ConocoPhillips presents a present
ConocoPhillips’ Santa Maria facility, called “the refinery on the mesa,” has presented its neighbor, the Guadalupe-Nipomo Dunes Center, with a $30,000 check to continue its work with local students.
“We are neighbors on the dunes and beachfront of the Guadalupe/ Nipomo area, and we are committed to caring for the land,” ConocoPhillips facility manager Tim Seidel said in a statement. “The Dunes Center’s fine work assures that today’s youth, as well as adults and future generations, will be educated on the unique ecosystem of our dunes and will help preserve it.”
The Dunes Center provides in-classroom, afterschool, and summer education programs to thousands of Central Coast students. Center employees use hands-on science and direct experience to help students learn about ecological processes and environmental stewardship.
The center also provides student mentoring, internships, guided nature walks, and public education programs, including art and photography classes. Focusing on the positive environmental impact from careers in science, technology, engineering, and math is becoming a focus of the Dunes Center as well.
Ain’t no party like a May Faire
To celebrate all that is good about spring, St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley Episcopal Church in Los Olivos is inviting the public to attend its fourth annual May Faire on May 7, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. The event will be free and is open to guests of all ages.
The May Faire will have a long list of activities for the public, including crafts, games, a bounce house, and a bazaar that will showcase works created by local artisans. There will also be a silent auction to raise funds for the preschool. The auction will offer a chance to win four tickets at the home plate of Dodger Stadium; a gift certificate to Sycamore Mineral Springs; and a signed Fender acoustic guitar, donated and signed by Jimmy Messina.
This year’s May Faire will also have free live performances from the Solvang Conservatory Fiddle Group, the Vineyard Byrds, the Judeen’s Dance Troupe, and the 2011 winner of “Santa Barbara’s Teen Star,” Bear Redell.
For more information regarding the May Faire, contact St. Mark’s-in-the-Valley at 688-4454. Anyone interested in enrolling children in the preschool for the 2011-2012 school year can call 688-1815.
Get your luau on
Grab a grass skirt and get ready to dance! The Lompoc Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department is now selling tickets to its annual Mother-Son Luau Dance.
The event will be held May 6 and 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and is for boys ages 3 to 18 years old and the women in their lives. Tickets cost $16 per couple with additional children $8 each. Ticket prices include a special goody bag, leis for the couple, and refreshments. Early registration is recommended.
For more information, contact the Lompoc Parks, Recreation, and Urban Forestry Department at 875-8100 or visit the office at 125 W. Walnut Ave. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Learn how to register
Allan Hancock College is offering free registration workshops for students who need help registering for summer 2011 classes. Registration is now under way, with priority registration continuing through April 30, and open registration for new students beginning May 1. The workshops are being held on the Santa Maria campus June 6 through 16 in the Student Center. No reservations are required.
For more information, contact the Admissions and Records office at 922-6966, Ext. 3248.
School Scene is compiled by contributor Henry Houston. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Apr 28 – May 5, 2011.