Ventura, CA – Each year, the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter presents awards to volunteers that have served the Chapter and the community in an outstanding way. Constituting 96% of the American Red Cross humanitarian workforce, volunteers are the backbone of the nonprofit’s success in preventing, preparing for, and responding to emergencies.

This year, the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter is pleased to announce the following 2010 Volunteer Award Recipients:

· Volunteer Fundraiser Award Winner: Liz Beaudion, Camarillo

The Volunteer Fundraiser Award recognizes exceptional leadership in fundraising efforts.

Service to the Armed Forces Award Winners: Judy Stahl & Curt Baker, Port Hueneme
The Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) Award recognizes outstanding contribution in strengthening the Service to the Armed Forces program.

Unsung Hero Award Winner: Anne Maxwell, Newbury Park
The Unsung Hero Award recognizes a volunteer in any of the Chapter’s departments who has shown an exceptional commitment to the department in support of the Chapter's Mission/Volunteers, and has not been recently recognized by other Chapter awards.

Youth Services Award Winner: Ashley Lim, Thousand Oaks
The Youth Services Award recognizes significant service by a youth volunteer.

Stark Memorial CONTINUED »

This weeks Rivalry story features the 1989 Fillmore Varsity Football Team. That year the Flashes enjoyed a record-setting season that saw the Flashes make their first C.I.F. playoff appearance in six years. Behind the guidance of 2nd year head coach Curtis Garner, the team won it's first nine games before losing to Carpinteria in the regular season finale. That year the Flashes opened their football season with a win over their arch rival, Santa Paula Cardinals, 14-8. The Flashes made the playoffs, and went to the 2ND round of C.I.F. where they met Montclair Prep and lost. While the team ended the season with a 10-2 record, it did lay claim to over a dozen new school records at that time, such as most points scored on offense, and most shutouts on defense. This year marks the 100Th meeting between the Flashes and Santa Paula Cardinals on November 12Th in Fillmore. In celebrating this event, the Alumni Association is producing a DVD Documentary of the Series. Interviews, Stories, and game films are being compiled to make this DVD. If you ever played in this game or cheered from the stands you will want to have this special DVD in your household. To order your copy, please call the F.H.S. Alumni office at 805-524-0416, or you may order your copy at staff@fillmorehighalumni.com GO FLASHES!

FFA members at State Leadership Conference with alumni Ben Aguirre, '07.
Enlarge Photo

School has started and students have settled into their classes. I thought I would sit down with teacher and Fillmore FFA advisor Mr. Joe Ricards to find out what a student interested in agriculture can expect. Mr. Ricards explained that as freshman, students start off with Ag 1 which is Agriculture Careers and Technology. In this class students explore different aspects of the agriculture industry including agriculture careers, animal science and horticulture.

Freshman are introduced to the FFA organization and begin attending leadership activities such as the Greenhand Conference. The greenhand award is the first degree an FFA member can achieve on the way to attaining the elite American Degree. Freshman can also compete in the Best Informed Greenhand competition which will be held in Camarillo on November 3.

For sophomores, it is recommended to take Ag 2 which is Agriculture Biology with Mr. Kirk Richter. Students continue their FFA education by attending the Made For Excellence Conference which focuses on time management, self esteem building, motivation and positive attitude. Sophomores also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as public speaking, job interviewing and tractor competitions.

Juniors should take Ag 3 or 4 which is Plant and Animal Science. They will attend the Advanced Leadership Academy which is a conference where students will learn interviewing skills, verbal communication and presentation techniques. They also have the opportunity to be on various judging teams, and run for office.

Seniors can take Ag 4 or the Agriculture Fabrication class which is a Regional Occupation Program (ROP). In the Ag Fabrication class, students learn construction and welding skills. After talking with Mr. Ricards, I realized the many opportunities available to Fillmore High School students interested in agriculture. I also realized that in these classes, we not only learn about agriculture, but learn life skills like public speaking, time management and critical thinking. I encourage all students to look at what the Fillmore High School Ag department has to offer.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

Bert Rapp
City of Fillmore, Public Works Director

Answer: There are two typical reasons you cannot get adequate flow to your home. One of the most common is because the pipe from the water main in the street to your water meter is a galvanized iron pipe and it is badly corroded inside, restricting the flow. The other reason is a corroded iron pipe serving your neighborhood. The corrosion slows down the water flow and when everyone is using water at once the water just can’t get through the pipe fast enough.

There are many water services in the City that consist of ¾-inch galvanized iron pipes that connect from the water main in the street to the water meter in your front yard. Because these pipe corrode, restrict flow and eventually leak they need to be replaced.

For the last 15-years the City has had a water service replacement program to replace these old galvanized iron water service pipes. But that program is currently on hold due to lack of water funds. If the water rate increases are approved on September 14th the water service replacement work could begin again in 2014. Once refunded, it will take another 10 years of sustained effort to replace all the old galvanized services.

When the City replaces a galvanized water service it uses PVC pipe with brass fittings so there will no longer be any corrosion of the pipe. It costs about $2,300 to replace each galvanized water service. The pipes after the meter and in the home are the responsibility of the home owner.

The other cause of inadequate water flow is often the 4-inch diameter unlined iron pipes that were installed between 1920 and 1950. The exposed iron in these pipes corrodes causing a very rough surface inside the pipe slows down the water flow. The corrosion eventually eats through the wall of the pipe causing leaks and necessitating the replacement of the pipe.

When the City replaces these pipes 8-inch PVC pipes are used which last much longer than unlined iron pipes and provide excellent water flow, especially for fire fighting purposes. The City needs to replace 12 miles of these unlined iron pipes at a cost $17.7 Million. The plan is to fund these replacements over 35 years and spend about $506,000 per year.

With the scheduled water rate increases this pipe replacement work could begin again in about 2015. Water replacement projects have been put on hold due to lack of water funds.

This is the forth in a series of articles about the City water system. If you have any questions about City of Fillmore Public Works or the water system you may call Bert Rapp at (805) 524-1500 ext. 231 or e-mail at brapp@ci.fillmore.ca.us

Since I am not a “Citizen of Fillmore” I have no right to complain as the city is not squandering my money per se. But I am a avid participant of the many services and organizations within Fillmore.

Ad for Asst City Manager - for what??? A town of 14-16 thousand people with a average income of $45,000 and you want to hire a Asst Mgr for $130-$150 thousand per year (includes benefits). The city needs workers not paper pushers. Save a tree and hire a worker.

Street Sweeper Tax on your trash bill - What a joke. For years the street sweepers primarily only sweep the middle of the streets as most streets are full of parked cars.

Tagging Out of Control - Persons who can place on fences, buildings, telephone poles, etc. on a weekly basis signs advertising sales, events, lost animals, political announcements, etc. but are unable to remove same. I feel a fine should be levied on these persons; I am sure the schools and city can use some more cash. This is a form of graffiti that is blighting your city.

Fillmore City Fire where are you??? - The other day I was perusing the internet and happened on a site called Wikipedia, a wonderful educational site for most US towns, etc. Well to my surprise, in reading about Fillmore (which was wonderful), there was nothing about the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Dept., an obvious oversight. Well, there are all my observations for today.

Thanks,
Marlene Schreffler

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is very pleased to have become one of the United Way of Ventura County’s Day of Caring volunteer recipients. Saturday, September 25, 2010 a core of 12 to 20 volunteers will paint the inside of the Fillmore Clubhouse gymnasium, 565 First St., Fillmore, and, if there is time, the computer lab and other side rooms. A separate team will turn their energies to power washing the outside of the Fillmore Community Center, giving our club members a fresh new environment in which to spend their after-school hours.

Experienced painters are asked to volunteer to help with this project, acting as team leaders for the day, advising our less inexperienced labor personnel in the most productive use of their time and efforts. Volunteers that are willing to lend a hand are invited to join us, please contact us at 805-525-7910, or go on-line at http://tiny.cc/ncuno. Buddy and his staff will provide lunch for the workers, with the Club’s greatest appreciation for their dedication and hard work!

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley provides after school programs for children ages 5 to 18, at the Club’s two locations; 1400 E. Harvard Blvd., Santa Paula and 565 First St., Fillmore. Club members pay a $25 annual fee to attend the Club, and no child is turned away for their inability to pay the membership fee. It costs the Club $560 per child annually to provide services for its members. The obvious gap between cost of services and membership is bridged by generous donations from local businesses, private donors and local and national grants. Donors interested in providing financial assistance to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley are encouraged to contact the Club at 805-525-7910. All donations, regardless of amount, are gratefully appreciated.

Fillmore Scout Troop 406 will host a celebration of the Centennial of Boy Scouting in the United States on Tuesday, September 28th at the Scout House starting at 6:00 p.m. All scouts, from any troop, past and present, are invited to be guests for the evening and share their favorite memories, enjoy a “Scout Meal” and a slide show before the campfire ceremony to retire several American flags concludes the day.

This event is open to the public and anyone interested in the scouting program. Additional parking will be open behind the Scout House located at the east end of Sespe Avenue in Fillmore.

Anyone having memorabilia or pictures to display should call Brett and Coleen Chandler, 524-5058. The pictures will be added to the CD to create a slide show of memories and be returned to you.

This will also be an opportunity for prospective Cubs and Scouts to see some of the history of local scouting, so come for a preview of activities, pictures, dinner and a campfire. Registration forms will be available for both Cubs and Scouts.

The local Historical Society and Museum also has a display of old scout items and registrations from the time scouting was initiated in Fillmore. You are invited to stop at the Museum to view them.

Fillmore has always had a strong Boy Scout program dating from the early 1900s and continues to support this worthwhile organization. Everyone is invited to this community event. Please RSVP to 524-5058 by Sept. 25th.

Lori Wileman-Bennett, F.H.S. Class of 1985.

This weeks Football Rivalry story comes to us from Lori Wileman-Bennett. (F.H.S. Class of 1985). Lori cheered in the very famous "Mud Bowl" of 1983. That year the Flashes traveled to Santa Paula to take on the might Cardinals. It had rained all day, and when the team and cheerleaders arrived in Santa Paula they could tell it was going to be messy. Right off the bat, when the football team ran through the paper poster sign (Run Through), some of the cheerleaders holding up the sign fell in the muddy field, and of course they wore white uniforms that year. As the game progressed, the rain turned into a downpour, and the dirt track was now officially a mud pit. A quick thinking Fillmore bus driver ran to his bus and retrieved some plastic trash bags to give to the cheerleaders to cover up. So right there on the field, they cut holes in the bags for their arms, and head and wore those trash bags the remainder of the game. Fillmore won that Football game, 14-0. Lori kind of scoffs at the cheerleaders of today with their cute warm up suits, and mittens to keep their hands warm when it dips in the low 60s, and 50's. Back in her day, if it was cold and rainy, a plastic trash bag would do just fine. Rah Team! In celebrating the 100Th meeting between the two teams this November 12th in Fillmore, The Alumni Association is producing a DVD Documentary film of the Flashes/Cardinals Football series. Interviews, stories, and game films are being compiled to make this DVD. A limited number of DVDs will be produced, so please call today to reserve your copy before they run out. 805-524-0416. (You will be billed later). $25.00 (mailed directly to you) or $20.00 if you want to pick it up at the Alumni office in Fillmore. If no one answers, clearly leave your name and phone number, and someone will call you back to confirm your order. GO FLASHES!!!

This past week, Fillmore FFA held their annual Buyer’s Banquet on Thursday evening at the School Farm. The Buyer’s Banquet is a gesture of appreciation for all the wonderful support the buyer’s gave the members at fair. The barn looked festive decorated with hay bales, white roses and the tables covered in blue and gold. The banquet was called to order by Madam President Riley Wright, ‘11, at which time Mr. Vice President Robbie Armstrong, ‘11, called the roll of officers and determined that the officers were at their stations. All the while Sentinel Brandon Pina, ‘12, stationed by the door, welcomed guests and made sure the room was comfortable. Reporter Brooke Aguirre, ‘13, gave the invocation before dinner. Guests and members enjoyed a wonderful tri-tip and chicken BBQ dinner, with side dishes and desserts provided by the FFA members. During dinner, guests were entertained by a slideshow of FFA activities produced by Secretary Ashley Jackson, ‘11. After dinner, Booster member Alishia Duncan presented belt buckles to Anthony Perez, ’12 and Craig Harvey, ’12, for their accomplishments with their SAE swine projects. This was followed by the acknowledgment of buyers. President Riley Wright called up each member with their buyers. At which time Vice President Robbie Armstrong and Treasurer Alexus Galassi-Duncan, ’13, gave each buyer a picture of the FFA member and animal they had purchased. President Riley Wright lead the guests and members in the salute to the flag and the banquet was adjourned. Special thank you to Otto and Sons for the roses, El Pescador for the rice and salsa, Sandy Gurrola for the chili beans and the Fillmore FFA Booster Club for the tri-tip and chicken. On behalf of the Fillmore Chapter, I’d like to thank the buyers once again for their generous support and taking the time to attend our 2010 Buyer’s Banquet.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

Thank you to all who helped at the car wash: The Fillmore High School band members would like to THANK everyone who made last Saturday car wash a HUGH success!! Thank you Alynette and all the DJ’s from Q-104.7 for broadcasting our event on radio. Thank you Super A Food for allowing us the parking lot area Thank you Jiffy Lube for providing us with water. And last Thank You parents for being there with all your HELP and SUPPORT!
From The High School Band.

Fillmore will be hosting its very own Farmers’ Market this Friday, September 3rd, from 3-7pm. The market will be located on Main Street and Central Ave.

Over 50% of the participating farmers are from Fillmore or nearby surrounding areas (such as Piru). Both local merchants, residents and participating farmers are very excited about the start of this market. The Farmers’ Market will not only help bring more foot traffic to Central Ave., it will also support the growing “green” movement to shop and eat local. Shopping local means less gas, and supporting local growers, which is a win win for everybody. The first market will boast 10-12 vendors selling tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, melons, stone fruit (nectarines, peaches), honey, apples, berries, baked goods, flowers, nursery plants, and eggs.

The market will be rain or shine. Bring a blanket and have a picnic with the family on City Hall Park. And stay until dusk to watch a screening of “Horton Hears a Who.” Fillmore Fridays is just getting better.

Courtesy Mary Trimble.

Fillmore’s Vision 2020, Civic Pride Committee, has launched what we hope will be a very successful fundraiser effort to keep our Flower Show going, year after year. We have created beautiful succulent wreaths and succulent baskets which are being sold at The Loose Caboose in a cooperative venture that we think will be a win-win situation.

If you haven’t stopped at The Loose Caboose, on the south side of Highway 126, right before the railroad tracks, as you near Santa Paula, you will be amazed at all the changes and unique products as well as fresh local grown fruit and vegetables.

Please support the Fillmore Flower Show and make a stop at The Loose Caboose to see what volunteers with “civic pride attitude” are willing to do for their city’s enhancement!

Come learn about our wonderful museum, Saturday, September 11th and 18th, 9:30 to noon and find your "camulos niche"...tours, school tours, historical research, gardening, fundraising, maintenance and restoration...and volunteer opportunities such as our Ramona Days event, November 6, abound at the rancho!! Please reserve your spot by September 9th . Contact Hillary via e-mail or phone, garyhill8@msn.com / 805-832-9435 for training information and reservations. Visit www.ranchocamulos.org to find our more about Rancho Camulos...where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger...

If you want your Labor Day to be free of labor, at least for Fun, Food and Entertainment than Piru Fest is your “E” ticket ride. All you need to do is take a short drive though the scenic Heritage Valley to arrive at beautiful historic down town Piru. Your ears might be the first to tell you that you have arrived when they delight to velvety smooth harmonics of Danny Torres and the Piru River Band and DJ Galindo. Next your sense of smell will backup what your ears were saying, when your nose picks up on the aroma of all the great food cooking. Yours eyes will be the final confirmation when they behold all the hometown style sights that our annual PiruFest has to offer. Since it all kicks off at High Noon we expect you might arrive hungry. So just as soon you hitch your wagon and tie off your horses you'll probably want to check these good folks out right off the bat. Poncho's Mexican Restaurant, Elva’s Tri Tip & BBQ Chicken' U Scream Ice-cream Hotdogs, Pastrami sandwiches too, Piru-Railway Cafe, Adrianna's Tamales & Carne Asada. After you've bellied up for chow you may want to walk it off some. Well what better way to that than to stroll past all of our Art & Crafts booths like, Ray's Classic Citrus Labels, Fillmore Band uniforms fundraiser, Christy's Cookie Lee Jewelry, PiruFest & Piru Tee-Shirts, Louie’s Model car dude just to name a few. Once that's done you might want try your hand at a friendly round of horseshoes and win anyone of the top three cash prizes or some of our other activities, but save a little energy for later to kick up a little dust on the dance floor. However you choose to take in our annual PiruFest we're just glad to share it with yall, YeeeeHaaaa! We'll see ya there partner!

Event will honor firefighters.

Ventura – On Saturday, September 11, 2010 at noon, a special “American Flag Retirement Ceremony” will be held at the new Veterans Home of California in Ventura, located at 10900 Telephone Road, Ventura (at Wells Road) to properly dispose of worn and tattered American Flags – those that have served well and are deemed no longer serviceable. “As part of this moving ceremony, we will be honoring the brave men and women who lost their lives on 9-11-2001 at the World Trade Center, and those brave men and women who continue to protect us daily,” said Brenda Manke, Administrator, Veterans Home of California—Ventura.

Tracy Lehr, anchorwoman for KEYT Channel 3 will serve as Master of Ceremonies and Ventura County Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Nester will be the guest speaker.

The American Flag is the most displayed and recognized banner in the world. The United States Flag Code states: "The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way…” And this historical event, sponsored by American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company and the Boy Scouts of America, is for the whole family to observe and see how the country’s Symbol of Freedom is correctly retired.

This is an educational, family event, free of charge and open to the public. It is a learning experience for children and adults alike. Members of the Boy Scouts of America have been very involved with this effort. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Brownies and their families are all encouraged to attend in their uniforms to participate or be guests of this memorable experience. “I encourage everyone -- Veterans and their family members, members of the Armed Forces and their family members, Veteran Service Organizations, firefighters and their families, the law enforcement community and the public -- to join us at this moving ceremony,” added Manke. “We are very proud to be continuing this tradition at the Veterans Home of California – Ventura.”

To have your flag picked up and replaced for the American Flag Retirement Ceremony, please call the American Veterans Flagpoles and Flag Company at 805-647-3524 or email paul@AmericanVetFlagpoles.com. In addition, the County of Ventura has placed Flag Collection Boxes at the County Government Center located at 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura. For more information, please call 805-659-7501.

Robert Cantu

Robert Cantu, Enrolled Agent (EA) has earned the prestigious Fellow designation from the National Association of Enrolled Agents (NAEA) for completing the three levels of the National Tax Practice Institute (NTPI®). This achievement demonstrates Robert Cantu, EA’s dedication to protecting taxpayer rights and attests to his expertise in tax.

Fellows of NAEA's National Tax Practice Institute have completed a demanding three-part curriculum that has uniquely prepared them to effectively represent their clients before all administrative levels of the IRS. Having successfully completed coursework covering all variances of examinations, audits, collections and appeals, and having studied best practices and role-playing, Fellows know the entire process from both the client and IRS perspectives. While earning the EA license denotes competence and the right to represent taxpayers, Fellows have made the commitment to a higher level of knowledge and excellence which further sets them apart. The course, open only to licensed tax professionals, was developed to prepare licensed representatives to protect their clients’ rights by disseminating the most recent information about IRS laws and procedures critical to representation.

In service since 1980, Robert Cantu EA provides top quality and reasonably priced tax preparation, planning and representation services to individuals and small businesses. He is open year round and can be reached at 805-525-8895 or via www.cantutax.com.