By Kathryn Wells If you walk into Elyse Gordon’s home, the first thing you notice are the photos—dozens of children from every background lining the walls. In one hallway, each picture is labeled with a first name and dates, a record that represents about half of the 143 children she fostered from 1983 through her retirement. As a former foster child, I know how much it means to see proof that someone chose to show up. That’s why I wanted to tell Elyse’s story.  She chose fos

Story and Photos by  Brittany Hart Scholten Not every street in Long Beach can brag of a centenarian, but Rosebay Street sure can! This September, Mia Lipski, who moved onto the street in 1958 with her late husband, Alexander, celebrated her 100th birthday at her home of nearly seven decades, surrounded by friends, family, and neighbors. “The neighborhood party meant a lot to her because she has made so many friends there over the years, and she believes that, ‘You shall love

Photo of Jim Trout by Monique Kuhlman Parade photos submitted by the Daisy Lane Parade By Brittany Hart Scholten If you’ve driven down Daisy Avenue around the holidays, you’ve surely seen adorable Christmas scenes lit up on the grassy center divider. Daisy Avenue Christmas Tree Lane and Parade is put on by a group of committed community volunteers each year and has been a community effort for over 70 years.  Jim Trout, Community Hero Jim Trout is one of those volunteers who h