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Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients announced, public invited to reception

Dr. KuanFen Liu was selected as the Artist in the Community.

Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko is proud to announce the recipients for the Mayor’s Arts Awards and invites the public to attend its twelfth annual reception on Thursday, November 3, at 7 pm, at the Museum of Ventura County. Seven top leaders, patrons, educators, entrepreneurs and artists dedicated to nurturing our city’s lively arts community and vital cultural life will be honored.

“These annual awards are an important tradition for everyone who loves the arts and Ventura,” said the Mayor. “They cultivate a greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts to the public at large and are one small way to say ‘well done’ and ‘thank you’ to all participants in our creative community – for their contributions, their dedication and their passion to serve our city through the arts.”

Music by Caleb Bigler and Blake Kasting Duo and refreshments from Seasons Catering precede individual presentations for each honoree who will receive “Mark of Excellence,” a special edition work on paper created by artist Lis Schwitters.

The event is presented by the City Manager’s Office and the Parks, Recreation and Community Partnerships Department. Reception sponsors include the Museum of Ventura County, Beverlee’s, Seasons Catering, and the Ventura High School Regional Occupational Program: Floral Design.

An Awards Selection Committee convened earlier this year to review nominations made by the public and to make recommendations that were forwarded to the Mayor and the City’s Cultural Affairs Commission for their approval. The committee members were Betsy Chess, Cultural Affairs Commissioner & Museum of Ventura County Director of Development; Anna Bermudez, Museum of Ventura County Curator of Exhibits and Collections; and Barbara Brown, Public Art Commissioner & CEO of BBM&D Strategic Branding.

Committee member Betsy Chess stated  “Part of the fun sitting on the panel to choose the Mayor’s Arts Awards recipients is being reminded of how richly the arts are represented and supported in Ventura. The downside is that we can only honor one in each category when so many are deserving!”

Established in 2005, the Mayor’s Arts Awards recognize the contributions to the cultural community by city residents, artists, educators, organizations and business leaders. The goal of this program is to help cultivate greater visibility and understanding of the value of the arts, as well as grow new leadership and new patrons of the arts.

Categories and this year’s winners:

  • Mark and Janet Goldenson: Arts Patron, a business or individual whose strong support of the arts has been ongoing through philanthropic and/or volunteer service;
  • Dr. KuanFen Liu: Artist in the Community, an established individual artist (in any discipline) for artistic excellence and singular efforts in contributing to Ventura’s cultural vitality;
  • Geraldine Pielaet: Creative Entrepreneur, a locally owned for-profit business which exemplifies the impact and vitality of Ventura’s creative economy
  • Jim Rice: Arts Leader, a nonprofit arts professional who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, organizational stewardship and partnership within the local arts community.
  • Jodi Farrell: Arts Educator, an individual or organization whose achievements and contributions to arts education have been significant and far reaching;
  • Kaylie Pendleton: Student Artist, awarded to an active student artist (in any discipline) under the age of 19 who has demonstrated outstanding promise and commitment to the arts.

Annual Bowl of Thanks to benefit homeless people and their pets

You will get to fill these bowls with wonderful food from Harbor restaurants.

Please join us on Sunday November 6th, 11-4pm  for the First Annual Bowl of Thanks Fundraiser to benefit the Ventura County Rescue Mission, Lighthouse for Women and Children,and Buddy Nation, a non-profit helping pets and their human companions of Ventura County.

Thanksgiving is perhaps the one time that people actually think about what they have – food, housing, family, safety, security. Homeless people don’t have these things, but they are grateful to have a good meal in a warm and friendly place. The Bowl of Thanks will allow many people to enjoy that good meal at Thanksgiving.

The Ventura County Potters’ Guild(VCPG), The December Store and More and the Ventura Port District are sponsoring the Bowl Of Thanks at the Ventura Harbor Village. Founded in 1957, VCPG members and friends are donating 150 gorgeous handmade ceramic bowls.

For $25 you will receive a bowl of your choice and a punch card that will lead to the harbor’s 17 eateries that are donating samples of their food. Fundraiser supporters will receive tasty treats like clam chowder, Cuban fusion, quiche, and fudge, just to name a few. A raffle will be held that will include a chance for a dinner for 2 from Brophy’s Seafood and more.

Presale will be held Saturday November 5th, 11 – 6 pm at the Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery, across from the Carousel. Bowls are available both days at the December Store and More. Limited to 150 bowls.

All monies raised will go directly to these charities who work year round to make life better for homeless people and their pets.

Writers Club sponsors contest

For more information contact Sheli, she’s the one on the right.

The Ventura County Writers Club is proud to announce the opening of their 17th annual short story contest. The fiction contest is open to all writers and winners receive cash prizes. Adult first place prize award is $500, second place is $250 and third place is $125. In the high school category, first place award is $100, second place is $75 and third place is $50. Winners are published in the club’s biennial anthology. The contest closes at midnight on November 15.

Entries must be family friendly, original and previously unpublished—not appearing in any newspaper, magazine, or book, whether or not the author received compensation. Authors may enter multiple stories. Entrants may only receive one cash prize. Entries are accepted through submittable.com.

Stories are limited to 2,500 words or less. The submission fee for each story submitted: $15 U.S. for adult VCWC members; $25 U.S. for adult non-members; and $10 for high school students. Go to http://venturacountywriters. com/contests/short-story for more information or call Breeze contributing writer Sheli Ellsworth at 499.3490.

Ventura Farm Day kicks off with a Food and Farm Film Fest

The 4th Annual Ventura Farm Day is an agricultural celebration.

This year’s Ventura County Farm Day on November 5 will kick off a day early with its first Food and Farm Film Fest, Friday, Nov. 4 at Mission Park in downtown Ventura. The free, family-friendly event will feature short films produced locally that tell the story of life (both human and animal) on the farm and the popular kids’ movie “Babe.”

Critically acclaimed filmmaker John Chester will be on hand to present and talk about his films. Chester, co-owner of Apricot Lane Farms in Moorpark, has produced short films that are regularly featured on Oprah Winfrey’s “Super Soul Sunday”.

“The films will be a real treat for those who are not familiar with daily farm life,” says Mary Maranville, Founder and Executive Director of SEEAG (Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture), the nonprofit that organizes Farm Day and the Film Fest. “All the films are shot beautifully. It is the perfect introduction to what people will see and experience the following day at our local farms.”

The Food and Farm Film Fest begins at 5:00 p.m., with the films beginning at dusk. Festivalgoers can bring food, blankets and lawn chairs. Food will also be available from Scratch Food Truck and Paradise Pantry (call ahead to Paradise Pantry to order a picnic box, 641-9440). Free parking is available at Mission Park and the Ventura County Museum.

The 4th Annual Ventura Farm Day is an agricultural celebration in which more than 20 Ventura County farms open their doors and invite the public to experience a day of agricultural learning firsthand. This free event for all ages connects the community with its farming neighbors and encourages them to visit the farms in their own backyards..

Farm Day hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on November 5. The public is encouraged to visit www.VenturaCountyFarmDay.com, select two or three farms that they would like to visit and then map out their day.

A barbeque celebration will follow at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The barbeque is from 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Barbeque tickets are $40 for adults and $15 for children under 12.

For more information, go to www.venturacountyfarmday.com or call 901-0213.

 

 

 

City of Ventura offers variety of programs for seniors

The City of Ventura cares about its seniors. Ventura Mayor Erik Nasarenko wishing Bonaventure resident Sara Flournoy a Happy 103rd Birthday!

Ventura’s older population is growing. More than 13% of our population is age 65 years and older, higher than the statewide count of 11.4%.  This should come as no surprise, because the weather, recreational opportunities and quality health care facilities make Ventura a great place to live, and retire.  One of the most important service needs is to keep seniors independent–and with a little help this can be achieved.

Each year, the Ventura Avenue Adult Center (VAAC) provides services and programs for nearly 19,000 seniors and adults.  In fiscal year 2015-16, the VAAC served more than 6,300 nutritious meals at their 550 N. Ventura Avenue location and provided 15,500 home-delivered meals to homebound seniors in need.  Meal delivery services provide a healthy, well-balanced meal along with the opportunity for social contact and a wellness check for homebound older adults.

In addition to the Senior Nutrition program, the VAAC also offers healthy fitness and recreational activities (such as Bocce ball, Tai Chi, yoga, and Zumba), educational classes and social opportunities (technology workshops, arts, and gardening), and ways to get involved with advocacy issues through the Ventura Council for Seniors.

New community partnerships have emerged to support the City’s efforts and expand programs including senior billiards at Stiix Billiards in Midtown Ventura, BBQ lunches provided by the Downtown Rotary, legal advice and tax preparation workshops by AARP and Grey Law, as well as educational forums with Ventura Adult Continuing Education. In addition, the City’s Volunteer Ventura! Program utilizes seniors to assist with meal preparation, bingo games, FOOD Share Brown Bag program, and special events.

Maintaining and growing services for seniors is dependent upon additional revenue, grants, donations and sponsorships.  With a recent $89,150 grant from the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging , the Senior Nutrition Program was able to expand its congregate meal program by establishing the new Eastside Café (located at The Salvation Army/Silvercrest Senior Residence, 750 S. Petit Avenue) and  reach more seniors through additional home-delivered meals.  Both the Westside Café and the new Eastside Café are open Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. serving hot, nutritious meals. Since its opening in August, the new Eastside Café has served 492 meals to residents who may not have otherwise received a nutritious hot meal that day.  While on the Westside, residents enjoyed 484 meals at the VAAC and 1,325 meals were delivered to homebound seniors in Ventura. With increased funding resources, the current senior center hours of 9am to 3pm could be expanded by ten hours each week (8am to 4pm) to help keep up with services and provide important programs for our growing senior population.

Older adults need opportunities to keep learning and to be stimulated by new experiences.  Ensuring our senior population has access to services they depend on and feel they are connected to the community is vital to their health and social well-being.

 

 

 

Darlene Roker’s “101: A Highway Odyssey” at Buenaventura Gallery Oct. 18

Solo show of photographs by artist Darlene Roker titled “101: A Highway Odyssey”

At the Buenaventura Gallery, 700 E. Santa Clara St. from Oct. 18-Nov.

Opening reception on Saturday, October 22, 5 – 7pm.

Fine art photographer Darlene Roker presents an exhibition of works “taken from Ventura to Atascadero along the 101,” Roker concentrates on landscapes and seascapes, and is influenced by plein-air, impressionist style paintings. Her favorite aspect of her photography is “creating a piece that evokes a ‘wow’ from viewers.”

She concentrates on landscapes and seascapes, she said, is influenced by plein-air, impressionist style, and works “to create artistic impact, a sense of connection with the subject.”

Her show will feature more than two dozen photos on canvas, gallery-wrapped, ranging in size from 12 by 16 inches to 20 by 30 inches.

Vol. 10, No. 1 – October 12 – October 25, 2016 – Two On the Aisle

Jim’s interest in magic began at age 14.

R.I.P. Jim Spencer
by Shirley Lorraine

The seat on the aisle is now empty.  James (Jim) L. Spencer passed away at the age of 74 from a swiftly-moving inoperable brain tumor on Friday, September 30 with me, his wife of 26 years, Shirley Lorraine Spencer, at his side.

Jim was well known in many circles. His solo law practice focused on estates and corporations. He taught business law courses at Ventura College for nearly 40 years.  His interest in magic began at age 14 and continued to the present. His primary magic persona was that of Professor Tinker, a medicine show recreation of old west vintage. Although we often performed on the same bill, rarely did we actually perform together.  Our last stage performance as a duo outside of magic was a reading of “Love Letters” at the Camarillo Playhouse.

Together we co-authored Two On the Aisle, writing more than 400 theater reviews to date for the Ventura Breeze and the Ventura County Reporter over a span of more than 20 years. Jim liked to say that he wrote the vowels and I wrote the consonants because there were more of them.  His own years of performance as an actor and singer on local stages endeared him to many.  Jim and I met while performing with the Firelite Dinner Theater. The first Spencer/Lorraine Entertainment collaboration was a medieval dinner event fundraiser for Ventura County Master Chorale. Since 1988 we have been privileged to perform for and arrange entertainment for many charitable organizations and private parties from Ventura to Las Vegas.

An avid theater-goer, Jim was a major force behind creating and establishing the Ventura REP awards for recognizing local talent which has evolved into an unprecedented cooperation among Ventura County theaters.  This achievement was a source of great satisfaction, appealing to his relentless desire to cultivate, encourage and recognize the outstanding quality and amount of theatrical talent within Ventura County.  He truly treasured the connections, acquaintances and friendships made through the theater community.

Jim was a long-time member of Hollywood’s Magic Castle (Academy of Magical Arts), Downtown Rotary, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, Toastmasters International, Business Network International Network of Champions, the California Bar Association, advisory board for Ventura Improv Company, to name just a few.  In addition, he participated in and supported numerous arts and charitable organizations through the years.

A public memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 30 (the day before International Day of Magic) at 2 p.m. at Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Rd., Ventura. A reception may be held at a later date.

Jim would be pleased to have contributions made in his honor to a Ventura County theater of choice or to the Salvation Army, Ventura Corps.  Both are deserving causes for which he worked tirelessly and with passion.

Suz Montgomery on breast cancer

Suz Montgomery demonstrates strength and determination in a Wonder Woman T-shirt given by her grandchildren.

by Lori Harasta, Community Relations Associate for Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association

“I’m grateful for the experience of having cancer. It has given me a better quality of life by defining me and what I’m here on this earth to do.”

For the past two years, Suz Montgomery has been fighting her third recurrence of breast cancer. Treatment included a double mastectomy, extensive chemotherapy and radiation.

She had a mammogram about six months prior to finding that a lump that was growing. She insisted on having another mammogram, even though it meant paying for it out-of-pocket. The results showed a mass. She requested an ultra sound and went into high gear to assemble her cancer team. Within two weeks, she underwent surgery.

The radiation burned her skin and made her hair fall out. Rather than hide her baldness with a wig or hat, she sported it proudly (I would say beautifully!) and used it as a teaching tool for the curious. One was a young boy with his mother at the grocery store. The Pre-K kid stared at her hairless crown as they wandered the aisles. Finally, Suz crouched down and spoke softly to the boy, “This is what happens when you don’t eat your carrots.” His mother chimed in, “Or your peas!”

Her hair has since grown back, but she’s had other complications. It was the chemo that weakened her vertebrae, causing two of them to fracture. She has neuropathy and severe back pain for which she continues to receive treatment. Many people experience severe pain after having issues with their back and spinal area but there are lots of treatment options available to help ease the pain. Some may choose to smoke some cannabis (such as this black diamond strain) and others may simply take pain killers. The important thing is finding a way to ease the pain.

“Chemo was the most rigorous challenge of my life. It’s hard to get my energy back, even though I work out daily.” She says going to the gym helps mitigate some of the pain.

Suz rises at 4 am to start her day. “I’m determined to leave this earth better than I found it. I need to pack as much as I can into every day.” Her fitness and feistiness belie the fatigue and pain she feels constantly. She looks about 20 years younger than her chronological age. She’s got a strong and stubborn outlook on life and squeezes more into a day than most can imagine.

A passionate lover of life who seeks justice for the downtrodden and underserved, one of Suz’ current causes is to ensure the growing elderly population of Ventura has adequate services and resources to live their final chapters comfortably.

She is the Resource Coordinator of ENCORE at Ventura Continuing Adult Education, Chair of the Ventura Council for Seniors, Vice-Chair of the Ventura County Area Agency on Aging, Ventura County District Liaison for AARP, Ventura County representative of State Senator Hannah Beth Jackson’s Senior Legislative Board and many more commissions and committees.

Even though she’s in pain 24/7, Suz says she and cancer are friends. “Because of cancer, I’m grateful for every day I’m alive, and for the love and support of wonderful friends, family and the Ventura community (which I consider my family). Because of cancer, I’m even more determined and fearless. I know I have a mission and that God is not done with me yet.”

 Ian McKeever crowned Homecoming King at Buena High

Mia Mumford, Buena senior and member of the homecoming court, Ian’s teacher Robin Fenstermacher, Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) Special Education Teacher and Ian McKeever are as happy as can be.

Ian McKeever and his family dad Terry, mom Robin and sisters Sydnee and Kaia live in Ventura. Ian has been a Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) student at Buena High School for 4 years with his teacher, Robin Fenstermacher.  VCOE operates special education programs at schools throughout Ventura County. This is the first time a VCOE special education student has been crowned homecoming king or queen.

Ian is in a special day class at Buena High School with students with moderate/severe disabilities.

Ian is well-liked on campus and looks forward to social interaction with his peers and many peer T/A’s in class.  A highlight of his senior year was being nominated and eventually crowned king at Buena’s 2016 Homecoming.  The support and acceptance of Ian was apparent at the crowning during the Homecoming game on Friday night and the Homecoming dance on Saturday.  He had a blast dancing all night long with a long line of enthusiastic girls. Ian’s next step after graduation in June is to continue his Post-Secondary education with the TEAMS program at Dorothy Boswell School in Ventura.

Thanks to the support and inclusion at Buena High School from staff and students, dreams can come true. Dream big…anything is possible!

 

 

Community celebrates at Launch Party for 5th Annual Water: Take 1 Online Short Film Festival

Ventura City Councilman Carl Morehouse, Ventura City Clerk Antoinette Mann and Shana Epstein, GM of Ventura Water at the Launch Party.

Over 100 community members and water professionals turned out to celebrate the launch of the 5th annual Water: Take 1 film festival at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach hotel held Wednesday night, Sept. 21. City of Ventura Councilmembers Carl Morehouse and Jim Monahan were among the local dignitaries present.

Morehouse told the crowd that the city’s film festival has a global reach. It’s also launched a year-round dialogue that has grown to include two annual events plus a monthly newsletter. “This invites an international audience to share our message online,” Morehouse said.

“Water: Take 1 is a homegrown campaign that keeps the conversation going not only about the importance of local sustainable initiatives, but also the global perspective that sharpens our local focus back to a ‘one water’ mindset as you will see tonight,” said the event host, Ventura Water General Manager Shana Epstein.   “Ventura Water is pleased to showcase the topic of water protection, conservation and sustainability to like-minded individuals and organizations in such a creative and engaging way.  With the drought uppermost in the minds of Californians, this Short Film Festival brings together our local, national and global conversations.”

Finally, Epstein thanked the many sponsors and partners who made Water: Take 1 possible.

Water: Take 1 aims to create a greater awareness of water as a valuable resource by inviting filmmakers worldwide to submit short films of five minutes or less in any genre – drama, documentary, comedy, animation, sci-fi or experimental – that address the topic of water. Awards include the Audience Choice Award, voted on by the general public with the winner receiving an iPad; the award for Best Student Short Film, chosen by a jury of entertainment and water industry experts with a GoPro camera for a prize; the Grand Prize of $1,500 presented by Ventura Water; and the Ventura Vision Award, which recognizes films shot in and around Ventura and offers a $500 cash prize.

Film submissions are now being accepted through Dec. 14. Winners will be announced at a celebration event to be held in Ventura in the spring of 2017. Last year, 48 films were entered from around the globe.

Expanding on last year’s efforts to engage other local water agencies, the Palmdale Water District was introduced as a new partner and is sponsoring the Palmdale Vision Award, recognizing films that best represent its mission and objectives, also for a $500 cash prize.

Other new film festival partners include Change the Course (http://changethecourse.us), a national movement to engage the public, the community and corporations to restore fresh water to people and nature, and Waves for Water (www.wavesforwater.org), which has a focused international mission to bring clean water to the entire world.