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by Jill Forman

The parades used to go by Karen Abel’s store on Main Street in Midtown.  Though the parade route changed about ten years ago, the parade of friends and customers has continued for thirty years.

Karen was brought up in a clothing store that her mother owned, and she duplicated that by raising her daughters Grace and Melissa at Wear It Again Sam, 1978 Main Street.  Her older daughter was five months old when the store opened.  “We ran the store together,” she says with a laugh.  Before she had the store, she was in the restaurant industry as a chef.

Though commuting from Camarillo, her girls went to St. Paul’s so the store’s patrons watched them grow up.  Some of the consignees have been coming for over 20 years.

Where did she get the name?  “It’s catchy, a play on the line from Casablanca.” Thirties nostalgia was big when she opened, she has a vintage-type feel to the décor, and originally stocked vintage-style clothes along with business and dressy attire.  She used to collect autographed movie star photos, and that movie influence showed in her name selection.  Her store only carries women’s clothes, so she could make sure to have a good selection.

She speaks positively of the changes she has seen in the city.  “Downtown has been beautified with theaters and restaurants and trees.”  She remembers when downtown Main Street was lined with antique stores, and people from all over would come to shop for treasures.

In her immediate area, there are now four consignment stores and several thrift stores; a great area for someone to shop!

Karen will miss Ventura – “gorgeous views, good landlord, friendly people, and ocean air” – but is looking forward to the next stage of her life.  She is moving to Northern California where her fiancé lives, not knowing what will happen up there and what career path she might take.

She does not plan on opening another clothing store, though taking pride in what she has accomplished in Ventura.  “I’ve loved being here and people have been very supportive of my business. I feel I’ve contributed to my community by offering a good product at reasonable prices, especially for working women.”

Everything in the store is on sale.  Call for hours since Karen will be packing, moving and getting ready to change her life. 643-3989

The contentment she has found here shows in her words, “Ventura is a lovely place.”

Education and fun
By Elizabeth Rodeno

The El Camino TV (ECTV) crew spent a great afternoon at the robotics competition at Ventura College. Filming on location is great fun and a lot of hard work. After six episodes, they are not resting on their laurels.  The whiteboard is full of great ideas the team has been prepping.  We can’t wait to see what’s next.

CAPS Media Center’s staff is prepping  for our Digital Storytelling summer programs.  Our first program, in conjunction with the Ventura Parks and Recreation Department, is filling up. This course begins July 11 for one week. You can get more information on page 11 of the Parks and Recreation’s Summer program. Our regular summer fare is two weeks of fun in the studio and out in the field, where  students learn everything about filmmaking and making films.  These classes begin the 25^th of July and finish up August 5^th. CAPS Digital Storytelling  programs have inspired many a student to find their passion in  media making.

There are anniversaries a plenty these days. Among those celebrating a big one, the Ventura County Library system celebrates its 100^th Anniversary. Some cake and speeches were given at the Topping room which happens to be named after EP Foster’s first librarian. The storytelling corner was an inviting place for visitors to come and share their stories. We heard about many library memories. The libraries in Ventura County continue to be an integral part of  life. Our EP Foster  is no longer just a bricks and mortar place for books. There is plenty online as well. EP Foster has its own Make Space which is great place to learn about 3D printing and new technology.  There are lots of activities for kids, adults and seniors.

Ventura Rocks @ CAPS just keeps rocking. We are filming our fifth episode. Go to the CAPS Media website and check out our facebook and twitter pages for up to the moment information on what is airing and live streaming. We need your help to fund our radio station to be able to share more bands and their music with you.  Contact CAPS Media for information.   If you have a passion and want to share about music, stories, and opinions radio is  a great place to begin.  Feel comfortable behind a microphone. Learn broadcasting and encourage more voices.  Lots of talk, lots of music and lots of fun.

CAPS Media is the non-profit membership organization that is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. A yearly membership at CAPS is only $25 and includes training, equipment, use of our studio and edit suites. Keep up to date on what’s happening here at CAPS, on the channels and in our community by going to CAPSMedia.org, CAPS-TV Ventura on Facebook and CAPS Media Center on Twitter.

Mermaids came out of the ocean to read the Ventura Breeze during March at the Ventura Harbor Village. From nautical finds to coastal décor, fashion and artwork inspired by the sea, Ventura Harbor Village pays homage to the mermaid in all of us to celebrate seaside with Mermaid Madness!

Mermaid Farasha Millner, who came all the way from Las Vegas and Ventura little mermaid  Jade Reily greeted visitors in front of The December Store & More.

On Thursday, March 31, volunteers will be on hand to help attending seniors with questions related to their cell phones, tablets and computers. From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the SCAN Health & Wellness Center (6633 Telephone Rd., Ste 100), the Technology Connection workshop is free to seniors 55+ and their caregivers. For more information or to register, call 658-0365.