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For the sixth year, KSSP Photographic Studios will be offering a FREE Halloween photography for children, in costume, 12 years & younger, on Halloween, Monday October 31th. A free 4”x6” print will be printed (limit 1 free print per family or group) and available for pick-up on Halloween. As part of this tradition, each child's picture will be entered in the Child's Creative Costume Contest.

As in past years, no appointment is necessary and no purchase is necessary. The studio will be open from 3pm to 8pm to photograph individuals or groups, in costume. Children 12 and under will be photographed for free. For those over 12 years old, there will be a small charge.

As part of the Child's Creative Costume Contest, each child's costume will be judged by an independent committee. The child with the best costume will win a free family portrait session and an 11”x14” family portrait.

“This is our way to give back to the community and to say 'thank you' for supporting us,” photographer Carmelita Miranda told the Gazette.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in portrait, wedding and quinceanera photography (and video). KSSP Photographic Studios is the school photographer for Fillmore High School. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com.

Sacramento, CA — The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) today reminded taxpayers that Monday, October 31, is the deadline to participate in its Voluntary Compliance Initiative 2 (VCI 2) for taxpayers who may have underreported their tax liabilities through the use of abusive tax avoidance transactions or offshore financial arrangements.

The amnesty program, directed by recent legislation (SB 86, Ch. 14) is an opportunity for taxpayers to voluntarily amend their 2010 and prior year income tax returns. Participating taxpayers must pay both the tax and interest in full. In return, taxpayers receive a waiver of most penalties and avoid potential criminal prosecution.

Advancements in technology, reporting requirements, and the data sharing between agencies (including the IRS) has allowed FTB to better identify taxpayers who may have underreported their income due to these schemes. FTB encourages taxpayers who qualify for this initiative to participate rather than risk a full range of penalties, interest, and potential criminal prosecution.

Taxpayers wanting to participate must have amended returns and participation agreements postmarked or faxed by October 31, 2011. There are no extensions.

For more information, visit FTB’s VCI 2 webpage or call 888.825.9868.

For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit:taxes.ca.gov.

Ventura, CA - Ventura County Public Health and Food Share of Ventura County are hosting a healthy food distribution event and community garden grand opening to celebrate the first annual national Food Day on Monday October 24, 2011. The event will be held in Oxnard at the Camino Del Sol community garden, at the corner of Camino Del Sol and Garfield, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Activities will include free produce distribution and healthy food cooking demonstrations.

Resource tables on obesity prevention programs, health coverage options, and Cal Fresh and WIC programs will also be available. Supervisor John Zaragoza and a representative from Congresswoman Lois Capps’s office will be at the event to welcome families and help distribute the produce that Food Share is donating.

Food Day is a national campaign to celebrate healthy, affordable foods produced in a way that is aimed at promoting healthy, sustainable, affordable, and fair food systems in America. Spearheaded by the nonprofit Center for Science in the Public Interest, Food Day is organized around six main policy goals:
1. Reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods.
2. Support sustainable farms and limit subsidies to big agribusiness.
3. Expand access to food and alleviate hunger.
4. Protect the environment and animals by reforming factory farms.
5. Promote health by curbing junk-food marketing to kids.
6. Support fair working conditions for food-service and farm workers.

“When 63 percent of Americans are obese or overweight, 25.8 million of them children and diet-related diseases like diabetes and heart disease are skyrocketing, it’s hard to ignore the problem,” says Dr. Robert Levin, Public Health Officer.

Diet-related health is the most visible, and talked about problem, but there is a lot more to food than
meets the eye. Food Day draws attention to: food deserts (areas where fresh, healthy, affordable foods are scarce), the wages of workers in the food system, the consequences of concentrated animal feeding operations, the importance of sustainable agriculture, and the type of food-messages targeted at our children.

(l-r) Ed McClements, Barkely Insurance and President Sean Morris.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers handed out Student Dictionaries to all third graders in FUSD and at the Fillmore Christian Academy. Rotarians visited the 3rd grade classrooms at Sespe School, San Cayentano School, Mountain Vista School, Piru School and Fillmore Christian Academy. Each student received a Student Dictionary that is theirs to keep, use at school and take home. The books are not only dictionaries but also have sections on the US Presidents, the US Constitution, the Solar System, and Sign Language and a lot more. The last page of the dictionary has the longest word in the English language. Sun Risers have been doing this project for seven years and have provided more than 2,700 dictionaries to FUSD students. This project is funded by the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers and a Rotary District 5240 Simplified Grant. The dictionaries are purchased from The Dictionary Project, a non-profit foundation in Charleston, SC.

On Tuesday, October 18th the Rotarians heard a presentation by Ed McClements of Barkley Insurance on the Hearth Care Reform bill. Mr. McClements explained 10 keys to understanding employer Play or Pay rules in Health Care Reform.

The next event for the Rotarians is helping with the Fillmore High School Career Day. The Club provides a continental breakfast for all the Career Day presenters. Career Day is on Friday, November 4th at the Memorial Building. 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.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers meets weekly at El Pescador Restaurant at 7:00 AM. For more information about attending a meeting and about the Rotary Club of Fillmore Sun Risers, call Sean at 796-0276.

Soroptimist is pleased to announce the Woman of Influence Art Contest. This year’s contest invites boy and girl students, ages 4-18, to draw a real woman, not fictional, that has touched their hearts. The mission of the campaign is to recognize and praise women in our lives.

Winners will be announced Wednesday, November 16th, at the Soroptimist International of Fillmore Program Meeting. Winners will receive a gift card or cash prize.

Artwork will be judged in the following categories: Category 1: Ages 4-6; Category 2: Ages 7-9; Category 3: Ages 10-12; Category 4: Ages 13-15; Category 5: Ages 16-18.

Rules
Students must draw a real woman for the Soroptimist Woman of Influence Art Contest that has touched their hearts. Art can be created in any medium (pencil, paint, crayon, etc.). All artwork must be original. Work should be no larger than 11” by 14”. Students must glue or staple the art contest entry form to the bottom of their artwork. All sections must be complete. Artwork that does not have an attached entry form will be disqualified.

Submission Guidelines
Schools, teachers or parents must collect all artwork from students by Wednesday, November 9th. A member from Soroptimist will pick up the artwork from the classes or office that afternoon. Parents and residents of Fillmore may also drop off their artwork by November 9th to Jane David at 524 Sespe Avenue (Fillmore Police Department) by 4:30 P.M.

Deadline
Entries must be received by Wednesday, November 9th. Entries received after this date will be disqualified.

Judging
Members of Soroptimist International of Fillmore and the community will judge the entries. Soroptimist will announce the winners on Wednesday, November 16th.
Submissions become the property of Soroptimist and will not be returned. Soroptimist reserves the right to use submissions as promotional material.

Questions? Contact: Jane David at Jane.David@ventura.org, or Mrs. Herrera at magnoliares@aol.com. (805) 727-1145 or (805) 794-1900

Please call or email for a Soroptimist 2011 Woman of Influence Art Contest Entry Form and instructions.
Information about artwork.

The mission of the Woman of Influence Art Contest is to recognize and praise a woman that has touched your heart. Using the box below, please describe in 50 words or less how this woman has influenced your life. You may type or write your paragraph on a separate piece of paper and attach it to the box.

Winner Disbursements:
All winners receive gift cards from Yanni’s: Category 1: Ages 4 –6 $5. gift cards for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place; Category 2: Ages 7 – 9 $5. gift cards for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place; Category 3: Ages 10 – 12 $15. gift card 1st, $10. gift card 2nd, $5. gift card 3rd; Category 4: Ages 13 – 15 $15. gift card 1st, $10. gift card 2nd, $5. gift card 3rd; Category 5: Ages 16 – 18 $15. gift card 1st, $10. gift card 2nd, $5. gift card 3rd.

Popular magician Shawn McMaster will return to the Fillmore Library to give a special Halloween program of spooks and hair raising fun. The show starts at 3:30 PM on Wednesday, October 26, 2011. Program sponsored by the Fillmore Friends of the Library. For further information: phone 524-3355.

Oakland, CA - As part of its ongoing efforts to encourage Americans to prepare for all hazards, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging all Californians to participate in the "Great California ShakeOut" on Thursday, October 20, 2011. The ShakeOut is the state's annual public earthquake drill, organized by the Earthquake Country Alliance. During the drill, which will be conducted at 10:20 am pacific standard time, anyone can practice how to protect themselves during and after a major earthquake - whether at work, at home or at school. To date, over 8.4 million Californians have signed up.

"Californians have a strong tradition of practicing earthquake safety and have set a great example for the rest of us about how to prepare for disasters. The ShakeOut drill is a great way to get your ready for emergencies and connect with those who are also at risk for an earthquake," said FEMA Regional Administrator Nancy Ward. "As recent earthquakes in Haiti, New Zealand, Japan, and the east coast of the U.S. remind us, earthquakes can strike anytime, anywhere - and often happen without warning. While we don't know where the next earthquake will strike, preparing for them helps people become more resilient in the face of a real disaster."

California's ShakeOut event continues to grow as the largest earthquake drill in U.S. history. Participating in the ShakeOut drill is simple and free - and everyone can participate, including businesses, government offices, organizations, neighborhoods, schools, and individuals. To join, visit www.shakeout.org/register and pledge your school, business, or organization's participation in the drill. Registered participants will receive information on how to plan their drill and how to talk with others about earthquake preparedness.

While FEMA encourages California residents to register for Thursday's ShakeOut event, we also encourage people across the country to prepare for earthquakes. Practicing for earthquakes should occur in all areas of the country and can be practiced at any time, even if there isn't an organized earthquake drill in your community. People can also visit www.ready.gov for important earthquake preparedness tips so that you can protect yourself and your loved ones in the event of an earthquake.

FEMA's mission is the support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

Marie Callender Pies are being sold now by the Senior Class of 2012. Look for the seniors to place your orders. If you are planning on being out of town for the holiday and don't want to buy a pie for yourself, make a check out to Grad Nite Live as a DONATION. We will use the money to buy pies/pies for the Senior Center Lunch and the Meals on Wheels for their Thanksgiving . The student will get the order in their name toward The Graduation Harbor Cruise. PIES ARE $11.OO EACH, APPLE, PUMPKIN, PECAN, RAZELBERRY AND LIGHT APPLE. Any questions call Mrs Chaney at 524-4909 or 407-5759

Come learn about our wonderful museum, Saturday, October 22, 9:00 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 5, abound at the rancho!!

Please reserve your spot by October 21. Contact Kathy at 661-294-0230. or e-mail, at kathimarsden@yahoo.com if interested or for any

Visit www.ranchocamulos.org to find our more about Rancho Camulos...where the history, myth, and romance of old California still linger...

On Tuesday October 25, the Fillmore Ebell club will be hosting Edgar Allan Poe. Mr Poe will be enacted by Duffy Hudson, a noted actor, writer and filmmaker. The Ebell Club would enjoy the company of Fillmore residents to join in this historic occasion. Lunch will be catered by Double A restaurants begining promptly at 12:30 pm - cost $12.00. Or if you want to attend only the entertainment, which begins at approximately 1:45 pm, cost is $5.00. Call Lavonne Deeter at 524-2090 for reservations.

If you are interested in joining or learning more about the Fillmore Ebell Club please call Melodie at 521-1400

On October 17, 2011 Fillmore resident Gretchen Anderson will celebrate her 100th birthday. Born in 1911 in Bolivar, Missouri, Gretchen moved with her family to Fillmore when she was 10-years old. She graduated from Fillmore High School in 1930, and was one of 80 graduates. According to Gretchen, that was the largest class to graduate up until that time. She worked for AT&T telephone for 43 years. Gretchen was married twice, to Ralph Stanley and Ray Anderson. She was one of eight children: Kenny Stewart, Sid Stewart, Walt Stewart, Guy Stewart, Ruth Howard, Effie Hancock, and Mame Hurt. Gretchen said she loves living in the small town of Fillmore.

Children are invited to visit the Fillmore Library to learn all about the exciting opportunities scouting offers. The program is sponsored by the Soroptimist International of Fillmore and the Fillmore Friends of the Library. This is part of an on-going series called: “Success Through Reading”.

There will be both a Girl Scout and a Cub Scout representative present. A book will be read, followed by some fun crafts.

For more information about scouting you may contact Ari Larson at (805) 794-7590, or at her email: petenari55hotmail.com

The Fillmore Library is located at 502 Second Street in Fillmore. Hours of service are Monday and Tuesday 2-7pm, Wednesday 10-5pm, Thursday through Saturday from 12-5pm. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org

Trick or Treat So Others Can Eat” is celebrating our 15th year in Ventura County. As one of the largest 4-H countywide events of the year, this community service project donates food to the many needy and hungry Ventura County residents through our beneficiary, FOOD Share.

FOOD Share is the only regional food bank that distributes collected food through a network of 240 certified charitable agencies. These agencies serve children, families in crisis, low-income seniors, the homeless, disabled and many others living within all the cities and communities of Ventura County.

4-H clubs in the City of Fillmore will be going door to door collecting canned goods and unopened packaged foods between the dates of October 15th to November 7th. We are unable to take any glass containers but do welcome fresh fruit such as oranges and lemons.

If everyone is able to give a little, it will add up to a lot!! Thank you for supporting Fillmore's 4-H clubs with your giving to this important community service.

The annual Fall Harvest Festival/Carnival will be at San Cayetano on Thursday October 27, 2011. The time of this event will be from 5-8PM. We are fortunate to have the Wells Fargo Foundation once again sponsor this community event. The proceeds from the event will support all for elementary schools in Fillmore and Piru. The funds generated from the cinnamon rolls will be split between the local fire and police departments for their annual holiday toy drive! High school students will be donating time for community service hours. This fun event will feature games , lots of prizes and food booths. Come join the fun!!!