished venture for more than a year.  Elaine explains that ultimately, “This project aims to help young people in our community connect with the organizations that need their help,” and that “the help that has been given is truly appreciated by the organizations and the whole community,” said Wissuchek.

The Youth Center would like to congratulate the following nominees including Allison Head, Andrew Turner, Brooke Denny, Erin Henkhaus, Gustavo Hernandez, Gwyneth Poetsch, Hannah Grace Sokol, Jaelyn Sagen, Jaymn Singh, Jennifer Lang, Melissa O’Gorman, Miranda Keller, Shannon Kilmarx, Siobhan Allen, Victoria Elias, and Yasmine Goulhiane.

The A Night Among the Stars nominees were each formally recommended by local organizations within the community. They were nominated by the following agencies including Precious Life Shelter, The Youth Center, Grateful Hearts, Casa Youth Shelter, Los Alamitos School District, Girl Scouts, We Care Family Support Center, and Seal Beach Lions Foundation.

A special thank you goes to the following sponsors who agreed to help with this event including Seal Beach Lions Foundation, SirSpeedy, Sun Newspaper, News Enterprise Newspaper, Event Newspaper, Enchanted Florist, Precious Life Shelter, and the Youth Center Board of Directors.

Support the Youth Center and the philanthropic youth volunteers in this honorable event by sponsoring or attending. Space is limited, so please RSVP at your earliest convenience by contacting the Youth Center Executive Director, Lina Lumme at 562-493-4043.

Madera’s Steak and Ribs Restaurant in Los Alamitos opened its doors to 120 homeless and nearly homeless veterans for a free special Christmas meal on Dec. 25 that included filet mignon and dessert.

LTC Bettina Avent (the PAO of the 79th SSC) and 40 some volunteers supported the owner’s big effort of serving 120 Christmas meals.

Word got out and there were three or four TV channels that came out and at least one reporter from World Journal (Chinese Daily News) in Los Angeles. The homeless and nearly homeless veterans’ stories brought tears to the many eyes there and were stories that LTC Avent shared with the media. Volunteer Art Garcia stayed until the last minutes of the dinner to go with LTC Avent to deliver more 20 meals to the Long Beach VA Hospital.

For many people, the holiday season is about rampant buying of presents and keeping to a hectic schedule. LTC Avent, Garcia and others wanted to jump off this frantic pace, taking time to not only appreciate the true meaning of Christmas but also to embrace the true spirit of Christmas.

This is a difficult time of year emotionally for so many, especially the homeless and those who served the country. Depression and anger can often build up inside of them. The stress builds upon more stress to destroy the holiday cheer for many.

A special acknowledgment goes out to Garcia and the volunteers who lighten up Christmas for the many homeless and nearly homeless veterans this year and who have done so for the past six years. While no gift can accurately reflect the love felt for those who are near and dear to us, we can show them that they matter by spending time with them.

Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated members and guests celebrated the club’s very successful year at their Christmas & Holiday Luncheon at the Marriott Courtyard in Cypress on Dec. 6. The meeting included the installation of its new Board of Directors by Past President Earlene Boyd. New Board of Directors include:

• President – Nancy Hathcock
• Vice President Programs – Susan Short
• Co-Vice President Membership – Marjean Clements and Joyce Antimarino
• Recording Secretary – Patricia Eskenazi
• Treasurer – Chris Barnes

The hotel’s ballroom became a winter wonderland with a beautiful Christmas tree that was surrounded by toys donated to the Orange County Fire Department’s Spark of Love toy drive.

Tables were elegantly set with stunning floral centerpieces and colorful Christmas ornaments. With Hanukkah close to Christmas this year, dreidels also adorned the tables.

Former Cypress Mayor Leroy Mills conducted the invocation, and read a prayer said on the floor of the United States House of Representatives on Dec. 22, 1970 by its Chaplain Reverend Edward Gardiner Latch, D.D., L.H.D. In celebration of Christmas, the chaplain’s prayer joyfully recalled the gratitude of Christians for the coming of Christ. The reverend’s words are as relevant today as when they were uttered before the entire House of Representatives 44 years ago.

The barbershop quartet The Four Octaves entertained with glorious Christmas music that celebrated the season. A Hanukkah song was also sung during the program.

“Everyone had a fantastic time,” said President Nancy Hathcock. “We treated ourselves to a delightful afternoon that included a delicious buffet lunch, superb entertainment by The Four Octaves and a fun ornament exchange while donating to the Orange County Fire Department’s Spark of Love Toy Drive.”

Additionally, members celebrated that the November midterm election resulted in Republicans taking the Senate majority. “Now the Senate can align themselves with the House to promote conservative programs and ideals while minimizing President Obama’s socialist agenda,” added Hathcock.

Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Republican Women Federated monthly meetings are held on the third Saturday morning of the month at the Cypress Courtyard Marriott. Cost is $20 and includes a scrumptious brunch buffet, networking with like-minded women and men, a short meeting and entertaining program. For information about the Jan. 17 meeting, please contact Chris Barnes at Chris.Barnes4727@gmail.com or call 562-865-3258.

Los Alamitos resident T.M. Carter found inspiration for his debut novel while traveling last year with his family along Spain’s Mediterranean coastal roads.

Historic castles and ancient ruins dotted these highways. He drove his family south from Barcelona to Granada, stopping at the Castle of Peniscola, where he learned about the Templar Knights.

In Granada, he and his family visited the Alhambra, an ancient Moorish fortress. The grandeur of the medieval castles mingling with the ornate Moorish architecture created a tapestry of ideas for him. As an avid historian, Carter melded his fresh ideas into a historical fiction that has relevance in today’s modern world.

In his book, The Lion of the Cross: Tales of A Templar Knight, he follows a young boy named William de Scotia who is born between the two faiths of Christianity and Islam.

William is a son of the murderous Lion of Islam, Sultan Baibars I. His mother, an innocent stripped of her Scottish nobility and dignity, was sold into bondage by a diabolical Genoese slaver to Baibars.

William is the lesser son of the Mameluk Sultanate and fated to be his eldest brother’s elite guard. When his barbarous father is suspiciously poisoned, his eldest brother ascends the throne and William prepares to embrace his destiny.

William is forced to flee his beloved Cairo when an ambitious emir, Qalawun, and his cunning son, Khalil, overthrow his brother. With the aid of a mysterious Templar Knight, he escapes to the Christian stronghold of Acre. Orphaned by fate, William must enter life’s crucible and become more than just a boy. Because when one is young, the future is but a mirage in the desert both cruel and deceptive.

Through the eyes of a boy, the story transports you through actual events of the 13th century, an age in peril, where a delicate peace between Christians and Muslims exists and hangs on a precipice. A holy war is sermonized from minarets and pulpits.

The Lion of the Cross: Tales of a Templar Knight is the first of three novels and is available in paperback through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as an e-book through Amazon, iBook, Nook, and Kindle.

A long time resident of Los Alamitos and Seal Beach, T.M. Carter lives with his wife and two sons, Brent and Brandt, who attend school in Los Alamitos. He is a military veteran, avid historian, and author with a background in business and investigative research. For more information about T.M. Carter, his novels, and other short stories written by him, visit his website at www.thetemplartales.com.

Helping kids fight cancer and spreading holiday cheer to students and staff at Weaver Elementary School, the Los Alamitos Junior Girl Scout Troop 770 recently wrapped up their Bronze Award project.

After a friend was diagnosed, the junior girl scout troop learned that about 50 children will be told they have cancer in the U.S. each day, and that there are about 50,000 kids fighting cancer in hospitals today.

With the holidays coming up they wanted to do something to bring holiday cheer to kids that will be spending the holidays in the hospital. They wanted to let them know that they care about them and wish them better. The junior girls scout troop set a goal to send 1,000 messages of hope, joy and love to kids, from kids.

In order to do this, they sold ‘Holiday Cheer Grams’ for $1 at Weaver Elementary School. A ‘Holiday Cheer Gram’ is a simple personalized message with a special treat attached before delivery. The best part is that they matched each gram sold with a special ‘Holiday Cheer Gram’ to be delivered to a child at Children’s Hospital.

The junior girls scout troop just finished sorting and distributing more than 900 grams at school while matching more than 900 grams delivered to children fighting cancer in the hospital.

Proceeds from the sale were donated to the Jessie Rees Foundation which will enable them to send 46 JoyJars® to kids fighting cancer. The Jessie Rees Foundation’s mission is to ensure every child fighting cancer has the support and resources they need to never ever give up.

JoyJars® were created by Jessica Joy Rees during her courageous 10 month fight with two brain tumors. Jessie used her JoyJars® to spread hope, joy and love to children fighting life altering medical illnesses. For more information, please go online to www.negu.org/joy-jars/.

The junior girls scout troop were thrilled and proud to deliver four large boxes of toys that were collected from their friends at Weaver Elementary School, along with the matching ‘Hospital Cheer Grams,’ at The Jessie Rees Santa Stroll which is held annually in December to help encourage kids fighting cancer to never ever give up.

Four Boys & Girls Club of Cypress members were selected to participate in the Cypress “Shop with a Cop” Program on Thursday, Dec. 18. The program was created in the year 2000 to foster positive relationships between youth and law enforcement. Now each year more than 200 communities participate in the nationwide program.

The event paired public safety officers with two youth from each club site for an evening of holiday shopping at Target. The members were selected based off of their overall improvement since beginning at the club, as well as for displaying outstanding behavior and citizenship.

On the evening of the event, a team of police cars, officers, and K-9 units came to the club to transport the participants to Target in Cypress. After asking lots of questions about life as a police officer, the kids were led into their private police cars. As the group approached the storefront, the members took delight in their arrival with lights and sirens. Each child was given a budget to spend and was assigned to their own police officer to help escort them around the store and help them pick out fun new toys and gifts for the holidays.

After the event, Boys & Girls Club of Cypress Site Director Samantha Johnson stated, “It was really heartwarming to see the police officers taking time out of their schedules to do this for our deserving members. The kids had an absolute blast and couldn’t stop grinning from start to finish. It was an event that these kids will remember for the rest of their lives.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress and the Rotary Club of Cypress partnered to host an annual holiday party on Friday, Dec. 12 at the club. Rotary Club members invited all members and their families for an evening celebration at the club, which included a free spaghetti and meatball feast that was prepared with love.

After a delicious meal, club families enjoyed participating in holiday activities and visiting with a special guest from the North Pole. All members and their siblings who attended got to pick out a free toy from the club’s “Santa Shop” at the conclusion of the event. Rotary Club, Knott’s Berry Farm, Mattel, Boys & Girls Club staff, and local community members donated the toys for the Santa Shop.

More than 200 people attended the holiday party and had a great evening. Santa arrived by fire truck mid-way through the event and took photos with families. Cypress High School Interact Club members assisted with food preparation and event set-up.

In addition to the holiday party, the Rotary Club of Cypress donated holiday gifts for 50 club children in need.

With more than 150 children on scholarship, the club is constantly seeking additional support for families who need financial assistance. For more information about how you can help, stop by the club at 10161 Moody St. in Cypress, call 714-527-2697, or visit online at www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com.

On Christmas Day, Americans will begin to learn a lot more about war hero and Olympic athlete, Louis Zamperini, when his life story will be the subject of a major motion picture entitled, “Unbroken.”

Long-time Los Alamitos resident Grant Parker will be watching with strong interest, as he has found himself inspired by and loosely connected to Louis over the past 40 years. Though he never met Louis until 2011, Grant was coached by Louis’ brother Pete, at Banning High school in the mid ‘50s.

Louis story began as a troubled adolescent, who was a petty thief, before his older brother Pete, influenced his brother to change and inspired him to achieve through track. Grant said Pete spoke often of his brother, mostly regarding his track exploits. Louis was the national collegiate mile champion for USC and later ran in the 1936 Olympics before joining the Army and serving in World War II.

“He always raved about his brother,” Grant said of Pete.

After high school, Grant moved on through life, at times coming across more information about Louis and taking the lessons he learned from Pete with him. Louis was a prisoner of war survivor, after his B24 Bomber crashed into the ocean. Upon finally returning home, Louis is said to have struggled with his experience and the post-traumatic stress syndrome.

But he would eventually turn his life around. He became a Christian, and started using his experiences to help youths. All the while, Grant continued to find stories about Louis in newspapers and magazines, and even a chapter in a book about high-profile Christians that was given to him, when he himself became a Christian in 1971.

Grant wondered why a book had never been written about Louis as a true American hero? A book was finally written by acclaimed author Laura Hillenbrand in 2010. It jumped to the New York Times Bestseller list and Grant began buying copies for friends and family as gifts. His hope was to share the inspiration he had gotten from Pete and reading about Louis.

Then in 2011, he received a gift for himself. A friend had invited him to hear Louis speak at a Boy Scouts Council meeting in Long Beach. Grant gathered his memorabilia on Louis and went eagerly to hear him. Afterward, he finally had the chance to meet the man, who had inspired him and who he was connected to by the inspiration they both received from Pete.

“He just kind of beamed,” Grant said of Louis’ reaction to his sharing of his experience with Pete.

Among the things that Grant brought with him, was his 1956 yearbook from Banning High. Louis signed the book right next to his brother’s signature from 55 years prior. Pete had died in 2008. At one point Louis was listed as Killed in Action, by the U.S. government, though his actual death would come until July 2, 2014, at the age of 97. Grant might know more about Louis than anyone who hasn’t written a book or made a movie about him. So you can bet he’ll be watching eagerly when the life story of Louis hits the big screen. And you can bet he’ll continue to be inspired by the two brothers.

In spite of the recent rains from the Pineapple Express, the 8th annual Rossmoor Homeowners Association Christmas Lights Celebration the RHA proudly announced and highlighted the homes that recently received 2014 Recognition Awards.

They enthusiastically list all the Honorably Mentioned homes that are identified for you to enjoy on the Rossmoor Christmas Hot Spots Map (link here to download). These are the 20+ homes and streets that “Made the Map” and are the reason why the RHA does the Christmas Lights Celebration in the first place.

After downloading the map and viewing the images, check out these dwellings for real, in-person, with family and hot chocolate. Take the car or take a bike (with Christmas light reflectors, of course). Take a hayride. Take the kids or anyone acting as one. Enjoy the Christmas season and let the home owners know you appreciate their efforts to bring Christmas magic to the neighborhood.

To see where these homes are located, download the “Rossmoor Christmas Lights Map” at www.rossmoor-rha.org.

Jurassic Christmas Award, Curd Family, 12101 Chianti Drive

Let’s start by going back in time to Christmas of the Jurassic era. That’s what you’ll see outside the Curd family’s house, but keep in mind, this place is more kid friendly than Barney. The happy dinosaurs in Santa hats will gladly gift-wrap your presents. This is a rookie (first-time) entry, and not only is the display fun, but so much work went into decorating the entire house and surrounding trees. Drive by and enjoy it while you can. It may not last forever.

Happy Feet Award, Fieldson-Burling Family, 11302 Pemberton Road

Although happy might not be the reoccurring theme here, but we are going from happy dinosaurs to happy feet. You’ll know what we mean when you visit the house, as it’s amazing how many penguins you can fit in a front yard. Yes, these little and some rather large loveable characters can be seen from miles away (well, at least from across any angle of Rossmoor Park). There’s also a polar bear in the far left, but just like the Coca Cola commercial, they all seem to get along quite fine, and are greeting you with all smiles and bright lights.

Honey – Get the Kids Award, Ryan and Kelly Herzog, 2892 Aceca Drive

The reaction is when one judge immediately texts his wife, “The kids have got to see this house.” Another judge tells us she’s going to take her kids back here for a study break. Seems to be a universal response when people are suddenly engulfed in the dancing sights and musical Christmas sounds of the Herzog family house. Not kidding, this is just awesome. Our judges were so captivated as they made it through three songs, with the Santa image above the front door singing along. Forget the car or bike. Bring the lawn chair, but not the tent. That would be tempting but a little too weird.

Merry and Bright Award, Bill and Lorraine Jones, 3262 St. Albans Drive

This is a family oriented Christmas celebration and the Jones family home exemplifies why Christmas is magical. Definitely one of the Rossmoor repeated favorites, Bill and Luanne add another element each year. The Green HoHoHo was the not-so-subtle addition along with the snowflake walkway that invites visitors to take their Christmas photos right in front of the house. It’s happened many times already, and the RHA is grateful to Bill and Luanne for always being so Merry and Bright.

Good Neighbor Award, Benjestorf and White Families, 3371 and 3361 Druid Lane

We think it was Robert Frost (good winter name) who said something like good fences make good neighbors. Well, we think Christmas lights work even better as evidenced by the Benjestorf and White Families. They have combined forces to create an illuminating experience starting at the corner of Druid and St. Cloud and heading across rooftops. Beautifully styled house lights and lawn decorations you don’t want to miss entering the hood as you escape from the 405. To us, they are saying, “Hey you’re done with work or shopping for the day. Time to enjoy the Christmas season.”

Most Festive Street Award, Woodstock between Martha Ann and Foster

Last year, we thought we were clever in a Where’s Waldo sort of way, saying try to find Woodstock on Woodstock when Lance and Debbie Slimmer secured Snoopy’s pal to their Rossmoor Holiday Light Post. Well the residents of Woodstock between Martha Ann and Foster blew Waldo out of the water because so many of the homes have Woodstock proudly displayed on their font lawns. The street is definitely filled with community Christmas spirit. If one is good, more is better, and Woodstock, without a doubt wins the Most Festive Street Award. Check it out as it will make you and Snoopy happy.

Classic Christmas Award, John and Annette Farber, 11352 Wembley Road

Red, white and green all sparkling across the home from north to south. So impressed with the decorations, one judge said, “This is exactly what I want my home to look like.” This is the image one puts on a Christmas card. Of course we’d have to Photoshop in the snow, which the Pineapple Express failed to deliver to Rossmoor. The Farber house was so appreciated by the neighbors that it was a close friend on the street who entered the home, and for that the RHA is grateful.

Silent Night Award, Russ and Pam Cross, 11541 Martha Ann Drive

Russ and Pam are now two-time recipients of this special award. The judges were so enamored with the manger scene with attention to detail, like the two new angels flying overhead, they almost broke out into the Silent Night song. Well, that’s a slight exaggeration, but the tranquility could make one feel like singing. This home has it all with farm animals surrounding the garage that’s somewhat shaped like a barn, and the star of Bethlehem in the not so distant background. A well thought-out, peaceful display by the Cross Family.

Rookie of the Year Award, Herrin Family, 11552 Wallingsford Road

Lights – check, candy canes – check, illuminated forest animals – check, wrapped lighted pillars – check, lighted roofline – check, multi-colored trees – check, decorated window display – check. There was a high level of effort to make it all work in an enchanting display – check. What’s missing? Basically nothing except perhaps a polar bear sliding from the chimney to the front lawn with 20 elves along for the ride. Well, even without the bear, it was plenty for Zac Herrin to earn the Rookie of the Year Award, and we can’t wait until next year.

All of these following homes are honorable, worth mentioning and also made the 2014 Rossmoor Christmas Lights Hot Spots Map:

2662 Tucker Lane

2762 Salmon Dr.

3321 Wimbleton Dr.

11325 Donovan

2682 Brimhall Dr.

12705 Martha Ann Dr.

2862 Coleridge Dr.

2982 Brimhall Dr.

2751 Mainway Dr.

3272 Walker Lee St.

3331 Huntley Dr.

3341 Kenilworth Dr.

3172 St. Albans Dr.

3011 Shakespeare Dr.

3072 Burney Pl.

3282 Tigertail Dr.

2951 Yellowtail Dr.

3171 Kittrick Dr.

3051 Inverness Dr.

11831 Martha Ann Dr.

11811 Norgrove Ln.

2942 Edgeley Pl.

Hit the Rossmoor streets with your egg nog or warm cocoa, however you want to defy the Pineapple Express, and enjoy the spectacle of lights (and sound) that’s been prepared for you.

Download the “Rossmoor Christmas Lights Map” identifying the locations of all these homes at www.rossmoor-rha.org.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti administered the community oath of office to Senator Tony Mendoza on Saturday at the Norwalk City Hall Civic Lawn. The ceremony featured community leaders and local dignitaries. Senator Mendoza was elected as Senator for the newly-drawn 32^nd Senate District on Nov. 4.