Pride in America Day was celebrated Tuesday, May 22 at Fillmore Middle School. This year, veterans were asked to go into individual classrooms before the assembly to speak to students about their experiences in the military and answer questions. The veterans were amazed at the interest of the students and the variety of questions. The assembly began with a military honor guard from Port Hueneme posting colors and was followed by a moving tribute to veterans. It also included performances of song, dance, and music. The student officers of the Pride in America Club beautifully emceed the entire assembly. Except for last year when the gym was undergoing repairs,
Pride in America Day has been held since 1995. This year was the best one ever. The teacher responsible for this wonderful tribute to America is Laurie Merrill. Besides being an incredible science teacher, Mrs. Merrill is responsible for the Pride in America Club, a group of about 40 students who meet every Wednesday during lunch throughout the year to plan the Pride in America Day. Under Mrs. Merrill's guidance, they become leaders. These wonderful students go on to high school and function as leaders there and continue as such into college and life. Mrs. Merrill has generously given her time and talents to this club on a voluntary basis. She and her students not only make Fillmore Unified School District look good, but also make Fillmore look good. Over the years, many people have commented that every school should have a Pride in America Day. I congratulate the school administration for permitting this wonderful program to continue. Thank you, also, to the teachers and staff who support this. Special praise is due Mrs. Merrill for her countless hours of work. Fillmore Middle School is truly blessed to have her.

 


 
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

The May 27, 2014 Fillmore City Council Meeting had two proclamations and two presentations that included the 2014/2015 City Budget. New business was a review and intent to increase the assessments for the Landscape and Lighting District, the Heritage Valley Lighting District and the Storm Drain Maintenance Assessment District.

Fillmore's Finance Director Gaylynn Brien presented the Council the proposed 2014/2015 Budget. With the judgment of the Sales Tax Settlement in Fillmore's favor and using conservative projections, she presented a balanced budget with future revenue covering expenditures. One negative item is an expected increase in sewer rates by 3% from $89.60 (average) to $92.29 effective August 1, 2014 or possibly January 1, 2015, depending on the Council's future decision. Some capital projects the City hopes to fund, if surplus funds become available, are improvements to Two Rivers Park Tot Lot, Two Rivers Park Bicycle Pump Track and Pole Creek Bike Path.

The meeting began with a proclamation to the Ebell Club for their many years of service to the community and recent generous donations of over $100,000 to a wide range of organizations and activities such as the Annual Art Show, Fillmore High School Music Program, the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley and Two Rivers Park. Accepting the plaque were Mary Ford and Marlene Schreffler.

The Future Farmers of America (FFA) received the next proclamation. Accepting the plaque was Macie Wokal, Hannah Wisehart-Saviers, Jessica Manginelli, Timmy Klittich, Joe Ricards-Advisor, and Scott Beylik-FFA Booster President.

Film director Bryan CONTINUED »

 


 
70 pull-ups were just one of the drills at the Warfare Center.
70 pull-ups were just one of the drills at the Warfare Center.
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Athletes from 13 high schools participated in the Fourth Annual Navy SEAL Invitational at the Naval Special Warfare Center May 10th, 2014. The 13 high schools each brought teams of 7 athletes (plus one alternate) to compete in a race comprised of Navy SEAL physical training techniques.

The tournament included physical and mental challenges that pushed the athletes to succeed beyond their expectations. The event consisted of both water and land challenges that required individual persistence, determination, athleticism, strength, endurance and enthusiasm.

The day of the Invitational began with a parachute demonstration by the U.S. Navy Parachute Team “The Leap Frogs”. Their jump began in the clouds, and it was nothing short of spectacular!

Next the student athletes were assembled at the Official BUD/S Obstacle Course where they completed almost all of the official course. They then went on to complete a three-mile run with a 35-pound sand bag (in the soft sand!), and then had two team members swim 400 yards in the Pacific Ocean, next was a relay with the 35 pound sand bag, a rope climb completed by one member, and finally each team had to work together to complete 70 pull-ups, 300 sit-ups, and 300 push-ups.

The athletes at the invitational represented several different sports and athletic backgrounds such football, track, wrestling, and swimming, but one thing they all had in common was their dedication to teamwork. One of the goals for the students is to learn they can never give up, and to rely on their teammates. That is something that The Navy SEALs instill in them.

Student athletes from the following high schools competed this year … from Cathedral Catholic HS, San Diego; Central Catholic HS, Modesto; Coronado HS, Coronado; Del Norte HS, San Poway; Eastlake HS, Chula Vista; Fillmore HS, Fillmore; Hoover HS, San Diego; Irvine HS, Irvine; Lincoln HS, San Diego; Mount Miguel HS, Spring Valley; St. Augustine HS, San Diego; and Thomas Downey HS, Modesto. Friends and family joined the event as spectators. Students who attended from Fillmore High School were Angel Velez, Donovan Mitchell, Jessie Vasquez, Josh Ruiz, Matt Hammond, Michael Castro, Nick Bartels, Tereck Morales. Dr. Nishino, Michael Johnson, Mrs. Morielli and Bob and Lisa Hammond were also able to attend this amazing event.

The Navy SEAL Invitational is a great way to promote physical fitness in a competitive environment. It’s also an exciting event that offers a rare peek inside Naval Special Warfare training while providing these athletes with an awareness of opportunities available in the Naval Special Warfare community. Navy SEALs are elite maritime special operators who take their name from the environments in which they are trained to operate: sea, air and land. They work quietly to carry out the nation's most important missions without being detected by enemies. There are fewer than 2,500 active duty SEALs.

For more news from Naval Special Warfare, visit http://www.navy.mil/local/nsw/

 
05/06/14 to 05/12/14
City of Fillmore
City of Fillmore

05/06/14
Found Property
700 Blk. Ventura St.
Narcotics Violation
800 Blk. Edison Ln.
Search Warrant
200 Blk. Main St.
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
ADW
900 Blk. Blaine Ave.
Narcotics Violation
Clay St./Santa Clara St.
05/07/14
Vandalism
30 Blk. East Telegraph Rd.
Fight
Mountain View St./Sespe Ave.
Narcotics Violation
500 Blk. Sespe Ave.
Dead Body
300 Blk. D St.
Drunk in Public
300 Blk. Central Ave.
05/08/14
Search Warrant CONTINUED »

 
1948 Alumni Dinner behind the current Science Building
1948 Alumni Dinner behind the current Science Building
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Saturday, June 14th
2013 Alumni Dinner
2013 Alumni Dinner
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2013 Alumni Dinner
2013 Alumni Dinner
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Amber and Karl serving up the
Amber and Karl serving up the "Flashback" special drink for the 2014 Alumni Dinner
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A little bit of Fillmore High Alumni Dinner History. In the early 1900's the annual dinner meetings were held on the High School campus, with individual class meetings being held in separate class rooms following the dinner. The dinners , which usually consisted of pit barbecue, were prepared by various groups, including Albert (Dutch) Bartels '26, and his crew, and Ed Burson and his group. They were held with attendees sitting at tables on the benches made from Citrus picking boxes and 1x12's. The dinners were held on the old tennis courts, which were where the cafeteria is now located. After 1951 they were held between the current Gym, and the Cafeteria, on the High school quad, and eventually at the Memorial Building where the meals were prepared by the Fillmore Club, headed by K.B. Rogers '46 and Ron Godfrey '62. Eventually as it grew in numbers being served, it was moved to the City Park and now it's back at the Memorial Building lawn area. For those of you who attended last year's party of the year, you remember how beautifully decorated the memorial building was with pictures blown up and memorabilia dating back 100 years. Well, the current board members are at it again bringing out more beautiful pictures, and are planning to knock your socks off with a wonderful 1940's Alumni dinner exhibit. This is just a hint of what you'll be able to see at this year's event. Come celebrate our Alma Mater. We hope you join us for a wonderful meal, lots of laughter, and a night to remember in Fillmore on June 14th. Here's the info: The Alumni Dinner event is $35.00 per person if you're a subscriber to the Alumni Newsletter. If you are not, the event cost is $40.00 per person before June 7th. After June 7th, and at the door, the cost is $45.00 per person. Here's how you get your dinner reservations. You can go to Patterson's Hardware Store, (They are open 7 days a week) fill out the form, and leave your payment there. This will guarantee your entry to the event, or you can go online at www.fillmorehighalumni.com and print out a dinner reservation form there, and either mail it in or drop it off at the Alumni Office. The Alumni Office is located at 540 Sespe Ave #6 and will be open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. If the door is locked, just slide your payment under the door. It's checked daily. Last year's Alumni dinner was sold out, so please don't be left out at this year's celebration. Any questions, please call 805-524-0416. See you all on June 14th!

 
 
 
 
FHS Students who joined in the Navy SEAL program.
FHS Students who joined in the Navy SEAL program.
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The Future Farmers of America along with the students who attended the Navy Seal Challenge were presented at the May 20, 2014 Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting. Other items were software analysis, computer/operations upgrades and a special program at Sierra High School.

Anna Morilli, Fillmore High School Dean of Students, introduced the Future Farmers of America Timmy Klittich, Jessica Manginelli, Hannah Wisart, Jaylene Ortiz, Macie Wokal and Chris Berrington. Each student carried with them various plaques given by political leaders in recognition of their achievement and importance to both the community and the country. Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino addressed the students stating, "We want to promote the future leaders of this country."

Next presented were Fillmore High School (FHS) students, Nick Bartels, Joshua Ruiz, Angel Velez, Matthew Hammond, Jessie Vasquez, Michael Castro, Donovan Mittchel and Terell Morales (not present), who participated in the US Navy Seals Challenge at US Navel Base in Coronado, California. This is an invitation only event and FHS was one of a few to receive the privilege. A short presentation showing much of what the participants endured, such as running three miles carrying sandbags, 70 pull-ups, and 300 sit-ups and push-ups. The students did an outstanding job and were told FHS students will be invited back.

Sierra High School teacher Laura Todis gave a report on the progress of the School Yard Habitat & Restoration Program. Students grades kindergarten, 3rd, 4th, 7th and high school are learning about the native plants, fish, birds and other living habitat that depend on the Santa Clara River. They visit the eight stations along the river and observe first hand how trash contaminates and endangers the natural habitat. Some attended the program last year and today can see how the drought has impacted water flow, which encouraged the students to conserve water. Todis informed the Board that the program is building skills important to the Common Core Standards.

During the Educational CONTINUED »

 

Memorial Day services will be held at the Bardsdale Cemetery on Monday, May 26th at 11AM. Featured speaker this year is Commander Michael J. Hammond, Retired, United States Navy. Commander Hammond has ties to Fillmore including his Uncle the Rev. Bob Hammond who will be giving the Inspirational Message. Michael is also the grandson of the late Reg Hammond and great grandson of George & Gertrude MacPherson all of Bardsdale. Commander Hammond graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1988 following in his father’s footsteps who graduated from the Naval Academy in 1966. He attended flight school in Pensacola, Florida and became a full-fledged “unrestricted” naval aviator in February 1990. Unrestricted refers to helicopter pilots since they are the only ones authorized to fly both fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft. He served several squadrons in San Diego and Hawaii, deploying aboard cruisers, frigates & destroyers, assigned all over the Western Pacific and Persian Gulf including a deployment as part of Operation Desert Storm. In total he amassed over 2000 flight hours over a lengthy career, During his last squadron tour he was sent to the Seahawk Weapons and Tactics Instructor Training Course in Fallon, Nevada, graduating with the first class of instructors for his type of helicopter. Six years later he was chosen to stand up his community’s first ever Weapons School and serve as Commanding Officer. In 2006, after relinquishing command he moved his family to Fairfax, Virginia where he served out the remainder of his naval career at the Pentagon. He and his family still reside in Fairfax, Va. and after 23 years of active duty service Michael retired in 2011. He continues to serve in the Department of Defense as a defense contractor for Booz Allen Hamilton. Michael is married to his wife Pam and has four children.
Special Music will be provided by the Bardsdale Methodist Church Choir. Also assisting in the service will be VFW Post 9637, Boy Scout Troop 406, Cub Scout Troop 3409 and
Garcia Funeral Home. Flags will be placed on Veteran’s graves on Friday, May 23rd by the Boy Scouts and will be picked up on Tuesday, May 27th by the Bardsdale 4H. The
Board of Trustees of the Cemetery District: Scott Lee - President, Lynda Edmonds - Secretary, Rita Rudkin, Gabriel Asenas and Dick Diaz along with Cemetery Manager
Doug Basolo and his staff would like to invite the community to this special event.