High School Student Volunteers needed to help local seniors

Debbie Lasley (Volunteer Engagement Coordinator),Angie Archer (Student Engagement Coordinator),Paris W. (Student),Kathy Lea (Adult volunteer) and Tikva K (Student).

by Amanda Knight, Volunteer, vccaregivers.org

High school student volunteers are needed to work in supervised teams to provide companionship, household cleaning, yard maintenance and home organization to homebound seniors in Ventura County.

This opportunity is made possible through the Building Bridges Intergenerational Program at CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly which is now marking a 40-year milestone to support older neighbors aging in place with the helping hands of volunteers.

Jennifer Hollowell (Senior Engagement Coordinator), Debbie Lasley (Volunteer Engagement Coordinator) and Angie Archer (Student Engagement Coordinator)

One of those volunteer opportunities is designed for high school students. “We identify an adult volunteer Team Leader who will provide transportation, supervision and serve as a mentor during home visits to the seniors we serve,” said Angie Archer, student engagement coordinator at CAREGIVERS Volunteers. “We need new high school student volunteers as much as we need adult Team Leaders to assist in providing this program to the community.”

Scheduling is generally flexible and coordinated around the needs of the senior and the availability of the Building Bridge team. Ideally, Building Bridge teams are scheduled weekly in two hour blocks of time which includes travel time and one hour to do chores at the senior’s home. “We rotate visits to the same seniors over the course of the month to ensure that everyone gets a little help,” Archer said, adding that one of the greatest gifts of volunteering are the friendships people build. “We now have student volunteers who are growing up and taking on the role of adult volunteers. Most of all, we have people from all walks of life, spanning the generations–and building intergenerational bridges–that last a lifetime.”

Regular monthly visits to the same homebound senior give everyone an opportunity to get to know each other over time. During the visit, student volunteers are able to tackle light household chores such as changing the bedsheets, putting heavy wet laundry in the dryer, changing a lightbulb and running the vacuum–tasks that someone who uses a walker may struggle to do.

“This program allows college bound high school juniors and seniors to gain life skills that will be helpful in their academic and professional careers as well as their personal development,” Archer said, noting that high school volunteers receive impressive invitations to colleges throughout the country.

Ventura County was one of the original pilot locations for the launch of volunteer caregiving in the United States. Over the last 40 years, CAREGIVERS: Volunteers Assisting the Elderly has supported thousands of people aging in place with the helping hands of volunteers. Services are provided at no cost to the people who need it most thanks to the generosity of corporate, foundation and individual donors who contribute.

For more information, email [email protected] or call (805) 658-8530.

Bringing people from different generations together for neighborly service allows the development of empathy and compassion – building a stronger sense of community for all involved.Ventura County is one of the largest aging populations in the Nation and Caregivers happily serves hundreds of seniors in need of community support. To sign up, refer a student, refer a senior, donate or learn more call (805) 658-8530, email [email protected] or visit the website vccaregivers.org

Vol. 17, No. 16 – May 1 – May 14, 2024 – Forever Homes Wanted

Hi: I’m Paxton, a friendly 4-month-old Terrier X rescued from Kern County in my hour of need. I’m thankful to my sponsors who enabled me to come into CARL’s adoption program.

As you can see, I am a 3-legged pup. My front right leg was amputated and I know some people will see this as a flaw, but I think it makes me special. I’m still an active pup and I’m looking forward to spending a future full of love and adventures with my special someone. They don’t know what happened to me, but suspect I was hit by a vehicle.

Since I’m just a puppy, children in the home must be at least 6 years of age. I know I’m cute and everyone will want me, but please be sure you’re ready to take on a puppy as it’s similar to having a newborn (2-legged kind) in the home. It’s a lifetime commitment, not a temporary one where the love and attention wears off after I’m grown.

If you’re ready and able to give me a lifetime of love and wonderful memories, please fill out an application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.

Meet 5 year old Coffee! He recently went on a field trip outside of the shelter, and did amazing meeting adults and children. He loves rolling around with his stuffie toy and perks up at the sight of treats! Ready to add a shot of joy to your mornings? Come meet Coffee and let him espresso his love for you.

Coffee has had mixed experiences with other dogs. Slow intros and dog meet and greets always recommended!

If you’d like to meet Coffee, schedule an appointment at https://www.vcas.us/adopt or come down to the shelter during normal Adoption Hours of 1:00pm – 6:00pm Tuesday – Sunday. If you have questions, please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or [email protected].

Ventura Sunrise Optimist Club’s Most Optimistic Community Member

Do you know someone who has inspired you by their optimism? Do you know someone who encourages you to be your best self? Do you know someone who makes a positive difference in the lives of others? 

The third annual Most Optimistic Community Member nominations are now being accepted by the Sunrise Optimist Club until June 15, 2024.

Recognized last year were Faith Friedlander of Kids and Families Together and Jennifer Thompson of Cassie’s Cats both non-profit organizations that benefit foster children and rescue cats respectively. The awards were given at the club’s annual awards gathering.

“Faith Friedlander is and always has been, one of the most optimistic people that I have had the pleasure of being around. Faith’s constant dedication to all of the programs Kids & Families Together offer and the people that work with (and for) her have kept all of us hopeful and positive through a pandemic that made the future not seem so bright–her optimism and hopefulness helped us weather that storm and prepare us for anything the future holds for us.” Faith was nominated by Kim Becker.

“Not only is Jennifer Thompson of Cassie’s Cats loved by the donors, volunteers, sponsors, adopters and community, she is adored by the cats and kittens in the lounge. These discerning creatures gravitate to her–they understand and reciprocate her unconditional love. They trust her and she honors that trust by making sure every adoption is a good fit for the animal and the prospective adopters. Jennifer was nominated by Shannon Evans and Donna Nicholson. 

The Sunrise Optimist Club is a service club that provides support and scholarships to youth in Ventura. The cornerstone of the club is The Optimist Creed. The Club has been active in Ventura since 1960 and is affiliated with Optimist International. The primary purpose of Optimist Clubs is to “bring out the best in kids” as well as promoting optimism as a way of life for all people. 

To access the nomination form go to the Club’s website at www.venturasunriseoptimist.org. For more information about the nomination process or to receive a nomination form for the 2024 Most Optimistic Community Member email [email protected] or visit the club’s website: www.venturasunriseoptimist.org

 

 

The Murphy Auto Museum is Closing

The Murphy Auto Museum will be permanently closing. The last day for public admittance will be Sunday, July 7, 2024. The museum will use the remaining month of July to sell furniture, fixtures, chattels and ephemera as they begin the de-accession of the contents. The building will be turned over to the landlord on July 31st.

The museum will keep its regular operating hours from now through July 7th, which is every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00am till 4:00pm; the last admission is at 3:00pm since it takes about an hour to view the museum’s collection. Admission is $10.00 for guests 13 years old and older, free to guests younger than 12 years old, and free to active military with identification.

The museum’s board has been trying for several years to find a sustainable path to keep the museum viable and part of the community. However, economic realities have forced the decision to close the museum in conjunction with the end of the present lease agreement. The Murphy Auto Museum has been a part of Ventura County since 2005 and sees an average of 10,000 visitors per year. The museum, at any given time, has over 40 antique and vintage cars on display, as well as Americana, an HO scale model railroad, a large slot car raceway, vintage trailer town, diecast car collection, a monthly car show and more.

“We’ve been embedded in Ventura County since 2005,” said David Neel, Executive Director of the foundation. “I took over the running of the foundation from Dan Murphy, the museum’s founder in January of 2014 because it was in danger of closing then. It is sad that Oxnard has had two fantastic car museums for many years, ourselves and the Mullin, and that the Mullin has closed and the Murphy will be closing.”

The museum invites the public from near and far to visit the museum before it is gone. “We’re a little gem in the big city of Oxnard, and we bring a lot of smiles to people’s faces. We want everyone to come visit the museum one last time and make a lasting memory.”

The museum is located at 1930 Eastman Avenue in Oxnard. For additional information, the public can email the executive director [email protected], call the museum at (805) 487-4333, or visit us on the web at www.MurphyAutoMuseum.org.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival, is making its return

Ventura Land Trust’s annual flagship event, the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, is making its return on Saturday, August 24th! The festival is entering its 15th year and will be held on the lawn of the Ventura County Credit Union headquarters, in Ventura. In addition to nearly two hours of inspiring environmental and activism-focused films, festival-goers can expect incredible music, food, and a selection of beer and wine from Ventura County locals. 

The evening’s festivities will feature the live music of local legends Spencer the Gardener, an onsite raffle, and an online silent auction. Beverages from Topa Topa, Castoro Cellars, Balcom Cider, Ventura Spirits, and food from a variety of local food trucks will be available for purchase.  

In the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, small bites and local favorites will be paired with a curated selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. VIP Lounge guests will also enjoy a range of comfortable seating for relaxing and catching up with friends.

This is a family-friendly event and attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to take advantage of the Ventura County Credit Union lawn. Doors will open at 5 PM, with film screenings starting just before 8 PM as the sun goes down.

General admission tickets are priced at $40, with children’s tickets available for $5 and teen tickets (ages 13-17) at $10. For those seeking an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available for $125 and offer exclusive early access to the Ventura Vibe VIP Lounge, providing additional free beverage and food options. Tickets and vendor details can be found at www.venturalandtrust.org/wsff2024.

Beyond being VLT’s signature community event, the festival serves as a call to action and encourages attendees to learn more about what they can do to save our threatened planet. Your support through the Wild & Scenic Film Festival helps Ventura Land Trust restore habitat, build trails, plant trees, and clean up local rivers. Ventura Land Trust preserves are open daily for visitors to enjoy, and always for free.

The mission of Ventura Land Trust is to permanently protect the land, water, wildlife, and scenic beauty of the Ventura region for current and future generations. Founded in 2003, Ventura Land Trust believes that preserving open space and providing public access enhances the economy, quality of life, and public well-being of Ventura and surrounding communities. The organization currently owns and manages land totaling nearly 4,000 acres along the Ventura River and in the Ventura hillsides, including the 2,100-acre Harmon Canyon Preserve. Harmon Canyon Preserve, which opened in June 2020, is Ventura’s first large-scale nature preserve and is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk for free. In addition to these major holdings the Ventura Land Trust owns and stewards other smaller parcels across Ventura County. Ventura Land Trust received accreditation by the Land Trust Alliance in 2019. Learn more and become a member at www.venturalandtrust.org.

Explore. Lower Harmon Canyon

Encelia californica is beloved by native bees and beetles.

Now is the perfect time to hit the trails and explore. Lower Harmon Canyon is open and promises unforgettable beauty!

California brittlebush (Encelia californica) is in peak bloom! One of four sensitive plant alliances in Harmon Canyon, Encelia californica, are true Southern California locals – growing in coastal sage scrub from San Luis Obispo County to northern Baja. To spot these beauties, look for daisies with dark centers (disk flowers) and yellow “petals” (ray flowers).

Encelia californica is commonly seen on drier south and west-facing slopes and is beloved by native bees and beetles. The east side of Trail 101 is a wonderland for this special community – slow down and check out all the pollinator action!

Interesting observations are everywhere – including at your feet! In the moist early morning hours, keep your eyes peeled for the Trask shoulderband snail (Helminthoglypta traskii). Considered a sensitive species in California due to habitat loss and degradation, these beautiful, long-lived animals are thriving in the vibrant shrublands of Harmon Canyon. To distinguish them from the invasive European garden snail (Cornu aspersum) look for their narrower shell with a distinctive dark-colored band that follows the whorled spiral.

Helminthoglypta traskii are active longer than usual this year, enjoying the moist conditions of our extended rainy season. They estivate (a state of dormancy like hibernating but in response to heat and dryness) during the drier months and may not be as visible soon, so enjoy these delicate detritavores while you can.

Firefighters respond to reported structure fire

On April 22, fire units were dispatched to a reported structure fire at Main and Ann St.. Firefighters arrived within 6 minutes of dispatch and found a single-family residence with smoke showing. Firefighters deployed hose lines into the home and were able to locate and extinguish a fire in the kitchen within 10 minutes. One civilian was treated for smoke inhalation by firefighter/paramedics and taken to Community Memorial Hospital by AMR for further treatment. Ventura City Fire units were assisted by Ventura County Fire Department, AMR and Ventura Police Department.

Brush management deadline is June 1, 2024

Despite recent heavy rainfall, Ventura residents are urged to remain vigilant as the threat of wildfires persists. The Ventura Fire Department stresses the importance of creating defensible space by maintaining flammable grass, trees, and shrubs surrounding vulnerable structures.

Over 6,200 parcels will receive notices in mid-April as part of the Fire Hazard Reduction Program (FHRP). Property owners are required to complete 100 feet of vegetation management from structures or to the property line by June 1, 2024.

“Defensible space isn’t solely about protecting property; it’s about protecting lives,” said Ventura Fire Marshal Brett Reed. “Neglecting vegetation management can lead to hazardous conditions during wildfires. Acting promptly, residents can greatly diminish wildfire risks and help contribute to our community’s safety.”

The FHRP aims to reduce fire danger by managing the density and placement of flammable vegetation. The required defensible space varies based on an area’s terrain and vegetation type. This approach is critical for slowing or stopping the spread of wildfire and shielding structures from ignition by direct flames, radiant heat, or airborne embers.

Inspections of vulnerable properties will begin in early June.

For more information on the Fire Hazard Reduction Program, visit CityofVentura.ca.gov/FHRP or call the Fire Prevention Division at 805-658-4717.