Buenaventura Art Association at Studio 99 @ The Bell Arts Factory
Our Solo Artists
Endless Energy – Maxine Apke
Ebb & Flow – Darlene Roker
New works from New Members
Exhibit runs until December 23, 2023
Apke’s show features more than a dozen framed examples of her handmade paper collage art, about half of which are 24 by 30 in.; some small, unframed pieces; and a dozen “eco-dyed scarves,” she said.
Titled “Endless Energy,” its theme is “energy from the sun,” said Apke, a Santa Barbara resident who’s been making art about 40 years. “The larger works are 3D collages and are interpretations of the sun; the smaller works are related to our natural world.”
Her website, homesteadmill.com, gives insight into Apke’s papermaking process and contains a gallery of her works, including previews of some pieces in the “Energy” show.
Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime—they can keep you awake.
Older people tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than they did when they were younger.
There are many reasons why older people may not get enough sleep at night. Feeling sick or being in pain can make it hard to sleep. Some medicines can keep you awake. No matter the reason, if you don’t get a good night’s sleep, the next day you may:
Be irritable
Have memory problems or be forgetful
Feel depressed
Have more falls or accidents
Being older doesn’t mean you have to be tired all the time. You can do many things to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are some ideas:
Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when you are traveling.
Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening, if you can. Naps may keep you awake at night.
Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people read a book, listen to soothing music, or soak in a warm bath.
Try not to watch television or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom. The light from these devices may make it difficult for you to fall asleep. And alarming or unsettling shows or movies, like horror movies, may keep you awake.
Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature, not too hot or too cold, and as quiet as possible.
Use low lighting in the evenings and as you prepare for bed.
Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.
Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime—they can keep you awake.
Stay away from caffeine late in the day. Caffeine (found in coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate) can keep you awake.
Remember—alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.
Insomnia Is Common in Older Adults is the most common sleep problem in adults age 60 and older. People with this condition have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Insomnia can last for days, months, and even years.
Often, being unable to sleep becomes a habit. Some people worry about not sleeping even before they get into bed. This may make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.
Some older adults who have trouble sleeping may use over-the-counter sleep aids. Others may use prescription medicines to help them sleep. These medicines may help when used for a short time. But remember, medicines aren’t a cure for insomnia.
Restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder, and rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder are common in older adults. These movement disorders can rob you of needed sleep.
People with restless legs syndrome, or RLS, feel like there is tingling, crawling, or pins and needles in one or both legs. This feeling is worse at night.
Some people find that relaxing their bodies puts them to sleep. One way to do this is to imagine your toes are completely relaxed, then your feet, and then your ankles are completely relaxed. Work your way up the rest of your body, section by section. You may drift off to sleep before getting to the top of your head.
Use your bedroom only for sleeping. After turning off the light, give yourself about 20 minutes to fall asleep. If you’re still awake and not drowsy, get out of bed. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed.
If you feel tired and unable to do your activities for more than 2 or 3 weeks, you may have a sleep problem. Talk with your doctor about changes you can make to get a better night’s sleep.
The holidays are coming! Sometimes that can feel overwhelming as we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. As we gather with loved ones, take time for reflection and enjoy foods that connect us to the season or with our culture, we can feel joy and wellbeing. This is often a time for mental or emotional breaks from the routines of daily life. However, it’s important to note that the holidays do not always bring happiness and can actually promote additional stress, anxiety or depression. That’s why it’s important to take time for yourself, exercise, and eat healthy foods that energize you and keep your immune system strong. It can also be really helpful to adjust your expectations and workouts to help you get through this busy time!
Since maintaining a fitness routine can be difficult during the holidays, here are six motivational and inspirational tips to help get you through:
Figure out what inspires you.
Adjust your expectations.
Workout with others.
Switch up your routine.
Exercise early in the day if you can.
Give yourself rewards and presents.
During the holidays, the pressure to skip exercising increases dramatically. There is so much to do between work, family responsibilities, chores, shopping, decorating, company parties, etc.
This is when you have to stay organized and utilize your time wisely. You’re basically bartering with yourself. Don’t be afraid to compromise a little. It’s fine to skip a gym session if it falls on the same day as your office party.
While you’re busy bringing good cheer to others, don’t forget to treat yourself. This is especially true if you’re able to stick to an exercise routine. Even a slightly reduced workout schedule will do a lot to mitigate seasonal health impacts. Keep your workouts fun during the holiday time, and remember that a little bit each day goes a long way! Incorporating family time is so important and fun during the holidays, so why not make some of that time active? Suggest to your family and friends that you go on walks, hikes, or play interactive games and activities. These are great ways to bond with family and friends and get in shape at the same time.
In the midst of the holiday hustle, exercise emerges as a natural stress reliever, releasing endorphins that not only uplift your mood but also help maintain a calm and focused demeanor.
Incorporating exercise into your holiday schedule ensures that you remain active even during the busiest times of the season. It’s far easier to maintain your exercise routine than to take time off and assume you’ll jump back on the exercise bandwagon after the New Year.
One of the best ways to manage holiday stress and fatigue is to. . . you guessed it, exercise! Plus, your energy levels will be higher, providing you with more energy to party, socialize and celebrate the festivities!
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com
I’ve mentioned in prior issues the how evolved the email scammers have become. I received an email stating it was from Paypal (looked exactly like it was from them) informing me that $1,000 was being taken out of my Paypal account for the purchase of a computer. They can create miracles it seems, since my account had $5 in it. Then, it says if you don’t agree to this purchase call a number. When you do call, what they need to reverse the charge is your SSN, credit card number and name of your first born.
I have solved the confusion with UFO sightings. I was watching a UFO show and it showed 3 round yellow balls in the sky that may have been UFO’s. And, then they quickly disappeared.
That is when I figured out how this was happening. The superior beings out there have figured out how to convert matter into light. Light travels at 670,616,629 miles per hour. So, when they want to do some traveling, they just convert their vehicles into light. UFO=MeVC.
For example, light from Mars takes about 22 minutes to get here compared to the 7-8 months it would take us to get there.
When the aliens are done visiting, they just convert their ships back into light and can be home in time for dinner.
We can’t solve homelessness by simply providing housing. At least 1/3 of homeless people are mentally ill. We must vastly improve our public mental health system which is totally inadequate. Without timely treatment and needed interventions, those with a serious mental illness deteriorate and easily become homeless.
Homelessness is a national crisis, and all too pervasive in California. An estimated 171,000 people are homeless in this state, representing 30% of all homeless people in the U.S. Political leaders are divided over how to address the crisis, with some, including Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, favoring tent encampment sweeps and a tough-love approach toward those with mental health and addiction issues.
A man who confessed to raping and impregnating a 9-year-old girl has been sentenced to life in prison. The poor 9-year-old girl had to travel out of state to end the pregnancy.
I didn’t realize a 9-year-old could even get pregnant, but what kind of a society would then make her have a baby (if she could) after going through that trauma?
At least Ohio voters get it. They approved a constitutional amendment that ensures access to abortion and other forms of reproductive health care, the latest victory for abortion rights supporters since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade last year.
Ohio became the seventh state where voters decided to protect abortion access after the landmark ruling. Good for them.
Ads that claim seniors can have medical insurance with no monthly premiums are somewhat misleading. The cost of our medical insurance is deducted from our social security money, so we are paying for it just not directly.
You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.
I hope someday you’ll join us. And the world will live as one. ~ John Lennon
Dementia Friendly Ventura County’s next one-stop workshop to help people living with a dementia-related disease and their caregivers is scheduled for Wednesday, December 6, at Oxnard Family Circle.
The public is encouraged to stop by anytime during the “Living Well, Caring Well” event and meet with many local providers who can assist with dementia-related issues, including adult day centers, adult protective services, the Alzheimer’s Association, caregiver resources, financial resources, in-home care, health insurance counseling and advocacy, legal and advanced planning, long-term care ombudsman, neurology, and public benefit programs.
The December 6 workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. at Oxnard Family Circle, which is located at 2100 Outlet Center Drive #380.
For more information, email [email protected] or call (805) 477-7300.
Don’t let anybody steal your identity. Current fraud schemes to be on the lookout for include:
People using your Medicare or health plan member number for reimbursements of services you never received
People calling you to ask for your Medicare or health plan numbers
People trying to bribe you to use a doctor you don’t know to get services you may not need
You can protect your identity and your benefits. Never give out your Social Security, Medicare, health plan numbers, or banking information to someone you don’t know.
Carefully review your Plan Statement to ensure all the information is correct.
Know that free services do not require you give your plan or Medicare number to
anyone. If you suspect fraud, report it immediately. Call 1-877-7SAFERX
(1-877-772-3379).
If you haven’t seen the murals at the downtown library, it is worth the visit. The subject matter, created by depression era artist Gordon K. Grant, is “Agriculture and Industries of Ventura” – the style of art American Scene or Regionalist painting. Depicted are cattle, horses, fields and laborers of many different types including men milking cows and women packing citrus. They were created to celebrate the virtues of small town or rural life and advance an overt narrative favoring labor and the nationalist, pro-labor politics of the era. The murals, renovated in 1966, date from 1936-37 and were funded by the Federal Arts Project, under the New Deal WPA. They are very reminiscent of the murals of Diego Rivera and were painted around the same time of many of his murals.
Second place winner-Teska Raducanu, Balboa Middle School Art Teacher- Ms. Lena Layman, VDLC President- Maya Zumaya, First place winner Gillian Lee and Peace Poster Committee Chair – Janie Tran.
by Janie Tran
First place winner Gillian Lee.
“Ventura Downtown Lions Club kindles the spirit of creativity and peace, presenting a $360 check to Balboa Middle School’s dedicated art teacher, Ms. Lena Layman. Amidst the theme ‘Dare to Dream’ in the Lions International Peace Poster Contest, Balboa Middle School not only answered the call but delivered 8 outstanding entries, propelling Gillian Lee to 1st place with a $150 prize and Teska Raducanu to 2nd place with a $50 award. Ms. Lena Layman received $100 for her inspirational guidance, while the remaining 6 participants were rewarded with $10 gift cards each.
Adding a delightful touch to their triumph, winners Gillian and Teska, along with their families, were treated to a celebratory dinner during the club’s monthly evening meeting at Black Bear Diner. As their winning poster advances to the district level, Ventura Downtown Lions Club takes pride in championing art education in our vibrant local community.”
Winners and their families along with art teachers.
Santa Paula Theater Center has pulled out all the stops for their last production of the 2023 season. The 39 Steps, by Patrick Barlow, garnered the Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 2007 as well as numerous other awards and nominations. It is a fast-paced delight featuring well over 100 quirky characters, all portrayed by seven highly capable and skilled actors.
Where else could you get vaudeville, a mystery set in bonny Scotland, people becoming props and a hefty dash of Monty Python’s Flying Circus, the early years, all packed into one whirling dervish of an evening? Why, Santa Paula Theater Center, of course!
Director Richard Kuhlman has assembled a cast that is a marvel to witness, tightly choreographing the action while also allowing room for (and probably encouraging) improvisation. The staging is a parody adapted from the 1915 novel by John Buchan and the 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock. But there’s no Hitchcockian suspense here. This production will leave you laughing frequently and wondering what they could possibly do next.
John Webber leads the story as Richard Hannay, who becomes entangled in a spy operation with a mysterious woman who is murdered in his flat. Taylor Lee Marr plays an alter-ego version of Richard Hannay, with the two changing places often to illustrate various points.
The other five actors, Leslie Upson, Sarah Boughton, Martha Benavides, Carlita Mead and Tom Hall, carry the entire rest of the very large cast of characters. Most memorably, Upson plays Annabella Schmidt (the murderee), Boughton is the flighty Pamela, Benavides embodies Professor Jordan. Professor Jordan’s wife is played with glee by Carlita Mead and Tom Hall gives a stellar turn as Mr. Memory. All take on their various roles with total abandon, adding to the overall hilarity.
I particularly enjoyed wondering what antics would come forth next. In true Python manner, some of the rapid-fire chicanery flew past me like a rocket. Due to the mile-a-minute pace of the first act, I did feel the second act suffered from a slight case of an old Chinese malady, On Too Long. Perhaps I just ran out of energy on their behalf. Nonetheless, it was a wild ride full of surprises, humor and rolling r’s (oh, those Scots!).
Oh, and yes, in the end we do learn the significance of the 39 steps which seemed anticlimactic given the frantic action leading to it. Amidst all the melee, the explanation seemed rather ordinary.
A clever and creative opening had the cast all on stage giving the pre-show audience notes (exit locations, intermission, etc.) which led seamlessly into the play’s action and invited the audience to be an integral part of the evening. A nice change which worked quite well for this production.
The 39 Steps runs through December 17 at which time the cast and crew will have fully earned a restful holiday before the 2024 season begins. Keep a bookmark on the Center’s website to find out what is in store. www.santapaulatheatercenter.org .
As the holiday season draws near, the Ventura Pottery Gallery is thrilled to announce the return of its highly anticipated Free Pottery Gift with Purchase event. Commencing on December 1, patrons making a purchase of $40 or more will receive a complimentary pottery gift, generously provided by our devoted group of forty potters.
Our artisans have accumulated a surplus of stunning pieces in their studios, leading them to generously donate a diverse selection of bowls, vases, mugs, plates, and ornaments as tokens of appreciation for our cherished customers.
We extend a warm invitation to explore the Ventura Pottery Gallery and indulge in the exceptional work crafted by our local artists and potters. Conveniently located at the Ventura Harbor Village, our gallery is open from 11 AM to 6 PM, seven days a week. For those unable to visit in person, our extensive online store at www.venturapotteryonline.com offers an opportunity to explore and purchase our unique pieces. Further information is available at www.vcpg.org.
Please note, one gift will be provided per customer per day, subject to availability while supplies last.
Join us in celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of local potters this holiday season at the Ventura Pottery Gallery. For inquiries or additional information, please contact Cecile (805) 754-6380.
