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Kiwanis donates $50K
for computer lab
DOWNEY – The Downey
Kiwanis Foundation continued its
annual charitable tradition of
donating a new computer lab to a
Downey Unified School District
school when it presented West
Middle School with a $50,000
grant for a new computer lab on
Dec. 18.
The grant will help upgrade the
school’s main computer lab with
new computers, scanners, printers
and school-wide technology systems.
The Downey Kiwanis
Foundation regularly supports educational
programs that enhance students'
skills with modern technology.
“These students have the desire
to learn and succeed in life, and
sometimes all they need is the technology
to make it happen,” said
Councilman Fernando Vasquez, a
Kiwanis board member. “In an era
where communication travels
quickly and technology changes
instantly, students need access to
computers. This state of the art
computer lab will ensure that students
at West Middle School have
access to a world of knowledge.”
“We sincerely appreciate the
Downey Kiwanis Foundation’s
generosity and support toward our
students and school technology.
The equipment directly improves
our technology classes and also
supports our computer-based math
and English-Language Arts programs
that benefit all of our students”,
said Craig Bertsch, principal
at West Middle School. “It’s a
blessing to have organizations like
the Downey Kiwanis Foundation
continuing to care for our students’
needs.”
Kiwanis is one of the oldest
service organizations in Downey,
operating since 1925. It is made up
of volunteers dedicated to helping
children, and help sponsor a
monthly barbecue for patients at
Rancho Los Amigos National
Rehabilitation Center; the Rancho
Los Amigos Carnival for patients
and their families; scholarships for
Downey high school students; La
Casita Rehabilitation Center; Arc
of Southeast Los Angeles County;
fund computer labs for DUSD
schools, and, in conjunction with
The Downey Patriot, honors local
youth with the Downey Youth
Service Award.
Residents interested in joining
Downey Kiwanis Club are invited
to attend a free lunch meeting.
Meetings are held every Thursday
at noon and the first Thursday of
the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Rio
Hondo Event Center.
For more information, contact
Fernando Vasquez at
fvasquez562@gmail.com or (562)
261-7601.
Longtime resident
Anna Wood passes away
DOWNEY – Anna Wood, a Downey resident
for 60 years, passed away peacefully at her
Downey home on Oct. 15.
She was born in Los Angeles to Sam Caliva and
Anna Kaylor on May 5, 1921. She worked for
Douglas Aircraft during World War II.
During the war she married William H. Wood
Sr. and they resided in Whittier where they owned
a poultry ranch. In 1950 the family moved to
Downey and raised their four children, Patricia
Caron (Jim), Jan Hann (Stu), Bill Wood (Jeannie)
and Mike Wood (Debbie).
An avid roller-skater in her younger years, she also enjoyed taking
cooking classes at Downey Adult School. From the mid 1960s to early
1980s she was employed by the Downey Unified School District in the
food service department.
She had 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-greatgrandchild.
Services set for
Fern Loper
DOWNEY – Fern Loper, a volunteer in Downey schools for many
years, passed away Dec. 24 at her home in Downey.
She was born July 17, 1921 in Delta, Colo. A longtime Downey resident,
she and her late husband, Harold, moved to Downey in 1951.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold, and daughter, Jean
Williams.
She is survived by her sons, Bill (Joyce) Loper and Randy (Kathy)
Loper; daughter, Vicki Fuller; 14 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Loper was a member of Downey First Baptist Church and volunteered
in Downey schools for many years in many roles. She also worked for several
years at All American Home Center.
Services will be held Jan. 4, beginning with a viewing at 11 a.m. followed
by a memorial service at 12 p.m. at Memory Gardens, 455 W.
Central Ave., in Brea.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to www.autismspeaks.org.
Mildred Toerge passes
away at home
DOWNEY – Mildred (Millie) E. Toerge, after
suffering many years from complications of diabetes,
passed away Dec. 26 at her Downey home
while surrounded by her husband and sons.
She enjoyed a joyous Christmas morning before
passing, family members said.
She was born Nov. 27, 1934 in Sinton, Tex., to
George and Florence Lee. The family moved to Los
Angeles where she met and married George E.
Toerge on Sept. 13, 1952.
As her children grew older, Toerge commenced
a part-time career selling lingerie on the party plan for Jere-Mere. She was
a top saleswoman and was crowned Miss Jere-Mere in 1967.
She later opened an antique store where she pursued her passion for
collectable antiques.
She is survived by her husband of 58 years, George; and sons, Robert
and Michael. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Edith,
Georgia and George Jr.
Services will be held Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. at Downey Memorial Christian
Church, with a reception to follow.