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A conversation with Linda Ekstrom

In the writings of Linda Ekstrom, “Words and narrative are the central subject matter of my work. Books are transformed, seeking for the spiritedness of the text, giving to the words a visual vitality.”

Through her altered and deconstructed books and other mixed media works, the artist seeks to uncover and articulate a profound sense of meaning. Using text as material, Ekstrom’s studio practice is steeped in personal expression, exploring issues of “ritual, tenderness, longing, and a desire for connection.” She received a Master of Fine Arts from the University of California Santa Barbara and teaches at UCSB’s College of Creative Studies. Her works are widely collected and have been exhibited throughout the United States and Europe.

Sunday, November 17, 3 to 4:30 p.m.

Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St.

Free to FOTM members, $15 for public; $10 for seniors.

Special invitation to educators and students: The Artist Spotlight is open to students attending as a class assignment free of charge. FOTM is happy to assist with tracking attendance and sign-in sheets. Reservations required. To RSVP visit www.FocusOnTheMasters.com or call 805.653.2501.

To learn more about Linda, visit www.lindaekstrom.com

AfterGlow Fundraising Event: The public is welcome to join the artist for a celebratory fundraising dinner at the home of Dane Goodman & Marie Schoeff in Santa Barbara. Paid reservations are required prior to November 11. We expect this AfterGlow to sell out. Maps will be given to paid guests at the interview.

$30 FOTM members, $40 Non-members.Sponsored by Michael Rohde.

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

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

 

 

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is the sequel the the 2014 Disney box office hit, and centers around Aurora’s planned wedding to Prince Phillip, which would help to bring peace between fairies and man and bring together the kingdoms of Ulstead and the Moors. Though this seemed great cause for celebration and supported by King John of Ulstead, Queen Ingrith was not pleased with their plan to marry and set out to undermine their upcoming wedding through ruthless and diabolical deeds. Released by Walt Disney Pictures, Directed by Joachim Ronning, Written by Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster and Starring Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, Elle Fanning as Aurora, Harris Dickinson as Prince Philip, and Robert Lindsay as King John.

A call was sent out throughout the land to attend a grand celebration at the castle of Ulstead to honor the upcoming marriage of Aurora and Prince Phillip, but when the fairies and other forest beings came it was actually a trap set by Queen Ingrith to kill them all.

Quite by accident, Maleficent discovers the Dark Fae, which is the hidden kingdom of her original people, and learns that she is the last of the Dark Fae to carry the Phoenix power of those born in her bloodline. It was up to Maleficent, with the aid of Aurora, Prince Phillip and the Dark Fae to rescue them all, though it took Maleficent channeling her Phoenix power to win the battle.

In the end it’s discovered that the Queen Ingrith actually poisoned the King and admited to making up a story to demonize Maleficent, who was not guilty of any wrong doing, but a hero in a sense that served as godmother and raised a human child Aurora making her Queen of the Moors in an effort to aid in bringing peace between Ulstead and the Moors.

Maleficent: Mistress of Evil is quite the visual spectacle and viewers will easily find themselves lost in the realms of the Ulstead kingdom and the fairy forest. It also has many wonderful lessons regarding acceptance of diversity, the power of peace, and the importance of family however it is defined, and uses clever humor and witty dialog to keep viewers entertained throughout.

Rated: PG (for intense sequences of fantasy action/violence and brief scary images)
118 minutes

 

VCAAA’s HICAP team tackles Medicare Open Enrollment questions and concerns

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) is tackling all questions and concerns related to Medicare Open Enrollment by hosting a variety of one-stops throughout Ventura County through December 6th. All services are free and open to the public.

The transition to Medicare can be daunting and understanding plan options and the costs associated with each is often overwhelming. The VCAAA’s HICAP team is made up of highly trained counselors who provide free and unbiased assistance to Medicare recipients. Counseling services vary and are based on individual needs. Other services provided include a full assessment through the VCAAA’s Benefits Enrollment Center to determine eligibility for a variety of other benefits and services.

Medicare Open Enrollment One-stops are currently scheduled in Ventura, Ojai, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, and Fillmore. For a complete list of dates and times, please visit https://www.vcaaa.org/our-services/medicare-help/ or call (805) 477-7310 or 1-800-434-0222.

This project was supported, in part by grant number 90SAPG0052-03-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201.

Ventura Audubon Society November Events

Nov 9, 8:30 a.m. Canada Larga.  Leader:  Linda Easter 818-519-2833
We will drive and walk as we bird this beautiful canyon road and one of our best birding hotspots. Target birds will include: Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker and White-breasted Nuthatch.

Nov 12, 7:30 p.m.  VAS Monthly Program –  Exploring the Chaparral and Rediscovering Ourselves Through Nature by Richard Halsey at the  Poinsettia Pavilion – 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura (Free to the Public).  Join us as we explore how connecting with Nature through local native habitats like the chaparral, offers us a way to achieve what so many philosophers through the ages have identified as essential to achieving a meaningful existence – to “know thyself.”

Nov 17, 8:30 a.m. Alamos Canyon.  Leader:  Cody Swanson 805-304-2505
This is a beautiful but somewhat strenuous walk located between Moorpark and Simi Valley. We will be walking 4 miles which includes some uphill.  The canyon is a natural refuge for many plants and animals; including many species of birds.  Directions can be found googling Alamos Canyon Trail.

Nov 18, 8:30 a.m. Ormond Beach.   Leader: Adele Fergusson 805-415-4304
Join us at this excellent coastal location, where we will look for a variety of waterfowl, such as Willets, Whimbrels, Black necked Stilts, Black bellied plovers and other interesting birds. We will also look for Yellow-headed Blackbirds, Peregrine Falcon, and Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers.

Nov 24, 8 a.m.  Arroyo Verde Park.  Leader: Tevin Schmitt 661-904-1563
Enjoy birding the oak woodland, grassy areas, and chaparral in this long, broad canyon. We will be looking for the Common Yellowthroat, White-breasted nuthatch, song sparrow, California Thrasher and Wrentits among others.

Survey from 13th annual Young Readers’ StoryFest kids

At the recent 13th annual Young Readers’ StoryFest held at the Ventura Unified School District’s Education Service Center James Francis Gray and Mary Thompson had the kid’s attending fill out these forms. These are the results of this informal survey.

Favorite dessert? Ice cream the big winner. Cake a distance second.

Favorite animal? A basic tie between dogs and cats. Horses a distant third.

Favorite song? No real winner.

Favorite place to visit? Tie between grandma’s, Hawaii, park and zoo.

Favorite color? Tie between blue and pink.

Favorite subject? Art and math.

What would you like to learn about this year? Math just barely others science, animals and times tables.

Shoulder replacement surgery explored at CMHS seminar

From severe injuries to arthritis, shoulder replacement surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions. For some patients, less invasive treatments provide relief but for others, shoulder replacement surgery provides the best path to a healthy, pain-free life.

The latest developments in shoulder replacement surgery will be the focus of a free seminar at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14, in Ventura. Titled “Is Shoulder Replacement Right for You?” the seminar is hosted by Community Memorial Health System as part of its 2019 Speaker Series. At the seminar, guest speaker Dr. Stephan Sweet will discuss advances in shoulder replacement surgery and the types of patients most likely to benefit from surgery.

Dr. Sweet is a member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff and specializes in orthopedic surgery. He received his medical degree from Georgetown University, completed his orthopedic surgery residency at USC, and completed a fellowship at UCLA in sports medicine and arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Sweet is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

The Nov. 14 seminar will begin at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

A home for the holidays celebrating adoption in Ventura County

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) is a nonprofit that has been serving foster, adoptive, kinship, and birth families throughout Ventura County since 2000. K&FT works with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, loss, and multiple placements. Also, working with caregivers who need specialized education, support, and strategies to help raise safe, healthy, nurtured children that thrive. K&FT supported and guided the following family on their adoption journey.

We are happy to invite you to participate in a new and exciting benefit event for Kids & Families Together, called, “A Home for the Holidays.” A Home for the Holidays will take place on Saturday, November 23rd from 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Top of the Harbor room at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, located in Ventura.  NBC weatherman, Fritz Coleman, will host and help to celebrate adoptive families in Ventura County and those who support them on their journey. All the proceeds will benefit Kids & Families Together.

In addition to the satisfaction of knowing you are making a difference in the lives of many families in our community, you and your guests will also watch the sunset overlooking the Pacific Ocean as you enjoy delicious food, wine, a silent and live auction and more. With items including family travel and adventure experiences such as, a Safari trip to Africa, weeklong deluxe motorhome adventure, day long private plane charter along the central coast, and day long Disney park adventure. There will also be a short program featuring testimonies from a few local adoptive families who they have supported along the way; it will surely tug at your heartstrings.

For more information please visit: https://www.kidsandfamilies.org/
To purchase tickets: http://igfn.us/f/2cxg/n
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/718309298622513/

Vol. 13, No. 3 – Nov 6 – Nov 19, 2019 – Harbor Patrol Blotter

Tuesday 10-15

 12:15pm, contacted an individual in a lake-type boat with a few dogs on the bow of the boat in violation of speed ordinance and issued a warning.

10:03pm, while on patrol in Boat 17, officers found several fishermen on small boats hoop netting near the break-wall in violations of local, state and federal laws. Warnings were issued for illegal hoop placement, improper lights and numerous state fishing laws.

Wednes 10-16

 4:35pm, received a report of a water rescue, kite surfer in distress. Officers responded in Rescue Boat 19 to assist. A search of the area around the pier but officers were unable to local any kite surfers in distress.

Thursday 10-17

 8:50am, while manning the operations center, the commercial fishing vessel “Angels Gate” was observed in violation of harbor speed ordinance. Officers responded in Fireboat 1 to contact and issued a written warning for speed violation and not monitoring VHF 16 while underway in a commercial vessel.

7:56pm, dispatched to an overdose at VIM D-dock. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the call. The patient was treated and transported.

Friday 10-18

 10:49am, received a report an illegally placed hoop net in the main channel of the harbor utilizing a plastic water bottle as the buoy. Officers found the illegal hoop net and impounded it. Hoop nets are not allowed in the harbor.

9:20pm, while on patrol in Rescue Boat 17, officers found two fishermen hoop netting in restricted area near the harbor entrance. Verbal warnings and explanations of rules and regulations for hoop netting and safety requirements.

Saturday 10-19

 11:05am, while on patrol in Rescue Boat 19, officers observed a 22ft sailboat having difficulty restarting his outboard engine. The disabled sailboat was taken in a side tow back to its slip safely.

11:33am, while on patrol in vehicle observed several beginning surfers in the South Jetty rip current. Eventually moved the group to safer water and informed the group about rip currents and how to get out when caught in one.

5:22pm, dispatched to a fall victim at Ventura Marina Community. Officers responded and assisted VFD/AMR with the patient, lift assist.

Sunday 10-20

 10:00am, while updating weather ob’s, observed : Small Craft Advisory in effect until 9pm this evening, posted by the National Weather Service.

12:15pm, received a request for location of the boat pump-out station. Officers ascertained where the caller was and advised the skipper to use the nearest one at the end of Ventura Harbor Village I-dock.

Monday 10-21

 11:55am, while washing the boats, contacted by Morro Bay harbor patrol from their vessel. Morro Bay harbor patrol was conducting annual servicing of their vessel at the Ventura Boat yard.

7:30pm, while on patrol in Rescue Boat 19, officers came across several small vessel engaged in hoop netting near the break-wall. Violations of local, state and federal laws, including improper lights and illegal placement of hoop nets were observed and warnings, written or verbal were issued.

Ventura County Library receives grant award from California Humanities

California Humanities has announced the recent round of Humanities For All Quick Grant awards, and the Ventura County Library has been awarded $5,000.00 for its One County, One Book Community Reading Program.

The Humanities For All Quick Grant is a competitive grant program of California Humanities that supports locally-initiated public humanities projects that respond to the needs and interests of Californians, encourage greater public participation in humanities programming, particularly by new and/or underserved audiences, and promotes understanding and empathy among all our state’s peoples in order to cultivate a thriving democracy.

One County, One Book unites the Ventura County community around a common narrative, spreading interest in and facilitating discussions about the selected book. People across the county have a chance to attend a variety of events related to the themes of the selection, including lectures, workshops, film screenings, and more. One County, One Book 2019 is truly a countywide initiative, and aims to spark community discussion, foster a stronger sense of community, and promote a love of reading and literature.

One County, One Book is also supported through a primary sponsorship from California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI), and additional sponsorships from a host of other organizations including California Lutheran University, Ventura College, the Museum of Ventura County, the Museum of Ventura County’s Docent Volunteer Council, the Camarillo Public Library, the Calabasas Library, the Ventura Friends of the Library, the Ojai Valley Library Friends & Foundation, and the Ventura County Library Foundation.

“These projects will bring the complexity and diversity of California to light in new ways that will engage Californians from every part of our state, and, will help us all understand each other better,” said Julie Fry, President & CEO of California Humanities. “We congratulate the grantees whose projects will promote understanding and provide insight into a wide range of topics, issues, and experiences.”

A complete list of all Humanities For All Quick Grants can be found on the calhum.org website here.

California Humanities, a nonprofit partner of the National Endowment of the Humanities, promotes the humanities—focused on ideas, conversation, and learning—as relevant, meaningful ways to understand the human condition and connect us to each other in order to help strengthen California. California Humanities has provided grants and programs across the state since 1975. To learn more visit calhum.org, or follow California Humanities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

All events associated with One County, One Book are free and open to the public. For more information about the 2019 One County, One Book program, visit www.vencolibrary.org/OCOB or contact Ron Solórzano at [email protected] or 805-218-9146.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org. Please visit our website for information on the location and hours of the library closest to you.