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CAREGIVERS Volunteers

Sonia S., Sharon L., Debbie and Pat M meeting for lunch.

My name is Debbie Lasley, the new Volunteer Engagement Coordinator for CAREGIVERS Volunteers Assisting the Elderly. After 15 years in management with the volunteer department at St. John’s Hospital in Camarillo, I took a career leap last September and joined the volunteer caregiving movement here in Ventura County. I joined Caregivers in September 2023.

My new role here is a dream come true and I’m making every effort to reach out share all the new and exciting ways to volunteer. Maintaining relationships are at the heart and soul of my commitment to coaching, training, interviewing and scheduling new and returning volunteers. I look forward to creating a fun and exciting environment working with people who are as committed as I am to serve our aging population. You may feel like I do that I get as much or more than I give from these experiences.

The benefits of volunteering help us age better ourselves. Giving to others can help you to find friends, connect with the community, learn new skills, and bring meaning and purpose to your life. It can also help protect your mental and physical health, reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.

With our Careworks Online system, volunteering is only a click away. Requests from seniors are added on a daily basis. You choose the date and time you are available to lend a hand with Transportation, Shop & Drop, Household Chores, Honey Do’s (small tasks), Organizing etc. (All the services we provide are non medical). It’s easier than ever, and I am happy to assist with an in person training to guide you through the process.

CAREGIVERS is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, and it’s up to us to determine what the next 40 years looks like. We’re off to a good start going into 2024 and it should come as no surprise that the needs of these vulnerable populations we serve will require more commitment, more support. Please join us in inviting your friends and family to campion this important mission. We’ll be joining a national campaign, inviting donors to support us and encouraging new volunteers to give 40 hours over 40 weeks. Neighbors helping Neighbors is a simple idea that can change someone’s life, maybe even yours!

Please give me call at (805) 658-8530 or email [email protected].

City of Ventura’s Finance Department earns excellence in financial reporting award

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work.”

The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Ventura Finance Department for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year 2022.

“Financial transparency is the cornerstone of our work, and we’re thrilled to receive recognition from the GFOA for our commitment,” said Chief Financial Officer Greg Morley. “This award reflects the dedication of our year-round team, ensuring efficient operations to serve our residents.”

An impartial panel judged the report to meet the program’s high standards, demonstrating a “spirit of full disclosure” to effectively communicate the city’s financial story and engage readers.

The Certificate of Achievement, the pinnacle of recognition in governmental accounting and financial reporting, signifies a significant achievement by the city and its management.

Led by Accounting Manager Jason Williams, Treasury Manager Jennifer Rowe, and Senior General Ledger Accountant James Lewis, the project received special acknowledgment for the contributions of General Ledger Accountants Jodi Pinyo, Brenda Taylor, and Erwin Kosasih, and Senior Accountant Mary Hilke.

Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show Jan. 11-14

Artist Dylan C

Presented by the Autism Society Ventura County in association with Buenaventura Art Association

An Art Show featuring the works of 43 neurodiverse artists of all ages!

You are invited to the first Celebrating the Autistic Mind Art Show by Autism Society Ventura County. Art will be displayed at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E Main St. January 11-14, 11AM to 5 PM. Admission to the art show, exhibiting in the museum’s pavilion, is free.

Artist Mia C

In these works, I see inventiveness and a noticeable lack of traditional convention. What a precious gift it is to see art from those who (clinically) may think a different way. Like a trip to another culture, these works open us up to experience the vast array of human expression. As an artist, I can assure you that here you’ll enjoy some of the most liberated, imaginative art in Ventura County.

May this show broaden your own horizons to appreciate a different kind of thinking.

Artist Ed Terpening (Edterpening.com)

Artist Theo E

VCAAA Workforce Committee holding Job Fair

More than 50 businesses, nonprofit agencies, and public service organizations will be represented .

Older adults seeking employment can make plans to attend a Job Fair that will be held in tandem with the 2024 Wellness Fest that will take place at the Goebel Adult Community Center in Thousand Oaks on Wednesday, January 17.

The Workforce Committee of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging’s Advisory Council is putting on the Job Fair, which will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day.

Employers who are confirmed to be at the event include:

  • America’s Job Center of California
  • Boys & Girls Club
  • City of Thousand Oaks
  • Conejo Valley Unified School District
  • County of Ventura
  • Villa Esperanza

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to our older-adult residents in Ventura County, and we’re thankful for the employers who will be partnering with us for this first-time event,” said William Nelson, chair of the VCAAA’s Workforce Committee. “It should be a day of meaningful connections and opportunities. We have a goal of helping employers create a thriving and inclusive workforce for all ages, and we think that there’s a real benefit when they hire an older adult who brings wisdom and experience to the job.”

The Wellness Fest is being put on by the Conejo Senior Volunteer Program, and more than 50 businesses, nonprofit agencies, and public service organizations will be represented, including the VCAAA.

For more information about the Job Fair or VCAAA programs, call (805) 477-7300, or visit vcaaa.org.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, a division of the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency, is charged with the responsibility to promote the development and implementation of a comprehensive coordinated system of care that enables older individuals, children and adults with disabilities, and their caregivers to live in a community-based setting. The VCAAA advocates for the needs of those 60 years and older in the county, providing leadership and promoting citizen involvement in the planning process as well as in the delivery of services.

An event to remember

Boats, carnival rides, snow and fireworks. Photos by Patrcia Schallert and others

Ventura Harbor’s 46th Annual Parade of Lights & Fireworks was an event to remember and boasted 56 boats in total that participated in the parade – the most in recent history!

Each night, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15 & 16, more than 42 boaters wowed visitors and Harbor residents alike with a spectacular display of lights. Following the parade at the Boater’s Award Reception, a 2024 theme was voted on by the boaters themselves – “Candy Land.”

Ventura Harbor Village welcomed guests with carnival rides, a ferris wheel, and games, a photo opp with Grinchmas, LED light dancers, faux snowfall, and holiday shopping.

Plus, Hawaiian hula dance by local Ka Hale Hula ‘o Pilialohaokalani o Hilo, and Anacapa Ukulele who paid homage to the “Hula Holiday” Parade of Lights theme, all capped off by a dazzling fireworks show!

Ventura Harbor Village’s Winter Wonderland & Holiday Marketplace on December 16 saw a record number of attendees with Santa and Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer, costumed carolers, a toy solder band, crafts, shopping at coastal boutiques, and much more!

The Annual Ventura Harbor Santa Paddle on Sunday, December 17 drew more than 45 paddlers dressed in holiday attire, plus Santa, of course, who paddled from Ventura Boat Rentals to the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center.

For more festive New Year’s Eve & holiday vacation activities to share with friends & loved ones visit VenturaHarborVillage.com

 

Historic Ventura Pier receives a $40,000 donation

Ventura Pier is a cherished symbol of our community’s rich history. Photo by Richard Lieberman

Pier Into the Future, a local nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of our historic coastal landmark, has generously awarded a $40,000 donation to the City to support some of the much-needed repairs during the City Council Meeting on Monday, December 4, 2023.

“Once the longest wooden pier in California, the Historic Ventura Pier is a cherished symbol of our community’s rich history. Despite recent challenges, we’re committed to ensuring its enjoyment for generations,” Mayor Joe Schroeder remarked. “This donation will help address infrastructure needs, enhance safety, and preserve its historical significance.”

Since its closure to the public in January 2023 due to safety concerns, ongoing maintenance, and emergency repairs have been in progress. These include planned critical corrosion repairs to the steel framing and structure of the pier, with an anticipated reopening in spring 2024.

24 tips for a healthy and fit New Year

Leslie and her motivated students at Aegis Living Ventura are ready to get moving in the New Year!

by Leslie Sokol

It’s a New Year and a new beginning to a year filled with hope, happiness and great health. For some, this means eating nutritious meals and starting an exercise routine. However, more often than not, the resolutions we make are highly restrictive and unsustainable, leading most of us to fall back into our old ways within a few weeks. This is why many people make the same resolutions year after year.

Let’s make 2024 different and start off on the right foot by focusing on our goals one step at a time. No matter what age you are, whether you’ve been active or not, it’s time to get moving and jump start your fitness routine. Committing to becoming more physically fit takes discipline but is well worth it in the long run!

Healthy and Fit Tips

1) Design and organize a well-rounded fitness program suited to your needs and abilities.

2) Move, move, move! Staying active and moving around burns calories, strengthens muscles, tones your body, improves your immune system and boosts energy.

3) Be thoughtful and careful in setting your fitness goals.

4) Create a balanced routine, from head to toe.

5) Start slow and pace yourself according to your capabilities and level of fitness.

6) Build physical activities into your daily schedule.

7) Be consistent and keep to a schedule.

8) Get plenty of sleep and make time for recovery and relaxation.

9) Meditate and be mindful. Try and focus on positive thoughts.

10) Plan a variety of exercises and different activities to include in your workouts.

11) Be sure to include all of the three components of fitness into your routines: stretching, strengthening, and aerobic exercise.

12) Eat a well-balanced diet. Try to include all of the important food groups and nutrients.

13) Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.

14) Have an attitude of gratitude. Always be thankful and appreciate the small things in your life.

15) Choose an activity that you enjoy. The best exercise is the one that you will do the most.

16) Commit to being more physically fit. Take pride in yourself.

17) Take more “me time” and practice self-care.

18) Spend more time outdoors exercising. Take a moment to take a deep breath of fresh air and appreciate the beauty of nature around you.

19) Spend time with positive people.

20) Be more present. Live day to day, in the moment.

21) Try a new hobby, or join a group activity and socialize.

22) Stop negative body talk and improve your confidence.

23) Schedule regular health checkups with your healthcare provider.

24) Be sure to have a support team, such as a friend or family member, to support you and encourage you to be your best.

There is so much for all of us to be excited about this New Year. Let’s be active, have fun and celebrate our life! Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart.

Applications now open for 2024 Bank of America Student Leader Program

Last year’s student leaders.

Community-minded high school juniors and seniors looking for summer internships are encouraged now to prepare and submit their applications for the 2024 Student Leaders program offered by Bank of America. The deadline to apply for this prestigious community-oriented leadership program is Jan. 17, 2024.

The program provides work experience and training through an 8-week paid internship with local nonprofits. Last year’s students worked with the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast.

The program also includes an all-expense-paid Student Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. from July 22-27, 2024. Every year, about 300 community-minded students are selected for the Student Leader Program.

Since 2004, Student Leaders® has been part of our ongoing commitment to youth employment and economic mobility. We’re helping prepare a diverse pipeline of community-minded young students to be successful in the workforce through leadership training and work experience.

By driving responsible growth, we deliver for clients and address pressing societal issues, including advancing employment opportunities for youth and young adults. Through our Student Leaders® program, we annually connect more than 300 community-minded high school juniors and seniors from over 100 communities to employment, skills development and service.

The students hail from many diverse backgrounds, but are united by their drive and commitment. Through paid internships with local nonprofits and participation in a national leadership summit, they gain practical work and life experience.

Students in good standing at their school and interested in the program can apply at: https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/student-leaders.

Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus Transports Ventura Families to Venice with Carnevale di Venezia

At the center of it all is the Zoppé family.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds is set to be transformed into a spectacle of wonder and awe as Zoppé: An Italian Family Circus brings Carnevale di Venezia to life from December 15-January 1, 2024. The entire family will travel on an exquisite journey through time, delving deep into intrigue, extravagance and celebration of life and art that is the essence of Venetian Carnevale. Co-produced by Luca Colferi, esteemed director of Campagnie de Calza—one of the world’s oldest theater companies hailing from Venice—this show promises an unparalleled experience of wonder, artistry and family-friendly entertainment.

Zoppé Family Circus brings the spirit of Venice to life with meticulously crafted costumes and masks handmade in the heart of the city. Traditional Venetian music sets the stage for a 500-year-old commedia preshow that takes place in front of the Big Top, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of this historic carnival. At the conclusion of the commedia preshow, guests are immersed in Carnevale as they walk across a bridge and through the Zoppe passport office, getting their Zoppe passport stamped for Venice.

Performances large and small captivate audiences with incredible human talent. The Zoppé Acrobatic Troupe performs on the Chinese Poles, a staggering demonstration of strength and balance where acrobats climb and jump between tall poles. Canine capers bring humor, jugglers display dexterity and timing, and two majestic horses thunder around the ring, ultimately joining the dogs for a unique horse and dog act. Performers hail from around the world, including a dynamic acrobatic limbo and dance act from Kenya and a touching father-daughter act from Mexico.

At the center of it all is the Zoppé family, with Giovanni Zoppé performing with his son and a special audience member, and his daughters wowing audiences with their aerial lyra artistry. The evening culminates in a dance procession to old world music that brings a feeling of nostalgia for simpler times. Representing 7 generations of circus artists, the Zoppé family invites you into their Big Top home to experience the true meaning of circus–family, support and community.

While in Ventura, the Zoppe Family Circus will host two special events: Circus Camp and a New Year’s Eve Under the Big Top. Circus Camp teaches the circus arts to children right in the ring, and more importantly teaches the art of self confidence. Camp takes place December 26-29 for children from 7-15 years old and culminates in a family show the final hour of camp.

New Year’s Eve Under the Big Top is the perfect family tradition with the entertaining Carnevale di Venezia performance plus party favors and a countdown to a balloon drop at the finale of the show. The whole family can ring in the New Year together early!

Food Share’s 12th Annual CAN-tree Food Drive

Food Share’s 12th Annual CAN-tree Food Drive returned to transform Figueroa Plaza in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Over 300 magnificent trees, contributed by a diverse array of 100 businesses and groups, adorn the plaza.

 

 

 

The Ventura Breeze was there putting up their tree. Mary Thompson and Janie Tran led the group and publisher Sheldon was there, providing emotional help only.