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"Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future: Continuing the Conversation"

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:


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Come Join the Second Community Discussion, “Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning to the Future:  Continuing the Conversation”
Saturday, December 7, 2013

Manhattan Beach, CA
(November 6, 2013) — On Saturday, December 7, 2013, the City of
Manhattan Beach will host the second “Reflect on the Past, Give Meaning
to the Future,” a day of free community discussion at the Joslyn
Community Center, 1601 North Valley Drive, Manhattan Beach.

Part
history, part information exchange, and part Town Hall meeting, the
event will build upon the well-received community discussion last year. 
It will bring Manhattan Beach residents together to explore the City’s
history and help create the next chapter in its story. All are invited
to attend, no advance reservations or tickets are necessary, and
attendees are welcome to come and go throughout the day as their
schedules permit.  

The event, which was organized by Mayor
David Lesser and a group of volunteers, will allow residents to learn
about the City’s past from a distinguished group of long-time residents
including three former Mayors and envision its future with high school
student participants in the Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council. 
Former Mayor Jan Dennis will sponsor a free lunch for participants,
during which residents will have an opportunity to learn about our local
community organizations through a “Community Information Exchange.”

The day’s agenda includes:  
  • - 9:00 AM to 12:00 Noon:
    Morning sessions will explore the history of the City with a keynote
    presentation and a moderated discussion with a panel of notable
    community leaders who will explore themes and events that distinguish
    Manhattan Beach. The event will begin with an acknowledgment of the
    historic date of December 7, 1941.
  • - 12:00 Noon to 12:30 PM: Attendees
    are invited to enjoy a free lunch sponsored by former Manhattan Beach
    Mayor Jan Dennis and participate in a “Community Exchange” with
    representatives of local organizations who will be on hand to discuss
    their groups’ missions, background, and activities.
  • - 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM: Afternoon
    sessions will explore future possibilities for the City through
    break-out groups led by high school student participants in the
    Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council. Ideas generated during the day
    are scheduled to be presented to the City Council on December 17, 2013.
Scheduled
presenters include: Three former Mayors, including author and resident
historian Jan Dennis, Body Glove International President Russ Lesser,
and Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe’s Deputy Steve Napolitano;
former Manhattan Beach Unified School District Trustee and Mayors Youth
Council Director Nancy Hersman; former Manhattan Beach Unified School
District Superintendent Beverly Rohrer; retired educator and artist John
Scott; columnist and former Beach Reporter publisher and editor Paul Silva; and high school student participants in the Manhattan Beach Mayor’s Youth Council. 

Mayor
David Lesser, who has sought during his mayoral term to increase public
involvement in the City’s decision-making, encouraged Manhattan Beach
residents to attend the event on December 7th.  “This special
event responds to requests by residents to build upon the community
discussions begun last year about the history and future of our City,”
he said.  “The City Council and volunteer organizers of this year’s
community event encourage residents to join this unique gathering of
neighbors to explore our past and envision our future.” 

Besides
Mayor Lesser, residents planning this year’s event include former Mayor
Jan Dennis, former Manhattan Beach Unified School District Trustee,
Manhattan Beach Mayors Youth Council Director, and Manhattan Beach Parks
and Recreation Commissioner Nancy Hersman, Manhattan Beach Parks and
Recreation Commissioner Tom Allard, retired Mira Costa High School
Teacher and Manhattan Beach Senior Advisory Committee Chair Kate Nelson,
and Manhattan Beach Historical Society President Gary McAulay.
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