Joanne Ayon and Benny Hawthorne were honored in a dedication ceremony at Hawthorne’s new home on Bella Vista Avenue in Paradise and received their keys. The homes were built by each of them and took about six months to build. Ayon and Hawthorne were required to help with building 30 hours per week as part of the Community Housing Improvement Program’s self-help homeownership program.

Homeowners in the self-help program spend at least 30 hours a week constructing their home with CHIP’s guidance from construction supervisors. Wells Fargo contributed a $100,000 grant toward the homes.

Hawthorne and his two dogs officially moved in Friday. Ayon started moving belongings in Friday as well.

Housing Program Supervisor Kate Anderson gave a speech at the event.

“People ask me ‘how do you build back a town?’ My answer is one bit at a time. It takes a community to build back a community,” Anderson said.

Mark Montgomery, CHIP director of fundraising and communications, echoed the praise toward the Paradise community.

“This town is an incredible partner,” Montgomery said.

Hawthorne was happy about his new home.

“I never thought I’d ever own a home,” said Hawthorne during the ceremony. “As awful as the fire was it gave me an opportunity.”

Ayon teared up during the ceremony.

“Until you lose everything you don’t know what it’s like,” said Ayon.

Judy Orozco, a CHIP housing specialist, helped complete the home loans for Ayon and Hawthorne.

“It’s amazing to see this process from beginning to end,” said Orozco. “These two have put in a lot of work and I am so happy for them.

Hawthorne seemed overwhelmed by the event and the turnout.

“I’m melancholy because I loved building this house and I don’t want it to end,” Hawthorne said.

Hawthorne and volunteers built the house frame, helped with constructing the roof and painted it. Construction crews completed the concrete and roof tiles. Hawthorne was present at the house construction every weekend from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. He works in financial aid at Butte College.

Ayon’s home on Elliot Road was once the site of her parents’ home which burned in the fire.

“I didn’t realize how many people were involved in the process until today,” said Ayon. “This is very heartfelt.”

Ayon also helped build her house and her granddaughter helped. Her house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. Her mother will stay with her on weekends. Ayon moved to Paradise several years ago.

Montgomery said the houses meet Paradise’s standards for fire resistancy.

“The houses have stucco on the sides instead of wood,” he said. “The fences are metal and not wood. There are also other features of the house which are fire resistant.”

When the aging king of a magical kingdom decides to divide up his empire between his three daughters –Cinderella, Belle and the Snow Queen — terrible, hilarious tragedy ensues.

“Game of Tiaras” was directed by Marina Kalani and assistant directed by Joni Dunlap. It was written by Don Zolidis.

“We are thrilled to present this unique and hilarious twist on the classic Shakespearean tale,” said Dunlap. “‘Game of Tiaras’ follows the Machiavellian machinations of a royal family as they relentlessly vie for control of the throne. As sibling rivalries, secret alliances, cunning betrayals and a midlife crisis unfold, we hope you will find yourself drawn into a world where ambition and intrigue reign supreme as the body count mounts.”

Dunlap has enjoyed working with the cast and crew immensely.

“We got to spend the last two months with a remarkable group of actors and crew members who have brought to life this fantastical story,” she said. “We have cherished every moment spent in creative collaboration with this dynamic group of people — some seasoned and some new to the stage. It has been a joy to experience the development of this production together, and we so appreciated their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the rehearsals.”

Melodie Ellison plays Cinderella, a role she described as “the king’s oldest and meanest daughter.” Ellison majored in theater at Chico State and graduated in 2011. She worked backstage in plays at Chico State and acted in Butte College shows when she was a student there. She also sang in California Regional Theater’s recent production of “Best of Broadway.”

Ellison loves working with the cast and crew of “Game of Tiaras,” her first show at TOTR.

“It’s my first show at TOTR,” she said.

“There are people in the cast who I really wanted to work with and never had the opportunity,” she said, adding: “This cast is just great, and the people of TOTR are such a great community.”

Ellison also enjoys working with Kalani and Dunlap, saying, “It’s been so long since I worked with an all-female partnership. It’s really kind of refreshing, and the environment feels really safe.”

Ellison said she had wanted to study theater since she was 2 years old, when she saw the movie version of “Annie.”

“That’s what I always wanted to do,” she said. “It’s always been what I wanted to be a part of.”

‘Fun time’

Annaliese “Annie” Kuhn plays the Little Mermaid, a dwarf and a castle guard in the show. A graduate from Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, Kuhn was recruited to be part of “Game of Tiaras,” which she described as “hilarious and the least serious show I’ve ever been a part of. It’s so funny. The writing is really creative.”

Kuhn said the show is not exactly meant for children, but parents can bring their kids knowing there isn’t any foul language or other non-kid-friendly things in the play.

“They just have to know there are a lot of deaths,” she said. “But it is tragedy mixed with comedy and is silly and classic.”

Kuhn started out doing children’s theater at Chico Theater Company. Her first show was playing a jitterbug in a production of “Wizard of Oz.” Recalled Kuhn: “I got to dance with Dorothy, and I thought I was so special!”

She enjoyed the process of working on this show.

“When we got the whole cast together, it was such a fun time,” Kuhn said. “I enjoyed carpooling up the hill with other cast members, blasting show tunes. The directing team is really encouraging. It’s a very good environment.”

Kuhn has stage-managed and worked as assistant director for some shows, although she most enjoys acting.

“It’s so rewarding to hear laughter,” Kuhn said, and loves singing a parody of “Part of Your World” in “Game of Tiaras.” She said the show is not technically a musical, but there are two songs sung in the second act.

“Game of Tiaras” opens April 4 and runs through April 21. Tickets can be bought at www.totr.org or by calling 530-877-5760. The theater is located at 3735 Neal Road in Paradise. Staff can be reached via email at theatreridge@gmail.com. Judith Clemens is the theater’s executive director. Showtimes are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There are Sunday matinees April 7, 14 and 21 at 2 p.m.

The church was established in 1883 under the leadership of evangelist J.B. McCorcle. The church staff have been helping the homeless and contributing to the community for many years.

There were 21 FCC charter members originally. In 1952 the congregation bought 12 lots on East Washington and Laburnum Avenues for $16,000 and the church moved there, where it currently resides.  In 1967 women were first elected as elders. Women started a food cupboard at the church to be available to families in need, budgeted home mission funds to help families in need in the community, started Christian faith and growth groups and a prayer chain, according to the booklet “Alleluia: The Bell Still Tolls.”

Galen Lee Rose was pastor until 1923 when he resigned to go to seminary. He was followed by W.L. Mellinger. Mellinger reactivated the Ladies Aid Society, known now as the Social Circle.

Jesse Kearns joined FCC in December 2007 as pastor.  He served as the associate regional minister for the Christian Church, or Disciples of Christ, in Virginia for nine years before settling into his current position as pastor of FCC. Before coming to Chico Kearns had six years experience as a pastor.

“By the time I was in high school I was introduced to a program called Work for Christ,” Kearns said. “That’s when I began my youth journey.”

Kearns said FCC welcomes free speech and independent thought. He said the church is progressive and welcomes everyone.

“As a whole we are involved in ministries many people would classify as progressive,” Kearns said. “We are a a part of Safe Space Winter Shelter and we provide ministry to the the homeless.”

Kearns said the church is anti-racist and partners with Stonewall Alliance.

“We are open to the LGBTQ community who serve in leadership at our church,” Kearns said. “We were one of the first churches in town to put our foot down and make a stand during civil rights.”

The church holds Bible studies, a music jam group, game days and a night called Faith in Films where church members watch a movie and discuss it. Groups such as a depression and bipolar support group, Alcoholics Anonymous and Al Anon meet at FCC.

The church is part of the Interfaith Council.

“We have Jewish people, Muslims and people from the Chico Creek Dharma Center. We have different faiths coming together,” Kearns said. “Our goal is to meet the ministry needs of the community. We have enjoyed stability over the past 10 years or so.”

Nancy Morgans-Ferguson is a member of FCC and also serves as a church elder.

“I believe we are called to help our neighbors with food and clothing and health concerns,” Morgans-Ferguson said. “This church actually does that.”

Morgans-Ferguson runs and helped found the Shalom Free Clinic, which is connected to the church. The clinic provides free medical care to people who don’t have insurance or are underinsured. The clinic provides sleeping bag, diaper and food pantries.

“We meet the needs of the people staying at Safe Space,” Morgans-Ferguson said. “It’s a warm and lovely and open church. Everyone is welcome, no questions asked.  I bring homeless folks to the church.”

Morgans-Ferguson admires Kearns.

“He’s an open and kind man and a good leader,” she said. “He lives his life as an example of good Christian living.”

The church gives money to the clinic every year to provide insulin because the clinic staff see a lot of diabetics. Morgans-Ferguson said Kearns runs church camps for children. She has taken her seven year old granddaughter to them.

Joe Rogers is also a church elder and has been a member for several years.

“I like that Jesse has a sense of humor,” Rogers said. “And he refuses to politicize the pulpit. He has almost no ego.”

Rogers learned about FCC when he was taking a magic, witchcraft and religion class at Butte College. His instructor assigned a paper and asked the students to attend a religious service outside of their own religion.

“One of the folks I interviewed was Pastor Jesse,” Rogers said. “Jesse said his congregation is open and affirming.”

Rogers started attending FCC and moved into various roles in the church. Rogers works as an outreach worker for the homeless.

“Christians are devoted to social justice,” Rogers said. “One of the things we are committed to is making sure every space is devoted to ministry.”

FCC holds its Sunday service at 10 a.m. The church is located at 295 East Washington Ave. The church’s phone number is 530-343-3727, fax 530-809-4786, email chicodisciples@gmail.com. The church website can be found at https://www.fccchico.com.

Fundraiser

Join the Butte Humane Society for the Woofstock Festival Fundraiser on Saturday, March 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds at 2357 Fair St.

This is a family-friendly and of course dog-friendly event and will feature local beer, food, live bands, artisans and more. The event benefits the programs, services and the animals of Butte Humane Society.

Buy tickets at https://bit.ly/3xfVSW2.

Comedy

Have some laughs at Bob’s Comedy Show at Gnarly Deli Friday today. The show opens with first-time comic Cody Marshall and will be followed by Jason Allen and Jordan Riggins. The featured comedian is Tyler Cantu and the show’s headliner is Jordan Cerminara.

Gnarly Deli is located at 243 W. Second St. downstairs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m.

Purchase tickets at www.gnarlydeli.com. Tickets are $14 in advance or $20 at the door.

Oroville

Get your grub on at the Dennis Wolfe Chicken Fried Steak Breakfast. Eggs, choice of ham or chicken fried steak, biscuits and gravy, hash browns, juice and coffee will be served.

This event requires a $13 donation. The main hall will be open to the public and the location is at the Oroville Aerie FOE 196 at 2010 Montgomery St. from 7:30-11:30 a.m.

The home, built by Habitat for Humanity and located on Dora Lee Lane, will be dedicated April 6, when new homeowner Bradly Reinhart will move in with his four children. Reinhart and his family lost everything in the Camp Fire. Another Habitat for Humanity house was built close to this house’s location.

People who attended Wednesday morning were able to tour the home and watch a video. Several people gave speeches regarding wildfire preparedness, how these homes are protected from wildfires and what they can do to protect the community.

The roofs of the houses have certain components to be wildfire safe. There are ember-resistant vents and non-combustible areas surrounding the homes, which is required. There is non-combustible siding, and windows are made with tempered glass, according to Steve Hawks, senior director for IBHS.

Habitat for Humanity of Butte County Executive Director Nicole Bateman was first to speak. She noted that Habitat has built 17 homes since the Camp Fire and “we are committed to building safe houses and making sure standards provide comfort for homeowners.”

Janis Bokar, forestry and community outreach assistant for the Butte County Fire Safe Council, hung out with the Wildfire Ready Raccoon, the mascot for the Paradise Ridge and Butte County Fire Safe Councils. Bokar said she was there to show support and say congratulations to the homeowners.

“This is a monumental day,” said Cal Fire-Butte County State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “It’s been a rough road to recovery. We look toward wildfire resiliency and how to get there. We want to be prepared for the peak of wildfire season and make sure there is 100 feet of defensible space.”

Reinhart smiled broadly during his speech. He has been living in a trailer in Oroville with his family. A single father, he said his current home doesn’t have a kitchen. He is looking forward to having family gatherings around the kitchen table.

“Dads are supposed to protect and provide,” he said. “I am so excited to move into the home. The greatest thing I can experience is that my kids feel safe and I feel safe.”

Reinhart was ecstatic when he learned he was approved for the home.

“I appreciate everyone who helped me with the process such as IBHS,” he said. “I will be there April 6 and will show up with all of the kids.”

Casey Taylor lives in another wildfire-prepared home in Paradise. An administrator with Achieve Charter Schools in Chico and Paradise, she has lived in her new home since 2022.

“I feel safe and protected there,” Taylor said. “I’m always excited to see homes designated.”

Learn more at readyforwildfire.org.

Meriam Library was named after both a father and son. The library was named after Morrison E. Meriam, who was a Chico State professor of psychology from 1902 to 1934, and Theodore “Ted” Meriam, a community leader, alumnus and friend of the university, according to Chico State Public Relations Manager Andrew J. Staples.

Ted Meriam was also a member of the California State University Board of Trustees from 1961 to 1971 and served as its chair from 1968 to 1969.

Meriam Park is also named after Ted Meriam, who also served as mayor of Chico from 1949 until 1957.

…

This is a family-friendly show celebrating dance and the performing arts from around the north state. Chico Community Ballet was established in 1984.

Chico Community Ballet and community guest choreographers designed the program with different styles such as contemporary, classical ballet, hip hop, tap, flamenco, Middle Eastern and a Native American performance.

“We are very excited about this performance as it is an opportunity to express our joy for dance through all the many different styles represented at Keeping Dance Alive,” said Chico Community Ballet Senior Company dancer Annie Gonzales. “And it’s an amazing time to bring our community together.”

There will be guest performances by Chico Creek Dance, Inspire School of Arts and Sciences, Hype Studio Fusion Co. and Essence Company. There will also be a variety of desserts available for purchase at the performance.

A free fieldtrip performance is offered Thursday, March 27 at 9:30 a.m. Teachers can sign up if they want to have their classes attend. If interested in the fieldtrip performance, call Phil Morgan at 530-624-5873.

“This amazing event is great for the whole family and I truly hope that everyone who loves dance will join us and experience for themselves the true joy and power of live dance and theater,” said Chico Community Ballet Artistic Director Deborah Jorritsma.

Community performer and front desk manager and Chico Creek dance instructor Kayla Wright is looking forward to the performances.

“This annual event commemorates our collective passion for dance and the arts,” said community performer and front desk manager and Chico Creek Dance instructor Kayla Wright. “What I think is most special about KDA is the opportunity it affords to not only engage with the Chico community but also to forge connections with other performers whom I might not typically get to engage with.”

Keeping Dance Alive costume designer Julie Gonzales is looking forward to the performances.

“I am so excited for Keeping Dance Alive 2024 because we have a wonderful concert of various performing arts that will be gracing the stage of the CFA at PV,” said Keeping Dance Alive costume designer Julie Gonzales. “This year we have some very talented local artists that have come together to celebrate the performing arts in our community. I love seeing the broad range of ages of performers from as young as age five all the way up to adults.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. today and continues Thursday, March 28 at 7 p.m. The performance will take place at the Center for the Arts on the Pleasant Valley High School campus at 1475 East Avenue. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online at tututix.com/chicocommunityballet or at the door.

There will be a live-online spring preview for classes from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. today. The Zoom link for this will be provided on the OLLI website. The meeting ID is 81582275012 and the passcode is OLLI2024.

The in-person class preview will be held Thursday, March 28 from 10:30 a.m. until noon. There will be a presentation and time to meet instructors from 10:30-11 a.m. This will be held at the Chico Masonic Family Center at 1110 W. East Ave. and there will be free parking, coffee and snacks.

Instructor Mary Sweeney will be teaching a tap dancing class called “Tap Dancing is Fun.” Sweeney taught tap dancing for 30 years at different locations and started teaching tap at OLLI in January for the winter term. The class will be taught from April 30 to June 15. Dates: 4/30/2024 – 6/25/2024. It will take place on Tuesday from 8:30-9:30 a.m. and will be taught at Chico Creek Dance in Room Studio B.

Sweeney started tap dancing when she was five years old.

“I did choreography for Keeping Dance Alive in the 1990s,” Sweeney said. “I kept running into one of my dancers and they told me I should teach for OLLI. I had 19 people sign up the first time it was offered.”

Sweeney said tap is good for anyone at any age.

“For older adults it helps with balance and cognition,” Sweeney said. “I give them something tricky to work their brains.”

She said the class helps socially too.

“It’s a community experience,” she said. “People come at all levels. Some have never danced before. Everyone has a good time.”

Sweeney said tap is something which has not been offered before at OLLI. She monitors her students and makes sure they are not getting fatigued.

Students must buy their own tap shoes but other shoes can be used if tap shoes aren’t available.

Instructors Robin Dizard and Janet Rechtman will be teaching a new class called “New Looks At Old Books.” This class will be taught from May 13 to June 24. It will meet on Mondays from 1-2 p.m. at The Social Chico in Room Gordon 1.

“It’s a new course,” said Dizard. “We are visiting five or six authors, each chosen because their writing seems to apply to right now. Most wrote between 100-200 years ago.”

Some of the authors the students will be studying are Emily Dickinson, William Butler Yeats and Herman Melville.

OLLI Chico Program Manager Ruth Alderson is excited for the spring term.

“We’re excited about OLLI’s spring classes because we have such a range of classes, from small discussion groups to large lectures, kayaking opportunities to painting instruction, all led by people who want to share their expertise,” said Alderson. “Spring is a time for new growth and the lifelong learners in OLLI’s community know it’s never too late for something  new. With classes in the classroom, outside, and online, we have a wide variety of opportunities for members of our community to learn something new and meet new people.”

Registration for spring opens Thursday, April 4, at 9 a.m. Students can register online at olli.csuchico.edu. OLLI is located at Chico State at the Aymer J. Hamilton building in Room 118B at 400 W. First St. Students can also call 530-898-6679 to register or for more information. OLLI can be found on Facebook under Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Chico State.

Vigallon constructs birdhouses, which are currently on display and for sale at Upper Crust Bakery and Eatery on Main Street in downtown Chico.

“I don’t consider myself an artist, but I enjoy making birdhouses,” Vigallon said. He has been building birdhouses for close to 25 years.

Vigallon said he has always been into working with wood, which he did on part time when he was working full time as principal at Fairview High School. He has made picnic tables and Adirondack chairs.

He made 25 to 30 birdhouses and sold all of them for a Paradise Mother’s Day event at his wife’s friend’s house. He donated the money for scholarships to students at Fairview High.

“I like working with wood,” Vigallon said. “Each birdhouse has its own story.”

He used to use only wood for the birdhouse roofs but now uses metal, which he said makes the life span of the birdhouses a lot greater. The sides and front and back are all made from wood. He makes four to five houses at one time, with different styles for different occasions.

“I like the challenge; it’s interesting and keeps me busy,” he said. “It’s like therapy.”

Vigallon has a shop for making birdhouses in the carport of his garage. He retired from working as principal at Fairview in 2011 and is now able to concentrate on his art full time.

“I always worked so much and didn’t have a chance to make the birdhouses,” Vigallon said. “Now that I am retired I choose as much time as I want to be out there.”

The birdhouses are also sold in Chico at Magnolia Gift and Garden, 1367 East Ave.; the Fair Earth Nursery, 2234 Park Ave.; and the Plant Barn and Gifts; 406 Entler Ave.; and in Durham at the Patrick Ranch Museum, 10381 Midway.

Vigallon said many years ago the previous owner of Upper Crust got ahold of him after seeing the birdhouses at an October show and asked him to display his art there.

His wife and daughter are birders, but he is not. His daughter is a wildlife specialist.

Vigallon said people brought mementos who had lost homes in Paradise. He made a replica of a house there. He also made one for a dentist with dentist tools and a replica of a church.

The birdhouse prices range from $80 to $220.

70 to 80% of the birdhouse proceeds go to alternative education students. Vigallon finds out about these students in need through the grapevine to help students who are struggling with rent or help them buy tires for a car.

“I believe it all comes back,” he said. “It’s karma. When you are in a position to help someone you help them.”

Edwards began taking photos about seven years ago. He’d graduated from Chico High School in 2006 and received a bachelor’s degree in graphic design from the Los Angeles Film School. A regular at Tin Roof, he asked the staff if he could display his photos on the wall. Tin Roof features a different artist every few months.

Edwards considers himself a storyteller and likes to take scenic photos, such as of Collins Lake in Browns Valley and the Monkey Face rock formation at Bidwell Park. He also has takes portraits of special people in his life and at places he travels to. He likes to take his paddleboard out into nature.

“I try to be creative and look for inspiration everywhere,” Edwards said.

Edwards showed his photography at the Museum of Northern California Art for Black History Month in February. Two of the portraits at Tin Roof are of Black women who are friends with Edwards and whom he deeply admires. “They are incredible women,” he said.

He also took a photo of a painting by Shane Grammer which depicts the aftermath of the Camp Fire.

“I rarely go anywhere without my camera,” Edwards said. “There is always something to capture at any moment.”

He likes to take photos that are thought-provoking and tell a story.

“I’m inspired by moods,” Edwards said. “I like to evolve and learn.”

Edwards hasn’t taken any photography classes:  “I’m self taught,” he said.

Troy McClanahan worked with Edwards at the African American Cultural Center in Oroville.  “I’m definitely a fan of his shots,” McClanahan said. “He’s a very diversified individual with a diverse portfolio.”

McClanahan said he especially likes the photos Edwards takes of children.

“In one of his last positions working for the Boy Scouts and for Thrive, he took a lot of action shots of kids,” he said. “His shots are well done.”

Other media

Edwards is a many of many talents. He once had a radio show at KZFR and loves Christian hip-hop music. He is also the marketing director for Thrive Stream Enrichment, a place for children and families to engage in experiences that foster personal growth, creativity and imagination, according to the Thrive Stream Enrichment website.

Edwards’ photography business is called JE Photography and Production. He began taking portraits and has been involved in Black Lives Matter events. He also made a short film during the COVID-19 pandemic about the dangers of vaping.

On that project, he teamed up with the Butte County Office of Education and Enloe Medical Center. The film is called “The Path” and is available on You Tube.

“It was a collaborative effort,” Edwards said. “I wanted to show that vaping is bad for the lungs.”

Edwards has songs on Spotify and has a podcast called “From Nothing to Something Else.” He talks with life coaches and actors and friends.

“I’m a good ol’ storyteller,” he said. “My purpose is to help people and move forward.”

McClanahan, who has known Edwards since 2016, admires all of Edwards’ talents.

“I know he does music, film and marketing for local brands,” McClanahan said. “He also has a comedic podcast which touches on a few things. He’s not shy when the camera comes around.”

“One of the first things that struck me about Joshua was how well he communicates with people,” McClanahan added. “He has a sales background and works with all kinds of people. Everyone loves him. He’s a talented dude. I have nothing but positive things to say about him.”

Jahai Baruti is a musician who also appreciates Edwards. He filmed a music video for Baruti and has photographed at least five of Baruti’s shows.

“Josh Edwards is the definition of professionalism,” Baruti said. “He is a determined worker and produces immaculate content. He is always my first call for any shows or events I have.”

Edwards can be found on Instagram under Jepp Brand Marketing.