The Creasons.
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Ken and Darlene Creason celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Topa Tower Club in Oxnard, with family, friends and neighbors. A Hawaiian Theme was used and orchid leis from Hawaii were given to each guest. A formal dinner was served, followed by comments from Master of Cermonies Mr. Brett Kirkpatrick with family and friends telling many stories about their life time friendship with Ken and Darlene. Hawaiian music, dancing and entertainment followed. The Hawaiian Theme was chosen, because they went to Hawaii on their honeymoon, which Hawaii was still not a State in 1959.

Ken and Darlene grew up in Riverside, California, and knew each other since they were three years old. They were Kindegarden sweethearts and continued their romance through High school. They raised two daughters, Kathy Flinn and Cindy Brozik who both graduated from Fillmore High School. Their adopted daughter Sandy Harvey, from Tacoma, Washington assisted the family in putting on the celebration. The Creason's grandchildren, Cece Flinn, Cory Brozik and Hayley Brozik, made great comments about their grandparents. The Creason's have lived in Fillmore for more than 30 years. Time flies when you are having fun and the last 50 years went by very quickly.

Calling all actors! Hey kids .... If you're between 6 and 17 years of age and want to learn all about acting, then read on ... this class is just what you need!
Through Fillmore's Parks and Recreation, an 8-week workshop "ACTING SILLY" is now being offered. Beginning Thursday, July 9th, 4:30 to 6:00 pm at Fillmore's Senior Center, 533 Santa Clara Street, kids will have the opportunity to learn all aspects of acting to include improvisational exercises with scene study and memorization. The 8 wk. series will culminate into a final stage presentation at the Fillmore Towne Theater. Participants must be able to read English.
Instructor for the class is L.J. Stevens, an industry professional for over 20 years. L.J. grew up working in the family business of movie theater management. Born and raised in New York, she became the in-house manager for Circle in the Square Repertory in NYC, and obtained her BA from St. John's University in 1985. L.J. has extensive experience in stage performing, managing theaters in and around Ventura County, and has conducted many workshops for children. CONTINUED »

It’s celebration time! The Fourth of July is just around the corner. Here is a list of the booth locations: Chamber of Commerce, east of 1149 Ventura St.; Christian Praise Assembly, 955 W. Ventura St.; Fillmore Athletic Booster Club, 725 Ventura St.; Fillmore Future Farmers of America Booster Club, Lot #14 Telegraph Rd. (E. Hwy 126 & El Dorado); Fillmore High School Athletic Boosters, Ventura Street & A Street (Balden Town Plaza); Fillmore Historical Museum, 725 Ventura St. (Super A Foods Center; Fillmore Lions Club, 1462 W. Ventura St.; Fillmore Senior Center, 251 Telegraph Rd (vacant lot); Fillmore Women’s Service Club, 446 Ventura St. (Margaret’s Restaurant); Fillmore Youth Football, 460 Ventura St.; First Assembly of God Church, 251 Telegraph Rd.; Maranatha Fellowship, 131 E. Telegraph Rd.; Piru 4-H, 501 Central Ave. (NW Corner of Ventura & Central); Rotary Club of Fillmore Noontime, 613 W. Ventura St.; Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, 908 Ventura St. (McDonalds); Sespe 4-H, 1049 Ventura St.; St. Francis of Assisi Church, 1048 W. Ventura St.; VC Search & Rescue, NW corner of Los Serenos & Ventura St.; Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 9637), 502 Ventura St.; Santa Clara Valley Grange, 251 Telegraph Rd.; Santa Clara River Valley Railroad Historical Society, SW corner Ventura St., & C Street; Fillmore Church of Christ, Balden Towne Plaza (VONS); Fillmore Girls Softball, 572 W Ventura St., (Balden Town Plaza-Burger King).
Have a Safe & Sane Fourth of July!

Several Fillmore residents have received a “check” in the mail for $5,000 from “Readers Digest / Pepsi” stating they have won the Pepsi Cola One Million Dollar Giveaway. They are instructed to deposit the check BUT “It is very important that you contact your representative without any delay before depositing this check and for further information on your prize.” It also instructs the receiver to “keep the Prize Claim Number and Prize information highly confidential…” This is a SCAM, do not deposit the check.

Some readers have expressed concern about a caption which ran under the front page photo of a vehicle-bicycle accident which occurred last week. For those who may have misconstrued the wording, the driver of the vehicle was not blamed for the accident. The Gazette has not received official information disclosing the cause of the accident. We regret any confusion this may have caused.

Deeperlife.com presents The Lawn Chair Summer Movie Series, to be held on the last Friday’s at Fillmore City Hall. Free family-friendly movies starting at dusk; bring dinner and a chair. Coming July 31st “Cheaper by the Dozen2”, August 28th “Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears a Who!”, and September 25th “Because of Winn-Dixie”. Bring the family for a fun evening!

Grad Nite Live's summer fundraiser is underway as of July 1st. We have to raise $23, 500 this year for the Class of 2010 for approximately 170 students. The Central Station has given us the opportunity to sell their famous "Sandwich Meal", however we will be offering a choice of Tri-Tip, Chicken or Pulled Pork sandwich for only $10.00 a ticket. Senior class members and their parents are working hard to make our first fundraiser a success. Call 524-4909, Mrs Chaney and I will direct a senior to you!...thanks

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On July 3, 2009 the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department / Ojai Substation will be hosting a Multi-Agency DUI Check Point called “Avoid the 14”. “Avoid the 14” represents the 14 law enforcement agencies involved in a grant that the Oxnard Police Department obtained through the Office of Traffic Safety. The grant calls for multi-agency cooperation on DUI Check Points with the intention of increasing DUI awareness during the holiday season as well as acting as a deterrent to driving while intoxicated.
This checkpoint will be on July 3, 2009 between the hours of 6:00 P.M. and midnight at an undisclosed location in the Ojai Valley.
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department in conjunction with the Ventura County Fire Department Wildland Fire Division will be conducting a live fire training exercise. The training will commence July 6 – July 8 between the hours of 8:00AM – 2:00PM in the 1200 block of Good Enough Road in Fillmore, weather permitting.
Training is slated to include the burning of low-level grasses found throughout a 30-acre parcel slated for development in the near future. Smoke and flames will be visible throughout the area however should have a minimal impact on both traffic and routine activities.
The purpose of this exercise is to provide fire personnel the rare opportunity to obtain hands-on experience with live fire in a controlled non-emergent environment. The process will be supervised by experienced personnel and will follow strict safety guidelines set by the California State Fire Marshal. This process provides invaluable training experience for fire personnel while simultaneously reducing the amount of weeds and hazardous debris commonly found in the urban-interface areas.

The Dr. Neil Schmidt Fillmore Family Resource Center (located on the right next to Boys and Girls Club) volunteers are busy helping youth complete their applications for various summer leadership, college and camp programs. Kids, whatever you do, don't say 'there's nothing to do!" this summer:
R.M. Pyle's Boys (Summer) Camp has been in existence since 1949 by Mr. Pyle's, a miner, who wanted boys to enjoy their childhood in fun, healthy ways. A camp physical is required for these outdoor hiking activities.
Ventura College Summer Youth Entrepreneur Academy, 3-day training (for ages 15 up to 25 year olds). First time in Fillmore. Wow!! What a way to delve into one's strengths and interests and learn about making extra money! VC Summer Bridge Program, High School Age (only a few spaces left). Teens will be touring different college and universities, receiving information on scholarships and financial aid. All lunch meals and transportation costs are covered.
Grizzly Youth Academy is still availabe for youth, ages 16 to 18 1/2, to improve their writing and math skills and GPA, get away from negative influences and get back on track academically focused and prepared on whatever profession they decide to choose. <1--break-->
United Parents Parent Support Group Meeting on Saturday, June 11th, 10-11 am. ALL PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS & GUARDIANS WELCOME! Ever feel like you’re riding a wave every day? “There is nothing worse than living with a child or teen spinning out of control, and no worse feeling than the hopelessness parents experience in the process.” It is difficult to know what to do and how to react when your teen daily reaches new lows in disobedience, dishonesty, and disrespect, and chooses every wrong thing. Parents are given ideas on how to respond, not react to situations and given tools that work. Many free resources and program information will be made available to you. We are not here to judge, we are here to help and empower you with information in both this difficult and joyous journey called Parenthood. The meeting will be held at the One Step Center, “Chocolate Church”, Episcopal Church Hall (corner of Saratoga St. and Second St.) Questions? Please call Norma Pérez-Sandford 208-0712 or 524-4999 or leave a message for María Wells, United Parents, 384-1555 for more information.

Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley will be holding our Sixth Annual Golf Classic on Monday, July 27, 2009. Players will enjoy a round of golf, lunch and dinner at the beautiful and challenging Las Posas Country Club. Slots are still available but are filling up fast so get some friends together and reserve your foursome for this day of fun and friendship!

Golfers will end the day at the awards banquet, where raffle prizes will be distributed, a Live Auction will be held and winning teams will be announced and will receive their trophies. Prizes to be awarded include Team Low Gross First, Second and Third places, Team Low Net First, Second and Third place, Over 50 Men’s Longest Drive, Under 50 Men’s Longest Drive, Women’s Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin and Putting Contest Winner. Live Auction Items to date include Golf for Four at Las Posas Country Club, Golf for Two at Riviera Country Club, and Golf for Four at Saticoy Country Club and 100 60 Second Radio Commercials courtesy of Gold Coast Broadcasting.

Another portion of the Awards Banquet will be the Golfers’ Raffle, where prizes include golf trips, golf apparel, and other items donated by the community to help raise funds in support of the Boys & Girls Club. Those interested in donating items are encouraged to call Carole Power, Special Events Director, at the Club at 805-525-7910. Especially appreciated would be sports tickets (Dodger, Angels, etc.) and Time share vouchers for future vacation stays.<1--break-->

Sponsors of the event include Santa Clara Valley Bank, Limoneira Company, Calavo, Ventura County Star, and Edward Jones Investments of Santa Paula. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available. To become a sponsor, purchase tickets or donate a raffle item, please call 525-7910.

New watering restrictions come just as July heat typically takes its toll on landscapes. However, prudent planning using drought-tolerant plants, watering schedules and soil preparation can mean gardeners can still enjoy beautiful landscapes despite sizzling summer days, says Agromin, an Oxnard-based manufacturer of premium soil products and one of the state's largest green materials recycling companies.

Plant Low Water-Use Vegetation: Native plants usually require little or no water once they are established. Plants that have survived for hundreds of years through droughts and downpours will mostly likely survive in just about any backyard landscape. Dozens of varieties of native plants are available for gardeners. Popular types include sages, big berry Manzanita, buckwheat, bush poppy, California Aster and California Mountain Lilac.

Reduce Your Grass Area: Lawns use more water than any other landscape feature. Consider replacing a portion of your grass with low-growing, drought tolerant ground cover. You will first need to remove the grass, till the soil and amend with compost. Perennial ground covers include ornamental grasses, Alyssum and Verbena. CONTINUED »

Designed for business managers, owners, the general public and business students, it covers the broad field of commercial insurance and explains how insurance companies operate. It equips students to take full advantage of the benefits and coverages available in commercial insurance policies.

The class – Business V74, Commercial Insurance - meets this Fall on Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:50 p.m.

Although it is a stand-alone class, BUS V74 only one of four insurance courses available at Ventura College. Completion of the full series can lead to Certificate of Proficiency as an Insurance Specialist and open the door to the traditionally higher paying jobs in the insurance industry.

Although Fall classes start August 17, 2009, early registration on-line is essential. In these tight budget times classes without early robust enrollment are subject to cancellation even before the term begins.

Register on-line now at www.venturacollege.edu for BUS V74, Commercial Insurance, CRN 71222. For further inquiries contact James Spencer, Ventura College Business Department, (805) 654-6444, Ext. 2371

Ventura, CA - The latest advances in breast reconstruction will be the focus during a free seminar that the Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, July 14.

Michael Pickart, M.D., a local plastic surgeon, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, located at 147 Brent St. in Ventura.

Breast reconstruction is a physically and emotionally rewarding procedure for a woman who has lost a breast due to cancer or other conditions, and Dr. Pickart will discuss surgical techniques available, including prosthetic implants (saline/salt water or silicone gel), abdominal/belly tissue and back tissue. Dr. Pickart also will explain how the creation of a new breast can dramatically improve self-image, self-confidence and quality of life.

Dr. Pickart, who has a private practice in Ventura and is on staff at Community Memorial Hospital, also is a clinical assistant professor of plastic surgery at Loma Linda University. He received his medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are suggested. Call 805/652-5436, or visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp.

Dear Fillmore,
Thank you for being a very nice, accepting community for our three AFS foreign exchange students this year. Shervina (Philippines), Sunanda (Switzerland), and Samantha (Hong Kong) became Fillmore Seniors last August and finished out their school year at the Fillmore High graduation ceremony. That was a very special event. They said that all of the senior activities were much fun and especially enjoyed Grad Nite Live. These students have had a year of new friends, new cultural experiences, new foods, and many memories. Along with Franzi (Germany), they had fun waving in the Christmas Parade!! Thank you to our community for helping make this year special for these international students. Teachers, community members, fellow-classmates – you’ve each shown these international students what Fillmore, California, and the United States is all about.
This month is hard for our exchange students as they are very sad to leave and at the same time excited to get back to their home country and reunite with their natural family and friends and tell about their experiences. Hopefully, their friends here in Fillmore will keep in touch.
This is also the time to look ahead to our next school year. Fillmore needs students next year for on-going cultural enrichment. If you would like to have an international experience in your own home, please think about how much fun you’d have being a host family. AFS has students from countries around the globe who are waiting to be matched with a host family. Fillmore is a welcoming community. Visit our website www.afsccc.org to get a look at some students who would like to live in Ventura County next year – maybe with your family!
Thank you for your support. Please contact: Sandy email: yosoysb3@hotmail.com or go to www.afs.org for information.
Sandy Butts

Shown is the Fillmore Women’s Service Club Board consisting of Jan Nehrig - 1st V.P.; Marci Thompson - 2nd V.P.; Dorothy Hunt - 3rd V.P.; Susan Banks - 4th V.P.; Fay Swanson - Recording Secretary; Carolyn Collins - Correspondence; Tobey Bowers Parliamentarian; Dee Rojo & Donna Voelker – Treasurers.
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This year Jeanne Klittich is implementing Chairmen positions which consist of: Elaine Bashford - Amenities; Dorothy Hunt - Sr Meals; Donna Voelker Computer Support; Rita Avila - Door Prizes; Michele Smith - Historian; Glenda DeJarnette - Inspiration; Mimi Burns - Press; Marci Thompson - Social; Marilyn Griffin - Spaghetti Dinner Assistant; Kathy Changus – Telephones.
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The Fillmore Women’s Service Club installed a new board for the 2009-2010 year at a special dinner held at Logsdons in Santa Paula. This year the club’s motto is Your attitude determines your altitude, and we are going to be guided by Jeanne Klittich, as President who is an outstanding long time member. Her board consists of: Jan Nehrig - 1st V.P.; Marci Thompson - 2nd V.P.; Dorothy Hunt - 3rd V.P.; Susan Banks - 4th V.P.; Fay Swanson-Recording Secretary; Carolyn Collins - Correspondence; Tobey Bowers Parliamentarian; Dee Rojo and Donna Voelker – Treasurers. This year Jeanne is implementing Chairmen positions which consist of: Elaine Bashford - Amenities; Dorothy Hunt - Sr Meals; Donna Voelker Computer Support; Rita Avila - Door Prizes; Michele Smith - Historian; Glenda DeJarnette - Inspiration; Mimi Burns - Press; Marci Thompson - Social; Marilyn Griffin - Spaghetti Dinner Assistant; Kathy Changus – Telephone.

We are proud of the support the community has given us each year. This enables the club to give numerous scholarships to our outstanding senior’s on their way to college. This year we were also able to help two women in the community that were returning to college to strengthen their careers. Our next fund raiser will be our annual fireworks booth, which will be located in the parking lot of Margaret’s Cocina Drive-In. The club is looking forward to another successful year. Thank you all for your continued support with all our fundraisers, and we look forward to seeing you for Fourth of July.

The club meets every second Wednesday of the month at the Senior Center at 7p.m., guests and new members are always welcome. Please come join us.

Conway Spitler

To all the kids who survived the 1930's, 40's, 50's, 60's and 70's!
First, we survived being born to mothers who smoked and/or drank, while they were pregnant. They took aspirin, ate blue cheese dressing, tuna from a can, and didn't get tested for diabetes.
Then after that trauma, we were put to sleep on our tummies in baby cribs covered with bright colored lead-based paint.
We had no childproof lids on medicine bottles, doors, or cabinets and when we rode our bikes, we had no helmets, not to mention, the risks we took hitchhiking.
As infants and children, we would ride in cars with no car seats, booster seats, seat belts or air bags.
Riding in the back of a pick up on a warm day was always a special treat.
We drank water from the garden hose and NOT from a bottle.
We shared one soft drink with four friends, from one bottle and NO ONE actually died from this.
We ate cupcakes, white bread and real butter and drank Kool-aid made with sugar, but we weren't overweight because, WE WERE ALWAYS OUTSIDE PLAYING!
We would leave home in the morning and play all day, as long as we were back when the street lights came on.
No one was able to reach us all day. And we were OK. CONTINUED »

The latest statistics in pool deaths is alarming. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, of the nearly 300 who died last year, 79 percent occurred in residential pool drowning deaths of children less than five years of age.
In order to help saves lives, the American Red Cross and the National Swimming Pool Foundation have developed a new interactive course entitled, Home Pool Essentials™: Maintenance and Safety. The approximately two-hour course covers the basics of operating a home pool, raises awareness of how to make a safer environment, as well as teaching basic rescue techniques.
Participants will learn how to identify common water problems, how to manage the problems, and learn how to perform water testing, sanitation and other important pool maintenance steps. By following the simple procedures, individuals will also discover how to reduce costs in operating pools, how to prevent accidents, and how to respond to an emergency situation. In addition, the course includes a printable resource guide with 4-color photos that can be printed for future reference, plus video demonstrations and links to online resources. The cost of the online course is $19.95 and can be completed and reviewed for up to six months.
Individuals can access the course through the website of the American Red Cross of Ventura County at www.arc-ventura.org. Simply click on “Services” and then go to “Health & Safety Classes” to find the link to the program. Or, go directly to www.homepoolessentials.org.
The American Red Cross is the primary source of disaster prevention, preparedness and response education. The local chapter offers a wide range of First Aid, CPR, AED, Babysitters Training and Lifeguard Training courses. Classes are also available for volunteers and disaster preparedness.
The National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 to help improve public health nationwide by attracting more people to safer aquatic environments. The NSPF is the leading educator for pool and hot tub professionals who service and operate public and private pools and hot tubs for public health officials who are responsible for pool safety.
Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.

July 31 - August 1 Experience hot air balloons illuminate at sunset, or ascend in the morning air against a spectacular backdrop of citrus orchards and field crops. Relax and enjoy the Wine and Beer Garden, live music, unique children’s activities, art, vendors, and activities for all ages. Details at: www.citrusclassicballoons.com. Save money and support the educational and preservation efforts of the Rancho Camulos Museum by purchasing advance tickets for the Citrus Classic Balloon Festival at the Rancho Camulos Museum or fruit stand or by ordering from 805-521-1501 or ranchocamulos@earthlink.net. Daily tickets are Adults: $7; Children 5-14: $3; and special parking $7. This is a discount from the gate price of $10/$5.