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Classes put a new twist on English and writing education for kids

Writing club can provide private tutoring option for kids who need one-on-one help.

Local writer and child educational specialist launches writing clubs for kids, Kid Writers Ventura. Amanda Becker, a published writer, long time educator, journalist, and child psychology expert, puts a new twist on English and writing education for kids. She believes that children learn best and are most motivated when they enjoy the process of learning.

With this philosophy, Becker structured the writing classes as fun writing clubs where kids learn the fundamentals of the English language – such as grammar, spelling, and vocabulary – but also get to engage in fun grammar games, go on field trips, and complete fun writing projects that explore all of the key writing styles from expository to narrative and beyond, with clever, “kid-friendly” writing prompts designed to get their imaginations flowing. She will be offering extra support to the children whose first language isn’t English by spending more time with them and by also recommending a kids English learning app that will be able to help improve their communicative ability. Kids can even have their writing published on the Kid Writers Ventura website and through Becker’s self-publishing program in which she assists children in publishing their short stories and books on Kindle, Create Space, and other venues.

Becker regularly consults with local school teachers to ensure that current English and writing standards are being met. Becker’s test program, prior to launch, showed an average increase of 15%-25% in students’ language arts scores within 4-5 months of being in the program.

Becker has been published in numerous magazines, is a professional freelance journalist, has over 15 years in K-12 education, and is a child education and mental health activist. For further information contact:
Amanda Becker [email protected]
1827 Knoll Dr. 831-291-3955 www.kidwritersventura.com

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – Ventura Music Scene

Local music and more!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

I’m extremely impressed with this year’s lineup for the Ventura Music Festival which includes headliner Michael Feinstein, but I’m really looking forward to catching Perla Batalla’s tribute to Leonard Cohen on Friday, July 21.  Yes, this is advance notice, but hopefully ticket sales will be brisk and I wouldn’t want you to miss out.  Full listings for all events can be found at VenturaMusicFestival.org (and article in this ussue).

Medicine Hat is off to Austin this month to play at SxSW (3/10 – 3/19).  They’ll be there five days, they’re currently scheduled to play four shows and working on more. In addition to acoustic shows, Medicine Hat will play a couple gigs with a full band, consisting of some of Austin’s finest.

Here’s a couple of one-liner notes of interest: Karen Eden continues her Margarita Mondays at 6 at Amigos; Chris Austin is heading up an open Jam/Mic night at Bombay’s on Wednesdays starting March 1, PA and backline will be provided and I’m told that the jams will be filmed; Yachtley Crew returns to Bombay’s on Saturday March 4; Four Brix Winery will offer live music on the first Friday of the month starting with JJ Frank on March 3; The Ventucky String Band plays every first Thursday of the month at Saloon BBQ including this month on the 2nd; Big Rig Dollhouse returns to Sans Souci on Friday, March 3; you can catch the Dive Bar Messiahs in a new venue for them at the Star Lounge, on Saturday March 4; the Social Distortion show at the Ventura Theater March 7 is sold out, but tickets are still available for the White Buffalo on Friday, March 10; there’s a Rockabilly and Blues fundraiser for El Camino High at the Ventura Beach Club on Friday, March 10; and finally, Plan B’s Second Sunday Supper is back on with Ray Jaurique and the Uptown Brothers on the 12th.

One of Ventura’s most popular bands, Rey Fresco, has new music, three songs produced by Mario C who also worked with The Beastie Boys and Jack Johnson (he’s also won three Latin Grammy awards to date).  I’m loving their new tune “You Were Wrong” which I haven’t gotten out of my head since first playing it, but you know, in Rey Fresco’s case, that’s a good thing.

And speaking of Rey Fresco and bands who record original music, don’t miss my program “The Pam Baumgardner Mostly Local Music Hour” on KPPQ-LP 104.1 FM.  I’m spinning tunes from not only Rey Fresco, but Shawn Jones, Kelly’s Lot, Steve Williams, Bryan Titus, Hot Roux, The Barrelhouse Wailers, The NaVaNaX, Medicine Hat, Charles Law, 50 Sticks of Dynamite, Jerry Breiner, Shaky Feelin’ and more. The station is rebroadcasting the show during the week, but I’m live on Tuesdays 5-6 pm with internet access coming soon. You can also give a listen to the current week’s broadcast on VenturaRocks.com.

Do you have any music-related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Or would you like to submit your music for possible inclusion on my radio show? Please send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Women’s Economic Ventures training orientation

Do you want to start your own business, but don’t know where to begin? Are you self-employed and need help formalizing? Do you need help expanding your existing small business? Learn how to make those dreams a reality with Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV). WEV provides business training to women and who want to start or expand an existing business.

WEV is holding free, one-hour informational sessions for their English Self-Employment Training (SET) course in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Orientations will cover class details and help you determine your readiness for the next Self-Employment Training (SET) course beginning in August.

WEV’s business training classes are offered in English and Spanish throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. Free orientations are held throughout the year and are required for enrollment in a training program.

Orientation locations are subject to change. For more information, and to register for an upcoming orientation, visit WEV’s Web site at http://www.wevonline.org/orientations.

Women’s Economic Ventures is dedicated to creating an equitable and just society through the economic empowerment of women. WEV provides training, consulting and loans to help entrepreneurs start, grow and thrive in business. WEV serves all of Santa Barbara and Ventura counties from offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Santa Maria. While WEV targets its services toward women, it serves men as well, and provides many services in English and Spanish.

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to over 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and made more than $4 million in loans, assisting over 4,000 local businesses. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

A pioneer in the field, WEV was founded by Marsha Bailey, a nationally recognized advocate for women business owners. Marsha is the board president of the national Association of Women’s Business Centers, and sits on the National Women’s Business Council.

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – Livingston Memorial

Free community education classes and events

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association supports the total well-being of our community.  As part of their services, they host free monthly education classes throughout the county which include the following in Ventura and Ojai:

Social Services/Bereavement Groups

Ojai: Caregiver Support Group  Mondays,  March 6th and 20th from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Continuous Care Center, Fireside Room, 1306 Maricopa Hwy.  Find encouragement and hope during your time as a caregiver.  Share, listen and explore thoughts and feelings about the struggles, losses and successes of caring for your loved one. For more information call 633-9056.

Ojai: Adult Bereavement Support Group March 14th and 28th (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) 10:30 am-noon at Help of Ojai, West Campus 370 Baldwin Rd. These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Ventura: Adult Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6:30-8:00 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office, 1996 Eastman Ave., Suite 109.    These groups are open to individuals who have experienced loss and are free of charge. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].

Ventura: Newly Bereaved Support Group Thursday, March 9th from 6-7:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office.  This monthly group is designed for adults who have recently experienced the loss of a loved one and is free. Call 642-0239 for more information or email [email protected].  These groups meet every 2nd Thursday of each month.

Diabetes Class Ventura: Tuesday, March 7th from 1-2:30pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association.  These meetings are held on 1st Tuesday of each month.  General information is provided about Type 2 Diabetes including prediabetes, with emphasis on meal planning, medication, exercise, blood sugar monitoring, and new developments in diabetes.  Call 642-0239 for more information.

Joint Replacement Classes Ventura: Thursday, March 2nd from 1:00-2:00pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association office. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care. These meetings are 1st Thursday of each month.  For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at (805) 642-0239 ext. 739.

Ventura: Monday, March 13th for both English and Spanish speaking.  English 4:00-5:00 pm and Spanish 5:30-6:30 pm at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. You will learn what to expect before, during and after knee or hip replacement surgery and how to be an active participant in your care.  For information or to RSVP call Dinah Davis at  642-0239 ext. 739.

Photographic Portraits by Ventura College alumni, Donna Granata, celebrate Women’s History Month

Photo by Donna Granata

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Ventura College New Media Gallery is proud to announce Photographic Portraits by Ventura College alumni, Donna Granata, founder of Focus on the Masters (FOTM).  The exhibition SPARK: Woman Educators, Innovators, and Activists will run from Thursday, March 2 through Thursday, April 13,  with an opening reception on March 2, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  A gallery talk is also scheduled for Thursday, March 23, at 1:00 p.m.  The exhibition and gallery talk, located on campus  are free and open to the public.

Established in 1994, FOTM is an on-going non-profit art appreciation program that documents, preserves and presents the works and lives of accomplished contemporary artists, emphasizing the importance of the arts to a healthy community.

The New Media Gallery showcases the work of professional artists throughout the United States. Gallery hours for spring 2017 are Monday – Thursday, 10-4 p.m. and/or by appointment. On campus parking requires a permit which may be purchased for $2 from the automated parking boxes on campus parking lots.

A complete listing of Ventura College art exhibits may be found at http://www.venturacollege.edu/about-ventura-college/college-events/arts-and-events

Vol. 10, No. 11 – March 1 – March 14, 2017 – A View from House Seats

Kimberly Akimbo puts the fun in dysfunction
by Shirley Lorraine

To the consistent delight of Ventura County theater audiences, Santa Paula Theater Center isn’t afraid to take chances with lesser known works. Opening their 2017 season is Kimberly Akimbo by Pulitzer prize winning playwright David Lindsay-Abaire. The unusual two-act comedy presents an inside look into a family filled with dysfunction, medical mystery and quirks that somehow work for them despite their many differences.

Kimberly, beautifully characterized by Nancy Solomons, is a typical teen with a rare condition which causes her to age several times faster than normal. Although atypical in physical appearance, she struggles with issues every teen does, including infatuation. Her chosen subject is Jeff (Trent Trachtenberg), a classmate who finds her fascinating.

Home life is strained with Kimberly’s very pregnant and highly unhinged mother Pattie (Julie Fergus) and put-upon father (Brian Harris) as they fairly unsuccessfully cope with their thread-bare relationship. Adding to the overall upheaval is the arrival of Pattie’s sister Debra (Cynthia Killion), recently out of prison and a schemer of the first order. Debra seeks to involve both Kimberly and the unsuspecting Jeff in a scam she wants to run out of the family’s basement. The three adults bounce off each other like ping-pong balls throughout. All are a delight to watch in full swing.

Directed by Taylor Kasch with a deft hand, Akimbo presents the odd characters with heart and empathy. All the characters are well defined and played to their utmost. The ensemble melds superbly while maintaining their individual characterizations. They have no need to reach for laughs – playing it straight enhances the humor in their sincerity.  Adults will enjoy the myriad layers of complexity involved in the rapid-fire dialogue. However, due to frank language and adult themes, the play is not recommended for children.

Scenes between Kimberly and Jeff are sweet, innocent and down to earth, embodying the wonder and the angst of the teen years. Pattie and husband Buddy spar like verbal prizefighters, both claiming a loss. Off in her own world, Debra sparkles with creative fireworks that ultimately fizzle and sputter. Undaunted, she pushes on.

It doesn’t take long to see that the medically challenged Kimberly is really the only member of the family with intact intellect. This element makes the story all the more poignant as Kimberly provides the glue to keep a sense of normalcy in the household. Strange how life works sometimes.

The 2017 season starts off with a bang and will be followed by more offerings to stimulate discussion and controversy including Outside Mullingar, a stage production of The Birds (remember the Hitchcock film?) and Becky’s New Car. The year ends with a radio theater adaptation of It’s A Wonderful Life.  Season tickets are available now. Buy early to choose your seats.

www.santapaulatheatercenter.org   805-525-4625
through March 19. Friday & Saturday eves 8 PM, Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

125 S. Seventh Street, Santa Paula

Adults $24, Students and Seniors $22. Not recommended for children.

Finding a good nursing home

“Well darling this looked much nicer in the brochure.”

by Greg Dill Greg Dill- Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and the Pacific Territories.

One recent Sunday morning, I woke up to a text message from a coworker saying she’d been up all night with her mother in the emergency room.

Her mom had fallen, broken her hip, and was getting admitted to the hospital for surgery. As you can imagine, my colleague was exhausted, worried, and facing some important decisions. Even as her mom was being prepped for surgery, the hospital’s care coordinator was asking which rehabilitation facility she should be sent to afterwards.

As a fellow official of the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), my associate has a better-than-average understanding of the healthcare system. But she’d never had to find a rehabilitation facility for a loved one. So she turned to an online tool CMS developed to help people find a suitable nursing home when they need one. If your friend or relative needs to move into a nursing home but would still like to keep some of their independence, then they may want to consider having a look at Immanuel assisted living locations for further information.

The tool is called Nursing Home Compare and you can find it on our www.Medicare.gov website. Just click on the button that says “Find nursing homes.” Enter your zip code or city and you can begin your search.

Nursing Home Compare assigns from one to five stars to every nursing facility that participates in Medicare or Medicaid, with five stars being the highest rating. These star ratings give you and your family an easy-to-understand summary of three important dimensions of nursing home quality: health inspection results, staffing information, and quality-of-care.

Nursing facilities receive an overall star rating based on three types of performance indicators, each of which has its own star rating:

  • Health inspections: Nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid undergo unannounced, comprehensive inspections about once a year.
  • Staffing levels: CMS bases staffing ratings on two components: 1) Registered nurse hours per resident day; and 2) total staffing hours (registered nurse plus licensed practical nurse plus nurse aide hours) per resident day..
  • Quality measures: These ratings are based on how a nursing home performs on 16 of the 24 quality-of-care measures currently posted on Nursing Home Compare. The measures reflect whether residents got flu shots, are in pain, or are losing weight.

A facility’s overall star rating is a composite of the ratings on the measures above. The core of the overall rating is the health inspection rating, which is adjusted up if the facility receives high staffing or quality-of-care ratings, or down if those ratings are low.

You can compare multiple facilities on Nursing Home Compare, as my colleague did when looking for the best spot for her mother. But keep in mind that star ratings are intended to be combined with other sources of information (such as a doctor’s recommendation) and shouldn’t substitute for visiting the nursing home in person. Indeed, after my coworker identified two possible facilities, she visited the one that had an available room and was pleased to learn it had high ratings for food service, something very important to her mother.

At www.Medicare.gov, you’ll also find “compare” websites for hospitals, home health services, dialysis facilities, medical equipment suppliers, and Medicare-approved health and prescription drug plans.

You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

New 7-Eleven to open in Ventura

The property located at 505 N. Ventura Ave. that now contains a grocery store is being planned to become a 7-Eleven and a laundromat. The 7-Eleven would allow sale of beer, wine, and distilled spirits. It would be open 24-hours each day and alcohol sale hours would be-limited to 6am to 10pm.

Downtown Ventura’s new garden center

A full-service garden center is returning to Downtown Ventura in March at the former Oasis location on Palm Street.  With a focus on sustainability, drought-tolerance and organics, A Smart Garden will offer monthly gardening classes, a staff of gardening experts, organic herbs/vegetables/fertilizers/soils/seeds, demonstration gardens and more.

A Smart Garden will have an official Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting ceremony on Monday, March 20th, the first day of Spring, from 4-5:30pm.  Their grand opening will take place on Saturday, March 25th from 8am – 5pm.  There will be tours of the nursery, hourly raffles, free giveaways and light refreshments at both events.  Both events are free to attend and the public is invited.

A Smart Garden was founded in 2015 as a residential landscape design firm based in Ventura County that assisted homeowners in creating drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, sustainable gardens.  A Smart Garden owner Cari Vega’s career in horticulture has spanned almost 30 years in floral design, interior landscaping, landscape design/consultation/maintenance, and teaching a wide range of gardening classes.

33 S. Palm Street www.asmartgarden.com  667-8585 [email protected]