Enlarge Photo

Each week, six Fillmore FFA members meet with Mr. Scott Beylik at Beylik Family Farms to plant and take care of different vegetables. The students’ goals are to sell their produce at the Fillmore Farmer’s Market every Wednesday. Last week was Fillmore FFA’s second time selling at the farmer’s market. The students were selling Italian Sweet basil and many different varieties of squash for $2 a plant. These students are working hard to fundraise money in order to attend the 2011 National FFA Convention. These students plan to be selling at the farmer’s market every Wednesday from 3:30-7pm. Next week the members will be selling Italian Sweet basil, different types of squash as well at tomatoes. Come on by and say hi to the students on Wednesday!

Brooke Aguirre is Fillmore FFA's Chapter Reporter

Joe and Terri Aguirre from Aguirre Financial Insurance Services read to the children.
Enlarge Photo

Renee Perez from Bella’s Teas and Treats (in hat) and Louisa Golson, adult left.
Enlarge Photo

Joe and Terri Aguirre from Aguirre Financial Insurance Services, Renee and Felipe Perez from Bella’s Teas and Treats and Jane David were participants in three of a series of four Success through Reading events that were held at the Fillmore City Library. The Success through Reading Program sponsored by Soroptimist International of Fillmore and The Fillmore Friends of the Library is a program that joins businesses and children in the community. Local businesses and/or civic minded volunteers read a book to the children at the library and then depending on the theme teach them the principles of dealing with money in a fun way, or they might have a tea party. During Earth Day they learned about making treasure out of trash. “It is a win-win situation,” says President of Fillmore Soroptimist Ari Larson. “The children get the benefit of being read to and learning something new and the businesses are able to showcase their services to the community.” The next Success through Reading event will be held on Wed. June 15, 2011 from 3:30pm-4:00pm at the Fillmore City Library. The theme will be T-is for Train presented by Sandi Ward from Sandi Ward’s Train Stop. The book being read will be And the Train Goes…. by William Bee. If you have any questions please call Soroptimist member Lynne Brooks at (805) 524-3671.

“Purple Corridor of Mystery” by Carmelita Miranda.
Enlarge Photo

Local photographers, Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris, have won recognition for their photography from the Channel Islands Professional Photography Association (CIPPA). CIPPA is an affiliate of Professional Photographers of California. Carmelita won a merit and Best in Class in Architecture for her print “Purple Corridor of Mystery” at the competition held on May 9. In the same competition, Charles won a merit in Portrait High School Senior category with an image entitled “On the Right Track.” This image featured FHS High School senior Leah Robledo.

In March, both photographers also won merits in State competition. Charles won for “Saxman” in Portrait High School Seniors. Carmelita won in Nature for “Against the Onslaught”. Both had won merits at the local competition.

Professional photography competition at the local level has three judges who evaluate each entry on specific criteria, without knowing who the maker of the image is. Images can earn up to 100 points. If a print receives 80 points, it receives a merit. Typically only about 1 out of 4 or 5 prints receives a merit in a competition. Often images that are merit winners are submitted to state and national competitions.

Professional photography competitions are used by photographers to hone their skills and allows them to evaluate their work in comparison to other top photographers in the area.

Principal photographers at KSSP are Carmelita Miranda and Charles Morris. KSSP is a full service photography studio specializing in portrait, wedding and quinceanera photography (and video). KSSP Photographic Studios is the school photographer for Fillmore High School, but photographs high school seniors from all over Ventura County. For further information, please contact KSSP Photographic Studios at 524-6400 or visit http://ksspphotostudios.com.

On 5/13/2011 at 1:15pm the City of Fillmore Fire Department and the Ventura County Sheriffs Department will be presenting a nationally recognized program to stop underage alcohol consumption and driving. The program entitled “Every 15 Minutes” is a two-day program that involves over 500 juniors and seniors at Fillmore High School. The program agenda is as follows:

Part I: “Living Dead” - Fifteen students will be removed from class during the first four hours of the day and made up with white faces and black shirts to represent them as an alcohol related death over the proceeding forty-eight hours. These students will not be allowed to speak with any other students, staff or family for the rest of the school day. These students will then be lead to part II of the presentation and will standby throughout the event.

Part II: Mock Vehicle Crash. On May 13, 2011 at 1:15pm all juniors and seniors will be escorted to intersection of Shiells Drive & Second Street at 1:15pm. Students will be allowed to see a real time simulation of a motor vehicle accident resulting from alcohol consumption.

Part III: On Monday, May 16, 2011, juniors and seniors from Fillmore High School will be instructed to watch a recap Friday’s drunk driving accident and write an essay as part of an English class assignment.
Local media and the general public are welcome to attend part II this event. Fire Chief Rigo Landeros and Police Chief Monica McGrath will be on hand Friday May 13, 2011 throughout the duration of the event to answer any questions members of the media may have.

Special thanks to Noontime Rotary, Fillmore High School, Fillmore Unified School District, American Medical Response, the City of Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriffs Department, Ventura County Sheriffs Air Unit & the Ventura County Medical Examiners Office for their participation and support in this event.

Sespe NFL Preschool Program is offering a dental clinic in the Dental Van parked in front of Sespe School. It will offer dental services to preschool students and other FUSD students. Please call Sespe School at 524-6161, Patsy Torres or Ana Avila for more details, or confirmation of dental clinic date and time. Please encourage students/parents in need of dental care to inquire /request more information.

Parenting Classes are now being offered at Fillmore Middle School, in English and Spanish, every Monday; English 4-6:30 p.m. and Spanish 6:30-9 p.m. in room D-3.

The Seniors that did not participate in our fund raisers will have to pay $100 for their Harbor Boat Cruise and Bus ticket this year. The seniors knew at the beginning of the school year and again it was noted in the Senior Packet that the seniors were expected to help in the fund raisers by selling pies, sandwich meals, See's candy, suckers, spa (massage/facials) and working the yard sale (parents also) for Grad Nite Live or pay $100. We have a record of the names of students that did work, so we know who is going to pay if they want to go on the Cruise. The money/check is to be stapled to the permission slip signed by the senior and their parent even if the student is 18. Part of it is a medical release so a parent has to give consent. They are to give the permission slip to Jaci in the attendance office and receive a receipt for their money or check. Even though Grad Nite Live had many fund raisers this year and many of the seniors and their families helped, we find ourselves a bit short of the mark of $21,500.

At this time we are $600 short of the boat balance due 5/13/11, $600 for the Magician (has not raised his fee in 20 years), $400 for breakfast, buses (are $1300 each) we need 2 buses for the 100 seniors that are eligible to go now. $2600. The students that pay $100 will be paying for the next buses. So right now we "need" $4200. Money is tight as we all are experiencing just for the necessary things, i understand that and these so called 'extra' things are really hard to come up with, but think of this organization as not just giving a party but a life saving party - the graduated seniors of 2011 are not only safe from drugs, alcohol and accidents, but they have parents and extended family that are sleeping better knowing their senior is safe.

Thank you for all that you have done and will do for us. Please call Mrs. Chaney at 407-5759 or 525-4909. Thank you.

The Ventura Country Rose Society will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, May 26, 2011, at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center at 5100 Adolfo Rd., Camarillo.

The doors will open at 6:30 pm for advice from Consulting Rosarians and refreshments, 7:00 for our Rose Celebration, and our presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.

The Ventura Rose Society meeting will feature Dr. Jim Downer, Ventura County Farm Adviser for the University of California Cooperative Extension, speaking on "What's Bugging Your Garden?" Dr. Downer's talk should be informative for all gardeners as well as for rosarians.

Visitors are always welcome. For more information contact: Janet Sklar at 818-993-6622 or Dawn-Marie Johnson at 805-523-9003

On Tuesday, May 17th from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, join us for the “Good Health Awareness Health Fair at the Santa Paula Senior Center (Community Center) located at 530 West Main Street, Santa Paula. This event is FREE and hosted by Valley Care IPA, Valley Care Select IPA, Santa Paula Hospital (Ventura County Public Health Care Agency), Ventura County Public Health and Vista Cove Care Center at Santa Paula. There will be lots of great information booths about Good Health and services to keep you healthy by local agencies around the city and county. Also available through Ventura County Public Health will be no cost Vaccines Tdap and Pneumovax (available to those who qualify), blood pressure check up, Glucose and cholesterol test and more. There will also be free small boxed lunches to the first 100 attendees that are 65 years or older. This Fair is for all ages as is Good Health! For more information you may contact Noel Frias (Valley Care IPA) 988-5140, Lupe Ledesma (V.C. Public Health) 981-5211 or Lupe Barrozo (Vista Cove Care Center at Santa Paula) 391-4740 or 525-7134.

Ventura, CA. - What is fact and what is fiction when it comes to pregnancy? Fact vs. fiction and pregnancy myths will be the focus of a free seminar the Community Memorial Health System is holding on Tuesday, May 24.

Michael Green, M.D., chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology for CMHS’s Centers for Family Health, will lead the discussion during the seminar to be held from 6 to 8 p.m. in the eighth-floor Nichols Auditorium at Community Memorial Hospital at 147 Brent St.

Dr. Green will examine many of the myths of pregnancy as well as conventional wisdom, and he will help to sort out what is correct and what is not. Among the questions that Dr. Green will address include:

 What foods should women avoid during pregnancy?
 Is it really necessary for pregnant women to sleep on the left side?
 What supplements should they be taking while pregnant?
 How can you tell if the baby is a boy or a girl?
 How can you find out how much the baby will weigh?
 Is labor and delivery really busier during a full moon?

Dr. Green is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology as well as family practice. He also is an assistant clinical professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the UCLA School of Medicine and he has been on the medical staff of Community Memorial Hospital since 1999.

Admission is free, but space is limited, so reservations are suggested. Call 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.

Ventura County, CA. - People who experience a brain injury can be prone to seizures and epilepsy originating from the damaged area. The Brain Injury Center of Ventura County is presenting a free workshop May 24 in Camarillo dealing with strategies to minimize and manage seizures.

Aaron McMurtray, MD and Ph.D. with the Neurology Division of Ventura County Medical Center, will present the program. The workshop will explain how and why head injuries can lead to the development of seizures, what to do when someone has a seizure and when calling 911 becomes necessary (not always). Dr. McMurtray will also discuss how seizures and epilepsy are managed by medications and what side effects and complications might arise.

The class will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on the campus of the Camarillo Health Care District. Pre-registration is required by May 23. The workshop is part of a free series being conducted by BIC’s Professional Advisory Council for the benefit of brain injury survivors, their families, caretakers and professionals on assorted levels who deal with individuals affected by brain injury.

Free brain injury identification cards will be distributed at the workshop and are available for anyone in Ventura County who has suffered a brain injury. The cards also contain emergency instructions and have spaces designated for personal emergency contacts and medications necessary in a crisis. A seizure in public is one emergency sometimes experienced by brain injury survivors.

The Brain Injury Center’s free workshop series offers a new educational program on the fourth Tuesday of each month. The classes focus on various medical, emotional, adjustment and social issues encountered by brain injury survivors and their families. Living with a brain injury poses a lifetime of challenges and the series examines how to deal with and overcome these problems to the greatest extent possible.

BIC’s Professional Advisory Council consists of many of Ventura County’s leading doctors, psychologists, educators, financial planners and other experts who deal with brain injury. The workshops are an extension of the BIC’s annual Ventura County Brain Injury Conference, also the brainchild of its Professional Advisory Board.

Future topics will cover setting up conservatorships, stroke prevention and acute stroke treatment, stress management for family caregivers, interpersonal relationships for brain injury survivors, emotional health, behavioral adaptations, academic remediation strategies, socialization skills, substance abuse and financial programs.

Pre-registration for the workshops can be arranged by calling the Brain Injury Center’s office at 805.482.1312. BIC is the non-profit organization that serves Ventura County’s population of people living with a brain injury and their families. Complete information is available on its website -- www.BrainInjuryCenter.org.

At the April Luncheon Meeting the members of the Ebell Club elected to purchase automatic doors for the Fillmore Senior Center. There has been a great need as many of the persons using the center are in wheelchairs, scooters, on canes or on walkers. These persons can only use the facility if someone opens the doors for them. Although the city has tried many times to get a grant to replace the doors, with the economy it was turned down. The club has many members attending this center and decided that they could help.

Donna Voelker, president of the Senior Center Board, was attending the lunch and program and after the vote rose and thanked the club for their generous donation and was extremely excited to be able to let all the seniors that new doors are forthcoming.

At the April Luncheon Meeting Susan Jolley a teacher of Independent Study at Sierra Vista School thanked the club for generous gift. With the money she received she bought 55 art books for her class of 57 students. Ms Jolley talked about the type of students she teaches from paroles, slow learners, drop outs and gifted students. These students report to her for 1 hour per week to turn in assignments and get their work for the next week. She is very excited about the progress her students are making and brought examples of their work to share. Ms. Jolley has over 30 years experience teaching in the Fillmore Unified School system. The club is very happy to help enrich the lives of the young in Fillmore.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

Seventeen applicants from the original 41 applicants for Fillmore High Alumni Scholarships were interviewed by the Scholarship Committee, and after individual interviews, the following seniors were selected to receive scholarships for this year:

Receiving the John and Nit Lemley Scholarship of $2500 for two years plus $500 towards a laptop computer are Troy Spencer, son of John and Stephanie Spencer and Claire Faith, daughter of Bill Faith and Janine Rees.

Receiving the $1000.00 alumni scholarships are: Brianne Cesario, daughter of Rodney and Jennifer Chavez, Sean Chandler, son of Brett and Coleen Chandler, Corey Cole, son of Craig and Lynn Cole, Christian Conaway, son of Steve and Camilla Conaway, Chloe Keller, daughter of Roger and Nannette Keller, Ana Pantoja, daughter of Dagoberto and Maria Pantoja, Isis Topete, daughter of Ramona and Jose Topete and Riley Wright, daughter of David and Sherri Wright.

These seniors will be honored at the Awards Assembly on Wednesday, May 25 and again at the alumni dinner on Saturday, June 4. Congratulations to all of these recipients.

Just one month until the Alumni dinner on Saturday, June 4 at the Memorial Building in Fillmore. It is not too earlier to get your reservations in and to let your class representative know if you are planning on attending. Kenny Rogers has sent out notices to members of the class of 1946 that he wants everyone to come to the alumni dinner for a class reunion. Other classes holding their class reunions at the alumni dinner are the class of 1951 under the guidance of Beverly Hooper Bishop, the class of 1961 with Betty Reed Carpenter making the arrangements, with a Friday night gathering at the Marriott in Oxnard, followed by attendance at the alumni dinner on Saturday. Kathy Penrod McCreary has planned her class reunion for the alumni dinner also. The class of 1956 is having their 55th class reunion on Saturday, June 11 at the home of Shirley Somers Williams. The class of 1971 will hold their 40th reunion on Saturday, August 12 at Elkins Ranch Golf Course. Rochelle Baucom-Burningham is making plans for the 30th class reunion for the class of 1981, Elisa Quezada Magana is beginning to plan for this class's 20th reunion and Erika Sandoval and Michelle Cerbantez, class ofd 2001 are working towards having a class reunion this year. The alumni dinner evening will begin at 4:00 p.m. with a social hour and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. sharp. There will be ample time for visiting before dinner and the Memorial Building will be available to us until 11:00 p.m. for more visiting. Please come and make your class reunion a special one.

The April 30th Grad Nite Live's Giant Yard Sale is over. Successful in every way. Lots of the Seniors showed up at 5:30 AM most of them had trucks, trailers and in some cases their DADS. We had enough to make one trip from the 40 ft CONTAINER that Mr. Dave Wilkinson of the Fillmore Western Railway loaned us to the District Office to the awaiting organizers to put things in their special places. We had some under classmen show up to work for their Community Service points. Thank you all that worked so hard on the various parts of the Yard Sale it took a lot of people to make it successful and especially the people that "bought" our stuff. We still have a ways to go to get all our needed money, we are expecting the rest of the donations from our organizations and various families that send money every year. Also we are requesting the students that have not worked any fund raisers will be sending a $100 with their permission slip on the 13th of May if they want to go on the Graduation Harbor Cruise.

Pre-Sale Carnival tickets will go on sale May 2nd during normal Chamber of Commerce business hours, Monday -Thursday 10:00 -5:00pm. Parade applications are also available at the Chamber office.

Subject: The Senior Center will be funded in FY 2012 and Information Sources for the City of Fillmore Budget

Dear Residents,
This letter is being sent to address the rumors that the Senior Center is going to be closed because of the $1.9 million budget shortfall. As announced at the most recent City Council meeting, the City will be keeping the Senior Center open next year. In addition, City staff will be meeting with the Senior Center Board in the next several weeks to discuss the Center budget.

This is a difficult time for all concerned. The City is facing a significant budget gap and hard choices will need to be made. Currently the City is exploring all options to balance the budget. Inevitably there will be speculation and rumors will be rampant, especially as it gets closer to the budget being presented to Council at the end of May. Please check the City’s website (www.fillmoreca.com) or Channel 10 where we post information and updates about the City’s plans and financial condition. At the end of May, the FY 2012 budget will be posted on the website and, in June, there will also be public budget hearings during which residents may participate.

Thank you for your attention and assistance. It is very much appreciated.

Sincerely,
Yvonne Quiring
City Manager

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley is hosting its 6th Annual Taste of the Valley on Saturday, May 7, at Fillmore’s picturesque City Hall Courtyard. Presenting delicious ‘tastes’ are restaurants and beverage vendors from Fillmore, Ojai, Oxnard, Ventura, and Santa Paula.

Food Vendors to date include Bobalu Berries, Calavo Growers, Central Station, ChickyWeedy’s, Chili Hut, DJ's California Catering, Double A Café, Garden Market, lemonade by Mike Mobley, Logsdon's Restaurant, Marie Calendar’s, Mupu Grill, Rubalais', Sam's Saticoy Liquor, Sisar Creek Olive Oil, and Starbucks of Fillmore.
“This is the widest variety of vendors seen at the Taste of the Valley,” BGCSCV CEO Sheila Tate said even “more vendors are anticipated to tempt your taste buds with their delicious offerings!”

Garman’s Restaurant & Irish Pub will be serving tastes of varied beers, and Sam’s Saticoy Liquor will be serving tastes from a selection of noted tequilas and fine whiskeys. A wine tasting booth will also be available for guests’ enjoyment.

Entertainment is being provided by the ever-popular “The Tune Bandits.” And,” noted Tammy Hobson, Taste Chair, “if this isn’t enough, there will be a Mother’s Day Silent Auction available for those last minute gift purchases.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley wants to thank those restaurant and beverage vendors who have already offered their kind participation in the event, as well as event sponsors Santa Clara Valley Disposal, Ventura County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Calavo Growers, Fillmore Lions Club, Santa Clara Valley Bank, The Fillmore Gazette, Santa Paula Times, Sespe Sun, and Ventura County Star.

Tate said such support is vital to the club: “The funds donated by these sponsors help cover the costs of the event, so that ticket and silent auction monies are able to go directly to funding the programs and services provided by the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley.” Programs and services include PowerHour, TriplePlay, ClubTech, StreetSmart, SmartGirls, Passport to Manhood, Teen Nights and transportation of Piru and Rancho Sespe youth to the Club in Fillmore. “We also appreciate the community support provided for our fundraising events, through ticket purchases, generous auction bidding and general donations.” said Tate, “We anticipate beautiful weather and record attendance, so please make it a point to join your friends at this fun and entertaining event.”

Tickets may be purchased by calling the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley at 805-525-7910. Donations for the Silent Auction are being accepted and can be pledged by calling the Club at the same number. Join us on May 7th and get a Taste of the Valley!