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Veterans Day ceremony

Everyone is invited to attend the Veterans Day ceremony Friday November 11 at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park located at 5400 Valentine Rd.  The event begins sharp at 10am.  Do get there early for the best free parking.

It is a beautiful event complete with a military fly-over, the white homing dove release and laying of the wreaths. Keynote speakers will be Congresswoman Julia Brownley, Assembly representative Jackie Irwin and Captain Jay Galazin of the United States Coast Guard.  All levels of young scouts, enlisted and military veterans, friends and family will attend.  There is no charge to attend except your time to honor all of those who have served our country.  No pets are allowed.

Reception to honor K9

The Ventura Police Department has four K9 Teams assigned to Patrol. This is Officer Hrynyk and Jag.

Land Rover Jaguar Ventura will host a law enforcement appreciation reception honoring K9 Jag, the Ventura Police K9 Unit and law enforcement county-wide. The event will be held November 15 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

In March of 2016 Officer Hrynyk was selected as the Ventura Police Department’s next K9 handler. He was paired with K9 Jag. Jag was brought directly from Germany to Ventura at 18 months old. Jag was purchased through a generous donation from Land Rover Jaguar Ventura.

“Most folks do not realize that our police dogs are purchased through public and private donations, and without support of the public and companies like Land Rover Jaguar Ventura, we wouldn’t have these wonderful animals out on the streets keeping our community safe,” said Sergeant Kenny Welch, supervisor of the K9 Unit.

The Ventura Police Department has four K9 Teams assigned to Patrol. The K9 Teams are available for deployment seven days a week, providing protection to our community twenty-four hours a day. The Ventura Police K9 Unit and the National Police Dog Foundation (NPDF) work together to raise funds for the K9 Unit. The funds raised by the K9 Unit, and the NDPF, help pay for the canines, their training, and medical bills. All Ventura Police canines, past and present, were paid for through the generosity of the NPDF and from local businesses and individuals. No taxpayer dollars were used in the purchase or training our canines. The cost of a canine can range from $6,000 – $7,000, not including training and certification, which can be upwards of an additional $8,000 – $9,000.

 

The San Salvador has a new paint job (and flags to come) .

The legacy of Sam Povar lives on through his family and the community. Photo by George Robertson

Sam Povar was a man who loved Ventura and who spent his time and resources in creating, preserving and protecting the beauty of the city that he loved.  Sam passed away in 2015, but he sparked a commitment to continue beautifying the city for residents and visitors alike.

Michael PovarSam’s son and daughter, Michael and Paulette, are continuing this legacy of giving back to the city. “Our father wanted to recognize the beauty of this place and to make a mark that lasts,” says Paulette.  “We are celebrating Ventura as a place where residents and visitors can come to talk, walk their dogs, and enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.”

stuff-the-boat-insetSam’s dream of refurbishing the San Salvador, that sits on the sand in Marina Park is now happening.

“Almost every day you can see children playing on the replica of a Spanish galleon in Marina Park “ says Michael.  “The large boat represents Juan Cabrillo’s flagship, the San Salvador.  Our latest project includes refurbishing the big ship with new paint, aluminum flagpoles and flags celebrating the 150 years of Ventura’s cityhood.”

The Povars are happy that homeowners are contributing to the efforts in Marina Park. Michael explains, “We think this is the most beautiful park, with close to a 360 degree view of water, including the harbor, the inlet and the Pacific itself.  It’s a historical place and a very beautiful one.  We want residents to have a stake in continuing to make this area a more beautiful place and keeping it that way.”

“ I want to thank our neighbors for their donations. Please tell your friends and neighbors to donate. This is our community, our park and our ship. There is nothing better than donating to the ship and to see the results of your donation on happy faces (kids and adults).”

Sam Povar’s vision was to inspire others to use private capital along with public cooperation and support to envision something beautiful then make it happen.  “This is something we are passionate about,” says Paulette.  “We hope members of the community will join us not only in beautifying the park, but also in continuing to contribute to Ventura’s future.”

Donations are accepted for continuing projects at the Ventura Community Partners Foundation for the Sam Povar Memorial Fund.  For further information, call Michael Povar at 818-705-7600.

 

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.