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Teen volunteers and women head of households

Soroptimist International of Ventura, a local service club for business and professional women with the goal of making a difference in the lives of women and girls, announces that applications are now available for two scholarships.

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek assistance to go back to school or receive special training can apply for the Live your Dream Award (Formerly the Women’s Opportunity Award) to help them improve their skills, education or training to upgrade their employment status.  SI Ventura’s cash award will be a minimum of $1,500 and the winner is eligible for additional regional and international awards. Applications are available at Ventura College, from Sherri Tarpchinoff Bennett and online at www.soroptimistventura.org. Applications must be received by January 15, 2017 at SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or by following the online instructions.

Teen volunteers are encouraged to apply for the Violet Richardson Award which honors young women for their volunteer efforts in their school or community in such areas as fighting drugs, crime and violence, improving the environment, feeding those in need, working to end discrimination and poverty. It is awarded annually to a Ventura teen, ages 14-17 and her volunteer organization. The minimum award from SI Ventura is $1,500. Applications are available in the Counseling offices of Buena High School, Foothill Technological High School, El Camino High School, St. Bonaventure High School and Ventura High School. You may also download the application online at www.soroptimistventura.org.   Applications must be returned by January 15, 2017 to SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or by following the online instructions.

What Is Shingles?

Shingles is a disease that affects your nerves. Medication like valtrex can be used to treat this viral infection. It can cause burning, shooting pain, tingling, and/or itching, as well as a rash and blisters.

You may recall having chickenpox as a child. Shingles is caused by the same virus, the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). After you recover from chickenpox, the virus continues to live in some of your nerve cells. It is usually inactive, so you don’t even know it’s there.

In fact, most adults live with VZV in their body and never get shingles. But, for about one in three adults, the virus will become active again. Instead of causing another case of chickenpox, it produces shingles. We do not totally understand what makes the virus go from inactive to active.

Having shingles doesn’t mean you have any other underlying disease.

Anyone who had chickenpox has VZV in their body and is at risk for getting shingles. Right now, there is no way of knowing who will get the disease. But, some things make it more likely:

Advanced age. The risk of getting shingles increases as you age. People may have a harder time fighting off infections as they get older. About half of all shingles cases are in adults age 60 or older. The chance of getting shingles becomes much greater by age 70.

Trouble fighting infections. Your immune system is the part of your body that responds to infections. Age can affect your immune system. So can an HIV infection, cancer, cancer treatments, too much sun, or organ transplant drugs. Even stress or a cold can weaken your immune system for a short time. These all can put you at risk for shingles. To stop this from happening, it is important that you get control over any stressful emotions you’re experiencing, through seeking help. Alternative medications such as CBD oil or speaking with a therapist have been known to make a difference, and this could lower your risk of getting shingles through stress.

If you haven’t already got it and are just looking to minimise the risk in other ways, you need to ensure that you have all the right vitamins to help boost your immune system. Vitamin D – the sunshine vitamin as it’s known – can be very important to keeping disease and infection at bay. If you cannot get it naturally it’s worth looking at Vitamins For Immune System From Vitabiotics to make sure you can still get your daily dose.

Can You Catch Shingles?

Shingles is not contagious. You can’t catch it from someone. But, you can catch chickenpox from someone with shingles. So, if you’ve never had chickenpox, try to stay away from anyone who has shingles.

If you have shingles, try to stay away from anyone who has not had chickenpox or who might have a weak immune system.

Usually, shingles develops only on one side of the body or face and in a small area rather than all over. The most common place for shingles is a band that goes around one side of your waistline.

  • Most people have some of the following shingles symptoms:
  • Burning, tingling, or numbness of the skin
  • Feeling sick-chills, fever, upset stomach, or headache
  • Fluid-filled blisters
  • Skin that is sensitive to touch
  • Mild itching to strong pain
  • Depending on where shingles develops, it could also cause symptoms like loss of vision or even hiccups.
  • For some people, the symptoms of shingles are mild. They might just have some itching. For others, shingles can cause intense pain that they feel from the gentlest touch or breeze.

Most cases of shingles last 3 to 5 weeks. Shingles follows a pattern:

  • The first sign is often burning or tingling pain; sometimes, it includes numbness or itching on one side of the body.
  • Somewhere between 1 and 5 days after the tingling or burning feeling on the skin, a red rash will appear.
  • A few days later, the rash will turn into fluid-filled blisters.
  • About a week to 10 days after that, the blisters dry up and crust over.
  • A couple of weeks later, the scabs clear up.
  • Most people get shingles only one time. But it is possible to have it more than once.

After the shingles rash goes away, some people may be left with ongoing pain called post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN. The pain is felt in the area where the rash had been. For some people, PHN is the longest lasting and worst part of shingles. The older you are when you get shingles, the greater your chance of developing PHN.

The PHN pain can cause depression, anxiety, sleeplessness, and weight loss. Some people with PHN find it hard to go about their daily activities, like dressing, cooking, and eating. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these problems.

There are medicines that may help with PHN. Steroids may lessen the pain and shorten the time you’re sick. Analgesics, antidepressants, and anticonvulsants may also reduce the pain. Usually, PHN will get better over time.

Some people have other problems that last after shingles has cleared up. For example, the blisters caused by shingles can become infected. They may also leave a scar. It is important to keep the area clean and try not to scratch the blisters. Your doctor can prescribe an antibiotic treatment if needed.

See your doctor right away if you notice blisters on your face-this is an urgent problem. Blisters near or in the eye can cause lasting eye damage or blindness. Hearing loss, a brief paralysis of the face, or, very rarely, swelling of the brain (encephalitis) can also occur.

If you think you might have shingles, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. It’s important to see your doctor no later than 3 days after the rash starts. The doctor will confirm whether or not you have shingles and can make a treatment plan. Although there is no cure for shingles, early treatment with drugs that fight the virus can help the blisters dry up faster and limit severe pain. Shingles can often be treated at home. People with shingles rarely need to stay in a hospital.

The shingles vaccine is a safe and easy, one-time shot that may keep you from getting shingles. Most people age 60 and older should get vaccinated. You should get the shot even if you already had shingles or don’t remember having chickenpox. However, if you have a weak immune system or allergies to certain medicines, make sure to check with your doctor first.

You can get the shingles vaccine at your doctor’s office and at some pharmacies. All Medicare Part D plans and most private health insurance plans will cover the cost.

If you have shingles, here are some tips that might help you feel better:

  • Get plenty of rest and eat well-balanced meals.
  • Try simple exercises like stretching or walking. Check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
  • Apply a cool washcloth to your blisters to ease the pain and help dry the blisters.
  • Do things that take your mind off your pain. For example, watch TV, read, talk with friends, listen to relaxing music, or work on a hobby you like.
  • Avoid stress. It can make the pain worse.
  • Wear loose-fitting, natural-fiber clothing.
  • Take an oatmeal bath or use calamine lotion to see if it soothes your skin.
  • Share your feelings about your pain with family and friends. Ask for their understanding.

Also, you can limit spreading the virus by:

  • Keeping the rash covered
  • Not touching or scratching the rash
  • Washing your hands often

Breeze Recipes – Savory cheese and onion pie

Savory Cheese & Tomato PieSavory cheese and onion pie
by Randy Graham-Writer, author and private chef

Ingredients:

  • 1 frozen pastry crust (pre-bake at 450 degrees for 12 minutes)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic (minced)
  • 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves (torn into pieces)
  • Fresh ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 medium sweet yellow onions
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese (grated fine)
  • 8 ounces whole milk mozzarella cheese (course grate or cut into thin strips)
  • 12 Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced lengthwise)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Heat the olive oil in on medium heat and sauté the garlic in it for a few minutes.  Add the tomatoes and their juice, ½ teaspoon of the salt, parsley, basil, and black pepper to taste.  Simmer this sauce, stirring occasionally, until it is reduced by about half.  It should be quite thick. Set aside.

Peel, halve, and thickly slice the onions. Sauté in butter until golden. Sprinkle with remaining ¼ teaspoon salt. Set aside.

Now you can assemble the pie. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the bottom of the pre-baked pastry crust.  Arrange the onion slices over the cheese in an even layer.  Cover the onions with the tomato sauce. Arrange the mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the sauce.   Sprinkle the olive slices over the mozzarella and bake the pie for 35 minutes. Allow to cool for approximately 10 minutes before serving.

FB: @ValleyVegetarian, Linkedin: Randy Graham, Instagram: ValleyVegetarian

Do you have a favorite recipe that you would like to share with Breeze readers? Send it (and photo) to [email protected]

Vol. 10, No. 5 – December 7 – December 20, 2016 – Ventura Music Scene

musicscene

Swing into the Season!
by Pam Baumgardner
VenturaRocks.com

There are plenty of music related holiday events to get you into the swing of the season. Let’s start with the Ones to Watch Productions hosting their first show at the Poinsettia Pavilion on Friday, December 16, with The Brambles and Bryan Titus Duo opening up for The White Buffalo. As you may know, Steve and Polly Hoganson (formerly of Zoey’s) continue to help artists featuring showcases such as this around the Gold Coast. This intimate holiday concert being called “I’m dreaming of a White Buffalo Christmas” features the incredibly talented Jake Smith whose songs have been featured in many films and television shows including “Sons of Anarchy.”  Polly told me, “We’re excited to bring Jake The White Buffalo back to Ventura for another holiday concert and food drive to benefit Turning Point Foundation. It’s OTW Productions first time show at the lovely Poinsettia Pavilion and we hope to bring more concerts to this event center.”  If you’ve caught one of Jake’s concert before, you won’t want to miss him up close and personal, Polly said, “The White Buffalo’s rare solo performances are special because you get an intimate insight into his songwriting and a connection that you don’t normally get at an arena show.”

Kelly’s Lot will be at Four Brix Winery on Saturday, December 10.  The band recently released a new song, “Colours of December” in honor of members of the military and their families. There will be a silent auction and donations accepted for TAPS, an organization that provides assistance to families who have lost a family member in the military.  Four Brix will be offering tri-tip dinners and pizzas, doors open at 5, Kelly’s Lot plays at 7.

Chopper Fest arrives at the Ventura Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 11 with live music from The Shari Puorto Band, Hard Six and One More From the Road, a Lynryd Skynyrd tribute band; there will be a pre party the night before at The Tavern with music from Revolution Mother and the Rubberneck Lions.

Big props to Tommy and Paddy Marsh who will open for The Robert Cray Band at the Rose in Pasadena on December 9.

The 14th annual Nardcore Xmas food drive will be at The Garage on Saturday, December 17 featuring music from Shattered Faith, Hymen Blasters, Mother of Dissension, COA and Side Effects.  Along with accepting canned goods, the organizers are asking for new blankets and/or cash donations which will go to Food Share of Oxnard. Tax deductible receipts available.

You finally you should take a break from shopping and take the whole family out for a good old fashion holiday sing-along at the Ventura Theater. This event will be held on Sunday December 18 from 3-5 pm. Price of entry is one new unwrapped toy per family.

Do you have any music related news or upcoming shows you want help publicizing? Send all information short or long to [email protected], and for updated music listings daily, go to www.VenturaRocks.com.

Foster VC Kids, CSA, KVTA Radio Collaborate for “Holidays with Heart” Drive

For 25 years, CSA and radio station 1590 AM KVTA Local News Talk, have collaborated to collect toys and raise funds for the more than 1,000 foster children and youth in Ventura County, as well as growing numbers of additional low-income children and their families.  Last year’s partnership helped generated 34,000 toys and the KVTA radio drive contributed an astonishing $40,378.05 to CSA’s funding of laptops, scholarships, camps, and graduation incentives for foster youth.  The charitable collaboration is expected to serve 1,000 foster kids and 2,500 children from low-income families during the month of December.

This year, Foster VC Kids is joining the historic radio drive to raise awareness and secure additional, needed homes with heart for local foster youth in need.  They are seeking quality caregivers in West Ventura County, specifically Oxnard and Ventura, who can help children remain in their schools of origin and who have space for two or more children so brothers and sisters can stay together for the holidays.

Every child deserves a family, and this holiday season Foster VC Kids hopes that by joining 1590 AM KVTA Local News Talk Radio and Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA) for their “Holidays with Heart” drive, until  Dec. 23rd, more dedicated families who are ready for the life-changing experience of opening their home to a local foster child or youth will come forward.

To participate in the “Holidays with Heart” drive by donating funds or toys, or by finding out how to welcome a foster child into your family, visit FosterVCKids.org or tune into 1590 AM KVTA Local News Talk Radio through December 23rd.

Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.
The Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is a volunteer run organization whose mission is to meet the needs of Ventura County’s court-dependent children. These children have been displaced from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Auxiliary also serves youth who have recently transitioned from the foster care system. The CSA Board of Directors work closely with Ventura County Children and Family Services to identify the needs of the court-dependent children and transitioning youth.

 

Light Up A Life benefits Livingston Memorial Hospice Services

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association’s 32nd Light Up A Life campaign is underway as families throughout Ventura County prepare to honor departed loved ones at the annual holiday Light Up a Life events.

The campaign runs through the holiday season with the goal to raise $100,000 to support Livingston Memorial Hospice services throughout the County.

Light Up a Life is the community’s annual celebration to honor the memory of people who have touched so many lives. Every year, hundreds of people gather around a grove of trees at Pacific View Mall – each covered with stars bearing the names of loved ones, friends and colleagues who are being remembered. This year there will also be a tree honoring Ventura County’s Gold Star Families, survivors of a fallen service member. A similar event is held in Ojai.

Options to support the Light Up a Life campaign range from the purchase of a star for the suggested donation of $25 each to a number of sponsorship levels for businesses.  All proceeds support Livingston Memorial’s Hospice services for patients and caregivers regardless of their circumstances as well as bereavement programs in schools and the community. For more information or to donate, simply visit LMVNA.org or call  642-0239.

This year’s Light Up events are Tuesday, December 13, at 6:30 pm, at the Pacific View Mall and Thursday, December 15, at 5:30 pm at the Ojai Valley Women’s Club, 441 E. Ojai Ave., in Ojai. The celebrations include a Memory Tree Lighting Ceremony, the reading of names of beloved family and friends and music by Rogerio Peixoto and Harmonix in Ventura and the students of Asunta Fleming of The Voice Studio (Los Angeles) in Ojai.

 

The Palms at Bonaventure Fall Boutique and Craft Fair

senior-the-palms-insetThe Palms at Bonaventure exciting Fall Boutique and Craft Fair was held on Friday, November 18th.  Residents and guests shopped for gifts for their loved ones. There was jewelry, hand bags, cosmetic and holiday’s decorations.  Most of the gifts were hand crafted and one of a kind. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments while shopping. The Palms is located at 111. N. Wells, 918-4873.

Photos by Michael Gordon

Step Up Ventura helps homeless youngsters thrive

Step Up Ventura is a non-profit organization that changes the lives of homeless children by providing resources needed for family stability and early childhood educational success. This month, Step Up Ventura launched their new Outreach Program, focused on helping displaced families address the challenges of raising young children in crisis by positively affecting parent-child relationships and providing educational materials in an effort to create a better living environment.

Homelessness can bring physical and emotional hardship to both the parents and young children, often breaking down family ties. The Outreach Program is designed to help parents identify their child’s specific needs, strengthen language skills, help develop strong basic math skills and form healthier family bonds. The Outreach Program targets infants, toddlers, and young children, tackling the trauma associated with homelessness.

The Outreach team consists of a Mental Health Specialist and Early Childhood Specialist who meet the parents and children at a place they feel most comfortable. Coaching sessions occur up to twice a week for 6 to 12 weeks. Within the sessions, an assessment is done to help identify the specific physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral needs of the young child. Team members will give parents materials and tools to help them effectively manage difficult situations and build confidence in their parenting.

“The Outreach Program is the first-of-its-kind for this organization and we’re confident it will create a positive impact for families in need,” says Outreach Program Coordinator, Mary O. Kerrigan. “We understand the challenges that many parents with little to no resources face when raising a child. We are here to give a helping hand.”

The non-profit organization is in need of donations to expand the Outreach Program. Goals include raising $500,000 to expand and sustain the program for years to come. Donations can be made on their website at StepUpVentura.org.

Volunteers with a background in early childhood education and infant/toddler care are also needed. Step Up Ventura will train these volunteers, with the focus on helping reach more children in the region.

The Outreach Program launched at Tender Life Maternity Home in November, serving residents of Tender Life and City Center. For more information on how you can donate or volunteer, please visit StepUpVentura.org or call  665-3385.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vol. 10, No. 5 – December 7 – December 20, 2016 – A View from House Seats

Elite Branches Out with Family Trees
by Shirley Lorraine

2731 S. Victoria Ave
In the World Premiere of Family Trees, family members come together to solve a problem and secrets are revealed following the death of Mike (Evan Austin) and Tina’s (Genevieve Levin) mother. A curmudgeonly busybody neighbor (Dorrie Braun) and her milquetoast son (Sabastien Montgomerie) fill in gaps in the offspring’s knowledge and memories. The play is a frank study in the elasticity of relationship dynamics, filled with humor, laced with universal truths and a few surprises.

Playwright Jason Furlani was on hand opening weekend to share in the joy and the nerves that mounting a new work can bring. Family Trees, playing on the Elite’s South stage, is a good match for the theater’s continuing mix of thought-provoking productions.  Based in part on Furlani’s own experiences, the play touches on many common situations that arise after a death, as well as a few unusual viewpoints for consideration.

While the actors are new to the Elite stage, all four of them bring a wealth of theatrical experience to the boards. The opinionated characters are well developed, embodying personality elements familiar to many.  Director William Carmichael pulls solid performances out of each actor. No doubt as the run continues, the cast will continue to ease naturally into their roles as siblings and friends, evening out the fluctuations in their contrasts.

The setting is a typical family home in Schenectady, New York. Well adorned with ceramic plates on the walls and the usual kitchen accoutrements, the set oozes a cozy, homey feel that instantly gives the audience a comfortable place in which to digest.the quirky material.  It is easy to sit back, relax and enjoy the show and at the same time, be able to ponder questions raised by the introduction of deeper ideas. Mother’s urn rests casually on the dining room table while preparations are made to add her to the grove of trees nurtured by relatives past providing the ultimate in recycling efforts.

Dorrie Braun appears to be having a great deal of fun as the neighbor whose bun is too tightly wound. Her straight-edged demeanor provides a sharp contrast to that of Montgomerie’s possibly challenged, yet highly enthusiastic portrayal of a man-child who explores the boundaries of independence while building new relationships. His dialogue was a curious mix of intelligent thought and unsophisticated phrasing which I found a bit jarring.

Austin and Levin’s performances both have the volume turned down in the beginning but amp it  up as the action progresses.   Placing the liquor on the bottom shelf seemed a bit awkward. Frequent trips to the cabinet would be more logical at counter height.

Family Trees has yet to be published and still has opportunity for refinement.

Family Trees runs through Dec 18. Friday & Saturday eves 8 PM, Sunday matinees 2 p.m.

All seats $15. Reservations encouraged. 483-5118
Elite Theatre Company
2731 Victoria Avenue
Oxnard, CA 93035
www.elitetheatre.org