Newsletter: December 1998

Value Village

After more than thirty years of operation, The Arc-South Bay’s Value Village operations are coming to a halt. The past five years have not been successful as a means of raising funds for our agency, despite efforts to reorganize and trim expenses. All pick-ups will cease as of December 4th, and the store itself will be closed by December 31st.

The Board of Directors made the final decision to close Value Village at its November meeting, after many months of debate and discussion. In past years, Value Village was a significant contributor to the Arc coffers. However, the operation never did recover from the move from Lennox in 1992, and it eventually became a money-losing endeavor. Continuing the operation under those circumstances was out of the question, since it would ultimately jeopardize our ability to provide services to the consumers. To all of you who have loyally supported Value Village either by shopping or donating used goods, we thank you so much for your help.

Fall Membership Meeting

The Arc-South Bay Fall Membership Meeting featured Torrance attorney William “Ken” LeBrun speaking to our members about Estate Planning for Families with Special Needs. Although the turnout was light, the information was very helpful to those in attendance and handouts are available by calling this office at 532-6333. Mr. LeBrun is a past Arc Board member and practices law in the City of Torrance, specializing in probate.

Holiday Celebrations on Tap

St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Redondo Beach will once again host its Christmas dinner for Arc consumers and families on Sunday, December 13th at 5 p.m. A fine turkey dinner and wonderful hospitality are on tap for this holiday tradition. The very next night, December 14th at 7:00 p.m., the Torrance Elks will put on a holiday dance and party at their Torrance lodge located at 1820 Abalone. This long standing tradition is well attended, and includes light refreshments, music and gift exchange, featuring a visit from Santa himself.

Each of our programs will have their own celebrations: Gardena Adult Development Center will celebrate with Santa and lots of goodies on December 23rd, while the Hermosa facility will have a “cookies and punch” party on December 18th. Southwest Industries will have a Christmas buffet at lunch time on the 23rd.

Holiday Closures

Please note that the Administration office and all programs will be closed December 24-25 and January 1 for the holidays. Additional program closures may be necessitated by Regional Center holiday schedules. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

Upcoming Events:

• December 11th – All Community Discount Card orders are due in the office.
• December 11th – See’s Candy is ready for pick-up.
• December 13th – St. Katherine’s Christmas Dinner, 5 p.m.
• December 14th – Torrance Elks Lodge Christmas Dance/party, 7 p.m.
• December 17th—Arc-South Bay Board of Directors Meeting.
• December 24-25 – All Arc programs closed.
• January 1 – New Year’s Day. All Arc programs closed.