Your
Minding
www.lakewoodnews.org
May 2013
Lakewood residents are recognized with special awards
Pictured L to R: Mrs. Randee Chambers, Caitin Bolt Chambers, and Lakewood Mayor Steve Croft. Lakewood resident Caitin (Caitee) Bolt Chambers was the recent winner of the 2013 Young Woman of Distinction Award. She also received a certificate given to her by Mayor Steve Croft. Caitin had perfect attendance from Kindergarten through High School. She was recognized by her School District and L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe’s office for this outstanding feat. Caitin is currently attending Long Beach City College and is now serving on the school Senate, to help improve relationships between students and administrators. Caitin has proven to be an excellent citizen of Lakewood. This award recognizes her exemplary character and outstanding citizenship. Lakewood resident, Mrs Randee Chambers, received a Nomination award from Assembly Member Anthony
Lakewood
News
Community
...Since 1984
Publication Manager/Graphics Designer Jodee Kilroy Editor-in-Chief Robin Vanderwerff Sales Ruby Cure Published by the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce #24 Lakewood Center Lakewood, CA 90712 P: (562) 531-9733 * F: (562) 531-9737 advertise@lakewoodchamber.com news@lakewoodchamber.com This publication is delivered to homes & businesses in Lakewood, and portions of Long Beach, with a circulation of 30,000. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $20/yr in Orange & L.A. Counties; $25/yr in all other counties. Payable in advance. Contents of the Lakewood Community News (“LCN”) may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without written permission of the Publisher. The Publisher reserves the right to revise, edit, reject or suspend publication of any content germane to any addition without prior notice. The LCN is not responsible nor liable for any claims offering for product availability that may be advertised. SUBMISSION POLICY: The LCN encourages submission of letters to the Editor. Letters must be no more than 200 words, typed and double spaced, or sent electronically. Letters must be signed by the author and must include the author’s address and telephone number. Opinions expressed in the letter do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, members, staff or the LCN. The LCN reserves the right to refuse or edit editorial content, without notice, for the reasons of, but not limited to, length, grammar, clarity or for the potentially libelous statements. SPACE RESERVATIONS & AD DEADLINES: The 15th of every preceding month for ads to be designed or current ads requiring changes. The 20th of every preceding month for camera-ready art furnished by advertiser. EDITORIAL DEADLINES: The 10th of every preceding month. (There is no guarantee for insertion.) PHOTOGRAPHS: There is no guarantee of return of photographs.
Rendon. Her Nomination was in Education. Mrs. Chambers has continually contributed positively to the field of education for the past 31 years.
Congratulations Ladies!
“For the Love of Country & City” (Cont’d. from Page 1)
It is the Soldier, not the minister who has given us freedom of religion. It is the Soldier, not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press. It is the Soldier, not the poet who has given us freedom of speech. It is the Soldier, not the campus organizer who has given us freedom to protest. It is the Soldier, not the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the Soldier, not the politician who has given us the right to vote. It is the Soldier who salutes the flag, who serves beneath the flag, And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag. - Charles Michael Province, U.S. Army
of his fate. After the ride that seemed to last forever, Jansen was told to walk; they walked west towards France having to sleep in wooden shacks with 20 people to a room, some men sleeping in straw bags on the floor. Day after day they would wake up, forced to walk for months. Jansen dreamed of being freed and reunited with his young bride who was awaiting his return in their new home back in Lakewood. He longed to see the shores of the U.S. again. Finally his dreams were within reach in May 1945 after almost a year of confinement and agony. Jansen woke up and found that the German soldiers were gone. Standing outside the barn bewildered, John and the others were thrilled to see an English jeep coming towards them from up the road. The English had made his dream a reality...they had freed him from the horrific ordeal he had been forced to live through. John and the other men were liberated and taken to Brussels Belgium, ending up at
Business Page 3
“Lucky Strike” camp. They were then cleaned up and given a good meal, after months of eating barely enough to survive. Jansen was given a new uniform, which he proudly and gratefully wore. Finally, after arriving home, he was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his heroic deeds. At 94 years old, John has a very long memory. He vividly recalls the past and a dreadful time for our country. Home. A word so often taken for granted, but for John it’s a place of peace, love and family. Lakewood is John’s home. He married his second wife Flora, and has been active in many organizations in the community throughout the years. The community should take heed to John’s words of wisdom, “There is no more patriotism for the country. People don’t think of the U.S. as a great place to live. I don’t know if we will ever get it back again.” He also added, “Do away with cell phones and computers…all the button pushing. People need to start thinking again.”