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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.

Kaiser Permanente donates $10,000 To SEEAG’s Ag-Education Programs

SEEAG’s Mary Maranville and Seth Wilmoth, and Mary Jarvis and Dr. Liz Diaz Querol of Kaiser Permanente.

Kaiser Permanente presented Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) a $10,000 community health grant during SEEAG’s annual Ventura County Farm Day on November 4. The donation will help fund SEEAG’s Ventura County Youth Wellness Initiative.

SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative addresses the nutrition knowledge gaps and food insecurity among a diverse socioeconomic demographic of students in Ventura County, with a focus on Title 1 elementary schools. SEEAG’s program is designed to inspire and empower students to increase the amount of locally-grown fruits and vegetables they eat while improving overall healthy eating habits and increasing physical activity. Since the program began in 2020, SEEAG has reached 15,500 third graders who participated in hands-on nutrition education during in-class learning and monthly Farm Fresh Wellness Fairs.

Each participating student receives a Wellness Swag Bag filled with nutrition information, a jump rope and fruit and vegetable samples that they can share with their families.

“Nearly 20 percent of children are obese in America,” says Mary Maranville, SEEAG’s founder and CEO. “It’s critical that we teach kids at a young age about the importance of healthy eating and exercise so they can apply this knowledge throughout their lives. SEEAG’s Youth Wellness Initiative is possible with the generous support from organizations such as Kaiser Permanente.”

To learn more about SEEAG, go to www.SEEAG.org or contact Maranville at [email protected], 805-892-8155.

Founded in 2008, Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that aims to help young students understand the origins of their food by bridging the gap between agriculture and consumption through its agricultural education programming. SEEAG’s “The Farm Lab” program teaches schoolchildren about the origins of their food and the importance of local farmland by providing schools with classroom agricultural education and free field trips to farms. Through this and other SEEAG programs, over 100,000 elementary school students in Central and Southern California have increased their understanding of the food journey. For more information, visit www.seeag.org or email Mary Maranville at [email protected].

 

City of Ventura receives $40,000 donation from Pier Into the Future

Pier Into the Future has successfully raised over $1.5 million over the years.

The City of Ventura is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in the restoration efforts of the Historic Ventura Pier. Pier Into the Future, a local nonprofit organization committed to the preservation of this coastal landmark, has generously awarded a $40,000 donation to the city to support some of the much-needed repairs at the City Council Meeting on Monday, December 4.

“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.

“This funding will assist in repairing the damage caused by winter storms to our iconic pier,” stated Ronda Holden, President of Pier Into the Future. ” Ensuring the pier’s ongoing contribution to our community is essential. Our aim is to safeguard this iconic structure and its integral role in shaping Ventura’s character.”

Originally constructed in 1872, the Ventura Pier has a broad history with contributions to agricultural, construction, and oil trades and is the oldest wooden pier in the state. A cornerstone for commerce and tourism, the pier features appearances in films, art, and photography, highlighting its significance to Ventura’s character.

Founded in 1993 by a dedicated group of community leaders, Pier Into the Future has successfully raised over $1.5 million in endowment funds and enhancements to protect and preserve our Historic Ventura Pier. The funds help assist comprehensive repair and maintenance plans, covering structural improvements, corrosion prevention measures, and necessary aesthetic enhancements to maintain the pier’s unique charm.

Learn more about current repair projects, funding information, and construction schedules at www.cityofventura.ca.gov/VenturaPier.

Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive supports local families in need

Bringing holiday cheer to Downtown Ventura.

In a groundbreaking holiday season collaboration, the Ventura Fire Department is proud to partner with the Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard Fire Department, ABC7, Food Share of Ventura County, Downtown Ventura Partners, and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce to host Ventura’s first Stuff-a-Sleigh toy and food drive.

This initiative, geared towards supporting children and families in need, will be hosted on Friday, December 1, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Main Street at Figueroa Plaza.

Community members are invited to participate by bringing a new, unwrapped toy, book, sporting equipment, and nonperishable food items to the event.

“This partnership and holiday donation drive offer our community a chance to unite, exemplifying the genuine spirit of the season through acts of goodwill and generosity for those in need this season,” said Ventura Fire Chief David Endaya. “We are honored to be part of this event and extend a heartfelt invitation to everyone to join us in making the holidays brighter for all.”

Adding to the festive atmosphere, the Fire Departments of Ventura County will attend, offering the public an opportunity to engage with fire engines and interact with local firefighters and staff.

“The holiday season can be a trying time for many families, and the need for assistance is greater than ever,” said Jennifer Caldwell, Chief Development Officer at Food Share of Ventura County. “Strong partnerships and the incredible generosity of our community are the backbone of events like this. Together, we can ensure that no one goes hungry this holiday season.”

Community members unable to join the Stuff-a-Sleigh event can participate in the Spark of Love Holiday Toy Drive, happening through December 20, 2023.

How to donate new, unwrapped toys and food:

  • Drop off at the Ventura Fire Headquarters, located at 1425 Dowell Drive, or a participating business.
  • Contribute monetary donations online through the Ventura Fire Foundation. All proceeds are tax-deductible.
  • Purchase a gift on the Amazon Wish List registry.

Find a complete list of participating businesses, online donation information, and Stuff-a-Sleigh event updates at VCFD.org/SparkofLove.