Community News

Republican Women

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting on Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration is at 9 a.m. with the buffet breakfast at 9:30 am.

Guest speaker is Netty Chow, founder of God, Guns, Government (G3); Netty’s mantra: “Just Show Up.” G3 unites like-minded patriots to help restore the principles and values upon which our republic is established.

The cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Maryann von der Horst at (562) 760-1556 or email vonderhorstm@aol.com.

Free Winter Fun Days

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) will once again offer its Winter Fun Days, free extended supervised recreation programs for youth ages 5 through 12. This year’s Winter Fun Days will take place Monday, Dec. 23, through Friday, Dec. 27, (excluding Wednesday, Dec. 25), and Monday, Dec. 30 through Friday, Jan. 3, 2025 (excluding Wednesday, Jan.1).

The Winter Fun Days Program offers the opportunity for local youth to engage in sports, games, arts and crafts, and special events over the winter school break. This is a drop-in program where registered participants may come and go at their own discretion, and PRM staff will be on site to lead a variety of recreational activities from noon to 5 p.m. at parks throughout Long Beach.

Pre-registration is required to participate and will be available at program sites during operating hours beginning Monday, Dec. 9. More information about the program, including operating hours, phone numbers and addresses of participating locations, is available on the Winter Fun Days webpage.

Winter Fun Days will take place at the Long Beach parks listed below.

• Admiral Kidd Park, 2125 Santa Fe Ave.
• Bixby Park, 130 Cherry Ave.
• Cesar E. Chavez Park, 401 Golden Ave.
• College Estates Park, 808 Stevely Ave.
• Coolidge Park, 352 E. Neece St.
• Drake Park, 951 Maine Ave.
• El Dorado Park West, 2800 N. Studebaker Rd.
• Houghton Park, 6301 Myrtle Ave.
• MacArthur Park, 1321 E. Anaheim St.
• Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 1950 Lemon Ave.
• McBride Park, 1550 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
• Orizaba Park, 1435 Orizaba Ave.
• Pan American Park, 5157 E. Centralia St.
• Ramona Park, 3301 E. 65th St.
• Scherer Park 4600 Long Beach Blvd.
• Seaside Park, 14th Street at Chestnut Ave.
• Silverado Park, 1545 W. 31st St.
• Somerset Park, 1500 E. Carson St.
• Stearns Champions Park 4520 E. 23rd St.
• Veterans Park, 101 E. 28th St.
• Wardlow Park, 5620 Stanbridge Ave.
• Whaley Park, 5620 E. Atherton St.

For information about other PRM programs, including youth programming, visit LBParks.org.

Auld Lang Shine

This New Year’s Eve, the Queen Mary will embark on a dazzling global journey with its Auld Lang Shine celebration on Dec. 31. Revelers can explore the ship’s decks, ballrooms and salons, traveling to iconic destinations from around the world – without ever leaving port. From the romance of the French Quarters and the excitement of the New York Rockettes to the soulful jazz of Cape Town,

The Queen Mary will come alive with immersive décor, themed entertainment and unforgettable experiences. These celebrations will showcase the sights and sounds of multiple destinations, culminating in one of Southern California’s best New Year’s Eve firework displays.

The legendary evening begins in the Grand Salon, where guests can experience the vibrant energy of South America with a Latin Lounge featuring live music, salsa and tango performances, and even dance lessons. Then step into the French Quarters in the Main Hall for a taste of Parisian nightlife with a Champagne Bar, “Champagne Blush” show and the chance to play casino games like roulette and blackjack at the Royal Casino.

For jazz lovers, the Queen’s Salon will transport guests to Cape Town, South Africa, where the smooth sounds of live jazz and signature cocktails will set the mood. Meanwhile, Cleopatra’s Den & Pharaoh Bar in the Royal Salon will whisk guests away to ancient Egypt, complete with a Cleopatra impersonator and Egyptian-themed décor.

Over on the Verandah Deck, guests will find Central Park’s Liberty Stage alive with a DJ spinning Top 40 hits and thrilling performances by The Rockettes. Trade in the top 40 hits for the high-energy showdown of dueling pianos in the Verandah Grill, where lively performances and audience requests turn every song into an unforgettable experience!

“New Year’s Eve aboard The Queen Mary is always something special, but this year’s ‘Auld Lang Shine’ celebration will truly be a night to remember,” shared Steve Caloca, managing director for The Queen Mary. “Whether you’re exploring our themed ballrooms, trying your luck at the casino tables, or indulging in our exclusive VIP experiences, this night is packed with unforgettable moments for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome guests aboard for this extraordinary night.”

VIP tickets offer an exclusive experience for an intimate group of guests, inviting them to ring in 2025 with access to two additional themed parties. VIP ticket holders can travel to Tokyo at the Bow of the ship, where a hip-hop DJ will keep the dance floor buzzing, or step into the London-themed Observation Bar, featuring 1930s-inspired live music and signature cocktails. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy premium access to the best fireworks viewing area aboard the Queen Mary.

As midnight approaches, all passengers are invited to join the grand countdown featuring a spectacular fireworks display over Long Beach harbor, a complimentary champagne toast, and festive balloon drops within the salons.

For those looking to expand their “travel itineraries,” additional enhancements are available for an extra fee. These include a delicious Italian buffet with live gondolier serenades, as well as access to the hidden Speakeasy, featuring a mixologist and live piano music for a more intimate and exclusive experience.

Auld Lang Shine Light up the New Year on The Queen Mary runs from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Guests must be 21 years old to attend. General admission tickets are $155 and include admission, fireworks and a champagne toast. VIP tickets are $275 and include admission, premium firework viewing, early entry, dinner buffet, champagne toast and access to the Observation Bar and Tokyo Port.

Tickets are available today at http://queenmary.com . For more information on the Queen Mary visit http://queenmary.com or connect with us on social @TheQueenMary.

Drag Show

You are invited to join us for a joyful celebration of the season on Sunday evening, Dec. 15. Our Holi-Slay Drag Show will feature Jewels & Friends and will begin with a pre-show reception in the Courtyard of First Church, 1st & Cedar, at 6 p.m., followed by an all-ages-are-welcome Drag Show at 7 p.m. in our historic Sanctuary.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s treatment and prevention centers in its Out of the Closet stores. Invite your friends, family members, colleagues, and more so we can remind everyone that drag saves lives by raising money to allow people to receive needed healthcare.

Tickets range from $10-50 and can be purchased at firstchurchlb.org/dragshow.