Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura County Library encourages families to “Find Your Voice” and participate in Summer Reading! Participants may register at vencolibrary.beanstack.org and record their reading with opportunities to win prizes for reaching reading goals. Registration continues through August 4th
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This summer, Ventura County Library hosts Lunch at the Library Farm to Summer Program at 3 locations (Avenue, Saticoy, and Albert H. Soliz libraries) for children and teens 18 years and under. Local youth will be served healthy meals and are invited to participate in a series of Summer Reading Program activities, including daily fun activities, book giveaways, and performers. Lunch is offered Monday through Thursday, noon to 1:00 pm, June 20 through August 10. Speakers will visit each location and encourage youth to learn about local agriculture and the food cycle, how to garden at home and practice healthy eating, as well as share information on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers in agriculture.
This program is made possible in collaboration with the Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura County Library Foundation. VCL is an equal opportunity provider. The summer Food Service Program is a program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administered in California by the California Department of Education. Lunch at the Library is a project of the California State Library, supported with funds from the State of California.

Summer Reading Program Special Event: Wildlife Presentation with Saving Wildlife International Explore, discover, and learn about the natural world through Saving Wildlife International’s unique live animal presentation. This exciting presentation is sure to entertain and educate! This free event is sponsored by the Ventura Friends of the Library.
Thursday, July 13th at Saticoy Library, 1:30 pm Thursday, July 13th at Avenue Library, 4:00 pm
Tuesday, July 25th at Hill Road Library, 2:00 pm Tuesday, July 25th at E.P. Foster Library, 11:00 am

Find Your Voice! Family Musicals Film Fest and Coloring at Hill Road Library offers fun family musicals, drawing, and coloring for all ages.
Tuesday, July 11, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Soul
Tuesday, July 18, 3:00 to 5:00 pm: Trolls World Tour
Foster Library’s Young Readers Book Club
Saturday, July 22 @ 1:00 to 2:00 pm: Discuss Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi & create a graphic novel character.

Wise Owls Book Club, a quarterly book club for adults who enjoy reading children’s literature. Hill Road Library, Tuesday, July 11, 5 to 6 pm Summer selection: Frankie & Bug by Gayle Forman To join the mailing list for this Book Club please email [email protected].

CAPS congratulates 2023 graduates

ECTV students Saadiya Islam, Sarah Briggs, Daryan Barati, Arslans Barati, Shayan Barati and graduate Luca Falco, CAPS staff Gary Roll, Elizabeth Rodeno, ECTV mentor Phil Taggart and Manny Reynoso covering the 2023 high school graduations.

CAPS crew members, including students in the CAPS/ECTV program (El Camino high school program) were very busy the week of June 12 recording and live-streaming graduation ceremonies for Buena, El Camino, Foothill, Pacific, Ventura and VACE. Everyone at CAPS congratulates all of the 2023 graduates.

CAPS is also extremely appreciative of the tremendous support received from the Ventura City Council and members of the community at a recent council meeting. On Monday, June 12 the City Council voted unanimously to continue funding CAPS for the foreseeable future.

CAPS, which stands for Community Access Partners of San Buenaventura, is a non-profit agency that is funded primarily by fees paid by local cable subscribers. The franchise fees are collected by the cable company, passed along to the City, where a portion of the revenue is earmarked specifically for CAPS.

At the City Council meeting CAPS executive director Patrick Davidson’s spoke on behalf of the CAPS board of directors, community members and the CAPS staff requesting continued funding by the city. The presentation included a brief summary of many of CAPS’ services to the community including programming, broadcasting, and streaming Ventura’s public programs on channel 6 which include faith-based programs, talk shows, educational programs and more, recording and live streaming City Council and other City meetings on channel 15 and online, producing dozens of video productions for the city, county and nonprofit agencies, and training members of the public in the use of media tools including cameras, editing programs and more. Among the many informative facts Davidson included in the presentation to the council members was that the CAPS staff members – Donald McConnell, Manny Reynoso, Elizabeth Rodeno, Gary Roll, Phil Taggart and Alex Uvari, individually average more than fifteen years of continuous service to the Ventura community.

CAPS is the educational center for ECTV – the student internship and career pathways program at El Camino high school, where teenagers receive hundreds of hours of hands-on training in the award-winning media and communications program.

CAPS is also the home of CAPS Radio – KPPQ at 104.1fm, where CAPS staff members have trained more than 100 local DJs and produced hundreds of hours of original programming. KPPQ Producer of the month Craig Rosen is the producer of Teen Centric and a longtime member of CAPS Media and KPPQ. He is the Interim Executive Director at the Ventura County Arts Council and manager of the Arts & Youth Justice program which is funded primarily through a grant from the California Arts Council that supports arts instruction for at-risk youth from juvenile hall, foster homes, county reporting centers, and continuation high schools including under-represented youth that are marginalized due to their undocumented status. Teen Centric offers youth a platform for their voices to be heard through discussion and poetry. Craig and his students share their stories and poems and interview other teens, like our county’s first three youth poet laureates, and while several are not system-engaged they all bring a lived-experience that involves some adversity. This program also seeks to celebrate youth and their successes.

He trains the students in the KPPQ studio located at the CAPS Media Center as well as on-location in Juvenile Hall and at other centers. Listeners are impressed with the compelling stories that the youth share. You too can listen to Teen Centric Tuesdays at 8a, Thursdays at 1p, Fridays at 9a and Saturdays at 2p at 104.1fm, on myTuner and on the KPPQ podcast network.

Business Profile: Quality Windows and Doors

Erick uses a team approach with his workforce.

by Patricia Schallert

Erick Karlsen, is the owner of Quality Windows and Doors in Oxnard, Santa Barbara and Ventura. As he was living and growing up in Oxnard at 17 years old, he was looking for a way to occupy his free time. So, he joined the Navy Seabee Reserves in Port Hueneme. His father, knowing that Erick needed something more to do during the summer break, asked his neighbor if Erick could work with him. Erick’s neighbor installed, repaired and replaced windows within their neighborhood and outlining community and Erick spent the summer of his 18th year learning the window and door trade out of his neighbor’s garage.

Erick’s neighbor became his mentor and when the time came for his neighbor to sell his business, Erick was the first one on the list. With the support of his grandfather and father, Erick became the sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors.

Hard work paid off for Erick. He had a plan, vision, and commitment to what he believed his business and his employees would look like and what the business would be able to do within the Ventura community. He was able to articulate that plan by writing it down, and being clear so his support teams could understand it and make it happen. His plan shaped itself to reality, both the reality of success in the community and his own reality within. With hard work, patience and three storefronts later, he has become the sole owner of all three stores, with one in Oxnard, and Santa Barbara and his third store is in Ventura.

Erick uses a team approach with his workforce. His employees begin with training in installation for several months, window repair and replacement and then they will move into the sales force when they are ready. He provides an honorable service and works along with his team and his customers in completing final installations and inspections. Over the years, he has built positive relationships with his customers and employees as he continues to demonstrate expertise and commitment to his business. Quality Windows and Doors is a success and works not only because of Erick but because of he envisioned the business in its entirety.

As sole owner of Quality Windows and Doors he is also committed to the community where his stores are located. He is a member of the Contractor’s Association, sponsors local school sports teams and has banners on several sports fields. Hard work, long hours and commitment to service, quality and the homeowner have led to the success of Erick’s business.

Quality Windows and Doors new design center featuring Marvin, Milgard, Fleetwood Windows, Entry doors and hardware is located at 4051 East Main Street in Ventura.

This season has an exciting lineup of concerts

The Schwab Academy of Music returns with three weekends of performances at Ventura College running from July 8-23. Going into third season, the Academy offers high-level orchestra and chamber music concerts performed by student musicians in Ventura County and beyond. Featuring professional musicians playing alongside their student mentees, and low-ticket prices ranging from $5-15 (and with kids under 10 free!), The Academy is a justly beloved part of Ventura’s music scene and well on its way to becoming one of the premiere music festivals on the West Coast.

Miriam Schwab’s $10 million gift created the Academy named in her honor, and allows Ventura residents easy access to the power of music as both concertgoers and as participants. Many of the area’s student musicians of all ages have performed in the ensembles. Violinists Carlos Ozuna and Susan Philbrick describe the student experience in glowing terms: “It’s very friendly, very motivational – it’s just a good vibe.” says Carlos. Susan adds “It doesn’t matter how old you are, what your background is; we’re all together in the communal pleasure of music.”

This season has an exciting lineup of concerts beginning Saturday, July 8 when the Academy Orchestra gets things started with a program that includes Verdi’s Nabucco Overture, plus music by Brahms and Ravel’s popular, passionate Bolero. The weekend of July 14-15 will feature the chamber music performers, and an orchestral concert featuring Rimsky-Korsakov’s Spanish infused Capriccio Espagnol, Grieg’s Pyr Gynt Suite and Sibelius’s emotional, majestic Finlandia.

The final weekend will feature the 13th annual Violin & Viola Competition in which area string players compete for the annual concerto competition’s $2000 top prize. Noted violinists Mark Kashper (LA Philharmonic) and Melissa Phelps (who has appeared with artists including Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Andrea Bocelli, and Diana Ross) serve as guest judges.

This year’s talented finalists are Kyler Chu (Camarillo), Carlos Ozuna (Ventura College), and Leonora Vukovitz (Thousand Oaks), performing Saturday July 22 and Karl Baumgartner (West Ranch High School), Beatrice Jiang (Westlake High School), and Skyler Lee (Newbury Park High School), performing on Sunday July 23. All performances in the final round will be accompanied by the full Schwab Academy Orchestra.

Academy Music Director and conductor Ashley Walters encourages the Ventura community to come enjoy these concerts and support the community’s home-grown talent, “We’re only in our third year on the ground, and I already see Schwab Academy becoming one of the top music festivals of the west coast.”

A Walk On Water took advantage of the Ventura Pier

AWOW couples life-changing surf therapy and children that have unique needs.

by Joseph Seemayer

The Ventura Pier, built in 1872, formerly known as the San Buenaventura Wharf is one of California’s oldest wooden piers and is a favorite destination of California visitors. On the weekend of May 9th, A Walk On Water (AWOW) took advantage of the Ventura Pier and its surf for their Ventura event.

AWOW couples life-changing surf therapy and children that have unique needs. With the assistance of experienced instructors, the children are able to stand up on a surfboard and experience surfing for the very first time.

If you’re not familiar with AWOW, its Vision and Mission are described on their website awalkonwater.org: “Harnessing the ocean’s transformative powers, we deliver life-changing surf therapy to children with unique needs and their families. We constantly strive to enhance our programs, strengthen our community and provide access to more children in need and their families, while remaining true to our core values— Empowering children with a feeling of pride and accomplishment, as they unlock their inner athlete through the emotional and incredibly transforming experience of surfing.”

At the event, I had an opportunity to speak with A Walk on Water’s cofounder Steven Lippman. I asked Steven what was the inspiration for A Walk on Water and the when and where did the organization begin.

“Founded in 2012”, Steven answered, “our profound inspiration stems from the heartfelt desire to uplift families with special needs children. We are driven by a singular idea: to forge enduring connections, instill unwavering trust, curate transformative experiences, and foster unbreakable bonds.”

“With our groundbreaking inaugural event in 2012, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to host two impactful events per year in the transformative setting of Ventura. Our unwavering dedication fuels our inspiration to continue creating life-changing moments for families in Ventura, striving to extend our meaningful presence for as long as humanly possible.”

Surf industry executive Dale Rhodes, an AWOW Surf Therapist and Board-member, shared with me his thoughts from his time on the beach, during the event, with the new surfers and their families. “We had a wonderful day on the beach with sun and great surf, filled with lots of smiling faces from our athletes and their families. We call our children of unique needs “athletes” as they’re surfers too. It’s also a great day when the parents of their athletes can come to the beach, let their hair down and enjoy their day of watching their kids surf. There’s healing elements in the salt water along with riding these waves that help build strong confidence in these athletes.

AWOW offers these athletes an experience that’s most likely would be beyond their reach without the help of the AWOW organization and their highly skilled, compassionate instructors. Watching the expressions of shear joy of the athletes and new surfers is truly addicting. Attend the next AWOW event on October 14th from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm PDT at the Ventura Pier to share in the experience.

School staff honored

Emily, Hector and Holly were recognized by the Ventura County Office of Education.

Four Ventura Charter School staff were honored with 2023 Ventura County Office of Education Impact II Awards and will receive $1,500 in funds to continue innovative curriculum practices. The Awards were presented on May 23rd during the Impact II Awards ceremony in Ventura.

Kindergarten teacher Holly Johnson was recognized for her lesson plan “A World of Feelings: Understanding Our Emotions to Help Ourselves and Others Thrive” and third grade teachers Emily Noel, Hector Rodriguez, and Michelle Wilson were recognized for their lesson plan “Mini Libraries: Access to Books for ALL!”

The Impact II awards began 30 years ago with the purpose of spreading excellent teaching ideas throughout Ventura County. This year, twenty-three Ventura educators submitted seventeen team and individual applications for their innovative curriculum to be judged by a group of educators and community business leaders. Fifteen educators across the county were selected from the individual and team categories for nine awards totaling $6,500.

Starting as Open Classroom in the 1970’s, Ventura Charter School of Global Arts & Education launched in 2006 as a tuition-free public charter school within the Ventura County Office of Education.

A must-see Parisian-style circus production

Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights”

Circus Vargas presented another outstanding, mega-hit entertainment experience in Ventura at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. It is now at the Santa Barbara at Earl Warren Showgrounds until June 19 and at the Madonna Inn starting June 23.

Join us for a brand new big top adventure with Performers from all over the globe! Featuring The “Last Ringmaster,” Johnathon Lee Iverson – classically trained opera singer-actor adds another dimension to their newest stellar production, “Bonjour, Paris!”

Circus Vargas channels the “City of Lights” in an all-new high-energy, action-packed extravaganza! In this latest, greatest production Circus Vargas delivers the ultimate live family entertainment experience for 2023!

A must-see Parisian-style circus production featuring world-renowned performers, aerialists, acrobats and more! Audiences are immediately immersed in an ambience of glitz and glamour reminiscent of the famed Lido de Paris. A must see! This extravagantly flashy, fun-filled circus spectacular is guaranteed to excite and delight audiences of all ages! An amazing adventure, not to be missed! Join us for two unforgettable hours under the big top …where memories are made to last a lifetime! Circus Vargas’ “Bonjour, Paris!” _C’est magnifique!

For Circus Vargas performance dates, times and to purchase tickets, visit www.circusvargas.com, call 877-GOTFUN-1 (877-468-3861) or visit the box office at each location. Follow Circus Vargas on Facebook and Twitter for updates, discounts and behind the scenes video.

Passing the Baton – The American Flag Program

Jim Monahan, Paul Nickolan, Jeff Bode, Doug Cavagnaro, Matt Valdez, Billy Magee, Dan Smith, David Soo Hoo, and Jim Duran volunteer to keep the flags flying.

Patriotism has been very important in the City of Ventura. That is why you see “Old Glory” displayed throughout our city. The American flag remains a living piece of history and a source of pride and unity for all Americans.

The flag was so important to Patrick Monahan, father of Jim Monahan our former Mayor, that in the 1930’s he made sure every polling station had a brand-new American Flag displayed throughout the County of Ventura.

Originally, the American Legion and the City of Ventura displayed the flags on Main St. and various other locations. But at some point, this tradition came to a halt.

Jim purchased flags and encouraged the other council members to purchase them as well. When it was time to display the flags in 1993, Corporal Ken Corney (former Police Chief of Ventura) carried the flags from pole to pole and Firefighter John Duff (former Fire Captain) climbed up the ladder to secure the flag to the pole.

A few years later, the International Brotherhood of Electric Workers (IBEW), asked if they could help. Jeff Bode, Business Manager of IBEW, has been organizing the volunteers for several years. Trucks were donated by Taft Electric and Oilfield Electric & Motor.

The Lyons Club, Pier into the Future and many volunteers are responsible for displaying the flags in the other areas of Ventura.

“After 30 years,” says Monahan, “I have decided to pass the baton to Councilmember Jim Duran. I could not think of a better person to continue this very important tradition. Jim has a heart for this country and loves our city.”

New flags are needed to replace the damaged ones. If you would like to purchase a flag for this program, you may do so at American Flags & Cutlery, 305 E. Main St. Ventura 93001. You can call Bryan at (805) 612-6400.

The Ladies Luncheon Ventura celebrates 14 years of networking

Ladies comes together for good networking and a delicious lunch.

by Carol Leish, MA

“The best networking comes from genuine relationships and friendships” –Gatehouse

Laurie Ann Meyer, a full time Real Estate Broker and owner of Lifestyle Listings with Realty One Group Summit in Ventura, said, “I saw an opportunity in 2009 to bring women together in a ‘Networking’ type of environment without all the commitment of a traditional networking group. I wanted it to be easy for women to attend, at a time in the day that would give them the chance to sit down and relax while having a meal and taking a deep breath away from all that they do during the rest of the day.”

“As a ‘No join group,’ the Ladies Luncheon does not have any monthly or annual fees. Women pay when they attend, and if they cannot attend one month, they do not pay for that month. This creates the opportunity that leads to no guilt, no commitment, and no hassling. I also wanted to make it available for unlimited categories of businesses. Not jut one per category, like other networking groups may have. Thus, there are other realtors in the group, besides me. The goal is to develop relationships.”

Through developing relationships and friendships, The Ladies Luncheon, has become a community. Through this community, the group has continued to follow the perspective that, “Networking is an enrichment program, not an entitlement program,” which Susan Roanne said.

Meyer emphasized the importance of community by saying, “We have been through many ups and downs over the years which has created a very close bond and support for each other. That is why our philosophy now is ‘Community, Connection, and Support.’

“We also have created a series of Wine Mixers, called ‘Radiant You Wine Mixer’ series. In support of local store front businesses, we meet every other month at a specific location from 5:30-7pm to share wine, conversation, and shopping. Our last one was at The Jelly Fish on Main St. On June 22^nd we will be at Trystology on Main Street for some more ‘Spice.’

“In March 2020, the week before the pandemic hit, we had our first all day event called Radiant You, in which we had four speakers who gave different presentations about health, wellness, business, and self-love. We also had a luncheon, meditation, and dancing. It was a success with over 80 attendees. My vision is to repeat the Radiant You event in 2024!

“I am thankful to my side kick, Elaine O’Malia (owner of Laine Designs), who is our marketing director. She handles all the social media, evites, website and more. Her and I have been doing this project together for over 12 years. Elaine is significant to the success of The Ladies Luncheon, as are all the women who continue to attend, participate, and share their friendships. The relationships that have been created are what I can truly say are ‘Forever.’” My continued passion in life is to use my inspiration, enthusiasm, and knowledge to empower and encourage myself and others to accomplish their dreams and goals in life!”

Ladies, come join us for good networking and a delicious lunch on the first Thursday of each month at The Greek Mediterranean Steak and Seafood at the Ventura Harbor.

Phone (805) 650-5360. To join us for our next networking lunch meeting on July 6^th, 2023 from 11:30-1:00, please register at: www.theladiesluncheon.com.

Ventura High School Presents 41st Annual Reader’s Faire

Inspiring children to explore the power of reading.

Ventura High School (VHS) held its 41st Annual Reader’s Faire, a cherished event organized by the VHS 10th grade Honors English classes on Thursday, June 1, at Ventura High School.

For over four decades, the Reader’s Faire has captivated young minds and fostered a love for reading among children. This unique event showcased the creativity and talent of Ventura High School students who write, illustrate, and publish original children’s books, which they present to our elementary student guests.

This year’s Reader’s Fair theme was “Through Time and Beyond,” inviting children to embark on imaginative journeys and explore the wonders of different eras. The stories presented during the event featured characters who learn valuable life lessons and undergo personal growth as they progress on their adventures.

Ventura High School welcomed approximately 1,000 students from nine elementary schools, including both public and private institutions. Students from kindergarten to second grade were able to immerse themselves in the joy of reading, promoting literacy, and encouraging the use of their imaginations. The elementary school students attending Reader’s Faire were treated to an enchanting experience as they encountered these captivating stories presented in specially designed and decorated habitats, bringing the narratives to life before their eyes.

The Reader’s Faire is a testament to the dedication of Ventura High School students, teachers, and staff who strive to inspire and uplift the community through the power of literacy.

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