Sign up for a Virtual Tour of Morningstar Investment Research Center – a service provided to you by the Ventura County Library. You can conveniently access the training session from your home or any location with a phone and Internet connection.

On Wednesday, April 29th, at 1:00 p.m., you will discover how to use this valuable database to search for stocks, mutual funds, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Learn how to evaluate retirement and portfolio holdings. Get independent analysis reports, helpful articles and industry commentary to help you make sense of this challenging market.

To register, visit Morningstar Investment Research Center from the Ventura County Library’s website at www.vencolibrary.org. Once you arrive at the website, click on “Databases - Research”. You will find the Library’s electronic resources collection arranged by subject and listed alphabetically. The link for Morningstar is under “Business.” Click on “Sign up for online training” and type a brief email that includes your name. If you are in the Morningstar database, you can register by going to the “Help & Education” page. Click on the link in the lower right corner, under the heading, “Live Patron Web Training”. Type a brief email that includes your name. CONTINUED »

Some users of the website may be experiencing a situation where stories and comments, particularly on the Front Page, are not being updated. If you are using "Internet Explorer" and see no stories on the front page dated Wednesday March 25th, please follow these simple steps to remedy the problem.

(1) From the "Tools" menu, near the top of your web browser, select "Internet Options".

(2) Under the "Browsing history" section, select the "Delete" button.

(3) Select the very first "Delete files" button under "Temporary Internet Files". A window will pop up asking if you are sure you want to delete all the temporary Internet files. Select the "Yes" button.

(4) Once Internet Explorer has finished deleting the files, return the the Gazette's Front (or Home) Page and verify you are able to see the most recent stories dated March 25th. The lead story should be the Skate Park Grand Opening.

Sorry for the inconvenience. I'm working on fixing the problem so readers will not have to do this in the future.

Very Sincerely,
Scott Duckett

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Pssst.. while you're busy sleeping at 5 AM, a movement is afoot in Fillmore. And it's my duty to bring it to your attention. But be forewarned... this is so outrageously exciting, you may find it very difficult to control yourself. It's called... well... first, what kind of shape is your body in?

Truth be told, I'll bet that you body could... well... use a little toning up. Denial won't help. Go ahead... own up to it... you're body is severely lacking toning, and probably exhibiting a few too many... you know... pounds... in inappropriate places. And also lacking energy. Right? And of course you're sick and tired of you're sedentary couch-potato lifestyle. Well, here's great news! There is a service provided by competent, caring people to help you get your booty in tip-top shape. It's called boot camp. But fret not. Though the term 'boot camp' may sound onerous... it's all only for your personal best-and-highest good. No hyperbole here, as you'll soon see from a few testimonials.

About a year ago, Ivan Chavez, with fellow instructor Marcos Zuniga, created and have been conducting six-week mini-fitness programs nicknamed boot camps.

However, boots are not required... just your body and the desire to look... ahem... wickedly exquisite. Hmmm.
Here's Ivan... a physical fitness trainer at the Body Image gym at 455 A Street... briefly describing the fitness programs.

“The boot camps originated as a result of a number of people came to me for fitness and nutrition advice. As the number of people continued to grow, it occurred to me that a lot of people were confused by the media about all the diets out there, and all the fitness programs... bombarded with different viewpoints sort of leaving them in the dark. Having been in the fitness and nutrition business for ten years... based on my experience... I've been fortunate in that I recognize what works. Still, I continue to educate myself on the subjects of fitness and nutrition so with my knowledge, I decided that it was time to share it with people. Because so many people didn't know right from wrong, I concluded that it was time to offer my skills and knowledge in the form of fitness mini camps... commonly referred to as boot camps. The first group enjoyed a great measure of success. From that small group, another group wanted to participate. And it has grown steadily since. CONTINUED »

Where can you develop your talent and build self-confidence? Right here in your own backyard! Every Thursday, 4:30 to 6:00 PM at the Community/Sr. Center, through Parks & Recreation, students will learn dance, acting, voice and improvisation by Director, Sandie Allen. Ms. Allen has produced over 100 musicals. An 8-week workshop class is being offered, followed by a performance workshop, culminating in an exciting live stage performance at Fillmore’s Towne Theatre on Central. All this for only $40 a month (Price break for siblings) Parents are encouraged to join. What a wonderful way to create special memories for your whole family! DON’T MISS OUT! We hope to have our first production by this summer.
HURRY TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!! Sign up at City Hall – Rec. Dept.
For more information contact:Priscilla Rzezuski (805) 524-0553, Sandie Allen (805) 991-1488

The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District Board reviewed the rules for honoring veterans at this last monthly meeting. Any veteran of the United States military service is eligible. For those who wish to have their family’s veterans names added to the wall at the Memorial Building, here is the way to accomplish that: If the veteran was killed in the service to their country, there is no charge for the name plaque. The plaque for other veterans is $125. To order a name plaque for display, the family needs to send a letter making the request with the veteran’s name and attach a check for the cost to the Veterans Memorial District, in care of City Hall.

The company that does the casting requires a minimum order of 3 plaques, so it may take several months before the plaque is installed. For additional information, you may call Annette Cardona, 524-3701 ex. 216.

After World War II, our community wanted to honor their many veterans. The Wm. Shiells Company donated the land and the citizens raised the money to pay for the buildings. In a very short time, the main building and youth building were completed and opened to service clubs and community organizations for meetings. This is a special district and the boundaries are the same as the Fillmore Unified School District. The Fillmore-Piru Veterans Memorial District levies a $5 per parcel tax to help with the financing. The board is elected every two years.

After 50 years, the buildings still serve to honor any veteran of the United States military and we are fortunate
to have such a great community asset.

The ladies of Curves are halfway toward their goal of collecting 650 pounds of food to help feed the hungry in our community and are asking the public to help them surpass their ambitious target.
In the first two weeks of the month-long food drive, Curves members have donated 405 pounds of non-perishable foods. Everything from macaroni and cheese to peanut butter and juice to cans of beans has been brought in by members.
All food gathered will be donated to Catholic Church Food Bank, staying in Fillmore to help meet the needs of local residents.
In addition to helping their neighbors, members of the public who bring a grocery bag of food to Curves have the option of taking a personalized tour of the facility and having their membership fee waived, if they choose to join. The gym is located in downtown Fillmore, at 410 Central Ave. Hours are Monday through Friday, 5:50 a.m. to 1 p.m. And 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Over the past five years, nearly 50 million pounds of food have been donated nationally by Curves members, and distributed to local food banks.
For more information, please call Yvette Chavez, Curves manager, at 805-524-0337.

Attention all Artists, those whom love to draw, color, oil paint, watercolor, color pencils, crayons, well you get the idea, anyway, it’s that time to enter your artwork into the Fillmore May Festival Poster Art Contest.
This year the winner will take home $50.00! Not to mention your work will be on the Poster. There are no age limits, we just ask that you do your artwork in color and on a 8x11 piece of paper.

This year’s theme is “Bringing Back Tradition”. This festival has been going on for 97 years now. It first started as a Farmers Market downtown and now has grown to be one of the largest Events in Ventura County. The May Festival offers that small town enjoyment for the entire family--not to mention our town is one of the last best smallest towns in Southern California.

The Deadline to turn in your work in is Friday April 17, 2009. Please take your work to the Fillmore Chamber Office located on Hwy 126 at 557 Ventura Street or call Cindy. The winner will be awarded after the parade in front of City Hall.

If you have any questions please feel free to call Cindy Jackson-Bires at 805-524-7706. Good luck and have fun!

Come learn the 3 actions to be prepared before it happens.
1. Get A Kit
2. Make A Plan
3. Be Informed

Thursday April 2, 2009
Fillmore-Piru Memorial Building
511 E. Second Street
Fillmore, CA 93015

For more information contact:
American Red Cross
805-987-1514 Ext. 323 (Ellen)

Conway Spitler

Have you seen the new banner flying over the main street? It's telling you to talk to those plants in your garden.
Those beautiful flowers, from your garden, should be placed in the Fillmore Flower Show - April 4 - 5 at the Fillmore Senior Center, Saturday 1:00-4:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 -4:00 pm.?
Your flowers should be brought; vases will be provided. We say vases so easily; however Cindy Klittich has been a lady busy with bottles! Yes, she has collected many, many cases of bottles and is working with the scouts getting the labels washed off so these bottles may be used to place flowers in the flower show.
Have you seen the banner flying over the main street? Very attractive and many thanks go out to Linda Nunes working with the city in getting it to fly!
Joann King has assumed the leadership of the Garden Club and from past experience with flower shows has gotten the club organized to get the "show on the road". All we need is you to talk to your flowers and get them into the senior center on April 4.

Sespe Players, Fillmore’s Community Theater Group, Inc., will present “The Pole Creek Radio Hour” on April 24, 25, 26 May 1, 2, 3; (Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. in the School District Building, 627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore.

Radio Hour is a comedy/variety show, with a behind-the-scenes look into the live of the actors. Skits and musical acts and commercials for local businesses highlight the annual production. Tickets are adult $15, senior $10, student $10.

If you are interested in advertising your business in connection with the program, here are is what is offered: $50 Sung or spoken commercial with mention in the program; $100 Combination on stage and 1/3 page in print; $50 1/3 Page Business card size in the program; $75 ½ Page in the program with mention on stage; $100 full page with mention on stage; $25 listed in the program.

Sespe Players, Inc. is a 501 c3 non-profit corporation. #74-3127532. Any questions? Contact Janet Foy 217-2402.

Fillmore, CA – It’s a bird! It’s a plane….wait…it’s a train? Thomas the Tank Engine™ is set to roll into Fillmore for the Day Out With Thomas™ 2009: The Hero of the Rails Tour. All Thomas fans are invited to spend the day with their favorite engine that always saves the day! The event, which takes place April 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26, 2009, will be hosted by Fillmore & Western Railway Co. and presented by HIT Entertainment and sponsored by The LEGO Group.

For more than six decades, children have been captivated by the courageous adventures of Thomas and his engine friends. Pulling out of the station for its 14th consecutive ride on the rails, the Day Out With Thomas 2009: The Hero of the Rails Tour will visit more than 40 cities in the United States and Canada. Day Out With Thomas is the only place for families to take a ride with a 15-ton replica of everybody’s favorite #1 engine, Thomas the Tank Engine, and enjoy Thomas-themed activities at the Imagination Station, including stamps, temporary tattoos and hands-on arts and crafts. Each year the tour grows, traveling to new destinations, adding new activities and welcoming new visitors. In addition, exclusive Thomas & Friends merchandise is available at Day Out With Thomas events including a 2009 Day Out With Thomas passenger car and commemorative t-shirts, pennants, engineer caps, frames, and more. CONTINUED »

From unique homes to magnificent domiciles, gorgeous gardens to sundaes at a historic hotel, winning custom gift baskets to the opportunity to purchase beautiful plants and stunning roses for spring gardens, new and exciting pleasures await you at the Santa Clara Valley Hospice/Home Support Group's 26th Annual Homes & Gardens of Santa Paula Tour.

The Tour will be held Saturday, April 25th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

According to Marilyn Harvey, Hospice Board Vice President/Tour Chairwoman, “This year's tour has lots of contrasts, a new hillside home,” custom designed by noted plant growers Dianne and Dudley Davis, “a stately Victorian,” full of surprises owned by Billie Ann Moore, “a vintage home with a modern remodel” demonstrating the talents of owners and interior design/architectural team of Susan and John Kulwiec, “and the storied historic Glen Tavern Inn,” restored to its former glory by Rosanna and Tom Jennett.

“I know,” Harvey noted, “there is something for everyone.”

And that includes herself: “It's exciting to see what people have done to improve their homes and it's always fun to see a home that's fresh and new. I always look for ideas that I can adapt to my own decorating style … and where else can you go to get decorating ideas at this price?” CONTINUED »