PARAMOUNT
Thanksgiving Dinner A Celebration For And About Local Seniors
Henry Harkema August 7, 1911 (99)
A Paramount resident for 75 years, Mr. Harkema is a former City Council member and Mayor. “I take a lot of vitamins, watch what I eat and think positively. I never think about age, and always assume that I’ll be here tomorrow. Pretty good genes help, too.”
Robert Pleshe Dec. 20, 1917 (92)
In Paramount since 1960, Mr. Pleshe worked downtown with an express company and later retired from a job with the school district. “Regular work and labor every day has been very important to me.”
Emelia Defour July 20, 1914 (96)
In Paramount for 36 years, Ms. Defour is originally from the West Indies and has lived in many cities all over the country. “For me, it’s been about seeing that my kids and grandkids all grow up and are doing well.”
Perez (92) Oct. 8, 1918
Mr. Perez was a truck driver who owned his own company. “I retired at 49! I was rich so decided to quit, and haven’t worked since. Been in Paramount since 1958, and bought my house for $7,000 from a realtor whose office was where Stater Bros. is now. For me, I just wake up every morning, and it’s all good.”
Helen Melton May 28, 1915 (95)
A Paramount resident for 65 years, Ms. Melton was an original member of the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission and served for 25 years. Regarding the key to a long life, she said: “I have no idea.” (A good sense of humor, though, obviously helps.)
The City of Paramount held its 30th Annual Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 18th to honor the elders of our community.
The event – held in a festively decorated Paramount Park gym – offered a free day of entertainment and a fine meal with all the trimmings for more than 600 guests.
The dance floor was crowded and swinging to the sweet sounds of Sugah Daddy. Mayor Tom Hansen and the Paramount City Council welcomed the gathering and Reverend Grady Jones of New Commandment Missionary Baptist Church gave the invocation
What’s inside
Fred Walker May 24, 1916 (94)
Mr. Walker worked in town for a business that rented out tools for oil wells, where he would steamclean and paint them. “No drinking, no smoking. Just healthy living.”
Refugio Gomez December 18, 1916 (93)
Born in El Paso, TX, Mr. Gomez has been in Paramount “most of my life.” He served in Europe during World War II as an Army engineer. “I never smoked and don’t drink. Always be courteous and friendly. Respect everybody, forgive everybody, don’t do wrong, just do right.”
before the meal. Members of the Paramount Rotary Club, City employees and students from Paramount High School’s Corsairs service club served up the food in clockwork fashion. After dessert, Bill Pellegrino of the Rotary Club led the group in a spirited sing-along.
A major financial sponsor of the event was AppleCare.
Raffle prizes were generously donated by Paramount WalMart (for items to put in gift baskets) and Eastern Meats, Café Corleone and Rosewood Restaurant (gift certificates).
Other contributors included: Our Lady of the Ro-
sary Knights of Columbus; Gateway Business Bank; Alondra Hot Wings; Clinica Medica Hispana; Mariscos El Perihuete #2; The Water Store; First Transit; Casa Gamino and Downey Plumbing, Heating & Air.
As usual, it was a fun and friendly time for everyone involved, one of the highlights of the City’s annual schedule of special events.
A distinctive tradition at each year’s Thanksgiving Dinner is acknowledgement of those seniors in attendance age 90 and above. They were introduced to the crowd and given flowers. Some of them shared their tips on longevity with the Pulse Beat.
Jose
Mayor, Tom Hansen
Enjoying the Holidays With City Events
The City of Paramount’s holiday events for residents continues through December with the beloved Christmas Train and Breakfast With Santa. Here are the details:
Continuing a decades-long custom, The Santa Express Christmas Train will bring the holiday spirit to the kids of Paramount from December 6th through 9th. The engine, gingerbreadhouse boxcar, sleigh car and caboose will make stops throughout the City with Santa Claus and his team of elves handing apples, candy canes and good cheer.
An average of 25,000 kids and parents line the streets to see and talk with the man in red over the four days and nights. It’s a much-anticipated event that has delighted generations of Paramount children.
For a schedule of stops look in this issue’s CityScape on the inside back cover.
Then, on Saturday, December 11th from 8 a.m. till noon, Paramount Park will once again become a winter wonderland filled with tons of snow as Santa Claus comes to town for breakfast.
Breakfast With Santa will feature a delicious pancake and scrambled egg meal, pictures with ’Ol St. Nick, and a wide expanse of snowy white to play in.
There will also be crafts, prize giveaways and entertainment as part of this beloved community custom.
You can take your own photos with Santa at the park with your own camera. A professional photographer will be taking pictures, as well, and will have packages available for purchase.
The event itself is free, but you need to buy a ticket for the meal, which will be available to buy that morning.
For information or questions, please call (562) 220-2121.
Thank You, Paramount Volunteers
As you know, our Halloween Carnival is huge every year with more than 5,000 kids and parents in attendance. The successful event is aided immeasurably by a large turnout of volunteers. At our last carnival there were nearly 125 such helpers from the community, many of whom were Paramount High School students. We thank them for their time and dedication.
Also during holiday season, the great kids who belong to the Paramount High School service club Corsairs give generously of their time and energy. The Corsairs help serve the Seniors Thanksgiving Dinner at the Paramount Park gym, and make the event go very smoothly for the hundreds of diners. They also do a lot for many other people locally during the rest of the holidays.
These are some fine examples of kids giving back to the Paramount
NCMBC Community Health Fair
community, and it’s very much appreciated.
Holiday Trash Pickup Schedule
Among the coming holidays, only Thanksgiving will slightly alter garbage collection schedules this year.
The City’s vendor, CalMet Services, will have no trash pickup on that day. If your collection falls on that observed holiday, service will be one business day late for the remainder of the week.
So if your collection day falls on Thanksgiving Thursday (Nov. 25), your trash will be collected on Friday (Nov. 26). Since Christmas and New Year’s Day are on Saturdays this year, and there is no collection on Saturdays, there will be no schedule change.
If you have any questions, please call (562) 634-5420.
Remember to Recycle Your Christmas Tree
This holiday season, residents of Paramount who have Christmas trees can place them out for pickup by CalMet, the City’s refuse hauler. The trees will then be recycled into
mulch, which is distributed to public agencies for water conservation use in landscaping.
CalMet will pick up trees at no charge after Christmas from 12/27/10 through 1/14/11 for single-family residential accounts. Be sure to remove the stand and all the decorations, lights and tinsel, and do not wrap the tree or enclose it in a plastic bag. If the tree is four-feet-tall or less, you can put it in your green waste recycling barrel. For anything larger, set it curbside on your normal garbage collection day by 6:00 a.m. (Flocked trees will also be picked up.)
After 1/14/11, your tree can still be taken away by scheduling a bulky item pickup.
For apartments or condominiums, if the trees are on the curb by 6:00 a.m. they will be taken away for free on regularly scheduled pickup days. If it’s necessary to drive onto the property there will be a $5.00 charge per tree. In these latter cases, the service must be ordered 24 hours before regular pickup day by the manager or owner who must have the account number for verification.
If you have any questions, please call (562) 634-5420.
Members in the News
Peaceful Holiday Parties
The holidays are often filled with friendly parties and get-togethers. As we all know, though, parties can sometimes get out of hand and bother neighbors.
Paramount has a dedicated patrol deputy whose main job is to respond to complaints about loud parties. If a call for disturbing the peace comes into the Sheriff’s Station, there will be a visit to the location and a firstwarning notice will be issued. If a return visit is made, the property owner will be liable for fines. For instance, a second visit within 30 days will produce a fine of $250. The third, fourth and fifth visits within 30 days of the first call will entail fines of $500, $750 and $1,000, respectively. In addition, the cost of extra resources involved (multiple deputies, helicopter, and so on) can be passed on. These fines, if not paid, can go to a collections agency.
If such disturbances come from the same location over an extended period of time, deputies will focus on solving
the problem with those who are causing it.
If you’re planning a party, be sure to take your neighbors into consideration and refrain from playing loud music and making other loud noises into the early morning hours. Keep in mind, also, that deputies do not divulge the identity of any residents making complaint calls.
For more information, call the Paramount Sheriff’s Station at (562) 220-2002.
Vacation Home Checks
Here’s another reminder that if you are a Paramount resident and have plans to be out of town during any part of the holidays, you can contact the Sheriff’s Station for a vacation home check. The City’s Public Safety Officers will periodically take a look around your home or property while you’re gone. (This service is available throughout the year, not just during the holidays.)
Call (562) 220-2002 for more information.
Networking Breakfast
Stater Bros. To Help Feed the Hungry
Stater Bros. Supermarkets to help feed over ONE MILLION people in need this Holiday Season
Stater Bros. Supermarkets, in conjunction with its charitable arm Stater Bros. Charities, will be “Harvesting Hope” in Southern California communities. The 2nd Annual “Harvesting Hope in our Community” program will provide food and funding throughout the months of November and December to assist with hunger relief efforts in the communities where Stater Bros. customers and employees live and work.
• Stater Bros. Charities will present over $450,000 in cash donations to over 100 Southern California food banks and self-help organizations. These funds were collected through the Stater Bros. Charities Customers Care Program at every check stand. Customers and employees participate in this year-round program by donating their loose change or by purchasing Scannable Donation Cards while paying for their groceries.
• All 167 Stater Bros. Supermarkets have food barrels in place to collect nonperishable food items for struggling families.
• All 167 Stater Bros. Supermar-
kets are accepting additional cash donations at each check stand for allocation to food banks in the summer of 2011 when food reserves are traditionally low. Customers can donate loose change in the “Harvesting Hope” Donation Canisters or purchase $10 “Harvesting Hope” Scannable Donation Cards.
“Many of our hard working customers have exhausted their money and are being forced to stand in food lines. Stater Bros. is going to help in the best way we know how by keeping our prices low and helping our food banks get a big boost for the holiday season,” said Jack H. Brown, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Supermarkets.
The Stater Bros. “Harvesting Hope in our Community” campaign winds up Stater Bros. yearlong efforts to support nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves.
Each year, Stater Bros. contributes over $15 million to assist those in need, with an emphasis on worthy programs that benefit hunger relief, health and nutrition, education, and animal shelters.
Stater Bros. also donates over 3 million pounds of food annually and products to the local food banks.
“During these tough times ... we will not let our customers stand alone,” added Brown.
Owner Luis Acosta and staff members of State Farm Luis Acosta won a $25 cash prize for Best Table Top Display at the Chamber Networking Breakfast.
Children
How to Apply for a Scholarship
To Get Money, You Have to Ask for It
The scholarship application process is very similar to the college application process. First, your child filters a large list of possible choices into a focused list that matches your child’s needs. Then your child creates compelling applications that are supported by achievements, essays, recommendations and interviews. Here are some tips to help your child create strong scholarship applications.
Scholarship Application Tips
There’s a lot of advice out there about the best way to apply for scholarships — how to package your child in the essay, what extracurricular activities to emphasize. The truth is, much of this advice can vary widely, depending on the author — what works for one applicant may not necessarily work for another. You and your child will discover that most of the scholarship secrets you read about boil down to using common sense and following directions carefully.
Start the Research Early
The more time your child can put into a scholarship search, the more options there are. Your child needs time to research scholarships, request information and application materials, and complete applications — and remember, some scholarships have deadlines early in the fall of the senior year. Your child can use Scholarship Search to get started.
Read Eligibility Requirements
Carefully
If your child has a question about eligibility for a particular scholarship, contact the scholarship sponsors.
Organize All Scholarship Materials
Your child should create a separate file for each scholarship and file by application date. Keep a calendar of application deadlines and follow-up appointments.
Many scholarships require your child to provide some combination of the following:
• Transcript
• Standardized test scores
• Financial aid forms, such as the FAFSA or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®
• Parents’ financial information, including tax returns
• One or more essays
• One or more letters of recommendation
• Proof of eligibility (e.g., membership credentials)
Your child may also need to prepare for a personal interview. For students competing for talent-based scholarships, an audition, performance, or portfolio may be required.
Proofread Applications Carefully
Your child can use the computer’s spelling and grammar check features.
Have a family member, teacher or friend read your child’s essays.
Don’t Leave Items Blank
Your child should contact scholarship sponsors if not sure how to fill out any part of the application.
Follow Instructions to the Letter
Make sure your child does not go over the length limit for the essay. Don’t send supporting materials that are not requested in the application.
Make Sure the Application Is Legible
Your child should type or print application forms and essays.
Make Copies of Everything Your Child Sends
If application materials are lost, having copies on hand makes it much easier to resend the application quickly.
Double-Check the Application
If your child is reusing material (such as a cover letter or essay) from another scholarship application, check to make sure no incorrect names are left in or there are blank fields. It should be carefully checked for incorrect names or blank fields. Make sure your child doesn’t forget to sign and date the application.
Get Applications In Early
Your child misses out if deadlines are missed. Consider using certified mail or requesting a return receipt.
How Scholarships Affect the Financial Aid Package
Private scholarships can actually reduce parts of your child’s financial aid package. How? Colleges must consider outside scholarships as a student’s financial resource, available to pay for education costs. If a college financial aid office meets your child’s full financial need, government regulations specify that any scholarship money won lowers the need figure on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
What should matter to you and your child is which types of aid are reduced or eliminated — self-help aid (loans or work-study) or need-based grants. Colleges, following federal regulations, can adjust aid packages in a variety of ways — some subtract the value of unmet need first, others reduce self-help aid before reducing grants, still others use scholarship funds only to replace grant money. Some colleges even give the option of using scholarships to reduce the expected family contribution.
It’s a good idea to contact the financial aid office of colleges that interest your child and ask about their policies on outside scholarships
Alondra Hot Wings
From
The Kazarian brothers are joined by their parents, chamber members, and elected officials at the grand opening of their newest restaurant. For more information about store hours or menu selections call Alondra Hot Wings, 562.531.4200.
On hand to congratulate the Kazarian brothers was Steven W. Erhard director of leasing and acquisitions for ROIC (Retail Opportunity Investment Corporation). ROIC is the owner/operator of the Alondra Blvd. shopping center where Alondra Hot Wings is located.
Pathways Volunteer Hospice
Gala
Pathways Volunteer Hospice recently celebrated 25 years at the Los Angeles County Fire Museum in Bellflower. Volunteers, supporters and local dignitaries gathered to commemorate the many years of caring, supportive care offered by the Lakewood-based non-profit. Pathways board chairwoman, Leigh Clausen, proposed a toast to the crowd of more than 125 who have generously given their
time and greatly contributed to the success of the organization over the past 25 years. A live jazz band played while the rest of the evening was spent reminiscing and enjoying refreshments. The wonderful red and black theme was completed by the impressive presence of vehicles from a fire apparatus dating back to the mid1800’s to Squad 51 from 1970’s television show “Emergency.”
left, Kazarian brothers Joey, Garo, and Danny receive a proclamation of congratulations from Mayor Tom Hansen. Alondra Hot Wings is now open and can be found at 8411 Alondra Blvd., in Paramount.
City of Paramount City Manager Linda Benedetti-Leal and Pathways Board Member Paula Coony
Cindy’s Jumpers Partners with Toys for Tots
Cindy’s Jumpers is proud to be an official donation site for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. Donate a New, Unrapped Toy for Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys For Tots between Nov 18 – Dec 18, 2010 and get a $5 OFF coupon for your next party rental.
The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to needy children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The objectives of Toys for Tots
are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
Toys for Tots Toys can dropped off at Cindy’s Jumpers, 7009 Rosecrans Ave. Paramount.
1,000 Free Turkeys
Dusk to Dawn Urgent Care will give away 1,000 turkeys on Saturday, December 11, from 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm, 16415 S. Colorado Ave., Paramount Recipients must register in advance, and be present to take advantage of the giveaway. For more information call, 1.888.DrAllen.
HELP WANTED
OUTSIDE SALES AND BODY & PAINT TECHNICIAN WITH TOOL EXPERIENCE. Trouble-shooting. Apply at Herald’s Garage, 8124 E. Alondra Blvd, Paramount. 562-633-2136, Ask for Joe.
Modern and authentic Mexican grill in the city of Paramount seeking MANAGERS, EXPERIENCED COOKS (COCINEROS), AND FOOD / CUSTOMER SERVICE. Be part of a new and growing restaurant that is to open around July 15th - August 1st. Looking for cheerful, polite and fast people who are Spanish bilingual, food service experience is a definite plus. Solicitamos cocineros. Se habla español. Phone: 562688-4674 • Email: marvinmeraz@gmail.com • Fax: 562-790-8079
By Maria F Galli State Farm Galli Agency
562.817.5620
You’ve worked hard to accumulate valuable assets over the years. How do you plan to distribute this property after your death?
It’s important to have a will, regardless of the value of your possessions. This written document instructs how you want assets that pass via your will (money, property and other assets) to be distributed after your death. If you die without a will, your probate assets will be divided according to state law.
Here are some tips for preparing a will:
• Have an attorney draft your will. If you draft your own will, make sure it complies with state law or it could be invalid.
• Name an executor, whose
By Luis Acosta State Farm® agent
(562) 531-1900
A recent State Farm survey shows many people understand the need for life insurance is important but acknowledge the conversation with their spouse might be uncomfortable. Seventy-four percent of couples say they rarely or never discuss the topic. This is particularly true in households with one wage earner.
With women increasingly filling the role of primary breadwinner, financial and emotional stressors weigh heavily on their decision to discuss life insurance at home, and research finds that among couples unlikely to discuss the topic, women are even more likely to remain silent.
The state of the economy influenced the responders. The survey found that more than half of Americans are now focused solely on protecting what they have versus working to achieve their financial goals. Having the income to cover basic household needs (mortgage, rent, utilities and food) must come first.
An earlier study from the research firm LIMRA found that nearly one
role is to handle all administrative aspects of the will, including collecting assets, paying all debts and taxes and distributing your estate, according to your wishes.
• List personal property such as artwork, collectibles, jewelry and other personal property that you want to go to specific individuals. Be clear about how you want your assets distributed.
• Do not include funeral preferences in your will because it may not be read until several weeks after your death.
• Review your will every few years and have your attorney make changes as appropriate.
With a little advance preparation, your local insurance or financial service professional will help ensure that your final wishes are handled the way you planned them to be.
Write a Will Survey: Couples rarely talk about life insurance
third of U.S. households currently have no life insurance, the highest level in more than 40 years.
For couples who struggle with discussing finances and life insurance, here are a few suggestions:
• Make A Plan. It can be empowering for couples to agree on goals and steps toward achieving a more secure future. For couples experiencing severe economic setbacks, it can be reassuring to have a strategy in place to get back on their feet financially and to prepare for the unexpected.
• Start Small. Often couples may feel the gap is too great between what they have to work with financially today versus what they would like to have in the future. But starting with small steps - such as getting educated about life insurance basics - can set the stage for follow-up steps later.
• Consult an expert. Bringing in a knowledgeable outside perspective can make the process of discussing life insurance easier and less stressful. These experts have experience guiding the conversation and answering questions. This can help avoid misunderstandings and unneeded stress.
Cornbread & Sausage Stuffing
Ingredients
1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage, (about 4 links), casings removed
2 cups finely chopped onion
1 1⁄2 cups finely chopped celery
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground pepper, to taste
2 pounds prepared cornbread, cut into 3⁄4 inch cubes (about 12 cups)
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
1 1⁄2 - 3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
Cooking Instructions
Preheat oven to 325˚ F. Coat a 9-by-12-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Cook sausage in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring and breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 10 minutes. Add onion and celery; cover, reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper; add cornbread, parsley and sage. Bring broth to a simmer in a small saucepan. Pour 1 cup over the stuffing mixture and toss gently (the cornbread will break into smaller pieces). Add as much of the remaining broth as needed, 1⁄2 cup at a time, until the stuffing feels moist but not wet. Spoon the stuffing into the prepared pan and cover with foil. Bake the stuffing until thoroughly heated, about 25 minutes. Serve warm.
10 Tips to Harness the Power of Local Marketing
BY RIEVA LESONSKY
If your business is the kind that relies on local clients—such as a restaurant, retail store or landscaping service—there are more ways than ever to attract these customers. Try these 10 tips to harness the power of local marketing.
1. Understand search. It’s important for your business to show up on the big search engines, Google and Bing. But it’s easy to get buried there—so make sure your business can also be found on local search sites such as CitySearch,
Local.com and Yahoo! Local.
2. Build a business website. Customers looking for local businesses don’t use the Yellow Pages anymore-they go online. Your website doesn’t have to be elaborate; just be sure it provides the basic information (address, phone number, store hours and services) that local customers seek.
3. Advertise online. Local online advertising works— that’s why use of targeted online ads is projected to more than double next year. Does the idea of online ad-
vertising intimidate you? There are many companies that will manage your entire campaign, from creating your ad to optimizing it.
4. Use location-based services. With location-based services such as Foursquare, Gowalla, Google Places and Facebook Places, you can help customers find your business, get coupons and earn rewards. These services are simple, free and a great way to drive customers to your door.
5. Try “group deals.” Group buying websites like Groupon, LivingSocial and
SocialBuy offer limited-time discounts on local products and services—if a certain number of customers buy. Businesses sign up with the service, then share profits with the site. Group deals are a great way to move excess inventory or attract new customers.
6. Get listed on ratings and review sites. Customers look to review sites to decide where to shop. In addition to the local search sites in #1, also get listed on Bing Local, Insider Pages, Merchant Circle, RatePoint and Yelp!, and on niche review sites for your industry, region or city.
7. Optimize your listing. Make the most of your listing on review sites by adding photos, a description of your business, directions or maps, coupons and deals. Most review sites let you do this for free.
8. Manage your reviews. Read your ratings and respond quickly (and tactfully) to negative reviews before they hurt your business image. Visit Yelp! for advice on responding to reviews.
9. Engage. Local tools’ biggest benefit: They enable you to engage with your customers. By learning what customers like and don’t like, you build lasting relationships...and increase sales.
10. Experiment and learn. Track the results of each local marketing tool you use. As you learn what works and what doesn’t, you can fine-tune your business for greater success.
Rieva Lesonsky is CEO of GrowBiz Media, a content and consulting company that helps entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Before launching her business, she was Editorial Director of Entrepreneur Magazine. Rieva Lesonsky also works with the Los Angeles Regional Small Business Development Center Network. The SBDC is a group of successful small business owners helping fellow entrepreneurs start, sustain, and grow their business through low-cost workshops and free one-on-one consulting in business planning, finance, marketing, and various other specialty areas (Spanish speaking consultants available). To make an appointment call: (562) 938-5100, or email: sbdcinfo@lbcc.edu.
