Category Archives: Youth

Poster contest winners honored

Photo by Bernie Goldstein

art poster contest inset

The winners of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary poster contest were honored at a special presentation at the beginning of the City Council meeting held on November 16.

Upon presentation, the Mayor stated, “It is my pleasure to welcome and provide awards to eight local schoolchildren – the winners of the 150th Anniversary Poster Contest, organized and presented by the Friends of the Library, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Ventura Unified School District.”

“As many of you know, our City turns 150 on April 2, 2016, and a group of dedicated community members have been working together to plan special events and programs to celebrate our wonderful and unique community.”

“The Friends of the Library proposed the idea of a poster contest for our local schoolchildren at the first anniversary planning meeting, and working with the Boys and Girls Club, the School District, and the Ventura County Fair, the idea has come to life. “

Almost 70 children submitted posters. The posters will be on display at the Ventura County Fair in August, 2016. The Grand Prize Winner was Sachi Tan, a Senior, at Foothill Technology High School.

Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation recognizes local teacher

On Oct. 28, the Ventura Commerce and Education Foundation (VCEF) named Mrs. Patricia “Trisha” Lewis, third-grade teacher at Portola Elementary School in Ventura, October’s Teacher of the Month. VCEF board member, Pattie Braga, along with elected representatives and members of the business community, presented Lewis with a plaque to commemorate the award.

Lewis has 30 years of teaching experience and has played an integral role in the development of several key on-campus programs, including the school’s PTA and peer mediation group. Committed to helping her students flourish in the area of technology, Lewis also helped establish a technology committee at Portola Elementary. To supplement her involvement and experience, she attends training workshops on both technology and peer mediation.

“Trisha is a highly experienced teacher, and throughout her career she has maintained an unwavering dedication to providing the best possible education for her students,” said Portola Elementary School’s principal, Robert Ruiz. “She consistently find ways to go above and beyond, and her leadership and innovation make her a tremendous asset to our team.”

All principals and parent-teacher organizations from schools within the Ventura Unified School District are eligible to submit nominations. For more information about the Teacher of the Month program, please contact Pattie Braga, chair of the Teacher Appreciation Committee with the VCEF, at [email protected] or 477-4052.

Ventura County Ballet Company (VCB) will be presenting “The Nutcracker” this holiday season.

stuff ballet VCMCPhoto by Michael Gordon

Prior to the winter performances, VCB, in partnership with the Ventura County Medical Center Pediatric Oncology Clinic performed excerpts of its annual production of the holiday classic on Nov.9. The dancers were in full costumes. The performance brought smiles and a little holiday magic to local Ventura County children battling and being treated for cancer and other chronic illnesses.stuff ballet VCMC inset

Poster Contest winners from city’s 150th Anniversary Poster Contest by Ventura Friends of the Library

art poster contestThis is the Grand Prize winning poster.  The artist is Sachi Tan.  She is 16, and a Senior at Foothill Technology High School. 

The Poster Contest winners from the city’s 150th Anniversary Poster Contest sponsored by the Ventura Friends of the Library have been announced.  They were judged by   Mayor Heitmann, Dr. Michael Babb, Patti Birmingham, James Lockwood and Jill Forman. There were many cute posters submitted.  One of the other winners drew a picture of Father Serra surfing in his robes, and one has a birthday cake.

The winners will be honored at a special presentation at the beginning of the City Council Meeting on November 16.

The winners:

Ages 14 to 18
1st Prize and Grand Prize Winner: Sachi Tan, Senior, Foothill Technology
2nd Prize: Estrella Sinohui, Senior, Pacific High School
3rd Prize: Rocio Puga, Senior, Pacific High School

Ages 10 to 13
1st Prize: Dylan Spear,  Grade 6, Cabrillo Middle School
2nd Prize:  Boys and Girls Club
3rd Prize: Marli Canchola,  Grade 5, Elmhurst Elementary

Ages 6 to 9
1st Prize: Allison Laak, Grade 4, Ventura Charter
2nd Prize: Bennett Rodman, Grade 2, Mound Elementary
3rd Prize: Layla Solomon, Grade 2, Juanamaria Elementary

 

Rotary offering youth leadership opportunity

Are you a Junior or Senior at Ventura High School who would like to be selected as a local ambassador for a 4 day all expenses paid retreat in the beautiful hills of Ojai at Camp Ramah from April 14th – April 17th? The event offers courses not often found in the regular curriculum, including diversity training, public speaking, team building, leadership fundamentals, goal setting, leading a meeting, character and ethics, facilitation, fellowship and creating good habits. Please visit www.ryla5240.com for more information and to submit your short essay application along with faxing the parental consent form to 650.0022 by November 15th. Email [email protected] with any questions.

Ribbon cutting held at YMCA

Photos by John Ferritto

On November 6, The Ventura Family YMCA celebrated the grand opening of their 4,000 sq. ft. full-size outdoor basketball court, 1,700 sq. ft. outdoor workout space, and a 1,000 sq. ft. play area for their Children’s Corner with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

Members had asked for more outdoor workout spaces and with the generosity of donors the Y was able to make this happen. Basketball competitions, giveaways, and activities for kids were just a few of the things at the celebration.

After the ribbon cutting the Mayor played a little one on one with former NBA Star Lamond Murray. She was too quick for him.
After the ribbon cutting the Mayor played a little one on one with former NBA Star Lamond Murray. She was too quick for him.

Other highlights of the new facility include high-tech synthetic flooring, open hours for all members to enjoy time outside, new high-intensity trainings, adult scrimmages, pickle ball, 3 on 3 basketball leagues, and even volleyball.

For 128-years the Ventura Y has been a leading non-profit and community resource for Ventura.  The significance of the new Sportsplex is the Y’s response to the community’s need for more outdoor program and workout spaces.

The Y is located at 3760 Telegraph Road.

School students clean up Ventura in Trash-A-Thon Nov. 10th

SCHOOL STUDENTS CLEAN UP VENTURA IN TRASH-A-THON
Environmental Fundraiser to be held November 10, 2015

Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education will hold its eighth annual Trash-a-Thon on November 10th. Kindergarten through eighth grade students will collect pledges, and in cooperation with the City of Ventura’s Environmental Services division, work to clean up several litter “hot spots” throughout Ventura, chosen on the basis of need, student accessibility, and safety.

“Volunteer Ventura! is excited to celebrate the 8th anniversary of this unique fundraiser and City partnership. The Ventura Charter School Trash-a-Thon transforms a traditional fundraising concept by raising awareness of our impact on the environment and beautifying it at the same time. It’s a win-win for the School, the City, and the community at large!” said Rosie Ornelas, Volunteer Ventura! Coordinator.

For the event on Nov. 10th, the City will provide gloves, bags, litter sticks, rakes, and shovels. After the clean-up, the students will assemble back at the school campus to assess the amount of litter collected and to celebrate the efforts of everyone involved.

Ventura Charter School is a progressive, K-8 public school that created this unique fundraiser to promote the development of a strong sense of responsibility for protecting, preserving, and restoring the earth for future generations. Ventura Charter School provides an innovative curriculum which encourages students to think critically, collaborate, and to make connections between their classroom learning and the larger world around them.

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that are allowed to be more innovative and are held accountable for improved student achievement. For more information, contact: Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education,(805)648-5503 or visit www.venturacharterschool.org

Soroptimist’s applications available for scholarships

Soroptimist International of Ventura, California, a local service club for business and professional women  announces that applications are now available for two scholarships.

Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek assistance to go back to school or receive special training can apply for the Live your Dream Award to help them improve their skills, education or training.  SI Ventura’s cash award will be a minimum of $1,500 and the winner is eligible for additional regional and international awards. Applications are available at Ventura College, from Sherri Tarpchinoff Bennett and online at www.soroptimistventura.org. Applications must be received by November 15, at SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or  online .

Teen volunteers may apply for the Violet Richardson Award which honors young women for their volunteer efforts in their school or community.  The minimum award from SI Ventura is $1,500. Applications are available in the Counseling offices of Buena High School, Foothill Technological High School, El Camino High School, St. Bonaventure High School and Ventura High School. You may also download the application online at www.soroptimistventura.org.   Applications must be returned by January 15, 2016 to SI Ventura, P.O. Box 6133, Ventura, CA 93006 or by following the online instructions.

Ventura Family YMCA Sportsplex grand opening event and spooky Halloween

Get ready for 3 on 3 when Sportsplex is ready for play after grand opening

The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting the entire community to the grand opening of their outdoor Sportsplex and Children’s Corner area on Friday, November 6, from 3:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.  The celebration kick-off begins with a ribbon cutting by the Ventura Chamber of Commerce and Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann.  Other highlights include giveaways and activities for kids.  There will be introductory adult group trainings, the opportunity to meet with the Y’s instructors, and basketball competitions.  New members may also enjoy the Y for free from November 6th through November 13th!

For 128-years the Ventura Y has been a leading non-profit and community resource for Ventura.  The significance of the new Sportsplex is the Y’s response to the community’s need for more outdoor program and workout spaces.  The year and a half process will unveil a full-size basketball court, 4,000 sq. ft. in size, a workout area with Hampton Fitness equipment 1,700 sq. ft., and the Children’s Corner space expanding by 1,000 sq. ft. for kids to play outside.  Other highlights include high-tech synthetic flooring, open hours for all members to enjoy time outside, new high-intensity trainings, adult scrimmages, pickle ball, 3 on 3 basketball leagues, and even volleyball.

Numerous local companies have played a key role in making this project come to life.  One person who knows this process better than anyone else is the Ventura Y’s Facilities Director, Mike Evans, who has been leading this project since the beginning.

The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting all ghouls, goblins, princesses, and superheroes to join them for their annual Halloween Party at the Pacific View Mall!  The event is in the Center Court on October 31, from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. where children and their families will have fun trick-or-treating, participating in games, Minute to Win It competitions, crafts, face painting, raffle drawings, and a costume cat walk!  Registrations are not a requirement and children of all ages are welcome to participate whether or not they have a costume.

The Ventura Family YMCA’s Halloween Party is at the Pacific View Mall’s Center.  For more information about the Y visit ciymca.org/ventura or in person at 3760 Telegraph.  If you have you have any questions or would like to volunteer, please email Sherry Gutsch at [email protected] or call her at 642.2131 ext. 16.