Banana Squash
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FFA members Aaron Largen and Riley Wright are working hard in the hope of joining an elite group of FHS Alumni that have earned the American Farmer Degree. To date, there are only three FHS students who have earned the degree, Cathy Barker ‘86, Scott Beylik ‘87, and Mike Richardson ‘91. The American Farmer Degree is the highest honor that can be achieved in the FFA organization, less than 1% of FFA members earn the degree. In addition to GPA requirements, outstanding leadership qualities and community service activities, a student must have an outstanding SAE program that shows planning, managing and financial expertise. In addition to these skills, a student must work a required amount of hours which includes showing how to invest and profit in the farming industry using a required amount of money in order to obtain the American Farmer Degree.

Aaron and Riley are growing banana squash as an SAE project, which they will sell to a local insectory. The insectory will use the squash to grow a certain type of wasp that will be beneficial to farming. The project started back in April, when Aaron and Riley prepared the soil, laid the irrigation and planted the seeds. For the past several months, they have been watering and hoeing weeds in preparation for harvesting the squash when they are about 22 inches in length. When asked what the hardest part of the project has been, Riley said that keeping the weeds under control is tough. If left alone, weeds will suck the nutrients from the soil and the squash won’t grow.

Aaron Largen graduated this past June and was the Fillmore Chapter President and Ventura Section President for 2009-2010. He will be attending Moorpark College in the fall. Riley Wright starts her senior year as Chapter President for 2010-2011 and served as Ventura Section Treasurer in 2009-2010. Both Aaron and Riley have SAE project market steers that they will show this year at the Ventura County Fair. Let’s wish them well in their pursuit of earning their American Farmer Degree.

Fillmore’s Health and Wellness Center will begin offering a new yoga class, starting August 14 at 8:30 a.m. The Center is located at 448 Santa Clara Street, right across the street from City Hall. It is recommended that you have had some yoga but beginners in good health are welcome to attend.

Classes are 1 hour long, taught by Janine Rees and will emphasize gentle stretching and breathing, building strength, and learning and practicing relaxation. We will also be exploring “The Great Yoga Wall” as a way of moving more deeply into the poses. Come with an empty stomach and comfortable clothes. All equipment is provided. Call Janine at 524-4856 for more information.

Written by Karen Thayer

After nearly 27 years of dressing the lovely ladies of Fillmore and the surrounding areas in the latest styles, Shirley Wright owner of Mirage clothing store, has decided to close up shop. Shirley’s impeccable fashion sense was first introduced to her lucky patrons when she opened shop in the “Old” Vons shopping center. She then moved on to the location of “Laura Smith’s Dress Shop” on Central and finally landed in the old Wm L. Morris Chevrolet dealership showroom on the corner of Central Ave. and Santa Clara St. Shirley’s beautiful window displays have caught the eye of passersby on both streets ever since. Shopping at the Mirage can be likened to taking a small vacation. The atmosphere in the store has always been upbeat and fun with selections of clothing available for women of all ages and sizes. Mirage has been like a small piece of paradise located right here in our quaint town. A couple of generations of women have passed through Mirage’s door - always looking for and finding that “just right” item.

Shirley’s customers have quickly become her friends. She is very appreciative of the support they have shown her throughout the years and will miss the contact that running Mirage has afforded her. Shirley is also grateful for the unwavering support of the Morris family.

Mirage’s anticipated closing date is October 1, 2010. Lay-aways will need to be picked up by that time and tanners will want to use their remaining minutes by then. Shirley welcomes customers old and new to stop by. Watch this newspaper for sales announcements as October draws nearer.

Smell that fresh ocean air! Now smell the Kettle Corn popping and the Funnelcakes cooking. Add a touch of twinkling lights and you have Ventura County's favorite summer time event: The 135th Ventura County Fair, cutting the ribbon to let in the excited crowd who gather every year for the fun, excitement and magic of the Fair.

The Fair, with its traditional mix of Animals, Exhibits, Agriculture, Art and Music offers something for everyone in a comfortable climate of ocean side fun.
Free Concerts by top name bands are offered with admission.

Performances by Wilson Phillips, Styx, Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Miranda Lambert, Tony Orlando, Boys Like Girls, Sublime with Rome, Dierks Bentley and Creedence Clearwater Revisted will please just about every musical taste.

Rodeos , Racing Pigs, Mutton Bustin' and more Country Magic will delight you. The rides and games on the Carnival Midway are going to make you scream with delight and at the end of the day, the Fireworks Extravaganza illuminating the ocean will send you home with dreams of a special summer day full of fun and adventure.

For more information about the Ventura County Fair please call (805) 648-3376, visit www.venturacountyfair.org, or find us on Facebook, My Space and Twitter.

WHO: YOU

WHAT: The 135th Ventura County Fair
"Western Nights and Carnival Lights"

WHEN: Wednesday, August 4 - Sunday, August 15
Opening ceremonies begin Wednesday, August 4 at 10:45 AM

WHERE: Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 West Harbor Boulevard, Ventura CA

WHY: Because it's time to have FUN!

In addition to a visitors center, the new 2,500-square-foot building will house several employee offices, reception/adoption area, conference room (which will double as an Education Center), gift shop, storage area and new bathrooms. Made possible through a $2.4 million donation from the estate of Harry Valentine, the building is expected to be completed in about a year.

After completion of the of new visitor center HSVS will start the remodel and expansion of the spay and neuter clinic. This plan will allow them to increase the numbers of animals being helped. Controling the over population of animals in Ventura County was Mr. Valentines goal. The shelter and clinic will remain open during construction.

The public is welcome to attend, but RSVP by Aug. 13 by calling 646-6505. The Humane Society of Ventura County is located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai.

Ventura, CA – The annual Ventura County Fair will take place this year from August 4th through August 15th and the Ventura County Public Health Department presents a fun and interactive display of ideas for healthy eating and active living. This year’s theme is “Champions for Change: How to be Champions for Change in Your Own Lives.”

Ventura County, and the nation as a whole, is battling an obesity epidemic, with more than 58 percent of residents, ages 18 and above, currently overweight or obese. “Champions for Change” brings an exciting array of activities and ideas to engage residents and encourage all to be “Champions for Change in their own lives.” These activities are meant to show consumers that even small steps, like adding more fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks, can lead to big health improvements. Fruits and vegetables not only taste great, they help lower the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and certain types of cancer.

Visit our booth to receive a FREE goodie bag filled with great ideas for physical activity along with healthy and delicious recipes. Adults will have a chance to play “Spin the Wheel” to win a FREE cookbook with and tips on how to include more fruits and vegetables in daily meals and snacks. Kids will also have a chance to play the interactive “Wheel” game to get a chance to win an exciting prize.

Come visit us at the CONTINUED »

Sandra S. Froman, former President of the National Rifle Association and a current member of its Executive Council as well as a Trustee of the NRA Foundation.

Simi Valley, CA: The fifth annual Simi Conejo Friends of NRA fundraising banquet will be held Saturday, September 18, 2010, 5:00 pm at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California. Scheduled keynote speaker is Sandra S. Froman, former President of the National Rifle Association and a current member of its Executive Council as well as a Trustee of the NRA Foundation.

“Guests will enjoy dressing up for our western themed event, along with games, auctions, and drawings for limited edition NRA firearms and collectibles,” said Committee Chairman Jason Kemmerer. “They get a great dinner, and they can also tour the Ronald Reagan Museum and Air Force One Pavilion.”

Proceeds benefit The NRA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are distributed as grants to support projects such as youth firearm safety, women’s programs, law enforcement, and range development.
Ticket packages start at $150 and include prize drawing tickets. Request an event flyer by e-mailing ldavis@nrahq.org or visit www.friendsofnra.org/ca/events.

Views and opinions expressed by Simi Conejo Friends of NRA are not necessarily shared by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Foundation.

Sandra Froman Biographical Sketch
for Simi-Conejo FNRA Event
Simi Valley, California – September 18, 2010

Sandra Froman was President of the National Rifle Association of America from 2005-2007, only the second woman to hold that office since the NRA was founded in 1871. She has been a member of the NRA Board of Directors since 1992 and was elected as vice president in 1998 under President Charlton Heston. She has chaired six NRA committees, and is also a former president and current trustee of The NRA Foundation. Upon finishing her term as NRA President, Froman was unanimously elected for life to the NRA Executive Council by the NRA Board of Directors.

Froman received her CONTINUED »

On July 30, 2010 at approximately 12:01 a.m., Santa Paula Police officer’s were dispatched to the 300 block of Larmon Loop regarding a fight in progress. While officers were enroute to the location, Santa Paula Police Dispatch received additional information that one of the involved parties had been stabbed. Upon officer’s arrival, a 17-year old juvenile was located with several stab wounds to the chest area. The juvenile was treated on scene by Santa Paula Fire and AMR Paramedics prior to being transported to a local hospital for emergency surgery. The juvenile is currently listed in critical condition and the investigation is continuing. The identity of the victim is being withheld due to his age.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Santa Paula Police Department Investigations Unit at (805) 525-4474 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

Jimmy Fogata
Patrol Sergeant

Retired Navy Captain and Rotarian Don Gunderson spoke to the Fillmore Sun Risers Rotary Club on Tuesday, July 27 reflecting on his Naval service, the significance of our national resource, the military veterans, and memories of his father’s Army service in World War I.

Attired in his Captain’s white summer uniform, Don Gunderson reminded all that the real veterans are those volunteers who served our country as a member of the armed forces. They then returned to their home communities to further contribute to the well-being of the cities and towns where they resided.

Today there are more than 23 million veterans across our nation. Nearly 10% of them reside in California. As a group, they are active. For example, 71% of veterans voted in the 2008 Presidential election in contrast to 63% of the general public. Veterans are a significant percentage of business owners. As a group, these 23 million veterans stand out in their communities.

Captain Gunderson offered some poignant memories of his father’s World War I Army experience. As a boy of 17, he left the family farm in North Dakota and while waiting to deploy to France in 1917, he was stricken with the great flu disease of that era. He recovered at the Fort Dix, NJ Army hospital. He did not deploy as planned with an Iowa National Guard unit, filled with other Scandinavian farm boys. He was assigned to the 31st Dixieland Division from Mobile, Alabama. Now in the context of 1917, this was a great culture change for him. In France, he served as a forward spotter for the great railroad artillery of that time. He remembered very clearly the magic moment of the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Great War ended.

Armistice Day, November 11, was always an important day which he faithfully observed with fellow veterans at the American Legion Club in Fargo, ND.

Captain Gunderson concluded his presentation with a display of his father’s World War I uniform with the Victory Medal still attached.

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Last week FFA members were busy tidying the School Farm in anticipation for our Showmanship Day and Barn Dance. The Fillmore FFA hosted the Showmanship Day for swine, steers, heifers, lambs, and goats. In attendance were FFA Chapters from Fillmore, Ventura, Carpentaria, Santa Paula, and Camarillo. We even had members from Sespe and Bardsdale 4-H and local Grange Clubs that joined us. Mr. Justin Clark judged all steer and heifer classes. Mr. Alex Jimenez judged the swine, lambs, and goat classes. Class winners are as follows: Swine advanced, Marc Zavala. Swine novice Jennifer Martin. Heifer advanced Jenna Kelton. Heifer junior Macie Wokal. Steer advanced Jeremy Welch. Steer junior Breanna Berrington. Steer novice, Jordon Sawyer. Lamb advanced Kiana Hope. It was a great opportunity for the students to gain experience in the show ring. Thanks to everyone who worked hard to make the day a success. Good job to all who participated!

Later that evening, The FFA had our first Dinner and Barn Dance. Guests enjoyed a delicious dinner of tri-tip and BBQ chicken with root beer floats for dessert. We then danced to the talents of our DJ Vince Franco who even taught us the Cupid Shuffle. Although we left exhausted from dancing the Electric Slide and the Watermelon Crawl, the evening was enjoyed by all who attended. The Fillmore FFA would like to thank the local business for their generous donations of door prizes.

Brooke Aguirre is the Fillmore FFA Chapter Reporter

Community Memorial Health System is offering free heart screenings at its nine Centers for Family Health offices monthly beginning in August.

The free screenings will take place Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on the following dates and Centers for Family Health locations:

 Aug. 28 in Santa Paula at 242 East Harvard Blvd, Suite 2;
 Sept. 25 in Fillmore at 852 Ventura Street;
 Oct. 30 in Oak View at 655 N. Ventura Ave;
 Nov. 20 in Camarillo at 422 B Arneill Road;
 Dec. 11 in Oxnard at 3641 West Fifth Street;
 Jan. 29, 2011, in Ventura at 138 West Main Street, Suite E;
 Feb. 26, 2011, in Ventura at 120 North Ashwood Ave;
 March 26, 2011, in Oxnard at 250 Citrus Grove Lane, Suite 150;
 April 30, 2011, in Oxnard at 2921 South Saviers Road.

Heart disease continues to be the number one killer of American men and women. Last year 750,000 American died from heart disease and almost half had no symptoms prior to their first event, which was death. Community Memorial Health System’s goal is to help prevent this from happening to you.

The HeartAware screening is CONTINUED »

(Ventura, California) Community Memorial Health System will hold a free seminar on Tuesday, Aug. 24, focusing on robotic surgery for urologic disorders.

Urologists Marc Beaghler, M.D., and Seyed Khoddami, M.D, will lead the seminar that will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital, 147 Brent St. in Ventura. They will discuss the application of CMHS’s da Vinci Robotics device, a less invasive surgical option to traditional procedures for prostate, bladder and kidney cancers and other urologic disorders.

Dr. Beaghler received his medical degree from Creighton University School of Medicine in Omaha, Neb., and completed a urology residency at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He is a member of the American Urological Association and is on staff at both Community Memorial Hospital and Ojai Valley Community Hospital.

Dr. Khoddami received his medical degree from the University of Tehran School of Medicine in Iran. He completed his residency in urology from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. Dr. Khoddami is on staff at CMH.

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

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 Centers for Family Health. The health system is located in Ventura County, California.

Foreign high school students are scheduled to arrive soon for academic semester and year homestay programs, and the sponsoring organization needs a few more local host families. The students are anxiously awaiting news of their new families. This is the last chance for these young ambassadors to fulfill their life-long dreams, and their placement deadlines are rapidly approaching.

According to Pacific Intercultural Exchange (P.I.E.) President, John Doty, the students are all between the ages of 15 and 18 years, are English-speaking, have their own spending money, carry accident and health insurance, and are anxious to share their cultural experiences with their new American families. P.I.E. currently has programs to match almost every family's needs, ranging in length from one semester to a full academic year, where the students attend local public and private high schools.

P.I.E. area representatives match students with host families by finding common interests and lifestyles through an informal in-home meeting. Prospective host families are able to review student applications and select the perfect match. As there are no "typical" host families, P.I.E. can fit a student into just about any situation, whether it is a single parent, a childless couple, a retired couple or a large family.

Families who host for P.I.E. are also eligible to claim a monthly charitable contribution deduction on their itemized tax returns for each month they host a sponsored student.

For the upcoming programs, P.I.E. has students from Germany, the Former Soviet Union, Venezuela, Argentina, Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands,Brazil, Hungary, Korea, Mexico, Australia, China, and many other countries. P.I.E. is also participating in two special government-funded programs to bring scholarship students from the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union as well as predominantly Islamic countries such as Yemen, Syria, Jordan, Morocco, Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar to the United States.

P.I.E. is a non-profit educational organization that has sponsored more than 25,000 students from 45 countries since its founding in 1975. The organization is designated by the United States Department of State and is listed by the Council on Standards for International Educational Travel (CSIET), certifying that the organization complies with the standards set forth in CSIET's Standards for International Educational Travel Programs.

Doty encourages families to contact the program immediately, as it will allow the proper time for the students and hosts to get to know one another before they actually meet for the first time.
Families interested in learning more about student exchange or arranging for a meeting with a community representative may call P.I.E., toll-free, at 1-866-546-1402. The agency also has travel/study program opportunities available for American high school students as well as possibilities for community volunteers to assist and work with area host families, students and schools.

Naval Base Ventura County, Calif. - The 43rd Naval Base Ventura County (NBVC) Air Show at Point Mugu is scheduled for Saturday, August 7 and Sunday, August 8. The gates will open at 8 a.m., with flight demonstrations scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Admission and parking is free.

The air show will feature the Air Force Flight Demonstration team, the Thunderbirds flying the F-16 “Fighting Falcon.” The Thunderbirds are making their first air show appearance here since 2007.

Military flight demonstrations will include the FA-18C “Hornet,” from VFA-125 from NAS Lemoore, Ca, A-10A Thunderbolt II from 355th Wing based at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., C-17 Globemaster III assigned to the 60th Air Mobility Wing Travis AFB, Ca., and C-130J “Super Hercules” 146th Airlift Group from the Channel Islands Air National Guard.

This will be the first time a C-17 Globemaster III has flown in air show at Point Mugu. The C-17 will both fly and will be on static display.

Static displays include more than current military aircraft and civilian aircraft. Military displays include FA-18F Super Hornet, E-2C Hawkeye, C-130T Hercules, F-5 Tiger II, EA-6B Prowler and an EA-18G Growler.

Civilian static aircraft will include a DC-3 transport. The DC-3 helped to change the United States as civilian carrier of passengers with a reliable and massed produced aircraft.

Civilian air show performers include Rick Perkins and his colorful L-39 “Firecat,” Bill Cornick’s “Big Bad Green” S-2C, Franklin Airshows “Sons of Legends” Wing walker, Julie Clark’s Chevron T-34 Mentor, Greg Koontz in his Piper Cub, Red Bull BO-105 helicopter, Red Bull sky divers, Michael Wiskus and Lucas Oil Air Shows with his Pitts aircraft, Spencer Suderman’s Mentor Pitts and Matt Chapman’s Eagle-580 aircraft.

The air show will feature the latest in aviation simulators, current and vintage aircraft on display, food and beverage booths and great souvenirs. Open-air seating is available free of charge. Reserved seating is available for purchase for both shows. For ticket information contact Air Show Network at 800-367-5833 or visit airshownetwork.com

NBVC has heightened security measures in place. All vehicles and personnel entering the base are subject to search. Coolers, backpacks, bicycles, skateboards, glass containers and pets are prohibited. The base will not hold prohibited items for guests. The cooperation and patience is greatly appreciated. Carpooling is strongly encouraged to avoid traffic delays and ensure adequate parking.

Air Show guests may enter the base at the gates located on Las Posas and North Mugu roads. For handicapped parking guests will be directed to the reserved handicapped parking area. Handicapped seating will also be available. A map will be posted on the NBVC air show web site. Air show guests may exit off the Ventura 101 Freeway on Las Posas and enter at the Las Posas gate or turn right on Frontage road and enter at the main gate located on the corner of Frontage and North Mugu roads. Base personnel who either work or live here may enter at Gate-1. Visitors can tune into 1610 AM for base access information.

For updates on the air show please visit http://www.cnic.navy.mil/Ventura/Recreation/2010AirShow/index or visit Facebook page, NBVC Air Show at Point Mugu.

For more information call Vance Vasquez, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Office at (805) 989-8095 or Teri Reid, Naval Base Ventura County Public Affairs Officer at (805) 989-9234.