Ashleigh Norman of Fillmore with her award winning painting, "The Message." Photo by Myrna Cambianica.
Ashleigh Norman of Fillmore with her award winning painting, "The Message." Photo by Myrna Cambianica.
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“Ojai Celebrates Art IV” was held on Ojai Day, 2011 at the Ojai Valley Museum
Valerie Freeman of Ojai with her award winning ceramic sculpture,
Valerie Freeman of Ojai with her award winning ceramic sculpture, "Blue Bolt." Photo by Myrna Cambianica.
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Oatley Kidder with her award winning sculpture,
Oatley Kidder with her award winning sculpture, "Woman, a Work in Progress." Fred Kidder, Photographer
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The Ojai Valley Museum's final exhibit of the year, “Ojai Celebrates Art IV,” features three award winners offering visitors an experience in three different media - clay, luminous oil paint, and the world's heaviest wood. Museum Director Michele Pracy announced the prizes on Ojai Day in October. The exhibit continues through December 31, 2011. A panel of distinguished art professionals judged and selected the winners: Anca Colbert, art dealer and appraiser; Theodore Gall, international sculptor; and William Hendricks, photographer and professor.

Valerie Freeman of Ojai won the first place award for her ceramic sculpture, "Blue Bolt." This wonderfully alive baby horse is executed in the one fire clay technique Freeman learned in a workshop with Harvard ceramicist Allison Newsome at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts. The sculptor has to work very rapidly, shaping the clay both inside and outside simultaneously, then firing it while still wet. The viewer can feel the horse emerging out of a lump of clay into the horse form. You can virtually see the push and pull of her fingers in the clay. Newborn from the sculptor’s hands, the little foal stands on splayed legs, and in a moment of sudden energy, turns its head to bit and itching back. The dynamic surge of the modeling, the cobalt blue glaze, and the artist's lightning fast inspiration, all add up to the title's bolt from the blue.

Ashleigh Norman of Fillmore won second place for "The Message," an oil painting in the magic realist tradition. Working with her fascination for dreams and puzzles, Norman creates an experience of mystery and ambiguity. In the foreground her self-portrait is deeply still, bathed in an otherworldly light, but her hair is streaming to one side. Is it moving in a strong wind or in some unknown force? The viewer sees what seem to be ordinary objects, but a closer look reveals strange energies. An antique Victrola casts an ominous shadow, but where is the light coming from? If there is a message, why is the record on the Victrola broken? What about that wineglass, isn't there a little storm inside of it? One thing the viewer can be sure of, Norman will not tell you. Her art is about letting people take from it what they feel and letting the mystery remain.

Oatley Kidder placed third with "Woman, a Work in Progress." Carved in lignum vitae, a wood valued for its hardness and durability, the sculpture was developed over a long period of time, as the artist carved out the figures hidden in the material. "Woman" in the title is the essence of the gender, and the different figures circling the sculpture emerge in various phases of development. Kidder purposely leaves chisel marks to give a feeling of the power and strength that was demanded in her sculpting process. She is particularly drawn to the unique texture of lignum vitae, which she describes as waxy, like very hard butter. The viewer's experience is intensely tactile and at the same time not confined to a specific interpretation.

The winning artworks in “Ojai Celebrates Art IV” were selected from among 60 entries. The artists themselves graciously provided interviews describing their creative process for this article. We hope that their passion for art will inspire anyone in town during the remainder of the year to enjoy the exhibit.

The Ojai Valley Museum, established in 1967, is generously supported in part by Museum Members, Private Donors, Business Sponsors and Underwriters, the Smith-Hobson Foundation, Wood-Claeyssens Foundation, City of Ojai, and the Rotary Club of Ojai.

The museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA. Admission: free for current 2011 members, adults - $4.00, students - 18 and under - $1.00, children 6–18 - $1.00 and children 5 and under – free. Gallery hours are Tuesday – Friday, 1 to 4 pm; Saturday, 10 to 4 pm; Sunday, noon to 4 pm. The museum will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Tours are available by appointment.

For more information, call the museum at (805) 640-1390, ext. 203, e-mail ojaimuseum@sbcglobal.net or visit the museum website at http://www.ojaivalleymuseum.org/

 


 
Cheryl L. Knight
Cheryl L. Knight

SANTA PAULA, CA. – Santa Clara Valley Bank (SCVBank;OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced that Cheryl L. Knight has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer. Ms. Knight previously served the Bank as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Credit Officer. She has been a Ventura resident for over 13 years. Ms. Knight has served for 8 years as a Director for California Reinvestment Corporation, a non-profit dedicated to financing low to moderate income housing in the area.

Ms. Knight has previously held the titles of Executive Vice President and Chief Credit Officer at Montecito Bank and Trust, as well as EVP/ Chief Risk Officer for First California Bank. She has held several other management positions at other financial institutions including Union Bank and Wells Fargo. Ms. Knight was also employed by Deloitte & Touche as a financial management consultant.

As a senior officer of Montecito Bank and Trust for nine years, Ms. Knight led the credit function of the $750 million bank that has performed at a high level, assisting in the achievement of a rating of Super Premier Performing Bank by Findley Reports.

Chairman of the Board Ralph De Leon stated, “We are delighted that Ms. Knight has accepted the appointment and are looking forward to a successful future under her very able leadership.”

Founded in 1998, SCVBank currently operates three branches in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Valencia. Under its stock symbol of SCVE.OB, SCVBank’s stock is traded through McAdams Wright Ragen and Raymond James & Associate. The Bank’s web site is www.SCVBank.com.

Santa Clara Valley Bank Corporation Headquarters
915 East Main Street, Ste. A
Santa Paula, California 93060
805 525-5871

Statements concerning future performance, developments or events concerning expectations for growth and market forecasts, and any other guidance on future periods, constitute forward looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from stated expectations. Specific factors include, but are not limited to, the effect of interest rate changes, and the ability to control costs and expenses, the impact of consolidation in the banking industry, financial policies of the United States government, and general economic conditions.

 


 

Re/Max Gold Coast in Fillmore held its Red Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Thursday, November 10,2011. The ceremony was a grand event with the Fillmore City Council, Chamber of Commerce, city dignitaries and the Ventura County Re/Max family, all attending to wish the Fillmore Office great success. Chuy Ortiz, owner of El Pescador, provided the delicious food for all to enjoy.

The Fillmore, Re/Max Gold Coast office initially opened in Nov. of 2001 in The Balden Plaza with three agents, of which Ray Galvez and Ana Arriaga are currently still with the company. The Fillmore Office steadily started to grow in production and agents, it got to the point that Re/Max Gold Coast felt that after 10 successful years in the Balden Plaza it was time to make a move to a newer, bigger, more modern location. After looking for a new location it was decided to move to a brand new building along 126, between Mc Donald's and W.L. Morris at "The Grove".

Although the location was completely vacant, it met the needs that Re/Max was looking for, a bigger, newer, modern office with more visibility and highway frontage. The company submitted plans to the city of Fillmore to do a custom built up to meet the specific needs of the company. Mike Sipes broker and part owner of Re/Max Gold Coast Realtors was in charge of designing the office.

Currently, the Fillmore office has seven Real Estate agents, three assistants and a receptionist. The office is managed by Ray Galvez, who has been with Re/Max Gold Coast Realtors for almost 14 years. The other agents are Ana Arriaga, who has been a realtor for 11 years, 10 of those years with Re/Max Gold Coast. John Holladay, who has been with the company all eight years of his Real Estate career. Alex Ortiz, who has been with the Fillmore office three out of his six years in Real Estate. Natasha Malagon, the youngest of the realtors, was previously our office receptionist until she received her real estate license in September 2010, Brian Daudette is our newest agent and has been licensed for one year. Then we have our assistants Tim Holmgren who has been with us for one year, Marilyn Cervantez who has helped us for two an a half years and Toni Galvez, who is Ray Galvez's personal assistant. Finally Sandra Smith, our front desk coordinator, who has been with us for almost four years and hopefully will join our agent'screw soon.

The Re/Max Gold Coast Real Estate Company was founded in Ventura County by Glenn Sipes and Fred Evans in 1990. The company grew to have 14 offices at its peek. This year Re/Max, as a company, was awarded "Highest Overall Satisfaction for Home Sellers and Home Buyers among National Full Service Real Estate Firms" by J.D Power and Associates. Stop by and visit our new location, you will be glad you did!

 

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 24. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash and recyclables collected on Saturday, Nov. 26, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

 
Coaches and members of the Condor Cross Country Team. Kneeling on right is Sun Risers President Sean Morris.
Coaches and members of the Condor Cross Country Team. Kneeling on right is Sun Risers President Sean Morris.
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On Tuesday, November 15, 2011 the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers were visited by members and coaches of the Condor Cross Country team. Coach Rafael Laureano gave an update on the team and presented Club members with Condor water bottles. The Rotarians have been long time supporters of the Condors with donations toward travel to their national cross country meets.

Rotary International is the world's first service club organization, with more than 1.2 million members in 33,000 clubs worldwide. Rotary club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers meets weekly at El Pescador Restaurant at 7:00 AM. For more information about attending a meeting and about the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.

 

Please join us this Friday Night at Bella’s Teas & Treats for a fundraising event to support the Explorer Program. I am a little bias as my son, Christian is a part of this wonderful program. They will be attending a Tactical Competition in Chandler, Arizona. This consists of SWAT training and scenarios.

If you cannot join us, please feel free to peruse the Cookie Lee Jewelry catalog on line, and send me an email with your order! Christmas is right around the corner!

Thank you for all your support to this worthwhile organization!

Help the outstanding youth in our community raise money to attend the Tactical Competition event in Chandler, Arizona!

The young men and women of the Santa Clara Valley Explorer Post #2958, a Division of Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, ages 14-21, learn responsibility, self-confidence, discipline and leadership skills all the while learning about law enforcement.

There will be a Cookie Lee jewelry fundraiser on:

Date: Friday, November 18, 2011
Time: 4:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Bella's Teas & Treats 275 Central Ave. in Fillmore
A portion of the proceeds from the sale of sandwiches and tea purchased from the fundraiser table, will be donated to the Explorer program from Bella’s Teas & Treats.

Please come by for tea, treats and jewelry to support your local Explorer Program. If you are unable to attend, catalog orders will count. To look at the catalog please go to: http://www.cookielee.biz/esuite/home/arilarson , but place the order with either Theresa or Ari so that they count towards the trip.

Please call Theresa Robledo @ 805.625.4450 or Ari Larson @ 805.794.7590 to RSVP, for a catalog or if you have any questions Thank you for your support!

 
Help Your Community and Learn More About Federal Taxes

The Internal Revenue Service and its partners are seeking volunteers who want to help people in their community by preparing federal income tax returns for free in 2012. Millions of people receive free tax assistance through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs each year. IRS partners include local community organizations and groups such as the United Way and AARP.

More than 88,000 Americans volunteered through the VITA and TCE programs in 2011. California volunteers helped more than 230,000 taxpayers this past filing season. This includes 57,000 individuals and families living in Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Locally, 140 neighbors in Ventura County, including residents of Fillmore and Santa Paula, volunteered their time and service to make this happen.

“Becoming a VITA or TCE volunteer is a great way to give back to your community and learn about taxes at the same time,” said IRS spokeswoman Anabel Marquez. “People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to serve, and there is a role for anyone who wants to help.”

People who volunteer are certified to prepare simple tax returns for people whose incomes are $50,000 or less. During the tax season volunteers can help in three separate capacities:

• Return Preparers, Instructors and Quality Reviewers
• Site Coordinator (Site Supervisor or Site Manager)
• Greeters and Interpreters

Site coordinators may also prepare returns. Greeters will generally also answer simple questions and distribute forms.

Training is usually held between November and January and volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain their volunteer certification. The Link & Learn program is an interactive course that teaches all of the basics needed to prepare simple income tax returns accurately for individuals. Classroom training may also be available. Once certified, volunteers spend as little as three to four hours per week volunteering between February and April.

Those interested in volunteering may send an email to taxvolunteer@irs.gov. More information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation programs is available at www.IRS.gov, keywords: Tax Volunteer.

 

Erik Anders will be singing and playing his guitar for the ladies of the Ebell Club luncheon on Tuesday November 22. Erik has entertained for the Camulous Ranch activities in recent years plus many menus in Santa Clarita area. The traditional Thanksgiving lunch will be catered by Double AA and promises to be delicious as ever. To reserve a space at the lunch and enjoy Erik call 524-2090 Lunch is $12.00 per person. We are still accepting applications for membership please call Melodie Stitch 521-1400.

 
Patti Walker, Sarah Hansen & Cindy Klittich work on the Soroptimist sponsored planter, preparing it for planting.
Patti Walker, Sarah Hansen & Cindy Klittich work on the Soroptimist sponsored planter, preparing it for planting.
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Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee would like to invite members of the Fillmore community to join in with our Central Avenue planter project by becoming either a “hands on” sponsor or a “donating” sponsor, enabling us to complete all the planters along the downtown center. We have all the large pots sponsored & planted and now have 28 more small pots awaiting sponsors.

Working together to make our downtown area more attractive for visitors & shoppers is a very worthwhile project. The small pot sponsorships are only $25 & you will receive your name on a small plaque and a certificate along with newspaper recognition.

Contact Sarah Hansen at 524-0132 or Cindy Klittich at 524-4466 for more information.

 
Early Detection Empowers Families to Plan for the Future

The holiday season is traditionally a time to gather with loved ones. These visits with family can raise questions about the cognitive health of aging family members. With Alzheimer’s disease in particular, it is important to know what behavior is and is not typical aging. Below is a list of warning signs along with examples of typical aging. If you notice any of the warning signs in your aging family members, please make certain he or she sees a doctor.

Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s

1. Memory loss that disrupts daily life. One of the most common signs of Alzheimer's is memory loss, especially forgetting recently learned information. Others include forgetting important dates or events, asking for the same information over and over, relying on memory aides (reminder notes or electronic devices) or family members for things they used to handle on one’s own.
More typical: Sometimes forgetting names or appointments, but remembering them later.

2. Challenges in planning or solving problems. Some people may experience changes in their ability to develop and follow a plan or work with numbers. They may have trouble following a familiar recipe or keeping track of monthly bills. They may have difficulty concentrating and take much longer to do things than they did before.
More typical: Making occasional errors when balancing a checkbook.

3. Difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work or at leisure. People with Alzheimer’s often find it hard to complete daily tasks. Sometimes, people may have trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game.
More typical: Occasionally needing help to use the settings on a microwave or to record a television show.

4. Confusion with time or place: People with Alzheimer's can lose track of dates, seasons and the passage of time. They may have trouble understanding something if it is not happening immediately. Sometimes they may forget where they are or how they got there.
More typical: Getting confused about the day of the week but figuring it out later.

5. Trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships. For some people, having vision problems is a sign of Alzheimer’s. They may have difficulty reading, judging distance and determining color or contrast. In terms of perception, they may pass a mirror and think someone else is in the room. They may not realize they are the person in the mirror.
More typical: Vision changes related to cataracts.

6. New problems with words in speaking or writing. People with Alzheimer’s may have trouble following or joining a conversation. They may stop in the middle of a conversation and have no idea how to continue or they may repeat themselves. They may struggle with vocabulary, have problems finding the right word or call things by the wrong name (e.g., calling a “watch” a “hand-clock”).
More typical: Sometimes having trouble finding the right word.

7. Misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps. A person with Alzheimer’s disease may put things in unusual places. They may lose things and be unable to go back over their steps to find them again. Sometimes, they may accuse others of stealing. This may occur more frequently over time.
More typical: Misplacing things from time to time, such as a pair of glasses or the remote control.
8. Decreased or poor judgment. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment or decision making. For example, they may use poor judgment when dealing with money, giving large amounts to telemarketers. They may pay less attention to grooming or keeping themselves clean.
More typical: Making a bad decision once in a while.

9. Withdrawal from work or social activities. A person with Alzheimer’s may start to remove themselves from hobbies, social activities, work projects or sports. They may have trouble keeping up with a favorite sports team or remembering how to complete a favorite hobby. They may also avoid being social because of the changes they have experienced.
More typical: Sometimes feeling weary of work, family and social obligations.

10. Changes in mood and personality. The mood and personalities of people with Alzheimer’s can change. They can become confused, suspicious, depressed, fearful or anxious. They may be easily upset at home, at work, with friends or in places where they are out of their comfort zone.
More typical: Developing very specific ways of doing things and becoming irritable when a routine is disrupted.

Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia is an important step in getting appropriate treatment, care and support service. Additional benefits to early diagnosis are as follows:

Benefits of an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease
• Benefit from treatments that may improve symptoms and help maintain a level of independence longer
• Have more time to plan for the future
• Increase chances of successfully finding a clinical drug trial through Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatch, helping to advance research
• Participate in decisions about their care, transportation, living options, financial and legal matters
• Develop a relationship with doctors and care partners
• Benefit from care and support services, making it easier for them and their family to manage the disease

Anyone with questions about Alzheimer’s disease or seeking information should contact the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 toll-free helpline at 800.272.3900. Experts are available to take calls from individuals concerned with their own cognitive health as well as from family members and friends who may be concerned about a loved one and are seeking resources.

About The Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.

 

Ventura, CA - Cancer patients and their loved ones are invited to learn ways to cope with cancer during the holidays during a free seminar the Community Memorial Health System’s Psychological Services is holding on Monday, Nov. 28.

Jody Giacopuzzi, a licensed clinical social worker, will facilitate the seminar that will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in CMH’s Cancer Resource Center, 2900 Loma Vista Road, Suite 105.

The holidays are traditionally viewed as a time to celebrate; however people with cancer and their loved ones may feel “out of step” from the rest of the world during the season. Issues cancer patients face include:

 How to take care of the holiday rush and themselves at the same time;
 How to celebrate when they have so many other things on their minds;
 What will their life be like next year?

The seminar will allow cancer patients to meet with others facing cancer to share and learn from each other.

For more information or to make a reservation, call 805-652-5459.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, and ten family-practice health centers entitled Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

 
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
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Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
Enlarge Photo
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
Photo of the Week from the Gazette History Archives. Can you identify this photo or any of the people in it? If so, please add any information about this photograph in the comments section provided at the bottom.
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(center) Melissa Aguilar on Let’s Make a Deal
(center) Melissa Aguilar on Let’s Make a Deal
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Fillmore resident Melissa Aguilar, center, appears on Let’s Make a Deal, Friday, Nov. 11th. She could take home the fabulous Big Deal of the Day, or maybe the dreaded Zonk! The show airs Monday-Friday at 9:00 a.m. on KCBS (Channel 2). The original LET’S MAKE A DEAL was a television game show staple during the 1960s and 70s when it was hosted by Monty Hall from 1963-1977. While later versions aired in syndication and primetime, the game show is best remembered for the years hosted by Hall, who will serve as a creative consultant on this latest version.

 

Color, color everywhere at the upcoming Fillmore Soroptimist Fashion Show! To be held Saturday, November 19th, at noon, Veteran’s Memorial Building, 511 Second St., Fillmore. Donation $25. For tickets contact any Soroptimist
Member or Betty Carpenter at 524-1850.

 

On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, Julie Tumamait will be at the Fillmore Library to present an informative program of songs, stories, and cultural insights into past and present Chumash experience. Julie is an honored Chumash Elder and teacher of their wisdom and culture. The program is made possible by the Fillmore Friends of the Library. The library is located at 502 Second Street, phone 524-3355.

 

Saturday November 19, 2011. 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 118 B. Street. We will be selling hot dogs, chili dogs, frito boats, chili bowls, baked goods, candy, holiday crafts, jelly and raffle tickers throughout the day and much more. The gifts for the raffle are from local merchants, tickets are for sale from Auxiliary members for $1.00. Grand Prize – GPS, honey, haircuts, and restaurant certificates. For more information and donations please call Geri Lee at 524-1591.

 
Fillmore FFA members at the Indiana Speedway.
Fillmore FFA members at the Indiana Speedway.
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The members having some fun at the Kelsey Dairy Farm while waiting for our tour.
The members having some fun at the Kelsey Dairy Farm while waiting for our tour.
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Listening to the farm manager at Kelsey Dairy Farm while he gives us a tour of the farm.
Listening to the farm manager at Kelsey Dairy Farm while he gives us a tour of the farm.
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I Believe. Not only are these words the beginning of the FFA Creed, but they were also the theme of the 84th National FFA Convention. The convention was held October 18-22 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Throughout the convention FFA members competed in contests including public speaking, job interview and livestock judging. Students were also given the opportunity to attend a career show, tour agricultural businesses or farms and hear the inspiring words of motivational speakers as well as National Officers at nine different sessions.

This year Marc Zavala, Ryan Calderon, Sierra Blankenship, Hailee Smith, Micah Chumley, Alexus Galassi and myself as well as parents Alishia Duncan, Kathleen Aguirre and Fillmore FFA advisor Mr. Ricards were able to travel to Indiana for an exciting week. We began Wednesday morning with a self guided tour of the National FFA Center where we learned about the history of FFA. Shortly after that, we went on a tour of the Indiana Speedway. We took a bus ride around the track, learned traditions and facts about the speedway and also saw different models of race cars. We then hurried over to the giant Career Show and Expo. With over 1300 career and college booths in attendance, we each received enough pamphlets and pens to last us a lifetime! The career show definitely opened our eyes to how many great agricultural colleges and careers there are in the United States. After walking through the Career Show and Expo, our group headed to the Conseco Feildhouse for the Convention’s Opening Session. The National Officer team introduced the theme “I Believe” and explained that these words are truly the base of our organization. Without believing in something, whether it be in agriculture or yourself, FFA would not be the strong organization that it is today. The National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve Brown then gave a few words of wisdom to the 45,763 members in attendance. To end the session, motivational speaker Dave Roever talked to us about not giving up on ourselves. Mr. Roever is a war veteran who almost lost his life during battle. The majority of his skin was melted off and it left him with scars covering his body. He travels to talk to high school kids as well as army troops to encourage them to stay confident and never give up on their lives. Mr. Roever’s story had us laughing, crying and reflecting on our own lives.

Thursday morning’s rain couldn’t dampen our spirits as we headed out to participate in the National FFA Day of Service (NDOS). The NDOS is a community service event at various non-profit locations throughout Indianapolis. There are only enough spots for 1500 FFA members to participate in the NDOS and the Fillmore FFA was fortunate to have the opportunity to attend. Our NDOS site was Damar Services which is a residential facility for children with behavioral and mental disabilities. Along with FFA members from North Carolina we cleaned tables, walls, windows and organized recreational equipment. We all agreed it was a very rewarding experience. Quickly changing back into our official FFA uniforms we were off to the Second Session to hear the retiring address from our National Vice President of the Central Region Wyatt DeJong. He encouraged us to “do more and expect more from yourself then others expect of you.” At this session awards were given to outstanding FFA chapters throughout the nation who have made a difference in their communities. Later that night with a few thousand new FFA friends, we rocked Lucas Oil Stadium at the Blake Shelton Concert.

Friday was our day reserved for farm tours, but first we attended a session where we heard from speaker Vernice “Fly Girl” Armor a helicopter pilot in the U.S. Airforce. Her message was that your past prepares you for your future. She explained to us that how you respond versus react to a situation is truly the key. She went on to talk about “how can we be in service to others even when we feel like we are in our lowest moments because that is where true happiness and success is.” After this powerful message, we were off to our farm tours. Our first tour was at Umbargars Feed and Grain where we learned the process of making livestock show feed. Then we explored the family run “Kelsey Dairy Farm.” There we learned the high tech process they use to manage their herd of 300 cows. They use everything from computers to analyze each cow’s daily milk production to a mechanical pulley that automatically cleans the pens. Then we had a little fun in the five acre corn maze where we lost Mr. Ricards, don’t worry folks we found him! Our day ended with a tour of Hunter’s Honey Farm where we learned the steps of extracting and processing honey.

Saturday morning we attended a workshop called “What would we do without Agriculture in our lives?” It was lead by Past National Officer Becky Sullivan representing Kansas State University. We played games to learn about agricultural products and what the states top commodities are. We ended the workshop by discussing various agricultural careers that we were interested in. We ended our stay in Indiana with the final session of the 84th National FFA Convention where they announced the 2011-2012 National FFA Officer team. We would like to thank those in the community that supported our fundraising efforts and the Fillmore FFA Boosters that made it possible for us to attend the convention. It is our goal to share our experiences and lessons learned with our local chapter and the Fillmore community because I believe, We believe, We are FFA!

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

 

Tuesday and Wednesday, November 1st and 2nd, the Fillmore Historical Museum was the recipient of 7 white Crepe Myrtle trees which were a generous donation from Chevron Corporation. The Museum helped with their research on the old Texaco Refinery which was located on the east side of Pole Creek. We are pleased to acknowledge their donation which will enhance the appearance of our museum site.
Martha Gentry
Exec. Director
Fillmore Historical Museum

 
Pictured above are cast members Linda Burdick, Alesandria Posada, Candice Stines and Tom Glauser as Langley Lohan.
Pictured above are cast members Linda Burdick, Alesandria Posada, Candice Stines and Tom Glauser as Langley Lohan.
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Tess MaGregor recovers from her fall off a cliff.

Seen here with Elsa Swenson and Mae, Tess makes a quick recovery after a dreadful fall off of a cliff just outside of Hidden Valley during her outing with the evil realestate mogal, Langley Lohan. It is unknow at this time if Lohan was at fault. Mr. Lohan, Tess and 20 other citizens from Hidden Valley will perform for Sespe Players Community Theater Group at the Sespe School Auditorium this weekend.

Sespe Players' continue their colorful performance of “The Hare-Raising Saga of Hidden Valley” this weekend. It's a one-of-a-kind Melodrama written and directed by Chris Villegas.

Show times are Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2:00. Tickets may be purchased at the door, Student/child:$5 Senior: $10 Adult: $15. Doors open 30 minutes before performances.

 
Veteran's Day, November 11, at the Bardsdale Church

Jamie Arundell Latshaw will be the guest speaker at the Bardsdale United Methodist Women's annual Thanksgiving Dinner on Veteran's Day, November 11, at the Bardsdale Church.

Mrs. Latshaw, a graduate of Fillmore High School and the United States Military Academy at West Point, spent eight years in the Army as a logistics officer and is the CEO and President of her company, Lexicon Inc. Lexicon contracts with the government and private firms to train and educate their employees about the customs and languages of countries where their business is conducted. She is married to Leroy Latshaw, a former Army helicopter pilot, and is the daughter of Jim and Diane Arundell of Fillmore.

The festive meal will be a traditional Thanksgiving fare with all the trimmings and will begin a 12 noon in LeBard Hall. Suggested donation is $12 per person.

The church is located at 1498 Bardsdale Avenue.