5th Annual Yellen Learning Center & AV Sunrise Rotary Auction

We are excited to be hosting our 5th Annual Auction on April 29, 2011 at 5:30pm at Merrill Gardens in Lancaster.
 
The night's event is designed to reach out to the Antelope Valley and spread the word about what a support Yellen Learning Center and AV Sunrise are to the Antelope Valley.  The dinner event will include a silent auction as well as a live auction.  Items have been donated by several Antelope Valley business and artists in the Antelope Valley. 

Yellen school children will also have art on display for sale. Other items include jewelry, dinners, houseware, antiques, gifts, and services from local merchants and much more. 

The cost is $30 per person and $50 per couple. Call Don Ryan, Farmers Insurance, at 661-272-9926 to donate items and/or buy tickets. Read more!

Tee Off for Antelope Valley Hospital

Please join us for the Antelope Valley Hospital 2011 Invitational Golf Tournament on May 16, 2011. We will have a great day of golf at the beautiful Robinson Ranch in Canyon Country, CA (www.robinsonranchgolf.com).  

Mark your calendars now to attend the AV Hospital Foundation Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday, May 16, 2011 at Robinson Ranch Golf Club.

All proceeds will respond to community healthcare needs, services and programs to make an impact right here in the Antelope Valley. Last year, we raised a record $124,000. This year we hope to break that record!

Register to Play Today! Space is Limited!
$1500 per foursome or $450 per individual player (four-person scramble format) is due by May 1, 2011. Fees include 18 holes of golf, electric cart, continental breakfast, BBQ lunch, buffet dinner and a deluxe golf gift package! Plus you'll have the chance to compete in special contests, win prizes, and participate in live and silent auctions and raffles.

Step up as a Sponsor
A variety of sponsorship packages are available, or you can create your own custom package. Don't miss this opportunity to respond to compelling healthcare needs in our community, while gaining exposure for your business.

For registration materials or information about sponsorships, please call the Foundation at (661) 949-5810 or register online at www.avhospital.org/golf. Read more!

Small Business Seminar One Day Event

AFFTC Small Business Office Presents

"THE PATH TO DESERT OPPORTUNITIES"

April 20, 2011

Small Business Seminar One Day Event... 

Experience beyond the unexplored. The Air Force Flight Test Center Small Business Programs Office is sponsoring a FREE Small Business Seminar on April 20, 2011, here at Edwards AFB. 

AIR FORCE FLIGHT TEST CENTER
MISSION BRIEFING
AND
UPCOMING ACQUISITIONS
FOLLOWED BY MATCHMAKING
POC: AFFTC.SB@EDWARDS.AF.MIL, (661) 277-3640
FAX: (661) 277-8443

FREE

ONE DAY EVENT...

"BRIEFINGS AND MATCHMAKING"

DATE: April 20, 2011

TIME: 9am-4pm

LOCATION: Edwards Club Muroc

275 Doolittle Parkway, Bldg. 5600

Alliance Room

REGISTER EARLY!  Limited seating.  Matchmaking sessions will be scheduled upon arrival.

Registration Ends April 15, 2011. Please call or email to register today!
Antelope Valley Hotel Information: hotels.com Read more!

Antelope Valley's Boogie Woogie Mamas

Antelope Valley's Boogie Woogie Mamas present "A Class Act" with a Broadway Flair...

***A dazzling variety show***
WHY: Proceeds to benefit The Antelope Valley Community Clinic
WHERE: Lancaster Performing Arts Center
WHEN: Saturday, June 11, 2011, 2:00 & 7:30 pm
TICKETS: $20
Available March 1st at LPAC (661) 723-5950

Read more!

Local Flea Market!

 

“You Name It! We Got It!” 

The Flea Market is Sunday, May 1, 2011 at AV Fair from 9am-4pm, early birds at 7am.

Admission: $6 Children 9 & under free.
AV Fair Parking $5.
Family Entertainment, Food, Live Music, Car Show, & hundred of vendor.
Come for a ton of fun and hours of entertainment for the whole family!
Contact: 661-948-4518

Read more!

Economic Data Presentation by GAVEA President, Mel Layne

Mel Layne, president of the Greater Antelope Valley Economic Alliance, will present the region's most recent economic data at the Antelope Valley Board of Trade luncheon on Tuesday, April 26, at 11:30 a.m. at the J.P. Eliopulos Hellenic Center, 43404 30th St. West in Lancaster...

"Part of the data will be based on findings from the recent research that was collected for the 2011 Annual Roundtable Report," said Layne.

In addition to the Roundtable Report, AVBOT will hold its annual meeting and election of directors 2011-2014.

The presentation by GAVEA will help businesses and the general public understand local economic issues, the recession, and its resulting effect upon local cities, businesses and jobs.

The luncheon is $20 with reservation and $25 at the door. For reservations contact the Board of Trade office at 661-942-9581 or by email at teri@avbot .org.
CONTACT Vicki Medina, Executive Director 661-942-9581 Katie Corbett, Public Relations Chair, 661-947-2947 Read more!

AVC Employees Delivered More Bad News

Fifty-seven Antelope Valley College employees were told Tuesday afternoon that they could either lose their jobs or be laid off for one to two months this summer as the result of the state’s budget crisis.

The announcement precedes Monday’s board meeting where college trustees will be asked to consider action involving the 57 employees as the district grapples with an anticipated loss of $8 million to $10 million in state funding in the 2011-12 budget year that begins July 1.

“We were trying to give as much notice as possible. We care about these people. It’s not something we want to do, but it’s the circumstances that have been provided to us by the state,” said Shane Turner, vice president of human resources.

Employees slated for reductions from 12 months to 11 or 10 months were called to one session. Employees in categorical programs that could lose their funding were called to a second session to be told they could be issued layoff notices.

The affected categorical programs include Extended Opportunity Program and Services (EOPS), California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs), and Matriculation.

Turner said state law requires that employees in categorical programs be given 60-day notice. Other support staff (non-teaching) require 45 days notice.

The college district’s five-member board will be asked Monday to
approve the layoffs and workload reductions. If approved, the reductions would save an estimated $1.57 million.

It would be the second round of cost-cutting actions this year by the college. Last month, 20 administrators were sent notices informing them that their pay could be reduced as much as 35 percent in the coming year.

“When you have 85 percent of your budget tied up in personnel, there are not many options left when faced with millions of dollars in cuts. Everyone will feel the pain of these cuts: students, employees and a community that will have fewer trained people for the workforce,” said President/Superintendent Dr. Jackie L. Fisher Sr.

College officials note that the failure of state leaders to develop a budget that will resolve a projected $26 billion deficit is driving them to plan for a worst-case scenario. Cuts to the state’s 112 community colleges could exceed $1 billion, according to projections.

A hiring freeze is in place and summer school classes have been drastically reduced from 276 classes last year to 94 this year. More class reductions could be in store for fall, officials said.
Read more!

Palmdale’s Adopt-a-Plane Program Resumes This Saturday

Dozens of volunteers will descend upon the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark at Palmdale Plant 42 this Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 am to take part in the City of Palmdale’s Adopt-a-Plane program.

Dozens of volunteers from local groups have “adopted” aircrafts at the Airpark. Adoption of an aircraft means a group commits to cleaning the aircraft display on a regular basis, usually monthly. 

“We have a great group of volunteers who give their time to help pick up trash and debris, pull weeds and keep the dirt and dust off the planes,” said Palmdale’s Community Programs Supervisor Trish Jones. “If anyone is looking for a way to get involved in the community, this program provides an excellent opportunity with a minimal time commitment.”

Each group that adopts a plane has a sign displayed next to its adopted aircraft. Currently, groups that have adopted planes at the park include the Air Force Association-Antelope Valley Chapter, Antelope Valley American Red Cross Youth, Antelope Valley Sea Cadets, AV Riders, Friends of DCMA Palmdale, Highland High School Law & Government Academy, Highland High School Air Force Junior ROTC, Knight High School Air Force ROTC, Major McManus Boys Club, Lancaster High School Eagles Robotics Club, Muroc Young Marines, Northrop Grumman Recreation Club of the Antelope Valley, Rosamond High School Air Force Junior ROTC, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3552, and the Cochran Family. The Antelope Valley Sunrise Rotary Club will be providing refreshments for the volunteers. 

To learn more about the Adopt-a-Plane program call 661/267-5181 or visit 
www.cityofpalmdale.org/airpark/adoptaplane.
Read more!

American Red Cross, Antelope Valley Chapter to Host Open House

WHAT: The American Red Cross Antelope Valley Chapter will host an Open House at our office in Palmdale to invite community members to tour the facility, meet our board members and volunteers, and get information on disaster preparedness, local Red Cross services and volunteer opportunities...

WHEN: Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: American Red Cross, Antelope Valley Chapter Office at 2715 East Avenue P, Palmdale

WHY: As a humanitarian organization led by volunteers and supported by the American Public, we would like to open our doors to the Antelope Valley community to share what we do, say thanks for your support and provide opportunities to get involved with your local American Red Cross. Appetizers and refreshments will be served.

Members of the media wishing to attend the event are asked to
contact the Antelope Valley office at 661.267.0650.

Contact: Jeff Baumgartner

AV Executive Director
(661)267.0650
baumgartnerj@arcav.org

You’re Invited...
The Board of Directors and staff of the American Red Cross - Antelope Valley Chapter would be honored by your attendance at our Open House spotlighting the many services your Red Cross provides to this community.
 
Thursday, April 14, 2011 5:30 pm to 8:00pm
 
Antelope Valley Chapter House
2715 East Avenue P, Palmdale
 
RSVP’s are encouraged, please call 267-0560 or email: baumgartnerJ@arcav.orgYou’re Invited...
The Board of Directors and staff of the American Red Cross - Antelope Valley Chapter would be honored by your attendance at our Open House spotlighting the many services your Red Cross provides to this community.

Please join our volunteers and staff to learn about disaster preparedness, services to the Military, upcoming training courses and disaster services.  RSVP’s are encouraged, please call 267-0560 or email:baumgartnerJ@arcav.org
Read more!

Mayor R. Rex Parris to Join Top Scholars and Leaders at “Leading to Well-Being” Conference

Lancaster Mayor to Participate in Conference to Study Community Health and Happiness through the Latest Research and Applications of Leadership and Positive Psychology

This week, Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris will attend one of the most progressive health and wellness conferences available in the nation The Leading to Well-Being Conference hosted by George Mason University (GMU) in Fairfax, VA. The conference is a collaborative effort sponsored by George Mason University's Center for Consciousness and Transformation and the GMU MasonLEADS website. Notable authors, scholars and industry leaders will address innovations in leadership and well-being via keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops. 

“This conference will provide a unique opportunity to further expand our understanding and knowledge-base regarding the use of positive psychology in improving the overall well-being of a community,” stated Mayor Parris. “I am very excited about what I hope to take away from this experience and bring back to our community.”

Mayor Parris was personally invited to Leading to Well-Being by the conference’s featured keynote speaker, Dr. Martin Seligman; a world-renowned positive psychology researcher, scholar, best-selling author, and Director of the Positive Psychology Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Among his more than 20 books is Dr. Seligman’s newest acclaimed work, “Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-being.” Published just this month, Flourish is already receiving five-star customer ratings on online retail sites. Dr. Seligman’s bibliography, extensive life’s work, engagement schedule and multitude of resources can be found on Penn State’s Positive Psychology website (http://www.ppc.sas.upenn.edu/bio.htm), as well as the university’s Authentic Happiness website (http://www.authentichappiness.sas.upenn.edu/seligman.aspx).
Seligman is one of a number of experts and community leaders sharing their wealth of research and knowledge at the conference, which is designed to provide participants with the tools to go out and jumpstart well-being practices in their own organizations and communities.

“I am honored to be personally invited to this gathering of innovative and esteemed individuals who are as passionate as I am about advancing our world and our communities through new ways of thinking,” added Mayor Parris. “I didn’t think twice about attending this prestigious conference which specifically deals with how to better our cities.”

Mayor Parris is personally paying for his travel and attendance costs associated with this trip. For more information regarding the Leading to Well-Being Conference, call (703) 993-6090 or visit http://lead.gmu.edu/wellbeing.

Read more!