School on Wheels has been celebrating with its volunteers throughout Southern California
April was National Volunteer Appreciation Month and local nonprofit School on Wheels has been celebrating with its volunteers throughout Southern California. Recently 30+ volunteers from Ventura County gathered for a late lunch at Aloha Steakhouse on California Street where several volunteers received Presidential Service Awards for volunteering over 100 hours.
Catherine Meek (Pictured third from the right), Executive Director and also a Ventura Volunteer Tutor stated “Volunteers are the tailwinds for our homeless students, we tend to think about the obstacles our homeless students have to overcome but by having a School on Wheels tutor these students have a much better chance to do well and succeed in school. Homeless students need extra time and attention and we need more volunteers, just like you, to help these kids who are experiencing trauma and instability at such a young age.”
Catherine impressed upon the volunteers that they need to talk about homeless children, why they need our help and how they as volunteer tutors are making a difference in Ventura County. Volunteers tend to be a modest lot, but in these uncertain times, we all need to talk about what we are doing to make a difference in our community and the need for others to do the same. To find out more about School on Wheels you can visit their website, www.schoolonwheels.org. The next introductory tutor training for Ventura County Volunteers is on Thursday, May 11th from 5.30 pm at the VCCF Nonprofit center in Camarillo.
Suz Montgomery explains the details of a free education program to John & Kathy Walker during a recent open house at VACE. Photo by John Hankins
For people 50 and over, if you want at least a part time job to supplement your income or get back into the mix, ENCORE is the place to start.
It’s a free, self-paced training program aimed at filling the gaps needed to become employable. Examples include computer software skills, internet basics, math, English, or simply creating a stand-out resume and honing your job-seeking expertise.
“Thank you for a great learning experience,” wrote a recent student, Paige Cabasug, who found the training to be “a great confidence booster.”
Another student, Norma Baer, “was really surprised I got a (job) response right away and I already have another job offer.”
Thanks goes to VACE (Ventura Adult and Continuing Education), an arm of the Ventura Unified School District, in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging and city of Ventura.
ENCORE is not a traditional lecture-based class; instead you learn at your own pace any day of the week at locations in east and west Ventura. Call VACE at 289-7925 for details, or on-line at:
Businesses are also encouraged to contact VACE, adding to a growing list of job opportunities for these reliable and self-starting students.
Cabasug is an excellent example of a person who had minimal job skills, describing herself as a “domestic engineer” of a military family.
And Baer is an excellent example of a retiree who had 40 years of work experience, “but I wanted to supplement my Social Security and I got tired of sitting around the house. I needed to be around people.”
“I met a lot of ladies in my same position who wanted to keep learning and wanted to work,” Baer said.
Skilled or unskilled, ENCORE met their needs.
For Baer, “things just fell into place.” It happened that her previous work – 40 years at the American Consulate in Germany – was a perfect fit for finding work in today’s world of immigration changes, and her ENCORE training upgraded her computer skills.
“I liked it a lot, there’s more of a teacher-student connection,” she said of ENCORE, contrasting a “stiff, very dry” kind of education in Germany.
Now Baer has extra money to travel during her retirement, and Cabasug has the confidence and independence to be excited and proud about learning new skills and working beyond the home now that the children are grown and gone.
The Museum of Ventura County is proud to present Michael Pearce exhibition, The Secret Paintings, a 35-piece collection reminiscent of Renaissance and Pre-Raphaelite masters in their ambitiousness, complexity, and scale. Its scenes of theatrical grandeur combine the present with the mysteries of the past to create something wholly modern. Pearce uses the ancient Neolithic imagery of his ancestors, injecting it into medieval tarot card settings rife with allegory, all manifested in grand adventures across great canvases. The Museum will host an opening reception Friday, June 2, 6-8 pm.
This is what people see as they enter Ventura on Amtrak. It is real disgraceful. Isn’t there any way to get rid of it?
William Green
William:
Yes there is but very complicated. First it is on Amtrak property so can’t be done without there okay and security people on hand. Second city graffiti folks cannot paint private property. The only way is getting the address of the building (s) and reporting to the city. They will inform the owner to remove it and if not done in a certain time the city (with Amtrak assistance) can remove it.
Breeze
Council members,
I was amazed at the post by VREG regarding water bill payment outsourcing for letter opening proposed at a City Finance Department meeting, without a reduction offset in cost savings. The outsource will cost the City $29,600 per year and will double that when the billing period is doubled.
“Minuscule”, as stated by the staff member to the question of cost savings, is not $29,600, let alone double that. That is derived by the number(s). If there is no reduction of cost elsewhere, then the increase is 100% of the new expenditure. The Finance Department was not able to answer a fifth grade math word problem!
The real question is how deep within staff, and how high within the decision making body of the City does incompetence go? And do we really want to know, it is too depressing!
John Whitman-Ventura
“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” ~ Josh Billings
Red Brick Gallery’s Sun Drenched exhibit May 15th – August 16, acrylics by Jen Livia, watercolors by Phyllis Gubins and Fine Art Jewelry by several local artists all exploring rhythm, movement and color. Each of the artist’s representation of motion is unique, but they all relate back to how the elements of nature impact the world around them. Open Weekdays by appointment and Weekends During Classes, please see their web-site for more details and events.
I just wanted to tell you how sorry I am about your baby boy. I know how much you guys love him and what a great pet editor he was. Now that he’s crossed the rainbow bridge, I hope you can find comfort in his memories, adorable pictures and fame.
It’s never ever easy – I’m really sorry for your loss and I hope your hearts heal soon.
Breezy Gledhill
Never easy … big hugs to all of you.
Jennifer Young
I am so sorry to hear that Scamp isn’t doing well. I’ve seen him over the years as well as you at dog events around town. It’s so hard to know he could be gone soon, he will take a big piece of your heart with him.
Know he loves you in only the way a dog can love: unconditionally.
Take care Scamp fan Fritz
If it should be that I grow weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle cannot be won.
Don’t you wish that you had voted for Scamp now?
You will be sad, I understand;
Don’t let your grief then stay your hand.
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love for me must stand the test.
We’ve had so many happy years –
What is to come can hold no fears.
You’d not want me to suffer so;
The time has come, so let me go.
Take me where my needs they’ll tend
And please stay with me until the end.
Hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
The kindness that you did for me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I’ve been saved
Please do not grieve – it must be you
Who had this painful thing to do.
We’ve been so close, we two, these years
Don’t let your heart hold back its tears.
Sent by Patty Jenkins Poem is by an unknown author
Hi Scamp,
We’re sorry you’re not feeling well. We know how it feels to be special (mommie & daddy had to get special permission at The City Center for us to live there) and how sad your mommie & daddy must be right now.
We really hope you get well.
Bono, Lizzy & Emma
Dear Diane & Sheldon
Scamp was a wonderful dog and I know brought you lots of joy. He had a great full life. I could tell because he was so happy. All the best.
Beth, Ella & Clare
Dear Diane & Sheldon
Scamp was an amazing dog who touched all of our hearts. He will never be forgotten. Always here for all of you. Love the Bakers
You’re in our thoughts. We know Professor Scamp was a very special part of your family and brought you many years of cherished memories.
Canine Adoption and Rescue League
I just wanted to give you my condolences on Scamp’s passing. Me and my girlfriend fell in love with Scamp and his column. It’s clear to me he was well loved by all, as all dogs should be, and he will be missed.
Manny Reynoso
I am so so sorry. My love to you all … please kiss Scamp goodbye from me. I am having something made in his honor
Cappi Patterson
Mr. Kitty helped Myrna Cambianica (and hubby) get over the grief of losing their cat.
Sheldon, I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your furry family member. …
Kat Merrick
So sorry Sheldon. I know how it feels.
Barbara Hinton
Oh I’m so sorry Sheldon and Diane I know how much you love him❤I know how hard it is.
Mindy Benezra
Sorry to hear about Scamp. I know you two were close.
George Robertson
Sheldon:
As a pet owner (have lost 2) I wanted to tell you I’ve shared your grief. There is nothing in the world to compare to unconditional love of a pet.
Miss Scamp but hope you will soon share love with another.
Jean Nussman.
Scamp by Cheryl Gooss
I’m sorry to hear that Sheldon.
Rebecca Wicks
Sheldon and Diane, So sorry … it is very sad, losing a beloved pet.
James Gray
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend. I feel your dismay.
Shirley Lorraine
Thank you for letting me know. Please know my thoughts and good wishes are with you
Pam Baumgardner
Dear Sheldon,
I am sorry. I know what it is to say goodbye to a friend like Scamp. hugs and love to you and Diane.
Elizabeth Alvarez
Awwww! Sorry to hear such a sweet dog. We will all miss him. I know you are down now so anything I can do to help be glad to do it.
Richard Lieberman
The little guy had a great life with you folks. Letting him check out while it’s still great is the biggest favor you can do for him.
Alfred Lewis
So sorry Sheldon. It is so rough going thru that. Ugh. Thinking of you both and Scamp. End of an era!
Johanna Spinks
So sad to read of Scamp’s not-so-good health. Losing a pet has often been harder for me than losing a person. I’m sure you know the drill well – we try and do the best thing for our beloved pet when the time comes. The bottom line is quality of life. Never about us.
Best regards,
Kurt Triffet
Scamp by Ana Baker
I can’t quit crying!!! Wish I could say goodbye to Scampy but I’d probably drown him. My heart goes out to all of you!
Ana Baker
I’m so sorry…… Truly understand. Been there. Think about all the fun times (I guess that’s what makes it sad) and all the memories he left with you.
Aloha Champ……
Larry Dote
We went through this after the death of a cat and my husband said maybe not for a while. I missed the companionship so went to humane society and came home with Mr. Kitty. He is much loved and by both of us. It is always a hard decision on how soon. Animals are so good for our well-being … and we are good in their lives – albeit shorter than ours.
Will be thinking of you and your wife.
Myrna Cambianica
James Mumsford, an American teacher and composer, perhaps described the Shih Tzu best: “Nobody knows how the ancient eunuchs managed to mix together: a dash of lion, several teaspoons of rabbit, a couple of ounces of domestic cat, one part court jester, a dash of ballerina, a pinch of old man, a bit of beggar, a tablespoon of monkey, one part baby seal, a dash of teddy bear, and, for the rest, dogs of Tibetan and Chinese origin.” The object of Mumsford’s colorful description, the Shih Tzu is a small, regal dog with long, abundant locks; a distinctive face that melts many a heart; and a friendly attitude. The breed can boast a classy background: he was originally kept by royal Chinese families during the Ming Dynasty. With his flowing hair sweeping the ground and his topknot elegantly tied, the Shih Tzu does appear snobbish, suited only for lying about a palace on silk pillows. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. Shih Tzus are beautiful, but they are also friendly, lively, devoted companions. The Shih Tzu personality is enormously appealing, and even grudging dog observers find it hard to resist this breed. The Shih Tzu simply doesn’t allow anyone to ignore him. He was bred to be a friendly companion — he doesn’t hunt, herd, or guard — and that’s what he is.
He loves nothing more than to meet and greet friends and strangers alike. Count on a Shih Tzu to make friends wherever he goes. Not only is this member of the Toy Group good-natured and friendly, he is highly adaptable. He is as well suited to apartments in the city as to life on a country farm. He loves children and gets along with other animals. Interestingly, the Shih Tzu is sometimes called the Chrysanthemum Dog, a nickname that describes the way the hair on his face grows out in all directions — he looks like a flower with a nose for the center.
Legends regarding the Shih Tzu abound. One says that Buddha traveled with a little dog fitting the description of a Shih Tzu. As the story goes, one day, several robbers came upon the Buddha with the intent of robbing and murdering him. The little dog changed into a ferocious lion and ran off the robbers, saving Buddha’s life. The lion then turned back into a fun-loving little dog, which the Buddha picked up and kissed. The white spot on the heads of many Shih Tzus supposedly marks the place where Buddha kissed his loyal friend.
Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.
Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 p.m.to 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss.
Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play. Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun. There is a game every day of the week. Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org
The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. Besides a satisfying meal, meeting supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics and brighten your week. More from Steve at 642-1359
Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Instruction every night. At the Mooselodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.
May 11: The 35th anniversary for the Ventura County Professional Women’s Network dinner will take place on Thursday, at the Wedgewood Banquet Center. Networking begins at 5:30 p.m. and the sit-down dinner at 6:15 p.m. There will be a special program, with a panel of speakers sharing history of the group. Members will vote on the coming year’s Board of Directors.
Party attire is encouraged for this special evening. Register at vcpwn.org, or by emailing [email protected]. For more information about the event www.vcpwn.org.
May 11: The Ventura County Climate Hub invites the public to hear leaders of two partner organizations working on ‘Out with the Old, In with the New’ energy economy. Citizens for Responsible Oil and Gas (CFROG) will talk about their campaign to oppose permits for new oil wells in Oxnard. World Business Academy will present the latest know-how for transition away from fossil fuels towards clean energy.
Ventura County Climate Hub is a grassroots, non-partisan local affiliate of 350.
Doors open Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Meeting begins at 7 p.m.. The Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St, rear parking lot to Fellowship Hall.
May 12: The Kiwanis Club of Ventura is pleased to announce and invite you to attend a special event honoring their 50th Annual Ventura County Officers of the Year 2017 Awards Dinner .
Friday, May 12,
5-6pm – Reception with No-Host Bar
6-7pm – Dinner
7-9pm – Program
The Tower Club
300 Esplanade Dr., Oxnard RSVP to Michelle Bleuel – [email protected] or 647-0567
May 12: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution luncheon will include a special program presentation “Benedict Arnold”, presented by Chapter member Fred Dunn. At 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant. Lunch is $20. For additional information please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities http://pattonpatriots.org.
May 13: What’s Your Personality Type in Life and Love? Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist hosts Ventura Singles Discussions. Group Guided Imagery/Hypnosis included. Free discussion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ventura E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. For more information www.meetup.com/Ventura-Singles-Discussions/events/
May 15: CA Zeta Chi parliamentarians will meet at 7 p.m. and will feature a lesson by Sandra Sanders entitled “Finding Your Way through Robert’s Rules of Order.” Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 E. Main St. Those wishing to eat should arrive at 6 p.m. Non-members are welcome. For information Sharon Hillbrant, 479-6738, or zetachi.webstarts.com.
May 16, June 16: Ventura Retired Men will have their semi-monthly meetings on May 16 and June 6 at the Elks lodge. If you’re retired or nearly so, looking for some diversion, come enjoy lunch for $15. Raffles, program topic of the day, and association with guys just like you. Steve Carroll if you have a question at 642-1359
May 17, 6 p.m. Be The Bridge, Interracial and cross-cultural bridge builders Conversation over food. Working to make a positive difference in the community through dialog and action. Make new friends. Child care provided upon request. First United Methodist Church of Ventura, 1338 E. Santa Clara. Please rsvp attendance email [email protected] or text 520-261-5574.
May 18: East Ventura Community Council. Mayor Erik Nasarenko will provide an update on city matters. A representative of the Ventura Police Department will report on crime and safety issues. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library.
Starts at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information contact John McNally, Chairman EVCC, 804-7558.
May 18: Monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., meeting begins at 10 a.m. with guests and new members welcome. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. More information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or email [email protected]. Monday thru Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. 643-2458
May 20: Food Forward’s Backyard Harvest Program puts together a day of harvesting for those in need through their Citrus Saturday event. Food Forward volunteers all across Ventura County will come together to harvest a variety of citrus from backyard trees throughout the area. After this day of picking, Food Forward will be hosting a potluck at their Ventura County office where each volunteer is welcome to bring a dish. Please RSVP to Ally at [email protected].
Some of the agencies included FOOD Share, Catholic Charities, Help of Ojai and Project Understanding, all of whom help to feed those in need in Ventura County. For more information www.foodforward.org.
May 21: We All Need Each Other. Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Hypnotherapist hosts Ventura Life and Love Hypnosis Meetup. Group Guided Imagery/Hypnosis included. Event is free from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Ventura E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. Information go to www.meetup.com/life-love-hypnosis/events/
May 21: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. A mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch. A presentation by Noel Poirier on The National Watch and Clock Museum in Columbia, Pennsylvania. $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5. Watches and clocks will be on display. More information at www.nawcc-ch190.com.
May 21: May 21: at 2-5 p.m., Rockin’ for a Cause Concert to Raise Community Awareness. Donation $10. Proceeds go to support Project Understanding; Musicians with a Mission; Arise Against Hunger; and Sierra Service Project. Featuring many bands. First United Methodist Church Ventura, 1338 E. Santa Clara St. Tickets: www.fumcventura.org/donate
The Circle is a 2017 thriller film directed by James Ponsoldt and written by Ponsoldt and Dave Eggers, based on Eggers’ 2013 novel of the same name. The film stars Emma Watson, Tom Hanks, John Boyega.
Mae Holland lands an entry level position at the largest tech company in the world, The Circle, but soons finds herself working on some of the most privacy intrusive technology ever devised.
I always feel guilty for ogling at car wrecks on the side of the road, but we all know that we humans tend to be drawn to disasters. That little bit of mayhem and chaos that seems to feel satisfying at almost a deep, primal level. So when I turned to my girlfriend 30 minutes into The Circle just to remark how much of a train wreck this film is, we both knew we had to see this through to the end. And much like a freeway pileup, It’s kind of amazing how this disaster just stretches on and on.
The Circle is a flawed film in many different ways, it’s funny where it shouldn’t be, has shoddy visuals, and has acting performances that felt completely phoned in. But Ignoring all that, this movie has a fundamentally flawed script and terrible editing. If contrived character motivation, poorly written characters, and being built on a foundation of conflicting morals wasn’t the nail in the coffin for this film, broken continuity and random jump cuts destroys this film.
It’s really difficult to write good dialogue. Even in some of the best films, characters can come off as a bit stilted or over expository. But The Circle’s dialogue was so unnatural and so overly preachy, I’m still not even sure if this was intentional or not. Characters seemed to only communicate to each other in plot dumps or irrelevant quirky banter. There is no subtlety, and no natural rapport being built between the characters during the film. It’s like watching robots come on screen, regurgitate their lines, then walk off once the job is done. Some of the most important characters in this film get no time to build relationships and grow, but instead serve to be nothing more than plot to move the film along.
The poor writing doesn’t just end at the characters, no, it runs deep in this film’s screenplay. The trailer portrays The Circle to be a high concept piece about the dangers of one corporation having too much information on its users. There was so much potential for effective social commentary about the dangers of losing one’s privacy to a single mega corporation. Instead, I walked away from that film with absolutely no idea whether the writer believed a lack of privacy was a good or bad thing. It’s one thing to have a stance I don’t agree with, it’s another to have no stance on the issue your film was based around. At no point do we get the payoff of reaching some epiphany on what the writer of trying to convey. I walked out asking myself what the point of the movie even was.
I wish I could stop bad mouthing this movie here, but even the physical act of watching the film itself was a chore. Dozens of times throughout the film the editing breaks basic continuity. Scenes change with no warning, and the positions of the characters would change seemingly at random. This film’s over use of the jump cut was also very jarring. Multiple camera angles and cuts for something as simple as a character speaking felt jarring and unnatural. This films only saving grace is it might be an interesting study on bad editing, but unless that sounds interesting to you, move along and ignore this train wreck. PG 13 1
Are you ready for a beer festival with a surf twist? Then you’ll want to check out Surf ‘N’ Suds on Saturday, May 20, at San Buenaventura State Beach (901 San Pedro Street entrance). They’ll have over 50 breweries represented and of course live music to entertain while sipping on your suds; this year it’s Synrgy, Crosscut 805 Band and DJ Hecktik. There will be a free bicycle valet, you can catch the free Ventura Trolley, or check out the other shuttles available to get to the beach. For ticket and more general information go to SurfBeerfest.com.
The Rubicon Theater is hosting “Music for Changing Times” a weeklong festival bringing together three generations of activist artists in a series of events celebrating music. It runs May 8-13 which includes performances from Grammy winners Peter Yarrow and Noel Paul Stookey (Peter, Paul and Mary). Go to RuiconTheatre.org for more information.
This year’s “Rising Stars” concert from the Ventura Music Festival will be held on Friday, May 12, at the First United Methodist Church (1338 E. Santa Clara) and it’s free to the public. Expect an outstanding mix of young choral, classical and jazz performers including the Ventura College Chamber Singers and the 2017 Student Jazz Competition winner Angelo Velasquez with his trio.
Alastair Greene has announced that he has left the Alan Parsons Live Project after seven years touring with the band. He said he’s had the opportunity to see much of the world because of his guitar and a generous man named Alan Parsons. He’ll be focusing on his solo career and other musical adventures.
Local artist, Kyle, who has been certified platinum for his song “iSpy” had a concert Saturday, April 29 at the Ventura Theater. It was great to see so many kids lined up around the block to support their local friend. You’d expect that kind of turn out from his hometown, but he’s sold out shows in Salt Lake City, Detroit and Chicago. Way to go Super Duper Kyle!
It’s finally been announced that Los Lobos will be headlining this year’s Roadshow Revival. Don’t forget its new location is at Discovery Ventura and will be held on Saturday, July 1. Other bands on the bill include Raging Arb and the Redheads, The Walking Phoenixes, The Rockin’ Rebels, Phantom Pomps, Hard Six, and more. Get the lowdown at RoadshowRevival.com.
Quick notes: Cask Alehouse (5952 Telegraph Rd) is featuring Adam Tunney with jazz, standards and lounge tunes every Monday; Medicine Hat can be found at Cork (1930 E. Main St) Fridays 5/12 and 5/19; September Begins CD release party is Saturday, May 20, at Bombay’s; Black Dragon will open for Foghat at the Canyon Club on May 26;
Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Please send all information short or long to P[email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.
School on Wheels has been celebrating with its volunteers throughout Southern California
