March is Women’s History Month

Women have made significant contributions to society long before any formal recognition. However, Women’s History Month offers an opportunity to highlight the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.

The City of Lakewood joins the federal government, state government and hundreds of public and private organizations in paying tribute to this important annual commemoration and celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society, including women’s struggles for the right to vote and equality under the law.

On behalf of the Lakewood City Council, Mayor Steve Croft has issued a proclamation in recogni- tion of Women’s History Month, which can be viewed at www. lakewoodcity.org/Women

The two Los Angeles County Libraries in Lakewood will be creating book displays in celebration of women in March and offer take-home activity kits (recommended for children ages 5-12).

Visit lacountylibrary.org to see the commemorative month’s specific resources, which will include a booklist and a special “Great Women in History” tribute to four women you may have never heard of, but have made huge impacts on our local community and the world.

Take note, the Smithsonian Institution is currently building the American Women’s History Museum in our nation’s capital. The museum will recognize women’s accomplishments, the history they made, and the communities they represent.

In addition, a major new online research guide highlights hundreds of sources that tell the stories of women through a wide variety of perspectives and media in the Library of Congress collections. The guide's comprehensive coverage includes historic and contemporary audio and video files, posters, photographs, magazines, sheet music, maps, manuscripts and rare books, as well as government documents and legislation. The topical essays highlight such themes as the Equal Rights Amendment, Patriotism and Suffrage. Delve into the treasure trove at https://guides.loc. gov/american-women. ♦

The Volunteer Day program is looking for project sites for its Saturday, April 15 cleanup and fix-up event. More than 500 volunteers will fan out that day to locations throughout Lakewood to donate a morning’s work to help their neighbors in need. Teams of volunteer workers from scout troops, schools, clubs, businesses, organizations and religious congregations will assist residents who are unable to maintain their properties themselves.

Recipients of Volunteer Day aid can be seniors or persons of any age who, because of a disability or limited means, need some neighborly help to make their Lakewood yard or home exterior a little nicer. Work can include gardening, yard cleanup or minor painting.

The proposed project sites are reviewed by city staff for eligibility and suitability. If you, or someone you know, can benefit from a Volunteer Day cleanup project and meet the selection criteria, please go to www.lakewoodcity.org/volunteerdaysite to submit an application online, or call the Burns Community Center at 562-925-7512.

FAMILY FUN

Family Game Night

Meet your neighbors at a night of family fun on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at your neighborhood park! Kids versus parents, family versus family, trivia, charades and more, are sure to make this an action-packed evening of fun! Light refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required. Go to www.lakewoodcity.org/ecatalog and search for “Family Game Night,” then select your local park and register.

MOMS & SONS

Mother/Son Mayhem

Mothers, grandmothers, aunts and other special ladies invite your son(s) or other special young men, ages five and older, to Mother/Son Mayhem at Monte Verde Park, 4626 N. Shadeway Rd. on Saturday, March 25 from 5 to 8 p.m. Go on a galactic adventure with your son(s) at an event filled with dinner and activities under the stars. This exciting, action-packed event will feature a delicious dinner, inflatable attractions, and plenty of prizes. The mother/son duo with the most creative attire will also receive an award. Guests will receive a keepsake mother/son photo and frame. Dinner will be served. Registration is $25 per Lakewood resident and $30 per non-resident. Each mother and son must be individually registered. Visit www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog to register in advance using activity #24628.

DADS & DAUGHTERS

Daddy/Daughter Date Night

The annual Daddy/Daughter Date Night is Friday, March 31 from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Centre, 5000 Clark Ave. This year’s theme is “Interstellar Gala.” Dads and daughters, ages five and above, will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by dancing to a popular DJ. Each couple can dress in their best “out of this world” outfit and there will be exciting contests throughout the evening, including the crowning of the king and princess. All guests will receive a keepsake daddy/ daughter photo. Registration is $45 per Lakewood resident and $55 per non-resident and it fills quickly. Each daddy and daughter should register individually. For more information, or to sign up for this event, call 562-866-9771, ext. 2408 or sign up at www.lakewoodcity.org/ ecatalog using activity #24629.

Movie Night

Play at Palms Movie Night Under the Stars featuring Minions: The Rise of Gru (PG)

Bring the entire family out to Palms Park, 12305 207th St., and enjoy an evening of free family fun and movie entertainment featuring “Minions: The Rise of Gru” (Rated PG) on Friday, March 10. Check-in begins at 6 p.m. with the feature beginning at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and blanket. Free popcorn and hot chocolate will be available while supplies last. Pre-registration is not required. More information can be found at www.lakewoodcity. org/playatpalms or by calling 562866-9771, ext. 2408. Sorry, no pets or alcohol allowed at the park.

We Love Basketball

St. Patty’s Day 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for teens

Middle and High Schoolers bring your friends out to Bloomfield Park, 21420 Pioneer Blvd., on Saturday, March 18 from 2-6 p.m. and challenge other teens in a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. For preregistration or for more information call Bloomfield Park at 562-8651717. ♦