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Most Optimistic Community

Todd Taylor

The first annual Most Optimistic Community Member Award was given to Todd Taylor by the Sunrise Optimist Club of Ventura at their fall awards event. Todd has lived most of his life in Ventura and is known and loved by all who have met him. He was thrilled speechless when the surprise award was presented.

Todd has a lot of reasons that he could be negative. He was born with Cerebral Palsy making his every movement a challenge. People are not always kind to him. Sometimes he physically hurts.

But Todd always has a smile on his face. He exudes an abounding joy and gratitude for all that he has in his life. When asked why he is so optimistic he said “I’m just a happy person.” Todd says that his deep faith and his family are two reasons that he remains optimistic no matter what difficulties come his way. If you are fortunate enough to meet Todd, you will be given a precious gift: that of being in his optimistic glow—and don’t forget to say “hi” and give him a happy smile.” Todd was nominated by club member Roanna Prell.

The Sunrise Optimist Club has been active in Ventura since 1960 and is affiliated with Optimist International. The Club also recognized Frances Flores, E.P. Foster teacher as Educator of the Year and Sgt. Eric Vazquez, Ventura Police Department as Safety Officer of the Year for their outstanding service to our community.

Sgt. Eric Vazquez

Sgt. Eric Vazquez was presented with the Ventura Sunrise Optimist Club’s Safety Officer of the Year Award for 2022. Club members Roanna Prell and Jennifer Robles visited the Ventura Police Department to honor Sgt Vazquez with the presentation of a plaque and a check that Eric donated to the Ventura Police Community Foundation.  VPD Chief Darin Schindler added his congratulations along with those from the Optimist Club members. With this award the Optimist Club annually expresses their appreciation for the work done to keep our community safe, alternating the award between Ventura Fire and Ventura Police Departments.

Frances Flores

Frances Flores, long time teacher at E. P. Foster school,  was honored as the Educator of the Year by the Ventura Sunrise Optimist Club. Upon receiving her award, Frances said “I was truly humbled to receive the award you honored me with.   You all touched my heart with all of your words.  They took me to my Migrant Education years as a child to my dream of becoming a teacher…  It was truly an honor to be recognized for doing what I love and I know that many others are worthy of this award.” The award was presented at E. P. Foster school with the school staff,  district personnel, Frances’ family and Sunrise Optimist club members  in attendance.

For Information about the nomination process for the 2023 Most Optimistic Community Member or about the Sunrise Optimist Club of Ventura contact [email protected] or visit www.venturasunriseoptimist.org. Nomination forms will be available on our website at the beginning of January.

Ukraine Ballet stars headline Ventura County Ballet’s 24th Annual Nutcracker

Zhan Mishel Panchuk and Hanna Chudinova share the stage with Ventura youths.

Zhan Mishel Panchuk and Hanna Chudinova, from Ukraine’s Kyiv Ballet, join 70 other dancers as Ventura County Ballet presents The Nutcracker. The curtain rises on Saturday, Dec. 3, with shows at 2:00 and 7:00 pm at Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center in Camarillo. The magic continues with shows Saturday, Dec. 10, at 3:00 pm and Sunday, Dec. 11, at 1:00 and 5:00 pm.

Ventura County Ballet’s The Nutcracker is the only production of this holiday classic in the Ojai/ Ventura/Oxnard/Camarillo area to feature internationally famous professional dancers, local pre-professional dancers and aspiring young dancers from its official school, Ballet Academy Ventura. Kathleen Noblin, founder/executive director of Ventura County Ballet, explains, “For 24 years we’ve brought our audiences the very best in ballet with top-notch dancers from around the world. “

Noblin adds, “We’re thrilled to return to the Rancho Campana Performing Arts Center. It’s an ideal venue for dance, and there is not a bad seat in this state-of-the-art theater.”

Three 17-year-old Ventura High School seniors Olivia Roman, Emma Steiner and Ella Ullrich share the featured roles of Sugar Plum Fairy, Dew Drop and the Snow Queen. The part of Clara, on whom the story is centered, is shared by Hailey Hall, 15, Foothill Technology High School; Abigail Steiner, 15, Ventura High School; and Sylvie Watts, 13, Cabrillo Middle School.

Tickets, from $20 to $40, are available online at https://www.venturacountyballet.com/events. A complimentary Sugar Plum Cookie Party for children follows each matinee. Special rates are available for community groups of 10 or more. For group ticket information and purchases, please email [email protected] or call (805)765-1734.

Ventura County Ballet is also bringing excerpts from The Nutcracker to children and families at VCMC’s Pediatric Oncology Clinic and children served by the Ventura and Camarillo Boys and Girls Clubs.

Through scholarships and outreach, we bring dance to underserved children and families throughout our area. https://www.venturacountyballet.com

Reinventing funeral service in Ventura one Memory at a Time

With arms wide open, Michael Boyko invites all of greater Ventura County to stop by and visit the Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary & Cremation at 15 Teloma Drive to say hello and maybe have that important talk about your lifetime.

Boyko finds working with grieving families a calling and being of support to them comes naturally.

In December of 2019, Boyko of the Joseph P. Reardon Funeral Home & Cremation Service on Main Street in Ventura acquired the mortuary property at 15 Teloma Drive. Also in Ventura, this site has been comforting the public since the 1960’s. And, so began the Boyko & Reardon Telegraph Road Mortuary & Cremation nestled at the corner of Telegraph Road and Teloma Drive. The addition of the location furthers their enhanced ability to continue to serve our community at two distinctly different sites: the original funeral home at 757 E. Main Street and 15 Teloma Drive. Residents of our community want convenience, affordability, and a high degree of professionalism and they proudly provide service and fine facilities on each side of the City.

Continuing at this historic site at the former “Candy Cane Lane”, this landmark of a building in Ventura houses a spacious in-house chapel that can accommodate over 250 guests as well as spacious family meeting rooms, parlors, and a celebration reception room. They have upgraded with modern and sleek amenities like contemporary audiovisual equipment, sound systems, and comfortable furnishings to provide peace and a home-like surrounding. The warm decor gives a feeling of comfort that falls just short of opulence. You’ll be greeted by offices and halls painting in comforting beiges, tans, and maroon accents coupled with the smell of a freshly cut bouquet.

Michael already known for the funeral home on Main Street said the decision simply made sense, “Ventura is basically all the same people yet having the facility at 15 Teloma Drive just lets me give people what they want, affordable excellence and either of our fine facilities.”

Boyko finds working with grieving families a calling and being of support to them comes naturally. You can find him locally giving talks, volunteering, and supporting churches, temples, and even hosting community events. Boyko proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Ventura Music Festival and has hosted concert events in the Funeral Home’s Chapel. The owner shares, “As gatherings resume, I am excited at the possibility of doing more of these types of events bringing in friends for live performances.”

“We find the meaning in life in service and helping others. Navigating the path of loss isn’t something to be taken lightly. No matter the scenario my staff takes time to support our families served in their hour of need and thereafter. Sometimes it’s not what you say, its being there for someone and just lending a should to lean on and an ear to listen to.”

Michael is overcoming the stereotype of the typical undertaker. At 45, Boyko is president of both funeral homes and considers it an honor to be the fourth generation to carry on the tradition of funeral directing, operating one of the state’s oldest funeral homes which recently turned 111.

Constantly, Michael remains vanguard with alternative funeral/cremation/memorial options. He’s known for programs like green burials, whole-body burials of caskets at sea, free grief-counseling seminars, and a reputation for throwing some of the best parties in the City. Boyko does as much as he can to breathe life into the death business. Boyko who is an eager host is quick to answer questions and stress the profound responsibility he has as a funeral director. “People want options and I’ve got an array of numerous distinct options for traditional and non-traditional funerals, themed memorial services, final toasts, paddle out to sea scatterings, beach party tributes, or keeping one’s services private. Within these options, you well know we have caskets, urns, burial vaults, livery, memorial products etc. but what we really sell here is ‘trust’.”

Rather than wait for people to walk through the door, Michael and his staff reach out to our community to offer seminars and talk in regards to the funeral home’s offerings and pre-planning arrangements.

Each day Michael opens his doors and urges all of greater Ventura County to stop by for a visit and have that all important conversation.

Holiday Member Show Original Artwork by Buenaventura Art Association Members

Paper Fantasy – Hand made paper, buttons, plant material – Darlene RokerAt Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory. Holiday Member Show Original Artwork by Buenaventura Art Association Members

Plus Featured on the Triangle Showcase Solo Show by Darlene Roker

“A Little of This, A Little of That”

Beautiful artwork in both shows, of all sizes and media, large and small, including ceramics, textiles and jewelry, for unique gift-giving!

Exhibit Runs thru December 24, 2022

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) kicks off annual holiday fair and festival

Studio Channel Islands Art Center (SCIART) kicks off the holiday season with its annual holiday fair and festival, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Dec. 3, and continues noon to 4 p.m., Dec. 4. Enjoy unique gift shopping this holiday season for your family and friends while browsing through 40 professional artists studios and additional guest vendors! There will be free activities for kids, delicious food and treats available for purchase, and craft beer and wine. Admission is free and plenty of parking will be available. Visit studiochannelislands.org or call 805-383-1368 for full details.

Ventura Pottery Gallery announces third annual ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Giving event

The Ventura Pottery Gallery is pleased to announce our third annual ‘Tis the Season for Holiday Giving event. Not only is our gallery a great place to purchase your holiday gifts, but beginning November 19 we have a free gift for you when you spend $30. 

Potters always accumulate extras piece in their studios, and we love to clean our shelves. Our forty potters are donating bowls, vases, mugs, plates and ornaments as gifts to our cherished customers.  We want to thank those who support our handmade ceramic creations, from our studios to your home. 

We invite you to stop by the Ventura Pottery Gallery to view work of local artists and potters. The gallery is located at 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 105 in Ventura Harbor Village. The gallery is open from 11 – 6 seven days a week. We also have an online store at  www.venturapotteryonline.com and for more information please visit www.venturapottersguild.org. 

Recent WEV grads

Angela Rosales, Very Ventura Gift Shop & Gallery, WEV Client of the Year;

To the crowd of over 220 individuals, Rosales credited WEV with providing her a network of resources and funding that has allowed her business on Main Street in Downtown Ventura to survive and thrive. Rosales shared that, “WEV rallied their financial network, educated us on grants and government programs… they were the first ones offering a low interest bridge loan before many of us business owners even had access to the PPP program.”  Like many local businesses, Rosales’ shop was directly impacted by the Thomas Fire as well as the pandemic shutdown. “If it weren’t for WEV stepping in just at the right time with access to capital, I’m not sure I’d be here today.”

achel Sears Casanta, Hypercat Cycleworks, WEV Resilience Award recipient 2022

Bicycle shop owner Casanta echoed a sentiment of gratitude when she shared her personal and professional story of resilience. She described how the bike shop she owns with her husband was the target of multiple burglaries during the height of COVID, and in 2021 she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. “WEV had my back, with messages of encouragement and financial support. I’ll never forget that; find the silver lining, focus on the positive,” said Casanta who proudly shared that she is now cancer free. Hypercat has been recognized with several industry awards and the business has enjoyed their biggest revenue months ever.

WEV’s CEO, Kathy Odell spoke about the common goal of economically empowering individuals. “The power of a strong, supportive community, where people pitch in and help each other practically, emotionally, and socially, supports mental and physical health. And it enables the entire community to better respond, adapt and recover from adverse events,” said Odell.

Dr. Susan Andrzejewski, CSUCI, Dean at The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, WEV Partner of the Year.

Proceeds raised at the Empowerment is Priceless event will directly benefit WEV’s business funding and client programs, including financial literacy and education classes, business training courses, individual coaching, and business advisory services – all provided in both English and Spanish.

Exotic Treasures

by Richard Senate

Ventura County has some exotic treasure yarns that implies that treasures still are to be found here. These include the lost padre’s gold mine (at the headwaters of Piru Creek) to the lost Olivas Gold (buried on Red Mountain) But few realize that some treasures exist within the city limits of Ventura! This is a partial list of the lost gold rumored hidden beneath our feet. Now are these just stories or could they really exist? You be the judge. Have they been found but not reported? Perhaps but still they are worth examination.

The Lost Mission Vault. The story is that the padre’s of Mission San Buenaventura operated a gold mine and formed the gold into crude ingots. They were taken down the Santa Clara River Valley and stored in a hidden vault at the mission Church. Once a year a black painted galleon of the Jesuit Order would come and take away the gold for the use of his Holiness the Pope in Rome. The galleons stopped coming with the Mexican War for Independence and the gold is still there! Some say it was within the thick walls of the church, others say it was under the Mission Padre’s Quarters, still others believe it is located in an underground room in the hill behind the church.

The iron bound chest at the Cross. In 1818 a pirate threatened California so the mission treasures were hidden and the settlement abandoned for several weeks. They saw the pirates as godless men who would be repelled by the cross–so they buried the contents at the foot of the cross on the hill. Native people saw them and curious dug up the goods, only to re-bury them on the hill. When they padres returned the treasure chest had vanished. The present site of the cross was not the original location. Maybe the rusted chest could be found with a metal detector?

The gangster’s loot. In prohibition times gangsters smuggled Canadian Whiskey into LA though Ventura. The ships would carry in the booze and fast boats would take it ashore, all the while avoiding the Coast Guard Cutters. The ship captains demanded to be paid in cash. So the gangsters brought cash in suitcases to pay them. This was hidden in a tunnel under the city. But, before the ship came, an earthquake caved in the tunnel and buried the bag of cash. Those gold certificates would be worth a fortune today!

Managing medicines for a person with Alzheimer’s

People with Alzheimer’s disease may take medicines to treat the disease itself, mood or behavior changes, and other medical conditions. Caregivers can ensure that medicines are taken safely and correctly. Here are some tips to help you manage medications for someone with Alzheimer’s disease.

Learn the basics

Know each medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) the person with Alzheimer’s disease takes. Ask the doctor or pharmacist:

Why is this medicine being used?

What positive effects should I look for, and when?

How long will the person need to take it?

What is the dose and how often should he or she take the medicine?

What if the person misses a dose?

What are the side effects, and what can I do about them?

Can this medicine cause problems if taken with other medicines?

Managing medications is easier if you have a complete list of them. The list should show the name of the medicine, the doctor who prescribed it, how much the person with Alzheimer’s takes, and how often. Visit Tracking Your Medications: Worksheet for a template. Keep the list in a safe place at home, and make a copy to keep in your purse or wallet or save a picture on your phone. Bring it with you when you visit the person’s doctor or pharmacist.

People with Alzheimer’s should be monitored when they start taking a new drug. Follow the doctor’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms right away. Also, let the doctor know before adding or changing any medications.

People with Alzheimer’s disease often need help taking their medicines. If the person lives alone, you may need to call and remind him or her or leave notes around the home. A pillbox allows you to put pills for each day in one place. Some pillboxes come with alarms that remind a person to take the medicines.

As Alzheimer’s gets worse, you will need to keep track of the person’s medicines. You also will need to make sure the person takes the medicines or give the medicines to him or her.

Some people with Alzheimer’s take medicines to treat behavior problems such as restlessness, anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and aggression. Experts agree that medicines to treat behavior problems should be used only after other strategies that don’t use medicine have been tried. Talk with the person’s doctor about which medicines are safest and most effective. With these types of medicines, it is important to:

It is recommended that people with Alzheimer’s should not take anticholinergic drugs. These drugs are used to treat many medical problems such as sleeping problems, stomach cramps, incontinence, asthma, motion sickness, and muscle spasms. Side effects, such as confusion, can be serious for a person with Alzheimer’s. These drugs should not be given to a person with Alzheimer’s disease. You might talk with the person’s doctor about other options. Examples of these drugs include:

Ipratropium — brand name Atrovent

Dimenhydrinate — brand name Dramamine

Diphenhydramine — includes brand names such as Benadryl and Nytol

Some people, especially those with late-stage Alzheimer’s, may have trouble swallowing pills. In this case, ask the pharmacist if the medicine can be crushed or taken in liquid form. Here are other ways to make sure medicines are taken safely:

Keep all medications locked up.

Check that the label on each prescription bottle has the drug name and dose, patient’s name, dosage frequency, and expiration date.

Taking Care of Yourself: Tips for Caregivers

Taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. Make sure you’re eating healthy, being active, and taking time for yourself.

Caregiving, especially from a distance, is likely to bring out many different emotions, both positive and negative

Although they may not feel as physically exhausted and drained as the primary, hands-on caregiver, long-distance caregivers may still be worried and anxious. Sometimes, long-distance caregivers feel guilty about not being closer, not doing enough, not having enough time with the person, and perhaps even feeling jealous of those who do. Many long-distance caregivers also find that worrying about being able to afford to take time off from work, being away from family, or the cost of travel increases these frustrations. Remember that you are doing the best you can given the circumstances and that you can only do what you can do. It may help to know that these are feelings shared by many other long-distance caregivers—you are not alone in this.

Taking care of yourself if one of the most important things you can do as a caregiver. Make sure you are making time for yourself, eating healthy foods, and being active. Consider joining a caregiver support group, either in your own community or online. Meeting other caregivers can relieve your sense of isolation and will give you a chance to exchange stories and ideas. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Caregiving is not easy for anyone—not for the caregiver and not for the care recipient. There are sacrifices and adjustments for everyone. When you don’t live where the care is needed, it may be especially hard to feel that what you are doing is enough and that what you are doing is important. It often is.

For More Information About Caregiver Health

Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106

[email protected] www.caregiver.org

This content is provided by the NIH National Institute on Aging (NIA). NIA scientists and other experts review this content to ensure it is accurate and up to date.