Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, November 21, 2015

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

A "tailgate party" will be at the Volunteer Center, (the rendezvous point) at 08:30am with coffee, juice and snacks prior to the clean up. At 09:00am, the group will walk down Torrance Blvd. to the clean-up area. Those that prefer to drive can drive their own vehicle to the clean-up area.

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, November 21st, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: Volunteer Center parking lot, 1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center .
Clean-up Area:Beneath the Torrance Bridge
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen

In June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club high school volunteers and "Team Torrance" for Coastal Clean-up.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

Taste of Old Torrance - Wednesday, November 18th

What: OTNA's Seventh Annual Taste of Old Torrance - sample sumptuous sensations from many local within-walking-distance eateries
When: Wednesday, November 18th, 6:45 PM - 9:00 PM. Food sampling begins at 7:00PM. Food is first come first served; not guaranteed to last till 9:00pm.
Location: Bartlett Senior Center - 1318 Cravens, (2nd floor). There is an elevator inside the Bartlett Center in addition to outside and inside stairs.
Open: To all who live, work, and play in Torrance
Cost / Bring: Please bring a non-perishable food item or canned food worth at least $5.00 per person to support our local food bank - "Food for Kids" or make a $5.00 per person cash (preferred and exact change is appreciated) or check donation. Credit and debit cards and Paypal not accepted.

Please do not include items that have expired dates.

About Food for Kids: The Volunteer Center's new "Food For Kids" program was created to provide food to Title One elementary schoolchildren for the weekends. Title One schoolchildren are given meals at school only during the school week. For the Food For Kids program, backpacks are filled with nonperishable food items that the children take home on Fridays. This provides food for the family for the weekend. Then they return the empty backpacks on Mondays to be refilled. Food donations are provided by private and corporate sectors of the community. The goal is to expand the program to help many more families. For more information, call The Center or email volopps@volctr-sobay.org. Also see Food For Kids.

Opportunity Tickets: available for purchase at Taste of Torrance for $1.00 each, or 6 for $5.00. Prizes include gift certificates for participating restaurants, and more!

Special Bonus for current and New OTNA members only:

Anyone who joins or renews their OTNA annual membership prior to, or at the Taste of Old Torrance will receive three Opportunity Tickets in addition to all the usual perks of OTNA membership. Annual memberships are $10.00 per household. Memberships are renewable in January.

Sample goodies from restaurants listed below:

• Torrance Bakery
• Red Car Brewery
• Buffalo Fire Department
• Tortilla Cantina
• http://Just Luigi's.
Fox Drug Of Torrance (yes, they have treats, too)
• Eat at Rudy's
• Keegan's Pub & Grill
• La Capilla
• Old Torrance Coffee & Tea
• The Crest
• Angara Indian Restaurant

November Meeting Flyer.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, September 19, 2015 - NOTE: Change in Plans and Rendezvous Point

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

Coastal Clean Up Day is the largest volunteer day on the planet, which is coordinated with the Ocean Conservancy, California Coastal Commission, L.A. Department of Beaches and Harbors and Heal the Bay. The City recognizes that by cleaning up Torrance Beach, the community is participating in this global effort to keep our oceans, water source, and community healthy. OTNA will be teaming with other Torrance groups including American Honda and the Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce - Team Torrance!

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, September 19th, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
Before we start, OTNA members will meet in Miramar Park for coffee and morning treats. Look for the OTNA signs. Day for clean-up participants includes a free lunch at the Beach Clean-up supplied by Team Torrance.
One Time Change - New Rendezvous Location: Miramar Park - 201 Paseo de la Playa @ Calle Miramar.
Clean-up Area: Torrance Beach
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen
What to Bring: Bring 10 plastic bags to receive a Torrance Shopping Tote, bring your own bucket, gloves and reusable water bottle and help cut down on waste!

In June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club high school volunteers and "Team Torrance" for Coastal Clean-up.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, September 16th, 7-9 PM

What: Meeting & Presentation - Drought & Beyond
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, September 16th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

Win: Bring your own water saving tip - the best one will go home with a COOL prize!

As the summer sizzles on, we continue to face a serious drought. OTNA has invited Chuck Schaich, Senior Analyst with the Torrance Public Works Dept., & Team to highlight the current status of the drought as it relates to our City, share water saving tips & incentives, and will let us know what's on the horizon for the long term water picture.

The September OTNA President's Letter is now available.

September Meeting Flyer.

Note: No July 2015 Neighborhood Clean-up

The Torrance Historical Society Rocks Around the Block in Celebration of the All-America City Award

When: Thursday, July 16, 2015 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Location: Torrance Historical Society & Museum, 1345 Post Avenue
Cost: Free and open to the public - donations accepted. Nominal fee for food and beverage
Info: If you have any questions or would like additional information, please visit or call the Museum at (310) 328-5392.

This is a fund raiser for the Torrance Historical Society & Museum.

The Torrance Historical Society and our sponsors will host this 1950s-style family summer event in celebration of Torrance's All-America City Award -- one of America's original and most prestigious community recognition awards. The City received this award for "Growth without strain" back in the 1956 when Albert Isen was Mayor of Torrance. This free event is open to the public and will be held in front of the Museum (1345 Post Avenue). Post Avenue will be blocked off from Cravens to Sartori, so guests can:

• Bop to 50s music
• Munch on burgers from the IN-N-OUT burger wagon (burgers served from 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM, AMT TBA for food & beverages; see below)
• See special exhibits featuring the original congratulatory telegram from President Eisenhower, along with the All-America City button & logo
• Check-out high school yearbooks -- the Torrance Historical Society has the largest collection
• Enter the hula hoop, bubble gum blowin', cake walk and pie eating contests - there are prizes!

Tickets for the IN-N-OUT burger wagon can be purchased at the "burger desk" on the Museum lawn during the event. Cash or personal check, made payable to the Torrance Historical Society will be accepted. Sorry no credit cards are accepted. Exact change is appreciated.

Burgers, chips and a fountain drink will be available for $ TBA until 7:30 p.m. or until sold out. Please arrive early due limited availability.

The Bartlett Senior (over 50) Center will also be hosting an Open House this same night -- you can dine on their patio and listen to The South Bay Strummers (ukulele group)! The Torrance Woman's Club will also have their 1950s Club scrapbook available for viewing. Also, the Torrelles -- a group of City employees who sing 50s and 60s songs in a cappella, will entertain guests.

This FREE 1950s-style family event is hosted in partnership with the City of Torrance and Old Torrance Neighborhood Association. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call the Museum at (310) 328-5392 or visit www.TorranceHistoricalSociety.org.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, May 23, 2015

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

A "tailgate party" will be at the Volunteer Center, (the rendezvous point) at 08:30am with coffee, juice and snacks prior to the clean up. At 09:00am, the group will walk down Torrance Blvd. to the clean-up area. Those that prefer to drive can drive their own vehicle to the clean-up area.

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, May 23rd, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: 08:30am - Volunteer Center parking lot,
1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center.
Clean-up Area: TBA
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen

In June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club and high school volunteers.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, May 20th, 7-9 PM

What: Meeting & Presentation - "If These Walls Could Talk - Researching the History of Your Home"
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, May 20th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation
Refreshments: Torrance Bakery cookies
Win: gift certificates and other great prizes

The May OTNA Presidents' Letter is now available.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

With the City of Torrance exploring Historic Preservation options, there is heightened interest in learning more about the historic housing stock of Torrance, and what can be done to preserve it. OTNA has invited Michael George, Historian and Reference Librarian for the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library, to give a presentation entitled, If Walls Could Talk - Researching the History of Your Home, a short guide to home history.

The presentation will include how to:

• Search for deed & title information
• Access information from the Los Angeles County Assessor’s (what year was your house built, how much did your neighbor pay for his house?) Research information on homes that were built prior to 1921 (county records, Sanborne Maps)
• Learn about homes built after 1921 (City Planning Department)
• Use the Herald and other newspapers to find old real estate ads showing your house and how much your house sold for.

The May 2015 meeting is sponsored by Tortuga Wealth Management, an independent private wealth planning and asset management firm located right here in Old Torrance -. This team of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals has more than 25 years of combined experience in the industry! This is the second time Tortuga Wealth Management has sponsored an OTNA meeting. The first time was March, 2014.

Tortuga Wealth Management
Kevin Bidenkap, CFP, ChFC, CLU
Managing Partner / Wealth Advisor
 
1957 W. Carson St., Suite 100
Torrance, CA 90501

P: (310)906-0676
F: (310)606-2084
Kevin@tortugawealth.com
www.tortugawealth.com
http://www.tortugawealth.com/

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, March 21, 2015

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

A "tailgate party" will be at the Volunteer Center, (the rendezvous point) at 08:30am with coffee, juice and snacks prior to the clean up. At 09:00am, the group will walk down Torrance Blvd. to the clean-up area. Those that prefer to drive can drive their own vehicle to the clean-up area.

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, March 21st, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: 08:30am - Volunteer Center parking lot,
1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center.
Clean-up Area: TBA
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen

In June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club and high school volunteers.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

OTNA Meeting, Wednesday, March 18th, 7-9 PM

What: Meeting & Presentation - Simon Property Group - Owners of Del Amo Fashion Center regarding Del Amo Mall update
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, March 18th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

Representatives from Simon Property Group, Inc. (SPG), the world's leading retail real estate company and owners of the Del Amo Fashion Center will discuss the renovation progress of the Del Amo Mall -- one of the most recognized and successful enclosed shopping malls in America.

The mall is set to open by holiday time 2015, redevelopment of the iconic 2.3 million square foot shopping center is well underway.

The highlight of the redevelopment upgrades will be the addition of Nordstrom and the replacement of the single level mall north of the Macy's women's store with a new two-level mall. The new Nordstrom store will be two levels and will connect to the existing Macy's women's store, which will have a new mall entry into its third level women's clothing departments.

According to SPG, the redevelopment will also include aesthetic enhancements to the ambiance of the outdoor lifestyle village, the addition of a 1,800 car parking garage, planting of lush landscaping, upgraded parking throughout the entire mall property, new identity and informational signage, and improvements to facilitate customer circulation in and around the property.

Completion of this work will be timed with the grand opening of the new two-level mall and Nordstrom. All of the planned renovation/redevelopment work is part of completing the Master Plan project approved by the City for The Mills back in 2005.

Cookies provided by Torrance Bakery.

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The March OTNA President's Letter is now available.

Our March 2015 Meeting Sponsor is ACNT, (Advanced Computer & Networking Technology) - the one stop solution for your products and IT service needs.

South Bay Village - It takes a Village to Age in Place

This was our meeting topic for Wednesday, January 21st. The original posting is now in Past OTNA Events.

We elected new officers for 2015. See our OTNA Officers page.

As the population in Torrance ages, seniors ask the question, "How can I live in my home for as long as possible?" The South Bay Village (part of the National Village Program) will present resources seniors will need to age comfortably in their own home and continue to lead active lives - a strategy of bringing services to people rather than moving people to services.

Volunteers Wanted for South Bay Village!

We need volunteers to provide transportation and other services to seniors in the Torrance area. If you are able, now is a good time to start, or to continue, giving back. Let's all help our seniors continue to remain in charge of their own lives.

Members Wanted for South Bay Village!

Make new friends! If you are 55 years young or better, and you would like to learn more about how Village membership can help you now, or in the future, please contact us. Or if you have loved ones who might benefit from Village services, give us a call or email. We will be happy to explain everything. Go to South Bay Village Contact page. Service Providers, Sponsors, and Donors Wanted!

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The January OTNA President's Letter is now available.

The January meeting is sponsored by Fox Drug of Torrance.

Neighborhood Clean-up - Saturday, January 24, 2015

Elaine Thompson, OTNA member and past OTNA President is the OTNA Clean-up Coordinator since September 2014. Clean-ups will continue to be the Saturday following the OTNA meeting.

A "tailgate party" will be at the Volunteer Center, (the rendezvous point) at 08:30am with coffee, juice and snacks prior to the clean up. At 09:00am, the group will walk down Torrance Blvd. to the clean-up area. Those that prefer to drive can drive their own vehicle to the clean-up area.

Who: OTNA members along with Rotary Club members and high school student volunteers
When: Saturday, January 24th, rendezvous 08:30am, clean-up begins 09:00am
New Rendezvous Location: 08:30am - Volunteer Center parking lot,
1320 Cravens, at Engracia Ave. See map to the Volunteer Center.
Clean-up Area: TBA
RSVP: Elaine Thompson - ethompsonlaw@gmail.com or sign up online regarding "Events" on the Contact Us page.
What to Wear: Old clothes, sturdy, comfortable, closed toe shoes, gloves and sunscreen

In June 7th, 2007 OTNA was recognized by the Environmental Quality Control Commission with a Green Pride in Torrance Award for our clean-up efforts in the City -- a "Pay it Forward" challenge set forth by Mayor Frank Scotto in 2006. Acting upon the Mayor's challenge, OTNA will host another Neighborhood Clean-up Day along with Rotary Club and high school volunteers.

All who live, work, and play in Torrance are invited to volunteer a couple of hours to "pay it forward" and make a difference in our community.

South Bay Village - It takes a Village to Age in Place
Wednesday, January 21st, 7-9 PM

What: Meeting & Presentation
Location: Bartlett Center - 1318 Cravens (2nd floor)
When: Wednesday, January 21st, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
7:00 PM - Refreshments and meet your neighbors
7:30 PM - Meeting & Presentation

We will be electing new officers for 2015 during the business portion of the meeting. If you want to serve or have a nomination, please submit suggestions or nominations on our website via the Contact Us page or call (310) 320-6054.

As the population in Torrance ages, seniors ask the question, "How can I live in my home for as long as possible?" The South Bay Village (part of the National Village Program) will present resources seniors will need to age comfortably in their own home and continue to lead active lives - a strategy of bringing services to people rather than moving people to services.

Volunteers Wanted for South Bay Village!

We need volunteers to provide transportation and other services to seniors in the Torrance area. If you are able, now is a good time to start, or to continue, giving back. Let's all help our seniors continue to remain in charge of their own lives.

Members Wanted for South Bay Village!

Make new friends! If you are 55 years young or better, and you would like to learn more about how Village membership can help you now, or in the future, please contact us. Or if you have loved ones who might benefit from Village services, give us a call or email. We will be happy to explain everything. Go to South Bay Village Contact page. Service Providers, Sponsors, and Donors Wanted!

See the Meeting Flyer for details.

The January meeting is sponsored by Fox Drug of Torrance.