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Fear of outside caregivers

by Carol Bradley Bursack

Many times, in-home caregivers’ best efforts are met with anger or even abuse dished out by the elder they are intended to care for. It is crucial for the family and hired caregiver(s) to determine the underlying reason for a senior’s lack of cooperation and find ways to remedy the situation.

I believe that fear is the foundation of much of a senior’s reluctance and even disrespect for non-family caregivers. The presence of an outsider may suggest to them that their family can’t (or doesn’t want to) take care of their needs. It also magnifies the extent of the elder’s care needs, making them feel especially vulnerable. This combination of concerns can create the perfect storm, especially if they are prone to lashing out when angry. Of course, the family members who arrange these services get an earful, but the professional caregiver becomes the primary target for sending the message that outside help is neither wanted nor needed.

People of all ages dread the idea of losing their independence, but many seniors are living this reality and trying to come to terms with it. Aging is hardly a graceful process, so who can blame our elders for digging their heels in?

If a senior is still of sound mind, emphasize that home care enables them to continue living safely in their own home. This in itself is an overarching symbol of independence. The right caregiver will pick up on this strong desire to be self-sufficient and provide assistance in ways that allow the senior to retain as much control as possible.

Adapting to in-home care is much smoother when the family is confident in the hire. Know what to look for in a provider and interview caregivers before services begin to determine a good match. With this approach, if something seems off, you have the opportunity to correct your decision before it actually becomes a problem.

It can be challenging to encourage a mentally healthy senior to accept outside help, but Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can make this process even more complex.

Depending on the progression of the condition, a senior may not be able to fully participate in the hiring process. Nonetheless, introducing potential caregivers beforehand to see how both parties get along is still a valuable step. Dementia patients’ moods and capabilities fluctuate from day to day, though, so keep this in mind when trying to help a loved one to warm up to someone new.

Paranoia, hallucinations and delusions are common symptoms that a dementia caregiver should know how to handle. Look for someone who is trained in this kind of care and knows how to communicate with and calm their clients. Having a family member present during the first few shifts while everyone gets to know each other can reassure a senior that they are safe and in good company.

A senior with dementia may not ever be comfortable with a particular caregiver, even though the aide is making a considerable effort to do everything right. Regardless of the reason, some matches just do not take, and the care team may have to simply request another caregiver.

You know your loved one best, so do whatever you can to help make them more comfortable with this new arrangement. Assure them that you are still their primary caregiver, but explain that you need help. Emphasize that the professional caregiver is there to assist both of you and that you are closely monitoring the process and their wellbeing.

Communicate openly with the caregiver and the home care company about any challenges you experience. Understanding the source of the senior’s resistance will help you cope with this problem, and a care team meeting may be instrumental in brainstorming solutions together.

Termites and Trees

by Kevin O’Connor

Termites are usually the biggest pest issue a household will have to deal with. They can take Pest Control Phoenix measures to exterminate the bugs but they might not be found until a lot of damage is done to the wood in a home. Termite damage can destroy furniture and weaken a house’s structure so it’s important to catch the issue early. However, it’s not just households that are vulnerable to termites, many trees can be destroyed by them too – especially if a foreign bug attacks a native tree. California is a long way from Florida, but it was a study in Florida that gave me some insights about the destructive reach of termites on California trees.

According to researchers, Asian subterranean termites can kill pine trees and hollow out the trunk of many other trees, including oaks, making them structurally unsound and vulnerable to hurricanes.

Because we have both pine and oak in California, it worried me when I read this: “Our beloved native slash pine is lethally stressed by this termite, which is unexpected,” said Thomas Chouvenc, who published a study in the journal Florida Entomologist. In California, this would make trees more susceptible to fires, if not storms.

“Our results suggest Asian subterranean termites have the potential to kill pine trees and severely damage oak trees in the urban canopy,” said Chouvenc. The termite damage in pine trees is unique and never observed before, as the damage acts as a girdle to the trees, killing them slowly, researchers said.

“The rate of infestation in pine and other types of trees by this termite may be critical in the near future for the overall survival of a diverse urban tree canopy which is in the process of being irreversibly altered,” he said. – Brad Buck, University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science.

Unfortunately, termites are in plague proportions in parts of southern California, particularly in the urban areas of Fresno, Salinas, Bakersfield, Santa Maria, Los Angeles, Pasadena, Riverside, Orange County, San Bernardino, Long Beach, Santa Ana and San Diego regions.

The Western dry wood termite is found in the southwestern states, as far north as Sacramento, with heavier incidence along the coastal areas.

The Western dry wood termite accounts for most of the dry wood termite damage in southern California. Dry wood termites are considered non-subterranean termites, as they do not live in the ground, require no ground contact, and do not build mud shelter tubes.

Dry wood termites eat across the wood grain and create chambers, called galleries, connected by tunnels. Their gallery and tunnel walls are velvety smooth without the presence of soil. These termites are often spread by people, who are moving infested furniture and wood to new locations.

Evidence of infestation includes swarmers, shed wings, piles of pellets, termite plugs that seal all openings in infested wood, and surface blisters caused by older, enlarged galleries very close to the wood surface.

Swarming dry wood termites fly into structures and infest wood directly. When swarming, they often re-infest the same structure. Initially they infest exposed wood by finding a protected crevice or other area, such as the joint between two pieces of wood, where shingles or paper overhang timber or moulding, and where they can attack the wood.

The only way to deal with termites is to seek professional help. Let the experts identify the type of termite involved. Let the people with experience in pest control use their scientific technology and experience to solve the termite problem. Call O’Connor Pest Control to save both your house and your trees. The safety and good health of your family are major goals for us. Never try to deal with termites on your own. Give us a call.

O’Connor Pest Control. 1-800-284-7985. oconnorpest.com

Elderly temper tantrums: What’s behind the outburst?

“I hope I don’t have temper tantrums when I get old!”

As an adult, it’s unsettling when you witness your parent having a temper tantrum for the first time. We tend to think of tantrums as only pertaining to small children or teenagers, but the truth is that emotional outbursts can occur at any time in life. Acting out merely boils down to a loss of composure triggered by strong feelings like anger, sadness, fear or any combination of the three.

Many family caregivers are mortified and have no idea how to handle their parent lashing out in a way they’ve never experienced before. Understanding the reasons behind an outburst is crucial for determining the best way to handle one without losing your temper, too.

Seniors throw temper tantrums for a whole host of reasons. Often, it’s a result of the personality changes brought on by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Certain prescription medications can have negative side effects or interact with one another, causing mood swings and irritability.

If you are weathering the emotional ups and downs of an aging loved one who has dementia, there really isn’t much you can do about it. Outbursts are common with many kinds of dementia and at various stages throughout the progression of the condition. As tempting as it is to try to reason with someone who is cognitively impaired, the truth is that this will only make matters worse.

Some family caregivers have dealt with a parent’s stubbornness and manipulation for their entire lives, while others are seeing an increasingly unflattering new side of their aging Mom or Dad.

Dealing with elderly temper tantrums:

Schedule an appointment with your loved one’s doctor to confirm that their poor behavior is not being caused by any new or worsening physical or mental health problems.

The next time your elder throws a temper tantrum, do not engage. Give it absolutely no energy. Make it clear that you are not going to listen to their outburst. Say this as calmly as possible and then walk away. Leave the room and give them plenty of time to cool down before you interact again.

If your loved one tells you that you don’t love them, gently take their hand once they’ve calmed down and say, “I do love you. In fact, I love you so much that I have to take breaks to be able to give you the best possible care.” Leave it at that and don’t get into a discussion.

“No is a complete sentence.” Remind yourself that you need and deserve a break, and then make it happen. It doesn’t have to be an all-day event but doing something small for yourself each day will set the standard. Schedule time for respite just like you schedule all other appointments.

Eventually, your loved one will come to be more accepting of your self-care and personal boundaries. If you are consistent and unyielding with your “me time” and limitations, they will realize that you are serious and likely cut back on their attempts at emotional manipulation.

Finally, understand that the first few times you actually follow through with these steps, you’re going to feel guilty. You’re going to feel like you’ve done something wrong or mean, but you haven’t. Always putting someone else’s needs before your own is not a healthy or happy way to live. Learning to prioritize self-care and banish undeserved guilt are the keys to successful, sustainable caregiving.

Try to be patient with yourself and forgiving if you make mistakes. Even if your aging loved one is never happy and won’t let you live something down, cut yourself some slack. When it comes to those who are prone to temper tantrums and complaining, it often has absolutely nothing to do with you and everything to do with their own insecurities and shortcomings.

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 – Movie Review

Movie Review by Cindy Summers
Stuber

3 palm trees out of 4

Stu is a very gentle, mild-mannered Uber driver who picks up LA police officer Vic Manning for his first ever Uber ride, though Stu has no idea at the time that Vic unwittingly plans to basically borrow Stu and his Uber to track down new leads on a drug lord he’s been hunting for years. Stu deals with Vic’s angry neanderthal style with humor and sound advice as he tries to protect car, and save his life and perfect rating while repeatedly in the middle of gun fights and explosions. Directed by Michael Dowse, Written by Tripper Clancy and Starring Kumail Nanjiani as Stu the Uber driver and Dave Bautista as LA police officer Victor “Vic” Manning .

Stu works in a big box store and is also an Uber driver desperate for a 5 star review. Stu’s boss enjoys belittling his efforts to make extra money by calling him Stuber, but Stu takes his Uber job very seriously, even offering specialty chocolates and other treats for his riders in hopes to get a good review.

Vic is an Los Angels police officer who is on the hunt for a heroin king pin named Oka Teijo, who slipped through his hands in the past and that Vic is desperate to find to put in jail and to clear his reputation. On the day Vic decides to have eye surgery, his vision is compromised so his daughter schedules Vic an Uber, Vic being obviously smartphone challenged.

Stu gets a pickup request and Vic hops in the front for his first ever Uber ride with meek, mild-mannered Stu, completely his opposite. Vic directs Stu to several locations around LA to track down leads on Teijo, and Stu does his best to try to avoid the violence, though difficult when Vic puts criminals in his car and hands him a gun to guard them and himself.

The two buddy up and find chaos at every stop filled with gun fights and explosions, and they even stop at Vic’s daughters art show opening, where when Stu was is asked how he met her father, he simply and calmly replied “He kidnapped me”.

This was Stu’s tone the entire movie and seriously catches you off guard in extremely humorous and comedic ways. The action portions of the film are much like that of “The Good Guys” and “Pain and Gain”, over dramatized and not so realistic, but don’t consider it a true “get the bad guy movie” rather a comedy that involves getting a bad guy.

Kumail Nanjiani is insanely hilarious in this role with his causal delivery of razor sharp witty one liners that had the entire audience repeatedly laughing out loud throughout the movie. He was well cast in the role as the meeker, weaker of this unexpected buddy cop duo, and included some aspects of his culture in the character, being excellent at expressing a calm demeanor general found through years of meditation.

Dave Bautista is good for the butal, boundless tough guy cop role, though the two didn’t seem to have true chemistry like that of Mark Wahlberg and Will Ferrell in “The Other Guys” where they were also extreme opposites, but there was some strange underlying connection.

Studer is great for a good dose of unexpected humor, and is more like a night of stand up comedy with Kumail Nanjiani, who will definitely keep you laughing throughout the movie.

Rated R – 105m

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Blue Agave
185 E. Santa Clara
Fridays: Mariachi Band; DJ
Saturdays: DJ

The Blue Room
Ventura Harbor Village
(Next to Comedy Club)
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band

Boatyard Pub
Ventura Harbor Village
Monday-Thursday 6 pm, Friday & Saturday 7 pm
Mondays: Milo Sledge
Tuesdays: Jason Ho/Frank Barajas
Thursdays: Bluegrass Jam
Wed 7/17: Finnhead Dave
Fri 7/19: Frank Barajas
Sat 7/20: Epitome of Dreams
Sun 7/21: CRV
Wed 7/24: Karen Eden
Fri 7/26: Two’s Company
Sat 7/27: Teresa Russell & Stephen Geyer
Sun 7/28: Big Adventure Duo

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Thursdays, Friday & Saturdays: DJs
Sunday 2-7: DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
Wed 7/17: Kylie Butler
Fri 7/19: Jason Bourne
Sat 7/20: Little Alice
Sun 7/21: Casey Jones
Tues 7/23: Donna Greene
Wed 7/24: David Patt
Fri 7/26: Instone
Sat 7/27: DT Crasher
Sun 7/28: After the Smoke

Casa Bella
391 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Danny D.

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
5:30 – 8:30 pm
Weds & Saturdays: Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: Warren Takahashi

Concrete Jungle Brewing
4561 Market Street
Fri 7/19: Blocked V2, Chauncey P, Hustle Bones…
Fri 7/26: Sojai

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Music 7 pm; Sundays 4 pm
Tuesdays: The Jerry McWorter Trio
Wednesdays: Al Macias Jazz Open Mic
Fri 7/19: Native Vibe
Sat 7/20: Ruben Estrada
Sun 7/21: Brandon Ragan Project
Fri 7/26: Nuestro Band
Sat 7/27: Ruben Estrada
Sun 7/28: Karen Eden

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
Sun 7/21: Sunday Drivers (4 pm)

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Thurs 7/18: Sensi Trails, Eureka Sound
Fri 7/19: Coso
Sat 7/20: Spazmatics
Sun 7/21: Sunday Morning Praise Band (11 am)
Wed 7/24: Jeff Bridges
Thurs 7/25: A Dustland Fairytale
Fri 7/26: Carlos Daniels
Sat 7/27: Agent Orange, The Bastards, Idecline
Sun 7/28: Groove Session

Downtown Ventura Special Event
Ventura Music Festival Free Concert
Mission Park
Thurs 7/18: Incendio

Duke’s Griddle n Grill
1124 S. Seaward
Wednesdays: Karaoke

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ
Fri 7/19: Sojai

Four Brix Winery
2290 Eastman Avenue
Music 6 – 8:30 pm
Midlife Crisis
Fri 7/26: 50 Sticks of Dynamite

Garage
1091 Scandia Avenue
Fri 7/19: Ran Aground, Midmind, One Minute Run, False Patriots
Fri 7/26: Tanglers, Alonso Delano, Cuddlefish

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic
Thursdays 7 pm: Open Jazz Jam

Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wed & Thurs 6 pm; Fri & Sat 8 pm, Sun 4 pm
Fri 7/19: Crooked Eye Tommy
Fri 7/26: Lonely Avenue

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Thurs 7/18: False Confession, 3 Day Holocaust, Civil Conflict, Trash
Fri 7/19: Doc Ventura Band
Sat 7/20: Defeating the Purpose, September Begins, Cat OK
Sun 7/21: Velmont
Sun 7/28: Del Franklin

Keynote Lounge
10245 E. Telephone Road
Tues, Wed and Sun: Karaoke
Thursdays: Open mic night
Fri 7/19: Reign
Sat 7/20: Red Rhythm
Fri 7/26: DJ AVG
Sat 7/27: Crosscut 808

Leashless Brewing
585 E. Thompson Blvd.
Tues: Open Mic, The Listening Room
Fri 7/19: Boom Duo
Sat 7/20: Alpine Camp Band
Sat 7/27: Same Mother, Same Father

Limon y Sal
598 E. Main Street
Fridays: DJ
Saturdays: DJ
Sundays: Instone (1-4 pm)

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Thurs 6 pm; Sat 4 pm; Sun 3 pm
Thurs 7/18: Peter Blackwelder
Sat 7/20: Alec Ledbetter
Sun 7/21: Milo Sledge
Thurs 7/25: Paddy Marsh
Sat 7/27: Anchor & Bear
Sun 7/28: Last Great Decade

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Fri 7/19: Bad Religion
Sat 7/20: Loud & Queer
Sun 7/21: One OK Rock
Thurs 7/25: Dwight Yoakam
Fri 7/26: TSOL, Youth Brigade, Stalag 13, Ill Repute, The Robot Uprising…
Sat 7/27: Shoreline Mafia

Margarita Villa
Ventura Harbor Village
Wed 7/17: Karen Eden
Fri 7/19: Freedom of Expression
Sat 7/20: Crosscut 805
Sun 7/21: Mike Martinez
Fri 7/26: James Bros.
Sat 7/27: Blown Over
Sun 7/28: Doc Rogers Band

Oak and Main
419 E. Main Street
Tuesdays: Beers Brothers Open Mic
Thurs 7/18: Mark Masson & Friends
Fri 7/19: Psychedlic Summer
Sat 7/20: Brandon Ragan Project
Thurs 7/25: Beers Brothers Showcase
Fri 7/26: Pet Rocks
Sat 7/27: Shaky Feelin’

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Wed: Karaoke

Olivas Adobe
4200 Olivas Park Drive
Music Under the Stars series
Sat 7/20: Sound Effect
Sat 7/27: Rodeo Drive

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Plan B Winery
3520 Arundell Circle
Music 3-5 pm
Sun 7/21: Jen Staves & the Bluzfish Trio

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D.

Saloon
456 E. Main Street
Music at 10 pm
Fri 7/26: The Caverns

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 7/20: No Class
Sun 7/21: Feather
Sat 7/27: Steve the Singer

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Brian Parra
Tuesdays: DJ Nick Dean
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

The Shores Restaurant
1031 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard
Thursdays: Karaoke
Fri 7/19: Brian Faith Band
Sat 7/20: Uproots
Sun 7/21: Deborah Jenssen Band
Fri 7/26: Scott Spindel
Sat 7/27: Brandon Ragan Project
Sun 7/28: Jose Valdez Jazz Trio

The Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Fri 7/19: Sin Chonies
Sat 7/20: Mini Driver Band
Fri 7/26: Morganfield Burnett and da Blues
Sat 7/27: Vanise Terry Band
Sun 7/28: Mid Mind

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Sundays: DJ Steezy Steve
Tuesdays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Get Right DJ
Wed 7/17: Bone Maggot, The Humble

Topa Mountain Winery
821 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai
Music Saturdays: 5-7; Sundays 4-6
Sat 7/20: Mark Masson Duo
Sun 7/21: Bart Budwig
Sat 7/27: Rich Sheldon Trio
Sun 7/28: Patraicia Avis Trio

Traveler’s Café
1070 E. Front Street
Music 11 am – 1 pm
Sun 7/21: The Swillys

Ventura Bike Hub
281 W. Main Street
Sat 7/20: Auxilio, Sordo, Trash, Slow Down, Goat Rhythm

Ventura College Performing Arts Center
4700 Loma Vista Road
Ventura Music Festival events:
Fri 7/19: Joey Alexander Trio
Sat 7/20: Ranky Tanky
Sun 7/21: Rastrelli Cello Quartet

Winchester’s
632 E. Main Street
(805) 653-7446
Music at 7:00 pm; Sundays at 5 pm
Fri 7/19: Karyn805
Sat 7/20: The Swillys
Sun 7/21: Jon Gindick
Fri 7/26: Unkle Monkey Duo
Sat 7/27: James Broz.
Sun 7/28: National Cat

1901 Speakeasy
649 South B Street, Oxnard
Fri 7/19: Shawn Jones
Sat 7/20: Doc Ventura
Fri 7/26: Rat Pack Ricky
Sat 7/27: Karen Eden

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Music at 11 am – 1 pm Fri & Saturday
4-7 pm Saturday
Saturdays: Kenny Devoe
Sundays: Kenny Devoe

Ventura libraries events

Avenue Library

Children & Family Events

Summer Reading Event – Kona Ice
8/1 Thursday @ 3-4pm

Join us for FREE Kona Ice to celebrate the end of summer reading and all the fun we had this summer at the library!

Bilingual Early Literacy Class

8/5, 12, 19, & 26 Mondays @ 5:30-6:30pm

Join us every Monday for storytelling, nursery rhymes, flannel board fun and more!

Lego Play

8/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Thursdays @ 3 –5pm

Play, build, and learn with Lego Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs.

E.P. Foster Library

Adult Programs & Special Events

A California Native Plant Society Lecture

8/20 Tuesday @7-9pm

Please join us for an interesting and enlightening lecture series presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter. See you in the Topping Room!

Children’s Events

Summer Reading Event – Kona Ice

8/2 Friday @ 3pm

Join us for FREE Kona Ice to celebrate the end of summer reading and all the fun we had this summer at the library!

Early Literacy Class

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays & 8/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 10:30am

Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Virtual Reality

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays @ 3:30-5:30pm

Explore the virtual world with these different gaming VR platforms during Summer Reading. All VR Platforms are for ages 13 and up including adults.

Makerspace Open Workshop

8/6 & 13 Tuesdays & 8/7 & 14 Wednesdays @ 3-6pm

For kids through adult. Free, drop-ins welcome, no prior experience needed.

Hill Road Library

Family & Children Events
Early Literacy Class

8/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun! Aimed at ages 0-5.

STEAM Lab
8/1 & 8 Thursdays @ 4pm
Join us for a special STEAM Lab to celebrate summer reading at the library. 8/1 Foil Boats 8/8 Paper Rockets.

Maker Lab

8/15, 22, & 29 Thursdays @ 4pm

Join us each week as we explore making stuff with the 3D printer, Legos, Little Bits, Dash & Dot Robots, or Squishy Circuits. Aimed at ages 10+

End of Summer Reading Party with Kona Ice

8/6 Tuesday @4-5pm

Join us for free Kona Ice to celebrate the end of summer reading and all the fun we had this summer at the library!

Adult Events
Book Club: Less

8/27 Tuesday @ 6-7pm

Join us for a discussion of the 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction, Less, by Andrew Sean Greer.

Saticoy Library

Children & Family Events

Early Literacy Class

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays @ 10am

Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft & fun!

Lego Play

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Tuesdays @ 3-5pm

Come with your friends or make new ones while building wonderful structures with our Lego collection.

Family Coloring and Games

8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 10:30am- 12pm

Games, Coloring and other art materials are available for drop-in participants to express their creativity. Children and Adults.

Vol. 12, No. 21 – July 17 – July 30, 2019 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Offered at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice 1996 Eastman Ave

First Tuesday of the month from 1- 2:30 p.m.  free classes on managing life with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes. Learn about meal planning, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, medication management and new developments for living with diabetes.

Second Monday of the month from 4 – 5 p.m. join a free joint replacement classes and learn what to expect pre and post-surgery. Learn about home safety, rehabilitation, medication and recovery.

Wednesdays evenings from 6:30 – 8 p.m. free adult bereavement support groups to individuals who have experienced a loss within the last 2 ½ years. The support groups help improve understanding of the grief process, decrease emotional pain, provides emotional and educational support.

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. First and third Wednesday of each month at 7:00 at the Poinsettia Pavilion.  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 – 7:15p.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 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.  https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/

The Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events.  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.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6 – 10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m.  Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard.  www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805) 229-7429.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7 – 9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.

Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

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.

Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected].

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. They have excellent speakers, leading cardiologists, nutritionists, dietitians from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at (805) 644-2733.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva 805-814-5650 or Maryann

The Ventura Retired Men’s group meets on the first and third Tuesday each month at 11:30 a.m. at the Elks lodge on Knoll Dr. Drop by and we’ll treat you to lunch so you can sample our activities and banter and hear our program/speaker of the day. Call Bob Likins at (805) 587-1233. We’ve got programs and activities you might enjoy as you shoot the breeze or chew the fat.

The Ventura Rotary Club, Ventura Downtown Lions Club and the Salvation Army of Ventura have partnered to bring the community a free Eye Clinic. The goal and vision are to provide free eyeglasses for those in need. Patients are seen each Tuesday from 9 – 11a.m., walk-ins only first come first served. The Eye Clinic is located inside the Salvation Army Hope Center. 155 S Oak St.

July 18: The next monthly meeting of the East Ventura Community Council will feature a panel focusing on the pros and cons of the burgeoning cannabis industry. Scheduled to speak are Ventura Police Chief Ken Corney and Seana-Marie Sesma of Mary Jane Services Network. The agenda also includes a representative of the Ventura Police Department who will report on crime and safety in the area.

Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Ventura Friends of the Library. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson, [email protected]

July 21: 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. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.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 1 p.m. www.nawcc-ch190.com.

July 26: 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. Held on the 4th Friday of each month from 7- 10 p.m. at 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Info: Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.

August 3: Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9-11 a.m., www.sespeflyfishers.org .Bob Smith at (805) 647-3522.

August 4: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 to 4 p.m.  Admission is free.  The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood) in Ventura.  For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

August 7: BCNN is a women’s social club open to ladies who reside in Ventura, Oxnard and Pt Hueneme.

Our monthly Coffee-Speaker meetings are from 9:30 – 11 a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. Guests are welcome a couple times before becoming a member; dues are $30/year.  Our speaker, Dr. Beverly Russel, author, publisher and creative thinker, will introduce the Labyrinth. http://www.bcnnwomensclub.org/.

August 14: The Ventura County Camera Club Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop.  This will be followed by the showing of member images. A local professional photographer will verbally critique member’s prints and digital images. You will find the variety of images shown and critique fascinating and will enjoy the evening.  WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

August 16: “Ventura County Mended Hearts Chapter’s 40th Anniversary Celebration luncheon.

Friday, 11:30 – 2 p.m. at the Board Room on the 8th floor of the old Community Memorial Hospital.

Keynote speaker is Humorist/Author James Alcroft. The newly installed President of Mended

Hearts International, Ron Manriquez, will personally present a special certificate commemorating our

40th Anniversary. Reservations are necessary as space is limited. Call the Larimore’s (805-658-6353) no later than Monday, August 12th. “

Cabrillo announces Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship recipients

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2019 Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarships.

This year, Cabrillo received 24 applications, and $12,500 has been awarded to 14 recipients. Edison International provided a $10,000 grant to be divided among STEM recipients, and another $2,500 was distributed among recipients of all majors.

Recipients received their awards during a CEDC Board meeting July 25 at Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation.

The Ventura scholarship recipients:

·         Angellica Ayala-Ibarra, a Ventura High School graduate, who will attend California Lutheran University as an environmental science and accounting major

·         Denise Castro, a Foothill Technology High School graduate, who will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, as a global studies and education major

·         Yuliana Ceja, a Pacifica High School graduate, who will attend Ventura College studying applied mathematics

·         Dominique Delgadillo, a Ventura High School graduate, who will attend Ventura College as a Zoology major

·         Julio Martinez Fernandez, a Pacifica High School graduate, who will attend the University of California, Santa Barbara, as an Earth sciences major with an emphasis in geophysics

·         Devin Ruiz, a Ventura High School graduate, who will be attending California State University, Channel Islands, as a mathematics major

The Rodney Fernandez Leadership Scholarship Program, created in 2011, honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The Scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to provide comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities through a community-building approach that facilitates self-sufficiency for individuals and families who are most lacking in opportunity in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.

Summer at CAPS

Children, adults, their bicycles, and little red wagons dressed up and paraded down Main Street for the annual Pushem Pullem Parade. Photo by Kenneth Roency

CAPS Media was there on the street for the 44th annual 4th of July Street Fair and Pushem Pullem Parade. The kids, families and pets paraded down Main Street in their Independence Day best. It always fun to be a part of Ventura’s festivals and parades. The Ventura Police and Fire as well as California State Parks Lifeguards worked hard to keep us safe during the 4th of July fireworks. Thanks to our public servants for what they do.

The CAPS Media board of directors has openings for a couple of new board members. In the next few weeks CAPS Media Member/Producers will elect members to fill positions for board members who have moved out of the community or whose terms of office have expired. This is a great opportunity to get involved in the continuing development and future of CAPS Media. All CAPS community members are eligible to join the board of directors. Any CAPS member interested in joining the board needs to complete and submit a statement of interest/nomination form which is available at the CAPS Media Center. Forms are due by August 1st with appointment of Board members at the Annual meeting in October.

KPPQ-LP, CAPS Community radio station, broadcasting at 104.1fm and streaming online, has been hosting local non-profits to record public service announcements about their organizations and upcoming events. Do you want to get your message out? Radio is a great way to do it. Non-profits are always welcome. Contact Elizabeth at [email protected] to schedule a time to come in and record a spot.

CAPS Media continues to record local community council meetings throughout the city. All air on CAPS Media Channel 6 and stream on capsmedia.org. Live coverage of city meetings can be found on channel 15. Go to the schedule tab on the CAPSMedia.org website for dates and times.

Visit the CAPS Media Center located at 65 Day Road on the Ventura College campus, directly across the street from Foothill high school. Everyone is welcome to drop by and tour the center. Any community group including nonprofit, faith-based organizations, youth groups, service clubs can arrange a tour. The CAPS Media Center conference room, which accommodates up to 30 people, is available to nonprofit and educational groups for community meetings. Contact CAPS at [email protected] or call 805-658-0500.

Membership and privileges are available to anyone who lives, works or attends school in Ventura and available to members of nonprofit organizations throughout Ventura County. To find out more go to capsmedia.org/events, sign up for the next orientation class on the first Thursday of the month and discover how easy it is to become a producer at CAPS. Receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production (additional fee required) and more. Go to capsmedia.org, or you can call 805-658-0500 to get complete information.