Page 4 December 27, 2012 TORRANCE TRIBUNE TerriAnn in Torrance Centennial Year in Review By TerriAnn Ferren of our city founder Jared Sydney Torrance to painting and filmmaking. Remember when The summer was spent in part at Torrance At the end of every year, we take a look back life on stage along with other major influential the custom painted piano by Roseline Seng Beach and the many parks around town and at the accomplishments and events that marked people of the era during the founding of our showed up on the entry plaza at the Torrance we all celebrated Boss’s Day and the 35th our lives, our community and our world. This city through performances by major talented Cultural Arts Center in front of the James Excellence in Arts Awards (Torrance Tribune, year’s reflection is extra special because it is actors. Cherry trees were planted in the Pine Armstrong Theatre? Children of all ages, the end of a Centennial Celebration year that Wind Japanese Garden (Torrance Tribune, amateurs and professionals took a turn tickling will not be repeated--at least not repeated for February 16, 2012) and I received a stellar the ivories (Torrance Tribune, April 20, 2012). 100 years and then it will be the Bicentennial. overview of the Torrance Police Department The generosity of the citizens of our town We began this bright and shining year looking when I attended and graduated from Partners is boundless and this year was no exception forward with a fresh, clean slate armed with in Policing under the guidance of Officer Erik with the ongoing dedication of programs such New Year’s resolutions and the promises of Eidet (Torrance Tribune, February 23, 2012). as Project Linus under the care of Martha clean closets, extra gym time and learning The Greatest Generation was honored Bauman, who oversees hundreds of “no sew” more about our town. One story I recall right (Torrance Tribune, March 15, 2012) at the blankets and then donates them to those in need away as we began the year was about finding Toberman Annual Fundraiser where our own whether they be ill, cold or could just use a The opening day of Del Amo Blvd. hometown hero Louis Zamperini was honored little comfort. Blankets are even donated to our October 18, 2012). Halloween and the popping along with two-time basketball Hall of Famer up of the annual pumpkin patch and petting Bill Sharman, WWII veteran and Olympic zoo complete with pony rides reminded us that gold medalist Dr. Sammy Lee, and Dodger fall was indeed on the way as our thoughts legend Tommy Lasorda. turned toward the election in our land. And on a rainy March morning (Torrance By the time the Birthday Bash hit, we were Tribune, March 30, 2012), the Rotary Club flung into an Indian summer heat wave, but of Lomita-Torrance Airport joined hands with that didn’t melt the festivities or enthusiasm of Mayor Frank Scotto, City Council members Mayor Scotto or any of our Council members. and local citizens to plant our city flower, the Gene Barnett, Tom Brewer, Pat Furey, Cliff hybrid delphinium, in a curbside planter in front Numark, Susan Rhilinger, Bill Sutherland, of the Katy Geissert Library. I remember smiles and our City Clerk Sue Herbers and City and determination that wet March morning. Biplane once owned by Steve McQueen. Treasurer Dana Cortez were all on hand to Several remarkable and outstanding citizens military at the LAX USO. The rededication mark this special and final formal celebration were highlighted during the year as well. of the Torrance Veterans Memorial Wall and of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Oliver Stone and Ron Kovic. Among the many were Paul Geil (Torrance the honoring of our hometown fallen soldiers City of Torrance by Jared Sydney Torrance out where our trash and recyclables end up Tribune, April 6, 2012), Dr. Terrence Hammer took place this year under the guidance and (Torrance Tribune, November 8, 2012). (Torrance Tribune, January 5, 2012). And what (Torrance Tribune, April 13, 2012), Cathy love of Janet Payne and Jerry Ronan of the There was a formal ceremony on stage, live amazing things go on at the Western Museum Calderon Lacey (Torrance Tribune, April of Flight (Torrance Tribune, February 2, 2012)! 20, 2012), and Dr. Christopher Dalis, D.D.S. The museum has held and continues to put on (Torrance Tribune, January 26, 2012). Amazing special events that keep the legacy of flight men and women surround us each and every alive in our community. The Valentine Tea and day in our community and usually they go Centennial Fashion Show hosted by the Torrance about their business without fanfare, applause Women’s Club was a big success. Those of you or recognition, but sometimes we get a peek who attended this Centennial event remember into the lives of the very special people who the fashion show where historic figures were make up our town. featured and historic footage was shown. John Talent is everywhere around us, from our Powers’ Works in Progress series, performed adults and children who dance and sing, to at the George Nakano Theatre, brought the life those who excel in the art of sewing, music, Mayor Frank Scotto backstage with others in the Centennial Fashion show. Torrance Historical Society (Torrance Tribune, entertainment, food trucks, a vintage refurbished June 8, 2012). Torrance bus on display, historic documents The Riviera Historic Home Tour was a and video being shown in the Dee Hardison huge Centennial event where historic homes Sports Center, along with the release of 100 were opened to the public and an informative doves and skydivers descending! Let me just historic video of the Riviera was created by say here that the City of Torrance can put on Sherwin Rubin and shown over the course of one fabulous Centennial Celebration! What that weekend. It was wonderful to learn the an amazing Birthday Bash! history of the Riviera, how our town grew December is here and the 100-year birthday and how the events of the world influenced celebration of our city is nearly over. In our growth. reflection, it has been a very good year for Throughout the summertime, this year was the City of Torrance. Under the direction of filled with firsts. We had our first new road Mayor Scotto and the Council, together with Behind the scenes at the Valentine Tea and Fashion Show. The Greatest Generation Tommy Lasorda, Dr. Sammy Lee, and Bill Sharman. Photos by TerriAnn Ferren. opening in years with the completion of Del the wise guidance and steering of our City Amo Boulevard from Crenshaw to Maple Manager LeRoy Jackson, the City of Torrance Avenue (September 6, 2012). Mayor Scotto, is in capable, competent hands. But if you ask Council members and dignitaries opened the any of our illustrious leaders what our greatest road by riding in vintage cars east and then asset is they will tell you it is the people who west over the newly paved thoroughfare. make up the city by the sea that makes us so Our Centennial Celebration continued with a special--and that is absolutely true. huge hometown parade in downtown Torrance Our Centennial year has passed wrapped in and the Centennial Plaza dedication at El memories within our hearts, Prado Park showcasing special commemorative The City of Torrance founded in 1912 still centennial bricks with the names of citizens and vibrant within its parts. a Time Capsule Ceremony (Torrance Tribune, Looking forward with hope in the midst of September 20, 2012). All this festivity was a the world today, hint of things to come on Sunday, October 28 One hundred years and counting, on this when the City of Torrance would get together 2012 Torrance’s birthday. • Larry King introducing hometown hero Louis Zamperini. for the big Birthday Bash.
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