Community News

Funds for Veterans

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar announced two Memorial Day fundraising events to benefit The Rock Club’s mission of improving the lives and well-being of vets and at-risk youth through music.

On Monday, May 28, guests can kick off their Memorial Day with a “Flapjack Breakfast” where they can enjoy pancakes, eggs, sausage and potatoes with the proceeds going to this unique charity. Tickets cost $15 and can be purchased at the Signal Hill Applebee’s, 899 E. Spring St., or online at www.musicistheremedy.org; if unable to attend, a ticket can be purchased and donated to a local veteran. Throughout the breakfast, guests will have the opportunity to meet local military heroes and be treated to a special performance by the Rock for Vets band.

Additionally, beginning at 11 a.m., 15 percent of each participating party’s bill will go directly to The Rock Club as part of Applebee’s “Dining to Donate” event. Participation is available for both dine-in and to-go orders. Applebee’s guests interested in contributing to the “Dining to Donate” program should inform their server when ordering or when placing Carside To Go orders.

Symphony Season Finale

On June 2 at 8 p.m. in the Terrace Theater, the Long Beach Symphony will present its final concert of the 2017-2018 season featuring music by great Russian composers and a dazzling interpretation of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 by guest pianist, Fei-Fei.

Born in Shenzhen, China, Fei-Fei began piano lessons at the age of 5. She moved to New York to study at The Juilliard School, where she earned her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees under the guidance of Yoheved Kaplinsky. Known for her poetic interpretations, Fei-Fei has performed with major orchestras around the world.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.LongBeachSymphony.org or call (562) 436-3203 ext. 1. Tickets are also available at the door the night of the concert.

Police Awards Ceremony

The 50th Annual Long Beach Police Awards Ceremony is set for Thursday, June 7, at the Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center on the campus of Cal State University, Long Beach.

A joint effort of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and the Long Beach Police Foundation (LBPF), this event is designed to be family-friendly and honors police department employees and citizens who have distinguished themselves during the past year by their brave or unselfish acts of heroism, and their dedication to community safety.

Admission to the ceremony is free, but reservations are required. Please RSVP to awards@lbpolicefoundation.org, contact the LBPF at (562) 343-5111 or visit our website www.lbpolicefoundation.org. Light refreshments will be served.  

The mission of the Long Beach Police Foundation is to financially support and enhance the programs and services of the Long Beach Police Department in the areas of training, technology, equipment and community outreach.

The foundation actively seeks donations from private businesses and individuals, and facilitates direct, designated donations that support our community safety mission. For more information, to donate or volunteer, please visit the LBPF website at www.lbpolicefoundation.org or call (562) 343-5111.

Summer Blood Donations

The American Red Cross is counting on volunteer donors to give blood and help ensure patient needs can be met this summer.

Around Memorial Day, the Red Cross sees a steep decline in blood donations. Busy summer schedules, vacations and school breaks also cause a drop in donations. Accidents and medical emergencies don’t take a summer break – patients need blood every minute, every day.

The public is asked to schedule an appointment to help ensure that hospitals and patients have the blood they need this summer. Make an appointment to donate blood by downloading the free Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks, all those who come to donate blood or platelets now through June 10, 2018, will receive a $5 Amazon.com Gift Card via email, courtesy of Suburban Propane. (Restrictions apply; see amazon.com/gc-legal. More information and details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/Together.) Additionally, those who come to give May 25-29, will receive an exclusive Red Cross branded T-shirt, while supplies last.

Summer Music Series

The Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s (DLBA) Summer and Music (SAM) series returns to launch its tenth year of production with free, family-friendly events that have attracted thousands of music lovers near and far to the streets and neighborhoods of Downtown Long Beach.

“With this being the tenth year, we really want to reflect on where SAM has been and what it continues to bring to our community,” commented Kraig Kojian, DLBA President and CEO. “SAM is a perfect means to activate downtown through spotlighting our local talent and provide the artists a platform to entertain the community while being introduced to new audiences.”

SAM 2018 launched on May 17. Next up is “FKA 720” on June 23 at the Promenade between Broadway and Third Street, which will be followed by “Twisted at The Pike” on July 14; at The Pike Outlets. Look for more event details including performers, artists and times, which will be updated and posted on www.summerandmusic.com, when they become available.

Yard Sale

A Yard Sale will be held on Saturday, June 9, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 5730 South Street, Lakewood 90713. Funds raised will be used for repairs and refurbishing of church property.

Blessing of Animals

On Saturday, June 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Unity Church Long Beach, will host a “Blessing of the Animals” at 935 E. Broadway. All in our community and surrounding communities are welcome to this non-denominational event. Those who attend will receive a very unique and special blessing charm for their pet’s collar, cage or wherever a pet owner feels it is appropriate to place this medallion. There is no charge, but love offerings to support our community outreach programs are greatly appreciated. For further information, contact Pastor John Huffman at (562) 427-3400 (days), (562) 810-4295 (cell) or email john@providerbilling.com.

90th Anniversary Gala

Long Beach City College is celebrating the 90th Anniversary of its founding with a 1920s-themed black-tie gala on the College’s Liberal Arts Campus on Sat., June 16, 2018. The celebration gala is being hosted by the Long Beach City College Foundation, and all proceeds will benefit Long Beach College Promise Scholarships and other scholastic student programs.

Beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests will enjoy a red-carpet welcome and a silent auction of fun experiences unique to LBCC, including women’s volleyball experience with LBCC Volleyball Head Coach Misty May-Treanor, and dinner for 10 at the LBCC Bistro. Hundreds of LBCC’s most prominent supporters will mix and mingle at the outdoor reception with hosted bar before moving to tables set under tents in the Central Quad for the dinner and program. Entertainment will be provided by students from the LBCC Music Program.

Guy Heston, president of the LBCC Foundation Board of Governors, will serve as master of ceremonies for the program that will feature a special presentation by LBCC Superintendent-President Reagan F. Romali honoring Beverly O’Neill, former LBCC Superintendent-President and three-term Long Beach Mayor.

Title sponsor for the 90th Anniversary Gala is Don Temple Storage/Don Temple Family Charitable Foundation. The Cordoba Corporation is a Diamond Sponsor. An array of sponsorship, underwriting and advertising opportunities, many with special benefits, are still available, beginning at $250 for individual tickets. For more information, please contact LBCC Foundation at (562) 938-4134 or events@lbcc.edu, or visit LBCC.edu/LBCC90Gala.