All posts by admin

Food Share of Ventura County joins NBC4’s Annual ‘Help 4 The Hungry’

Food Share of Ventura County is joining NBC4/KNBC’s ‘Help 4 The Hungry’ donation drive, returning for a third consecutive year to support food banks facing a greater than ever need this holiday season to help feed families in need. Demand has skyrocketed during the pandemic leaving neighborhoods and people across Southern California struggling with economic hardships, job losses and homelessness.

Until December 24, individuals can donate $1, $5, $10 or more at Ralphs and Food 4 Less stores upon checkout. People can also make donations by texting H4H to 41444 and follow the prompts.  Donations of any amount are welcomed. All donations collected locally will benefit Food Share of Ventura County and other regional food banks in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura counties.

Commenting on the ‘Help 4 The Hungry’ donation drive, Monica White, President & CEO of Food Share said, “We’re feeding double the number of people we were this time last year – many for the first time. A donation of just $1 dollar allows us to provide 3 meals for our hungry friends and neighbors.”

“NBC4’s ‘Help 4 The Hungry’ returns at a critical time when many across our area are facing overwhelming challenges. We are proud to step up and do our part to ensure millions of meals across Southern California are available to those who need it the most and during these unprecedented times,” said Steve Carlston, NBC4 President and General Manager.

Since 2018, NBC4’s campaign has raised nearly $1 million dollars in cash donations and provided four million meals across the region. This year, the station and Food Share of Ventura County hope to build on the success and make a greater impact.

Throughout the Help 4 The Hungry campaign, NBC4/KNBC will report about food insecurity in Southern California and how donations can make a difference in people’s lives. Audiences can watch the reports during the station’s newscasts that air from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m., at 11:00 a.m. and at 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.  Audiences can also watch the reports through the station’s digital, mobile and OTT platforms.

For more information about how to donate, visit nbcla.com/helpthehungry and follow @nbcla on all social media platforms.

Seasons Catering serves up a healthy portion of Good2Go

Gaby preparing Good2Go heat and serve meals.

In the face of seemingly insurmountable odds, Gabrielle Moes demonstrates how to succeed in business

Seasons Catering began 2020 celebrating its 20th year in business. It was to be a big year with many caterings booked for weddings, corporate events, premieres, and more. Then COVID hit and changed everything. Not one to let herself fall victim to her circumstances, Gabrielle Moes, Founder and CEO of Seasons Catering quickly pivoted, at a time when events and catering were temporarily shut down, to launch Good2Go heat and serve meals, available at www.thegood2go.com.

“I grew up in Ventura and I am deeply connected to this community. We have been through so much already with the Thomas Fire and now COVID,” shares Gabrielle. “I could see in March this was going to be serious and started meeting with my team immediately to begin putting an action plan together. We were ahead of the health standards and have consistently ensured our kitchen exceeds the new COVID regulations.” Then Gabrielle, aka Gaby, turned her attention to keeping her doors open.

She needed to generate a new stream of income. A Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) graduate, 2018 WEV Business of the Year honoree, and recent inductee into the nonprofit’s Million Dollar Club, having reached $1 million in annual revenue – a milestone achieved by less than 2% of woman-owned businesses and less than 4% of male-owned businesses in the United States – Gaby knows how to visualize opportunities.

She started partnering with local non-profits, World Central Kitchen (WCK) and Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA). Her team began preparing and delivering 1,400+ hot and healthy meals weekly for homebound seniors and frontline workers at a variety of county hospitals including Ventura County Medical Center. “From the beginning of COVID, Seasons Catering was there when we needed them most, delivering quality meals to our tireless medical staff,” said Amy Towner, Chief Executive Officer for Health Care Foundation for Ventura County. “Entrepreneurs like Gaby are how America was built. Gaby’s creativity and grit alongside her business acumen has debuted the heart of Ventura County businesses ability to navigate such a tumultuous disruption like COVID,” continued Towner.

As Seasons Catering continued to deliver community meals, Gaby began thinking about how to get her food into her neighbor’s homes. “As I saw more and more ordering take-out, I thought, ‘how can we provide our locally farm fresh, chef-crafted meals to people in a way they can enjoy our food at home with minimal preparation?’” Enter, Good2Go heat and serve meals.

Crafted by chefs, Good2Go is built on the principle that food is meant to be loved and shared. The company’s generously portioned meals, prepared with local farm-fresh ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, offer an easy heat & serve solution for your table at a great value. As a local woman-owned business, Seasons Catering proudly shares its love of food through Good2Go’s curbside pick-up and supportive community-based programs. Client favorites include pork-katsu ramen, chicken pot pie with a flakey cream cheese crust, and our seasonal berry shortcake with whipped cream, all made from scratch. “It is going very well,” commented Suzzi Koenig, Seasons Catering General Manager. “I’m excited that soon we will offer doorstep delivery of Good2Go heat and serve meals, which our clients have been asking for.”

Seasons Catering with unwavering leadership from Gabrielle Moes is winding down their 20th anniversary year. It’s certainly one they’ll always remember. And we’ll remember that when the chips were down, Seasons Catering saw the glimmer of hope that makes American businesspeople such a force. To learn more, please visit www.seasonscateringca.com.

SEEAG launches $15,000 “Give The Gift of Agriculture Challenge”

Teaching a class at Petty Ranch to elementary school students.

An anonymous donor has stepped forward and will match all donations up to $15,000 for every dollar donated to Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG). The “Give the Gift of Agriculture – Double Your Impact Challenge” runs through December 31 with a total fundraising goal of $30,000.

SEEAG’s agricultural education programs have reached over 54,000 elementary school students in Southern California through classroom learning and free farm field trips to SEEAG’s Farm Lab in Saticoy. The programs teach schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland.

Donations will go to support Farm Lab, which has now moved to live online presentations. The Zoom classes are in three, 45-minute modules: an introduction to agriculture, plant and insect science, and water and soil science. The presentations are for third grade classes and are aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

“We hope to return to in-class learning and begin offering our farm field trips later this year. Until then, we are very grateful to our donors and their support as SEEAG creates new ways to reach children with our message despite COVID restrictions,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG founder/CEO. “Understanding the impact of eating healthy is more important than ever as kids spend more time at home and exercise less. It’s all about making healthy choices.” To date, nearly 800 third graders and 26 teachers have signed up to participate in online Farm Lab this school year.

Donors of $100 will receive a jar of Bennett’s Honey. Donations can be made by going to seeag.org/give.

To learn more about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org, Facebook www.facebook.com/SEEAG.org or contact Maranville at [email protected], 805-901-0213.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program based in Ventura County teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 54,000 elementary school students in Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

SEAson’s greetings from Ventura Harbor

Foto: Santa gave the reindeers the day off.

Ventura Harbor tops the list of magical, coastal destinations you’ll want to visit with your loved ones this holiday season. Not only are the seaside views stunning, but also there is an array of safe activities and SEAsonal experiences the whole family will enjoy. 

Dine along the waterfront on scenic covered patios and enjoy quality cuisine offerings from around the world. Meander the vibrant Ventura Harbor Village with unique shops and find one-of-a-kind art from Ventura’s local creatives. Take an electric boat across the calm waters of the marina and try to spot a barking sea lion. Cozy up to watch the sunset on one of three sprawling Ventura Harbor beaches.

The already picturesque harbor will shine even brighter with its’ display of ocean-inspired holiday decorations decking the halls from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. See sparkling blue, aqua, and green beachy hues, spiraling sea pearls, whimsical colorful trees, bountiful wreaths, and other dazzling décor that bounces off the marina waters. After a fresh seafood dinner or a warm cup of handcrafted clam chowder, dusk is the prime time to stroll through Ventura Harbor Village’s twinkling courtyards. 

Spoil yourself with sweet treats, like chocolates, baked goods, and pastries – all hand-made from scratch daily! When the sugar rush hits, zoom around the Village to take care of shopping for everyone on your gift list. From creative socks, hats, soaps, mermaid merch, and winter sweaters, to gift certificates for dive lessons, handmade pottery, and escape room experiences – there is a little bit of everything for every personality. Tis’ the season pamper yourself and loved ones with a modern nail studio, hair salon, hair extension services, as well as message therapy. 

Once you step foot in Ventura Harbor Village, the illuminated outdoor attraction will bring so much joy that you will not want to leave. 

Celebrate the SEAson seaside at Ventura Harbor! For more information Visit VenturaHarborVillage.com and follow along on social media @venturaharbor!

California based bike and business service launched

Ventura resident and bicycle enthusiast, John Darling, has launched a fledgling website called Bike Rack Locations (www.bikeracklocations.com) which will assist the growing bicycle riding population find bike-friendly businesses.

His website’s goal is to help cyclists all across America locate firms that have bike racks on or very near their property. Darling stated, “People who ride bikes like to patronize businesses where they can easily lock up their bikes without having to look for a tree, signpost, cart rack, or other spaces to use to secure their bikes. With the growing number of bike riders, having a convenient bike rack at your business is as essential as having a parking lot.”

Right now, bicycle riding is at an all time high due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is spurring people to find new, safer, ways to get their exercise and to get around town.

According to Bicycling Magazine, the pandemic driven demand for bicycles has created a shortage of new bicycles that will last through all of next year and possibly into 2022 https://www.bicycling.com/news/a34587945/coronavirus-bike-shortage).

All business can list their company on bikeracklocations.com for a flat fee of $25.00 per year, bike, bike related businesses get a discounted rate of $15.00 per year, while libraries and nonprofit organizations can have their locations listed for free.

Audubon featuring David L. Sherer

Florida Scrub-Jays are non-migratory, cooperatively breeding birds endemic to fire-maintained Florida scrub habitat. Lifetime reproductive success is highest among individuals breeding in habitat that has burned within the last 10 years. However, such habitat is scarce and competition for it as breeding space is likely intense.

David L. Sherer holds a BS in Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Conservation Biology from Tennessee Tech University and an MS in Biology from the University of Central Florida. David investigated how an individual’s behavioral phenotype and the quality of habitat in which they were raised influenced exploratory behavior on a landscape consisting of habitat in various fire-history stages.

This program is an outgrowth of his master’s thesis: Variation in Prospecting Behavior and Drivers of Post-Fire Habitat Preference Among Juvenile Florida Scrub-Jays.

At 7:00 PM via Zoom . (Please visit website www.venturaaudubon.org for meeting link)

Vol. 14, No. 05 – Dec 2 – Dec 15, 2020 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
The Pack – Amazon Originals

4 out of 4 palm trees

Focusing on the incredible bond between dogs and their owners, The Pack follows 12 dogs and their owners as they travel the globe on an adventure similar to the Amazing Race doggie style. Two teams, Blue Team and Green Team, were randomly selected by finding tug toys with bandannas inside that represented each team colors, and were tasked for various tug, fetch and scent work challenges for the grand prize of $500,000 for the winning team and an additional $250,000 for their favorite pet charity.

Hosted by Olympic Gold Medal Skier Lindsay Vonn and her dog Lucy, each day begins with a Leader of the Pack Challenge, where the teams select a specific dog and owner for an individual task for a clue to the location of the fetch point. Upon completion, pack teams race to the fetch point where there are pack challenges and the first pack arriving gets to choose. The challenges relate to local history and traditions, which educate the viewers on different cultures around the globe. The losing pack faces an elimination challenge against the members of their own team to determine who would have to go home each show.

Prior to filming the series, all the dogs and owners spent time in Los Angeles training on tug, fetch and scent work tasks using birch oil. They flew on a first class private jet around the world for the comfort of the dogs and their owners and there were Dog Safety teams and veterinarians whose number one priority was dog safety and making sure they are never stressed out as they circled the globe starting in Los Angeles, then Mexico City, Costa Rica, Vienna, Florence, Switzerland, Paris, London, with the finals back in the US in the Utah.

The dogs were incredible seeming thrilled with all the helicopter rides, repelling, zip lining, paddleboarding, riding ATVs, whitewater rafting, and even did mock earthquake and avalanche rescues. They also served meals in fancy restaurants while wearing waiter costumes and carried food through local marketplaces with special dog pouches similar to those carried at farmers markets.

The owners and dogs were all from over the US, with many different dog breeds competing and included: Mark LeBlanc & Ace (Australian Shepard) – Utah mountains, Kioni ‘Kentucky’ Russel Gallahue & Derby (Golden Doodle) – San Diego, Vania Zuniga & Jax – (Red Golden Retriever) Long Beach, Lucy Riles & Duchess (Black Lab) Los Angeles, Chelsey Lowe & Gryffin – Newport Beach, Brian Calvert & Dixie – (Bluetick Coonhound) Indiana, Josh White & Snow (Standard Poodle) West Hollywood, Mitra Najibeh Yosri & Bozley – Los Angeles, Chism Joe Johnson & Kepo – Oklahoma, Daniel Reese & Allister U.S. Navy, Donna Modafferi & Charlie – New York (Snoodle – Dog actor) and Linh Iacoca & Chance (Chihuahua) – Brooklyn, NY.

Not only did the winning duo received a total of $750,000, in addition the show donated an additional $250,000 during production to multiple animal charities and rescue organizations in the countries in which they filmed. Viewers of all ages will enjoy this heartwarming dog version of the amazing race where instead of friends or family members it’s special people with man’s best friend – their dog.

10 Episodes – 50 minutes

Senior News Line

Virtual art classes can open up new areas of interest.

by Matilda Charles

With most of us spending most of our days at home, it’s time for us to take advantage of the internet. Here are some resources that can enrich our lives.

Inquire at the local senior center about any exercise classes online. Some classes will be live on Zoom and others will be videos that the instructors record and post on the center’s website. If they’re not hosting any classes, search online for “seniors exercise at home” and look for some that are produced by other senior centers.

Virtual art classes can open up new areas of interest and reveal talents you didn’t know you had. Better yet, if you’re a beginner or are exploring a new art medium, look for videos that you can review over and over. Look online for free art classes online for seniors.

Exercise and art aren’t the only free classes you’ll find online. Yoga and tai chi, sewing, baking and cake decorating, creative writing, a new language — if it can be done online, there’s a class for it somewhere.

And don’t forget Class Central (www.classcentral.com). Check the website for a list of MOOCS (massive open online courses). There 15,000 different free and low-cost classes in its searchable database from colleges and universities around the world. Imagine taking a philosophy course from the University of Edinburgh or Introduction to Classical Music via Yale University. (I put art history into its search box and got back 165 results.) Read the details for any class you’re considering. It will tell you if the class is self-paced, whether it’s free to audit, the class level and how much time per week you can expect to spend on the work, as well as reviews from other students.

Winter is fast approaching, but at least we’re no longer getting those constant election phone calls, and the endless calls about signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan have ceased. The one thing that hasn’t gone away is the coronavirus, and our lives are nowhere back to normal. After we’ve baked yet another loaf of pandemic bread and can log on to a Zoom neighborhood chat with our eyes closed, it’s time to look for other things to do.

Here are some of the things I’m checking into to stay busy (and indoors) this winter:

Becoming a remote reading tutor for a child. This would be done via the school’s chat program, so there’s no risk of transmission of the virus. A school aide will send me links to copied pages of books that my assigned child is learning to read, and we’ll hook up while he or she is at school.

Growing plants with grow lights. I’ve arranged shelving in a spare room with space for plenty of plants, both houseplants and herbs. The plan is to have a mixture of small houseplants such as pothos and spider plant, and give them as gifts to neighbors once they are big enough to divide. With fingers crossed, I’m also going to try growing English ivy and asparagus fern from seed.

Experimenting with pottery. I’ve been curious about air-dry pottery, so I’ve ordered 10 pounds of white modeling clay and a smaller package of terra cotta. The reviews say it’s good for sculpting and doesn’t require a kiln or baking in the oven. If it works, I’m thinking of creating jewelry and painting them with acrylics or trying to produce miniatures of famous sculptures from museum websites. (Rodin’s “The Thinker” seems appropriate right about now.)

These projects should keep me busy over the winter. How about you?

(c) 2020 King Features Synd., Inc.

New survey finds pandemic major contributor to half of older adults giving up hope  

“We have all been isolated from friends and family during the pandemic”

Independa, innovators of the award-winning TV-based social engagement, education and care platform, announced the results of a commissioned U.S. consumer survey, finding COVID-19 has had a critical impact on older adults’ mental health and physical health.

The results detail alarming new statistics about older adults abusing prescription drugs and alcohol, feeling despondent and being at an increased risk of committing suicide since COVID-19. On the positive side, the survey found older adults have largely exercised COVID-19 safety precautions, significantly limiting the amount of times they leave home.

The nationwide survey of 1,000 American adults with an older adult parent (over 70) who lives alone found that during COVID-19:

  • Three out of four (77%) are abusing prescription drugs
  • Nearly two-thirds (65%) are abusing alcohol
  • Over half (54%) have a diminished will to live
  • Nearly half (49%) are believed to be at increased risk for self-harm/suicide
  • 70% of older adults ventured outside their home fewer than 15 times (14% haven’t left home once)

“We have all been isolated from friends and family during the pandemic, but no demographic suffers more than our older adults,” said Kian Saneii, founder and CEO of Independa. “The survey we commissioned shows just how badly our older adults are failing to thrive in isolation leading to significant health risks to an already vulnerable population.”

Other interesting findings from the survey include:

  • Over half of men (51%) are at an increased risk of suicide and self-harm, compared to 37% of women
  • 76% are experiencing mental health decline
  • 68% are experiencing physical health decline
  • 88% are more isolated from loved ones
  • Out of all interactions, 53% report their parent misses “seeing their face” the most
  • Over half (53%) feel forgotten about
  • 85% of adult children of older adults feel considerable guilt about not being able to do more for their parent
  • Half (50%) believe video chat is the next best option to in-person visits for connecting with their parent

“Sadly, and untenably, as older adults dramatically reduce social engagement in support of COVID-19 protocols, they risk serious mental health issues,” Saneii added. “As humans, we need social connectivity, and as a compassionate society and species, we can and must do better to protect our older adults without further exacerbating their already prevalent challenges of isolation and loneliness.”

Vol. 14, No. 05 – Dec 2 – Dec 15, 2020 – Forever Homes Wanted

I’m: Murray, a 10-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier / Great Dane X who was rescued from Animal Services. I’ll always be grateful to the people who rallied me to get me saved and to C.A.R.L. for accepting me into their program. I’m an older gentleman who just wants a warm cozy bed and a family who will love and take care of me for the rest of my life.

I’m a happy boy who is very friendly. I enjoy being outside in the yard being loved and getting treats of course. My back legs are a little gimpy, but that doesn’t stop me from getting around and running around.

If you have room in your heart and home for handsome me, please fill out an online application to meet me. CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Rosie was left behind when her owner moved. Understandably and not unusual for a little Chihuahua, Rosie is terrified in the kennel environment. Our staff has been spending time with her and found that with a little understanding and love, Rosie comes out of her shell. She loves getting on a lap, being petted and belly rubs. Rosie walks well on a leash and just needs someone who will give her a day or so to relax in a home to feel safe. Ventura County Animal Services Rosie A762484