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Calling all veterans: a tribute to your service

A military Color Guard from the 1st Memorial Honors Detail, representing the different branches of the military, present arms at a previous Salute To Our Veterans event at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura. Photo by Michael Gordon

Cypress Place Senior Living will host a special “Salute To Our Veterans” celebration with a ceremony recognizing residents of Cypress Place, as well as members of the public, who served their country. Come join us for this powerful tribute.

A military Color Guard presentation will lead the tribute, followed by a special Veteran recognition, along with recognition of widows and widowers of Veterans. Keynote speaker for this touching tribute will be Captain Chris Janke, Commanding Officer, Naval Base Ventura County.

Captain Janke is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Following training as a Naval Flight Officer he completed numerous deployments worldwide, as well as stateside. One assignment was to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Operations Directorate (J-3), where he was charged with preparation of Sensitive Reconnaissance Operations mission packages for Presidential approval.

In addition to Captain Janke’s presentation, a tribute to fallen heroes will be led by Ventura County Sheriff Geoff Dean.

“The freedoms we all enjoy today are only possible due to the great service and sacrifice of so many Veterans throughout the years,” said Mike Macke, director of sales and marketing at the senior community. “We want to honor them, and make sure we don’t forget what they have done for their country.”

Words of thanks will also be offered by Ventura City Fire Chief David Endaya, Ventura City Councilmember Cheryl Heitmann, and Ventura Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Stephanie Caldwell.

A free BBQ lunch will follow the powerful program. “Touching History”, a private war memorabilia collection by Tom Weaver will also be displayed, along with memorabilia from residents of the senior community. Residents, families, and friends of the community are welcome to attend. The event is free and open to the public.

Free shuttle parking will be available at Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (corner of Ralston Street and Cypress Point Lane).

This inspiring event begins promptly at 11am on Wednesday, June 29th, 2016 at Cypress Place Senior Living. Cypress Place Senior Living is located at 1200 Cypress Point Lane in Ventura. For more information or to RSVP, please call 650-8000.

To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

Talking about driving with seniors

“Don’t tell us that we are too old to drive, just get out of the way.”

by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the U.S. Department of Transportation

Since an older driver may not be aware of his or her limitations or may be reluctant to talk about them, it is important to introduce the subject of driving issues gently. You can do several things to increase the likelihood that conversations about driving will go well.

Start with a one-on-one conversation. To lead the conversation, pick someone in the family or a trusted friend who the older adult driver may listen to more than others. If possible, identify a person who has already had to cut back on or stop driving and who is taking actions to stay connected to the things that are important to him or her.

In some families, it works better to have just one person have the conversation. In other families, having several family members express their concern will underscore the family’s concern for the older person’s safety. However, avoid holding a large family meeting and “ganging up” on the older driver. You are not trying to stage an “intervention.”

Focus on safety. Explain that the safety of the driver and others, and not necessarily giving up driving, is the immediate goal. Modifications may help keep the driver safe.

Focus on maintaining the older adult’s independence. Make clear that the goal is for the driver to be able to continue the activities he or she currently enjoys while staying safe. Offer to help support the person stay independent. For example, you might say: “I’ll help you figure out how to get where you want to go if driving is not possible.”

Be positive, supportive, and affirming. Appreciate the significance of a driver’s license to the older person. Be sympathetic with the person and be sensitive to their feelings about having to restrict or eliminate an activity that has been an important part of their independence. Listen with compassion and work with them to find solutions.

Avoid Confrontation. Use “I” messages rather than “You” messages. Don’t be put off by negative reactions.

5th Annual Golden Future Senior Expo

Baby boomers and seniors have redefined every stage of their lives.

Golden Future Expos is presenting the 5th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo to be held on Saturday, July 9th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds from 10:00am – 3:00pm inside the San Miguel Expo Hall.

The event is being held in conjunction with the following sponsors: Not Born Yesterday Monthly Newspaper, The California Senior Guide and the VC Star Newspaper.

The Senior Expo will feature 65 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored to the 50+ market.

Highlights include:

Free admission and free parking!
Free health screenings (blood pressure, thyroid cancer, stroke, carotid artery, massages and more)
Free resume review and career consultation
Free financial planning advice
Live comedy show by “That Boomer Guy – Bob Ridley”
Great speakers and workshops (social security, medicare, maintaining your finances in retirement and more!)
Hourly door prize drawings and giveaways
Mini job and volunteer fair
Haircuts/manicures/beauty makeovers for men and women
Food for purchase
Chances to win $100 American Express Gift Card
Golden Future social hour
Fitness class and/or wellness walk
And more!

“Baby boomers and seniors have redefined every stage of their life and are now redefining the aging process” says Toyia Moore, event producer at Golden Future Expos. “The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo will be a power-up day for people to get out and socialize, access health resources, shop for products and services, and be entertained and informed. Our participating sponsors and exhibitors put a tremendous amount of work into their expo presence; we are certain that attendees will really appreciate and enjoy it! These events are really a who’s who of those who offer goods and services to the 50+ market” said Moore.

To pre-register, visit www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com. For additional information or booth reservations call 424-772-6039.

Learn how to navigate your iPad

“Now I won’t forget where I put my playing cards.”

Do you need help using your tablet? The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is offering free monthly “iPad Basics for Seniors” class Tuesdays, starting June 28th at 9 a.m. During this two-hour, entry-level class, participants will learn basic tablet terminology, initial set-up procedures, the features and gestures of their iPad, and more. Subsequent classes will be held 7/26, 8/23, 9/27, 10/25 and 11/22. The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is located at 6633 Telephone Road. The iPad Basics class is open to seniors 55 and older and caregivers. Please bring your iPad. To register for this class, please call 658-0365 as space is limited.

Ventura Convalescent Hospital earns Quality Award

Ventura Convalescent Hospital (4020 Loma Vista) has been recognized as a 2016 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care. The award is the first of three distinctions possible through the National Quality Award Program, presented by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the leading association for long term and post-acute care. The program honors providers across the nation that have demonstrated their commitment to improving quality of care for seniors and persons with disabilities.

“It’s an honor to be recognized for the hard work and quality of care our team provides every day,” said Renee Jones, Administrator of Ventura Convalescent Hospital. “We are committed to providing high-quality, person-centered care to our residents and their families. We will never stop improving.”

Knowledge is power

Cherika DelaRosa is ready to film the 2016 Knowledge Bowl for CAPS

by Elizabeth Rodeno

CAPS, a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, is seeking nominees for CAPS Media Board of Directors. This year there are three–at large seats available; two seats for two (2) year terms and one seat for a one (1) year term. Elections will be held in October 2016.

We encourage the community at-large and all our members to become involved with the election process by becoming a candidate, encouraging a nominee, and by voting. Contact CAPS for more information.

We bid farewell to the many graduates of Ventura. It is always great to share this event with them. Happily, we have several graduates who will be stopping by, having graduated with media production skills acquired here. Enjoy the summer and send your younger siblings on to CAPS for our youth program. There are a few spaces remaining in the final week.

Of course, we learned a lot at the Knowledge Bowl. It’s the annual event where seniors are pitted against high school seniors from Buena in a test a knowledge. It took place at the Aegis center and is available for viewing on Facebook, Vimeo and You Tube. Spoiler alert – the teams tied. Looking for a rematch next year.

More Ventura Rocks is coming your way. This week is another session with Pam Baumgardner and a great local band. Check out the series everywhere. You will get a taste of the rich and varied music scene right here in Ventura.

We continue to cover city meetings live on channel 15 where we give you access to issues and concerns important to Ventura’s citizens. It also features educational programming from Ventura College and the Ventura Unified School District. Channel 15 is also host to ECTV, El Camino High School television where the talented students tackle important issues.

Through our serious commitment to helping the community share their stories, we encourage you to come by and learn how you can tell your story and share it on the station, web and streaming. Soon we will be able to provide you with radio production with yet another venue for free speech.

Go to our website for more information. We always appreciate more likes on all social media including Facebook and You Tube. View it all on our frequently updated website. Don’t forget the training classes and professional gear we offer. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25. Go to www.capsmedia.org or call 658-0500 for more information.

Spring Business Expo 2016

On May 26 Spring Business Expo 2016 was held at the Four Points Sheraton presented by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce. The event was free and open to the public.

Over 70 exhibitor booths of local businesses and restaurants filled the ballroom including the Ventura Breeze booth which was beautifully designed and staffed by Ana and Jaime Baker and an unknown lady who had little to say.

Knowledge Bowl 2016

Creator of the Knowledge Bowl Suz Montgomery coaches her senior team Clint Jacobs, Don Haskell, Terry McCoy and Mary Ayers. Photo by John Hankins.

The seventh annual Knowledge Bowl between seniors versus teens was truly a “Battle of the Ages” on June 6, but they proved to be so evenly sharp that the end was a proverbial tie that binds younger and older citizens.

The teen team from Buena High School were Anna Rajala, Samantha Scampone, Ali Hemmatyar and Brady Yarbrough. Buena Librarian Joel Levin crafted the questions. Photo by John Hankins

Out of 50 questions, each team of four got 21 right and a last tie breaker – full names of the four Beatles – was a “Come Together” moment when both nailed the Fab Four.

“This is awesome,” said Suz Montgomery, “everybody wins.” Montgomery, who created the event, is part of the Ventura Adult and Continuing Education division (VACE) of the Ventura Unified School District. Over the last six years, seniors and teens tied at three matches apiece, so this 2016 version could’ve been a tie breaker.

The public event is similar to a Jeopardy show and was filmed by CAPS-TV to be repeated soon (see schedule at www.capsmedia.org). The live audience made it lively with enthusiastic applause and sometimes a lot of whispering of answers while each team had 30 seconds to answer, read by Buena High School Principal Bobbi Powers.

The questions were created by Buena’s librarian, Joel Levin, and covered Literature, Current Events, History, Geography and Potpourri. Two questions that stumped both teams included: Nairobi is the capital of what country (Kenya) and what was the gorilla’s name (Harambe) who was recently shot in a zoo when a child fell into its enclosure? Mary Ayers of the senior team broke up the audience when she quipped the name was, “Dead Meat.”

“The Knowledge Bowl is an extension of my idea to unite our community by building bridges between the ages,” Montgomery said. It was held at Aegis Living of Ventura, which went all out in providing the venue and enthusiastic staff support.

The event drew many dignitaries, including Ventura Schools Superintendent Michael Babb, School Board member John Walker, Ventura City Council member Cheryl Heitmann and VACE Principal-Director Carolyn Vang-Walker.

“The Knowledge Bowl has become one of the most anticipated events in the community, with both sides excited to show how much they know,” Montgomery said.

$10,000 in Ojai Studio Artist Art Scholarships awarded in city hall reception

Scholarship recipients Hugo Castillo, Marissa Gonzales, Lizbeth Zamora, Logan Werner, Leah Kopp, Ashley Konzmann, Jonathan Weiser, Bailey Huerta, Amber Talbot, and Kayla Petrucci. Not pictured are Reiko Heartland and Audrey Hernandez.

Audrey Hernandez of Nordhoff High School was presented the top Ojai Studio Artists’ 2016 art scholarship at a celebratory reception at the Ojai City Hall.

OSA Scholarship Committee Chair Richard Franklin presented the promising art student the “Ojai Award” of $2000. In all, Franklin awarded over $10,000 in scholarships to nineteen Ventura County art students.

Three runner-ups for the award received $1000 each. They are Marissa Gonzales of Adolfo Camarillo High School in Camarillo and Hugo Castillo, California State University of Channel Islands, and Lizabeth Zamora from Nordhoff High School.

Three students received $800 scholarships. The Rotary Ojai West Award of $500 was awarded to Kayla Petrucci of Ojai, a student at Ventura College. Three other artists were awarded $500 scholarships and smaller amounts to other students..

In OSA’s 23 year-old scholarship program, the art organization has awarded over $210,000 in scholarships. This year’s $10,000 total marked a new high in scholarship fundraising. The prestigious Beatrice Wood and Otto and Vivika Heino awards honor the legacy of these important Ojai artists and past OSA members. The Ojai and Rotary West Ojai awards go specifically to local students.

Selected works by the scholarship winners will be shown at a two-month exhibition at City Gallery, located at 410 S. Ventura St. The Ojai Arts Commission generously hosted and installed the show throughout City Hall for the benefit of the public.

On Saturday, July 23, at 2 p.m. join international artist M. Nicole van Dam at the Ojai Art Center, for smiles and a spirited blend of art, humor, poetry and prose, based on Nicole’s book “Tempo – The Rhythm and Rhyme of the Artist.” Nicole’s artwork and writings are licensed internationally, creating lovely products, and Nicole’s work has been publicly exhibited for many years, including at Santa Barbara City Hall and Community Memorial Hospital. One of Nicole’s solo exhibitions was recorded by the Montecito History Committee, and Nicole has been named an artist to watch by the “Montecito Journal.” For a sneak peek at Nicole’s unique blend of art and writing please visit www.ArtSanctuary.us. Ojai Art Center 113 S. Montgomery St. Suggested Donation $5.

“Annie Get Your Gun” is the rough riding, exciting fictionalized love story of sharpshooters Annie Oakley and Frank Butler in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show, composed to the beloved songs of Irving Berlin. This Tony Award winning musical runs from July 1 – 31 at Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St.; at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are only $20 general, $18 for seniors and Art Center members and $15 for students. Reserve your seat at 640-8797 or online: www.OjaiACT.org.

There will be a special Opening Weekend Gala for “Annie Get Your Gun” on Sunday, July 3 featuring a Prosecco Reception a half hour before the 2 p.m. matinee. It also includes reserved priority seating and a cocktail party after the show with the cast at a private home in Ojai. Only 50 tickets are available at $50 per person for the Sunday Special, available at http://tinyurl.com/AnnieCelebration

Torch Run benefits Ventura County Special Olympics

This was the twenty-seventh year the VPD has participated in the annual LETR.

On Thursday, June 9 employees from the Ventura Police Department (VPD) once again participated in the annual Southern California Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) benefiting Ventura County Special Olympics. The Ventura Police Department participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Ventura County Special Olympics today! Members of the VPD, SWAT team, Patrol Task Force Unit, City of Ventura employees, agents from the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control and Special Olympics Athletes met at the steps of City Hall and carried the Special Olympics’ Torch, also known as the Flame of Hope, through the streets of Ventura passing off to the Oxnard Police Department at the city limit.

The LETR is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign for the Special Olympics and is comprised of the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and other fundraising events. For over twenty-five years, Ventura County law enforcement agencies have been raising tens of thousands of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics of Ventura County. The money helps Ventura County Special Olympics to offer free, year round, sports training and competition to over 700 individuals with intellectual disabilities ages eight years and up, who participate in seventeen sports at forty-five training sites throughout Ventura County.

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