Category Archives: Youth

Lincoln’s orchard was started more than 14 years ago

youth Lincoln Elementary SchoolFourth and fifth graders working on “Gardens of the Dragons”

Ventura’s Lincoln Elementary School is a Title 1 school serving a diverse community including one of the largest homeless and home-insecure populations in the county. Its school garden, “Gardens of the Dragons,” is especially important, teaching fourth and fifth graders how to grow food.

Agromin donated mulch to the school for its garden and school orchard. Students placed the mulch in their vegetable garden barrels and around the trees in the orchard. They are seeing firsthand how mulch makes gardening easy and water-efficient. Instead of watering every other day, students now only water two times a week.

Kids are currently growing broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, carrots, beans, kale, beets and onions. As the vegetables mature, the students harvest, wash, and prepare them for tasting. They will soon be harvesting kale. The students will taste the kale “raw,” and then in a prepared salad.

Lincoln’s orchard was started more than 14 years ago by a teacher and has been maintained by Ventura Unified School District staff and parent volunteers since then. It serves as an important resource to the entire school, providing fresh fruits to Lincoln families year-round.

 

The students hope to plant a mulberry tree this school year. While the barrel garden does not lend itself to plants that are slow growing, the orchard provides a great counterpoint for students–showing them what is possible with patience and care.

As a reward for their work with their garden (weeding, watering, raking and mulching), kids can go to the orchard for a taste treat. At the beginning of fall, they ate figs and guava. Currently, they are enjoying apples and oranges.

Way to go to all the students, staff and parents at Lincoln!

Opera welcomes promising young vocalists

Opera Santa Barbara will welcome four promising young vocalists for 17 weeks of performances, training, and community events under an expansion of its artist residency program early next year. The company’s new Mosher Studio Artist Program will enable four singers and an apprentice vocal coach to take part in Opera Santa Barbara productions, outreach activities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, and coachings and masterclasses with top industry directors and conductors. The inaugural complement of program participants will arrive in Santa Barbara on January 18. Their residencies will conclude in May.

Under its original artist residency program, founded seven years ago, Opera Santa Barbara would host four singers for about five weeks of training and rehearsals prior to each of the company’s three annual opera productions, culminating in on-stage appearances as secondary performers.

Under the new Mosher Studio Artist Program, participants will tour elementary schools in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties as part of the company’s Opera Lab, which uses improvisational theatre techniques to encourage children to “create their own operas. To schedule a “pop up” performance, contact Opera Santa Barbara at 898-3890 or [email protected].

 

Through a related partnership, qualified UCSB voice students will be eligible to participate in the Mosher Studio Artist Program. Mezzo-soprano Molly Clementz, a doctoral candidate at UCSB, will be among the new program’s inaugural participants.

 

Opera Santa Barbara is seeking local homeowners to serve as housing donors for Mosher Studio Artists. Donors will receive a stipend of $2,000 for the full 17-week period. Each artist requires a private bedroom and bathroom and wireless internet access. For more information, contact Opera Santa Barbara at 898-3890 or [email protected].

 

Wish Kid Sarai Celebrates National Believe Day at Macy’s

Katie from Alpha Xi Delta Sorority, Sarai’s family member, Wish Kid Sarai, and Hannah from Alpha Xi Delta made posters to congratulate Sarai on her wish!

On Friday, Dec.11, Macy’s and Make-A-Wish celebrated the seventh annual National Believe Day, the cornerstone of the retailer’s annual Believe campaign which helps Make-A-Wish grant wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions across America.

The wish of Sarai, who needs a kidney transplant is  “I wish to go to Hawaii with my family.”

Sarai’s favorite color is red, her favorite singer is Meghan Trainor, and she loves Kit-Kats.

Make-A-Wish Volunteers were stationed throughout the story with clues for Sarai as she collected gifts for Macy’s that will prepare her for her wish to go to Hawaii!   Hālau Hula O Pualanina‘auali‘ioha Hula Dancers entertained friends and family to surprise Sarai at the final station.

 

Holiday Toy Drive for local Ventura County children

Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer to these children in need, there are programs that help coordinate through Children and Family Services – Foster VC Kids and Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), involving hundreds of donors and volunteers for the Holiday Toy Drive.

A team of businesses throughout the community have joined together to invite and encourage the public to donate unwrapped toys and other gifts to these underprivileged kids through CSA. Toy donation locations included Ventura County Fire Stations, Ventura County Government Center, The Oaks and Pacific View malls.

During the week of Christmas, toys will be distributed through the Holiday Toy Store where foster caregivers and low-income parents can shop for free. Donations and gift options range for ages 0-teens, and include baby dolls, matching games, books, bicycles, clothes, board games, sporting equipment, movie passes, music gift cards, arts and crafts and more. Any and all contributions will greatly benefit local VC children. Putting a smile on a child’s face this Christmas is a present all in itself, if you are searching to donate something that little bit special, maybe a trike? They are ideal for christmas and they can help a child to learn to ride and have some fun, not only this time of year but all year round, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Every year we do our best to increase gift donations to these kids in need,” explains President of the Children Services Auxiliary Board, Teresa Brumit. “With the support of the VC Fire Departments, local malls, volunteers and everyone who donates, we’re able to collect and distribute a ton of wonderful gifts. Every child deserves that special holiday miracle, and we’re fortunate we have the opportunity to make their holiday wish come true.”

About Ventura County Human Services Agency, Foster VC Kids
Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.

About Children Services Auxiliary
The Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is a volunteer run organization whose mission is to meet the needs of Ventura County’s court-dependent children. These children have been displaced from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Auxiliary also serves youth who have recently transitioned from the foster care system. The CSA Board of Directors work closely with Ventura County Children and Family Services to identify the needs of the court-dependent children and transitioning youth.

Santa Stops by the Ventura Family YMCA

The Y teams up with the ACTION Foundation and the Community Christmas Shoppe to Help Families in Need This Holiday Season

The Ventura Family YMCA presents their annual Santa Stops by the Y event on December 12th from 8AM-10AM.  This morning is a community event for children to have their photo taken with Santa and the opportunity to participate in fun crafts!  RSVP on the Y’s Facebook page and bring one unwrapped toy or gift per child to enter; with a suggestion of one gift per child. The donations will benefit low-income families by giving them the chance to find holiday presents at the ACTION Foundation’s Christmas Shoppe.

The Ventura Family YMCA, the ACTION Foundation, and the Community Christmas Shoppe

Unwrapped toys and gifts will be donated at the Y. These donations will help low-income families within the community.  Children participating in the event will have their photos taken with Santa and a fun time making Christmas themed crafts.

Ventura Family YMCA 3760 Telegraph Road. Ventura

A free community event for families to enjoy their time together, which also supports those who need help in our hometown.

Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.

New West Symphony Harmony Project celebrates the season with free community concert Dec. 12th

Young members of the New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura County will present a free concert for the community on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 pm at Bell Arts Factory, located at 432 N. Ventura Avenue in Ventura. The concert will include classical pieces, jazz tunes and holiday songs performed by 40 students from Ventura’s DeAnza Middle School and Cabrillo Middle School who take part in the New West Symphony Harmony Project youth development program.  The sixth, seventh and eighth graders will perform on violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

 The New West Symphony Harmony Project provides after-school music instruction to 140 underserved children in grades 3 through 8 in West Ventura, with 40 students on the waiting list.  The program, which is funded largely through individual donations and community and foundation grants, was founded in 2011 by Ventura arts philanthropists Sandra and Jordan Laby and is managed under the direction and auspices of the New West Symphony. During its first season, 35 participants began by learning rhythm and percussion on orange Home Depot buckets, and today the program currently offers instruction on 10 different musical instruments. All students receive a full scholarship and are given instruments to use for the duration of their participation.

“All of our students have been working very hard these past few months, attending rehearsals two-to-three times a week and regularly practicing at home,” said New West Symphony Harmony Project Director Andrea Landin. “Concerts provide a time for the community to come together to support these young musicians and listen to their accomplishments. Our parents and teachers are so proud of them!”

Ms. Landin, who has been instrumental in the development of Harmony Project as both administrator and teacher and runs the daily operations of the program, was recently named recipient of the 2015 City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator.  She may be reached for further information at 805-279-2424 or [email protected].

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – CAPS Chat

stuff CAPS
The Every 15 Minutes crew ready to roll.

CAPS Chat – In your community
By Elizabeth Rodeno

Things are busy at City Hall. Part of CAPS’ mission is to bring local government to the citizens and provide a place for them to share their views and stories. Do you have something to say? Our members do. Whether it be an announcement of an upcoming event or program, a historical piece about a World War II veteran or a profile on an environmental issue close to a producer’s heart; CAPS provides the venue.  Our El Camino interns certainly have a lot to share.  ECTV, El Camino Television News’ staff is covering insightful topics. This month features local artists; Woodworker David Seidler, Filmmaker Brandon Elliot and M.B. Hanrahan.

We had the opportunity to watch the Ventura County CERT training graduation and learn a little bit about the program. Following a major disaster, in addition to our police, fire and public works first responders, it’s often necessary to have a group of citizens trained to help. The Community Emergency Response Team is a program that focuses on preparedness. CERT program efforts are coordinated through local emergency services personnel. Team coordinators are in charge of recruitment, training, and scheduling as well as mobilization and staging decisions. These are committed volunteers. It is a great relief to know there are trained citizens right in your own neighborhood.

Ventura Rocks @ CAPS is bringing in-studio performances by our great local bands to our community. Hosted by Ventura’s queen of rock Pam Baumgardner (Ventura Breeze music columnist), the show will focus on our local artists. With great music, band trivia and a look at what’s up and coming is on channel 6. We will keep you posted on dates and times.

Business of the Month, sponsored by the Ventura Chamber and the City of Ventura feature a new business of the month. CAPS is thrilled to highlight the story of the businesses and share it with you. We have met and learned a lot about the City Center, Main Street Meats and Mortgage Couch. There will be more to come. You can find the videos on our Vimeo page under Business of the Month.

Our Mayor for a Moment project has been rewarding. The city and the school district select an exceptional student to bang the gavel, CAPS provides a little insight into the student selected and hear from their teachers and principals about this exceptional kid.

Don’t forget that not only is CAPS Media capturing important events in Ventura, you, as a member, can do the same. CAPS Media is here to create an engaged and informed community through participation in electronic media. A yearly membership is only $25 and includes training, equipment, and use of our studio and edit suites. Share your history with over 20,000 Ventura residents on channel 6 and 15. For more information go to www.CAPSTV.org or stop by CAPS Media Center on 65 Day Road and schedule a tour.

Kids excel at new German school

Kindergarten students at the German Saturday School show their gratitude for the earth, sky, mountains and trees.
By Gail Field

Children in Ventura have a new place for learning German, thanks to a new language school serving the area. The German Saturday School, just opened in September, provides classes for children from ages 4 to 17, with a curriculum that includes speaking, reading and writing as well as activities with songs, art and games. The school’s principal, Sabine Schafer-Mitchell, a native German speaker originally from Baden-Württemberg, is passionate about the benefits of learning a new language. “Not only is language learning a helpful stimulus to the brain, but being exposed to a new culture instills in children a respect for the diversity of other peoples.”

Ms. Schafer-Mitchell is passionate about the new school’s offerings. “Here at the school we make it both fun and educational for the kids. There are a variety of reasons parents want their children to learn German. In some cases, the parents and grandparents speak German. In others, they want to give their children exposure to another language and culture. Some families travel often and want their children to be able to speak several languages.”

Rebecca Wulff, a parent of two students, ages 5 and 7, says, “Even though my children have been taught some German at home and hear it from their grandparents, they have a much richer experience at the school where they play language games, interact with other children, and where the language fits their interests. Since going to the school, they’re more likely to speak in whole German sentences at home. Their favorite is the German version of ‘May I please have some chocolate?’ They know they’ll make Mom smile when they ask me in German.” Learning a new language as a child is much easier than trying to learn this skill when you are older. However, there are courses as shown on the Languala website, that aim to teach you the basics of German in order that you can continue your studies at home!

Studies of language learning conducted by many groups, including the National Education Association, have shown that there are many advantages of second language learning. Greater understanding of the student’s native language, enhanced listening skill, and improved academic progress in other subjects are some of the benefits.

The German Saturday School has three language level classes: one for children ages 4 to 6, another for beginning students of grade school age, and an intermediate class for children with more knowledge of the language. Sabine Schafer-Mitchell explains that the word “German” in the school name refers to the German language and culture found in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein as well as other German speaking regions.

Current students come from Ventura, Santa Barbara, Ojai, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Port Hueneme. Classes are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church on Saturday mornings. Students can enter at any time, and tuition is prorated accordingly. Classes for adults are planned for the future.

The school is a non-profit organization supported by tuition, donations, and funds from the German government. More information about the school, including tuition and methodology is available on the German American School Association website: http://www.germanschool4kids.org. To contact the Ventura school directly, email the school principal at [email protected].

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boy Scout Troop 102 wins first prize in Trunk or Treat

youth ScoutBoy Scout Troop 102 participated in a community Trunk or Treat held in conjunction with a Harvest Festival on Oct. 30. On the left Won Jong, Life Scout, Henry Dalton, Tenderfoot Scout and Brandon Peay, Scout.  On the right is Cory Friend, Charter Rep, Gloria Friend, Advancement Chair and Trainer and Zachary Leppaluoto, Scout who were proud of their decorated trunk which won first place prize for the most creatively decorated trunk.  Held at the First United Methodist Church of Ventura. Boy Scout Troup 102 meets on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. and Cub Scout Pack 3102 meets on Mondays at 5:30 p.m at the church.