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2018 Quilt Show at Ventura County Fairgrounds April 13-14

Lynne Woods, a quilter for 40 years, models one of the kimonos which will be for sale. Contributed Photo by Gerry Olsen

Featuring more than 200 quilts made by more than 100 quilters, the Camarillo Quilters Association will present its 2018 Quilt Show – “Quilting by the Sea 2018” – Friday and Saturday, April 13-14, at the Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The quilts will range from the ultra-small to king size. A feature of the show will be the sale of items from the McMullen Collection of Japanese kimonos, fabric, and art, and a wide variety of items at a large boutique.

Friday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Santa Cruz/Ag Building at the Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10 per person, with children 12 years and under free. There is a $5 parking fee at the Fairgrounds.

Other highlights of the 2018 Show will feature more than a dozen special vendors, colorful gift baskets, challenge quilts, Block of the Month, and refreshments. Kathleen Lee-Smith, a certified quilt appraiser, will be available to prove quilt appraisals during the show.

The Camarillo Quilters Association is a guild of more than 250 quilters and persons interested in quilting. For information on the Guild, go to www.camarilloquilters.com.

Local comedian to headline Senior Expo

Lubas believes in the power of comedy to keep you young.

Comedian Randy Lubas has a soft spot for senior citizens. Owner of the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club, Lubas will be the keynote speaker at the upcoming 10th annual Health & Wealth Expo at Cypress Place Senior Living in Ventura.

The proud son of a decorated veteran of WW II, Lubas was inspired by his father’s escape from poverty through the GI bill. “Being the son of a decorated veteran of WWII has given me a great respect and admiration of our senior citizens,” said Lubas.

His comic voice comes from his rare ability to spot the ironies in life that many people seem to miss. His wry observations have landed him on dozens of national TV and radio broadcasts, which include Comedy Central, Showtime, The Nashville Network, and the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. He has performed over 5000 times in 40 states, and on cruise ships all over the globe. Appealing to all audiences, he prides himself on his squeaky-clean jokes.

Most importantly, Lubas believes in the power of comedy to make a positive impact on people’s lives. “A sense of humor can keep you young, and laughter truly has a healing effect on the brain,“ he said.

Along with the keynote presentation, this year’s Health & Wealth Expo at the senior community will include over 30 vendors offering everything from free blood pressure and glucose screenings, free balance and hearing tests, free wealth management information, to veteran benefit information. A free healthy gourmet lunch will also be provided.

Raffle prizes will be given away throughout the event including one grand prize; a 50” HD flat screen TV. Admission is free and the event is open to the public. Free shuttle parking will also be available at Ventura Baptist Church.

The event takes place on Wednesday April 11, from 11am to 1pm at Cypress Place Senior Living, 1200 Cypress Point Lane, in the city of Ventura.

Corporate sponsors for the event are Ventura Post Acute, Coastal View Healthcare Center, Mission Home Health, Victoria Care Center, Meditech Health Services, and Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.

For more information or to RSVP, please call 203-6995. To learn more about Cypress Place Senior Living of Ventura, visit their web site at www.cypressplaceseniorliving.com.

If you’d like more information about this press release, please contact Mike Macke at 805.650.8000 x102, or via email at [email protected]

Vol. 11, No. 13 – Mar 28 – Apr 10, 2018 – Ojai News & Events

On April 23, Ojai’s own Carol Kline, a N.Y. Times best-selling author who co-wrote several books for the “Chicken Soup” series will be the guest speaker at the Salon. Her topic for the evening will be on writing narrative non-fiction such as memoirs, and about self-publishing self-help books. The Salon begins at 7 PM in the Ojai Art Center Gallery.

A freelance writer/editor for more than thirty years, Carol specializes in narrative non-fiction and self-help books and has taught meditation programs to the general public since 1975.

Come at 7:00 p.m. in the Ojai Art Center gallery for her talk, followed by a reception and book signing. The event is free or a suggested donation of $5.00.

Performances To Grow On will present a performance with internationally renowned storyteller Clare Murphy on Saturday, April 21 at 8 pm at the Topa Topa Winery, 821 W. Ojai Ave. The performance is a benefit for the upcoming Ojai Storytelling Festival, Oct. 25-28, 2018. Tickets are $20 and are available at ojaistoryfest.org. Local musician, Cindy Kalmenson will open the performance at the winery. Food and wine will be available for purchase at the event.

Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, Inc. (OVLF) invites local artists to submit lavender-themed art to the 2018 OVLF Art Contest. Jury-selected works will exhibit at The Oaks in Ojai, June 4-29, and display for sale at the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival in Libbey Park, June 30.

Submission date is June 3, 3pm-5pm at The Oaks in Ojai. Works should be 2-D, sized up to 30”; maximum 2 entries per artist; no entry fee. See www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org for complete details.

Submissions are now open for the 19th annual Ojai Film Festival. Ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway the Ojai Film Festival continues to grow in prestige as one of the country’s premier destination festivals.

Among other perks, the winning screenwriter will receive lodging and passes to the Ojai Film Festival’s Awards Ceremony, where the winning screenwriter receives special recognition, a trophy and a table read staged by the well-established acting community in Ojai.

The early deadline is on April 1, for a fee of $25, the late deadline on June 1, for a fee of $35, the regular deadline on May 1, for a fee of $45, and the extended deadline is on July 1 for a fee of $55.

To enter go to www.ojaifilmfestival.com/entries/

There will be a free Ojai Chautauqua Panel on Water for the Ojai Valley on Sunday, April 15, from 3:00-5:00PM at the Matilija Junior High Auditorium, located at 703 El Paseo Road.

Admission is free thanks to private donations and support from the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and Oak Grove School. Seating is limited. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit www.ojaichat.org.

In addition to panels promoting civil discourse on topics of national concern, The Ojai Chautauqua is launching a series of events specifically focused on issues facing the Ojai Valley. The moderator will be Richard Hajas, member of the Ojai Valley Water Advisory Group, and the panelists will include Tom Ash, water conservation expert and horticulturalist, Mary Bergen, board member of the Casitas Municipal Water District, Connor Jones, Ojai Permaculture founder, Bruce Kuebler, board member of the Ventura River Water District, Alex Kim, managing director of the Ojai Valley Inn, and Bill Weirick, Ojai City council member.

The purpose of the Ojai Chautauqua is to engage Ventura County in civil discourse about controversial and highly passionate subjects.

Vol. 11, No. 13 – Mar 28 – Apr 10, 2018 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 415-8842 for more information.

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Steve at 642-1359

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.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets 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 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 noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

Letters for the Lost, an exhibit marking the 90th anniversary of the St. Francis Dam Disaster, commemorates the lives lost during one of America’s worst civil engineering disasters of the 20th century. Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The exhibit runs through July 16. 26 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 525-3100.

Sandbox Coffeehouse is celebrating its 6 year Anniversary. They will be celebrating this weekend with live music, gourmet tacos- and beer and wine, served every day. Sandbox Coffeehouse would like to thank Ventura and its partners for their support and kindness. 204 East Thompson Blvd. www.sandboxcoffeehouse.com www.facebook.com/sandboxcoffehouse

www.yelp.com/sandboxcoffeehouse

Mar.28: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The program will include a discussion of recent rainstorms and the fire recovery process and a consideration of the proposal to change CACC boundaries to align with the new City Council District 3. Matt LaVere, Council member. Ventura Police Department and Ventura College will be there to discuss neighborhood issues. CACC represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126. Call 644-8695 for more information.”

Mar. 31: Author, Gary Gasaway will be appearing at Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. at 1p.m. After the meet and greet, there will be a signing of The Coach’s Chronicles III. 643-3154

Audubon events:

Apr. 1: 8:30 a.m. Ojai Meadows Raeann Koerner 701-1919. This beautiful preserve is a birding hotspot and includes a restored wetland and native plantings .

Apr. 7: 9 a.m. Work Day Hedrick Ranch Nature Area (HRNA) Spring Clean Up Sandy Hedrick 340-0478.

Arrive at 8 a.m. for self-guided birding which usually yields some interesting birds. This will be our Spring Clean Up.

Apr. 11: 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas, Adele Fergusson 415-4304

We will be looking for hummingbirds, grosbeaks, gnatcatchers as well as ducks, geese and waterfowl. Hopefully we will see a Bald Eagle.

Apr. 15: 8 a.m. Krotona Institute Jesse Grantham [email protected]

Krotona Institute is a theosophical study center, with acres of beautiful grounds, including grasslands, pines, oaks, and ornamental plants with a lot of water features.

Apr. 22: 2 p.m. Ventura Settling Ponds, Frank DeMartino 906-8733

The settling ponds at the Ventura Harbor is a reliable place to find ducks, grebes, gulls and terns, as well as songbirds and raptors.

Apr. 28: 8:30 a.m. Emma Woods Linda Easter (818) 519-2833

We will begin at the entrance to Emma Wood State Beach and follow the path that leads through the willow forest. The estuary is always an exciting place to bird, and target birds.

Apr. 5: The Ventura County Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Bard Mansion on the NBVC Port Hueneme. The meeting includes Lunch and a presentation by Mike Pettit, Director, Ventura County IT Department. Tickets cost $15 per person paid at the door. Call Jon at 642-6748 for more information.

Apr.8: On Sunday at 2 p.m. the Ventura Friends of the Library & Museum of Ventura County, presents the Tri-County premiere of the film EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library.

Located in the Museum Pavilion. Free to the public, the event marks the opening of National Library Week. There will be an intermission with light refreshments provided by the Museum’s Volunteer Docent Council. Mary Olson 223-1187

Apr.8: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. performance – Sunday, 2:30-4:30 meeting at new location… Knights Of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa ,Ventura.

Free admission, free parking in the rear, Open to public. For more information visit Facebook OTCBGMA or call 517-1131.

Apr.10: Ventura Audubon Society presents Allison Alvarado who will be discussing her past and current research with Hermit Thrushes. Allison Alvarado is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Cal State University Channel Islands. She has worked with Hawaiian Honeycreepers on the Big Island, Fairy Wrens in Australia, Neotropical migrants in Alaska, and the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike. Discussion begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion.

Apr. 11: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold its monthly meeting on 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. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. See the club’s web site for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Apr. 14: The Ventura Personal Computer Users Group will meet Saturday, at the Cypress Place Active Senior Living building, 1220 Cypress Place. A workshop on manipulating picture files will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Q&A session, and presentation at 11 a.m. by Bonnie Wiley on Primrose Excursions. Everyone who would like to know more about their computer or excursions is welcome to attend any or all sessions. For more information 648-1368.

Apr.21: Learn all about growing water saving California native plants. Members of the Master Gardeners club of Ventura will be available to offer free instruction to the public on how to plant and care for California native plants. Located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Plants for sale will be available in front of the National Park Service visitor center. Saturday 9a.m. until 1 p.m.

　

Free workshop for ESL volunteer tutors

Laubach Literacy of Ventura County is offering a free workshop to help volunteers learn to become English as Second Language (ESL) tutors of adults.

The next workshop will be held Saturday, April 14 (from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM); lunch will be provided. The workshop will be held at Barrister Executive Suites in Ventura; directions will be given upon registration.

Various methods and materials for teaching English to adults will be demonstrated and taught during the workshop, enabling the new tutor to begin ESL tutoring right away. Neither teaching experience nor the ability to speak a foreign language is necessary. Open a world to an adult non-fluent English speaker with the gift of learning how to skillfully read, write, and speak English.

To register, get more information and directions, please call 385-9584, and please take some time to check out the website at www.laubachventura.org.

April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month

The red tulip has been associated with Parkinson’s awareness since the early 1980’s.

It has been just over two centuries since Dr. James Parkinson first extensively characterized the major symptoms of the disease that came to bear his name in 1817. Slowly but surely our understanding of the disease has improved and effective treatment has been developed, but Parkinson’s disease remains a huge challenge to those who suffer from it and to those involved in its management.

Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that affects one in 100 people over age 60. It is the second most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder after Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 7 to 10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. Scientists predict the number of people with Parkinson’s in the world will double by 2042. About one million Americans are thought to have Parkinson’s, more than those affected by multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. While the average age at onset is 60, people have been diagnosed as young as 18 and one case in Canada reports that a two-year old was diagnosed with the disease. Incidence of Parkinson’s increases with age, but an estimated four percent of people with PD are diagnosed before the age of 50. Men are one and a half times more likely to have Parkinson’s than women.

Every year, about 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. This does not reflect the thousands of cases that go undetected. There is no objective test or biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, so the rate of misdiagnosis can be relatively high, especially when the diagnosis is made by a non-specialist.

The average cost of Parkinson’s medication is $2,500 per year. Parkinson’s-related surgery can cost up to $100,000 per patient. The combined direct and indirect costs of Parkinson’s in the United States, including treatment, disability, and similar payments, plus lost income from an inability to work, are estimated at $25 billion per year.

Statistics are from the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Parkinson’s News Today, the Parkinson’s Foundation, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health and other credible sources. If you have been diagnosed with or care for someone with Parkinson’s Disease, please know that you are not alone and are welcome to join the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group every second Wednesday of the month from 1PM to 3PM at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street in Ventura. For more information call Patty at 805-766-6070. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with or a part of any other organization or group.

They painted the town green for the 30th year in a row

The parade Grand Marshal was the Thomas Fire First Responders. Photos by Michael Gordon and Bill Green

On March 17, starting at the San Buenaventura Mission on Main St. the St. Pat’s Parade was held under a beautiful Ventura sky. Over 80 “floats” participated in this year’s parade featuring many first responders.

The winners of the 2018 County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade have been announced.

Judges for the parade were Dave Creswell, Ventura Unified School District, Connie Stahl, Elks Lodge #1430; Nicole Ipach, California State University Channel Islands; Sue Georgino, Georgino Development and James Lockwood, Ventura County Fairgrounds.

The Parade’s theme was “Ventura Strong.” Of this year’s 82 parade entries, the winners are:

High School Band: Buena High School Band -Pride of the Gold Coast, Junior Band: Ocean View Junior High Seahawk Marching Band, Adult Band: Pacific Coast Highlanders Bagpipe Band, Adult Clubs: Women of Jewelia, Youth Clubs: Little Tree Preschool, Color Guard: Oxnard Air Force Jr. ROTC,

Commercial: Totally Local VC & The Local Love Project, Governmental Agencies: Troop Call Coast Guard with Lyn Fairly,Environmental “Green” Theme: Servpro Ventura -Water & Fire Clean Ups, Equestrian: Ojai Steppers, Families: The McGrath Family, Media: Cold Coast Broadcasting, Most Irish: Seaside Highland Games,Non-Profit Organizations: West Coast Derby Knockouts, Novelty: Ignite Martial Arts,

Restaurants and Pubs: O’Leary’s Tavern, Antique Cars- Prior to 1950: Ventura County Model A Ford Club,Classic Cars-1950 and later: Ventura Classic Car Club, Commercial Vehicles: Pizza Man Dan’s, Fire Truck Vehicles: J.W. Enterprises,Walking Entries: Billy Clower Dance Studio, Individual: Cookie the Clown, Special Interest Auto: Topa Topa Flywheelers, The Perpetual Arnold Hubbard Award (Best in Parade): Very Ventura Gift Shop, The Mayor’s Award (presented by City of Ventura Mayor Neil Andrews): Totally Local VC & The Local Love Project.

Win Genghis Kahn Exhibit passes and discounts at your local library

Enter for a chance to win free passes to the Genghis Kahn exhibition at any of the 12 Ventura County Libraries, or use promotional code “VCLIBRARY” for $3 off admission from now until August, 2018.

What do pants, the pony express, cannons, paper money, skis, violins, baklava and “hooray!” have in common? Answer: Genghis Khan introduced them all to the West.

Curated and developed by Don Lessem, the exhibition features more than 200 spectacular objects on display, including rare and sophisticated weapons, costumes, jewels, ornaments, instruments and numerous other fascinating relics and elaborate artifacts from 13th-century Mongolia.

“I went to Mongolia to look for fossils and discovered the truth about Genghis Khan, a civilizing genius,” said Lessem. “It’s a great story best told in a major exhibition.”

Now the most comprehensive exhibition of Genghis Khan and his treasures invades the Reagan Library, its only Southern California stop on an international tour that has drawn more than a million visitors.

For additional information, contact Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director at 256-8535.

Ventura Libraries:

  • Avenue Library, 606 North Ventura Ave.
  • E.P. Foster Library, 651 East Main Street
  • Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Road
  • Saticoy Library, 1292 Los Angeles Avenue

See hours of service at https://www.vencolibrary.org/locations

It’s national social security month!

Social security information is available online.

by Essie L. Landry Social Security Public Affairs Specialist in Sierra West Area

National Social Security Month is celebrated in April and is dedicated to educating you about Social Security programs and services.  From programs that help support you through life’s journey, to services that help put you in control, to systems that help protect what’s important to you, Social Security is committed to helping secure today and tomorrow for you and your family.

During National Social Security Month, we encourage people to take control of their future with my Social Security at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Create a my Social Security account to check your earnings history, confirm you have enough credits to retire, see an estimate of future benefits while still working, or manage your monthly benefits once you begin receiving them. You can also check the status of your claim or appeal, request a replacement Social Security card, and get an instant benefit verification letter.

Our Retirement Estimator is another great tool that provides you with immediate and personalized benefit estimates based on your own earnings record. This allows you to receive the most accurate estimate of your future retirement benefits. Estimate your benefits now at www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

After you have viewed your earnings history for accuracy, confirmed you have enough work credits to retire, and determined the best age to retire, you can get started on the next phase of your life right away by retiring online! It’s fast and easy at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline.

For more than 80 years, Social Security has changed to meet the needs of our customers. During National Social Security Month, and throughout the year, Social Security puts you in control with secure access to your information anytime, anywhere. From estimating or managing your benefits, requesting a replacement Social Security card, to retiring online, visit SocialSecurity.gov today, and see what you can do online at www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices.