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Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 – Community Events

by Ana Baker

The Ventura Senior Men’s Group continues to meet for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion on each month’s first and third Tuesday. Men of all descriptions are welcome to stop to sample our shenanigans. Lyle Hotzler at 805-341-9820

Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. Every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011, Rose 805-659-9223, or [email protected]. All Welcome.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society’s meetings are held every first and third Monday of the month at the Church of the Foothills, Ventura. Meetings start at 7:30 p.m. A website with more information can be found at https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Monthly Beach Cleanup First Saturday of every month. Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St) 8:30-10:30 a.m. Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided BYO water.

Nov. 16: The East Ventura Community Council (EVCC) will meet virtually at 7 p.m.  Visit the EVCC website at https://eastventura.org/ for the Zoom meeting link.  The agenda includes the East Ventura police report, presentations from the Stewardship Director of the Ventura Land Trust, and the Project 22-0103 manager from Michael Pauls Associates. Mr. Michael Pauls is the project manager of the proposed two-story convenience store with eight gas pumps, an automatic carwash, and beer and wine for off-site consumption at the corner of Wells Rd & Telegraph Rd.

Nov. 18: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a book sale from 10 to 3 p.m.
at Vons located at Telegraph and Victoria (6040 Telegraph Rd.) Fiction, Non-fiction, Children’s Books, Manga, Comic Books, Graphic Novels, Puzzles, Audiobooks, CDs, and DVDs. Contact: Mary Olson (805) 223-1187

Nov. 19: Anyone interested in timepieces, both antique and modern, can join the Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors for a watch/clock marketplace, lunch, and a presentation on a horological topic.

Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation at 11 a.m. at the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. nawcc-ch190.com.

Nov.21: Our annual Community Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be held on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the historic downtown First United Methodist Church. Participants will include representatives of the Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Unitarian, Catholic, and Protestant traditions. Refreshments and fellowship in the church hall will follow the service—First United Methodist Church 305 East Anapamu (corner of Garden and Anapamu). Free parking in the church parking lot; enter from Garden Street. 805-963-3579 [email protected] or visit our website www.fumcsb.org or https://www.facebook.com/FirstUMCSantaBarbara

Nov. 24, 25, 26; Dec. 2 & 3; 9 & 10
Dudley House Holiday Boutique. The 29th annual fundraiser for the 1892 Historic House Museum is back. Come celebrate the spirit of the holidays’ past, where you’ll find quality crafts, home décor, antiques, collectibles, silent auctions, and bargain “basements. Open 11 – 5 p.m. with a flea market added 8 – 4 p.m. outside on Sundays. Located at 197 N. Ashwood. (805) 654-8381. Free.

Dec. 2: Flamenco in the 805 is back. Namba Performing Arts Space will host the 6th annual Flamenco showcase at 7 p.m. The show will open with the dance students of Wendy Castellanos and feature over 30 dancers from all over the 805. Get ready, Ventura! This is the pure essence of the Andalusian song. This is Flamenco!

December 5: Free documentary film about the Thomas Fire: “The Perfect Firestorm” at 7 p.m. at Poinsettia Pavilion. This event celebrates our city and working together to create stronger and more fire-safe neighborhoods. The documentary by CAPS Media highlights how our community pitched in to help each other during the disaster. Please join us in the celebration. Hosted by the Ondulando Firewise Community. For more info, email: [email protected]

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 – Movie Review

Streaming Spotlight by Cindy Summers
NYAD – Netflix

4 out of 4 palm trees

NYAD is the incredibly inspiring true story of world-renowned open ocean swimmer Diana Nyad (Annette Bening) and her quest to conquer what was believed to be impossible by swimming unassisted and without pause from Cuba to Key West, Florida. The trip was difficult due to unpredictable weather and strong ocean currents and Diana had first tried at the age of 28, but the weather and oceans currents were very unfavorable and she only completed 76 of the 103 miles, due to 8 foot swell pushing her off course toward Texas.

At the age of 60, Diana decided she wanted to give Cuba another try and began lap swimming in the local public pool after not having done any swimming at all for nearly 30 years. When she was able to swim 8 hours without pause, she reached out to her best friend Bonnie (Jodie Foster) to coach her and join her in her attempt in Cuba. Bonnie initially refused, not having even known that Diana had started training again, but eventually agreed and they went to Mexico for a test run in the open ocean.

Diana’s goal in Mexico was 8 hours in open water, but in her first attempt she was only able to complete 4.5 hours. This was unacceptable to Diana, who asked Bonnie if they could try again and was able to complete just over 8 hours the next day. She would sing songs to herself to keep pace, but they had to be on a 4×4 beat so that it would keep her timing correct and she built up a library of at least 96 mostly classic hit songs to sing in her head as she swam.

2nd attempt, August 7, 2011 at age 60. Diana was given a different medication than the Tylenol requested for shoulder pain and she was allergic to it, had a medical emergency and had to stop at 53 miles left in after 28 hours 42 minutes. 3rd attempt, September 23rd 2011 at age 62. Diana was stung by box jellyfish, which are extremely dangerous and not known to be in the area, and given an EpiPen injection unknowingly making it worse having to stop 59 miles from Florida. 4th attempt, August 18, 2012 at age 61. Diana ended the swim at 12:55 am on August 21, 2012, due to two storms and nine jellyfish stings though she manged to travel the greatest distance than her three previous attempts.

5th attempt, August 31, 2013 at age 64. Diana wore a special box jellyfish suit at night to keep her from getting injured. On the morning of the second day, the electronic system that was designed to repel sharks also went down and a shark headed for her but she was protected by the shark wranglers who were able to get the system back online in time. After swimming almost two full days she started hallucinating which was natural for the depleted nutrients in her body, and though she was exhausted and hallucinating still had about 12 hours to go. Bonnie was able to encourage Diana to continue and she finally walked up on the shore of Key West Florida after 52 hours 54 minutes in the ocean and was greeted by hundreds of fan there to support her mission.

Since her epic accomplishment, Diana’s talked at many TED talks and done many other notable things including appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” being a the subject of a skit on “Saturday Night Live”, and starting a movement to walk across America with her best friend Bonnie Stoll.

Annette Benning and Jodie Foster are dead ringers visually for their characters and they portray a very believed bond of best friends. Not only is this an incredibly inspiring story for people of all ages, there’s an aeriel shot at 1h16m of Ventura’s Crowne Plaza where in the movie Diana was giving a presentation to a group in a hotel conference room.

Runtime: 2h 1m

Vol. 17, No. 04 – Nov 15 – Nov 28, 2023 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Rusty, a friendly 7 1/2 month old Shepherd X in need of a new home. I was given to my current owner by someone who was going to take me to the shelter. I’m thankful to have been taken in instead of ending up at the shelter, but what I really want is my forever home. I can’t wait to start making wonderful memories as a cherished member of a loving family.

I’m energetic, good with other dogs, cats and children too. Since I’m just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. Please be sure you’re ready to take on a puppy as it’s similar to having a newborn (2-legged kind) in the home.

If you’re ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet 8 -year-old Buster! He is best described as a couch potato. His former foster reports he is quiet, house and crate trained, and loves cuddling! His favorite activities include chasing a ball and flopping over for pets. He’s looking for a home as chill as he is. 🧡

If you’d like to meet Buster, schedule an appointment at https://www.vcas.us/adopt or come down to the shelter during normal Adoption Hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. If you have questions, please contact (805) 388-4341 or [email protected].

Celebrating the culinary legacy of Gregorios Kazos: A journey through 57 years of excellence

Gregorios Kazos has delighted the palates of Ventura residents and visitors alike.

In the heart of Ventura, a culinary maestro has woven a tapestry of flavors and tradition, enriching the local dining scene for over five decades. Gregorios Kazos, a former chef and the proud owner of multiple award-winning restaurants, has delighted the palates of Ventura residents and visitors alike.

With a remarkable career spanning 57 years, Gregorios has left an indelible mark on the culinary world. Over the years, he has introduced a total of 34 restaurants across Canada and the United States, spanning from the east coast to the west coast. His establishments have become known as culinary havens for renowned figures like Yanni, Jeff Bridges, Nia Vardalos, Victor French, and James Whitmore, among others.

Among his numerous culinary achievements, Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen in Simi Valley claimed multiple Readers’ Choice Awards from 1988 to 2003. In 2004, Barton’s Steak & Seafood in Simi Valley further solidified Gregorios’ reputation for excellence.

In 2012, the Kazos family opened Stephen’s Market & Grill, a testament to their dedication to preserving and sharing their Greek heritage. This establishment is a unique blend of family recipes, fresh ingredients, and a rich cultural history. Passed down through generations, these recipes incorporate Greek staples like olive oil, feta cheese, lamb, and yogurt into each meal. Stephen’s, named after Gregorios’ grandson, reflects the family’s passion for Greek cuisine.

Hailing from the picturesque Island of Lesvos in Greece, the Kazos family draws inspiration from the lush olive trees that grace the hillsides and lead to the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. The family is devoted to bringing the flavors of Greece to the Ventura community, emphasizing the importance of food in Greek culture, where families often gather around meals.

As the Kazos family celebrated the 11th anniversary of Stephen’s Greek Market & Grill in August 2023, they expressed their profound gratitude to the people of Ventura for their unwavering support. This gratitude extends to the Ventura County community for standing by them through challenging times, including the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturns.

Gregorios Kazos’ culinary journey continues to be a source of pride for Ventura, where tradition and innovation come together to create unforgettable dining experiences. With his rich history and dedication to the art of cooking, Gregorios remains a beacon of culinary excellence in the heart of California. 2632 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93003. Stephensgrill.com

Ventura Charter School students return from school-wide campout with a strong sense of community

With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish.

Ventura Charter School of Arts & Global Education – a tuition-free Ventura County public school – welcomes students’ home as they return from a school-wide campout adventure in October. The expedition spanned three days in the local Ventura County wilderness where students, families, and teachers gathered at Steckel Park in Santa Paula to prepare for the school year by building solid connections while creating a strong sense of community to last throughout the school year. This year nearly 400 students and 300 families attended the campout, which is the only such school-wide activity of its kind within Ventura County’s public schools.

“The Campout, has allowed our child to slowly come out of his shell and meet new people. With each passing year we have been blessed to watch our child flourish and grow during this event,” said Jaret and Jackie Flowers, parents of

Ventura Charter School students for 6 years, “This school is full of loving and caring parents, teachers and faculty.”

During the trip, students embarked on a sunrise hike, completed a riverboat challenge, formed a drum-circle, participated in lessons on local animals and nature, learned to explore and engage with their surroundings in a scientific way and had time to have fun and build friendships that are sure to continue on campus. All grade levels were invited to participate, with older students in grades 3 and up camping overnight with their families and younger K-2 students enjoying daytime camp activities.

“It’s always fun to see the first-time campers getting their hands dirty and embracing the lessons,” said Lisa Hildebrand, Executive Director of Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education, “For our older students, they look forward to the campout each year. For them, it’s about having fun with friends, as they grow their critical thinking skills, build new and deeper connections, and engage with their environment in ways that carry into the classroom.”

This is just one of the many unique ways that Ventura Charter School engages students with each other and with the natural world as part of an education that extends beyond the classroom. Taking care of the Earth and understanding the natural world are part of the core principles of Ventura Charter School and are an integral part of its global education.

“Ventura Charter Schools campout is one of the most unique school community building experiences families can share with their children and my favorite school event,” said Terra, the parent of an 11-year-old Ventura Charter School student, “We come together to enjoy nature, sing at campfire, and bond together with Charter families and Charter staff to create an exciting and memorable outdoor adventure for the kids.”

To learn more about how Ventura Charter School encourages students to engage with their education in a way that works best for them, and to take a campus tour and learn about enrollment visit: www.venturacharterschool.org/.

Ventura Charter School – Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in

2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education. The school currently serves over 400 K8th grade students on its campus located within the larger DATA middle school property. Ventura Charter School is an expeditionary learning school in partnership with EL Education. It is guided by 10 founding principles and its mission to, “engage every student in meaningful and supportive learning experiences to grow resilient, educated, and socially intelligent human beings.”

Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications

Online workshops to help with the application process are offered at VC.

The Ventura College Foundation is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2024-25 school year. The deadline for application submissions is January 21, 2024.

Students currently enrolled at Ventura College in the 2023-2024 academic year and who have completed at least six units by the end of the Fall 2023 semester, are eligible to apply. Units earned in previous semesters at Ventura College count towards the unit requirement.

“Beginning last year, we reduced the scholarship eligibility requirement from twelve to six units to make the application process more inclusive for part-time students,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “With work and family commitments, it’s often difficult to attend full-time.”

Over 400 scholarships totaling more than $600,000 will be awarded, many for specific majors including environmental science, computer sciences, health care, nursing, business and education. Phoenix scholarships are exclusively for re-entering students, including active military and veterans, who have taken time off and are now returning to college to continue their education. By completing one application, students are eligible for multiple scholarships. Scholarship amounts range from an average of $2,400 for continuing students to an average of $3,500 for students transferring to four-year universities next Fall. At a minimum, scholarship recipients are awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

Online workshops to help with the application process are offered from October through January before the application deadline. Scholarship recipients will be announced in April 2024.

The foundation’s scholarships are the result of annual contributions and established scholarship endowments from Ventura College Foundation board of directors, donors, and corporate partners. “Their generous contributions and transformative investments in support of Ventura College student success have enabled the foundation to award scholarship funds to tens of thousands of students over the foundation’s 40-year history,” says King.

For more about Ventura College Foundation scholarships, workshop dates and other financial assistance, go to https://venturacollegefoundation.org/scholarships or contact Micsin Martinez, foundation programs and development specialist, at [email protected], 805-289-6161.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation transforms students’ lives through education by providing innovative and vital resources and financial support. The Foundation collaborates with Ventura College to enhance human potential, civic engagement, careers, and academic success of students enabling their effective impact and legacy on the college, local workforce, and our community. The foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or [email protected] or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org.