Camarillo, Calif. – The holidays are right around the corner, and with parties and special events of the season, babysitters will be in demand. Youths can prepare themselves to keep a watchful eye over children by signing up for the Youth Babysitters Training Course offered by the American Red Cross of Ventura County on November 13-14. The youth training sessions will take place at the Camarillo headquarters located at the Betty R. Plotkin Center, 836 Calle Plano.

The first session starts on Friday, November 13 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., and concludes on Saturday from, November 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The cost is $85.

In the first session, youths will learn basic child care such as diaper changing, feeding and dealing with hazards. The second session will cover CPR for child/infant and First Aid. Certificates will be issued for both First Aid and Babysitting Training.

Individuals can sign up by calling Rachele Ford at 805-339-2234, ext. 281 or register online at www.arcventura.org.

Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.

The winners circle.
Enlarge Photo

The Piru Community Center, during serving of food.
Enlarge Photo

As a Halloween moon ascended into the twilight sky above Piru, it was a perfect backdrop against which Warring park slipped from daylight into the darkness. About this time the otherwise peaceful park grounds were engulfed by all manor of costumed little people. The air hung heavy with the sounds of Thriller and Vincent Price reverberating through the macob mist wafting up from the nearby Piru river. There appeared to be sixty or more of these strangely attired little creatures. They divided into frightening formations around the baseball diamond. It was apparent that there was some method to their madness as they grouped by ages. The 1-5yrs old advanced on the first base area. Ages 6-9yrs hovered near second base. Ages 10-13yrs took up positions near shortstop. Ages 14 & Up haunted nearby the third base area.

There were five creatures cleverly disguised as ordinary humans near home plate. Four of were seated at the judges table, just below a giant spider looming from its web which by this time had covered the entire backstop beyond with its web. These five entities even had human alias. There was John Avila, Bonnie & Dick Gilmore, Dan O'Connell as judges and Catina Aguilar VP- PNC. All claim Piru as there regular haunt.

At great personal risk I continued to CONTINUED »

This is the 20th year for Grad Nite Live and still going strong. It's hard to believe that this Little Town of Fillmore has kept this organization for the graduating seniors alive. We lost 8 Fillmore High School Students over a period of 18 months during the years 1988 to 1990. Then 5 hours after Jimmy Anderson graduated June 1990, he was a passenger in an auto accident after having been to a party that was given by another senior’s parents where many of the graduating class attended. In all these various accidents liquor, drugs, highway speed or just highway travel were involved. After the 1990 graduation party tragedy we got some of the parents of the upcoming graduating class of 1991, school personnel and concerned citizens of Fillmore together and decided to do something for the "91 class to keep them safe and give them a party out of town. Grad Nite Live was born. Truly the first Party Boat wasn't great, but we've gotten better - actually perfect!! Its fun, they’re fed, danced and entertained kept safe, no alcohol, drugs or cigarettes and home by 6 am for breakfast. We started taking 140 graduates for $10,000 and now it 270 for $23,000, all done by fund-raisers and donations from this Little Town. Thank You!

The Fillmore Senior Class of 2010 is selling Marie Callender Pies for Thanksgiving for Grad Nite Live. They will be selling until the 13th of November and then they will deliver them to you Tuesday afternoon the 24th of November. The pies will be ready for pick-up at 12 noon to 4 pm in the main room at the Memorial Bldg. Please use the doors on the Shiells Drive side. The front door is for the Ebell Club.

We are selling Apple, Pumpkin, Pecan, Razelberry and Lite Apple...$11:00 each. If you haven't been contacted by a High School Senior you can call Mrs. Chaney 524-4909 or 407-5759 and place your order. The Class of 2009 sold 1445 pies last year and this class is trying to sell more…help us!!

Ventura County Public Health has received the first delivery of the Inactivated Injectable H1N1 vaccine. “The quantity of vaccine received does not even begin to immunize the at-risk population in Ventura County”, said Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer. “It only represents 1% of the vaccine we hope to eventually get.” As with the FluMist, which has been available for the past two weeks, the vaccine will be given to those at highest risk of infection and serious illness. This includes people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, pregnant women, caretakers and household contacts of infants under the age of 6 months, and people with high risk conditions from 25 to 64 years of age. High risk is defined as those individuals with substantial, physically disabling conditions such as asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases; heart disease but not high blood pressure; diabetes; morbid obesity; neurocognitive disease; neuromuscular disease; and suppressed immunity due to such things as cancer, chemotherapy, steroids, and HIV/AIDS.

People not included in these groups have been shown to be at low risk for serious illness from the H1N1 virus.
In addition to the injectable vaccine availability at Public Health Clinics (see www.vchca.org/ph for clinic locations), there are over 300 physicians’ offices in Ventura County that will offer the vaccine over the coming weeks as more vaccine arrives in our county. Residents are encouraged to contact their personal physician for vaccine availability.

The novel H1N1 (swine) vaccine is available for county residents only. This delivery of the Inactivated Injectable H1N1 vaccine is the first to arrive in the county. As more vaccine is made available, remaining groups eligible to receive it will be expanded. Residents are encouraged to visit the Public Health website for current information.

Tuesday November 2nd, Mark Davis, presentation about Rotary Foundation.
Tuesday, November 8th, Tim Gurrola will be our speaker.
Tuesday, November 17th a presentation about GSE.
The Rotary Foundation’s Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. The program provides travel grants for teams to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries. For four to six weeks, team members experience the host country's culture and institutions, observe how their vocations are practiced abroad, develop personal and professional relationships, and exchange ideas.
In a typical four-week tour, applicants participate in five full days of vocational visits, 15 to 20 club presentations, 10 to 15 formal visits and social events, two to three days at the district conference, three to four hours per day of cultural and site tours, and three to four hours per day of free time with host families.
For each team member, the Foundation provides the most economical round-trip airline ticket between the home and host countries. Rotarians in the host area provide for meals, lodging, and group travel within their district.
Tuesday November 24th, Fr. Bob Hammond of Dayspring Anglican Church will
speak about Faith and Thanksgiving.
Rotary Sun Risers meet every Tuesday at 7:00 a.m. at El Pescador Restaurant.
For more information please contact Joe Aguirre 524-2096

The Fillmore Senior Center is holding a unique showing of local collectibles on November 13, 2009 from 10 to 1 PM. All local collectors are invited to display their treasures at the Center’s 533 Santa Clara Street address. There is no charge for admission or show space. There will be complimentary refreshments, and a special gift drawing will be held. Phone Michele Smith at 524-0294 to reserve table space.

Learn acting from Hollywood acting coach/TV & movie stuntman, Steve Burhoe. Participate in stage shows, learn how to prepare for auditions for commercials, TV roles and live stage theatre!

Class meets weekly on Tuesdays from 4:30 – 6:00 pm at the
Community/Senior Center, 533 Santa Clara St. Kids will learn all aspects of acting in a fun environment. What a great way to improve social skills, build up self-confidence, and make new friends. Adding Performing Arts to your school curriculum has also shown that kids can greatly improve their grades in math and language arts!

Cost for each 4-week session is $55.00. Every 8 weeks kids will get a chance to perform in a showcase for family and friends at no extra charge.

A Christmas show is now being planned. We need kids between 5 and 17 years of age. Early sign up is advised to participate in the show.

This workshop is on-going throughout the year. Register at Fillmore Parks & Rec. Dept. at City Hall -- For information contact
Priscilla Rzezuski (805) 524-0553.

Just a reminder of the Fillmore Lions Club's annual Enchilada Dinner. Keep in mind that it is an "all you can eat" dinner, so you will definitely get your money's worth.

We are holding this fund-raiser to donate 100% of the profit back into the youth organizations in Fillmore.

Please join us to help make this a great fundraiser.

Remember that we also serve orders "To Go".

Thanks for supporting the Fillmore Lion's Club

For tickets Call Ron (I will Deliver) at 890-1118.

PS - If you don't want to eat, but would like to make a donation, we'll gladly accept that as well. Just call... I'll even come pick it up!

October 29, 2009 - Ventura County Public Health has received the first delivery of the Inactivated Injectable H1N1 vaccine. “The quantity of vaccine received does not even begin to immunize the at-risk population in Ventura County”, said Dr. Robert Levin, Health Officer. “It only represents 1% of the vaccine we hope to eventually get.” As with the FluMist, which has been available for the past two weeks, the vaccine will be given to those at highest risk of infection and serious illness. This includes people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years of age, pregnant women, caretakers and household contacts of infants under the age of 6 months, and people with high risk conditions from 25 to 64 years of age. High risk is defined as those individuals with substantial, physically disabling conditions such as asthma, emphysema, cystic fibrosis and other lung diseases; heart disease but not high blood pressure; diabetes; morbid obesity; neurocognitive disease; neuromuscular disease; and suppressed immunity due to such things as cancer, chemotherapy, steroids, and HIV/AIDS.

People not included in these groups have been shown to be at low risk for serious illness from the H1N1 virus.

In addition to the injectable vaccine availability at Public Health Clinics (see www.vchca.org/ph for clinic locations), there are over 300 physicians’ offices in Ventura County that will offer the vaccine over the coming weeks as more vaccine arrives in our county. Residents are encouraged to contact their personal physician for vaccine availability.

The novel H1N1 (swine) vaccine is available for county residents only. This delivery of the Inactivated Injectable H1N1 vaccine is the first to arrive in the county. As more vaccine is made available, remaining groups eligible to receive it will be expanded. Residents are encouraged to visit the Public Health website for current information.

Maggie Garrett M. L. Ac. announces the opening of her practice at 448 Santa Clara St. across the street from City Hall in association with Dr. Mickey Rubino, D.C. She is currently available for treatments on Tuesdays and Thursdays and will expand hours in the future as needed.

Ms Garrett received her Master’s Degree in Oriental Medicine from the Santa Barbara College of Oriental Medicine, and has a private practice in Ojai. She also does acupuncture for The Oaks Spa in Ojai. She designed the acupressure massage, focusing on points that stimulate metabolism, which is used there. Her specialty is the treatment of chronic and severe headaches.

Acupuncture encompasses a variety of techniques besides needling, including CONTINUED »

Conway Spitler

Here are the Chapter Goals set in the Vision 2020 document--Fostering Civic Pride & Volunteerism. 2009? Of course we still have 11 years to meet the goal but how many have we accomplished by 2009? Thriving downtown with attractive, inviting, store fronts reflecting and preserving our historic architecture. Residential neighborhoods with attractive yards and well-maintained homes exhibiting pride of ownership. Well-maintained streets, parkways and trees Manicured parks and flowering, landscaped entryways into the city. Volunteer recognition programs People enjoying a variety of social activities, such as dinner, dances, festivals, etc. Strong participation in local service clubs/civic organizations Persons realizing self-satisfaction by freely giving their time to benefit others. All age groups working together, with volunteer opportunities for all Organized efforts to aid senior citizens with household chores, transportation, etc. Churches, civic groups and other all working together. Youth employment service/organization to coordinate volunteers.

Travel in the dark, down to the abyss of terror on a tractor - pulled hay wagon through the haunted forest. Enjoy eerie theatrics, startling events, ghouls and spooks. Hang on to your loved ones and hope you make it back for hot cocoa and snacks. Everyone is welcome, small children at parent’s discretion. Celebrate Halloween with a night of fright!

Starting the 2nd weekend in October until Halloween night. Each ride lasts about 15 minutes, two wagons run all night, wagons go out every ½ hour (weather permitting) from 7:30pm to 9:30pm each night.

If you dare walk the Spook Trail, the last wagon goes out at 9:30pm - so come early!

Cost is $5.00 per victim, refreshments available for survivors GROUPS WELCOME!
(About 15 victims fit on each wagon).

Call for more information 805-521-1500 ext 203

Volunteers needed, please join us and have fun making people scream!

WHAT: Ventura County DUI Prevention Summit

WHO: Supervisor Steve Bennett, Chair, County Board of Supervisors

Tina Pasco, Regional Director, Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Dr. Javier Romero, Trauma Director, Ventura County Medical Center

Captain Cliff Williams, California Highway Patrol

Chief John Crombach, Oxnard Police Department, AVOID Campaign

WHEN: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH, AT 8:15 A.M.

WHERE: VENTURA BEACH MARRIOTT HOTEL, 2055 HARBOR BLVD., VENTURA, CA

WHY:

· Recent local tragedies underscore the need for renewed efforts to prevent and deter impaired driving.

· More than 1,500 fatalities result from alcohol-related auto collisions in California each year.

· Alcohol is involved in the deaths of more youth than all other drugs combined – by a four-to-one ratio.

· Ventura County law enforcement, medical experts, and prevention professionals agree new push is needed.

· More than 700 DUI criminal cases are currently set for trial in Ventura County, with steady stream of arrests.

· More than one-third of DUI offenders 18 to 25 years of age reported taking their last drink in a bar or club.

· Nearly 45% of DUI arrests result from drinking at licensed bars, clubs and restaurant in Ventura County.

· In Ventura County persons 18-25 years old make up less than seven percent of the adult population, but they represent more than 25 percent of the DUI offenders.

· The number of young women convicted for DUI has risen in recent years, and females in Ventura County are more likely than males to report drinking shots and mixed drinks prior to their arrest.

Press Note: Location of news event is front parking lot near lobby entrance. Multiple emergency vehicles will be on location with uniformed personnel. Medical professionals, law enforcement, and elected officials will make comments during the event, which will feature a vehicle crash from an actual impaired driving incident (see MADD Trailer, attached). Visual info boards and agency reps will be featured, starting 8:15 a.m.

Santa Clara Valley Disposal will maintain its regular Friday trash and recyclables collection schedule in Fillmore on Nov. 13, during the week of Veterans’ Day.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Ventura County Animal Regulation (VCAR) is seeking individuals who would like to donate their time and energy to helping the animals at Ventura County’s local animal shelter. Volunteers are needed for a variety of duties including both working with the animals and working to make the shelter adoption experience an easier process. Sample assignments around the shelter include directing newcomers to different kennels, changing kennel signs, and sorting donations for the Pet Pantry. Specific jobs working with animals include dog walkers, dog and cat groomers, horse groomers, and ambassadors at our offsite adoption events.

At this time, the shelter volunteer program is only accepting applications from individuals 18 years and older. Our next New Volunteer Orientation will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11 AM at our Camarillo shelter which is located at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo.

For more information on the Volunteer Program, go to our web site at www.vcar.us, or contact the VCAR Volunteer Coordinator at 388-4357.