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Dementia is an umbrella term

Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe conditions affecting the brain that get worse over time. Researchers have connected changes in the brain that damage nerve cells to certain forms of dementia. The five most common forms of dementia are listed below.

Alzheimer’s disease is typically associated with abnormal buildups of proteins in the brain along with a loss of connection among nerve cells.

Vascular dementia is caused by vascular changes in the brain, such as a stroke or injury to small vessels carrying blood to the brain.

Lewy body dementia is typically associated with abnormal deposits of a protein (Lewy bodies) in the brain.

Frontotemporal dementia is often linked to abnormal amounts or forms of proteins and the loss of nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes.

Mixed dementia refers to when someone has a combination of brain changes associated with different forms of dementia, such as both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Find more information on the causes of dementia on Alzheimers.gov.

Vaccinated? COVID Advice Clear as Mud

Senior News Line
by Matilda Charles

If you’re confused about COVID vaccine and when our lives are going to change for the better, you’re not alone.

We’re considered to be fully vaccinated once two weeks have passed after the second dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after the one-dose Johnson & Johnson.

What’s new is this, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: If fully vaccinated, you can be indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. You can meet indoors with unvaccinated people in one household unless one of those people has a health risk. If you’ve been around someone who has COVID, you don’t have to stay away from people or get tested unless you have symptoms … or live in a group setting. In that case, stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

Clear as mud, right?

It gets worse. According to the CDC, as fabulous as this new vaccine is, even if fully vaccinated, we still need to wear masks in public. We still need to social distance. We still need to avoid medium and large crowds. We still need to stay out of poorly ventilated spaces. We should delay travel.

So what’s the holdup? Why are we still under restrictions after getting the vaccine? The best I can figure out is that the answer lies with the COVID variants, the different versions created as the virus mutates. It appears that not all of the vaccines work equally well on all of the variants. Frankly, some of the vaccines work rather poorly, depending on which variant it encounters.

Until scientists figure this out, we still need to be cautious: wear masks, stay away from people, stay out of crowds. Except for getting the vaccine, not much has changed.

A Box of Greeting Cards

A few months ago, I got the idea to send greeting cards to some residents of a local nursing home who were locked down and not allowed to have visitors. It started small: a box of greeting cards and the first names of some of the residents, courtesy of the facility director. The idea has, to put it mildly, expanded.

First there was the call from the facility director wanting to know if I could enlarge my list because the residents were talking among themselves about who got cards and who didn’t.

“Certainly,” I said, and bought more cards.

A further expansion came when a woman called me saying that her mother was in that facility, but her mother-in-law was in another local place, and would I send cards to a few people there as well?

“Certainly,” I said, and bought more cards.

You see where this is going? It wasn’t long before I knew I needed some help. It wasn’t only signing and addressing the cards, it was writing an individual letter to go in each envelope.

I called the guidance counselor at the high school and the ideas just flew. The service club is writing letters; they roped in the art club, which is producing individual drawings and paintings for each nursing home resident. The chorus stepped up and is planning an outdoor concert in the front of each facility when the weather warms up. (At this point they practice their music on Zoom calls.) And two students have initiated a project wherein they’re collecting craft supplies for the therapist at the nursing home to use with the residents.

Does this sound like something you can start in your own area? You can start small. All it takes is a box of greeting cards — and a few ideas.

(c) 2021 King Features Synd., Inc.

Respite care scholarships available to California Central Coast residents

“These funds allow for a caregiver to come in to walk with my sister.”

The Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter announces the availability of a respite care grant as a form of financial assistance to Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Ventura County residents.

This is a reimbursement grant for in-home or adult day services, to be used by family caregivers in need of respite care for their low-income loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.

“COVID-19 has made life challenging for everyone, especially persons with dementia and their caregivers,” said Kathryn Cherkas, director of programs at the Alzheimer’s Association California Central Coast Chapter. “As we’re seeing more COVID-19 vaccines being administered and restrictions lifting a little more, these scholarships can provide a much-needed break for local families impacted by dementia, who may be feeling stressed, overwhelmed and isolated.”

Some local residents have taken advantage of the respite care scholarships and are grateful to receive some much-needed relief.

“These funds allow for a caregiver to come in to walk with my sister,” says a grant recipient who is a primary caregiver for his sister with dementia. “This gives me time for running errands like grocery shopping which requires going on the city bus. It makes life easier for all of us.”

Short-term respite care is used by many caregivers to complete chores or household tasks that are difficult to accomplish otherwise when caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. For others, it is used as time to take a break from the full-time duties and stressors of being a caregiver, allowing them to focus on self-care.

“My mom and I care for my grandmother 24 hours a day,” one caregiver said. “Receiving the respite care grant from the Alzheimer’s Association made a huge difference for our family. Our memories and down time were so renewing!”

Caregivers must meet certain criteria in order to be eligible for the grant. They must be able to pay initial services and will invoice the association for reimbursement; they must have proof of dementia diagnosis; the caregiver and the person with dementia must be U.S. citizens or legal residents of the U.S.; either the caregiver or the person with dementia must have lived in chapter territory (San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties) for 10+ years; and they must provide proof of extreme financial need.

“This is a unique funding opportunity for our chapter, and we are excited about the opportunity to support as many caregivers as we can,” said Cherkas.

The Alzheimer’s Association is available for additional information, support and advice. To learn more or apply for a scholarship, please contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Stimulus payments

by Matilda Charles

A third round of stimulus payments are on their way. But has your second one shown up yet? Next question: Did you file last year’s 2019 taxes on paper instead of e-filing? If so, that might well be the reason you don’t have your money yet.

The IRS got behind on processing the paper tax forms we sent a year ago. If all had gone well, those who were eligible should have received a $600 stimulus check (the second one) by Jan. 29, 2021.

The IRS has a specific page for you to check the status of your stimulus payment, but it’s only good for the third stimulus check. All information for your first and second stimulus money has been removed from their website.

Start with www.irs.gov/coronavirus/get-my-payment and scroll to Get My Payment. Click on it and fill out the information. You’ll go to a page that tells you the status of the payment you’re to receive now, the third payment. If it says that payment information is Not Available, it means you’re not going to receive a payment the easy way (and might be why your second payment is still missing). On the Get My Payment page, click on Frequently Asked Questions to see what applies to you.

Even if you don’t normally file, you’ll need to file for 2020 (preferably e-file) if you want that stimulus money quickly. Look for Line 30 on the Form 1040 or 1040-SR. It’s called the Recovery Rebate Credit. If you received Notice 1444 or 1444B in the mail from the IRS, it will tell you what figures to use.

Assistance League of Ventura County Bargain Box announces grand re-opening May 1

by Pam Eichele, Assistance League Public Relations Chairman

Assistance League of Ventura County is excited to announce the Grand Re-opening of the Bargain Box, located at 3351 Telegraph Road in Ventura, on Saturday, May 1, from 10 am to 4 pm! Members have been busy refurbishing, refreshing and restocking the store. Please stop by and join in the fun! Spin the wheel for a discount or gift! First 100 shoppers get a thank you gift!

Established in 1956, the Bargain Box is an upscale resale shop, operated entirely by volunteer members of Assistance League of Ventura County. For 71 years, Assistance League of Ventura County, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation, has been dedicated to the enrichment of the lives of children in Ventura County and the betterment of their future. Proceeds from sales at the Bargain Box support the many philanthropic programs maintained by Assistance League of Ventura County. Philanthropies include:

Our flagship program, Operation School Bell, provided hygiene kits, school supplies, books, magazines, and Target gift cards this year to fill the needs of 1,344 children in the community.

Assistance League School in Oxnard is a state-certified special education preschool providing educational and assistance to young children who need help with communication skills. During COVID-19, our awesome administrator and teachers never missed a beat, re-vamping their curriculum to meet the needs of their students with monthly lesson packets and on-line learning. Our Properties Committee used the down-time to make much-needed repairs to the school building and playground, which will welcome the children upon their return.

B.U.F.F.Y. Bear is a cuddly bear provided By Assistance League of Ventura County to First Responders and other community partners who need to offer comfort and reassurance to children in a time of crisis. During the pandemic, our Bear supply was exhausted. Never fear! We just received our next shipment of Bears and will be distributing them very soon.

During the pandemic, two additional philanthropies were approved by the Board of Directors:

Working in partnership with Ventura County Children and Family Services, the Care Closet was established. Supplied with donations from Assistance League of Ventura County and other partners, Care Closet provides gently used clothing and household items to Foster families and young adults who have aged out of the Foster program.

The ALVC Scholarship Program provides scholarships to students who excel in the areas of science and engineering.

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in the community? We always welcome new members!

For more information, please visit our website at www.assistanceleagueventuracounty.org

Assistance League of Ventura County is affiliated with the Assistance League, a national organization which consists of 120 chapters throughout the United States, all of whom support their local communities through philanthropy and volunteerism.

CAREGIVERS Faith in Action® Vision for Ventura County

by Carol Leish

According to, Tammy Glenn MBA, Executive Director of CAREGIVERS: “In 1984, from the Robert Wood Johnson’s Faith in Action ®, is what is at the heart of the Volunteer Caregiving Movement. This helped to fuel the early volunteer force behind our communities, which has evolved. Now volunteers are recruited from faith communities, which continue to play an important role. When a community has gaps in services, agencies, organizations and faith communities form a coalition that is committed to ensuring that individuals’ needs for in-home care will be met.”

“Faith in Action ® originated through the interfaith collaboration,” according to, Teri Helton, RN, Community Engagement Coordinator at CAREGIVERS. “And, I am hopeful that it will embrace that model. To that end, all faith communities are welcome to participate, including churches, temples, mosques and gurdwara’s.”

Helton said, “Each congregational collaboration with CAREGIVER’s Faith in Action ® program will be based on what the congregation wants and needs. For example, youth in a congregation may partake in the CAREGIVER’s Building Bridges program to lend a helping hand to older adults in the congregation with their yard work or light housekeeping or maybe cleaning out a garage.”

“Volunteers can become involved and realize the importance of having a Health Ministry or Care Team that can benefit their congregation in order to: 1) Sponsor health-related programs to build healthy communities; 2) Nurture core spiritual values through support groups; 3) Enhance the meaning of life through providing service and volunteering; and, 4) Strengthen congregational and community ties and support through education.”

“The goals of the Faith in Action ®,” according to Helton, “would include: helping the congregations to support their leadership and the individuals in the congregation by linking volunteer services to the older adults and to those with disabilities, while at the same time providing a link for those who would find meaning through volunteering. Health education would also be included, which would provide support through building and/or supporting a health ministry or care team.”

“The Whole person inclusive of the body-mind-spirit of each individual is a prime focus of the Faith in Action ® model,” according to Helton. “We would do this by offering education that promotes whole person health, providing volunteer service and supports to help individuals be all they can be in their own homes; and, encouraging individuals to become volunteers in order to bring meaning to their lives.”

Thus, in summary, according to Glenn: “The impact of Interfaith Volunteer Caregiving is that it is a successful movement that has the potential to continue to change American culture and attitudes towards aging and towards people with disabilities. Thus, we have an opportunity to adopt and celebrate the common threads that unite us and to demonstrate the renewed and powerful resolve that come from Faith in Action ®.”

California Connections Academy accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year

Equipped with expertise in full-time online learning, TK-12 families across California now welcome to apply for enrollment in trusted online public school.

California Connections Academy, a network of tuition-free, online public schools serving students in grades TK-12 across 32 counties, is now accepting applications for new students for the upcoming 2021-22 school year. First established in 2004, the schools were specifically designed for a full-time virtual environment and currently serve more than 6,800 students statewide across six regionally established schools – California Connections Academy Central Valley, California Connections Academy Central Coast, California Connections Academy Monterey Bay, California Connections Academy North Bay, California Connections Academy Ripon and California Connections Academy Southern California.

As an accredited, online public school with 17 years of expertise, California Connections Academy provides students with the continuous support of highly-skilled, state-credentialed teachers and curriculum that focuses on both academics and social-emotional learning. The school’s teachers are specially trained to bring their skills and personality to the virtual classroom and emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful connections with students and their families. A student’s daily learning activities are flexible to meet their needs and families can decide in which order to complete the assigned work.

California Connections Academy students represent a diversity of backgrounds and education histories, ranging from those who are academically ahead or struggling in a traditional school setting to those who experience health challenges or bullying. At California Connections Academy, students have access to advanced courses, extracurricular activities and flexible scheduling that helps them to take ownership of their own educational journey. Students who choose to enroll in the school join a collaborative community of their fellow students and educators that provides a welcoming, distraction-free learning environment.

According to the results of the school’s 2020 Parent Satisfaction survey, 95 percent of parents agree their children are satisfied with the program. Furthermore, 96 percent of parents agree that the school’s technology tools improve their child’s learning experience, and 95 percent agree that the curriculum is high quality.

In addition to the best-in-class curriculum at California Connections Academy, the network of virtual schools offers diverse and modern courses including foreign languages, STEM electives and game design.

Families who are interested in the school can learn more and begin the process for enrolling in the 2021-22 school year by visiting www.CaliforniaConnectionsAcademy.com or calling 800-221-2720.

California Connections Academy is a network of six tuition-free, online public schools, serving students in grades TK-12 throughout 32 counties. Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for For more information, call 1-800-221-2720 or visit the school’s website.

Editor: The Breeze is not endorsing the California Connections Academy but printing this for you to determine if you might have interest in this program.

Vol. 14, No. 15 – April 21 – May 4, 2021 – Scamp Club

Ali is a thuggish dog from Georgia. I (Matt) got him for free out of some fortunate circumstances and some really nice people. He is a year and a half old and loves everything from shadows and reflections to random people and other dogs. He is the sweetest dog I’ve ever had and ever known but I still call him a thug ironically. I love Ali and happy to have him in my life and the lives of my friends and family.

You’re invited to the city’s first general plan virtual workshop

Wondering how to get involved in the City of Ventura’s General Plan? Here is a guide for how to participate in the process and help shape the future of Ventura.

Q: What is a General Plan?
A: The General Plan is often referred to as the “blueprint” for shaping a community’s quality of life for the next 20 to 30 years. It describes a shared vision and identifies long-term strategies to guide decision making. In 2020, the City of Ventura launched the first of many public engagement activities to update the General Plan themed “Our Vision. Our Future.”

Q: Why is it important to update the General Plan now?
A: Cities are not static. They are constantly changing and evolving to meet community needs. The General Plan seeks to build a framework for maintaining Ventura’s unique charm and character, while creating opportunities to enhance the community’s quality of life. In California, every city and county is required to have an updated “General Plan” to guide growth and changes in land use.

Q: What topics are included in the General Plan?
A: The General Plan is a long-range policy document that defines everything that makes our community special. It covers arts, parks, affordable housing, transportation, economic development, climate change and environmental sustainability, public safety, and more.

Q: Who should get involved and how long does it take to update the General Plan?
A: In short, everyone! The General Plan applies to anyone who lives, works, shops, or spends time in our city. It is important to gather a diverse range of input. Because community feedback is significant in the update process, preparing an updated General Plan can take up to three years to complete from start to finish.

Q: How do I find out more information?
A: Visit www.planventura.com, also available in Spanish, for the latest updates on community meetings, workshops, online surveys, and to join the project email list. The public is also invited to attend upcoming workshops or join the General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meetings. For additional questions, send an email at [email protected]

Q: When are General Plan Advisory Committee (GPAC) Meetings?
A: The GPAC is a City Council-appointed advisory body composed of residents, business owners, educators, students, and other members of the community to guide the development of the
General Plan. GPAC meetings are hosted virtually on the third Tuesday of every month and open to everyone in the community!

Q: How can I participate in the workshops?
A: Workshops are a great opportunity for community members to ask questions and learn more about the General Plan Update. The first virtual meeting will be hosted in English and Spanish on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at 6:00 pm. Be sure to follow www.planventura.com/workshops for meeting registration details and agendas.