Franklin’s Hardware celebrates its Grand Opening with a Chamber Ribbon Cutting on Friday, November 8.
Franklin’s Hardware has proudly served as the friendly neighborhood hardware store for 70 years. As a proud family-run business, we’ve consistently provided exceptional customer service and expert advice, earning the trust of our community for all things hardware. Our extensive inventory includes everything from paint and electrical supplies to cabinet hardware and plumbing essentials, making us the go-to destination for experienced contractors and DIY enthusiasts. We also strive to be your one stop shop for all things BBQ. We have a wide selection of top-of-the-line BBQ’s, accessories, spices, sauces, rubs and more.
In 2019, we proudly expanded our family-run legacy to the vibrant city of Ventura, CA. Our East End store has been a cherished part of the community for the past 5 years. Our commitment to exceptional customer service and a welcoming atmosphere continues as we open our second Ventura location in beautiful Midtown. Visit us at one of our locations now: 1870 E. Thompson Boulevard & 7838 Telegraph Road.
We are grateful for the opportunity to support and connect with our neighbors, standing by you as a reliable partner for all your projects, whether big or small. Thank you for letting us be a part of your neighborhood. Stay tuned for the Grand Opening of our Garden Center (Midtown location) Spring 2025.
You can follow us on Instagram @franklinsacehardware_vta or Facebook at Franklins Ace Hardware – Ventura for all the latest news.
Ventura County Executive Officer Dr. Sevet Johnson announced the appointment of Kimberlee Albers as the county’s new Homeless Solutions Director, effective November 4, 2024, following an extensive internal and external search.
“Kimberlee’s deep public and nonprofit sector experience brings a unique perspective and proven leadership to her new role,” stated Dr. Johnson. “Her dedication to innovative solutions has distinguished her as a leader in the field, and we are confident her expertise will drive transformative initiatives to reduce homelessness in Ventura County.”
Albers joins Ventura County after six years as the Homeless Assistance Program Manager for Santa Barbara County and eight years leading nonprofits focused on homelessness. A graduate of the University of California, Riverside, with a degree in Administration and Political Science, Albers expressed enthusiasm for her new role: “I’m honored to join Ventura County as Homeless Solutions Director. I look forward to working closely with the dedicated team and community partners to address homelessness and support individuals and families in need.”
The Homeless Solutions Director is a new role aimed at addressing the complex challenges of homelessness across the county. Albers will coordinate with local agencies, develop strategic programs, and work with the Ventura County Continuum of Care Alliance to foster a collaborative approach to preventing and reducing homelessness in Ventura County.
The holiday season is upon us, bringing plenty to do. Between work, chores, shopping, meeting deadlines, and family obligations, it’s easy to feel anxious, overwhelmed, tired, and stressed. However, a simple shift toward gratitude can lift your mood. By fostering thankfulness within ourselves, we strengthen positive emotions and train our brains to focus on life’s good things. This practice can help you feel better as you go about your day, making challenges more manageable.
As seniors, we can be grateful for our longevity and savor our leisure time — we have certainly earned it! Reflecting on the positives in our lives and expressing gratitude is incredibly energizing. It offers perspective that’s surprisingly easy to overlook. No matter the circumstances, there are always things in life we can value and appreciate.
Deliberate gratitude strengthens bonds with friends and family. Think about how you feel when someone says, “thank you.” It feels good to be appreciated. When we express appreciation, we meet others’ needs, lift their spirits, and make them feel validated. These moments build connections, boost positivity, and help us all enter the season of thankfulness more joyfully.
Ways to Practice Thankfulness in Relation to Exercise
Before a workout: Thank your body for showing up, for the chance to use it, and for your health.
After a workout: Be grateful for what your body has accomplished.
Throughout the day: Thank your body for all it does for you, from breathing and moving to helping you stay active. Say things like, “I am so grateful I can exercise and push my body. I feel so much better when I’m done. I know this will help me live longer and improve my quality of life.”
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to empower feelings of thankfulness. During joyful gatherings, we reunite with friends and family to share special moments. Try practicing gratitude daily. Every day can be a day of thanksgiving because there is always something to be thankful for! Stay grateful, stay healthy, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
About the Author
Leslie Sokol is the creator and founder of For the Young at Heart, an adult dance and fitness program. She has taught adults and children for 45 years. Watch For the Young at Heart on her YouTube Channel or TVSB. She also teaches in retirement communities throughout Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.
For more information, contact Leslie at [email protected], 805-312-8089, or visit LeslieSokolsDance.com.
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, employees of E.J. Harrison & Sons are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 28. As a result, customers who normally have their trash, recyclables and yard/organic waste collected on Thursday or Friday will have it collected one day later than usual during the week of Nov. 24-30.
The Thanksgiving holiday will not affect customers who have their trash, recyclables and yard/organic waste collected on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. The regular schedule for all customers will resume the following week.
Remember that Harrison’s residential customers can place all three carts curbside every week, as Harrison collects all waste weekly – including food waste, which is recyclable. All food waste should be placed in closed paper or plastic bags and the bags should be tossed in the organics waste cart.
It’s important to recycle your food waste every week. The state of California in 2022 began to require the diversion of food waste from landfills, and your efforts are needed. Even if you only have food waste bags and no yard waste, you can still put the food waste bags in your organics waste cart and take it to the curb every week for pickup.
Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai and Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of La Conchita, Lake Sherwood, Lynn Ranch, Newbury Park, Ojai Valley (Ventura River Valley), Oxnard Plain, Piru, Point Mugu, Rancho Matilija, Rincon, Santa Paula, Santa Rosa Valley, Somis, Upper Ojai, Yerba Buena and the Channel Islands Beach Community Services District, and the city of Carpinteria as E.J. Harrison & Sons; and Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal. For more information, visit www.ejharrison.com.
Thursday, December 5, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m. at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center
The Golden Future 50+ Expo is back, showcasing a wide range of products and services designed for aging, retirement, and lifestyle enhancement. This event will feature both local and national businesses offering free samples and the latest innovations for positive aging. Attendees will find learning opportunities around every corner, from medical breakthroughs to enhance health and longevity, to volunteer options, job-seeking resources, financial strategies for retirement, and advice on home improvements, aging in place, or moving to senior living communities.
Pre-register today to join this annual Ventura County event focused on rejuvenating the mind, body, and soul. Not comfortable online? No problem! Register at the door. This event is open to the public, providing a valuable resource for Southern California’s baby boomers, seniors, caregivers, and families.
Event Details:
Oxnard Performing Arts Center, 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
Thursday, December 5, 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Highlights include:
Free admission
Free self-parking
Complimentary Golden Future tote bag with goodies
Over 60 vendor booths to explore
Expert speakers and workshops
Health and wellness screenings
Bingo with cash prizes
Hourly door prize drawings
Mini makeovers (haircuts and manicures)
Jewelry-making class
Tech education workshop for all your device questions
Meet Titi and Peanut! Both were rescued by Myra Linder Bell, who happily admits to spoiling them rotten. Titi is a stunning 11-year-old tomcat with shimmering amber eyes. Peanut, a cockatiel in her 30s, was saved from a dire situation after her elderly owner passed away. The family had planned to release the little bird into the California hillsides rather than care for her. Fortunately, Myra stepped in and saved the day. With a remarkable zest for life, Peanut simply refuses to slow down. Veterinarians say she should have “kicked the bucket” years ago, but she’s still going strong.
Don Earl with one of his unique, hand-crafted bags.
by Patricia Schallert
For many, retirement means slowing down and enjoying well-deserved rest. But for Don Earl, it marked the start of a new chapter as a self-taught leather artisan in Southern California, specializing in unique, travel-ready designs. Earl’s handcrafted pieces reflect his adventurous spirit and dedication to fine craftsmanship.
Earl is focused on developing a complete product line, including passport wallets, phone purses, card holders, and sunglasses cases.
After relocating to Ventura County from Florida in 1979, Earl began his journey into leatherwork in 2018. Since then, he’s grown from a solo craftsman to the head of a small but dedicated local team. “After working as a mechanical engineer, I entered a very different chapter in my life,” Earl says. “I was used to designing with computer software and cutting metal shapes for construction, but now I design on paper, create templates by hand, and cut each leather piece individually. Crafting a fine leather bag is labor-intensive and requires precision—a single misstep can mean starting over entirely.”
Earl’s passion for leatherwork began with making bridles, harnesses, and restoring saddles, grounding him in quality craftsmanship. Inspired by his work in the equestrian industry, he embraces traditional techniques, including hand-stitching and high-quality leather selection. Over time, he expanded his capabilities, acquiring antique leather machines from the 1800s and learning to make sandals. These custom sandals feature durable soles that mold to the foot with textured grips to prevent slipping. Earl also began developing a line of luxury handbags, using industrial sewing equipment to refine his designs.
The leather he sources is from tanneries worldwide, including materials from France, Italy, and the United States. Occasionally, he uses alligator leather from Thailand when restoring antique bags. His vintage doctor bags incorporate discontinued fabrics from Ethan Allen, resulting in functional, stylish designs that accommodate essentials like laptops and phones without adding extra weight. Constantly refining his skills, Earl uses a mix of hand stitching and machine sewing to create items with enduring quality. Recently, he’s focused on developing a complete product line, including passport wallets, phone purses, card holders, and sunglasses cases. His latest creation, “The Bootleg,” is a driver’s license and card holder secured with a strap to prevent cards from falling out.
Earl’s vintage doctor bag.
Beyond his craft, Earl’s company donates a portion of all sales to Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit promoting regenerative agriculture and soil health as solutions to environmental issues. “At Don Earl Leather, we’re committed not only to creating quality leather goods but also to supporting the adaptive grazing movement, which is healing our planet one acre at a time,” he explains. Kiss the Ground educates ranchers on adaptive grazing to maximize soil health, eliminate pesticides, and create vibrant ecosystems. Through immersive storytelling, education, and advocacy, the nonprofit reaches millions with its core mission of inspiring regeneration.
Earl’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in every item, from wallets to handbags, made to be enjoyed for decades and passed down. Each piece reflects hours of thoughtful labor, often crafted with turn-of-the-century tools. Earl believes that each item a customer chooses becomes an extension of themselves as the leather develops a unique patina over time. “Your piece becomes a reflection of you, evolving as uniquely as you do,” he says.
To learn more, visit donearl.co or go to donearl_official on Instagram.
This holiday season, honor someone special with a timeless gift: a commemorative paver in the Humane Society of Ventura County’s (HSVC) Memory Garden. Each paver is purchased with love to celebrate a fellow animal lover, a beloved pet, or simply to support the shelter and HSVC’s mission. Pavers are available in three sizes, with prices based on the size selected:
Small (65 sq. in.) — $400 (46-character limit)
Medium (95 sq. in.) — $700 (46-character limit)
Large (120 sq. in.) — $1,000 (69-character limit)
This lasting tribute will be displayed at the shelter, honoring those forever in your heart. To order, visit hsvc.org/paver and complete the online form. A staff member will contact you within 1-3 business days to confirm your order.
Enjoy taking a trip down memory lane? Longing for the sheer fun and frivolity of the musicals we grew up on? Join the fun by attending The Pajama Game, now playing at the Conejo Players Theater through December 1.
The award-winning Broadway musical opened in 1955 to rave reviews. It won Tony awards for best musical and best choreography, marking the beginning of a long and prestigious career for dancer/choreographer Bob Fosse. The story, by George Abbott and Richard Bissell, is a musical adaptation of Bissell’s 1953 book, 7 ½ cents. Music and lyrics were penned by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross. Many will instantly recognize such tunes as Hey There (You With the Stars in Your Eyes), Steam Heat, and Hernando’s Hideaway, to name a few.
In 2006 The Pajama Game again hit Broadway stages and garnered the Best Revival of a Musical award. Some may remember the 1957 film starring Doris Day.
Brendan Lynch stars as Sid, a newly hired supervisor for the Sleep-Tite pajama factory. He aims to assist the workers obtain a 7 ½ cent an hour wage hike. He did not figure on falling for the Union’s grievance committee leader, Babe, played by Jordyn Crowley Watts. Dissension in the factory leads to a confrontation which challenges the couple, as well as others.
With a Union strike imminent, plans must be made to turn the situation around. The good guys prevail with much singing and dancing along the way. Romance is restored. Happy ending.
The entire cast, directed by Devery Holmes, is solid throughout. Both Lynch and Watts display their voices and characters with confident clarity. Jeremy Richter as factory boss Hines sings and dances his way to success with finesse. A tap dancing, heartfelt duet with secretary Mabel (Madison Bales) is a standout number. Jordi Klingman plays a Richard Kind reminiscent character whose antics are a comedy highlight. Perky Kris Bramson portrays Gladys, secretary to the big boss Mr. Hasler, played with bluster by Conejo veteran Gary Saxer in this performance. The role is shared with Jay Weber.
Creative and spirited choreography by Miriam Durrie-Kirsch plays beautifully to the era, the skills of the 20-member cast, and the sheer enthusiasm of it all. The well-known Steam Heat dance sequence opening the second act is fresh and embodies the Fosse influence with many signature moves. Well done, ladies!
Costuming by Beth Eslick and Elena Mills is detailed, colorful and adds to the overall picture with style. The multi-piece, often dual-sided, movable set panels allow rapid scene changes, Often the cast is choreographed to assist for smooth transitions.
Donations of all types are being accepted for those affected by the Mountain Fire. New PJ’s, gift cards, cash and more all welcome. Contact the theater or bring to the performance you attend.
The Pajama Game runs through December 1 with performances Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Thursday Nov. 14 at 8 p.m. www.conejoplayers.org
