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Naval Base Ventura County, Calif., June 16, 2011 . . . Join the U.S. Navy on Saturday and Sunday July 23-24 as they celebrate Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Seabee Days 2011 at Port Hueneme. Admission and parking are free.

The 24th Seabee Days provides the public with an opportunity to learn about the Navy’s construction engineers and have a weekend of fun. The activities include hands-on displays and demonstrations of construction and disaster recovery skills and static displays of some of the latest in construction equipment. Also included are a carnival, music, food, a classic car and motorcycle show, a karaoke contest, 10 boxing matches, a softball tournament and a craft fair.

The boxing matches on Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. are free to watch. The matches feature one women’s, two youth, two local boxers and five Navy boxers. For information on the boxing matches or the softball tournament call 805-982-4392.

The Pass and Review Parade, set for Saturday at 11 a.m., features as its guest speaker Rear Adm. Christopher J. Mossey, commander of the Naval Engineering Command, Chief of Civil Engineers. The parade will feature approximately 1,0000 Seabees marching and military vehicles driven by Seabees as blanks are fired from crew served weapons. An aircraft flyover will also be held.

Begin your visit to NBVC by entering the base at either the Patterson or Victoria Avenue gates. Gates open both days at 9 a.m. The carnival at NBVC Port Hueneme is open from noon to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 23 and Sunday July 24, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The new Seabee Museum opens Friday, July 22. Hours that day and Saturday will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, July 24 noon to 4 p.m. Admission to the Museum is also free.

For more information visit NBVC Seabee Days 2011 Facebook page or the website at www.seabeedays.org, or call the Seabee Days hotline at (805) 982-6000.

NBVC Port Hueneme has heightened security measures in place. All vehicles and personnel entering the base are subject to search. Prohibited items include, but are not limited to; skateboards, bicycles, pets, alcohol, and weapons. All vendors and staff must have a photo ID for access to the base. The cooperation and patience of guests is greatly appreciated.

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Last week’s gloomy weather couldn’t dampen the mood at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market. Shoppers were treated to an abundance of bright vegetables, stone fruit and flowers. Consumers also had a chance to purchase fresh eggs from Shepard Farm.

Shepard Farm is owned and operated by Bob and Barbra Shepard. They are primarily organic citrus growers. In their orchards they do not use chemicals or sprays. A little more than a year ago, the Shepards came up with the idea of using chickens to control the weeds with the added benefit of using the chicken manure to fertilize the trees. The fencing used to contain the chickens around the trees is portable. This enables the Shepards to move the chickens to different locations once the weeds are eaten down. This makes for very happy chickens and healthy eggs for the consumer. The Shepards raise several different varieties of chickens which include Rhode Island Reds and Red Stars that produce brown eggs. You can also purchase blue eggs which are laid by the Americana chickens. The eggs range in size from small to large and can be purchased for $4 to $6 a dozen. Currently the Shepards have 500 laying chickens and 300 chicks on their farm which supply about thirty dozen eggs a day. To be able to sell their eggs at the farmer’s market, the Shepard’s business was approved by an inspector from the Ventura County Agriculture Commissioner’s Office. The Shepards have a California Certificate of Production to sell their eggs at the markets. When asked why she enjoys the Fillmore Community Farmers Market, Barbara said “The people are very friendly, they are here trying to get the best quality food they can and it’s nice to be apart of that.” The Shepards also sell oranges but their varieties are currently not in season. Besides Fillmore, they also sell at farmer’s markets in Simi Valley, Oak Park and Woodland Hills. The Shepard Farm is located in Bardsdale and is not open to the public, so come visit Shepard Farm every Wednesday from 3:30-7pm on Central and Main St at the Fillmore Community Farmer‘s Market.

Pictured are Fillmore High Seniors, winners of a $l,000 scholarship: Grace Ann Simon, Karissa Tarango, Mariah Perez, Chloe Keller, Riley Wright, Troy Spencer.
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$500 in scholarships was present to five adults returning to or attending college by the Women’s Service Club. Pictured are recipients Rita Avila, Rebecca Pillado, Davin Banks, Brianna Rojo, Maia Thayer.
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The Fillmore Women’s Service Club presented Educational Scholarships to Fillmore High School Seniors at a luncheon held at El Pescador Restaurant in May. Their were six seniors that were winners of a $l,000 scholarship:
Grace Ann Simon, Karissa Tarango, Mariah Perez, Chloe Keller, Riley Wright, Troy Spencer.

This year the Fillmore Women’s Service Club was Service Club presents Eleven scholarships also able to award five adult scholarships for “Continuing or re-entry” to school. This year we were excited that we had several applications, and were able to give $500 to five adults returning or attending college: Rita Avila, Rebecca Pillado, Davin Banks, Brianna Rojo, Maia Thayer.

Susan Banks, Scholarship Chairman made this presentation at the Club’s regular monthly meeting June 8th at the Senior Center. The only way the Fillmore Women’s Service Club is able to award these scholarships and recognize not only Fillmore High School Seniors, but also adults in the community, is through your continued support of our 4th of July Fireworks Booth. This year our booth will be located HWY 126 across from Tipsy Fox in the empty lot, please look for our sign. Thank you again and hope to see you at our booth.

(l-r) Jan Marholin, San Cayetano principal, and Irma Magana-Rodriguez, Sun Risers Club president

On Tuesday, June 14th, the Sun Risers presented to Jan Marholin, San Cayetano Elementary School principal, a check for $300 for the school’s NASA Robotic program. The Rotary Club has been a long time supporter of the Robotics program. The Club meets every Tuesday morning at 7:00 AM at El Pescador Restaurant. For more information call Irma at 794-2353.

The Sun Risers will be working in their annual Fireworks Booth from June 28th through July 4th. This is a major for the Club and helps to support many community and International project. The Sun Risers booth is located in the McDonald’s parking lot. Please visit the booth and help support many worthy projects.

All funds raised go to support Sun Riser Rotary projects like: Dictionaries to all 3rd grade students in FUSD (we hand them out annually); scholarships to FHS and Sierra H.S. seniors; child safety car seat project; FHS Career Day; RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) leadership camp; Relay for Life; Condor Track Team; FMS Youth Act Club; FHS Interact Club; Piru Elementary Leadership Camp; San Cayetano Robotics, to name a few.

International Projects include water project with Camarillo Rotary Club and PolioPlus project to eradicate Polio worldwide.

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.

Fillmore’s Aquatic Center has summer schedule set and ready!

Lap Swim hours are from 6:30 am to 8:00 am. Monday through Friday and 5:45 pm to 7:30 pm Monday through Thursday. Saturday Lap Swim hours are from 8:30 to 10:00 am. The cost is $4.00.

Recreation Swim is now daily! Starting on Monday and going through Saturday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cost is $2.00.

Friday Night Family Night is every Friday at 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Cost is $1.00.

We also have Teen Night the first and third Friday of every month from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Cost is $1.00.

If you would like information about swim lessons please call the Aquatic Center during the above mentioned hours at 524-4902.

Ventura, CA - The Network for a Healthy California—Children’s Power Play! Campaign in partnership with San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura County community youth organizations today kicked-off the third annual “Power Up Your Summer!” Challenge to empower kids to add more active play and eat more fruits and vegetables this summer to combat the “summer slump” in physical activity and healthy eating.

Kids gain weight more than twice as fast during the summer as they do during the regular school year. The difference between school and summer gain rates was especially large for Black and Hispanic children, as well as those children who are already overweight.

“For many students, summer break is also a break from healthy habits fostered in the structured school environment” said Carolina Ugarte, Power Play! Coordinator. “Instead of scheduled meals and snacks, children at home during summer break may have continuous access to unhealthy snacks. In place of recess, children may spend more time watching television and playing video games. It all adds up to more calories consumed and less burned.”

Eating more fruits and vegetables not only beats the “summer slump” and childhood obesity, but helps kids feel good, reduce stress, improve strength and increase self-esteem—all benefits that last far beyond the summer break. By participating in the “Power Up Your Summer!" Challenge, kids and their families receive resources, tools and guidance to ensure they meet their personal goals for healthy eating and physical activity this summer.

Elementary school children should get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity every day, which can be done throughout the day for at least 10 minutes at a time and should eat two-and-a-half to five cups of fruits and vegetables every day.

"Parents can help their kids stay on track this summer by including more fruits and vegetables in meals and snacks, limiting screen time and by being positive role models,” said Ugarte. “One of the best ways for parents to help kids get active and maintain healthy eating habits is by enrolling them into a summer activity program, which provides scheduled play and snacks, as well as a safe place for children to learn and grow while parents work.”

To officially kick off the “Power Up Your Summer!” Challenge, local youth organizations throughout the San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura County area will be celebrating “PLAY! Week” June 13-17. Youth leaders will guide kids in super-charged, fun group games and personal play activities, such as hula-hoop, jump rope and dancing to meet a regional goal for active play minutes. By the end of the week, it is expected that local kids will log more than 60,000 minutes of active play, helping the local community jump start an active summer.

Local organizations participating in the “Power Up Your Summer!” Challenge include People’s Self Help Housing in Paso Robles, Lillian Larsen Elementary in San Miguel, Isla Vista Elementary in Goleta, Green Valley CDI in Oxnard and Project Access in Oxnard.

About the Network for a Healthy California—Children’s Power Play! Campaign
The Network for a Healthy California—Children’s Power Play! Campaign motivates and empowers California’s low-income 9- to 11-year-old children to eat more fruits and vegetables and get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This statewide social marketing initiative is led by the California Department of Public Health’s Network for a Healthy California to improve children’s short-term health and reduce their long-term risk of obesity and other serious health problems like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain types of cancer. Funding is from the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly the Food Stamp Program). For CalFresh information, call 877-847-3663. For important nutrition information visit www.cachampionsforchange.net. The Network for a Healthy California is a program of the Ventura County Health Care Agency, Public Health Department.

CAMARILLO, CA – It could be a family’s worst nightmare – they’re being asked to evacuate because of a wildfire or other disaster, but they don’t know what to take or where to go. On Saturday, June 18, the Ventura County Fire Department, Farmers Insurance Company, the American Red Cross of Ventura County and the Home Depot store in Simi Valley will combine their efforts to ensure families are prepared for an emergency.

Using the fire department’s award-winning “Ready, Set, Go!” wildfire preparedness program as a foundation, families attending the event will learn how to prepare their property against a wildfire but, more importantly, they will learn how to assemble their emergency supplies, create an evacuation checklist, plan evacuation routes and recover their losses should any type of disaster occur.

The fire department will have fire engines and informational booths set up. Farmers Insurance will demonstrate the capabilities of their 45-foot Mobile Claims Center and the Red Cross will display one of their Emergency Response Vehicles and some of the emergency supplies available from them. Home Depot will feature products for wildfire preparedness including building materials to make the home safer, fire-resistant landscaping and other emergency supplies.

“Our Mobile Claims Center just returned from the Midwest,” said Jerry Davies, Farmers’ Assistant Vice President of Media and Public Relations, “and the destruction we witnessed there really brought home the need to be prepared. An event like this gives people the tools they need to cope with a disaster, and that brings peace of mind as well.”

The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and there will be activities for the whole family. Families will be encouraged to work together on a preparedness plan and backpacks will be given away so families can start the process of assembling their own emergency supply kit. The event is free of charge.

Event: Disaster Preparedness
Where: Home Depot, 575 Cochran St., Simi Valley (Thomas Bros. map page 497 G1).
When: Saturday, June 18, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

In observance of the Independence Day holiday, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, July 4. As a result, Fillmore residential customers will have their trash and recycling collected on Saturday, July 9, one day later than usual.

The regular schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Ventura, CA – Ventura County teens will soon have an opportunity to make a difference by joining the first-ever Ventura County Transportation Commission Teen Council. In preparation, VCTC will host four focus groups on June 22-24 involving local students to identify and discuss those transportation issues important to them. Sessions will be held as follows:

· June 22 – Moorpark College – 10:00 a.m.

· June 23 – Oxnard College – 10:00 a.m.

· June 23 – Santa Paula Community Center – 2:00 p.m.

· June 24 – Alex Fiore Teen Center (Thousand Oaks) – 11:00 a.m.

To participate in the focus groups, interested teens should contact Donna Cole at (805) 642-1591, extension 101 or dcole@goventura.org before June 17. Participants will be selected on a first-come, first-served basis, and each focus group will be limited to eight. All focus group participants will receive a $25 VISA gift card.

The goal of the Teen Council, which will launch at the beginning of the Fall 2011 school year, is to raise awareness of transportation, air quality, and other community-wide issues among local youth in a community service-oriented environment. Teen Council members will participate in monthly meetings throughout the school year and assist with transportation-related service or community activities.

“The Teen Council is a great opportunity for Ventura County’s young people to have their voices heard by Ventura County Supervisors, municipal leaders, and the community at-large,” noted Darren Kettle, VCTC’s Executive Director. “We are very excited about having the chance to work with our county’s future leaders.”

More information about the VCTC Teen Council focus groups is available online at www.goventura.org or by calling (800) 438-1112.

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With the largest crowd in ten years, nearly 300 alumni members met at the Memorial Building in Fillmore to celebrate the 98th year of the Fillmore High Alumni Association. Mark Ortega, class of '70 and the Vice President, opened the evening with information regarding the evening program and some history of the alumni association. Boy Scout troop 406 presented the colors, which was followed by the pledge of allegiance. Roy Henderson, class of '47 then gave the invocation which was followed by the delicious dinner prepared by Rigo Landeros and Greg Laird of Laird's Catering.

The evening's program began with the recognition of the Honored Classes, which were the ones that graduated in the years ending in 1 or 6. Kenny Rogers of the class of '46 was able to get 12 of his classmates to attend their 65th reunion and Beverly Hooper Bishop, class of '51 had a fine turnout for her class's 60th reunion. The class of 1961 showed up in force with over 40 members present after a Friday evening reunion at the Merriott in Oxnard, which was coordinated by Betty Reed Carpenter.

Preceding the presentations of this year's alumni scholarships to graduating seniors, Stephanie Gomez, class of 2002, and a former recipient of an alumni scholarship and several alumni continuation grants, spoke on how the alumni scholarships had aided her in achieving her education. John Lemley began the scholarship presentations by introducing the two recipients of his scholarship--two $2500 scholarships for two years plus a one-time offer of $500 towards a laptop computer. The recipients were Troy Spencer and Claire Faith. The other eight recipients of the alumni scholarships were: Brianne Cesario the Dulcie Arnold Memorial Scholarship, Riley Wright the Carl and Helen Siechert Memorial Scholarship, Sean Chandler the American Legion Scholarship, Chrisitan Conaway the Masonic Temple Scholarship, Chloe Keller the Wm. Brisby Memorial Science Scholarship, Isis Topete the Piru Youth Organization Scholarship, Ana Pantoja the Conway Spitler Business Scholarship and Grace Simon the Fillmore Breakfast Club Scholarship. Each of these scholarships is in the amount of $1000.

Door prizes were awarded to Em Wendel, Isis Topete, Elaine Ipswitch and Carol Shiells who received gift baskets of tomatores from Beylik Family Farms. Gift boxes of avocados from Mission Produce were awarded to Ray Hoover, Jillian Wilber, Jerry Crockett and Mike Hope. Tote bags that were made by Gertrude Lovelace were presented to Gay Newman and Jane McCreary. John Wilber, Principal at Fillmore High won a hand knitted scarf in blue with a white flash which was made by Carmen Zermeno. Very appropriate. The Fillmore and Western Railroad presented Mystery Train tickets to Janine Rees and four subscriptions to the alumni newsletter, "Flashbacks" were won by Terry Rudkin, Jack Edmonds, Harvey Hopkins and Kenny Myers.

This year three prizes were presented, thanks to the generosity of Elkins Ranch Golf Course and Cheryl Dimmitt and Mike Richardson of Quality Ag. Kenny Rogers and Kenny Myers each won a round of golf for four golfers at Elkins Ranch and Judy Bartels won a cord of wood from Mike Richardson. Our thanks go out to all who donated these wonderful prizes.

The names of the officers of the Fillmore High Alumni Association for the 2011-2012 year were put into nomination by John Lemley, who was class president of the class of 1961. The new officers are Mark Ortega, President; Corinna Mozley, Vice President; Glenda DeJarnette, Secretary; Marla DeZavala, Financial Director; Kathleen McCreary, Flashbacks Editor; Maria Kilgore, Historian; and Directors, Michelle Haase, Tricia Gradias, Barry Thompson, Mark Avila and Rick Cadena. Dick Mosbarger will assume the office of Past President. He was presented a lovely retiring Presidents plaque by the members of the Board of Directors.

The evening's program was closed with the singing of the alma mater by all in attendance, but many alumni members and guests stayed around for several hours to visit, which the alumni board hopes will become a tradition. Plans are already being made for the 99th alumni dinner next year and even for the 100th dinner in two years. That should be a big one.

Are you looking for something exciting to do on Wednesday afternoons? Well grab a few reusable bags and join your neighbors at the Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market. There, you can enjoy the fresh air, scented with basil and other herbs while shopping for your weekly groceries. At the market, you can find everything from sweet honey to healthy veggies.

One unique activity people can do at the farmer’s market is build their own beautiful bouquet of fragrant roses and lavender from Otto and Sons Nursery. You can choose eight blooms for the reasonable price of $3 and add some lavender for a bouquet that lasts all week. Otto and Sons is a family run business. In 1976, Otto and Jeanne Klittich started the nursery in Fillmore after owning a landscaping business in Southern California for 22 years. In 1985 Otto and Jeanne’s son Scott Klittich began managing the nursery. In 1989, they started growing roses which now account for about half of their sales. Today, Scott’s wife Cindy along with their three sons Danny, Andy and Timmy can be found helping with the daily routine of managing the 22 acre nursery. As well as over 800 varieties of vibrant roses, they also grow and sell 120,000 different plants, trees and bushes. At their stand, you can purchase lavender, apple trees, blueberries and roses. Cindy and youngest son Timmy can be found at the farmer’s market answering questions and having friendly conversations with people from the community. In the fall, Cindy expects to bring figs, guavas, more apple trees and of course roses to the farmer’s market. Cindy enjoys selling at the market because she loves to see and talk with the nice citizens of our community. Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market is the only market the nursery attends. Otto and Sons Nursery is located at 1835 E. Guiberson Rd. in Fillmore. Spring and Summer hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 8am-5pm at which time the public is welcome to wander the grounds while choosing their roses and plants. Fillmore Community Farmer’s Market is privileged to have Otto and Sons Nursery as a part of their market. The weekly farmer’s market is from 3:30-7pm every Wednesday located down town Fillmore on Central Avenue and Main Street.

The members of the Artists Guild of Fillmore assembled a new show of paintings on the 70 foot Shively Memorial Wall in the Blanchard Community Library, 119 N. 8th Street, Santa Paula, June 1 through July 28, 2011. The Library is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12 to 8; Wednesday 10 to 6; Saturday 10 to 2; Friday and Sunday closed.
The exhibit includes more than 65 pieces of artwork showcasing diverse artistic styles in a variety of media. The contributing artists are Lois Freeman Fox (agrarian landscapes, digital paintings with acrylics); Karen Browdy (collage abstracts, mixed media); Wana Klasen (energetic tribal figures, mixed media); Paulo Ruvalcaba (portraits and landscapes in oil); Luanne Hebner Perez (local landscapes and landmarks, watercolor); Ray Cuevas (local plein-air landscapes, prints); Judy Dressler (realistic landscapes, oil); Lynn Hauge (portraits, ); Lady Jan Faulkner (digitally enhanced photography of local scenes); Joanne King (rural scenes, limited edition giclees); Virginia Neuman (pastoral scenes, acrylic and watercolor); Doris Nichols (florals in encaustics).
The Meet the Artists Reception is scheduled for Thursday evening, June 30, from 5 to 9, at Blanchard Community Library. Come and make personal contact with the artists who can provide insight into the art they have produced. Bring family and friends, have a night out. We invite all to come to see this show of which we are most proud.

Western Casino Night at the historic Glen Tavern Inn, 134 N. Mill St., Santa Paula on Saturday, June 18 .5pm. This informal evening begins with cocktails, western appetizers and live music by the nine piece Studio C musicians; BBQ, produce by Lairs Meats, Wood Ranch and Enzio's served 5:30 on the lovely front yard of Glen Tavern Inn. Gaming begins at 5:45, with Celebrity Dealers as well as professional for serious players. There will also be a Wheel of Fortune for those who just want to enjoy delicious supper, visiting and good music. Tickets are $50 ($65 at door) and include one courtesy beer, wine or soda, dinner, raffle ticket am $75 Play Money.

Tickets available at Mimstar and Up in Arms in Fillmore; also at Santa Paula Times (944 E. Main, Chamber of Commerce (old train depot) Glen Tavern Inn and S.UP. Health & Fitness Center (847 E. Main) and Brownie's Basement (866 E. Main) In Venture, Lautzenhiser's Hallmark (1730 S. Victoria Ave.).
Proceeds will benefit Santa Clara Valley Hospice/ Home Support Group, a non profit organization servicing the Santa Clara Valley. Please call 525-1333 for more information.

Oxnard, CA – Habitat for Humanity’s Cars for Homes program has distributed more than $10 million to Habitat affiliates nationwide.

The Cars for Homes program began in the state of Washington in November 2003 as a pilot program. In 2005, it was approved as a national program of Habitat for Humanity International. The Cars for Homes program was created specifically to assist Habitat affiliates by generating funding from the sale of donated vehicles. Revenue is distributed to affiliates based on the zip code of the donor.

“Since this program began, our affiliate has received more than $45,000 through Cars for Homes,” said Stacy Swanson, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County. “Those dollars go directly to help us build more homes for families in need right here in our community. This is a creative way for people to be generous and address a critical need in Ventura County.”

Cars for Homes is Habitat for Humanity’s national vehicle donation program that provides donors a quick and easy process for donating cars, trucks, boats, RVs and other vehicles to help build homes in partnership with local low-income families in need of decent, affordable shelter.

More than 1,100 Habitat affiliates nationwide and five Habitat national offices around the world have received funding from the program.

“We are very pleased to have reached this major milestone with the Cars for Homes program,” said Marcia Rundle, the director of the program. “Thanks to our generous donors, Habitat affiliates have been able to use the funds earned from the recycling of used and idle vehicles to help address affordable housing needs in their communities.”

To learn more about the Cars for Homes program, go to http://www.habitat.org/carsforhomes.
Visit Habitat World Blog to view a related slide show.

About Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County
Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County, a locally-run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, has built homes for 52 Ventura County families and rehabilitated over 500 homes since 1983. This summer, another two homes will be completed in Piru, and construction of two single family homes in Oxnard will begin. Homeowners are selected based on their need for housing, ability to repay a no-interest loan, and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity. Loan repayments contribute to help build additional houses. Because Habitat’s loans are no-profit, they are affordable for low-income family partners. In 2011, the affiliate launched a new Preserve A Home initiative. This initiative will enable the affiliate to serve more families by responding to community housing needs with an expanded array of neighborhood revitalization products, services, and partnerships. Visit www.habitatventura.org for more information about our programs and the Habitat ReStore, a discount home improvement store opened to the public.

About Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity International is an ecumenical Christian ministry that welcomes to its work all people dedicated to the cause of eliminating poverty housing. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has built, rehabilitated, repaired or improved 400,000 houses worldwide, providing simple, decent and affordable shelter for more than 2 million people. For more information, or to donate or volunteer, visit Habitat.org.