Being a good patient will be the focus of a free Ethics in Healthcare event Community Memorial Health System is holding as part of its 2016 Speakers Series. The seminar is on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St.

Jim Hornstein, M.D., CMHS Bioethics Committee Chair, will moderate the latest Ethics in Healthcare event entitled, “Are You a Good Patient? Isn’t It Time You Became One?” The seminar will stress that successful medical care requires an ongoing collaboration between patients and their doctors, and discuss how active a role patients should take in their own healthcare.

The seminar will feature the following presenters:

 Betty Berry, Ventura County Star newspaper syndicated columnist and senior advocate for Senior Concerns
 Charna Posen, senior advocate for Goebel Adult Community Center
 Cindy DeMotte, vice president of Quality, Hospital Changes & How to be a Good Patient for CMHS.

Registration is free but reservations are required. To secure reservations visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Future Speaker Series events include: Hyperbaric Medicine seminar on Sept. 27 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura; Colon Cancer Symposium on Oct. 1 at the Ventura Beach Marriott; and Red, White and You: American Politics through a Healthcare Lens on Oct. 26 at the Museum of Ventura County.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

In observance of the Labor Day holiday, employees of Santa Clara Valley Disposal will be taking the day off on Monday, Sept. 5. As a result, Fillmore city residential customers will have their trash and green waste collected on Saturday, Sept. 10, one day later than usual.

The regular Friday collection schedule will resume the following week.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Representing the Fillmore Women's Service Club, Mimi Burns, Youth Chairwoman, and Susan Banks, President, visited the Fillmore High School Girls Golf Team at Elkins Golf Course on Thursday.

Mimi Burns presented the team with a check to buy new golf clubs. Dave MacDonald, coach, said more girls signed up this year and the team is is need of Ladies Clubs. If anyone has some that they are not using, please donate.

Also present were assistant coaches Danny Ibarra, Bob Hammond and Colby Hartje, pro golfer at Elkins Golf Course.

Nova Storage is proud to announce the Grand Opening of their new facility at 455 A Street, Fillmore. The facility has been under Nova management since March 23rd 2016, and specializes in self-storage and RV parking.

In conjunction with the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce, Nova will host a Grand Opening on August 25th, 2016. All members of the community are welcome to join for delicious food provided by Vallarta Restaurant, live music, a ribbon cutting and more.

Nova was founded in 1978 when San Fernando native Larry Layne opened North Valley Storage in Mission Hills beside the I-5 Freeway. Nova’s second property opened in the mid-1980’s, in Sylmar on Foothill Blvd.

The company later expanded into new locations in Downey, South Gate, Lynwood and Gardena.

Throughout its 38 years of operating in diverse communities in Los Angeles County, Nova has made a commitment to investing in the communities it serves by supporting local schools, chambers of commerce, hospitals, and service organizations through sponsorship, referral programs, membership, charitable donations, and volunteer efforts. In Fillmore, Nova recently sponsored the boys CIF soccer champs and continues to support the Fillmore High School sports programs.

Larry observed: “Growing up in San Fernando, another close-knit city reminiscent of Fillmore, I have a special appreciation for the history and charm of this unique place. We’re proud to join companies like Allied Citrus and Avocado in helping to promote industry, job growth and prosperity in Fillmore.”

Nova Storage Fillmore is our seventh facility. Nova now has over 5,000 tenants who can make online reservations and pay their bill on NovaStorage.com, and enjoy individually alarmed units, tenant protection and now, at some facilities, individual text alerts for unit entry.

To learn more about Nova Storage, visit NovaStorage.com.

Ventura County residents will once again have the opportunity to learn how to transform their gardens into beautiful drought-resilient landscapes as the Ventura County Public Works Agency’s Watershed Protection District’s (VCPWA WPD) Watershed Friendly Garden Workshop series returns for a second year.

The free, five-part, interactive Watershed Friendly Garden Workshop series will be held on select Saturdays between September and November, from 9 a.m. until noon. This year, the VCPWA WPD has expanded the event to now be held at two locations in Ojai and Oak Park.

“The Watershed Friendly Garden Workshop is back by popular demand after we received overwhelming positive feedback since introducing it to the public last year,” said David Laak, Project Manager, “Because the El Nino rainfall that was expected last winter never materialized, residents are still mindful of ways they can conserve water at home. The Watershed Friendly Garden Workshops are a great opportunity for homeowners to learn how they can modify their landscapes to still look great while conserving water and preventing stormwater pollution.”

Event Information:

Meiners Oaks Elementary School, 400 South Lomita Drive, Ojai
Workshop One: Get the Basics, Saturday Sept. 10, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Two: Site Evaluation, Sept. 24, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Three: Landscape Design Seminar, Saturday, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Four: Lawn Be Gone – Build Soil & Capture Rain, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Five: Planting and Irrigating, Saturday, Oct. 22, at 9 a.m.

Oak Park High School, 899 Kanan Road, Oak Park
Workshop One: Get the Basics, Saturday Sept. 24, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Two: Site Evaluation, Oct. 1, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Three: Landscape Design Seminar, Saturday, Oct. 8, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Four: Lawn Be Gone – Build Soil & Capture Rain, Oct. 29, at 9 a.m.
Workshop Five: Planting and Irrigating, Saturday, Nov. 5, at 9 a.m.

For details and registration information visit www.greengardensgroup.com/events/tags/ventura

The Relay for Life of Fillmore-Piru would like to welcome the community to come participate in a series of forums this summer on different patient outreach programs with the American Cancer Society. To show the community how the American Cancer Society and Relay for Life can give back to their local communities. We have already had successful events on June 20th, where Kretta Shaner came out and spoke on the Look Good Feel Better program, as well as on July 25th David Weissman came and spoke on the Road to Recovery Program. The next forum in our series will be happening on August 22nd at 7pm Pam Brady will come and speak on the 24/7 1-800-227-2345 number. These meetings will take place at the youth building next to the memorial building in Fillmore (511 2nd Street, Fillmore CA).

Pam Brady, a Senior Market Manager with Community Engagement for the American Cancer Society, has been working with the American Cancer Society for almost 11 years, and has a lot of passion to see cancer cured. The reason why Pam is so passionate about the American Cancer Society is, “Too many friends and family have been touched by cancer, whether the battles were successfully won or not it has touched too many people and too many lives; and I want to help make the difference to eradicated cancer.”

The American Cancer Society is here to help. We have programs and services in your community to help people with cancer and their families. American Cancer Society offers information, day-to-day help, and emotional support; and our help is free, and at no cost to patients. The American Cancer Society is here to help people with information and resources using 1-800-227-2345 number, which is toll free, and available 24hours a day 7 days a week. Cancer information specialists provide the latest science-based cancer information and referrals. Also the societies web site provides the latest science-based cancer information, clinical trial matching, and event information by visiting cancer.org.

Relay for life of Fillmore-Piru will be happening September 24th-25th, 2016 from 9am-9am at Shiells Park in Fillmore. For more information on the Relay for life of Fillmore-Piru, please visit www.relayforlife.org/fillmoreca, or contact Caitlin Barringer (805)644-4237.

In preparation for summer and higher temperatures, the Ventura County Public Works Agency issues guidelines to avoid heat-related illness for outdoor workers and others who have high exposure to heat and sun.

The Heat Illness Prevention Program complies with rules enacted by the state Division of Occupational Safety and Health (CalOSHA) in 2015. Key elements of this program that protect workers with risk of exposure are:

• Providing drinking water: if the Heat Index (a combination of heat and humidity) exceeds 80 degrees F, one quart of drinking water per person every hour is provided.
• Providing shade: Under the same heat index conditions, sufficient shade is provided near the work location to allow adequate cool-down periods
• New workers who are not accustomed to high heat conditions, are monitored for acclimatization for 14 days after employment.

In heat waves (temperatures above 80 and 10 degrees higher than normal) or high heat (more than 95 degrees F), VCPWA holds “tailgate” meetings to discuss the VCPWA heat illness prevention procedures, review weather forecasts, and emergency responses. All employees must be closely monitored during heat waves. In addition, VCPWA may cut or reschedule a work day.

VCPWA employees must follow the provided instructions on preventing heat illness including, staying hydrated before and during work, taking breaks in shaded areas and informing a co-worker or supervisor about symptoms of heat-related illness.

“In 2014, more than 2,600 people came down with heat related illnesses in the United States and 18 people died. These were all preventable,” said Phil Raba, Health and Safety Administrative Officer with the VCPWA. “Typically, August, September and October are our hottest months, though a severe heat wave can happen any time of year. Using Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines, VCPWA established this program for our employees in heat-exposed jobs to work safely in the heat and reduce the number of heat-related incidents.”

Exposure to direct sunlight can increase the “heat index” by 15 degrees F. In addition, the head index can rise dramatically with relatively small increases in heat and humidity. For example, an 80 degree day with 80 percent humidity produces a heat index of 84. But an increase in temperature to 85 degrees with the same humidity produces a heat index of 96.

A reader of our meditation column recently mentioned to me that she “loves reading the column but doesn’t understand all of it.” To overcome this minor obstacle I recommend to anyone having difficulty in comprehension not to hesitate in contacting me to clarify any ambiguities. I also suggest that the readers cut out and create a notebook of the columns so that you can refer back to certain issues to gain a better understanding as we progress in our exploration of the science of meditation. Access to previous weeks is also available online, but you can’t mark them up with notations.

Our column on The Science Of Meditation is much more than learning about the effects of meditation on the human being. You figured that out by now, right? For those who are practicing sincerely and have done so for at least a few months, it should be clear, (clear is the objective in practicing meditation), that the practitioner is not meditating for oneself but for others. Wow, what does that mean? Imagine that our differences between us could actually evaporate and disappear. In other words, that we create the world where nothing prevents us from loving each other as living creative creatures on our blessed planet where the term “them” becomes a pejorative. So, our column is really about learning creativity, sustainability and that for every action there is an action of equal content whether it is hate, judgment or love.

What does it mean to be “clear” and what is this business about “them?” Imagine that for millions of years we are moving along on the evolutionary conveyor belt - that’s the thing under your feet that you can’t see. Take a second to ponder what we just wrote. Yes, you wrote it too. We wrote it together as we explore consciousness! Ask yourself the question, “Did we always see other humans as a threat?” In the early days of emerging intelligence were we curious or fearful of other humans? Let’s explore this idea next week. For now take a few minutes and “clear” your path.

Set a timer for 10 minutes. Sit down on the edge of a firm chair. Don’t lean against the chair-back. Sit up vertical so that your torso is parallel to the force of gravity. Allow gravity to pierce straight through your verticality. Tuck your chin in a bit. As you are sitting with your hands on your thighs, close your eyes, relax, nasal breathe and as you gently inhale swell your belly bringing vital oxygen into the larger lower lungs. Gently nasal exhale. Continue with your breathing concentrating only on your belly-breathing mechanism. This is your sanctuary! Stay in it! When a thought intrudes your sanctuary, don’t judge it. Let the thought drift away like a cloud as you remain in your sanctuary, focusing on your breath. Be patient as you build your skill. It takes only a little effort and time to train yourself. Soon you will create new neural networks in your brain that will give you clarity in life. Thoughts are persistent but not welcome in your sanctuary. Let them be as clouds drifting away. Only the stillness of mind and body and the rhythm of your breathing are welcome. Stillness - breath - clarity.

Paul Benavidez, MFA

Community Memorial Health System’s Healthy Women’s Program is hosting a Community Outreach Day which offers free mammograms and healthcare education to the first 35 women who qualify. This event will take place at the Center for Family Health in Ventura on Saturday, Aug. 27.

The women will arrive early at the CFH office located at 120 N. Ashwood Avenue where they will be transported to The Breast Center at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, and then back to the Centers office.

This year, an estimated 232,340 new cases of breast cancer occurred in the United States, and early detection and awareness is the key to fighting this life-threatening disease. The Healthy Women’s Program provided through Community Memorial Health System benefits women in the community who are uninsured, under-insured or lack funds to pay for mammograms and follow-up treatment, if necessary.

“These women have nowhere else in the county to go to get these services; that’s why they come to us,” said Petra Luna, education manager for Centers for Family Health.

The Healthy Women’s Program is made possible through the support of Community Memorial Health System and fortunate support of funds raised by the Saticoy Regional Womens Club and Heels and Wheels, Community Memorial Health System is able to offer breast cancer screening and treatment and cervical cancer screening to women in our community who lack access to pay for these life-saving exams.

To find out if you qualify for this program, call 805/651-2661. For more information on the Healthy Women’s Program visit www.cmhshealth.org/healthywomen.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

The County of Ventura Grand Jury is an all-volunteer group serving as an independent agent of the public to investigate complaints from the public pertaining to government agencies in our community. Is your organization interested in hearing about these investigative duties and procedures? The Grand Jury Speakers Bureau is available to educate the public in its endeavors as the “public watchdog” for Ventura County. To learn more or schedule a date for a presentation, please call the Grand Jury at 805-477-1600. For additional information, you may also refer to its website, http://www.ventura.org/grand-jury

Due to exceptional drought conditions, those who are looking forward to fall whitewater activities in the Lake Piru area will be disappointed again this year.

In normal years, the District releases water from Lake Piru for several weeks during the fall season in order to recharge downstream groundwater basins. These releases provide a rare opportunity for whitewater rafting and kayaking in Southern California. Exceptional drought conditions have resulted in another year of less than normal precipitation in the water shed providing runoff to Lake Piru and resulted in very low surface water storage levels in the reservoir. As result the District will not conduct a fall release for the fourth consecutive year.

For more information on future whitewater boating opportunities, please contact Lake Piru Recreation Area Senior Park Services Officer Clayton Strahan at 805-317-8990 or claytons@unitedwater.org.

Neck pain will be the focus of a free seminar Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, Aug. 30.

Michael Dorsi, who specializes in neurosurgery with expertise in brain, spine and peripheral surgery, will lead the seminar that will run from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott Oxnard, 600 E. Esplanade Drive.

Neck pain can be debilitating and painful. Common symptoms include pain, numbness or weakness, tingling and difficulty with balance or even walking. Dr. Dorsi will discuss how neck pain is diagnosed, nonsurgical management and treatment and healthy lifestyle choices to help alleviate symptoms.

Dr. Dorsi received his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. He trained in neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins and completed an advanced spinal care fellowship at UCLA. He is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff and the clinical instructor for Western University School of Medicine.

Registration is free but reservations are required. Visit cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800/838-3006.

Future Speaker Series events include: Ethics in Healthcare: Are You a Good Patient? on Sept. 14 at the Museum of Ventura County, Hyperbaric Medicine seminar on Sept. 27 at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and Colon Cancer Symposium on Oct. 1 at the Ventura Beach Marriott.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, along with the Centers for Family Health serving various communities within and located in Ventura County, California.

The Humane Society of Ventura County’s Kendra Winwood was sworn in by Ventura County Superior Court Judge Henry Walsh on July 28 as the HSVC’s newest humane officer.

Robert J. Hoffman, HSVC’s director of investigations, presented the badge to Winwood, who then had it pinned on her uniform by senior officer Tracy Vail. Winwood’s family and friends, along with several board members of the HSVC and staff, were present to celebrate her achievements.

Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman told the crowd how important it is to support humane officers who perform a difficult job every day, not only for rescuing abused and neglected animals but continuing the education their jobs require.

Kendra has worked for the HSVC for two years and has completed arrest, search and seizure education. She has also completed 80 hours of humane officer training academy. Winwood will be working with senior officer Vail for field training over the next six months before she will investigate cases of animal abuse on her own.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

The City of Fillmore has a complete ban on medical marijuana including personal growth, delivery, dispensaries and cultivation. We had a great turnout at the City Council’s study session on Monday, July 25 to listen to experts discuss the pros and cons of medical marijuana and recreational use marijuana. The City Council chambers were overflowing with residents stretched out to the foyer and beyond. Although the meeting was originally scheduled to end at 9:00 p.m., the City Council stayed past 11:00 p.m. to allow everyone present who wanted to provide public comment an opportunity to speak.

I am going to take the opportunity to correct some misconceptions.

• No dispensaries have been approved to operate within Fillmore. The City Council has not requested a discussion of whether dispensaries should be allowed. The only City Council action on dispensaries has been to ban them.
• The City has not recruited any cultivation businesses to open in the Business Park. The City was approached by several potential businesses and those business have looked at the Business Park.
• The approval of the 19 building buildings has expired. Future development on the site will require City approval.

Monday’s study session was held as the City Council is preparing for the possible approval of Proposition 64 which would allow recreational use and personal growth of marijuana. The City Council is very concerned about the passage of Proposition 64 and the negative impacts that recreational marijuana use will bring.

The City Council is not rushing into any decisions, but it does want to stay ahead of these issues - the community’s input on these issues is invaluable. The turnout at Monday’s meeting was wonderful. This is another example why Fillmore is the “Best Last Small Town.”