Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

Free tutor training for adults (18 and over)

Tutoring adults who want to learn or improve their English and learn about American culture.

Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
1500 Palma Drive, Ventura.

Make a difference in one person’s life. Become a tutor.  Laubach Literacy of Ventura County provides free tutoring and tutor training to adults for English as a second language. No prior teaching experience is required. You don’t have to speak a foreign language to be a tutor. We provide all materials for free to both the tutor and the adult learners.  We will train you on cultural awareness and tutoring techniques for all levels of ability. Our adult learners want to speak, understand, read, and write English and learn American culture. Laubach Literacy has been teaching English for free for over 40 years in Ventura County. Registration is required for the training.

Price: Free

For More Information: Contact Laubach Literacy of Ventura County. Phone: (805) 385-9584, please leave a message and we will call you back. Website: [email protected].

Business Profile: Strategic Path Financial Group

Tom A. Tyo, MBA, expertly intertwines his lifelong passion for sports, notably soccer, with a distinguished role as an advanced referee with the United States Soccer Federation.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Tom is committed to instilling the vital importance of financial planning within his family. Navigating the complexities of financial management, he underscores the necessity for a robust retirement plan to achieve long-term goals, particularly as his two college age children are currently pursuing academic and professional success. Amidst his professional commitments, Tom finds solace and rejuvenation in outdoor pursuits, including hiking, beach outings, motorcycle rides, and playing golf. Tom’s passion for exploration extends to travel, where he, accompanied by his better half named Wendy, eagerly explores new destinations, adding a touch of cultural enrichment to their lives.

Tom’s transition to a seasoned retirement planner is anchored in real-life experiences, having borne witness to the financial tribulations faced by his affluent uncle. A construction executive by profession, his untimely demise in a nursing home serves as a poignant cautionary tale.

Tom’s forthcoming book, “Rich Uncle Mistakes: A Retirement Planning Guide to Help You Avoid the Mistakes That Saw My Millionaire Uncle Die Penniless,” is a testament to his commitment to disseminating sound retirement planning practices and financial literacy. Tom earned an undergraduate degree from San Diego State University, and later achieved a Master of Business Administration degree, further enriching his financial acumen. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, including noteworthy roles with a fortune 100 company, Tom founded Strategic Path Financial Group, LLC in April 2019. In his current role as Managing Director, Tom remains dedicated to providing unparalleled financial guidance and personalized advice.

As a retirement planner, Tom offers financial advice and personalized guidance. He takes a comprehensive approach to understand each client’s unique needs. With an impassioned commitment to assisting individuals and families in achieving financial security and success, Tom stands as a trusted advisor to clients across Ventura County, California, Washington, and Nevada, embodying both local credibility and professional reliability. Go online to https://tyo.essentialreportsgroup.com or call our office (805) 392-3205 to request your FREE essential reports today!

Event held for retiring Executive Director Susan Scott

Ventura Music Festival has new Executive Director Laĺe Welsh.

by Shirley Lorraine

The Ventura Music Festival is now entering its 29th season of providing high quality concerts of all types to the Ventura community. Following a rousing holiday concert by We Four Kings, held at the Ventura Missionary Church on December 10, a heartfelt thank you soirée for retiring Executive Director Susan Scott was held.

Ms. Scott was introduced by board member Betsy Chess who presented a crystal trophy as a thank you in recognition of Scott’s considerable contributions to the festival.

Acting President Richard Reisman, who stepped into the leadership role after the recent passing of Festival President Randall Hinton, spoke of Scott’s support and unfailing assistance. Scott was similarly lavish in her praise of the cadre of volunteers and staff members who have been a solid support to her and to the organization over the years.

Scott was lauded for her nine years of outstanding commitment to the festival, stating “Ventura audiences are the best in the world.” During her tenure, Scott led the organization through the challenge of the Covid years, keeping the music alive and available. She cited numerous collaborations made with the New West Symphony, Camarata Pacifica, the Rubicon theater, and more. She recounted the successes and learning curves of the Concerts in Cars at the Fairgrounds, among other efforts. All of these, Scott said, required creative thinking, which Scott embraced. “They kept us a family through troubling times” she recounted.

As she introduced and passed the baton to the newly selected Executive Director, Laĺe Welsh, (pronounced La Lay) she praised the search process which began with 40 applicants from throughout the United States. From the final two, Welsh, a native of Ojai, was chosen. In addition to her considerable experience with non-profit organizations, Welsh has the advantage of familiarity with the Ventura County musical community.

The Music Festival has moved to new offices in the Executive Suites at 701 E. Santa Clara Street, across the stress from the downtown Post Office. Keep an eye on the website at VenturaMusicFestival.org for updates and upcoming concerts.

Providing gentle background music on guitar was Blake Kasting, 2016 winner of the VMF student jazz competition, accompanied by Olivia Rodriguez on vocals.

Participants put on Santa Claus or elf costumes

Santa Paddle is a whimsical tradition of the holiday season.

by Patricia Schallert

Santa Paddle in Ventura Harbor is a yearly whimsical tradition that brings a unique twist to the holiday season. In this charming event, participants put on Santa Claus or elf costumes and take to the waters of Ventura Harbor on stand-up paddle boards or in kayaks.

The sight of paddling Santas gliding across the harbor creates a joyful spectacle that captures the spirit of the holidays in the coastal Ventura setting. Against the backdrop of boats and the ocean, the event combines holiday cheer with the laid-back atmosphere of Ventura.

Families and onlookers gather along the harbor to witness this merry gathering of Santas, creating a lighthearted experience that adds a touch of magic to the local holiday celebrations. Santa Paddles not only showcases the community’s festive spirit but also highlights the creativity and sense of fun that make Ventura Harbor a unique destination during the holiday season.

 

 

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

 

Zoppe’ Circus at The Fairgrounds

If you haven’t witnessed the magic of Zoppé, there’s still time.

Embark on a captivating journey into the enchanting world of Zoppé, a family circus that promises an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the joy and warmth of Italian hospitality as Zoppé Circus unfolds before you, bringing together a dazzling array of talents from around the globe. This extraordinary show is not merely a collection of acts; it’s a heartfelt celebration of life, family, and the timeless magic of the circus.

Headlined by the charming Nino the clown, Zoppé Circus stands out with its unique approach—a central narrative that guides the entire performance. Witness breathtaking acrobatic feats, marvel at equestrian showmanship, share in the delight of canine capers, and be enchanted by the art of clowning. What sets this circus apart is its deep connection with the audience; participation is not just encouraged but an integral part of the show, making every spectator an active participant in the magic unfolding under the big top.

This is more than a mere spectacle; it’s a profound experience carefully crafted by Giovanni Zoppé, the circus director. According to Giovanni, Zoppé Circus aspires to transcend the ordinary circus, aiming to touch every emotion. Laughter, tears, and genuine connections with the characters—the circus promises more than just entertainment; it’s an immersive event that lingers in your memories.

Giovanni Zoppé’s dedication to the art form and commitment to elevating the circus experience are evident throughout the show. As a sixth-generation performer, he brings a rich heritage to the ring, infusing the performance with a sense of tradition and authenticity.

If you haven’t witnessed the magic of Zoppé, there’s still time to be part of this extraordinary event. Catch them at Ventura Fairgrounds until Jan. 1, and let the Zoppé Circus create moments that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.

For additional details and tickets, visit https://zoppe.net/about-us/.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

The Ventura County Library has announced that they have been awarded a Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Grant in the amount of $1,5400,001 from the California State Library for the Ray D. Prueter Library in Port Hueneme. These grants are intended to address critical maintenance needs, improve energy efficiency and sustainability, and expand digital and physical access. Thirty-four local libraries across California received funds during this year’s round of Building Forward grants earmarked by the governor and the Legislature to improve libraries in the state’s highest poverty areas. Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram said that the state grant funds required a local match of $770,000. The funding will be provided via a 50/50 split by the Ventura County Library’s reserves and the City of Port Hueneme whose City Council voted in May this year to commit $385,000 to this project. The scope of work for the project will include major system upgrades, energy efficient lighting, new flooring, and enhanced access to the children’s program room that is too small to meet current demand.

Booklovers meet at the Library in January —
E.P. Foster Library introduces A Book Group for Book Groups
E.P. Foster Library Topping Room, Tuesday, January 9, 2024 , 5:30 to 6:30 pm

Librarian Karen Cruze will inform you on how our libraries can help with your book club, what books we suggest for clubs, info on online book club sources and more (Including a special door prize for one lucky attendee!)

Wise Owls Book Club meets at Hill Road Library on Tuesday, January 16, 5 to 6 pm. Wise Owls is a quarterly Book Club for adults who enjoy reading children’s literature.
Winter selection: Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

The Hill Road Library Book Club

returns Tuesday, January 30 at a new time: 4 to 5 pm. The Hill Road Book Club meets monthly on the last Tuesday. The January Book Club Selection is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

Visit the Hill Road Library to pick up the latest Book Club selections. To join the mailing list for book clubs held at Hill Road, please email [email protected]

Weekly Storytimes at the library introduce the joy of reading to infants and young children:

E.P. Foster Library: MONDAYS at 10:30 am
Ray D. Prueter Library, Port Hueneme: TUESDAYS at 10:30am
Avenue Library: TUESDAYS at 4 pm In English and Spanish
Hill Road Library: WEDNESDAYS at 10:30 am
For more information, call 805 626-READ

Ventura Friends of the Library Bookstore, 2nd Look Books, in E.P. Foster Library is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. You can find great bargains in gently used children’s books, cooking and craft books and audio books. The items in our store are definitely worth a second look, from current novels to jigsaw puzzles to vintage books.

We also invite you to visit our online bookstore for local sales https://venturafol-107753.square.site/s/shop for more unique items in categories such as Art, Architecture & Photography and Performing Arts, Collectible & Vintage and Manga & Graphic Novels. When you make a purchase at the online store, you will receive an email letting you know when your order will be ready for pickup (in as few as 2 days) at the bookstore in E.P. Foster Library.

A very busy 2023 for Caps Media

The entire CAPS Media Crew offer our thanks to everyone in Ventura and Ventura County for their tremendous support throughout 2023. All year long CAPS Media crews provided production services for the entire community and created informative, educational, and engaging productions with Ventura City staff and agencies throughout the county.

For the City, CAPS operations manager Donald McConnell and his sidekick Manny Reynoso, recorded and broadcast 48 individual meetings at city hall, totaling more than 170 hours of live programming, all broadcast on CAPS channel 15 and streamed online. The rebroadcasts of the city meetings exceeded 300 hours of information for the community.

CAPS video crews, led by master videographer/editors Gary Roll and Alex Uvari, working in concert with the City Public Information Officers, produced dozens of informative productions for multiple city departments.

At the CAPS Media Center, the talented and dedicated CAPS/KPPQ DJs, directed by radio manager Elizabeth Rodeno, produced more than 150 hours of community talk shows and 300 hours of original music shows, informing and entertaining Venturans and audiences worldwide at 104.1 FM and on myTuner Radio.

Throughout the year, students in the CAPS/ECTV media career program, mentored by Phil Taggart, wrote, produce, directed, hosted, and edited dozens of award-winning programs on wide ranging topics. The ECTV students were also vital crew members in CAPS’ recording and live broadcasting of graduation ceremonies for Ventura College and all VUSD high schools and the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

CAPS Media presentations for government and nonprofit agencies expanded to include Ventura County Criminal Justice Center, Ventura College Foundation, Ventura Regional Firesafe Council, the Housing Trust Fund of Ventura County and more.

High on the list of very special projects in 2023 were CAPS’ collaborations with the outstanding staff at the Museum of Ventura County, creating a variety of media productions for Ventura County’s 150th Anniversary Celebration. Media productions included episodes for “Voices of Ventura County,” “Feast or Flop” and “Ventura County: The Place We Call Home.”

In October CAPS held an Open House at the CAPS Media Center inviting the public to meet the CAPS crew, tour the facility, and engage in informative demonstrations on all aspects of media production.

For everyone interested in learning more about CAPS Media and CAPS Radio, separate orientations are held monthly on the 2nd Wednesday of the month beginning on January 10 for CAPS Media and on the 2nd Thursday of the month beginning on January 11 for CAPS Radio KPPQ. The member orientations are held at 6pm at the CAPS Media Center, 65 Day Road. The center is open to the public every week, Tuesday-Thursday noon to 8pm.

Early in 2024 CAPS Members will be able to schedule one-on-one media training with the knowledgeable CAPS staff using an updated CAPS website launching in February.

As the year draws to a close, the entire CAPS Media staff want to express our appreciation to the members of the dedicated CAPS Media Board of Directors: Cliff Rodrigues, Board Chair, Darryl Dunn, Vice Chair and Treasurer, Kathleen Good, Secretary and Pam Baumgardner, Michael Velthoen, Cathy Peterson, Bill Schneider, Heather Sumagaysay and Michael MacDonald representing the City, and Marieanne Quiroz representing the VUSD.

Thank you all for another wonderful year of serving the Ventura community. Best wishes for a Happy and Healthy 2024.

A Message from Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura CEO, Patti Birmingham:

Our teens gave back to their community by volunteering.

The holiday season brings thoughts of loved ones and those who mean the most to us.
At the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura, this includes all the incredible community supporters that help make dreams for our kids come true!  For those of you who have shared your time, talents, and treasure with us in 2023 we thank you, on behalf of our kids and staff. I can tell each of you, with full purpose of heart, that YOUR support has contributed to a life-long impact in the lives of our community’s youth. Ventura County is a great place to work and live.

About Boys & Girls Club of Greater Ventura:

We provide very affordable, out of school time programs in East and West Ventura, Saticoy, and Oak View. Our goal is to meet youth “where they stand” in their academic, social, and emotional development. Each child is unique and our staff who mentor and encourage our kids welcome all who come through our doors, regardless of circumstances. We are also meeting the needs of our families – providing free Club membership and transportation (from school to the Club) for middle school and high school members, with need-based Club membership scholarships for elementary youth as well.

Our programs are centered around building academic success, emphasizing social and emotional development; and partnering with other groups and organizations to provide a wide range of interesting, engaging offerings to our kids – such as STEM, arts, physical fitness, specialty clubs, and leadership & community service opportunities. Our programs are designed to establish character, confidence, leadership and build the steps toward a life of health and wellness. Our days are filled with fun in a welcoming setting where “kids can be kids”.

Holiday Season Fun:

Aera Energy and Realty One Group Summit provided gifts and some clothes to some of our Club members throughout Ventura, Oak View and Saticoy. Members were able to receive shoes, clothes, and other items. They were so grateful that most were wearing their new clothes the next day.

The Oak View teens volunteered to hand out Turkeys to families for Thanksgiving and baked cookies for their schoolteachers for Christmas. They were also very excited to participate in a Secret Santa exchange and White Elephant game.

Our Westview teens gave back to their community by volunteering at the West End Holiday event with Arise Ventura, Rotary Club of Ventura, Coats for Kids, SoCalGas, Interact, Children’s Hunger Fund, CHP and Spark of Love, where over 500 youth and their families received coats, toys and food. At the Westview Clubhouse, our kids made snow globe souvenirs for their loved ones and baked some homemade chocolate chip cookies.

Our Saticoy teens co-hosted the annual “Share-iff’s Toy Drive”, an annual event with Ventura Sheriff’s Department, which was a huge success. The event provided toys for community youth and our Club kids. There were horses, Santa, snow cones, and lots of Holiday fun!

Learn More – Building a Great Future for Our Community:

For those who are interested in learning more about our four Boys & Girls Clubhouses serving kids 6-18 years of age with very affordable, out of school time programs in Ventura, Saticoy, and Oak view, please reach out to us for more information. Join us as families utilizing our services, or as caring community members able to support, either financially or as volunteers – or all the above! We would love to hear from you!

For more information:

Website: www.bgclubventura.org

Phone: 805-641-5585 – [email protected]

Happy Holidays to you and yours! May your coming year be filled with great joy and fulfillment!