Woodland Hills The Visual Arts Gallery, a consortium of working Valley artists, formally announced its new name, Totally Artistic, at its third anniversary reception Nov. 20. Once each quarter the Warner Center Marriott and Western Commercial Bank co-host a fine art exhibition and cultural reception for the group. “We have many components to our art reception,” said the Visual Arts/Totally Artistic founder who goes just by the name Shane. Tuesday’s event was a feast for the senses featuring artworks by artists ranging from age 10 to age 90, spanning a wide variety of media including sculpture, neon, oils, watercolors, glass, crayons, airbrushing and metalwork. All artwork exhibited was up for sale. Shane said that they usually sell anywhere from five to 10 pieces at each quarterly event. The Don Sweeney Trio played at one end of the reception, in the ballroom foyer, while classical guitarist David Ellis serenaded those entering through the hotel main lobby. Graffiti artist Swae demonstrated his talents by airbrushing clothing items and Rikki, who works with melted crayons, demonstrated how the lowly Crayola can become fine art. The Dance Dimensions studio presented four performances including a keiki hula and flamenco dancers. The whole affair was taped, in high-definition, for a planned cable TV show eponomously titled “Totally Artistic” with hosts Larry Carroll and Linda Slade. Gordon Luster, general manager of the Marriott, said that the quarterly receptions, which first started in October, 2004 with about 50 to 60 guests, have turned into a pretty big draw, now regularly bringing in 150 to 200 guests. “We see it as a good blend of community service and enhancing the attractiveness of the hotel,” said Luster about Marriott’s involvement. “What we spend, so to speak, I think we get back in ambiance and support for the community and the opportunity for artists to show their work in a perfect venue.” Luster said that in any given month there are at least 10,000 people walking through the hotel lobby and corridors. “That’s pretty extensive gallery visitation,” he concluded. ANTELOPE VALLEY Palmdale Partners: The first graduation class of the Palmdale Partners Academy received certificates of completion at an awards ceremony held Nov.15, at Larry Chimbole Cultural Center Ballroom. Mayor Jim Ledford, City Council members, City Manager Steve Williams, Volunteer Coordinator Trish Jones and City of Palmdale staff were in attendance. Part of the Partners for a Better Palmdale program, the Palmdale Partners Academy is designed to present citizens with a first-hand look at city operations and services. It helps volunteer citizens gain a better understanding of local government, the community, the resources and how to get things done. Open House: The Palmdale Playhouse will hold its annual free Holiday Open House on consecutive Wednesdays through Dec. 19. Open house hours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on all days except Dec. 19, when hours will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Playhouse is at 38334 10th St. E. in Palmdale. The Playhouse lobby will be filled with holiday decorations and Santa will be on hand to take holiday wishes from young and old alike. Children may have their picture taken with Santa for a $2 donation. Information: (661) 267-2787. AVH Volunteers: Area clergy and community members who give their time and energy to Antelope Valley Hospital (AVH) received special acknowledgements on Nov. 9 at the hospital’s 37th annual Chaplains’ Recognition Dinner at the Fresco II restaurant. The event included a dinner, presentations and a message by the Rev. William Fry from Lancaster Presbyterian church. According to AVH Chaplain Jeffrey Elmore, 20 local clergy and lay people have paid more than 35,000 visits to patients and their families during the past year, donating nearly 3,000 hours, providing individual visits, bereavement support, private prayer, and office assistance. Each was recognized and thanked for their contributions. There is room for additional participation in the hospital’s volunteer program; all local clergy and sympathetic lay people are encouraged to volunteer. In addition, the Pastoral Care Department is in need of office help. Information: (661) 949-5005. SAN FERNANDO VALLEY Calabasas Networking: There will be an executive networking holiday event Dec. 6, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., featuring Steve B. Green as Tom Jones, a complimentary appetizer buffet and cash bar and sparkling holiday lights. Bring gently worn business attire to donate to Urban Possibilities (formerly Dress for Success) for those re-entering the work force. Men’s business attire particularly requested. Admission is $20 in advance or $25 at the door. To pay by credit card via Paypal: www.techexecpartners.com/networking_events.html or mail check to Tech Exec Partners Inc., 23679 Calabasas Road #415, Calabasas, CA 91302. Information: (818) 222-0300 Glendale Plan: On Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. to noon, SCORE presents “creating a Successful Business Plan.” This workshop is designed to enable entrepreneurs to propel their ideas forward and share their company vision with others. Business plans will be explained in detail in a step-by-step format. William White, former senior insurance executive and agency owner, will present this workshop in the SCORE Conference Room, 330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 190, Glendale. Information: (818) 552-3206. Mission Hills Lecture: Author Jim Hier will speak about the history of Granada Hills and writing of his book Granada Hills Nov. 29, 7:30 p.m., at the San Fernando Valley Historical Society, 10940 Sepulveda Blvd., at the Andres Pico Adobe in Mission Hills. Copies of Granada Hills will be available for purchase. Hier will also serve as the Community Grand Marshal in the annual Granada Hills Holiday Parade Dec. 2, 1:30 p.m. Information: www.GranadaHillsHistory. com Northridge Jam: Northridge Hospital Medical Center, Northridge Hospital Foundation and the Harold Pump Foundation will host the seventh annual “Holiday Jam” Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m., at the hospital, 18300 Roscoe Blvd., Northridge. The Holiday Jam is an event held for approximately 225 first and second grade Title 1 school system children between the ages of 6 and 9, as well as children from the area shelter. Councilman Greig Smith of the Los Angeles City Council provides transportation via school bus to and from the event for all children. Santa Claus will arrive by fire truck and each child will get his/her individual photo with Santa as well as a bag full of toys. Then each child will be treated to lunch and snacks; arts and crafts; face-painting, a rock-climbing wall and various carnival booth games. Information: (800) 769-5137. Sherman Oaks Launch: SCORE Los Angeles Chapter 9, a Resource Partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration, presents “Starting Your Own Business” Dec. 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at National University, 14724 Ventura Blvd., Lobby Level #12, Sherman Oaks. The workshop is geared towards entrepreneurs and new business owners who are interested in learning key concepts on beginning or growing a business. Concepts will be identified as to how to identify and qualify market opportunities, as well as the steps needed to move a business from concept to operation. Information: (818) 552-3206. Woodland Hills Breakfast: San Fernando Valley EAPA Chapter Presents a Holiday Breakfast & Networking Event Dec. 21, 8:30 to 11 a.m., at Maggiano’s “Little Italy,” 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., at the Westfield Promenade Mall in Woodland Hills. Admission is $15. Reservations are required. RSVP by Dec. 17 at (818) 759-9999. Van Nuys Marketing: SCORE presents “Marketing Your Business The Essentials and More” Dec. 11, 9 a.m. to noon. This new three-hour workshop will include discussions regarding today’s marketing and sales essentials and present media options and guidelines for “message” and exposure development. Former entertainment industry and marketing sales executives Ben Tenn and Alan Perper will present in the VEDC building, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., third floor, Van Nuys. Information: (818) 552-3206. CONEJO VALLEY Thousand Oaks Festival: The annual Santa Lucia Festival of Light will be Dec. 5, 10 a.m., in Samuelson Chapel at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks. Lucia and her court will enter to an ancient hymn and light the candles in Lucia’s crown. CLU’s student body selects the representatives whom they think best represent the Christian attributes of faith, hope and charity demonstrated by Santa Lucia from among their peers. The Swedish ceremony, which has been a part of CLU’s holiday celebration since the university’s early years, pays homage to the Christian martyr who died at the stake on Dec. 13, 304 A.D. The Office of Campus Ministries is sponsoring the free event, which is open to the public. Information: (805) 493-3228. AIDS Day: Ventura County’s commemoration of World AIDS Day 2007 will include presentations, a candlelight vigil and an art exhibit at California Lutheran University, 60 W. Olsen Road, Thousand Oaks. The keynote event of “Stop AIDS. Keep the Promise!” will be a Dec. 4 talk at 7 p.m. in Samuelson Chapel of California Lutheran University. Karen G. Cheng, Ph.D., a professor at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, and John K. Williams, M.D., associate director of the UCLA Sexual Health Program, will discuss the need for innovation, vision and perseverance in addressing local and global HIV/AIDS challenges. The event is free and open to the public. Information: (805) 493-3694 or [email protected]. Help Wanted: The City of Camarillo announced that it is accepting applications for volunteers to serve within the city and Ventura County. The deadline to submit applications is Nov. 30, 5 p.m. Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office and online at www.ci.camarillo.ca.us. Applicants are asked to provide a current resume along with their completed application. For an application or additional information regarding the openings or appointment process, please contact the City Clerk, Deborah Harrington, at City Hall or by phone at (805) 388-5353.