As of August 4th, Richard Crummie had received 131 cards.
by Jennifer Tipton
When Susie Curtis first reached out to social media on July 16th to surprise her dad, Richard Crummie with 90 cards for his 90th birthday on August 2nd, she had no idea of the terrific response she would get! Cards came in from Georgia, Florida, Arizona and Canada, to name a few and some well-wishers sent gifts along with their card.
Mr. Crummie lives alone but has some problems with his eyesight, “it limits what I can do by myself, but I have friends that help me”, he said.
When her dad returned after going out to get a haircut, Susie placed the mail on his lap, “it was about six inches thick and he was shocked, asking me what it was”, Susie laughed. She told him it was his mail and he said, “all of it?”.
Mr. Crummie told me that at first, he was overwhelmed with how much mail he had received and when he learned it was all birthday cards, he was “really taken back by it all!”
When I spoke with Susie and her (very surprised) dad on the afternoon of his birthday, he told me, “she’ll have to read them to me of course, but definitely the best birthday ever!”
I asked what he’s going to do now, he responded, “I think I’ll try to be kind to everybody I come into contact with”.
Susie said,” but dad, I thought you were going to learn to jet ski?” He denied it saying he did all his exciting playing around in his youth, and added, “I think I’m gonna start all over – I’m going for 100!”
As of August 4th, Richard Crummie had received 131 cards and they were still coming in!
This morning my husband drove over to the east end to care for a friend’s dogs while they are away, and he unknowingly dropped his wallet while walking the neighborhood. A couple hours later he noticed it was missing, drove all around retracing steps but no luck. A few minutes ago a young man wearing a #VenturaStrong shirt rang the doorbell with the wallet and all credit cards, etc… intact, thus saving us the huge hassle of canceling them and getting new ID, insurance cards, etc… I tried to give this young man a reward but he politely declined. His name is Eddie. With all the bad news in the world lately, I want people to know that we have honest young people in our city, who will drive all the way across town to help a stranger. Ventura Strong, indeed!
Melissa Wantz, Old Town
To Sheldon
I think this is a great idea. I use the Valdez Ally/Eastwood Park steps just about every day and would love to see that open area. We just need to protect our history, as you suggest. And by the way, I’ve lived here about nine months and I don’t think I’ve ever seen that museum open.
Ed Terpening
This is what Ed is referring to from a previous issue. “Because it is very seldom used, it seems to me that the large outdoor area at the Albinger Archaeological Museum is a waste of space. It’s basically grass, dirt and river rock that were foundations for the old buildings that were located there. Really not much to see outside after you enjoy the exhibits inside the Museum.”
Until Sept. 3 the Museum is open from 11am-4pm on weekends.
By email
I just finished reading your article in last week’s Breeze (Paul Hunt Memorial) and was very disappointed to see that you did not include a picture of the actual cross along with the other photos you took that day it seems that somebody cut the cross off right at the bottom and didn’t show the whole picture of it it would have been nice to have included it since it’s a piece of history of Ventura
By snailmail
Why??? Lieberman, Goldstein, etc. left out the cross? The cross is of great historic significance.
JT
JT: To be blunt this was a memorial for Paul Hunt and not Jesus. Also there has always been debate if a 50-year old cross in indeed historical and don’t blame Lieberman, Goldstein they didn’t take the photos.
Dear Sheldon,
Isn’t it a waste and a shame that the Foster Library has to close for the day when the temperature gets hot?
Why can’t air conditioning be installed? Wouldn’t it be worth the cost, particularly for the children?
Suzanna Ballmer Ventura
If it can be destroyed by the truth, it deserves to be destroyed by the truth. ~ Carl Sagan
Tony Jankowski, Dick Zizic and Harold Kennedy keep in shape playing tennis at the Pierpont Racket Club hoping that some day they can beat Publisher Sheldon.
by National Institute on Aging
Competition and teamwork can inspire you to work harder and keep up your commitment to exercise. Try one of these sports:
Tennis
Golf
Seated volleyball
Wheelchair basketball
For more sports ideas, visit the Go4Life website!
Exercising in hot weather? Stay safe with these tips!
Don’t let hot weather stop you from being active. Follow these simple precautions to prevent heat-related health problems.
Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes in natural fabrics.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Check the weather forecast. If it’s very hot or humid, try an indoor exercise.
For more safety tips, check out Exercising Safely in Hot Weather from Go4Life.
Yoga is a great flexibility exercise for older adults!
Yoga is a mind and body practice that typically combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and relaxation. When practicing yoga, keep the following in mind:
Put safety first.
Look for a well-trained instructor.
Practice mindfully.
Find more information about yoga and older adults from Go4Life.
This exercise will help strengthen your grip!
The hand grip exercise is a simple strength exercise that can help if you have trouble picking things up or holding onto them. It also will help you open jars more easily. You can do this exercise while reading or watching TV – all you need is a tennis ball!
When you’re out and about on your bike, it’s important to know how to be safe!
Riding a bicycle is a great way to exercise. Follow these tips to help you ride more safely, or alternatively you could look into something like schwinn 270 recumbent bike, a stationary exercise bike that has many benefits for your health, just like normal biking would.
Always wear a helmet that fits correctly.
Yield to pedestrians.
Signal when you make turns.
Avoid riding your bicycle at night.
Find more information on biking safely from Go4Life.
Ventura County Library Adult Literacy READ Program is looking for Adult volunteer tutors who would like to help other adults improve their reading and writing skills. No teaching experience is required and the training is free. The five-week tutor training series will be offered in Ventura in August through September, and in Simi Valley in September through October.
The READ program trains adult volunteers to provide free one-to-one reading instruction for adults in need of basic literacy skills. Instruction in basic literacy includes the development of phonetic reading skills combined with communication skills. Ventura County Library is encouraging residents to take this opportunity to volunteer as a tutor or encourage someone you know to take advantage of the free program as normally these people who have to pay for online tutoring courses.
After completion of the five-week training, tutors will meet with their adult learners at locations throughout the county. Tutoring is scheduled by the availability of the tutors and the learners.
Illiteracy is an issue that can be debilitating in so many ways for adults who never received the proper instruction. Adults who are unable to read have a much more difficult time with many daily activities that others may take for granted, along with a clear disadvantage in today’s competitive job market.
For more information about how you can support literacy and make a difference in someone’s life, call (805) 677-7160.
On Aug.3, at 1:09pm the Ventura Fire and Police Departments were dispatched to a vehicle into a structure in the 6300 block on Ralston.. Upon arrival, crews discovered a sedan into the side of a garage with the solo occupant still in the vehicle. Firefighters removed the victim from the vehicle, searched for residents in the structure and assessed the structural integrity of the building. This incident was due to a vehicle collision. The driver of the other vehicle was assessed on scene and transported to a local emergency department.
On Aug. 8, at 7:07pm Ventura Fire responded to a reported vehicle accident into a tree with an entrapped passenger on Harbor near San Pedro. Upon first unit arrival, crews discovered a single vehicle collision with major damage and a front seat passenger entrapped. Advanced emergency medical care was initiated for the passenger while additional crews controlled hazards and began extricating the trapped victim using hydraulic and electric tools. The driver was assessed on scene. Both occupants were transported to a local trauma center.
Over two million eagle enthusiasts watched the bald eagles up close. Photo by Dr. Peter Sharpe
The bald eagle breeding season this year has been the most productive since the restoration efforts began in 1980. A record 20 breeding pairs successfully reared 19 bald eagle chicks across five Channel Islands.
“This has been the best breeding season since I began working on the bald eagle restoration project over 21 years ago. The number of breeding pairs has increased from only three in 1997 to 20 this year,” said Dr. Peter Sharpe with the Institute for Wildlife Studies. “On Santa Cruz Island we had two nests that each produced three chicks, something that is not commonly seen on the Channel Islands.”
The overall tally of fledged chicks includes 11 from six nests on Santa Cruz Island, two from one nest on Santa Rosa Island, five from four nests on Santa Catalina Island, and one on San Clemente Island. New nest sites were discovered on Santa Rosa Island at East Point and on Santa Cruz Island at Yellowbanks.
Recent sightings of bald eagles from the Channel Islands have increased throughout California with birds seen in Orange, Santa Barbara, Ventura, and San Bernardino Counties and were spotted as far north as Washington and British Columbia.
Over two million eagle enthusiasts watched the bald eagles up close via live webcams provided by Explore Annenberg and the Institute for Wildlife Studies on Santa Catalina and Santa Cruz Island this year. To view the bald eagle webcams visit explore.org or iws.org.
Bald eagles disappeared from the Channel Islands in the 1960’s due to the effects of DDT and human disturbance. Today, there are about 60 resident bald eagles on the Channel Islands.
The Institute for Wildlife Studies (IWS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife species, is involved in conservation projects around the world. IWS has conducted bald eagle restoration on Catalina Island for nearly 40 years. iws.org
The Explore Annenberg LLC is a charitable, nonprofit organization with a mission to champion the selfless acts of others, create a portal for the education of humanity and inspire lifelong learning. Explore uses the power of the internet, images, music, dialogue and the written word to fulfill its mission. Explore offers a portal for public viewing of live video and live webcams at explore.org.
Land owners that support restoration efforts include the National Park Service (NPS) as the manager on five of the eight California Channel Islands, The Nature Conservancy who jointly owns and manages Santa Cruz Island with the NPS, the Catalina Island Conservancy for Catalina Island, and the U.S. Navy on San Clemente Island.
Montrose Settlements Restoration Program (MSRP), a multi-agency program dedicated to restoring natural resources harmed by DDTs and PCBs released into the environment in southern California, funded bald eagle restoration efforts. MSRP is overseen by representatives from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, California State Lands Commission, and California Department of Parks and Recreation. montroserestoration.noaa.gov
Nala will melt your heart with her big brown eyes!! She is a very smart sensitive dog. Nala knows sit, down, high five and is extremely treat motivated. She loves to take short walks but also would love to be your perfect couch companion. While she appears to be shy from her kennel she comes to life once outside. Come and meet your new best friend Nala!! Ventura County Animal Services – Simi location -670 W. Los Angeles Ave. Nala A685009
Hi: I’m Muneca a 2 year old American Bulldog in need of a new home as one of the dogs I used to live with did not want me around. I’m friendly with other dogs, but under socialized with people. I’m very shy, but will accept pets if you move slowly. It’s unknown how I’d do with kids or cats. If you’re looking for a great gal, stop by and meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L.CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley are conducting two focus groups in the Ventura/Santa Barbara area on the 2017 Thomas wildfire evacuations.
Focus Group 1: Low Income
Saturday, August 25th – 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – E.P. Foster Library in Ventura
Eligibility
1) Evacuated or received an evacuation order for the 2017 Thomas Fire
2) Have a household income under $40,000
Focus Group 2: Spanish Speaking
Sunday, August 26th – 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – E.P. Foster Library in Ventura
Eligibility
1) Evacuated or received an evacuation order for the 2017 Thomas Fire
2) Speak Spanish as the primary language at home
For those chosen to participate, each person will receive a $100 Amazon Gift Card. Participants will be selected on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Standing at the fire engine is Firefighter Josh Bethea, son Scott Hunt, daughter Erin Wise, Firefighter Ron Ramirez, Firefighter Brian Muluchille and Firefighter and bagpipe player David Mendoza .
On September 25, 1936, Paul Richard ‘Dick’ Hunt was born at home 180 Palm Street to Robert and Nettybelle Hunt. He was the last of eight children. He attended May Henning and Lincoln Elementary, Ventura Jr. High, and graduated from Ventura High School in 1954
He worked in various automotive supply shops before working at Shell Chemical. In 1958 he enrolled in the army. On April 26, 1958 he married Janet Fraser. They made their home in Ventura and Dick joined the Ventura City Fire Department.
In 1964, Dick and Jan welcomed their son Scott to their family. Daughter, Erin, was born in 1966, two years later.
Dick was a very artistically talented person and he had lots of hobbies that he enjoyed: calligraphy and designing patterns for his stained glass windows and beautiful sun catchers. He took such pride in his hobbies. He retired from Ventura Fire Department after several years of service and continued time with the Department with weed abatement services.
He passed away quietly at home surrounded by his family on March 10th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to be made to Serra Conservatory Cross, PO Box 48, Ventura, CA 93002.
On July 18 a wonderful memorial service was held for him at the cross.
His best friend and mother of his children, Jan survive him; his son, Scott; his daughter, Erin; his son in law, Richard Hernandez; his granddaughters, Lauren and Brittany; many nieces and nephews, friends. He will be dearly missed.
