The Alzheimer’s Association is offering The Savvy Caregiver Program, a free, six-week educational training program for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias. The Savvy Caregiver will be held for six Tuesdays, February 17 through March 24, from 10AM to Noon at the Ventura County office of the California Central Coast Alzheimer's Association, 1339 Del Norte Road, Camarillo.

Nonprofessional caregivers will acquire skills and knowledge of dementia, handling difficult situations and managing behavior. Attendees will also learn about managing their own well-being and resources available in the community to help.

Seating is limited and registration is required. Please phone Norma Featherston, Area Director, at the Alzheimer's Association, (805) 485-5597 to register.

Ventura County (January 20, 2008) The board of directors of the 31st District Agricultural Association, better known as the Ventura County Fairgrounds, has elected former Ventura County District Attorney Michael D. Bradbury to the office of president of the Board of Directors. The board also elected director Janis Berk, to the office of Vice-President.

The Ventura County Fairgrounds is owned by the State of California and administered by the 31st District Agricultural Association under the direction of the Division of Fairs and Expositions, Department of Food and Agriculture. A nine member Board of Directors, appointed by the Governor, oversees the Association. The 31st DAA is a self-supporting entity, receiving no tax dollars.

The 2009 Ventura County Fair, “Where it’s a Wonderful Life” will be from Wednesday, August 5 through Sunday, August 16. More information can be found at www.venturacountyfair.org or by calling (805) 648-3376.

Through the Humane Society of Ventura County’s efforts, more animals found their way into loving homes in 2008 than during the previous year.

In all, the private non-profit Ojai animal shelter reported overseeing 699 pet adoptions last year, up from 591 adoptions in 2007. While the bulk of the pet adoptions were for dogs and cats, the Humane Society also finds homes for other animals, including pigs, rabbits, ducks, horses, birds, turtles and guinea pigs.

Cyndy Treutelaar, president of Humane Society of Ventura County’s Board of Directors, attributes the increase in adoptions to the organization’s community outreach services.

“We’re out in the schools, our volunteers are manning booths, the Ventura County Star runs our ‘Pet of the Week,’ we’re advertising more,” Treutelaar said. “It’s a lot of things.”

The shelter also reported a significant increase in the number of pets spayed or neutered in 2008 – 1,944 pets – up from 1,862 pets in 2007. Again, Treutelaar credits the Humane Society of Ventura County’s public awareness campaign, but she also points to grant money that the non-profit has secured that allows it to offer periodic free spay and neutering services. CONTINUED »

Otto & Sons Nursery is holding classes at its Rose Care University every Saturday in January. The class covers rose pruning, dormant spraying, mulching and fertilizing for beautiful roses. The last class of the year will be on January 31st from 10-noon. The cost of the class is $15.00 and reservations are required. Call
524-2123.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

The project of revitalizing the Junior Arches/Shasta Daisy project that the alumni association is involved in has hit a couple of snags, and we are looking for help so that this year' senior class can walk to the graduation platform under the traditional arches of Shasta Daisies.
Kirk Richter, class of '77 and his horticulture class at the high school planted a large area of rooted cuttings, thanks to the donation of Conway Spitler, but it wasn't enough of an area to provide the flowers needed for the graduation arches. A call was sent out for donations of more cuttings from anyone who has Shasta Daisies in their yard, but none have been received.
A second glitch that has occurred is that the Horticulture class, which was being sponsored by Ventura College has been canceled, so there is no organized group to care for the existing plants and to plant any new material that is received. This topic will be brought up at the next alumni board meeting in February to see what assistance the alumni can give to Kirk to keep this project going.
So what is now needed is for people to come forward with flowers for the arches for graduation so this tradition, which was started in 1940, can once again become a reality after an absence of 20 years.
Anyone having plant material that we can use for planting more area of the school, or flowers that can be used for the Junior arches this year, please call Kirk at 524-8423 or the alumni office at 524-0416, or e-mail: staff@FillmoreHighAlumni.com. The alumni association is very interested in getting this tradition restarted.

Welcome back! Hope your holidays were lovely! February 4, 2009 1:00 pm. Board meeting 12:00 pm. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 117 7th St. Santa Paula. Program: Andrew Wyatt, Director of Horticulture, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Sp0eaking to us on “Groundwork for success of native plants”.

KSSP Photographic Studios has been awarded the photography contract by Fillmore Girls Softball & T-Ball for its 2009 season. Boys 4 ½ to 6 years and girls 4 ½ to high school age are eligible to register and play in the league.

KSSP will provide photography services including team & player pictures and action shots. Each player who registers will receive a folio with a team and the individual player pictures plus a photo button. KSSP will also offer package upgrades and add-ons to the basic package. KSSP will photograph selected games and make actions shots available for purchase.

Registration for Fillmore Girls Softball & T-Ball is currently underway. Registration will occur this Saturday, January 24th, 9am to 12 pm at the Fillmore Middle School. Fees may be paid at a later time if needed and financial assistance is available for those that qualify Contact Jason at 524-3333. More information can also be found at their web site http://FillmoreGirlsSoftball.com.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in portrait, wedding and quinceanera photography (and video). KSSP is the Fillmore High School photographer.

For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com

Curves of Fillmore is rolling out the red carpet to members of the award-winning Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program, the nation’s leading exercise program designed for older adults. Beginning January 1, 2009, SilverSneakers members are eligible to join Curves of Fillmore at no cost.
"We are so pleased to welcome local SilverSneakers members to Curves of Fillmore," said club owner Denise Johnson. "As you age, your risks for debilitating disease increase, and being overweight or obese significantly adds to that risk. At Curves of Fillmore, we have programs that help women of all ages do the three most significant things they can do to decrease their risks -- manage their weight, exercise regularly, and eat healthfully."
Call 524-0337 to schedule your Tour and Fitness Asessment.
There are 6,500 Curves locations and more than 2.5 million women in the U.S. who are eligible for the SilverSneakers program.
For more information about Curves of Fillmore, please contact Denise Johnson at 524-0337.
About Curves
Curves works every major muscle group with a complete 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also works to help women lose weight, gain muscle strength and aerobic capacity, and raise metabolism with its groundbreaking, scientifically proven method that ends the need for perpetual dieting. Founders Gary and Diane Heavin are considered the innovators of the express fitness phenomenon that has made exercise available to around 4 million women globally, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. With nearly 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise. For more information, please visit: www.curves.com.
About Healthways, Inc.
The SilverSneakers® Fitness Program is a product of Healthways, Inc. Healthways is the leading provider of specialized, comprehensive Health and Care SupportSM solutions to help millions of people maintain or improve their health and, as a result, reduce overall healthcare costs. For more information regarding the Healthways SilverSneakers Fitness Program, visit www.silversneakers.com or call 1-800-295-4993.

(Ventura, CA) – The U.S. Census Bureau will conduct candidate testing for multiple positions on several dates in January and February, at multiple locations throughout the county. The bureau will be hiring 300 temporary employees to begin work as early as March. The positions include census takers and supervisors with wages ranging from $15 to $21.25 per hour.

The testing will take place at the following locations (contact the US Census Bureau at 1-866-861-2010 for other locations):

West Oxnard Job & Career Center
January 16 & 29, 10 am and 1 pm

East County (Simi Valley) Job & Career Center
January 20, 10 am and 1 pm

If you are applying for testing at the two centers listed above, you must register with CalJOBS prior to the testing. You can register with CalJOBS at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

Oxnard College Job & Career Center
January 21, 10 am and 1 pm

Ventura Job & Career Center
January 23, 10 am and 1 pm

Santa Clara Valley (Santa Paula) Job & Career Center
January 26, 10 am and 1 pm
February 2, 9, 16 & 23, 10 am and 1 pm

For contact information and locations, go to www.vchsa.org or call 800-500-7705.

The Human Services Agency, in partnership with the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County, offers the testing sites as part of their Employment Services for job seekers. For more information on other programs and services available, check the following web sites:

www.vchsa.org
www.wib.ventura.org
www.venturacountyjcc.org

Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center
725 E. Main Street, Santa Paula
805-933-8452

Monday, Feb. 2 - Computer Basics for Job Seekers, 9 am – 4 pm - become familiar with Windows desktop programs to enhance your job skills. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5 and 6 - Resumes that Sell, 9 am – 4 pm - two-day workshop providing hands-on assistance in completing a resume, cover and thank-you letters. Walk away with a portfolio that shows off professional skills and experience. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday, Feb. 12 - Winning Interviews, 9 am – 1 pm - supplies the tools to make a lasting first impression when interviewing. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Tuesday, Feb. 17 - Power of VOS (Virtual OneStop), 9 am - noon – Learn about the Virtual OneStop website and how you can use the various tools in the system to build your resume and customize your job search to a specific location and occupation. Must have basic computer skills. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday and Friday, Feb. 19 and 20 - Resumes that Sell, 9 am – 4 pm - two-day workshop providing hands-on assistance in completing a resume, cover and thank-you letters. Walk away with a portfolio that shows off professional skills and experience. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Thursday and Friday, Feb. 26 and 27 - Resumes that Sell, 9 am – 4 pm - two-day workshop providing hands-on assistance in completing a resume, cover and thank-you letters. Walk away with a portfolio that shows off professional skills and experience. Career Shops are offered at no cost to Job Seekers. Space is limited. Prior registration required by calling the Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center at 805-933-8452 to enroll.

Spanish language workshop:

Monday, Feb. 9 - Tecnicas para la Busqueda de Trabajo (Job Search Techniques), 9 am – 1 pm - Presentado por Los Centros de Empleos y Carreras Esta sección de 3 a 4 horas está diseñada para personas que están buscando empleo. Los temas incluyen donde y como buscar empleo, como crear una red de comunicación, técnicas de cómo usar el teléfono apropiadamente para buscar empleo y como usar la red del Internet para buscar empleo. También aprenderá técnicas apropiadas para hacer una entrevista. 805-933-8452.

Career Shops are presented in partnership with Ventura County Job & Career Centers and are sponsored by the Human Services Agency and the Workforce Investment Board. Equal opportunity Employer/Program/Service – TDD/TT Inquiries call 1 (800) 735-2922. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individual with disabilities.

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

Many in the Fillmore community appreciated the new stadium as our football teams, both junior varsity and varsity, had seasons that will be remembered for years to come. Recall last year our watching the progress of the stadium being redone, students, staff, and community waiting in anticipation. Both teams delivered this year with record-setting seasons, shattering several team and individual records. We anticipate the same success next year from these teams. And, we anticipate that our student athletes in soccer and track and field will have the same successful seasons this year.

As you can see when you drive by the stadium, it is still a work in progress. There were some snags found on the field turf prior to the football season that necessitated its total removal and reinstallation. The track, too, has caused some delays. Just like the field turf, the installer is responsible for delivering a first-rate track. Currently, you can see plastic sheeting around the track as the contractor rushes to complete the field so that soccer and track and field can use the stadium this year.

We had hoped that the track could have been completed by now, but several delays have kept that from occurring. First, the original track surface was unsatisfactorily installed, at no fault of the district, and had to be repaired. The repairs to the field were delayed because of the success of the FHS football team as it made it to the CIF semi-finals. Once the football season ended, the soccer teams wanted to use the fields in preparation for the new season. Soccer practice, pre-season games, and two tournaments were scheduled, delaying the finalization of the track even more. We anticipated that the work on the track would occur during the two week Winter Break. Some work was done, but, unfortunately, Mother Nature took over and created more delays due to rain and then wind.

That is where we are today. As long as the winds are present, the final repairs to the track cannot be completed. Once that is completed, the track can then be lined and ready for the track and field season. Unfortunately, these delays have had an impact on the soccer season for our six teams if we don’t catch a break with the weather.

We anticipate that the FHS stadium will serve the needs of our District for years to come. Thanks for your patience with these delays as we make sure that there is quality workmanship in the stadium. Then, we can all enjoy the stadium, celebrating the successes of our student athletes and outstanding coaching staff.

(SCVBank; OTC BB: SCVE.OB) today announced a cash dividend of $.10 per share payable January 20, 2009 to shareholders of record as of December 26, 2008. This is SCVBank’s first dividend declaration.

Chairman Guy Cole remarked, “We are very proud to SCVBank Announces Dividend be able to announce a dividend
at this time. The dividend represents the board’s gratitude to our shareholders for their loyalty and commitment and reaffirms the strength of the Bank’s capital position. While so many other financial institutions have either failed, or cut back their dividends, the approval of a new dividend reflects SCV Bank’s long-term strategy
of providing conservative, relationship-based credit.” Michael D. Hause, President and CEO stated, “The dividend goes hand-in-hand with our Five-Star “Superior” performing bank rating by BauerFinancial, Inc. At yearend 2008, the Bank’s assets were $121.0 million”.

Conway Spitler

This is the time of year to think, and then have to act, on income taxes! Take the time to go to The Econ4U Quiz on the web. Take the quiz and see how you are doing!
This group suggests five useful tips for managing your finances in the New Year.
Don't incur any overdraft or insufficient funds. Make a budget and eliminate unnecessary expenses. Pay your bills on time. Find out what your credit is. Reassess all of your fixed bills. Go to: www.econ4u.org/media.cfm

What a ride you have starting from River Street and going north! You come to the automatic traffic signal at the highway. And it seems that Cal Trans has lengthened the time that you wait for the "going through town’ers" speed through the City of Fillmore.
You then are jolted by the "repaves" on Central Avenue. Then the bumps of the railroad track. On to the former diggings and then refilled street with all the bumps, etc. and you arrive at the new stop sign.
And if that isn't enough, you go further up the Central Avenue and you come to new diggings on the broken sewer line!
It really keeps you alert these days!

Sespe Players announce auditions for the upcoming production of "The Pole Creek Radio Hour"
to be performed the last weekend in April and the first weekend in May, six performances.

This is a truly unique production featuring radio skits of the Lone Ranger, Superman, Mystery Theatre, Abbot and Costello as well as musical and comedy numbers.
This will be an evening's entertainment for the whole family.
We are looking for actors, singers, musicians, and backstage help.
Please come by the Trinity Episcopal Church Tuesday, Jan. 27, Thursday Jan. 29 and/or Monday Feb. 2 at 6:45 for auditions. Call backs with be Thursday, Feb. 5.
We will hold rehearsals on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for the month of February at the Episcopal Church.
For More Info call 524-3275

John Parker
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John Parker Chair
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Norman Kirk
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Norman Kirk Chair
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The Ventura Music Festival’s 15th Season Art exhibition features a collection of 15 handcrafted chairs all to be auctioned off at its key fundraiser for the year on March 14, 2009.

In the past four years, the Ventura Music Festival has partnered with the local art community to help raise funds for the Festival. This year, in honor of its 15th anniversary, the Festival’s art exhibition celebrates each year since its founding by commissioning 15 one-of-a-kind “Musical Chairs.”

Each handcrafted chair features a unique perspective as artists feature their own style and interpretation of the Festival’s theme – Ruskaya: Music…the Soul of Russia. Interested parties also can now place bids on chairs prior to the auction through the Festival’s website at: www.venturamusicfestival.org.

Prior to the auction, all 15 chairs will remain on display at various venues throughout Ventura County.

Through February 15:

Affinity Bank & Trust, 101 S. Chestnut Street, Ventura

First California Bank of Oxnard, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, #102, Oxnard

Santa Barbara Bank, 250 S. Mills Road, Ventura

Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street, Ventura

Fox Fine Jewelry, 210 E. Main Street, Ventura

San Buenaventura Artists Union Gallery, 330 S. California Street, Ventura (through Feb. 8 only)

Studio Channel Islands Art Center, 519 South C Street, Oxnard

February 16 – March 6:

Rabobank, 300 S. Mills Road, Ventura

Weaver Wines, 14 S. California Street, Ventura

Primavera Art Gallery, 214 E. Ojai Avenue, Ojai

Tower Club, 300 E. Esplanade Drive, #1455, Oxnard

Red Brick Gallery, 328 E. Main Street, Ventura

Crowne Plaza Hotel, 450 Harbor Blvd., Ventura

March 6 – 13:

All 15 chairs will come together and remain on display at Discovery Gallery, Ventura Visitors & Convention Bureau, 101 S. California Street, Ventura

Annual gala and fundraiser, March 14

The Ventura Music Festival’s annual gala and fundraiser, themed White Russian Nights is March 14 at the Four Points by Sheraton in the Ventura Harbor. Guests will enjoy a festive evening of fine dining, wine and entertainment, including a live auction of 15 Musical Chairs. Visit the website www.venturamusicfestival.org or call (805) 648-3146 for more information or to purchase tickets.

ATTACHED ARTIST PHOTO AND BIO

ALL 15 chair and artist images are available upon request from PR@consortium-media.com.

Artists Norman Kirk and John Parker are just two of 15 local artists participating in the Ventura Music Festivals art exhibition, “Musical Chairs.” In all, 15 chairs were created to celebrate the Festival’s 15th anniversary season. Norman Kirk’s chair photo courtesy of Schaf Photo. John Parker’s chair photo courtesy of Photo by Derek.

About the Artists

Norman Kirk: A resident of Santa Paula, artist Norman Kirk is best known for his watercolor paintings. A signature member of the National Watercolor Society, Watercolor West and the gold Coast Watercolor Society, he studied the classics at the Cleveland Museum of Art and continued his studies at the Los Angeles Art Center School of Design, UCLA, Chouinards, De Paul University and Ventura college where he has also taught watercolor painting since 1982.

He has been the cover artist and program book illustrator for the Ventura Co. Design House since 1994 and was a combat artist during WW II. His paintings have won countless awards in juried shows and has works presented in galleries and museums throughout California.

A lover of music and a passion for painting have overlapped and intertwined in ways that are difficult to explain throughout my life,” Kirk says. “My personal expression of the chair, titled ‘Adagio,’ contains images of composers, musicians, instruments, and other symbols representing the world of music. They are depicted with a combination of collage, original painted compositions, and unified with brushwork woven through the juxtaposed imagery.”

John Parker: John Parker, a visual artist, musician, graphic artist and resident of Ventura, is inspired to create art by modern art masters such as Modigliani, Picasso, Gustav Klimt and European poster art of the early 20th Century.

He has created graphics for local events such as Downtown ArtWalk and now serves on the Board of Directors at San Buenaventura Artists Union Gallery. This year marks his fourth season creating signature art, brochures, ads and all graphics for the Ventura Music Festival.

When describing his chair, Parker says “Listen! Has the music stopped? When it does.....have a seat! Here, where light and darkness meet, where day and night cast purple shadows on the street. A swirling phantasmagoria of color and rhythm surround you, hypnotizing you into dream....but wait! The music has started again....you must rise up and dance!”

Entertainer, Phil Birdsell
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The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by popular entertainer, Phil Birdsell, at the Veterans Memorial building on January 27, 2009.

Phil is a popular entertainer, singer, songwriter, impressionist, and D.J., and a man of many voices.

One of Southern California's most requested entertainer and D.J.'s is Phil Birdsell. Since 1980, Phil has been perfecting his vocal and entertaining abilities in night clubs, on cruise ships, at private parties, weddings and corporate functions all over Southern California and North America. He loves making people happy with his musical, vocal impressions and song, that include a musical repertoire of Pop, and Classics from the 30's to today. His wonderful original music, which he has on CD, reflects his strong love of life, family, God and country. Phil Birdsell is truly a "One Man Entertainment Package," that will help make any event or party a tremendous success.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Trisha Armstrong at 805-727-1901.

Learn more about prevention as well as the early detection and treatment of heart disease at a morning-long symposium that Community Memorial Health System is holding on Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Spanish Hills Country Club in Camarillo.

This free public education program will run from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Co-sponsors include the American Heart Association, the HeartAware Healthy Heart Program and KVTA 1520 News/Talk Radio.

The AHA states that cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one cause of death in both males and females affecting more than 22 million Americans each year.

This educational symposium will focus on the causes and risk factors that contribute to heart disease, dietary and lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of heart disease, diagnostic and treatment options and practical preventive strategies the public can use to reduce their risk of heart problems that remain the leading cause of death in the United States. Expert speakers will include cardiac medical, nutrition and surgical specialists associated with CMHS.

Space is limited, so call for reservations at 652-5385, or go to www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp. A light continental breakfast and snack is included.

Spanish Hills Country Club is located at 999 Crestview Drive in Camarillo.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and recycling collection schedule in Fillmore on Jan. 23, during the week of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jan. 19-24.

For more information, call 647-1414.