Category Archives: Business

Music Together opens in Ventura

Music Together, a popular Beverly Hills venue offering music classes for infants, babies, toddlers and preschoolers, recently opened a new location in Ventura. Music Together’s owner and director Siree Franks said she noticed a dearth of music education opportunities in the area, even prior to moving here with her two daughters in 2012.

“I knew there was a music void in Ventura and I wanted to fill it,” Franks said. “Music Together is my passion and I wanted to build a community of young families and music makers here in this beautiful seaside town that I now call home.”

“We sing, dance, play instruments and get silly in an informal, non-performance-oriented setting where children…can participate at their own personal pace and developmental level and still be a serious music education program.”

“Music not only helps a child’s early brain development with skills that will contribute to learning math, reading, and speech, but the activity of making music in a group surrounded by friends and family is a wonderful human bonding experience.”

Music Together currently hosts a variety of weekly offerings, including mixed-age classes, a class just for babies, and even an evening class catering to working parents who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to accompany their children.

Franks highlighted the importance of word-of-mouth in broadening Music Together’s scope. “Every session, as parents share news about our little center, we grow just a bit bigger and are able to add a class or two.”

970 Petit – www.venturamusictogether.com

BoHo Chic now open in Ventura

There is a new store in town, BoHo Chic located at 973 E. Front Street, across the street from The Wharf. Owner, April Michalski-Toth, brings years of creative designing and the love of style and comfort to her new boutique. April grew up in Pierpont just a few hundred feet from the beach. She served in the military and lived all over the country but she has always carried Ventura in her heart as her home. She started making jewelry in 2014 to honor her sister who passed away suddenly, her hobby turned into her passion and BoHo Chic was born in April, 2016. BoHoChic’s grand opening is May 28th, please join her for food, music and merriment! BoHo Chic offers a unique variety of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories along with fun vintage faire including furniture, houseware and so much more. As of May 18th the store hours are Tuesday -Sunday 10:30-5:30 or by appointment, 916.955.1292.

NAWBO celebrating outstanding women in business and leadership

The NAWBO Ventura County Chapter Board of Directors 2015-2016 Diane de Mailly, Elain Hollifieild, Maura Ratffensperger, Dr. Janis Shinkawa, Coleen King, Brenda Terzian and Joy Sakata were there to celebrate the awards. Board Members not pictured are Pamela Smith and Linda Drevenstedt.

The Ventura County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) held their 17th Annual Bravo awards and luncheon on Friday, April 1st at the beautiful Serra Center in Camarillo. It celebrated outstanding women in business and leadership.

“We were impressed with many exceptional nominations this year,” stated Dr. Janis Shinkawa, President, NAWBO Ventura County.

The local Ventura County chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners is committed to strengthening the wealth creating capacity of its members while promoting economic development within the entrepreneurial Ventura County community. www.nawbovc.org.

Students receiving awards were from all areas in and around Ventura County

21 adult re-entry students each received a Phoenix Scholarship.

On Thursday, March 31 at Ventura College Wright Event Center Ventura College re-entry students received scholarships to help achieve their goals.

Foundation Donor Helen Yunker addressed the audience with Foundation Executive Director Nobert Tan.

The 17th Annual Phoenix Scholarship Ceremony offered larger scholarships, helping students overcome financial hardships

21 adult re-entry students, who have overcome difficult circumstances in order to pursue their studies at Ventura College, each received a Phoenix Scholarship between $1,000 and $5,000 from the Ventura College Foundation. These students have inspiring stories that all share a common thread: Never give up on the dream of a college education. A total of $37,000 was distributed at the event.

The event was hosted by the Foundation’s staff and board of directors.

In previous years, all students received $1000. The larger scholarships launched this year reflect the increasing cost of education and several Foundation donors’ desire to relieve as many barriers to education as possible.

Recipients were selected based on their academic goals and progress, along with their financial need.

The Ventura College Foundation’s board of directors established the scholarship in 1999 after learning about the unique challenges of Ventura College 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. For more information, contact the Foundation at 289-6461 or visit www.venturacollege.edu.

The Vagabond Coffee Shop turns 50

Ventura Breeze Account Executive Breezy Gledhill and Publisher Emeritus Staci Brown helped Jolene celebrate Vagabond’s anniversary.

The Vagabond is celebrating 50 years of service to their most valued and dedicated customers.

Owner Jolene McBee told the Breeze “I came to the Vagabond in February 1975. I wasn’t really looking for a job as I had four children at home . My sister worked there and asked me to come and help out until the manager could hire someone. I could just work half a day and I’d be home before my kids got home. So, I said, okay.”

“Vagabond opened in 1966. Mr. McBee was the manager at the time, working for Duke Carter, the original owner of the Vagabond. He worked for Carter for 19 years and was allowed to operate the restaurant like it was his own. When I started there he was supposed to hire someone else,. As it turned out, he never hired anyone else and a 1979, Mac and I were married.”

“Six years later, Mr. Carter was ready to sell the business. We purchased it and worked together. We both had the same goals…to offer our customers good food and good service at a fair price. Sadly, we lost Mac in 2003.”

“A lot of restaurants refer to themselves as “a family restaurant”. Vagabond truly is that. Over the years, a lot of people have come to recognize that the Vagabond is different from most businesses, that it is much, much more than just a restaurant. It is a very special place. A place where friends gather to enjoy each other’s company over a good meal. Where executives meet to discuss business over a quick lunch. Where a loan diner can come and have a meal and feel comfortable and safe and welcome. “

“On numerous occasions, customers have come to me and said “don’t ever change” and “don’t ever go away”, because there is no place like Vagabond. “

“Their stories are many like the young boy who had a life-threatening illness and the Make-A-Wish foundation granted some of his wishes. One of which was to arrive in a limo and have dinner at the Vagabond. “

“In the past few years, I have had some health issues that have affected my ability to do things the way I used to do them. In spite of that, I still go to the restaurant almost every day. I know the place would operate just fine without me, but I go because it is where the people I love are. It is my special place in life. “

“It has been our privilege, our pleasure and an honor to have been of service to so many for so many years. Many thanks to all of you for allowing us to do so. “

The Vagabond is located at 760 E. Thompson so stop in and say hi to Jolene and her wonderful staff.

A May graduation for VCLA

VCLA’s mission is to connect and empower a diverse group of leaders.

by Jenny Guy

The 35 cohort members of the 2016 Ventura County Leadership Academy (VCLA) will be graduating this May, with a celebration at Ventura City Hall.

Founded in 1994 as an initiative of United Way of Ventura County, VCLA’s mission is to connect and empower “a diverse group of leaders whose actions enhance the quality of life throughout Ventura County.” Now in its 21^st year, the academy’s “Blackjack” Cohort XXI consists of a prestigious roster of executives and budding personnel from a wide variety of regionally based organizations. Organizations of VCLA’s Cohort XXI include Habitat for Humanity, Ventura County Animal Services, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, Ventura County Credit Union, American Red Cross, Ventura County Fire and many more.

Basing curriculum on the relational leadership model, the 10-month VCLA program promotes and trains members on ethical and inclusive decision-making that benefits the common good. Once per month, the academy holds full-day sessions which confront cohort members with the interconnected realities of Ventura County’s economic development, transportation, health care, public safety, governance, agriculture, natural environment and education

“VCLA offers an amazing opportunity to be exposed to key challenges of, and opportunities for, the county as well as to meet the people that are charged with creating new visions to serve and grow our local economy,” said Ventura resident and employer liaison to VC Innovates, Hilary Howard of Cohort XXI.

The program spans from September to May with sessions taking place in various parts of the county. Beyond the monthly meetings, VCLA members are invited to participate in ride-alongs with local fire stations and law enforcement in order to gain additional insight into the county. They are also encouraged to network, socialize and share ideas outside of the academy’s scheduled itinerary.

“The VCLA program has taken my strength as a connector, and allowed me to expand my reach,” said Jill Shaffer, current executive director of VCLA. “Along the way, I’ve learned so much about the critical issues in our county and the actions I can take as an individual.”

For one session each year, the VCLA members are divided into small groups and assigned to explore Ventura County’s 10 cities. Each city group is then responsible for presenting their community explorations back to the cohort at later sessions.

VCLA members are also asked to Sacramento to hear from elected officials and other influencers of policy over a three-day session. On the 2016 Sacramento trip, Cohort XXI heard from Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson, Assemblymember Das Williams, Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin and a number of other dignitaries on issues relating to Ventura County — as well as the state of California and the nation.

For more information on VCLA, visit vcunitedway.org.

Jenny Guy is the director of communications for Mustang Marketing, a current member of the VCLA’s Cohort XXI, co-chair for the Public Relations Society of America’s Young Professionals Club and a resident of the City of Ventura.

Passport Habits in Midtown has opened.

Bringing the world to Ventura is a Ramirez family goal. After living in the Middle East for 2 years and scouring the globe for handmade treasures, Michelle and Anthony are thrilled to have brought them back to share with our community. For a taste of wanderlust visit Passport Habits at 1987 E. Main St. Open Wednesday-Sunday.

645-6708 – Passporthabits.com

Melody O’Leary-Namikas was presented the “Chairman’s Circle Gold” award by her broker, Lyle Elliott

Melody stated “I’m so proud to accept this award, which is presented to the agents who are the top 2% of Berkshire Hathaway agents. I could not have accomplished this without your referrals and friendship. I promise I will continue to provide hands on, exceptional service to you all. Thank you so much!”

Melody O’Leary

Melody O’Leary has over 16 years of experience in the real estate industry. After 13 years with Coldwell Banker, she became affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway in February 2013. She is proud to be associated with Berkshire Hathaway for a number of reasons:

Their branding is sophisticated, they have the latest innovations in marketing and technology and they are known for having the highest average sales price of any residential brokerage in the United States.
Working with both buyers and sellers, she is a skilled negotiator with extensive knowledge of the real estate market.
She favors a hands-on approach in dealing with clients and is delighted when their relationship progresses from realtor-client to long-time friends. The majority of her business is the result of referrals from satisfied clients, friends and family.

Melody said “I was born and raised in the beautiful seaside community of Ventura and I feelextremely fortunate to have lived here my whole life. I have traveled the world but I’m always happy to come home to Ventura. I love the people of my home town, who are friendly, approachable and unpretentious – a description that I’d like to think fits me as well.”

“My husband, Alex is a local dentist and together we have four grown children. One of our favorite shared interests is purchasing, refurbishing and reselling homes. My passion for interior design not only provides me with much personal enjoyment but also has proven to be an asset to my clients. I am able to help them maximize the value of their home without incurring the additional expense of a professional stager. In my free time, I also enjoy gardening, searching Flea Markets for treasures and camping in our vintage Airstream trailer, Kitty. “

Her awards include: President’s Circle for Top Sales in 2005-2012 at Coldwell Banker, among the top 100 agents at Prudential California Realty in 2013, Good Rotarian of the Year and Rotary-Paul Harris Fellow.

She is an active member in N.A.R., C.A.R., Ventura Downtown Rotary Club, and Ventura Botanical Gardens. Former member of National Charity League Juniors, former President of Mound School Site Council, Channel Islands Waterfront Homeowners Association, and Ventura High School Interact Club Advisor.

Passport Habits in Midtown has opened

Passport Habits in Midtown has opened. Bringing the world to Ventura is a Ramirez family goal. After living in the Middle East for 2 years and scouring the globe for handmade treasures, Michelle and Anthony are thrilled to have brought them back to share with our community. For a taste of wanderlust visit Passport Habits at 1987 E. Main St. Open Wednesday-Sunday.