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VCAAA’s Fundraising Arm has a new name, logo, website, and expanded purpose

Obtaining legal services from the VCAAA is very helpful.

The Board of what was called the Senior NutritAction Council (SNAC) announced a name change for the organization: Ventura County Area Agency on Agency Foundation (VCAAAF). Along with its new name, logo and website at www.vcaaafoundation.org, the nonprofit has an expanded mission to provide support beyond nutrition services to include all Ventura County Area Agency on Aging (VCAAA) programs and activities, such as housing, care management, legal services, in-home and caregiver services, and many other services in demand that aim to improve the lives of seniors, adults with disabilities, and their caregivers.

“Our seniors need more than just food; they also need a ride to an appointment, help with public benefits applications, minor home repairs, and sometimes a friendly call from someone who cares,” said Lynn McReynolds, President of the VCAAAF Board of Directors. “Knowing that so many seniors in our community are on waitlists for these and other desperately needed services, we decided to expand our organization’s mission to bring together more resources to help fill in these gaps. Our new name more clearly defines what we do to support all VCAAA services and programs.”

For more than 25 years, this 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit foundation has been dedicated to conquering hunger by reaching out to the aging population and isolated seniors located in Ventura County. However, each year a growing number of underserved older adults in our community are placed on waitlists for services that go beyond VCAAA’s nutrition program. To better understand the gaps in services for older adults in our local neighborhoods, the Foundation expanded its mission and is seeking funding to assist in enhancing and maintaining community-based systems of care that provide multiple services for individuals that support independence and protect the quality of life of older persons and persons with functional impairments.

The Ventura County Area Agency on Aging Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation (Tax ID: 77-0168920) organized exclusively to support the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging programs and services. The mission of the Foundation is to raise funds and generate support for VCAAA programs that endeavor to improve the lives of those 60 years of age and older, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in all communities within Ventura County.

For more information or to make a donation, please visit www.vcaaafoundation.org.

Wish Kid cares for zoo animals

Payton and her new Koala friend.

Payton Davis loves animals and wants to become a veterinarian when she grows up. She loves the San Diego Zoo, and always wanted a behind the scenes tour of how it operates. Kids Wish Network, a children’s charity that grants wishes for kids with life-threatening illnesses, heard about Payton’s dream and set up a trip for her and her family to visit the San Diego Zoo and be a zoo-keeper for a day.

Payton and her family drove to San Diego for her big animal adventure. During their trip, they stayed at the wonderful Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina. Payton loved the relaxing hotel located right on the water, especially the giant fish tank on display in the lobby. She suffers from Crohn’s disease and has been hospitalized because of her condition.

Payton’s zoo experience began the next morning. She was thrilled to have a one-on-one zoo keeper experience where she interacted and worked with a bunch of animals including giraffes, zebras, donkeys, a koala bear, gazelles, and Payton’s absolute favorite animal, the armadillo. “They remind me of Roly Polies,” said Payton. She loved spending time with the armadillo and even got to pet and wash it. She also fed the giraffes and gazelles and got to bathe and hold a koala.

After her awesome behind the scenes encounters, Payton and her family spent the rest of the day exploring the magnificent San Diego Zoo. Anna, the zoo representative even gave Payton a cute sloth stuffed animal as a special remembrance of her amazing day. Afterwards, the family enjoyed a delicious dinner at The Cheesecake Factory.

“It was thrilling for us to provide Payton with the San Diego Zoo’s Keeper for A Day experience, enabling her to explore her dream job through hands-on participation with her favorite animals,” said Kids Wish Network Executive Director Tam Lai.

Kids Wish Network is a national charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for children with life-threatening conditions and struggling with life-altering situations. KWN provides trip expenses, meals, accommodations and additional spending monies to all wish families whenever traveling as applicable. Visit www.kidswishnetwork.org to learn about our different programs and find out how you can help make dreams come true and sponsor a wish for a deserving child.

Payton is a student at Cabrillo Middle School.

The addition to the Emergency Department at the county hospital has opened.

Cutting the ribbon were all members of Seaside Emergency Associates, staff and friends. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

After 1 1/2 years of renovation, and 1 1/2 years after the opening of the North Tower at Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC), the new addition to the Emergency Department at the county hospital has opened. Celebrated on Thursday, February 28th, with a ribbon cutting hosted by Seaside Emergency Associates — which oversees both VCMC’s emergency department and Santa Paula Hospital’s — the enthusiastic attendees didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits. Almost 100 invited guests gathered under a tent to hear from VCMC CEO Kim Milstien, Dr. Marty Ehrlich, and County Executive Officer Mike Powers, on how the updated ED will better serve the community it’s been serving for 100 years.

Twelve new patient exam rooms were added, making the total room count 34. That count includes seven triage bays, four observation rooms and one eye exam room. Also included in the renovation is a waiting room triple the size of the previous waiting room, lab space for dedicated point of care testing, dedicated rapid care space, a patient quiet room for families, new department nurse manager’s office and a staff conference room. In all, the new space added an additional 12,000 square feet.

Seaside Emergency Associates, members of the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, had their assistance in bringing the ribbon cutting ceremony to fruition. Cutting the ribbon were all members of Seaside Emergency Associates: Drs. Jeffrey Robinson, Marty Ehrlich, Scott Speier, Ted Mandryk, Rick Rutherford and Rich Cegelski, County Executive Officer Mike Powers, VCMC CEO Kim Milstien, County Supervisors Kelly Long, Linda Parks, John Zaragoza and Robert O. Huber, Health Care Agency leadership, including Director Bill Foley, Deputy Director Matt Sandova,Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere, hospital medical staff, including trauma surgeons and nurses.

Ventura County Medical Center was awarded the designation as the west county’s Level II Trauma Center in 2011, and is dedicated to providing the most effective, efficient trauma care to the critically injured patient in Ventura County.

Red Cross: Severe shortage of type O blood

The American Red Cross has a severe shortage of type O blood and urges type O donors – as well as eligible blood and platelet donors of all blood types – to give now to ensure lifesaving patient care isn’t impacted this winter.

Type O blood is the most in-demand blood type, helping patients facing life-threatening conditions and emergencies every day. Type O negative blood can be transfused to patients with any blood type and is what emergency room personnel reach for when there’s no time to determine a patient’s blood type. Type O positive blood is also especially needed because it is the most transfused blood type and can be given to Rh-positive patients of any blood type.

Having a readily available blood supply is critical for patients like Luna Giles, who at the age of 1 1/2 has already underwent two heart surgeries and required over a dozen transfusions.

Right now, the Red Cross has less than a three-day supply of most blood types, and blood products are being distributed to hospitals faster than donations are coming in. Recent snowstorms and severe weather in many parts of the country have forced hundreds of blood drive cancellations, causing more than 20,000 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

Individuals of all blood types – especially type O – are asked to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities Feb. 25-March 31

  • 3/14/2019: 8:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m., Ventura High School, 2 North Catalina
  • 3/18/2019: 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road
  • 3/18/2019: 2 p.m. – 8 p.m., Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road
  • 3/19/2019: 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Knights of Columbus, 36 S. Figueroa St.

How to donate blood:

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

City of Ventura 2018 Employee and Supervisor of the Year announced

On February 19, the City of Ventura held an awards ceremony at City Hall to recognize fifteen employees nominated for the 2018 Employee and Supervisor of the Year. These awards recognize city employees who are role models for public service and exemplify the city’s commitment to excellence.

The eleven nominees for Employee of the Year were:

  • Lauren Armistead – Ventura Water
  • Ashley Bautista – Police Department
  • Cheryl Bucklin – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Silvia Medrano – Public Works
  • Donald Nielsen – Community Development
  • Eric Padilla – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Daniel Ramos – Parks, Recreation & Community Partnerships
  • Elizabeth Richardson – Community Development
  • Jared Rosengren – Community Development
  • Vince Tovey – Community Development
  • Jo Gerke-Yutuc – Finance & Technology

The four nominees for Supervisor of the Year

  • Yesania Anderson – Finance & Technology
  • Greg Morley – Finance & Technology
  • Kenny Welch– Police Department
  • John Willis– Ventura Water

Cheryl Bucklin, Recreation and Community Partnerships Coordinator, was selected as the 2018 Employee of the Year.

`John Willis, Wastewater Plant Supervisor, was selected as the 2018 Supervisor of the Year.

City Manager Alexander McIntyre said, “The City of Ventura has a history of the workforce acknowledging and recognizing their exceptional peers. It’s an honor and a pleasure to work with this caliber of employees!”

Blast off and fly deep into space with Robotics!

Students from a previous competition in heated battle. Photo by Richard Lieberman

Get your game on this spring at Ventura College for the FIRST Robotics Competition. Watch 42 high school teams as they form alliances and do battle in order to secure a place at the National Competition in Texas.

In its fifth year, this regional competition has truly become a must-see event. Teams from all over the state are on board to test their skills with some of the finest robotics teams Southern California has to offer. Bring the whole family to this free event on March 29th and 30th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

Parking is also free and the enthusiasm is contagious! Cheer on your favorite team, including six new teams from Oxnard Unified School District, Filmore, Santa Paula and more. Don’t miss it!

Questions? Email: Velma Lomax: [email protected] or Anne Campbell: [email protected]

To see the event website Visit: http://www.frcventuraregional.com/

To see this year’s game visit: https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/frc/game-and-season

To Volunteer Visit: https://my.firstinspires.org/FIRSTPortal/Login/VIMS_Login.aspx

Upcoming community events with CAPS

Annabelle Augustine interviews Allison Villas and Grace Johnston-Glick about their Thomas Fire experiences.

CAPS Media continues to broadcast great member programming including a fascinating travel show and one covering environmental topics, current event programming and even short form dramatic films. Our members also cover many local events and performances. We continue to broadcast our award winning Thomas Fire Stories program with new episodes on the way.

There are some exciting annual events coming up that CAPS Media supports. These community events include the 31st Annual County Ventura St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Ventura Education Partnership’s 18th Annual Festival of Talent. Both events showcase the best of what the Ventura community has to offer. Performers, artists, groups, non-profits and businesses are many of those who embrace and represent civic pride.

More screenings of The Perfect Firestorm – The Thomas Fire Story documentary will be held in Santa Paula on Saturday, March 9th at 1pm & 3pm at the Ventura County Agriculture Museum. This is a free event, open to the public, no reservations are required. The documentary is available for viewing on the CAPS Media website homepage at capsmedia.org.

Look for new videos on the channels from the Fire and Police Departments addressing safety and preparedness and job recruiting. Videos covering Sandbag Basics, Ready for the Rainy season, Fire Safe Council as well Ventura Police recruitment videos and Crime and Safety Update.

If you have an interest in community television or radio production, or are just curious, drop by the CAPS Media Center on the first Thursday of the month and learn how to become a member of CAPS and join our community of enthusiastic and engaged member/producers. Attend the March orientation class and become a member. For a low membership fee of $25 you will receive hands-on instruction in videography, video editing, radio production (additional fee required) and more. You will have access to our state-of-the-art facilities including our fully equipped studio and will receive invites to special events including our Producers Caucus. Don’t miss out. Go to capsmedia.org for information or call 805-658-0500.

CAPS Media’s mission is to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media.

Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo March 2nd

Golden Future Expos Inc. is pleased to announce a new and exciting change to the 8th Annual Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo. We have moved to the Oxnard Performing Arts & Convention Center located at 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard. This annual event has also moved to the month of March and will be held on Saturday, March 2nd 2019 from 10:00am – 2:30pm.

The expo will feature 60 vendors with products, services, and resources tailored for Baby Boomers, Seniors, Caregivers, and Friends/Family.

Highlights Include:

  • Free Admission & Free Parking
  • Health Screenings (Blood Pressure, Carotid Artery/Stroke, Blood Glucose, DNA Cancer Screenings, Pulse Oximeter & More)
  • Medicare and/or Financial Planning Advice
  • Makeovers
  • Entertainment
  • Great Speakers & Workshops
  • Hourly Door Prize Drawings & Giveaways
  • Mini Job & Volunteer Fair
  • Food Truck to Purchase Lunch
  • Bingo with Cash Prizes
  • DIY Arts & Crafts

The Golden Future 50+ Senior Expo connects local seniors, their families and caretakers with a variety of services and resources available to them. “This expo has become an important annual event for Ventura County,” states Toyia Moore Borrelli, Event Director. Visit www.goldenfutureseniorexpo.com for a complete schedule. Attendees can pre-register online or at the door.

Design in the Making: Ventura County Architecture

Cayetano School Wilson, Stroh, Wilson, AIA.

The Museum of Ventura County and the American Institute of Architects Ventura County (AIAVC) present Design in the Making, a community Architectural Exhibit exploring the dynamic role of architects and designers in affecting positive change in our community through the creative design process. Admission is Free for museum and AIA members, $5 for non-members. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 805-653-0323.

Design in the Making runs through May 19, 2019 and will feature the Museum of Ventura County’s architectural archives opened to the public for the very first time, and local built and un-built projects highlighting the evolving conversation inherent within the design process with a window into the future.

“Ventura County’s architectural diversity creates a landscape of historic relevance that defines the vernacular of our culture,” said Anna Bermudez, curator for the Museum. “The exhibit will present a cross-section of styles that reflect the influences of immigration and its cultural impact on housing and community buildings throughout the decades and throughout the county.

Accompanying the exhibition, programs throughout the duration of the exhibit include live interactive design charrettes where Designers-In-Residence and Community will come together to create solutions to local place making issues. The AIAVC will host a Scholarship Fundraiser to benefit students planning on pursuing careers in architecture, and to announce the 2019 Scholarship Recipients, Friday, May 3, 2019 from 6-9 p.m. followed by a free activity, “Kid Draw Architecture,” on Sunday, May 5, 2019 from 2-4pm. For more information visit AIAVC or call 805-749-6809.

This exhibit is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Ashley & Vance Engineering, Coast Reprographics, Mary Follenweider AIA, Neel Lighting, and Staples Construction. Additional support provided by the City of Ventura, Ventura County, and private funders.

Established in 1965, the AIAVC is a member-driven organization providing advocacy, leadership, and resources for architects.  Its mission is to promote personal and corporate growth, strength and sustainability of the membership as architects and citizens of Ventura County. This is done by Engaging, Encouraging and Educating the membership and the community at large. For more information visit AIAVC or call 805-749-6809.

For more information, visit venturamuseum.org.