nancy

There is lots going on around Old Town, shown below.  Got ideas for finding new residents? See announcement below.

Thursday, January 26, 4 pm. – Monterey’s Mysteries with Tim Thomas– Zoom presentation through MPL via Zoom.  Free, but register at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/9925578.

Thursday, January 26, 6 pm- Presentation by Peter Hiller, author of “The Life and Times of Jo Mora” at the Stanton Center.  Free presentation, but reserve at https://tixr.com/e/57651.   

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 1-2:30 “Where Photography’s Past Meets It’s Future”, at  Pacific Grove Art Center Gill Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove.  Free.  Refreshments.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:30 “Bella Italia”, A free Discussion with Ernie Luppi on creative photography from Italy.  PG Art Center, Annand Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.   

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 7 pm – Monterey City Council Meeting – New Wireless Ordinance.  New Wireless Ordinance Proposal is unveiled.  Join the meeting at city council chambers, view on Comcast Channel 25, by zoom or phone 833-568-8864.  Letters can be mailed to cityclerk@monterey.org.  Agenda is posted on Friday, February 3 at Monterey.org.

Thursday, February 9, 2023 6 pm – “Why California Has a Housing Crisis and What Can Be Done” by AIA. $25 for public; Email executivedirector@aiamontereybay.org for tickets and info.

Friday, February 10, 2023 – Deadline  for Neighborhood Improvement Projects.  See  below.

Saturday, February 11, 2023 -9 am and 10:30 am – Free Tours of the Pacific Biological Laboratory, 800 Cannery Row.    Lab docents share the role this lab played in the life of marine biologist Ed Ricketts and his friendship with author John Steinbeck, their circle of friends, and the PBL Members who bought the lab and founded the Monterey Jazz Festival. Free tours last one hour with advance reservations required.  Donations are gratefully accepted.   Reservations at https://montereypl.libcal.com/calendar/pbl?cid=15157&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15157&inc=0

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 – Noon to 5 pm Valentines Day on the Wharf – Enjoy a free candy from the cupid near Candy World, plus enjoy Valentines décor on the wharf.  Enter “For the Love of the Sea” Valentine’s Poetry Contest!  Details under announcements.

Friday, February 17, 2023, 5-6 pm. “Before They Vanish”-part 2 Explorer and author James Dorsey at Monterey Public Library Community Room shows unique cultures he has visited.  Reserve this free lecture at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/10142984.

Saturday, February 25, March 4 and March 11 2023, 8:30-4:30 Monterey CERT Training New CERT class offered over three Saturdays.  Email training@montereycert.org.

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 4-7 pm. “Chocolate and Wine” Fundraiser for the Monterey Public Library at MPL, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey.  Early bird tickets up until February 1 are $60; $75 after February 1.  Enjoy chocolate, wine, beer, and savories.  For tickets, visit investinmpl.org.  

 Wednesday, March 8, 2023 7 pm- Old Town Annual General Meeting: Speaker Kim Barber– Hear from our District One City Councilwoman and let her know your ideas at our Old Town Neighborhood Association annual meeting where elections will be held.  If you are interested in serving on our board or a committee for the next one year term, please let us know by replying to this email.   Meet at MIIS McCone Building Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street or join by Zoom.    Details to follow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SPECIAL NEED:  If you have ideas for our membership recruiter on how to find new residents in Old Town, please contact Elaine Giampietro, at dearylane@yahoo.com.

UNDERGROUNDING SURVEY – If you haven’t yet, please go to montereyundergrounding.net and complete this important survey.

Wharf Valentines Poetry Contest: Enter an original four-line (maximum) poem  that incorporates  the sea life theme and send to info@montereywharf.com prior to February 28, 2023.   Include your name, address, email and phone, plus indicate whether the poem can be used on the Wharf’s social media.  The email subject line must read: “Wharf Valentines Poetry Contest Entry”.  Three winners will be read on KMBY 1240 AM/95.9 FM.  1^st Place wins $100 in Wharf Dollars; 2^nd place $50 in  Wharf Dollars; 3^rd place $25 in Wharf Dollars to be redeemed at any Wharf merchant.

Old Town Neighborhood Improvement Projects –     If you have ideas for projects, submit them by the February 10 deadline on this form:   https://files.monterey.org/Document%20Center/Public%20Works/Engineering/NCIP/NCIP%20Nomination%20Form_TEMPLATE_2023-24_FINAL.pdf.  

Potholes from the Storm?  The city has asked those who find potholes from the storm to email the general location/any landmark to suggest@monterey.org.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household which helps support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.   Visit our website at oldtownmonterey.org. Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

A Tale of One Tree and Some Power Lines

Early on Monday, January 9, I was making coffee when the noise of that morning’s rainstorm was interrupted by an enormous, long-lasting series of cracks and crashes that I thought was a large tree limb hitting our house. Our power cut off and I went outside to inspect. Through the rain I could just make out a mess of wires and some sort of electrical gadgetry lying in our walkway against the southwest corner of the house, a place where electrical gadgetry definitely doesn’t belong.

It turned out that a large Monterey pine which had stood roadside, was now lying across our side yard. If the angle had been different, that tree was more than tall enough to crash into our home. Yikes!

Falling trees are scary enough, but soon the fire department arrived to stand guard over the downed power lines; PG&E was on the scene within a couple hours to shut off the power and begin making repairs. Only then were we able to go outside and survey the damage. We’d assumed that the equipment lying against our house came from our own roof, and we were already planning to stay elsewhere until an electrician could reconnect us, but we were surprised to discover that the connection to our house was still in place.

The electrical gadgetry lying in our walkway had been ripped off the top of a house across the street! The theory is that, as the falling tree was pulling the power lines with it, tension built until the electrical connection was ripped from our neighbor’s roof, flinging their weatherhead across the street, over the cars in our driveway, through the oak trees, and against our home. How the gear avoided hitting the cars or breaking our front window is a mystery.

The home across the street appears to have suffered damage. A week later, it has no power and we can see that the electric meter has been removed. (That house is part of a small collection of homes that exit to a side street, so we never see the inhabitants to chat.) Our suspicion is that the home’s wiring was seriously damaged when the connection was yanked out.

We were luckier; PG&E restored our power that afternoon. It did take a full week for AT&T to restring their cables which, while not dangerous, were inconveniently draped across our front stairs and our next-door neighbor’s driveway, although our internet connection continued to work just fine. Other than the tree lying in our yard and one broken windowpane, we are unscathed.

Had the broader emergency situation been more severe, and repair crews spread even more thin, it’s easy to imagine how live wires could have been draped across our properties for an extended period, leaving us trapped inside. In Monday’s storm, the electrical connection from our neighbor’s roof could have come through our front window to where I was standing, rather than landing harmlessly outside. A lot went right for us this time, but the risk was and is real.

Trees and power lines are a dangerous combination.

Corey Thornburg Brunson

Hellam Street

With the numerous fallen trees pulling power lines down during the winter storms of January 2023, public safety has been a major concern.   The number of wires stretching across major arteries like Pacific Street or hidden within tall trees in Monterey lead to real safety concerns, not only of live wires but blocked access to evacuation routes. 

The Monterey Undergrounding committee has worked to investigate many ways the city could use to underground our utilities and increase safety, and we ask residents to respond to our survey to help us in communicating with the city about this.   Please take a few minutes to read about these options and complete this important survey.    Go to https://www.montereyundergrounding.net.    Although we ask for your name and address to prevent duplication, your information will be kept private and only used collectively.   If you want to take the survey again, only your last survey will be used.

Tuesday, January 17, 7 pm – Monterey City Council meeting on Proposed New Rules for Personal Wireless Facilities.  Public welcome at City Council Chambers, 580 Pacific Street.

Thursday, January 19, 6-8 pm – Celebrate Monterey History and Art’s 92^nd Birthday at the Stanton Center off Custom House Plaza.  Free and open to the public.   Enjoy cake and refreshments.  A Jo Mora California Carte, original 1945 print valued at $900, will be raffled off.  Raffle tickets are $20 each or 6/$100 and go to support Monterey History and Art Association.   View the new gallery display by Inga Yontz and collections of artists Armin Hanson and Paul Whitman.  More information at mhaa.org.

Friday, January 20, 5-6 pm. – “Before They Vanish- Vanishing Tales from Ancient Trails”.  Explore ancient societies with explorer and award-winning author Michael Dorsey at Monterey Public Library Community Room.  Monthly through June.  January expeditions are to northwest China, a land steeped in mysticism and the metaphysical, with the second half taking us to Papua, New Guinea to meet former headhunters.  Free but limited seating.  Register at:  https://montereypl.libcal.com.

Thursday, January 26, 6 pm- Presentation by Peter Hiller, author of “The Life and Times of Jo Mora” at the Stanton Center on Custom House Plaza.  Free presentation, but reservations are requested at https://tixr.com/e/57651.   

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 1-2:30 “Where Photography’s Past Meets It’s Future”, a presentation by Zach Weston and colleagues at Pacific Grove Art Center Gill Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove.  Free.  Refreshments.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:30 “Bella Italia”, A Discussion with San Francisco Photographer Ernie Luppi on creative photography from Italy.  PG Art Center, Annand Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  Free.

Saturday, February 11, 2023 -9 am and 10:30 am – Free Tours of the Pacific Biological Laboratory, 800 Cannery Row.  Lab docents share the role this lab played in the life of marine biologist Ed Ricketts and his friendship with author John Steinbeck, their circle of friends, and the PBL Members who bought the lab and founded the Monterey Jazz Festival. Free tours last one hour with advance reservations required.  Donations are gratefully accepted. 

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 8:30-4:30 Monterey CERT Training – Part 1 of 3.  The Community Emergency Response Training will help assist you and others in the neighborhood or workplace following an emergency event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.  CERT also participates in searches for missing persons, storm response, fire scene support and other emergencies where a trained group is quickly needed.  Free class, taught in three consecutive Saturdays. To enroll, send an email of interest to: training@montereycert.org.

Saturday, February 25, 2023, 4-7 pm. “Chocolate and Wine” Fundraiser for the Monterey Public Library at MPL, 625 Pacific Street, Monterey.  Early bird tickets up until February 1 are $60; $75 after February 1.  Enjoy chocolate, wine, beer, and savories.  For tickets, visit investinmpl.org.

 Saturday, March 4, 2023, 8:30-4:30 Monterey CERT Training – Part 2 of 3.  The Community Emergency Response Training will help assist you and others in the neighborhood or workplace following an emergency event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.  See Feb 4.

Saturday, March 11, 2023, 8:30-4:30 Monterey CERT Training – Part 3 of 3.  The Community Emergency Response Training will help assist you and others in the neighborhood or workplace following an emergency event when professional responders are not immediately available to help.  See Feb 4.

Saturday, March 11, 2023 -9 am and 10:30 am – Free Tours of the Pacific Biological Laboratory, 800 Cannery Row.  Lab docents share the role this lab played in the life of marine biologist Ed Ricketts and his friendship with author John Steinbeck, their circle of friends, and the PBL Members who bought the lab and founded the Monterey Jazz Festival. Free tours last one hour with advance reservations required.  Donations are gratefully accepted.   Reservations at https://montereypl.libcal.com/calendar/pbl?cid=15157&t=g&d=0000-00-00&cal=15157&inc=0.

Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023- Whalefest 2023.  Save the date!  Details and volunteer opportunities to follow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Photographic Exhibits at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  See new exhibits in all four galleries from the Center for Photographic Art.  Exhibits will run through February 23 during normal hours.  Meetings with the artists and list of participating photographers can be found at https://www.pgartcenter.org/Events/Coming-Events.php.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.   Free, but donations are appreciated.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering Free Admission to Monterey County Residents from January 21-29, 2023.

Casa Serano is open Saturday and Sundays from 2-4 pm.  Free admission and talk by docents.  No RSVP necessary.

Warning-New Chalkless Parking Enforcement in Monterey- Monterey announced August 22 that they have implemented new chalk-less parking enforcement, so no tire mark does NOT mean you haven’t been monitored by parking enforcement.  Don’t get caught with an unexpected parking ticket!       

Monterey Free Trolley service is discontinued until next summer.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee Seeks Interested Residents -Our Old Town Neighborhood Undergrounding Committee is working jointly with interested residents of Monterey Vista and New Monterey Neighborhoods to work on a plan to underground utilities. You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net. 

Monterey County Theater Alliance – The Monterey County Theater Alliance has been providing us many interesting theatrical presentations over zoom.  For an ongoing schedule for these events, usually free and on zoom, visit admin@theatremonterey.org.    Free theatrical presentations on topics of local history will usually show also under events.    Thank you, MCTA, for offering us so many interesting topics during the covid time of sheltering in place! 

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household and go to help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.     Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7 pm Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting at MIIS  McCone Building Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson.  If you would like to run for a position on our Board of Directors, please let us know.  Elections at March meeting.   Hear the latest reports on what’s going on in Old Town.  Open to residents of Old Town.  Join in person or via Zoom from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/99469640415?pwd=ZWwvUjFzckJoQlhuK09rdlNBU0VBQT09
    Password: 010787

 Please join the Old Town Meeting THIS WEDNESDAY

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7 pm Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting at MIIS  McCone Building Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson.  If you would like to run for a position on our Board of Directors, please let us know.  Elections at March meeting.   Hear the latest reports on what’s going on in Old Town.  Open to residents of Old Town.  Join in person or via Zoom from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: https://middlebury.zoom.us/j/99469640415?pwd=ZWwvUjFzckJoQlhuK09rdlNBU0VBQT09
    Password: 010787

Saturday, January 14, 2023, 7-9:30 pm.  Community Hootenanny and jam session at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  This bi-monthly fundraiser has been a tradition since 1996, and honors a different musician each time.  Song books provided.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.  Free, but donations are greatly appreciated, as the event is a major source of funding for the center.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 1-2:30 “Where Photography’s Past Meets It’s Future”, a presentation by Zach Weston and colleagues at Pacific Grove Art Center Gill Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove.  Free.  Refreshments.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:30 “Bella Italia”, A Discussion with San Francisco Photographer Ernie Luppi on creative photography from Italy.  PG Art Center, Annand Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  Free.

Thursday, February 23, 2023. “Chocolate and Wine” Fundraiser for the Monterey Public Library.  Save the date -Details to follow.

Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023- Whalefest 2023.  Save the date!  Details and volunteer opportunities to follow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Photographic Exhibits at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  See new exhibits in all four galleries from the Center for Photographic Art.  Exhibits will run through February 23 during normal hours.  Meetings with the artists and list of participating photographers can be found at https://www.pgartcenter.org/Events/Coming-Events.php.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.   Free, but donations are appreciated.

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering Free Admission to Monterey County Residents from January 21-29, 2023.

Casa Serano is open Saturday and Sundays from 2-4 pm.  Free admission and talk by docents.  No RSVP necessary.

Warning-New Chalkless Parking Enforcement in Monterey- Monterey announced August 22 that they have implemented new chalk-less parking enforcement, so no tire mark does NOT mean you haven’t been monitored by parking enforcement.  Don’t get caught with an unexpected parking ticket!       

Monterey Free Trolley service is discontinued until next summer.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee Seeks Interested Residents -Our Old Town Neighborhood Undergrounding Committee is working jointly with interested residents of Monterey Vista and New Monterey Neighborhoods to work on a plan to underground utilities. You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net. 

Monterey County Theater Alliance – The Monterey County Theater Alliance has been providing us many interesting theatrical presentations over zoom.  For an ongoing schedule for these events, usually free and on zoom, visit admin@theatremonterey.org.    Free theatrical presentations on topics of local history will usually show also under events.    Thank you, MCTA, for offering us so many interesting topics during the covid time of sheltering in place! 

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household and go to help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.     Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

FREE PARK AND RIDE! For First Night Monterey! Park at Del Monte Center by the MST transit stop and be picked up by MST bus to take you downtown. The transit stop is on the lower parking level near Macy’s and the stairs up to the main level.  Got strollers? No problem! A great way to get free parking and be taken to downtown by MST! You can also ride the bus for free and get to First Night. All the details on www.firstnightmonterey.org. Thanks for MST for this awesome partnership!   If rain, some event venues may change to the Conference Center, but in any event First Night will go on!  Some outdoor bands may perform under canopies. 

Saturday, December 31, 2022  3pm to Midnight -First Night Monterey! and Kids Night out Celebrate New Year’s Eve at this fun, family event which starts at Colton Hall lawn at 3 pm with the opening ceremony.  Kids and the young at heart can enjoy free music, song, drumming, dance, art creating, hat-making, and more, with a Twilight Procession at 5:30 featuring a Mardi Gras style procession beginning at Portola Plaza and winding down Alvarado to Pearl.  Following the procession, button holders can enjoy entertainment from Classical to Jazz, Blues to Rock, Samba to Folk, with over 65 performances at multiple venues, including the Center for Spiritual Living, Golden State Theater and finale at the Conference Center.   The First Night Concert by the Monterey County Pops! (requiring a button) starts at 6:00 and goes to 7:15.  A list of  performances can be found at their website.  Adults 16+ $30; Youth 6-15 $20; Children 5 and under are free.  Buttons and more information can be found at www.firstnightmonterey.org.  Buttons can be purchased online or at the event, with pick up at Monterey Conference Center. Volunteers working 4+ hours earn free button.  This event is alcohol free and meant for the whole family.  

Friday, January 6, 2023, 7-9 pm Opening of New Photographic Exhibits at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  See new exhibits in all four galleries from the Center for Photographic Art.  Exhibits will run through February 23 during normal hours.  Meetings with the artists and list of participating photographers can be found at https://www.pgartcenter.org/Events/Coming-Events.php.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.   Free, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday, January 7, 2023 10am to Noon – FREE Wharf Walk by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas.  Reservations required as tour is limited to 15 people, aged 10 and above.  Reserve by calling Tim Thomas, 831-521-3304 or emailing Tim at timsardine@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7 pm Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting at MIIS  Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson.  If you would like to run for a position on our Board of Directors, please let us know.  Elections at March meeting.

Saturday, January 14, 2023, 7-9:30 pm.  Community Hootenanny and jam session at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  This bi-monthly fundraiser has been a tradition since 1996, and honors a different musician each time.  Song books provided.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.  Free, but donations are greatly appreciated, as the event is a major source of funding for the center.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 1-2:30 “Where Photography’s Past Meets It’s Future”, a presentation by Zach Weston and colleagues at Pacific Grove Art Center Gill Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Ave, Pacific Grove.  Free.  Refreshments.

Saturday, February 4, 2023, 2:30 “Bella Italia”, A Discussion with San Francisco Photographer Ernie Luppi on creative photography from Italy.  PG Art Center, Annand Gallery, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  Free.

Thursday, February 23, 2023. “Chocolate and Wine” Fundraiser for the Monterey Public Library.  Save the date -Details to follow.

Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19, 2023- Whalefest 2023.  Save the date!  Details and volunteer opportunities to follow.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monterey Ice Rink at Custom House Plaza will be open through January 1, 11am to 10 pm. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering Free Admission to Monterey County Residents from January 21-29, 2023.

Casa Serano is open Saturday and Sundays from 2-4 pm.  Free admission and talk by docents.  No RSVP necessary.

Warning-New Chalkless Parking Enforcement in Monterey- Monterey announced August 22 that they have implemented new chalk-less parking enforcement, so no tire mark does NOT mean you haven’t been monitored by parking enforcement.  Don’t get caught with an unexpected parking ticket!       

Monterey Free Trolley service is discontinued until next summer.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee Seeks Interested Residents -Our Old Town Neighborhood Undergrounding Committee is working jointly with interested residents of Monterey Vista and New Monterey Neighborhoods to work on a plan to underground utilities. You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net. 

Monterey County Theater Alliance – The Monterey County Theater Alliance has been providing us many interesting theatrical presentations over zoom.  For an ongoing schedule for these events, usually free and on zoom, visit admin@theatremonterey.org.    Free theatrical presentations on topics of local history will usually show also under events.    Thank you, MCTA, for offering us so many interesting topics during the covid time of sheltering in place! 

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household and go to help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.     Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy these mostly free events coming up within walking distance of Old Town Monterey. 

Thursday, December 22, 2022, 4 pm. – “A Sea Monster in Our Midst: Reflections on “Bobo” and the Old Man of Monterey Bay”, by Dr. Geoffrey Dunn, journalist, filmmaker, and historian. This Zoom presentation is hosted by Tim Thomas as part of Monterey’s Magical History Tour ,and is sponsored by the Monterey Public Library.  Free, but registration required at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/9797806.

Saturday, December 31, 2022  3pm to Midnight -First Night Monterey! and Kids Night out Celebrate New Year’s Eve at this fun, family event which starts at Colton Hall lawn at 3 pm with the opening ceremony.  Kids and the young at heart can enjoy free music, song, drumming, dance, art creating, hat-making, and more, with a Twilight Procession at 5:30 featuring a Mardi Gras style procession beginning at Portola Plaza and winding down Alvarado to Pearl.  Following the procession, button holders can enjoy entertainment from Classical to Jazz, Blues to Rock, Samba to Folk, with over 65 performances at multiple venues, including the Center for Spiritual Living, Golden State Theater and finale at the Conference Center.   The First Night Concert by the Monterey County Pops! (requiring a button) starts at 6:00 and goes to 7:15.  A list of other performances can be found at their website.  Adults 16+ $30; Youth 6-15 $20; Children 5 and under are free.  Buttons and more information can be found at www.firstnightmonterey.org.  Buttons can be purchased online or at the event, with pick up at Monterey Conference Center. Volunteers working 4+ hours earn free button.  This event is alcohol free and meant for the whole family.  

Friday, January 6, 2023, 7-9 pm Opening of New Photographic Exhibits at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  See new exhibits in all four galleries from the Center for Photographic Art.  Exhibits will run through February 23 during normal hours.  Meetings with the artists and list of participating photographers can be found at https://www.pgartcenter.org/Events/Coming-Events.php.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.   Free, but donations are appreciated.

Saturday, January 7, 2023 10am to Noon – FREE Wharf Walk by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas.  Reservations required as tour is limited to 15 people, aged 10 and above.  Reserve by calling Tim Thomas, 831-521-3304 or emailing Tim at timsardine@yahoo.com.

Wednesday, January 11, 2023 7 pm Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting at MIIS  Conference Room, 499 Pierce Street, corner of Jefferson.  If you would like to run for a position on our Board of Directors, please let us know.  Elections at March meeting.

Saturday, January 14, 2023, 7-9:30 pm.  Community Hootenanny and jam session at Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove.  This bi-monthly fundraiser has been a tradition since 1996, and honors a different musician each time.  Song books provided.  Wear a mask unless fully vaccinated.  Free, but donations are greatly appreciated, as the event is a major source of funding for the center. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Monterey Ice Rink at Custom House Plaza will be open through January 1, 11am to 10 pm. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering Free Admission to Monterey County Residents from January 21-29, 2023.

Casa Serano is open Saturday and Sundays from 2-4 pm.  Free admission and talk by docents.  No RSVP necessary.

Warning-New Chalkless Parking Enforcement in Monterey- Monterey announced August 22 that they have implemented new chalk-less parking enforcement, so no tire mark does NOT mean you haven’t been monitored by parking enforcement.  Don’t get caught with an unexpected parking ticket!       

Monterey Free Trolley service is discontinued until next summer.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee Seeks Interested Residents -Our Old Town Neighborhood Undergrounding Committee is working jointly with interested residents of Monterey Vista and New Monterey Neighborhoods to work on a plan to underground utilities. You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net. 

Monterey County Theater Alliance – The Monterey County Theater Alliance has been providing us many interesting theatrical presentations over zoom.  For an ongoing schedule for these events, usually free and on zoom, visit admin@theatremonterey.org.    Free theatrical presentations on topics of local history will usually show also under events.    Thank you, MCTA, for offering us so many interesting topics during the covid time of sheltering in place! 

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household and go to help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.     Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

CORRECTION: The New Years Eve Concert by the Monterey County Pops! DOES REQUIRE PURCHASE OF A FIRST NIGHT BUTTON. 

Friday, December 9 and Saturday, December 10, 5-9 pm.  “Christmas in the Adobes”  Follow the lights of the luminaria to visit the adobes open and decorated for this special night.  Enjoy music and entertainment as you experience a bygone era.  Wristband passes are $25 adult one night; $40 adult 2 night pass.  Children 17 and under are free.  Wristbands may be purchased at the Pacific House and Custom House Store Thurs-Sun, 11-3 pm.   Wristbands may also be purchased online.  Eventbrite passes purchased online must be picked up the night of the event at will-call, open 4 pm at Pacific House, 20 Custom House Plaza, Casa Gutierrez, 590 Calle Principal, or the Stevenson House, 530 Houston St.  Masks are required and available at all three ticket areas.  For online tickets and more information, visit https://www.mshpa.org/christmasintheadobes.  NOTE; Colton Hall needs volunteers for 1.25 to 1.50 hour slots on Saturday (see announcement below for more details).  Volunteers receive a FREE pass they can use to visit the adobes.

Saturday, December 10-Christmas on the Wharf-  12-2pm – Monterey Chamber Singers; 3:30-5pm The Dance Center’s Musical Theater Performance.6-7 pm Peninsula Harmony Company; 6-9 pm Santa visits the wharf.

Sunday, December 11, Christmas on the Wharf – 12-2 pm Katherine Lavin, Singer/Songwriter; 5-6:30 pm; Community Caroling on the wharf coordinated by Grace Ministries International.

Friday, December 16, Christmas on the Wharf- 5-9 pm Santa visits; 6-7 pm Peninsula Harmony performs.

Saturday, December 17 – Christmas on the Wharf – 2-3 pm Carmel Presbyterian Church Choir; 6-7 pm Peninsula Harmony Company performs.

Saturday, December 17, 2022, 5:30 – “A Christmas Carol”, a presentation by local actor Howard Burnham via Zoom, sponsored by MCTA. Free but donations are appreciated. This production has been a 20 year regular feature of the Myrtle Beach Christmas Festival, was written and performed by Howard Burnham in England.  Register at:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FGnyoe-rT6mThKO-yxyxaQ.

Sunday, December 18 – Christmas on the Wharf – 3:30-5pm Monterey Peninsula Community Gospel Choir led by John Nash; 5-6:30 pm Community Caroling on the Wharf coordinated by Grace Ministries International.

Thursday, December 22, 2022, 4 pm. – “A Sea Monster in Our Midst: Reflections on “Bobo” and the Old Man of Monterey Bay”, by Dr. Geoffrey Dunn, journalist, filmmaker, and historian. This Zoom presentation is hosted by Tim Thomas as part of Monterey’s Magical History Tour ,and is sponsored by the Monterey Public Library.  Free, but registration required at https://montereypl.libcal.com/event/9797806.

Saturday, December 31, 2022  3pm to Midnight -First Night Monterey! and Kids Night out Celebrate New Year’s Eve at this fun, family event which starts at Colton Hall lawn at 3 pm with the opening ceremony.  Kids and the young at heart can enjoy free music, song, drumming, dance, art creating, hat-making, and more, with a Twilight Procession at 5:30 featuring a Mardi Gras style procession beginning at Portola Plaza and winding down Alvarado to Pearl.  Following the procession, button holders can enjoy entertainment from Classical to Jazz, Blues to Rock, Samba to Folk, with over 65 performances at multiple venues, including the Center for Spiritual Living, Golden State Theater and finale at the Conference Center.   The First Night Concert by the Monterey County Pops! (requiring a button) starts at 6:00 and goes to 7:15.  A list of other performances can be found at their website.  Adults 16+ $30; Youth 6-15 $20; Children 5 and under are free.  Buttons and more information can be found at www.firstnightmonterey.org.  Buttons can be purchased online or at the event, with pick up at Monterey Conference Center. Volunteers working 4+ hours earn free button.  This event is alcohol free and meant for the whole family.

Saturday, January 7, 2023 10am to Noon – FREE Wharf Walk by Maritime Historian Tim Thomas.  Reservations required as tour is limited to 15 people, aged 10 and above.  Reserve by calling Tim Thomas, 831-521-3304 or emailing Tim at timsardine@yahoo.com. 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Christmas in the Adobes Volunteers Needed at Colton Hall!   Volunteers work 1.25 to 1.50 hour shifts to greet and count visitors, serve and restock cookies and cider, sell merchandise and where needed.  Volunteers receive a FREE wristband to visit the adobes.  Sign up for an available shift at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050A4CA5AB2EABFD0-christmas1.  Masks must be worn.  Questions?  Contact Francesca Garibaldi, Library and Museums, 831-646-5603.   

Monterey Ice Rink at Custom House Plaza will be open through January 1, 11am to 10 pm. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium is offering Free Admission to Monterey County Residents from January 21-29, 2023.

Casa Serano is open Saturday and Sundays from 2-4 pm.  Free admission and talk by docents.  No RSVP necessary.

Warning-New Chalkless Parking Enforcement in Monterey- Monterey announced August 22 that they have implemented new chalk-less parking enforcement, so no tire mark does NOT mean you haven’t been monitored by parking enforcement.  Don’t get caught with an unexpected parking ticket!       

Monterey Free Trolley service is discontinued until next summer.

Old Town Neighborhood Association’s website is now LIVE!  Visit oldtownmonterey.org for the latest on events, issues, and to find the Historic Homes self-guided walk featuring historic homes in our Old Town neighborhood.  

Undergrounding Committee Seeks Interested Residents -Our Old Town Neighborhood Undergrounding Committee is working jointly with interested residents of Monterey Vista and New Monterey Neighborhoods to work on a plan to underground utilities. You can learn more and become part of this committee by going to montereyundergrounding.net. 

Monterey County Theater Alliance – The Monterey County Theater Alliance has been providing us many interesting theatrical presentations over zoom.  For an ongoing schedule for these events, usually free and on zoom, visit admin@theatremonterey.org.    Free theatrical presentations on topics of local history will usually show also under events.    Thank you, MCTA, for offering us so many interesting topics during the covid time of sheltering in place! 

Not Yet a Member of Old Town Neighborhood Association? Annual membership dues are $20 per household and go to help support social events and technical costs of website, Zoom meetings, and newsletter. Learn how to become a member on our website! If you have any questions, contact us! This information is being shared as a service by Old Town Neighborhood Association.  Information is presumed accurate, but is not guaranteed, and always subject to change.     Old Town Neighborhood Association, P O Box 724, Monterey, CA  93942

A wonderful evening for Old Town Neighborhood Association Members at the Perry House November 2, 2022