Around Town: Local artist’s painting to be artwork for Newport to Ensenada race
The Newport Ocean Sailing Assn. has chosen Newport Beach artist Carole Boller’s painting “Spirit of N2E” as the signature artwork for the 2016 Newport to Ensenada International Yacht Race.
The 14-by-24-inch oil-on-linen painting will be officially unveiled at a NOSA event before the 69th annual N2E race, which will start April 22 near the Balboa Pier.
The work depicts the dawn following an all-night sail, showing boats with spinnakers up along the final stretch. The water in the foreground appears to reflect the American and Mexican flags.
Images of the painting will be used on the cover of the event program, on promotional materials and on racewear to be sold online and at pre-race parties.
After the race, NOSA board members will decide the painting’s destiny. Past artworks have been donated or auctioned for charity or given as gifts to dignitaries.
Boller, a sailor, also created the 2007 painting for NOSA. Twice a month, she teaches “Art with a Twist,” a three-hour painting class on Balboa Island.
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Pacific Life Foundation gives grants to 200 nonprofits
The Newport Beach-based Pacific Life Foundation awarded about $3.3 million in grants to 200 Southern California nonprofit agencies, 168 of which received their checks at a reception Jan. 21 at Pacific Life headquarters.
The foundation plans to give $6.25 million in grants this year, according to Pacific Life’s Marisa Schaeffer.
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Newport Fire Department to recognize CERT volunteers
The Newport Beach Fire Department will recognize emergency responders during an annual dinner Friday at the Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar.
The event highlights the department’s Community Emergency Response Team volunteers.
A Newport Beach police sergeant will discuss active-shooter events and how members of the public can maximize their safety, according to a news release.
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Oasis group reaches $100,000 fundraising goal
Friends of Oasis, a fundraising group for the Oasis Senior Center in Corona del Mar, recently reached its annual goal of $100,000.
The donations will support the center’s education and entertainment programs.
For more information about Friends of Oasis, call Lynn Cathcart at (714) 342-2211.
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Smallwood Park projects continue
Renovations at Smallwood Park in Costa Mesa’s Mesa Verde neighborhood are continuing and will include new Americans with Disabilities-compliant travel paths, new playground equipment and resurfacing work.
City staff is evaluating bids for the second phase of the work, which could begin this spring and take about three months, city spokesman Tony Dodero said this week.
The first phase included other walkway work and restroom upgrades.
Smallwood Park is on about 3.5 acres at 1646 Corsica Place.
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Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation awards $80,000 in grants
The Irvine-based Shady Canyon Golf Club Charitable Foundation awarded $80,000 among eight area charities during a reception last month.
The foundation also granted $30,000 in educational scholarships.
The charity recipients were Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County, Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children, Down Syndrome Foundation of Orange County, Alona Cortese Elder Law Center, Living Success Center, Serving People in Need, The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding and Vet Net.
The grants are made possible through donations throughout the year from members of Shady Canyon Golf Club, as well as from funds raised at the foundation’s golf tournament and live auction, the Roberto Cavalli Fashion Show and the silent wine auction at the club’s annual wine festival.
—From staff reports