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Adventures in Lifelong Learning

Jill Swaim visits the Hill Road Library on Thursday, February 6, at 4:30pm to deliver a presentation entitled Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning. Do you love to travel? Do you enjoy learning new things, exploring interesting places, and meeting people who share a love of adventure? Join in for a lively discussion of the many programs offered by Road Scholar, a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to inspire adults to learn, discover, and travel.

Road Scholar is the world’s largest—and America’s first—educational travel organization for adults, offering nearly 5,500 affordable programs each year in about 150 countries worldwide. These programs offer a chance to expand your mind while being in the company of other people who believe learning is one of the best parts of life.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at (805) 677-7180. The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S. Hill Road in Ventura. Hours of service are 10am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday, 2pm to 6pm Thursday, and 10am to 2pm Friday through Sunday.

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

Events by Ana Baker

Livingston Camarillo Hospice is pleased to announce a new 10-week closed-ended grief support group program, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. Wednesdays 6 – 7:30 p.m. February 5th through to April 8th

Fridays 10-11:30 a.m. February 7th through to April 10th. Ongoing Support Groups are also offered at Camarillo Hospice. Free of charge and held at 400 Rosewood Avenue, Suite 102, Camarillo. To register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle, LCSW, at 805-389-6870 x452 or [email protected].

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups

Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.

Receive emotional and educational support. Meetings held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. Contact [email protected] or call (805) 642-0239 for more information.

The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play.  Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun.  There is a game every day of the week.  Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org

Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments.  The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street.  Visitors and potential members are welcomed.  There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.

Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.

Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312

2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.

Men are you retired and routine-tired? Ventura Retired Men suggest you visit a Social Lunch Meeting on the first or third Tuesday each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Stop in, say hello, have a sip at the bar if you like, they will buy you lunch, and you can sample the hospitality as they go through activities and hear the speaker of the day. Bob Likins can tell you more at 805-587-1233.

Are you a stamp collector? The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd.

Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.

Contact: Bill Garner / (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

Jan.16: Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau Board will be the featured speaker at the next meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. Ms. Auster will explain the bureau’s tourism efforts and how they help generate revenue for our city. The Council will also hear from Stephen Peck, President of US VETS, part of the team developing veterans’ housing next to the State Veterans’ Home on Telephone Road, as part of the outreach effort to inform the community about plans for this development.

Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

Jan.16: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street in Ventura. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning delays. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected].
Telephone: 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday, 8–2 p.m.)

Jan.19: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m. there will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1p.m. The program this month will be a presentation on Restoration of an Elisha Hotchkiss Clock by David Spong. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Jan.24: (4th Friday of each month), 7- 10 p.m. Like to play acoustic

music? Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Info: Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.

Jan. 25: Saturday, Financial Hangover from the Holidays? Start the New Year off right! 12:30 – 4:00 pm. Debtors Anonymous Workshop will discuss how to thrive financially all year long. Suggested Donation: $20. No one turned away for lack of funds. Bell Arts Center, 432 N. Ventura Ave. For more information TEXT Rie: 805-798-3567.

Jan. 25: Ghosts of the California Missions. Richard Senate will talk on the ghosts of the Missions and the investigation of La Purisima and tour of the Mission San Buenaventura. Fee: $6/person. Saturday 7-9 p.m. located at the Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. (805) 643-3154

Feb.1: On the “First Saturday” of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. charge and all are welcome. Whether you an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice If you don’t have a fly rod, just come and use one of ours. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11a.m. For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Feb.1, 2: On Saturday, Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale
at the Topping Room at E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St. Members admitted 9 – 10 a.m.
Open for all 10 – 3 p.m. On Sunday, February 2, book sale will be open to all 12 – 3 p.m.
Books individually priced.  This sale will feature vintage books. Watercolors and photos by Susan and Hank Stoutz will also be for sale. Framed watercolors up to $150.00.  Unframed watercolors and photos $5.00 to $40.00.

Feb.8: Come enjoy an inspirational evening featuring Steve Perren, Baritone, and Patricia Lathrop-McPherson, Soprano, as they perform Broadway hits at Step Up Ventura’s Inspirational Broadway Concert. The concert will be held on Saturday, at 7 p.m.  Accompanied by pianist Miriam Arichea at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kahler Hall, 3290 Loma Vista Road.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Ventura County’s most vulnerable homeless population — children ages 0 – 5. Tickets are $20 per person in advance through Eventbrite and $25 at the door.  Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Event Coordinator Corrine Thomas at (805) 824-0600 or via [email protected].

Feb.12: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional on fine art photography followed by the showing of member images. Myrna Cambianica noted Ojai fine art photographer will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. for more information about the club and examples of member’s work WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

 

Do’s and don’ts for getting some solid shut-eye

Not the best way to get good sleep.

From The Lexington Assisted Living blog

Getting some shut-eye can be one of the best parts of the day, but as you age, it can become more difficult to do so. Older adults can have a more difficult time getting to sleep, whether it is due to medications, stress, or other factors.

Anh Nguyen, PACC Resource for Ensign Services, says many elderly people suffer from insomnia and are sleepy during the day. “Excessive tiredness is not only frustrating, but it can lead to difficulty driving and performing other daily activities,” she says. “It is important for people suffering from sleep problems to talk to their doctor about changes that can help them sleep better.”

Although sleep troubles are common among the elderly, you don’t have to chalk it up to getting older. Some lifestyle changes can make a big difference in getting a good night’s sleep. Here are a few things you can do—or not do—to make your sleep more sound.

Don’t Self-medicate

If you are having trouble sleeping at night, it is important to talk to your doctor before you head to the pharmacy and grab some over-the-counter sleep aids. A recent poll found that 46 percent of older adults have trouble falling asleep one night or more each week, but most of them did not talk to their doctor about the problem. Of those polled, 14 percent said they regularly take a medication or supplement to help them sleep. However, sleep aids are not meant to be used long-term and can cause problems for elderly individuals. Older people can experience confusion, constipation, and a higher risk of falls. Before reaching for a sleep aid, talk to your doctor about the best way to tackle your sleepless nights.

Cut Back on Alcohol

People who have trouble sleeping may use alcohol to help them fall asleep. While alcohol can make a person fall asleep faster, it can also have some unintended consequences that lead to a lower quality of sleep. Alcohol can cause a person to wake up frequently at night and earlier in the morning, both of which may make a person tired during the day.

Get Your Snoring Checked

A major contributor to disrupted sleep and feeling tired during the day is sleep apnea, though many people may not know they have it. Sleep apnea causes a person to stop breathing for periods as they sleep. If people tell you that your snoring can be heard in other rooms or that you stop breathing at night, talk to your doctor about getting tested for sleep apnea.

Practice Better Hygiene

One tip that is often recommended for better sleep is something called “sleep hygiene.” Sleep hygiene includes all the activities you do during the day that affect how well you sleep at night. Good sleep hygiene practices include establishing a regular bedtime, staying away from caffeine within a few hours of bedtime, and starting a pre-bed ritual. It also helps to take a short afternoon nap and exercise regularly.

Create a Calming Sleep Environment

Make your bed and your bedroom a restful sanctuary. Keep it cool, dark, and quiet, and try using blackout curtains and earplugs to tune out the noise and light. Make your room a calm place, without bright and loud electronics. Keep a book by your bedside rather than a screen.

If going to sleep is difficult for you, you are not alone. Many older adults have a hard time falling asleep for a variety of reasons. Give these tips a try, and be sure to talk to your doctor about any underlying problems that could be contributing to your sleep issues.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – A View from House Seats

by Shirley Lorraine
Classic comedy commences at Conejo

You Can’t Take It with You, a comedy penned by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, premiered to acclaim in 1936. It won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1937 and went on to become immortalized in film in 1938 (with some plot alterations), winning an Oscar for Best Picture.

Conejo Players in Thousand Oaks opened its 2020 season with its rendition of this classic comedy featuring an abundance of energy, laughter and sterling performances. Director Alan Waserman has assembled a cast fully up to the challenge to keep the audience engaged and in stitches for the entire performance.

The story has many facets. It is a social commentary on how two very different social strata view life, happiness and government, and it is a love story embracing the beauty of eccentricities and the ability to adapt.

We are introduced to the Sycamore family along with extended family including “adopted” characters. While they each have their singularities, they somehow function quite well as a unit, to the surprise of others.

Without giving away the pearls of how each family member came to their talents per se, suffice it to say that it somehow all makes sense in the bigger picture.

Ronna Jones portrays Penny Sycamore, a writer and painter of sorts. Her husband Paul, played by Jim Miller, matches her “whatever happens” attitude with aplomb. The patriarch, Grandpa, (Donn Robinson) steers the family with a steady hand and sharp mind.

The two Sycamore daughters, Alice and Essie, are opposites. Alice (Timorah Brown) is the sensible one, holding down a full-time job and falling in love with the vice-president of her company, the owner’s son Tony Kirby (Carl Garcia). Sycamore sister Essie (Briana Bauer) is in lifelong training to become a ballet dancer, which she practices nonstop. She and her husband, Ed, (Alex Carrasco) live in the family home where Ed enjoys using his printing press and making music.

Also gracing the home are a Mr. de Pinna (Jim Diderrich) who fashions fireworks in the basement. The cook Rheba (Carla Ames) is practically a member of the family as is her boyfriend Donald (Daniel Krause) who is on permanent “relief”.

Gabriel Vega is a Russian dance coach Boris Kolenkhov, a frequent dinner guest. Vivian Latham takes a hilarious comic turn as actress Gay Wellington, who has clearly had one or two too many martinis.
When the boss and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Kirby (Robert Craig and Cindy Lopez) arrive on the scene on the wrong night, son Tony admits he told them the wrong night on purpose, in order to be sure the two families were their true selves. Predictable chaos ensued.

The evening provided an escalating deluge of laughs as the families collided. Superior comedic timing was employed by all as the pace rose. At times one didn’t know where to focus. There was a lot going on.

The show is a lot of fun and gives a much-needed opportunity for laughter. Enjoy the quirky characters in all their glory.

You Can’t Take It with You runs through February 1 at Conejo Players Theatre, 351 S Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks. Friday and Saturday shows are at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be one Thursday night, Jan. 16 at 8 p.m. Contact www.ConejoP)layers.org or (805) 495-3715 for tickets.

A walk in Ventura

A poem by Shakti Dutt

Walking under the big bright ball
where little black ants march like soldiers
making their way through the burnt maple leaves
yellow, red and green.

The swift wind takes away all my worries
fills my lungs with joy
The freshness clears my mind giving me chills,
leaving behind a smile.

Hummingbirds sing and fly around in a hurry
the palm leaves whisper,
the sound of the city life surrounds my ears
I listen more with my closed eyes.

Looking up
the sun is going to sleep
leaving the clouds pink
The crows are talking
time to get back to the trees,
their home.

Looking back at the beauty of Ventura
My home
A loving home.

Built next to the mysterious ocean
It opened its arms to me, to my family

The friendly faces,
the despondent faces,
their eyes telling a story greater than my own beliefs.

My heart is in Ventura.

R. Scott Bolton’s latest novel is Knife Point

The writing career of Venturan R. Scott Bolton got off to a solid start thanks to Mrs. Molitz, his fifth-grade teacher, who encouraged his continuing series of Godzilla stories. Since then, he has written film and screen reviews and dozens of short stories, screenplays and novels. He was also a main contributor of reviews for the annual Ballantine Books publication, “Video Movie Guide,” edited by Mick Martin & Marsha Porter and is the founder/publisher/editor of Rough Edge, an online hard rock/heavy metal magazine (located on the web at www.roughedge.com).

Bitten by the radio bug in 2002, R. Scott Bolton appeared on KVTA radio as the co-host of the Burt Rosen Show and as Scott the Video Guy on The Tom Spence Show. Soon after, he created the Internet radio show Rough Edge Radio, which he has co-hosted since 2004, as well as the Backseat Mogul Show (2006) and the Friday Shot Day Show (2006), all of which currently air on RoughEdgeFM.com

Bolton lives in Ventura with his wife Shelley, his son Josh and their beloved dogs, Leo, Zoey and Pretzel. He loves hearing from readers (and listeners of RoughEdgeFM) and encourages them to write him at [email protected].

For more information, please check out www.rscottbolton.com.

Causes of tingling, burning hands and feet explored at a free CMHS Seminar 

Do you have tingling, prickling, burning, numbness or muscle weakness in your hands and feet? If so, peripheral neuropathy might be to blame. This condition affects an estimated 20 million Americans, with symptoms that can last from days to years and may worsen over time.

Peripheral neuropathy and how to alleviate the discomfort it brings will be the focus of a free seminar at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 29, in Ventura. The seminar is hosted by Community Memorial Health System which kicks off its 2020 Speaker Series with this event.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Neda Heidari, who specializes in neurology and neurophysiology. Dr. Heidari received her medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences and completed residency training at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and fellowship training at USC University Hospital. Dr. Heidari is a member of the American Academy of Neurology and is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

The seminar will begin at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health, and various outpatient centers serving communities located within Ventura County.

 

To engage the Ventura County community in advocating equal rights for all

The Justice for All VC’s March, “Speak Up, Act & Vote for What Unites Us” is a sister event to the national Women’s March planned across the U.S. that same day. With our county, country and planet in peril, they are gathering to activate voters and to send a message to our legislators at the start of one of the most important times in human history.

2020 Justice for All March in Ventura

Saturday, January 18, 10:00am to 1pm

Plaza Park, 651 E. Thompson Blvd.

10:00 – 11:00am Scheduled speakers: Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Lucky Altman Lynch and student leaders from the March for Our Lives movement and Climate 805

11:00 – 12:00 noon March throughout Downtown Ventura

12:00 – 1:00pm Congregate and visit booth expo at Plaza Park

The mission of Justice For All Ventura County is to motivate, educate, connect and mobilize people to actively engage in their government and future in support of social justice. JFAVC is a non-profit (501c3) focused on the environment, women’s issues, LGBTQ issues, health care, economic equity, immigration, education, and cultural equity.

DUI Checkpoint nets 2 arrests

Ventura Police Department arrested 1 driver for 23152 (a) CVC (DUI Impaired Alcohol). A total of 1,174 vehicles passed through the checkpoint and 543 vehicles were screened. It should also be noted that 1 drug arrest for 11377 (a) HS was made, along with 1 23222 (a) CVC Possession of an Open Container of alcohol in a motor vehicle and 1 23222 (b)

(1) CVC Open Container of Marijuana.

The checkpoint was located in the 4200 block of E. Main St. between the hours of 8:30 p.m. and 1:45 a.m. In addition, 9 drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license and 2 vehicles were towed.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Last year the Ventura Police Department investigated several DUI collisions that killed and/or injured people.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be approximately $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses not to mention possible jail time.

The Ventura Police Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” Prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, can impair and result in a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs.

The Ventura Police Department will be conducting another DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint and/or DUI Saturation Patrol on an ongoing commitment to take suspected impaired drivers off our streets and highways, ultimately lowering the risk for deaths and injuries.

Funding for this checkpoint was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Vol. 13, No. 8 – Jan 15 – Jan 28, 2020 – Mailbox

Breeze:

I’ve heard it said that the electorate deserve the leader they elect. But, I don’t accept that statement anymore. I know a lot of people voted for The Trumper, but I don’t believe that all were deserving of what we got.

I’m convinced he had his first temper tantrum at age two, and no one told him such behavior was unacceptable. He’s been feeding that ego and lack of personal responsibility ever since, and, unfortunately, for the people of the United States of America, he’s been manipulating, the office of the Presidency, for his entire term.

Now he wants a war to assure his re-election. He cares nothing for the damage he does to our own military, nor the collateral deaths of innocent civilians. 

He is an abomination, and should be removed from office, after a trial by the Senate. I’m sure not all Senators are in favor of keeping him in office now.

But, he will be gone. At a point, not too far distant, he will be gone.

Colene Hertse

Trump supporters:
We welcome your opinions regarding Trump. What are you waiting for?

 

The Trump administration will soon roll out a new plan to slash drug prices.

In 2018, the administration proposed pegging the price of certain advanced drugs to the prices paid in other developed countries. Now, the administration wants to go further, setting U.S. drug prices equal to the lowest price paid anywhere else in the developed world. 

This plan might trim the costs of today’s medicines. But tomorrow’s medicines would never make it to the market, as such a scheme would obliterate our research industry.


The administration’s proposed rule, which is expected in the coming weeks, would apply to advanced physician-administered medications covered by Medicare. Currently, these drugs cost 80% more, on average, in the United States than in other developed countries. 

The administration says this plan will level the playing field between the United States and countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, which use price controls to keep drug spending artificially low. These tactics are unfair. They force Americans to shoulder a disproportionate share of the global research burden.

Price caps would slash research companies’ revenues and dissuade them from funding future drug development projects.

Close to 90 % of experimental medications fail in clinical trials. It can cost over $2 billion and take more than a decade of research to bring a new medicine to market. 

The resulting medical breakthroughs save millions of lives. In the United States, cancer death rates have declined 26 percent since the early 1990s. Almost three-quarters of these survival gains are attributable to new treatments. HIV-related deaths have decreased by almost 90 percent since the introduction of antiretroviral therapy “cocktails” in 1996.

Price controls in the United States would derail research into new treatments. In the long run, forfeiting these treatments would cost the government far more than it’d save.

Drew Johnson

 

To correct these dogs that were in the last issue they are Certified Therapy Dogs, not Service Dogs. A Service Dog is trained toward specific symptoms of one individual to aid that one person. Certified Therapy Dogs are highly trained and have to be recertified every year, as do their handlers.

 

My dad believes in reincarnation, so in his will he left everything to himself.
~ Barry Goldsmith