In the current experiment, heat transfer is being assessed.

by Shirley Lorraine

The eighth-grade science classes at Ventura Missionary School, taught by Alane Woods, are, instead of reading textbooks and theory, actively engaged in building experiments designed by Quest for Space who then shares their information with NASA. Along with other students’ works worldwide, these experiments provide valuable information to be used in research.

Ms. Woods has been utilizing Quest for Space Inspiration Station kits for six years now, with great success. Students are enthusiastic about getting to experience first-hand various elements of science, engineering, coding, and more. The day I visited the classroom, the air was literally electric with excitement.

In the current experiment, heat transfer is being assessed. Which color transmits heat faster and more effectively – white or black? How is this information used in space? Are there differences between how earth and space transmit heat? Are there differences among the planets as to how heat is transmitted? Students learn about the process, the types of heat transfer, and how heat is conducted.

First, I was treated to a “walk-through” by two of the students, Isabelle and Drayden. Their excitement about the experiment was palpable. Both extoled the virtues of working in teams and of learning the different elements that must be considered. They gave me a quick tour of a completed unit, explaining how it worked and how the information is ultimately sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to be used in space endeavors.

Split into teams, each team receives a boxed Quest kit. Each kit contains Step-by-Step instructions and all the parts needed. Each team builds the same experiment and then compares results.

The kits require the building of complex circuits, resistors and connectors to run the experiments. Progress and process are logged. Each member of each team is assigned a specific role and may fill in other roles as needed.

I stopped by each team to observe and learn where they were in the process. I was immediately struck with the focus, the enthusiasm, the willingness to share and the respect shown by the students.

When the conductor is built, computer coding enables the results to be fed to Quest for Space which then sends it on to the ISS. Students learn the results of the work their team has done. The information is then compiled with other research results.

“Students learn not only how to use science, but also why, and that their input to the scientific world is valuable” stated instructor Alane Woods.

The NASA website provides this statement:

“As an orbiting laboratory, the International Space Station (ISS) offers researchers around the world the unique opportunity to perform experiments in microgravity and under the rigors of the space environment. Scientists have used the station for everything from testing technology for future space exploration to studying human health.”

More than several students shared that their favorite part of the experiment is the teamwork and the coordination of the many components of hands-on work. One contributed that the best part for her was “doing the electrical, hooking it up and seeing the light come on. You know it worked!” Others stated, “It’s a really cool thing” and “It’s fun, it’s cool, actually being able to put it together and see how it works.”

I wish I had had this much fun in eighth grade science class. The website www.nasa.gov offers experiments that can be done at home as well. Check out the STEM engagement tab. Maybe I’ll give one a go. Or maybe I should leave it to Ms. Woods’ 8^th grade science class. They are doing an excellent job already.

CAPS Media’s KPPQ-LP Radio station is celebrating a major milestone in February: 5 years of delivering non-stop, award-winning original and specially curated programming and entertainment to local and worldwide listeners.

KPPQ-LP FM 104.1 is Ventura’s only non-commercial, public radio station. The CAPS Media station belongs to the public and reaches more than 100,000 people in Ventura and countless more worldiwide.

Launched in 2017 the vibrant radio division of CAPS Media has grown steadily in a few short years to become one of the most engaging and go-to sites in Ventura. KPPQ broadcasts 2/47 everyday at 104.1 FM, and streams worldwide on myTuner radio and capsmedia.org. Week in and week out KPPQ-LP’s everygrowing cadre of volunteers create innovative and engaging programming in the state-of-the-art radio studio in the CAPS Media center or, often during COVID crisis, in their home studios, delivering an eclectic mix of programming to KPPQ-LP listeners.

“The radio platform empowers women by keeping the conversation going, to highlight the stories of our local women and all that we are doing right here in our community—the place where change happens!” Kathleen Good, Host of In The Women’s Room

“CAPS Media’s KPPQ-LP is such a great service and resource for our community. Being able to validate and share so much talent by playing music from local artists on my show is such a privilege.” Pam, The Pam Baumgardner Music Hour.

“ I was looking for a creative way to connect with my community. KPPQ opened my eyes and my heart to radio and podcasting. I have truly connected with my community through Ventura Vibe!” Nadine Piche, Host of Ventura Vibe!

“I have had a voice in the community … I’m thankful we have such a gem of a resource in our community and cannot wait to see what they do in 2022!” Michelle Hoover, Producer, Fireside Tailes for Wolfgang

“Our work with CAPS Media and specifically what we’ve done in collaboration with KPPQ has been one of our most rewarding partnerships. Youth that have had the opportunity to be interviewed in the studio always walk away from that experience inspired and excited. It’s been a great privilege to partner with them.” Craig Rosen, Host of Teen Centric, Director of the Arts & Youth Justice program

“Elizabeth Rodeno and the good people at CAPS media helped me learn radio production. With their wonderful facilities and training…I have gone on to create two radio shows and an international podcast. THANK YOU CAPS and happy 5th birthday.” Mary Labrie, Host of Women of A Certain Age and The Shiver Show

“In a world where it seems corporations are deciding what we view or listen to – with a lack of diversity in the programming – I treasure the ability to hear the perspective of members of the community and, when it comes to music, to be able to listen to programming by individuals who have non-mainstream tastes. CAPS Media is a treasure and KPPQ is my favorite radio station!” Kevin Wallace, Host of Ojai Dream, a music and talk show.

“KPPQ does a wonderful job representing our community. I am grateful they have given me the opportunity to share my passion, my blues record collection in my show “Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge. The team is awake and interested fully committed to producing interesting content of high quality.” Doc Ventura, Doc’s Delta Blues Lounge

“We’re so fortunate to have a unique community radio station like KPPQ. Not only does it serve as a local media source for information and entertainment, but it gives content creators like myself a creative outlet to share our interests! “Mark X, Pure Rock Show

The ever-evolving KPPQ operation was envisioned, masterminded and co-founded by CAPS Media’s Elizabeth Rodeno. Elizabeth has been the KPPQ driving force and station manager since its inception.

“As station manager of KPPQ and one of the founders, along with Evan Carpenter, Chief Engineer, I am thrilled to be part of Ventura’s Community radio station as we celebrate its 5th year on the air. Since 2017 when we flipped the switch on the only non-commercial community radio station in Ventura, producers have sat behind a microphone and shared their voice and the voice of Ventura County across the globe. I’m really proud to see how our station and membership has grown and thrived these past 5 years and I look forward to the next 5 years.” Elizabeth Rodeno, KPPQ Station Manager

KPPQ airs 24/7 on 104.1fm radio and streams worldwide on myTurner Radio and on capsmedia.org. Everyone interested in learning more about KPPQ-LP including how to become a Host or DJ, or provide information on an upcoming event, can contact Elilzabeth Rodeno, at [email protected].

Everyone at CAPS Media and throughout Ventura congratulate KPPQ-LP on its momentous 5th birthday. We all look forward to many more years of creative, informative and entertaining programming and services to the community.

Building photo by Patricia Schallert

Rubicon Theatre has received an extraordinary donation and a commitment for a future legacy gift that will help ensure a bright future for the organization. As a result of the generosity of Karyn Jackson of Arcadia (a former Ventura resident), her sister Nancy Allen of Ventura, and Nancy’s husband Leo Allen, Rubicon has been able to purchase a four-unit property on Poli Street which will be used to house visiting artists. Additionally, the company has also received a pledge for a future legacy gift which will mean a new name for the building that houses the company at Main and Laurel in Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District.

Founded in 1998, Rubicon is regarded as Ventura’s premier non-profit professional theatre company and has served more than 480,000 residents and visitors with award-winning productions.

According to Board President Doug Halter (member of the Ventura City Council), “This is the largest single gift in Rubicon’s 23-year-history. It is a remarkable tribute to the world-class artistry that has been a hallmark of Rubicon productions, and a vote of confidence in the future. We could not be more touched by the largesse of these special friends, or more grateful to them for making sure that Rubicon is here for future generations.”

Adds Karyl Lynn Burns, Rubicon Co-Founder and Producing Artistic Director, “I truly feel that this was divine providence. From the moment we met, we all felt that this was ‘meant to be.’ It was difficult at first to know just how, but Karyn and Nancy’s passion for the theatre and for the artists who do the work is so moving. Their joy in life has been making memories for others. It’s the way they have lived their life and a practice modeled for them by their father.”

Burns was initially approached about the Poli property by two members of Rubicon’s Board of Advisors during the run of Shrek, Jr. at Villanova this summer, Rich Stewart and Harriet Clune. The two were volunteering as ushers for Rubicon’s outdoor education performances with fellow members of the Ventura East Rotary Club. Rich had served on the facilities committee for the theatre some years before and recalled that Rubicon spent $100,000 to $150,000 a year on artist housing. Stewart and Clune’s neighbor Karen Heyrend, had told them about a property within walking distance of the theatre that had four-units and five-rooms. The couple put Heyrend and Burns together.

When Heyrend took Burns, Rubicon Co-Founder James O’Neil and Director of Outreach Beverly Ward to see the Poli property, it was love at first sight. “It was beautiful and perfectly kept-up,” says Burns, “just the kind of place we try to rent for artists so that they get a sense of Ventura’s history and feel at home and comfortable.”

“We had just refinanced the mainstage theatre through Brian Donovan, Market Manager at Montecito Bank & Trust,” says Halter. “We knew we could make the Poli payments in terms of cash flow and that it would reduce overall production costs.”

Russ Charvonia, a wealth advisor and charitable planning attorney, donated his time to explore the possibility of a win-win scenario and Heyrend facilitated a meeting with the Allen’s and Karyn Jackson, who had owned the property at one time and had a passion for the community and the theatre.

With help and advice from Brian Donovan at Montecito Bank & Trust, Rubicon was able to secure the loan for Poli. Karyn Jackson decided not only to donate enough for the down payment, but also to make a legacy gift to rename the theatre.

“Karyn is such a humble person,” says Halter. “She often gives anonymously.” She and Nancy and Leo join the Meister and Laby families in being major cornerstone contributors to theatre and the arts in our region.”

In February the theatre building will be renamed Rubicon Theatre Company at The Karyn Jackson Theatre. The name of the company will remain the same. The Poli visiting artist property will be named in Nancy Allen’s honor, with a Plexiglas wall display telling the “Tale of Two Sisters”.

To make a tax-deductible contribution to Rubicon Theatre Company as the company prepared to open, or to learn more about underwriting or sponsorship opportunities, contact Beverly Ward at (805) 667-2912, ext. 280, or [email protected]. For information about upcoming Rubicon events and programming, or to receive e-news from Rubicon, go to www.rubicontheatre.org, or call Guest Services at (805) 667-2900.

Money was raised through the sale of a 270-pound pig donated by 18-year-old Allison Reiman.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation has announced the dedication of $69,760 to the Ventura County Fair Livestock Department. The money was raised at the 2019 VC Fair Junior Livestock Auction through the sale of a 270-pound pig donated by 18-year-old Allison Reiman of Santa Rosa Valley 4H. The funds will be used for essential needs for the Livestock Department including pig panels and pens.

Miss Reiman lives in Camarillo and has been involved in the Fair Livestock programs for 13 years, raising various species of small and large livestock, starting when she was five years old. A senior at Grace Brethren High School in Simi Valley, she plans to pursue a degree in animal science.

“It is so rewarding to hear that the donation is playing a role in the betterment of the facilities at the fairgrounds,” said Reiman, adding, “The Ventura County Fair is a place where I, along with many others, found a passion and appreciation for agriculture. Supporting and preserving these programs is vital when it comes to teaching the next generation of youth the importance of hard work, responsibility, and leadership. It was truly an honor to be able to give back to the Ventura County Fair by doing something I love. I hope that it will continue to impact future generations in the way that it did me.”

Accepting the award on behalf of the Fair, CEO Barbara Quaid commented that the VC Fair Livestock Auction, scheduled for August, is an integral part of the annual Ventura County Fair, stating “After having been postponed for two seasons due to the COVID 19 pandemic we are very excited to resume the Livestock programs along with the many other Fair programs that we have all been waiting for. We are grateful to the Fairgrounds Foundation for this generous dedication and we join them in their continuous praise and support of the hard working youth of Ventura County and for the Fair.

The Fair’s Livestock department provides an important program for Ventura County Youth in 4H, Grange and FFA groups as well as children with independent projects. The auction is an important tool in the vocational education of children who are pursuing or interested in a career in agriculture and related industries. The Livestock auction takes participants through the steps of acquiring an animal for auction, raising the animal in a manner that is consistent with state and local marketing standards, showing the animal in competition and finally bringing the animal to auction where the culminating experience of their hard work includes the rewards, both monetary and awards.

The mission of the Ventura County Fairgrounds Foundation is to provide financial support for improvements to the grounds, capital projects, equipment and programs in order that the Ventura County Fairgrounds continue to be an exemplary multi use community resource.

For information and to make a tax-deductible donation to the Foundation please visit www.venturacountyfairgroundsfoundation.org.

To learn more about the 2022 Ventura County Fair, August 3-14, please visit www.venturacountyfair.org.