The Photography Branch of the Ojai Art Center welcomes artists to submit photographic images for its upcoming 14th annual juried photography exhibit, “Animal Kingdom,” opening June 3 with a reception on June 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Entries may be submitted to the Art Center Thursday, June 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Friday, June 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
This year they are welcoming submissions showing animals and creatures of all kinds. Humans can be included if they show a relationship between the animal and the human. Submissions can be pure photographic images or those that have been digitally altered.
Amateurs, professionals, and students in grades 7 through 12, are all welcome to enter. Cash awards will be given for First, Second and Third Place winners, including the student division. For full information and questions contact David Baker 558-6460 (call or text) or [email protected]
Craig Whan and Robert Perry of the World Business Academy were guest presenters at the Ventura County Climate Hub on Thursday May 11 at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura. They spoke about Community Choice Energy and the status of the technical study being done to prepare Ventura County and its ten cities to join. They reported on the launch of Community Choice Energy by Los Angeles County and the success of the City of Lancaster and other new local utilities in California purchasing more renewable energy while achieving lower electricity rates.
The World Business Academy is offering help to cities to meet demand without construction of any new gas-fired power plants through rapid roll-out of Community Choice Energy and investments in distributed generation able to incorporate battery storage as they become affordable. Maps of the stations and distribution lines in South Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties showed how the demand from Santa Barbara is drawn from Ventura County and their current focus on helping those cities become more energy independent.
Participants discussed the Calpine application for a gas-fired peaker plant on Mission Rock Road near Santa Paula and the injustice of siting such a plant for export of electricity to other states. The presenters made it clear that energy generation everywhere must be localized and distributed near commercial centers. Ratepayers will otherwise be paying for a stranded asset that will be shut down before completing half of its full life. They said that Ventura County deserves planning with foresight to prioritize renewable energy and energy efficiency. Whan and Perry stressed the economic stimulus from localization of energy generation for local investments and jobs creation.
The Ventura County Climate Hub meets every second Thursday at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura to learn and take action to support the transition from a fossil fuel to a renewable energy economy and contribute to a global draw down of atmospheric greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.
World Business Academy Craig Whan, 892-4600, email [email protected].
Ventura County Climate Hub Jan Dietrick, 746-5365, email [email protected].
Vita Art Center presents Fiber Art Exhibit
Opening Reception: Friday, June 2 from 6-9 p.m.
Exhibit Dates: June 2 thru 30 from 6-9 p.m.
Vita Art Center is excited to exhibit the work of 4 exceptional contemporary fiber artists each showing a unique use of material, form and technique. Fiber art is defined as fine art which consists of materials that are natural or synthetic fiber and other components. It focuses on the materials and on the manual labor on the part of the artist as part of the works’ significance, and prioritizes aesthetic value over utility.
Exhibiting Artists: Carol Shaw- Sutton, Julia Ford, Tina Linville and Wendy Osher
Mental Health First Aid is funded through the Mental Health Services Act and Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), it is part of the “Early Intervention and Prevention” promoted by VCBH. Classes are at no cost to participants (a $170 value) and are taught by certified trainers that teach how to help someone with a mental health problem or at risk of suicide. Students are provided with the book, “Mental Health First Aid USA” that is packed full of information and tools that will help you to help others.
The course, hosted by the Ventura Police Department 3 times in the past 2 years, is 8 hours broken into two parts and covers depression, anxiety disorders, psychoses, substance use disorders, and eating disorders.
A national survey found that in one year 18.5% of American adults suffered from some type of mental disorder, this is equivalent to 43.8 million people, and of these, 18.1% were anxiety disorders. That’s nearly 20% of all Americans that struggle with some type of mental health issue. For many people with mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, they will find coping strategies through using marijuana, and other drugs. As marijuana is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, many people find that using marijuana makes them feel much better and allows them to get on with their days. These people can take marijuana in various forms, however, most people will look to smoke it through using dab rigs. To see if marijuana helps you with your anxiety disorder, it might be worth visiting https://fatbuddhaglass.com/collections/dab-rigs to find a dab rig to see if marijuana has any impact on your disorder.
Mental Health First Aid teaches warning signs and symptoms, potential risk factors, local resources, support groups and includes a 5-step action plan on how to interact with those affected.
Unfortunately, there is a certain stigma and discrimination associated with mental health, you never hear of someone referred to as “the asthmatic” or “the cancer”, but we often hear someone referenced as “the manic depressive” or “the schizophrenic”. This type of labeling is disrespectful and creates a barrier to recovery.
Like so many things we are unfamiliar with, it is difficult (if not frightening) to know how to deal with these situations and individuals unless we educate ourselves, and that’s what Mental Health First Aid is designed to do.
Mary Ellen Collins, one of the instructors, reports that “Most walk into this class not knowing mental disorders are almost 90% treatable.” And goes on to say, “By the time they leave, they have learned the impact ONE caring person can make reaching out to someone in distress.”
Drug abuse, whether prescription or illicit drugs, can have serious consequences, particularly for older adults. While there are obviously luxury drug rehab centers available to those struggling from addiction, it is always best to focus on prevention. However, there are many different reasons why people abuse drugs and become addicted to them. It’s not the end of the world though if people do because addicted to drugs, as there are a few things that people can to help them with their addiction. Some people are capable of overcoming their addiction with just the help and support of their friends. Whilst others might need to go to an inpatient facility (if this is something which you are interested in finding out more about then you can click here). People can become addicted to drugs for many reasons though. These reasons need to be taken into account when considering how to best prevent drug abuse. Family members, friends, pharmacists, and health care providers can all be involved in preventing drug abuse among older adults.
There are steps that you as a patient can take to prevent abuse of prescription medications and its consequences.
When visiting the doctor or pharmacist, bring along all prescription and over-the-counter medicines that you take — or a list of the medicines and their dosages (how much you take and how often). Your doctor can make sure your medicines are right for you and make changes if necessary.
Always follow medication directions carefully.
Only use the medication for its prescribed purpose.
Do not crush or break pills.
Ask how the medication will affect driving and other daily activities.
Do not use other people’s prescription medications, and do not share yours.
Do not stop taking a medicine on your own. Talk to your doctor if you are having side effects or other problems.
Learn about the medicine’s possible interactions with alcohol and other prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid these interactions.
Answer honestly if a doctor or other health care professional asks you about other drug or alcohol use. Without that information, your doctor may not be able to provide you with the best care. Also, if you have a substance problem, he or she can help you find the right treatment to prevent more serious problems from developing, including addiction.
Preventing illicit drug use in older adults requires first knowing what contributes to it. For people of all ages, an individual’s biology (including their genetics) and the environment, as well as how the two act together, determine a person’s vulnerability to drug abuse and addiction — or can protect against it. For example, being exposed to drugs of abuse in youth, living in a community where drug use is prevalent, having untreated mental disorders, such as depression, or dealing with difficult transition periods such as retirement or loss of a spouse can all make an older adult more vulnerable to drug abuse. There are solutions in place for those who have experienced a wake-up call in their battle with drug abuse and who are now seeking drug rehab using the facilities and services of rehabilitation centers.
Prevention efforts must focus on gaining a better understanding of the factors that promote illicit drug use in older adults. Prevention also includes finding ways to stop drug use before it worsens and leads to health problems, including addiction. Family members can play an important role by being aware of an older relative’s well-being and possible drug abuse, and stepping in to help at an early stage or organising a trip to The Avante Ibogaine Institute, if necessary. Doctors should ask their older patients about potential drug abuse and make referrals as needed.
Although Project Understanding has recently undergone several organizational changes, including reducing staffing and program reevaluation, the 40-year-old nonprofit remains committed to serving the underserved and at-risk in the Ventura County community.
“We want to assure our donors as well as the community as a whole that all of our programs are still viable and actively serving local needs,” said Jann Huling, President of the Board of Directors.
Project Understanding continues to help move the homeless off the streets and into safe, permanent housing. Its Food Pantry serves over 1,200 people a month, and hundreds of children are being tutored every week at its tutoring centers.
Lately, the Tender Life program, which serves homeless pregnant women with safe housing and support services, has seen a significant drop in the number of clients. It is the Board’s responsibility to study the program as currently structured and determine if it still serves the needs of our community.
Major fundraising events like the Hope Worth Giving breakfast, held in March, and Starlight Supper Club, slated for this November, are still going strong.
Financial and donation support from the business community through events like these enables Project Understanding to help thousands of people each year.
Founded in 1977, Project Understanding provides hope by developing and directing resources for the purpose of transforming lives and community through justice, mercy and compassion. For 40 years, Project Understanding has been assisting people reach their highest attainable level of independence.
Volunteer John Baker receiving the Norm Weitzel Award from Executive Director Tammy I Glenn.
Reaching back into the archives, CAREGIVERS (Volunteers Assisting the Elderly) team stumbled upon an interesting fact. Volunteer John Baker, thought to have begun volunteering in 2007 after his retirement, actually came to CAREGIVERS as early as 1986. Baker’s volunteer service to seniors spans more than 30 years, and that’s one of the first criteria CAREGIVERS reviews in making the Norm Weitzel Award.
“With all the talk about fake news, we wanted to set the record straight when it comes to John Baker,” said Executive Director Tammy Glenn. “Previous articles about John had his start date in 2007, but that was after a relatively short hiatus he enjoyed in between serving seniors. John Baker’s original file was started more than 30 years ago, and we’ve got the paper to prove it.”
Senior after senior, assignment after assignment, John’s volunteer file filled up with notes over the years. “He is one of CAREGIVERS’ most trusted volunteers and a model of community service,” Tammy said.
Longevity is important, but it’s not the only criteria for the award. The nomination of John Baker was forwarded by the CAREGIVERS Board of Directors to Norm Weitzel’s brothers at the Masonic Lodge of Ventura. The Mason’s work closely to develop the award in Norm’s memory and were delighted to join CAREGIVERS in bestowing the honor which is now a centerpiece of CAREGIVERS’ Annual Evening of Gratitude, presented this year by SCAN Health Plan.
Norm Weitzel set a high bar, not only as a volunteer, but also as a donor. Doing good without self-advertising, influencing everyone towards right conduct. Norm also was concerned about the sustainability of the organization which is why he worked with Jack Collings to establish the annual Wearin’ o’ the Green golf tournament, which is now lovingly known as the Norm Weitzel Open in his memory.
John Baker has clearly developed as a champion in the community. While his volunteer time might not be visible to most, he is a humble representative exhibiting the fine qualities found in individuals who choose to spend their time as volunteers.
Interested in working with like-minded folks to make an investment in the community? Give CAREGIVERS a call 658-8530 or visit their website at www.vccaregivers.org.
For two years artist Johanna Spinks painted the Face of Ventura with her wonderful portraits that appeared in the Ventura Breeze. As a Memorial Day tribute these are 6 of the sitters that we know of who have passed away. When presented in the Breeze we asked each one what they loved about Ventura.
Howard Boroughs settled in Ventura from the Valley with his family looking for a more eclectic nature. They wanted to be close to the ocean and Ventura seemed like the ideal place. The Boroughs quickly loved their new home and became active in the community. Howard liked that there was an interest in the arts in Ventura.
Tony Barrios enjoyed Ventura 100%. He enjoyed everything Ventura had to offer. Surfing, fishing, cycling, strolling along the promenade and pier just to name a few. Over the years Tony said the people of Ventura were so good to him. He felt truly blessed.
Jalopy Joe Moody came to Ventura in 1999 from Santa Barbara. He had a love for motorcycles and jalopies and opened up Jalopy Joes with his lifelong friend Brenda McDaniel. Joe loved the people of Ventura and was a friend to all. One of his favorite things to do was ride and see the wonderful sunsets Ventura had to offer.
Sandra Laby loved Ventura’s people, location and weather. She felt Ventura was such a relaxed place to raise a family. Sandra enjoyed watching the ocean, birds and boats. She loved that the people were kind and caring which gave her the feeling of a very small town. She loved it all.
Martha B. loved everything about Ventura. She felt very accepted here. Martha loved listening to jazz music and was amazed at all the talent in this town. She had the privilege of singing at various venues as well.
Glenn Dale Gooss settled in Ventura in 1939. He believed it was the residents of Ventura that made Ventura great. He felt the city had a lot of vitality and that it was very charming to visitors. Glenn loved the near perfect weather Ventura offered and the small town feel, in spite of its growth over the 80 years he had lived here.
Communities across the United States came together during National Police Week, May 15-21, to honor and remember those law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice, as well as the family members, friends and fellow officers they left behind.
This year, the names of 394 officers killed in the line of duty are being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. These 394 officers include 143 officers who were killed during 2016, plus 251 officers who died in previous years but whose stories of sacrifice had been lost to history until now.
The names of all 394 fallen officers nationwide was formally dedicated during the 29 Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13 held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States.
Ventura Assistant Police Chief Darin Schindler commented, “Police Officers in the City of Ventura, the State of California and throughout the nation put their lives on the line every day for their communities. We are fortunate that these brave men and women have chosen to dedicate their lives to the safety of others.”
In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls, as National Police Week. The week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
A proclamation in honor of Police Week was presented at the May 15 Ventura City Council Meeting.
For more information about National Police Week, please visit the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund online at www.LawMemorial.org/policeweek.
The Photography Branch of the Ojai Art Center welcomes artists to submit photographic images for its upcoming 14th annual juried photography exhibit, “Animal Kingdom,” opening June 3 with a reception on June 4, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Entries may be submitted to the Art Center Thursday, June 1, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. or Friday, June 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
