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The Ventura Family YMCA celebrates 130 years

“The Ventura Family YMCA is more than a gym, it’s a place of community.”

The Ventura Family YMCA opened its doors on September 30, 1887 in a house on the corner of Santa Clara and Oak Street. The Ventura Family YMCA was then known as the YMCA of Ventura County. In the 1940s the Ventura Y relocated to a log cabin across from the old Mound School and in 1952 moved again after purchasing the old Mound School. In 1981, the Y bought their current building on Telegraph Road, allowing for the expansion of its fitness and wellness programs.

In 1988 a 3,000 square foot natatorium was added with two heated indoor pools allowing an aquatics program to flourish and serve 5,000 children annually. Today, the Ventura Family YMCA serves 6,000 facility members and provides childcare to over 300 children in its after-school programs. With continuous membership and program growth the Y is once again researching expansion options to ensure it can meet the community needs.

“The Ventura Family YMCA is more than a gym, it’s a place of community and at the Y, strengthening community is our cause,” explains Amy Bailey Jurewicz, Executive Director of the Ventura Family YMCA. “As the needs of the community have shifted dramatically over the past 130 years, our mission has shifted as well. Although much has changed since the Y opened in 1887, the commitment to the cause has never wavered. The Y truly offers something for everyone; a wide variety of health and wellness classes, and scholarships for those who need them. “

To celebrate the 130th year, the Y is offering a gift to the community; join the Ventura Family YMCA by September 30 and get the first month free!

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Channel Islands YMCA serves over 46,000 individuals and provides over $1.3 million in financial assistance to families in need for child care, YMCA memberships, away and day camps, youth sports, and teen after-school programs. For more information about the Ventura Family YMCA, visit http://www.ciymca.org/ventura/ or call 642-2131.

Main Street Meats & Real Food Market a Ventura legacy

Sharon and Isaiah carry on a legacy. Photo by Michael Gordon

by Jennifer Tipton

Located at 3049 E. Main St., this landmark has long been known as Ventura’s original and most loved butcher shop.

Opening in the 1920’s it was originally known as “Triangle Park Market” referring to the nearby intersection of Thompson, Main, and Telegraph Rd. Briefly leased as a restaurant it opened again as a butcher shop known as “Bud’s 101 Market”, back then Main Street was Hwy 101!

Frank Rea took over in the 1950’s and it became our beloved “Frank’s Market”, with son Mike as successor.

In 2012 Frank’s Market suddenly closed and Ventura held its breath … where we will get those amazing spencer steaks? Rumor was Frank became ill … truth is Mike simply retired.

A local rancher with over 17 years of experience, Sharon Palmer bought the business and after extensive remodeling re-opened as “Main Street Meats” in 2013.

Three of her kids, Jazmin, Shannon and A.J. work for their mom. Other employees include Aldo, Alexa and Isaiah with Future Farmers of America learning the trade.

The meat all comes from local ranchers and is organic, no dyes, no artificial preservatives or hormones, never been packaged or frozen. Much of the meat is dry aged which is the natural way to care for fresh meat, just as the butchers of days past used to hang it. “The problem with local grocery stores,” according to Sharon, “is the meat is cut and packed and never allowed to do what it’s supposed to do.”

Customers can order preferred cuts (like those spencer steaks), but the meat case has a variety of choices such as gorgeous steaks, chops, ribs and some incredible specialties – teriyaki beef short ribs, chicken artichoke feta sausage or sundried tomato, spinach and goat cheese stuffed chicken. There are a variety of custom burgers not found anywhere else such as the bacon burger with beef and bacon ground together. The ultimate burger is a combo of ground tri-tip, brisket and sirloin and all meat is ground fresh daily. Bulk Boxes are available ranging from 20-40 pounds with choices of beef, pork or the forager (combo) pack.

Sharon also does specialty side dishes for holidays, there was “Man Candy” for Father’s Day.

There’s also a full deli with assorted sandwiches etc.… and smoked tri tips, chickens, ribs and turkeys available to purchase. Selections change frequently.

Specials are offered every weekend. By entering your cell phone number, you’ll receive text messages notifying you of the current deal. Deals include $10 off a $50 purchase or a free tri tip with purchase of a bulk box and additional 5% discount if you pay cash. Sharon says, “Fees for small merchants are high, I’d rather give my customers that discount.” Checking in each visit earns future discounts of $5 to $10.

Main Street Meats also calls itself “a Real Food Market” and rightly so because there is local produce and products including Blue Ridge honey, Ventura’s Coffee and Earls Gone Wild BBQ sauces and marmalades. Sharon says, “You’ve got to be part of the neighborhood and support small businesses.”

She also shared, “To me, if you don’t give to the community, how do you expect the community to give back to you?”

Sharon gives generously to the City Center, Future Farmers of America and the Ventura County SELPA project, which provides disabled kids a chance to work in the market every Wednesday.

Main Street Meats & Real Food Market carries on the legacy of Frank and Mike Rea.

For more info check the website: MainStreetMeatsVentura.com.

Knit-a-thon for Alzheimer’s benefits memory care residents

Teresa Valko and Lois Perry offer an afghan to a Greenfield Care Center resident.

by Lori Harasta

Eighty participants knitted and purled together to raise money for research on “The Longest Day”, an Alzheimer’s fundraising event that took place at Anacapa Fine Yarns in Ventura on June 21.

The event was the brainchild of a couple of women with two things in common: knitting and Alzheimer’s. Teresa Valko has numerous family members who have suffered and succumbed to the disease; Lois Perry’s husband has had increasing symptoms since just after he turned 50.

It began as bonding over the clicking and clacking of needles, and progressed to a deeper friendship as they learned about the pain of each others’ experiences with Alzheimer’s.

These are not ladies that swoon at challenges. They used their ingenuity and balls of yarn to stage the first annual Ventura County “Knit-a-thon” to raise research funds to end Alzheimer’s, a horrible disease that has touched virtually everyone’s lives. It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States; the 5th in California. They were hoping to raise $10,000.00. They raised over $17,000.00. It was such a success that Teresa looks forward to rolling it out across the state and the nation.

Last month, with assistance from Administrator Stacy Christianson and Facility Liaison Sandra Smith, Lois and Teresa had the pleasure of donating 40 afghans made on “The Longest Day” to Memory Care residents at Greenfield Care Center in Fillmore.

Needles to say, they received a warm response.

Epilogue: Even if you don’t knit, there are many ways to be part of the solution. You can become an advocate, donate, or join a walk. The next local “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” is Saturday, September 30, 2017 at The Collection at River Park, 2751 Park View Court, in Oxnard. For more information, call Fahim Farag at 494-5200  or email [email protected].

Women are at the epicenter of the Alzheimer’s epidemic. Nearly two-thirds of Americans living with Alzheimer’s are women. The Alzheimer’s Women’s Initiative (AWI) is a volunteer-driven community group which aims to educate, honor, expand and advocate.

Join the movement today to wipe Alzheimer’s off the face of the earth. Visit alz.org/mybrain.

The Annual California Coast Classic (CCC) Bike Tour

Join the riders at San Buenaventura State Beach. Photo by Murray Robertson from 2016

Theresa Brees has participated in the CCC multiple times with her husband and sister as “Team Sluggy”. She’s riding again this year, in honor of her 14 year-old daughter Mia, who was diagnosed with arthritis when she was 6, and has been a honoree at the Santa Cruz stop of the tour.

The Annual California Coast Classic Bike Tour is one of the Arthritis Foundation’s top fundraising events, whose goal is to raise over $1.2 million. Funds raised support the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to conquer the disease by spreading awareness and raising money for research. Arthritis affects over 50 million adults, or one out of five, and 300,000 children nationwide.

The Arthritis Foundation’s California Coast Classic Bike Tour is a scenic bike ride that takes place over 8 days and is estimated to cover an additional 45 miles over 2016 and 2700’ of elevation over the course of the tour. The Tour starts in San Francisco and ends in Pacific Palisades with a stop in Ventura.

The California Coast Classic Bike Tour will be coming through Ventura and you’re invited to meet the riders, volunteers and staff. Join the riders at San Buenaventura State Beach Day 7, Friday, Sept. 15.

Where they will camp out. Festivities include CCC Social Hour (4-6 p.m.), dinner (6:30 p.m.) where there will be great opportunities to interview riders and tour staff.

The next day, Saturday, Sept. 16, the last day of the tour cyclist will have breakfast (6:30-8:30 am) and then ride 55 miles and climb 1,800 feet of rolling hills along the gorgeous coast into Malibu, and cross the finish line at 2 p.m. as a group in Pacific Palisades to fanfare and an emotional welcome.

For more information on the California Coast Classic Bike Tour, visit californiacoastclassic.org.

World renowned chalk artists to create sidewalk masterpieces at Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival

Seaside backdrop for Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival to benefit FOOD Share of Ventura County and Kids Arts Inc. At Ventura County’s only chalk art event, more than 40 talented chalk artists will transform Ventura Harbor Village sidewalks into beautiful works of art during the family-friendly Festival, Sept. 9th and 10th from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This festival is hosted by Ventura County Art Events, Inc.

Visitors to the seaside event will watch as street painters create spectacular chalk pastel murals along the promenade, and enjoy original artwork available for purchase including paintings, sculptures, woodwork and wearable items. Children visiting the festival can also create art on the sidewalk in the Children’s Chalk Area, run by local group Kids’ Arts, Inc. For $10, children will receive a small box of their own chalk and a sidewalk square where they can create their own masterpiece.

This year, the festival welcomes two world-renowned chalk artists. Ventura resident Tracy Lee Stum, an internationally recognized American street painter and author of “The Art of Chalk”, and Rod Tryon, a Santa Barbara resident who has been street painting for 30 years and has been featured in numerous events in the U.S. and abroad.

Stum, who was the official artist for the US House at the 2010 Winter Olympics, is also known for her chalk artwork at the Super Bowl XLIX game.

“For me, street painting is absolutely the most joyful form of creative expression I have engaged in,” says Stum. “An event like the Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival is so important because it keeps art alive in our community.”

A veteran street painter, Tryon has been featured in numerous street painting events as well as a documentary film entitled “Life Beyond Earth” and a music video for iCarly’s Miranda Cosgrove.

Complimentary rides to the festival are available on the Downtown-Harbor Trolley from California Street, Pierpont neighborhood, and hotels along the waterfront.

Event information:http://www.venturaartfestival.com/ or VenturaHarborVillage.com.

New League of Extraordinary Women kickoff unites local women

Sue Osborn, Bonnie Atmore, Judy Warner, Betsy Chess and Marsha Bailey are extraordinary women .

Women’s Economic Ventures (WEV) hosted a group of influential women leaders from Ventura County at the kick off of their new League of Extraordinary Women held at the Atmore Ranch on Tuesday, July 25th. More than 50 guests gathered at the ranch to hear several speakers discuss how the new group will help to strengthen women-owned businesses and elevate women in our community.

“This was an extraordinary evening for all of us,” said Citycouncil Member Cheryl Heitmann, a co-chair of the event who serves on WEV’s Board of Directors. “The outdoor setting was beautiful and the information shared was important. While women now own 36% of all businesses, 71% of those businesses generate less than $25,000 in annual revenues. We need to support women in our community so they can be more successful.”

Already including more than 40 members, WEV’s new League of Extraordinary Women will provide an opportunity for members to meet and combine their efforts and resources to help strengthen women-owned businesses and elevate women in our community.

Along, with Heitmann, the event was co-chaired by WEV board member Elena Brokaw, hosted by Bonnie Atmore and featured Penny Henschel, owner of Ever After Designs, a WEV client business. Henschel, who has been participating in WEV’s business consulting program Thrive in Five® for 3 years, is a perfect example of the type of business owner the League is working to help. “Since joining Thrive in Five® my gross income has nearly tripled” said Henschel. “I’m in my third location and have gained some really great corporate clients. I like to say this is where preparation meets opportunity.”

Marsha Bailey, Founder and CEO of WEV also spoke at the event. “Women entrepreneurs have the capacity to grow U.S. GDP by 9 points or more,” said Bailey. “Unfortunately, neither our government nor private investors are banking on women in a big way so we must find other means to get them the capital and support they need. The League provides its members a great way to lend their voice, guidance and financial support to promote women’s business success.”

The League of Extraordinary Women is for business executives, entrepreneurs, professionals, artists and philanthropists living and working in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. To find out more about how to become a member, contact Danelle Coyle at 456-2347 or [email protected].

Since 1991, WEV has provided business training and consulting to over 14,000 women and men throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and made more than $4 million in loans, assisting over 4,000 local businesses. WEV is a U.S. Small Business Administration’s Women’s Business Center, and a certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

Photo from left to right: Sue Osborn, Bonnie Atmore, Judy Warner, Betsy Chess and Marsha Bailey.

Combat the dangers of hot weather (even in Ventura)

“This should keep us cool until the margarita’s arrive.”

With summer here and the temperatures rising(even in Ventura), it is important to understand the health risks that excessive heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions are particularly susceptible to hyperthermia and other heat-related illnesses. The National Institute on Aging (NIA), part of the National Institutes of Health, offers advice to help combat the dangers of hot weather. The very first step to take is to make sure you have air conditioning professionally installed in your home by a company like Mitsubishi Air Con, so that when you do feel like the temperature is overwhelming you, you can take action immediately and effectively. It’s important to be able to take control of your environment, as not being able to do so can have disastrous consequences.

Heat stress, heat fatigue, heat syncope (sudden dizziness after exercising in the heat), heat cramps and heat exhaustion are all forms of hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is caused by a failure of the body’s heat-regulating mechanisms. The risk of hyperthermia can increase with the combination of higher temperatures, underlying general health, and individual lifestyle. Several risk factors come with higher and hotter temperatures, especially in older adults. Luckily, there are some ways to combat the heat, such as keeping hydrated, having shelter on hot days, or ensuring that they have a cooling system. For more information on a cooling or air conditioning service, you can click here.

Lifestyle factors that can increase risk include not drinking enough fluids, living in housing without air conditioning, lack of mobility and access to transportation, overdressing, visiting overcrowded places and not understanding how to respond to hot weather conditions. As we briefly mentioned not having air conditioning in the home, it is important to remember that specialists like Allen Kelly & Company, Inc. aren’t there for no reason. So if you are struggling in the hotter months and require the installation of air conditioning to help you keep cool, then be sure to use services like these, as it can be very beneficial to your health. On hot and humid days, especially when an air pollution alert is in effect, older adults, particularly those with chronic medical conditions, should stay indoors in cooler places. If possible, people without air conditioners or fans should go to places that do have air conditioning, such as senior centers, shopping malls, movie theaters and libraries. Cooling centers, which may be set up by local public health agencies, religious groups and social service organizations in many communities, are another option.

There are many factors that can increase risk for hyperthermia, including:

Dehydration

Alcohol use

Reduced sweating caused by medications such as diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers and certain heart and blood pressure drugs

High blood pressure or other health conditions that require changes in diet. People on salt-restricted diets may be at increased risk; however, salt pills should not be used without first consulting a doctor.

Use of multiple medications. It is important, however, to continue to take prescribed medication and discuss possible problems with a physician.

Age-related changes to the skin such as poor blood circulation and inefficient sweat production

Heart, lung and kidney diseases, as well as any illness that causes general weakness or fever

Being substantially overweight or underweight

Heat stroke is a life-threatening form of hyperthermia. It occurs when the body is overwhelmed by heat and unable to control its temperature. Signs and symptoms of heat stroke include a significant increase in body temperature (generally above 104 degrees Fahrenheit), changes in mental status (like confusion or combativeness), strong rapid pulse, lack of sweating, dry flushed skin, feeling faint, staggering or coma. Emergency medical attention is critical for a person with heat stroke symptoms, especially an older adult.

Ventura County welcomes new community resource center for the LGTBQ community

Steve Somann, President of DCVC is cutting the ribbon assisted by supporters. Photo by Bernie Goldstein

Diversity Collective Ventura County was proud to hold the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the Community Resource Center on Thursday, August 3rd at their new location at 2471 Portola Road, Suite 100 in Ventura.

The LGTBQ Community in Ventura County has been without a community resource center since 2009 when Rainbow Alliance moved to smaller offices due to cuts in HIV-AIDS funding at the state level, and ceased operations completely in 2011.

Diversity Collective Ventura County will run its HIV-AIDS Education and Prevention Program from the center as well as house partner organizations The Free 2 Be Me Foundation, Rainbow Umbrella, HOPE Counseling Center, and Baumer Law Group.

“It is our hope to expand free rapid testing services to the most critically needed areas of the county such as Oxnard. Currently, there is no community-based organization providing these free services and according to a 2014 needs assessment there are over 1,400 individuals living with HIV/AIDS in Ventura County and the numbers continue to increase” said Michael MacDonald, Board of Directors.

This year’s Ventura County Pride Festival is a fundraiser for the Community Resource Center. Joseph Summers, Vice-President of DCVC states “Diversity Collective relies on proceeds raised at the festival to sustain the new center. Proceeds raised from the minimal cover charge, sponsorships, and beverage and merchandise sales go to sustain the new center. Ventura County Pride is an all-inclusive family friendly festival celebrating our diversity in the LGBTQ community. It’s is our main objective to celebrate, educate and advocate for the LGBTQ community. There will be live entertainment all day long, over 60 vendors offering education and advocacy for our community, food trucks, retail booths, and adult beverages”.

Steve Somann, President of DCVC stated, “An LGBTQ Community Resource Center has been in the back of my mind since Diversity Collective Ventura County started in May 2014, and a priority for me personally since becoming President in January 2016. I’m elated that the LGBTQ community as well as anyone else who needs information about programs and services will now have a safe place to call, visit, volunteer, which brings about an awareness to all in the community.”

Diversity Collective Ventura County is a community based nonprofit 501c3 organization. Promoting advocacy, education, and mental and physical health for the LGBTQ community in Ventura County via the community resource center, programs and community events. It is the parent organization of Ventura County Pride, AIDS Walk Ventura and The Diversity Gala. All proceeds raised through fundraising efforts go to fund DCVC and its community programs.

Tickets on Sale for “Pier Under the Stars”

Pam Baumgardner, Staci Brown and Diane Brown enjoying a previous Pier Under the Stars.

Tickets are now on sale for Pier Under the Stars—the 24th annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier on Saturday, October 7th, from 5-8 PM. Each year more than 800 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary fair adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food and spirits provided by over 50 area businesses. This year marks the 24th anniversary of Ventura’s premier wine, beverage and food event.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests enjoy live music, dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. It’s a community celebration to honor the City’s 144 year old pier.

The sell-out event hosted by Pier into the Future–-a non-profit 501 c (3)—“is a much anticipated community gathering of friends that raises funds for our beloved Pier”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar. The organization was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $540,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 24 years to enhance the Pier.

General admission tickets are $75.00 and include food and beverage tasting and a commemorative Pier wine glass. A limited number of VIP tickets are offered at $150 each. VIP tickets include all of the benefits associated with General Admission, plus early entrance to the event at 4:30 pm and a reserved seat at a VIP table along the promenade. Local restaurants, wineries and breweries who are interested in sampling their food/drink at the event can call 804.7735.

Tickets are available on line at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800.838.3006. Visit www.pierintothefuture.org for more information.

The Fair is coming

Huey Lewis and the News will be on the grandstand stage at the Fair on Friday, August 4.

Everyone knows kids 12 and under are admitted completely free on Kid’s day at the Ventura County Fair. But this year on Friday, August 4, even grown-ups become kids again because everyone 13 and older is admitted for the regular kid’s price of only $9.00, a 25% savings over the regular adult admission price of $12.00! Come out and enjoy all the Fair has to offer, including great rides and games, food, competitive exhibits, livestock, shopping, contests, headline entertainment, fireworks and more!

“We want to create more value and more opportunities for families with and without kids to be together at this year’s Fair,” said Barbara Quaid, the Fair’s CEO. “What better way than with free admission for those 12 and under and kid’s price for kids 13 and older?”

Many Fair departments offer special activities for kids on Kid’s Day. Please visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 648-3376 for more information.

This year, to add more value to purchasers of our unlimited ride promotion wristbands, each purchaser of a wrist band will receive two free midway game plays with the purchase of two midway game plays during the unlimited ride promotion hours. An unlimited ride wristband is $30.00 and allows the purchaser unlimited access to all rides on the midway from opening until 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 3rd, Monday, August 7th, Tuesday, August 8th, and Thursday, August 10th. With each wristband the purchaser will receive coupons good for the free midway games. Wristbands must be affixed and free game offer is good only until 7:00 PM on the day issued. Midway coupons required to purchase game plays, no cash is accepted at midway game booths.

“Our game operators are offering thousands of free game plays with this new promotion,” said Barbara Quaid, CEO of the Ventura County Fair. “We are unaware of any other fair in California offering buy one get one free games in conjunction with unlimited ride wristbands.” The Ventura County Fair runs August 2nd through the 13th this year but the promotion is only good on Thursdays, Monday and Tuesday. Visit www.VenturaCountyFair.org or call 648-3376 for more information.