Coming&going

Ministry

The Tibetan Dharma Centers Board of Directors voted July 25 to ordain two new ministers. John Lee Davis and Nicole J. Davis were ordained as Minister of Dharma and Associate Minister of Dharma. They will perform marriage ceremonies, christen infants and preside over other such ceremonies.

“People can write their own [marriage] vows and ceremonies, and as long as it is legal and not somehow objectionable, we’ll do it for them,” Davis offered in a press release.

The recently formed group offers meditation classes and related activities in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It also hopes to provide support for Tibetan refugees and efforts to reform Chinese policies toward occupied Tibet. It can be reached at www.tibetandharmacenters.org.

History

Judy Crain has come out of retirement to work full time at Bidwell Mansion, where she gives tours and works on special programs. The Texas native is excited about the events planned to highlight Butte County’s heritage. “We have special events planned at the mansion, starting with John Bidwell’s birthday party on Aug. 4,” Crain stated in a press release.

Also, Catherine Aaron Beeghly, a former journalist, has been working as a tour guide at the mansion since May. She still writes a weekly food column in the Enterprise-Record. “The reporting assignments that took me to Bidwell Mansion were always my favorites, and I love getting to be here all the time now,” Beeghly stated. “This is a wonderful position that lets me combine my love of teaching, local history and presenting.”

Media

Frank Brockerman is now the public-information officer at KIXE, the public-television station seen locally on Channel 9. He will be in charge of community outreach campaigns and inter-office communications and edit station publications.

Brockerman has a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in theater from the University of New Mexico and an associate of arts degree from Daytona Beach Community College.

Retail

The Perfect Gift Basket is under new ownership. Judy Barnes bought the business from Leslie Riley-Bachman and expanded and relocated it to 2145 Park Ave. The store carries a wide selection of gift baskets, picnic baskets and wine totes and is on the Web at www.theperfectgiftbasket.com.

State

The California State Fair will induct 54 new members into the 100 Year Club. This club recognizes enterprises that have been around for at least a century. New local members are the Campbell Ranch in Gridley and Cleek Ranch in Orland.

Agriculture

The Butte County Cooperative Extension office is sponsoring an internship. Lynelle Bosworth, a senior at Chico State University, was selected as a candidate for the position. Her responsibilities include becoming familiar with Cooperative Extension and the way that the farm and home advisers assist the community. She will also gain hands-on experience in many research projects, and she’ll serve as a counselor at the 4-H camp at Buck’s Lake.