Jr. High was a very hard time for many young people, and I was no exception. Mrs. Knappen not only taught English, but took the time to listen to a 13 year old, and was always available. She had a class of monkeys, and was quite gracious when we all decided to bend down and tie our shoes at 2:00. She tolerated several boys who shall go unnamed, who were something else. When my friend and I were desperately trying to find a ride to Ventura, to see Robert F. Kennedy at the BuenaVentura shopping center, in June of 1968, she offered to give us a ride over there. Mrs. Knappen, I never got the chance to tell you how special you were, you were so sweet to us!
God bless you, Rest in Peace., Peter Recicar

The Ventura Family YMCA announces the kick-off of its 2009 Campaign for Youth. Proceeds from Campaign for Youth will help meet the growing needs of Ventura and its surrounding communities by providing financial assistance for individuals and families who want and need YMCA programs but may not otherwise be able to afford them. Campaign for Youth will start on February 6th and commence on March 6th; during that month volunteers will work together to raise $115,000.

The Ventura Family YMCA has made many changes to ensure that no one is turned away from the YMCA due to their inability to pay, especially during these tough economic times. The YMCA’s Open Doors scholarship program allows children and families the opportunity to benefit from, family strengthening, YMCA programs such as child care, day camp and programs for at-risk youth. Campaign for Youth also supports members in programs such as aquatics, resident away camp, youth sports and helps assist members in need with membership fees.

This year’s campaign theme, “Red, White, and Blue” was designed to symbolize the patriotic resurgence that Ventura is sharing along with the rest of America. Last year, the Ventura Family YMCA Campaign for Youth raised $110,721, which allowed more than 1,200 kids and families the opportunity to participate in programs. These funds were made possible through the hard work of over 80 volunteers and generous contributions from more than 359 local business and individuals.

This year, The Ventura Family YMCA is asking for help from the community. The goal is to raise $115,000 in one month. To reach this goal the YMCA is looking for team campaigners, phone campaigners and donors. In addition to monetary donations the YMCA is looking for food donors to help support campaign report night dinners as well as product donors for door prizes, which will be given to campaigners to show appreciation for their efforts
If you would like to donate or volunteer during Campaign for Youth 2009 please contact Amy Bailey at amy.bailey@ciymca.org or call 805-642-2131 ext 24.

Curves of Fillmore is offering free weight management classes to teach its proven method for losing weight and raising metabolism. More studied than any other program, Curves’ classes are based on the groundbreaking new research findings of the Exercise & Sport Nutrition Laboratory at Texas A&M University. Now, the women of Fillmore can learn the powerful secret that has helped millions of women lose millions of pounds and keep them off for good. Classes are open to members and non-members.

Classes include: Start-Up Class (90 minutes) for firsttime participants; Phase 3 (30 minutes) to teach the last and most important stage of the Curves Weight management Plan and the secret that makes the plan work; Special Topics Classes (30 minutes) will cover a different topic each month, including Smart Grocery Shopping, Choosing the Right Carbohydrates, Eating Out, Emotional Eating and more.

Classes will be taught by Curves’ Registered Dietitian, Nadia Rodman, and facilitated by weight management
coaches from Curves of Fillmore, through a series of DVDs that will alternate teaching with hands-on activities.
Participants will be encouraged to make a weekly appointment to weigh in with their weight management coach, who will provide accountability. CONTINUED »

Piru-Fillmore Road Trip to Chumash Casino, Monday, June 15, 2009. Leave Piru/San Salvador Church at 10:00 am, Leave Fillmore/Senior Center at 10:30 a.m., Arrive Chumash Casino at 12:30 p.m. Leave Chumash Casino at 8:00 pm, Arrive Fillmore/Senior Center at 10:00 p.m., Arrive Piru/San Salvador, Church at 10:30 .pm., Only $25 person, Limited to 45 persons, Sign up today! Andy Arias @ 805-521-1554, Piru to Chumash, Monday, June 15, 2009.

Lap Swim: Starting June 9, 2009 $4.00 per visit / Splash Pass - 10 visit $35.00
Tuesday & Thursday (Morning) 6:00 AM - 8:00 AM
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday (Evening) 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Water Exercise: Starting June 16, 2009 $6.00 per visit /Splash Pass –
5 visit $25.00 / 10 visit $45.00 / 20 visit $80.00
Tuesday & Thursday (Morning) 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Tuesday & Thursday (Morning) 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Low Impact for Seniors
Tuesday & Thursday (Evening) 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Family Night Swim: Starting July 3, 2009 $25.00 per family
Friday (Evening 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
STARTING: July 6 – July 10, 2009 & July 13 – 17, 2009 (1:30 PM - 3:00 PM)
& (6:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Testing only from 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (pool site only)
Sign-ups for Swim Lessons – 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM & 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Recreation Swim: Starting July 20, 2009 $2.00 per visit / Splash Pass – 10 visit
$18.0 / 20 visit $38.00
Monday – Friday 1:15PM – 3:45 PM
Participants can sign up at City Hall or at the pool site
during times that classes are being offered.

Through June 30, persons can adopt two cats or kittens for $120, the regular cost of adopting one. All cats are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and have up-to-date vaccines. They also come with a collar, identification tag and carrier, a free exam at any veterinarian’s office in Ventura County within three days of adopting and a one-year membership to The Humane Society of Ventura County.

For a video of the pairs of adult cats the non-profit organization is adopting, visit www.venturacountystar.com/videos/detail/adoptable---cat-week/, or go to www.Studio805tv and click on the video labeled “Adoptable – Cat Week.”

The Humane Society of Ventura County, located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, is open for adoptions Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To see all animals currently available for adoption, visit www.humanesocietyvc.org.

2009 Ventura County Fair
August 5 through August 16, 2009
“Purebred and Home Grown”

Entry Dates at a Glance

Entry dates are July 24, 25 & 26 from 10 AM to 5 PM each day for the following departments:

Amateur Fine Arts
Gem & Minerals
Home Arts (Arts & Crafts, Clothing & Textiles, Preserved Foods, & Special Exhibits)
Uncle Leo’s Barn Ag Contest
Youth Expo & 4-H/Grange

Other Entry Dates to Remember:

Academic Rodeo – deadline for entries – July 8 CONTINUED »

VENTURA, CALIF.--A new $1.75 million program, California Youth@Work, hopes to place more than 650 youth in jobs this summer with Ventura County private, nonprofit and public companies. The program is funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) and is administered by the Workforce Investment Board of Ventura County (WIB). It is designed to provide early work experience for young people (ages 14 to 24) who might not otherwise have the opportunity to find employment.

The summer jobs program runs from June 2 through September 30, 2009. Job experience will range from 60 to 192 hours over that period, with participants earning $8 per hour. All wages and employer payroll costs will be covered by the program. Participants also will participate in at least eight hours of work readiness activities, including career planning, job search, leadership, teamwork and interpersonal skills.

"California Youth@Work will have a positive impact in Ventura County," says Cheryl Moore, WIB executive director. "Youth will receive work readiness skills training and job experience that will enable them to be more competitive in the workplace. Employers will have an opportunity to guide and prepare motivated young people to become the local workforce of the future” CONTINUED »

Susan Banks presented a Continuing Scholarship to Carina Crawford.
Enlarge Photo

The Fillmore Women’s Service Club presented Educational Scholarships to six High School Seniors at a luncheon held at El Pescador Restaurant on May 20th. Piru resident Lother MalStich, a Senior at Moorpark High School received a scholarship for $1,000. Fillmore High Seniors Erica Rodriguez, Jillian Wilber, Juan Carlos Toledo, Alani Barajas each received $1,000 each and Gabriel Monzana was awarded a $1,500 scholarship.

Tenea Golson and Carina Crawford were awarded the Continuing Educational Award of $500 each. Carina the mother of two will be taking classes needed to continue teaching at Sonshine Preschool.

The FWSC would like to thank the community for supporting their Fund Raisers which allows us to present these awards.

Chef Dustin Anderson.

Dustin Anderson, a local, professionally trained Chef, will offer one-night, gourmet cooking classes beginning on Wednesday, June 10th at the Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building. Participants will prepare a three course meal including appetizer, main entrée, and dessert. In addition, they will receive a collection of fun recipes that can be tried at home. Each class will take about 90 minutes. Food topics will change from class to class.
Dustin invites you to eat and share your passion for cooking with new friends. The small, interactive classes provide a warm and comfortable setting to learn and build confidence in your own cooking abilities. The classes focus on cooking techniques, proper equipment selection, and how to time a meal. They will also explore different ethnic cuisines and seasonal food topics. All that is required is a love of food and cooking; Dustin will provide the food and supplies.
Chef Anderson is a graduate of the culinary institute at Oxnard College where he studied under the renowned chef, Henri Patey. He proceeded to work at upscale restaurants in the Ventura area moving from salad chef to the responsibility of running a full kitchen. Through these experiences he became proficient in the preparation of French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine as well as a broad array of desserts. Chef Anderson is now a private caterer/chef specializing in a West coast style of cooking where he emphasizes fresh produce and nutrition.
Date and Time: Wednesday, June 10th 2009 - 5.30 PM, Location: Fillmore Veterans Memorial Building, Food Topic: California Cuisine, Price: $25.00 per person, Call (805) 315-1025 to make your reservation.

As you read this on Thursday, June 4th, 2009, we the Class of 2009 will be getting on the buses and eagerly waiting for the “Boat Cruise”. We had some hitches, 264 students have signed up to go. We had to order two more little buses (44) and more food on the boat. But other than that we are good to go! THANK YOU for your participation in our fundraiser’s and for those who gave Gift Certificates to make our Black Jack winners and Dance Contest winners happy. Grad Nite Live Committee

With encouragement from Vision 2020 Civic Pride Committee, Joe Zuniga, from the city of Fillmore has installed 5 Mutt Mitt boxes at locations on the bike path and local parks. These boxes contain biodegradable plastic mitts that fit over the hand, allowing dog owners to pick up after their pet, turn the mitt inside out, tie it and deposit it in a trash receptacle. The Mutt Mitt box is printed with picture directions on use of the mitt.

These mitts are used in almost every city in Ventura County and all citizens are encouraged to use them. Many people carry their own bags, recycling newspaper sleeves or grocery bags and all pet supply stores have bag holding units that attach to the leash or dog’s collar. The Mutt Mitt makes it easy!

Responsible and informed pet owners know that picking up their pet’s waste is not only courteous, avoids dirty shoes, angry neighbors and unsightly walkways, but it is an environmentally sound practice to keep pet excrement out of storm drains and stream beds. It is a state mandated requirement to improve water quality.

The boxes are located on the bike path at Central St., A St., C St., and there are two at Shiell’s Park and another at Delores Day Park. Our parks and walkways will be more pleasant for sport’s players and everyone, if the Mutt Mitts are put to good use in our community!

County Supervisor Kathy Long, 3rd District would like to announce to all residents of Ventura County that the next Santa Paula Tattoo Removal Clinic will be held on Saturday June 6th, 2009 from 8:30 am – 12 noon, no appointments necessary. Orientation for first time participants will be at 9 am located at 1334 E. Main St. the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic. Due to overwhelming response, spaces will be limited.
County Supervisor Kathy Long spearheaded this clinic in collaboration with the following agencies: Ventura County Public Health, Ventura County Probation Agency, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Santa Paula Family Care Clinic, Interface Children Family Services, and CalWORKS.
The clinic not only welcomes participants but volunteers to run the clinic. If you have any questions, or would like to find out how you can help, please call the Santa Paula Family Care Clinic at (805) 933-1242.

When people talk about their moms it all seems so generic and socially- politically correct. So what! If their moms stayed home and baked cookies, or sewed their clothes; my mom was a young single mom who worked and self-governed her home. My mom educated other women and set the bar high with standards and with morals. My mom was a progressive feminist who stood up against injustice like domestic violence and violation of human rights. My mom didn’t teach me to cook, she taught me how to fish, and she even tried teaching my female friends to fish. My mom was always conscience of her health exercised daily and never ate in excess. My mom didn’t wear make up, fancy jewelry, or cared about the labels on her clothes; instead she focused on her character and practiced building inner strength. My mom never looked confused or worried, she faithfully trusted God to pull her through. My mom never judged, preached, or nagged, she lived by example and expected people to do the same. My mom never complained about her life; she set about making change, not feeling sorry for herself. My friends worshiped my mom and still do; they knew even at an early age that she was different from the rest, that her thinking was clear and unclouded, that she possessed the ability to motivate and stir up excitement about being a woman. My mom carried herself like a lady; even though her beauty could have opened many doors and created an easy comfortable life for her, she was recognized as a lady by everyone she came in contact with and treated as so. Still to this day mom never goes against what her conscience dictates even when it is socially acceptable or the “popular” thing to do. Always a graceful presence she doesn’t make a lot of noise or do things to be recognized; she walks through life with a quiet confidence that continues to intrigue me and so many others. My mom is the most deserving entity on this Mothers Day and I am ever grateful to God for giving me the privilege of calling Maria Dolores - My mom.

May 29, 2009: An international panel of experts led by NOAA and sponsored by NASA has released a new prediction for the next solar cycle. Solar Cycle 24 will peak, they say, in May 2013 with a below-average number of sunspots.

"If our prediction is correct, Solar Cycle 24 will have a peak sunspot number of 90, the lowest of any cycle since 1928 when Solar Cycle 16 peaked at 78," says panel chairman Doug Biesecker of the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center.

It is tempting to describe such a cycle as "weak" or "mild," but that could give the wrong impression.

"Even a below-average cycle is capable of producing severe space weather," points out Biesecker. "The great geomagnetic storm of 1859, for instance, occurred during a solar cycle of about the same size we’re predicting for 2013." CONTINUED »

Camarillo, Calif. – Because of the popularity of its Babysitting Training classes, the American Red Cross of Ventura County will now offer the courses on a quarterly basis. The next session is scheduled for June 19 and 20 at the Camarillo headquarters located at the Betty R. Poltkin Center, 836 Calle Plano.

The first session, Friday, June 19 will run from 4 to 9 p.m., and continue on Saturday, June 20 from
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each student will receive certificates in Babysitting, CPR for children and infants and First Aid.

Trainees will also learn how to supervise children, obtain feeding tips, get information on age appropriate games, and learn how to handle bedtime and discipline issues. The course will also cover resume writing and business card development.

The cost is $85 and registration will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Participants will receive a Babysitters Certificate as well as an Emergency Training Reference Guide, CD-Rom and a Training Handbook. A Babysitter’s Essential Kit containing a first aid flashlight will also be available for purchase for $12.

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.