For 20 years Soroptimist International of Fillmore has helped keep a portion of the Fillmore bike path clean.

Initiated by former SI of Fillmore President Marie Wren and Sarah Hansen in 1991, it has continued to be organized by Soroptimist Sarah Hansen. Throughout the years, the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and most recently, Cindy Klittich and the 4-H group have been a constant presence at the monthly hour long clean up along with Soroptimists, the Fillmore High School “S” Club Girls, Big Brothers/Big Sister mentor teams and Friends of Soroptimist. To celebrate the 20th anniversary children went on a treasure hunt that was set up beforehand with various fun trinkets! President Ari Larson wishes to thank Marie Wren and Sarah Hansen for their foresight and vision along with everyone that has been a part of keeping the bike path clean throughout the years! For the date of the next bike path clean up or if you would like more information on joining Soroptimist please contact Ari Larson 805.794.7590.

In attendance:
Soroptimist International of Fillmore members
Aguirre, Terri
Alonzo, Nancy & daughter Miranda
Brooks, Lynne
Hansen, Sarah
Herrera, Oralia
Krushell, Cathy
Larson, Ari
Vargas, Kathy
“S” Club of Fillmore High School
Villa, Norma
Villa, Valeria
Villa, Vanessa
4-H
Berrington, Chris
Hamilton, Justis
Hamilton, Oryon
Stewart Sarah
Stewart Tracy
Zavala, Karl
Friends of Soroptimist
Sanchez, Ale
Sanchez, Gracie
Sanchez, Marcos

The 2011 World Ag Expo, held in Tulare, CA, was over 2 million square feet of land covered in agriculture machinery and equipment! In other words, a farmer’s paradise.

Fillmore FFA started the fun-filled day bright and early as we loaded the bus along with Santa Paula FFA at 6AM. A couple of hours later we found ourselves listening to Michael Peterson, a motivational speaker who came to talk to the FFA members, explain that “life is full of uncertainty” and we should “deal with the uncertainty with out hesitation.” Mr. Peterson’s main goal during his speech was to have us realize that “when you change the things you look at, the things you look at will change,” meaning that we shouldn’t look at the bad in the picture, but the opportunity in it. After the motivational speaker, we were given the chance to roam through the show. We saw many different types of machinery like John Deere tractors, tillers and implements. Students also got to experience seeing Fillmore member Brandon Pina, ’12, test drive various tractors. Don’t worry folks, they checked his driver’s license! As well as displays, there were about 1600 agri-business booths including everything from chemicals to technology. Students who are enrolled in the Ag Fabrications class were excited when they came across the welding tent. There, members were able to see new welding tools and helmets being demonstrated. All the business representatives were excited to see the 2,000 FFA members in attendance. I even got to enjoy hearing a farmer’s FFA story from when he went to high school. The World Ag Expo. was definitely a great way to show students just how many job opportunities agriculture has to offer. The Fillmore and Santa Paula FFA chapters enjoyed their visit to the World Ag Expo and look forward to attending next year’s event.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

The Fillmore Chamber of Commerce is holing their annual Community Awards/Citizen of the Year Dinner on February 24th, 2011 at the Memorial Building in Fillmore. No host cocktails. Begins at 6:00pm followed by dinner (provided by Double AA Cafe) and dessert (provided by Bella's Teas and Treats) at 7:00pm.

Awards to Police officer/Fire Fighter/Student/Business and Citizen of the year will begin at 08:00pm with President Dave Crockett's welcome and remarks to the group.

Representatives from several city/county and state officials will be presenting certificates to these individuals.

Highlight of the evening will be Sheriff Greg Dear presenting the sheriffs awards to the deputy of the year.

Please join us for an evening of appreciation for the Best of Best from Fillmore.

Tickets are currently on sale at the chamber office for $20.00 each.

For any further questions of comments you can contact event chairperson, Ruth Uridel at (805) 302-3238.

LOS ANGELES (February 11, 2011) – Specific route details for the 2011 Amgen Tour of California professional cycling race were revealed this week through a progression of daily video posts highlighting each of the race’s eight stages. Each of the specially produced “features” was created by Local Organizing Committees representing the 15 Host Cities. The sixth-annual event will take place over eight consecutive days from May 15-22, covering more than 800 miles of scenic California roadways, highways and coastlines.

The 2011 Amgen Tour of California will wind through miles of beautiful California terrain, beginning with the first-ever visit to Lake Tahoe, a well known cycling destination and home of “America’s Most Beautiful Bike Ride.” The eight-day race will travel through some of the state’s most scenic landmarks, with the overall finish taking place in title-sponsor Amgen’s hometown community of Thousand Oaks.

The 15 official stage start and finish communities that have been selected for the 2011 race include: South Lake Tahoe (new for 2011), North Lake Tahoe-Northstar at Tahoe Resort (new for 2011), North Lake Tahoe-Squaw Valley USA (new for 2011), Sacramento, Auburn (new for 2011), Modesto, Livermore (new for 2011), San Jose, Seaside, Paso Robles, Solvang, Claremont (new for 2011), Mt. Baldy (new for 2011), Santa Clarita and Thousand Oaks.
This week, eight videos created by the host cities were released via the Amgen Tour of California website, Facebook and YouTube to reveal the specific route details of each stage. Showcasing the race’s start and finish communities, the creative and distinctive videos highlight the unique features of each stage.

“Creating the route each year for the Amgen Tour of California is a difficult task, but luckily, the state of California is rich with beautiful yet challenging terrain, prefect for our race” said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports. “We are really excited about this year’s route as it is by far the most challenging course to date, and we are thrilled to announce our route through some really creative, unique videos that were created by the race’s 15 Host Cities. Each video showcases our detailed route, as well as the communities themselves, from a local perspective.”

Considered cycling’s most important and CONTINUED »

Ventura County Library will be conducting the final phase of systemwide computer hardware and related work that impacts computer use at the Ventura County Libraries.

Beginning Thursday, February 24, 2011 and continuing through Thursday, March 3, 2011, online capable computers including public internet, wireless and the in-library catalog will not be available for public use.

Home access to the Ventura County Library website, www.vencolibrary.org will not be affected.

Library staff will be available to assist during the transition. The libraries impacted by this are: Avenue, Fillmore, E.P. Foster, Meiners Oaks, Oak Park, Oak View, Ojai, Piru, Ray D. Prueter, Saticoy, Simi Valley and Soliz-El Rio.

The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

At their February 22nd meeting, the Fillmore Ebell Club will recognize its past presidents. To be honored at the luncheon meeting are the following past presidents:

Current President and past President, Fay Swanson - 2010, 1999-2001 and 1995-1997

Current Treasurer and past President, Mary Ford - 2008-2010

Current Yearbook Chair and past President, Wanda Haynes - 2007-2008 and
2001-2003

Past President, Pat Murray - 2005-2007

Special Activities Co-Chair and past President, Charlene Smith - 2003-2005

Current Meeting Co-Coordinator and past President, Marlene Schreffler - 1997-1999

Past Presidents (Pro-tem) - 1993-1995

Past President, Lorraine Finch - 1991-1993

Past President, Margaret Haskell - 1989-1991

Past President, Donna Zaelke - 1987-1989

Past President, June Cochran - 1985-1987

Past President, Jeanette Anderson - 1972-1974

Past President, Edith Felsenthal - 1971-1972

Past President, Harriet Phillips - 1970-1971

Life Member and past President, Ruth Musgrave - 1968-1969

If you are interested in becoming a Fillmore Ebell Club member, please contact Melodie Stich at 521-1400.

Applications are available for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant. Applications are available in the Office at the Middle School, at Fillmore High Schools Student Store, the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Pageant Director Lori McLain at #524-4432. The Mother/Daughter Tea is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd 6:30PM at the Memorial Building. The first practice begins Wednesday, March 2nd.

See additional photos of the filming here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/community/downtown-filming-brings-revenue

Fillmore Civic Pride Committee announces the winner of “Yard of the Month” for February 2011. Homeowner Kyle
Hollis was recognized for his well maintained landscaped yard at 639 Mountain View. The home has been owned by Kyle’s family since 1985 and he has since purchased it from his father. The front yard was re- done about eight years ago when Kyle was working for Valley Crest Landscape as a mechanic. He had some professional help creating the appealing landscape which features Agapanthus, daylilies, Camellias, and Iceberg roses. The yard is framed by magnolia trees on one side and a crape myrtle and Arbutus “Strawberry tree” on the other side. Kyle claims that the yard is very low maintenance thanks to the efficient irrigation system run by a sprinkler clock and the great plant selection. Kyle was also presented with a $25 gift certificate from Otto & Sons Nursery. Drive by and see his place on Mountain View that even looks good in the winter.

Alphabet Soup Puppeteers presents: "Winter Heart". Arla Crane, storyteller extraordinaire and her friends will show how love can warm everyone in the coldest days of winter.

Join us for a delightful afternoon of fun. At the end of the program, a puppet will be given to each member of the audience.

Program and treats provided by the Fillmore Friends of the Library. The program starts at 3:30, February 14, 2011, at the 502 Second Street address

Do you have old computers, televisions or other techni-junk taking up much-needed space? If so, this may help.
Bardsdale United Methodist Church is partnering with Global e-Recyclers of Santa Fe Springs to collect and responsibly recycle unwanted electronics through the month of February. Besides computers and TVs, the list of acceptable items includes printers, FAX machines, modems, VCR/DVD players, cables, DVDs and CDs, cell phones, laptops, and a whole lot more. Call the church office, 524-2070 or Dan Michel, 524-0312 (after 4:30) to find out more info. For pick-up, call Dan. State law requires a donor's name and address for TVs and monitors only.

“Something special happens whenever I sing for the Fillmore Ebell Club. They are a lively, philanthropic and fun group of people!,” said Dean Regan about his third annual visit to the Fillmore Ebell Club. “It’s amazing the good work that they do,” he continued “and it is my pleasure to do whatever I can do to support them.” Broadway vocalist, Dean Regan, will at the Fillmore Ebell Club to sing selections from the American Popular Song Book and Broadway favorites. Along with his musical director, Nick Fryman, Dean will also include selections from his new CD: “Give My Regards to Broadway” which will be released this Spring. “Recording this ‘album’ has been a creative labor of love. I think everyone who loves Broadway and it’s rich place in our culture will love this recording,” Mr. Regan said in a recent conversation with the Ebell Clubs Entertainment Director, Kathi Mardsen.

The Los Angeles press announced “when Regan sings ... it tears your heart out” and dubbed him “charming, handsome, foot-loose and fancy-free.” His lively concerts enchant the most discerning audiences and bring them to their feet in exuberant appreciation. His melodious voice, bewitching style and comic timing have inspired audiences to dub him an exhilarating mixture of “Romantic Crooner” and “Court Jester of Song.” Dean's unique style brings both a heartfelt, romantic depth, as well as a fast-paced, comic energy across the footlights. Each concert is full of musical variety crafted from America’s Popular Song Book (Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Dorothy Fields) and Broadway’s Greatest Hits (Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb, Jerry Herman, Andrew Lloyd Webber) ... as well as a few surprises.

The Los Angeles Times wrote: “[Regan is] likable and sympathetic. You couldn’t find yourself in better ‘Company.’” Dean's performance as the “Emcee” in “Cabaret” was heralded as “stunning and poignant” by the Los Angeles press. Named “Artist of the Year” by Professional Artists for his concert performances, Dean has also been honored with both the prestigious Garland and Drama-Logue awards for his Los Angeles musical theater performances. Along with Musical Director, Nick Fryman on Concert Piano, Dean will perform a special luncheon concert after the Fillmore Ebell monthly meeting. For more information about the concert and how to become a member of the Fillmore Ebel Club, please contact Kathi Marsden at 661-803-1430.

Chihuahua/Dachshund mix puppy. Black with brown paws, white chest. In vicinity of C Street. Call to identify 525-2225.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and recycling collection schedule in Fillmore on Feb. 25, during the week of Presidents’ Day.

For more information, call 647-1414

This Valentine’s Day find your true love at the Ventura County Animal Shelter. To help these animals find new “furever” homes, the shelter is running a special Valentine’s Day weekend promotion – all dogs and cats will be adopted out at the special half price of $60. Included in this fee is your animal’s spay/neuter, license, rabies shot, microchip, and free obedience lessons. What a sweet deal! Visit the shelter’s web site at www.vcas.us for more information and to preview the animals. And remember, there’s an animal waiting for your love at the Ventura County Animal Shelter.

Christopher Lee, owner of CEL Financial Services.

CEL Financial Services, a reputable income tax preparation business in the State of California, now offers affordable tax services for small businesses, individuals and families looking to maximize tax refunds this year.

"People need help now in these economic times. Families and individuals don't have the disposable income nowadays," said Christopher Lee, Owner of CEL Financial Services.

"My fees are 40% to 50% lower than major tax chains and my services are completely mobile. This allows me to work with people on prices, ensuring they get all the credits they're entitled to," said Lee.

CEL Financial Services offers mobile tax services at no extra charge. Individuals, families and small businesses pay only the basic rate for their type of return. For more information visit CEL Financial Services online at http://www.TaxPrepFillmore.com.

Christopher Lee is the owner of CEL Financial Services. Born and raised in Fillmore, Lee is a graduate of Fillmore High. Lee lives with Sally Wilsey in Fillmore and is a member of the St. Francis of Assisi
Church.

Ventura, CA. - Community Memorial Health System is offering free monthly classes for patients diagnosed with either pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome, a disorder that increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

The classes, sponsored by CMHS’s DiabetesAware program, are held the first Thursday of each month, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., at CMHS’s Training Center at 2809 Main St., Suite B, in Ventura.

For more information or to attend this monthly class, call 805/667-2818 or go to www.cmhshealth.org for all ongoing CMHS events, classes and support groups.

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