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Students from VUSD will present proposals

2022 finalists in the annual EECCOA Challenge Awards Ceremony.

For the 8th year in a row, students from Ventura Unified School District will present proposals to reduce their schools’ environmental footprint and receive awards.

On Monday, May 22nd, the MERITO Foundation and Ventura Unified School District (VUSD) will host the 8th annual EECCOA Challenge Awards Ceremony. At this event, 7th-12th-grade student finalists will present their environmental business proposals to either reduce the carbon footprint of their school or advocate for the removal of the relic Matilija Dam from the Ventura River. The primary sponsor of this year’s EECCOA Challenge Awards Ceremony is Clean Power Alliance.

For the EECCOA Challenge, students had the option of choosing a project theme from 4 categories: water conservation, energy efficiency, or waste reduction at their school campuses, or outreach about the ecological benefits of dam removal. This multi-disciplinary competition is an opportunity for our youth to combine environmental science with business ideas, and practice environmental entrepreneurship. School administrators also benefit by hearing from students on how to improve their schools’ infrastructure and reduce utility costs.

The event will take place at the Poinsettia Pavilion, in Ventura, from 4 -7 pm. The keynote speaker for the event is Anna Cummins, Co-Founder & Executive Director of 5 Gyres, a leading organization in the global movement against plastic pollution, with more than 10 years of expertise in scientific research, engagement, and education. Representatives from the offices of Senator Monique Limón, and Congressman Salud Carbajal will be present to congratulate the students.

There are currently 86 teams competing in the EECCOA Challenge, from students attending Buena High School, Ventura High School, Foothill Technology High School, Anacapa Middle School, Balboa Middle School, or DATA Middle School. After two rounds of judging, the top 16 finalists will present their projects in person before judges at the May 22nd event. After presentations, the MERITO Foundation and VUSD will award cash or in-kind prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and Honorable Mention in each category. All participating students have been immersed since September 2022 in MERITO Foundation’s Ventura Action Network (V-RAN) Program or “From the Avenue to Channel Islands (ATCI) program in partnership with the VUSD.

The V-RAN program provides professional development, field training, and curriculum to science teachers, as well as hands-on field experience for ~700 middle and high school students throughout the Ventura River watershed and coast. Through the ATCI program, 660 students from DATA Middle School enjoy outdoor experiences at the Ventura River, State Beaches, and the Channel Islands. In addition to environmental education, students also participate in biking, hiking, kayaking, camping, snorkeling, sailing, and surfing, and learn leadership skills that they put into practice at outdoor community events.

Sponsors for the V-RAN Program include NOAA B-WET Grant, Ventura Water, and UC Davis Center for Community and Citizen Science. The ‘From the Avenue to the Channel Islands’ (ATCI) Program of the MERITO Foundation is funded by the Outdoors Equity Grant, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants, and Local Services.

The MERITO Foundation is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization based in Ventura, CA, dedicated to protecting the ocean by facilitating environmental education, conservation, and scientific research opportunities for multicultural youth and their communities.

Ventura Triathlon

Photos by Patricia Schallert

Carol Humphrey

On May 7, a triathlon was held in Ventura. It was the perfect Ventura weekend for the event. The race had 14 separate events and 2 different starting points.  Every event that included a swim discipline started at the beach. finish line.  Many of the athletes familiarized themselves with the bike and run course by driving or riding it prior to the race.

It included 7 Olympic distance events and 7 Sprint distance events. Typically, the swim and run distances are standard but the bike distance varies from race to race.

Several seniors participated including Carol Humphrey. She’s 83 years old and she loves the 5k races.

 

Ventura Triathlon

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It’s HighTide: Ventura Robotics Team win at world competition

“It’s amazing what these kids are doing, what they are gaining.”

by Rebecca Wicks

The Ventura-based Robotics Team HighTide 4414 won the biggest and most prestigious high school level international competition earlier this month in Houston. According to FIRST Robotics who put on the event, approximately 3,300 high school level robotics teams competed in more than 1,000 qualifying matches in order to claim one of the 600 coveted spots to contend at “Worlds” as it is affectionately known.

“It’s hard to put in words, it was incredible,” said Aadhya Bavkar, a sophomore at Foothill Tech High School who is on the design build part of the team. “Everything was amplified there which made it stressful but an amazing opportunity to push us and really learn the full capabilities of what our team can do when we work together.”

HighTide, an independent team from Ventura, took the world title as part of a four-team alliance that moved to the finals after winning their division earlier in the week. The four-day event drew more than 46,000 attendees and teams from 19 countries. This year the team felt more prepared after having placed second in the previous year.

“Last year [at Worlds] was my first time driving in front of such a huge crowd,” said Zach Shew, a junior at El Camino High School, who served as the team’s driver. Shew shared he worked to know his strategies in depth and thoroughly prior to each competition. “In the competition I tried to just chill, and not think about it too much and just concentrate on hearing my co-driver and playing my game.”

To prepare, the team meets regularly and builds its robots at Sessa Manufacturing, one of its main sponsors. It begins each year meeting two nights a week in the fall through December. Team members learn and hone their electrical, manufacturing and programming skills and compete in some off season events during this time.

In January, FIRST releases details on the “game” which changes each year. In the timed game the robot works autonomously for the first 15 seconds of the match, and is then in the hands of a driver the second portion of the match. This year the main goal was to pick up and place cones and cubes in different patterns. In previous years, robots had to gathered balls and shot them into different marked areas. The team then has six weeks to design, build and program an industrial-sized robot before regional competitions begin. HighTide builds two robots during this time, one for practice and prototyping and the other for competition. The team continues to make improvements to the bot throughout regional play.

HighTide clinched their entry to Worlds early this year by winning the Hueneme Port Regional competition in early March. They continued to dominate with other wins at the Ventura County Regional and Aerospace Valley Regional competitions.

The team is supported by nine mentors, five of them which live and work locally, four of which assist remotely with the team. Vinny Pecchia, an engineer at the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center (NAVFAC EXWC) serves as a mentor for the team and is continually impressed with the high school team members’ abilities to design, run CAD changes, machine parts and program and execute 3D printing.

“It’s amazing what these kids are doing, what they are gaining,” said Pecchia who wished he had an opportunity like HighTide when he was in high school. “They are learning how to do everything from cradle to grave; a lot of these kids could have jobs tomorrow with the skills they are learning.”

Jonathan Sessa, who is an engineer, President of Sessa Manufacturing and head coach and mentor of the team describes this year’s team as the most involved and streamlined team he has ever coached.

“I’m super proud of everyone this season. It feels pretty sweet when hard work pays off after so many hours and late nights spent grinding,” said Sessa of the team. “I’m so thankful to everyone involved including all the mentors and alumni [of previous teams] for building an amazing culture and team with me.”

The team hosts its own off season competition called the Tidal Tumble each year in October. The event take place October 20-22, 2023 at the Ventura County Fairgrounds and is open to the public.

Ventura Tree Alliance Tree Planting at Barranca Vista Park

Volunteers from the Ventura Tree Alliance and City staff.

Barbara Brown, co-founder VTA and volunteer Karen Farr.

On Friday, April 21, the Ventura Tree Alliance (VTA), City of Ventura’s Urban Forestry Team, and West Coast Arborists planted 15 trees at Barranca Vista Park. This event celebrated Earth Day by adding tree canopy to our urban landscape. The trees ranged from oaks, which will grow large enough to shade the children’s play area to crepe myrtle, which will color the entrance of the park. The day was sunny and so warm many of the nearly 30 volunteers were already using the shade from the newly planted trees to cool off. This will be a wonderful addition to Barranca Vista Park.

Volunteers and City staff planting crepe myrtles.
Christy Weir, president of VTA.

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The importance of a daily routine

Set a time each day to do a few minutes of exercise.

by Leslie Sokol

No matter your age, a regular routine is extremely important. If you consistently make time to do something and stick with it, you’ll find it easier to maintain the habit. The idea of a “routine” can bring to mind words such as “mundane” or “ordinary,” but routines can be powerful tools. They support cognitive function, boost health, provide meaningful activities and social opportunities.

For instance, if you set a time each day to do a few minutes of exercise, it will increase your energy, help you get in shape and keep you healthy, both physically and mentally. Regular participation in social activities can also contribute positively to mental health.

Whether you are retired or still working, having things to look forward to each day is rewarding. If you find yourself with time on your hands, then doing volunteer work, socializing with friends, working out, or pursuing a new hobby is a great way to be create a daily routine and become consistent with your schedule.

Here are a few suggestions to help you with your daily routines:

  1. Use a day timer or smartphone app to organize your activities. A simple notepad or a daily planner and a pen can work too.
  2. Choose a regular sleep schedule and try to stick to it most days of the week.
  3. Make physical activity a priority. In-home workouts, walking, hiking, gardening, playing sports, and dance and fitness classes are great options.
  4. Keep an eye out for activities they are happening in your community, such as a book club at the library or a social walking group.

Routines have the power to help you manage your daily activities and feel meaningful, productive, happy and healthy. Always remember – variety is the spice of life!

The healthiest foods come in their own wrapping, such as fruits and vegetables. They come from nature fat free! A well-balanced diet will keep you healthy, energized and strong.

You are what you eat. Always make fruits, vegetables, and salads a major part of your daily meal plans. Lean proteins and complex carbohydrates are essential too. Be sure to get enough water as well because it carries nutrients and oxygen to all of the cells in your body. A proper diet will stabilize your heart beat, regulate your body temperature, cushion your joints and more!

Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of the adult dance and fitness program For the Young at Heart. She has been teaching adults and children for forty-five years. You can watch For the Young at Heart by visiting her YouTube Channel or on TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.

For more information contact Leslie at [email protected] 805-312-8089
or visit the website: www.LeslieSokolDance.com

 

 

Ventura Land Trust Hosts Legacy Wall Dedication Ceremony at Harmon Canyon Preserve

The Legacy Wall was created by Ventura metal artist Tyronne McGrath.

Ventura Land Trust (VLT) held a special Legacy Wall dedication ceremony on Wednesday, April 19th at 9:00 am to commemorate donors who supported the Harmon Canyon Campaign for Harmon Canyon Preserve. The ceremony took place at the Harmon Canyon Preserve trailhead.

The $10 million Harmon Canyon Campaign supported the establishment of Harmon Canyon Preserve, 2,123 acres of permanently conserved open space in Ventura, and a stewardship endowment that allows Ventura Land Trust to care for the land in perpetuity.

The Legacy Wall, created by Ventura metal artist Tyronne McGrath, depicts plants and animals of the Ventura hillsides, and is crowned with commemorative leaves etched with the names of Harmon Canyon Campaign supporters.

Ventura Land Trust Executive Director Melissa Baffa spoke during the ceremony.

Harmon Canyon Preserve is located at 7511 Foothill Rd.

Ventura woodshop program takes home top award!

Balboa Middle School wins Program of the Year for outstanding Woodshop program.

Balboa Middle School’s Woodshop Program, under the direction and talent of Mr. Paul Fredette, was awarded the 2023 California Industrial and Technology Education Association (CITEA) Middle School Program of the Year award. Mr. Greg Hanger, CITEA President, presented Mr. Fredette with the award at the April 18, 2023 VUSD Board of Education meeting. The award is given to a program with outstanding curriculum design and integration, reflecting academic and technical content. In addition, it shows strong connections to the community through local businesses, industries, and an advisory board.

“Mr. Fredette’s woodshop program is where students build, create, and apply their academic skills in hands-on, relevant ways. Our students find success under Mr. Fredette’s patience and kind guidance. One of the assignments given in woodshop is to show their projects to our administrative team. We marvel at the skill and attention our students put into these projects, and the pride in their finished product is evident on their faces. Ventura Unified believes in this digital age, students working with their hands is critical to developing the whole child. We are extremely grateful for Mr. Fredette and his steadfast belief that the woodshop is a place where all students can succeed,” stated Balboa Principal Claudia Caudill.

Mr. Fredette has been teaching since 1989. He taught two years in a rural school district in Wisconsin, one year in El Monte City School District, and the rest of the time at Ventura Unified School District. Two of his shop teachers strongly encouraged him to enter into the teaching profession. His philosophy on teaching is “Learn by doing.” He believes hands-on classes like the one he teaches show students the content of the information that a teacher is trying to get across by having the student walk through the process.

Edison Electric Company, Ventura County Carving Club, Ventura County Woodturning Club, and the Model Aviation Club are just a few of the groups who have joined his class to speak and mentor. Guest speakers have included engineers, welders, and retired shop teachers. He also meets with a group of Industrial Arts teachers from across the county/state via Zoom meetings to collaborate and exchange ideas for use in the classroom. The last workshop they participated in was on integrated construction methods.

“I feel blessed at having the job I have had for all these years. It has been very rewarding,” stated Mr. Fredette. His students feel just as blessed.

“Mr. Fredette makes his classes very interactive and fun. He always has a joke and makes the classroom a healthy environment. He inspired me to pursue woodworking, and I know he will inspire many more students, said 8th-grade student Haley Jourdain.

“I like Mr. Fredette because when you need help, he helps you right away, and I also like it because we play games in his class to learn,” said 6th grader Kendra Sullivan.

 

Jack Colling’s investment in CAREGIVERS is now his legacy

“I became a volunteer in the program through my membership with a local church.”

More than 35 years later, Jack Colling’s investment in CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly is now his legacy.  Next year, he will witness volunteer caregiving celebrate 40 years of demonstrated success throughout the nation, knowing that he had a small role in helping launch one of the original pilot programs in his hometown.

Here’s one volunteer who started making his imprint on CAREGIVERS from the moment he arrived on the scene. Sister Veronica of the order St. Joseph of Carondelet, who helped to establish the organization, welcomed Jack in the second year of operations when volunteers were serving 105 seniors. Within the year, Jack was leading presentations for the Interfaith Retreat Day, which was fostering participation from congregations throughout the community. He volunteered with seniors, he picked up manicotti for the volunteer recognition dinner, and eventually he was invited to serve on the board of directors serving alongside Mary Braitman, Harry Walsh and Wayne Dugan and he supported the rummage sale to help raise money for operations.

“I am 30 years old, an owner of a small business. I became a volunteer in the program through my membership with a local church. After experiencing the need in my own family, I chose to work with the elderly. I see this as a very positive means of channeling my energy,” Jack wrote in 1987 further describing the transportation, grocery shopping and errands he provided for an 86-year young woman.

In 1991, Norm Weitzel joined the CAREGIVERS’ Board, and together Norm and Jack launched the Wearin’ o’ the Green golf tournament, one of CAREGIVERS’ signature fundraising events that has since been adopted by the McGrath Family Clan—cousins Berry, Borchard, Coultas, Doud, Dunbar, Haynes, Laubacher, McCormick and Morris families—who have helped to set new heights surpassing recent years’ high gross of well more than $50,000 last month.

“From a decade of close observation, I can attest that our CAREGIVERS leadership team runs an extremely efficient organization, with a commitment to quality,” said Honorary Director Dan McGrath.  “Jack Collings has been instrumental in setting that standard.”

Jack will be the first person to tell you that he never thought the tournament would be a major force of friends and funds more than 30 years later. “We were so happy to make a profit the first year,” Jack said, adding that it was always important to both Norm and him that the tournament be open for golfers of all skill levels to play. Upon Norm’s passing, it was Jack’s suggestion to name the tournament “The Norm Weitzel Open.”

Jack’s leadership continues to set the bar higher and higher as he remains an active advisor and Honorary Director—even returning to serve on the Board of Directors once again this last year.

With his wife Wendy, Jack is among the most avid and generous supporters of volunteer caregiving in Ventura County, ensuring the advancement and ability of the organization to reach and serve seniors in every city.

Annual “Spring Fling” Gift-Away Event

Spring Fling 2023 served 125 children with 65 families.

A Beautiful Day Supporting Ventura County Foster/Resource Families, Kinship Families, Adoptive Families, and Bio-families Currently Working in Programs with Kids & Families Together

On Saturday, April 1st, Kids & Families Together’s Heart 2 Heart Program, hosted their Spring Fling Gift~Away for Ventura County foster/resource, kinship, adopted and birth families who are currently being served in K&FT programs. This annual event has always been a kick-off to Spring, a season of growth and renewal.

Spring Fling 2023 served 125 children with 65 families. This year, we saw the return of the annual “Egg Hunt” for the first time since the pandemic! Children and families were provided with such items as: gift cards, springtime themed baskets, teen bags, Summertime toys, art supplies, clothing, personal care items, along with household, and cleaning supplies.

The event featured music, free face painting, games, and pictures with the Spring Bunny! The weather was perfect for the event, hosted at a park in Oxnard, and with all the recent rain, everything was so green and lush. It was wonderful to see so many smiling faces!

Kids & Families Together (K&FT) was founded in 2000 by David and Faith Friedlander. David and Faith met with Ventura County Children and Family Services to see how K&FT could fill the gaps and provide services to populations that were overlooked. Faith, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and also an adoptee herself, had a special place in her heart for and expertise on adoptive children and families. Faith began to develop programs to support foster and adoptive parents. Along with that, K&FT became the first organization in the county to provide specialized education and support services to informal kinship caregivers. Informal kinship caregivers are people who are taking care of relative children. These families are considered “informal” because they are not involved with the child welfare system which excludes them from many of the available resources.

Since 2000, K&FT has developed many other programs to meet the needs of all families that are somehow involved with the child welfare system including birth parents who are trying to reunify with their children, foster families, children in foster care, adoptive families, kinship caregivers, and legal guardians. K&FT provides mental health services that focus on healing children who have experienced trauma and strengthening their attachment with their parent/caregiver.

It takes a loving village to put on events like this! K&FT is grateful to Spring Fling 2023 partners, event sponsors and our amazing volunteers that come from all over Ventura County to support K&FT families.

Thanks goes to: The Gene Haas Foundation, Yardi Systems, James Storehouse, St. Jude’s Catholic Church with Loaves & Fishes, Ventura County Forty Leaguers, Betty Belts, SoCal Helpful Honda, Meathead Movers, Lifeline Outreach Resource Center, Wings to Grow from Newbury Park High School, Oxnard Key Club,

Individual Volunteers: Dina, Kelechi, Maya, Taylor, Quetellen, Kaleigh, Stacey, Lesley, Aurora, Veronica, Roxanne, Keira, Aliayah, Isa, Melinda, the McKee and Futvoye families.

Stars of Hope

From Project Understanding is Michael Rodriguez – Pantry Manager, Olga Hamra – Case Manager, Brandy Beesley = CEO/Executive Director, Lauren Prater- Social Worker, Jann Huling – Chief Operating Officer, Carolyn Pillado – Tutoring Manager, Tom McClain – Event Coordinator and Matt Maxfield – Driver.

After a 3-year hiatus Project Understanding held their signature event the 9th Annual Hope Worth Giving Breakfast, which has emerged this year with a new name, Stars of Hope!

Local community leaders were in attendance and spoke of the partnership and difference Project Understanding has made for the community since 1977.

In attendance and speaking were Citycouncil Deputy Mayor Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, Police Commander Matt Cain and Principal Robert Ruiz, Anacapa Middle School.l

The Stars of Hope were featured and they shared their personal journeys and inspirational stories of hope and transformation, and the many ways that Project Understanding is “understanding needs and restoring hope”.

Visit www.projectunderstanding.org for more information.