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BAA’s 35th Open Competition

Brand New Day, 2nd Place, BAA’s 34th Annual Open Competition, Lois Bloom.

Call for Entries Now Open! BAA’s 35th Open Competition
A juried show for members and non-members
Exhibiting May 4 – May 29, 2024 at Ojai Art Center
Call for entries is now open on “Entrythingy” on our website!
Deadline: Friday, April 19, midnight

We used to be able to say, ” Annual Open Competition” but the pandemic interfered with that! Our last Open Competition — our 34th Annual — was in 2020. It’s finally here again, not quite “annual” but greatly anticipated!

Awards:

First Place $500,Second Place $350,Third Place $250

Four Honorable Mentions at $100 ea.

All winners also receive a free one-year membership to BAA.

Juror: Chuck Kovacic. Find out more about him at https://cfkovacic.wixsite.com/chuckkovacicarts

Artist Eligibility: Artists must be 18 years or older and may submit up to three (3) works of art for consideration. Open to all professional and amateur artists in the United States. Shipping information given upon acceptance.

Deadline: Midnight, Friday, April 19, 2024. Notification of accepted work will be sent Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Andres Salazar exhibit at WAV Gallery

Andres Salazar is having an exhibit of his art work at the WAV Gallery (175 S. Ventura Ave.) with an opening reception on May 3, 6-9pm and on the weekends May 4-25th  from 1-4pm.

This exhibit dances with the raw energy of action painting and landscape expressionism.  Infused with movement and life, the canvas shows the process of making the art.  It is a journey of both spaces and emotions.  Each canvas serves as an open invitation, a playground where viewers can embark on their own journeys through the constellations of my shapes, forging their own connections and narratives. 

Andres has considered Ventura his home for the last 20 years, and is a resident of the WAV community.  Graduated at UCSB, he has always been involved in creative arts and worked in the graphic novel publishing industry. Story and art have always influenced his work and he brings that storytelling to the canvas using vibrant colors and dynamic shapes.

City of Ventura seeks public input on draft action plan

The City of Ventura invites public feedback on its draft action plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. This federally funded initiative aims to address housing needs and serve low-income, homeless, and special-needs populations in Ventura.

“Community service groups play a vital role in fulfilling the spirit of intent with this funding, ensuring that those in need are provided with essential support and resources,” said Mayor Joe Schroeder. “These funds are instrumental in uplifting our community and creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all residents.”

Through the CDBG program, nonprofits can secure funding for projects and programs that enhance neighborhoods, promote economic development, and address community needs. The draft 2024-2025 Action Plan outlines the City’s approach to align with the objectives of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), focusing on providing adequate housing and fostering economic revitalization.

During the December 2023 to February 2024 application period, Ventura received nine applications requesting a total of $1.3 million in funding, a significant uptick from the typical annual allocation of just over $600,000. This competitive process underscores the community’s growing needs and the City’s commitment to allocate resources effectively.

The City encourages the public to share their viewpoints and recommendations during the review phase, with feedback accepted until April 26.

The upcoming City Council meeting on May 7, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. will discuss funding allocations for the 2024-2025 period under the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and adopt the Annual Action and Funding Plan for submission to HUD.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the City’s funding decisions and plans by reviewing the draft Action Plan and application summaries available online and providing feedback during the 30-day comment period. Written communications may be submitted online at Cityofventura.ca.gov/publicinput.

To review the draft Action Plan and application summaries, visit the City’s website at Cityofventura.ca.gov/Community-Development-Grant-Programs. 

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

Ventura Senior Men’s Group meets at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 11:30 – 1:30 p.m. on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. Any man in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information, visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. There are all levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All are Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup: This is the first Saturday of every month! Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Pierpont Beach Community Council hosts it in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up near the beach at the end of Seward. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Paws for Reading brings together young readers and affectionate canine listeners to help boost the confidence of beginning readers. Hill Road Library, Wednesdays, 3:30 – 5 p.m. and

E.P. Foster Library, Thursdays, 4 – 5:30 p.m. Join PAWS dogs for one-on-one reading sessions. Arrive at the library early to choose a book and get in line to read to a special pooch. Children of all ages are welcome.

April 18: New Art City Theatre is conducting an online Art Auction supporting its inaugural Playwrights Festival ’24. The work of Ventura actress and fine artist Virginia (Ginnie) Buckle will be showcased at the Museum of Ventura County. Her art, along with pieces by Beatrice Wood, Dickens Change, and Alexander Calder, can be viewed and bid on at https://event.auctria.com/e77dedcf-61ff-405b-850d-430b5f285ef9/

April 18: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m. At https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link. The agenda

includes the East Ventura police report and a presentation from Dani Brusius, Ventura County Master Gardener. The purpose of the EVCC is to encourage residents to understand East Ventura’s problems, needs, and expectations and to recommend, initiate, and participate in developing and implementing programs or solutions.

April 20: Plant & collectibles sale at the Dudley House Museum Saturday 8 -2 p.m.
Our monthly plant and collectibles sale continues in April on the grounds at the Dudley
House. Bromeliads, orchids, and succulents will be on sale along with various collectibles. Vendors, please call Charlie at 805/746-4317 for details. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood Streets (197 N. Ashwood). Free

April 24th: The College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting at 7pm. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. This meeting will include the election of officers. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list or to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

April 25-28: New Art City the Playwrights Festival ’24 will be held at the Museum. See renowned actress Sally Struthers in Drowned Cats, one of four brand-new plays presented in a jam-packed schedule of staged readings and discussion panels with the audience. Go to https://newartcitytheatre.org to register for your free tickets.

April 27: RescueCon, OPAC’s one-day event bringing creativity and community together to celebrate and facilitate animal rescue and adoption, returns on Saturday, April 27 from 11 am to 4pm. Rescheduled from March 23 due to wind and rain, this year’s event features animal welfare influencer, the Kitten Lady (Hannah Shaw), and is free and open to the public. Festivities will be held at Community Center Park East, just behind the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center. More information can be found at: theopac.org/rescueconApril 27:

May 1: The Ventura County Garden Club is celebrating 100 years of sharing friendship, gardening, and beautification projects. Join the fun at the Camarillo Ranch House starting at 10 a.m. Events include car, flower, and quilt shows, performances, snacks, and a picnic luncheon with desserts; send your check for $50 made out to VCGC to Nancy Cope at 603 4th St., Fillmore, 93015. Please indicate your luncheon choice of Roast Turkey and Jack Cheese, Black Forest Ham and Cheddar Cheese, Vegetable and Cheese, or vegan sandwich, and, if you prefer, the gluten-free option. For more information, VenturaCountyGardenClub.com”

May 7: Hill Road Library presents the Associate Professor of English Bob Mayberry at 5 p.m. on Tuesday to deliver a presentation entitled “Who Wrote Shakespeare? The Shakespeare Authorship Controversy.” This program is a part of the California State University, Channel Islands Library Lecture Series. Location: 1070 S. Hill Road.

May 25: Group: Channel Islands PC User Group (CIPCUG)
Online and at Ventura County Computers 2175 Goodyear Avenue, Unit 117. (805) 289-3960
Discussion, Tutorial, and Q&A sessions centered around Computers, email,
the Internet, AI, and social media brokers such as X, Facebook, and
Google.  Events begin at 9:30AM.
Due to limited space live attendance is reserved for members.  Details for connecting to online
events are emailed prior to the event.  To receive connection
instructions, please sign up on our website at: <a
href=http://www.cipcug.org>cipcug club website</a>.

Ventura’s Special Event Grants open with a one-time extra $150k

The City of Ventura announces the opening of applications for its Special Event Granting Program (SEGP), aimed at bolstering community events for residents. Nonprofit organizations based in Ventura or collaborating with local nonprofits are eligible to apply.

In alignment with the 2023-2024 goals set by the Ventura City Council, an additional $150,000 in one-time funding has been allocated this year. Grants, ranging from $1,000 to $20,000, will be awarded to enhance the diversity of free and affordable community events across Ventura.

“These extra one-time funds greatly enhance cultural and community initiatives. Our city is committed to empowering local nonprofits, enabling them to expand their capabilities and maintain the delivery of enriching experiences for our residents,” said Ventura Mayor Joe Schroeder.

The SEGP typically allocates $10,000 annually to support community celebrations. These events aim to attract residents and visitors, reinforce Ventura’s cultural heritage and economic vibrancy, and foster innovative collaborations between private and public entities.

Applications are due by Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. (PST). Recipients of grant funding from the City’s Community Partnerships and Cultural Funding Grant Programs are still eligible to apply for the SEGP.

For more information, including grant guidelines, eligibility requirements, and applications, visit www.cityofventura.ca.gov/Grants.

Marina Park undergoing reconstruction

by Patricia Schallert

Exciting news from Steve Mimiga, Project Manager for the Ventura Water Pure project. “Marina Park is currently undergoing reconstruction to restore its original beauty and functionality, states Mimiga. The sod and mounds are being meticulously reconstructed. With the aim of completing these efforts by Memorial Day weekend. Marina Park is expected to be fully open and ready for visitors to enjoy by July 4th.” Get ready to rediscover the charm of Marina Park.

Vol. 17, No. 15 – April 17 – April 30, 2024 – Scamp Club

In the heart of Casita Boricua, Tiger Lily reigns as the embodiment of love and playful spirit. Adopted by Juanita Vega, she arrived as a stray, filling the void left by her predecessor with boundless affection and joy. Tiger Lily’s days are filled with camaraderie, as she hosts feline gatherings in the lush native garden. With an appetite for fresh cooked turkey dinners and the thrill of chasing butterflies, this two-year-old darling embodies the essence of love and companionship, enriching every moment with her presence.

Local Senior Sees Beyond Limitations

Maureen returned to her hometown roots to retire in Ventura and Oxnard. Photo by Dave Gunther

by Tracy Marcynzsyn

“I’m on a new journey,” declares Maureen Angelini, sitting in her grandmother’s chair in her Oxnard home filled with family and sentimental heirlooms, like the statue of Isis (an Egyptian goddess) that belonged to her grandfather.

A teacher and principal in Baldwin Park and Bakersfield for 30 years, Maureen returned to her hometown roots to retire in Ventura and Oxnard.

“I loved my career! I believed in what I did,” reflects Maureen. Every Friday she was in the cafeteria to shake the hands of students who completed all their weekly homework assignments. This reinforced teachers’ hard work and acknowledged, encouraged, and congratulated student efforts.

A teacher at heart, Maureen continues to share her knowledge and encourage others to go beyond what they think is possible, albeit in a less traditional subject than during her three decades within the public school system.

An event changed the direction of Maureen’s life. Two years before retirement, she attended the funeral mass of a coworker who died by suicide.

“While praying for Eddie’s soul, I saw his essence in a light fog above his casket and heard these words in my mind, ‘I didn’t know I would cause so much pain.’ This incident defied logic and my Catholic upbringing,” declared Maureen.

She shared how a series of unsettling events and a dream about Angel Therapy guided her to take a class with Charles Virtue in 2013. This exposed her to meditation, the terms of mediumship, and ways to use her senses to connect with the other side. A month later, Maureen attended a one-week course with James Van Praagh.

“The ability to hear spirits surprised me but felt natural at the same time,” she recalled.

To quiet doubts about whether her communication with spirits was real or her imagination, Maureen went to England and took courses at the renowned Arthur Findlay College of Psychic and Spiritual Development.

“It was amazing!” said Maureen with a smile. She described the school as “a playground for the soul.” It confirmed her abilities and was a safe place to interact with souls in the afterlife under tutors’ guidance and fellow students’ support.

The author of Wisdom from the Afterlife: Messages from Departed and Suicide Souls, Maureen takes readers on a journey through her personal experiences intertwined with stories that spirits channeled through her. Many of the souls were victims of suicide or drug abuse. Four were famous entertainers who struggled with inner battles that contributed to their early deaths. Today, people fight these same challenges.

The book provides a blueprint for reflection and change, with an emphasis on the importance of letting go of past hurts, understanding which struggles are worth the fight, and living without future regrets.

“After the completion of the book, I discovered a common theme that ran through all the stories: self-bullying. It’s the negative words or thoughts we tell ourselves. This unconscious act sabotages joy and self-worthiness,” she noted.

Maureen acknowledges and understands the uncertainty and religious dogmas that surround mediumship and suicide.

“I held the same beliefs before retirement. When I accepted my innate ability to communicate with the other side, the sorrow, humility, and love felt within the transmitted messages couldn’t be ignored. Spirits provided urgent and timely messages of healing for those who struggle with life and the aftermath of a death by suicide.”

Statistics reveal suicide claims the lives of over 48,300 Americans each year. An estimated quarter million people become living survivors.

More than a decade after retirement, Maureen continues her mission to encourage people to step beyond their self-hindering beliefs and comfort zones. A positive attitude, purpose, and awareness transform challenges into growth opportunities for change and unlimited possibilities.

Her book, Wisdom from the Afterlife, published by Gracepoint, is set to be released this July. Maureen plans to offer classes in Meditation, Mind Expansion, How to Understand the Spirit Messages of Loved Ones, and Unleashing Your Unlimited Potential this fall.

For more information, visit Maureen Angelini.com.