"It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a community to save shelter animals."

On September 24th and 25th, two community groups are doing their part to help Ventura County Animal Services promote shelter adoptions and save animals.

As part of the shelter's Rub-A-Belly Adoption Weekend, the country western group "Cari and the Black Rose Band" will be playing at the shelter on September 24th from noon to 4pm.

On September 25th, "Mari and the Gypsydancers" will be "dancing for the dogs" at 1pm.

Both Cari and Mari contacted the shelter and asked how they could lend their particular talents to help rehome the shelter's many adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets.

"We're hoping the music and dancing will get folks in the mood to find their next best friend", says Director Monica Nolan.

To add to the excitement of the weekend, all dog and cat adoptions will be discounted. A large wheel, called the "The Wheel of Fortune" because any animal that gets adopted is fortunate, has been set up in the shelter lobby. Adopters spin to see how much of a discount they will get. No matter what the discount, in the end everybody wins because a family gains a new pet and the pet gains a new home.

Dogs and cats adopted this weekend come already spayed/neutered, with a license, rabies shot, microchip, a free set of obedience lessons (dogs only), complementary exam at the vet of your choice and a $20 gift card to Petco.

A house is not a home without a pet. And Ventura County Animal Services believes that shelter pets are the best home improvement you can make. Visit the shelter's web site at www.vcas.us for more
information and to preview the animals.

Fire Chief Rigo Landeros, Police Chief Monica McGrath, Rotary Club President Sean Morris.
Enlarge Photo

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers heard an update on the Fillmore Fire Dept. and the Fillmore Police Department from Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Police Chief Monica McGrath on Tuesday, September 6, 2011. Both chiefs spoke about the effect on their departments from the current budget cuts and answered questions from the Rotarians. The Sun Risers also honored and recognized the VC Sheriffs Dept. Explorers programs by presenting a
President’s Certificate to Fillmore Explorers advisor Deputy Leo Vazquez, Senior Explorers Josefina Fernandez and Briana Vazquez and Explorer Brandon Pina. The Rotarians thanked the Explorers for all their hard work in our community and for helping the Sun Risers with the Heritage Valley 5K Run/Walk this past May.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers meets weekly at El Pescador Restaurant at 7 a.m. Upcoming speakers include: September 13, will be Barry Fisher, VC Public Health Director; September 20, Katy Hadduck RN, for the VC EMS agency. Upcoming event for the Sun Risers in September is participating as a team in the Relay for Life on September 17 and 18 at Shield Park. For more information about attending a meeting and about the Rotary Club
of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.

Fillmore FFA Advisor Mr. Joe Ricards holding the perpetual trophy for the Herdsmanship Award.

Wow! The 2011-2012 school year is off to a great start for Fillmore FFA! It began with coming home from a successful week at the Ventura County Fair. All those Thursday night showmanship practices really paid off. The winners of swine novice showmanship are as follows: 4th place, Oscar Negrete; 3rd place, Helena Replogle and 1st place, Eddie Cardenas. Swine advanced showmanship: 7th place, Hailee Smith; 6th place, Christian Perritore; 5th place, Felicity Zavala; 4th place, Jennifer Martin; 3rd place, Andrew Perez; 2nd place, Sierra Blankenship and 1st place, Marc Zavala. Steer advanced showmanship: 4th place, Brittany Gurrola; 2nd place, Samantha Wokal and 1st place, Aaron Largen. Replacement heifer advanced showmanship: 2nd place, Macie Wokal and 1st place, Micah Chumley. Breeding heifer advanced showmanship: 1st place, Brooke Aguirre. Lamb novice showmanship: 2nd place, Zahydie Martin. Everyone did an awesome job training their animals and it really showed through these awards. The exhibiters who are awarded 1st place in showmanship compete in a contest called Round Robin. This is where the exhibiter must show each market animal, i.e. goat, lamb, steer, heifer, and pig. The results of Round Robin are as follows. FFA novice showmanship: 3rd place Eddie Cardenas. FFA advanced showmanship: 5th place, Micah Chumley; 3rd place, Brooke Aguirre; 2nd place, Marc Zavala and 1st place, Aaron Largen. The results of the swine market are as follows: FFA Grand Champion Marc Zavala; Overall Reserve Grand Champion Marc Zavala. Replacement heifers: FFA Reserve Grand Champion, Micah Chumley; FFA Grand Champion, Macie Wokal; Overall Reserve Grand Champion, Micah Chumley and Overall Grand Champion, Macie Wokal. Breeding heifer: Reserve Grand Champion, Alexus Galassi. Not only did individual Fillmore FFA members show excellence at this years fair, but as a chapter we were awarded the Herdsmanship Award. The Herdsmanship Award is given to the chapter that that keeps their barns the cleanest, has members readily available to answer questions and represents their chapter the best. To top off the week, Fillmore FFA welcomed a new born calf to the world. Alexus Galassi’s cow, Talula, gave birth to her heifer calf Thursday night at fair. The calf, who was named Kaliapi, is now at the Fillmore School Farm and doing well. Congratulations to everyone in Fillmore FFA for doing such a great job!

We also have a new addition at Fillmore High School. Along with the other agriculture classes, Fillmore High School now has an Environmental Horticulture class. This class is taught by Mrs. Roderick who is also the new Fillmore High School Dean of Students. Everyone is excited for this new class and happy to welcome Mrs. Roderick to our high school.

Fillmore FFA held their annual Buyer’s Banquet on August 25th. The people who bought animals from Fillmore FFA members were invited to this dinner. This is a way of showing our appreciation to the generous buyers. Thank you to everyone who supported the Fillmore FFA exhibiters at the 2011 Ventura County Fair.

Are you a Flashes football fan? If so, don’t forget to buy your hot, fresh and tasty popcorn from the Fillmore FFA Boosters Club! This fundraiser helps students attend leadership conferences and activities. Also by the snack booth, Fillmore FFA parents and members are helping cook and make the tri-tip sandwiches at each home game. Hope to see you there!

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Ventura Family YMCA believes that it is possible to make a positive impact in the fight against obesity and other life threatening diseases. The Y does this by offering programs that give people the support and resources they need to maintain a healthier lifestyle.

With the changing demands in our lives, maintaining a healthy diet and routine exercise has become increasingly difficult. This in turn has led to the rise of life threatening diseases such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. Knowing this, the Y has made it a priority to provide the community with the resources and support that will help people of all walks of life succeed on the path to healthier living.

To give people the confidence and motivation to tackle a healthier lifestyle, the Y is encouraging people of all ages to schedule a free consultation with a Y wellness coach during the month of September to meet one-on-one, have questions answered and discuss individual wellness goals and challenges. The free consultation is designed to provide the answers and support needed to get started on a path towards living a healthier lifestyle. In addition to a free consultation with a Y Wellness Coach, the Y is offering a free 3 day guest pass to participants who meet with a Y Wellness Coach.

To schedule your free wellness consultation email rich.gross@ciymca.org or call 805-642-2131. More information is also available at ciymca.org/ventura.

Sespe Players are holding auditions for a new melodrama! The Hare Raising Saga of Hidden Valley or Don't Mess with Tess(working title). Adults and kids. Sept 13 & 14 at the Historic Depot on Main St. Fillmore; 7:00 - 8:00 pm. Production dates are Nov 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, and 13.

The Humane Society of Ventura County has found a new canyon – Ventura’s Arroyo Verde Park – for its fifth annual “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” fund-raiser set for Sunday, Oct. 9. Proceeds go to the care of animals in need throughout Ventura County.

This year’s event, which will feature a Southwestern-style dinner, silent auction, raffle and exhibits, will run from 2 to 6 p.m. at the park, located on Foothill Road at Day Road. The Iron Mountain Boys will provide musical entertainment.

In addition, there will be K-9 agility and training demonstrations, animal wellness exhibits and attendees also will get a chance to visit with animals from the nonprofit’s Ojai shelter and watch the shelter’s “Dogs on Parade.” The event is a celebration of shelter pets; attendees are asked to leave their own pets at home.

Tickets purchased in advance are $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under and include a free parking pass. Tickets bought on site will be $50 and $25 plus a $5 parking pass at the park entrance.

For tickets or more information, call 646-6505 or hsvc.org.

CAMARILLO, CA. - The Economic Development Collaborative-Ventura County recently appointed Tresa Wilkinson, vice president and CFO of the Fillmore and Western Railway, to its board of directors. Wilkinson will serve as a representative for the Santa Clara Valley region and brings with her key experience in the hospitality, tourism and transportation industries.

“In Ventura County, hospitality and tourism are extremely important to our economy’s strength, so having Tresa’s experience will be a great resource for us,” said Bruce Stenslie, EDC-VC president and CEO. “She also has a proven track record building relationships with film studios and this will help bring additional exposure to the Ventura County Film Commission, which we oversee.”

Informally known as the “home of the movie trains,” the Fillmore and Western Railway is a multi-million dollar company specializing in rail operations, film production, rail construction and commercial operations with the Loose Caboose railroad memorabilia facility in Santa Paula. The railway has development and production experience with nearly 400 films and has 50,000 to 70,000 riders each year.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Bruce Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 21 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

Learn about Ventura County agriculture, take home farm fresh produce, and have fun at the same time! Join us at the UC Hansen Agricultural Center (UCHAC) for another Saturday at the Farm—Harvest Day, September 24th from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Harvest Day program will include: farm fresh produce—you harvest, we provide bag, vegetable cooking demonstration with samples, and Faulkner House tour. VC Master Gardeners will hold a plant sale. Participants are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the farm.

Space is limited, registration required. Please call 805-525-9293 ext. 214 or email sbmiller@ucdavis.edu. Free.

UCHAC is located at 14292 W. Telegraph Rd. (corner of Briggs Rd. and Telegraph Rd.) in Santa Paula. Admission to farm and parking are free. For more information, visit our website at www.uchansentrust.org.

The Vision 20/20 committee pick a beauty this month. Congratulations to Peggy Alsup, and Gary Mourett of 1011 Ortega Street in Fillmore, for winning September Yard of the Month. The residence is on the Corner of Burson, and Ortega. Their yard was picked for the care and work they put into it. The house is lined with Rose Trees of different colors, and Rose sizes. Also in the front yard are two beautiful White Birch Trees and a couple of Palm trees. On the side yard you will see a couple of citrus trees, and a nicely shaped cactus. There is a story behind all their planting. A very good friend of Gary's, by the name of Derek DeJarnette gave him the Lemon tree years ago. For the longest time it barely grew, and gave one or two Lemons yearly. Sadly, his friend Derek past away many years ago and Gary said that after he past, the Lemon Tree just flourished, and now its just big, and beautiful, and gives fruit yearly, much to the delight of both Gary, and Peggy.

The 27th Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day is less than a month away, and we’re working with the California Coastal Commission to help recruit 100,000 volunteers — what would be the largest turnout ever — for this event. Keeping our inland waterways and coastlines free of trash and debris is vital to the health of our oceans and environment.

Below is a media alert, along with a link to high-resolution image and a short creative promo video that outlines the importance of this event.

We would love your help spreading the word and inspiring the public to get involved!

If interested in promoting this effort, we have additional marketing assets available, including: web banners (in Spanish and English), radio scripts (Spanish and English), posters (in English and Spanish) and the video.

If you need any additional information or would like to speak/interview with a representative of the California Coastal Commission, please let me know.

Check out “Trash Frog,” :15 sec original promo video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFiKFVSwupg

Check out the 2011 California Coastal Clean Up Day original art “Trash Fish” posters :
http://tpgweb2.net/california-coastal-commission/trash_fish_Poster1.jpg
http://tpgweb2.net/california-coastal-commission/trash_fish_Poster3.jpg
http://tpgweb2.net/california-coastal-commission/trash_fish_Poster5.jpg

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers meet weekly at El Pescador Restaurant at 7:00 AM. Club members and guests hear programs on a wide variety of subject including PolioPlus, Rotary’s program to eradicate polio worldwide; Ventura County Tax Payers Associations; Kyle Wilson of Edward Jones Investments with an economic update; Catherine Voelker Duggan, V.C. Deputy District Attorney, just to name a few. Next week, Tuesday, Sept. 6th the Sun Risers will hear from Fillmore Police Chief Monica McGrath and Fire Chief Rigo Landeros. For more information about attending a meeting and about the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.
Upcoming event for the Sun Risers in September is participating as a team in the Relay for Life on Sept. 17 & 18 at Shield Park.

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.

In an effort to more effectively meet the nutritional needs of its members, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is pleased to announce that it will be participating in the California Department of Education Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). Each day, children will receive a free healthy snack to help them develop life-long healthy eating habits. This program will be in effect at the Santa Paula Clubhouse, 1400 E. Harvard Blvd., and at the Fillmore Clubhouse, 565 E. First Street.

Each daily snack must follow basic health guidelines of what is needed by children ages 6 to 12. The rules call for 8 ounces of milk, one ounce of a meat or a meat alternative, 3/4 of a cup of fruit or vegetable juice or one serving of grains or breads. Two of those four food groups must be included in every after-school snack. The program will begin August 24, 2011.

The CACFP is a federal and state-funded program that gives financial aid to child care centers, adult day centers and day care homes to provide nutritious, well-balanced meals.

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Ventura, CA. – As a result of VISTA’s annual schedule adjustment process, area bus riders will have additional travel choices as well as revised travel times. Additions to VISTA service include two additional trips on the popular Coastal Express service linking Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, as well as additional Dial-A-Ride service in the Heritage Valley communities of Fillmore and Piru.

“Thanks to a slight rebound in local sales tax revenue, VCTC is able to introduce additional service in response to growing bus ridership. We are proud ridership on VISTA is increasing and are continuing our efforts to serve that growth,” observed Darren Kettle, VCTC Executive Director.

The new weekday Coastal Express trips depart the Ventura County Government Center at 8:00 a.m. and Goleta at 6:25 p.m. There will be as many as four Dial-A-Ride vehicles available for service within the Heritage Valley on weekday evenings. “While the number of actual vehicles in service will vary based on customer demand, this is an important development given the service cuts imposed last spring,” noted Kettle. “As the county’s regional transportation planning agency, VCTC recently embarked on a planning study to identify the most effective ways of providing public transit service in Santa Paula, Fillmore, and Piru. We encourage Heritage Valley residents to participate in the project though surveys, community workshops, and local focus groups.”

While service to CSUCI will remain unchanged during the school year, the CSUCI route will undergo slight reductions during school breaks. During CSUCI’s winter and summer breaks, the last bus will leave the Camarillo Metrolink station at 5:30 p.m., while the last bus will depart C Street in Oxnard at 5:00 p.m.

Additional information regarding VCTC and its programs and services is available either online at goventura.org or via phone at (800) 642-4860.

Ventura, CA – The summer need for blood hasn't stopped and with the busy Labor Day weekend fast approaching, we need you to find the hero in you and donate blood. Blood demand can be high on holidays such as these, and donations are needed before the weekend to ensure a steady supply. United Blood Services is asking donors to give this week and the week following the holiday to ensure there is an ample supply of blood on hand for the holiday weekend and subsequent weeks.

While donations of all blood types are encouraged, donors with Type O-negative, Type A-negative and Type AB (positive or negative) are especially needed, as there is currently a shortage of these blood types. O-negative red cells can be transfused to anyone and are often used to help patients when there is no time to determine the patient’s own blood type. Likewise, type AB plasma can be given to all patients, and is the only plasma used for trauma patients and neonatal babies! There is always a special need for AB plasma, and this summer there is a serious shortage, both locally and nationally.

As a token of appreciation, all blood donors receive points for great rewards like Ice Cream, Movie Tickets and more. If donors make an appointment ahead, they'll receive an additional 100 points, which along with their donation award, is enough points for a pint of ice cream! Details at www.blood4life.org.

Donations may be made at the UBS Center in Ventura at 2223 Eastman near McGrath, or any of a number of community blood drives happening throughout the county. Donors are asked to make an appointment by contacting United Blood Services toll-free at 800-715-3699; or online at www.Blood4Life.org. Just click on “Donate Blood” and type in your zip code to find a list of drives nearby. Appointments are appreciated, but not necessary. Walk-ins are also welcome, and will be honored as our appointment schedule allows. The blood center will be closed on Monday, Sept. 5, in recognition of Labor Day.

You may donate blood if you are over age 16, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in good health. Additional height/weight requirements apply to donors 22 and younger.

Ventura Center Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (Pizza served 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday)
Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Closed Monday, Sept. 5

Thousand Oaks, CA – The Alzheimer’s Association invites Thousand Oaks residents to unite in a movement to reclaim the future for millions by participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Conejo Creek North will be the site of the Walk on Oct. 29 at 9 a.m.

“There has never been a greater need for the citizens of Thousand Oaks to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Debra Cecilio, the organizer of the Thousand Oaks Walk. “Funds raised will help us continue to provide free care and support services to the Ventura County residents living with Alzheimer’s, while also contributing to advancing critically needed research.”

Today, more than 13,000 Ventura County residents — and their families — struggle with Alzheimer's daily. Without a breakthrough in research, that number is expected to jump to more than 26,000 residents by 2030. Until a treatment or cure is found, the Alzheimer’s Association offers free support services to families, including care consultations, support groups and education for families and professionals.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s is more than a walk; it’s an experience for people living in Thousand Oaks to learn about Alzheimer's disease and how to get involved with this critical cause, from advocacy opportunities, the latest in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trial enrollment to support programs and services.

Alzheimer’s disease is a growing epidemic and is now the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death. As baby boomers age, the number of individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease will rapidly escalate, increasing well beyond today’s estimated 5.4 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s. In addition to the Walk, participants will enjoy entertainment, friendship and lunch.

Start or join a team today at alz.org/walk. To volunteer or to become a corporate sponsor, contact Debra Cecilio at 805.484.6028.

About the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s
The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the nation’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Since 1989, the Alzheimer’s Association mobilized millions of Americans in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk®; now the Alzheimer’s Association is continuing to lead the way with Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can end Alzheimer’s – the nation’s sixth-leading cause of death.

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.