The California State Old Time Fiddlers Association, District 8, will meet Sunday, November 23, at 1:30p.m., Oak View Community Center, 18 Valley Road, Oak View. Admission is free. All ages are encourage to join the Fiddlers for an afternoon of family oriented fun, old time music, and dancing. Refreshments available. For more information call 517-1131.

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 27. As a result, Fillmore city residential customers will have their trash and green waste collected a day later than usual, on Saturday, Nov. 29
The regular Friday schedule will resume the following week.
For more information, call 647-1414.

Alberto Cantero Jr., Fillmore Middle School student.
Enlarge Photo

Alberto Cantero Jr. has been nominated by Rhonda Reyes-Deutsch, of Fillmore Middle School to attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington D.C.. Congratulations! The Forum helps prepare the most promising young people for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead. Alberto was nominated as an outstanding student with high academic standing and promising leadership potential. He will join other highly motivated and accomplished middle school scholars from around the globe.

The costs of tuition are substantial and we are looking to community for support. By making a contribution, you will be helping Alberto gain an advantage in school, career and in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Union Bank of California has offered Alberto a free account and your tax-deductible donations can be made directly payable to:
Alberto Cantero, Jr.
357 Market Street
Fillmore, CA 93015

For questions or direct contributions please contact Rebecca Cantero at (805) 524-2407. Contributions should be received prior to Feb. 6th, 2009. Thank you so much for your support.

Ventura, California - On Sept. 8, Community Memorial Hospital welcomed Drs. Hillel Janai and Alison Shuman on staff as pediatric hospitalists, jointly providing 24-hour consultation services. They are available for Emergency Room and pediatric inpatient consultation and coverage. They will also be responsible for all Centers for Family Health unassigned, family practice and pediatric designated admissions, as well as providing the CMH newborn rounds in the nursery.

“It’s a new service that we have been considering for a number of years,” said Adam Thunell, chief operating officer for CMHS. “It enhances pediatric coverage and quality of care in a hospital setting for our pediatric population.”

Dr. Janai, board certified in general pediatrics, has also trained in pediatric infectious diseases and pediatric pulmonary disease. His office is located at the Center for Family Health on Ashwood Avenue in Ventura, and he can be reached at 805/643-1871. Dr. Shuman, board certified in general pediatrics, has also trained in pediatric critical care. Her office is located at the Center for Family Health on Saviers Road in Oxnard, and she can be reached at 805/487- 5585.

Santa Paula, CA (November 11, 2008) Each year, the Annie E. Casey Foundation provides grants to national organizations whose local affiliates are working directly with families in their communities. These National co-sponsoring organizations, in turn, make awards to exemplary local programs with their networks whose work improves the odds for the most vulnerable children by giving them what they need most—strong, capable and economically successful families. The honorees embrace a simple but powerful principle: Children do well when their families do well, and families do better when they live in supportive communities.

The Santa Clara Valley Neighborhood for Learning (SCV NfL) in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley were selected for the 2008 Boys and Girls Clubs of America/Annie E. Casey Foundation Family Strengthening Award. The amount of the award is $10,000 to continue with some of the SCV NfL’s family strengthening strategies.

One such strategy is the Motheread/Fatheread Program, which is a nationally recognized, award winning, family literacy program that builds parenting, critical thinking and literacy skills, improves family communication, and promotes reading and story sharing in the home. Multicultural children’s books are utilized to promote reading and discussion while encouraging parents to use their imaginations to connect universal themes, values, and ideas to their own lives and families. The importance of reading as a family cannot be understated as it helps build family ties, allows parents to serve as role models, and enable children to become better readers and learners.

The Santa Clara Valley Neighborhood for Learning is funded through First 5 Ventura County with the goal of helping families prepare young children for school by offering a multi-faceted, integrated system of service delivery. For more information about the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley or the Santa Clara Valley Neighborhood for Learning, and the other services available, please contact us at 525-7910.

John Garcia was given a surprise birthday party to celebrate his 93rd birthday, Saturday, November 8th, at El Pescador. He was pleasantly surprised to see his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and in-laws; 45 family members total in attendance. One grandchild who attended, who is an active duty Coast Guard Chief, traveled from Corpus Christi, Texas for the event.
The medals, ribbons, Merchant Marine emblem and a replica of a plaque that is mounted on a memorial wall to honor all veterans at Mount Soledad in San Diego was arranged by his children on a beautiful wood framed with glass top case and presented to him by Dick Schuck and Bud Untiedt, both VFW members, having served in WWII.
Mr. Garcia, a Fillmore resident since 1976, served as a US Merchant Marine from 1942 - 1945, on board the SS Fort Clatsop. The case presented to Mr. Garcia had a Ribbon and Medal for the Pacific War Zone, Atlantic War Zone, Merchant Marine WWII Victory, and Merchant Marine Defense.

The Rotary Club of Fillmore hosted District Governor, Anil Garg. During his visit he welcomed new members Diane Torrence, Georgi Harden and Alex Nieto by presenting them with Rotary theme pins. Anil also presented a pin to Bill Winterstein, our eldest member and famous author, who in turn presented signed copies of his two books to Anil.

During the month of October the Club also enjoyed several informative programs. Jose Saucedo, an Explorer, with the Santa Paula Police Department related what is involved in becoming an Explorer and his plans for joining the department in the future. Bill Herrera, the newly appointed Fire Chief, presented a PowerPoint on preparedness for our safety and informed us of a Southern California Disaster Drill on November 13th. Lynn Edmonds and Hillary Carson from the One Step Center along with student volunteers Mercedes Williams, Connie Barajas and Evon Chavez informed the club of their purpose in the community and their plans for the future. The One Step Center is a drop in center for Fillmore youths and is located at the Trinity Episcopal Church on Saratoga.
For Information about Rotary call Martha Richardson 524-5099.

Janet and John Foy's Yard of the Month.

Janet and John Foy, of 437 Saratoga, Fillmore, have been chosen to receive the Civic Pride Vision 2020 “Yard of the Month” award for November. They will have the colorful “Yard of the Month” sign posted in their yard for the month and will also enjoy using an Otto & Sons’ Nursery gift certifi cate, generously donated by the nursery.

John had helped build the front porch and remodel the kitchen on this California bungalow even before they bought the place in 1983. He did all the “hardscape” in the beautifully balanced front yard, but it was Janet who was inspired to design the landscaping with an inviting approach to the front door.

Janet and a friend had taken two classes, “Landscape Planting and Design” and “Environmental Horticulture” at Ventura College before both redesigned their yards. The classes served the Foys well with a designed yard that
complements their home.

The curved and raised borders on each side of the yard have many drought tolerant plants such as Pineapple guava, Jerusalem sage, yellow Daylilies, Rock Rose, and Yarrow. Culinary herbs like rosemary, and thyme spilling from a clay pot, mingle with edible strawberries and onions. Pink Powder Puff shrubs (Calliandra) make a show on each side of the white rail fence as you enter the yard. A row of Gingko trees lining the street await a good freeze to display their fall colors.

The Ventura County Library community libraries will be closing at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26, and will be closed on Thursday, November 27, for the Thanksgiving Day holiday.
The Ventura County Library community libraries include Avenue Library, Camarillo Library, Fillmore Library, E. P. Foster Library, Meiners Oaks Library, Oak Park Library, Oak View Library, Ojai Library, Piru Library, Ray D. Prueter Library, Saticoy Library, Simi Valley Library, Albert H. Soliz – El Rio Library, and H. P. Wright Library.
Books may be returned to the bookdrops at any of the community libraries. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

Hurry to order your Marie Callender Thanksgiving Pies from a senior at Fillmore High School or call Mrs Chaney 524-4909. The deadline is Monday the 17th of November. This fundraiser is our best one because it gives our Fillmore people the opportunity to get their pies and not have to travel to a Marie Callender restaurant and stand in line to purchase their pies. Grad Nite Live is a non-profit organization that has kept our senior classes safe and have a good time on a Harbor Cruise in Long Beach for 18 years. It is very important that we support Grad Nite Live in all their fundraisers for the 246 students of the Class of 2009 which will cost $26,000.00 this year. Thank you.

Conway Spitler

It has been great to have all the "constuction" going on in the past; however, it has been a real problem to drive from River Street to most places in the City of Fillmore in the past few months.This is not complaining because, the work was necessary, it is give a "thank you" for having the work done and the fact we are getting back to normal driving.It probably has occurred in other places at these times.

One time it was having to go east on River Street to cross HIghway 126. That was like taking your life into your hands.It will be great when the stop sign is placed on Highway 126.However, you wonder when it will be done with the State of California working on that project!

From River Street you could not cross Central Avenure and go west or east, . because the Cental Avenue was being repaired, you meet all the tracffic on the highway going to, and coming from Moorpark, which is a large number.

What I thought would be big project was getting under HIghway 126. Then I discovered that was done very quickly without a lot of extra digging. Wonderful what new construction ideas do for all of us.

So, here ia big "Thank You" to all concerened, the construction companies and the City personnel was taking care of all of us!

County Supervisor Kathy Long, 3rd District would like to announce to all residents of Ventura County that the next Santa Paula Tattoo Removal Clinic will be held on Saturday November 15, 2008 from 8:30 am – 12 noon, no appointments necessary. Orientation for first time participants will be at 9 am located at 1334 E. Main St. the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic. Due to overwhelming response, spaces will be limited.
County Supervisor Kathy Long spearheaded this clinic in collaboration with the following agencies: Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Family Care Clinic, Interface Children Family Services, and CalWORKS.
The clinic not only welcomes participants but volunteers to run the clinic. If you have any questions, or would like to find out how you can help, please call the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic at (805) 933-1242.

These names were received from October 29 to November 5, 2008.
A light will be shining on the Hospice “Light Up A Life” Tree at the Fillmore Plaza, 251 Central Avenue, Fillmore. Join us for the Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 5:00 PM

IN MEMORY OF:

Derek DeJarnette
Amy DeJarnette
Daryl Hansen
Tommy Wallace
Raymond Wallace
Lark Whiteley
All Classmates Class of 1958 Fillmore
Damiana Dominguez Moreno
Alfred Moreno
Donal Eugene Walker
Fidencio Ybarra
Margaret Ybarra Hernandez
Robert Hoy

IN HONOR OF:

Bob and Pat Horn
Nancy Zeise
Nancy O’Flynn

IN MEMORY OF OUR PETS:

Onyx
Mandy
Wanda Big Kitty

The used book room and gift shop at the Rancho Camulos Museum will be open Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for pre-Christmas purchases. A wide selection of gently used books and gift items are available from packing house labels, tote bags, t-shirts and ranch history books to children’s books. A special area for the kids will keep them happy while you browse.

For an early start on your Christmas shopping, make a trip to the museum located 2 miles east of Piru on Highway 126. Proceeds from the book sale will go to the restoration of the courtyard fountain.

Anger is an acidic thing. Brush up against it and you can be burned, as I was last week.

A funny thing happened on the way to the office. Returning from the bank where elementary school trick-or-treaters had gathered to have their pictures taken, I was ambushed by a former Fillmore mayor with our newly elected city clerk in tow.

As I was about to step into the office a small white pickup nosed into a parallel parking space in front of the Gazette’s front entrance. Out jumped Gary Creagle, leaving his truck nosed into the curb and driver’s door open.
Rushing towards me, yelling at the top of his considerable lung capacity, it took a few moments to figure out what he was trying to say. “Don’t you vet your letters?!” he bellowed. “I wasn’t thrown out of office, I decided not to run again!” he continued yelling, while closing in on me.

Still not understanding what the former mayor was howling about, I asked what his problem was. Raising his volume to a level that caught the attention of many others in the building, he sputtered something about an advertisement from five former mayors which had run in the Gazette the previous Wednesday, three days earlier. The letter he referred to was a paid political ad, paid for by five (highly regarded) retired mayors of the City of Fillmore: Scott Lee, Mike McMahan, Don Gunderson, Roger Campbell and Evaristo Barajas.

The advertisement was titled “A Message From 5 Retired Mayors”. It was dismissive of Creagle’s dysfunctional tenure as mayor, citing his support for extreme growth, an airport, and a gaming casino. The statements were true, but not to Creagle’s liking now that he apparently honchos Fillmore’s new extreme green coalition.
Among the few short but furious statements from Creagle’s loud mouth was a reference to the ad’s comment: "...the voters threw out Gary and his cronies...” which was in error. Creagle roared that the voters did not throw him out. He declined to run for city council the following term.

Creagle walked up to me, bumped into me with clenched fists, and continued to bellow. This whole sorry, embarrassing, threatening performance was witnessed by several persons, and Mr. Creagle was cited by a Sheriff’s deputy.

The following Monday Mr. Creagle performed Act II, Scene II at city hall. With sidekick, and newly elected City Clerk, Clay Westling again in tow, Creagle entered the upstairs area of city hall. A number of witnesses heard him, with offensive, officious tone, demand to know the location of the city clerk’s desk. Informed of that, he then demanded to know how many offices were located in the area. Following this, he asked one staff member: “What’s your name?” “What do you do?” Receiving answers to both questions, he had the audacity to tell that staff member, “O.K., your job is safe.”

Message to Gary Creagle – you were not elected to any office in the City of Fillmore. Your conduct in these matters is obnoxious, and has cast a dark political shadow over several important staff positions. Are you seeking to be appointed to the position of City Manager?

For what it’s worth, Gary, you have become, in my estimation, Fillmore’s very own Yosemite Sam – but you aren’t funny.

John Huntsberger

The Fillmore Ebell Club will be entertained this month by the noted banjo player John Huntsberger, at the Veterans Memorial Building on November 25, 2008.

John is the son of long-time local resident and Fillmore Ebell Club member, Dorothy Stinson.

John plays the plectrum banjo, banjolene, and the ukulele. He first picked up the banjo in 1950. John formed the Northwest Banjo Band, whose motto is, "Have fun with the banjo."

John worked for McGraw-Hill Book Company as a science consultant for the ten western states. This job required that he travel weekly, and on different occasions, to various cities in Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, California, Arizona, Oregon, Alaska, and Hawaii.

John received his Ph.D. from Oregon State University in 1972 with a major in Science Education and a minor in the History and Philosophy of Science. He taught elementary and middle school teachers how to teach science in the College of Education and taught Earth Science in the Department of Geology, College of Natural Science at The University of Texas at Austin for twenty-seven years. He retired three years ago.

John's hobbies are banjoing, birding, astronomy, 35mm photography and watercolor painting.

Anyone interested in more information, or becoming a member of the Fillmore Ebell Club, may call Trisha Armstrong at 805-727-1901.

The Ventura Family YMCA is inviting all members of the community to join us for our FREE Fifth Annual Thanksgiving Potluck Celebration. At 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 20th, we will kick off our fantastic potluck style feast. There will be a great variety of delicious food, live entertainment and raffle prizes.

The Thanksgiving Potluck is a yearly celebration where staff, members and individuals from the community join together for an evening of great company and a FREE meal. The staff of the Ventura Family YMCA also uses this opportunity to give thanks and appreciation to its members.

The Ventura Family YMCA offers many wonderful opportunities for all members of our community. With today’s economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living, we remain consistent with the quality of our classes, prices and ability to offer financial assistance to those with the desire to be healthy and be part of a positive community organization. Families find comfort knowing their children will be guided in a positive environment and have fun learning the pillars of character that the YMCA promotes throughout all of their programs: Trustworthiness, Caring, Citizenship, Respect, Fairness and Responsibility.

We invite you to join us for an incredibly fun event that will shed a spirit of thanks throughout our community and throughout the Ventura Family YMCA. Bring your favorite Thanksgiving dish to share as we reflect on that we are thankful for and the exciting future to come.

The Ventura Family YMCA serves over 20,000 individuals annually through facility memberships, before & after school childcare, day & resident camps, youth sports, swim lessons, teen programs, and many more healthy lifestyles and community enriching programs throughout Ventura, Oxnard, Ojai, Santa Paula, and Saticoy. The Ventura Family YMCA is located at 3760 Telegraph Rd., Ventura, CA 93003. Visit www.venturaymca.org or call (805) 642-2131 ext 24 for more information.