Community News

Rec Classes Offered

Registration for new and existing recreation classes offered by the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) has begun. Summer is quickly approaching and PRM is offering over 700 activities taking place throughout the city and catering to all ages. From preschool to adults ages 50+, residents can enjoy classes in art, music, nature, fitness, special interest subjects, adult sports leagues, aquatics and more all summer long.

Preschool

• Preschool Soccer Camp (ages 4 years, six months to 6 years).
• Preschool Cake Design (ages 2 years, six months to 6 years).
• D-Up Tiny Ballers Basketball (ages 3 to 6 years).

Youth

• Avengers and Justice League Animation (ages 7 to 13 years).
• Lego Engineering Design Challenge (ages 7 to 12 years).
• Magical Mermaid Camp (ages 4 to 7 years).
• Star Wars: Claymation Galaxy (ages 7 to 13 years).

Adults

• Ceramics Workshop (ages 16 years and up).
• Drawing Fundamentals (ages 18 years and up).
• Argentine Tango (ages 18 years and up).

Older Adults

• Functional Movement, Balance, and Brains (ages 50 years and up).
• Gentle Yoga (ages 50 years and up).
• Zumba Gold (ages 50 years and up).

Residents can register for classes by visiting lbparks.org and clicking on “Online Registration” under “LB RecConnect,” by calling (562) 570-3111, or by visiting the Registration Reservations Office (2760 Studebaker Rd.), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Classes will start in June and extend through August. Check out all of this season’s activities in the latest issue of the Recreation Connection, PRM’s programs catalog, available at LBParks.org or at Long Beach park community centers and Long Beach Public Library branches.

Community Open House

Able ARTS Work and sponsors are excited to open the doors of our new building to the community for an Open House on Friday, June 7, 6-9 p.m. at 3841 Atlantic Ave. The event is to introduce our organization and welcome the community into our permanent home in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood.

The open house will feature a tour of the building, meet and greet with Able ARTS Work staff and ambassadors, scavenger hunt, music, art activities, refreshments, and welcoming remarks from Founder and CEO, Helen Dolas and special guests. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.

“Our building is symbolic of our purpose and will make sure meaningful services are accessible to people with disabilities, at-risk children and youth, and other members of marginalized communities.” said CEO, Helen Dolas. “Able ARTS Work will come together with our community to build a kind of culture where everyone belongs.”

Able ARTS Work was established in 1982 as a non-profit organization to provide inclusive services for individuals with developmental disabilities, autism and ALL people through the creative arts therapies and education. Over the last 42 years, Able ARTS Work has expanded to provide creative art services and opportunities to the broader community including underserved communities, youth at risk, children in a school setting, and art enthusiasts throughout Southern California and beyond. California.

AJCC Job Fair

The County of Los Angeles America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) and Teamsters Local 848 will sponsor a job fair on Tuesday, May 21, 12-3 p.m. at Teamsters Local 848 Hall, 3888 Cherry Ave. Open to the general public, and workers from Yellow Freight and 99 Cents Only are welcome.

Features 20-30 employers in a wide variety of fields. Call AJCC at (310) 776-6245 or (310) 439-8263 for assistance.

Cottonwood Awards

Rancho Los Alamitos is pleased to announce its 12th annual Cottonwood Award Luncheon is taking place on Thursday, May 30, 2024. This year’s honorees are Skip Keesal and Keesal, Young and Logan, receiving the Cottonwood Award for Leadership, and Gloria Cordero, community leader and water commission board chair, receiving the Special Recognition for Service and Commitment.

This Cottonwood Award Luncheon was specially created by the Rancho Los Alamitos Foundation to bring attention and appreciation to each year’s honorees’ significant contributors to the city’s cultural and historical resources. This signature event brings together community leaders, colleagues, and friends generating critical support and ongoing funding that make possible the Rancho’s many free programs that engage, educate, and excite visitors of all ages.

Join us for an outdoor barbecue lunch and enjoy the Rancho’s historic setting surrounded by the people who make Long Beach a rewarding place to live, work, and raise a family. You are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunities to become a Rancho Member, Donor, and a Sponsor to ensure that the Rancho Los Alamitos remains vibrant and unique, and truly, A Place for All Time. For inquiries, contact Erin Wilson, director of development, at erinw@rancholosalamitos.org or (562) 431-3541, Ext. 102.

Tickets are still available. Learn more at RanchoLosAlamitos.org.

Keep Emergency Rooms Ready with Blood

When every second counts, blood products can provide lifesaving care. The American Red Cross asks the public to give blood or platelets during Trauma Awareness Month in May to keep hospitals prepared for all transfusion needs, including emergencies. Type O blood donors and donors giving platelets are especially needed right now:

Type O negative is the universal blood type and what emergency room personnel reach for when there is no time to determine a patient’s blood type in the most serious situations.

Type O positive blood is the most used blood type because it can be transfused to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

Platelets are often needed to help with clotting in cases of massive bleeding.

It’s the blood already on the shelves that can help save lives in an emergency. Book a time to give now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

Thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts, all who come to donate April 29-May 31 will get a coupon for a free haircut by email. Plus, those who come to give through May 19 will be automatically entered for a chance to win a trip for two and VIP racing experience to the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Races at Darlington Raceway Labor Day weekend, including entry to the Sport Clips racetrack hospitality tent and a $1,000 gift card.

Additionally, those who come to give through May 19 will also get a bonus $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. For details on all offers, visit RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

Long Beach Republicans to Welcome Kevin Tiber

It’s almost impossible to read a daily newspaper without seeing at least one article about the banking industry and its many challenges in today’s economy. On Saturday, June 8, Kevin Tiber, president of Farmers and Merchants Bank, will speak from extensive experience in the banking and financial industry. Members and guests will learn about the current state of the banking industry and what it looks like from a 117-year-old Long Beach based regional bank.

Held at The Grand in Long Beach, 4101 E. Willow St., registration starts at 9 a.m. followed by an all-you-can-eat breakfast served at 9:30 a.m. The cost is $30 for members and $35 for non-members.

The independent Greater Long Beach Republican Women is a growing organization that brings together women and men who work together to pass propositions and elect officials that will have an impact on improving life in Long Beach, the state and nation.

For information and reservations: email vonderhorstm@aol.com or phone (562) 760-1556.