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Visit Ventura is giving away a host of generous gifts

Foto: The Elf Giveaway is something bigger than the holidays.

nby Visit Ventura

Tis the season to think Elf! As in Visit Ventura’s Elf Giveaway, yes. But also as in mischievous fun, lips-sealed secrets, and the magical Big Picture too.

Now through Christmas Day, Visit Ventura is giving away a host of generous gifts, kindly donated by Ventura’s fun-loving and community-caring businesses. The giveaway works simply. Follow Visit Ventura on Instagram (@VisitVentura) and tag a friend and you’re entered to win two prizes — one for each of you. Winners will be randomly chosen that day. Enter as many times as you want. Elves don’t care much for rules.

And nope, the Visit Ventura Elf won’t tell you what the gifts are, because what elf blabs away secrets? And we should all enjoy a sense of mystery. But, as a holiday gift of sorts, the Visit Ventura Elf will tell you that, in the final happy runup to the finale, she will be giving away two one-night stays at Four Points Sheraton Ventura Beach (December 23), Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach (December 24), and the Ventura Beach Marriott (December 25 — Merry Christmas!)

It’s a fun contest for visitors and residents alike, and the chance to try out new businesses or revisit timeless favorites. Many Visitor Bureaus strictly target, well, visitors. Not Visit Ventura. Ventura’s gifts — Elf and otherwise — belong to residents too. Which is why Visit Ventura sees the Elf Giveaway as something bigger than the holidays, bigger even than elves. It’s a chance to bring a community together. And there can never be enough of that, in any season.

Ventura County Ballet brings Nutcracker Ballet to local elementary students

Emma Steiner, 14, as Clara is menaced by Rat Queen Alyssia Troutman, 16 during a rehearsal.

Nearly 400 students from local elementary schools will get a lesson in music, dance and history all rolled into one when they attend a special performance of “The Nutcracker” by Ventura County Ballet on Friday, December 13, at Ventura College Performing Arts Center at 9:30 AM.

The interactive program features the full first act of the beloved holiday tradition, “The Nutcracker,” danced by more than 80 students of Ballet Academy Ventura, the official school of the Ventura County Ballet. The dancers, ranging in age from 6-16, will be accompanied by the Ventura College Symphony Orchestra, giving the young audience a chance to hear a live orchestra as well as see the dancers up close and personal. The sets and backdrops were hand-painted in Russia and are being used for the first time this year by Ventura County Ballet.

Brett Weidlich, globally-renown dancer and choreographer and current faculty member at Ballet Academy Ventura, will emcee the program, which includes opportunities for students to come on stage and even try out some ballet steps. Teachers from participating schools will receive study manuals in advance to round out the experience, which meets California curriculum standards.

Kathleen Noblin, Ventura Country Ballet Executive Director, explains, “It’s our mission to bring world-class ballet to the community and to bring the joy of dance to children who might otherwise not have the opportunity to experience it. We also hope to ignite a love of dance in young people that may one day serve as a springboard to a university dance program or dance company.”

Ventura County Ballet is presenting its 21st annual Nutcracker this year. Performances are on December 7 and 8 at 2:00 PM at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and at Ventura College on December 13 at 7:00 PM, December 14 at 2 and 7:00 PM and December 15 at 2:00 PM. The Ventura College Symphony Orchestra accompanies all performances.

The Ventura County Ballet is a non-profit organization bringing world class, professional dance performances to our community. We provide top quality instruction to hundreds of young people as a springboard to universities and dance companies. Through scholarships and outreach, they bring the joy of dance to underserved children throughout our area. https://www.venturacountyballet.com/

It all began with a community gathering of volunteer singers

The GCCC performs three concerts each year. Photos by De Schrepper Photography

“Hey gang! Let’s put on a show!” This cheerful cry, reminiscent of a Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical, could have been heard at the inception of the Gold Coast Concert Chorus.

It all began with a community gathering of volunteer singers who joined with a church choir for a performance of Handel’s “Messiah” in 1987. Ventura’s Trinity Lutheran Church was celebrating its 50th anniversary. All singers in Ventura County who wished to participate were invited to join the celebration. Many of the singers enjoyed themselves so much, that they decided to continue to get together on a regular basis.

More than 30 years later, many of those first participants, along with many others, have been performing regularly. Along with three annual concerts, the dedicated volunteers sing for many local events such as the Ventura County Fair, the opening of the newly refurbished Community Memorial Hospital, a candlelit Christmas concert at the Ventura Mission, and at the Veterans Home of California. The group also has taken the “show on the road” performing many concerts in Europe and Hawaii, and twice at Carnegie Hall. Many of the group will be singing again at the iconic venue in 2020!

The GCCC performs three concerts each year: a holiday concert each December, a classical concert in March, and a “pops” concert in June. Currently under the dynamic direction of Ms. Elizabeth Helms, and assisted with dedication and talent by Jessica Helms as many as 90 singers approach the joyful task from various levels of musical talent and experience. Although they are a “non audition” choral group, what they lack in formal musical training, they more that make up for in enthusiasm and dedication.

Tickets are now available for the glorious Holiday concert “Harmony & Hope” which will be Friday, December 13 at 7:30 pm, and Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 pm at the Crosspoint Church, 5415 Ralston Street #6001, Ventura. Tickets are $5 for children, $15 for seniors and students, and $18 for adults. Call 805-616-7269 or order on line at www.GoldCoastChorus.org

3rd annual Christmas Bike Giveaway

Bike giveaway helps children in foster care.

Project Bicycle Love, a local non-profit, is pleased to announce the 3rd annual Christmas Bike Giveaway is underway. In partnership with Coastlands Real Estate Group, this project will provide over 140 children in the foster system with a brand-new bicycle at Christmas. Started as a grassroots project two years ago the need was so large that Project Bicycle Love incorporated this year to serve more children. In the past two years they have given away almost 200 brand new bikes and helmets to kids in the Ventura County foster care system.

Project Bicycle Love works with the County of Ventura as well as local group homes, foster agencies, and foster families to get the names of kids/teens who could benefit from a new bike.
More information about the project can be found at www.bicyclelove.org.

10th Annual Holiday Donation Drive at Kids & Families Together

Is it more fun to pet Charles or Santa?

Kids & Families Together and Heart 2 Heart are conducting their 10th Annual Holiday Donation Drive for the Annual Holiday Gift Away event on Saturday, December 7, from 10am-1pm in Ventura. They will be serving over 200 children with their caregivers in the Ventura County community. Currently seeking donations of pajamas from infant to adult size, blankets, games, art supplies, gift cards for the teens, and drawing items for our give-away. They are there to show the children they care about them and appreciate the caregivers who open their homes to these children. It takes a loving village to raise these children.

The event will be a family fun day, including a picture with Santa, games, arts/crafts, a movie, treats, and each child will be gifted with pajamas, toys, and other donated items for the family!

They are very grateful to our business and community donors and our numerous volunteers who have helped make this event possible! If you would like to donate or volunteer, please visit https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/ or contact Jeni Futvoye, Community Resource Manager at 805-643-1446 ext. 108, [email protected].

They will schedule a donation pick-up or donations can be dropped no later than December 5th at office: Kids & Families Together, 864 E. Santa Clara St., Ventura. Donations can also be purchased from Amazon wish list:  http://a.co/a64QVFd and they accept monetary donations, checks payable to Kids & Families Together, Resource Family Support.
With your help, we will create a wonderful and cozy holiday season for foster/resource, kinship, adopted children with the families we serve.

Ventura serving its seniors

Attend the community meeting to develop a Senior Strategic Plan.

GreenPlay, LLC, the consultant hired to develop a Senior Strategic Plan for the City of Ventura, will be hosting community meetings in early December.

At the meetings the consultant will b sharing the draft findings from the senior needs assessment survey and community meetings held in October. And facilitating a visioning session and gathering additional community input.

Community Meeting #1

Monday, December 9, 2019

City Hall, Community Meeting Room

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Community Meeting #2

Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Ventura Avenue Adult Center

12:30pm – 2:00pm

We hope to see you at one of the meetings!

The Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships Department offers a variety of adult and senior classes, programs, and excursions.

Ventura Avenue Adult Center

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC) offers classes, drop-in activities, the Westside Cafe Senior Nutrition Program, facility rentals, and a variety of free and affordable programs and services.

Location: 550 N. Ventura Avenue

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 9 am-3 pm

Front Desk: 805-648-3035

The City of Ventura Senior Nutrition Program (SNP) is made possible by a financial partnership between the City of Ventura, the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA), and the California Department of Aging (CDA).

The Senior Nutrition Program is comprised of the Westside Cafe and the Home Delivered Meal Program (HDM).

Westside Cafe

Join us Monday through Friday from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm at the Westside Cafe for a nutritious hot entrée, salad, fresh fruit, and vegetables. The suggested donation is $3 per meal for individuals 60 years and older and the fixed price is $6.75 for individuals 59 years and younger.

Location: Ventura Avenue Adult Center, 550 N. Ventura Avenue

Menu: Call 805-648-3035 for details

Home Delivered Meal Program (HDM)

The Home Delivered Meal Program (HDM) is designed for home-bound individuals 60 years and older who live in Ventura. For information on the HDM program, please contact the Senior Nutrition Specialist at the Ventura Avenue Adult Center at 805-648-3035.

Ventura Avenue Adult Center 2016-03
Facility Rental Information

The Ventura Avenue Adult Center is available for business and non-profit meetings as well as private events. The facility includes small, medium, and large meeting rooms in addition to a large banquet hall and patio. The maximum capacity is 150 guests.

For rental inquiries, please contact:
Cheryl Bucklin
Senior Services Coordinator
805-654-7557
Ventura Council for Seniors (VCS)
Senior Strategic Plan

Question, please contact:
Emily Fox
Community Partnerships Manager
City of Ventura
[email protected]
805-658-4793
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Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 – Movie Review

by Cindy Summers
Harriet

Breeze rating from 1 to 4 palm trees, 4 being best.

 

 

 

Harriet is based on the true life story of Harriet Tubman, known historically for her work and leadership in the Underground Railroad that brought slaves to free territories. Released by Focus Features, Directed by Kasi Lemmons, Written by Gregory Allen Howard and Kasi Lemmons, and Starring Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman.

When she was in her early 20’s, Harriet had married a free black man, but her slave owners went against a former agreement and would not allow her to go and live a free life with her husband. She decided then she would be free or die, so committed to escaping, first seeking the advice of her free father who sent her to the local pastor for help.

Harriet was strong in her faith, prayed and talked to God a lot, and it seemed that he tended to listen to her requests. She also had visions of future events which she called spells that helped to guide her throughout her life and was known by her family and those around her to be reliable information.

The pastor told Harriet that fear was the enemy, and that she needed to put all fear aside and follow his directions exactly if she had any chance at escaping. Part of the issue was that like most slaves Harriet could not read, so had to memorize route markers and names given to her by the pastor to make the 100 mile journey to free territory.

Against all odds she arrived in Philadelphia where she met William Still (Leslie Odom Jr.) eventually known as the father of the Underground Railroad, who recorded her slave story and then gave her a new identity from the new name she chose for herself – Harriet (for her mother) Tubman (the surname of her husband). Still helped Harriet to settle into a new free life, but she was lonely, so against his advice she decided to return to bring her husband back to a better life.

Harriet returned to discover her husband had remarried, thinking Harriet had died in her initial escape attempt, so Harriet decided to rescue and free her brothers and their wives, though sadly her sister would not go. Having been successful on her second journey, Still had her inducted into the secret Underground Railroad that was set up by whites and blacks to help slaves escape to freedom.

Harriet would sing from the woods “let my people go” and dozens would run away from the plantations and follow her to freedom. Due to the fact that no one saw her, and she dressed in male clothes, the plantation owners called her Moses (thinking she was a man) and offered increasing rewards for her capture. Harriet was never caught, and herself was responsible for leading 70 slaves across the Underground Railroad to freedom. She also lead 150 troops to free 750 slaves in one single event, and was the first known woman to lead troops into battle.

Cynthia Erivo is outstanding in the role of Harriet, and truly embodies her fierce demeanor in this amazing tale of how one determined woman fearlessly freed herself and thousands of others with her belief that God didn’t intend for people to own people. Harriet is not only an inspiring true story, but also shares some uncommonly known aspects of Harriet Tubman’s life as well as some interesting historical details.

PG-13 (for thematic content throughout, violent material and language including racial epithets)
125 minutes

The Lexington Assisted Living presents the mind altered art of Tom Foxmarnick   

Lexington to present the artwork of prolific artist Foxmarnick.

The Lexington Assisted Living  Executive Director, Eric Terrill, and the staff of the landmark assisted living community at 5440 Ralston St. in Ventura, are excited to present the artwork of prolific artist and Lexington resident Tom Foxmarnick in the Lexington’s Bijou Theater. A meet the artist and exhibit opening is set for Friday, December 6, from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. The public is invited to the opening as well as to the exhibit and sale which will continue through Saturday and Sunday, December 7, 8, from 1:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Admission is free and 20% of all proceeds will be donated to the Parkinson’s Foundation California non-profit organization. Original artwork signed by Foxmarnick will range from $20 prints to large format drawings of museum quality.

Tom Foxmarnick was hired by Disney Studios in the early 1980s as a production artist and worked on notable made-for-TV animated features such as The Little Mermaid, Scooby-Doo, Tom & Jerry, and others. Often juggling several free-lance jobs on TV shows and for consumer publications, Foxmarnick ultimately played an instrumental role in 37 TV shows and a number of humor and horror comics. He honed his craft and parlayed his ideas into a forty-year career eventually also working with Warner Bros. Studios, Sony Studios, and Nickelodeon. Initially paid solely for his storyline ideas, during the nineteen-nineties Foxmarnick developed many of the comic magazine CARtoon storylines and drew nearly entire issues single-handedly. It is his art from this time that Foxmarnick will be showing.  A few of Foxmarnick’s original hand-drawn pieces and one-of-a-kind tour-de-force creations that he is so well known for in the industry have been computer colorized.

Foxmarnick will show a wide variety from his catalog of drawings with select works being offered for sale. Foxmarnick’s fantastical creations will generally be organized into superheroes, CARtoons Magazine, and a variety of outrageous animal drawings that are all suitable for framing and will become the focal point of any art collection. All guests for this event are asked to sign-in at the front reception desk upon arrival. For more information or driving directions please telephone The Lexington at (805) 644-6710.  Children must be accompanied by adults at all times. Free parking is available in the parking lots on the sides of The Lexington.           www.LexingtonLiving.net

Vol. 13, No. 5 – Dec 4 – Dec 17, 2019 – Ojai News & Events

Lori Mohr will visit the Ojai Library at 1pm on Saturday, December 14, to deliver a talk entitled “Beyond Impressionism: Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne.” Ms. Mohr comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

In late 19th century France, Impressionism dominated avant-garde painting. But a diverse group of up-and-comers—Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne among them—found fault in the focus on style versus subject. Unlike Impressionists, they were unified not by a single aesthetic—fleeting effects of light in the real world—but by a shared interest in exploring the artists’ perception of the real world. Let the camera capture reality!

Given their differences in style, technique, and subject matter, defining Post Impressionism can be difficult. However, by tracing its history, its artists, and pinpointing distinguishing characteristics, we will better understand how the unique contributions of these innovators formed the artistic roots of modern art for the next 80 years, from Fauvism to Cubism to Surrealism.

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, December 7th at 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 8 at 3 p.m., the Ojai Community Chorus will present “Song of the Shepherd.” The concerts will be held at the Ojai United Methodist Church. The centerpiece of the program will be selections from “Considering Matthew Shepard,” a stunningly beautiful oratorio written to commemorate this young man, who was tragically murdered because he was gay. The program will include a spectrum of holiday music and selections from Handel’s “Messiah”.  The accompanying musicians are James Antunez, John Boyd, and Chris Kimbler.

Matthew Shepard’s death in Casper, Wyoming in 1998 sparked national attention and resulted in galvanizing the civil rights movement for LGBT people. “During this holiday season, it is hoped that bringing this event to people’s attention once again will remind us that we need to do what we can to eradicate prejudice” stated director Connie Woodson.

A boutique and bake sale will also be held. The church is located at 120 Church Road. For ticket information visit ojaichorus.com. Call 805-640-0468 for further information.

The Ojai Valley Museum presents another in an ongoing series of Town Talks. It takes place at the museum on Sunday, December 8, from 4:30-6pm.

When President Franklin Roosevelt proclaimed December 7 “a date that will live in infamy,” he got the date wrong. Or so says Ojai artist Karen K. Lewis. December 7 in America is December 8 in the Philippines, which in 1941 was a U.S. territory, and the home of 9-year-old Karen and her family. For most Americans, the stunning news of the air raid that morning on Pearl Harbor meant that their sons and brothers would soon be going overseas to fight a war in distant places, far from the home front. But Karen found herself right in the middle of that war. She and her parents would spend the next three years in a Japanese prison camp, slowly starving to death, until General Douglas MacArthur returned to the Philippines and rescued them. Join us at the museum on Sunday, December 8, as Karen shares her vivid memories of a childhood interrupted by the worst war in history.

Admission to the Town Talk is $5; free for museum members.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave; 805 640-1390; OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

Open Enrollment 2020: How veterans can best maximize health benefits

by Rick Beavin, California Market President Humana

If you are a military veteran who is approaching Medicare eligibility, you may have questions about how Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits differ. It’s important that you understand how the plans complement each other so you can choose the best plan for you and ensure you maximize health benefits available.

Here are a few common health plan questions, answered:

Can Medicare Advantage and VA benefits work together? Absolutely! Many Medicare Advantage plans complement existing VA benefits and could be an excellent fit if you would like to enhance current benefits and coverage. Enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan may provide access to additional services and benefits, like urgent care and dental coverage, which do not interfere with VA benefits for prescription drugs and primary care. Each time you receive care you will need to choose whether to use your VA benefits or your Medicare Advantage plan.

Are there any specific Medicare Advantage plans for veterans? While Medicare Advantage plans are available to anyone eligible for Medicare, be sure to speak with a licensed insurance agent about plan options that will not interfere with any VA benefits you may already have. For example, the new Humana Honor Medicare Advantage plan, which is open to anyone with Medicare, works to complement VA coverage. The plan provides beneficiaries with extensive coverage, such as robust dental care, at a $0 plan premium. This plan also offers access to a broad network including access to urgent care and non-VA facilities, which can be advantageous for veterans if they need to travel far to receive care at a VA facility or experience long wait times.

How could a Medicare Advantage plan work with my VA prescription drug coverage? Typically, VA prescription drug benefits will serve as your primary prescription drug coverage when you add a Medicare Advantage plan that does not include prescription drug coverage. These Medicare Advantage plans cover certain injectable drugs and infusions at in-network, non-VA facilities, which may be beneficial based on your health needs. Additionally, some Medicare Advantage plans also include Part D prescription drug coverage, which may help cover medications from non-VA doctors. You can also fill these prescriptions at your local pharmacy instead of through the VA mail-order service.

Where can I go for more information? A great resource is www.Medicare.gov or calling 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also visit www.Humana.com/Medicare to learn more about Humana plans or call toll-free 1-800-457-4708 (TTY: 711). Licensed sales agents are available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time, seven days a week.

The Medicare Annual Election Period – when people can make changes to their Medicare plans – is open now through Dec. 7, 2019. If you’ve been thinking about adding Medicare Advantage benefits to your health coverage, now is the time to take action.