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Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – The Pet Page

∙SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income households with cats and dogs.

Certified “Therapy” Dogs Herbie, Livi, Jock and Mickey at CMHS making patients feel wonderful.

Two upcoming clinics in January are:

Shiells Park, in the parking lot, located at 649 C St., Fillmore, 93015, on Wednesday, January 22nd and a second one on Wednesday, January 29th, at SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main).

Please call to schedule an appointment (805) 584-3823.

∙The American Kennel Club announced two new dog breeds: the barbet and dogo Argentino

Barbet

by Leah Asmelash, CNN

This decade is off to a paws-itive start, with the recognition of two new dog breeds by the American Kennel Club.

The AKC, the world’s largest purebred dog registry, announced Tuesday that the Barbet and Dogo Argentino are joining the list of its recognized breeds.

The Barbet (pronounced “bar-BAY”) is a water dog from France and joins the “sporting” group, according to the AKC. It’s a smart and friendly dog with, most importantly, a soft, curly coat perfect for maximum petting and snuggling.

“The Barbet is loyal and loves to be near its owners,” wrote the AKC online.

Dogo Argentino

The Dogo Argentino is a slightly different vibe. A hunting dog developed in Argentina, hence its name, the dog was originally developed to hunt large animals such as boars and mountain lions, according to the AKC. It’s classified in the “working” group.

“Dogos are confident, courageous, loyal and affectionate with their family,” the AKC says of the breed.

But, the organization warns, they aren’t for the new dog owner because of their “strong guarding instincts” and territorial tendencies. Described as “powerful and athletic,” the breed is perfect for the exercise-holics among us, as they require lots of daily exercise and interaction with people.

They also require a bit of maintenance — their short, white coat needs a weekly brushing, the AKC says.

For a breed to be recognized by the AKC, there must be a minimum of 300 to 400 dogs from the breed in at least 20 states, the group writes. There must also be an established breed club, consisting of owners and breeders, behind the dog. The dog breed can then be eligible to compete in the Miscellaneous Class, where dogs typically spend upwards of three years. From there, the breed can get recognized officially, which means it’s eligible to participate in AKC events and affiliated clubs.

With the addition of the Barbet and Dogo Argentino, the AKC has 195 recognized breeds.

∙Many of the 45 presidents of the United States have been animal lovers, with pet choices far beyond the ordinary run of cats and dogs. Some were given exotic pets by foreign dignitaries, with President John Quincy Adams keeping an alligator in a bathtub.

President Martin van Buren fought Congress to keep two tiger cubs.

Other presidents have bought farmyard animals to live on the grounds of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue: Woodrow Wilson had a flock of sheep, and JFK’s daughter had a pony.

Many of the residents of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue have been animal lovers, with the hallowed presidential tradition of keeping a pet in the White House stretching back to its very first occupant, John Adams.

The most popular pet by some way is a dog, owned by 30 of the 45 presidents.

Some have even gone on to be famous in their own right — Barack Obama’s dog Bo was a frequent star of White House photo ops.

But some presidents have brought somewhat more exotic pets with them to the White House, with Theodore Roosevelt and Calvin Coolidge owning a large menagerie during their times.

∙Among the thousands of firefighters battling the catastrophic Australia bushfires, there have been four-legged furry heroes employed with a job of their own.

Dogs are being employed to rescue koalas during the fires, and with the flames expected to continue on for months, they’re only just getting started. It is estimated that a billion animals have been destroyed.

Ryan Tate and his pup Taylor searched for koalas injured in the bush fires. 4-year-old Taylor, has rescued eight koalas since September, according to Tate.

Like most detector dogs, Taylor uses her snout to sniff out koala fur. In perfect conditions, she is able to locate the koalas wherever they may be because their smell drops down from trees.

On days with difficult conditions, such as high winds, Taylor searches for koala poop to identify where they have been, and human experts can then come in and scan the appropriate trees.

Koalas are vital to Australian wildlife, but are right now on their way to becoming extinct.

Our very own (even though officially in Santa Paula)The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation said in a statement that search dogs can sniff out scents most humans can’t detect, making their noses “a critical, life-saving tool to help the koala population survive.” The Foundation trains search dogs for every possible condition and disaster.

∙About 23% of Americans polled by the Consumer Technology Association said they planned to purchase pet-related technology as a holiday gift, according to an October report, and the number of pet tech products shipped during the fourth quarter of last year was expected to be 60% higher than in the fourth quarter of 2018. Products include automatic food or water dispensers, automatic pet doors, and pet monitoring systems.

Family activities for fun and good health

Being physically active with your family is a great way to stay healthy and make exercise fun. And being physically active can be more fun when you’re with someone you love.

Whether you play team sports with the entire family or take brisk walks with your spouse, child, or grandchild, you’ll be rewarded with improved health and time spent together.

Grandparents and grandchildren playing basketball together and smiling

Family gatherings are the perfect time for team sports and outdoor activities.

Choose teams for softball, basketball, or kickball.

Sign up for family tournaments to play tennis, bowling, or volleyball.

Go biking, jogging, or hiking at a nearby park.

If you live near water, try sailing, canoeing, or rafting.

Family members can make great exercise buddies.

Take yoga or water aerobics classes.

Ping pong is fun for a twosome or a foursome.

Our pets are family, too! Brisk walks with a canine buddy are healthy for both of you.

Be Active with Your Grandchildren!

Build a healthy lifestyle that includes your grandchildren. Start being active together when your grandchildren are young. Pretty soon, it will be a regular part of your life and theirs! Go4Life has activity ideas for children of all ages:

Infants and Toddlers

  • Take them for walks in the stroller and rides on your bike. Don’t forget your helmets.
  • Play games that get your bodies moving—Wheels on the Bus, Pretend We’re Animals, and Hide-and-Seek.
  • Sign up for baby yoga or exercise classes.
  • Try baby-friendly swimming classes.

School-Aged Children

  • Walk to the park and push their swing.
  • Jump rope together.
  • Build a fort—indoors or out.
  • Play catch, kickball, basketball, or soccer.
  • Go swimming or biking together.
  • Play a video fitness game together and see who wins!

Teens and Young Adults

  • Participate in activities that interest them. Try hiking, skating, or tennis.
  • Go golfing or swimming. Invite them to join you in physical activities that require two people, such as tennis or ping pong.
  • Ask them to help you in the garden or with heavy-duty household chores.

Yearly “Wellness” visits

If you’ve had Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan. Your provider may also perform a cognitive impairment assessment.

Your costs in Original Medicare

You pay nothing for this visit if your doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment.

The Part B deductible doesn’t apply.

However, you may have to pay coinsurance, and the Part B deductible may apply if:

Your doctor or other health care provider performs additional tests or services during the same visit.

These additional tests or services aren’t covered under the preventive benefits.

What it is

The cognitive impairment assessment is performed to look for signs of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

The personalized prevention plan is designed to help prevent disease and disability based on your current health and risk factors. Your provider will ask you to fill out a questionnaire, called a “Health Risk Assessment,” as part of this visit. Answering these questions can help you and your provider develop a personalized prevention plan to help you stay healthy and get the most out of your visit. It can also include:

A review of your medical and family history.

Developing or updating a list of current providers and prescriptions.

Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements.

Detection of any cognitive impairment.

Personalized health advice.

A list of risk factors and treatment options for you.

A screening schedule (like a checklist) for appropriate preventive services. Get details about coverage for screenings, shots, and other preventive services.

Advance care planning

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – Opinion/Editorial

∙Interesting facts about Ventura from the 2019 State Of The Region Report by Ventura County Civic Alliance (comparing Ventura County cities).

Ventura is third in annual per pupil spending ($10,967). Fillmore number one at $12,146.

Number eight in owner-occupied homes (46%).

Number five in average monthly apartment rent ($1,823). TO is number one.

Number one in miles of bike lanes.

Not a desired number but has the highest homeless count. Just a little above Oxnard.

Also, not a desired number one – has highest crime rates per 1,000 population. Oxnard is number two.

∙Happy to say (because Venturan’s enjoy the venue) that Oxnard’s City Manager Alexander Nguyen has announced the Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (PACC) has concluded negotiations with the City of Oxnard to keep part of the facility open through March 1.

Negotiations are also being finalized between Oxnard and nonprofit OPACC for long-term management and the possible new operator of the center, Sterling Venue Ventures. Sterling Venue is the owner of multiple entertainment venues including The Canyon in Agoura Hills and Libbey Bowl in Ojai. The main 1,600-seat auditorium is closed right now.

∙A retiree, 71-year old Carl Butz, has canceled an around-the-world trip to save California’s oldest weekly newspaper, the Mountain Messenger, which was set to shut down when its publisher/editor, Don Russell, 70, retires this month. The paper began in 1853 as a twice-per- month publication. Carl is taking over the Mountain Messenger, which is based out of his hometown of Downieville and covers two rural counties northeast of Sacramento.

If any retiree’s wants to cancel their vacation and take over the Ventura Breeze maybe it is time for me to take up skydiving and relax.

∙The low-flying helicopters that have been flying over Ventura are not a government conspiracy, as I’m sure some think (like contrails). It is Southern California Edison inspecting its equipment. During the last few months Edison crews have inspected more than 30,500 lines, poles, transformers, cross-arms, insulators and other equipment.

∙I feel so lucky. I was in my car and heard an ad for a product that I wanted to purchase. But in order to get the super deal, I had to call within 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it took me an hour to get home. When I did get home, they still let me spend my money and buy it. Isn’t life wonderful?

∙Between mandatory lessons being dropped from Common Core in 2010 and the continued advancement (if this is what this really is) of technology, cursive writing being used in our day-to-day lives is dying. Apparently, the signing of checks will be a thing of the past. As will most human contact.

A bill proposed by Assemblywoman Angela McKnight, D-Hudson New Jersey, is hoping to guarantee students still learn how to write and read in cursive by requiring that schools add it back to the elementary school curriculum.

McKnight stated there is research that supports that learning cursive can help children across the board with their “cognitive, motor and literacy skills, and may help students with learning disabilities like dyslexia read and write with greater ease.” She said cursive is practical, calling it “a vital skill children will need for the rest of their lives.”

∙ By not acting on it, the Supreme Court has agreed that unless cities have a place for the homeless to live they must allow them to sleep on city property (don’t worry, not on your property) ,which I certainly agree with.

From an article in the LA Times: “In any case we’re heartened the message has been sent that homelessness is not a crime and that solutions to the problem must be found that do not violate the rights and most basic needs of the homeless. We hope the Boise decision will move the conversation and the planning away from enforcing ordinances to getting more shelter and housing online quickly.”

The Ventura shelter is having a grand-opening on January 23, from 11am-2:30pm. 2323 Knoll Dr.

∙Before entering the realm of politics, who do you think said this? I won’t give any hints.

“In order to get elected, President Obama will start a war with Iran.”

“A 22-year-old man faces several charges after police say an assault-style rifle he had possession of went off in the back seat of a car, killing the driver. Loved ones are mourning the loss of Annalysa McMillan, who was shot and killed five days after she turned 19. Police say McMillan was driving her car Tuesday afternoon in Marion, Indiana, when she was shot in the back. She later died from her injuries.”

Hopefully this year the government will underwrite research (it is in the works) on firearm violence. If approved, it would set aside $25 million for the National Institute of Health and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to fund research on safer gun ownership, violence and suicide prevention.

Regardless of how one feels about gun ownership we cannot continue to have so many gun deaths – the majority of which are committed by people who know each other. The constitution “may” guarantee gun ownership, but it doesn’t guarantee people killing each other with guns for no good reason. Some understanding of gun killings might help prevent so many senseless killings. They must stop.

∙Even though it is for the entire county, you might want to read the Draft Environmental Impact Report (general plan) available and submit any thoughts/concerns that you have about its recommendations that might impact our region. You can view it at https://vc2040.org.

Assessing changes in memory and function

by National Institute on Aging

If you do not see an aging friend or relative often, changes in his or her health may seem dramatic. In contrast, the primary caregiver might not notice such changes or realize that more help, medical treatment, or supervision is needed. Or, the primary caregiver might not want to accept the fact that the health of his or her spouse or parent is failing. Sometimes a geriatric care manager or other professional is the first to notice changes.

For families dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia, it can be easier to cover for the person—doing things for him or her, filling in information in conversations, and so on—than to acknowledge what is happening.

As a caregiver, you can provide support by helping an aging friend or relative get the care they need.

A few good questions to help you start the conversation with the primary caregiver are:

If you thought there might be a change in Aunt Joan’s condition, whose opinion would you seek?

I didn’t notice Dad repeating himself so much the last time I was here. Do you remember when it started?

Forgetfulness: Normal or not? infographic icon. Click through for full text.

Read and share this infographic to learn whether forgetfulness is a normal part of aging.

Some changes may not be what you think. Occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily indicate dementia. Before you raise the issue of what needs to be done, talk to your parent and the primary caregiver about your concerns.

Try not to sound critical when you raise the subject. Instead, mention your particular worry, for example, “Mom, it looks like you don’t have much food in the house—are you having trouble getting to the store?” and explain why you are asking. Listen to what the primary caregiver says about the situation and whether he or she believes there are problems.

Discuss what you think could be done. For example, you could ask:

Would you like me to arrange to have groceries delivered on a regular basis?

Do we need to get a second opinion about the diagnosis?

Can you follow the medication schedule?

Would you like some help with housework?

Try to follow your suggestions with practical help, and give specific examples of what you can do. For example, you might arrange to have a personal or home health aide come in once a week. You might schedule doctors’ appointments or arrange for transportation.

In some cases, you may have to be forceful, especially if you feel that the situation is unhealthy or unsafe. Do not leave a frail adult at risk. If you have to act against the wishes of your parent or the primary caregiver, be direct and explain what you are going to do. Discuss your plan, and say why you are taking action.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – Ojai News & Events

Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, January 30, 2020. The concert will begin at 12pm in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

On Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 2 pm, retired Park Ranger Carol Peterson will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a special talk entitled Island of the Blue Dolphins: Discover the True Story That Inspired the Book. This is a presentation for young readers and their families.

Attendees will explore a new Channel Islands National Park website to learn more about the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, the Native American woman whose life inspired Scott O’Dell to write the award-winning novel. Visit the site at www.nps.gov/islandofthebluedolphins.

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

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

On Saturday evening, February 8, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ojai native plant educator Lanny Kaufer will lead a plant identification Full Moon Sunset Herb Walk to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where the group can watch the moon rise at 5:15 p.m. and the sun set at 5:25 p.m. Following the walk, participants are invited to enjoy an optional “after-party” at Ojai Valley Brewery and Azu Restaurant where brewmaster Jeremy Haffner crafts beers with the same local native plants they just visited.

After completing online registration, those participating will receive an email with instructions to meet at the Park-and-Ride lot in downtown Ojai between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. and carpool to the trailhead to minimize the crowded parking situation there.

From there all attendees are invited to join Lanny and his wife Rondia at 6:45 p.m. across the street at Azu Restaurant and Ojai Valley Brewery.

Register now at HerbWalks.com by calling 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days prior. No dogs or smoking, please.

Leslie Marcus, of Ojai, will show her work throughout January at Poppies Art and Gifts. A reception with the artist will take place Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija Street, Ojai.

Marcus will show her collection of hand-painted 55-in. scarves, which can be used as shawls or body wraps. In addition, she will display oil on canvas paintings. Her motifs feature flowers, hearts and sensual women.

Mrs. Shirley Bradshaw feels stuck in the same old house with the same boring husband. When she accepts an invitation to join a friend in Greece, she discovers somebody she forgot about: her true self, Shirley Valentine. The Ojai Art Center Theater’s 2020 season takes off with this life-affirming production, January 24 through February 16.

From Tony award-winning playwright Willy Russell (Educating Rita and Blood Brothers), Shirley Valentine inspires every woman who ever found herself frustrated with her life. Shirley contends with her own empty-nester syndrome, coupled with her husband Joe’s obsessive-compulsive disorder. On a Greek beach overlooking sparkling water, Shirley encounters a vastly different lifestyle complemented by romantic spice. The experience opens a window to her long-lost identity.

The one-woman show stars Anna Kotula, who worked with director Steve Grumette to combine the depth of a seminal female character with a humorous self-deprecating housewife. Anna produced the show with Richard Sven Shelgren, and incorporated set design by Bianca Rice.

NIA’s 2020 vision: Continued advancements in aging research!

by Dr. Richard Hodes Office of the Director (OD).

Ready for a new year of tackling the many opportunities and challenges in research on aging related biology, diseases and wellness? NIA is off to another monumental start: Our FY2020 budget indicates continued congressional support for our work that is enabling unprecedented advances, including efforts to combat Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD). Specifically, this year’s budget includes a 3.3 percent increase in NIA’s general appropriation plus an additional $350 million designated for AD/ADRD, bringing NIA’s total budget to $3.5 billion and the NIH-wide spending target for AD/ADRD to $2.818 billion.

With these increases, NIA remains, budget-wise, the fourth largest of the 27 NIH Institutes and Centers, and the largest public funder of AD/ADRD research in the U.S.

To sustain the momentum, it is absolutely essential to increase the number and diversity of participants in AD/ADRD clinical trials. NIA’s substantial recruitment and retention efforts are designed to enhance efforts in this area nationwide.

We are also strengthening our support for research to help those living with AD/ADRD and their caregivers. Our work this year will include hosting the National Research Summit on Care, Services, and Supports for Persons with Dementia and Their Caregivers in Bethesda March 24 and 25. Of note, the draft findings of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Evidence-based Practice Center Program systematic evidence review on AD/ADRD care/caregiving interventions will be released for public comment during this meeting. Although this reflects only the first step of a two-part study, it will provide initial indications about which interventions are showing promise for wider dissemination and implementation.

On other research fronts, NIA recently hosted an intriguing Geroscience Summit and is exploring additional ways to keep this evolving scientific field moving forward while broadening interest among stakeholder communities. We are building on recent research success in healthy aging, including non-drug interventions for diseases and conditions affecting older people, falls prevention and supporting the health needs of diverse populations of older adults.

NIA is also continuing our emphasis on and making gains in data- and resource-sharing to fortify the research community and amplify the impact of public spending. We look forward to updates on new and existing data resources including the Healthy Cognitive Aging Project, multiple Initiatives and Resources from the Division of Neuroscience, the Health, Aging and Body Composition study, the AgingResearchBiobank, a broad range of Data Resources for Behavioral and Social Research on Aging, the CALERIE Research Network, the Longevity Consortium, the Longevity Genomics Project and others. In addition, our Research Center Collaborative Network remains an important catalyst for interdisciplinary, collaborative aging research nationwide.

These are just some of many examples of the research NIA is supporting toward the ultimate and overarching goal of the right treatments for the right people at the right times to help maintain health and independence as we age.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – Ventura Music Scene

by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

Congratulations to Made West Brewing as they celebrate their four-year anniversary this month, and you know there is no better way to pack the house (other than with their excellent suds) than with live music. On Saturday, January 25, from 11 am to 9 pm they’ll have Sam Kulchin, Brother Earl, Lauren Hall, Peter Blackwelder and Ben Schneid (formerly of Foxtraxx); then on Sunday, January 26, 1 pm to 7 pm, it’s Fire Mist, Milo Sledge Trio and Jade Hendrix.

The Winery Ventura is bringing Blues promoter out of LA, Cadillac Zack, with their first show on Friday, January 17, featuring blues guitar legend, Chris Cain.

50 Sticks of Dynamite is back with new music and a gig at Bombay’s; be sure to get in early to catch their sets from 6-9 pm on Saturday, January 18.

Namba welcomes new executive director, Lorenzo Destefano; Lorenzo is the founder of the Ventura Film Society. There will be an open house meet and greet on Thursday, January 30 from 4-7 pm when you can learn more about Lorenzo’s vision for Namba. Meanwhile this month there are a couple of interesting shows to check out including Dirty Cello out of San Francisco with their blues/bluegrass unique blend of American music on Saturday, January 18; a Celebration of Joni Mitchell featuring Kimberly Ford falls on the following Saturday, January 25. Oh! And what sounds like lots of fun will be a “Grease! Sing-along” on Friday, January 24.

Quick Notes: Golden China’s open mic has moved to the Hong Kong Inn on Tuesdays 6-10 pm (drums and backline provided); Discovery has the English Beat Friday, January 17, and Ozomatli on Saturday, January 18; Leashless Brewing hosts a Singer/Songwriter showcase on Sunday, January 19; there will be a memorial fundraiser for Kanyon Morales on Sunday, January 19, at Oak and Main with the Question, Rising Son, After the Smoke, True Zion, the Ghetto Lions and more; Paradise Pantry’s debut Cabaret Series with Chris Pierce on Sunday, January 19, has sold out; Isla Vista Jazz Trio plays Grapes and Hops on Friday, January 24;
Club Fall takes over the Ventura Beach Club with dark electronic music on Friday, January 24;
get your punk rock fill with Agent Orange at Discovery on Saturday, January 25; and there will be live music at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club on Sunday afternoon, January 26, with Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps.

Two final notes of interest: first, Motown Live at the Rubicon was simply fabulous, now I’m looking forward to the Platters performing this June! And just so you know, there is not a bad seat in the house. And finally, a big congratulations to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on their 3000th show this month! They continue to make Ventura proud!!

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

Reading tutors for adults needed

“Read some more to us grandpa.”

Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program is now recruiting adult volunteer tutors who would like to help other adults in Ventura County improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required and the training is free. The next five-week tutor training series will be starting in February in Ventura and Simi Valley.

The READ program trains adult volunteers to provide free one-to-one reading instruction for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. Ventura County Library is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program.

After completion of the five-week training, tutors will meet with their adult learners at one of the assigned tutoring sites. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners.

Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.

For more information about how you can support literacy and make a difference in someone’s life, call (805) 677-7160.