Zahar Roque, a student at Fillmore Middle School has taken the first step to becoming an internationally recognized artist by winning the local competition sponsored by the Fillmore Lions Club.

Zahar’s poster was among more than 230 entries in Fillmore. There are over 375,000 entries submitted world wide in the 27th annual Lions International Peace Poster Contest. Lions Clubs International is sponsoring the contest to emphasize the importance of world peace to young people everywhere.

Her poster was selected for its originality, artistic merit and portrayal of the contest theme, “Peace Love and Understanding”. The judging was held on November 13 at the Fillmore Middle School.

Ariana Bensen’s and Esmeralda Orozco’s posters were selected as second place winners. Miss Roque received a heck of $50 as the winner and Miss Orozco and Miss Bensen received $25 each.

The Fillmore Lions Club presented the awards Monday evening, December 1. They were all impressed by the expression and creativity that was presented Miss Roque’s poster which will advance to face stiff competition through the district, multiple district and international rounds of competition if she is to be declared the international grand prize winner.

One grand prize winner and 23 merit award winners will be selected. The grand prize includes a cash award of US$5,000, plus a trip for the winner and two family members to the awards ceremony at Lions Day with the United Nations. The 23 merit award winners will each receive a certificate and a cash award of US$500.

The judges were very impressed by the overall work that this years participants created. The judges have done this several times and this years posters were the best they have had to judge.

All participants are students in Mrs. Doris Nichols' art class at Fillmore Middle School. Mrs. Nichols is commended for her assistance in this annual event.

City of Fillmore

11/03/14
Accident – Non Injury
100 Blk. B St.
Narcotics Violation
200 Blk. Central Ave.
Accident – Injury
900 Blk. Ventura St.
Threats
1000 Blk. Village Sq.
Drunk in Public
500 Blk. Santa Clara St.
11/05/14
Search Warrant
1300 Blk. Waterford Ln.
Arrest
500 Blk. A St.
Keep the Peace
300 Blk. Saratoga St.
11/06/14
Shoplifter in Custody
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Fight
300 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Search Warrant
1100 Blk. Ventura St.
Vandalism
400 Blk. Central Ave. CONTINUED »

The American Red Cross encourages eligible blood donors to give one last gift this holiday season and discover the true meaning of giving by donating blood.

Busy holiday schedules and seasonal illnesses, like the flu, can often mean fewer donors giving blood. But for patients with cancer or other illnesses or injuries requiring blood transfusions, the need for blood is constant and doesn’t get a holiday break. The gift of a blood donation only takes about an hour and can give patients a chance to celebrate more holidays to come.

To encourage donations and show appreciation, all those who attempt to donate blood Dec. 24 through Jan. 4, 2015, will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

Eligible donors with all blood types are needed, especially those with type O negative, A negative or B negative. To learn more about donating blood and to schedule an appointment, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Upcoming blood donation opportunities

Simi Valley
12/20/2014: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
12/26/2014: 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m., DMV Simi Valley, 3855 Alamo Street
12/26/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Rancho Santa Suzanna Community Center, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave
12/30/2014: 8 a.m. - 8:15 p.m., Simi Valley Hospital Adventist Health, 2975 N Sycamore Drive

Thousand Oaks
12/17/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/23/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/24/2014: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/29/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/30/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd
12/31/2014: 8 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., Thousand Oaks Inn, 75 W Thousand Oaks Blvd

Ventura
12/16/2014: 1 p.m. - 7:15 p.m., Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli Street
12/23/2014: 2 p.m. - 8:15 p.m., Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3501 Loma Vista Rd

How to donate blood
Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

The City of Fillmore with the full support of the City Council will expand offerings and programs for all of Fillmore Senior Citizens. Currently, the city oversees the following programs:

Senior Nutrition Program, Brown Bag Program — commodities for low income citizens, Food giveaways, English classes, and Tokens for the Vista Bus for seniors going to and from the senior center for lunch.

Additional social programs such as nutrition planning, arts and craft classes, senior swim programs, and field trips to name a few.

The move will allow the city to offer senior programs and services to a variety of individuals.

The city previously administered and operated the Senior Center between 1994 and 2012.

The current contract between the City and Fillmore Senior Center Incorporated, who is currently providing programs, was not renewed. According to the contract the city will take over operations in July 2015.

The Fillmore Senior Center is a multipurpose center dedicated to independence, dignity, and quality of life for our senior citizens and the community at large. The Fillmore Senior Center will look to enhance independence, dignity and quality of life through community resource management and coordination, advocacy and a full spectrum of direct quality services.

City staff over the next several months will be reaching out to the senior community for ideas on additional programs and services to provide.