La Mirada~Boy Scout Erik Moreno, 17, from La Mirada Troop  919 recently completed his Eagle Project at Neff Park in his effort to become an Eagle Scout-the highest award attainable in the Boy Scouts of America (BSA).

This is the 100-year anniversary of the Eagle Scout program. The first Eagle Scout medal was awarded in 1912 to 17-year-old Arthur Rose Eldred, a member of Troop 1 of Rockville Centre, Long Island, New York

Despite the drizzly weather on a recent weekend, dozens of troop members, friends and family were on hand to lend support.

To earn Eagle Scout status, the highest rank a Boy Scout can achieve, scouts are required to earn 21 different merit badges along with many other requirements. One of those other requirements is the planning and developing of an extensive project, one that benefits the community-an Eagle Project.

The scout must organize, lead, and manage the project on their own, demonstrating both leadership and a commitment to duty.

Troop 191 Scoutmaster Carl Freeman said, “His role is to manage the project. I cannot dictate to him, he has to dictate to me. He is in charge of the entire project. He is in charge of safety, leadership, management, and overseeing the project.”

“The adults here can make suggestions, but he makes the decisions. Basically, as adults, we have a teenager telling us what to do. He makes the decisions and that is part of it. If there is an issue or problem that comes along he makes the call and he learns a lesson from it. So, he learns and we all learn.”

“With every project you do, and everything in life you do, there are lessons learned. And you have to learn to adjust. Things don’t always happen the way you want them to; timelines and everything like that. That is what Eric is learning right here.”

La Mirada~The city's annual Salute to Veteran's Observance ceremony will take place Monday, November 5th at 6 p.m. at the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Scheduled special guests include Louis Zamperini, an Olympian, World War II veteran and former prisoner of war. Also, Staff Sergeant John E Mejia, a U.S. Marine with five tours of duty.

A video montage will feature La Mirada veterans and military banner recipients and their families will be recognized.

Veterans also will display their war memorabilia including medals and photographs.

La Mirada VFW Post 9148, along with its Ladies Auxiliary, and Boy Scout troop 438 will participate in the ceremony.

For info contact the La Mirada Community Services Department at (562) 943-7277.

La Mirada~The annual Halloweenfest will offer safe and festive fun on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the historic Neff Estate.

The free event will feature food, a haunted house tour, a haunted maze, games and crafts, and a costume contest for people and their pets!

Participants will collect candy at various booths throughout the night. This family-oriented event is perfect for all ages.

Rumor has it ghosts from the McNally Mansion are scheduled to appear.

Costume Contest categories and start times: are as follows:

Pets, 4:40 p.m; Under 2, 5:00 p.m; 3 to 5, 5:30 p.m; 6 to 8, 6:00 p.m; 9 to 12, 6:30 p.m; and 13 and up, 7:00 p.m.

For more information, call (562) 943-7277.

La Mirada~Along with its regular worship service, La Mirada Christian Church is pleased to announce a monthly "Community Hymn Singspiration," singing the songs and hymns of our Christian heritage.

La Mirada Christian Church has been a part of the community since 1960 and is growing with an emphasis on Midlife adults (ages 45+).

The Singspiration is open to the public, and those interested may request some of their favorite hymns by visiting their website: www.MidlifeWorship.com.

The November Singspiration will be on Sunday, November 11th at 5:30 pm. and will feature a special tribute to Veterans and their families.

Complimentary refreshments will be served following each event. It is suggested to arrive a few minutes early the evening of the event as seating fills up quickly.

Each Sunday morning at 10:00 am La Mirada Christian Church offers its weekly multi-generational worship service with a balanced mix of hymns and contemporary music, presented at a pleasing decibel level with Midlife adults in mind, plus dynamic expository teaching of the Bible.

La Mirada Christian Church is located at 12104 Los Coyotes Ave., behind The Home Depot. For more information, contact Pastor Jay Mahan at (562) 943-2213, ext. 1, e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or by visiting the church website at: www.LaMiradaChurch.com.