Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Non-profit offers several programs for boys and girls to learn and play volleyball

The United States Youth Volleyball League (USYVL) is pleased to announce that registration is open for the 2019 Fall Leagues. These signature programs provide a fun, safe, and supervised environment for boys and girls to learn and play volleyball.

The Ventura USYVL runs from Wednesday, September 11, 2019 – Saturday, November 2, 2019 on Wednesdays: 5:30 – 6:30 PM & Saturdays: 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.

THe eight-week Fall Leagues provide instruction to boys and girls ages 7 to 15 that is designed to teach basic volleyball skills in a positive environment. The leagues operate twice per week beginning the second week of September and ending the first week of November. Practices and games operate in a coed format and offer participants the opportunity to develop self-esteem and confidence.

Programs fill quickly, so register early to reserve a spot for your child. Registering early also allows participants to save with the early registration pricing available until August 1. The registration fee includes a volleyball, uniform t-shirt, and participation medal for each participant. Visit online registration page to locate a program in your area.

For information on registration, programs, locations, or schedules visit www.usyvl.org or contact us at 1-888-988-7985 or [email protected].

Founded in 1997, the United States Youth Volleyball League is a non-profit youth sports organization that hosts more than 15,000 participants annually, nationwide. USYVL’s mission is to provide every child between the ages of 7 and 15 a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, and supervised environment. Visit www.usyvl.org today!

Isolated and struggling, some seniors are turning to suicide

by Jovelle Tamayo for NPR

Sheri Adler at an American Behavioral Health Systems office in Wenatchee, Wash. At age 72, Adler attempted to take her own life.

Dr. Julie Rickard thought her visit to Wisconsin over the Christmas holiday would bring a break from her day job working in suicide prevention in Wenatchee, Wash.

The visit didn’t go as planned. After a tense fight broke out between her mother and another family member, everyone dispersed. Rickard readied herself for the trip back to the Pacific Northwest.

At the airport, she received a call from her mother, Sheri Adler. This was not out of the ordinary — Adler, like many adoring mothers, always calls her daughter after parting ways.

On the phone, Adler wanted to tell her daughter how much she loved and appreciated her.

“Normally I would think, ‘Oh that’s a sign of suicide,’ but it was during my layover,” Rickard says. “I had just left her, and my whole life she had always cried when I left and would always say I love you.”

This time was different. “This time,” Rickard says, “it was goodbye.”

When the plane landed, Rickard received another call. Her mother, at age 72, had tried to take her own life.

“I went home, and I guess I just didn’t know how to handle it,” Adler says about the suicide attempt. “It was just more than I could put together … I just made a stupid mistake. I guess I just wanted to give up, because I felt like I wasn’t a good mom. And that’s all I ever wanted to be.”

The American Behavioral Health Systems facility in Wenatchee, Wash., includes suicide-safe features and positive images of the Pacific Northwest, aimed to motivate patients.

Since the attempt in January, Rickard has helped her mother find care. Adler now takes medication and meets with a therapist for depression and help coping with family issues. They both say she’s doing better.

Still, the episode reflects the vulnerability of a group that researchers call a “forgotten” population, particularly when it comes to the issue of mental health: senior citizens.

Across the country, suicide rates have been on the rise, and that rise has struck the nation’s seniors particularly hard. Of the more than 47,000 suicides that took place in 2017, those 65 and up accounted for more than 8,500 of them, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Men who are 65 and older face the highest risk of suicide, while adults 85 and older, regardless of gender, are the second most likely age group to die from suicide.

Answer In A Breeze (Almost)

What will the building under construction at the former Elks Lodge at corner of Main and Ash be used for?

Margaret Toal

Margaret: We have asked the developer to answer this question, but they haven’t yet. Will have the answer this once we hear back from them.

CMH Auxiliary honors junior volunteer scholarship recipients

Presenting Alyssa Mendoza with the Audrey Woodburn Scholarship were CMHS Senior VP of Operations Adam Thunell, Dr. James Woodburn II, and Junior Volunteer Chair Marilyn Beal.

Each year in June, the Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary honors its graduating Junior Volunteers as they finish their high school careers and prepare for their futures. On June 10, Auxiliary members, hospital leaders and proud parents gathered to honor two special Junior Volunteers with scholarships for their continued education.

Alyssa Mendoza was awarded the Audrey Woodburn Scholarship for $1,500. Alyssa became a Junior Volunteer in June, 2016, and served in the CMH Gift Shop and Maternal Child Health department. Over the last three years, Alyssa accumulated over 550 hours of service to the hospital. Her commitment to the patients and community earned her second place for Community Service at Foothill Technology High School. Alyssa plans to continue her education at Ventura College and major in Nursing Science.

Trinity Durborow received the Maria Cavallo Scholarship for $3,000. Trinity has been a Junior Volunteer in the CMH Gift Shop since June 2017 and has given over 315 hours. Her academic excellence is evident with an exceptional 4.57 grade point average. While a student at Foothill Technology High School, Maria was co-founder and secretary of “WE,” a student organization dedicated to organizing fundraisers and generating community support. She also worked with at-risk middle school students on a garden project. Trinity received the “Most Achieved Senior” award and graduated summa cum laude. She plans to attend the University of California, Berkley, and major in Public Health with an emphasis on global and reproductive health.

Founded on a tradition of service, the CMH Auxiliary augments CMH’s programs and services. Auxiliary members share a common interest in helping others and providing comfort and assistance to patients and their families. Junior Volunteers are between the ages of 14 and 18. Visit https://www.cmhshealth.org/about/cmh-auxiliary/ to learn more about becoming a Junior Volunteer or an Auxiliary member.

Ventura County Fair poster contest winners

The winners of the Ventura County Fair poster contest were unveiled by James Lockwood on July 8 at a presentation at the fairgrounds. The theme of the fair is “A Country Fair with Ocean Air.”

The design by Daríanna Vásquez, 18, of Santa Paula, earned her first place. Her work will appear on the fair’s poster and other fair materials.

Hannah Ellsberry, 17, of Camarillo, took second place and Jorja Garcia, 14, of Oxnard, received third place. They were chosen from 58 entrees.

The 144th Ventura County Fair runs July 31 to Aug. 11.

Darianna Vasquez – 1st Place
Hannah Ellsberry – 2nd Place
Jorja Garcia – 3rd Place

Photos by Bernie Goldstein

Community Leaders dance for their favorite charities at the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival.

Victor Rodriguez, Yesenia Peña, Dr. Marlene Batista, Marco Aguilar, Sommer Frisk, Erika Martin, Jesus Garcia, Diana Terre and Ben Escobar. Ernesto Martinez, Salena Bracamontes, Veronica De La Cruz and Adan De La Torre are ready to dance.

Sustainability Now News
by Maryann Ridini Spencer (@MaryannRidiniSpencer)

In the vein of the hit television series, “Dancing with the Stars,” on Sunday, July 28 at 1:00 pm during the 26th Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival presented by the Oxnard Downtowners, seven community leaders paired with local top dance instructors will compete in the “2019 Dancing with Our Community Stars Dance Contest and Charity Fundraiser.” The salsa competition, sponsored by Union Bank and La M 103.7, raises money for the dancer’s favorite charities.

“‘Dancing with Our Community Stars’ is one of the most anticipated events of the festival,” says Kellie Meehan, festival executive director. “Our competitors give it everything they’ve got to wow the crowd, and all will raising money for wonderful local causes.”

Who’s competing?

Victor Rodriguez, dances with his instructor Yesenia Peña, for Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation, a nonprofit where he sits on the board. Rodriguez, an immigrant whose family settled in the Cabrillo Village farmworker community in Saticoy, is passionate about providing affordable housing and assists with the organization’s mission providing comprehensive housing services and community economic development activities for individuals and families most lacking in opportunity in Ventura County.

Veronica De La Cruz, a sales manager for Union Bank, dances with instructor Adan De La Torre for Clean International, an organization dedicated to ensuring that every person around the world has access to sustainable clean water and sanitation.

Sommer Frisk, regional vice president of Cumulus Broadcasting, dances with instructor Jesus Garcia for Rancho Ventura Conservation Trust. As one of the nonprofit’s board members, she works to support programs that permanently conserve the working landscapes located in the foothills above the City of Ventura.

Agustín “Aluche” Ballesteros (aka the cheerful and funny “Solovino” on La M 103.7 FM), dances with his instructor Erika Martin del Campo for MERITO Foundation, an organization committed to protecting the ocean by facilitating education, conservation and scientific research opportunities to multicultural youth and their communities.

Salena Bracamontes, who owns and operates two all-women State Farm offices in Ventura County, dances for Project Understanding. Bracamontes, who sits on the board, assists with Project Understanding’s mission to provide hope by developing and directing resources to transform lives and community through justice, mercy, and compassion.

Dr. Marlene Batista, Director of English Learner Services at the Oxnard School District, dances with instructor Marco Aguilar for Partnerships for Safe Families, the designated child abuse prevention council in the county.

Ben Escobar, the owner/operator of Affordable Auto Glass, dances with instructor Diana Terre for a topic close to his heart — American Society for Suicide Prevention — I’ve Got Soul. Escobar, who lost a close friend as well as a nephew to suicide, hopes to raise awareness of the resources available to those contemplating or struggling with depression.

Dancers will be competing for two awards. The “Judges Choice Award” presented for the best routine and the “People’s Choice Award,” which will be awarded to the dance team that raises the most money for their designated charity (donations made at OxnardSalsaFestival.com).

The festival, which draws approximately 35,000 annually, also features live bands, a salsa tasting tent, vendor marketplace, kid’s play zone, community stage, food vendors, and more. Festival hours will be Saturday and Sunday, July 27 and 28 from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm at Park Plaza in historic downtown Oxnard. Festival admission and parking are free. Main stage open seating is $5 and the salsa tasting tent is $5 per person (includes salsa and chips).

For more information on the event, visit OxnardSalsaFestival.com.

New group invites the community to participate

Laura Covault and Layla Perez are dedicated to reworking traditional theater.

by Jill Forman

Laura Covault and Layla Perez are the founders and co-owners of this new theater company, Unity Theatre Collective and hope to inspire Ventura to support, attend and take part in their productions. “We are looking for people to join our merry band of players.”

Their first offering, a gender-bending take on Oscar Wilde’s “The Importance of Being Earnest,” just completed its run at the NAMBA center in downtown Ventura. A unique interpretation: some of the characters changed gender in the second act, couples re-assorted, and it all came to a riotous happy ending. Tea was served to the audience at small tables, and the actors brought audience members into the production by chatting with them and running through the area. The troupe of young players brought energy and novelty to their portrayals, and the full house (on the night I went) enjoyed it as much as the performers.

Covault and Perez see this working of the play as a good way to look at gender role expectations, “…to get across messages without being preachy.” They admit laughingly to always having “big ideas” and being excited about them.

They are dedicated to “…reworking traditional theater to make people rethink assumptions about gender, race, age, and culture.” And they want the citizens of Ventura to join them. “Our mission is to embrace the community, for them to be a part of our company: act, write, be technicians, give us ideas, bring forth issues to be addressed.” Hence the “Collective” in their name.

When asked why they decided to take on the difficult and quixotic task of starting a new theater group, there is more laughter. They feel Ventura is appreciative of art and creativity and they wanted to do more to help foster that appreciation. “There is a pool of talent in the area, people who have the ability to do theater but no ‘home’ to do it. We want them to have the ability to put themselves out there and fulfill their passion.” The core values of Unity are social change, insight, empathy; the plan is “… to be there for the community, to have fun and find a way to be creative.” They are open to new ideas from community members.

They feel fortunate to be involved in the educational aspect of theater. Covault is a Professor of Performing Arts at CSUCI; Perez is a stage manager there. Perez works at Salzers, which she says helped inspire her.

They initially raised money with one-night presentations, and with the help of friends and family generated enough to put on their initial offering. They will need to fundraise again and are working on plans for that. Also, they are planning to become an official nonprofit and then can apply for grants. They want to create opportunity for those who would not normally attend theater, who see it as elitist or too expensive – free plays? a touring company? coordinate with local schools? Whatever will engage more people and make them want to join in the fun and work.

Upcoming productions will be announced in the next month. Website: www.unitytheatrecollective.com. Facebook: Unity Theatre Collective. Instagram: #theatreforallpeople.

Ventura’s Safe and Clean team

Ventura’s Safe and Clean team, in collaboration with the Lift Up Your Voice to End Homelessness Project, are conducting clean ups on a regular basis in partnership with the Ventura Police Patrol Task Force, Police Cadets, and homeless individuals. Homeless individuals have been encouraged to pick up their trash and put the bags on the main Santa Clara River Bottom trail.

Over 175 bags of trash were brought to the trail and collected by the Safe & Clean team during the last clean up. This type of collaboration is an important step in addressing homeless issues while providing important street outreach to connect individuals with needed services to potentially start the journey out of homelessness.

USYVL fall registration open… register now!

The USYVL volleyball league operates in a coed format for boys and girls.

Registration for the USYVL’s Fall Season is currently in open. Don’t miss out on the exciting Fall 2019 season. Register before September 1 deadline!

Once again, the USYVL is bringing another fun-filled season of volleyball to your community. All kids and parents are invited to come out and enjoy recreational volleyball practices and games while building self-esteem and confidence. This is a great opportunity for parents to spend quality time with their kids while helping to teach them the value of teamwork mixed with fun!

The 8-week league in Ventura at Arroyo Verde Park will run beginning from September 11 – November 2. The USYVL is an instructional volleyball league that operates in a coed format for boys and girls ages 7-15. The organization’s mission is to provide every child with a chance to learn and play volleyball in a fun, safe, supervised, low-pressure environment. “Every Child Plays” and learns the game, while emphasizing on sportsmanship, cooperation, and teamwork.

So come out and have fun! They offer multiple child discounts. For information on registration, volunteer positions, and a location near you, please log on to www.USYVL.org or 1-888-988-7985.