Over the Hill Gang Los Angeles

Please scroll to the bottom to view general ski season announcements and information.

SKIING.  February 5-10, Sunday arrival, Friday departure. OHGLA Mammoth Midweek.  This is the second monthly midweek skiing trip of the season. We will stay at the newly redecorated and refurbished Sierra Nevada Lodge, which is close to shuttle buses, Von's market, shops and restaurants. The Lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast next door at the Rafters restaurant and we socialize each evening at 5:30 to share events of the day and make plans for dinner and the following day. All trips are planned for arriving on Sunday afternoon and departing on Friday. As with all OHGLA trips, the Mammoth trips are for members only (which means you may need to fill out the membership form and pay the membership dues -- a membership application may be downloaded from the Home page of this website).  All lodging reservations must be made through OHGLA following instructions on the sign-up form.  Click H E R E for the sign-up form. The due date for receiving sign-up forms and checks for the February 5-10 is January 22. Contact Warren B. for information. Warren's alternate email address is Skiing@overthehillganglosangeles.org.

ETHNIC DINING.  February 12.  Sunday, 5:30.  Amwaj Mediterranean Cuisine.  Marvelous organic Mediterranean fare is the specialty of the house. This elegant new addition to L.A.'s dining landscape is creating quite a buzz among food critics and foodies alike. Wrote one enthusiastic diner, "I've been to Amwaj quite a few times, and it's always an amazing experience. Menu:  Lula beef -- marinated ground beef with chef's special sauce. Served with pickled vegetables, grilled tomato, onions and rice. Vegetarian: Falafel plate, garbanzo, garlic onions served with pickled vegetables and tahini. Includes soft drink or iced tea. Dessert: baklava. Please pay for your own alcoholic drinks. Cost: $21.00 includes tax and tip. Address is 1725 Hillhurst Ave. (Two blocks east of Vermont between Franklin Blvd. and Hollywood Blvd., LA 90027. Phone: 323-522-3309.  RSVP to Odette.  Odette's alternate email address is ethnicdining@overthehillganglosangeles.org.

BOARD MEETING.  February 15, Wednesday, 10:30.  All members welcome.  El Segundo Library.

WALK-ABOUT.  February 18, Saturday, 9:30.  Los Angeles Underground Art Museum (also known as the Metro Redline). The tour features May Sun, Frank Romero, Terry Schoonhoven and many other artists. On a tour led by Gayle Gael we will explore the spectacular art, distinctive architecture and special treasures only an informative guide could share with us. Gayle has been doing this tour for Santa Monica College for many years. Sign up to learn where to meet and park. Cost is $35.00 Carpooling is encouraged. For more information and to RSVP, please contact Cynthia W.
 
HKING.  March 3, Saturday, 8:00.  Sturtevant Falls north of Arcadia.  We will hike from Chantry Flat to the 50' Sturtevant Falls in Santa Anita Canyon. The hike begins at the Chantry Flat parking lot and continues along a downsloping paved road. After crossing a bridge over Winter Creek, the hike continues on a trail that goes up Santa Anita Canyon, following its creek upstream to Sturtevant Falls. The latter segment is the most scenic of the hike. There are three creek crossings: one over a 15-in. wide wooden plank "bridge" called Fiddler's Crossing and two over logs and/or rocks. The hike ends with a 10-minute return walk up the continuous incline of the paved road back to the parking lot. This moderate hike is 3.4 miles roundtrip, with a total elevation gain/loss of 700'/700'. Hiking time is 1-1/2 to 2 hours, depending on the pace of the group, plus time for stops. This is a moderately difficult -- not easy-- hike and is not recommended for the sedentary or those with physical disability. Lunch after the hike at picnic tables near the meeting place.  A parking permit is required (Forest Service Adventure Pass) to park at Chantry Flat. A single-day pass can be purchased for $5 at the general store near the picnic area and parking lot. Pass needs to be displayed in your car. RSVP after February 15 to Dick Ch., the leader of this hike.  Dick's alternate email address is Hiking@overthehillganglosangeles.org.

SKIING.  March 4-9, Sunday arrival, Friday departure. OHGLA Mammoth Midweek. We will stay at the newly redecorated and refurbished Sierra Nevada Lodge, which is close to shuttle buses, Von's market, shops and restaurants. The Lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast next door at the Rafters restaurant and we socialize each evening at 5:30 to share events of the day and make plans for dinner and the following day.  All trips are planned for arriving on Sunday afternoon and departing on Friday. As with all OHGLA trips, the Mammoth trips are for members only (which means you may need to fill out the membership form and pay the membership dues -- a membership application may be downloaded from the Home page of this website).  All lodging reservations must be made through OHGLA following instructions on the sign-up form. Click H E R E for the sign-up form. The due date for receiving sign-up forms and checks for the March 4-9 trip is February 19. Contact Warren B. for information. Warren's alternate email address is Skiing@overthehillganglosangeles.org.

Bi-Monthly Midweek Luncheon. March 15, Thursday, 11:30. The Rose Café.  Our first venture to this restaurant did not work out due to their ongoing renovation project. We will try it again. It is located a few blocks away from the beach, and the parking area is next to the building. It is known for being a funky and hip restaurant with a reputation for the best food on the Westside. Their lunch has been described as "incredible." Actors and actresses, also, frequent the restaurant. So please join Bernadette and enjoy this congenial group activity. The address is 220 Rose Avenue, Venice 90291.  RSVP to Bernadette L. by March 5.

LIGHT BULBS AND SPARKPLUGS: ALL-MEMBERS MEETING.  March 25, Sunday, 1:30.  Los Angeles River Center.  For new and long-time members -- lunch, fun conversation, and a time to air your ideas and suggestions. This is an opportunity to assure that our club continues to provide quality experiences for all that reflect the diversity and interests of all members.  In addition, Activity Leaders and Chairpeople will talk about their plans and indicate any need for additional assistance. The lunch will be potluck to the extent of appetizer or side dish. Bring something that will serve 6-8.  Main dish of turkey and ham will be provided by the club for your enjoyment as an entree or sandwich filling. Salad, bread and dessert will also be provided. The LA River Center is located near 26th and Figueroa, which is north of Downtown, on a historic and spacious site near the LA River. We will use the large atrium room adjacent to an exhibit that shows the river's history and progress toward restoring the river to its natural state. Several nature/river/mountain conservancy groups have their offices on the property. With its gracious Spanish architecture, fountains and landscaping it is a popular choice for weddings. Parking is free.  No RSVP is requested, but please help us get an approximate headcount.  If you are not planning to come to this activities, email to:  regrets@overthehillganglosangeles.org.

SKIING.  April 1-6, Sunday arrival, Friday departure. OHGLA Mammoth Midweek.  We will stay at the newly redecorated and refurbished Sierra Nevada Lodge, which is close to shuttle buses, Von's market, shops and restaurants. The Lodge offers a complimentary continental breakfast next door at the Rafters restaurant and we socialize each evening at 5:30 to share events of the day and make plans for dinner and the following day.  All trips are planned for arriving on Sunday afternoon and departing on Friday. As with all OHGLA trips, the Mammoth trips are for members only (which means you may need to fill out the membership form and pay the membership dues -- a membership application may be downloaded from the Home page of this website).  All lodging reservations must be made through OHGLA following instructions on the sign-up form. Click H E R E for the sign-up form. The due date for receiving sign-up forms and checks for the April 1-6 trip is March 19. For this trip only contact Rose Marie T. for information.
 

HIKING.  April 7, Saturday, 9:30.  Place to be announced.

BIKING.  April 14, Saturday, 9:30.  Place to be announced.  

TRIP.  May 10-17, Thursday-Thursday. Zion and Bryce National Parks, Grand Canyon North Rim. Melody R. is organizing this OHGLA member trip with Road Scholar (Program #11573). Space may still be available. A deposit of $250 is required at the time of enrollment and you can enroll by calling 800-328-7286 and specify that you are a member of the Over the Hill Gang. The phone number answers on the East Coast, so call Monday through Friday (closed weekends) from 6am to 2pm. The phone numbers goes directly to the reservation desk. If you have further questions, contact Melody R or Frania Monarski, Road Scholar Representative, 617-457-5528.

BIKING TRIP.  October 7-12. Sonoma County, Northern California.  Five days of biking. Fall is the perfect weather for the wine country! Ride 15 to 25 miles each day accompanied by a leader and a sag wagon vehicle for equipment, assistance, and support. Beautiful country roads parallel the Russian River with a casual pace and frequent stops to boutique and family owned wineries along the way. Stay five nights in Healdsburg at a comfortable inn with heated pool, fitness room and bocce court. Includes 15 Meals (56B, 3L, 5D). Casual Hybrid 1200 Trek upright bicycles with front baskets, map holder, gel seats, lock and rear rack provided along with helmets. Price: $1,196 (double occpancy). Private room is available with supplement. This trip is in the planning stage to see if there is enough interest to make the minimum participants of 14. We have until January 25 to sign up with a $250 deposit per person made out to Road Scholar. If the minimum number does not respond, the trip will be dropped and your check will be returned. To see more details, refer to www.RoadScholar.org. Wine Country Biking #17660BHK. Mail your deposit check to Joanne P.
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ANTARCTICA TRIP.  Antarctica's White Wilderness with Overseas Adventure Travel and sponsored by OHGLA.  Mid-January 2013.  Coordinators: Lou Von Dedenroth-Dendinger and Carole Rosales. The trip time was chosen because it is the warmest time, with an increased possibility of landing and viewing newly hatched penguin chicks. The dates and rates are not yet posted for 2013 but will be similar for 2011-2012 (information at end of paragraph). This trip books quickly and OAT is taking pre-reservations for all interested groups. The group with the most pre-reservations will get their choice of dates and of pre- and post-trips as an option or a requirement. A group reservation has been made and all money deposited is fully refundable until the reservation is confirmed. Please contact Lou or Carole for more information.  Example of 2011-2012 trip information: Departure date January 15, 2012. Antarctica' White Wilderness, 14 days -- $8,395 with airfare and $7,695 without airfare. Pre-trip: Patagonia Wilds and Wildlife, 4 nights - $1,495. Post trip: Iguassu Falls, 3 nights - $995.

SKI SEASON NOTICES:
OHGLA is a member of the LA Council of Ski Clubs affiliated with the Far West Ski Association
From Donna E., OHGLA LA Council Representative:  2012 ski trips and Snow Gala:  Jan. 28-Feb. 4, Jackson Hole, WY (FWSA trip); Feb. 4-11,Schweitzer/Silver Mt., ID (LAC trip); Mar. 9-17, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France (FWSA trip). Nov. 5, Snow Gala: Annual LA Council Party, Castaways Restaurant, Burbank. Price: $49 for dinner and dancing. Clubs can request a table. Door Price: One paid ski trip to Schweitzer/Silver Mt., ID. Detailed information for ski trips and Snow Gala at www.lacouncil.org, www.fwsa.org, or contact Donna E.
 
First Monday of the Month, 7 p.m., LA Council of FWSA Meeting.  OHGLA members are eligible to go on LA Council/FWSA trips.  See websites for additional information:  www.lacouncil.org and www.fwsa.org.

Weekly thoughout the Ski Season. Mountain High Midweek Ski Day.  Senior Ski/Snowboard Program -- Stars Clinics.  It's all about fun!! This program is designed for wiser, more experienced skiers and snowboarders ages 50 and older with skill levels of beginner to advanced. It was created for those interested in the new movement patterns associated with shaped skis, and/or improving skiing/snowboarding techniques. It's never too late to have more fun. $20 for a 2-hour clinic. Clinics are conducted by Senior Certified Instructors. Participants will leave with new skills, new acquaintances, new confidence and an appreciation of the Mountain High Ski Resort.  Contact Bob Bourini at Mountain High Winter Sports School for a reservation: 760-316-7861 or email Bill Teague at bill_teague@mthigh.com.  Continental breakfast: 9:00 to 10:00 in Angeles Crest Lounge at East Resort. On-Mountain Training: 10:00 to 12:00. Lessons: $20. Lift tickets: $10, but free over 70. Rentals (new shaped skis): $15.  Minimum 3 students per class.

SNOWSHOEING AT MAMMATH AND LOCALLY.  As an option to skiing, several members are interested in snowshoeing, both in the local mountains after roads and skies have cleared following a big storm and during the Mammoth ski weeks. At Mammoth snowshoes may be rented at nearby Footloose as well as other stores. Tamarack maintains 27 miles for cross-country that snowshoers may use if they avoid stepping on the track.  Local places could be Frazier Park, Idyllwild, and Running Springs.  If you would like to be added to an email list to learn when others are heading out locally, contact webmaster@overthehillganglosangeles.org.