Getting a read on local artists

The Antelope Valley Artists joined forces with those interested in rejuvenating the Antelope Friends of the Library on Jan. 18 with 28 residents attending the artists' reception at the Coleville Library. The newly hung art at the library was all local work, from realistic to abstract in different mediums. The artists introduced themselves and shared their backgrounds. Whether they had produced art most of their lives or were just beginning, the display demonstrated that there are an unusual number of talented people in our valley.

The artists whose work is displayed in the library are: Jay Joseph-pen and ink, Sally Joseph-oils, Edie Maxey-oils, Helen McFarland-watercolor and silk-screen, Sue Lapp-acrylic, Peggy Parker-photography, Margo Petterson-oils, Mary Roeser-watercolor, Erma Thomas-oils, Gayle Verdugo-watercolor and Paul Verdugo-photography. If you were unable to attend the reception the beautiful display in the library will be shown for three months so you will have plenty of time to view the art and check out a book while you are there.

Senior Center and Thrift Store offer employment opportunities:

Antelope Valley senior citizens workshop -

Position: Manager, Recycling Center and Thrift Store

Location: Walker Recycling Center and Thrift Store

Hours: Tuesday through Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Applications are available at the Walker Thrift Store. For further information, call Doris Jones at 495-1200 or 495-2631.

Senior Employment Training Program announces opening

The Senior Community Service Employment Program has one opening in Mono County.

The SCSEP program places eligible persons 55+ in part-time and temporary community service jobs in the public or non-profit sector. The program assists participants with experience and training necessary to move into permanent employment in their community.

The applicant must be totally unemployed, with less than $997 per month for a single person household, or $1,337 for a couple for the past six months.

Twenty-five percent of Social Security benefits are excludable for this calculation. For more information, call Inyo Mono Area Agency on Aging for the SCSEP Coordinator: (760) 873-6364 or toll free 1-800-510-2020 from anywhere in Mono County.

Fire Safe Council meets

Thursday, Jan. 19 seven local residents met to reestablish the Antelope Valley Fire Safe Council. This advisory council is interested in improving fire safety for Antelope Valley. The council hopes to provide information and education regarding fire safe practices to the community, assisting the local volunteer fire department, working with property owners to lower fire ratings, which in turn will reduce property insurance costs, offering defensible space inspections and becoming involved with county issues pertaining to fire safety and related matters. Last May volunteers and local Marines cleaned up seven properties for elderly and disabled residents. This group was also instrumental in arranging for the coupons that were mailed out to property owners offering free dump days.

A mailing will soon go out to all property owners to introduce the council and their objectives. For more information call volunteer Jeff Hinds at 495-2107. The next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. at the senior center and everyone is welcomed to attend. Be involved and help make our valley a safer place to live in.

Calling all rib lovers

The Mountain View Barbecue is reopening on Feb. 10 and will have hours from noon to 8 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Work up an appetite and try out the varied menu.

n Marylin Portman can be reached by e-mail at mportman@direcway.com