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Vol. 11, No. 8 – Jan 17 – Jan 30, 2018 – Mailbox

Opinion:

I loved the last Breeze. I kept one for myself and sent one to my mom in Thailand so she could read about the Thomas Fire and all the related community stories! Great job!

Siree Franks, Director

Ventura Music Together

In a previous Mailbox we had a letter that stated in part “In 1999 Councilman Monahan asked Msgr. Patrick O’Brien, pastor of the Old Mission, to be the Grand Marshal for the 1999 St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” Jim has assured us that he did not ask Msgr. O’Brien this.

Breeze:

I want to thank you again so very much for another year of “supporting the support group” – Thanks to the Ventura Breeze, The Venture Parkinson’s Disease Support Group has been able to help many folks in 2017 who would not have found us otherwise. I just got a call this week from a home-health care provider looking for a group for her client who has PD; that is how she found us, in one of your articles!

Yours very truly,

Patty Jenkins Volunteer Coordinator Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group

Ooooopsy

Editor :

I was just reading your newspaper and on the front page you have a story about the Winter Warming Shelter and the department providing TB clearance is from Public Health a Division of The Ventura County Health Care Agency and the article says “Environmental Health Dept.”

Johnny Gomez

Sheldon:

Just a quick “thank you” to you and your staff for producing an issue that shows once again why the Breeze is our local “national treasure”.

Heartwarming (and heart-tugging) stories of the fire, plus the always excellent community resources and articles put the Breeze in a class by itself and made this a very special issue.

Thank you,

Kurt Triffet, Triffet Design Group

How I hate those who are dedicated to producing conformity.
~ William S. Burroughs

 

Eating healthy for seniors

“I love my veggies and they are healthy.”

by Jennifer Tipton (RN Jenn)

Eating healthy is something we all struggle with; however, seniors are often faced with extra challenges. Sometimes food just doesn’t taste the same, there may be a loss of appetite, difficulty chewing, or the inability to go food shopping, and there’s also the consideration of certain dietary restrictions.

Here are some tips to help you along:

Choose fruits and vegetables that are brightly colored and perk them up with lemon, herbs or spices.

Make at least half of your grains whole grains. Read the ingredients list, it should say “whole” grain and contain at least 3g of fiber. Fiber can help lower cholesterol, blood sugar and prevent intestinal problems.

Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean and vary your protein choices to include plant based sources like beans and peanut butter.

Drink plenty of fluids as they play an important role in digestion, nutrient absorption and regularity. With age, you may lose your sense of thirst, so don’t wait until you’re thirsty, try sipping throughout the day.

Cut back on foods high in fat and salt. Choose plant based oils and margarines instead of products high in saturated fat. Instead of reaching for the salt shaker, perk things up as in tip #1, too much sodium can raise blood pressure or put you at risk for heart disease, stroke or kidney disease.

If you suffer from a lack of appetite, small frequent meals are a wise choice, rather than to feel overwhelmed staring at a large plate of food. Meals can also be supplemented with nutritional shakes; there are a variety of them, some specific to certain underlying health issues, so check with your physician to see what might be recommended to meet your individual needs.

If chewing is a problem, a visit to your dentist might remedy the situation but until then, eat softer foods that are easier to chew, and if you have been advised of any dietary restrictions, a consultation with a dietician may be of great help.

If you are over 65 and want to stay at the same weight you are now, Dietary Guidelines suggest these calorie levels:

Women

Not physically active – 1,600 calories/day

Moderately active – 1,800 calories/day

Active lifestyle – 2,000 calories/day

Men

Not physically active – 2,000 to 2,200 calories/day

Moderately active – 2,200 to 2,400 calories/day

Active lifestyle – 2,400 to 2,600 calories/day

Brisk walking, golf, or dancing are examples of moderate activity whereas swimming, jogging, or tennis are examples of an active lifestyle.

Only be as physically active as your ability and condition allow.

Area Agency on Aging offers home delivered meals and resources for assistance with shopping (805) 477-7300

Our hearts go out to each and every one of you

by Livingston Memorial staff

As we all begin to find our footing again after the impact of the Thomas fires, we at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association would like you to know that our hearts go out to each and every one of you. We are here to acknowledge, hold and honor all of the emotions we are all experiencing as a result of these fires.

We are here to provide grief support services to individuals and families within our community. Our openhearted counselors are here to offer presence and compassionate support throughout this trying time. Whether you have lost a home, lost pets or farm animals, were suddenly evacuated, are a first responder or if you are closely connected with those who have experienced a loss, we are here for you.

Here are a few gentle offerings for you to consider as you take care of yourself, your family and your loved ones…
• Take life slowly as you begin to resume your daily schedule. Be patient and be good to yourself.
• Be mindful of what you put into your body. Drink more water than you normally would and eat healthy, nourishing food.
• Get lots of rest and take naps if you feel more fatigued. One of the physical symptoms of grief is exhaustion; rest is restorative for your body.
• Allow yourself to feel the multitude of emotions that arise, such as confusion, sadness, anger and guilt. Know that you are not alone nor are you the only one feeling this way.
• Connect with your loved ones in person or by phone. Share your own experience and listen to others. Connection offers us great healing in times of pain.
• Know that sometimes we are at a loss of what to say to someone. Sometimes saying just that, in a loving way, is the best thing to do! Your compassion and presence will be felt by the other.
• Explore what feels soothing and healing to you. Listening to music, going for walks, drawing on religion or spirituality…We all have our own unique grieving process as well as our own ways of healing.

As the threat of imminent danger is behind us and we begin healing our community, we all must remember that everyone’s grief is valid and quite unique. It is important for us all to move forward with care and compassion. Remember to honor yourself and your experience. Remember to listen to others. And most importantly, return to your breath as you take life one moment at a time.

You can help by joining Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s remarkable core of volunteers and community heroes that give special gifts of time and compassion to patients and their families at the end of life.

They will provide you with training that gives you the confidence to enter the homes and lives of others to support them as a part of the Livingston Hospice Team. Training begins Wednesday, January 31st from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and continues for eight consecutive weeks.

What you receive back is as priceless as what you give.

For more information, contact Maddy Hazard at 642-0239 x775 or [email protected].

Ventura College Foundation announces two new staff members

The Ventura College Foundation recently announced it has expanded its team with two new staff members. Gerardo Pantoja has joined as director of major and planned giving, and Julie Harvey has joined as development manager. Together, Pantoja and Harvey will help the Foundation manage its fundraising program, expand its donor base to support student scholarships, academic program enhancements and equipment, and continue to cultivate and steward donors of major and planned gifts in support of the Foundation’s mission.

“Gerardo and Julie each has extensive experience helping nonprofits reach the goals fundamental to their stability and longevity by engaging donors on a deeper level,” said Anne King, executive director of the Foundation.

Gerardo Pantoja

A Southern California native, Pantoja earned his associate’s degree from Antelope Valley College before transferring to Pepperdine University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Immediately after graduating, Pantoja moved to Washington, D.C. where he spent eight years successfully fundraising for the Hudson Institute and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, he relocated back to Los Angeles to fundraise for the University of Southern California’s School of Architecture before making the move to the Ventura College Foundation He currently lives in Camarillo.

Julie Harvey

A nonprofit specialist, Harvey has more than 22 years of diverse experience working as a youth director/specialist in various churches and the nonprofit sector, along with extensive administrative and organizational experience. In 2008 she was awarded Woman of the Year Congressional Recognition, with twelve Southern California women, by U.S. Congresswoman Grace Napolitano for her pro bono work with the Southern California non-profit Braswell Rehabilitation Institute for Development of Growth and Educational Services, Inc. (B.R.I.D.G.E.S., Inc.), in Pomona. She holds a bachelor’s degree from National University and a master’s degree in Christian education from Dallas Theological Seminary in Dallas, Texas.

The Foundation’s flagship programs include Textbook Lending, where students can borrow up to three textbooks to use for the entire semester; Ventura Promise Grant program that allows students to attend their first two semesters at Ventura College tuition-free; and the Phoenix Scholarship program for re-entry students.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Anne King at 289-6160 or [email protected]. Or visit www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

Nurse Debra Lawry Daisy Award winner

Every day Debra holds the hands of patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer.

Community Memorial Health System is proud to announce that Registered Nurse Debra Lawry is the health system’s most recent DAISY Award winner.

Created in 1999, the DAISY Award is a special recognition that honors extraordinary nurses internationally who demonstrate clinical expertise, provide skillful, compassionate care, and go above and beyond for patients and family members. The DAISY Foundation was established by the family of J. Patrick Barnes, who died at the age of 33 from complications of an autoimmune disease. During his eight-week hospitalization, Barnes’ family was awestruck by the care and compassion his nurses provided to Barnes and his family. The family created a foundation in Barnes’ memory to recognize extraordinary nurses everywhere who make a difference. Today, over 2,700 healthcare facilities in all 50 states and 18 countries give DAISY awards.

Every day, Debra Lawry holds the hands (literally and figuratively) of patients who have just been diagnosed with cancer. In her role as Cancer Patient Nurse Navigator at the Community Memorial Health System Cancer Resource Center, she guides patients through the diagnosis, treatment and cancer recovery processes, serving as a vital source of education, support and friendship along the way. Lawry goes above and beyond for her patients, often attending appointments with them and spending extra time ensuring they feel truly supported on their cancer treatment journey.

Many patients have called Lawry their “angel,” and have said they aren’t sure how they would have gotten through treatment without her. Lawry is always willing to provide her co-workers with education or moral support as well, and she works hard to broaden her knowledge so she can provide the latest and most accurate information to patients and coworkers.

To nominate an extraordinary nurse from Community Memorial Health System for a DAISY Award, go to http://www.cmhshealth.org/daisy/. Learn more at www.DAISYfoundation.org.

Water is life

Westside residents voiced their concerns with erosion and how to better prepare for yet another evacuation.

by Karen Leslie, writer with heart

Hoping for just a sprinkle and not a down pour, was just one of the main topics open for discussion for the 100 plus Westsider’s who attended the Ventura Westside Community Council Meeting held at Bell Arts Factory January 3rd.

The evening began with a lively atmosphere of friends meeting friends and neighbors greeting neighbors. President of WCC, Tomas Luna set the evening’s tone and intention, one with the hope of finding answers, resolving and taking action to help prepare for yet another impending monstrous disaster, the possibility and probability of mudslides. With the hills baron and nothing to stop them from sliding and destroying everything in their path, homes and lives are at stake, not to mention the hills themselves.

With Westside residents still reeling from the bottlenecking, and challenging escape routes of the Dec. 4th fires, they voiced their concerns with erosion and how to better prepare for yet another evacuation.

This triggered a chain reaction which changed the climate of the evening to a Q&A session. WCC Treasurer, Tomás Rebecchi shares, “I think overall the meeting was successful. We learned the emergency alert systems and evacuation routes can be improved and made more accessible. This is just a starting point, many questions still remain unanswered and we will continue to organize and strongly support local agencies to improve and prepare for future emergencies and hoping for more answers at the next meeting Feb. 7th.”

CFROG(Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas), Kimberly Rivers says, “The Thomas Fires moved through many oil fields including Ventura oil fields which straddles the Westside Community, all the hillsides have the potential for movement and mudslides.”

Assistant Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler shares, “We are pleased with the attendance of so many residents and the department is already preparing to be proactive instead of reactive.”

Ashley Bautista encouraged home residents to register with VC Alert, an emergency notification system that delivers alerts when there is a threat to the health and safety of residents.

Fire Marshal Joe Morelli states,” Residents should prepare for a rain and debris flow event by planning and staying informed on what to do during an emergency by visiting; www.readyventuracounty.org and www.venturacountyrecovers.org also checking local weather channels for updates. A moderate to heavy rainfall event is anticipated in the Thomas Fire areas next week.”

These hard working conscientious people are part of a team effort to find answers to many of the concerns in the minds and hearts of this Westside community. New resident, Andrea Beenham shares, “I am impressed with the camaraderie and openness of the community.”

Wildfires alter the natural landscape by removing vegetation and exposing soil to wind and rain. These changes substantially increase the risk of flash floods and debris flow. Normally, grasses, shrubs and trees slow rainfall and improve soil absorption. Leaf litter further protects the soil from erosive rainfall.

So what’s the next step? Preparation before it rains helps to minimize and prevent potential danger. Nature’s back-to-back disasters can cause distress and uncertainty, that’s where knowledge is power and when new knowledge is applied, combined with action, our choices and decisions can re-direct the flow and deflect future disasters. Holding a positive mindset while trusting the process and each other we become victors instead of victims.

Let’s begin 2018 by watering new ideas with anticipation and appreciation. Drenching ourselves with possibilities in the rich soil of our lives will set the stage to help harness our direction. Planting seeds of hope for the landscape of our future insures deep roots of safety and security for all and generations to come.

Thirteen young women are 2018 Debutantes!

All of the young women are high school seniors.

Seven local young women were introduced at the 61st Annual Las Patronas Tea. The Tea was held at the home of Mrs. Stephen Resnik in Camarillo.The girls were presented to the members of Las Patronas, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Ventura County and their guests.

The Tea is a first in a series of events that will culminate in the Las Patronas Debutante Ball on March 10, 2018 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.
Proceeds from the Ball are used to benefit Assistance League philanthropies, including Assistance League School, Girls Club/Teen Club, B.U.F.F.Y. Bear Program and Operation School Bell®.

All of the young women are high school seniors, the debutantes represent seven high schools in Ventura County. In their high school careers, they have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, leadership, the arts, and philanthropic service.

The following are the Ventura 2018 Debutantes:
Miss Jacqueline King, daughter of Mr. and and Mrs. Joseph King. She attends Buena High School.
Miss Sadie McCormick, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jack McCormick. She attends St. Bonaventure High School.
Miss Lauren Powell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Powell. She attends Ventura High School.

Some medicines can keep you awake

“I try not to use the computer before I go to bed”

by the National Institute on Aging

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as all adults—7 to 9 hours each night. But, 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

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

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.
  • According to World Med Assist, Modafinil can help you stay focused during the day but because they aren’t a stimulant they won’t affect your sleep (check site here for more information)
  • 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.
  • CBD gummies are great for sleep so look into buying some to help you get to sleep easier.
  • Remember—alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to 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.
  • 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.

For More Information About Better Sleep

American Sleep Apnea Association
1-888-293-3650 (toll-free)
[email protected]
www.sleepapnea.org

National Sleep Foundation
1-703-243-1697
[email protected]
www.sleepfoundation.org

Restless Legs Syndrome Foundation
1-512-366-9109
[email protected]
www.rls.org