The Youth Center in Los Alamitos announces Scott Newton as chairman for their 18th Annual Community Support Campaign which kicks off on March 31 at the Youth Center.

“I am honored to be selected as this year’s Campaign chairman,” said Newton. “I have been involved with The Youth Center in one way or another for more than 17 years, and this year I get to share many of my great experiences with the community.”

Newton has served on the Youth Center Board of Directors in the past. He was and still is on their Every 15 Minutes committee, a teen drunk driving determent program, since it began in 1997.

“Scott is an invaluable part of our community. We are really looking forward to his leadership in this year’s Community Support Campaign”, said Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme.

“The Youth Center has been a positive influence on our community and our kids for more than 60 years,” he said. “As a community and as individuals, we need to support those who help raise our kids.”

Newton has been involved with Youth Leadership since 1997, with the formation of the Seal Beach Leo Club, and has served as senior advisor of this program since its inception. More than 125 local youth each year participate in various community projects and fundraisers to help the community through the Leo Club.

His job as campaign chairman this year will be to inspire and motivate more than 100 volunteer campaigners to get the word out about the Youth Center. He said last year that Los Alamitos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Sherry Kropp did an amazing job as chair, which inspired him to take the lead in 2015.

“I am honored to take on the chairmanship, and look forward to helping The Youth Center fulfill their mission to transform children’s lives one child at a time,” he said.

Newton explained that supporting the Youth Center is more than just a donation. It’s helping to build a great community for children. A vital part of that support comes from their on-going donors and supporters. “They are the backbone of the Annual Community Support Campaign,” he said. “Your support is vital to the success of the Youth Center. Thank you for your continuing support.”

As a Seal Beach Lion for more than 27 years, Newton has been heavily involved in their Vision Programs. He goes on vision missions in California and Mexico twice a month, where the organization provides free sight screenings and eyeglasses to the needy. He and his wife Cathy serve together.

Newton’s educational background includes an MBA from Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Hawaii, and Advanced Executive Studies from USC.

He is on the Board of the Seal Beach Police Foundation, Save-Our-Beach, Orphanages of Thailand, Cypress College Seal Beach Citizen of the Year Committee, and Vice President of the Seal Beach Lion’s Foundation. Newton was named a “Man of the Year” by the City of Seal Beach, and received the President’s (USA) Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award.

“Scott is a very busy man is involved in many philanthropic organizations. With this in mind, he never takes a project half seriously. He commits to the work he does and truly makes the difference in the lives of many. I wish there were more people like Scott. Our world would be a better place to live in,” said Lumme.

For more information about the 18th Annual Community Support Campaign, please call Youth Center Executive Director Lina Lumme or Office Manager Julie Rubin at 562-493-4043.

Jenelle Bader, Chair of the 2015 Cypress College Foundation Americana Awards, announced at the Jan. 12 Cypress City Council meeting, the selection of Pat and Roberta O’Toole as the Cypress 2015 Citizens of the Year and recipients of the Americana Award.

Long-time Cypress residents, Pat and Roberta O’Toole are well-known throughout the community. Pat served as commissioner on the city’s Recreation & Community Services commission from 2009 – 2013. Roberta is the on-site manager of the Tanglewood North Homeowners Association.

The Woman’s Club of Cypress donated $200 to the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress on Jan. 7.

The Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Anne Hertz, Director of Operations Sue Osbon and Formula for Impact Director Justin Winford were present to receive the contribution and provide an update on the club’s program and activities. The donation will be used to fund program supplies for the club.

The Boys & Girls Club of Cypress is an after school program that emphasizes academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. The club offers a variety of structured recreational activities, homework and enrichment opportunities for children in 1st grade on up. Older youth often serve as volunteers.

On a day-to-day average, the club serves 250 youth from the Cypress School District and surrounding areas.

“We are grateful for the support of the Woman’s Club and their donation that will help fund program supplies for Martin Luther King Day of Service,” said Director of Operations Sue Osbon.

Members from the Cypress City Council and active members of the Woman’s Club of Cypress, Mariellen Yarc and Stacy Berry were on-hand to participate in the meeting and celebrate the presentation of the check to the club. Stacy Berry also serves on the Board of Directors for the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress. The club is appreciative of the donation and thanks the Cypress Women’s Club for their support.

For more information about ways to help the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress, please call 714-527-2697 or visit online at www.boysandgirlsclubofcypress.com.

Former Rossmoor Community Services District President Michael Maynard’s 2014 State of the District Address began their regular meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13.

“Calendar year 2014 proved to be another year of progress for our district,” he stated. Maynard continued by highlighting the district’s significant accomplishments which included activism on issues such as I-405 toll road opposition led by Director Casey, and opposition of the installation of Southern California Edison smart meter data collection units in Rossmoor, led by former Director Coletta.

In his speech Maynard also touched on the hiring of new General Manager James D. Ruth, the continued pursuit of latent powers, urban forest management, prudent financial administration and various capital improvements over the past year.

“In spite of all the turmoil throughout all levels of government that has been experienced in the last six years, Rossmoor continues to be a model community—one of the most desired places to live in Orange County, California and the entire Country,” he concluded. The entire address can be read on the RCSD website at www.rossmoor-csd.org

Afterwards, the annual election of officers was held with results as follows:

President

Bill Kahlert

1st Vice President

Tony DeMarco

2nd Vice President

Ron Casey

Director

Michael Maynard

Director

Dave Burgess

Newly elected President Bill Kahlert thanked Director Michael Maynard for his two years of service as President of the Board of Directors, and presented him with a commemorative gavel.

“I would like thank you for two years of fantastic leadership,” stated President Kahlert.  “The community probably isn’t aware of the many changes the district has experienced over the past two years,” said Kahlert. “Michael, you have done an outstanding job. We found a great General Manager, we have created some great programs, everything is in fiscal order, and I have enjoyed working with you.”

President Kahlert also congratulated 1st Vice President Tony DeMarco and 2nd  Vice President Ron Casey on being unanimously elected to serve as the board’s 2015 leadership team. These individuals will serve a term of 12 months during the 2015 calendar year.

Additionally, the Board while serving as the Public Improvement Finance Corporation held an election of officers and appointment of officials as follows:

Corporation President

Bill Kahlert

Corporation Vice President

Tony DeMarco

Secretary/CFO

James D. Ruth

General Counsel

Jenkins & Hogin, LLC

These individuals will also serve a term of 12 months during the 2015 calendar year.

Regular RCSD meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Rush Park auditorium at 3021 Blume Drive in Rossmoor. You may also view televised versions of the meetings on local channel LATV-3 and online at www.rossmoor-csd.org.

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 Ch**************@***il.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.