Community News

PRM Spring Classes

Registration for a variety of new and existing recreation classes offered by the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine (PRM) began Feb. 3. More than 700 activities in art, music, nature, fitness, special interest subjects, adult sports leagues and aquatics will begin in March and continue through May 2025.

The upcoming classes for the spring include options for every age range, including:

Preschool

Little Music Makers: Intro class with songs, drum circles and more. (ages 3 to 6 years).

Preschool Cooking Thyme: Basic food preparation and safety tips. (ages 2 years, 6 months to 5 years).

Tot Soccer: Beginning skills class. (ages 3 years, six months to 4 years).

Youth

Math Development 2-6, teacher structured (ages 6 years, 6 months to 11 years).

Reading Development K-2: Spelling, vocabulary and fluency (ages 4 years, 6 months to 8 years).

All About Dough: Instruction for bread, pizza and other dough creations (ages 8 to 15 years).

Hip Hop Dance: Street style dances, funky combinations and more (ages 6 to 12 years).

Jammin’ Music Glee Club: Group singing, warmups, pitch, light choreography and more (ages 5 to 6 years).

Teens and Adults

Ceramics Workshop: Coiling, slabbing, wheel glazing and sculpture (ages 16 years and older).

Yoga with Lacey: Learn poses focused on strength, stretching and balance (ages 14 years and older).

Latin Rhythm Dance Learn Salsa, Rhumba, Swing and more (ages 18 years and older).

Karate: Teaches blocks, punches, strikes and kicks (ages 13 years and older).

Forest Baths (Shinrin-Yoku): Engage in slow mindful walks and connect to nature through your senses to reduce stress and improve well-being (ages 12 years and older).

Adults Ages 50 and Older

Round Dance, Intermediate/Advanced: Drop-in, fee per person, per class.

Gentle Yoga, All Levels: Improve flexibility, strength and balance.

Zumba© Gold Toning: Great body workout with Salsa, Tango, Cha Cha and more.

Residents can register for classes online, in person or by mail:

Online: Register anytime on LB Reconnect.

By Mail: Send the completed registration form (page 55 in Recreation Connection) and payment to: City of Long Beach, 2760 Studebaker Rd., Long Beach, CA 90815. Please write address, phone number and class numbers on the check.

In Person: Bring the completed registration form and payment to the PRM Registration Reservations Office (2760 Studebaker Rd.) weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, call (562) 570-3111.

Residents can browse new and existing spring classes in the Recreation Connection, PRM’s programs catalog, available at LBParks.org or at Long Beach park community centers and Long Beach Public Library locations beginning Feb. 3. In addition to fee-based classes, Recreation Connection also lists a variety of free and low-cost activities for families to enjoy, including youth sports leagues, teen centers, senior centers and much more.

More information about PRM programs and offerings are available at LBParks.org.

Republican Women

Greater Long Beach Republican Women will hold their monthly meeting Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Grand, 4101 E. Willow St. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the buffet breakfast starts at 9:30 am.

Guest speaker Dr. Craig Smith, author of 24 books, many on 1st Amendment issues, will talk about First Ladies.

The cost is $30 for members, $35 for non-members. For a reservation, call Sandy Dubrowskij (562) 310-4283 or email glbrw2024@gmail.com.

‘Unheard Voices’

The Long Beach/Lakewood Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) will feature the showing of “Unheard Voices,” a captioned DVD of Gael Hannan on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Weingart Center, 5220 Oliva Avenue, Lakewood. Gael Hannan is a renowned humorist, advocate, author and speaker on hearing loss issues.

As an actor, Hannan presents one-person skits of real-life situations faced by people with hearing loss.  The video provides an extraordinary glimpse into the heart and truth that everyone will understand hearing loss as never before.

All meetings are free and open to the public, captioned and a friendly place to share questions, find solutions and learn about technology that makes living with hearing loss easier.

‘For the Culture’

The Long Beach Public Library (LBPL) will host “For the Culture,” a dynamic and inclusive month-long celebration of Black History Month. This annual tradition honors and showcases the richness of Black history, culture and contributions through various events designed to inspire, educate and connect the community.

“Black History Month is a vital opportunity to honor the achievements and contributions of Black Americans,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This celebration is not just about recognizing history but also fostering unity and embracing the vibrancy of our diverse community.”

The celebration will kick off with a two-day event in collaboration with the Forgotten Images and the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach. This free event, taking place Friday, Feb. 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. at the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach (4321 Atlantic Ave.), will engage attendees with a variety of activities. The Feb. 7 event will feature live music performances and local vendors offering unique products. The Feb. 8 event will feature a vibrant fashion show, a Children’s Corner with storytimes and giveaways and family portraits at the LBPL Studio photo booth, as well as music and local vendors.

“At the Long Beach Public Library, we believe in the power of stories to connect and inspire,” said Library Director Cathy De Leon. “Through these celebrations, we hope to provide a space where the community can come together to learn, celebrate and uplift one another.”

“For the Culture” is a family-friendly event series that invites attendees of all ages to celebrate Black love, self-identity, self-care, art and joy. As the month progresses, LBPL locations will host a variety of additional programs as part of this series, including interactive storytimes, workshops, trivia games and more. No registration is required to participate. A complete list of events and activities is available on the Long Beach Public Library’s events calendar.

The Long Beach Public Library is committed to fostering inclusive and impactful cultural programming by collaborating with local cultural leaders and Black-led community organizations. These partnerships help inform the Library’s activities and events for Black History Month and beyond. Library staff worked closely with the African American Cultural Center, who led the organization of the Feb. 7 and 8 main events, while Library staff provided additional resources and assistance to uplift their planning efforts, ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience for the community.

Black History Month at the Long Beach Public Library is made possible through the generous support of the Port of Long Beach and the Long Beach Public Library Foundation.