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| Oxnard-Ventura Bahá'í |
Newsletter of the Oxnard and Ventura Bahá’í
Communities
December 2005 |
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“The
betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and goodly deeds,
through commendable and seemly conduct.” ~ Bahá’u’llah |
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The purpose of the
Oxnard-Ventura Bahá'í News is to provide information about the Bahá'í Faith
and activities of the Bahá'í’s to those who wish to learn more or attend Bahá'í
devotional gatherings. If you have comments or do not want to receive the Bahá'í
News, write PO Box 7344, Oxnard, CA 93031, call 648-1222. No donations requested
or accepted. Informational
Talks A
brief talk on a general topic about the Bahá'í Faith is followed by
discussion. A time to bring up any question in your heart about spiritual
topics. Friday, December 30th, 7:30 PM Tuman
Residence, 984-1222 Human
Rights Awards! December 4th – 15th Annual 10:30 am – 2 pm Human
Rights Awards Recipients for 2005 chosen for diverse humanitarian efforts. The
15th annual Bahá’í Human Rights Awards, sponsored by the Bahá’í’s of
Ventura and Western Los Angeles Counties, will be held at the Ronald Reagan
Presidential Library on December 4. The
event honors both the 57th Anniversary of the United Nations Declaration of
Human Rights, and also individuals who have made humanitarian contributions
within their communities. Three
winners of this prestigious award are chosen each year. This year the Bahá’í’s
of Unit 144 recognize the humanitarian works of the Children’s Enrichment
Program at Rancho Sespe, Mr. Morey Navarro of Oxnard and Mrs. Ferial Masry of
Newbury Park. |
The
curriculum focuses on leadership training, conflict resolution skills and
“Habits of the Heart” which incorporates a “full-circle learning” plan. The
five attributes of full circle learning are: character education, academic
enrichment, arts enrichment, conflict resolution, and community service. Ferial
Masry is an immigrant who became a citizen, a teacher and a person committed to
helping others with integration into American society. She
immigrated to America from Saudi Arabia, by way of Egypt, England, and Africa,
where she put down roots and raised her family. When
Masry sees a need or a problem, she rises to serve where she can. She bridges
the misunderstanding between cultures and is committed to finding peaceful
resolutions through education. She
also started a non-profit woman's group to teach Muslim and Arab women about
their new country and in so doing they could minimize their anger and be
assisted in their assimilation. She
served in a voluntary capacity as a consultant to Los Angeles Unified School
District for two years, helping teachers to learn about the Middle East and to
understand children from that part of the world. She
has further financed an exhibit "A life in the Middle East" at the Los
Angeles Children's Museum, established an Arab Children's Theater and has
participated in the interfaith dialogue since 1992. She is a champion for peace
and understanding between different races, cultures, and religious groups. Mr.
Morey Navarro was selected for “selflessness, his generosity and his eagerness
to serve others” in the communities of Oxnard and Camarillo. Navarro,
who started a towing service while still in high school, has built it into one
of the most reputable businesses of its kind in the county. |
He
has turned his hard work and good fortune around and given both financial and
physical aid in service to the Boys and Girls Club, Little League, Junior
League, Channel Islands, Rio Mesa and Oxnard High Schools, where he can be found
working towards “renovating” buildings, donating vehicles for use in
Christmas parades and even to be used for the Canine Unit of the Oxnard Police.
He has served on many committees and commissions for the city of Oxnard.
Supervisor John Flynn, in nominating Navarro, noted that he is “completely
unbiased, extremely generous, very loving, always caring for others, so
gentle… and extraordinarily kind, compassionate, honest and loyal”. The
public is invited to attend the luncheon, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library – Peace Plaza, 40 Presidential Drive, Simi
Valley. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required by November 21. For
reservations or information, email carolyn19@msn.com and/or phone (805)
520-0443. Website information is www.humanrightsawards.org. NOTE:
Views and opinions expressed by the Bahá’í’s are not necessarily shared by
the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. All
Faiths Public Gathering for Prayer and Devotions Fillmore CommUnity 1st Saturday of the Month, December 3rd Call
Luanne at 524-0683 for details Oxnard CommUnity 1st Sunday of the Month, December 4th 10:30 AM.
Locations May vary. Call Barbara at 984-4390 Camarillo CommUnity 3rd Sunday of the Month, December 18th Call Renee
at 383-3904 for details. Dawn Prayers |
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