Shutterbug coming to Whittier

September 25, 2013 Around Town, Local News

By Sergio Lopez, Jr.

Staff Writer

411whittier.com

Attention photographers! How would you like to gain insight from one of the best photographers of our time … for free?

At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013 award-winning conservation photographer Ian Shive, whose work has graced the pages of National Geographic, Time, US News and World Report, Men’s Journal, and both the Los Angeles and New York Times, just to name a few, will be displaying some of his photographs as well as sharing his experiences as a professional photographer at the Whittwood Branch Library, 10537 Santa Gertrudes Ave.

Tickets are available free of charge at both the Central and Branch Library circulation desks. Copies of Shive’s best-selling book, The National Parks: Our American Landscape, will be available for sale.

Shive is the winner of the 2011 Sierra Club Ansel Adams Photography Award. His work has been published in countless magazines and newspapers and has also appeared on films, television, and exhibits around the globe.

Shive is also the founder and CEO of a photograph and motion clip licensing agency called Tandem Stills + Motion, which represents more than 300 photographers worldwide. His work as an environmental advocate, specifically through his Wilderness Diplomacy Initiative, which is currently proceeding in Afghanistan, is said to have helped shape diplomacy efforts in many parts of the world. In his spare time Shive is an instructor of photojournalism at USC.

 

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Prescription pills a growing problem

September 23, 2013 Local News

By Brenda Wiewel

Prescription drug abuse is the nation’s fastest-growing drug problem and has been classified as an epidemic by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The news has had a number of recent stories about prescription drug misuse and abuse. Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) shows that nearly one-third of people aged 12 and over who used drugs for the first time in 2009 began by using a prescription drug non-medically. Often, they believe that these substances are safer than illicit drugs because they are prescribed by a healthcare professional and dispensed by a pharmacist.

However, in L.A. County in 2009, there were more than 650 prescription/over-the-counter (OTC) drug-related deaths, more than 3,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 emergency department visits for prescription/OTC drug overdose.

Prescription drugs are used inappropriately when they are (1) taken on a schedule or dosage that is different from prescribed; (2) shared by another person; (3) taken without a prescription; and (4) taken in combination with other drugs or substances such as alcohol. Often, people obtain pain relievers from a friend or relative.

Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs include opiates such as codeine or oxycodone; stimulants such as ritalin or provigil; and sedatives such as ativan, klonopin, lunesta, or robaxin. All these types of drugs have powerful effects on the body’s nervous system and brain. They should be monitored by a doctor very carefully and taken only for limited periods of time in relation to specific symptoms.

Otherwise, psychological and/or physical dependence can develop. The person then becomes motivated to seek out the drug, irrespective of their medical issues, and often without realizing what they are doing.

The Office of National Drug Control and Prevention published a plan for preventing prescription drug abuse in 2011. It includes education for parents, youths and patients about the dangers and risks of abusing prescription drugs. A drug use screening can be useful to determine if someone is developing a reliance on prescription drugs.

If you are interested in more information or would like to schedule a screening for yourself, a family member, or friend, please call (562) 906-2676 and talk with a counselor at Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse (L.A. CADA) today. You may visit our website for more information at www. lacada.com.

September is National Recovery Month, a time when we can celebrate those in recovery from substance use disorders and educate ourselves to help prevent substance abuse.

Brenda Wiewel, L.C.S.W., is executive director of the Los Angeles Centers for Alcohol and Drug Abuse. She can be reached at 562-906-2686, ext. 103 or by e-mail at bwiewel@lacada.com

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Prep high school schedule for 2013 football

September 22, 2013 Sports

DEL RIO LEAGUE

CALIFORNIA

9/5 – MONTEBELLO, W 24-13

9/13 – vs. Troy (at Fullerton HS), L 6-35

9/20 – at Fullerton, 7 p.m.

9/27 – Schurr, 7 p.m.

10/4 – WARREN, 7 p.m.

10/11 – LA SERNA*, 7 p.m.

10/18 – vs. Whittier (at California HS)*, 7 p.m.

10/25 – EL RANCHO*, 7 p.m.

10/31 – vs. Pioneer (at California HS)*, 7 p.m.

11/8 – vs. Santa Fe (at El Rancho HS)*, 7 p.m.

LA SERNA

8/30 – vs. Vista (at Cathedral HS), W 27-10

9/6 – LOS OSOS, L 20-24

9/13 – SCHURR, W 39-8

9/19 – WESTLAKE, W 38-35

9/27 – at Norco, 7 p.m.

10/11 – at California*, 7 p.m.

10/18 – vs. Santa Fe (at Whittier College)*, 7 p.m.

10/24 – PIONEER*, 7 p.m.

11/1 – WHITTIER*, 7 p.m.

11/7 – EL RANCHO*, 7 p.m.

PIONEER

8/29 – vs. Sunny Hills (at Buena Park HS), L 20-28

9/5 – GLENN, W 44-26

9/12 – RANCHO ALAMITOS, W 55-49

9/20 – MOUNTAIN VIEW (at La Mirada HS), 7 p.m.

9/27 – at Montebello, 7 p.m.

10/11 – vs. Santa Fe (at Cerritos College)*, 7 p.m.

10/18 – at El Rancho*, 7 p.m.

10/24 – vs. La Serna (at California HS)*, 7 p.m.

10/31 – CALIFORNIA (at California HS)*, 7 p.m.

11/8 – vs. Whittier (at California HS)*, 7 p.m.

WHITTIER

8/30 – vs. Sonora (at La Habra HS), W 28-21

9/6 – vs. Azusa (at Citrus College), W 31-12

9/13 – vs. Whittier Christian (at Whittier College), L 20-27

9/20 – NORWALK (at California HS), 7 p.m.

10/4 – at Schurr, 7 p.m.

10/10 – EL RANCHO* (at California HS), 7 p.m.

10/18 – CALIFORNIA*(at California HS), 7 p.m.

10/25 – vs. Santa Fe* (at El Rancho HS), 7 p.m.

11/1 – vs. La Serna* (at California HS), 7 p.m.

11/8 – PIONEER* (at California HS), 7 p.m.

MISSION LEAGUE

ST. PAUL

8/30 – BUENA PARK, L 20-40

9/5 – vs. Mater Dei (at Santa Ana Stadium), L 7-56

9/13 – at La Habra, L 7-41

9/20 – DAMIEN, 7:30 p.m.

9/27 – BISHOP AMAT, 7:30 p.m.

10/11 – ST. FRANCIS*, 7:30 p.m.

10/18 – at Harvard-Westlake*, 7 p.m.

10/25 – at Chaminade*, 7:30 p.m.

11/1 – CATHEDRAL*, 7:30 p.m.

11/8 – SERRA*, 7:30 p.m.

OLYMPIC LEAGUE

WHITTIER CHRISTIAN

8/30 – at Bishop, W 41-20

9/6 – at Cantwell Sacred Heart, W 32-17

9/13 – vs. Whittier (at Whittier College), W 27-20

9/20 – ST. MARGARET’S (at Whittier College), 7 p.m.

9/27 – at Salesian, 7 p.m.

10/11 – VALLEY CHRISTIAN* (at Whittier College), 7 p.m.

10/17 – vs. Village Christian* (at Occidental College), 7 p.m.

10/25 – HERITAGE CHRISTIAN* (at Whittier College), 7 p.m.

11/1 – at Maranatha*, 7 p.m.

11/8 – CERRITOS (at Whittier College), 7 p.m.

(HOME GAMES IN CAPS)

* – denotes league games

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Calling all dogs for a cause

September 20, 2013 Around Town, Local News

WHITTIER – The dog days of fall are coming to Whittier.
Bring your best four-legged friends to the Palm Park trailhead, 5703 Palm Ave., from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013 and attend the popular “Paws 4 a Cause” fundraiser aimed to help establish a dog park in Whittier.
“Paws 4 a Cause,” a subcommittee of the Whittier Community Foundation, is a nonprofit organization supporting programs benefitting Whittier. This year’s event will raise money to add amenities to a pending Dog Park.
Enjoy a canine 3-K walk/run, a “Mini-Mutt March” shorter run for smaller and/or older dogs, a Dog Fashion Show, an obstacle course, photos with Officer McGruff, the crime dog, and demonstrations from police K-9 groups. A pet faire will showcase pet adoption groups and other nonprofit animal services and pet vendors.
There is a $15 fee to participate in all activities with additional canines costing $5 each. Dogs must be leashed, under control and have all necessary immunizations.
For information, call Jeff Lopez at 562-567-9400 or contact him at jlopez@cityofwhittier.org

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Mongolian missionary to address Plymouth

September 20, 2013 Faith, Local News

WHITTIER – Mongolian pastor Khongorzul will address the Plymouth Church community about what the Lord is doing in her country at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 22,2013. Khongorzul and her husband, Enkhe, are missionaries supported by Plymouth.
The relationship is a long one. Khongorzul attended Plymouth when she was working on her master’s degree at Biola University. She is in town specifically to visit friend Sandy Vinatieri and to interact with other supporting churches.
All are invited to attend. For information contact Pastor Dan Pryor at 562-692-1228. The church is located at 12058 Beverly Blvd.

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This week’s homily

September 19, 2013 Faith, Local News

By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles, PHD, DMin. D.D.

How many times have we said, or heard others say, “Manana. I’ll do it tomorrow.” Sometimes people put off doing today what they know or want to do because they don’t think they know enough or can perform well enough. The fact is, there is no “magic age” at which excellence emerges or quality surfaces.

Thomas Jefferson was 33 when he drafted the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin was 26 when he wrote Poor Richard’s Almanac. Charles Dickens was 24 when he began his Pickwick Papers and 25 when he wrote Oliver Twist. Isaac Newton was 24 when he formulated the law of gravitation.

A second danger is to think that creativity and invention belong to the young. This is equally untrue! Emmanuel Kant wrote his finest philosophical works at age 74. Verdi at 80 produced Falstaff and at 85, Ave Maria. Goethe was 80 when he completed Faust. Tennyson was 80 when he wrote Crossing the Bar and Michelangelo completed his greatest work at 87. At 90, Justice Holmes was still writing brilliant Supreme Court opinions. And yes, I started seminary at the ripe old age of 68.

Seize the day! Redeem the “now” moments of your life. The moment you wait for may never arrive. The moment once past will never return.

Time is more valuable than money

because time is irreplaceable.

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5: 16

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Poets hit the gridiron in 2013

September 19, 2013 Local News, Sports

The Whittier College football team works out during a recent practice on campus. (Photos by Eric Terrazas)

View More Photos

New season follows best Whittier College effort since 2007 

By Eric Terrazas

Staff Writer

www.411whittier.com

@411whittierspts

WHITTIER – After turning in its best season since 2007, Whittier College is expressing high hopes for its football program in 2013.

The Poets, who finished 4-5 overall and 3-4 in the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) last year, are seeking to take that next step.

“We did some good things last year,” Whittier College coach Todd Stratton said of the 2012 season. “It was up and down. We had the No. 4 offense in the nation but we were the most penalized team in America. We’re focusing on the fundamentals and eliminating mistakes and penalties.”

Sophomore quarterback Steven Rivera returns to guide the Poets’ offense. Last season as a freshman, Rivera threw for 1,893 yards and 18 touchdowns while completing 127 of 230 attempts.

The senior duo of running back Anthony Walker and wide receiver Matthew Asaro both figure to give Rivera a helping hand.

Walker led the Poets’ running attack last season with 779 yards, 13 touchdowns on 129 carries while Asaro, the team’s leading returning receiver, made 59 receptions for 569 yards and two scores.

Senior running back LaFelton Traxler, who ran for 105 yards on 33 carries, also returns.

Junior wide receiver Diante Jackson, who received a scholarship to Oregon coming out of high school, will look to make an impact for the Poets.

The Poets’ offensive line includes returning sophomore tackle Tony Jarjoura and the freshmen duo of tackle Mark Kozhaya and guard Christian Reveles.

Senior lineman Nathan Poole returns to anchor the Poets’ defense. Poole recorded 54 total tackles along with a team-leading five sacks last season.

Stratton expressed optimism about the team’s defensive backfield, which includes the junior trio of Josh Pride, Jontavius Timmons and Masson Blow.

“We addressed a need in the secondary,” Stratton said. “We brought in four junior college defensive backs who are absolutely fantastic.

“We’re talented and young,” Stratton said. “We feel like the program is going in a great direction and we’re excited about the season.”

The Poets opened their year Sept. 14 with a disappointing 38-17 defeat at Whitworth. Whittier College will seek to rebound Sept. 21 as it hosts Puget Sound in its 2013 home opener. The Poets will open SCIAC play Oct. 5 at Chapman.

2013 WHITTIER COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

  • Sept. 14 at Whitworth, L, 38-17
  • Sept. 21 Puget Sound, 1 p.m.
  • Oct. 5 at Chapman*, 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 12 at La Verne*, 1 p.m.
  • Oct. 19 Pomona-Pitzer*, 3 p.m.
  • Oct. 26 Claremont M-S*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 2 at Cal Lutheran*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 9 Occidental*, 7 p.m.
  • Nov. 16 at Redlands*, 1 p.m.

* – denotes SCIAC games

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Local Business Directory

September 17, 2013 Local News

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This week’s homily

September 13, 2013 Faith

By the Rev. Thomas M. Boles, Ph. D. DMin. D.D.

Perhaps more than any other leader in the 20th century,
Winston Churchill rallied a nation to believe in what it could do.

His speeches during World War II not only express resolution, but a profound peace of mind and a feeling of “rightness.” Here are some of his words to England and the world:

“You ask what is our policy? I will say: It is to wage war, by
sea, land, and air, with all our might and all the strength that God can give us. You ask, What is our aim? I can answer in one word:
Victory, at all cost, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be, for without victory there is no survival.

We shall go on to the end, we shall fight in France, we shall
fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our island, whatever the cost may be; we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

What wonderful words to adapt to any fight against evil!

Success comes in cans; failure comes in can’ts.

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

Philippians 4: 13

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Keeping the Faith

September 13, 2013 Faith

“Who Has Dirty Hands?”

By Pastor Dwight Sullivan

Recently I saw an interesting report concerning dirty hands. The article triggered in my mind parallels with spiritual truths.

The report tells about an event during the 2012 campaign in the Democratic Republic of Congo in Africa. Members there with CHE (Community Health Evangelism) were sharing about a UN program for the whole country to learn the value of proper hand washing. In Congo they call the September 15 date, “The Day of Dirty Hands.”

The children listening were amazed. They learned you can get sick through having dirty hands! The children asked, “What kind of trouble from not washing hands?” Their hands didn’t look so bad!

Their Sunday school teacher told them that it has to do with prevention. Germs and dirt can carry disease through your hands. This can lead to you getting sick. It can cost money; medicines sometimes fail.

Who has dirty hands? We all can! How easy it is to get germs from shaking hands or even handling money. That is why we need to clean them constantly, especially in flu season.

This truth set me to thinking about spiritual matters. Psalm 24 asks who has right standing with the LORD? 3 … who shall stand in his holy place?

Listen to the psalmist’s answer: 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart …

To have clean hands means more than to possess physically sanitary hands. It is of course talking about being blameless in doing bad deeds.

Who has dirty hands? We all come spiritually before the LORD with dirty hands. The Bible tells us, 3 If You, O LORD, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? (Psalm 130)

The Bible tells us the truth. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. None are righteous, no, not one. Not one of us can stand before the LORD claiming clean hands.

HOW DO I GET RID OF MY DIRTY HANDS?

“How do I get rid of my dirty hands?” the African kids asked. The Sunday School teacher told them, “Wash clean with water, soap and good hard rubbing.” Not difficult. Once you recognize your condition, you are at least half way there to help.

How do you get rid of your dirty hands when it is spiritual dirt- sin? Jesus tells us the answer: You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. (John 15:3) We are made clean by Jesus.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5) Christ is the one who makes it possible to have clean hands and a pure heart before God.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH HANDS MADE CLEAN?

When the children in the Congo village heard about the goal of teaching everyone in the country on Sept. 15 about dirty hands, they realized that many of adults were too busy to teach other adults. But children might be able to! Listening to the children’s suggestions, a CHE trainer mobilized 100 Sunday school kids from 5 churches.

On Sept. 15, 2012, the children paired off and visited houses. They were received well; some adults even asked where they had learned these things.

Later when TV crewmen came to village, they asked a child leader why they did this when no one was paying them? The reply: “How could I love my neighbors if I did not care that they were getting sick from not washing their hands?”

In the same way spiritually from the LORD Jesus, we have a mandate to reach the world with the good news that He brings salvation. We are to share about the free gift of eternal life that Jesus offers. What a truly loving thing to do to offer them Jesus!

If He is the one who brings a new life, clean hands and a pure heart, the gift of eternal life, then the greatest thing you can do is to offer Christ to others.

Might it be fair to rephrase the African child’s wisdom: “How could I love my neighbors if I did not care that they were getting problems from not knowing Jesus?”

Who has dirty hands? I do! Everyone does!

Who cleans our dirty hands? Jesus

What do you do with clean hands? You use them to help people
know about Jesus.

3 You are already made clean by the word which I have spoken to you. – Jesus (John 15)

Dwight Sullivan is pastor of the Whittier Evangelical United Methodist Church on the corner of Lambert Street and Colima Road

 

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