Rossmoor Aug 2014 Low Res
Transcription
Rossmoor Aug 2014 Low Res
C E L E B R AT I N G 5 7 Y E A R S O F E X C E P T I O N A L L I V I N G ! Vol X August September 2014 Issue 10 RHA FICTION CONTEST WRITERS CELEBRATE WITH PICNIC AT ROSSMOOR PARK The RHA and its co-sponsor, The Fish Company, handed out $300 in prizes to fiction contest participants. Pictured from left to right: Cathy Larson, Marilyn Sweet, Gustavo Diaz, Mark Rafferty and Ralph Vartabedian, Contest Director. ROSSMOOR IMPORTANT NUMBERS All Emergencies 911 RHA 562-799-1401 RCSD 562-430-3707 CHP (Non Emergency) 714-892-4426 or 949-559-7888 Sheriff (Non Emergency) 714-527-9100 OC Fire Authority (Non Emergency) 714-289-3725 Clip & Save CR&R (Trash) 800-826-9677 So Calif Edison 800-798-7723 So Calif Gas 800-427-2200 Golden State Water 800-999-4033 Rossmoor-Los Alamitos Sewer 562-431-2223 Orange Co. 2nd District Supervisor John Moorlach 714-834-3220 RHA Board of Directors Mark Nitikman - President Beverley Houghton - 1st.Vice President Stacy Sanchez - 2nd Vice President Willard (Bill) Gekler - Secretary Tom Thomas - Treasurer Rhonda Boggess - Emergency Preparedness Dorothy Fitzgerald - Neighborhood Watch and Community Standards Everett Knell - Membership GeorgLyn Seligman - Events Lee Lindquist - Annual Festival Los Alamitos Unified School District 562-799-4700 OC Library (Rossmoor) 562-430-1048 Hazardous Waste Disposal 714-834-6752 County of Orange 855-886-5400 US Post Office (Los Alamitos) 562-594-0286 Signature News Editorial and Advertising Policy Rossmoor Homeowners Association (RHA) and A Solution Media, LLC are not responsible for any advertiser’s business claim, practice, and/or performance. RHA has not investigated any of the advertisers, and their placement in this newsletter is a paid advertisement, not an endorsement of their service and/or products by the RHA. You are encouraged to conduct your own investigation before using any services and/or products (advertised in this newsletter or otherwise). All opinions expressed in articles are made by the individual authors and do not constitute the opinion of the Board of Directors of the RHA unless expressly noted otherwise. RHA Contact Address Dr. Milt Houghton - Communications, Chair Gary Stewart - Communications Ralph Vartabedian - Traffic Visit us on the WEB! www.Rossmoor-rha.org Email: rha@rossmoor-rha.org Telephone: (562) 799-1401 Mail: PO Box 5058 Rossmoor, CA 90721-5058 Inside This Issue President’s Corner Page 2 Fiction Writing Contest Page 3 1st Place Winning Fiction Story Pages 3-5 Jacaranda Tree Page 5 Citizens Academy Class Pages 6-7 For Advertising Call: Luna Palmer 714-717-2520 Fax: 714-386-6070 asolutionmedia@gmail.com The RHA Board – especially Ralph Vartabedian – has also been working hard on addressing Rossmoor traffic issues. Of course, the RHA has no regulatory or other authority over traffic – that is in the hands of the County. But through persistence, the RHA has been able to get some changes made which should result in some easing of the morning back-up on Wallingsford. PRESIDENT’S CORNER This is my first message to you as the new President of the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, so I’d like to thank the members of the RHA Board for bestowing this honor upon me; I will try to meet (or even exceed) their expectations. Another continuing issue is the traffic concentrated around Rossmoor’s elementary schools, with parents from within Rossmoor and from outside making four trips each to and from the schools, dropping their children off and picking them up. It has become a serious safety issue as well as a traffic problem. The Board is working with the LAUSD and the County to attempt to find solutions to this problem. I look forward to the opportunity over the next year of working with the Community, the RCSD and other agencies with jurisdiction over Rossmoor to make the Community a better place. I’d also like to thank Gary Stewart for his two years of service as President. We have seen some real improvements in the quality of services the RHA is able to provide to the community, and Gary deserves a share of the credit for that. If you’re interested in finding out more, check our website, www.rossmoor-rha.org, for developments. Finally, I’d like to welcome two brand new faces to the RHA Board: Stacy Sanchez and Rhonda Boggess, together with the return of one alumnus, Dr. Milt Houghton. Of course, this is bittersweet, as we’re also losing two exemplary Board members, Cheryl Williamsen and Michele Fieldson, and we wish them all the best (both will be continuing to assist the RHA, so it’s not really good bye). We encourage each of you to volunteer in any way you can, to help us continue to make Rossmoor a better place to live. The RHA is an all-volunteer organization, and it is only as strong as its volunteers. There are many opportunities available, including neighborhood watch, emergency preparedness, and the paper drive, among others. If you’ve never attended an RHA Board meeting before, or if you have, our Board meeting on August 19th is one we hope you will attend. A committee of the Board reviewed the RHA’s bylaws and has proposed changes to streamline, modernize them and conform them to changes in state law. The Board has approved these changes, and now you have the opportunity to vote on whether to approve the changes. You can review them at www.Rossmoor-RHA.org/By-Laws. New RHA President, Mark A. Nitikman 2 The RHA and its cosponsor, the Original Fish Company, handed out $300 in awards for the stories at the picnic. FICTION WRITING CONTEST The streets of Rossmoor have always confused, intrigued and enchanted the residents of the community, and Mark Rafferty took that history to heart with his winning entry in the 2014 Rossmoor Homeowners Association fiction writing contest. 1ST PLACE WINNER – FICTION WRITING CONTEST Lost in Conversation By Mark Rafferty The contest this year attracted the very best writing that has ever been created in the community program, leaving the judges with a truly difficult time selecting a winner. Anxious for our two friends’ first visit to our new Rossmoor home, we take a bottle of Chianti to the backyard davenport to await their arrival. “Christy,” I say, “the salmon and yellowtail you bought at Sprouts today looks amazing.” She hands me her glass and says, The entries spanned the range of literature from stories about romances gone bad to the deep roots of immigration that have helped form our community. “Well, my dad was a professional angler.” I pour her a glass of wine and say, The winning entry was a tale about a husband and wife who shared a glass of wine on their patio, as they awaited the arrival of guests at their Rossmoor home. In their conversation was buried the name of every street in Rossmoor. It was a humorous and inventive story that captured the spirit of a relaxed summer evening in the backyards of Rossmoor that so many residents no doubt enjoy. “That old Bostonian isn’t too shabby at silver fox hunting, either. And I remember that quail run he took me on two years ago. After seeing him use a gun, I knew I’d better treat you right.” She holds her wedding ring in the air and asks, “So that’s the real reason you married me, is it?” Before I can think of a comeback, she says, “My aunt Gertrude sent me an argyle sweater today. My grandmother Ruth Elaine hand-knitted one for me and my twin sisters, Martha Ann and Donnie Ann, before she died last month. She always called me, ‘mien Engel’. It means ‘my angel’ in German.” She makes the sign of the cross and adds, Gustavo Diaz submitted a powerful story about the ghost of a World War II soldier who died in battle, an immigrant from Mexico whose family settled in a rancho at the turn of the 20th century. His soul inhabited the grounds of Saint Isadore church, and he wondered about his lost buddies from the war. “God bless her soul.” I pour myself a glass and say, “I remember when we visited her in Virginia. Montecito was beautiful in the fall.” John Boland captured the spirit of dating in the age of the Internet with a finely written tale of two women at a local restaurant, awaiting the arrival of an Internet date. It turned out badly for all involved. “The fall leaves we saw at your grandparent’s old mill in Harrisburg were spectacular,” she says. “There were orangewood and silverwood and bellwood all over the piedmont, and I just couldn’t stop ‘oohing’ and ‘ahhing’ at that beautiful hillrose you found me.” I close my eyes and say, There were many other worthy stories, all of which can be found on the RHA website. The Rossmoor Homeowners Association is deeply grateful for the contributions the authors made and celebrated their work at a picnic on July 12 at Rossmoor Park. “And then we walked through the oak way into the oak grove and out onto the oak knoll, where that oak leaf floated down onto your shoe like the feather in Forrest Gump.” 3 leans back and says, FICTION WRITING CONTEST WINNING STORY (continued) “How about Kershaw’s no-hitter?” “Speaking of movies,” she says, “we should rent Gravity tomorrow. I hear Jodie Foster is outstanding.” I take a sip of wine and say, “Impressive.” I say. “Don Drysdale never had one.” “And he’s a Hall of Famer,” she says. I hold up her tablet and say, “Let’s go to the theaters instead and see 22 Jump Street. I know you have a crush on Channing Tatum.” She grins and says, “How about we read a little Shakespeare, a bit of Coleridge, and some Chaucer before we get there?” Her eyes light up as she says, “No, it’s you that has a man-crush on him. I’m more of an Orlando Bloom kinda girl.” She looks off into the distance and adds, “Let’s read The Hound of the Baskervilles, too. I loved Sherlock Holmes as a kid.” I refill her glass and say, “Although I did have a crush on Dan Cortese when I was at St. Hedwig.” I laugh and say, “I just finished Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, so I’m ready. And you’ve been reading Judy Blume and watching Dr. Seuss’ The Loring nonstop since you got hired at Hopkinson.” She takes a sip and says, “The guy from Melrose Place? Wasn’t he about 30?” She smiles and says, “I was mature for my age.” “That makes one of us,” I say. She nods and says, “It’s The Lorax, but you’re right. And I’ve been reading so many Archie comics lately, I’ve been dreaming about Mr. Weatherby.” I raise my eyebrows and say, “I can’t wait for our family reunion trip to England in the fall. My family in Edgeley and Kensington are going to take us to the Norgrove Court estate. You’ll love their classic British car collection. They even have an AC Aceca and a Burney car.” I blow her a kiss and say, “Oh, really? Should I be worried?” She giggles and continues, “We should read about the Druid culture, too. My aunt Wendy says the Walker Lee side of my family used to practice it.” I roll my eyes and say, “You’re family’s great, but they can be a little much at times. What I’m looking forward to is spending alone time with you in Scotland. I booked these adorable little B&B’s in Loch Lomond and Inverness.” She smiles and says, “I don’t think she ever left Woodstock. And isn’t she the president of the ‘Mellow Yellow’ Donovan fan club?” Before she can respond, I snap my fingers and say, “Just make sure you don’t drink too much of that Ballantine’s scotch you love more than you love me.” I shrug my shoulders and say, “We should see the Marshall Tucker Band play this summer. Kenny Chesney, too.” I pull my road map from under the table and say, “When we’re in England, we should see the horses at Newbury Racecourse and a soccer game at Wembley Stadium.” She points to the sports page and says, “Wimbledon?” I say. “No, that’s going on right now.” “Here’s our itinerary. First we start in London, and visit Kensington and St. Cloud. Then we drive around the English countryside, and stay with the Kerth family in Kenilworth, the Brimhall family in Pemberton, the Wallingsford family in Kempton, and the Munsfeld family in Huntley.” She stoops down to pet our two tigertail cats and says, “I bet the U.S. advances past the first round of the World Cup,” she says. “They did win the Copa de Oro in 2013.” “What are we going to do with Kitterick and Princess Rowena when we go overseas?” I pet them and say, “Will we be there for Wimbleton?” “Don’t hold your breath,” I say. “They’re not the San Antonio Spurs of the fútbol world.” She 4 “The main way would be to have your brothers FICTION WRITING CONTEST WINNING STORY (continued) JACARANDA TREE “The main way would be to have your brothers Keithley or Glenroy feed them.” Jacaranda is the tree for this issue of the RHA Signature News. It’s a tree loved for its colorful blue-purple springtime blossoms in warm climates all over the world. There are 49 species in the Jacaranda family of flowering plants known as Bignoniaceae. They are native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central America, South America, Cuba, Hispaniola and the Bahamas. The name is believed to be of Guarani origin, meaning “fragrant”. “Or your cousin Donnis could do it,” she says. “He’s home for the summer from St. Albans State in Minnesota.” After I read the incoming text message on my phone, I say to her, “They’re not coming after all. They got lost driving around every street in Rossmoor and went back home!” Jacaranda species range from shrubs to 100 foot tall trees. They thrive in full sun and well drained sandy soils. They tolerate drought and brief spells of frost and freeze. Jacarandas can be propagated from grafting, cuttings and seeds. Those grown from seeds take longer to bloom. ************************* End note: Every street in Rossmoor is hidden in the story! Pretoria, South Africa, is known as the jacaranda city due to the number of Jacaranda trees planted along streets and in parks and gardens. Jacarandas bloom in Pretoria at the time of year-end exams, and it is said that if a jacaranda blossom drops on your head, you will pass all your exams. NEW OFFICERS OF RHA In many parts of the world, such as Mexico, Los Angeles, Lisbon, Seville and Zimbabwe, the blooming of this tree is welcomed as a sign of spring. Festivals are held in Australian cities celebrating the jacaranda blooming in November, spring in the southern hemisphere. Besides providing beautiful blue and purple canopies, the Brazilian jacaranda is used as wood for the body of acoustic guitars, and in South China the leaves are used to make distinctive purple dye. The author has observed that desert tortoises love the blossoms for their copious nectar. 5 the various services the OCSD provides to the County (including the community of Rossmoor). CITIZENS’ ACADEMY CLASS ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT FESTIVAL The Citizens’ Academy Class is a 9-week Thursday evening informational series designed to give citizens an inside, in-depth look at the operations of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD). The class meetings gave information about the criminal justice system, investigations, special enforcement details, patrols, use of force, and other aspects of policing--including a deputy’s day-to-day experiences. The class met weekly from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Most sessions are held at the OC Regional Training Academy in Tustin, with the exception of field trips. The first 8 weeks include interactive course instruction and field trips provided by Orange County Sheriff personnel who are experts in their field. Here are some of the topics that were covered in the class sessions: My husband and I attended the second in a series of Citizens’ Academy Classes in October to December 2013. To sign up, we filled out a two-page form, passed a background check, and then we were officially registered into the class. We were expected to attend all the class sessions (one absence was allowed). There was no charge for the class, and it filled early to its maximum of 40 OC residents. The Citizens’ Academy Class program was developed to provide participants with the opportunity to learn firsthand how the Orange County Sheriff's Dept. operates. During the 9week class we met on Thursday evenings in a casual and comfortable environment to take part in sessions that consisted of lecture, discussions, and demonstrations. We were encouraged to ask questions and express concerns about pertinent issues. The Citizens' Academy Class provides a fresh outlook on the law enforcement profession and the incredibly complex and demanding job performed by the men and women who choose to serve. In the technology-driven and litigious culture we live in, law enforcement officers are often called upon to make split-second, critical decisions that may have enormous, possibly lifealtering consequences. All nine (plus a 10th optional field trip) class sessions were worthwhile: We came away with a much better understanding and appreciation of ept. 6 Introduction to OCSD, an overview of the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, crime prevention, being a good witness; Dispatch & patrol operations, basic patrol procedures, K9 team demonstration, helicopter air support, support using dogs, patrol cars, motorcycles; A tour of the Central Jail and the Intake Release Center; Investigations, general and special, including homicides and narcotics; Details of crime scene investigations, an overview of the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center and of anti-terrorism efforts in the County; A tour of the Coroner Training Facility; Examples of decision making, use of force, car stops, night problems, patrol stops; An optional Saturday morning field trip to the Newport Harbor Office (harbor patrol operations, Sheriff’s boat ride) A night at the Katella Tactical Training Center where we broke up into small groups and learned about hand guns (and actually shot at a target if we wanted to) and then participated as trainees would in staged crime and accident scenes, night patrols, and car stops; Graduation participants. ceremony for class CITIZENS’ ACADEMY CLASS ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPT Let You ShulUsbyServe the Shore Hebrew School I initially thought the Coroner’s office tour would be scary, but it wasn’t; it was quiet and dignified, and there were no exposed bodies. At SBTS Hebrew School You Can Expect: x Experienced and Knowledgeable teachers x Traditional Judaism x Prayers, songs and explanations x Jewish Pride, values and ethics But what was scary was the Jail. It was not dignified, but all too real. After seeing inmates in the Jail, who would ever want to be a criminal? The third set of Citizens’ Academy Classes was started in July 2014, and the fourth set is scheduled for early Spring 2015. x Holiday education, enrichment, fairs and activities x A Fun and Educational environment x No membership required x A reasonable and Competitive price x Payment options Now Enrolling! Reserve your child’s spot If you are interested in being a member of the fourth class, please contact Carrie Braun, manager of the Sheriff’s Community Relations office, (714) 647-1848 or at cbraun@ocsd.org. Contact Us: Ask to be placed on the wait-list and the announcement list for the Spring 2015 Class. 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