Category Archives: Youth

Organization is dedicated to helping families who are battling all forms of cancer

Emanuel Franco and Cory Harper (musicians), Nathaniel Curran and Matt Coulter (Co-Founders of The Young and Brave Foundation), and Mike Morrison and Seth Gibson (Co-Founders of MadeWest Brewery) are supporters of The Young and Brave Foundation.

The Young and Brave Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping families who are battling all forms of cancer. From the beginning, the theme of the foundation has been Love. Co-founders Matt Coulter of Ventura and Nathaniel Curran of Oxnard grew up surfing the local beaches together. When a loved one was diagnosed with cancer in 2009, Coulter and Curran brought a community together to help fight this disease and to prove that love beats cancer. The nonprofit earned its 501(c)(3) status in March of 2011 and hit the ground running to help as many families as possible.

Once a person is diagnosed with cancer, they can apply to be a Warrior supported by The Young and Brave Foundation. The foundation supports its Warriors in overcoming their challenges by providing a streamlined fundraising platform, hosting events, raising awareness, and advocating for children and families who are dealing with cancer. Each Warrior is provided with a free online profile where they can share vital information, photos, and where they can fundraise. 100% of contributions raised through each profile goes straight to the Warrior and their fight for life.

The foundation operates many programs. One program, #LOVEbeatscancer, encourages cancer survivors to share their stories with the community to encourage others and to remind them that no one fights alone. #LOVEbeatscancer survivor stories are posted on the foundation’s website. Additionally, the foundation’s “Operation Turkey Day” happens every year in November and involves a full Thanksgiving meal served to patient families at several hospitals across the U.S.

Over the years, The Young and Brave Foundation has built partnerships with individuals, groups, and businesses around the world. Today, the reach of the foundation extends far beyond Ventura with Warrior families and supporters across the globe. “We are humbled and inspired by the incredible support we’ve received from so many people, all of them are part of our Young and Brave family” said Matt Coulter, Co-Founder and Executive Director.

With a robust social media presence, followers can stay connected with the Young and Brave cause and community. Follow @theyoungandbrave on Instagram and The Young and Brave Foundation on Facebook. Potential Warriors and their families can be nominated online at https://www.theyoungandbrave.com/donate/nominate-a-warrior/.

The Young and Brave Foundation is proud to have given away over a million dollars. Their flagship location is set to open in Ventura this summer.

Girl Scout Camporee 2017

Camporee is a Girl Scout event where more than 6,000 girls Southern California get together to sing, dance, perform live stage performances, participate in outdoor programming, and do fun teambuilding exercises. Girls learn skills such as Stargazing, fire building, safety, how to use a compass, and knot tying. Some girls go for the day while others camp-out all weekend.

This year’s Camporee took place at Camp Arnaz in Ojai on March 25, and had a superhero theme. The girls spent time writing cards of gratitude to be shared with “super heroes” in our community. Several community super heroes were invited to share their knowledge with the girls. Local law enforcement from the Sheriff and Highway Patrol offices came to share safety tips with the young scouts.

Ventura Family YMCA wants kids to “Charge into Summer”

On Saturday, April 29, the Ventura Family YMCA is holding a free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at the annual YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families. The event features activities to motivate and teach families how to develop healthy routines at home.

The Ventura Family YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day takes place at 3760 Telegraph Rd. from 10:00am – 1:00pm and features fun, active play and educational activities . Meet Lorenzo Booker, NFL Running Back, graduate of St. Bonaventure High School in Ventura.

YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at over 1,600 Ys across the country by over 1.2 million participants, works to get more kids moving and learning, creating habits that they continue all summer long.  When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles that prevent them from reaching their full potential. Research shows that without access to out-of-school learning activities, kids fall behind academically – this summer learning loss is more pronounced among students from low-income families.

“Healthy Kids Day is a signature event at the Ventura Family Y and families attend year after year. It’s a great day, partnering with other like-minded individuals and organizations to encourage families and children to lead healthy lives, together “said Julie Obrien, Youth Programs Director, Ventura Family YMCA.

For more information, contact the Ventura Family YMCA at 642.2131 or visit www.ciymca.org/ventura.

 

 

 

High school seniors win college scholarships from Edison

Michael’s life changed when his mom was diagnosed with cancer.

Five high school seniors from Ventura County have each won a $40,000 college scholarship from Edison International in their pursuit of a STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) degree. The students are among 30 students from throughout Southern California Edison’s service territory who were chosen for their academic success and demonstrated financial need as part of the $1.2 million Edison Scholars Program.

The winners were Juan Carrillo Channel Islands High School, Oxnard, Jesus Contreras Magana

Santa Paula High School, Santa Paula,,Mireille Vargas,Santa Paula High School, Santa Paula,,Gissele Vazquez Oxnard High School, Oxnard and Michael Morrissey Hanson Ventura High School, Ventura.

Michael’s life changed when his mom was diagnosed with cancer when he was 13. He helped care for his mom through her medical procedures and took care of his younger brother. Michael wants to find ways to protect natural water resources and ensure that all people have access to safe drinking water. He is also an Eagle Scout and a member of the track and field team at his high school.

Boys & Girls Club making news

Giselle and  her little sister in front of their story board.

March is always an exciting month for the Club.  Not only is spring fast approaching, but it also marks Boys & Girls Club week and the time we come together for their kids during this year’s Power of One/Youth of the Year Celebration.  The event which has evolved over time, has taken on a life of its own and plugs in local business leaders and community members with the Club’s past successes over the year.

The event which was held at the Wedgewood spotlighted Elementary, Middle School and High School age Club kids.  All of whom had been selected on the basis of excelling in the values of leadership, service, academic excellence and healthy lifestyles. Yet the best part of the evening is always when the kids have the chance to share their narratives.  Some telling about their school successes, others about challenges that they had to overcome, but each shared in common a story about the Club and how it inspired their life.

Among other things, the event also kicked-off the Power of One/Youth of the Year Campaign, which promotes the spirit of philanthropy within the community.  The campaign helps draw in much needed financial support necessary to spread the cost of running all four Club locations throughout the year.  When all spoken for the Club delivers top-level programs to 1,300 children and teens; a snack and meal once a day; while also providing kids shuttle service at free or reduced cost.  All the while, still ensuring the maintenance and safety of all four facilities; and working together with 43 staff and 100 dedicated volunteers.  In all, the logistics of coordinating busses, programs and children can seem like an energizing, but sometimes daunting task.

And as quality programs continue to improve and grow at a steady stream, so does the demand for kids wanting to join; which CEO, Patti Birmingham, attests is always a good problem to have.  And despite a lean budget, she and her team continue to find balance and creative ways to keep the magic alive.  As one volunteer attests, “It may take hard work to keep the doors open, but it is the kids and families that keep coming back, time after time, that inspire us to continue our mission.”

Rabobank, N.A. has donated a total of $17,500 to four Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Ventura County. The funds will support youth programs and fundraising events at the following local club locations: Camarillo, Moorpark, Oxnard/Port Hueneme and  Ventura.

Casitas Rowing makes finals in 27th annual Long Beach Invitational

Photo by Wendy Gillett

Recently Casitas Rowing made finals with every squad at the 27th annual Long Beach Invitational. The race that brought in over 24 different rowing teams from 4 different states is a challenging three day event. The Casitas Rowing kids also medaled in 3 events including a Varsity Girls boat seen here with their bronze medals. The boat included Kaylie Dawson, Jackie O’connor, Rebecca Moya, Lisa Leap and Hannah Hassien. Summer Class signups are at www.casitasrowing.org

Robots descend on Ventura

The future of the world is in the hands of these kids.

Article and photos by Richard Lieberman

Teams faced off at FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics regional competition at Ventura College. Teams from Ventura County, Chile and Hawaii compete in the FIRST Robotics competition.

The local team is Team 3925 from Ventura County. The team is comprised of seven different local high schools competing against 42 high school teams, including teams from Newbury Park High,  Construction and Engineering charter high school in Camarillo and the Ventura County Career Education Center, where students from six county high schools make up the team.

This event called FIRST Steamworks incorporating a Steampunk theme. The student designed robots are required to pick up an item then throw it, climb and then hang on a tower and to carry an item and place it on a platform.  The teams were given a starter kit to help design and build their robot. Students were allowed six weeks to build, program and test their robots.

More than 5,000 teams, totaling 78,000 students world-wide are taking part in the FIRST Robotics competition this year. Aiding the students were teachers, and mentors from the programming, engineering, manufacturing field to help students design their robots and form their business plans. All team participants have the option to apply for twenty-two million dollars in scholarships from more than 200 colleges and universities.

Event chair Velma Lomax said “This is what I love so much, it’s not just about robotics and competing, it’s about everything these kids learn” There are regional competitions that will move on next month to western competitions in Houston, then on to eastern competitions in St. Louis and a final world championship in New Hampshire in July.

Lomax added “These kids are in business fields, they design their own brochures, they do all of their own promoting, their own fundraising. They don’t get money from anyone. These kids are amazing and every child can fit in. Additionally, Lomax said “They call it a varsity squad for the mind, another important thing they learn is time management.”

Three teams who won the regional with their robots are Team 114 from Los Altos high school, Team 3925 from Career Education at Ventura High School, includes members from Ventura High School, Buena High School, and Foothill Technology. Ventura’s team 3925 won a spot to advance to the upcoming competitions.

“It’s a lot of components this year, event chair Velma Lomax said.” She added  “It’s an interesting competition.”

 

Kids’ Arts Ventura celebrate 25 years with Spring Art Show and Auction April 29

Kids’ Arts Ventura is celebrating 25 years of service with a Spring Art Show and Auction on Saturday, April 29th from 4-7pm at the WAV Theater Gallery located at 175 S. Ventura Avenue at Thompson Blvd.

Since 1992 Kids’ Arts has been growing young artists and our mission remains: to provide a creative hands-on experience in art, music, movement and theater for kids ages 5-14. Every Saturday kids and the professional artists who lead them are engaged in exploring art expression and having a great time. In addition to the Saturday program, the organization participates in community events such as the  Ventura Art and Street Painting Festival, Ventura Art Walk, Surf Rodeo and StoryFest. In over two decades of service, Kids’ Arts has worked cooperatively with other nonprofits and arts organizations such as the WAV, Kids & Families Together, The Arc of Ventura County, and  Ventura Education Partnership.

The event  will feature artwork created by participating kids and the grown up artists who guide them, offered on exhibit and for sale. All proceeds go toward funding the nonprofit’s commitment to enriching the lives of local families. http://www.kidsartsventura.org/

The Lester Tong Visualization Center

3-D demonstration held at College Applied Science Center.

On March 23 a dedication of the Lester Tong Visualization Center at Ventura College Applied Science Center was held.  This 75-seat classroom utilizes a state-of-the-art 3-D dual rear projector system onto an 8′ tall glass “touch screen” where the viewing audience wear powered 3-D glasses.  A 3-D demonstration was held.

Lester Tong worked at the Ventura County Community College District Office and in the Information Technology department at Ventura College for over 30 years. He was dedicated to serving the campus and the community.  Retiring in 2016, Mr. Tong continues his devotion to service in Ventura County by volunteering at various non-profit organizations.

The son of Cantonese immigrants, Lester became a first-generation college student, receiving his B.S. in Business Administration from Pacific Union College in 1971. Lester attributes his success in life to the education he received. He is grateful for an education which created many opportunities for him, including his career at Ventura College.

His passion for education inspired him to leave a lasting impact at Ventura College by creating an endowment for the Ventura College Promise, a program that covers the enrollment costs for the first year at Ventura College.

The District Board of Trustees unanimously authorized the naming of the Ventura College Visualization Center: The Lester Tong Visualization Center.

Twelve young women are presented at 60th Annual Debutante Ball

Front row left Audrey Shinsky, Rebecca Belleville, Madison Jaffe, Carissa Christianson. Middle row Tatiana Anderson, Elizabeth Fedde, Sidney Shinsky, Gianna Lo Presti, Sydney Clevenger. Top row left Julia Cote, Grace Resnik, Samantha Walsh

Twelve local young women made their debut as debutantes at the 60th Annual Las Patronas Presentation Ball at the Ventura Beach Marriott.  The Debutantes were presented by their fathers and celebrated with family and friends at the white-tie fundraiser gala.  The guests were welcomed by Las Patronas Chairman, Marila Cook and Ball Chairman, Michele Borchard. Jeff Cook presided as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.

It was a magical evening, the ballroom design filled with exquisite floral arrangements and the use of the Las Patronas fan; a time honored tradition.  The Debutantes dressed in traditional white gowns and carried a white lace fan adorned with pastel flowers.  The girls also wore a small gold and pearl fan necklace as a gift from the Las Patronas Auxiliary.

All high school seniors, the 2017 Debutantes represent 5 cities and 8 high schools in Ventura County.  In their high school careers, they have distinguished themselves in academics, school government, community service, performing arts, and athletics.

Proceeds from the ball are used to benefit Assistance League philanthropies, including the Assistance League School, the Girls Club/Teen Club , B.U.F.F.Y. Bear Program, and Operation School Bell. The Vision for Assistance League is “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children”