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Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
Guy Richie’s The Covenant – Prime Video

4 out of 4 palm trees

In March 2018 in Lashkar Gah, Afghanistan, United States Army Master Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) was leading a group of soldiers looking for Taliban munitions and explosive sites. Their road patrol was ambushed when a truck that had a bomb in the back exploded killing one of his troops their Afghan interpreter. They returned to Bagram Air Base in Parvan Province where he picked up a replacement and a new Afghan interpreter named Ahmed Abdullah (Dar Salim) who knew 4 languages but was known to sometimes be difficult to work with.

After several searches came up empty, Kinley felt that they had been receiving bad intel and requested to be assigned some vetted targets thinking that would not fall into the same pattern of no results. They were given the name of major target that was responsible for running a local IED (Improvised Explosive Device) factory, and Ahmed worked with Kinley to persuade him to give up the location with a bribe of cash instead of being detained by the US military. The intel provided them with two sites to check out but the first site was unsuccessful due to the other Afghan interpreter on the team attempting to lead them into an ambush.

The team next headed to search the second location which was an explosive factory in a mine and when questioning their first contact, Ahmed knew that the person was lying so they decided to do a search. They did find an IED factory and called in for a quick reaction force to assist them, but unbeknownst to them the Taliban had already communicated to bring reinforcements to the area. They killed the Taliban at the factory and set a bomb to detonate in three minutes but they were met outside with other Taliban soldiers with more heading down the road to their location.

Kinley and Ahmed jumped in one of the Taliban trucks and tried to escape with several trucks filled with Taliban soldiers pursuing them. Ultimately Kinley and Ahmed were the only US military that survived. They stayed the night in the woods and in the morning had an escape plan but they were surrounded by Taliban everywhere and were 120 miles from the base. They were able to flee on foot to take refuge in an abandon house, but were found and surrounded by Taliban. Kinley went out to investigate and was shot in the arm and leg and then surrounded in a pit by Taliban who used the butt of their gun to hit him in the head rendering him almost lifeless.

Ahmed appeared, killing several Taliban and told Kinley he would get them home but couldn’t take the roads so built and cot from sticks and began the long journey over mountainous terrain dragging Kinley behind. After finding a truck to travel, Ahmed ran into another group of Taliban who said there was a massive search for the two of them so Ahmed took the pickup to some herders and traded it for a wooden cart with wheels to transport Kinley 100 miles back to base. Ahmed made it to just outside the base, but was attacked by Taliban though was able to protect Kinley and eventually was picked up by US soldiers from Bagram Air Base.

Kinley spent several weeks there in the hospital and another month recovering back home. When he was fully recovered he found out that Ahmed was back in Afghanistan in hiding with his family due to the fact that he was on the Taliban top ten list for helping Kinley survive. Ahmed needed US visas promised to him and his family for his service, but Kinley was unable to get through the government red tape to help him so devised a plan to return to Afghanistan to rescue Ahmed and his family with the help of some well known mercenaries.

Rated: R
Runtime: 2h 3m

You Gotta Have Heart!

Leslie and her students pumping some iron and getting stronger at Aegis Living, a fabulous Senior Retirement Community!

by Leslie Sokol

Taking care of your ticker is important – you only have one! The heart is one of the most important muscles in the body, providing the oxygen, energy and nutrients you need to survive. The heart is only the size of a clenched fist but it has an outsized impact on every single living cell you have. It’s the organ central to your life as it pumps blood throughout your body. A strong heart is better able to pump blood throughout your body, delivering more oxygen to your cells and removing waste products more efficiently.

Important ways to keep your heart healthy: eat wholesome, natural foods and drink plenty of fluids (water is always a great choice). Physical activity in virtually any form can also play a role in boosting your heart health. If there’s one thing we know, it’s that regular physical activity provides a wide number of benefits to make the entire cardiovascular system healthier. Even exercising moderately goes a long way! As you age you become more prone to heart issues but taking care of your health can help turn back the clock on your ticker.

Aerobic exercise is a great way to strengthen your heart. By utilizing your cardiovascular system, you get your heart pumping and heart rate elevated. Aerobic exercise refers to a type of repetitive, structured physical activity that requires the body metabolic system to produce energy.

Here are some great aerobic exercises and activities to choose from:

Dancing,Walking,Hiking,Running,Swimming,Biking,Jumping rope, Elliptical, Stationary bike and Treadmill

As you get older, your muscles can’t get you to the same level of exertion. The heart itself doesn’t function the same – like the rest of the body, it gets a bit stiffer. To counter this, it’s a good idea to work at your target heart rate. This improves your cardiovascular strength, burns more calories and releases endorphins, causing you to feel good.

Heart health for seniors can improve with physical activity, healthy eating habits and stress reduction. Keeping a healthy weight and practicing good habits are a must. Additionally, participating in a consistent exercise program, following a heart- healthy diet with foods that are low-sodium, have minimal trans and saturated fats and added sugars will significantly improve heart health over time. Some heart healthy foods to incorporate into a balanced diet are colorful vegetables and fruits and high-quality proteins, including poultry and fish.

No matter your age, you can keep your heart healthy and strong! The key is to prevent risks for heart disease. As you get older, it is important to be aware of your limitations and know what you can and can’t do. Moderate exercise is suggested and staying on a schedule with your workouts will help you experience positive results much faster. You will always benefit by staying active, eating a well-balanced diet, reducing stress and participating in social activities. So, take heart, have fun, be healthy and be happy!

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089 or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – Mailbox

Opinions:

I had absolutely nothing to do with the XGames coming to Ventura, but my hat’s off and tons of Kudos for everyone involved from the Fairgrounds, to Visit Ventura, the City, Metrolink and all involved with the planning and execution. What was most fun for me, who is not into skateboarding, BMX or Motocross was to sit in my house less than 5 miles from the arena and watch the awesome coverage on ABC and ESPN. The close ups and camera angles were spectacular and gave me a complete appreciation for the competitors. Ventura, a job well done. The whole world got to see our wonderful town. Hope it can happen again.

Carl Morehouse former Mayor/Councilmember.

Breeze:

I was very inspired by what I saw at the X Games.

The tumultuous traffic jams  (a la Strawberry Festival) seemed to have avoided us.

Congrats for the planning, and to those who showed Ventura in such a magnificent light.

However, I am pretty sure that the millions watching the X-Games, Ventura Style, and suffering from the excruciating heat around the country, are already  making plans to sell their houses…… and move to Ventura!

Oh, dear.

On another point:  I have also been inspired to launch my very own X-Games.

The plan is to  encourage us “seniors” to skateboard and bicycle exactly the way we saw during the X Games.  (I have ruled out Motorbikes–because they are too noisy.)

I would call the event the “O-Games—   as in “Octogenarian.”

And to qualify for the O-Games, competitors must have been the recipient of new knees, hips, or shoulders (and bring a doctor’s letter along to prove it.)

I must confess, I am the recipient of one of those bionic parts–but you should see me leaping over buildings as I roar down the mostly closed Main Street on my bike!

Stay tuned.

Ivor Davis

Ivor: Sounds wonderful but I’m glad to say I still have only my natural parts but I will come out and cheer for you old folks.

Sheldon

The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.
~ James Branch Cabell

Medical cannabis symposium held at The Palms

Susan Marks educated attendees about the body’s endocannabinoid system

The Palms at Bonaventure hosted an educational medical cannabis symposium on July 25th. Board-certified nurse practitioner Susan Marks, MSN, FNP-C, PHN, and member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association, discussed the research and practice of using cannabis in both mental and physical body management capacities among seniors, including fantastic outcomes with Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.

Susan Marks educated attendees about the body’s endocannabinoid system and how cannabis works naturally in disease processes. The biggest takeaway? Using medical cannabis has incredibly minimal risk and maximum reward for countless afflictions–but since marijuana is not regulated by the federal government, the individuals who would benefit most from using it largely don’t know it’s available to them right now!

The Palms at Bonaventure
Assisted Living & Memory Care
111 North Wells Road, Ventura,
(805) 647-0616

VCAAA earns two National Mature Media Awards

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a department of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, was honored twice in the 32nd annual National Mature Media Awards.

The 2022 edition of LIVEWell received Gold honors in the magazine category. It’s the fourth consecutive year that the publication has been recognized, but the first time it has received Gold status after being Bronze in 2021 and 2022 and Silver in 2020. LIVEWell, an annual publication that provides articles and resource listings, is the premier resource guide in Ventura County for individuals 60 and older, caregivers, and people with disabilities.

Additionally, the agency’s Seminars on Brain Health and Wellness that were held in 2022 received Silver honors in the Online/Digital Resource category. The online video series were informative presentations designed to provide critical resources for Ventura County residents living with a dementia-related diagnosis and their caregivers.

The National Mature Media Awards honors the nation’s best marketing, communications, educational materials, and programs produced for older adults. The awards program is presented by the Mature Market Resource Center, a national clearinghouse for the older adult market.

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – Ojai News & Events

Trio Manise will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Sunday, August 20, 2023, to deliver a special afternoon performance. The members of Trio Manise are David Singer (clarinet), Ann Erwin (flute), and Fred Beerstein (oboe). These talented musicians will play music by Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Villa-Lobos, Malcolm Arnold, and Benjamin Britten. The performance will take place in the main library space, and is sponsored by the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Storytelling Festival returns October 26 – 29, 2023! Naughty Tales, Story Slam, Ghost Stories, Music – There’s something for everyone! Entries accepted till September 15th at ojaistoryfest.org/storyslam. Taking place at the historic Libbey Bowl and Ojai Art Center, Tim Lowry will be our Master of Ceremonies with featured storytellers Niall de Burca, Carmen Agra-Deedy, Noa Baum, Rev. Robert Jones, Vijai Nathan, and Peter Cook! Musical performances by Dan Navarro, Ted Lennon, and the Salty Suites. Experience the magic and joy of a good story. Get your weekend pass now. More info: [email protected]
Tickets & Volunteering: ojaistoryfest.org

A special program coming up at the Ojai Library. Popular storyteller, speaker, and author Bee Bloeser will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Saturday, August 26, 2023, to talk about her book, Vaccines & Bayonets: Fighting Smallpox in Africa amid Tribalism, Terror and the Cold War.

Bee Bloeser has lived in Africa, the Middle East, and Native American nations. A retired speech-language pathologist, she is a member of Toastmasters International and PEO, a philanthropic education organization that funds education for women and girls.

Her historical memoir, Vaccines & Bayonets, has been praised by Foreign Policy magazine’s deputy editor and by The Economist’s Midwest correspondent and former bureau chief in Johannesburg and Delhi. A percentage of net proceeds from Vaccines & Bayonets supports water wells for Africa.

Exploring San Buenaventura State Beach

This was one of the best days I have had in a long time.

by Amannda DeBoef

This was one of the best days I have had in a long time. My cousin, Steve, chauffeured my great-aunt, Ruth, my mother, Gail, and his girlfriend, Lea, on the most gorgeous drive from Granada Hills, just outside of Los Angeles to the San Buenaventura State Beach located in Ventura, California. The very locale Tom Petty wrote about in his classic rock song, ‘Free Fallin’. (My absolute favorite).

Being from southwest Missouri with fair skin and blue eyes, I am admittedly, more of a mountain girl than a beach girl (one day later and my beet red shoulders and chest will attest to that). However, the Southern California landscape is positively breathtaking. There are trees and flowers in every color imaginable. Just when I thought I had seen it all, another version of a colorful California native tree, bush, plant, flower, or succulent would ‘WOW’ me more than those I had seen previously.

The walk along the beach at San Buenaventura was at least 20 degrees cooler than in the city. The fresh, breezy air smelled of salt water and sunscreen. Kids played in the ocean waves. Children dug sandcastles and completed works of art on the sandy beaches. Adults rode bikes and jogged on the boardwalk that runs along the beachfront. There were dogs of every shape, size, and breed enjoying this picture-perfect summer day.

My mother made friends with two very social St. Bernard’s we met while walking the clean and tidy sidewalks next to the beach. The younger of the two dogs practically knocked my mother over when she invited them to come say, ‘Hello’. The owner was nearly as friendly as his two large companions.

We ate at a tasty ocean-side restaurant called Social House. I had a lavender lemon-drop that was positively divine, along with a fish sandwich that certainly satisfied my fully grown appetite.

I think I get it now. The wet sand. The calming sound of the waves rolling onto the shore. The distant laughter of children with not a care in the world. The sights and sounds that only a beachfront view can afford.

I saw a young girl lounging on a bench on the pier, reading a novel. I wanted to be that girl.

I saw several people biking down the boardwalk, taking in the entertaining sights and sounds of what can only be described as, ‘A Happy Place’. I wanted to be those cyclists.

I saw a friendly man walking his two large dogs. Stopping for nearly every passer-by to let them pet said dogs and engage in at least a 20-minute conversation. (That man must have a ton of friends).

I loved it all. I understand now. Why people move from the only home they have ever known. Why folks battle ridiculous city traffic day in and day out. Why young adults decide to ‘head west’ to see what the fuss is all about. While this western life may not be for me, those few minutes of beachfront, ocean wave, seagull-cawing time in the sand was truly invigorating, relaxing, therapeutic, and downright blissful. I get it now. I really do.

The mountains may call to my soul, but the beach. It truly has a magic all its own. I will be back. I cannot bear to say a final goodbye to such a timeless, faithful friend. The tides will one day lure me back to the shore. And I will come armed with a book, a bike, a dog, or simply a hat to shield my face, and a great appreciation for one of God’s most beautiful gifts this side of Heaven.

Art Walk at the Shores

Summer visitors, residents, first time art buyers, collectors, friends and neighbors can explore the beautiful beach community of Oxnard Shores while discovering the many works from talented professional and amateur artists.

With over 40 resident and local artists displaying their works for purchase, there is sure be something to please every shoppers’ taste! A wide variety of mediums are available each year such as sculpture, watercolor, acrylic, oil on canvas, beach art, photography, jewelry and much more.

Art Walk at the Shores began as a grassroots movement in 2017 by a small group of residents in the Shores as an effort to foster a strong sense of community through art awareness and inclusivity. Since then it has flourished and grown into a non-profit organization that strives to provide a platform for artists in the Oxnard area. Helping young artists find mentorship is also a strong desire for the Art Walk.

Come out and enjoy a wonderful day supporting the arts on August 26, from 11am-3pm. The walk begins at the corner of Harbor and Wooley in Oxnard. If you are an artist interested in showing at Art Walk at the Shores please contact us on our website artwalkoxnardshores.com or find us on Facebook and Instagram. Inquiries can also be emailed to [email protected].

Vol. 16, No. 23 – Aug 9 – Aug 22, 2023 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Phil Salazar and the Kin Folk’s “The Shut it Down Tour” falls over the weekend of August 19 and 20 at the Santa Paula Theater Center. Phil Salazar was interviewed by Mary Z Wilson during her segment, Americana in the 805, on the Pam Baumgardner Music Hour airing on KPPQ 104.1 FM here in Ventura. Phil clarified that there was no falling out, the band members all get along just fine, he is just shutting down the “Salazar booking agency” aspect of having a band. Whew! Phil took up the fiddle when he was 16 playing with various bands since around 1972. You might remember The Rincon Ramblers or the Phil Salazar Band around these parts over the past couple of decades. Phil has played with artists such as Bob Weir, Jon McEuen, Steve Miller, Jimmy Buffet, Zac Brown, Dwight Yoakam over the years either performing with or just jamming with them. I was pleased to learn that Phil will be playing in the future with Tom Corbett at the Ojai Underground Exchange and at Namba Performing Arts.

The Rubicon Theatre’s Kids for Kids Benefit Concert is Saturday, August 19. The program is called, “What the World Needs Now…” The Music of Burt Bacharach and is conceived, directed, choreographed and produced by the students themselves with coaching support from Carolanne Marano and musical direction by Miriam Arichea. Funds raised will go towards scholarships for young people who might not otherwise be able to afford to participate in Rubicon’s education program, they call it “paying it forward.” Find out more at Rubicontheatre.org.

High Street Arts Center in Moorpark starts their summer concert series of tribute band starting with Journey USA on Friday, August 11, Raymond Michael’s Elvis tribute on Saturday, August 12, and LA Sound Machine on Sunday August 13. The following weekend it’s So Petty on Friday, August 18, and Raymond Michael returns with a tribute to Engelbert Humperdink and Tom Jones.

Harbor View Park 2023 Concerts by the Sea series continues with shows 4-6 pm on Saturday afternoons. Soul Machine plays August 12, and Los Cool Arrows on August 19. The park is located at 3850 Harbor Blvd. in Oxnard, where you’re welcomed to bring picnics, blankets and lawn chairs.

Quick Notes: The final Grandstand Stage act at the Ventura County Fair will be on Wednesday, August , featuring Tesla; Doc Strange plays Madewest on Saturday,

August 12; Music Under the Stars Saturday evening concerts continue through August with Kings of 88 on August 12 and Soul Infusion on August 19; Dielectric, Casual Business and Birdbrain play an early show on Saturday, August 12 at Bombay’s; Brett Dennen has a sold-out show at the Deer Lodge on Thursday, August 17; and Wild Child, a tribute to The Doors, will be at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center on Saturday, August 19.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.